Q3 2014 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, 2014

¬
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 3, 2014, the number of the Registrant's Common Stock ($.01 par value) outstanding was 72,910,082






INDEX
 
 
Page
PART I - Financial Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II - Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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, 2014 (Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2013
 (Audited)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (Amortized cost 2014: $3,372,234; 2013: $3,127,792)
$
3,450,359


$
3,162,067

Other investments, at fair value (Cost 2014: $10,746; 2013: $4,522)
11,489


5,092

Total investments
3,461,848


3,167,159

Cash and cash equivalents
52,382


139,833

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
220,845


77,360

Accrued investment income
26,912


25,238

Reinsurance balances receivable, net (includes $217,492 and $299,645 from related parties in 2014 and 2013, respectively)
516,416


560,145

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (includes $4,658 and $7,263 from related parties in 2014 and 2013, respectively)
82,158


84,036

Loan to related party
167,975


167,975

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses (includes $274,064 and $216,508 from related parties in 2014 and 2013, respectively)
369,149


304,908

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
88,155


90,613

Other assets
73,952


96,112

Total assets
$
5,059,792

 
$
4,713,379

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses (includes $1,064,081 and $885,381 from related parties in 2014 and 2013, respectively)
$
2,157,221


$
1,957,835

Unearned premiums (includes $872,020 and $711,950 from related parties in 2014 and 2013, respectively)
1,231,417


1,034,754

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
97,064


110,114

Senior notes
360,000


360,000

Junior subordinated debt


126,381

Total liabilities
3,845,702

 
3,589,084

Commitments and Contingencies


 


EQUITY
 
 
 
Preference shares
315,000


315,000

Common shares ($0.01 par value; 73,877,519 and 73,595,897 shares issued in 2014 and 2013, respectively; 72,909,332 and 72,633,561 shares outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively)
739


736

Additional paid-in capital
577,438


574,522

Accumulated other comprehensive income
87,243


25,784

Retained earnings
237,063


211,602

Treasury shares, at cost (968,187 and 962,336 shares in 2014 and 2013, respectively)
(3,867
)

(3,801
)
Total Maiden shareholders’ equity
1,213,616

 
1,123,843

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
474


452

Total equity
1,214,090

 
1,124,295

Total liabilities and equity
$
5,059,792

 
$
4,713,379


See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


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


 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2014

2013

2014

2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
622,861


$
491,915


$
1,905,251


$
1,742,092

Net premiums written
 
$
605,456


$
463,418


$
1,856,268


$
1,650,426

Change in unearned premiums
 
(13,014
)

44,708


(212,700
)

(140,585
)
Net premiums earned
 
592,442

 
508,126

 
1,643,568

 
1,509,841

Other insurance revenue
 
2,423


3,271


10,427


11,266

Net investment income
 
29,520


23,253


85,469


65,977

Net realized gains on investment
 
310


477


975


3,707

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
 
(1,189
)



(1,189
)


Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

 

 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
(1,189
)
 

 
(1,189
)
 

Total revenues
 
623,506

 
535,127

 
1,739,250


1,590,791

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
399,815


341,629


1,102,316


1,019,871

Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
166,246


144,194


469,730


420,096

General and administrative expenses
 
15,524


13,251


45,844


44,163

Interest and amortization expenses
 
7,172


9,571


22,408


28,711

Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost
 




28,240



Amortization of intangible assets
 
820


945


2,458


2,835

Foreign exchange and other (gains) losses
 
(483
)

23


(1,555
)

(2,573
)
Total expenses
 
589,094

 
509,613

 
1,669,441

 
1,513,103

Income before income taxes
 
34,412

 
25,514

 
69,809

 
77,688

Income tax expense
 
486

 
481

 
1,907

 
1,217

Net income
 
33,926

 
25,033

 
67,902

 
76,471

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(43
)

(36
)

(109
)

(95
)
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
 
33,883

 
24,997

 
67,793

 
76,376

Dividends on preference shares
 
(6,085
)
 
(3,093
)

(18,253
)

(9,281
)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
27,798

 
$
21,904

 
$
49,540

 
$
67,095

Basic earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
0.38


$
0.30

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.92

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
0.36


$
0.30

 
$
0.67

 
$
0.91

Dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.11

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.33

 
$
0.27


See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 


4



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


 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2014

2013
 
2014
 
2013
Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
33,926

 
$
25,033

 
$
67,902

 
$
76,471

Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale fixed maturities arising during the period (net of tax of $6 and $(37) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and $(10) and $23 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively)
 
(47,728
)
 
5,743

 
43,446

 
(85,415
)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax
 

 

 

 

Adjustment for reclassification of net realized losses (gains) recognized in net income, net of tax
 
26


(397
)

538


(3,657
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
16,953

 
(4,744
)
 
17,430

 
(3,427
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(30,749
)
 
602

 
61,414

 
(92,499
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
3,177

 
25,635

 
129,316

 
(16,028
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(43
)
 
(36
)
 
(109
)
 
(95
)
Other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
42

 
(18
)
 
45

 
(12
)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(1
)
 
(54
)
 
(64
)
 
(107
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Maiden shareholders
 
$
3,176

 
$
25,581

 
$
129,252

 
$
(16,135
)


See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



5


MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2014

2013
Preference shares
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
315,000

 
$
150,000

Preference shares - Series B subscribed but unissued
 

 
150,000

Subscription receivable
 

 
(150,000
)
Ending balance
 
315,000

 
150,000

Common shares
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
736

 
733

Exercise of options and issuance of shares
 
3

 
3

Ending balance
 
739

 
736

Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
574,522

 
575,869

Exercise of options and issuance of common shares
 
462

 
1,633

Share based compensation expense
 
2,454

 
1,668

Ending balance
 
577,438

 
579,170

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
25,784

 
141,130

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of reclassification adjustment
 
43,984

 
(89,072
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
17,475

 
(3,439
)
Ending balance
 
87,243

 
48,619

Retained earnings
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
211,602

 
151,308

Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
 
67,793

 
76,376

Dividends on preference shares
 
(18,253
)
 
(9,281
)
Dividends on common shares
 
(24,079
)
 
(19,607
)
Ending balance
 
237,063

 
198,796

Treasury shares
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
(3,801
)
 
(3,801
)
Shares repurchased for treasury
 
(66
)
 

Ending balance
 
(3,867
)
 
(3,801
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
452

 
372

Dividend paid to noncontrolling interest
 
(42
)
 
(46
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
109

 
95

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(45
)
 
12

Ending balance
 
474

 
433

Total equity
 
$
1,214,090

 
$
973,953


See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


6


MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
67,902

 
$
76,471

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
 
3,590

 
3,870

Net realized gains on investment
 
(975
)
 
(3,707
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
1,189

 

Foreign exchange and other gains
 
(1,555
)
 
(2,573
)
Amortization of share-based compensation expense, bond premium and discount, subordinated debt discount and accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost, net
 
34,748

 
11,641

Changes in assets – (increase) decrease:
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
 
35,514

 
(28,459
)
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
 
1,857

 
13,522

Accrued investment income
 
(1,943
)
 
(2,055
)
Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(65,235
)
 
(40,023
)
Other assets
 
17,510

 
(9,668
)
Changes in liabilities – increase (decrease):
 
 
 
 
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
224,519

 
181,171

Unearned premiums
 
202,624

 
151,492

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
(12,773
)
 
7,644

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
506,972

 
359,326

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturities – available-for-sale
 
(599,440
)
 
(725,921
)
Purchases of other investments
 
(6,551
)
 
(2,013
)
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities – available-for-sale
 
114,007

 
186,957

Proceeds from maturities and calls of fixed maturities
 
236,372

 
387,692

Proceeds from redemption of other investments
 
679

 
259

Increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
(143,485
)
 
(137,617
)
Proceeds from sale of a business unit
 

 
1,281

Other, net
 
(853
)
 
(290
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(399,271
)
 
(289,652
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Repayment of junior subordinated debt
 
(152,500
)
 

Common share issuance
 
465

 
1,636

Dividends paid to common shareholders
 
(24,050
)
 
(13,063
)
Dividends paid to preference shareholders
 
(18,253
)
 
(9,281
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(194,338
)
 
(20,708
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
 
(814
)
 
787

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(87,451
)
 
49,753

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
139,833

 
81,543

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
52,382

 
$
131,296


See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

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





1. Basis of Presentation

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.

These interim unaudited 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, 2013.

Certain reclassifications have been made for 2013 to conform to the 2014 presentation and have no impact on net income previously reported.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, except as discussed below:

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates

Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry-forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry-forward Exists

On July 18, 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-11 which provides guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss ("NOL") carry-forward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carry-forward exists. Under this ASU, an entity must present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a NOL carry-forward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carry-forward. There are two exceptions to this form of presentation as follows:

To the extent a NOL carry-forward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carry-forward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position; and

The entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for this purpose.

If either of these conditions exists, an entity should present an unrecognized benefit in the financial statements as a liability and should not net the unrecognizable tax benefit with a deferred tax asset.

The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The update was adopted effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity

In March 2013, FASB issued ASU 2013-05 with the objective of resolving the diversity about whether Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810-10, Consolidation - Overall, or ASC 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters - Translation of Financial Statements, applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of in substance real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) within a foreign entity. Under this guidance, when a reporting entity that is also the parent entity, ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of in substance real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in ASC 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income.

8

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




2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. Additionally, for an equity method investment that is a foreign entity, the partial sale guidance in ASC 830-30-40 continues to be applicable. As such, a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income upon a partial sale of such an equity method investment. However, this treatment does not apply to an equity method investment that is not a foreign entity. In those instances, the cumulative translation adjustment is released into net income only if the partial sale represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity that contains the equity method investment.

Furthermore, the amendments in this ASU clarify that the sale of an investment in a foreign entity includes both: (1) events that result in the loss of a controlling financial interest in a foreign entity (that is, irrespective of any retained investment); and (2) events that result in an acquirer obtaining control of an acquiree in which it held an equity interest immediately before the acquisition date (sometimes also referred to as a step acquisition). Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income upon the occurrence of those events.

The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. The update was adopted effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity

On April 10, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in ASC 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about disposal transactions that both meet and do not meet the discontinued-operations criteria. Under the previous guidance, the results of operations of a component of an entity were classified as a discontinued operation if all of the following conditions were met:

The component has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale;

The operations and cash flows of the component have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity as a result of the disposal transaction; and

The entity will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal transaction.

The revised guidance will change how entities identify disposal transactions under U.S. GAAP by eliminating the second and third criteria above for classifying operations as discontinued. The new guidance instead requires classification of a component or group of components as discontinued operations if it represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results.

The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively to all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that occur in annual periods (and interim periods therein) beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. Entities are prohibited from applying the new ASU to any component that is classified as held for sale before the adoption date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new guidance on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period

On June 19, 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-12 to clarify how entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award. The ASU states that the share-based payment award should be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting and therefore, an entity would not record compensation expense (measured as of the grant date without taking into account the effect of the performance target) related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the entity’s satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. No new disclosures are required under the ASU.

ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. In addition, all entities will have the option of applying the guidance either prospectively (i.e. only to awards granted or modified on or after the effective date of the issue) or retrospectively. Retrospective application would only apply to awards with performance targets outstanding at or after the beginning of the first annual period presented (i.e. the earliest presented comparative period). 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 (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)




3. Segment Reporting

The Company currently has two reportable segments: Diversified Reinsurance and AmTrust Reinsurance (previously titled AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment).

As of September 30, 2014, the Company revised the structure of its reportable segments following a review which concluded that the former segment, NGHC Quota Share, currently in run-off, no longer met the reportable segment criteria under FASB ASC 280 Segment Reporting. As a result, the Company determined that it no longer requires separate disclosure of the NGHC Quota Share as a reportable segment. Furthermore, it was concluded that the remnants of the excess & surplus ("E&S") business, which is also in run-off, no longer meets the aggregation criteria under FASB ASC 280 Segment Reporting and therefore is no longer aggregated with the other operating segments of the Diversified Reinsurance reportable segment. Due to these presentation revisions, the results of operations of the former NGHC Quota Share segment and the remnants of the E&S business have been included in "Other" category, and all prior periods presented herein have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

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 reportable segment, the Company identifies those assets that are attributable to a particular segment such as reinsurance balances receivable, reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, deferred commission and other acquisition expenses, loans, goodwill and intangible assets, restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments, and prepaid reinsurance premiums, reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and funds withheld (which are presented as part of other assets in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets). All remaining assets are allocated to Corporate.

Fee-generating business, which is included in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, is considered part of the underwriting operations of the Company. 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 with Maiden Reinsurance Ltd. ("Maiden Bermuda", formerly known as Maiden Insurance Company Ltd.), a proportionate share of the fee is offset against the related acquisition expense. To the extent that 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 unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

10

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




3. Segment Reporting (continued)

The following tables summarize our reporting segment's underwriting results and the reconciliation of our reportable segments and Other category to net income:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

Diversified Reinsurance

AmTrust Reinsurance

Other

Total
Net premiums written

$
219,576


$
385,923


$
(43
)

$
605,456

Net premiums earned

$
233,022


$
359,065


$
355


$
592,442

Other insurance revenue

2,423






2,423

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses

(166,342
)

(233,166
)

(307
)

(399,815
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses

(56,878
)

(109,241
)

(127
)

(166,246
)
General and administrative expenses

(9,812
)

(538
)

(193
)

(10,543
)
Underwriting income (loss)

$
2,413


$
16,120


$
(272
)

$
18,261

Reconciliation to net income












Net investment income and realized gains on investment










29,830

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,189
)
Amortization of intangible assets










(820
)
Foreign exchange and other gains










483

Interest and amortization expenses










(7,172
)
Other general and administrative expenses










(4,981
)
Income tax expense










(486
)
Net income










$
33,926














Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*

70.7
%

64.9
%

86.5
%

67.2
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**

24.2
%

30.4
%

35.8
%

27.9
%
General and administrative expense ratio***

4.1
%

0.2
%

54.3
%

2.7
%
Combined ratio****

99.0
%

95.5
%

176.6
%

97.8
%






11

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




3. Segment Reporting (continued)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
Other
 
Total
Net premiums written
 
$
187,864

 
$
259,633

 
$
15,921

 
$
463,418

Net premiums earned
 
$
198,328

 
$
243,408

 
$
66,390

 
$
508,126

Other insurance revenue
 
3,271

 

 

 
3,271

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(135,324
)
 
(160,378
)
 
(45,927
)
 
(341,629
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(52,600
)
 
(71,869
)
 
(19,725
)
 
(144,194
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(9,688
)
 
(504
)
 
(177
)
 
(10,369
)
Underwriting income
 
$
3,987

 
$
10,657

 
$
561

 
$
15,205

Reconciliation to net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income and realized gains on investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23,730

Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(945
)
Foreign exchange and other losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(23
)
Interest and amortization expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9,571
)
Other general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,882
)
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(481
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
25,033

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*
 
67.1
%
 
65.9
%
 
69.2
%
 
66.8
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**
 
26.1
%
 
29.5
%
 
29.7
%
 
28.2
%
General and administrative expense ratio***
 
4.8
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.3
%
 
2.6
%
Combined ratio****
 
98.0
%
 
95.6
%
 
99.2
%
 
97.6
%

12

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



3. Segment Reporting (continued)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

Diversified Reinsurance

AmTrust Reinsurance

Other

Total
Net premiums written

$
681,690

 
$
1,176,957

 
$
(2,379
)
 
$
1,856,268

Net premiums earned

$
635,251


$
988,913


$
19,404


$
1,643,568

Other insurance revenue

10,427






10,427

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses

(439,329
)

(645,358
)

(17,629
)

(1,102,316
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses

(164,850
)

(298,236
)

(6,644
)

(469,730
)
General and administrative expenses

(31,207
)

(1,600
)

(580
)

(33,387
)
Underwriting income (loss)

$
10,292


$
43,719


$
(5,449
)

$
48,562

Reconciliation to net income

 
 
 
 
 

 
Net investment income and realized gains on investment

 
 
 
 
 

86,444

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,189
)
Amortization of intangible assets

 
 
 
 
 

(2,458
)
Foreign exchange and other gains

 
 
 
 
 

1,555

Interest and amortization expenses

 
 
 
 
 

(22,408
)
Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(28,240
)
Other general and administrative expenses

 
 
 
 
 

(12,457
)
Income tax expense

 
 
 
 
 

(1,907
)
Net income

 
 
 
 
 

$
67,902



 
 
 
 
 

 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*

68.0
%

65.3
%

90.9
%

66.6
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**

25.5
%

30.2
%

34.2
%

28.4
%
General and administrative expense ratio***

4.9
%

0.1
%

3.0
%

2.8
%
Combined ratio****

98.4
%

95.6
%

128.1
%

97.8
%

13

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



3. Segment Reporting (continued)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Diversified Reinsurance

AmTrust Reinsurance

Other

Total
Net premiums written

$
589,612


$
895,029


$
165,785


$
1,650,426

Net premiums earned

$
565,148


$
725,100


$
219,593


$
1,509,841

Other insurance revenue

11,266






11,266

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses

(392,370
)

(478,722
)

(148,779
)

(1,019,871
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses

(141,740
)

(213,199
)

(65,157
)

(420,096
)
General and administrative expenses

(31,639
)

(1,498
)

(530
)

(33,667
)
Underwriting income

$
10,665


$
31,681


$
5,127


$
47,473

Reconciliation to net income

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income and realized gains on investment

 
 
 
 
 

69,684

Amortization of intangible assets

 
 
 
 
 

(2,835
)
Foreign exchange and other gains

 
 
 
 
 

2,573

Interest and amortization expenses

 
 
 
 
 

(28,711
)
Other general and administrative expenses

 
 
 
 
 

(10,496
)
Income tax expense

 
 
 
 
 

(1,217
)
Net income

 
 
 
 
 

$
76,471



 
 
 
 
 

 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*

68.1
%

66.0
%

67.8
%

67.0
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**

24.6
%

29.4
%

29.7
%

27.6
%
General and administrative expense ratio***

5.4
%

0.2
%

0.2
%

3.0
%
Combined ratio****

98.1
%

95.6
%

97.7
%

97.6
%

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

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

***
Calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by the sum of 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.

14

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




3. Segment Reporting (continued)

The following table summarizes our reportable segments' identifiable assets reconciled to total assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
September 30, 2014
 
Diversified
Reinsurance
 
AmTrust
Reinsurance
 
Total
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
 
$
299,310

 
$
211,721

 
$
511,031

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
 
35,328

 

 
35,328

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
 
95,081

 
274,070

 
369,151

Loan to related party
 

 
167,975

 
167,975

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
 
88,155

 

 
88,155

Restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments
 
1,131,883

 
1,579,684

 
2,711,567

Other assets
 
53,266

 

 
53,266

Total assets - reportable segments
 
1,703,023

 
2,233,450

 
3,936,473

Corporate assets
 

 

 
1,123,319

Total Assets
 
$
1,703,023

 
$
2,233,450

 
$
5,059,792


December 31, 2013
 
Diversified
Reinsurance
 
AmTrust
Reinsurance
 
Total
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
 
$
261,317

 
$
278,573

 
$
539,890

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
 
31,519

 

 
31,519

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
 
88,755

 
209,439

 
298,194

Loan to related party
 

 
167,975

 
167,975

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
 
90,613

 

 
90,613

Restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments
 
1,025,629

 
1,102,317

 
2,127,946

Other assets
 
60,652

 

 
60,652

Total assets - reportable segments
 
1,558,485

 
1,758,304

 
3,316,789

Corporate assets
 

 

 
1,396,590

Total Assets
 
$
1,558,485

 
$
1,758,304

 
$
4,713,379



15

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




3. Segment Reporting (continued)

The following tables set forth financial information relating to net premiums written and earned by major line of business and reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2014

2013
Net premiums written
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
 
$
36,991

 
6.1
 %
 
$
29,027

 
6.3
%
Casualty
 
149,067

 
24.6
 %
 
122,600

 
26.4
%
Accident and Health
 
7,061

 
1.2
 %
 
9,040

 
2.0
%
International
 
26,457

 
4.4
 %
 
27,197

 
5.9
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
219,576

 
36.3
 %
 
187,864

 
40.6
%
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
211,986

 
35.0
 %
 
136,725

 
29.5
%
Specialty Program
 
57,035

 
9.4
 %
 
41,698

 
9.0
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
116,902

 
19.3
 %
 
81,210

 
17.5
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
385,923

 
63.7
 %
 
259,633

 
56.0
%
Other
 
(43
)
 
 %
 
15,921

 
3.4
%
 
 
$
605,456

 
100.0
 %
 
$
463,418

 
100.0
%
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Net premiums earned
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
 
$
45,030

 
7.6
%
 
$
41,014

 
8.1
%
Casualty
 
150,876

 
25.5
%
 
126,091

 
24.8
%
Accident and Health
 
9,001

 
1.5
%
 
8,994

 
1.8
%
International
 
28,115

 
4.7
%
 
22,229

 
4.4
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
233,022

 
39.3
%
 
198,328

 
39.1
%
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
202,151

 
34.1
%
 
130,472

 
25.7
%
Specialty Program
 
40,654

 
6.9
%
 
39,661

 
7.8
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
116,260

 
19.6
%
 
73,275

 
14.4
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
359,065

 
60.6
%
 
243,408

 
47.9
%
Other
 
355

 
0.1
%
 
66,390

 
13.0
%
 
 
$
592,442

 
100.0
%
 
$
508,126

 
100.0
%
    

16

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



3. Segment Reporting (continued)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014

2013
Net premiums written
 
Total

% of Total

Total

% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
 
$
126,680

 
6.8
 %
 
$
114,309

 
6.9
%
Casualty
 
428,648

 
23.1
 %
 
359,816

 
21.8
%
Accident and Health
 
32,178

 
1.7
 %
 
31,649

 
1.9
%
International
 
94,184

 
5.1
 %
 
83,838

 
5.1
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
681,690

 
36.7
 %
 
589,612

 
35.7
%
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
663,766

 
35.8
 %
 
434,951

 
26.4
%
Specialty Program
 
145,162

 
7.8
 %
 
115,313

 
7.0
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
368,029

 
19.8
 %
 
344,765

 
20.9
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
1,176,957

 
63.4
 %
 
895,029

 
54.3
%
Other
 
(2,379
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
165,785

 
10.0
%
Total
 
$
1,856,268

 
100.0
 %
 
$
1,650,426

 
100.0
%

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Net premiums earned
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
 
$
128,458

 
7.8
%
 
$
108,567

 
7.2
%
Casualty
 
398,148

 
24.2
%
 
359,988

 
23.8
%
Accident and Health
 
29,261

 
1.8
%
 
27,356

 
1.8
%
International
 
79,384

 
4.9
%
 
69,237

 
4.6
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
635,251

 
38.7
%
 
565,148

 
37.4
%
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
537,810

 
32.7
%
 
350,295

 
23.2
%
Specialty Program
 
118,459

 
7.2
%
 
105,122

 
7.0
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
332,644

 
20.2
%
 
269,683

 
17.9
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
988,913

 
60.1
%
 
725,100

 
48.1
%
Other
 
19,404

 
1.2
%
 
219,593

 
14.5
%
Total
 
$
1,643,568

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,509,841

 
100.0
%

17

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




4. 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 fixed maturities and other investments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
September 30, 2014
 
Original or
amortized cost
 
Gross
unrealized gains
 
Gross
unrealized losses
 
Fair value
Available-for-sale fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
11,943

 
$
421

 
$
(13
)
 
$
12,351

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,392,159

 
14,897

 
(23,532
)
 
1,383,524

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
7,211

 
893

 

 
8,104

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
55,058

 
571

 
(1,128
)
 
54,501

Other mortgage-backed securities
 
52,595

 
1,363

 

 
53,958

Corporate bonds
 
1,791,121

 
93,727

 
(12,306
)
 
1,872,542

Municipal bonds – other
 
62,147

 
3,232

 

 
65,379

Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
3,372,234

 
115,104

 
(36,979
)
 
3,450,359

Other investments
 
10,746

 
743

 

 
11,489

Total investments
 
$
3,382,980

 
$
115,847

 
$
(36,979
)
 
$
3,461,848

December 31, 2013
 
Original or
amortized cost
 
Gross
unrealized gains
 
Gross
unrealized losses
 
Fair value
Available-for-sale fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
16,622

 
$
587

 
$

 
$
17,209

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,292,032

 
11,727

 
(41,104
)
 
1,262,655

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
7,207

 
901

 

 
8,108

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
70,377

 
3,547

 
(712
)
 
73,212

Other mortgage-backed securities
 
33,676

 

 
(232
)
 
33,444

Corporate bonds
 
1,546,578

 
82,952

 
(22,830
)
 
1,606,700

Municipal bonds – auction rate
 
99,170

 

 

 
99,170

Municipal bonds – other
 
62,130

 
934

 
(1,495
)
 
61,569

Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
3,127,792

 
100,648

 
(66,373
)
 
3,162,067

Other investments
 
4,522

 
570

 

 
5,092

Total investments
 
$
3,132,314

 
$
101,218

 
$
(66,373
)
 
$
3,167,159


The contractual maturities of our fixed maturities are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

18

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




4. Investments (continued)
September 30, 2014
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
% of Total fair value
Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
23,528

 
$
23,114

 
0.7
%
Due after one year through five years
 
521,590

 
562,061

 
16.3
%
Due after five years through ten years
 
1,310,434

 
1,351,440

 
39.2
%
Due after ten years
 
71,928

 
76,262

 
2.2
%
 
 
1,927,480

 
2,012,877

 
58.4
%
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,392,159

 
1,383,524

 
40.1
%
Other mortgage-backed securities
 
52,595

 
53,958

 
1.5
%
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
3,372,234

 
$
3,450,359

 
100.0
%

The following tables summarize fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or more
 
Total
September 30, 2014
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
3,338

 
$
(13
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
3,338

 
$
(13
)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
206,820

 
$
(2,077
)
 
$
578,369

 
$
(21,455
)
 
$
785,189

 
$
(23,532
)
Non–U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
42,053

 
(915
)
 
2,668

 
(213
)
 
44,721

 
(1,128
)
Corporate bonds
 
260,017

 
(5,686
)
 
150,075

 
(6,620
)
 
410,092

 
(12,306
)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
512,228

 
$
(8,691
)
 
$
731,112

 
$
(28,288
)
 
$
1,243,340

 
$
(36,979
)

As of September 30, 2014, there were approximately 138 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $1,243,340 and unrealized losses of $36,979. Of these securities, there are 55 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $731,112 and unrealized losses of $28,288.
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or more
 
Total
December 31, 2013
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
795,439

 
$
(38,421
)
 
$
60,602

 
$
(2,683
)
 
$
856,041

 
$
(41,104
)
Non–U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
9,946

 
(712
)
 

 

 
9,946

 
(712
)
Other mortgage-backed securities
 
33,444

 
(232
)
 

 

 
33,444

 
(232
)
Corporate bonds
 
463,469

 
(16,687
)
 
169,294

 
(6,143
)
 
632,763

 
(22,830
)
Municipal bonds – other
 
50,545

 
(1,495
)
 

 

 
50,545

 
(1,495
)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
1,352,843

 
$
(57,547
)
 
$
229,896

 
$
(8,826
)
 
$
1,582,739

 
$
(66,373
)

As of December 31, 2013, there were approximately 140 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $1,582,739 and unrealized losses of $66,373. Of these securities, there are 19 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $229,896 and unrealized losses of $8,826.

19

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




4. Investments (continued)

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments ("OTTI")

The Company performs quarterly reviews of its available-for-sale investments in order to determine whether declines in fair value below the amortized cost basis were considered other-than-temporary in accordance with applicable guidance. Based on our qualitative and quantitative OTTI review of each security within our fixed maturity portfolio, at September 30, 2014, we determined that there was a credit impairment in respect of one corporate bond. The Company does not intend to sell this security, but we do not believe it is probable that we will recover the amortized cost basis of the security. The Company has therefore recognized $1,189 of OTTI through earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized no OTTI.

In respect of the rest of our portfolio, we have determined that the unrealized losses on fixed maturities at September 30, 2014 were primarily due to widening of credit spreads since their date of purchase. Because we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to do so 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, 2014.

The following summarizes the credit ratings of our available-for-sale fixed maturities:
Rating* as of September 30, 2014
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
11,943

 
$
12,351

 
0.4
%
U.S. agency bonds  
 
1,399,370

 
1,391,628

 
40.3
%
AAA
 
194,105

 
206,233

 
6.0
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
140,336

 
145,994

 
4.2
%
A+, A, A-
 
796,421

 
833,612

 
24.2
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
768,599

 
798,232

 
23.1
%
BB+ or lower
 
61,460

 
62,309

 
1.8
%
Total
 
$
3,372,234

 
$
3,450,359

 
100.0
%
Rating* as of December 31, 2013
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
16,622

 
$
17,209

 
0.5
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
1,299,239

 
1,270,763

 
40.2
%
AAA
 
210,872

 
222,417

 
7.0
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
236,424

 
242,986

 
7.7
%
A+, A, A-
 
619,148

 
651,248

 
20.6
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
689,532

 
701,529

 
22.2
%
BB+ or lower
 
55,955

 
55,915

 
1.8
%
Total
 
$
3,127,792

 
$
3,162,067

 
100.0
%
*Ratings as assigned by Standard & Poor’s ("S&P")


20

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




4. Investments (continued)

(b) Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Fair value
 
% of Total fair value
 
Fair value
 
% of Total fair value
Investments in limited partnerships
 
$
5,489

 
47.8
%
 
$
4,092

 
80.4
%
Other
 
6,000

 
52.2
%
 
1,000

 
19.6
%
Total other investments
 
$
11,489

 
100.0
%
 
$
5,092

 
100.0
%

The Company has an unfunded commitment on its investments in limited partnerships of approximately $794 as of September 30, 2014.

(c) Net Realized Gains on Investment

Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method. The following provides an analysis of net realized gains on investment included in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
250

 
$

 
$
250

Other investments
 
60

 

 
60

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
310

 
$

 
$
310

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
448

 
$

 
$
448

Other investments
 
$
29

 
$

 
$
29

Net realized losses on investment
 
$
477

 
$

 
$
477

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
623

 
$

 
$
623

Other investments
 
352

 

 
352

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
975

 
$

 
$
975


For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
3,560

 
$

 
$
3,560

Other investments
 
200

 
(53
)
 
147

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
3,760

 
$
(53
)
 
$
3,707


Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale were $4,044 and $114,007 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 (September 30, 2013 - $6,471 and $186,957, respectively).

21

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




4. Investments (continued)

Net unrealized gains were as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
78,125

 
$
34,275

Other investments
 
743

 
570

Total net unrealized gains
 
78,868

 
34,845

Deferred income tax expense
 
(156
)
 
(117
)
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
 
$
78,712

 
$
34,728

Change in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
 
$
43,984

 
$
(108,937
)

(d) Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents 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 available-for-sale fixed maturity securities. The fair value of our restricted assets was as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
Restricted cash and cash equivalents – third party agreements
 
$
59,272

 
$
72,877

Restricted cash and cash equivalents – related party agreements
 
161,047

 
4,429

Restricted cash and cash equivalents – U.S. state regulatory authorities
 
526

 
54

Total restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
220,845

 
77,360

Restricted investments – in trust for third party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2014 – $1,036,950; 2013 – $933,897)
 
1,059,522

 
939,800

Restricted investments – in trust for related party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2014 – $1,448,698; 2013 – $1,183,156)
 
1,491,460

 
1,201,473

Restricted investments – in trust for U.S. state regulatory authorities (Amortized cost: 2014 – $8,474; 2013 – $12,730)
 
8,685

 
13,065

Total restricted investments
 
2,559,667

 
2,154,338

Total restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments
 
$
2,780,512

 
$
2,231,698


5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

(a) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”) defines fair value as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs 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 securities, and listed derivatives that are actively traded;

22

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




5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

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 securities (“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); and

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.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels.

For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in the Level 1 hierarchy. To date, we have only included U.S. government fixed maturity instruments as level 1. The Company receives the quoted market prices from a third party, a nationally recognized pricing service provider (“Pricing Service”). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes the Pricing Service to determine an estimate of fair value. The fair value estimates are included in the Level 2 hierarchy.

The Pricing Service utilizes evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information and for structured securities, cash flow and, when available, loan performance data. The Pricing Service’s evaluated pricing applications apply available information as applicable through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing, to prepare evaluations. In addition, the Pricing Service uses model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model, to assess interest rate impact and develop prepayment scenarios. The market inputs that the Pricing Service normally seeks for evaluations of securities, listed in approximate order of priority, include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications.

In accordance with ASC 820, the Company determines fair value of the financial instrument based on the price that would be received upon the sale of 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, 2014.

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. treasury 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 bonds are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
 
Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds — Comprised of bonds issued by non-U.S. governments and their agencies along with supranational organizations. These securities are generally priced by independent 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.

23

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




5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

Other mortgage-backed securities Comprised of commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"). These securities are 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.

Corporate bonds — Comprised of bonds issued by corporations that on acquisition are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher. These securities are generally priced by independent 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 - auction rate — Comprised of auction rate securities issued by U.S. state and municipality entities or agencies. Municipal auction rate securities are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value which approximates their cost. As the significant inputs used to price the auction rate securities are observable market inputs, auction rate securities are classified within Level 2.
 
Municipal bonds - other — Comprised of bonds issued by U.S. state and municipality entities or agencies. The fair values of municipal bonds are generally priced by independent 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, municipal bonds are classified within Level 2.

Other investments — The fair values of the investments 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. The fair value of both the investment in preference shares of a start-up insurance producer and the common shares of an insurance company, was determined using recent private market transactions and a subscription via a 144a prospectus, respectively, and as such, the fair value is 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 value reported in the accompanying balance sheets for this financial instrument approximates its fair value.

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 this financial instrument 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 was determined using observable market inputs in the Black-Derman-Toy model, the fair value was included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy for the year ended December 31, 2013. On January 15, 2014, the Company's wholly owned U.S. holding company, Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. ("Maiden NA"), repurchased all of the outstanding junior subordinated debt at face value.

(b) Fair Value Hierarchy

The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in 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.

24

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




5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we classified our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the following valuation hierarchy:

September 30, 2014
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Fair
Value
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
12,351

 
$

 
$

 
$
12,351

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 

 
1,383,524

 

 
1,383,524

U.S. agency bonds – other
 

 
8,104

 

 
8,104

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 

 
54,501

 

 
54,501

Other mortgage-backed securities
 

 
53,958

 

 
53,958

Corporate bonds
 

 
1,872,542

 

 
1,872,542

Municipal bonds – other
 

 
65,379

 

 
65,379

Other investments
 

 

 
11,489

 
11,489

Total
 
$
12,351

 
$
3,438,008

 
$
11,489

 
$
3,461,848

As a percentage of total assets
 
0.2
%
 
67.9
%
 
0.2
%
 
68.3
%
December 31, 2013
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Fair
Value
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
17,209

 
$

 
$

 
$
17,209

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 

 
1,262,655

 

 
1,262,655

U.S. agency bonds – other
 

 
8,108

 

 
8,108

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 

 
73,212

 

 
73,212

Other mortgage-backed securities
 

 
33,444

 

 
33,444

Corporate bonds
 

 
1,606,700

 

 
1,606,700

Municipal bonds – auction rate
 

 
99,170

 

 
99,170

Municipal bonds – other
 

 
61,569

 

 
61,569

Other investments
 

 

 
5,092

 
5,092

Total
 
$
17,209

 
$
3,144,858

 
$
5,092

 
$
3,167,159

As a percentage of total assets
 
0.4
%
 
66.7
%
 
0.1
%
 
67.2
%

The Company utilized a Pricing Service to estimate fair value measurements for approximately 99.9% and 95.3% of its fixed maturities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Pricing Service utilizes market quotations for fixed maturity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the Pricing Service prepares estimates of fair value measurements using relevant market data, benchmark curves, sector groupings and matrix pricing and these have been classified as Level 2. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 0.1% and 4.7%, respectively, of the fixed maturities are valued using the market approach. At those dates, a total of one security and five securities, respectively, or approximately $5,110 and $150,928, respectively, of Level 2 fixed maturities, were priced using a quotation from a broker and/or custodian as opposed to the Pricing Service. The Pricing Service was not able to value one corporate bond as of September 30, 2014 and five newly-issued U.S. agency bonds as of December 31, 2013 due to lack of information available. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we have not adjusted any pricing provided to us based on the review performed by our investment managers.

25

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




5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

There have not been any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 3, respectively, during the periods represented by these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other investments: The Company has $5,489, or 0.2%, of its investment portfolio in limited partnerships where the fair value estimate is determined by the fund manager based on recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals. Due to the significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the Company includes the estimate in the amount disclosed as Level 3. The Company also has investments of $1,000 in preference shares of a start-up insurance producer and $5,000 in common shares of an insurance company, the fair values of both investments were determined using recent private market transactions and a subscription via a 144a prospectus, respectively, and as such, the fair values are included in the Level 3 fair value hierarchy.

The Company has determined that its investments in Level 3 securities are not material to its financial position or results of
operations.

(c) 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, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
Other investments:
 
September 30, 2014

September 30, 2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
11,061

 
$
4,438

Total realized gains – included in net realized gains on investment
 
60

 
29

Total realized losses – included in net realized gains on investment
 

 

Change in total unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income (loss)
 
120

 
155

Change in total unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

Purchases
 
417

 
475

Sales and redemptions
 
(169
)
 
(91
)
Transfers into Level 3
 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 

Balance at end of period
 
$
11,489

 
$
5,006

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
Other investments:
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
5,092

 
$
2,901

Total realized gains – included in net realized gains on investment
 
352

 
147

Total realized losses – included in net realized gains on investment
 

 

Change in total unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income (loss)
 
173

 
204

Change in total unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

Purchases
 
6,551

 
2,013

Sales and redemptions
 
(679
)
 
(259
)
Transfers into Level 3
 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 

Balance at end of period
 
$
11,489

 
$
5,006

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

 
$


26

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




5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

(d) 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Interest Rate
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
2011 Senior Notes
 
8.25
%
 
$
107,500

 
$
113,090

 
$
107,500

 
$
101,480

2012 Senior Notes
 
8.00
%
 
100,000

 
105,400

 
100,000

 
89,760

2013 Senior Notes
 
7.75
%
 
152,500

 
159,826

 
152,500

 
126,209

Junior Subordinated Debt
 
14.00
%
 

 

 
126,381

 
152,500


6. 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, including Leah Karfunkel (wife of Michael Karfunkel), own or control approximately 59% of the outstanding shares of AmTrust. On June 6, 2013, NGHC issued 21,850,000 common shares in a 144A offering, which resulted in AmTrust owning 15.4% of the issued and outstanding common shares of NGHC, Michael Karfunkel owning 15.8% of the issued and outstanding common shares of NGHC and the Michael Karfunkel 2005 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust ("Annuity Trust") (which is controlled by Leah Karfunkel) owning 41.4% of the issued and outstanding common shares of NGHC. Michael Karfunkel is the chairman and chief executive officer of NGHC, and Barry Zyskind is a director of NGHC.

AmTrust

The following describes transactions between the Company and AmTrust.

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company and AmTrust entered into a master agreement, as amended (the "Master Agreement"), by which they caused Maiden Bermuda, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and AmTrust's Bermuda reinsurance subsidiary, AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. ("AII"), to enter into a quota share reinsurance agreement (the "Reinsurance Agreement") by which (a) AII retrocedes to Maiden Bermuda an amount equal to 40% of the premium written by subsidiaries of AmTrust, 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 (b) AII transferred to Maiden Bermuda 40% of the AmTrust subsidiaries' unearned premiums, effective July 1, 2007, with respect to the current lines of business, 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 Master Agreement further provided that AII receives a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums.

On June 11, 2008, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Reinsurance Agreement to add Retail Commercial Package Business to the Covered Business as a consequence of AmTrust's acquisition of Unitrin Business Insurance (“UBI”). Under the amendment, AmTrust's subsidiaries ceded, upon collection, to Maiden Bermuda 100% of $82.2 million of unearned premium (net of inuring reinsurance) from the acquisition of UBI's in-force book of business. Additionally, AmTrust cedes to Maiden Bermuda 40% of net premiums written, effective as of June 1, 2008. Maiden Bermuda will pay to AmTrust a ceding commission of 34.375% on the unearned premium cession and the Retail Commercial Package Business. The $2,000 maximum liability for a single loss provided in the Reinsurance Agreement shall not be applicable to Retail Commercial Package Business.

On February 9, 2009, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Reinsurance Agreement to clarify that (i) AII would offer Maiden Bermuda the opportunity to reinsure Excess Retention Business, which is defined as a policy issued by an AmTrust insurance subsidiary with respect to which the insurance subsidiary's retention is greater than $5,000 and (ii) the deduction for the cost of inuring reinsurance from Affiliate Subject Premium (as defined in the Reinsurance Agreement) retroceded to Maiden Bermuda is net of ceding commission.

27

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




6. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Effective April 1, 2011, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Master Agreement to reduce the commission on all business ceded except Retail Commercial Package Business to 30% until December, 31, 2011. Thereafter the rate was 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.

Effective March 7, 2013, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Reinsurance Agreement extending the term of the agreement to July 1, 2016, and shall automatically renew for successive three-year periods thereafter. If 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, 2016 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 shareholders' equity of Maiden Bermuda or the combined shareholders' equity of AII and the AmTrust subsidiaries. The amendment further provides that, effective January 1, 2013, AII will receive a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums with respect to all Covered Business other than retail commercial package business, for which the ceding commission will remain 34.375%. Lastly, with regard to the Specialty Program portion of Covered Business only, AII will be responsible for ultimate net loss otherwise recoverable from Maiden Bermuda to the extent that the loss ratio to Maiden Bermuda, which shall be determined on an inception to date basis from July 1, 2007 through the date of calculation, is between 81.5% and 95%. Above and below the defined corridor, Maiden Bermuda will continue to reinsure losses at its proportional 40% share per the Reinsurance Agreement.

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

Effective April 1, 2011, Maiden Bermuda, entered into a quota share reinsurance contract with AmTrust Europe Limited ("AEL") and AmTrust International Underwriters Limited ("AIUL"), both wholly owned subsidiaries of AmTrust. Pursuant to the terms of the contract, Maiden Bermuda assumed 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 AEL and AIUL a profit share based upon the results of a contract year exceeding defined underwriting performance. To the extent that the underwriting performance is exceeded, the Company will share 50% of the excess amounts computed. The agreement has been renewed through March 31, 2015 and can be terminated on any April 1 by either party on four months notice.

Effective January 1, 2012, the quota share reinsurance contract with AEL and AIUL 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.

The Company recorded approximately $104,753 and $285,875 of ceding commission expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, (September 30, 2013 - $68,827 and $204,135, respectively) as a result of these quota share arrangements with AmTrust.

Other Reinsurance Agreements

Effective September 1, 2010, our 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 ceded (a) 90% of its gross liability written under the Open Lending Program ("OPL") and (b) 100% of its surplus lines general liability business under the Naxos Avondale Specialty Casualty Program ("NAXS"). Maiden Specialty's involvement is limited to certain states where Technology was not fully licensed. The agreement also provides that Maiden Specialty receives a ceding commission of 5% of ceded written premiums. The reinsurance agreement had a term of three years and remained continuously in force until terminated in accordance with the contract. The OPL program was terminated on December 31, 2011 on a run-off basis and the NAXS program terminated on October 31, 2012. Maiden Specialty ceded premiums of approximately $66 and $151 and recorded ceding commission income of $5 and $9 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively (September 30, 2013 - $160 and $849 of premiums ceded and $25 and $181 of ceding commission income, respectively).

28

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




6. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Effective September 1, 2010, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Reinsurance North America, Inc. ("Maiden US", formerly known as Maiden Reinsurance Company), entered into an arrangement whereby a subsidiary of AmTrust fronted a reinsurance agreement in which Maiden US assumed 80% of the gross liabilities produced under the Southern General Agency program with the other 20% assumed by a third party. This fronting arrangement compensated AmTrust with a 5% commission of ceded premiums. The agreement was subsequently amended, effective September 1, 2012, whereby the termination date of the agreement was extended until August 31, 2013. This agreement expired on the termination date and is currently in run-off. Pursuant to the latest amendment, Maiden US now receives 100% of the ceded premium and reinsures 100% of the liabilities incurred (from the effective date). Under this agreement, as amended, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Maiden US recorded approximately $40 and $1,796 of premiums earned and $2 and $90 of commission expense, respectively, (September 30, 2013 - $1,410 and $3,285 of premiums earned and $70 and $164 of commission expense, respectively).

Effective April 1, 2012, Maiden US entered into a reinsurance agreement with AmTrust's wholly owned subsidiary, AmTrust North America, Inc. ("AmTrust NA"). Maiden US shall indemnify AmTrust NA, on an excess of loss basis, as a result of losses occurring on AmTrust NA's new and renewal policies relating to the lines of business classified as Automobile Liability by AmTrust NA in its annual statement utilizing the specific underwriting guidelines defined in the reinsurance agreement. AmTrust NA shall retain the first $1,000 of loss, per any one policy or per any one loss occurrence. Maiden US shall be liable for the amount by which AmTrust NA's loss exceeds $1,000, but the liability of Maiden US shall not exceed $1,000 on any one policy and any one loss occurrence. The agreement provides AmTrust NA with fixed ceding commissions on net written premiums varying between 10% to 27.5% depending on the commission rate in the underlying policy. This agreement has a term of one year and automatically renews annually unless terminated pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Under this agreement, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Maiden US recorded approximately $300 and $950 of net premiums earned and $54 and $180 of commission expense, respectively, (September 30, 2013 - $170 and $369 net premiums earned and $38 and $94 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 Reinsurance 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 ("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 Reinsurance 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 to AII pursuant to a loan agreement entered into between those parties. This loan is carried at cost. Pursuant to the Reinsurance 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. 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 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.

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, 2014 was approximately $1,459,452 (December 31, 2013 - $1,094,964) and the accrued interest was $9,466 (December 31, 2013 - $8,159). (See Note 4(d)).

29

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




6. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Brokerage Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement with AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd. ("AIIB"), a wholly owned 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 the premium assumed from AII. 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. Maiden Bermuda recorded approximately $4,488 and $12,361 of reinsurance brokerage expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, (September 30, 2013 - $3,043 and $9,064, respectively) and deferred reinsurance brokerage of $10,896 as of September 30, 2014 (December 31, 2013 - $8,592) as a result of this agreement.

Asset Management Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company entered into an asset management agreement with AIIM 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 $1,325 and $3,814 of investment management fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, (September 30, 2013 - $1,080 and $3,182, respectively) as a result of this agreement.

Other

On March 1, 2011, we entered into a time sharing agreement for the lease of aircraft owned by AmTrust Underwriters, Inc. ("AUI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AmTrust. The initial lease was 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, 2014, the Company recorded an expense of $36 and $60, respectively (September 30, 2013 - $38 and $57, respectively) for the use of the aircraft.

 NGHC

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

NGHC 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 (“NGHC Quota Share”) with the GMAC personal lines insurance companies, as cedents, and Maiden Bermuda. Maiden Bermuda has a 50% participation in the NGHC Quota Share, by which it receives 25% of net premiums of the personal lines automobile business and assumes 25% of the related net losses.

The NGHC 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 60.0% or less and a minimum of 30.5% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or greater.

Effective October 1, 2012, the parties amended the reinsurance agreement to decrease the provisional ceding commission from 32.5% to 32.0% 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 minimum of 30.0% (changed from 30.5%), if the loss ratio is 64.5% or greater.

On August 1, 2013, the Company received notice from NGHC of the termination of the NGHC Quota Share effective on that date. The Company and NGHC mutually agreed that the termination is on a run-off basis, which means that Maiden Bermuda continues to earn premiums and remain liable for losses occurring subsequent to August 1, 2013 for any policies in force prior to and as of August 1, 2013 until those policies expire.

Maiden Bermuda recorded approximately $95 and $6,513 of ceding commission expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, (September 30, 2013 - $19,910 and $63,608, respectively) as a result of this transaction.


30

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




6. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Other

Effective April 1, 2013, Maiden US entered into a Medical Excess of Loss reinsurance agreement with wholly owned subsidiaries of NGHC, Distributors Insurance Company PCC, AIBD Insurance Company IC and Professional Services Captive Corporation IC. Pursuant to this agreement, Maiden US indemnifies on an excess of loss basis, for the amounts of net loss, paid from April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014. Maiden US is liable, under layer 1 of this agreement, for 100% of the net loss for each covered person per agreement year in excess of the $1,000 retention (each covered person per agreement year). Under this layer, Maiden US' liability shall not exceed $4,000 per covered person per agreement year. Maiden US is also liable, under layer 2 of this agreement, for 100% of net loss for each covered person per agreement year in excess of layer 1. Maiden US' liability under layer 2 shall not exceed $5,000 per covered person per agreement year. In addition to the coverage provided under layers 1 and 2, Maiden US indemnifies extra contractual obligations with a maximum liability of $2,000.

Effective April 1, 2014, Maiden US renewed this agreement whereby Maiden US indemnifies, on an excess of loss basis, the amounts of net loss, paid from April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015. Maiden US is liable for 100% of the net loss for each covered person per agreement year in excess of the $1,100 retention (each covered person per agreement year). Maiden US' liability shall not exceed $8,900 per covered person per agreement year. In addition to the coverage provided under layers 1 and 2, Maiden US continues to indemnify extra contractual obligations with a maximum liability of $2,000. This agreement terminates on March 31, 2015 and, unless mutually agreed, Maiden US will be relieved of all liability hereunder for losses incurred or paid subsequent to such termination date.

Under these agreements, Maiden US recorded approximately $43 and $132 of premiums earned for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, (September 30, 2013 - $104 and $113, respectively).

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2014

2013
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
 
$
33,883

 
$
24,997

Dividends on preference shares
 
(6,085
)
 
(3,093
)
 Amount allocated to participating common shareholders(1)
 
(33
)
 
(29
)
Numerator for basic EPS - net income allocated to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
27,765

 
$
21,875

Potentially dilutive securities
 
 
 
 
Dividends on convertible preference shares (2)
 
2,991

 

Numerator for diluted EPS - net income allocated to Maiden common shareholders after assumed conversion
 
$
30,756

 
$
21,875

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
 
72,888,024

 
72,552,022

Potentially dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
Share options and restricted share units
 
1,335,888

 
1,385,872

Convertible preference shares
 
10,699,884

 

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares and assumed conversions – diluted
 
84,923,796

 
73,937,894

Basic earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.30

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders (2):
 
$
0.36

 
$
0.30


31

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





7. Earnings per Common Share (continued)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
 
$
67,793

 
$
76,376

Dividends on preference shares
 
(18,253
)
 
(9,281
)
 Amount allocated to participating common shareholders(1)
 
(62
)
 
(88
)
Numerator for basic EPS - Net income allocated to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
49,478

 
$
67,007

Potentially dilutive securities
 
 
 
 
Dividends on convertible preference shares(2)
 

 

Numerator for diluted EPS - net income allocated to Maiden common shareholders after assumed conversion
 
$
49,478

 
$
67,007

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares – basic
 
72,819,452

 
72,475,087

Potentially dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
Share options and restricted share units
 
1,213,828

 
1,249,281

Convertible preference shares(2)
 

 

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares and assumed conversions – diluted
 
74,033,280

 
73,724,368

Basic earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
 
$
0.68

 
$
0.92

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders(2):
 
$
0.67

 
$
0.91

(1) This represents earnings allocated to the holders of non-vested restricted shares issued to the Company's employees under the 2007 Share Incentive Plan.
(2) The effect of mandatory convertible preference shares were excluded in the calculation of diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as they were anti-dilutive. Please refer to "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included under Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for the terms and conditions of each of these anti-dilutive instruments. Furthermore, the current number of additional common shares that could possibly be issued on conversion, if conversion after September 30, 2014 was permitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of Form 424B Prospectus Supplement filed with the SEC, is 73,321, an increase of 53,481 common shares since January 2, 2014.

8. Shareholders' Equity
As of September 30, 2014, the aggregate authorized share capital of the Company is 150,000,000 shares from which the Company has issued 73,877,519 common shares, of which 72,909,332 are outstanding, and issued 9,300,000 preference shares. The remaining 66,822,481 are undesignated as of September 30, 2014.

Treasury Shares

On February 19, 2014, the Company repurchased 5,851 shares from employees, at a price per share of $11.18, which represents withholdings from employees surrendered in respect of tax obligations on the vesting of restricted shares.

32

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




8. Shareholders' Equity (continued)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table presents details about amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"):
Details about AOCI Components
 
Consolidated Statements of Income Line Item that Includes Reclassification
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Unrealized Gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
 
 
 
2014

2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Net realized gains on investment
 
$
147

 
$
397

 
$
(421
)
 
$
3,657

 
 
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
(173
)
 

 
(102
)
 

 
 
Total before tax
 
$
(26
)
 
$
397

 
$
(523
)
 
$
3,657

 
 
Income tax expense
 

 

 
(15
)
 

 
 
Total after tax
 
$
(26
)
 
$
397

 
$
(538
)
 
$
3,657


The following tables set forth financial information regarding the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investments
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
126,414

 
$
(8,450
)
 
$
117,964

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(47,728
)
 
16,953

 
(30,775
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income, net of tax
 
26

 

 
26

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(47,702
)
 
16,953

 
(30,749
)
Ending balance
 
78,712

 
8,503

 
87,215

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to non controlling interest
 

 
(28
)
 
(28
)
Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
78,712

 
$
8,531

 
$
87,243

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investments
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
49,247

 
$
(1,222
)
 
$
48,025

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
5,743

 
(4,744
)
 
999

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income, net of tax
 
(397
)
 

 
(397
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
5,346

 
(4,744
)
 
602

Ending balance
 
54,593

 
(5,966
)
 
48,627

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to non controlling interest
 

 
8

 
8

Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
54,593

 
$
(5,974
)
 
$
48,619


33

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




8. Shareholders' Equity (continued)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investments
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
34,728

 
$
(8,927
)
 
$
25,801

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
43,446

 
17,430

 
60,876

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income, net of tax
 
538

 

 
538

Net current period other comprehensive income
 
43,984

 
17,430

 
61,414

Ending balance
 
78,712

 
8,503

 
87,215

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to non controlling interest
 

 
(28
)
 
(28
)
Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
78,712

 
$
8,531

 
$
87,243


For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investments
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
143,665

 
$
(2,539
)
 
$
141,126

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
 
(85,415
)
 
(3,427
)
 
(88,842
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income, net of tax
 
(3,657
)
 

 
(3,657
)
Net current period other comprehensive loss
 
(89,072
)
 
(3,427
)
 
(92,499
)
Ending balance
 
54,593

 
(5,966
)
 
48,627

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to non controlling interest
 

 
8

 
8

Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
54,593

 
$
(5,974
)
 
$
48,619


9. Share Based Compensation

The Company’s Amended and Restated 2007 Share Incentive Plan (the "Plan") provides for grants of share options, restricted common shares and restricted share units. The total number of common shares currently reserved for issuance under the Plan is 10,000,000. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee").

Restricted Shares and Share Units

The fair value of each restricted share or share unit is determined based on the market value of the Company's common shares on the date of grant. The total estimated fair value is amortized as an expense over the requisite service period as determined by the Committee.
 
Share Options

Exercise prices of options are 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 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.

Please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for a discussion on the techniques applied to determine the fair value of all share option awards and key assumptions used in determining this fair value.

34

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




9. Share Based Compensation (continued)

The following schedule shows all options granted, exercised, expired and forfeited under the Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, June 30, 2014
 
2,418,020

 
$
6.91

 
5.35 years
Exercised
 
(31,675
)
 
$
4.36

 
 
Outstanding, September 30, 2014
 
2,386,345

 
$
6.94

 
5.11 years

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, June 30, 2013
 
2,673,575

 
$
6.85

 
6.39 years
Exercised
 
(98,611
)
 
$
7.12

 
 
Expired
 
(628
)
 
$
7.67

 
 
Forfeited
 
(112,474
)
 
$
8.52

 
 
Outstanding, September 30, 2013
 
2,461,862

 
$
6.76

 
6.00 years
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, December 31, 2013
 
2,439,413

 
$
6.76

 
5.75 years
Granted
 
45,000

 
$
12.01

 
 
Exercised
 
(97,226
)
 
$
4.78

 
 
Forfeited
 
(842
)
 
$
7.74

 
 
Outstanding, September 30, 2014
 
2,386,345

 
$
6.94

 
5.11 years
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, December 31, 2012
 
2,795,437

 
$
6.70

 
6.75 years
Granted
 
49,000

 
$
10.61

 
 
Exercised
 
(269,101
)
 
$
6.08

 
 
Expired
 
(628
)
 
$
7.67

 
 
Forfeited
 
(112,846
)
 
$
8.52

 
 
Outstanding, September 30, 2013
 
2,461,862

 
$
6.76

 
6.00 years

The weighted average grant date fair value was $2.11 and $2.03 for all options outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. There was approximately $345 and $513 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non- vested options as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which will be recognized during the next 4 years. The Company issues new common shares upon the exercise of an option. In connection with these exercises, there was no tax benefit realized by the Company.

35

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




9. Share Based Compensation (continued)

Performance-Based Restricted Share Units (PB-RSUs)

The Committee 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 certain senior leaders of the Company. 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. All prior, current and future PB-RSUs are paid 50% based on the certain criteria stated above, while the other 50% of the payout is at the discretion of the Committee based on individual performance. Settlement of the grants can be made in either common shares or cash upon the decision of the Committee. The first performance cycle was for two years, 2011-2012, and subsequent performance cycles are for three years. For the years 2011-2012, no RSUs vested as the target level of performance was not met.

Effective March 1, 2012, February 19, 2013 and February 18, 2014, the Committee approved the award of PB-RSUs to executive officers and senior Company employees for the fiscal years 2012-2014, 2013-2015 and 2014-2016, respectively. All prior, current and future PB-RSUs are paid 50% based on certain criteria such as return on equity, underwriting performance, revenue growth and operating expense being met during the performance period, while the other 50% of the payout is at the discretion of the Committee based on individual performance.

CEO Non-Performance-Based Restricted Share Units ("NPB-RSUs")

On March 1, 2012, the Committee approved an award of NPB-RSUs to the Company's CEO. The award consists of 86,705 restricted share units which fully vested on December 31, 2013. Each share unit has a fair value of $8.56 which was amortized over 22 months. The share units were issued to the Company's CEO 2.5 months after the vesting date.

On February 19, 2013, the Committee approved an award of NPB-RSUs to the Company's CEO. The award consists of 149,701 restricted share units, of which one-third automatically vested on February 19, 2014, with the next one-third automatically vesting on February 19, 2015, and of which the final one-third will automatically vest on February 19, 2016. Each share unit has a fair value of $10.02 which is amortized over 36 months. The total fair value of the share units vested for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $0 and $500, respectively.

On February 18, 2014, the Committee approved an award of NPB-RSUs to the Company's CEO. The award consists of 70,298 restricted share units, of which one-third will automatically vest on December 31, 2014, with the next one-third automatically vesting on December 31, 2015, and of which the final one-third will automatically vest on December 31, 2016. The units shall be settled no later than 2.5 months after expiration of the three respective vesting dates. Each share unit has a fair value of $11.38 which is amortized over 36 months.

Non-CEO Discretionary Non-Performance-Based Restricted Shares ("NPB-RSs")

On February 19, 2013, pursuant to the Plan, the Committee approved an award of NPB-RSs to certain senior leaders of the Company. The award consists of 95,590 restricted shares, 50% of which vested on February 19, 2014, the first anniversary of the grant date, with an additional 50% due to vest on the second anniversary of the grant date. Each share unit has a fair value of $10.02.

On February 18, 2014, pursuant to the Plan, the Committee approved an award of NPB-RSs to non-CEO named executive officers and senior leaders of the Company. The award consists of 38,522 restricted shares, 50% of which will vest on January 1, 2015, with an additional 50% due to vest on January 1, 2016. Each share unit has a fair value of $11.38.

The Company recorded share based expenses (a component of salaries and benefits) in accordance with ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" in the amount of $1,489 and $2,454 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, (September 30, 2013 - $508 and $1,668, respectively).

10. Dividends Declared
  
On July 24, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the following quarterly dividends:
 
 
Dividend per Share
 
Payable on:
 
Record date:
Common shares
 
$
0.11

 
October 15, 2014
 
October 1, 2014
Preference shares - Series A
 
$
0.515625

 
September 15, 2014
 
September 1, 2014
Preference Shares - Series B
 
$
0.90625

 
September 15, 2014
 
September 1, 2014

36

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




11. Commitments and Contingencies

There are no material changes from the commitments and contingencies previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Legal Proceedings

Except as noted below, the Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, the Company is subject to routine legal proceedings, including arbitrations, arising in the ordinary course of business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against the Company in the ordinary course of insurance or reinsurance operations. Based on the Company's opinion, the eventual outcome of these legal proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

In April 2009, the Company learned that Bentzion S. Turin, the former Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor claiming that his employment with the Company was terminated in retaliation for corporate whistle blowing in violation of the whistle blower protection provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Turin alleged concerns regarding corporate governance with respect to negotiation of the terms of the Trust Preferred Securities Offering and seeks reinstatement as Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, back pay and legal fees incurred. On December 31, 2009, the U.S. Secretary of Labor found no reasonable cause for Mr. Turin’s claim and dismissed the complaint in its entirety. Mr. Turin objected to the Secretary's findings and requested a hearing before an administrative law judge in the U.S. Department of Labor. The Company moved to dismiss Mr. Turin's complaint, and its motion was granted by the Administrative Law Judge on June 30, 2011.

On July 13, 2011, Mr. Turin filed a petition for review of the Administrative Law Judge's decision with the Administrative Review Board in the U.S. Department of Labor. The Company filed its brief in opposition to the petition for review on October 19, 2011. On March 29, 2013, the Administrative Review Board reversed the dismissal of the complaint on procedural grounds, and remanded the case to the administrative law judge. The administrative hearing began in September 2014, and we expect it to conclude in the first half of 2015. The Company believes that it had ample reason for terminating such employment for good and sufficient legal cause, and the Company believes that the claim is without merit and is vigorously defending this claim.

12. Subsequent Events

(a) Dividends

On November 5, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the following quarterly dividends:
 

Dividend per Share

Payable on:

Record date:
Common shares

$
0.13


January 15, 2015

January 2, 2015
Preference shares - Series A

$
0.515625


December 15, 2014

December 1, 2014
Preference shares - Series B
 
$
0.90625


December 15, 2014

December 1, 2014


37




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 unaudited 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 4, 2014. 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.

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 U.S. and Europe by providing innovative 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 significant claims from natural catastrophes. Our tailored solutions include a variety of value added services focused on helping our clients grow and prosper.

We have operations in Bermuda and the United States which provide reinsurance through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Maiden Reinsurance Ltd. ("Maiden Bermuda") and Maiden Reinsurance North America, Inc. ("Maiden US"). Maiden Bermuda and Maiden US changed their legal entity names in May 2014 from Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. and Maiden Reinsurance Company, respectively. Maiden Bermuda does not underwrite any direct insurance business. Maiden Life Försäkrings AB ("Maiden LF") is a life insurer organized in Sweden and writes credit life insurance on a primary basis in support of Maiden Global Holdings, Ltd.'s ("Maiden Global") business development efforts.

Our business consists of the following reportable segments: Diversified Reinsurance and AmTrust Reinsurance (previously titled AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance). As of September 30, 2014, the Company revised the structure of its reportable segments following a review that concluded that its former NGHC Quota Share segment, which is currently in run-off, no longer meets the reportable segment criteria under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP" or "U.S. GAAP"). As a result, the Company determined the NGHC Quota Share no longer requires separate disclosure as a reportable segment. Furthermore, it was concluded the remnants of our U.S. excess & surplus ("E&S") business, which is also in run-off, no longer meets the same reporting criteria and therefore is no longer aggregated with the other operating segments of the Diversified Reinsurance reportable segment. Due to these revisions, the results of operations of the former NGHC Quota Share segment and the remnants of the E&S business have been included in the "Other" category, and all prior periods presented herein have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

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 periods covered by this report, the reinsurance market has continued to be characterized by significant competition in most lines of business. The influx of new capital from sources not considered traditional investors in the reinsurance industry continues to increase, primarily in the property catastrophe segment of the reinsurance market, which is further enhancing overall industry competitive conditions.

While the business we write as part of our business model remains somewhat more insulated from these competitive conditions, we are experiencing residual pricing pressures as a result of these broader industry conditions. 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. We believe that we are well positioned to take advantage of market conditions should the pricing environment become more favorable.

Since our founding in 2007, we have entered into a series of significant strategic and capital transactions that have transformed the scope and scale of our business while maintaining our low volatility, non-catastrophe risk profile. These transactions have

38


increased our gross premiums written to in excess of $2.2 billion in 2013 while significantly enhancing our total capital resources to approximately $1.6 billion as of September 30, 2014.

On January 15, 2014, the Company's wholly owned U.S. holding company, Maiden Holdings North America ("Maiden NA"), repurchased all of the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities (the "TRUPS Offering"), with a face value of $152.5 million, which has substantially lowered our cost of capital. The Company utilized the net proceeds of its Senior Notes offering in November 2013 ("2013 Senior Notes"), as well as cash on hand, to redeem the junior subordinated debt. As a result of the redemption, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company incurred a non-recurring, non-cash charge of $28.2 million, which represents the accelerated amortization of original issuance discount and write off of issuance costs associated with the junior subordinated debt.

Please refer to ‘Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’ section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for a discussion of the strategic and capital transactions the Company has entered into since our inception.

Third Quarter and nine months ended September 30 2014 and 2013 Financial Highlights
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2014

2013

% Change
 
 
($ in Millions except per share data)
 
 
Summary Consolidated Statement of Income Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
33.9


$
25.0

 
35.5
%
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
27.8

 
$
21.9

 
26.9
%
Operating earnings(1)
 
$
29.3

 
$
22.7

 
29.0
%
Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders(2)
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.30

 
26.7
%
Operating earnings(1)
 
$
0.40

 
$
0.31

 
29.0
%
Diluted earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders(2)
 
$
0.36

 
$
0.30

 
20.0
%
Operating earnings(1)
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.31

 
22.6
%
Dividends per common share
 
$
0.11

 
$
0.09

 
22.2
%
Dividends per preference share - Series A
 
$
0.515625

 
$
0.515625

 
%
Dividends per preference share - Series B
 
$
0.90625

 
$

 
N/A

Gross premiums written
 
$
622.9

 
$
491.9

 
26.6
%
Net premiums earned
 
$
592.4

 
$
508.1

 
16.6
%
Underwriting income (3)
 
$
18.3

 
$
15.2

 
20.1
%
Net investment income
 
$
29.5

 
$
23.3

 
27.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio(4)
 
97.8
%
 
97.6
%
 
0.2
%
Annualized operating return on average common shareholders' equity(1)
 
12.9
%
 
11.1
%
 
16.2
%

39


For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
 
 
($ in Millions except per share data)
 
 
Summary Consolidated Statement of Income Data:
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
67.9

 
$
76.5

 
(11.2
)%
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
49.5

 
$
67.1

 
(26.2
)%
Operating earnings(1)
 
$
83.1

 
$
64.2

 
29.4
 %
Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders(2)
 
$
0.68

 
$
0.92

 
(26.1
)%
Operating earnings(1)
 
$
1.14

 
$
0.88

 
29.5
 %
Diluted earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders(2)
 
$
0.67

 
$
0.91

 
(26.4
)%
Operating earnings(1)
 
$
1.09

 
$
0.87

 
25.3
 %
Dividends per common share
 
$
0.33

 
$
0.27

 
22.2
 %
Dividends per preference share - Series A
 
$
1.54688

 
$
1.54688

 
 %
Dividends per preference share - Series B
 
$
2.71875

 

 
N/A

Gross premiums written
 
$
1,905.3

 
$
1,742.1

 
9.4
 %
Net premiums earned
 
$
1,643.6

 
$
1,509.8

 
8.9
 %
Underwriting income (3)
 
$
48.6

 
$
47.4

 
2.3
 %
Net investment income
 
$
85.4

 
$
66.0

 
29.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined Ratio(4)
 
97.8
%
 
97.6
%
 
0.2
 %
Annualized operating return on average common shareholders' equity(1)
 
13.0
%
 
10.2
%
 
27.5
 %
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
% Change
 
 
($ in Millions except per share data)
 
 
Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments
 
$
3,461.8

 
$
3,167.2

 
9.3
 %
Total assets
 
$
5,059.8

 
$
4,713.4

 
7.3
 %
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
2,157.2

 
$
1,957.8

 
10.2
 %
Total debt (5)
 
$
360.0

 
$
486.4

 
(26.0
)%
Total Maiden common shareholders' equity
 
$
898.6

 
$
808.8

 
11.1
 %
Total Maiden shareholders' equity
 
$
1,213.6

 
$
1,123.8

 
8.0
 %
Total capital resources(6)
 
$
1,573.6

 
$
1,610.2

 
(2.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of total debt to total capital resources
 
22.9
%
 
30.2
%
 
(24.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book Value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book value per common share(7)
 
$
12.33

 
$
11.14

 
10.7
 %
Accumulated dividends per common share
 
2.09

 
1.76

 
18.8
 %
Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends
 
$
14.42

 
$
12.90

 
11.8
 %
Change in book value per common share plus accumulated dividends
 
$
1.52

 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted book value per common share(8)
 
$
12.11

 
$
10.92

 
10.9
 %



40


(1)
Operating earnings, operating earnings per common share and operating return on average 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)
Please refer to "Note 7. Earnings per Common Share" of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share.

(3)
Underwriting income is calculated as net premiums earned plus other insurance revenue less net loss and loss adjustment expenses, commission and other acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses directly related to underwriting activities.

(4)
Calculated by adding together the net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, commission and other acquisition expense ratio and general and administrative expense ratio.

(5)
Total debt in 2014 is the Company's Senior Notes and in 2013, it is the sum of the Company's Senior Notes and junior subordinated debt.

(6)
Total capital resources is the sum of the Company's debt and Maiden shareholders' equity. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information.

(7)
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.

(8)
Diluted book value per common share is calculated by dividing common shareholders' equity, adjusted for assumed proceeds from the exercise of dilutive options, by the number of outstanding common shares plus dilutive options and restricted share units (assuming exercise of all dilutive stock based awards). The Mandatory Convertible Preference Shares - Series B are excluded as they are anti-dilutive as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
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 U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are:

Operating Earnings and Operating Earnings per Common Share: In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with U.S. 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 U.S. 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 and unrealized gains or losses on investment and foreign exchange and other 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.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we also exclude certain non-recurring expenditures that are material to understanding our results of operations. There were no such non-recurring items in 2013. In 2014, non-recurring items included:

Impairment losses related to investments which were recognized in earnings;
Loss and related activity from our divested E&S business as it has been in run-off for over one year following the sale to Brit Global Specialty ("Brit") effective May 1, 2013;
The interest expense incurred on our 2013 Senior Notes prior to the redemption of the outstanding junior subordinated debt given the one time nature of the additional funding cost; and
The accelerated amortization of the junior subordinated debt discount and the write off of the associated issuance costs.
The following is a reconciliation of operating earnings to its most closely related GAAP measure, net income:


41


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

2014

2013

2014

2013
 
 
($ in Millions except per share data)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
27.8

 
$
21.9

 
$
49.5

 
$
67.1

Add (subtract):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on investment
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(3.7
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
1.2

 

 
1.2

 

Foreign exchange and other gains
 
(0.5
)
 

 
(1.5
)
 
(2.6
)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
0.8

 
1.0

 
2.5

 
2.8

Divested E&S business
 

 

 
2.8

 

Interest expense incurred related to 2013 Senior Notes prior to actual redemption of the junior subordinated debt
 

 

 
0.5

 

Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance costs
 

 

 
28.2

 

 Non-cash deferred tax expense
 
0.3

 
0.3

 
0.9

 
0.6

Operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
29.3


$
22.7

 
$
83.1

 
$
64.2

Operating earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic operating earnings per common share
 
$
0.40

 
$
0.31

 
$
1.14

 
$
0.88

Diluted operating earnings per common share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.31

 
$
1.09

 
$
0.87

    
Operating Return on Average Common Equity ("Operating ROACE"): Management uses Operating ROACE as a measure of profitability that focuses on the return attributable to Maiden common shareholders. It is calculated using operating earnings attributable to common shareholders (as calculated above) divided by average Maiden common shareholders' equity. Management has set a long-term target of Operating ROACE at 15%, on average, which management believes provides an attractive return to our common shareholders for the risk they are assuming from investing our business. The repayment of the junior subordinated debt in the first quarter of 2014 is a crucial step in advancing the Company closer to that goal. Operating ROACE for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is computed as follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2014

2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
29.3

 
$
22.7

 
$
83.1

 
$
64.2

Opening common shareholders’ equity
 
$
907.9

 
$
806.4

 
$
808.8

 
$
865.2

Ending common shareholders’ equity
 
$
898.6

 
$
823.5

 
$
898.6

 
$
823.5

Average common shareholders’ equity
 
$
903.3

 
$
814.9

 
$
853.7

 
$
844.4

Operating return on average common equity
 
12.9
%
 
11.1
%
 
13.0
%
 
10.2
%

Operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders increased $6.6 million, or 29.0%, and $18.9 million, or 29.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. This increase for both periods is mainly due to higher investment income combined with lower interest and amortization expense, offset by additional preference share dividend payments on the Preference Shares - Series B issued in October 2013.

Book Value per Common Share and Diluted Book Value per Common Share: Management uses growth in both of these metrics as a prime measure of the value we are generating for our common shareholders, as management believes that growth in each metric ultimately results in growth in the Company’s common share price. These metrics are impacted by the Company’s net income and external factors, such as interest rates, which can drive changes in unrealized gains or losses on our investment portfolio. The 10.7% and 10.9% increase in book value per common share and diluted book value per common share, respectively, as of September 30, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 was principally the result of an increase of $61.5 million in accumulated other comprehensive income, reflecting the impact of lower interest rates on the fair value of Maiden’s fixed income investment portfolio during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Investments" on page 57 for further information), combined with an increase in retained earnings due to improved investment income and reduced interest expenses offset by dividend payments on both our common and preference shares and the non-recurring charges related to the accelerated amortization of the junior subordinated debt discount and issuance costs incurred during the first quarter. Book value per common share and diluted book value per common share as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are computed as follows:

42


 
 
September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
 
 
($ in Millions except per share data)
Ending common shareholders’ equity
 
$
898.6

 
$
808.8

Proceeds from assumed conversion of dilutive options
 
16.0

 
19.1

Numerator for diluted book value per common share calculation
 
$
914.6

 
$
827.9

 
 
 
 
 
Common shares outstanding
 
72,909,332

 
72,633,561

Shares issued from assumed conversion of dilutive options and restricted share units
 
2,606,264

 
3,176,433

Denominator for diluted book value per common share calculation
 
75,515,596

 
75,809,994

 
 
 
 
 
Book value per common share
 
$
12.33

 
$
11.14

Diluted book value per common share
 
$
12.11

 
$
10.92


Ratio of Debt to Total Capital Resources: Management uses this measure to monitor the financial leverage of the Company. This measure is calculated using total debt divided by the the sum of total Maiden shareholders' equity and total debt. Ratio of Debt to Total Capital Resources as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is computed as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
Senior notes
 
$
360.0

 
$
360.0

Junior subordinated debt
 

 
126.4

Total debt
 
360.0

 
486.4

Maiden shareholders’ equity
 
1,213.6

 
1,123.8

Total capital resources
 
$
1,573.6


$
1,610.2

Ratio of debt to total capital resources
 
22.9
%
 
30.2
%

The repayment of the junior subordinated debt in the first quarter of 2014 combined with the increase in shareholders' equity described above has caused the reduction in the ratio in 2014.

Certain Operating Measures and Relevant Factors

Refer to "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for a general discussion on "Certain Operating Measures" utilized by the Company and the "Relevant Factors" associated with these Certain Operating Measures.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The Company's critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2014. The critical accounting policies and estimates should be read in conjunction with "Part I, Item 1 - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies" included in this Form 10Q and "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 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, 2013, filed with the SEC. There have been no material changes in the application of our critical accounting estimates subsequent to that report.

43



Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our selected unaudited 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,
 
 
2014

2013

2014

2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Gross premiums written
 
$
622.9

 
$
491.9

 
$
1,905.3

 
$
1,742.1

Net premiums written
 
$
605.5

 
$
463.4

 
$
1,856.3

 
$
1,650.4

Net premiums earned
 
$
592.4

 
$
508.1

 
$
1,643.6

 
$
1,509.8

Other insurance revenue
 
2.4

 
3.3

 
10.4

 
11.3

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(399.8
)
 
(341.6
)
 
(1,102.3
)
 
(1,019.9
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(166.2
)
 
(144.2
)
 
(469.7
)
 
(420.1
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(10.5
)
 
(10.4
)
 
(33.4
)
 
(33.7
)
Underwriting income
 
18.3

 
15.2

 
48.6

 
47.4

Other general and administrative expenses
 
(5.0
)
 
(2.9
)
 
(12.4
)
 
(10.5
)
Net investment income
 
29.5

 
23.3

 
85.4

 
66.0

Net realized gains on investments
 
0.3

 
0.5

 
1.0

 
3.7

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
(1.2
)
 


 
(1.2
)
 

Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost
 

 

 
(28.2
)
 

Amortization of intangible assets
 
(0.8
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(2.8
)
Foreign exchange and other gains
 
0.5

 

 
1.5

 
2.6

Interest and amortization expenses
 
(7.2
)
 
(9.6
)
 
(22.4
)
 
(28.7
)
Income tax expense
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(1.2
)
Net Income
 
33.9

 
25.0

 
67.9


76.5

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Dividends on preference shares
 
(6.1
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(18.3
)
 
(9.3
)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
27.8

 
$
21.9

 
$
49.5

 
$
67.1

Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*
 
67.2
%
 
66.8
%
 
66.6
%
 
67.0
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**
 
27.9
%
 
28.2
%
 
28.4
%
 
27.6
%
General and administrative expense ratio***
 
2.7
%
 
2.6
%
 
2.8
%
 
3.0
%
Expense ratio****
 
30.6
%
 
30.8
%
 
31.2
%
 
30.6
%
Combined ratio*****
 
97.8
%
 
97.6
%
 
97.8
%
 
97.6
%

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

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

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

****
Calculated by adding together commission and other acquisition expense ratio and general and administrative expense ratio.

*****
Calculated by adding together net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the expense ratio.


44


Net Income

Net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $33.9 million and $67.9 million compared to net income of $25.0 million and $76.5 million for the same periods in 2013, respectively.
 
Net income declined for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 due to the redemption of the Company's junior subordinated debt in the first quarter of 2014 which resulted in the Company recording a non-recurring, non-cash charge of $28.2 million, which represents the accelerated amortization of original issue discount and write off of issuance costs associated with the junior subordinated debt.

Excluding this non-recurring, non-cash charge, net income increased by 35.5% and 25.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively, due primarily to improvements in underwriting income, strongly improved investment income and reduced interest expense.

Underwriting income improved for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to a combination of continued premium growth from both of our reportable segments and a stable combined ratio on our AmTrust Reinsurance segment. However, these improvements were slightly offset by a marginally higher combined ratio in our Diversified Reinsurance segment. The improvement in investment income reflects the 19.7% and 18.6% increase in average invested assets, along with an improvement in our overall portfolio yields, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively.

The following is a summary of the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively:

Net Premiums Written

Net premiums written increased by $142.1 million, or 30.7%, and $205.9 million, or 12.5%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The increase in net premiums written was primarily the result of strong growth in business written in both the AmTrust Reinsurance and the Diversified Reinsurance segments.The tables below compare net premiums written by our reportable segments, reconciled to the total net premiums written, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
2014

2013

Change in
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
$
219.6

 
36.3
 %
 
$
187.9

 
40.6
%
 
$
31.7

 
16.9
 %
AmTrust Reinsurance
385.9

 
63.7
 %
 
259.6

 
56.0
%
 
126.3

 
48.6
 %
Total - reportable segments
605.5

 
100.0
 %
 
447.5

 
96.6
%
 
158.0

 
35.3
 %
Other

 
 %
 
15.9

 
3.4
%
 
(15.9
)
 
(100.0
)%
Total
$
605.5

 
100.0
 %
 
$
463.4

 
100.0
%
 
$
142.1

 
30.7
 %
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2014

2013
 
Change in
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
$
681.7

 
36.7
 %
 
$
589.6

 
35.7
%
 
$
92.1

 
15.6
 %
AmTrust Reinsurance
1,177.0

 
63.4
 %
 
895.0

 
54.3
%
 
282.0

 
31.5
 %
Total - reportable segments
1,858.7

 
100.1
 %
 
1,484.6

 
90.0
%
 
374.1

 
25.2
 %
Other
(2.4
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
165.8

 
10.0
%
 
(168.2
)
 
(101.4
)%
Total
$
1,856.3

 
100.0
 %
 
$
1,650.4

 
100.0
%
 
$
205.9

 
12.5
 %

The increase in net premiums written in our AmTrust Reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013 reflects AmTrust's continued expansion through ongoing organic growth and improved rate levels, particularly in its U.S. workers' compensation business. Net premiums written in our Diversified Reinsurance segment increased by $31.7 million, or 16.9%, and $92.1 million, or 15.6%, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively, primarily due to growth in the business written by Maiden US.

45


Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums earned increased by $84.3 million, or 16.6%, and $133.8 million, or 8.9%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The increase in net premiums earned was primarily the result of strong growth in business written in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment and also continued growth in the earned premiums in the Diversified Reinsurance segment.

The tables below compare net premiums earned by our reportable segments, reconciled to the total net premiums earned, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
Change in
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
$
233.0

 
39.3
%
 
$
198.3

 
39.1
%
 
$
34.7

 
17.5
 %
AmTrust Reinsurance
359.1

 
60.6
%
 
243.4

 
47.9
%
 
115.7

 
47.5
 %
Total - reportable segments
592.1

 
99.9
%
 
441.7

 
87.0
%
 
150.4

 
34.0
 %
Other
0.3

 
0.1
%
 
66.4

 
13.0
%
 
(66.1
)
 
(99.5
)%
Total
$
592.4

 
100.0
%
 
$
508.1

 
100.0
%
 
$
84.3

 
16.6
 %
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
Change in
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
$
635.3

 
38.7
%
 
$
565.1

 
37.4
%
 
$
70.2

 
12.4
 %
AmTrust Reinsurance
988.9

 
60.1
%
 
725.1

 
48.1
%
 
263.8

 
36.4
 %
Total - reportable segments
1,624.2

 
98.8
%
 
1,290.2

 
85.5
%
 
334.0

 
25.9
 %
Other
19.4

 
1.2
%
 
219.6

 
14.5
%
 
(200.2
)
 
(91.2
)%
Total
$
1,643.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,509.8

 
100.0
%
 
$
133.8

 
8.9
 %
 
The increase in net premiums earned in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013 reflects AmTrust's continued expansion through ongoing organic growth and improved rate levels, particularly in its U.S. workers' compensation business. Net premiums earned in our Diversified Reinsurance segment increased by $34.7 million, or 17.5%, and $70.2 million, or 12.4%, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The growth in the U.S. is due to both new accounts and organic growth from certain existing Maiden US accounts.

Other Insurance Revenue 

Other Insurance Revenue - Other insurance revenue represents fee business that is not directly associated with premiums revenue assumed by the Company. See "Results of Operations- Diversified Reinsurance Segment" on page 50 for further information.

Net Investment Income, Net Realized Gains on Investment and Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings

Net Investment Income - Net investment income increased by $6.2 million, or 27.0%, and $19.4 million, or 29.5%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The following table details the Company's average invested assets and average book yield for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2014

2013

2014

2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Average invested assets(1)
 
$
3,819.4

 
$
3,189.9

 
$
3,699.6

 
$
3,118.7

Average book yield(2)
 
3.1
%
 
2.8
%
 
3.1
%
 
2.8
%

(1)The average of the sum of the Company's investments, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, loan to related party and due to broker as of each quarter during the year.
(2) Ratio of net investment income over average invested assets, at fair value.


46


The increase in net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 is the result of the growth in average invested assets of 19.7% and 18.6% respectively, combined with improvement on our overall portfolio yields, for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The growth in average invested assets during this period compared to the same period in 2013 is the result of: 1) our continued profitable growth; 2) strong positive cash flow from operations during the period reported; and 3) the net proceeds from the Preference Shares - Series B offering.

Despite the continuing effects of historically low interest rates, the improvement in investment income in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 is primarily due to: 1) the aforementioned growth in invested assets; and 2) lower paydowns on the Company's U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") portfolio, resulting in reduced amortization expense for those MBS securities purchased at a premium.

Net Realized Gains on Investment - Net realized gains on investment were $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $0.5 million and $3.7 million for the same periods in 2013, respectively. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Investments" on page 56 for further information.

Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings - The Company recognized $1.2 million of other than temporary impairment ("OTTI") for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $0 for the same periods in 2013, respectively. Following the quarterly review of its available-for-sale investments to determine whether declines in fair value below the amortized cost basis were considered other-than-temporary, at September 30, 2014, the Company determined that there was a credit impairment in respect of one corporate bond. The Company does not intend to sell this security, but we do not believe it is probable that we will recover the amortized cost basis of the security.

Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses increased by $58.2 million, or 17.0%, and $82.4 million, or 8.1%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were 67.2% and 66.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 66.8% and 67.0% for the same periods in 2013, respectively. The increase in net loss and loss adjustment expense reflects the continued growth of the business in our reportable segments.

The overall decrease in the net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily came from the AmTrust Reinsurance segment as the segment's mix of business has continued to change.

Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses

Commission and other acquisition expenses increased by $22.0 million, or 15.3%, and $49.6 million, or 11.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio decreased to 27.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and increased to 28.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 28.2% and 27.6% for the same periods in 2013, respectively. The change in the amount of expenses incurred reflects the continuing premium growth of the Company's business as discussed while the change in the ratio largely reflects: (1) continued growth and ongoing changes in the mix of business in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment; and (2) the impact of a higher mix of earned premium on pro-rata contracts, which incur a higher commission expense compared to excess of loss treaties.

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 comprise:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2014

2013

2014

2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
General and administrative expenses – segments
 
$
10.5

 
$
10.4

 
$
33.4

 
$
33.7

General and administrative expenses – corporate
 
5.0

 
2.9

 
12.4

 
10.5

Total general and administrative expenses
 
$
15.5

 
$
13.3

 
$
45.8

 
$
44.2

General and administrative expense ratio
 
2.7
%
 
2.6
%
 
2.8
%
 
3.0
%

Total general and administrative expenses increased by $2.2 million, or 17.2%, and $1.6 million, or 3.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased by $2.1 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively, primarily due to an increase in employee compensation expenses, with the decrease in the general and administrative expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 reflecting the continuing growth of larger quota share accounts which enable the Company to operate more efficiently.


47


Interest and Amortization Expenses

 The interest and amortization expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 consist of:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2014

2013

2014

2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Junior subordinated debt
 
$

 
$
5.4

 
$
0.8

 
$
16.0

Senior notes
 
7.2

 
4.2

 
21.6

 
12.7

Total
 
$
7.2

 
$
9.6

 
$
22.4

 
$
28.7


The decrease in interest and amortization expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 was the result of the redemption of the outstanding junior subordinated debt on January 15, 2014, which had an effective interest rate of 16.95% and replacing it with the 2013 Senior Notes, which have an effective interest rate of 8.04%. The Company used the proceeds from the 2013 Senior Notes, along with cash on hand, to redeem the junior subordinated debt on January 15, 2014. The weighted average effective interest rate for the Company's debt was 8.25% and 8.42% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 11.47% for both periods in 2013, respectively.

Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost

The accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost
 
$

 
$

 
$
28.2

 
$


The Company incurred a non-recurring, non-cash charge of $28.2 million related to the accelerated amortization of the remaining discount and associated issuance costs following the redemption of the junior subordinated debt on January 15, 2014.

Income Tax Expense

The Company recorded a current income tax expense of $0.2 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to a current income tax expense of $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the same periods in 2013, respectively. These amounts relate to income tax on the earnings of our international subsidiaries and state taxes incurred by our U.S. subsidiaries. The effective rate of current income tax was 0.6% and 1.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to 0.5% and 0.8% for the same periods in 2013, respectively.

The increase in the overall effective rate of income tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is due to the impact of the non-recurring, non-cash charge for the accelerated amortization of original issue discount and write off of issuance costs associated with the junior subordinated debt which reduced net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $96.1 million to $67.9 million. Excluding this non-recurring, non-cash charge, the effective rate of current income tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 would be 1.0%.



48


Dividends on Preference Shares

The Company has declared and paid Preference Shares dividends as follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Preference shares - Series A
 
$
3.1

 
$
3.1

 
$
9.3

 
$
9.3

Preference shares - Series B
 
3.0

 

 
9.0

 

Total
 
$
6.1

 
$
3.1

 
$
18.3

 
$
9.3



Underwriting Results by Reportable Segment

The results of operations for our reportable segments: Diversified Reinsurance and AmTrust Reinsurance are discussed below.

Diversified Reinsurance Segment

The underwriting results and associated underwriting ratios for the Diversified Reinsurance reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2014

2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Net premiums written
 
$
219.6

 
$
187.9

 
$
681.7

 
$
589.6

Net premiums earned
 
$
233.0

 
$
198.3

 
$
635.3

 
$
565.1

Other insurance revenue
 
2.4

 
3.3

 
10.4

 
11.3

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(166.3
)
 
(135.3
)
 
(439.3
)
 
(392.4
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(56.9
)
 
(52.6
)
 
(164.9
)
 
(141.7
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(9.8
)
 
(9.7
)
 
(31.2
)
 
(31.6
)
Underwriting income
 
$
2.4

 
$
4.0

 
$
10.3

 
$
10.7

Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
70.7
%
 
67.1
%
 
68.0
%
 
68.1
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
 
24.2
%
 
26.1
%
 
25.5
%
 
24.6
%
General and administrative expense ratio
 
4.1
%
 
4.8
%
 
4.9
%
 
5.4
%
Expense ratio
 
28.3
%
 
30.9
%
 
30.4
%
 
30.0
%
Combined ratio
 
99.0
%
 
98.0
%
 
98.4
%
 
98.1
%

The combined ratio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased to 99.0% and 98.4%, respectively, compared to 98.0% and 98.1% for the same periods in 2013 due to 1) elevated property loss activity from several Maiden US clients during the first half of 2014 and 2) due to a modest amount of reserve deterioration in commercial auto business during the third quarter 2014.

All prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the revised presentation of this reportable segment following the removal of our divested U.S. E&S business, as it no longer meets the aggregation criteria under the applicable guidance.
 

49


Premiums - Net premiums written increased by $31.7 million, or 16.9%, and $92.1 million, or 15.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The tables below illustrates net premiums written by line of business in this segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2014

2013
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
 
$
37.0

 
16.8
%
 
$
29.0

 
15.4
%
 
$
8.0

 
27.4
 %
Casualty
 
149.1

 
67.9
%
 
122.6

 
65.3
%
 
26.5

 
21.6
 %
Accident and Health
 
7.1

 
3.2
%
 
9.1

 
4.8
%
 
(2.0
)
 
(21.9
)%
International
 
26.4

 
12.1
%
 
27.2

 
14.5
%
 
(0.8
)
 
(2.7
)%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
219.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
187.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
31.7

 
16.9
 %
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
 
$
126.7

 
18.6
%
 
$
114.3

 
19.4
%
 
$
12.4

 
10.8
%
Casualty
 
428.6

 
62.9
%
 
359.8

 
61.0
%
 
68.8

 
19.1
%
Accident and Health
 
32.2

 
4.7
%
 
31.7

 
5.4
%
 
0.5

 
1.7
%
International
 
94.2

 
13.8
%
 
83.8

 
14.2
%
 
10.4

 
12.3
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
681.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
589.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
92.1

 
15.6
%
 
The overall increase was primarily the result of business written by Maiden US experiencing an increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $31.2 million, or 19.5% and $79.0 million, or 15.7%, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. This increase in business written by Maiden US was due to both new accounts and organic growth from certain existing Maiden US accounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Furthermore, there was a net increase of $0.5 million, or 1.7%, and $13.1 million, or 15.2%, in the business written by our non - U.S. entities due to organic growth, within the Diversified Reinsurance segment, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively.

Net premiums earned increased by $34.7 million, or 17.5%, and $70.2 million, or 12.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The following tables show net premiums earned by line of business in this segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
 
$
45.0

 
19.3
%
 
$
41.0

 
20.7
%
 
$
4.0

 
9.8
 %
Casualty
 
150.9

 
64.8
%
 
126.1

 
63.6
%
 
24.8

 
19.7
 %
Accident and Health
 
9.0

 
3.9
%
 
9.0

 
4.5
%
 

 
 %
International
 
28.1

 
12.0
%
 
22.2

 
11.2
%
 
5.9

 
26.5
 %
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
233.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
198.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
34.7

 
17.5
 %
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
 
$
128.5

 
20.2
%
 
$
108.6

 
19.2
%
 
$
19.9

 
18.3
%
Casualty
 
398.1

 
62.7
%
 
360.0

 
63.7
%
 
38.1

 
10.6
%
Accident and Health
 
29.3

 
4.6
%
 
27.3

 
4.8
%
 
2.0

 
7.0
%
International
 
79.4

 
12.5
%
 
69.2

 
12.3
%
 
10.2

 
14.7
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
635.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
565.1

 
100.0
%
 
$
70.2

 
12.4
%


50


Within the Diversified Reinsurance reportable segment, the business underwritten by Maiden US experienced an increase in premiums earned for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $29.3 million, or 16.8%, and $70.4 million, or 14.7%, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The growth in the Maiden US premium is due to both new accounts and organic growth from certain existing Maiden US accounts. Furthermore, the premiums earned from the business written by our non- U.S. entities reflected within the Casualty and International components of Diversified Reinsurance segment, increased by $5.4 million, or 22.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, however for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the premiums earned for this component of the Diversified Reinsurance segment experienced a decrease of $0.3 million, or 0.4%, compared to the same period in 2013, following the non-renewal of certain accounts during 2013 and 2014.

Other Insurance Revenue - Other insurance revenue, which represents the fee business that is not directly associated with premium revenue assumed by the Company, decreased by $0.9 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. Revenue from our German auto business represents 65.1% and 68.5% of other insurance revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to 64.5% and 67.8% for the same periods in 2013, respectively. Other insurance revenue from the German auto business decreased by $0.5 million, or 25.3% and $0.5 million or 6.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. In addition, other insurance revenue earned by our remaining operations, decreased $0.4 million, or 27.0%, and $0.4 million, or 9.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively.

Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Net loss and loss adjustment expenses increased by $31.0 million, or 22.9%, and $46.9 million, or 12.0%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. These increases reflect the growth of this reportable segment following the addition of new accounts during 2013 and 2014 combined with organic growth from certain existing Maiden US accounts. The following factors also contributed to the increase in losses: 1) elevated property loss activity from several Maiden US clients during the first half of 2014 and 2) a modest amount of reserve deterioration in commercial auto business during the third quarter 2014. Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were 70.7% and 68.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 67.1% and 68.1% in the same periods in 2013, respectively.

Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses - Commission and other acquisition expenses increased by $4.3 million, or 8.1%, and $23.2 million, or 16.3%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The increase during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 reflects the increase in premiums earned for these periods compared to the same periods in 2013, consistent with the reasons cited in the discussion of the change in earned premiums. This increase reflects the higher mix of earned premium on pro-rata contracts, which incur a higher commission expense compared to excess of loss treaties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 2013.

General and Administrative Expenses - General and administrative expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 1.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and decreased $0.4 million, or 1.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The general and administrative expense ratio was 4.1% and 4.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 4.8% and 5.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The overall expense ratio (including commission and other acquisition expenses) was 28.3% and 30.4% and 30.9% and 30.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

AmTrust Reinsurance Segment

The AmTrust Reinsurance segment reported strong growth, stable combined ratios and increased underwriting income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The combined ratio decreased slightly to 95.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to 95.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and remained flat at 95.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013


51


The table below details the underwriting results and associated ratios for the AmTrust Reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013

2014
 
2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
Net premiums written
 
$
385.9

 
$
259.6

 
$
1,177.0

 
$
895.0

Net premiums earned
 
$
359.1

 
$
243.4

 
$
988.9

 
$
725.1

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(233.2
)
 
(160.4
)
 
(645.4
)
 
(478.7
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(109.2
)
 
(71.9
)
 
(298.2
)
 
(213.2
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(1.5
)
Underwriting income
 
$
16.2

 
$
10.6

 
$
43.7

 
$
31.7

Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
64.9
%
 
65.9
%
 
65.3
%
 
66.0
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
 
30.4
%
 
29.5
%
 
30.2
%
 
29.4
%
General and administrative expense ratio
 
0.2
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.1
%
 
0.2
%
Expense ratio
 
30.6
%
 
29.7
%
 
30.3
%
 
29.6
%
Combined ratio
 
95.5
%
 
95.6
%
 
95.6
%
 
95.6
%

Premiums - Net premiums written increased by $126.3 million, or 48.6%, and $282.0 million, or 31.5%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. This increase reflects the continued ongoing organic growth and improved rate levels, particularly in U.S. workers' compensation.

The tables below detail net premiums written by line of business in this segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
2014

2013

Change in
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
$
212.0

 
54.9
%
 
$
136.7

 
52.7
%
 
$
75.3

 
55.0
%
Specialty Program
57.0

 
14.8
%
 
41.7

 
16.0
%
 
15.3

 
36.8
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
116.9

 
30.3
%
 
81.2

 
31.3
%
 
35.7

 
44.0
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
$
385.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
259.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
126.3

 
48.6
%
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2014

2013

Change in
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
$
663.8

 
56.4
%
 
$
434.9

 
48.6
%
 
$
228.9

 
52.6
%
Specialty Program
145.2

 
12.3
%
 
115.3

 
12.9
%
 
29.9

 
25.9
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
368.0

 
31.3
%
 
344.8

 
38.5
%
 
23.2

 
6.7
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
$
1,177.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
895.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
282.0

 
31.5
%

Net premiums earned increased by $115.7 million, or 47.5%, and $263.8 million, or 36.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The increase is primarily due to AmTrust's organic growth in U.S. workers' compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013.


52


The tables below detail net premiums earned by line of business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
Change in
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
$
202.2

 
56.3
%
 
$
130.5

 
53.6
%
 
$
71.7

 
54.9
%
Specialty Program
40.6

 
11.3
%
 
39.6

 
16.3
%
 
1.0

 
2.5
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
116.3

 
32.4
%
 
73.3

 
30.1
%
 
43.0

 
58.7
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
$
359.1

 
100.0
%
 
$
243.4

 
100.0
%
 
$
115.7

 
47.5
%
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
Change in
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
$
537.8

 
54.4
%
 
$
350.3

 
48.3
%
 
$
187.5

 
53.5
%
Specialty Program
118.5

 
12.0
%
 
105.1

 
14.5
%
 
13.4

 
12.7
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
332.6

 
33.6
%
 
269.7

 
37.2
%
 
62.9

 
23.3
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
$
988.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
725.1

 
100.0
%
 
$
263.8

 
36.4
%

Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Net loss and loss expenses increased by $72.8 million, or 45.4%, and $166.7 million, or 34.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were 64.9% and 65.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to 65.9% and 66.0% in the same periods in 2013, respectively. The loss ratio has improved as the segment's mix of business has continued to change, with the Small Commercial Business component increasing at the fastest rate, in part due to the continued improvement in pricing that AmTrust is experiencing in certain lines of business in that component, particularly U.S. workers' compensation.

Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses - Commission and other acquisition expenses increased by $37.3 million, or 52.0%, and $85.0 million, or 39.9%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio increased to 30.4% and 30.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 29.5% and 29.4% for the same periods in 2013, respectively. The increase in the ratios reflects the higher proportion of net premiums earned from the Reinsurance Agreement, which has a higher commission rate than the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, compared to the same periods in 2013.

General and Administrative Expenses - General and administrative expenses remained flat at $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and increased slightly by $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, due to the growth in business, compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively. The overall expense ratio (including commission and other acquisition expenses) was 30.6% and 30.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 29.7% and 29.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, reflecting the changes in the commission and other acquisition expense ratio.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Maiden Holdings is a holding company and transacts no business of its own. We therefore rely on cash flows in the form of dividends, advances and loans and other permitted distributions from our subsidiary companies to make dividend payments on our common and preference shares.

The jurisdictions in which our operating subsidiaries are licensed to write business impose regulations requiring companies to maintain or meet statutory solvency and liquidity requirements. Some jurisdictions also place restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions.

The regulatory and liquidity requirements of the Company's operating segments are discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with SEC on March 4, 2014.

Our sources of funds primarily consist of premiums received (net of commissions), investment income, net proceeds from capital raising activities, which may include the issuance of debt, common and preference shares, and proceeds from sales and redemption of investments. Cash is used primarily to pay loss and loss adjustment expenses, general and administrative expenses, interest expense and dividends, with the remainder in excess of our operating requirements, made available to our investment managers for investment in accordance with our investment policy. On January 15, 2014, we used the net proceeds from the 2013

53


Senior Notes, along with cash at hand, to redeem the outstanding junior subordinated debt. The table below summarizes the cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
Operating activities
 
$
507.0

 
$
359.3

Investing activities
 
(399.3
)
 
(289.7
)
Financing activities
 
(194.3
)
 
(20.7
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
 
(0.8
)
 
0.8

Total (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(87.4
)
 
$
49.7


Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $507.0 million compared to $359.3 million for the same period in 2013, a 41.1% increase. The Company's assets grew by $346.4 million, or 7.3%, as of September 30, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013. The increase in assets was largely due to the growth in premium written, primarily in our AmTrust Reinsurance segment during 2014. Cash flows associated with the AmTrust Reinsurance segment's growth typically lag by at least one calendar quarter, and the Company anticipates seeing further cash flow benefits from that growth in the remainder of 2014 and 2015.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Investing cash flows consist primarily of proceeds from sales and maturities of investments and payments for investments acquired. Net cash used in investing activities was $399.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $289.7 million for the same period in 2013. The Company continues to deploy available cash for longer-term investments as investment conditions permit and to maintain, where possible, cash and cash equivalents balances at low levels. However, fixed income markets have been volatile in 2014 and the Company has periodically maintained elevated levels of cash and cash equivalents to mitigate near-term volatility that may occur. These elevated cash levels may result in slower growth in investment income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the purchases of fixed maturity securities exceeded the proceeds from the sales, maturities and calls by $249.1 million. This outflow was increased further by the increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents of $143.5 million, net purchases of other investments of $5.9 million and movement in other assets of $0.8 million during the same period.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows used in financing activities were $194.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $20.7 million for the same period in 2013. The increase was largely attributable to the repurchase of the junior subordinated debt which was repurchased in January 2014 using the net proceeds from the 2013 Senior Notes issuance and cash on hand. The increase of $11.0 million in the cash outflow from dividends paid to common shareholder for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to the accelerated payment of the common share dividend announced in the fourth quarter of 2012, which resulted in no cash outflow for common shareholder dividends in the first quarter of 2013. Furthermore, cash outflow from dividends paid to preference shareholders increased by $9.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 due to the issuance of the Preference Shares - Series B in October 2013. The cash flows from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
Cash flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
Redemption of junior subordinated debt
 
$
(152.5
)
 
$

Common share issuance
 
0.5

 
1.6

Dividends paid to Maiden common shareholders
 
(24.0
)
 
(13.0
)
Dividends paid to preference shareholders
 
(18.3
)
 
(9.3
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
$
(194.3
)
 
$
(20.7
)

Restrictions, Collateral and Specific Requirements

The Company's restrictions, collateral and specific requirements are discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2014.

As of September 30, 2014, total cash and cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments used as collateral were $2.8 billion compared to $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2013. This collateral represents 75.7% and 68.9% of our total fixed maturity

54


investments and our restricted cash & cash equivalents as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in assets provided as collateral for the AmTrust Reinsurance segment reflecting continued growth.

Investments

The investment of our funds is designed to ensure safety of principal while generating current income. Accordingly, our funds are invested in liquid, investment-grade fixed income securities and are designated available-for-sale ("AFS"). The fair value of the Company's AFS fixed maturity investments increased by $288.3 million, or 9.1%, as of September 30, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.

Due to declining interest rates, net unrealized gains on our AFS fixed maturity investments increased by $43.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013. This increase in net unrealized gains, combined with fixed maturity purchases of $599.4 million, was offset by the combined effect of: 1) paydowns from MBS securities; and 2) bond amortization and disposals, which totaled $355.0 million.

The increase in net unrealized gains on our AFS fixed maturity investments of $43.9 million is net of unrealized foreign exchange losses of $25.7 million arising on our non-U.S. dollar denominated investment portfolio, primarily on our Euro-denominated investments, following the significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. These declines were substantially offset by corresponding decreases in our non-U.S. dollar net liabilities which are reflected in the movement in our cumulative translation adjustment, which is also a component of AOCI, in our shareholders equity. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Resources" on page 62 for further information.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond decreased by 52 basis points to 2.52%, as of September 30, 2014. The 10-year U.S. Treasury is the key risk-free determinant in the fair value of many of the securities in our AFS portfolio. The decline in interest rates during the year to date was due to conflicting economic indicators, combined with equity market volatility and increased global geopolitical uncertainties during the period. These conditions more than offset the continuing measures implemented by the U.S. Federal Reserve to further restrict its monetary policy and related liquidity measures.

As of September 30, 2014, we consider the levels of cash and cash equivalents we are holding to generally be within our targeted ranges. However, as interest rates have begun to experience greater volatility in the last twelve months, we have periodically maintained more cash and cash equivalents in order to better assess current market conditions and opportunities within our defined risk appetite, and may do so in future periods.
 
In order to limit our exposure to unexpected interest rate increases which would reduce the value of our fixed income securities and reduce our shareholders' equity, we attempt to maintain the duration of our AFS fixed maturity investment portfolio combined with our cash and cash equivalents, both restricted and unrestricted, within a reasonable range of the duration of our loss reserves. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, these respective durations were as follows:

 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale and cash and cash equivalents
 
4.6
 
4.3
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
4.3
 
4.2

The differential in duration between these assets and liabilities may fluctuate over time and in the case of fixed maturities, is affected by factors such as market conditions, changes in asset mix and prepayment speeds in the case of MBS.

As of September 30, 2014, the weighted average duration of our AFS fixed maturity investment portfolio was 5.0 years and there were approximately $78.2 million of net unrealized gains in the portfolio, compared to a duration of 4.6 years and net unrealized gains of $34.3 million in the portfolio as of December 31, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our MBS portfolio continued to experience a slow down in prepayments and combined with the purchase of $322.7 million in new corporate bonds at an average duration of 7.87 years, the duration of our AFS portfolio increased by 0.4 years at September 30, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.


55


The aggregate amounts of our invested AFS assets by asset class and in total as of those dates, including the average yield and duration were as follows:
September 30, 2014
 
Original or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Average yield*
 
Average duration
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
11.9

 
$
0.4

 
$

 
$
12.3

 
2.4
%
 
3.0 years
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,392.2

 
14.9

 
(23.5
)
 
1,383.6

 
2.9
%
 
4.5 years
U.S. agency bonds – other
 
7.2

 
0.9

 

 
8.1

 
5.0
%
 
6.2 years
Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
55.1

 
0.6

 
(1.1
)
 
54.6

 
1.9
%
 
3.3 years
Other mortgage-backed securities
 
52.6

 
1.4

 

 
54.0

 
3.5
%
 
6.5 years
Corporate bonds
 
1,791.1

 
93.7

 
(12.3
)
 
1,872.5

 
4.1
%
 
5.2 years
Municipal bonds - other
 
62.1

 
3.2

 

 
65.3

 
4.2
%
 
8.0 years
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
3,372.2

 
115.1

 
(36.9
)
 
3,450.4

 
3.6
%
 
5.0 years
Other investments
 
10.7

 
0.7

 

 
11.4

 
 
 
 
Total investments
 
$
3,382.9

 
$
115.8

 
$
(36.9
)
 
$
3,461.8

 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
Original or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Average yield*
 
Average duration
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
16.6

 
$
0.6

 
$

 
$
17.2

 
2.6
%
 
1.8 years
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,292.1

 
11.7

 
(41.1
)
 
1,262.7

 
2.8
%
 
4.4 years
U.S. agency bonds – other
 
7.2

 
0.9

 

 
8.1

 
5.0
%
 
6.8 years
Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
70.4

 
3.5

 
(0.7
)
 
73.2

 
1.8
%
 
2.6 years
Other mortgage-backed securities
 
33.6

 

 
(0.2
)
 
33.4

 
3.4
%
 
6.9 years
Corporate bonds
 
1,546.5

 
83.0

 
(22.8
)
 
1,606.7

 
4.3
%
 
5.0 years
Municipal bonds – auction rate
 
99.2

 

 

 
99.2

 
0.3
%
 
0.0 years
Municipal bonds - other
 
62.2

 
0.9

 
(1.5
)
 
61.6

 
4.2
%
 
8.6 years
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
3,127.8

 
100.6

 
(66.3
)
 
3,162.1

 
3.5
%
 
4.6 years
Other investments
 
4.5

 
0.6

 

 
5.1

 
 
 
 
Total investments
 
$
3,132.3

 
$
101.2

 
$
(66.3
)
 
$
3,167.2

 
 
 
 

*Average yield is calculated by dividing annualized investment income for each sub-component of AFS 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.
 

56


The following table summarizes the fair value by contractual maturity of our AFS fixed maturity investment portfolio as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 
September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
% of Total
Due in one year or less
 
$
23.1

 
0.7
%
 
$
88.6

 
2.8
%
Due after one year through five years
 
562.1

 
16.3
%
 
427.4

 
13.5
%
Due after five years through ten years
 
1,351.4

 
39.2
%
 
1,154.4

 
36.5
%
Due after ten years
 
76.2

 
2.2
%
 
195.6

 
6.2
%
 
 
2,012.8

 
58.4
%
 
1,866.0

 
59.0
%
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,383.6

 
40.1
%
 
1,262.7

 
39.9
%
Other mortgage-backed securities
 
54.0

 
1.5
%
 
33.4

 
1.1
%
Total AFS fixed maturities
 
$
3,450.4

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,162.1

 
100.0
%

At both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 98.2% of our fixed income portfolio consisted of investment grade securities, respectively. We define a security as being below investment grade if it has an S&P credit rating of BB+ or less. See "Part I, Item I - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 4. Investments" for additional information on the credit rating of our fixed income portfolio.

Substantially all of the Company’s U.S. agency bond holdings are mortgage-backed bonds. Additional details on the mortgage-backed bonds component of our U.S. agency bonds portfolio as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed (RMBS)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GNMA – fixed rate
 
$
79.2

 
5.7
%
 
$
90.9

 
7.2
%
FNMA – fixed rate
 
720.7

 
51.8
%
 
695.4

 
54.7
%
FNMA – variable rate
 
27.9

 
2.0
%
 
34.5

 
2.7
%
FHLMC – fixed rate
 
547.8

 
39.3
%
 
432.2

 
34.0
%
FHLMC – variable rate
 
8.0

 
0.6
%
 
9.7

 
0.8
%
Total RMBS
 
1,383.6

 
99.4
%
 
1,262.7

 
99.4
%
Total U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed
 
1,383.6

 
99.4
%
 
1,262.7

 
99.4
%
Non-MBS fixed rate U.S. agency bonds
 
8.1

 
0.6
%
 
8.1

 
0.6
%
Total U.S. agency bonds
 
$
1,391.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,270.8

 
100.0
%

The following tables provide 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, 2014 and 2013:    
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2014

2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed:
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
1,212.6

 
$
1,218.5

Purchases
 
243.0

 

Sales and paydowns
 
(65.9
)
 
(80.9
)
Change in net unrealized (gains) losses – included in other comprehensive income
 
(5.4
)
 
(4.8
)
Amortization of bond premium and discount
 
(0.7
)
 
(2.0
)
Ending balance
 
$
1,383.6

 
$
1,130.8


57


For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
($ in Millions)
U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed:
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
1,262.7

 
$
992.2

Purchases
 
243.0

 
524.8

Sales and paydowns
 
(141.1
)
 
(340.2
)
Change in net unrealized (gains) losses – included in other comprehensive income
 
20.8

 
(37.1
)
Amortization of bond premium and discount
 
(1.8
)
 
(8.9
)
Ending balance
 
$
1,383.6

 
$
1,130.8


Policy measures enacted by the U.S. Federal Reserve designed to provide greater liquidity to certain credit markets, in particular the mortgage backed securities market, had impacted the Company's MBS portfolio for several years through 2013. However, those conditions began abating during 2013, as interest rates began to rise and in December 2013, the U.S. Federal Reserve began to gradually reduce the amount of liquidity it is providing to credit markets, which has continued to date in 2014. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company experienced the lowest levels of paydowns and amortization of bond premium of its MBS portfolio since 2011, contributing to the improvement in investment income during those periods compared to 2013. These conditions may fluctuate, until such time that the interest rate environment gradually moves toward historical levels from those experienced during the last several years.

Our MBS portfolio represents 40.1% of our fixed maturity investments as of September 30, 2014. Given the relative size of this portfolio to our total investments, if faster prepayment patterns were to occur over an extended period of time, this could potentially limit the growth in our investment income in certain circumstances, or even potentially reducing the total amount of investment income we earn.

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

The security holdings by sector and financial strength rating by S&P of our corporate bond holdings as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:    
 
 
Ratings*
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
AAA
 
AA+, AA, AA-
 
A+, A, A-
 
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
BB+ or lower
 
Fair Value
 
% of Corporate bonds portfolio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Institutions
 
4.4
%
 
3.3
%
 
28.5
%
 
8.2
%
 
0.5
%
 
$
840.2

 
44.9
%
Industrials
 
%
 
3.1
%
 
12.1
%
 
29.4
%
 
2.8
%
 
888.4

 
47.4
%
Utilities/Other
 
%
 
%
 
2.7
%
 
5.0
%
 
%
 
143.9

 
7.7
%
Total Corporate bonds
 
4.4
%
 
6.4
%
 
43.3
%
 
42.6
%
 
3.3
%
 
$
1,872.5

 
100.0
%

 
 
Ratings*
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
AAA
 
AA+, AA, AA-
 
A+, A, A-
 
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
BB+ or lower
 
Fair Value
 
% of Corporate bonds portfolio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Institutions
 
6.1
%
 
4.6
%
 
28.9
%
 
10.7
%
 
0.2
%
 
$
811.3

 
50.5
%
Industrials
 
%
 
2.7
%
 
7.8
%
 
28.0
%
 
2.5
%
 
659.3

 
41.0
%
Utilities/Other
 
%
 
%
 
2.8
%
 
4.9
%
 
0.8
%
 
136.1

 
8.5
%
Total Corporate bonds
 
6.1
%
 
7.3
%
 
39.5
%
 
43.6
%
 
3.5
%
 
$
1,606.7

 
100.0
%
*Ratings as assigned by S&P

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company's allocation to corporate bonds rated BBB (including those with a + or - modifier) was generally stable, as we had reached our maximum allocation to those securities as a percentage

58


of the total fixed maturities portfolio. We also reduced our exposure to corporate bonds in the Financial Institutions sector, as those securities may be more sensitive to rising interest rates.

The Company’s 10 largest corporate holdings, 82.6% of which are in the Financial Institutions sector, as of September 30, 2014 are as follows:
September 30, 2014
 
Fair Value
 
% of Holdings
Based on Fair
Value of All
Fixed Income
Securities
 
Rating*
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
 
Morgan Stanley FLT, Due 10/18/2016 (1)
 
$
40.1

 
1.1
%
 
 A-
Citigroup FLT, Due 06/09/2016 (1)
 
26.8

 
0.8
%
 
BBB+
Northern Rock Asset Mgt., 3.875% Due 11/16/2020
 
25.5

 
0.7
%
 
AAA
BNP Paribas, 5.0% Due 01/15/2021
 
21.2

 
0.6
%
 
A+
Electricite De France, 4.625 % Due 9/11/2024
 
20.7

 
0.6
%
 
A+
Vale Overseas Ltd, 4.375% Due 01/11/2022
 
20.2

 
0.6
%
 
A-
Barclays Bank PLC NY FLT, Due 02/24/2020 (1)
 
20.2

 
0.6
%
 
A
Rabobank Nederland, 3.875% Due 02/08/2022
 
20.1

 
0.6
%
 
AA-
HSBC Financial FLT, Due 06/01/2016 (1)
 
20.0

 
0.6
%
 
A
Bear Stearns FLT, Due 11/21/2016 (1)
 
20.0

 
0.6
%
 
A
Total
 
$
234.8

 
6.8
%
 
 
* Ratings as assigned by S&P
(1) Securities with the notation FLT are floating rate securities.

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 10.6% and 15.5%, respectively, of our corporate securities were floating rate securities all of which were in the Financial Institutions sector. These securities enable the Company to maintain flexibility in the face of volatile fixed income market conditions and allow us to take advantage of any unanticipated increases in interest rates which may occur.

To the extent that the Company's operating subsidiaries invest in fixed maturities issued by U.S. state and local governments, these investments are made on the merits of the underlying investment and not on the tax status of those securities.

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we own the following securities not denominated in U.S. dollars:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
$
311.2

 
85.1
%
 
$
230.3

 
75.9
%
Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
54.5

 
14.9
%
 
73.2

 
24.1
%
Total Non-U.S. dollar AFS fixed maturities
 
$
365.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
303.5

 
100.0
%


59


These fixed maturities were invested in the following currencies:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Euro
 
$
302.0

 
82.6
%
 
$
249.1

 
82.1
%
British Pound
 
47.5

 
13.0
%
 
33.6

 
11.1
%
Swedish Krona
 
7.6

 
2.1
%
 
10.6

 
3.5
%
Australian Dollar
 
6.8

 
1.9
%
 
7.7

 
2.5
%
All other
 
1.8

 
0.4
%
 
2.5

 
0.8
%
Total Non-U.S. dollar AFS fixed maturities
 
$
365.7

 
100.0
%
 
$
303.5

 
100.0
%

The continued increase in securities not denominated in U.S. dollars was primarily due to the investment of the net receipts from our Euro denominated underwriting activity.

We do not have any non-U.S. government and government related obligations of Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. At both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 100.0% of the Company's non-U.S. government issuers were rated A+ or higher by S&P. The five largest non-U.S. government and supranational issuers held by the Company as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
State of Israel
 
$
12.5

 
22.9
%
 
$
6.0

 
8.1
%
European Financial Stability Facility
 
11.8

 
21.7
%
 
12.4

 
17.0
%
Germany
 
9.1

 
16.7
%
 
18.1
 
24.7
%
United Kingdom
 
7.3

 
13.4
%
 
14.5

 
19.9
%
European Investment Bank
 
6.7

 
12.2
%
 
11.1

 
15.2
%
All other
 
7.1

 
13.1
%
 
11.1

 
15.1
%
Total non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
$
54.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
73.2

 
100.0
%

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, 2014

December 31, 2013
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
AAA
 
$
64.5

 
20.7
%
 
$
63.8

 
27.7
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
21.1

 
6.8
%
 
10.2

 
4.5
%
A+, A, A-
 
152.8

 
49.1
%
 
103.8

 
45.0
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
71.4

 
22.9
%
 
51.0

 
22.0
%
BB+ or lower
 
1.4

 
0.5
%
 
1.5

 
0.8
%
Total non-U.S. dollar denominated corporate bonds
 
$
311.2

 
100.0
%
 
$
230.3

 
100.0
%

The Company does not employ any credit default protection against any of the non-U.S. dollar denominated government, supranational or corporate bonds


60


Other Changes in Financial Position

The following summarizes other changes in the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
Change
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
%
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
 
$
516.4

 
$
560.1

 
$
(43.7
)
 
(7.8
)%
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
 
82.2

 
84.0

 
(1.8
)
 
(2.2
)%
Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
 
369.1

 
304.9

 
64.2

 
21.1
 %
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
2,157.2

 
1,957.8

 
199.4

 
10.2
 %
Unearned premiums
 
1,231.4

 
1,034.8

 
196.6

 
19.0
 %

At September 30, 2014, consistent with the continued growth of the Company, deferred acquisition costs, reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premium balances increased. In particular due to the strong premium written growth experienced during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment. Reinsurance balances receivable, net decreased by $43.7 million primarily due to the reduction in the outstanding receivable balances in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment.

Capital Resources

Refer to the ‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’ section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for a general discussion of our shareholders' equity and capital resources.

Capital resources consist of funds deployed or available to be deployed in support of our business operations. Our total capital resources were $1,573.6 million at September 30, 2014, a $36.6 million, or 2.3%, net decrease from December 31, 2013. Increases in shareholders' equity during 2014 were offset by repayment of our junior subordinated debt during the year. The following table shows the movement in total capital resources as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
 
Change
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
%
Preference shares
 
$
315.0

 
$
315.0

 
$

 
 %
Common shareholders' equity
 
898.6

 
808.8

 
89.8

 
11.1
 %
Total Maiden shareholders' equity
 
1,213.6

 
1,123.8

 
89.8

 
8.0
 %
Senior Notes
 
360.0

 
360.0

 

 
 %
Junior Subordinated Debt
 

 
126.4

 
(126.4
)
 
(100.0
)%
Total capital resources
 
$
1,573.6

 
$
1,610.2

 
$
(36.6
)
 
(2.3
)%

The major factors contributing to the net decrease in capital resources were as follows:
Maiden shareholders' equity
Maiden shareholders' equity at September 30, 2014 increased by $89.8 million, or 8.0%, compared to December 31, 2013 primarily due to:

increase due to net income of $67.9 million. See "Results of Operations - Net Income" on page 46 for a discussion of the Company’s net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014;

increase in AOCI following improvements in market values of our fixed maturity securities resulting in a net unrealized gain of $43.9 million. This net unrealized gain is net of unrealized foreign exchange losses of $25.7 million arising on our non-U.S. dollar denominated investment portfolio, primarily on our Euro investments, following the significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. These declines were substantially offset by a corresponding decrease of $17.4 million in our non-U.S. dollar net liabilities which are reflected in the movement in our cumulative translation adjustment, which is also a component of AOCI.;

increase in additional paid in capital of $2.9 million resulting from share based compensation transactions; and

decrease of $42.3 million related to dividend payments on the Company’s common and preferred shares.

On July 24, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to $75.0 million of the Company's common shares from time to time at market prices. No share repurchases have taken place to date under this plan.

61


Indebtedness
The decrease of $126.4 million was entirely due to the redemption of the junior subordinated debt on January 15, 2014 by the Company's wholly owned U.S. holding company Maiden NA, utilizing the proceeds from the issuance of the 2013 Senior Notes and cash on hand. There were no further changes in the Company’s indebtedness at September 30, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 and the Company did not enter into any short-term borrowing arrangements during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Refer to "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 7. Long Term Debt" included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for a discussion of the Company’s indebtedness.

We have, and expect to continue, to fund a portion of our capital requirements through issuances of senior securities, including secured, unsecured and convertible debt securities, or issuances of common or preference shares. For flexibility, on November 8, 2013, we filed a universal shelf registration statement that allows for the public offering and sale of our debt securities, common shares, preference shares and warrants to purchase such securities in an amount up to $300.0 million less issuances after that date. As previously reported, the Company, through Maiden NA, issued $152.5 million principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due on December 1, 2043 on November 25, 2013.

Therefore, we presently have the ability to issue, from time to time, an additional $147.5 million in securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement or otherwise pursuant to private offerings. The issuance of debt or equity securities will depend on future market conditions, funding needs and other factors and there can be no assurance that any such issuance will occur or be successful.

Financial Strength Ratings

On May 30, 2014, A.M. Best Company revised its outlook of our principal operating subsidiaries to positive from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent). There are no further changes from the the "Financial Strength Ratings" as previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Aggregate Contractual Obligations

In the normal course of its business, the Company is a party to a variety of contractual obligations as summarized in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. These contractual obligations are considered by the Company when assessing its liquidity requirements and the Company is confident in its ability to meet all of its obligations. As of September 30, 2014, there are no material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations as disclosed in the Company’s table of contractual obligations included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Currency and Foreign Exchange

We conduct business in a variety of foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, the principal exposures being the Euro, the British pound, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar, the Swedish krona and the Russian ruble. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates. 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. Our principal exposure to foreign currency risk is our obligation to settle claims in foreign currencies. In addition, in order to minimize this risk we maintain and expect to continue to maintain a portion of our investment portfolio in investments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We may employ various strategies (including hedging) 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 which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. At September 30, 2014, no such hedges or hedging strategies were in force or had been entered into. 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 (unaudited). Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted at average exchange rates during the period. The effect of the translation adjustments for foreign operations is included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Net foreign exchange gains were $0.6 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to net foreign exchange losses of $24 thousand and net foreign exchange gains of $1.3 million during the same periods in 2013, respectively.

Effects of Inflation
 
The effects of inflation are considered implicitly in pricing and estimating reserves for loss and loss adjustment 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 loss and loss adjustment 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, 2014, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

62


 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See "Part I, Item 1 - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies" for a discussion on recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.
 
 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 on 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 three types of market risk: changes in interest rates; changes in credit quality of issuers of investment securities and reinsurers; and foreign currency risk.

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, 2014, we had AFS fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $3.5 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, 2014 to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates, and the associated impact on our shareholders’ equity. Temporary changes in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities that are held as AFS 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, 2014:
Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates
 
Fair Value
 
Estimated
Change in
Fair Value
 
Hypothetical %
(Decrease)
Increase in
Shareholders’
Equity
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
200 basis point increase
 
$
3,127.7

 
$
(322.7
)
 
(26.6
)%
100 basis point increase
 
3,282.8

 
(167.6
)
 
(13.8
)%
No change
 
3,450.4

 

 
 %
100 basis point decrease
 
3,626.7

 
176.3

 
14.5
 %
200 basis point decrease
 
3,803.2

 
352.8

 
29.1
 %

The interest rate sensitivity on the $168.0 million loan to related party, which carries an interest rate of one month LIBOR plus 90 basis points, is an increase of 100 and 200 basis points in LIBOR which would increase our earnings and cash flows by $1.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively, on an annual basis, but would not affect the carrying value of the loan.

Counterparty Credit Risk

The concentrations of the Company’s counterparty credit risk exposures as of September 30, 2014 have not changed materially compared to December 31, 2013.
 
The Company has exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed maturity securities. The Company controls this exposure by emphasizing investment grade credit quality in our security purchases. The table below summarizes the credit ratings by major rating category of the Company's fixed maturity investments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

63


 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Ratings*
 
 
AA+ or better
 
48.3
%
 
50.5
%
AA, AA-, A+, A, A-
 
26.8
%
 
25.6
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
23.1
%
 
22.1
%
BB+ or lower
 
1.8
%
 
1.8
%
 
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
* Ratings as assigned by S&P

The Company believes this high quality concentration reduces its exposure to credit risk on fixed income securities to an acceptable level.

At September 30, 2014, 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+ by S&P (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Investments" on page 56), with the single largest corporate issuer and the top 10 corporate issuers accounting for only 1.1% and 6.8% of the Company’s total fixed income securities fair value, respectively.

The Company is exposed to credit risk for business written through brokers if any of the Company’s brokers are 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 Item 1 and 1A of Part I of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 4, 2014, respectively, for detailed information on three brokers that accounted for approximately 29.2% of the Company’s gross premiums written in the Diversified Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The Company is also exposed to credit risk on reinsurance balances receivable and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses. We are also 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. Reinsurance balances receivable from the Company’s clients at September 30, 2014 were $516.4 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 give the Company the contractual 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, 2014.

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 $82.2 million at September 30, 2014 compared to $84.0 million at the end of December 31, 2013. Of these reinsurance recoverables, as of September 30, 2014, $45.3 million, or 55.2%, compared to $49.8 million, or 59.2%, as of December 31, 2013 relates to reinsurance claims from Superstorm Sandy.

The table below summarizes the credit ratings by A.M. Best of the Company's reinsurance counterparties as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
A or better
 
91.1
%
 
90.2
%
A-
 
5.5
%
 
7.5
%
B++ or lower
 
3.4
%
 
2.3
%
 
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

Foreign Currency Risk

The Company is generally able to match 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. However, a natural offset does not exist for all currencies. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, $204.5 million, or 11.0%, of our net premiums written and $249.1 million, or 11.6%, of our reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses were transacted in Euros.

64



Refer to the "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" section included under Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for a general overview on the uncertain economic issues relating to the Euro that may impact our ability to conduct normal business operations in its participating countries.
 
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. At September 30, 2014, no hedging instruments have been entered into.
 
Our principal foreign currency exposure is to the Euro and British pound, however, assuming all other variables remain constant and disregarding any tax effects, a strengthening (weakening) of 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 $6.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have 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”)). Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide an absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected.

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.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In April 2009, the Company learned that Bentzion S. Turin, the former Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor claiming that his employment with the Company was terminated in retaliation for corporate whistle blowing in violation of the whistle blower protection provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Turin alleged concerns regarding corporate governance with respect to negotiation of the terms of the Trust Preferred Securities Offering and seeks reinstatement as Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, back pay and legal fees incurred. On December 31, 2009, the U.S. Secretary of Labor found no reasonable cause for Mr. Turin’s claim and dismissed the complaint in its entirety. Mr. Turin objected to the Secretary's findings and requested a hearing before an administrative law judge in the U.S. Department of Labor. The Company moved to dismiss Mr. Turin's complaint, and its motion was granted by the Administrative Law Judge on June 30, 2011. On July 13, 2011, Mr. Turin filed a petition for review of the Administrative Law Judge's decision with the Administrative Review Board in the U.S. Department of Labor. The Company filed its brief in opposition to the petition for review on October 19, 2011. On March 29, 2013, the Administrative Review Board reversed the dismissal of the complaint on procedural grounds, and remanded the case to the administrative law judge. The administrative hearing began in September 2014, and we expect it to conclude in the first half of 2015. The Company believes that it had ample reason for terminating such employment for good and sufficient legal cause, and the Company believes that the claim is without merit and is vigorously defending this claim.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

65



Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

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 unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


66



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:
 
November 10, 2014
 
/s/ Arturo M. Raschbaum
 
 
Arturo M. Raschbaum
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Karen L. Schmitt
 
 
Karen L. Schmitt
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Michael J. Tait
 
 
Michael J. Tait
Chief Accounting Officer


67