Q3 2012 10Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

¬
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission File No. 001-34042

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
98-0570192
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
131 Front Street, Hamilton, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)
HM12
(Zip Code)

(441) 298-4900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¬

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No   ¬

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¬
 
Accelerated filer x
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer    ¬ (Do not check if a smaller reporting
company)
 
Smaller reporting company ¬

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

As of November 5, 2012, the number of the Registrant's Common Stock ($.01 par value) outstanding was 72,282,493.






INDEX
 
 
Page
PART I - Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
PART II - Other Information
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 



2



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
 
September 30, 2012 (Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2011 (Audited)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (Amortized cost 2012: $2,472,806; 2011: $1,957,106)
$
2,610,012

 
$
2,020,661

Other investments, at fair value (Cost 2012: $2,530; 2011: $1,955)
2,826

 
2,192

Total investments
2,612,838

 
2,022,853

Cash and cash equivalents
66,877

 
188,082

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
115,324

 
114,895

Accrued investment income
21,329

 
13,215

Reinsurance balances receivable, net (includes $210,913 and $178,745 from related parties in 2012 and 2011, respectively)
449,186

 
423,355

Funds withheld
41,927

 
42,605

Prepaid reinsurance premiums (includes $1,307 and $7,265 from related parties in 2012 and 2011, respectively)
43,621

 
35,381

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (includes $9,369 and $7,207 from related parties in 2012 and 2011, respectively)
29,110

 
20,289

Loan to related party
167,975

 
167,975

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses (includes $179,411 and $147,743 from related parties in 2012 and 2011, respectively)
274,587

 
248,436

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
95,484

 
98,755

Other assets
30,857

 
19,270

Total assets
$
3,949,115

 
$
3,395,111

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses (includes $521,778 and $396,198 from related parties in 2012 and 2011, respectively)
$
1,547,103

 
$
1,398,438

Unearned premiums (includes $595,746 and $483,935 from related parties in 2012 and 2011, respectively)
976,689

 
832,047

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
63,318

 
161,883

Senior notes
207,500

 
107,500

Junior subordinated debt
126,303

 
126,263

Total liabilities
2,920,913

 
2,626,131

Commitments and Contingencies


 


EQUITY
 
 
 
Preference shares - Series A
150,000

 

Common shares ($0.01 par value; 73,244,825 and 73,183,764 shares issued in 2012 and 2011, respectively; 72,282,489 and 72,221,428 shares outstanding in 2012 and 2011, respectively)
732

 
732

Additional paid-in capital
575,293

 
579,004

Accumulated other comprehensive income
137,441

 
64,059

Retained earnings
168,141

 
128,648

Treasury shares, at cost (2012 and 2011: 962,336 shares)
(3,801
)
 
(3,801
)
Total Maiden shareholders’ equity
1,027,806

 
768,642

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
396

 
338

Total equity
1,028,202

 
768,980

Total liabilities and equity
$
3,949,115

 
$
3,395,111

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
478,515

 
$
451,130

 
$
1,536,955

 
$
1,384,302

Net premiums written
$
455,847

 
$
428,586

 
$
1,458,640

 
$
1,315,052

Change in unearned premiums
(6,874
)
 
(8,309
)
 
(134,055
)
 
(180,457
)
Net premiums earned
448,973

 
420,277

 
1,324,585

 
1,134,595

Other insurance revenue
2,622

 
4,530

 
9,650

 
11,364

Net investment income
21,550

 
18,749

 
60,072

 
57,708

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment
2,410

 
(2,900
)
 
836

 
(2,262
)
Total revenues
475,555

 
440,656

 
1,395,143

 
1,201,405

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
309,146

 
274,504

 
897,498

 
746,285

Commission and other acquisition expenses
120,923

 
126,777

 
367,844

 
339,673

General and administrative expenses
13,578

 
12,475

 
42,617

 
37,607

Interest and amortization expenses
9,569

 
8,178

 
26,815

 
26,588

Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost

 

 

 
20,313

Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense

 

 

 
15,050

Amortization of intangible assets
1,090

 
1,258

 
3,271

 
3,775

Foreign exchange (gains) losses
(1,213
)
 
1,103

 
(1,318
)
 
(898
)
Total expenses
453,093

 
424,295

 
1,336,727

 
1,188,393

Income before income taxes
22,462

 
16,361

 
58,416

 
13,012

Income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current tax expense
397

 
203

 
880

 
1,299

Deferred tax expense
131

 
156

 
618

 
738

Income tax expense
528

 
359

 
1,498

 
2,037

Net income
21,934

 
16,002

 
56,918

 
10,975

Less: (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(15
)
 
2

 
(81
)
 
5

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
21,919

 
$
16,004

 
$
56,837

 
$
10,980

Basic earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
0.30

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.79

 
$
0.15

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
0.30

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.78

 
$
0.15

Dividends declared per common share
$
0.08

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.22


See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

4



MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
21,934

 
$
16,002

 
$
56,918

 
$
10,975

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 

 

Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities arising during the period
45,986

 
33

 
76,098

 
21,795

Adjustment for reclassification of net realized (gains) losses recognized in net income
(2,410
)
 
65

 
(2,429
)
 
(75
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(1,700
)
 
(3,206
)
 
(292
)
 
(1,291
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
41,876

 
(3,108
)
 
73,377

 
20,429

Comprehensive income
63,810

 
12,894

 
130,295

 
31,404

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(15
)
 
2

 
(81
)
 
5

Other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
7

 
22

 
5

 
(1
)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(8
)
 
24

 
(76
)
 
4

Comprehensive income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
63,802

 
$
12,918

 
$
130,219

 
$
31,408



See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


5



MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
 
 
2012
 
2011
Preference shares - Series A
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$

 
$

Issuance of preference shares
 
150,000

 

Ending balance
 
$
150,000

 
$

Common shares
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
732

 
731

Exercise of options and issuance of shares
 

 
1

Ending balance
 
$
732

 
$
732

Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
579,004

 
577,135

Exercise of options and issuance of common shares
 
253

 
347

Issuance costs of preference shares
 
(4,959
)
 

Partial disposal of interest in subsidiary
 

 
141

Share based compensation expense
 
995

 
1,011

Ending balance
 
$
575,293

 
$
578,634

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
64,059

 
54,334

Change in net unrealized gains on investments
 
73,669

 
21,720

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(287
)
 
(1,292
)
Ending balance
 
$
137,441

 
$
74,762

Retained earnings
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
128,648

 
121,775

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
56,837

 
10,980

Dividends on common shares
 
(17,344
)
 
(15,873
)
Ending balance
 
$
168,141

 
$
116,882

Treasury shares
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
(3,801
)
 
(3,801
)
Ending balance
 
$
(3,801
)
 
$
(3,801
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
338

 
275

Partial disposal of interest in subsidiary
 

 
69

Dividend paid to noncontrolling interest
 
(18
)
 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
81

 
(5
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(5
)
 
1

Ending balance
 
$
396

 
$
340

Total equity
 
$
1,028,202

 
$
767,549


See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


6


MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
56,918

 
$
10,975

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
4,755

 
6,828

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments
(836
)
 
2,262

Foreign exchange gains
(1,318
)
 
(898
)
Amortization of share-based compensation expense, bond premium and discount and subordinated debt discount, net
6,493

 
20,248

Changes in assets – (increase) decrease:
 
 
 
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
(26,003
)
 
(170,546
)
Funds withheld
883

 
16,402

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
(8,240
)
 
(10,347
)
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
(8,818
)
 
(5,917
)
Accrued investment income
(8,094
)
 
2,749

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
(26,164
)
 
(44,635
)
Other assets
(9,551
)
 
(9,650
)
Changes in liabilities – increase (decrease):


 


Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
148,304

 
100,223

Unearned premiums
145,203

 
191,135

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(5,385
)
 
(3,719
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
268,147

 
105,110

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed-maturity securities – available-for-sale
(1,013,988
)
 
(359,140
)
Purchases of fixed-maturity securities – trading and short sale
(102,073
)
 
(825,703
)
Purchases of other investments
(794
)
 
(1,026
)
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity securities – available-for-sale
120,865

 
106,041

Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity securities – trading and short sales
49,883

 
826,509

Proceeds from maturities and calls of fixed maturity securities
331,162

 
297,321

Proceeds from redemption of other investments
274

 
4,382

Increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents
(429
)
 
(7,014
)
Purchase of capital assets
(307
)
 
(1,093
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(615,407
)
 
40,277

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Senior notes issuance, net of issuance costs
96,594

 
104,689

Repurchase agreements, net

 
(76,225
)
Repayment of junior subordinated debt

 
(107,500
)
Preference shares - Series A issuance, net of issuance costs
145,041

 

Common share issuance
254

 
348

Dividends paid to common shareholders
(17,339
)
 
(15,144
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
224,550

 
(93,832
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
1,505

 
(1,398
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(121,205
)
 
50,157

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
188,082

 
96,151

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
66,877

 
$
146,308


See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)



1. Basis of Presentation - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Maiden Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Maiden") and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP" or "U.S. GAAP") for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, including these notes, should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements, and related notes thereto, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Certain reclassifications have been made for 2011 to conform to the 2012 presentation and have no impact on net income previously reported.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated guidance, Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-05, to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option of presenting components of comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders' equity.  The updated guidance requires that all non-owner changes in shareholders' equity be presented either as a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under this guidance, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The updated guidance is to be applied retrospectively and is effective January 1, 2012, except for the provision requiring entities to present components of reclassifications of other comprehensive income on the face of the income statement, which the FASB voted to defer indefinitely during the fourth quarter of 2011. Early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this guidance resulted in a change in the presentation of the Company's financial statements but did not have any impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts

In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-26, which modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred by insurance entities that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts. The amended guidance specifies that certain costs incurred in the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts should be capitalized. Those costs include incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction and would not have been incurred had the contract transaction not occurred. All other acquisition-related costs, such as costs incurred for soliciting business, administration, and unsuccessful acquisition or renewal efforts should be charged to expense as incurred. Administrative costs, including rent, depreciation, occupancy, equipment, and all other general overhead costs are considered indirect costs and should also be charged to expense as incurred. ASU 2010-26 is effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 with prospective or retrospective application permitted. The Company applied the new provisions of ASU 2010-26 prospectively. As a result of adopting ASU 2010-26, commission and other acquisition expenses have increased by $478 and $2,455 and net income attributable to Maiden shareholders decreased by the same amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The impact of the change on basic and diluted earnings per share is a decrease of $0.01 and $0.03 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The application of the new provisions means that $2,614 of unamortized deferred acquisition expenses as of January 1, 2012, that had been deferred under prior guidance, have been determined to no longer be deferrable and will be recognized as an expense over the original amortization period. If the Company had followed ASU 2010-26 in 2011, commission and other acquisition expenses would have increased by $340 and $2,190 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

8

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment

In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance on goodwill impairment that gives companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment that may allow them to skip the annual two-step test and reduce costs. Under the new guidance, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The FASB provided a sample list of events and circumstances that an entity can consider in performing its qualitative assessment. Under the amended guidance, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test and may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption was permitted. The annual impairment test is done during the fourth quarter and the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Adopted

Qualitative Impairment Test For Indefinite-Lived Intangibles

On July 27, 2012, the FASB issued final guidance adding an optional qualitative assessment for determining whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. This ASU 2012-02 is similar to last year's goodwill guidance which allows companies to perform a qualitative assessment to test goodwill for impairment. This guidance gives companies the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If a company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of such as asset exceeds its carrying amount, it would not need to calculate the fair value of the asset in that year. However, if a company concludes otherwise, it must calculate the fair value of the asset, compare that value with its carrying amount and record an impairment charge, if any. To perform a qualitative assessment, a company must identify and evaluate changes in economic, industry and company-specific events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset. The guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Balance Sheet Offsetting

In December 2011, the FASB issued new guidance requiring additional disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either: (1) offset for balance sheet presentation purposes or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement, regardless of whether they are offset for balance sheet presentation purposes. This guidance will be effective at January 1, 2013, with retrospective presentation of the new disclosures required. As this new guidance is disclosure-related only and does not amend the existing balance sheet offsetting guidance, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

9

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)



3.   Investments

(a) Fixed Maturities and Other Investments

The original or amortized cost, estimated fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses of available-for-sale and other investments as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:
September 30, 2012
 
Original or
amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42,698

 
$
1,444

 
$

 
$
44,142

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,039,056

 
41,312

 
(1,335
)
 
1,079,033

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
16,672

 
1,544

 

 
18,216

Non-U.S. government bonds
 
55,556

 
1,367

 
(285
)
 
56,638

Other mortgage-backed bonds
 
23,167

 
812

 

 
23,979

Corporate bonds
 
1,170,400

 
99,600

 
(8,475
)
 
1,261,525

Municipal bonds
 
125,257

 
1,222

 

 
126,479

Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
2,472,806

 
147,301

 
(10,095
)
 
2,610,012

Other investments
 
2,530

 
351

 
(55
)
 
2,826

Total investments
 
$
2,475,336

 
$
147,652

 
$
(10,150
)
 
$
2,612,838


December 31, 2011
 
Original or
amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
44,175

 
$
1,774

 
$

 
$
45,949

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
928,944

 
43,230

 
(75
)
 
972,099

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
10,374

 
622

 

 
10,996

Non-U.S. government bonds
 
52,489

 
78

 
(293
)
 
52,274

Other mortgage-backed bonds
 
9,919

 
1

 

 
9,920

Corporate bonds
 
742,867

 
47,726

 
(30,236
)
 
760,357

Municipal bonds
 
168,338

 
728

 

 
169,066

Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
1,957,106

 
94,159

 
(30,604
)
 
2,020,661

Other investments
 
1,955

 
318

 
(81
)
 
2,192

Total investments
 
$
1,959,061

 
$
94,477

 
$
(30,685
)
 
$
2,022,853


The contractual maturities of our fixed maturities, available-for-sale as of September 30, 2012 are shown below.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations prior to contractual maturity.

10

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


3.   Investments (continued)
September 30, 2012
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair
value
 
% of Total fair value
Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
49,944

 
$
50,604

 
1.9
%
Due after one year through five years
 
376,564

 
385,644

 
14.8
%
Due after five years through ten years
 
817,467

 
900,455

 
34.5
%
Due after ten years
 
166,608

 
170,297

 
6.5
%
 
 
1,410,583

 
1,507,000

 
57.7
%
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,039,056

 
1,079,033

 
41.4
%
Other mortgage-backed bonds
 
23,167

 
23,979

 
0.9
%
Total
 
$
2,472,806

 
$
2,610,012

 
100.0
%

The following tables summarize our available-for-sale securities and other investments in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or more
 
Total
September 30, 2012
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
149,095

 
$
(1,335
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
149,095

 
$
(1,335
)
Non–U.S. government bonds
 
27,610

 
(285
)
 

 

 
27,610

 
(285
)
Corporate bonds
 
37,480

 
(1,497
)
 
134,043

 
(6,978
)
 
171,523

 
(8,475
)
 
 
214,185

 
(3,117
)
 
134,043

 
(6,978
)
 
348,228

 
(10,095
)
Other investments
 
1,710

 
(55
)
 

 

 
1,710

 
(55
)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities and other investments
 
$
215,895

 
$
(3,172
)
 
$
134,043

 
$
(6,978
)
 
$
349,938

 
$
(10,150
)

As of September 30, 2012, there were approximately 39 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $349,938 and unrealized losses of $10,150. Of these securities, there are 8 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $134,043 and unrealized losses of $6,978.

 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or more
 
Total
December 31, 2011
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
30,447

 
$
(75
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
30,447

 
$
(75
)
Non–U.S. government bonds
 
43,629

 
(293
)
 

 

 
43,629

 
(293
)
Corporate bonds
 
227,367

 
(7,406
)
 
125,089

 
(22,830
)
 
352,456

 
(30,236
)
 
 
301,443

 
(7,774
)
 
125,089

 
(22,830
)
 
426,532

 
(30,604
)
Other investments
 
1,214

 
(81
)
 

 

 
1,214

 
(81
)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities and other investments
 
$
302,657

 
$
(7,855
)
 
$
125,089

 
$
(22,830
)
 
$
427,746

 
$
(30,685
)

As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately 62 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $427,746 and unrealized losses of $30,685. Of these securities, there are 8 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $125,089 and unrealized losses of $22,830.

11

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


3.   Investments (continued)

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments ("OTTI")

We review our investment portfolio for impairment on a quarterly basis. Impairment of investments results in a charge to operations when a fair value decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. As of September 30, 2012, we reviewed our portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized no OTTI. Based on our qualitative and quantitative OTTI review of each asset class within our fixed maturity portfolio, the remaining unrealized losses on fixed maturities at September 30, 2012 were primarily due to widening of credit spreads relating to the market illiquidity, rather than credit events. Because we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities until a recovery of fair value to amortized cost, we currently believe it is probable that we will collect all amounts due according to their respective contractual terms. Therefore, we do not consider these fixed maturities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2012.

The following summarizes the credit ratings of our fixed maturities:
 
Rating* as of September 30, 2012
 
Amortized
cost
 
Fair
value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42,698

 
$
44,142

 
1.7
%
U.S. agency bonds  
 
1,055,728

 
1,097,249

 
42.0
%
AAA
 
171,235

 
179,352

 
6.9
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
205,370

 
216,353

 
8.3
%
A+, A, A-
 
432,641

 
461,644

 
17.7
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
535,918

 
582,056

 
22.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
29,216

 
29,216

 
1.1
%
Total
 
$
2,472,806

 
$
2,610,012

 
100.0
%
 
Rating* as of December 31, 2011
 
Amortized
cost
 
Fair
value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
44,175

 
$
45,949

 
2.3
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
939,318

 
983,095

 
48.6
%
AAA
 
160,319

 
161,945

 
8.0
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
150,961

 
153,303

 
7.6
%
A+, A, A-
 
327,794

 
328,448

 
16.3
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
316,150

 
330,156

 
16.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
18,389

 
17,765

 
0.9
%
Total
 
$
1,957,106

 
$
2,020,661

 
100.0
%

*Ratings as assigned by Standard & Poor’s ("S&P")

(b) Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments:
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Investments in limited partnerships
 
$
2,826

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,192

 
100.0
%
Total other investments
 
$
2,826

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,192

 
100.0
%

The Company has an unfunded commitment on its investments in limited partnerships of approximately $3,174 as of September 30, 2012.

12

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


3.   Investments (continued)

(c) Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment

Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method and include adjustments to the cost basis of investments for declines in value that are considered to be other-than-temporary. The following provides an analysis of realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Available-for-sale securities
 
$
2,374

 
$

 
$
2,374

Other investments
 
36

 

 
36

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
2,410

 
$

 
$
2,410


For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Available-for-sale securities
 
$
1,036

 
$
(1,078
)
 
$
(42
)
Trading securities and short sales
 
1,898

 
(1,590
)
 
308

Other investments
 

 
(23
)
 
(23
)
Net realized gains
 
2,934

 
(2,691
)
 
243

Unrealized loss on short sales
 

 
(3,143
)
 
(3,143
)
Net realized and unrealized (losses) on investment
 
$
2,934

 
$
(5,834
)
 
$
(2,900
)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Available-for-sale securities
 
$
2,374

 


 
$
2,374

Short sales
 

 
(1,593
)
 
(1,593
)
Other investments
 
56

 
(1
)
 
55

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
2,430

 
$
(1,594
)
 
$
836


For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Available-for-sale securities
 
$
1,310

 
$
(1,118
)
 
$
192

Trading securities and short sales
 
2,708

 
(1,902
)
 
806

Other investments
 

 
(117
)
 
(117
)
Net realized gains
 
4,018

 
(3,137
)
 
881

Unrealized loss on short sales
 

 
(3,143
)
 
(3,143
)
Net realized and unrealized (losses) on investment
 
$
4,018

 
$
(6,280
)
 
$
(2,262
)


Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale were $120,865 and $106,041 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.



13

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


3.   Investments (continued)

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities and other investments was as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Available-for-sale securities
 
$
137,206

 
$
63,555

Other investments
 
296

 
237

Total net unrealized gains
 
137,502

 
63,792

Deferred income tax expense
 
(96
)
 
(55
)
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
 
$
137,406

 
$
63,737

Change in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
 
$
73,669

 
$
8,983


(d) Restricted Cash and Investments

We are required to maintain assets on deposit to support our reinsurance operations and to serve as collateral for our reinsurance liabilities under various reinsurance agreements. The assets on deposit are available to settle reinsurance liabilities. We also utilize trust accounts to collateralize business with our reinsurance counterparties. These trust accounts generally take the place of letter of credit requirements. The assets in trust as collateral are primarily cash and highly rated fixed maturity securities. The fair value of our restricted assets was as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Restricted cash – third party agreements
 
$
91,418

 
$
67,627

Restricted cash – related party agreements
 
23,284

 
46,729

Restricted cash – U.S. state regulatory authorities
 
622

 
539

Total restricted cash
 
115,324

 
114,895

Restricted investments – in trust for third party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2012 – $1,040,038; 2011 – $950,103)
 
1,091,390

 
972,130

Restricted investments – in trust for related party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2012 – $796,778; 2011 – $458,105)
 
863,246

 
485,468

Restricted investments – in trust for U.S. state regulatory authorities (Amortized cost: 2012 – $12,747; 2011 – $12,862)
 
13,539

 
13,750

Total restricted investments
 
1,968,175

 
1,471,348

Total restricted cash and investments
 
$
2,083,499

 
$
1,586,243


(e) Other

Securities sold but not yet purchased represent obligations of the Company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price and, thereby, create a liability to purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices.  The Company's liability for securities to be delivered is measured at their fair value and as of September 30, 2012 was $0 (December 31, 2011 - $55,830).  This amount was included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  Collateral of an equivalent amount was pledged to the clearing broker.


14

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company's estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in Accounting Standards Council ("ASC") 820. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the ASC 820 hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's significant market assumptions. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include: exchange-traded equity securities, U.S. Treasury bonds, and listed derivatives that are actively traded.

Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include: listed derivatives that are not actively traded; U.S. government-sponsored agency securities; non-U.S. government obligations; corporate and municipal bonds; mortgage-backed bonds ("MBS") and asset-backed securities ("ABS"); short-duration high yield fund, and over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives (e.g. foreign currency options and forward contracts).

Level 3 — Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about assumptions that market participants would use.

Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include: insurance and reinsurance derivative contracts; hedge and credit funds with partial transparency; and collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") — equity tranche securities that are traded in less liquid markets.

In accordance with ASC 820, the Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

ASC 825, "Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments," requires all entities to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value.

The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value of financial instruments held as of September 30, 2012.

U.S. Government and U.S. Government agencies:  Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage Association. The fair values of U.S. government securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and are included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. We believe the market for U.S. Treasury securities is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are priced 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 included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Non-U.S. Government bonds:  Comprised of bonds issued by non-U.S. governments and their agencies along with supranational organizations. These securities are generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services may use current market trades for securities with similar quality, maturity and coupon. If no such trades are available, the pricing service typically uses analytical models which may incorporate spreads, interest rate data and market/sector news. As the significant inputs used to price non-U.S. government bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of non-U.S. government bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Other mortgage-backed bonds: Other mortgage-backed bonds consist of a commercial mortgage-backed security ("CMBS"). This security is priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. As the significant inputs used to price the CMBS are observable market inputs, the fair value of the CMBS is included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

15

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

Corporate bonds:  Comprised of bonds issued by corporations that on acquisition are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher. These securities are generally priced by pricing services. The fair values of corporate bonds that are short-term are priced, by the pricing services, using the spread above the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") yield curve and the fair value of corporate bonds that are long-term are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. The spreads are sourced from broker/dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers. As the significant inputs used to price corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Municipal bonds:  Municipal bonds comprise bonds and auction rate securities issued by U.S. state and municipality entities or agencies. The fair values of municipal bonds are generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services typically use spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipal bonds are observable market inputs, municipals are classified within Level 2. Municipal auction rate securities are reported in the consolidated balance sheet at cost which approximates their fair value.

Other investments:  The fair values of the investment in limited partnerships are determined by the fund manager based on recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals, and as such, the fair values are included in the Level 3 fair value hierarchy.

Reinsurance balance receivable:  The carrying values reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair value due to short term nature of the assets.

Loan to related party:  The carrying values reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair value. The underlying investments of the loan are generally priced by pricing services. As the significant inputs used to price the underlying investments are observable market inputs, the fair values of Loan to related party are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Senior notes: The amount reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments represents the carrying value of the notes. The fair values are based on quoted prices of identical instruments in inactive markets and as such, are included in the Level 2 hierarchy.

Junior subordinated debt:  The amount reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments represents the carrying value of the debt. The fair value of the debt was derived using the Black-Derman-Toy model. As the fair value of the junior subordinated debt is determined using observable market inputs in the Black-Derman-Toy model, the fair value is included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.


16

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

(a) Fair Value Hierarchy

The following table presents the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities are measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

September 30, 2012
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Fair
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
44,142

 
$

 
$

 
$
44,142

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 

 
1,079,033

 

 
1,079,033

U.S. agency bonds – other
 

 
18,216

 

 
18,216

Non-U.S.government bonds
 

 
56,638

 

 
56,638

Other mortgage-backed bonds
 

 
23,979

 

 
23,979

Corporate bonds
 

 
1,261,525

 

 
1,261,525

Municipal bonds
 

 
126,479

 

 
126,479

Other investments
 

 

 
2,826

 
2,826

Total
 
$
44,142

 
$
2,565,870

 
$
2,826

 
$
2,612,838

As a percentage of total assets
 
1.1
%
 
65.0
%
 
0.1
%
 
66.2
%

December 31, 2011
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Fair
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
45,949

 
$

 
$

 
$
45,949

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 

 
972,099

 

 
972,099

U.S. agency bonds – other
 

 
10,996

 

 
10,996

Non-U.S. government bonds
 

 
52,274

 

 
52,274

Other mortgage-backed bonds
 

 
9,920

 

 
9,920

Corporate bonds
 

 
760,357

 

 
760,357

Municipal bonds
 

 
169,066

 

 
169,066

Other investments
 

 

 
2,192

 
2,192

Total
 
$
45,949

 
$
1,974,712

 
$
2,192

 
$
2,022,853

As a percentage of total assets
 
1.4
%
 
58.1
%
 
0.1
%
 
59.6
%
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold but not yet purchased
 
$

 
$
55,830

 
$

 
$
55,830

As a percentage of total liabilities
 
%
 
2.1
%
 
%
 
2.1
%

17

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

(b) Level 3 Financial Instruments

The following table presents changes in Level 3 for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Other investments:
 
2012

2011
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
2,697

 
$
1,962

Net realized gains – included in net income
 
36

 

Net realized losses – included in net income
 

 
(23
)
Change in net unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income
 
7

 
19

Change in net unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income
 

 

Purchases
 
200

 
192

Sales and redemptions
 
(114
)
 
(140
)
Transfers into Level 3
 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 

Balance at end of period
 
$
2,826

 
$
2,010

Level 3 gains (losses) included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the reporting date
 
$

 
$



 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Other investments:
 
2012
 
2011
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
2,192

 
$
5,847

Net realized gains – included in net income
 
55

 

Net realized losses – included in net income
 

 
(117
)
Change in net unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income
 
59

 
102

Change in net unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income
 

 

Purchases
 
794

 
1,026

Sales and redemptions
 
(274
)
 
(4,848
)
Transfers into Level 3
 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 

Balance at end of period
 
$
2,826

 
$
2,010

Level 3 gains (losses) included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the reporting date
 
$

 
$










18

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

(c) Fair Value of Liabilities

The following table presents the carrying values and fair values of the Senior Notes and Junior Subordinated debt as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Interest Rate
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
2011 Senior Notes
8.25
%
 
$
107,500

 
$
114,337

 
$
107,500

 
$
104,888

2012 Senior Notes
8.00
%
 
100,000

 
106,800

 

 

Junior Subordinated Debt
14.00
%
 
126,303

 
165,864

 
126,263

 
173,621



5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired. The Company performs an annual impairment analysis to identify potential goodwill impairment and measures the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized. This annual test is performed during the fourth quarter of each year or more frequently if events or circumstances change in a way that requires the Company to perform the impairment analysis on an interim basis. Goodwill impairment testing requires an evaluation of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including the goodwill. An impairment charge is recorded if the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit. No impairments have been identified to date.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of finite and indefinite life assets. Finite life intangible assets include customer and producer relationships and trademarks. Insurance company licenses are considered indefinite life intangible assets subject to annual impairment testing.

The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

September 30, 2012
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Useful Life
Goodwill
 
$
58,312

 
$

 
$
58,312

 
Indefinite
State licenses
 
7,727

 

 
7,727

 
Indefinite
Customer relationships
 
51,400

 
(21,955
)
 
29,445

 
15 years double declining
Net balance
 
$
117,439

 
$
(21,955
)
 
$
95,484

 
 

December 31, 2011
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Useful Life
Goodwill
 
$
58,312

 
$

 
$
58,312

 
Indefinite
State licenses
 
7,727

 

 
7,727

 
Indefinite
Customer relationships
 
51,400

 
(18,684
)
 
32,716

 
15 years double declining
Net balance
 
$
117,439

 
$
(18,684
)
 
$
98,755

 
 







19

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets (continued)

The goodwill and intangible assets were recognized as a result of the acquisitions and are subject to annual impairment testing. No impairment was recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. The estimated amortization expenses for the next five years are:
2012
$
1,091

2013
3,781

2014
3,276

2015
2,840

2016
2,461



6. Long-Term Debt

Senior Notes

In June 2011, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. ("Maiden NA"), issued $107,500 principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes ("2011 Senior Notes") due on June 15, 2041, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.  The 2011 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2016, at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the redemption date.  In order to ensure that issuance of the 2011 Senior Notes resulted in a long term favorable impact to Maiden shareholders, the Company sought to repurchase a portion of the Trust Preferred Securities, described below, with the proceeds of the 2011 Senior Notes offering. Under the redemption notice provisions of the Trust Preferred Securities, the Company was required to give at least 30 days' notice in advance of the next interest payment (July 15, 2011) prior to redemption, or incur an additional quarter's interest payments.  Since the 2011 Senior Notes offering was initiated after the 30 day notice period on June 16, 2011, the Company offered to all holders an option to have a portion of their Trust Preferred Securities repurchased on a pro rata basis from the proceeds of the 2011 Senior Notes offering in exchange for a waiver of such notice provisions and an agreement to accept interest through July 15, 2011.  Certain of the Trust Preferred Securities holders accepted the offer by June 16, 2011.  All proceeds of the 2011 Senior Notes offering were used to repurchase the Trust Preferred Securities of the holders who accepted the offer.  The 2011 Senior Notes are an unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of the Company and rank ahead of the Junior Subordinated Debt, described below. The effective interest rate of the 2011 Senior Notes, based on the net proceeds received, was 8.47%. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2011 Senior Notes were $104,689, after placement agent fees and expense or debt issuance cost of $2,811, and were used to repurchase $107,500 principal amount portion of the outstanding Junior Subordinated Debt, as discussed above. The issuance costs related to the 2011 Senior Notes were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the notes.

The interest on the 2011 Senior Notes is payable each quarter beginning on September 15, 2011 and included accrued interest from June 24, 2011. Interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $2,217 and $6,651, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $2,217 and $2,390, respectively), out of which $394 was accrued as of September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011 - $394).

In March 2012, the Company, through Maiden NA, issued $100,000 principal amount of 8.00% Senior Notes ("2012 Senior Notes") due on March 27, 2042, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. The 2012 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after March 27, 2017, at 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the redemption date. The 2012 Senior Notes are an unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of the Company and rank ahead of the Junior Subordinated Debt, described below. The effective interest rate of the 2012 Senior Notes, based on the net proceeds received, was 8.28%. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2012 Senior Notes were $96,594, after placement agent fees and other expenses of $3,406, and will be used for general corporate purposes and working capital. The issuance costs related to the 2012 Senior Notes were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the notes.

The interest on the 2012 Senior Notes is payable each quarter beginning on June 27, 2012 and will include accrued interest from March 27, 2012. Interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $2,000 and $4,111, respectively, out of which $111 was accrued as of September 30, 2012.

Junior Subordinated Debt

On January 20, 2009, the Company completed a private placement of 260,000 units (the "Units"), each Unit consisting of $1,000 principal amount of capital securities (the "Trust Preferred Securities") of Maiden Capital Financing Trust (the "Trust"), a special purpose trust established by Maiden NA, and 45 common shares, $0.01 par value, of the Company for a purchase price of $1,000.45 per Unit (the "TRUPS Offering").  In the aggregate, 11,700,000 common shares were issued to the purchasers in the TRUPS Offering. This resulted in gross proceeds to the Company of $260,117, before $4,342 of placement agent fees and expenses.



20

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

6. Long-Term Debt (continued)

Certain trusts established by Michael Karfunkel and George Karfunkel, two of the Company's Founding Shareholders, purchased an aggregate of 159,000 of the Units, or 61.12%. The remaining 101,000 Units were purchased by existing institutional shareholders of the Company.

The Trust used the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Preferred Securities to purchase a subordinated debenture (the “Junior Subordinated Debt”) in the principal amount of $260,000 issued by Maiden NA.

Under the terms of the Trust Preferred Securities, the Company can repay the principal balance in full or in part at any time. However, if the Company repays such principal within five years of the date of issuance, it is required to pay an additional amount equal to one full year of interest on the amount of Trust Preferred Securities repaid. If the remaining amount of the Trust Preferred Securities were repaid within five years of the date of issuance (adjusted for the $107,500 repurchase of Junior Subordinated Debt, which occurred on July 15, 2011), the additional amount due would be $21,350, which would be a reduction in earnings. Pursuant to separate Guarantee Agreements dated as of January 20, 2009 with Wilmington Trust Company, as guarantee trustee, each of the Company and Maiden NA has agreed to guarantee the payment of distributions and payments on liquidation, repurchase or redemption of the Trust Preferred Securities.

As a consequence of the issuance of a majority of the Units to a related party under ASC Topic 810 "Consolidation", the Trust is a variable interest entity; however, the Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the Trust, therefore it is not consolidated. The issuance of common shares associated with the Trust Preferred Securities resulted in an original issuance discount of $44,928 based on market price of $3.85 on January 20, 2009. The discount is amortized over 30 years based on the effective interest method. The Junior Subordinated Debt and Trust Preferred Securities mature in 2039 and carry a stated or coupon rate of 14%, with an effective interest rate of 16.95%.

Using the proceeds from the 2011 Senior Notes offering and existing cash, the Company repurchased $107,500 of the Junior Subordinated Debt on July 15, 2011, including $79,066 of the Units originally purchased by certain trusts established by Michael Karfunkel.  Pursuant to the terms of the TRUPS Offering, the Company incurred a repurchase expense in 2011 equivalent to one year's interest expense, or $15,050.  The Company also accelerated the amortization of the issuance cost and discount related to those repurchased Junior Subordinated Debt in 2011 which amounted to $20,313.

As of September 30, 2012, the stated value of the Junior Subordinated Debt was $126,303 which comprises the principal amount of $152,500 and unamortized discount of $26,197. Amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $14 and $40, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $4 and $33, respectively).  Interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $5,338 and $16,013, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $5,965 and $24,165, respectively), out of which $4,448 was accrued as of September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011 - $4,448).

7. Earnings per Common Share

The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share:
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
21,919

 
$
16,004

 
$
56,837

 
$
10,980

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
72,270,052

 
72,182,759

 
72,251,711

 
72,136,366

Potentially dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share options and restricted share units
868,909

 
739,209

 
836,822

 
746,968

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted
73,138,961

 
72,921,968

 
73,088,533

 
72,883,334

Basic earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
$
0.30

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.79

 
$
0.15

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
$
0.30

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.78

 
$
0.15


As of September 30, 2012, 2,082,608 share options (September 30, 2011 - 2,147,674) were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive.





21

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

8. Shareholders' Equity

Preference Shares - Series A

On August 22, 2012, the Company issued six million 8.25% Preference Shares - Series A (the “Preference Shares”), par value $0.01 per share, at a price of $25 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $145,041 from its offering, after deducting expenses and underwriting discounts of $4,959. The Preference Shares have no stated maturity date and are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of the Company any time after August 29, 2017 at a redemption price of $25 per preference share plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends.

Dividends on the Preference Shares are non-cumulative. Consequently, in the event dividends are not declared on the Preference Shares for any dividend period, holders of Preference Shares will not be entitled to receive a dividend for such period, and such undeclared dividend will not accrue and will not be payable. The holders of Preference Shares will be entitled to receive dividend payments only when, as and if declared by the Company's Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors. Any such dividends will be payable from, and including, the date of original issue on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears. To the extent declared, these dividends will accumulate, with respect to each dividend period, in an amount per share equal to 8.25% of the $25 liquidation preference per annum. During any dividend period, so long as any Preference Shares remain outstanding, unless the full dividends for the latest completed dividend period on all outstanding Preference Shares have been declared and paid, no dividend shall be paid or declared on the common shares.

The holders of the Preference Shares have no voting rights other than the right to elect up to two of directors if preference share dividends are not declared and paid for six or more dividend periods.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company declared and paid $0 in preference share dividends.

9. Share Based Compensation

The Company’s 2007 Share Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Plan") provides for grants of share options, restricted shares and restricted share units. The total number of shares currently reserved for issuance under the Plan is 10,000,000 common shares. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Exercise prices of options will be established at or above the fair market value of the Company’s common shares at the date of grant. Under the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee and provided in an award agreement, 25% of the options will become exercisable on the first anniversary of the grant date, with an additional 6.25% of the options vesting each quarter thereafter based on the grantee’s continued employment over a four-year period, and will expire ten years after grant date.

The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each vesting date. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the grant date for the award and each vesting date. The Company has estimated the fair value of all share option awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgments and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. The adoption of ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" fair value method has resulted in share-based expenses (a component of salaries and benefits) in the amount of approximately $343 and $995 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $333 and $1,011, respectively).

Share Options

The key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption are as follows:

 
September 30, 2012
Assumptions:
 
 
Volatility
45.55 – 47.60

%
Risk-free interest rate
1.29 – 1.62

%
Weighted average expected lives in years
 6.1 years

 
Forfeiture rate

%
Dividend yield rate
3.04 – 3.27

%

Expected Price Volatility — This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. It was not possible to use actual experience to estimate the expected volatility of the price of the common shares in estimating the value of the options granted because the Company's common shares only began trading in May 2008, thus, it does not have enough history over which to calculate an expected volatility representative of the volatility over the expected lives of the options. As a

22

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

9. Share Based Compensation (continued)

substitute for such estimate, the Company blended its historical volatility with the historical volatilities of a set of comparable companies in the industry in which the Company operates.


Risk-Free Interest Rate — This is the U.S. Treasury rate for the week of the grant having a term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Expected Lives — This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules, historical exercise and forfeiture patterns. The Company uses the simplified method outlined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 to estimate expected lives for options granted during the period as historical exercise data is not available and the options meet the requirements set out in the Bulletin. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.

Forfeiture Rate — This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or cancelled before becoming fully vested. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.

Dividend Yield — This is calculated by dividing the expected annual dividend by the stock price of the Company at the valuation date. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

The following schedule shows all options granted, exercised, expired and forfeited under the Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, June 30, 2012
2,870,581

 
$
6.62

 
7.13 years
Exercised
(20,907
)
 
$
4.36

 

Expired
(52,251
)
 
$
9.90

 

Forfeited
(7,465
)
 
$
7.76

 

Outstanding, September 30, 2012
2,789,958

 
$
6.58

 
6.90 years
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, June 30, 2011
2,892,533

 
$
6.47

 
7.96 years
Granted

 
$

 

Exercised
(55,642
)
 
$
3.28

 

Expired
(1,750
)
 
$
7.66

 

Outstanding, September 30, 2011
2,835,141

 
$
6.54

 
7.72 years

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, December 31, 2011
2,916,143

 
$
6.61

 
7.55 years
Granted
49,500

 
$
8.77

 
9.53 years
Exercised
(61,061
)
 
$
4.16

 

Expired
(103,284
)
 
$
9.88

 

Forfeited
(11,340
)
 
$
7.54

 

Outstanding, September 30, 2012
2,789,958

 
$
6.58

 
6.90 years



23

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


9. Share Based Compensation (continued)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
2,940,876

 
$
6.41

 
8.40 years
Granted
36,500

 
$
8.81

 
9.61 years
Exercised
(99,172
)
 
$
3.50

 

Expired
(43,063
)
 
$
7.23

 

Outstanding, September 30, 2011
2,835,141

 
$
6.54

 
7.72 years

The weighted average grant date fair value was $2.00 and $1.97 for all options outstanding at September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. There was approximately $1,630 and $2,411 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements as of September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


Performance-Based Restricted Share Units (PB-RSUs)

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the formation of a long-term incentive program under the Plan on March 1, 2011. On that date, the Committee determined to award PB-RSUs to executive officers and senior Company employees. The formula for determining the amount of PB-RSUs awarded uses a combination of a percentage of the employee's base salary (based on a benchmarking analysis from our compensation consultant) divided by the closing price on NASDAQ Global Select Market of our common shares on that date. The grants are performance based which require that certain criteria such as return on equity, underwriting performance, revenue growth and operating expense be met during the performance period to attain a payout. Each metric has a corresponding weighted percentage with a target, threshold and maximum level of performance goal set to achieve a payout. Settlement of the grants can be made in either common shares or cash upon the decision of the Compensation Committee. The first performance cycle is for two years, 2011-2012, and subsequent performance cycles will be for three years. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, no accrual was recognized as the calculated weighted percentage of the performance results of the Company did not meet the target level.

CEO Non-Performance-Based Restricted Share Units

On March 1, 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved an award of non-performance-based restricted share units to the Company's CEO. The award consists of 86,705 restricted share units which will automatically vest by the end 2014. Each share unit has a fair value of $8.56 which is amortized over 34 months. The unamortized compensation cost related to this grant is $589 as of September 30, 2012.

10. Dividends Declared

On August 7, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per common share, payable on October 15, 2012 to shareholders of record on October 1, 2012. 

11. Related Party Transactions

The Founding Shareholders of the Company are Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind. Michael Karfunkel is the non-executive chairman of the board of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. ("AmTrust"), George Karfunkel is a director of AmTrust, and Barry Zyskind is the president, chief executive officer and director of AmTrust. The Founding Shareholders own or control approximately 60% of the outstanding shares of AmTrust. In addition, the Michael Karfunkel 2005 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (which is controlled by Michael Karfunkel) (the "Annuity Trust"), currently owns 72.4% of the issued and outstanding common stock of American Capital Acquisition Corp. ("ACAC"), Michael Karfunkel currently owns 27.6% of ACAC's issued and outstanding common stock, and AmTrust owns preferred shares convertible into 21.25% of the issued and outstanding common stock of ACAC (see below for a description of our common business arrangements with AmTrust and ACAC). Michael Karfunkel is the non-executive chairman of the board of directors of ACAC.









24

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)



11. Related Party Transactions (continued)

AmTrust

The following describes transactions between the Company and AmTrust and its subsidiaries.

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement

In July 2007, the Company and AmTrust entered into a master agreement, as amended (the "Master Agreement"), by which they caused Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. ("Maiden Bermuda"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and AmTrust's Bermuda subsidiary, AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. ("AII"), to enter into a quota share reinsurance agreement (the "Reinsurance Agreement") by which AII retrocedes to Maiden Bermuda an amount equal to 40% of the premium written by AmTrust's U.S., Irish and U.K. insurance subsidiaries, net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance (and in the case of AmTrust's U.K. insurance subsidiary, AmTrust Europe, Limited, net of commissions) and 40% of losses and with respect to the current lines of business (excluding personal lines reinsurance business and certain specialty property and casualty lines written in AmTrust's Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty segment which Maiden Bermuda declined to reinsure), excluding risks for which the AmTrust subsidiaries' net retention exceeds $5,000 ("Covered Business"). Effective January 1, 2010, the Company agreed to assume its proportionate share of AmTrust's workers' compensation exposure and shared the benefit of the 2010 excess reinsurance protection. AmTrust also has agreed to cause AII, subject to regulatory requirements, to reinsure any insurance company which writes Covered Business in which AmTrust acquires a majority interest to the extent required to enable AII to cede to Maiden Bermuda 40% of the premiums and losses related to such Covered Business. The Reinsurance Agreement further provided that AII receives a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums.

Effective April 1, 2011, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Reinsurance Agreement to reduce the commission on all business ceded except Retail Commercial Package Business to 30% until December, 31, 2011. Thereafter the rate shall be 31% subject to an adjustment of 1% to 30% if the proportion of Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty premium ceded is greater than or equal to 42% of the Covered Business (excluding Retail Commercial Package Business). If the proportion of Specialty Risk and Extended
Warranty premium ceded is greater than or equal to 38% but less than 42% of the Covered Business (excluding Retail Commercial Package Business), the commission rate shall be reduced by 0.5% to 30.5%. In addition, the collateral requirements were restated to clarify that balances relating to all AmTrust subsidiaries are subject to collateral requirements, and the Reinsurance Agreement was extended by one year to July 14, 2014, and shall automatically renew for successive three-year periods thereafter, unless AII or Maiden Bermuda elects to terminate this Reinsurance Agreement effective July 1, 2014 or the expiration date of any successive three-year period. If the AII or Maiden Bermuda elects to so terminate the Reinsurance Agreement, it shall give written notice to the other party hereto not less than nine months prior to either July 1, 2014 or the expiration of any successive three-year period. In addition, either party is entitled to terminate on thirty days' notice or less upon the occurrence of certain early termination events, which include a default in payment, insolvency, change in control of AII or Maiden Bermuda, run-off, or a reduction of 50% or more of the shareholder's equity of Maiden Bermuda or the combined shareholders' equity of AII and the AmTrust subsidiaries.

The Company recorded approximately $46,969 and $132,098 of ceding commission expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $41,722 and $112,965, respectively) as a result of this transaction.

AmTrust European Hospital Liability Quota Share Agreement ("European Hospital Liability Quota Share")

Effective April 1, 2011, the Company, through Maiden Bermuda, entered into a quota share reinsurance contract with AmTrust Europe Limited and AmTrust International Underwriters Limited, both wholly owned subsidiaries of AmTrust.  Pursuant to the terms of the contract, Maiden Bermuda will assume 40% of the premiums and losses related to policies classified as European Hospital Liability, including associated liability coverages and policies covering physician defense costs, written or renewed on or after April 1, 2011.  The contract also covers policies written or renewed on or before March 31, 2011, but only with respect to losses that occur, accrue or arise on or after April 1, 2011.  The maximum limit of liability attaching shall be €5,000 or currency equivalent (on a 100% basis) per original claim for any one original policy. Maiden Bermuda will pay a ceding commission of 5% and shall allow the reinsured a profit share on original net premiums ceded under the contract.  The profit sharing is based upon the reinsured exceeding defined underwriting performance of each contract year, commencing two years after the beginning of each contract year.  To the extent that the underwriting performance is exceeded, the Company will share 50% of the excess amounts computed.  The agreement has an initial term of one year, has been automatically renewed for one year, and can be terminated at any April 1 by either party on four months' notice.

Effective January 1, 2012, the quota share reinsurance contract with AmTrust Europe Limited and AmTrust International Underwriters Limited was amended, thereby increasing the maximum liability attaching to €10,000 or currency equivalent (on a 100% basis) per original claim for any one original policy. Furthermore, amendments were also made to the contract to expand the territorial scope to include new territories, specifically France.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded approximately $1,340 and $3,774, respectively, (September 30, 2011 - $1,127 and $2,102, respectively) of commission expense as a result of this transaction.



25

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


11. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Other Reinsurance Agreements

Effective January 1, 2008, Maiden Bermuda and AmTrust entered into an agreement to reinsure a 45% participation in the $9,000 in excess of $1,000 layer of AmTrust's workers' compensation excess of loss program. This layer provides reinsurance to AmTrust for losses per occurrence in excess of $1,000 up to $10,000, subject to an annual aggregate deductible of $1,250. This participation was sourced through a reinsurance intermediary via open market placement in which competitive bids were solicited by an independent broker. The remaining 55% participation was placed with a single carrier.  This coverage expired on January 1, 2010; as a result, under the Master Agreement, Maiden Bermuda therefore now reinsures 40% of the subject workers' compensation business up to $10,000, subject to certain additional inuring reinsurance protection that AmTrust has purchased.

Effective September 1, 2010, the Company, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Specialty Insurance Company ("Maiden Specialty"), entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with Technology Insurance Company, Inc. ("Technology"), a subsidiary of AmTrust. Under the agreement, Maiden Specialty will cede (a) 90% of its credit insurance business written under the Open Lending Program ("OPL") and (b) 100% of its general liability business under the Naxos Avondale Specialty Casualty Program ("NAXS"). Maiden Specialty's involvement is limited to certain states where Technology is not fully licensed. The agreement also provides that Maiden Specialty receives a ceding commission of 5% of ceded written premiums. The reinsurance agreement has a term of three years and will remain continuously in force until terminated in accordance with the provisions set forth in the contract. The OPL program was terminated on December 1, 2011 on a run-off basis and the NAXS program will terminate on October 31, 2012. Maiden Specialty recorded approximately $1,404 and $6,438 of premiums earned ceded and $404 and $1,921 of ceding commission for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $1,862 and $4,119 of premiums earned ceded and $564 and $1,253 of ceding commission, respectively).

Effective September 1, 2010, the Company, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Reinsurance Company ("Maiden US"), entered into a reinsurance agreement with Security National Insurance Company ("SNIC"), a subsidiary of AmTrust. Under the agreement, SNIC will cede 80% of the gross liabilities produced under the Southern General Agency program to Maiden US. The agreement provides SNIC with a 5% commission of ceded written premiums. The agreement has a term of one year and automatically renews annually unless terminated pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Under this agreement, Maiden US recorded approximately $619 and $1,270 of premiums earned and $117 and $289 of commission expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $0 and $7 of premiums earned and $0 and $0.1 of commission expense, respectively).

Collateral provided to AmTrust

In order to provide AmTrust's U.S. insurance subsidiaries with credit for reinsurance on their statutory financial statements, AII, as the direct reinsurer of the AmTrust's insurance subsidiaries, has established trust accounts ("Trust Accounts") for their benefit. Maiden Bermuda has agreed to provide appropriate collateral to secure its proportional share under the Master Agreement of AII's obligations to the AmTrust subsidiaries to whom AII is required to provide collateral. This collateral may be in the form of (a) assets loaned by Maiden Bermuda to AII for deposit into the Trust Accounts, pursuant to a loan agreement between those parties, (b) assets transferred by Maiden Bermuda for deposit into the Trust Accounts, (c) a letter of credit obtained by Maiden Bermuda and delivered to an AmTrust subsidiary on AII's behalf (a "Letter of Credit"), or (d) premiums withheld by an AmTrust subsidiary at Maiden Bermuda's request in lieu of remitting such premiums to AII (“Withheld Funds”). Maiden Bermuda may provide any or a combination of these forms of collateral, provided that the aggregate value thereof equals Maiden Bermuda's proportionate share of its obligations under the Master Agreement with AII. The amount of collateral Maiden Bermuda is required to maintain, which is determined quarterly, equals its proportionate share of (a) the amount of ceded paid losses for which AII is responsible to such AmTrust subsidiaries but has not yet paid, (b) the amount of ceded loss reserves (including ceded reserves for claims reported but not resolved and losses incurred but not reported) for which AII is responsible to AmTrust subsidiaries, and
(c) the amount of ceded reserves for unearned premiums ceded by AmTrust subsidiaries to AII.

Maiden Bermuda satisfied its collateral requirements under the Reinsurance Agreement with AII as follows:

by lending funds in the amount of $167,975 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 to AII pursuant to a loan agreement entered into between those parties. This loan is carried at cost. Pursuant to the Master Agreement, AmTrust has agreed to cause AII not to commingle Maiden Bermuda's assets with AII's other assets and to cause the AmTrust subsidiaries not to commingle Maiden Bermuda's assets with the AmTrust subsidiaries' other assets if an AmTrust subsidiary withdraws those assets. AII has agreed that, if an AmTrust subsidiary returns to AII excess assets withdrawn from a Trust Account, drawn on a Letter of Credit or maintained by such AmTrust subsidiary as Withheld Funds, AII will immediately return to Maiden Bermuda its proportionate share of such excess assets. AII has further agreed that if the aggregate fair market value of the amount of Maiden Bermuda's assets held in the Trust Account exceeds Maiden Bermuda's proportionate share of AII's obligations, or if an AmTrust subsidiary misapplies any such collateral, AII will immediately return to Maiden Bermuda an amount equal to such excess or misapplied collateral, less any amounts AII has paid to Maiden Bermuda.




26

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)



11. Related Party Transactions (continued)

In addition, if an AmTrust subsidiary withdraws Maiden Bermuda's assets from a Trust Account and maintains those assets on its books as withheld funds, AII has agreed to pay to Maiden Bermuda interest at the rate equivalent to the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 90 basis points per annum computed on the basis of a 360-day year on the loan (except to the extent Maiden Bermuda's proportionate share of AII's obligations to that AmTrust subsidiary exceeds the value of the collateral Maiden Bermuda has provided), and net of unpaid fees Maiden Bermuda owes to AII Insurance Management Limited ("AIIM") and its share of fees owed to the trustee of the Trust Account; and

effective December 1, 2008, the Company entered into a Reinsurer Trust Assets Collateral agreement to provide to AII sufficient collateral to secure its proportional share of AII's obligations to the U.S. AmTrust subsidiaries. The amount of the collateral, as of September 30, 2012 was approximately $793,945 (December 31, 2011 - $461,216) and the accrued interest was $6,633 (December 31, 2011 - $4,131). (See Note 3(d)).

Reinsurance Brokerage Agreements

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement with AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd. ("AIIB"), a subsidiary of AmTrust. Pursuant to the brokerage agreement, AIIB provides brokerage services relating to the Reinsurance Agreement and, beginning on April 1, 2011, the European Hospital Liability Quota Share agreement for a fee equal to 1.25% of premium assumed under the contracts. The brokerage fee is payable in consideration of AIIB's brokerage services. AIIB is not the Company's exclusive broker.  AIIB may, if mutually agreed, also produce reinsurance business for the Company from other ceding companies, and in such cases the Company will negotiate a mutually acceptable commission rate. Following the initial one-year term, the agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. The Company recorded approximately $2,216 and $6,412 of reinsurance brokerage expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $1,996 and $5,131, respectively) and deferred reinsurance brokerage of $6,067 as of September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011 - $4,891) as a result of these agreements.

The Company paid brokerage fees to AmTrust's subsidiary AmTrust North America of $20 and $20 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $33 and $70, respectively) for acting as insurance intermediary in relation to certain insurance placements.

Asset Management Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company entered into an asset management agreement with AIIM, an AmTrust subsidiary, pursuant to which AIIM has agreed to provide investment management services to the Company. Pursuant to the asset management agreement, AIIM provides investment management services for a quarterly fee of 0.05% if the average value of the account for the previous calendar quarter is less than or equal to $1 billion and 0.0375% if the average value of the account for the previous calendar quarter is greater than $1 billion. Following the initial one-year term, the agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. The Company recorded approximately $952 and $2,667 of investment management fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $795 and $2,364, respectively) as a result of this agreement.
 
Other

On March 1, 2011, the Company entered into a time sharing agreement for the lease of aircraft owned by AmTrust Underwriters, Inc. ("AUI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AmTrust. The lease is for 10 months ending on December 31, 2011 and automatically renews for successive one-year terms unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company will reimburse AUI for actual expenses incurred as allowed by Federal Aviation Regulations.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded an expense of $6 and $38, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $23 and $65, respectively) for the use of the aircraft.














27

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)



11. Related Party Transactions (continued)

ACAC

The following describes transactions between the Company and ACAC and its subsidiaries:

ACAC Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement

Maiden Bermuda, effective March 1, 2010, reinsures 25% of the net premiums of the GMAC personal lines business, pursuant to a quota share reinsurance agreement ("ACAC Quota Share") with the GMAC personal lines insurance companies, as cedents, and Maiden Bermuda, American Capital Partners Re, Ltd., a Bermuda reinsurer which is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Annuity Trust, and Technology, as reinsurers. The Company has a 50% participation in the ACAC Quota Share, by which it receives 25% of net premiums of the personal lines business. The ACAC Quota Share provides that the reinsurers, severally, in accordance with their participation percentages, shall receive 50% of the net premium of the GMAC personal lines insurance companies and assume 50% of the related net losses. The ACAC Quota Share has an initial term of three years and shall renew automatically for successive three year terms unless terminated by written notice not less than nine months prior to the expiration of the current term.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Maiden Bermuda's participation in the ACAC Quota Share may be terminated by ACAC on 60 days written notice in the event Maiden Bermuda becomes insolvent, is placed into receivership, its financial condition is impaired by 50% of the amount of its surplus at the inception of the ACAC Quota Share or latest anniversary, whichever is greater, is subject to a change of control, or ceases writing new and renewal business. ACAC also may terminate the agreement on nine months written notice following the effective date of initial public offering or private placement of stock by ACAC or a subsidiary. Maiden Bermuda may terminate its participation in the ACAC Quota Share on 60 days written notice in the event ACAC is subject to a change of control, cease writing new and renewal business, effects a reduction in their net retention without Maiden Bermuda's consent or fails to remit premium as required by the terms of the ACAC Quota Share.

The ACAC Quota Share provides that the reinsurers pay a provisional ceding commission equal to 32.5% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by the personal lines companies for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 60.5% or less and a minimum of 30.5% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or higher. The Company believes that the terms, conditions and pricing of the ACAC Quota Share have been determined by arm's length negotiations and reflect current market terms and conditions.

Maiden Bermuda recorded approximately $21,856 and $63,435 of ceding commission expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $19,156 and $55,458, respectively) as a result of this transaction.

Other

Effective September 12, 2012, the Company through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Re Insurance Services, LLC ("Maiden Re"), entered into a consulting agreement with Integon Association Management LLC ("Integon"), a wholly owned subsidiary of ACAC, pursuant to which Maiden Re has agreed to provide to Integon underwriting, and pricing support for a fee of $25 per month, and also a fee of $0.1 for each policy quote evaluation and an additional $0.1 for each policy re-quote evaluation. The initial term of this agreement is for a period of one year, unless terminated earlier by either party. This agreement shall be renewed automatically upon expiration of the initial term for successive one year periods, unless a party delivers written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least 120 days before the end of the initial term or any renewal term. The Company recorded $0 consulting fee income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Maiden Specialty entered into a reinsurance arrangement with New South Insurance Company ("New South"), a subsidiary of ACAC. Pursuant to the agreement, Maiden Specialty cedes 100% of certain personal lines business to New South. On March 1, 2010, Maiden Specialty entered into a novation agreement with Motors and New South whereby New South replaced Motors as the reinsurer for all of this business. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, Maiden Specialty recorded approximately $0 and $0 of ceded premium and $0 and $0 of ceding commissions, respectively (September 30, 2011 - $0 and $(0.6) and $0 and $0.2, respectively).

In June 2011, the Company, through Maiden NA, issued $107,500 principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.  The proceeds from the 8.25% Senior Notes were used to repurchase on a pro rata basis $107,500 of the $260,000 outstanding Trust Preferred Securities.  The Company offered all Trust Preferred Securities holders the option to have their securities repurchased on the same terms.  American Capital Partners Re, Ltd., an entity owned by the Annuity Trust controlled by Michael Karfunkel,  accepted the offer to repurchase its $79,066 in principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities on July 15, 2011.  George Karfunkel purchased $25,000, and ACAC and AII each purchased $12,500, of the principal amount of the 8.25% Senior Notes.  The Company's Audit Committee reviewed and approved ACAC's, AII's, and George Karfunkel's participation in the 8.25% Senior Notes offering.

28

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)



12. Segments

The Company currently operates three business segments, Diversified Reinsurance, AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and the ACAC Quota Share. The Company evaluates segment performance based on segment profit separately from the results of our investment portfolio. Other operating expenses allocated to the segments are called General and Administrative expenses which are allocated on an actual basis except salaries and benefits where management’s judgment is applied; the Company does not allocate general corporate expenses to the segments. In determining total assets by segment the Company identifies those assets that are attributable to a particular segment such as reinsurance balances receivable, funds withheld, prepaid reinsurance premiums, reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, deferred commission and other acquisition expenses, loans, goodwill and intangible assets, and restricted cash and investments. All remaining assets are allocated to Corporate.

The fee-generating business associated with the acquisition of the majority of the reinsurance-related infrastructure, assets and liabilities of U.K.-based GMAC International Insurance Services, Ltd. ("IIS") in 2010 (the “IIS Acquisition”), which is included in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, is considered part of the underwriting operations of the Company. Certain portions of the IIS Fee Business are directly associated with the underlying reinsurance contracts recorded in the Diversified Reinsurance segment. To the extent that the fees are generated on underlying insurance contracts sold to third parties that are then ceded under quota share reinsurance contracts to Maiden Bermuda, a proportionate share of the fee is offset against the related acquisition expense. To the extent that IIS Fee Business is not directly associated with premium revenue generated under the applicable reinsurance contracts, that fee revenue is separately reported on the line captioned “Other insurance revenue” in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following tables summarize the underwriting results of our operating segments:

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

Diversified Reinsurance

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance

ACAC
Quota Share

Total
Net premiums written

$
193,943


$
186,258


$
75,646


$
455,847

Net premiums earned

$
200,020


$
177,293


$
71,660


$
448,973

Other insurance revenue

2,622






2,622

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses

(141,625
)

(120,942
)

(46,579
)

(309,146
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses

(47,801
)

(50,525
)

(22,597
)

(120,923
)
General and administrative expenses

(9,256
)

(535
)

(199
)

(9,990
)
Underwriting income

$
3,960


$
5,291


$
2,285


$
11,536

Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders












Net investment income and realized
gains on investment










23,960

Amortization of intangible assets










(1,090
)
Foreign exchange gains










1,213

Interest and amortization expenses










(9,569
)
Other general and administrative expenses










(3,588
)
Income tax expense










(528
)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest










(15
)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders










$
21,919














Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*

69.9
%

68.2
%

65.0
%

68.5
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**

23.6
%

28.5
%

31.5
%

26.8
%
General and administrative expense ratio***

4.5
%

0.3
%

0.3
%

2.9
%
Combined ratio****

98.0
%

97.0
%

96.8
%

98.2
%

29

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


12. Segments (continued)

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
ACAC
Quota Share
 
Total
Net premiums written
 
$
188,652

 
$
173,502

 
$
66,432

 
$
428,586

Net premiums earned
 
$
197,803

 
$
159,668

 
$
62,806

 
$
420,277

Other insurance revenue
 
4,530

 

 

 
4,530

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(123,267
)
 
(110,727
)
 
(40,510
)
 
(274,504
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(62,032
)
 
(44,845
)
 
(19,900
)
 
(126,777
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(8,468
)
 
(538
)
 
(408
)
 
(9,414
)
Underwriting income
 
$
8,566

 
$
3,558

 
$
1,988

 
$
14,112

Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15,849

Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,258
)
Foreign exchange losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,103
)
Interest and amortization expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8,178
)
Other general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,061
)
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(359
)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
16,004

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*
 
60.9
%
 
69.3
%
 
64.5
%
 
64.6
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**
 
30.7
%
 
28.1
%
 
31.7
%
 
29.8
%
General and administrative expense ratio***
 
4.2
%
 
0.4
%
 
0.6
%
 
3.0
%
Combined ratio****
 
95.8
%
 
97.8
%
 
96.8
%
 
97.4
%





















30

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

12. Segments (continued)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

Diversified Reinsurance

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance

ACAC
Quota Share

Total
Net premiums written

$
626,220


$
607,902


$
224,518


$
1,458,640

Net premiums earned

$
603,613


$
512,988


$
207,984


$
1,324,585

Other insurance revenue

9,650






9,650

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses

(412,437
)

(350,553
)

(134,508
)

(897,498
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses

(159,895
)

(142,284
)

(65,665
)

(367,844
)
General and administrative expenses

(31,849
)

(1,444
)

(566
)

(33,859
)
Underwriting income

$
9,082


$
18,707


$
7,245


$
35,034

Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders












Net investment income and realized
gains on investment










60,908

Amortization of intangible assets










(3,271
)
Foreign exchange gains










1,318

Interest and amortization expenses










(26,815
)
Other general and administrative expenses










(8,758
)
Income tax expense










(1,498
)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest










(81
)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders










$
56,837














Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*

67.3
%

68.3
%

64.7
%

67.3
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**

26.1
%

27.7
%

31.6
%

27.6
%
General and administrative expense ratio***

5.1
%

0.4
%

0.2
%

3.1
%
Combined ratio****

98.5
%

96.4
%

96.5
%

98.0
%























31

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


12. Segments (continued)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

Diversified Reinsurance

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance

ACAC
Quota Share

Total
Net premiums written

$
605,490


$
516,665


$
192,897


$
1,315,052

Net premiums earned

$
542,325


$
410,441


$
181,829


$
1,134,595

Other insurance revenue

11,364






11,364

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses

(349,999
)

(279,006
)

(117,280
)

(746,285
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses

(161,709
)

(120,198
)

(57,766
)

(339,673
)
General and administrative expenses

(24,805
)

(1,802
)

(1,423
)

(28,030
)
Underwriting income

$
17,176


$
9,435


$
5,360


$
31,971

Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders












Net investment income and realized
and unrealized gains (losses) on investment










55,446

Amortization of intangible assets










(3,775
)
Foreign exchange gains










898

Interest and amortization expenses










(26,588
)
Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost










(20,313
)
Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense










(15,050
)
Other general and administrative expenses










(9,577
)
Income tax expense










(2,037
)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest










5

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders










$
10,980














Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*

63.2
%

68.0
%

64.5
%

65.1
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**

29.2
%

29.3
%

31.8
%

29.6
%
General and administrative expense ratio***

4.5
%

0.4
%

0.8
%

3.3
%
Combined ratio****

96.9
%

97.7
%

97.1
%

98.0
%

*
Calculated by dividing net loss and loss adjustment expenses by net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.

**
Calculated by dividing commission and other acquisition expenses by net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.

***
Calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.

****
Calculated by adding together net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, commission and other acquisition expense ratio and general and administrative expense ratio.

32

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)



12. Segments (continued)
September 30, 2012
Diversified
Reinsurance
 
AmTrust
Quota Share Reinsurance
 
ACAC
Quota Share
 
Total
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
$
239,667

 
$
119,859

 
$
89,660

 
$
449,186

Funds withheld
41,927

 

 

 
41,927

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
43,621

 

 

 
43,621

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
29,110

 

 

 
29,110

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
95,213

 
144,960

 
34,414

 
274,587

Loan to related party

 
167,975

 

 
167,975

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
95,484

 

 

 
95,484

Restricted investments and cash
1,203,909

 
793,945

 
85,645

 
2,083,499

Corporate and other assets
1,911

 

 

 
763,726

Total Assets
$
1,750,842

 
$
1,226,739

 
$
209,719

 
$
3,949,115


December 31, 2011
Diversified
Reinsurance
 
AmTrust
Quota Share Reinsurance
 
ACAC
Quota Share
 
Total
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
$
244,610

 
$
102,003

 
$
76,742

 
$
423,355

Funds withheld
42,605

 

 

 
42,605

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
35,381

 

 

 
35,381

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
20,289

 

 

 
20,289

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
98,712

 
120,369

 
29,355

 
248,436

Loan to related party

 
167,975

 

 
167,975

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
98,755

 

 

 
98,755

Restricted investments and cash
1,063,010

 
461,216

 
62,017

 
1,586,243

Corporate and other assets
2,429

 

 

 
772,072

Total Assets
$
1,605,791

 
$
851,563

 
$
168,114

 
$
3,395,111



33

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


12. Segments (continued)

The following tables set forth financial information relating to net premiums written and earned by major line of business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Net premiums written
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
$
41,667

 
9.1
%
 
$
46,908

 
10.9
%
Casualty
114,655

 
25.2
%
 
106,413

 
24.8
%
Accident and Health
9,174

 
2.0
%
 
13,238

 
3.1
%
International
28,447

 
6.2
%
 
22,093

 
5.2
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
193,943

 
42.5
%
 
188,652

 
44.0
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
84,024

 
18.4
%
 
57,836

 
13.5
%
Specialty Program
14,931

 
3.3
%
 
38,242

 
8.9
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
87,303

 
19.2
%
 
77,424

 
18.1
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
186,258

 
40.9
%
 
173,502

 
40.5
%
ACAC Quota Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile Liability
39,019

 
8.6
%
 
38,453

 
9.0
%
Automobile Physical Damage
36,627

 
8.0
%
 
27,979

 
6.5
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
75,646

 
16.6
%
 
66,432

 
15.5
%
 
$
455,847

 
100.0
%
 
$
428,586

 
100.0
%
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Net premiums written
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
$
157,628

 
10.8
%
 
$
168,612

 
12.8
%
Casualty
349,356

 
24.0
%
 
314,216

 
23.9
%
Accident and Health
34,484

 
2.3
%
 
36,779

 
2.8
%
International
84,752

 
5.8
%
 
85,883

 
6.5
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
626,220

 
42.9
%
 
605,490

 
46.0
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
256,198

 
17.6
%
 
174,448

 
13.3
%
Specialty Program
63,877

 
4.4
%
 
73,674

 
5.6
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
287,827

 
19.7
%
 
268,543

 
20.4
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
607,902

 
41.7
%
 
516,665

 
39.3
%
ACAC Quota Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile Liability
118,288

 
8.1
%
 
110,661

 
8.4
%
Automobile Physical Damage
106,230

 
7.3
%
 
82,236

 
6.3
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
224,518

 
15.4
%
 
192,897

 
14.7
%
 
$
1,458,640

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,315,052

 
100.0
%

34

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


12. Segments (continued)

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Net premiums earned
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
$
50,688

 
11.3
%
 
$
45,345

 
10.8
%
Casualty
119,572

 
26.6
%
 
107,757

 
25.6
%
Accident and Health
11,176

 
2.5
%
 
10,425

 
2.5
%
International
18,584

 
4.1
%
 
34,276

 
8.2
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
200,020

 
44.5
%
 
197,803

 
47.1
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
81,287

 
18.1
%
 
55,542

 
13.2
%
Specialty Program
9,828

 
2.2
%
 
26,642

 
6.3
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
86,178

 
19.2
%
 
77,484

 
18.5
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
177,293

 
39.5
%
 
159,668

 
38.0
%
ACAC Quota Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile Liability
38,374

 
8.6
%
 
36,126

 
8.6
%
Automobile Physical Damage
33,286

 
7.4
%
 
26,680

 
6.3
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
71,660

 
16.0
%
 
62,806

 
14.9
%
 
$
448,973

 
100.0
%
 
$
420,277

 
100.0
%
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Net premiums earned
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
$
164,739

 
12.4
%
 
$
134,741

 
11.9
%
Casualty
334,559

 
25.3
%
 
285,716

 
25.2
%
Accident and Health
32,547

 
2.5
%
 
33,524

 
3.0
%
International
71,768

 
5.4
%
 
88,344

 
7.7
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
603,613

 
45.6
%
 
542,325

 
47.8
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
218,086

 
16.4
%
 
156,041

 
13.7
%
Specialty Program
60,414

 
4.6
%
 
63,155

 
5.6
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
234,488

 
17.7
%
 
191,245

 
16.9
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
512,988

 
38.7
%
 
410,441

 
36.2
%
ACAC Quota Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile Liability
113,168

 
8.5
%
 
104,146

 
9.2
%
Automobile Physical Damage
94,816

 
7.2
%
 
77,683

 
6.8
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
207,984

 
15.7
%
 
181,829

 
16.0
%
 
$
1,324,585

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,134,595

 
100.0
%


35

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)


13. Subsequent Events

(a) On November 7, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the following quarterly dividends:


Dividend per Share

Payable on:

Record date:
Common shares
$
0.09


January 15, 2013

January 2, 2013
Preference shares - Series A
$
0.6073


December 17, 2012

December 1, 2012

(b) In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy impacted the Eastern United States, causing widespread property damage and flooding. The Company's business model generally avoids reinsuring catastrophic property exposures; however our clients insure property risks which we subsequently reinsure, normally with occurrence limitations and often with loss sensitive features. As such there is also uncertainty with respect to the Company's potential losses from this event.


36




Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q” or this “Report”). References in this Form 10-Q to the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or other similar terms mean the consolidated operations of Maiden Holdings, Ltd and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. References in this Form 10-Q to the term “Maiden Holdings” means Maiden Holdings, Ltd. only. Amounts in tables may not reconcile due to rounding differences.
 
Note on Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes projections concerning financial information and statements concerning future economic performance and events, plans and objectives relating to management, operations, products and services, and assumptions underlying these projections and statements.  These projections and statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control.  These projections and statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, product development, financial results and reserves.  Actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from these projections and statements and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them.  Factors that could cause our actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those in the specific projections and statements are discussed throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 13, 2012.  The projections and statements in this Report speak only as of the date of this Report and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

 Introduction
 
Since our founding in 2007, we have entered into a series of significant strategic transactions that have transformed the scope and scale of our business while keeping our low volatility, non-catastrophe oriented risk profile intact. These transactions have increased our annualized revenue to an amount in excess of $1.7 billion while significantly enhancing our capital position to approximately $1.4 billion as of September 30, 2012. These transactions have included the AmTrust Quota Share, the GMAC Acquisition, the TRUPS Offering and the ACAC Quota Share. More recent significant developments have included:


Acquiring the majority of the reinsurance-related infrastructure, assets and liabilities of U.K. based GMAC International Insurance Services, Ltd. ("IIS") in 2010 (the “IIS Acquisition”); and

Completing a public debt offering of $107.5 million in June 2011 ("2011 Senior Notes") and repurchasing a like amount of our outstanding junior subordinated debt in July 2011. The 2011 Senior Notes trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MHNA."

Completing a public debt offering of $100.0 million in March 2012 ("2012 Senior Notes"). The 2012 Senior Notes trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MHNB." The net proceeds of $96.6 million have been used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Completing a public offering of $150.0 million Preference Shares - Series A (the “Preference Shares”). The Company received net proceeds of $145.0 million from the offering. The Preference Shares have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MHPRA". The net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used for continued support and development of our reinsurance business and for other general corporate purposes, which may include repurchasing a portion of the Company's outstanding common shares and repurchasing the Company's outstanding 14% 30-year trust preferred securities ("TRUPS") issued in January 2009.

Until such time as the Company attains sufficient historical experience, year-to-year comparability is likely to be more difficult as compared with other companies considered peers of the Company and with whom it competes on a regular basis.
 
Overview
 
We are a Bermuda-based holding company formed in June 2007 primarily focused on serving the needs of regional and specialty insurers in the United States and Europe by providing innovative non-catastrophe reinsurance solutions designed to support their capital needs. We specialize in reinsurance solutions that optimize financing by providing coverage within the more predictable and actuarially credible lower layers of coverage and/or reinsuring risks that are believed to be lower hazard, more predictable and generally not susceptible to catastrophe claims. Our tailored solutions include a variety of value added services focused on helping our clients grow and prosper.


 

37


We currently operate our business through three segments: Diversified Reinsurance, AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and the ACAC Quota Share. As of September 30, 2012, we had approximately $3.9 billion in total assets, $1.0 billion of shareholders' equity and $1.4 billion in total capital, which includes shareholders' equity, senior notes and junior subordinated debt. 

We provide reinsurance through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Maiden Reinsurance Company (“Maiden US”) and Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. (“Maiden Bermuda”) and have operations in the United States, Bermuda and Europe. On a more limited basis, Maiden Specialty Insurance Company (“Maiden Specialty”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Maiden US, provides primary insurance on a surplus lines basis focusing on non-catastrophe inland marine and property coverages. Maiden Bermuda does not underwrite any primary insurance business. Internationally, we provide reinsurance-related services through Maiden Global Holdings Ltd. (“Maiden Global”) and its subsidiaries. Maiden Global primarily focuses on providing branded auto and credit life insurance products through its insurer partners to retail customers in the European Union and other global markets, which also produce reinsurance programs which are underwritten by Maiden Bermuda. Certain international credit life business is also written directly by Maiden Life Försäkrings AB (“Maiden LF”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Maiden Holdings, as part of Maiden Global’s service offerings.

  The market conditions in which we operate have historically been cyclical, experiencing periods of price erosion followed by rate strengthening as a result of catastrophes or other significant losses that affect the overall capacity of the industry to provide coverage. During the period covered by this report, the reinsurance market has been characterized by significant competition in most lines of business.
 
While natural and man-made catastrophes occur each year that affect reinsurance industry results, in both 2010 and 2011 the insurance and reinsurance industry experienced an extensive series of significant natural and man-made catastrophes, both globally and in the U.S., that negatively impacted overall industry performance. Consistent with our business model, the Company only experienced modest losses from the 2010 and 2011 global catastrophe events. However, the unusually high frequency of loss activity from U.S. thunderstorm and tornado did impact our U.S clients in the second quarter of 2011, adversely affecting the Company's results. Other U.S.-based catastrophe experience in 2011 and in the first nine months of 2012 was within the Company's expected parameters which are incorporated into the pricing of our Maiden US accounts. Despite this elevated level of weather losses in the second quarter of 2011, consistent with its operating model, Maiden maintained profitable underwriting results throughout 2011.

In the first nine months of 2012, meaningful global and U.S. catastrophe losses declined from the levels of the past two years and industry financial results, taken as a whole, have improved compared to 2010 and 2011. However, the property and casualty industry invests significant portions of its premiums and retained underwriting profits in fixed income maturities; yields on these securities have continued to decline and are at historically low levels. Interest rates are widely forecast to persist at such levels for the foreseeable future. During the third quarter of 2012, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced new policy measures designed to provide greater liquidity to certain credit markets, in particular the mortgage-backed securities market. The likely continued existence of these investment conditions will adversely impact the results of the property and casualty industry generally, placing additional pressure on companies underwriting results at a time that market conditions may not be supportive of sustained, longer-term additional pricing measures which would stabilize underwriting trends.

Despite the combined financial impact of these events, capital positions across the insurance and reinsurance industry appeared to remain adequate through September 30, 2012. However, in late October, Hurricane Sandy impacted the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts of the U.S. In addition, Hurricane Sandy generated significant storm surge, which contributed substantially to loss of life, widespread power outages, significant disruptions to travel and devastating flooding throughout the affected regions. Given the severe magnitude and recent occurrence of this event, and the ongoing dislocation within the affected region, there is a limited amount of data available from industry participants and clients, resulting in significant uncertainty with respect to potential insured losses from this event. The Company's business model generally avoids reinsuring catastrophic property exposures; however our clients do insure property risks which we subsequently reinsure, normally with occurrence limitations and often with loss sensitive features. As such there is also uncertainty with respect to the Company's potential losses from this event, which are expected to impact results of operations in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Although the ultimate impact of recent catastrophe activity and the fixed income investment environment remains unclear and is currently more uncertain in light of reinsurance industry performance through the first nine months of 2012, broad industry conditions brought about by these events are potentially supportive of improved pricing in the near term. However, the scope and tenure of any improved pricing environment remains less certain. As market conditions continue to develop, we continue to maintain our adherence to disciplined underwriting by declining business when pricing, terms and conditions do not meet our underwriting standards. Depending on the ultimate impact of Hurricane Sandy combined with the continuing unfavorable investment environment on industry capital positions and profitability, a significant positive effect on competition and pricing is possible. We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of market conditions should the pricing environment become more favorable.
 
Recent Developments
 
Issuance of Preference Shares

On August 22, 2012, the Company issued six million 8.25% Preference Shares, par value $0.01 per share, at $25 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $145.0 million from the offering, after deducting expenses and underwriting discounts of $5.0 million. The Preference Shares have no stated maturity date and are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of the

38


Company any time on or after August 29, 2017 at a redemption price of $25 per share plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends.

Dividends on the Preference Shares are non-cumulative. Consequently, in the event dividends are not declared on the Preference Shares for any dividend period, holders of Preference Shares will not be entitled to receive a dividend for such period, and such undeclared dividend will not accrue and will not be payable. The holders of Preference Shares will be entitled to receive dividend payments only when, as and if declared by the Company's board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board of directors. Any such dividends will be payable from, and including, the date of original issue on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears. To the extent declared, these dividends will accumulate, with respect to each dividend period, in an amount per share equal to 8.25% of the $25 liquidation preference per annum.

The holders of the Preference Shares have no voting rights other than the right to elect up to two directors directors if preferred share dividends are not declared and paid for six or more dividend periods. The Preference Shares have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trading commenced on August 31, 2012 under the symbol "MHPRA".

Senior Notes Offerings
 
On June 24, 2011, the Company's wholly owned U.S. holding company subsidiary, Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. ("Maiden NA"), closed the offering of $107.5 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due June 15, 2041 (the "2011 Senior Notes"), which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Maiden Holdings. The 2011 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2016, at 100% of the principal amount of the 2011 Senior Notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date.
 
Maiden NA has listed the 2011 Senior Notes on the New York Stock Exchange and trading commenced on July 21, 2011 under the symbol "MHNA."
 
Total net proceeds from the offering were approximately $104.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses paid by Maiden NA and the Company. The net proceeds were used to repurchase a portion of the TRUPS Offering securities.  The Company repurchased $107.5 million of junior subordinated debt issued in the TRUPS Offering securities on July 15, 2011.  Pursuant to the terms of the TRUPS Offering, the Company incurred a non-recurring repurchase expense of approximately $15.1 million, which was reported in the Company's 2011 results of operations.  The Company will save approximately $6.2 million annually as a result of the refinancing, and approximately $15.9 million from the closing of the 2011 Senior Notes offering until January 20, 2014, the date on which the repurchase or redemption penalty associated with the TRUPS Offering expires. As a result of the repurchase, the Company also incurred an additional non-recurring non-cash charge of approximately $20.3 million in 2011, which represents the accelerated amortization of original issue discount and issuance costs associated with equity issued in conjunction with the TRUPS Offering.

In March 2012, the Company, through Maiden NA, issued $100.0 million principal amount of 8.00% Senior Notes ("2012 Senior Notes") due on March 27, 2042, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. The 2012 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after March 27, 2017, at 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date. The net proceeds from the 2012 Senior Notes of $96.6 million have been used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Maiden NA has listed the 2012 Senior Notes on the New York Stock Exchange and trading commenced on March 29, 2012 under the symbol "MHNB."

IIS Acquisition
 
On November 30, 2010, we acquired the majority of the reinsurance-related infrastructure, assets and liabilities of IIS. IIS is based in the United Kingdom. The IIS Acquisition included the following primary components:

A renewal rights agreement under which Maiden Bermuda underwrites certain assumed reinsurance business written by GMAC International Insurance Company, Ltd. ("GMAC IICL"), which covers primarily personal auto and credit life coverages offered by primary insurers in association with programs IIS designs and implements for original equipment automobile manufacturers;

The "IICL Agreement" under which Maiden Bermuda reinsures all of the existing contracts written by GMAC IICL pursuant to a loss portfolio transfer; under the purchase agreement, all future contracts are now underwritten by Maiden Bermuda;

The acquisition of GMAC VersicherungsService GmbH ("GMAC VS"), an insurance producer based in Germany which supports sales of primary personal auto insurance through participating automobile dealerships and original equipment automobile manufacturers; and

The acquisition of GMAC Life Försäkrings AB ("GMAC LF"), a credit life insurer domiciled in Sweden which writes certain credit life insurance in association through automobile financings offered through participating automobile dealerships and original equipment automobile manufacturers and which has been renamed Maiden LF.


39


According to the loss portfolio transfer provisions of the IICL Agreement, the Company assumed the loss reserves of $98.8 million associated with the GMAC IICL business as of November 30, 2010. The Company also assumed unearned premium, net of acquisition expenses, of approximately $19.5 million.
 
The substantial majority of the premiums and losses underwritten by GMAC IICL are subject to collateral requirements in the form of letters of credit and trust agreements. At the closing of the IIS Acquisition, the Company settled cash balances applicable to the subject reinsurance contracts with GMAC IICL. Actual assets in support of the liabilities assumed under the IICL Agreement were transferred to the Company when the subject individual agreements were novated to Maiden Bermuda. During 2011, the substantial majority of underlying reinsurance contracts were novated to Maiden Bermuda per the terms of the IICL Agreement. As of September 30, 2012, one contract had not yet been novated and this is expected to occur by the end of 2012. Please refer to the section entitled "IIS Acquisition — Funds Withheld" in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q for further information.
 
As a result of the assumption of these liabilities, at November 30, 2010, the underlying assets in support of these collateral arrangements totaled $141.8 million. The Company now assumes one hundred percent (100%) of all premiums and losses for which GMAC IICL is otherwise entitled to or liable in respect of the reinsurance contracts.

We are paying a fee to GMAC IICL for the right to renew the expiring contracts, subject to certain minimum payments at close, over a three-year period commencing November 30, 2010.

The aggregate purchase price of GMAC VS and GMAC LF at November 30, 2010 was $22.3 million, which was the tangible book value of each entity. All balances of the IIS Acquisition were settled on an estimated basis and pursuant to the terms of the underlying agreements, were subject to adjustment to the final actual balances as of November 30, 2010 in the following year. In 2011, the total consideration was reduced to $21.6 million.

On September 1, 2011, in exchange for a 10% interest in GMAC VS, we entered into cooperation agreements with the VDOH Wirtschaftsdienst GmbH ("Opel Dealer Association") in Germany and the German auto manufacturer Adam Opel AG ("Opel"). We also renamed GMAC VS “Opel Händler VersicherungsService GmbH” or "OVS". The cooperation agreements with both organizations are designed to increase the sales of OVS insurance products in Opel dealerships in Germany and increase fee and other revenues for Opel, the Opel Dealer Association, and the Company via OVS, respectively.
 
Third Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 Financial Highlights
 
Consolidated Results of Operations

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders of $21.9 million, or $0.30 basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $16.0 million, or $0.22 basic and diluted earnings per common share for the same period in 2011.

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders of $56.8 million, or $0.79 basic and $0.78 diluted earnings per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $11.0 million, or $0.15 basic and diluted earnings per common share for the same period in 2011.

Operating earnings(1) of $19.5 million, or $0.27 basic and diluted operating earnings per common share(1) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $21.4 million, or $0.30 basic and $0.29 diluted operating earnings per common share for the same period in 2011.

Operating earnings(1) of $58.6 million, or $0.81 basic and $0.80 diluted operating earnings per common share(1) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $52.4 million, or $0.73 basic and $0.72 diluted operating earnings per common share for the same period in 2011.
  
Gross premiums written of $478.5 million and $1,537.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, a 6.1% increase and 11.0% increase over the same periods in 2011, respectively.

Net premiums earned of $448.9 million and $1,324.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, a 6.8% and 16.7% increase over the same periods in 2011, respectively.

Underwriting income(2) of $11.5 million and $35.0 million and a combined ratio(2) of 98.2% and 98.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $14.1 million and $32.0 million and 97.4% and 98.0%, respectively for the same periods in 2011.

Net investment income of $21.6 million and $60.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, a 14.9% and 4.1% increase over the same periods in 2011, respectively.

Consolidated Financial Condition

Annualized operating return on common equity(1) of 9.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 9.2% for the same period in 2011.
 

40


Common shareholders’ equity of $877.8 million; book value per common share of $12.14.

Total cash and investments of $2.8 billion; fixed maturities comprise 93.4% of total invested assets, of which 51.9% have a credit rating of AA+ or better and an overall average credit rating of A+.

Total assets of $3.9 billion.

Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses of $1.5 billion.

Total debt of $333.8 million and a debt to total capitalization ratio of 24.5%.

(1)
Operating earnings, operating earnings per common share and operating return on common equity are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information and a reconciliation to the nearest U.S. GAAP financial measure (net income).

(2)
Underwriting income and combined ratio are operating metrics. See “Certain Operating Measures” for additional information.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, better explain the Company's results of operations in a manner that allows for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the Company's business. However these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are:
 
Operating Earnings and Operating Earnings per Common Share: In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe that showing operating earnings enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of our financial information to more easily analyze our results of operations in a manner similar to how management analyzes our underlying business performance.  Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP net income. Operating earnings are an internal performance measure used in the management of our operations and represents operating results excluding, as applicable on a recurring basis, the following:

Net realized and unrealized gains or losses on investment;

Foreign exchange and other gains or losses;

Amortization of intangible assets; and

Non-cash deferred tax expenses; 

We exclude net realized investment gains or losses and foreign exchange gains or losses as we believe that both are heavily influenced in part by market opportunities and other factors. We do not believe amortization of intangible assets are representative of our ongoing business. We believe all of these amounts are largely independent of our business and underwriting process and including them distorts the analysis of trends in our operations.

We also exclude certain non-recurring expenditures that are material to understanding our results of operations, including the following items in 2011:

Transaction expenses related to the IIS Acquisition, as these are non-recurring; and

Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense and the accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance costs resulting from the 2011 Senior Notes offering.
      
The following is a reconciliation of operating earnings to its most closely related GAAP measure, net income, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:


41


 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
21.9

 
$
16.0

 
$
56.8

 
$
11.0

Add (subtract):
 
 
 
 


 


Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investment
(2.4
)
 
2.9

 
(0.8
)
 
2.3

Foreign exchange (gains) losses
(1.2
)
 
1.1

 
(1.3
)
 
(0.9
)
Amortization of intangible assets
1.1

 
1.2

 
3.3

 
3.7

Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense

 

 

 
15.1

Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost

 

 

 
20.3

Non-recurring general and administrative expenses relating to IIS Acquisition

 

 

 
0.2

Non-cash deferred tax expense
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.6

 
0.7

Operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
19.5

 
$
21.4

 
$
58.6

 
$
52.4

Operating earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic operating earnings per common share
$
0.27

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.81

 
$
0.73

Diluted operating earnings per common share
$
0.27

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.72


Operating Return on Common Equity ("Operating ROCE"): Management uses operating return on average common shareholders' equity as a measure of profitability that focuses on the return to common shareholders. It is calculated using operating earnings available to common shareholders (as defined above) divided by average common shareholders' equity (average shareholders' equity excluding the aggregate liquidation value of our preference shares). Management has set as a target a long-term average of 15% Operating ROCE, which management believes provides an attractive return to common shareholders for the risk assumed. Operating ROCE for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is computed as follows:

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
19.5

 
$
21.4

 
$
58.6

 
$
52.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Opening Maiden common shareholders’ equity
$
824.3

 
$
759.3

 
$
768.6

 
$
750.2

Ending Maiden common shareholders’ equity
$
877.8

 
$
767.2

 
$
877.8

 
$
767.2

Average Maiden common shareholders’ equity
$
851.1

 
$
763.3

 
$
823.2

 
$
758.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating return on common shareholders' equity
2.3
%
 
2.8
%
 
7.1
%
 
6.9
%
Annualized operating return on common shareholders' equity
9.1
%
 
11.1
%
 
9.5
%
 
9.2
%

The decline in Operating ROCE for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily the result of lower operating earnings as a result of higher combined ratio in 2012 and was further decreased by strong growth in common shareholders' equity resulting from the higher earnings and increased other comprehensive income brought about by the $43.6 million increase in unrealized gains on the Company's investment portfolio for the three months ended September 30, 2012.

The increase in Operating ROCE for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily the result of higher operating earnings as a result of higher investment income in 2012. These improved results were offset by stronger growth in common shareholders' equity resulting from the higher earnings and the combined effect of improved net income along with higher other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the result of a $73.7 million increase in unrealized gains on the Company's investment portfolio.



42


Book Value per Common Share:  Management uses growth in book value per common share as a primary measure of the value the Company is generating for its common shareholders, as management believes that growth in the Company’s book value per common share ultimately results in growth in the Company’s common share price. Book value per common share is calculated using common shareholders’ equity (shareholders' equity excluding the aggregate liquidation value of our preference shares) divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Book value per common share is impacted by the Company’s net income and external factors such as interest rates, which can drive changes in unrealized gains or losses on its investment portfolio. Book value per common share as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is computed as follows:

 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
($ in Millions)
Ending Maiden common shareholders’ equity
$
877.8

 
$
768.6

Common shares outstanding
72,282,489

 
72,221,428

Book value per common share
$
12.14

 
$
10.64


The increase in Maiden common shareholders' equity was due to net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $56.8 million, an increase in unrealized gains on investments of $73.7 million offset by dividends declared of $17.3 million and a foreign currency translation adjustment of $0.3 million.

Certain Operating Measures
 
Underwriting Income and Combined Ratio:   The combined ratio is used in the insurance and reinsurance industry as a measure of underwriting profitability. Management measures underwriting results on an overall basis and for each segment on the basis of the combined ratio. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio and the expense ratio and the computations of each component are described below. A combined ratio under 100% indicates underwriting profitability, as the total losses and loss expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses are less than the premiums earned on that business. We have generated underwriting income in each year since our inception. Underwriting income is calculated by subtracting losses and loss adjustment expenses, commissions and other acquisition expenses and applicable general and administrative expenses from the net earned premium and is the monetized equivalent of the combined ratio.

For purposes of these operating measures, the fee-generating business associated with the IIS Acquisition ("IIS Fee Business") which is included in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, is considered part of the underwriting operations of the Company. Certain portions of the IIS Fee Business are directly associated with the underlying reinsurance contracts recorded in the Diversified Reinsurance segment. To the extent that the fees are generated on underlying insurance contracts sold to third parties that are then ceded under quota share reinsurance contracts to Maiden Bermuda, a proportionate share of the fee is offset against the related acquisition expense. To the extent that IIS Fee Business is not directly associated with premium revenue generated under the applicable reinsurance contracts, that fee revenue is separately reported on the line captioned “Other insurance revenue” in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
While an important metric of success, underwriting income and combined ratio do not reflect all components of profitability, as it does not recognize the impact of investment income earned on premiums between the time premiums are received and the time loss payments are ultimately paid to clients.   Because we do not manage our assets by segment, investment income, interest expense and total assets are not allocated to individual reportable segments. General and administrative expenses are allocated to segments based on various factors, including staff count and each segment's proportional share of gross premiums written.
 
The "net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio" is derived by dividing net losses and loss expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue. The "commission and other acquisition expense ratio" is derived by dividing acquisition expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue. The "general and administrative expense ratio" is derived by dividing general and administrative expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue. The "expense ratio" is the sum of the commission and other acquisition expense ratio and the general and administrative expense ratio.

Relevant Factors
 
Revenues

We derive our revenues primarily from premiums on our insurance policies and reinsurance contracts, net of any reinsurance or retrocessional coverage purchased. Insurance and reinsurance premiums are a function of the amounts and types of policies and contracts we write, as well as prevailing market prices. Our prices are determined before our ultimate costs, which may extend far into the future, are known.
 
The Company's revenues also include fee income generated by the IIS Fee Business as well as income generated from its investment portfolio. The Company's investment portfolio is comprised of fixed maturity investments, held as available-for-sale ("AFS"), and other investments that are held as AFS. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, these investments are carried at fair market value and unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investments held as AFS are generally excluded from earnings. These unrealized gains and losses are included on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in accumulated other

43


comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders' equity. If unrealized losses are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, such losses are included in earnings as a realized loss.

Expenses
 
Our expenses consist largely of net loss and loss adjustment expenses, commission and other acquisition expenses, general and administrative expenses, amortization of intangible assets and foreign exchange and other gains or losses. Net loss and loss adjustment expenses are comprised of three main components:

losses paid, which are actual cash payments to insureds, net of recoveries from reinsurers;

change in outstanding loss or case reserves, which represent management’s best estimate of the likely settlement amount for known claims, less the portion that can be recovered from reinsurers; and

change in IBNR reserves, which are reserves established by us for changes in the values of claims that have been reported to us but are not yet settled, as well as claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported. The portion recoverable from reinsurers is deducted from the gross estimated loss.

Commission and other acquisition expenses are comprised of commissions, brokerage fees and insurance taxes. Commissions and brokerage fees are usually calculated as a percentage of premiums and depend on the market and line of business and can, in certain instances, vary based on loss sensitive features of reinsurance contracts. Commission and other acquisition expenses are reported after (1) deducting commissions received on ceded reinsurance, (2) deducting the part of commission and other acquisition expenses relating to unearned premiums and (3) including the amortization of previously deferred commission and other acquisition expenses.

General and administrative expenses include personnel expenses including share-based compensation charges, rent expense, professional fees, information technology costs and other general operating expenses. We are experiencing increases in general and administrative expenses resulting from additional staff, increased depreciation expense for our fixed assets and increased professional fees. As the Company continues to expand and diversify in 2012, we expect this trend to continue.

 Critical Accounting Policies
 
It is important to understand our accounting policies in order to understand our financial position and results of operations. The Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. 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 at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The following presents a discussion of those accounting policies and estimates that management believes are the most critical to its operations and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgment. If actual events differ significantly from the underlying assumptions and estimates used by management, there could be material adjustments to prior estimates that could potentially adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. These critical accounting policies and estimates should be read in conjunction with Note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, included in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC.  There have been no material changes in the application of our critical accounting estimates subsequent to that report.

44




Results of Operations
 
Net Income
 
The following table sets forth our selected Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income data for each of the periods indicated:
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Gross premiums written
$
478.5

 
$
451.1

 
$
1,537.0

 
$
1,384.3

Net premiums written
$
455.8

 
$
428.6

 
$
1,458.6

 
$
1,315.1

Net premiums earned
$
448.9

 
$
420.3

 
$
1,324.5

 
$
1,134.5

Other insurance revenue
2.6

 
4.5

 
9.7

 
11.4

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
(309.1
)
 
(274.5
)
 
(897.5
)
 
(746.3
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
(120.9
)
 
(126.8
)
 
(367.8
)
 
(339.6
)
General and administrative expenses
(10.0
)
 
(9.4
)
 
(33.9
)
 
(28.0
)
Total underwriting income
11.5

 
14.1

 
35.0

 
32.0

Other general and administrative expenses
(3.6
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(8.7
)
 
(9.6
)
Net investment income
21.6

 
18.7

 
60.1

 
57.7

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment
2.4

 
(2.9
)
 
0.8

 
(2.3
)
Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense

 

 

 
(15.1
)
Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost

 

 

 
(20.3
)
Amortization of intangible assets
(1.1
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(3.7
)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
1.2

 
(1.1
)
 
1.3

 
0.9

Interest and amortization expenses
(9.6
)
 
(8.2
)
 
(26.8
)
 
(26.6
)
Income tax expense
(0.5
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(2.0
)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 
(0.1
)
 

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
21.9

 
$
16.0

 
$
56.8

 
$
11.0

Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
68.5
%
 
64.6
%
 
67.3
%
 
65.1
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
26.8
%
 
29.8
%
 
27.6
%
 
29.6
%
General and administrative expense ratio
2.9
%
 
3.0
%
 
3.1
%
 
3.3
%
Expense ratio
29.7
%
 
32.8
%
 
30.7
%
 
32.9
%
Combined ratio
98.2
%
 
97.4
%
 
98.0
%
 
98.0
%
 
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $21.9 million and $56.8 million compared to $16.0 million and $11.0 million for the same periods in 2011, respectively. The increase in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 was primarily due to higher net investment income along with an increase in realized and unrealized gains on investment. These improvements were offset by a higher combined ratio, primarily in the Company's Diversified segment.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net income also improved as a result of higher net investment income along with an increase in realized and unrealized gains on investment. The nine month results were also aided by higher underwriting income, the result of continuing premium growth and a stable combined ratio. The nine month 2011 results were significantly reduced as a result of charges related to the 2011 Senior Notes offering which included $15.1 million of junior subordinated debt repurchase expense and $20.3 million of accelerated amortization of subordinated debt discount and issuance costs.





45



Comparison of Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
 
Net Premiums Written -  Net premiums written increased by $27.2 million or 6.4% and increased by $143.5 million or 10.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. The following table details the mix of our business on a net premiums written basis:

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Written
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
$
193.9

 
42.5
%
 
$
188.7

 
44.0
%
 
$
5.2

 
2.8
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
186.3

 
40.9
%
 
173.5

 
40.5
%
 
12.8

 
7.4
%
ACAC Quota Share
75.6

 
16.6
%
 
66.4

 
15.5
%
 
9.2

 
13.9
%
Total
$
455.8

 
100.0
%
 
$
428.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
27.2

 
6.4
%
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Written
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
$
626.2

 
42.9
%
 
$
605.5

 
46.0
%
 
$
20.7

 
3.4
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
607.9

 
41.7
%
 
516.7

 
39.3
%
 
91.2

 
17.7
%
ACAC Quota Share
224.5

 
15.4
%
 
192.9

 
14.7
%
 
31.6

 
16.4
%
Total
$
1,458.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,315.1

 
100.0
%
 
$
143.5

 
10.9
%

The changes in net premiums written were primarily the result of the following:

Continued underwriting discipline by Maiden US in the Diversified Reinsurance segment -  Maiden US continues to maintain its underwriting discipline in the face of ongoing significant market competition and Maiden US wrote fewer new accounts in 2012. As a result, there was a small decrease in premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2012 of $0.8 million or 0.5% compared to the same period in 2011. Maiden Bermuda and IIS increased their written premium by $6.0 million or 25.3% during the same three month period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the increased writings by Maiden US of $38.0 million, or 7.7% were offset by reduced writings by Maiden Bermuda and the Company's international operations, as certain accounts were reduced in size or were non-renewed.

Growth on recurring business in the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment - The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 include the $45.9 million in force and unearned premium assumed at the commencement of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share on April 1, 2011. Excluding that non-recurring item, net premiums written increased by $137.1 million or 29.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. This increase reflects AmTrust's continuing expansion through acquisition and ongoing organic growth, both of which are benefiting from improved rate levels.

Growth in the ACAC Quota Share segment - For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, net premiums written increased by $9.2 million and $31.6 million, or 13.9% and 16.4%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011, as ACAC continues to expand its business.

Net Premiums Earned -  Net premiums earned increased by $28.6 million and $190.0 million or 6.8% and 16.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. The following table details the mix of our business on a net premiums earned basis:


46


 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Earned
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
$
200.0

 
44.5
%
 
$
197.8

 
47.1
%
 
$
2.2

 
1.1
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
177.2

 
39.5
%
 
159.7

 
38.0
%
 
17.5

 
11.0
%
ACAC Quota Share
71.7

 
16.0
%
 
62.8

 
14.9
%
 
8.9

 
14.1
%
Total
$
448.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
420.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
28.6

 
6.8
%

 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Earned
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
$
603.5

 
45.6
%
 
$
542.3

 
47.8
%
 
$
61.2

 
11.3
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
513.0

 
38.7
%
 
410.4

 
36.2
%
 
102.6

 
25.0
%
ACAC Quota Share
208.0

 
15.7
%
 
181.8

 
16.0
%
 
26.2

 
14.4
%
Total
$
1,324.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,134.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
190.0

 
16.7
%

 The increase in net premiums earned was primarily the result of:

Growth in Maiden US business in the Diversfied Reinsurance segment - Continued underwriting discipline and strong organic premium written growth in 2011 and 2012 resulted in increased earned premiums by Maiden US of $20.5 million or 13.3% and $87.3 million or 20.3% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. This growth in Maiden US was partially offset in both periods by reduced writings by Maiden Bermuda and the Company's international operations, as certain accounts reduced in size or were non-renewed.

Growth in the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment - The commencement of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share on April 1, 2011 increased premiums earned by $4.2 million and$33.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, while the business assumed under the Amtrust Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement ("Master Agreement") increased $13.3 million or 9.8% and $69.1 million or 18.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.

Growth in the ACAC Quota Share segment - For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, net premiums earned increased by $8.9 million or 14.1% and $26.2 million or 14.4%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011, as ACAC continues to expand its business.
 
Other Insurance Revenue - Other insurance revenue represents the IIS Fee Business that is not directly associated with premium revenue assumed by the Company and consists primarily of commissions in German auto business products and decreased 42.1% and 15.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.

Net Investment Income - Net investment income increased by $2.9 million and $2.4 million, or 14.9% and 4.1%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011, respectively. The following table details the Company's average invested assets and average book yield for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Average invested assets
$
2,855.6

 
$
2,400.2

 
$
2,694.2

 
$
2,339.5

Average book yield*
3.0
%
 
3.1
%
 
3.0
%
 
3.3
%

*Ratio of net investment income over average invested assets, at fair value, including cash and cash equivalents and loan to related party.





47


Despite the Company reducing the amount of cash held during 2012 and investing in longer term assets, the continuing decline in interest rates to historically low levels continue to reduce the Company's overall portfolio yield. Despite the lower portfolio yields, the increase in net investment income for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011 is the result of the 19.0% and 15.2% growth in invested assets in those periods, respectively. The growth in invested assets in those periods is the result of:1) continued growth in the overall book of business in all segments as described herein; 2) strong positive cash flow from operations during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012; and 3) the issuance of the 2012 Senior Notes and the Preference Shares.

As a result, despite the increase in invested assets, the low interest rate environment has continued to limit the growth of investment income in both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011. Growth in net investment income has been additionally limited by increases in prepayments of the Company's Agency mortgage-backed securities portfolio, resulting in increased levels of amortization of bond premiums, which has reduced investment income in both periods in 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011. Finally, investment income in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was reduced by interest expense on a short trading position in a U.S. treasury bond which totaled $0.8 million for that period. The short position which resulted in those costs was closed on June 28, 2012, after having been opened on July 12, 2011.

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment - Net realized gains on investments were $2.4 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to net realized and unrealized losses of $2.9 million and $2.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.  See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Investments" on page 59 for further information.
 
Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Net loss and loss adjustment expenses increased by $34.6 million and $151.2 million, or 12.6% and 20.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.   The Company's net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased to 68.5% and 67.3% from 64.6% and 65.1%, respectively, for the same periods in 2011, respectively. The increased net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were primarily the result of lower amortization of deferred gains in 2012 compared to 2011. The Company amortized gains as a reduction of losses assumed from the IIS and GMAC Re Acquisitions of $4.8 million and $12.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $12.7 million and $27.7 million for the same periods in 2011, respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2011 results and net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio include $9.5 million in losses related to thunderstorm and tornado activity across the U.S. in the second quarter of 2011, net of the Company’s quarterly provisions for normalized catastrophe activity. These losses increased the 2011 net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios by 0.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

  Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses -   Commission and other acquisition expenses decreased by $5.9 million and increased by $28.2 million, or 4.6% and 8.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.  The commission and other acquisition expense ratio decreased to 26.8% and 27.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 29.8% and 29.6% for the same periods in 2011, respectively. This reflects both the growth in earned premium and modifications to ceding commission made under the Master Agreement offset by the lower ceding commission and profit share under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, effective April 1, 2011 and discussed in further detail in that segment's results of operations. This decrease is partially offset by Maiden US continuing to experience an increase in business written on a pro rata basis. In addition, as a result of the adoption of new accounting standards regarding the recognition of deferred acquisition expenses in the first quarter of 2012, acquisition expenses increased an additional $0.5 million and $2.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, over the same periods in 2011, respectively.

General and Administrative Expenses -  General and administrative expenses include expenses which are segregated for analytical purposes as a component of underwriting income.  General and administrative expenses consist of:

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
General & administrative expenses – segments
$
10.0

 
$
9.4

 
$
33.9

 
$
28.0

General & administrative expenses – corporate
3.6

 
3.1

 
8.7

 
9.6

Total general & administrative expenses
$
13.6

 
$
12.5

 
$
42.6

 
$
37.6



Total general and administrative expenses increased by $1.1 million and $5.0 million, or 8.8% and 13.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. The general and administrative expense ratio, which is a measure of the Company's efficiency, were 2.9% and 3.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 3.0% and 3.3% for same periods in 2011, respectively.   The decrease in the three and nine month periods reflects the continuing growth of larger quota share accounts which enable the Company to operate more efficiently.







48



Interest and Amortization Expenses -   The interest and amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 comprises:
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Junior Subordinated Debt
$
5.4

 
$
6.0

 
$
16.0

 
$
24.2

Senior Notes
4.2

 
2.2

 
10.8

 
2.4

Total
$
9.6

 
$
8.2

 
$
26.8

 
$
26.6


The increase in interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011 was due to the issuance of the 2012 Senior Notes during the first quarter 2012. These increases were offset by savings in interest expense realized due to the repurchase on July 15, 2011 of $107.5 million of the Junior Subordinated Debt, the repurchase of which was financed with the issuance of the 2011 Senior Notes.

The weighted average interest rate were 11.47% and 11.83% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 13.16% and 16.20% for the same periods in 2011, respectively.
 
Income Tax Expense - The Company incurred $0.5 million and $1.5 million in income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $0.3 million and $2.0 million in the same periods in 2011, respectively, primarily relating to current tax expense in certain foreign jurisdictions.

Underwriting Results by Segment
 
The results of operations for our three business segments, Diversified Reinsurance, AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and ACAC Quota Share are discussed below.  

Diversified Reinsurance Segment
 
The combined ratio was 98.0% and 98.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 95.8% and 96.9% for the same periods in 2011, respectively. In addition, the 2011 results included the underwriting impact of U.S. storm activity which increased the combined ratio by 1.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. In addition, in 2012, the implementation of the new accounting standard for deferred acquisition expenses increased the combined ratio for the segment by 0.3% and 0.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

Excluding these items, the combined ratio was 97.7% and 98.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 95.8% and 95.1% for the same periods in 2011, respectively. The higher combined ratios for both periods in 2012 was primarily the result of lower amortization of deferred gains from both the IIS Acquisition and the GMAC Acquisition. In addition the higher combined ratio in 2012, as adjusted, was due primarily to a decline in international underwriting results primarily in that business's German auto line along with higher losses from business written by Maiden Bermuda.

49



The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the Diversified Reinsurance segment:

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Net premiums written
$
193.9

 
$
188.7

 
$
626.2

 
$
605.5

Net premiums earned
$
200.0

 
$
197.8

 
$
603.6

 
$
542.3

Other insurance revenue
2.6

 
4.5

 
9.6

 
11.4

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
(141.6
)
 
(123.3
)
 
(412.4
)
 
(350.0
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
(47.8
)
 
(62.0
)
 
(159.9
)
 
(161.7
)
General and administrative expenses
(9.3
)
 
(8.5
)
 
(31.8
)
 
(24.8
)
Underwriting income
$
3.9

 
$
8.5

 
$
9.1

 
$
17.2

Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
69.9
%
 
60.9
%
 
67.3
%
 
63.2
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
23.6
%
 
30.7
%
 
26.1
%
 
29.2
%
General and administrative expense ratio
4.5
%
 
4.2
%
 
5.1
%
 
4.5
%
Expense ratio
28.1
%
 
34.9
%
 
31.2
%
 
33.7
%
Combined ratio
98.0
%
 
95.8
%
 
98.5
%
 
96.9
%

Net Premiums Written -  Net premiums written increased by $5.2 million or 2.8% and increased by $20.7 million or 3.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011, respectively. The table below details net premiums written by line of business in this segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Written
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
$
41.7

 
21.5
%
 
$
46.9

 
24.9
%
 
$
(5.2
)
 
(11.2
)%
Casualty
114.6

 
59.1
%
 
106.4

 
56.4
%
 
8.2

 
7.7
 %
Accident and Health
9.2

 
4.7
%
 
13.3

 
7.0
%
 
(4.1
)
 
(30.7
)%
International
28.4

 
14.7
%
 
22.1

 
11.7
%
 
6.3

 
28.8
 %
Total Diversified Reinsurance
$
193.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
188.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
5.2

 
2.8
 %
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Written
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
$
157.6

 
25.2
%
 
$
168.6

 
27.8
%
 
$
(11.0
)
 
(6.5
)%
Casualty
349.4

 
55.8
%
 
314.2

 
51.9
%
 
35.2

 
11.2
 %
Accident and Health
34.5

 
5.5
%
 
36.8

 
6.1
%
 
(2.3
)
 
(6.2
)%
International
84.7

 
13.5
%
 
85.9

 
14.2
%
 
(1.2
)
 
(1.3
)%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
$
626.2

 
100.0
%
 
$
605.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
20.7

 
3.4
 %



50


Maiden US was successful in writing a series of new accounts in the second half of 2011 which contributed to portions of its growth during the first nine months of 2012. Fewer new treaty accounts were written during the nine months of 2012 as Maiden US continues to maintain its underwriting discipline in the face of ongoing competitive market conditions. This resulted in a decrease in premiums written by Maiden US of $0.8 million and an increase of $38.0 million, or 0.5% and 7.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the increased writings by Maiden US were offset by reduced writings by Maiden Bermuda and the Company's international operations, as certain accounts were reduced in size or non-renewed.


Net Premiums Earned -  Net premiums earned increased by $2.2 million or 1.1% and $61.2 million or 11.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011, respectively.  The table below details net premiums earned by line of business in this segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Earned
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
$
50.7

 
25.3
%
 
$
45.3

 
22.9
%
 
$
5.4

 
11.8
 %
Casualty
119.6

 
59.8
%
 
107.8

 
54.5
%
 
11.8

 
11.0
 %
Accident and Health
11.2

 
5.6
%
 
10.4

 
5.3
%
 
0.8

 
7.2
 %
International
18.5

 
9.3
%
 
34.3

 
17.3
%
 
(15.8
)
 
(45.8
)%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
$
200.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
197.8

 
100.0
%
 
$
2.2

 
1.1
 %

 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Earned
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
$
164.7

 
27.3
%
 
$
134.7

 
24.8
%
 
$
30.0

 
22.3
 %
Casualty
334.5

 
55.4
%
 
285.7

 
52.7
%
 
48.8

 
17.1
 %
Accident and Health
32.5

 
5.4
%
 
33.5

 
6.2
%
 
(1.0
)
 
(2.9
)%
International
71.8

 
11.9
%
 
88.4

 
16.3
%
 
(16.6
)
 
(18.8
)%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
$
603.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
542.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
61.2

 
11.3
 %


The increase in earned premiums in both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 reflect trends in premium writings experienced in this segment in the second half of 2011 and the first half of 2012, as previously described.

Other Insurance Revenue - Other insurance revenue represents the IIS Fee Business, which consists primarily of commissions on German auto business produced, that is not directly associated with premium revenue assumed by the Company and decreased 42.1% and 15.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses -  Net losses and loss expenses increased by $18.3 million and $62.4 million or 14.9% and 17.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.  Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were 69.9% and 60.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 67.3% and 63.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The higher net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio was primarily the result of lower amortization of deferred gains in 2012 compared to 2011. The Company amortized gains as a reduction of losses incurred of $4.8 million and $12.1 million and $12.7 million and $27.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The higher net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in 2012, as adjusted, was due primarily to higher losses from business written by Maiden Bermuda and a decline in international underwriting results primarily in that business's German auto line. In addition, the 2011 results included the underwriting impact of U.S. storm activity which increased the net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio by 1.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.




51


Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses - Commission and other acquisition expenses decreased by $14.2 million or 22.9% and $1.8 million or 1.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011, respectively.  The decrease during the nine months ended reflects the growth of the segment in 2012 compared to 2011, consistent with the reasons cited in the discussion of the change in earned premiums. In addition, as a result of the adoption of new accounting standards regarding the recognition of deferred acquisition expenses in the first quarter 2012, acquisition expenses increased an additional $0.5 million and $2.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, over the same periods in 2011, respectively. The implementation of this new accounting standards increased the commission and other acquisition expense ratio for the segment by 0.3% and 0.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

General and Administrative Expenses -  General and administrative expenses increased by $0.8 million and $7.0 million, or 9.3% and 28.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011, respectively. The general and administrative expense ratio was 4.5% and 5.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 4.2% and 4.5% for the same periods in 2011, respectively.

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Segment
 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the combined ratio were 97.0% and 96.4%, compared to 97.8% and 97.7% for the same periods in 2011, respectively. The improved results reflect stable net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios and lower acquisition expenses, the result of ongoing changes in the mix of business and changes in underlying reinsurance agreements described below.

Effective April 1, 2011, the Company entered into a series of contract modifications with AmTrust regarding the reinsurance coverage it provides under the Master Agreement, including the ceding commission arrangements contained within that contract. These changes include: 1) extension of the Master Agreement for one additional year, to July 1, 2014, while continuing the automatic three-year renewal subject to the provisions of the contract; 2) a reduction of the ceding commission payable under the Reinsurance Agreement to 30.0% for the period April 1 to December 31, 2011; and 3) subsequent to December 31, 2011, a provision which potentially reduces the ceding commission payable based on the mix of business ceded under the Reinsurance Agreement, excluding business related to the Unitrin Business Insurance ("UBI") business to either 30.5% or 30.0%.

In addition, on April 1, 2011, the Company entered into a separate one-year 40% quota share agreement ("European Hospital Liability Quota Share") with AmTrust Europe Limited and AmTrust International Underwriters Limited to cover those entities medical liability business in Europe, substantially all of which is in Italy. The Company's share of the maximum limit of liability is €2 million per claim and it will pay a ceding commission of 5.0% plus a profit share as defined in the agreement. The profit sharing is based upon the reinsured exceeding defined underwriting performance of each contract year, commencing two years after the beginning of each contract year. To the extent that the underwriting performance is exceeded, the Company will share 50% of the excess amounts computed. Pursuant to the terms of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, the Company assumed the in-force and unearned premium as of April 1, 2011 which totaled $45.9 million. The business written under this agreement is included in the Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty line of business.

Effective January 1, 2012, the quota share reinsurance contract with AmTrust Europe Limited and AmTrust International Underwriters Limited was amended, thereby increasing the maximum liability attaching to €10 million, or currency equivalent (on a 100% basis), per original claim for any one original policy. Furthermore, amendments were also made to the contract to expand the territorial scope to include new territories, specifically France.
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Net premiums written
$
186.3

 
$
173.5

 
$
607.9

 
$
516.7

Net premiums earned
$
177.2

 
$
159.7

 
$
513.0

 
$
410.4

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
(120.9
)
 
(110.7
)
 
(350.6
)
 
(279.0
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
(50.5
)
 
(44.9
)
 
(142.3
)
 
(120.2
)
General and administrative expenses
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(1.8
)
Underwriting income
$
5.3

 
$
3.6

 
$
18.7

 
$
9.4

Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
68.2
%
 
69.3
%
 
68.3
%
 
68.0
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
28.5
%
 
28.1
%
 
27.7
%
 
29.3
%
General and administrative expense ratio
0.3
%
 
0.4
%
 
0.4
%
 
0.4
%
Expense ratio
28.8
%
 
28.5
%
 
28.1
%
 
29.7
%
Combined ratio
97.0
%
 
97.8
%
 
96.4
%
 
97.7
%

52



Premiums - Net premiums written increased by $12.8 million or 7.4% and by $91.2 million or 17.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.  The table below details components of net premiums written for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011:
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Written
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
$
84.1

 
45.1
%
 
$
57.8

 
33.4
%
 
$
26.3

 
45.3
 %
Specialty Program
14.9

 
8.0
%
 
38.3

 
22.0
%
 
(23.4
)
 
(61.0
)%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
87.3

 
46.9
%
 
77.4

 
44.6
%
 
9.9

 
12.8
 %
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
$
186.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
173.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
12.8

 
7.4
 %

 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Written
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
$
256.2

 
42.1
%
 
$
174.5

 
33.8
%
 
$
81.7

 
46.9
 %
Specialty Program
63.9

 
10.5
%
 
73.7

 
14.2
%
 
(9.8
)
 
(13.3
)%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
287.8

 
47.4
%
 
268.5

 
52.0
%
 
19.3

 
7.2
 %
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
$
607.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
516.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
91.2

 
17.7
 %

The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 include the $45.9 million in force and unearned premium assumed at the commencement of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share on April 1, 2011. Excluding that non-recurring item, net premiums written increased by $137.1 million or 29.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. This increase reflects AmTrust's continuing expansion through acquisition and ongoing organic growth, both of which are benefiting from improved rate levels.

Net premiums earned increased by $17.5 million or 11.0% and $102.6 million or 25.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011 and reflect the ongoing growth of business under the Master Agreement and the European Hospital Liability Quota Share.  The table below details components of net premiums earned for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011:

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Earned
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
$
81.3

 
45.9
%
 
$
55.6

 
34.8
%
 
$
25.7

 
46.4
 %
Specialty Program
9.8

 
5.5
%
 
26.6

 
16.7
%
 
(16.8
)
 
(63.1
)%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
86.1

 
48.6
%
 
77.5

 
48.5
%
 
8.6

 
11.2
 %
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
$
177.2

 
100.0
%
 
$
159.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
17.5

 
11.0
 %

53


 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Earned
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
$
218.1

 
42.5
%
 
$
156.0

 
38.0
%
 
$
62.1

 
39.8
 %
Specialty Program
60.4

 
11.8
%
 
63.2

 
15.4
%
 
(2.8
)
 
(4.3
)%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
234.5

 
45.7
%
 
191.2

 
46.6
%
 
43.3

 
22.6
 %
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
$
513.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
410.4

 
100.0
%
 
$
102.6

 
25.0
 %

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses -  Net losses and loss expenses increased by $10.2 million and $71.6 million or 9.2% and 25.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.  Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were 68.2% and 68.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 69.3% and 68.0% in the same periods in 2011, respectively. The decrease in the net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2012 reflects the ongoing shift in the mix of business to Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty, specifically the business written under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share. The business written under the Master Agreement produced a higher net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio in 2012 than in 2011.
 
Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses - Commission and other acquisition expenses increased by $5.6 million and $22.1 million, or 12.7% and 18.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011, respectively.  Expenses have increased in both periods in 2012 as a result of ongoing growth in earned premium under both the Master Agreement and the European Hospital Liability Quota Share. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio increased to 28.5% and decreased to 27.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 from 28.1% and 29.3% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and reflects the modifications to ceding commission made under the Master Agreement and the lower ceding commission under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, both effective April 1, 2011. The impact of the lower ceding commission rate reduced the amount of ceding commission paid to AmTrust by $0.5 million and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to $1.1 million and $2.2 million in the same periods in 2011, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses -  General and administrative expenses did not change significantly and decreased by approximately $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.
 

54



ACAC Quota Share Segment

 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the combined ratio were 96.8% and 96.5%, compared to 96.8% and 97.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012

2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Net premiums written
$
75.6

 
$
66.4

 
$
224.5

 
$
192.9

Net premiums earned
$
71.7

 
$
62.8

 
$
208.0

 
$
181.8

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
(46.6
)
 
(40.5
)
 
(134.5
)
 
(117.3
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
(22.6
)
 
(19.9
)
 
(65.7
)
 
(57.7
)
General and administrative expenses
(0.2
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.4
)
Underwriting income
$
2.3

 
$
2.0

 
$
7.2

 
$
5.4

Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
65.0
%
 
64.5
%
 
64.7
%
 
64.5
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
31.5
%
 
31.7
%
 
31.6
%
 
31.8
%
General and administrative expense ratio
0.3
%
 
0.6
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.8
%
Expense ratio
31.8
%
 
32.3
%
 
31.8
%
 
32.6
%
Combined ratio
96.8
%
 
96.8
%
 
96.5
%
 
97.1
%


Premiums -  Net premiums written increased by $9.2 million or 13.9% and $31.6 million or 16.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.  The increase in net premiums written was primarily due to the ongoing expansion of ACAC's business. The table below details components by line of business of net premiums written for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Written
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Automobile liability
$
39.0

 
51.6
%
 
$
38.4

 
57.9
%
 
$
0.6

 
1.5
%
Automobile physical damage
36.6

 
48.4
%
 
28.0

 
42.1
%
 
8.6

 
30.9
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
$
75.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
66.4

 
100.0
%
 
$
9.2

 
13.9
%

 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Written
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Automobile liability
$
118.3

 
52.7
%
 
$
110.7

 
57.4
%
 
$
7.6

 
6.9
%
Automobile physical damage
106.2

 
47.3
%
 
82.2

 
42.6
%
 
24.0

 
29.2
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
$
224.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
192.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
31.6

 
16.4
%

Net premiums earned increased by $8.9 million or 14.1% and $26.2 million or 14.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.  The table below details components by line of business of net premiums earned for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:


55



For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Earned
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Automobile liability
$
38.4

 
53.6
%
 
$
36.1

 
57.5
%
 
$
2.3

 
6.2
%
Automobile physical damage
33.3

 
46.4
%
 
26.7

 
42.5
%
 
6.6

 
24.8
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
$
71.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
62.8

 
100.0
%
 
$
8.9

 
14.1
%

 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change in
Net Premiums Earned
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Automobile liability
$
113.2

 
54.4
%
 
$
104.1

 
57.3
%
 
$
9.1

 
8.7
%
Automobile physical damage
94.8

 
45.6
%
 
77.7

 
42.7
%
 
17.1

 
22.1
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
$
208.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
181.8

 
100.0
%
 
$
26.2

 
14.4
%

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses -  Net losses and loss expenses increased by $6.1 million and $17.2 million or 15.0% and 14.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011.  Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios increased to 65.0% and 64.7% from 64.5% and 64.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses -   The ACAC Quota Share provides that the reinsurers pay a provisional ceding commission equal to 32.5% of ceded earned premiums, net of premiums ceded by the personal lines companies for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 60.5% or less and a minimum of 30.5% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or higher. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the commission and other acquisition expense ratio of 31.5% and 31.6% and 31.7% and 31.8%, respectively, reflects the adjusted ceding commission recorded in addition to the U.S. federal excise tax payable.
General and Administrative Expenses -  General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $0.2 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same periods in 2011, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity
 
Maiden Holdings is a holding company and transacts no business of its own. We therefore rely on cash flows to Maiden Holdings in the form of dividends, advances and loans and other permitted distributions from its subsidiary companies to make dividend payments on its common shares.
 
The jurisdictions in which our operating subsidiaries are licensed to write business impose regulations requiring companies to maintain or meet various defined statutory ratios, including solvency and liquidity requirements. Some jurisdictions also place restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions.
 
The payment of dividends from Maiden Holdings' Bermuda-domiciled operating subsidiary Maiden Bermuda is, under certain circumstances, limited under Bermuda law, which requires our Bermuda operating subsidiary to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity including the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement. In addition, Maiden Bermuda is also subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions under the Insurance Act 1978 (Bermuda) that limit the maximum amount of annual dividends or distributions to be paid by Maiden Bermuda to Maiden Holdings without notification to the Bermuda Monetary Authority of such payment (and in certain cases prior approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority). Maiden Bermuda is also restricted from paying dividends that would result in Maiden Bermuda failing to comply with the enhanced capital requirement ("ECR") as calculated based on the Bermuda Solvency Requirement ("BSCR"). At September 30, 2012, the statutory capital and surplus of Maiden Bermuda was $919.5 million. During 2012 and 2011, Maiden Bermuda paid no dividends to Maiden Holdings.
 
Maiden Holdings' U.S. domiciled operating subsidiaries, Maiden US and Maiden Specialty, are subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting their ability to declare and pay dividends by their states of domicile, which are Missouri and North Carolina, respectively.  In addition, there are restrictions based on risk-based capital tests which is the threshold that constitutes the authorized control level. If Maiden US' or Maiden Specialty's statutory capital and surplus falls below the authorized control level, their respective domiciliary insurance regulators are authorized to take whatever regulatory actions are considered necessary to protect policyholders and creditors. During 2012 and 2011, Maiden US and Maiden Specialty paid no dividends.


56



The inability of the subsidiaries of Maiden Holdings to pay dividends and other permitted distributions could have a material adverse effect on Maiden Holdings' cash requirements and ability to make principal, interest and dividend payments on its 2011 Senior Notes, 2012 Senior Notes, Junior Subordinated Debt, Preference Shares and common shares.
  
Our sources of funds primarily consist of premium receipts net of commissions, investment income, net proceeds from capital raising activities, which may include the issuance of common shares, and proceeds from sales, maturities and calls of investments. Cash is used primarily to pay net loss and loss adjustment expenses, interest on debt, general and administrative expenses and dividends, with the remainder made available to our investment managers for investment in accordance with our investment policy. A summary of cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
($ in Millions)
Operating activities
$
268.1

 
$
105.1

Investing activities
(615.4
)
 
40.3

Financing activities
224.6

 
(93.8
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
1.5

 
(1.4
)
Total (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
(121.2
)
 
$
50.2


Cash flows provided by operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $268.1 million compared to $105.1 million for the same period in 2011. The increase in the amount of cash provided by operations in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 reflects the significant growth in the Company during both 2011 and 2012, along with continuing stable combined ratios.  The Company's assets grew by $554.0 million or 16.3% as of September 30, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011, primarily reflecting the operating cash flows described, in addition to the issuance of the 2012 Senior Notes and the Preference Shares.  Although the Company's rate of premium growth has slowed in recent calendar quarters, the combination of premium growth and stable combined ratios should continue to generate positive cash flow from operations resulting in continued growth in the Company's invested assets.
 
Investing cash flows consist primarily of proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments and payments for investments acquired. Net cash used in investing activities was $615.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $40.3 million provided by investing activities for the same period in 2011. Despite the current interest rate environment which continues to provide historically low fixed income yield levels, the Company continues to deploy available cash for longer-term investments as quickly as investment conditions permit and to maintain, where possible, cash and cash equivalent balances at low levels. Continuation of current market conditions however, may result in the Company accumulating elevated levels of cash and cash equivalents which may result in slower growth in investment income and in certain instances, reductions in investment income despite the increase in invested assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the purchases of fixed maturity securities exceeded the proceeds of sales and calls of such instruments by $562.0 million.
 
Cash flows provided by financing activities were $224.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $93.8 million used in the same period in 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, cash provided by financing activities reflects the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2012 Senior Notes of $96.6 million and the issuance of the Preference Shares of $145.0 million offset by $17.3 million in dividends paid to common shareholders. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, cash flow used in financing activities reflected the proceeds from the issuance of the 2011 Senior Notes of $104.7 million, offset by the repayment of $76.2 million in repurchase agreements, the repayment of Junior Subordinated Debt of $107.5 million and $15.1 million of dividends paid to common shareholders.

 Restrictions, Collateral and Specific Requirements
 
 Maiden Bermuda is neither licensed nor admitted as an insurer, nor is it accredited as a reinsurer, in any jurisdiction outside of Bermuda. As a result, it is generally required to post collateral security with respect to any reinsurance liabilities it assumes from ceding insurers domiciled in the United States in order for U.S. ceding companies to obtain credit on their U.S. statutory financial statements with respect to insurance liabilities ceded by them. Additionally for certain non-U.S. reinsurance contracts the provision of collateral for reinsurance liabilities is required. Under applicable statutory or contractual provisions, the security arrangements may be in the form of letters of credit, reinsurance trusts maintained by trustees or funds-withheld arrangements where assets are held by the ceding company.
 
Maiden Bermuda primarily uses reinsurance trusts and letters of credit to meet collateral requirements, consequently, cash equivalents and investments are pledged in favor of ceding companies and issuing banks.
 



57


Maiden US also offers to its clients, on a voluntary basis, the ability to collateralize certain liabilities related to the reinsurance contracts it issues. Under these arrangements, Maiden US retains broad investment discretion in order to achieve its business objectives whilst offering clients the additional security a collateralized arrangement offers. We believe this offers Maiden US a significant competitive advantage and improves Maiden US' retention of high-quality clients. As a result of the transition of relationships resulting from the GMAC Acquisition, as of September 30, 2012, certain of these liabilities and collateralized arrangements are obligations of Maiden Bermuda while the remainder are obligations of Maiden US.

As of September 30, 2012, total cash and cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments used as collateral were $2,083.5 million compared to $1,586.2 million as of December 31, 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in assets provided as collateral for the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment.

  The following table details additional information on those assets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Restricted Cash &
Cash Equivalents
 
Fixed
Maturities
 
Total
 
Restricted Cash &
Cash Equivalents
 
Fixed
Maturities
 
Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Maiden US
$
39.0

 
$
712.6

 
$
751.6

 
$
19.4

 
$
624.4

 
$
643.8

Maiden Bermuda
53.4

 
398.1

 
451.5

 
50.8

 
368.4

 
419.2

Diversified Reinsurance
92.4

 
1,110.7

 
1,203.1

 
70.2

 
992.8

 
1,063.0

Maiden Bermuda
22.1

 
771.9

 
794.0

 
41.7

 
419.5

 
461.2

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
22.1

 
771.9

 
794.0

 
41.7

 
419.5

 
461.2

Maiden Bermuda
0.8

 
85.6

 
86.4

 
3.0

 
59.0

 
62.0

ACAC Quota Share
0.8

 
85.6

 
86.4

 
3.0

 
59.0

 
62.0

Total
$
115.3

 
$
1,968.2

 
$
2,083.5

 
$
114.9

 
$
1,471.3

 
$
1,586.2

As a % of Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet totals
100.0
%
 
75.4
%
 
76.5
%
 
100.0
%
 
72.8
%
 
74.3
%

As part of the Master Agreement, Maiden Bermuda has also loaned funds to AmTrust totaling $168.0 million as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, to satisfy collateral requirements with AII.
 
Collateral arrangements with ceding insurers may subject our assets to security interests or require that a portion of our assets be pledged to, or otherwise held by, third parties. Both our trust accounts and letters of credit are fully collateralized by assets held in custodial accounts. Although the investment income derived from our assets while held in trust accrues to our benefit, the investment of these assets is governed by the terms of the letter of credit facilities or the investment regulations of the state or territory of domicile of the ceding insurer, which may be more restrictive than the investment regulations applicable to us under Bermuda law. The restrictions may result in lower investment yields on these assets, which may adversely affect our profitability.
 
We do not currently anticipate that the restrictions on liquidity resulting from restrictions on the payments of dividends by our subsidiary companies or from assets committed in trust accounts or to collateralize the letter of credit facilities will have a material impact on our ability to carry out our normal business activities, including, our ability to make dividend payments on our common shares.
 
 IIS Acquisition - Funds Withheld
 
The substantial majority of the premiums and losses underwritten by GMAC IICL are subject to collateral requirements in the form of letters of credit and trust agreements. At the closing of the IIS Acquisition, the Company settled cash balances applicable to the subject reinsurance contracts with GMAC IICL of $26.2 million. Actual assets in support of the liabilities assumed under the IICL Agreement will be transferred to the Company when the subject individual agreements are novated to Maiden Bermuda.  In the interim, under the funds withheld provisions of the IICL Agreement, the Company is fully credited for the investment income earned by the underlying assets which support the letters of credit and trust agreements GMAC IICL has provided to its ceding companies.
 
The existing funds withheld amounts ("IIS Funds Withheld") and cash transferred to GMAC IICL are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as Funds Withheld.  During 2011, the substantial majority of underlying reinsurance contracts were novated to Maiden Bermuda per the terms of the IICL Agreement. As of September 30, 2012, one contract had not yet been novated and this is expected to occur by the end of 2012. Maiden Bermuda now provides collateral in the form of both trusts and letters of credit as required by the respective reinsurance contracts. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the IIS Funds Withheld balance consisted of the following:

58


 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Fixed maturities, at fair value
$
26.5

 
111.4
 %
 
$
27.3

 
112.2
 %
Cash and cash equivalents
2.0

 
8.2
 %
 
2.4

 
10.1
 %
Funds held on underlying business
0.6

 
2.5
 %
 
0.6

 
2.5
 %
Insurance balances receivable and other
(5.3
)
 
(22.1
)%
 
(6.0
)
 
(24.8
)%
Total IIS Funds Withheld
$
23.8

 
100.0
 %
 
$
24.3

 
100.0
 %

The fixed maturity portfolio consists primarily of non-U.S. government debt, 100.0% of which is rated AAA as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. All corporate bonds held as of September 30, 2012 are investment grade securities.  The fixed maturities consisted of the following:
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
United Kingdom government bonds
$
20.1

 
75.8
%
 
$
27.3

 
100.0
%
Corporate bonds
6.4

 
24.2
%
 

 
%
Total
$
26.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
27.3

 
100.0
%

We do not have any non-U.S. government and government related obligations related to Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal or Spain as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. See the discussion in Counterparty Credit Risk in Item 3 of Part I of this Form 10-Q related to the release of assets forming part of the IIS Funds Withheld.

Investments
 
Our funds are primarily invested in liquid, high-grade fixed income securities and are substantially considered AFS with an orientation to generating current income. As of September 30, 2012, the weighted average duration of our fixed maturity investment portfolio was 3.3 years and there were approximately $137.2 million of net unrealized gains in the portfolio, compared to a duration of 2.8 years and net unrealized gains of $63.6 million in the portfolio as of December 31, 2011.  The duration on the Company’s portfolio as of September 30, 2012 rose as a result of increased purchases of longer-duration corporate bonds in the first nine months of 2012, which were partially offset by faster prepayments on its U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed.

The Company's AFS fixed maturity investments increased by $589.3 million or 29.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011, which was the result of: 1) the Company's continued strong premium growth; 2) stable combined ratios which continue to generate significant positive cash flow from operations; and 3) the issuance of the 2012 Senior Notes and the Preference Shares. The table below shows the aggregate amounts of our invested AFS assets and other investments at fair value including the average yield and duration at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
September 30, 2012
 
Original or
amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
 
Average yield*
 
Average duration
Available-for-sale securities:
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42.7

 
$
1.4

 
$

 
$
44.1

 
1.9
%
 
1.5 years
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,039.0

 
41.3

 
(1.3
)
 
1,079.0

 
2.7
%
 
2.2 years
U.S. agency bonds – other
 
16.7

 
1.6

 

 
18.3

 
3.6
%
 
1.8 years
Non-U.S. government bonds
 
55.5

 
1.4

 
(0.3
)
 
56.6

 
1.5
%
 
2.3 years
Other mortgage-backed bonds
 
23.2

 
0.8

 

 
24.0

 
2.8
%
 
4.0 years
Corporate bonds
 
1,170.4

 
99.6

 
(8.5
)
 
1,261.5

 
4.6
%
 
4.8 years
Municipal bonds
 
125.3

 
1.2

 

 
126.5

 
0.9
%
 
0.8 years
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
2,472.8

 
147.3

 
(10.1
)
 
2,610.0

 
3.4
%
 
3.3 years
Other investments
 
2.5

 
0.4

 
(0.1
)
 
2.8

 
 
 
 
Total investments
 
$
2,475.3

 
$
147.7

 
$
(10.2
)
 
$
2,612.8

 
 
 
 

59


December 31, 2011
 
Original or
amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
 
Average yield*
 
Average duration
Available-for-sale securities:
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
44.2

 
$
1.8

 
$

 
$
46.0

 
1.8
%
 
2.1 years
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
928.9

 
43.3

 
(0.1
)
 
972.1

 
3.4
%
 
2.7 years
U.S. agency bonds – other
 
10.4

 
0.6

 

 
11.0

 
2.6
%
 
1.6 years
Non-U.S. government bonds
 
52.5

 
0.1

 
(0.3
)
 
52.3

 
1.1
%
 
2.7 years
Other mortgage-backed bonds
 
9.9

 

 

 
9.9

 
2.7
%
 
1.6 years
Corporate bonds
 
742.9

 
47.7

 
(30.2
)
 
760.4

 
4.8
%
 
3.5 years
Municipal bonds
 
168.3

 
0.7

 

 
169.0

 
0.7
%
 
0.5 years
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
1,957.1

 
94.2

 
(30.6
)
 
2,020.7

 
3.6
%
 
2.8 years
Other investments
 
2.0

 
0.3

 
(0.1
)
 
2.2

 
 
 
 
Total investments
 
$
1,959.1

 
$
94.5

 
$
(30.7
)
 
$
2,022.9

 
 
 
 
*Average yield is calculated by dividing annualized investment income for each sub-component of available-for sale securities (including amortization of premium or discount) by amortized cost and therefore does not include investment income earned on cash and cash equivalents or other short-term investments.

We review our investment portfolio for impairment on a quarterly basis. Impairments of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. To determine the recovery period of a fixed maturity security, we consider the facts and circumstances surrounding the underlying issuer including, but not limited to, the following:

Historic and implied volatility of the security;

Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;

Adverse conditions specifically related to the security or to specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;

Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and

Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

When assessing our intent to sell a fixed maturity security or if it is more likely that we will be required to sell a fixed maturity security before recovery of its cost basis, we evaluate facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition our security portfolio, sale of securities to meet cash flow needs and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing. In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a fixed maturity security, we calculate the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows we expect to recover. The discount rate is the effective interest rate implicit in the underlying fixed maturity security. The effective interest rate is the original yield or the coupon if the fixed maturity security was previously impaired. If other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") exists and we have the intent to sell the security, we conclude that the entire OTTI is credit-related and the amortized cost for the security is written down to current fair value with a corresponding charge to realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income. If we do not intend to sell a fixed maturity security or it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell a fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the fixed maturity security (referred to as the credit loss), we conclude that an OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to the estimated recovery value with a corresponding charge to realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income, as this is also deemed the credit portion of the OTTI. The remainder of the decline to fair value is recorded to other comprehensive income ("OCI"), as an unrealized OTTI loss on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as this is considered a non-credit (i.e., recoverable) impairment.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized no OTTI. Based on our qualitative and quantitative impairment review of each asset class within our fixed maturity portfolio, the remaining unrealized losses on fixed maturities at September 30, 2012, were primarily due to widening of credit spreads relating to the market illiquidity, rather than credit events. Because we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities until a recovery of fair value to amortized cost, we currently believe it is probable that we will collect all amounts due according to their respective contractual terms. Therefore we do not consider these fixed maturities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2012.

The Company may, from time to time, engage in investment activity that will be considered trading activity, in amounts generally less than $100 million. This trading activity is generally focused on taking long or short positions in United States Treasury securities. These periodic activities are classified as trading for the purpose of augmenting where possible investment returns. Unrealized gains and losses from trading activities are recorded in net realized and unrealized gains on investment on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income.

60



For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded realized losses from these trading activities of $0 and $1.6 million, respectively, compared to realized gains of $0.3 million and $0.8 million, for the same periods in 2011, respectively. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had no open positions, long or short, that would be classified as trading activities. In addition, no activity that would be classified as trading activity occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

The following table presents information regarding our available-for-sale securities and other investments that were in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and split by the length of time the assets are in a continuous unrealized loss position:
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
September 30, 2012
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale securities:
 
($ in Millions)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
149.1

 
$
(1.3
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
149.1

 
$
(1.3
)
Non-U.S. government bonds
 
27.6

 
(0.3
)
 

 
$

 
27.6

 
(0.3
)
Corporate bonds
 
37.5

 
(1.5
)
 
134.0

 
(7.0
)
 
171.5

 
(8.5
)
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
214.2

 
(3.1
)
 
134.0

 
(7.0
)
 
348.2

 
(10.1
)
Other investments
 
1.7

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
1.7

 
(0.1
)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities and other investments
 
$
215.9

 
$
(3.2
)
 
$
134.0

 
$
(7.0
)
 
$
349.9

 
$
(10.2
)

As of September 30, 2012, there were approximately 39 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $349.9 million and unrealized losses of $10.2 million. Of these securities, there are 8 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $134.0 million and unrealized losses of $7.0 million.

 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
December 31, 2011
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale securities:
 
($ in Millions)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
30.4

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
30.4

 
$
(0.1
)
Non-U.S. government bonds
 
43.6

 
(0.3
)
 

 

 
43.6

 
(0.3
)
Corporate bonds
 
227.4

 
(7.4
)
 
125.1

 
(22.8
)
 
352.5

 
(30.2
)
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
301.4

 
(7.8
)
 
125.1

 
(22.8
)
 
426.5

 
(30.6
)
Other investments
 
1.2

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
1.2

 
(0.1
)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities and other investments
 
$
302.6

 
$
(7.9
)
 
$
125.1

 
$
(22.8
)
 
$
427.7

 
$
(30.7
)

As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately 62 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $427.7 million and unrealized losses of $30.7 million. Of these securities, there are 8 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $125.1 million and unrealized losses of $22.8 million.

 The following table summarizes the fair value by contractual maturity of our AFS fixed maturity investment portfolio as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:


61


 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
% of
Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
% of
Total
Due in one year or less
 
$
50.6

 
1.9
%
 
$
54.3

 
2.7
%
Due after one year through five years
 
385.6

 
14.8
%
 
299.9

 
14.8
%
Due after five years through ten years
 
900.5

 
34.5
%
 
502.9

 
24.9
%
Due after ten years
 
170.3

 
6.5
%
 
181.6

 
9.0
%
 
 
1,507.0

 
57.7
%
 
1,038.7

 
51.4
%
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,079.0

 
41.4
%
 
972.1

 
48.1
%
Other mortgage-backed bonds
 
24.0

 
0.9
%
 
9.9

 
0.5
%
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
2,610.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,020.7

 
100.0
%

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 98.9% and 99.1%, respectively, of our AFS fixed income portfolio consisted of investment grade securities. We define a security as being below-investment grade if it has a Standard & Poor's ("S&P") credit rating of BB+ or less. The following table summarizes the composition of the fair value of our fixed maturity investments at the dates indicated by ratings as assigned by S&P (and/or other rating agencies when S&P ratings were not available):
September 30, 2012
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
% of Total Fair Value
Ratings
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42.7

 
$
44.1

 
1.7
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
1,055.7

 
1,097.3

 
42.0
%
AAA
 
171.2

 
179.3

 
6.9
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
205.4

 
216.4

 
8.3
%
A+, A, A-
 
432.7

 
461.6

 
17.7
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
535.9

 
582.1

 
22.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
29.2

 
29.2

 
1.1
%
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
2,472.8

 
$
2,610.0

 
100.0
%

December 31, 2011
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
% of Total Fair Value
Ratings
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
44.2

 
$
46.0

 
2.3
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
939.3

 
983.1

 
48.6
%
AAA
 
160.3

 
161.9

 
8.0
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
151.0

 
153.3

 
7.6
%
A+, A, A-
 
327.8

 
328.4

 
16.3
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
316.1

 
330.2

 
16.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
18.4

 
17.8

 
0.9
%
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
1,957.1

 
$
2,020.7

 
100.0
%

Substantially all of the Company's U.S. agency securities holdings are mortgage-backed bonds. Additional details on the mortgage-backed bonds component of our U.S. government agency-based investment portfolio at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are provided below:

62


 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
Mortgage-backed bonds
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed (RMBS)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GNMA – fixed rate
$
133.7

 
12.2
%
 
$
185.3

 
18.8
%
FNMA – fixed rate
588.7

 
53.6
%
 
487.3

 
49.6
%
FNMA – variable rate
50.4

 
4.6
%
 
77.8

 
7.9
%
FHLMC – fixed rate
291.5

 
26.6
%
 
221.7

 
22.6
%
FHLMC – variable rate
14.7

 
1.3
%
 

 
%
Total RMBS
1,079.0

 
98.3
%
 
972.1

 
98.9
%
Total U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed
1,079.0

 
98.3
%
 
972.1

 
98.9
%
Non-MBS fixed rate agency bonds
18.3

 
1.7
%
 
11.0

 
1.1
%
Total U.S. agency bonds
$
1,097.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
983.1

 
100.0
%

The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value associated with the Company's U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2012

2011
U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed
 
($ in Millions)
Beginning balance
 
$
1,049.1

 
$
1,023.1

Purchases
 
135.1

 
24.4

Sales and paydowns
 
(103.5
)
 
(42.7
)
Net realized gains on sales – included in net income
 

 
0.1

Change in net unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income
 
1.0

 
17.9

Amortization of bond premium and discount
 
(2.7
)
 
(0.9
)
Ending balance
 
$
1,079.0

 
$
1,021.9


 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed
 
($ in Millions)
Beginning balance
 
$
972.1

 
$
969.5

Purchases
 
390.7

 
160.1

Sales and paydowns
 
(274.8
)
 
(133.7
)
Net realized gains on sales – included in net income
 

 
0.4

Change in net unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income
 
(2.7
)
 
28.4

Amortization of bond premium and discount
 
(6.3
)
 
(2.8
)
Ending balance
 
$
1,079.0

 
$
1,021.9


The Company continued to experience elevated levels of paydowns of its U.S. agency mortgage-backed bond portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same periods in 2011. The increased paydowns reflect the ongoing decline in interest rates in the U.S. and globally, resulting in higher refinancing activity in the U.S. mortgage markets. This market environment was reinforced during the third quarter of 2012 when the U.S. Federal Reserve announced new policy measures designed to provide greater liquidity to certain credit markets, in particular the mortgage-backed securities market. These measures may have the effect of increasing the level of paydowns on certain mortgage-backed securities in the Company's portfolio, consequently increasing the amount of amortization of bond premium we may incur. This could potentially have the effect of limiting the growth in our investment income, or in certain circumstances, even reducing the total amount of investment income we earn. These increased paydowns have in turn increased the amount of premium amortization recognized by the Company for those periods, reducing the amount of net investment income reported by the Company as a result.


63


The Company holds no asset-backed securities other than the mortgage-backed securities it has described herein.

The Company has substantial holdings of corporate securities that take advantage of various investment opportunities in this asset class. Security holdings by sector and financial strength rating by S&P in this asset class as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:
 
Ratings*
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2012
AAA
 
AA+, AA, AA-
 
A+, A, A-
 
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
BB+ or lower
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Institutions
7.4
%
 
7.6
%
 
31.6
%
 
14.6
%
 
0.1
%
 
61.3
%
 
$
773.8

Industrials
%
 
1.3
%
 
3.4
%
 
29.0
%
 
1.2
%
 
34.9
%
 
441.0

Utilities/Other
%
 
%
 
0.3
%
 
2.5
%
 
1.0
%
 
3.8
%
 
46.7

Total corporate bonds
7.4
%
 
8.9
%
 
35.3
%
 
46.1
%
 
2.3
%
 
100.0
%
 
$
1,261.5


 
Ratings*
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
AAA
 
AA+, AA, AA-
 
A+, A, A-
 
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
BB+ or lower
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Institutions
7.5
%
 
2.6
%
 
36.8
%
 
22.1
%
 
0.8
%
 
69.8
%
 
$
531.1

Industrials
%
 
3.1
%
 
4.3
%
 
19.0
%
 
%
 
26.4
%
 
199.9

Utilities/Other
%
 
%
 
%
 
2.3
%
 
1.5
%
 
3.8
%
 
29.4

Total corporate bonds
7.5
%
 
5.7
%
 
41.1
%
 
43.4
%
 
2.3
%
 
100.0
%
 
$
760.4

*Ratings as assigned by S&P

In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company increased its allocation to investment grade corporate bonds, in particular sectors other than the Financial Institutions sector. These purchases have marginally increased the duration of the Company's AFS fixed maturity portfolio as of September 30, 2012. The Company has also increased its allocation to corporate bonds rated BBB, in order to take advantage of more attractive yield opportunities in those bonds, while staying within its existing investment guidelines.

The Company's 10 largest corporate holdings as of September 30, 2012 as carried at fair value and as a percentage of all fixed income securities are as follows:
September 30, 2012
Fair Value
 
% of Holdings
Based on Fair
Value of All
Fixed Income
Securities
 
Rating*
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
 
Morgan Stanley FLT, Due 10/18/2016
$
37.2

 
1.4
%
 
 A-
Citigroup FLT, Due 6/9/2016
24.9

 
1.0
%
 
 BBB+
Northern Rock Asset Mgt., 3.875% Due 11/16/2020
23.6

 
0.9
%
 
 AAA
BNP Paribas, Due 1/15/2021
22.1

 
0.9
%
 
 AA-
Rabobank Nederland UTREC, 3.875% Due 2/8/2022
21.2

 
0.8
%
 
AA
Barclays Bank PLC NY FLT, Due 2/24/2020
20.1

 
0.8
%
 
A+
Bear Stearns FLT, Due 11/21/2016
19.5

 
0.8
%
 
A
SLM Corp FLT, Due 1/27/2014
19.4

 
0.7
%
 
BBB-
JPMorgan Chase & Co FLT, Due 6/13/2016
19.3

 
0.7
%
 
 A
HSBC Financial FLT, Due 6/1/2016
19.1

 
0.7
%
 
A
Total
$
226.4

 
8.7
%
 
 
* Ratings as assigned by S&P

(1) Securities with the notation FLT are floating rate securities.

64



As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 19.9% and 33.0% of its corporate securities were floating rate securities. These securities enable the Company to maintain flexibility in the face of volatile fixed income market conditions and take advantage of any unanticipated increases in interest rates which may occur.

Given the Company’s status as a Bermuda domicile with limited U.S. federal tax exposure, to the extent that the Company invests in fixed maturity securities issued by U.S. state and local governments, these investments are made on the merits of the underlying investment and not on the tax-exempt status of those securities under U.S. federal tax law. As a result, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, municipal securities only composed 4.8% and 8.4% of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio, respectively.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we own the following securities not denominated in U.S. dollars:

 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Corporate bonds
$
145.0

 
71.9
%
 
$
65.7

 
55.7
%
Non-U.S. government bonds
56.6

 
28.1
%
 
52.3

 
44.3
%
Total non-U.S. dollar available-for-sale securities
$
201.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
118.0

 
100.0
%

The increase in these assets held during 2012 is primarily the result of funds relating to the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, which incepted on April 1, 2011 and under which the Company provides collateral which is denominated in Euro. These securities were invested in the following currencies:
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Euro
$
182.9

 
90.7
%
 
$
107.2

 
90.8
%
Swedish krona
10.1

 
5.0
%
 
9.9

 
8.4
%
Australian dollar
7.6

 
3.8
%
 

 
%
British pound
1.0

 
0.5
%
 
0.9

 
0.8
%
Total non-U.S. dollar available-for-sale securities
$
201.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
118.0

 
100.0
%


We do not have any government related obligations of Ireland, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Spain as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 90.5% and 90.4% of the Company's non-U.S. government issuers were rated AA or higher by S&P. The three largest non-U.S. government issuers held by the Company as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are:
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Germany
$
25.3

 
44.7
%
 
$
28.6

 
54.6
%
Sweden
9.0
 
15.9
%
 
8.8
 
16.8
%
Netherlands
5.8

 
10.2
%
 
6.4

 
12.2
%
All other
16.5

 
29.2
%
 
8.5

 
16.4
%
Total non-U.S. government bonds
$
56.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
52.3

 
100.0
%


65


For corporate bonds not denominated in U.S dollars, the following table summarizes the composition of the fair value of our fixed maturity investments at the dates indicated by ratings as assigned by S&P and/or other rating agencies when S&P ratings were not available:
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
AAA
$
58.5

 
40.3
%
 
$
22.7

 
34.5
%
AA+, AA, AA-
14.1

 
9.7
%
 
13.1

 
20.0
%
A+, A, A-
39.4

 
27.2
%
 
7.8

 
11.9
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
33.0

 
22.8
%
 
22.1

 
33.6
%
Total non-U.S. dollar corporate bonds
$
145.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
65.7

 
100.0
%

Financial Strength Ratings
 
Financial strength ratings represent the opinions of rating agencies on our capacity to meet our obligations. Some of our reinsurance treaties contain special funding and termination clauses that are triggered in the event that we or one of our subsidiaries is downgraded by one of the major rating agencies to levels specified in the treaties, or our capital is significantly reduced. If such an event were to happen, we would be required, in certain instances, to post collateral in the form of letters of credit and/or trust accounts against existing outstanding losses, if any, related to the treaty. In a limited number of instances, the subject treaties could be cancelled retroactively or commuted by the cedant and might affect our ability to write business. Our principal operating subsidiaries are rated "A-" (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company ("A.M. Best"), which rating is the fourth highest of 16 rating levels, and BBB+ (Good) with a stable outlook by S&P, which is the sixth highest of 21 rating levels.

Other Material Changes in Financial Position

The following summarizes other material changes in the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
($ in Millions)
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
$
449.2

 
$
423.4

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
43.6

 
35.4

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
274.6

 
248.4

Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
(1,547.1
)
 
(1,398.4
)
Unearned premiums
(976.7
)
 
(832.0
)

In general, the increases in these balances reflect the continued growth of the Company in each of its segments as previously described. The change in deferred commission and other acquisition expenses reflects the ongoing implementation of new accounting standards for this caption, and as a result is growing at a slightly lower rate than the other balance sheet captions described in this table.
 
Capital Resources
 
Capital resources consist of funds deployed or available to be deployed in support of our business operations. Our total capital resources at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
($ in Millions)
Senior notes
$
207.5

 
$
107.5

Junior subordinated debt
126.3

 
126.3

Maiden shareholders’ equity
1,027.8

 
768.6

Total capital resources
$
1,361.6

 
$
1,002.4

Ratio of debt to total capital resources
24.5
%
 
23.3
%


66


As of September 30, 2012, our shareholders' equity was $1,027.8 million, a 33.7% increase compared to $768.6 million as of December 31, 2011. In addition to the issuance of the Preference Shares described previously, the remainder of the increase was due primarily to net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $56.8 million and the change in unrealized gains on investments of $73.7 million offset by common dividends declared of $17.3 million and a foreign currency translation adjustment of $0.3 million.

On August 22, 2012, the Company issued 6 million of 8.25% Preference Shares - Series A, par value $0.01 per share, at $25 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $145.0 million from the offering, The net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used for continued support and development of our reinsurance business and for other general corporate purposes, which may include repurchasing the Company's outstanding common shares and repurchasing the Company's outstanding 14% 30-year trust preferred securities issued in January 2009.

Also on that date, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management at its discretion to purchase its outstanding common shares in an amount not exceeding 50% of the net proceeds of the Preferred Share Offering. Repurchases under the program may be made in open market or privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, from time to time, depending on market conditions. For the period August 22, 2012 through September 30, 2012, the Company did not repurchase any of its common shares.

On March 27, 2012, the Company completed an offering of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% Senior Notes due on March 27, 2042. The 2012 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after March 27, 2017, at 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date. The net proceeds from the 2012 Senior Notes will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

On June 24, 2011, the Company completed an offering of $107.5 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due June 15, 2041, including $7.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2011 Senior Notes to be issued and sold by the Company pursuant to the underwriters' exercise in part of their over-allotment option.  The 2011 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2016, at 100% of the principal amount of the 2011 Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date.

The net proceeds from the 2011 Senior Notes Offering were approximately $104.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses.  The Company repurchased $107.5 million aggregate liquidation amount of TRUPS Offering on July 15, 2011.  Pursuant to the terms of the TRUPS Offering, in the second quarter of 2011, the Company incurred a non-recurring call premium charge of approximately $15.1 million.  At that time, the Company also incurred an additional non-recurring non-cash charge of $20.3 million, which represents the accelerated amortization of original issue discount and issuance costs associated with equity issued along with the TRUPS Offering.  

The Company expects to continue to evaluate additional opportunities to refinance the TRUPS Offering securities at lower, more cost-effective interest rate levels. To the extent that such refinancing does occur prior to January 20, 2014, the Company may incur additional interest penalties pursuant to the terms of the TRUPS Offering. Under the terms of the TRUPS Offering, the Company can repay the principal balance in full or in part at any time. However, if the Company repays such principal within five years of the date of issuance, it is required to pay an additional amount equal to one full year of interest on the amount of Trust Preferred Securities repaid. If the remaining amount of the Trust Preferred Securities were repaid within five years of the date of issuance, the additional amount due would be $21.4 million, which would be a reduction in earnings.

The value of the common shares issued to purchasers of the Trust Preferred Securities are being carried as a reduction of the liability for the Trust Preferred Securities with the value being amortized against the Company's earnings over the 30-year term of the Trust Preferred Securities. At September 30, 2012, the unamortized amount carried as a reduction of the Company's liability for the Trust Preferred Securities was $26.2 million. If the Company were to repay the remaining Trust Preferred Securities in full or in part at any time prior to their maturity date, the Company would have to recognize a commensurate amount as a reduction of earnings at that time.

Currency and Foreign Exchange
 
We conduct business in a variety of non-U.S. currencies, principally the Euro, the British pound and the Swedish krona.  Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, and exchange rate fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar may materially impact our results and financial position. The Company also has exposure to foreign currency risk due to both its ownership of its non-U.S. subsidiaries and divisions, and to collection of premiums and paying claims and other operating expenses in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and holding certain net assets in such currencies. The Company's most significant foreign currency exposures are to the Euro and the British pound.
 
We measure monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at period end exchange rates, with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted using the average foreign exchange rates during the periods reported.

For the translation of the Company's subsidiaries' and divisions' financial statements whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are converted into U.S. dollars using the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates, and revenues and expenses are converted using the average foreign exchange rates for the period. The effect of translation adjustments are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment, which is a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity.


67


Net foreign exchange gains amounted to $1.2 million and $1.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to net foreign exchange losses of $1.1 million and gains of $0.9 million for the same periods in 2011, respectively.

Effects of Inflation
 
The effects of inflation are considered explicitly in pricing and implicitly in estimating reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses. The effects of inflation could cause the severity of claims to rise in the future. To the extent inflation causes these costs, particularly medical treatments and litigation costs, to increase above reserves established for these claims, the Company will be required to increase the reserve for losses and loss expenses with a corresponding reduction in its earnings in the period in which the deficiency is identified. The actual effects of inflation on the results of operations of the Company cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately settled.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of September 30, 2012, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Item 1, Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.


68


 
 Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses in our investments due to adverse changes in market rates and prices. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the market in which the related underlying assets are invested. We believe that we are principally exposed to two types of market risk: changes in interest rates and changes in credit quality of issuers of investment securities and reinsurers.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Interest rate risk is the risk that we may incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. The primary market risk to the investment portfolio is interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturity securities. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. At September 30, 2012, we had AFS fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $2.6 billion that are subject to interest rate risk.
 
The table below summarizes the interest rate risk associated with our fixed maturity securities by illustrating the sensitivity of the fair value and carrying value of our fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2012 to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates, and the associated impact on our stockholders' equity. Temporary changes in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities that are held as available-for-sale do impact the carrying value of these securities and are reported in our shareholders' equity as a component of other comprehensive income. The selected scenarios in the table below are not predictions of future events, but rather are intended to illustrate the effect such events may have on the fair value and carrying value of our fixed maturity securities and on our shareholders' equity as of September 30, 2012.

Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates
 
Fair Value
 
Estimated
Change in
Fair Value
 
Hypothetical %
(Decrease)
Increase in
Shareholders’
Equity
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
200 basis point increase
 
$
2,418.0

 
$
(192.0
)
 
(18.7
)%
100 basis point increase
 
2,510.8

 
(99.2
)
 
(9.7
)%
No change
 
2,610.0

 

 
 %
100 basis point decrease
 
2,716.1

 
106.1

 
10.3
 %
200 basis point decrease
 
2,829.7

 
219.7

 
21.4
 %

The interest rate sensitivity on the $168.0 million loan to related party carries an interest rate of one month LIBOR plus 90 basis points.  A fluctuation of 100 and 200 basis points in LIBOR would increase or decrease our earnings and cash flows by $1.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively, on an annual basis, depending on the direction of the change in LIBOR, but would not increase or decrease the carrying value of the loan.
  
 Counterparty Credit Risk
 
The concentrations of the Company's counterparty credit risk exposures as of September 30, 2012 have not changed materially compared to December 31, 2011.
 
The Company has exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed income securities. The Company controls this exposure by emphasizing investment grade credit quality in the fixed income securities it purchases. At September 30, 2012, 51.9% of the Company's fixed income portfolio was rated AA+ or better (or equivalent rating), a further 24.7% was rated between A- and AA and only 1.1% of the Company's fixed income portfolio was rated below investment grade. The Company believes this high quality concentration reduces its exposure to credit risk on fixed income investments to an acceptable level. At September 30, 2012, the Company is not exposed to any significant credit concentration risk on its investments, excluding securities issued by the U.S. government which are rated AA+ (see Investments in Item 2 of Part I of this Form 10-Q), with the single largest corporate issuer and the top 10 corporate issuers accounting for only 1.4% and 8.7% of the Company's total fixed income securities, respectively.
 
The Company is subject to the credit risk of its cedants in the event of their insolvency or their failure to honor the value of the funds held balances due to the Company for any other reason. However, the Company's credit risk in some jurisdictions is mitigated by a mandatory right of offset of amounts payable by the Company to a cedant against amounts due to the Company. In certain other jurisdictions the Company is able to mitigate this risk, depending on the nature of the funds held arrangements, to the extent that the Company has the contractual ability to offset any shortfall in the payment of the funds held balances with amounts owed by the Company to cedants for losses payable and other amounts contractually due. Funds held balances for which

69


the Company receives an investment return based upon either the results of a pool of assets held by the cedant or the investment return earned by the cedant on its investment portfolio are exposed to an additional layer of credit risk.
 
The IIS Funds Withheld account due to the Company is from GMAC IICL, whereby GMAC IICL and the Company entered into the IICL Agreement to assume business written by GMAC IICL. Under the IICL Agreement, the underlying individual balances by cedant which comprise the IIS Funds Withheld account will transfer to the Company upon novation of the underlying reinsurance contracts from GMAC IICL to the Company. As of September 30, 2012, one contract had not been novated and this is expected to occur by the end of 2012. At September 30, 2012, the IIS Funds Withheld account due from GMAC IICL was $23.8 million, including $26.5 million in a segregated investment portfolio which is being used as collateral for a letter of credit required by the underlying reinsurance contracts offset by other net liabilities of $2.7 million. The investments underlying the IIS Funds Withheld account are maintained in a separate investment portfolio by GMAC IICL and managed by the Company.
 
The Company is subject to the credit risk of this cedant in the event of insolvency or GMAC IICL's failure to honor the value of the funds held balances for any other reason. However, the Company's credit risk is partially mitigated by the fact that the Company generally has the right to offset any shortfall in the payment of the funds held balances with amounts owed by the Company to the cedant for losses payable and other amounts contractually due.
 
The Company has exposure to credit risk as it relates to its business written through brokers if any of the Company's brokers is unable to fulfill their contractual obligations with respect to payments to the Company. In addition, in some jurisdictions, if the broker fails to make payments to the insured under the Company's policy, the Company might remain liable to the insured for the deficiency. The Company's exposure to such credit risk is somewhat mitigated in certain jurisdictions by contractual terms. See Business and Risk Factors in Item1 and 1A of Part I of the Company's Form 10-K, filed on March 13, 2012, respectively, for detailed information on three brokers that accounted for approximately 39.4% of the Company's gross premiums written through brokers in the Diversified Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Company has exposure to credit risk as it relates to its reinsurance balances receivable and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses. We are subject to the credit risk that AII and/or AmTrust will fail to perform their obligations to pay interest on and repay principal of amounts loaned to AII pursuant to its loan agreement with Maiden Bermuda, and to reimburse Maiden Bermuda for any assets or other collateral of Maiden that AmTrust's U.S. insurance company subsidiaries apply or retain, and income on those assets. Reinsurance balances receivable from the Company's clients at September 30, 2012 were $449.2 million, including balances both currently due and accrued.
 
The Company believes that credit risk related to these balances is mitigated by several factors, including but not limited to, credit checks performed as part of the underwriting process and monitoring of aged receivable balances. In addition, as the vast majority of its reinsurance agreements permit the Company the right to offset reinsurance balances receivable from clients against losses payable to them, the Company believes that the credit risk in this area is substantially reduced. Provisions are made for amounts considered potentially uncollectible.  There was no allowance for uncollectible reinsurance balances receivable at September 30, 2012.
 
The Company purchases limited amounts of retrocessional reinsurance and requires its reinsurers to have adequate financial strength. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors its concentration of credit risk on an ongoing basis. Provisions are made for amounts considered potentially uncollectible. The balance of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses was $29.1 million at September 30, 2012.  At September 30, 2012, $2.9 million of the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses was due from Motors and the remaining amount was due from reinsurers with an A- or better rating from A.M. Best or state pools.
 
Foreign Currency Risk

Through its international reinsurance operations, the Company conducts business in a variety of non-U.S. currencies, with the principal exposures being the Euro and British pound. As the Company's reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, foreign exchange rate fluctuations may materially impact the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
While the Company may be able to match its foreign currency denominated assets against its net reinsurance liabilities both by currency and duration to protect the Company against foreign exchange and interest rate risks, a natural offset does not exist for all currencies. As of September 30, 2012, foreign currency denominated assets exceed foreign currency denominated liabilities for each of the individual non-U.S. currencies in which the Company transacts business.
 
We may employ various strategies to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. To the extent that these exposures are not fully hedged or the hedges are ineffective, our results of operations or equity may be reduced by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. As of September 30, 2012, no hedging instruments have been entered into.
 
Assuming all other variables (including the lack of hedges) remain constant and disregarding any tax effects, a strengthening (weakening) in the U.S. dollar exchange rate of 10% or 20% relative to the non-U.S. currencies held by the Company would result in a decrease (increase) in the Company's net assets of $16.4 million and $32.8 million, respectively.


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Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) and has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective.  During the most recent fiscal quarter, there were no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.



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Item 5. Other Information

On August 22, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management at its discretion to purchase its outstanding common shares in an amount not exceeding 50% of the net proceeds of the Preferred Share Offering. Repurchases under the program may be made in open market or privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, from time to time, depending on market conditions. For the period August 22, 2012 through September 30, 2012, the Company did not repurchase any of its common shares.



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Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit
No.
 
Description
31.1
 
Section 302 Certification of CEO
31.2
 
Section 302 Certification of CFO
32.1
 
Section 906 Certification of CEO
32.2
 
Section 906 Certification of CFO
101.1
 
The following materials from Maiden Holdings, Ltd. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted in XBRL (eXtensive Business Reporting Language): (i) the unaudited Condensed Balance Sheets, (ii) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity, (v) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.**



** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.


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SIGNATURES
 
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 hereunto duly authorized.


 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
By:
 
Date: November 9, 2012
 
/s/ Arturo M. Raschbaum
 
 
Name: Arturo M. Raschbaum
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ John M. Marshaleck
 
 
Name: John M. Marshaleck
Title: Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


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