form10-q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007

OR

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number 001-31341

PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Bermuda
 
98-0416483
 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 

 
The Belvedere Building
69 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke, Bermuda
 
HM 08
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 

(441) 295-7195

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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.      YesxNo ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  x
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨

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

As of July 12, 2007, there were outstanding 60,172,313 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of the registrant.
 




PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
Page
     
PART I  –  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
 
     
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
     
Item 2.
22
Item 3.
42
Item 4.
43
     
PART II  –  OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 2.
45
Item 4.
45
Item 6.
46
     
47


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ in thousands, except share data)

   
(Unaudited)
       
   
June 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities at fair value  (amortized cost – $3,427,964 and $3,276,970, respectively)
  $
3,354,590
    $
3,226,354
 
Fixed maturity trading securities at fair value  (amortized cost – $126,090 and $110,845, respectively)
   
120,903
     
108,291
 
Preferred stocks (cost – $11,246 and $11,246, respectively)
   
10,180
     
10,772
 
Other invested asset
   
     
4,745
 
Short-term investments
   
4,849
     
27,123
 
Total investments
   
3,490,522
     
3,377,285
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
922,475
     
851,652
 
Accrued investment income
   
35,714
     
32,682
 
Reinsurance premiums receivable
   
336,865
     
377,183
 
Reinsurance recoverable on ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
35,657
     
57,956
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
8,220
     
9,680
 
Funds held by ceding companies
   
227,507
     
238,499
 
Deferred acquisition costs
   
83,078
     
82,610
 
Income tax recoverable
   
     
7,515
 
Deferred tax assets
   
47,171
     
38,577
 
Other assets
   
11,373
     
19,928
 
Total assets
  $
5,198,582
    $
5,093,567
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $
2,393,672
    $
2,368,482
 
Unearned premiums
   
354,918
     
349,792
 
Reinsurance deposit liabilities
   
5,567
     
4,009
 
Debt obligations
   
292,840
     
292,840
 
Ceded premiums payable
   
7,065
     
17,597
 
Commissions payable
   
118,805
     
140,835
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
     
4,234
 
Other liabilities
   
34,689
     
57,717
 
Total liabilities
   
3,207,556
     
3,235,506
 
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Preferred shares, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 5,750,000 shares issued and outstanding
   
57
     
57
 
Common shares, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 60,077,313 and 59,671,959 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
   
601
     
597
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
1,553,813
     
1,545,979
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (67,830 )     (44,289 )
Retained earnings
   
504,385
     
355,717
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
1,991,026
     
1,858,061
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $
5,198,582
    $
5,093,567
 


See accompanying Notes to the Condensed consolidated financial statements.


PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
($ in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
                   
Revenue:
                 
Net premiums earned
 
$
295,918
   
337,065
   
580,766
 
$
681,366
 
Net investment income
   
54,684
   
45,348
   
106,383
   
88,863
 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
   
(1,639
)
 
14
   
(1,657
)
 
79
 
Other expense
   
(2,206
)
 
(2,324
)
 
(2,986
)
 
(3,641
)
Total revenue
   
346,757
   
380,103
   
682,506
   
766,667
 
                           
Expenses:
                         
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
164,431
   
187,464
   
346,344
   
394,238
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
56,827
   
76,052
   
104,947
   
145,291
 
Operating expenses
   
26,108
   
23,392
   
49,314
   
46,380
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
   
(1,416
)
 
(414
)
 
(1,458
)
 
(689
)
Interest expense
   
5,456
   
5,450
   
10,911
   
10,900
 
Total expenses
   
251,406
   
291,944
   
510,058
   
596,120
 
                           
Income before income tax expense
   
95,351
   
88,159
   
172,448
   
170,547
 
Income tax expense
   
4,701
   
6,411
   
8,965
   
11,763
 
Net income
   
90,650
   
81,748
   
163,483
   
158,784
 
Preferred dividends
   
2,602
   
2,602
   
5,204
   
5,178
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
$88,048
   
79,146
   
158,279
 
$
153,606
 
                           
Earnings per share:
                         
Basic earnings per share
 
$
1.47
   
1.34
   
2.64
 
$
2.60
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
1.34
   
1.24
   
2.42
 
$
2.40
 
                           
Comprehensive income:
                         
Net income
 
$
90,650
   
81,748
   
163,483
 
$
158,784
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                         
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes
   
(32,294
)
 
(24,580
)
 
(22,865
)
 
(59,895
)
Cumulative translation adjustments
   
(632
)
 
171
   
(676
)
 
175
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
57,724
   
57,339
   
139,942
 
$
99,064
 
                           
Shareholder dividends:
                         
Preferred dividends declared
 
$
2,602
   
2,602
   
5,204
 
$
4,614
 
Preferred dividends declared per share
   
0.45
   
0.45
   
0.91
   
0.80
 
Common dividends declared
   
4,827
   
4,754
   
9,611
   
9,487
 
Common dividends declared per share
 
$
0.08
   
0.08
   
0.16
 
$
0.16
 


See accompanying Notes to the Condensed consolidated financial statements.


PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
($ in thousands)

   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Preferred shares:
         
Balances at beginning and end of periods
 
$
57
 
$
57
 
               
Common shares:
             
Balances at beginning of period
   
597
   
590
 
Exercise of share options
   
7
   
4
 
Issuance of restricted shares
   
   
1
 
Purchase of common shares
   
(3
)
 
 
Balances at end of period
   
601
   
595
 
               
Additional paid-in-capital:
             
Balances at beginning of period
   
1,545,979
   
1,527,316
 
Exercise of common share options
   
16,804
   
10,486
 
Share based compensation
   
3,233
   
3,692
 
Purchase of common shares
   
(12,572
)
 
 
Tax benefit of share options
   
369
   
 
Transfer of unearned common share grant compensation
   
   
(2,467
)
Balances at end of period
   
1,553,813
   
1,539,027
 
               
Unearned common share grant compensation:
             
Balances at beginning of period
   
   
(2,467
)
Transfer of unearned common share grant compensation
   
   
2,467
 
Balances at end of period
   
   
 
               
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
             
Balances at beginning of period
   
(44,289
)
 
(40,718
)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred tax
   
(22,865
)
 
(59,895
)
Net change in cumulative translation adjustments
   
(676
)
 
175
 
Balances at end of period
   
(67,830
)
 
(100,438
)
               
Retained earnings:
             
Balances at beginning of period
   
355,717
   
55,471
 
Net income
   
163,483
   
158,784
 
Preferred share dividends
   
(5,204
)
 
(5,178
)
Common share dividends
   
(9,611
)
 
(9,487
)
Balances at end of period
   
504,385
   
199,590
 
Total shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,991,026
 
$
1,638,831
 


See accompanying Notes to the Condensed consolidated financial statements.


PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
($ in thousands)

   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Operating Activities:
         
Net income
 
$
163,483
 
$
158,784
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
6,284
   
7,801
 
Net realized (gains) losses on investments
   
1,657
   
(79
)
Net foreign currency exchange gains
   
(1,458
)
 
(689
)
Share based compensation
   
3,233
   
3,692
 
Deferred income tax expense
   
(12,050
)
 
5,051
 
Trading securities activities
   
(4,709
)
 
(9,603
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
             
Increase in accrued investment income
   
(3,032
)
 
(3,259
)
Decrease in reinsurance premiums receivable
   
42,096
   
165,703
 
Decrease in funds held by ceding companies
   
10,992
   
41,552
 
(Increase) decrease in deferred acquisition costs
   
(468
)
 
32,268
 
Increase in net unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
42,904
   
10,898
 
Increase (decrease) in net unearned premiums
   
6,586
   
(73,621
)
Increase in reinsurance deposit liabilities
   
1,558
   
121
 
Increase (decrease) in ceded premiums payable
   
(10,532
)
 
18,603
 
Decrease in commissions payable
   
(22,030
)
 
(44,831
)
Net changes in other assets and liabilities
   
(10,743
)
 
15,131
 
Other net
   
(305
)
 
9,583
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
213,466
   
337,105
 
               
Investing Activities:
             
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
   
15,887
   
190,248
 
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
   
605,260
   
93,933
 
Acquisition of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
   
(780,459
)
 
(663,027
)
Proceeds from sale of other invested asset
   
4,745
   
 
Net change in short-term investments
   
22,506
   
(64,565
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(132,061
)
 
(443,411
)
               
Financing Activities:
             
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
   
(5,204
)
 
(4,614
)
Dividends paid to common shareholders
   
(9,611
)
 
(9,487
)
Proceeds from exercise of share options
   
16,809
   
10,491
 
Purchase of common shares
   
(12,576
)
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(10,582
)
 
(3,610
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
70,823
   
(109,916
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
851,652
   
820,746
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
922,475
 
$
710,830
 
               
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
             
Income taxes paid (recovered)
 
$
11,566
 
$
(3,366
)
Interest paid
 
$
10,740
 
$
10,740
 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed consolidated financial statements.


PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 
1.
Basis of Presentation
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. ("Platinum Holdings") is a Bermuda holding company organized in 2002.  We provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages, through reinsurance intermediaries, to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.  Platinum Holdings and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries:  Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. ("Platinum Bermuda") and Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. ("Platinum US").  Through December 31, 2006 we also underwrote business in Platinum Re (UK) Limited ("Platinum UK"), our other licensed reinsurance subsidiary.  In 2007 Platinum UK ceased underwriting reinsurance business.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and include the accounts of Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Platinum Bermuda, Platinum US, Platinum UK, Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. ("Platinum Finance"), Platinum Regency Holdings ("Platinum Regency"), Platinum Administrative Services, Inc. and Platinum UK Services Company Limited.  The terms "we", "us", and "our" also refer to Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise indicates.  All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements.  The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are unaudited and include adjustments consisting of normal recurring items that management considers necessary for a fair presentation under U.S. GAAP.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
Recently Effective Accounting Standards
 
In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 155, "Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments, an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140" ("SFAS 155").  SFAS 155 requires that investments in securitized financial instruments, such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, be evaluated to identify whether they are freestanding investments or hybrid financial instruments containing an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation.  Subsequent to the issuance of SFAS 155, the FASB issued additional guidance in the form of Implementation Issue B40.  Implementation Issue B40 provides a narrow scope exception for certain securitized interests in prepayable financial assets, subject to certain criteria.  Securitized financial instruments with the potential for prepayment are evaluated under SFAS 155 and related guidance, possibly resulting in the bifurcation of an embedded derivative.  The embedded derivative is recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in other income (expense) and the related deferred income tax included in income tax expense.  SFAS 155 and related guidance is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued, or subject to a remeasurement event occurring for the Company after December 31, 2006.  The Company does not have any securities with embedded derivatives that require bifurcation under SFAS 155.
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 
 
The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48") on January 1, 2007.  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  The adoption of FIN 48 did not have any effect on our results of operations or financial condition.  We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007 or June 30, 2007.
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2006 financial statements in order to conform to the 2007 presentation.
 
2.
Investments
 
Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value as of the balance sheet date.  Net change in unrealized investment gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes, for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Available-for-sale securities
 
$
(23,350
)
$
(66,675
)
Less - deferred taxes
   
485
   
6,780
 
Net change in unrealized investment gains and losses
 
$
(22,865
)
$
(59,895
)

Gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2007 were $580,000 and $75,020,000, respectively.
 
The unrealized losses on securities classified as available-for-sale, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2007, were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Less than twelve months:
         
U.S. Government
 
$
57,266
 
$
647
 
Corporate bonds
   
811,156
   
8,291
 
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
   
593,010
   
12,846
 
Municipal bonds
   
33,598
   
410
 
Foreign governments and states
   
16,196
   
189
 
Total
   
1,511,226
   
22,383
 

 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 
   
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Twelve months or more:
         
U.S. Government
 
$
95,425
 
$
2,378
 
Corporate bonds
   
770,225
   
22,165
 
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
   
600,721
   
23,315
 
Municipal bonds
   
172,916
   
3,129
 
Foreign governments and states
   
22,624
   
584
 
Preferred stocks
   
10,180
   
1,066
 
Total
   
1,672,091
   
52,637
 
               
Total of securities with unrealized losses:
             
U.S. Government
   
152,691
   
3,025
 
Corporate bonds
   
1,581,381
   
30,456
 
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
   
1,193,731
   
36,161
 
Municipal bonds
   
206,514
   
3,539
 
Foreign governments and states
   
38,820
   
773
 
Preferred stocks
   
10,180
   
1,066
 
Total
 
$
3,183,317
 
$
75,020
 
 
We routinely review our available-for-sale investments to determine whether unrealized losses represent temporary changes in fair value or were the result of "other-than-temporary impairments."  The process of determining whether a security is other than temporarily impaired is subjective and involves analyzing many factors.  These factors include but are not limited to:  the overall financial condition of the issuer, the length and magnitude of an unrealized loss, specific credit events, and our ability and intent to hold a security for a sufficient period of time for the value to recover the unrealized loss, which is based, in part, on current and anticipated future positive net cash flows from operations that generate sufficient liquidity in order to meet our obligations.  If we determine that an unrealized loss on a security is other than temporary, we write down the carrying value of the security and record a realized loss in the statement of operations.
 
As of June 30, 2007, there were a total of 625 issues in an unrealized loss position in our investment portfolio, with the single largest unrealized loss being $1,646,000.  Corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities represent our largest categories within our available-for-sale portfolio and consequently accounted for the greatest amount of our overall unrealized loss as of June 30, 2007.  Investment holdings within our corporate portfolio were diversified across approximately 30 industry sectors, ranging from aerospace to telecommunications, and within each sector across many individual issuers and issues.  As of June 30, 2007 there were 278 corporate issues in an unrealized loss position, with the single largest unrealized loss being $898,000.  Investment holdings within the mortgage-backed and asset-backed portfolio were diversified across a number of sub-categories.  As of June 30, 2007 there were 266 issues within the mortgage-backed and asset-backed portfolio in an unrealized loss position, with the single largest unrealized loss being $1,646,000.  Overall, our unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2007 was primarily the result of interest rate increases that impacted all investment categories.  We do not consider any of our available-for-sale investments to be other than temporarily impaired as of June 30, 2007.
 

PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 
 
As of December 31, 2006, other invested asset represented an investment in Inter-Ocean Holdings Ltd., a privately held reinsurance company.  During the first quarter of 2007 we sold this investment at its carrying value, resulting in no gain or loss.
 
3.
Earnings Per Share
 
Following is a calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 ($ in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Net
Income
 
Weighted
Average
Common
Shares
Outstanding
 
Earnings
Per
Common
Share
 
               
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007:
             
Basic earnings per share:
             
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
88,048
   
60,061
 
$
$1.47
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
   
   
2,710
       
Conversion of preferred shares
   
   
5,086
       
Preferred share dividends
   
2,602
   
       
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per share
 
$
90,650
   
67,857
 
$
$1.34
 
                     
Three Months Ended June 30, 2006:
                   
                     
Basic earnings per share:
                   
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
79,146
   
59,224
 
$
1.34
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
   
   
751
       
Conversion of preferred shares
   
   
5,750
       
Preferred share dividends
   
2,602
   
       
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per share
 
$
81,748
   
65,725
 
$
1.24
 

 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

   
Net
Income
Weighted
Average
Common
Shares
Outstanding
Earnings
Per
Common
Share
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007:
             
Basic earnings per share:
             
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
158,279
   
59,891
   
2.64
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
   
   
2,372
       
Conversion of preferred shares
   
   
5,315
       
Preferred share dividends
   
5,204
   
       
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per share
 
$
163,483
   
67,578
   
2.42
 
                     
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006:
                   
                     
Basic earnings per share:
                   
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
153,606
   
59,161
   
2.60
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
   
   
1,312
       
Conversion of preferred shares
   
   
5,750
       
Preferred share dividends
   
5,178
             
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per share
 
$
158,784
   
66,223
   
2.40
 
4.
Operating Segment Information
 
We conduct our worldwide reinsurance business through three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  The Property and Marine operating segment includes principally property and marine reinsurance coverages that are written in the United States and international markets.  This operating segment includes property reinsurance, crop reinsurance and marine and aviation reinsurance.  The Property and Marine operating segment includes reinsurance contracts that are either catastrophe excess-of-loss, per-risk excess-of-loss or proportional contracts.  The Casualty operating segment includes principally reinsurance contracts that cover umbrella liability, general and product liability, professional liability, workers' compensation, casualty clash, automobile liability, surety, trade credit, political risk and accident and health.  The Finite Risk operating segment includes principally structured reinsurance contracts with ceding companies whose needs may not be met efficiently through traditional reinsurance products.  In exchange for contractual features that limit our downside risk, reinsurance contracts that we classify as finite risk provide the potential for significant profit commission to the ceding company.  The classes of risks underwritten through finite risk contracts are generally consistent with the classes covered by traditional products.  The finite risk contracts that we underwrite generally provide prospective protection, meaning coverage is provided for losses that are incurred after inception of the contract, as contrasted with retrospective coverage, which covers losses that are incurred prior to inception of the contract.  The three main categories of finite risk contracts are quota share, multi-year excess-of-loss and whole account aggregate stop loss.
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 
 
In managing our operating segments, we use measures such as underwriting income and underwriting ratios to evaluate segment performance.  We do not allocate by segment our assets or certain income and expenses such as investment income, interest expense and certain corporate expenses.  Total underwriting income is reconciled to income before income tax expense.  The measures we use in evaluating our operating segments should not be used as a substitute for measures determined under U.S. GAAP.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the operating segments together with a reconciliation of total underwriting income to income before income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Property
and Marine
 
Casualty
 
Finite Risk
 
Total
 
                   
Three months ended June 30, 2007:
                 
Net premiums written
 
$
119,226
   
162,548
   
5,949
 
$
287,723
 
                           
Net premiums earned
   
125,136
   
163,845
   
6,937
   
295,918
 
Net losses and LAE
   
43,242
   
117,993
   
3,196
   
164,431
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
16,264
   
40,061
   
502
   
56,827
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
10,582
   
6,442
   
593
   
17,617
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
 
$
55,048
   
(651
)
 
2,646
   
57,043
 
                           
Net investment income
                     
54,684
 
Net realized losses on investments
                     
(1,639
)
Net foreign currency exchange gains
                     
1,416
 
Other expense
                     
(2,206
)
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                     
(8,491
)
Interest expense
                     
(5,456
)
Income before income tax expense
                   
$
95,351
 
Ratios:
                         
Net loss and LAE
   
34.6
%
 
72.0
%
 
46.1
%
 
55.6
%
Net acquisition expense
   
13.0
%
 
24.5
%
 
7.2
%
 
19.2
%
Other underwriting expense
   
8.5
%
 
3.9
%
 
8.5
%
 
6.0
%
Combined
   
56.1
%
 
100.4
%
 
61.8
%
 
80.8
%


PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

   
Property
and Marine
 
Casualty
 
Finite Risk
 
Total
 
Three months ended June 30, 2006:
                 
Net premiums written
 
$
85,624
   
199,298
   
24,840
 
$
309,762
 
                           
Net premiums earned
   
113,092
   
185,073
   
38,900
   
337,065
 
Net losses and LAE
   
27,867
   
127,824
   
31,773
   
187,464
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
21,239
   
45,168
   
9,645
   
76,052
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
9,006
   
7,688
   
1,019
   
17,713
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
 
$
54,980
   
4,393
   
(3,537
)
 
55,836
 
Net investment income
                     
45,348
 
Net realized gains on investments
                     
14
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
                     
414
 
Other expense
                     
(2,324
)
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                     
(5,679
)
Interest expense
                     
(5,450
)
Income before income tax expense
                   
$
88,159
 
Ratios:
                         
Net loss and LAE
   
24.6
%
 
69.1
%
 
81.7
%
 
55.6
%
Acquisition expense
   
18.8
%
 
24.4
%
 
24.8
%
 
22.6
%
Other underwriting expense
   
8.0
%
 
4.2
%
 
2.6
%
 
5.3
%
Combined
   
51.4
%
 
97.7
%
 
109.1
%
 
83.5
%
                           
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007:
                         
Net premiums written
 
$
256,880
   
314,731
   
15,029
 
$
586,640
 
Net premiums earned
   
244,846
   
317,864
   
18,056
   
580,766
 
Net losses and LAE
   
105,869
   
230,375
   
10,100
   
346,344
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
32,199
   
72,096
   
652
   
104,947
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
20,610
   
13,159
   
1,627
   
35,396
 
Segment underwriting income
 
$
86,168
   
2,234
   
5,677
   
94,079
 
Net investment income
                     
106,383
 
Net realized losses on investments
                     
(1,657
)
Net foreign currency exchange gains
                     
1,458
 
Other expense
                     
(2,986
)
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                     
(13,918
)
Interest expense
                     
(10,911
)
Income before income tax expense
                   
$
172,448
 
Ratios:
                         
Net loss and LAE
   
43.2
%
 
72.5
%
 
55.9
%
 
59.6
%
Net acquisition expense
   
13.2
%
 
22.7
%
 
3.6
%
 
18.1
%
Other underwriting expense
   
8.4
%
 
4.1
%
 
9.0
%
 
6.1
%
Combined
   
64.8
%
 
99.3
%
 
68.5
%
 
83.8
%

 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

   
Property
and Marine
 
Casualty
 
Finite Risk
 
Total
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006:
                 
Net premiums written
 
$
250,888
   
381,648
   
(29,496
)
$
603,040
 
Net premiums earned
   
244,636
   
358,741
   
77,989
   
681,366
 
Net losses and LAE
   
87,695
   
244,389
   
62,154
   
394,238
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
40,888
   
86,522
   
17,881
   
145,291
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
19,034
   
14,023
   
1,944
   
35,001
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
 
$
97,019
   
13,807
   
(3,990
)
 
106,836
 
Net investment income
                     
88,863
 
Net realized gains on investments
                     
79
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
                     
689
 
Other expense
                     
(3,641
)
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                     
(11,379
)
Interest expense
                     
(10,900
)
Income before income tax expense
                   
$
170,547
 
Ratios:
                         
Net loss and LAE
   
35.8
%
 
68.1
%
 
79.7
%
 
57.9
%
Net acquisition expense
   
16.7
%
 
24.1
%
 
22.9
%
 
21.3
%
Other underwriting expense
   
7.8
%
 
3.9
%
 
2.5
%
 
5.1
%
Combined
   
60.3
%
 
96.1
%
 
105.1
%
 
84.3
%
 
5.
Income Taxes
 
We provide for income tax expense based upon income reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda are incorporated in Bermuda.  Under current Bermuda law, they are not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains and they have received an assurance that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that would impose tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of any such tax will not be applicable to Platinum Holdings or Platinum Bermuda or any of their respective operations, shares, debentures or other obligations until March 28, 2016.  We also have subsidiaries in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland that are subject to the tax laws thereof.  The income tax returns of our U.S. based subsidiaries that remain open to examination are for calendar years 2003 and forward.
 
A reconciliation of expected income tax expense, computed by applying a 35% income tax rate to income before income taxes, to actual income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows ($ in thousands):
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Expected income tax expense at 35%
 
$
60,357
 
$
59,691
 
Effect of foreign income subject to tax at rates other than 35%
   
(53,158
)
 
(46,813
)
Tax exempt investment income
   
(1,015
)
 
(1,139
)
Other, net
   
2,781
   
24
 
Income tax expense
 
$
8,965
 
$
11,763
 
6.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
 
Platinum Finance is a U.S. based intermediate holding company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Regency.  The outstanding Series B 7.5% Notes, due June 1, 2017, issued by Platinum Finance are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Platinum Holdings.  The outstanding Series B 6.371% Remarketed Senior Guaranteed Notes, due November 16, 2007, issued by Platinum Finance are also fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Platinum Holdings.
 
The payment of dividends from our regulated reinsurance subsidiaries is limited by applicable laws and statutory requirements of the jurisdictions in which the subsidiaries operate, including Bermuda, the United States and the United Kingdom.  Based on the regulatory restrictions of the applicable jurisdictions, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by the reinsurance subsidiary of Platinum Finance in 2007 without prior regulatory approval is approximately $13,000,000.  The maximum amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by the reinsurance subsidiaries of Platinum Holdings in 2007, including the reinsurance subsidiary of Platinum Finance, without prior regulatory approval is estimated to be approximately $307,000,000.
 
The tables below present condensed consolidating financial information of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and the non-guarantor subsidiaries of Platinum Holdings as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 ($ in thousands):
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
June 30, 2007
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                     
                       
Total investments
 
$
   
9,816
   
3,480,706
   
 
$
3,490,522
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
1,899,224
   
484,808
   
426,813
   
(2,810,845
)
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
88,605
   
41,127
   
792,743
   
   
922,475
 
Reinsurance assets
   
   
   
691,327
   
   
691,327
 
Other assets
   
8,916
   
5,605
   
79,737
   
   
94,258
 
Total assets
 
$
1,996,745
   
541,356
   
5,471,326
   
(2,810,845
)
$
5,198,582
 
                                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Liabilities
                               
Reinsurance liabilities
 
$
   
   
2,880,027
   
 
$
2,880,027
 
Debt obligations
   
   
292,840
   
   
   
292,840
 
Other liabilities
   
5,719
   
2,041
   
26,929
   
   
34,689
 
Total liabilities
   
5,719
   
294,881
   
2,906,956
   
   
3,207,556
 
                                 
Shareholders’ Equity
                               
Preferred shares
   
57
   
   
   
   
57
 
Common shares
   
601
   
   
6,250
   
(6,250
)
 
601
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
1,553,813
   
192,573
   
2,052,207
   
(2,244,780
)
 
1,553,813
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(67,830
)
 
(12,023
)
 
(79,580
)
 
91,603
   
(67,830
)
Retained earnings
   
504,385
   
65,925
   
585,493
   
(651,418
)
 
504,385
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
1,991,026
   
246,475
   
2,564,370
   
(2,810,845
)
 
1,991,026
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,996,745
   
541,356
   
5,471,326
   
(2,810,845
)
$
5,198,582
 
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December  31, 2006
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                     
                       
Total investments
 
$
   
11,342
   
3,365,943
   
 
$
3,377,285
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
1,749,762
   
475,194
   
402,098
   
(2,627,054
)
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
106,039
   
39,294
   
706,319
   
   
851,652
 
Reinsurance assets
   
   
   
765,928
   
   
765,928
 
Income tax recoverable
   
 
 
(1,418
)
 
8,933
   
   
7,515
 
Other assets
   
9,296
   
3,792
   
78,099
   
   
91,187
 
Total assets
 
$
1,865,097
   
528,204
   
5,327,320
   
(2,627,054
)
$
5,093,567
 
                                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                               
Liabilities
                               
Reinsurance liabilities
 
$
   
   
2,880,715
   
 
$
2,880,715
 
Debt obligations
   
   
292,840
   
   
   
292,840
 
Other liabilities
   
7,036
   
2,024
   
52,891
   
   
61,951
 
Total liabilities
   
7,036
   
294,864
   
2,933,606
   
   
3,235,506
 
                                 
Shareholders’ Equity
                               
Preferred shares
   
57
   
   
   
   
57
 
Common shares
   
597
   
   
6,250
   
(6,250
)
 
597
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
1,545,979
   
192,203
   
2,051,468
   
(2,243,671
)
 
1,545,979
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(44,289
)
 
(9,071
)
 
(55,012
)
 
64,083
   
(44,289
)
Retained earnings
   
355,717
   
50,208
   
391,008
   
(441,216
)
 
355,717
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
1,858,061
   
233,340
   
2,393,714
   
(2,627,054
)
 
1,858,061
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,865,097
   
528,204
   
5,327,320
   
(2,627,054
)
$
5,093,567
 

 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended
June 30, 2007
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
                       
Revenue:
                     
Net premiums earned
 
$
   
   
295,918
   
 
$
295,918
 
Net investment income
   
1,297
   
601
   
52,786
   
   
54,684
 
Net realized losses on investments
   
   
   
(1,639
)
 
   
(1,639
)
Other income (expense), net
   
2,025
   
   
(4,231
)
 
   
(2,206
)
Total revenue
   
3,322
   
601
   
342,834
   
   
346,757
 
Expenses:
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
   
   
164,431
   
   
164,431
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
   
   
56,827
   
   
56,827
 
Operating expenses
   
8,348
   
90
   
17,670
   
   
26,108
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
   
   
   
(1,416
)
 
   
(1,416
)
Interest expense
   
   
5,456
   
   
   
5,456
 
Total expenses
   
8,348
   
5,546
   
237,512
   
   
251,406
 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
   
(5,026
)
 
(4,945
)
 
105,322
   
   
95,351
 
                                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
   
(1,224
)
 
5,925
   
   
4,701
 
                                 
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
(5,026
)
 
(3,721
)
 
99,397
   
   
90,650
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
95,676
   
12,509
   
15,925
   
(124,110
)
 
 
Net income
   
90,650
   
8,788
   
115,322
   
(124,110
)
 
90,650
 
                                 
Preferred dividends
   
2,602
   
   
   
   
2,602
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
88,048
   
8,788
   
115,322
   
(124,110
)
$
88,048
 
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2007
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
                       
Revenue:
                     
Net premiums earned
 
$
   
   
580,766
   
 
$
580,766
 
Net investment income
   
2,655
   
1,239
   
102,489
   
   
106,383
 
Net realized losses on investments
   
   
   
(1,657
)
 
   
(1,657
)
Other income (expense), net
   
1,855
   
   
(4,841
)
 
   
(2,986
)
Total revenue
   
4,510
   
1,239
   
676,757
   
   
682,506
 
Expenses:
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
   
   
346,344
   
   
346,344
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
   
   
104,947
   
   
104,947
 
Operating expenses
   
13,659
   
186
   
35,469
   
   
49,314
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
   
   
   
(1,458
)
 
   
(1,458
)
Interest expense
   
   
10,911
   
   
   
10,911
 
Total expenses
   
13,659
   
11,097
   
485,302
   
   
510,058
 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
   
(9,149
)
 
(9,858
)
 
191,455
   
   
172,448
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
   
(3,406
)
 
12,371
   
   
8,965
 
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
(9,149
)
 
(6,452
)
 
179,084
   
   
163,483
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
172,632
   
22,164
   
25,406
   
(220,202
)
 
 
Net income
   
163,483
   
15,712
   
204,490
   
(220,202
)
 
163,483
 
Preferred dividends
   
5,204
   
   
   
   
5,204
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
158,279
   
15,712
   
204,490
   
(220,202
)
$
158,279
 
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended
June 30, 2006
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
                       
Revenue:
                     
Net premiums earned
 
$
   
   
337,065
   
 
$
337,065
 
Net investment income
   
1,472
   
227
   
43,649
   
   
45,348
 
Net realized gains on investments
   
   
   
14
   
   
14
 
Other expense, net
   
   
   
(2,324
)
 
   
(2,324
)
Total revenue
   
1,472
   
227
   
378,404
   
   
380,103
 
Expenses:
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
   
   
187,464
   
   
187,464
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
   
   
76,052
   
   
76,052
 
Operating expenses
   
5,551
   
108
   
17,733
   
   
23,392
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
   
   
   
(414
)
 
   
(414
)
Interest expense
   
   
5,450
   
   
   
5,450
 
Total expenses
   
5,551
   
5,558
   
280,835
   
   
291,944
 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
   
(4,079
)
 
(5,331
)
 
97,569
   
   
88,159
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
   
(1,866
)
 
8,277
   
   
6,411
 
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
(4,079
)
 
(3,465
)
 
89,292
   
   
81,748
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
85,827
   
22,765
   
12,226
   
(120,818
)
 
 
Net income
   
81,748
   
19,300
   
101,518
   
(120,818
)
 
81,748
 
Preferred dividends
   
2,602
   
   
   
   
2,602
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
79,146
   
19,300
   
101,518
   
(120,818
)
$
79,146
 
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2006
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
                       
Revenue:
                     
Net premiums earned
 
$
   
   
681,366
   
 
$
681,366
 
Net investment income
   
2,906
   
447
   
85,510
   
   
88,863
 
Net realized gains on investments
   
   
   
79
   
   
79
 
Other income (expense), net
   
1,100
   
   
(4,741
)
 
   
(3,641
)
Total revenue
   
4,006
   
447
   
762,214
   
   
766,667
 
Expenses:
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
   
   
394,238
   
   
394,238
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
   
   
145,291
   
   
145,291
 
Operating expenses
   
10,872
   
366
   
35,142
   
   
46,380
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
   
   
   
(689
)
 
   
(689
)
Interest expense
   
   
10,900
   
   
   
10,900
 
Total expenses
   
10,872
   
11,266
   
573,982
   
   
596,120
 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
   
(6,866
)
 
(10,819
)
 
188,232
   
   
170,547
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
   
(3,786
)
 
15,549
   
   
11,763
 
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
(6,866
)
 
(7,033
)
 
172,683
   
   
158,784
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
165,650
   
33,227
   
23,064
   
(221,941
)
 
 
Net income
   
158,784
   
26,194
   
195,747
   
(221,941
)
 
158,784
 
Preferred dividends
   
5,178
   
   
   
   
5,178
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
153,606
   
26,194
   
195,747
   
(221,941
)
$
153,606
 
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
$
(6,853
)
 
(9,642
)
 
229,961
   
 
$
213,466
 
Investing Activities:
                               
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
   
   
   
15,887
   
   
15,887
 
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of available-for-sale fixed maturities
   
   
1,475
   
603,785
   
   
605,260
 
Acquisition of available-for-sale fixed maturities
   
   
   
(780,459
)
 
   
(780,459
)
Proceeds from sale of other invested asset
   
   
   
4,745
   
   
4,745
 
Increase in short-term investments
   
   
   
22,506
   
   
22,506
 
Dividends from subsidiaries
   
   
10,000
   
   
(10,000
)
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
   
11,475
   
(133,536
)
 
(10,000
)
 
(132,061
)
Financing Activities:
                               
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
   
(5,204
)
 
   
   
   
(5,204
)
Dividends paid to common shareholders
   
(9,611
)
 
   
(10,000
)
 
10,000
   
(9,611
)
Proceeds from exercise of share options
   
16,809
   
   
   
   
16,809
 
Purchase of common shares
   
(12,576
)
 
   
   
   
(12,576
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(10,582
)
 
   
(10,000
)
 
10,000
   
(10,582
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(17,435
)
 
1,833
   
86,425
   
(10,000
)
 
70,823
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
106,039
   
39,294
   
706,319
   
   
851,652
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
88,604
   
41,127
   
792,744
   
(10,000
)
$
922,475
 
 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
$
(4,744
)
 
(3,060
)
 
344,909
   
 
$
337,105
 
Investing Activities:
                               
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale fixed maturities
   
   
   
190,248
   
   
190,248
 
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of available-for-sale fixed maturities
   
   
726
   
93,207
   
   
93,933
 
Acquisition of available-for-sale fixed maturities
   
   
(498
)
 
(662,529
)
 
   
(663,027
)
Increase in short-term investments
   
   
-
   
(64,565
)
 
   
(64,565
)
Contributions to subsidiaries
   
   
(300
)
 
300
   
   
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
   
( 72
)
 
(443,339
)
 
   
(443,411
)
Financing Activities:
                               
Dividends paid to common shareholders
   
(4,614
)
 
   
   
   
(4,614
)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
   
(9,487
)
 
   
   
   
(9,487
)
Proceeds from exercise of share options
   
10,491
   
   
   
   
10,491
 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(3,610
)
 
   
   
   
(3,610
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(8,354
)
 
(3,132
)
 
(98,430
)
 
   
(109,916
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
129,962
   
5,010
   
685,774
   
   
820,746
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
121,608
   
1,878
   
587,344
   
 
$
710,830
 
 
7.
Cessation of Underwriting in the United Kingdom
 
During 2006 we expanded the scale and scope of Platinum Bermuda to become the principal carrier for our global catastrophe and financial lines reinsurance portfolios and in 2007 we ceased underwriting reinsurance in Platinum UK.  Platinum UK filed a Scheme of Operations with the U.K. Financial Services Authority in 2007 which outlined actions for Platinum UK to become a non-underwriting operation and to return a significant portion of its capital to Platinum Holdings.  These actions include a 100% loss portfolio transfer of Platinum UK’s reinsurance business to Platinum Bermuda and a plan for the administration of inforce contracts and related claims.  During the three months ended June 30, 2007 we executed agreements to effect the loss portfolio transfer as well as to return a significant portion of the capital of Platinum UK to Platinum Holdings through Platinum Regency.
 
8.
Company Share Repurchase
 
On August 4, 2004, the board of directors of the Company approved a program to repurchase up to $50,000,000 of its common shares.  During the three months ended June 30, 2007, the Company purchased 363,803 of its common shares in the open market at an aggregate purchase price of $12,576,000 and a weighted average purchase price of $34.57 per share.  The common shares purchased by the Company were canceled.  On July 26, 2007 the board of directors of the Company approved an increase to the existing program by approximately $222,561,000 to a result in authority as of July 26, 2007 to repurchase up to a total of $250,000,000.
 

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 

  Business Overview
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. ("Platinum Holdings") is a Bermuda holding company organized in 2002.  Platinum Holdings and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries:  Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. ("Platinum Bermuda") and Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. ("Platinum US").  The terms "we", "us", and "our" also refer to Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise indicates.  We provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages, through reinsurance intermediaries, to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.   Through December 31, 2006 we also underwrote business in Platinum Re (UK) Ltd. ("Platinum UK").  In 2007 Platinum UK ceased underwriting reinsurance business.
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP").
 
We write property and casualty reinsurance.  Property reinsurance protects a ceding company against financial loss arising out of damage to the insured’s property or loss of its use caused by an insured peril.  Property insurance covers damage principally to buildings and their contents and may be in the form of catastrophe coverage or per-risk coverage.  Catastrophe reinsurance coverage protects a ceding company against losses arising out of multiple claims for a single event, while per-risk reinsurance coverage protects a ceding company against loss arising out of a single claim for a single risk or policy.  We also write marine reinsurance which protects a ceding company against financial loss arising out of damage to ships and cargo.  Casualty reinsurance protects a ceding company against financial loss arising out of the insured’s obligation to others for loss or damage to their persons or property.  Examples of casualty coverages are umbrella liability, general and product liability, professional liability, workers' compensation, casualty clash, automobile liability, surety, trade credit, political risk and accident and health.  Casualty reinsurance may also be in the form of catastrophe and per-risk contracts.
 
The property and casualty reinsurance industry is highly competitive.  We compete with reinsurers worldwide, many of which have greater financial, marketing and management resources than we do.  Our competitors vary by type of business.  Large multi-national and multi-line reinsurers represent some of our competitors in all lines and classes, while specialty reinsurance companies in the United States compete in selective lines.  Financial institutions have also created alternative capital market products that compete with reinsurance products, such as reinsurance securitization.  Bermuda-based reinsurers tend to be significant competitors on property catastrophe business.  Lloyd’s of London syndicates are our significant competitors on marine business.  For casualty and other international classes of business, the large U.S. and European reinsurers are our significant competitors.
 
The reinsurance industry historically has been cyclical, characterized by periods of price competition due to excessive underwriting capacity as well as periods of favorable pricing due to shortages of underwriting capacity.  Cyclical trends in the industry and the industry's profitability can also be significantly affected by volatile developments, including natural and other catastrophes, such as hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, floods, fires, explosions and terrorist attacks, the frequency and severity of which are inherently difficult to predict.  Property and casualty reinsurance rates often rise in the aftermath of significant catastrophe losses.  To the extent that actual claim liabilities are higher than anticipated, the industry's capacity to write new business diminishes.  The industry is also affected by changes in the propensity of courts to expand insurance coverage and grant large liability awards, as well as fluctuations in interest rates, inflation and other changes in the economic environment that affect market prices of investments.
 

Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 as Compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
 
Net income
 
$
90,650
   
81,748
 
$
8,902
 

The increase in net income is primarily due to an increase in net investment income of $9,336,000.  Underwriting income consists of net premiums earned less net losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE"), net acquisition expenses and operating costs related to underwriting operations.  Underwriting income in 2007 was adversely impacted by $6,100,000 from European storm Kyrill and $7,000,000 from floods in the United Kingdom.  Net favorable development, which includes the development of prior years’ unpaid losses and LAE and the related impact on premiums and commissions, contributed to underwriting income in 2007 and 2006.  Net favorable development was $22,193,000 and $13,343,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
294,462
   
330,045
 
$
(35,583
)
Ceded premiums written
   
6,739
   
20,283
   
(13,544
)
Net premiums written
   
287,723
   
309,762
   
(22,039
)
Gross premiums earned
   
301,159
   
359,675
   
(58,516
)
Ceded premiums earned
   
5,241
   
22,610
   
(17,369
)
Net premiums earned
 
$
295,918
   
337,065
 
$
(41,147
)

The decrease in gross premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was attributable to declines in premiums written in the Casualty and Finite Risk segments, partially offset by an increase in the Property and Marine segment.  The decline in casualty gross premiums written was primarily in the excess umbrella class, where fewer opportunities met our underwriting standards.  The decrease in finite risk gross premiums written was the result of fewer opportunities in the finite business.  The increase in property and marine gross premiums written resulted primarily from an increase in property excess catastrophe business.  Gross premiums written were also impacted by different methods of estimating premiums written between Platinum UK and Platinum Bermuda.  Platinum UK estimated that the ultimate premium related to its reinsurance contracts were written at contract inception.  Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US estimate premiums written on the basis that the policies underlying their reinsurance contracts incept at later periods throughout the term of the reinsurance contract.  Consequently, the estimates of premiums written for reinsurance contracts written by Platinum UK in 2006 were higher at inception and for the first calendar quarter than for reinsurance contracts written by Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US.  In 2007, Platinum UK ceased underwriting business and all business written by the Company is now written through Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US.  This difference in timing for estimates of premiums written resulted in an increase in gross and net premiums written of approximately $15,076,000 and $13,364,000, respectively, in 2007 as compared with 2006.  The basis for recording net premiums earned was consistent for all subsidiaries and, therefore, this difference had no impact on net premiums earned, underwriting income or net income.  The decrease in ceded written premiums, which resulted in an increase in net premiums written, was attributable to the non-renewal in 2007 of the quota share retrocession agreement effective January 1, 2006 (the "Property Quota Share Agreement") under which Platinum US and Platinum UK ceded 30% of their new and renewal property catastrophe business effective on or after January 1, 2006 to a non-affiliated reinsurer.
 

Net investment income for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $54,684,000 and $45,348,000, respectively.  Net investment income increased in 2007 as compared with 2006 due to increased invested assets as well as a slight increase in yields on invested assets.  The increase in invested assets was attributable to positive net cash flows from operations in the twelve months since June 30, 2006.  Net investment income includes interest earned on funds held of $1,685,000 and $1,917,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net realized gains (losses) on investments were ($1,639,000) and $14,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net realized gains and losses on investments primarily result from our efforts to manage credit quality, duration and sector allocation of the investment portfolio as well as to balance our foreign currency denominated invested assets with our foreign currency denominated liabilities.  Also in 2007, Platinum UK sold securities in order to execute transactions in connection with its Scheme of Operations.  See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Other expense for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $2,206,000 and $2,324,000, respectively.  Other expense for the three months ended June 30, 2007 includes $2,048,000 of net unrealized losses relating to changes in fair value of fixed maturities classified as trading and $113,000 of net expense on reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits.  Other expense for the three months ended June 30, 2006 includes $1,565,000 of net unrealized losses relating to fixed maturities classified as trading and $759,000 of net expense on reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits.
 
Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Net losses and LAE
 
$
164,431
   
187,464
 
$
(23,033
)
Net loss and LAE ratios
   
55.6
%
 
55.6
%
 
 

The decrease in net losses and LAE was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  While the net loss and LAE ratio is the same in 2007 and 2006, there are offsetting impacts of net loss development and catastrophe losses.  Net losses and LAE in 2007 includes $14,700,000 of losses from current year major catastrophes as compared with no losses from major catastrophes in 2006.  Net favorable loss development was $24,615,000 in 2007, representing 8.3% of net premiums earned, and $16,290,000 in 2006, representing 4.8% of net premiums earned.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by changes in the mix of business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
 
$
56,827
   
76,052
 
$
(19,225
)
Net acquisition expense ratios
   
19.2
%
 
22.6
%
 
(3.4) points
 
 

The decrease in net acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratio was the result of changes in the mix of business, primarily in the Property and Marine segment.  In 2007 we wrote more property catastrophe excess business with relatively lower net acquisition expense ratios and less property proportional contracts with relatively higher net acquisition expense ratios.
 
Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $26,108,000 and $23,392,000 respectively.  Operating expenses include costs such as salaries, rent and like items related to reinsurance operations as well as costs associated with Platinum Holdings and its non-operating intermediate holding company subsidiaries.  The increase in 2007 was due to increased compensation and related expenses, higher legal and professional costs and increased fees relating to the Services and Capacity Reservation Agreement dated November 1, 2002 with RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (the "RenRe Agreement").  Fees related to the RenRe Agreement increased as a result of increased property catastrophe premiums.
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $1,416,000 and $414,000, respectively.  We routinely transact business in various foreign currencies.  Foreign currency exchange gains and losses result from the re-valuation into U.S. dollars of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.  We periodically monitor our largest foreign currency exposures and purchase or sell foreign currency denominated invested assets to match these exposures.  Net foreign currency exchange gains and losses arise as a result of fluctuations in the amounts of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies as well as fluctuations in the currency exchange rates.
 
Interest expense was $5,456,000 and $5,450,000, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.  The amounts are substantially the same as the debt outstanding and related interest rates for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were unchanged.
 
Income tax expense and the effective income tax rates for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Income tax expense
 
$
4,701
   
6,411
 
$
(1,710
)
Effective income tax rates
   
4.9
%
 
7.3
%
 
(2.4) points
 

The decrease in income tax expense is due to the decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2007 as compared with 2006.  The decrease in the effective income tax rate was a greater portion of income before income tax expense was generated by Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda in 2007, which are not subject to corporate income tax.  The effective tax rate in any given year is based on income before income tax expense of our subsidiaries that operate in various jurisdictions each of which has its own corporate income tax rate.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 as Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
 
Net income
 
$
163,483
   
158,784
 
$
4,699
 
 

The increase in net income was primarily due to an increase in net investment income of $17,520,000, partially offset by a decline in underwriting income of $12,757,000.  The decline in underwriting income in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the estimated net adverse impact of $26,100,000 from European storm Kyrill and $7,000,000 from floods in the United Kingdom in 2007.  Net favorable development contributed to underwriting income in both 2007 and 2006.  Net favorable development was $36,088,000 and $12,098,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net income in 2007 was also favorably affected by a decrease in income tax expense of $2,798,000.
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
597,597
   
665,172
 
$
(67,575
)
Ceded premiums written
   
10,957
   
62,132
   
(51,175
)
Net premiums written
   
586,640
   
603,040
   
(16,400
)
Gross premiums earned
   
593,182
   
722,886
   
(129,704
)
Ceded premiums earned
   
12,416
   
41,520
   
(29,104
)
Net premiums earned
 
$
580,766
   
681,366
 
$
(100,600
)

The decrease in gross premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily attributable to the different methods of estimating net premiums written between Platinum UK and Platinum Bermuda, which contributed approximately $43,623,000 to the decrease.  The decrease was also attributable to decreases in gross premiums written in the Casualty segment, reflecting fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards, and decreases in business underwritten in the Finite Risk segment, reflecting fewer opportunities in finite business.  Also affecting the comparison of gross premiums of 2007 to 2006 is a reduction of gross premiums written in 2006 of $56,589,000 relating to the termination of a finite risk contract.  The decrease in ceded written premiums, which resulted in an increase in net premiums written, was attributable to the non-renewal in 2007 of the 2006 Property Quota Share Agreement.  The decrease in net premiums earned is due to decreases in current and prior year’s written premiums.
 
Net investment income for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $106,383,000 and $88,863,000, respectively.  Net investment income increased in 2007 as compared with 2006 due to increased invested assets as well as a slight increase in yields on invested assets.  The increase in invested assets was attributable to positive net cash flows from operations in the twelve months since June 30, 2006.  Net investment income includes interest earned on funds held of $3,390,000 and $4,270,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net realized gains (losses) on investments were ($1,657,000) and $79,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net realized gains and losses on investments primarily result from our efforts to manage credit quality, duration and sector allocation of the investment portfolio as well as to balance our foreign currency denominated invested assets with our foreign currency denominated liabilities.  Also in 2007, Platinum UK sold securities in order to execute transactions in connection with its Scheme of Operations.  See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Other expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $2,986,000 and $3,641,000, respectively.  Other expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 includes $2,713,000 of net unrealized losses relating to changes in fair value of fixed maturities classified as trading and $228,000 of net expense on reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits.  Other expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 includes $3,238,000 of net unrealized losses relating to fixed maturities classified as trading and $403,000 of net expense relating to reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits.
 

Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net losses and LAE
 
$
346,344
   
394,238
 
$
(47,894
)
Net loss and LAE ratios
   
59.6
%
 
57.9
%
 
1.7 points
 

The decrease in net losses and LAE was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned, partially offset by losses of $31,200,000 from European storm Kyrill and $8,000,000 from floods in the United Kingdom in 2007.  The increase in the net loss and LAE ratio was primarily due to the net losses from Kyrill and the floods in the United Kingdom, as compared with no major catastrophe losses in 2006.  Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios were also impacted by net favorable loss development of $37,192,000, representing 6.4% of net premiums earned in 2007, and $11,931,000, representing 1.8% of net premiums earned in 2006.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by changes in the mix of business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
 
$
104,947
   
145,291
 
$
(40,344
)
Net acquisition expense ratios
   
18.1
%
 
21.3
%
 
(3.2) points
 

The decrease in net acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to a decrease in assumed proportional business with relatively higher acquisition expense ratios and an increase in catastrophe excess business with a relatively lower acquisition expense ratio.
 
Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $49,314,000 and $46,380,000, respectively.  Operating expenses include costs such as salaries, rent and like items related to reinsurance operations as well as costs associated with Platinum Holdings and its non-operating intermediate holding company subsidiaries.  The increase in 2007 was due to increased compensation and related expenses, higher legal and professional costs and increased fees relating to the RenRe Agreement as a result of increased property catastrophe premiums.
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $1,458,000 and $689,000, respectively.  We routinely transact business in various foreign currencies.  Foreign currency exchange gains and losses result from the re-valuation into U.S. dollars of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.  We periodically monitor our largest foreign currency exposures and purchase or sell foreign currency denominated invested assets to match these exposures.  Net foreign currency exchange gains and losses arise as a result of fluctuations in the amounts of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies as well as fluctuations in the currency exchange rates.
 

Interest expense was $10,911,000 and $10,900,000, respectively for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.  The amounts are substantially the same as the debt outstanding and related interest rates for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were unchanged.
 
Income tax expense and the effective income tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Income tax expense
 
$
8,965
   
11,763
 
$
(2,798
)
Effective income tax rates
   
5.2
%
 
6.9
%
 
(1.7) points
 

The decrease in income tax expense is due to the decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2007 as compared with 2006.  The decrease in the effective income tax rate was a greater portion of income before income tax expense was generated by Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda in 2007, which are not subject to corporate income tax.  The effective tax rate in any given year is based on income before income tax expense of our subsidiaries that operate in various jurisdictions each of which has its own corporate income tax rate.
 
Segment Information
 
We conduct our worldwide reinsurance business through three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  In managing our operating segments, we use measures such as underwryiting income and underwriting ratios to evaluate segment performance.  We do not allocate by segment our assets or certain income and expenses such as investment income, interest expense and certain corporate expenses.  Total underwriting income is reconciled to income before income tax expense.  The measures we use in evaluating our operating segments should not be used as a substitute for measures determined under U.S. GAAP.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the three operating segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Property
and Marine
 
Casualty
 
Finite Risk
 
Total
 
Three months ended June 30, 2007:
                 
Net premiums written
 
$
119,226
   
162,548
   
5,949
 
$
287,723
 
Net premiums earned
   
125,136
   
163,845
   
6,937
   
295,918
 
Net losses and LAE
   
43,242
   
117,993
   
3,196
   
164,431
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
16,264
   
40,061
   
502
   
56,827
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
10,582
   
6,442
   
593
   
17,617
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
 
$
55,048
   
(651
)
 
2,646
   
57,043
 
Net investment income
 
54,684
 
Net realized losses on investments
 
(1,639
)
Net foreign currency exchange gains
 
1,416
 
Other expense
 
(2,206
)
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
 
(8,491
)
Interest expense
 
(5,456
)
Income before income tax expense
$
95,351
 


   
Property
and Marine
 
Casualty
 
Finite Risk
 
Total
 
Ratios:
                 
Net loss and LAE
   
34.6
%
 
72.0
%
 
46.1
%
 
55.6
%
Net acquisition expense
   
13.0
%
 
24.5
%
 
7.2
%
 
19.2
%
Other underwriting expense
   
8.5
%
 
3.9
%
 
8.5
%
 
6.0
%
Combined
   
56.1
%
 
100.4
%
 
61.8
%
 
80.8
%
                           
Three months ended June 30, 2006:
                         
Net premiums written
 
$
85,624
   
199,298
   
24,840
 
$
309,762
 
Net premiums earned
   
113,092
   
185,073
   
38,900
   
337,065
 
Net losses and LAE
   
27,867
   
127,824
   
31,773
   
187,464
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
21,239
   
45,168
   
9,645
   
76,052
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
9,006
   
7,688
   
1,019
   
17,713
 
                           
Segment underwriting income (loss)
 
$
54,980
   
4,393
   
(3,537
)
 
55,836
 
Net investment income
 
45,348
 
Net realized gains on investments
 
14
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
 
414
 
Other expense
 
(2,324
)
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
 
(5,679
)
Interest expense
 
(5,450
)
Income before income tax expense
$
88,159
 
Ratios:
                         
Net loss and LAE
   
24.6
%
 
69.1
%
 
81.7
%
 
55.6
%
Acquisition expense
   
18.8
%
 
24.4
%
 
24.8
%
 
22.6
%
Other underwriting expense
   
8.0
%
 
4.2
%
 
2.6
%
 
5.3
%
Combined
   
51.4
%
 
97.7
%
 
109.1
%
 
83.5
%
                           
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007:
                         
Net premiums written
 
$
256,880
   
314,731
   
15,029
 
$
586,640
 
Net premiums earned
   
244,846
   
317,864
   
18,056
   
580,766
 
Net losses and LAE
   
105,869
   
230,375
   
10,100
   
346,344
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
32,199
   
72,096
   
652
   
104,947
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
20,610
   
13,159
   
1,627
   
35,396
 
Segment underwriting income
 
$
86,168
   
2,234
   
5,677
   
94,079
 
Net investment income
 
106,383
 
Net realized losses on investments
 
(1,657
)
Net foreign currency exchange gains
 
1,458
 
Other expense
 
(2,986
)
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
 
(13,918
)
Interest expense
 
(10,911
)
Income before income tax expense
$
172,448
 


   
Property
and Marine
 
Casualty
 
Finite Risk
 
Total
 
Ratios:
                 
Net loss and LAE
   
43.2
%
 
72.5
%
 
55.9
%
 
59.6
%
Net acquisition expense
   
13.2
%
 
22.7
%
 
3.6
%
 
18.1
%
Other underwriting expense
   
8.4
%
 
4.1
%
 
9.0
%
 
6.1
%
Combined
   
64.8
%
 
99.3
%
 
68.5
%
 
83.8
%
                           
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006:
                         
Net premiums written
 
$
250,888
   
381,648
   
(29,496
)
$
603,040
 
Net premiums earned
   
244,636
   
358,741
   
77,989
   
681,366
 
Net losses and LAE
   
87,695
   
244,389
   
62,154
   
394,238
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
40,888
   
86,522
   
17,881
   
145,291
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
19,034
   
14,023
   
1,944
   
35,001
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
 
$
97,019
   
13,807
   
(3,990
)
 
106,836
 
Net investment income
 
88,863
 
Net realized gains on investments
 
79
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
 
689
 
Other expense
 
(3,641
)
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
 
(11,379
)
Interest expense
 
(10,900
)
Income before income tax expense
$
170,547
 
Ratios:
                         
Net loss and LAE
   
35.8
%
 
68.1
%
 
79.7
%
 
57.9
%
Net acquisition expense
   
16.7
%
 
24.1
%
 
22.9
%
 
21.3
%
Other underwriting expense
   
7.8
%
 
3.9
%
 
2.5
%
 
5.1
%
Combined
   
60.3
%
 
96.1
%
 
105.1
%
 
84.3
%
 
  Property and Marine
 
The Property and Marine operating segment includes principally property (including crop) and marine reinsurance coverages that are written in the United States and international markets.  This business includes property catastrophe excess-of-loss contracts, property per-risk excess-of-loss contracts and property proportional contracts.  This operating segment represented 41.4% and 27.7% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 43.8% and 41.6% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 as Compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
125,937
   
102,188
 
$
23,749
 
Ceded premiums written
   
6,711
   
16,564
   
(9,853
)
Net premiums written
   
119,226
   
85,624
   
33,602
 
Gross premiums earned
   
130,363
   
131,984
   
(1,621
)
Ceded premiums earned
   
5,227
   
18,892
   
(13,665
)
Net premiums earned
 
$
125,136
   
113,092
 
$
12,044
 
 

The increase in gross premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily in the catastrophe excess classes as well as marine business, partially offset by decreases in property proportional classes.  The increase is also due, in part, to different methods of estimating net premiums written between Platinum UK and Platinum Bermuda, which resulted in an increase in gross and net premiums written of approximately $9,684,000 and $7,972,000, respectively, in 2007 as compared with 2006.  Additionally, in 2006 an aviation proportional contract was not renewed and approximately $3,500,000 of unearned premiums was returned resulting in a reduction of net premiums written.  The decline in ceded premiums written is attributable to the non-renewal in 2007 of the Property Quota Share Agreement.  The increase in net premiums earned in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the increase in net premiums written.
 
Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
 
Net losses and LAE
 
$
43,242
   
27,867
 
$
15,375
 
Net loss and LAE ratios
   
34.6
%
 
24.6
%
 
10.0 points
 

The increases in net losses and LAE and related ratios were primarily due to losses of $6,700,000 from European storm Kyrill and losses of $8,000,000 from floods in the United Kingdom representing 9.3% of net premiums earned in 2007 as compared with no losses from major catastrophes in 2006.  Net favorable loss development was $18,756,000 in 2007, representing 15.0% of net premiums earned, and $20,008,000 in 2006, representing 17.7% of net premiums earned.  Exclusive of the catastrophe losses and net favorable loss development, the net loss and LAE ratio decreased by approximately 4.3% due to an increase in the proportion of catastrophe excess business, which has a lower expected loss and LAE ratio than the remainder of the segment.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by other changes in the mix of business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
 
$
16,264
   
29,695
 
$
(13,431
)
Net acquisition expense ratios
   
13.0
%
 
21.1
%
 
(8.1) points
 

The decreases in net acquisition expenses and the related net acquisition expense ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 were primarily due to the continued decrease in property proportional business and an increase in property catastrophe business, which has a lower acquisition expense ratio than property proportional business.  The net acquisition expense ratios were also impacted by other changes in the mix of business.
 
Other underwriting expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $10,582,000 and $9,006,000, respectively.  The increase in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to increased compensation and professional costs as well as increased fees relating to the RenRe Agreement.  Other underwriting expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 include fees of $2,172,000 and $1,164,000, respectively, relating to the RenRe Agreement, which increased as a result of increased property catastrophe premiums.
 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 as Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
269,728
   
309,179
 
$
(39,451
)
Ceded premiums written
   
12,848
   
58,291
   
(45,443
)
Net premiums written
   
256,880
   
250,888
   
5,992
 
Gross premiums earned
   
259,180
   
280,963
   
(21,783
)
Ceded premiums earned
   
14,334
   
36,327
   
(21,993
)
Net premiums earned
 
$
244,846
   
244,636
 
$
210
 

The decrease in gross premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the different methods of estimating net premiums written between Platinum UK and Platinum Bermuda, which contributed approximately $39,519,000 to the decrease.  Gross premiums written increased in the property catastrophe excess classes, however, these increases were substantially offset by decreases in the property proportional classes.  The decline in ceded premiums written was attributable to the non-renewal in 2007 of the Property Quota Share Agreement.  Net premiums earned in 2007 remained comparable with 2006 and reflect premiums written in current and prior periods.
 
Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
 
Net losses and LAE
 
$
105,869
   
87,695
 
$
18,174
 
Net loss and LAE ratios
   
43.2
%
 
35.8
%
 
7.4 points
 

The increase in net losses and LAE and related ratios were primarily due to losses of $31,200,000 from European storm Kyrill and $8,000,000 from floods in the United Kingdom in 2007 as compared with no losses from major catastrophes in 2006, partially offset by the difference in net favorable loss development.  Net favorable loss development was $26,951,000 in 2007, representing 11.0% of net premiums earned, as compared with $17,392,000 in 2006, representing 7.1% of net premiums earned.  Exclusive of losses related to Kyrill and the floods in the United Kingdom and net favorable loss development, the net loss and LAE ratio decreased by approximately 2.7% due primarily to an increase in the proportion of catastrophe excess business which has a lower loss and LAE ratio than the remainder of the segment.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by other changes in the mix of business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
 
$
32,199
   
40,888
 
$
(8,689
)
Net acquisition expense ratios
   
13.2
%
 
16.7
%
 
(3.5) points
 
 

The decreases in net acquisition expenses and the net acquisition expense ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 were primarily due to a decrease in property proportional business and an increase in property catastrophe business, which has a lower acquisition expense ratio than property proportional business.  The net acquisition expense ratios were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Other underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $20,610,000 and $19,034,000, respectively.  The increase in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to increased compensation and professional costs as well as increased fees relating to the RenRe Agreement.  Other underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 include fees of $5,052,000 and $4,839,000, respectively, relating to the RenRe Agreement.
 
Casualty
 
The Casualty operating segment principally includes reinsurance contracts that cover umbrella liability, general and product liability, professional liability, workers' compensation, casualty clash, automobile liability, surety, trade credit, political risk and accident and health.  This operating segment represented 56.5% and 64.3% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 53.6% and 63.3% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 as Compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 

   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
162,576
   
199,299
 
$
(36,723
)
Ceded premiums written
   
28
   
1
   
27
 
Net premiums written
   
162,548
   
199,298
   
(36,750
)
Gross premiums earned
   
163,859
   
185,073
   
(21,214
)
Ceded premiums earned
   
14
   
-
   
14
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
163,845
   
185,073
 
$
(21,228
)

The decrease in net premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to decreases in business underwritten in 2006 and 2007 in North American casualty classes, with the most significant decrease in the umbrella class.  The decrease reflects fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  Additionally, the impact of the different methods of estimating net premiums written between Platinum UK and Platinum Bermuda resulted in an increase of $5,392,000 of net premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006.  Net premiums written and earned were also affected by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net losses and LAE
 
$
117,993
   
127,824
 
$
(9,831
)
Net loss and LAE ratios
   
72.0
%
 
69.1
%
 
2.9 points
 
 

The decrease in net losses and LAE in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned, partially offset by an increase in the net loss and LAE ratio.  The increase in the net loss and LAE ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to higher initial expected loss ratios in certain significant classes reflecting a decline in price adequacy.  Net losses and LAE included net favorable loss development of approximately $2,033,000 in 2007, representing 1.2% of net premiums earned, as compared with no significant net loss development in 2006.  The net loss and LAE ratio in 2007 was also affected by the changes in the mix of business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net acquisition expenses
 
$
40,061
   
45,168
 
$
(5,107
)
Net acquisition expense ratios
   
24.5
%
 
24.4
%
 
0.1 points
 

The decrease in net acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The net acquisition expense ratios were comparable.
 
Other underwriting expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $6,442,000 and $7,688,000, respectively.  The decrease in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due primarily to a lower percentage of underwriting expenses allocated to the Casualty segment and a higher percentage to the Property and Marine segment by Platinum Bermuda as a result of the shift of its business more towards property.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 as Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
314,782
   
381,631
 
$
(66,849
)
Ceded premiums written
   
51
   
(17
)
 
68
 
Net premiums written
   
314,731
   
381,648
   
(66,917
)
Gross premiums earned
   
317,888
   
358,723
   
(40,835
)
Ceded premiums earned
   
24
   
(18
)
 
42
 
Net premiums earned
 
$
317,864
   
358,741
 
$
(40,877
)

The decrease in net premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to decreases in business underwritten in 2006 and 2007 across most casualty classes, with the most significant decreases in the North American umbrella and first dollar general liability classes as well as international credit.  The decreases are the result of fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  The different methods of estimating net premiums written between Platinum UK and Platinum Bermuda also contributed approximately $3,384,000 to the decrease in net premiums written.  Net premiums written and earned were also affected by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 

Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net losses and LAE
 
$
230,375
   
244,389
 
$
(14,014
)
Net loss and LAE ratios
   
72.5
%
 
68.1
%
 
4.4 points
 

The decrease in net losses and LAE in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned, partially offset by an increase in the net loss and LAE ratio.  The increase in the net loss and LAE ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to higher initial expected loss ratios in certain significant classes reflecting a decline in price adequacy.  Net losses and LAE included net favorable loss development of approximately $3,430,000 in 2007, representing 1.1% of net premiums earned, and approximately $894,000 in 2006, representing 0.2% of net premiums earned.  The net loss and LAE ratio in 2007 was also affected by the changes in the mix of business within the segment toward contracts with higher loss and LAE ratios and lower acquisition expense ratios.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
 
$
72,096
   
86,522
 
$
(14,426
)
Net acquisition expense ratios
   
22.7
%
 
24.1
%
 
(1.4) points
 

The decrease in net acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 is due to decreases in the North American umbrella and first dollar general liability classes as well as international credit, all of which have higher acquisition expense ratios than the remainder of the segment.
 
Other underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $13,159,000 and $14,023,000, respectively.  The decrease in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to the cessation of underwriting operations in Platinum UK as well as decreases in expenses allocated to the Casualty segment.
 
  Finite Risk
 
The Finite Risk operating segment includes principally structured reinsurance contracts with ceding companies whose needs may not be met efficiently through traditional reinsurance products.  In exchange for contractual features that limit our downside risk, reinsurance contracts that we classify as finite risk provide the potential for significant profit commission to the ceding company.  The classes of risks underwritten through finite risk contracts are generally consistent with the classes covered by traditional products.  The finite risk contracts that we underwrite generally provide prospective protection, meaning coverage is provided for losses that are incurred after inception of the contract, as contrasted with retrospective coverage, which covers losses that are incurred prior to inception of the contract.  The three main categories of our finite risk contracts are quota share, multi-year excess-of-loss and whole account aggregate stop loss.  Due to the often significant inverse relationship between losses and commissions for this segment, we believe it is important to evaluate the overall combined ratio, rather than its component parts of net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and net acquisition expense ratio.  The ongoing industry-wide investigations by legal and regulatory authorities into potential misuse of finite products have curtailed demand for these products in 2007 and 2006.  This operating segment represented 2.1% and 8.0% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 2.6% and (4.9% ) of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 as Compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
5,949
   
28,558
 
$
(22,609
)
Ceded premiums written
   
   
3,718
   
(3,718
)
Net premiums written
   
5,949
   
24,840
   
(18,891
)
Gross premiums earned
   
6,937
   
42,618
   
(35,681
)
Ceded premiums earned
   
   
3,718
   
(3,718
)
Net premiums earned
 
$
6,937
   
38,900
 
$
(31,963
)

The Finite Risk segment consists of a small number of contracts that can be large in premium size and, consequently, overall premium volume may vary significantly from year to year.  The decrease in net premiums written and earned was primarily due to the expiration of three finite casualty contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE, net acquisition expenses and the resulting net loss and LAE and acquisition ratios for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 

   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Net losses and LAE
 
$
3,196
   
31,773
 
$
(28,577
)
Net loss and LAE ratios
   
46.1
%
 
81.7
%
 
(35.6) points
 
Net acquisition expenses
 
$
502
   
9,645
 
$
(9,143
)
Net acquisition expense ratios
   
7.2
%
 
24.8
%
 
(17.6) points
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
 
$
3,698
   
41,418
 
$
(37,720
)
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratios
   
53.3
%
 
106.5
%
 
(53.2) points
 

The decrease in net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratio was primarily due to the difference in net favorable development from prior years.  Net favorable development was $1,821,000 in2007, representing 26.3% of net premiums earned, as compared with net unfavorable development of approximately $3,844,000 in 2006, representing 9.9% of net premiums earned.  Also contributing to the decrease in the net loss, LAE and acquisition ratio in 2007 was the expiration of a significant finite casualty proportional contract that had a higher combined ratio than the remainder of the Finite Risk segment.
 
Other underwriting expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $ 593,000 and $1,019,000, respectively.  The decrease in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to a decline in activity in the Finite Risk segment.
 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 as Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
13,087
   
(25,638
)
$
38,725
 
Ceded premiums written
   
(1,942
)
 
3,858
   
(5,800
)
Net premiums written
   
15,029
   
(29,496
)
 
44,525
 
Gross premiums earned
   
16,114
   
83,200
   
(67,086
)
Ceded premiums earned
   
(1,942
)
 
5,211
   
(7,153
)
Net premiums earned
 
$
18,056
   
77,989
 
$
(59,933
)

The increase in net premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily attributable to the termination of a significant finite casualty proportional contract effective January 1, 2006 on a cut-off basis, which resulted in the return of $56,589,000 of previously written but unearned premium.  The decrease in net premiums earned reflects the reduction in our finite business in 2006 and 2007.
 
Net losses and LAE, net acquisition expenses and the resulting net loss and LAE and acquisition ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 

   
2007
 
2006
 
Decrease
 
Net losses and LAE
 
$
10,100
   
62,154
 
$
(52,054
)
Net loss and LAE ratios
   
55.9
%
 
79.7
%
 
(23.8) points
 
Net acquisition expenses
 
$
652
   
17,881
 
$
(17,229
)
Net acquisition expense ratios
   
3.6
%
 
22.9
%
 
(19.3) points
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
 
$
10,752
   
80,035
 
$
(69,283
)
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratios
   
59.5
%
 
102.6
%
 
(43.1) points
 

The decrease in net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratio was primarily due to the difference in net favorable development from prior years.  Net favorable development was $4,509,000 in 2007, representing 25.0% of net premiums earned, as compared with net unfavorable development of approximately $6,030,000 in 2006, representing 7.7% of net premiums earned.  Also contributing to the decrease in the net loss, LAE and acquisition ratio in 2007 was the expiration of a significant finite casualty proportional contract that had a higher combined ratio than the remainder of the Finite Risk segment.
 
Other underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were $1,627,000 and $1,944,000, respectively.  The decrease in 2007 as compared with 2006 is due to a decline in activity in the Finite Risk segment.
 

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Financial Condition
 
Cash and cash equivalents and investments as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
June 30,
2007
 
December 31,
2006
 
Increase
(decrease)
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
922,475
   
851,652
 
$
70,823
 
Fixed maturity securities
   
3,475,493
   
3,334,645
   
140,848
 
Preferred stocks
   
10,180
   
10,772
   
(592
)
Short-term investments
   
4,849
   
27,123
   
(22,274
)
Other invested asset
   
   
4,745
   
(4,745
)
Total
 
$
4,412,997
   
4,228,937
 
$
184,060
 

The net increase in total cash and cash equivalents and investments was due to positive net cash flows from operations in the six months ended June 30, 2007.  Our available-for-sale and trading portfolios are composed primarily of diversified, high quality, predominantly publicly traded fixed maturity securities.  Our investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, had a weighted average duration of 2.8 years as of June 30, 2007.  We maintain and periodically update our overall duration target for the portfolio and routinely monitor the composition of and cash flows from the portfolio to maintain the liquidity necessary to meet our obligations.
 
Certain assets and liabilities associated with underwriting include significant estimates.  Reinsurance premiums receivable, deferred acquisition costs, unpaid losses and LAE, unearned premiums and commissions payable all represent or include significant estimates.  Reinsurance premiums receivable as of June 30, 2007 of $336,865,000 included $253,201,000 that was based upon estimates.  Reinsurance premiums receivable as of December 31, 2006 of $377,183,000 included $315,243,000 that was based upon estimates.  The decrease in reinsurance premiums receivable as of June 30, 2007 as compared with December 31, 2006 was due to the decrease in premiums written.  An allowance for uncollectible reinsurance premiums is considered for possible non-payment of such amounts due, as deemed necessary.  As of June 30, 2007, based on our historical experience, the general profile of our ceding companies and our ability, in most cases, to contractually offset reinsurance premiums receivable with losses and LAE or other amounts payable to the same parties, we did not establish an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance premiums receivable.
 
Gross unpaid losses and LAE as of June 30, 2007 of $2,393,672,000 included $1,684,985,000 of estimates of claims that are incurred but not reported ("IBNR").  Gross unpaid losses and LAE as of December 31, 2006 of $2,368,482,000 included $1,648,635,000 of IBNR.  Gross losses paid related to hurricane losses of 2005 during the six months ended June 30, 2007 were approximately $90,040,000.
 
Commissions payable as of June 30, 2007 of $118,805,000 included $97,008,000 that was based upon premium estimates.  Commissions payable as of December 31, 2006 of $140,835,000 included $124,906,000 that was based upon premium estimates.  The decrease in commissions payable as of June 30, 2007 as compared with December 31, 2006 was due to the decrease in premiums written and is consistent with the decrease in reinsurance premiums receivable.
 
 
  Sources of Liquidity
 
Our consolidated sources of funds consist primarily of premiums written, investment income, proceeds from sales and redemption of investments, losses recovered from retrocessionaires, issuance of securities and actual cash and cash equivalents held by us.  Net cash flows provided by operations, excluding trading security activities, for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $218,175,000.
 
Platinum Holdings is a holding company that conducts no reinsurance operations of its own.  All of its reinsurance operations are conducted through its wholly owned operating subsidiaries:  Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US.  As a holding company, the cash flows of Platinum Holdings consist primarily of interest, dividends and other permissible payments from its subsidiaries and issuances of securities.  Platinum Holdings depends on such payments for general corporate purposes and to meet its obligations, including the payment of dividends to its preferred and common shareholders.
 
In addition to the net cash flows generated from operations, the Company has an effective universal shelf registration statement whereby we may issue and sell, in one or more offerings, up to $750,000,000 of debt, equity and other types of securities or a combination of the above, including debt securities of Platinum Finance unconditionally guaranteed by Platinum Holdings.  This shelf registration statement had approximately $440,000,000 of remaining capacity as of June 30, 2007.  The Company also has a five year, $400,000,000 credit facility with a syndicate of lenders available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit.  The credit facility is generally available for our working capital, liquidity, letters of credit and general corporate requirements and those of our subsidiaries.  As of June 30, 2007 this facility had $331,671,000 of capacity available to us.
 
  Liquidity Requirements
 
Our principal consolidated cash requirements are the payment of losses and LAE, commissions, brokerage, operating expenses, dividends to our preferred and common shareholders, the servicing of debt, the acquisition of and investment in businesses, capital expenditures, purchase of retrocessional contracts and payment of taxes.
 
Platinum Bermuda is not licensed, approved or accredited as a reinsurer anywhere in the United States and, therefore, under the terms of most of its contracts with United States ceding companies, it is required to provide collateral to its ceding companies for unpaid ceded liabilities in a form acceptable to state insurance commissioners.  Typically, this type of collateral takes the form of letters of credit issued by a bank, the establishment of a trust, or funds withheld.  Platinum Bermuda provides letters of credit through commercial banks and may be required to provide the banks with a security interest in certain investments of Platinum Bermuda including the credit facility described above.
 
In 2002, we entered into several agreements with The Travelers Companies, Inc., formerly The St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("St. Paul"), for the transfer of continuing reinsurance business and certain related assets of St. Paul.  Among these agreements are quota share retrocession agreements effective November 2, 2002 under which we assumed from St. Paul unearned premiums, unpaid losses and LAE and certain other liabilities on reinsurance contracts becoming effective in 2002 (the "Quota Share Retrocession Agreements").  Platinum US is obligated to collateralize the liabilities assumed from St. Paul under the Quota Share Retrocession Agreements.  In addition, Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US have reinsurance and other contracts that also require them to provide collateral to ceding companies should certain events occur, such as a decline in the rating by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") below specified levels or a decline in statutory equity below specified amounts, or the attainment of specified levels of assumed liabilities from certain ceding companies.  Some reinsurance contracts also have special termination provisions that permit early termination should certain events occur.
 

We believe that the net cash flows generated by the operating activities of our subsidiaries in combination with cash and cash equivalents on hand will provide sufficient funds to meet our liquidity needs over the next twelve months.  Beyond the next twelve months, cash flows available to us may be influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions in general and in the insurance and reinsurance markets, legal and regulatory changes as well as fluctuations from year to year in claims experience and the occurrence or absence of large catastrophic events.  If our liquidity needs accelerate beyond our ability to fund such obligations from current operating cash flows, we may need to liquidate a portion of our investment portfolio, borrow under the credit facility described above or raise additional capital in the capital markets.  Our ability to meet our liquidity needs by selling investments or raising additional capital is subject to the timing and pricing risks inherent in the capital markets.
 
  Capital Resources
 
The Company does not have any material commitments for capital expenditures as of June 30, 2007.
 
  Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements and, therefore, there is no effect on its financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources from these types of arrangements.
 
Economic Conditions
 
Periods of moderate economic recession or inflation tend not to have a significant direct effect on our underwriting operations.  Significant unexpected inflationary or recessionary periods can, however, impact our underwriting operations and investment portfolio.  Management considers the potential impact of economic trends in the estimation process for establishing unpaid losses and LAE.
 
Current Outlook
 
From January through July of 2007 approximately 90% of our business was up for renewal.  The size of our net portfolio of business remained approximately the same as terms and conditions improved in some lines of business and deteriorated in others.
 
For the Property and Marine segment, during 2007 we achieved average rate increases of over 20% on our U.S. property catastrophe excess renewal business while rates on our non-U.S. property catastrophe excess renewal business were approximately equal to expiring.  In addition, we have achieved average rate increases of approximately 7% on our marine renewal business.  Per risk excess rates were approximately equal to expiring in both our U.S. and non-U.S. renewal business.
 
From January through July of 2007 we wrote approximately 24% more U.S. catastrophe excess-of-loss premium than we did during the same period in 2006.  We elected not to renew the collateralized Property Quota Share Agreement.  As a consequence of reducing our use of retrocession and writing a larger gross portfolio of catastrophe excess-of-loss business in 2007, our net retained risk and potential profit has increased for 2007.  For 2007 we plan to deploy capacity such that up to approximately 22.5% of our total capital could be exposed to an event with a probability of 1 in 250 years.
 
The lack of significant catastrophe activity in 2006 contributed to excellent financial results, stronger balance sheets and increased capacity for many reinsurers.  In January 2007, there were a number of government initiatives in Florida designed to decrease insurance rates in the state.  Of most significance to reinsurers was the large increase in the capacity of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund ("FHCF"), a state-run reinsurer.  While the increase in capacity of the FHCF and non-governmental reinsurers caused some downward pressure on windstorm catastrophe rates the effect was less than we anticipated.  We believe that most other classes within the Property and Marine segment will experience some rate deterioration for the remainder of 2007.
 

For the Casualty segment, although we believe that the market generally offers adequate returns, pricing has been softening.  Ceding companies are willing to increase retentions and reinsurers are competing for participation on the best contracts.  During 2007 rate changes by class of business have ranged from an increase of approximately 6% to a decrease of approximately 13%.  The overall average was a decrease of approximately 4%, against a background of upward trending loss costs.  As a result, we believe the business underwritten in 2007 will have a lower level of expected profitability as compared with the business underwritten in 2006.
 
From January through July of 2007 we wrote approximately 21% less casualty business than we did during the same period in 2006.  We expect market conditions will continue to weaken through the remainder of 2007 and that fewer casualty opportunities will be attractive.  We believe that financial security remains a significant concern for buyers of long-tailed reinsurance protection who typically seek reinsurers with strong balance sheets, quality ratings, and a proven claims-paying record.  We believe that our rating, capitalization and reputation as a lead casualty reinsurer position us well to write profitable business as opportunities arise.
 
In the Finite Risk segment, we believe that the ongoing investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the office of the Attorney General for the State of New York, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York as well as various non-U.S. regulatory authorities continues to reduce demand for limited risk transfer products.  We believe we can deploy our human and financial capital more profitably in other lines of business.  As a result, we are devoting fewer underwriting and pricing resources to this segment than in prior years.  We expect the relatively low level of demand will continue during 2007.  We expect to continue to focus our efforts on our Property and Marine and Casualty segments.
 
In 2006 we expanded the operations of Platinum Bermuda in order to make it our principal reinsurer of our global catastrophe and financial lines reinsurance portfolios.  As part of this plan, we began to renew business previously written by Platinum UK in Platinum Bermuda.  We also renewed certain property catastrophe contracts of Platinum US in Platinum Bermuda.  After successfully renewing substantially all of the reinsurance business written by Platinum UK in Platinum Bermuda, we ceased underwriting reinsurance in Platinum UK in 2007.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates
 
It is important to understand our accounting estimates in order to understand our financial position and results of operations.  We consider certain of these estimates to be critical to the presentation of the financial results since they require management to make estimates and valuation assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures.  Certain of the estimates and assumptions result from judgments that are necessarily subjective and consequently actual results may materially differ from these estimates.  Our critical accounting estimates include premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and LAE, valuation of investments and evaluation of risk transfer.  For a detailed discussion of the Company’s critical accounting estimates please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  There have been no material changes in the application of the Company’s critical accounting estimates subsequent to December 31, 2006.
 

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Market and Credit Risk
 
Our principal invested assets are fixed maturity securities, which are subject to the risk of potential losses from adverse changes in market rates and prices and credit risk resulting from adverse changes in the borrower's ability to meet its debt service obligations.  Our strategy to limit this risk is to place our investments in high quality credit issues and to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to any one issuer or asset class.  We also select investments with characteristics such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity to reflect, in the aggregate, the underlying characteristics of our unpaid losses and LAE.  We attempt to minimize the credit risk by actively monitoring the portfolio and requiring a minimum average credit rating for our portfolio of A2 as defined by Moody's Investor Service ("Moody’s").  As of June 30, 2007, the portfolio, excluding cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, had a dollar weighted average credit rating of Aa1 as defined by Moody’s.
 
We have other receivable amounts subject to credit risk.  The most significant of these are reinsurance premiums receivable from ceding companies.  We also have reinsurance recoverable amounts from our retrocessionaires.  To mitigate credit risk related to premiums receivable, we have established standards for ceding companies and, in most cases, have a contractual right of offset thereby allowing us to settle claims net of any premiums receivable.  To mitigate credit risk related to our reinsurance recoverable amounts, we consider the financial strength of our retrocessionaires when determining whether to purchase coverage from them.  Retrocessional coverage is obtained from companies rated “A-” or better by A. M. Best Company, Inc. or from retrocessionaires whose obligations are fully collateralized.  The financial performance and rating status of all material retrocessionaires is routinely monitored.
 
In accordance with industry practice, we frequently pay amounts in respect of claims under contracts to reinsurance brokers for payment over to the ceding companies.  In the event that a broker fails to make such a payment, depending on the jurisdiction, we may remain liable to the ceding company for the payment.  Conversely, in certain jurisdictions, when ceding companies remit premiums to reinsurance brokers, such premiums are deemed to have been paid to us and the ceding company is no longer liable to us for those amounts whether or not the funds are actually received by us.  Consequently, we assume a degree of credit risk associated with our brokers during the premium and loss settlement process.  To mitigate credit risk related to reinsurance brokers, we have established guidelines for brokers and intermediaries.
 
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates.  Movements in rates can result in changes in the market value of our fixed maturity portfolio and can cause changes in the actual timing of receipt of principal payments of certain securities.  Rising interest rates result in a decrease in the market value of our fixed maturity portfolio and can expose our portfolio, in particular our mortgage-backed securities, to extension risk.  Conversely, a decrease in interest rates will result in an increase in the market value of our fixed maturity portfolio and can expose our portfolio, in particular our mortgage-backed securities, to prepayment risk.  An aggregate hypothetical impact on the market value of our fixed maturity portfolio, generated from an immediate parallel shift in the treasury yield curve, as of June 30, 2007 is as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 
   
- 100 bp
 
- 50 bp
 
Current
 
+ 50 bp
 
+ 100 bp
 
Total market value
 
$
3,569,351
   
3,523,829
   
3,475,493
   
3,424,585
 
$
3,372,400
 
Percent change in market value
   
2.7
%
 
1.4
%
       
(1.5
%)
 
(3.0
%)
Resulting unrealized appreciation / (depreciation)
 
$
15,297
   
(30,225
)
 
(78,561
)
 
(129,469
)
$
(181,654
)

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
 
We write business on a worldwide basis.  Consequently, our principal exposure to foreign currency risk is the transaction of business in foreign currencies.  Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can impact revenues, costs, receivables and liabilities, as measured in the U.S. dollar, our financial reporting currency.  We seek to minimize our exposure to large foreign currency risks by holding invested assets denominated in foreign currencies to offset liabilities denominated in the same foreign currencies.
 
Sources of Fair Value
 
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of June 30, 2007 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Financial assets:
         
Fixed maturity securities
 
$
3,475,493
 
$
3,475,493
 
Preferred stocks
   
10,180
   
10,180
 
Short-term investments
   
4,849
   
4,849
 
Financial liabilities:
             
Debt obligations
 
$
292,840
 
$
297,991
 

The fair value of fixed maturity securities, preferred stocks and short-term investments are based on quoted market prices at the reporting date for those or similar investments.
 
Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and timely reported as specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
No changes occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are subject to change.  These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us.
 
In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements.  For example, we have included certain forward-looking statements in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” with regard to trends in results, prices, volumes, operations, investment results, margins, risk management and exchange rates.  This Form 10-Q also contains forward-looking statements with respect to our business and industry, such as those relating to our strategy and management objectives and trends in market conditions, market standing, product volumes, investment results and pricing conditions.
 
In light of the risks and uncertainties inherent in all future projections, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q should not be considered as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives or plans will be achieved.  Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, including the following:
 
 
(1)
significant weather-related or other natural or man-made disasters over which we have no control;
 
 
(2)
the adequacy of our liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including, but not limited to, losses from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and the possibility that ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses from these hurricanes may prove to be materially different from estimates made to date;
 
 
(3)
the effectiveness of our loss limitation methods and pricing models;
 
 
(4)
our ability to maintain our A.M. Best Company, Inc. rating;
 
 
(5)
conducting operations in a competitive environment;
 
 
(6)
the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business;
 
 
(7)
tax, regulatory or legal restrictions or limitations applicable to us or the property and casualty reinsurance business generally;
 
 
(8)
our ability to maintain our business relationships with reinsurance brokers;
 
 
(9)
the availability of retrocessional reinsurance on acceptable terms;
 
 
(10)
market volatility and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuation;
 
 
(11)
general political and economic conditions, including the effects of civil unrest, acts of terrorism, war or a prolonged U.S. or global economic downturn or recession; and
 
 
 
(12)
changes in our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions, which may happen at any time at our discretion.

As a consequence, current plans, anticipated actions and future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.  The foregoing factors, which are discussed in more detail in Item 1A – “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, should not be construed as exhaustive.  Additionally, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any future revisions or updates we may make to forward-looking statements to reflect new information or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of future events.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
(c)           Following is a summary of purchases by us of our common shares during the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007:
 
Period
 
(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
(b)
Average Price paid per Share
 
(c)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans *
 
(d)
Maximum Dollar Amount that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs
 
April 1, 2007 – April 30, 2007
   
   
   
 
$
40,015,000
 
May 1, 2007 – May 31, 2007
   
   
   
   
40,015,000
 
June 1, 2007 – June 30, 2007
   
363,803
 
$
34.57
   
363,803
   
27,439,000
 
Total
   
363,803
 
$
34.57
   
363,803
  $    

*
On August 4, 2004, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a plan to repurchase up to $50,000,000 of its common shares.  On July 26, 2007 the Board approved an increase to the repurchase plan of $222,561,000 to a result in authority as of July 26, 2007 to repurchase up to a total of $250,000,000 to a result in authority as of July 26, 2007 of $250,000,000 that may yet be purchased under the plan.
 

Item 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
The Company’s 2007 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") was held on April 25, 2007.  Proxies for the Annual Meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.  There was no solicitation in opposition to management’s nominees as listed in the Company’s proxy statement dated March 26, 2007.  The Company’s shareholders (1) elected nine directors to the Company’s Board of Directors to serve until the 2008 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and (2) ratified the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2007 fiscal year.  Set forth below are the voting results for these proposals:
 
 
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
 
   
For
 
Withheld
 
H. Furlong Baldwin
   
54,988,290
   
869,681
 
Jonathan F. Bank
   
54,989,090
   
868,881
 
Dan R. Carmichael
   
54,818,952
   
1,039,019
 
Robert V. Deutsch
   
54,983,292
   
874,679
 
A. John Hass
   
54,989,090
   
868,881
 
Edmund R. Megna
   
54,821,982
   
1,035,989
 
Steven H. Newman
   
53,791,406
   
2,066,565
 
Michael D. Price
   
54,989,090
   
868,881
 
Peter T. Pruitt
   
54,986,831
   
871,140
 

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF KPMG LLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE 2007 FISCAL YEAR
 
For
 
Against
 
Abstain
 
Broker Non-Votes
 
55,813,298
   
38,847
   
5,826
   
0
 

Item 6.
EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
10.1*
 
Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2007 between Platinum Holdings and James A. Krantz. (1)
10.2*
 
Separation Agreement dated June 1, 2007 between Platinum Holdings and Joseph F. Fisher. (1)
10.3*
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. Change in Control Severance Plan. (1)
10.4*
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. Amended and Restated Executive Incentive Plan. (1)
 
Certification of Michael D. Price, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
Certification of James A. Krantz, Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
Certification of Michael D. Price, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of James A. Krantz, Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 

 
*
Items denoted with an asterisk represent management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
 
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference from Platinum Holdings’ Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 4, 2007.
 

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 thereunto duly authorized.

 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD
   

Date: July 26, 2007
/s/  MICHAEL D. PRICE
 
By: Michael D. Price
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: July 26, 2007
/s/ JAMES A. KRANTZ
 
By: James A. Krantz
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
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