ptp10q_secondquarter2011.htm
 


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

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011
   
 
OR
   
o
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.  Yes X   No ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes X No ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
  X
 
Accelerated filer
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
 

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

The registrant had 37,323,794 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of July 15, 2011.
 
 
 

 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Page
     
PART I  –  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2011 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2010
1
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
2
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
3
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
4
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
5
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
21
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
38
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
38
     
PART II  –  OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
38
     
SIGNATURES
39

 
 
 

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ in thousands, except share data)
   
    (Unaudited)        
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities at fair value (amortized cost – $2,490,397 and $2,889,502, respectively)
  $ 2,543,684     $ 2,865,827  
Fixed maturity trading securities at fair value (amortized cost – $161,694 and $174,631, respectively)
    167,605       182,146  
Short-term investments
    226,307       176,648  
Total investments
    2,937,596       3,224,621  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,318,773       987,877  
Accrued investment income
    31,724       31,288  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    149,616       162,682  
Reinsurance recoverable on ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses
    42,049       13,973  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    22,809       4,461  
Funds held by ceding companies
    90,507       84,078  
Deferred acquisition costs
    32,143       36,584  
Deferred tax assets
    34,578       47,777  
Other assets
    22,602       20,972  
Total assets
  $ 4,682,397     $ 4,614,313  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,472,861     $ 2,217,378  
Unearned premiums
    139,767       154,975  
Debt obligations
    250,000       250,000  
Commissions payable
    54,112       59,388  
Other liabilities
    69,947       37,117  
Total liabilities
  $ 2,986,687     $ 2,718,858  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 37,323,794 and 37,757,926 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
  $ 373     $ 377  
Additional paid-in capital
    372,882       453,619  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    40,034       (24,488 )
Retained earnings
    1,282,421       1,465,947  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,695,710     $ 1,895,455  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 4,682,397     $ 4,614,313  

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
- 1 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
($ in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Revenue:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 172,436     $ 191,432     $ 355,317     $ 411,610  
Net investment income
    33,965       35,372       66,343       72,877  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
     (4,689 )     49,489        (4,282 )     54,946  
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (548 )     1,777       500       (10,861 )
Portion of impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (1,118 )     (5,187 )      (3,673 )     (10,651 )
Net impairment losses on investments
     (1,666 )     (3,410 )      (3,173 )     (21,512 )
Other income (expense)
     ( 60 )     (144 )     1,036       129  
Total revenue
    199,986       272,739       415,241       518,050  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    159,357       71,475       478,952       236,043  
Net acquisition expenses
    34,115       44,088       68,065       81,417  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
    4,474       30       748       2,345  
Operating expenses
    17,105       20,160       34,256       41,901  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    614       (67 )     803       (1,296 )
Interest expense
    4,767       4,709       9,533       9,469  
Total expenses
    220,432       140,395       592,357       369,879  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
     (20,446 )     132,344        (177,116 )     148,171  
Income tax expense (benefit)
     (45 )     8,205       477       8,611  
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (20,401 )   $ 124,139     $ (177,593 )   $ 139,560  
                                 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
                               
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (0.55 )   $ 2.87     $ (4.75 )   $ 3.15  
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (0.55 )   $ 2.68     $ (4.75 )   $ 2.95  
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (20,401 )   $ 124,139     $ (177,593 )   $ 139,560  
Other comprehensive income – net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes
    52,518       34,833       64,522       82,705  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 32,117     $ 158,972     $ (113,071 )   $ 222,265  
                                 
Shareholder dividends:
                               
Common shareholder dividends declared
  $ 2,969     $ 3,400     $ 5,933     $ 7,055  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08     $ 0.16     $ 0.16  

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 2 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
($ in thousands)
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Common shares:
           
Balances at beginning of period
  $ 377     $ 459  
Exercise of common share options
          6  
Issuance of common shares
          1  
Settlement of equity awards
    4       3  
Repurchase of common shares
    (8 )     (58 )
Balances at end of period
    373       411  
                 
Additional paid-in capital:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    453,619       883,425  
Exercise of common share options
    1,132       19,245  
Issuance of common shares
    2       4  
Share based compensation
    2,275       7,152  
Settlement of equity awards
    (2,726 )     (966 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (33,899 )     (212,765 )
Purchase of common share options
    (47,900 )      
Income tax (expense) benefit from share based compensation
    379       (128 )
Balances at end of period
    372,882       695,967  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Balances at beginning of period
    (24,488 )     (70,005 )
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes:
               
Change in unrealized gains and losses
    60,987       74,177  
Non-credit component of impairment losses
    3,535       8,528  
Balances at end of period
    40,034       12,700  
                 
Retained earnings:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    1,465,947       1,263,852  
Net income (loss)
    (177,593 )     139,560  
Common share dividends
     (5,933 )     (7,055 )
Balances at end of period
    1,282,421       1,396,357  
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,695,710     $ 2,105,435  

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 3 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
($ in thousands)
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Operating Activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ (177,593 )   $ 139,560  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    1,829       6,697  
Net realized losses (gains) on investments
    4,282       (54,946 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    3,173       21,512  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    803       (1,296 )
Share-based compensation
    2,275       7,152  
Deferred income tax expense
    759       3,227  
Fixed maturity trading securities activities, net
    142       (30,559 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income
    (276 )     1,227  
Decrease in reinsurance premiums receivable
    15,896       108,061  
Increase in funds held by ceding companies
    (5,946 )     (1,047 )
Decrease in deferred acquisition costs
    4,560       1,183  
Increase (decrease) in net unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    194,976       (100,659 )
Decrease in net unearned premiums
    (34,645 )     (12,466 )
Decrease in commissions payable
    (5,531 )     (33,091 )
Changes in other assets and liabilities
    28,584       (33,028 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    33,288       21,527  
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    353,402       2,056,935  
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity trading securities
    20,413        
Proceeds from sale of preferred stocks
          2,634  
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
    27,995       17,110  
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    72,694       158,439  
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments
    140,014       204,725  
Acquisition of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
     (34,499 )     (1,547,483 )
Acquisition of short-term investments
     (211,527 )     (285,210 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    368,492       607,150  
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Dividends paid to common shareholders
     (5,933 )     (7,055 )
Repurchase of common shares
     (33,907 )     (212,823 )
Purchase of common share options
     (47,900 )      
Proceeds from exercise of common share options
    1,132       19,251  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (86,608 )     (200,627 )
                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    15,724       (8,560 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    330,896       419,490  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    987,877       682,784  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,318,773     $ 1,102,274  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Income taxes paid
  $ 417     $ 11,261  
Interest paid
  $ 9,375     $ 9,375  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 4 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
1.
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum Holdings”) is a holding company that is domiciled in Bermuda and was organized in 2002.  Through our reinsurance subsidiaries we provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.
 
Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) includes Platinum Holdings, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”), Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Platinum US”), Platinum Re (UK) Limited (“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" refer to the Company, unless the context otherwise indicates.
 
Platinum Regency is an intermediate holding company based in Ireland and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Holdings.  Platinum Finance is a U.S. based intermediate holding company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Regency.  We operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries, Platinum Bermuda, a Bermuda reinsurance company, and Platinum US, a U.S. reinsurance company.   Platinum Bermuda is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Holdings and Platinum US is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Finance.  Platinum Administrative Services, Inc. and Platinum UK Services Company Limited are subsidiaries that provide administrative support services to the Company.
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information.  Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.  All material inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in preparing these consolidated financial statements.  The consolidated financial statements included in this report as of June 30, 2011 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are unaudited and include adjustments consisting of normal recurring items that management considers necessary for a fair presentation under U.S. GAAP.  These 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, 2010.

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 as of 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 major estimates used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements, and therefore considered to be critical accounting estimates, include premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), reinsurance recoverable, valuation of investments and income taxes.  In addition, estimates are used to evaluate risk transfer for assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions.  Results of changes in estimates are reflected in results of operations in the period in which the change is made.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated statement of cash flows to conform to the 2011 presentation.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”).  ASU 2011-05 requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements.  Under the continuous statement approach, the statement would include the components and total of net income, the components and total of other comprehensive income and the total of comprehensive income.  Under the two statement approach, the first statement would include the components and total of net income and the second statement would include the components and total of other comprehensive income and the total of comprehensive income.  ASU 2011-05 does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income.  ASU 2011-05 is effective retrospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2011-05 on our financial statements.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirement in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (“ASU 2011-04”).  ASU 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provides guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required and permitted under IFRS or U.S. GAAP.  For U.S. GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13.   ASU 2011-04 is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption not permitted.  In the period of adoption, a reporting entity will be required to disclose a change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs that result from applying ASU 2011-04 and to quantify the total effect, if practicable.  We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2011-04 on our financial position, results of operations and disclosures.
 
In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-26, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts” (“ASU 2010-26”).  ASU 2010-26 modifies the types of costs that may be deferred, allowing insurance companies to only defer costs directly related to successful acquisition of new or renewal contracts.  These costs include incremental direct costs of successful contracts, the portion of employees’ salaries and benefits related to time spent on acquisition activities for successful contracts and other costs incurred in the acquisition of contracts.  Additional disclosure of the type of acquisition costs capitalized is also required.  ASU 2010-26 is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of a company’s annual period.  We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2010-26 on our financial position and results of operations.
 
 
- 5 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
2.
Investments
 
Available-for-sale Securities
 
The following table sets forth our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 ($ in thousands):

         
Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
             
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Non-credit portion of OTTI (1)
 
June 30, 2011:
                             
U.S. Government
  $ 111,304     $ 2,708     $ 31     $ 113,981     $  
U.S. Government agencies
    100,000       420             100,420        
Municipal bonds
    1,525,357       58,799       8,470       1,575,686        
Non-U.S. governments
    59,967       2,144       543       61,568        
Corporate bonds
    320,200       17,057       543       336,714        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    191,987       12,236       1,864       202,359        
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    154,771       3,259       27,492       130,538       14,062  
Asset-backed securities
    26,811       581       4,974       22,418       4,720  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 2,490,397     $ 97,204     $ 43,917     $ 2,543,684     $ 18,782  
                                         
December 31, 2010:
                                       
U.S. Government
  $ 408,843     $ 267     $ 17,807     $ 391,303     $  
U.S. Government agencies
    100,000       547             100,547        
Municipal bonds
    1,540,701       25,591       28,860       1,537,432        
Non-U.S. governments
    74,990       1,859       543       76,306        
Corporate bonds
    349,370       18,589       1,059       366,900        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    195,050       9,656       1,393       203,313       43  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    192,345       3,601       29,488       166,458       15,794  
Asset-backed securities
    28,203       289       4,924       23,568       4,644  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 2,889,502     $ 60,399     $ 84,074     $ 2,865,827     $ 20,481  
 
(1)
Represents the amount of unrealized losses on impaired securities that were not realized in earnings as of the reporting date.  These unrealized losses are included in gross unrealized losses as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Our available-for-sale securities are U.S. dollar denominated securities.  U.S. Government agencies consist of securities issued by financial institutions under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  Non-U.S. governments consist primarily of securities issued by governments and financial institutions that are explicitly guaranteed by the respective government.
 
Trading Securities
 
The following table sets forth the fair value of our fixed maturity trading securities as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 ($ in thousands):
             
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
             
Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities:
           
Non-U.S. governments
  $ 146,478     $ 140,089  
U.S. Government agencies
    16,189       15,903  
Corporate bonds
          68  
Insurance-linked securities
    4,938       26,086  
Total fixed maturity trading securities
  $ 167,605     $ 182,146  
 
 
- 6 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
We have elected to record our investments in insurance-linked securities at fair value.  Insurance-linked securities have exposure to catastrophe loss, which we actively manage.  We believe that the various risk elements of insurance-linked securities are more appropriately accounted for in accordance with the fair value measurement attributes of FASB Accounting Standards Codification 825, “Financial Instruments” (“ASC 825”).  The mark-to-market adjustments on securities recognized under ASC 825 contributed less than $0.1 million and $1.3 million of net realized losses on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and contributed $0.6 million of net realized losses on investments and $0.2 million of net realized gains on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.
 
At acquisition we determine our trading intent in the near term for securities accounted for in accordance with ASC 825.  If we do not intend to sell these securities in the near term, the purchases and sales are included in investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows, otherwise they are included in operating activities.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, there were proceeds from sales of $20.4 million and no purchases of trading securities accounted for in accordance with ASC 825 that are included in investing activities of the statements of cash flows.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, there were no purchases or sales of trading securities accounted for in accordance with ASC 825.
 
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
 
We consider the creditworthiness of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios by reviewing various performance metrics of the issuer, including financial condition and credit ratings as well as other public information.  We determined that none of our municipal bonds and corporate bonds were other-than-temporarily impaired for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  As of June 30, 2011, the single largest unrealized loss within our municipal bond portfolio was $2.6 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $40.1 million.  As of June 30, 2011, the single largest unrealized loss within our corporate bond portfolio was $0.2 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $6.5 million.
 
We analyze our commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, debt-service-coverage ratios and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  We recorded no net impairment losses related to CMBS for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.   We recorded no net impairment losses related to CMBS for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and net impairment losses related to CMBS of $7.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  As of June 30, 2011, the single largest unrealized loss within our CMBS portfolio was $0.6 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $10.0 million.
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) include U.S. Government agency RMBS and non-agency RMBS.  Securities with underlying sub-prime mortgages as collateral are included in asset-backed securities (“ABS”).  We analyze our non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, prepayment speeds and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  We recorded net impairment losses related to non-agency RMBS of $1.5 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $2.4 million and $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   As of June 30, 2011, the single largest unrealized loss within our RMBS portfolio was $5.0 million related to a non-agency RMBS security with an amortized cost of $6.2 million.
 
We also recorded net impairment losses related to sub-prime ABS of $0.2 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $0.8 million and $11.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  As of June 30, 2011, the single largest unrealized loss within our sub-prime ABS portfolio was $4.4 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $6.8 million.
 
The following table sets forth a summary of the cumulative credit losses recognized on our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):

   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Beginning balance, January 1
  $ 48,845     $ 18,695  
Credit losses on securities not previously impaired
    20       7,728  
Additional credit losses on securities previously impaired
    3,153       13,784  
Reduction for paydowns and securities sold
    (3,901 )      
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
    (245 )     (291 )
Ending balance, June 30
  $ 47,872     $ 39,916  
 
As of June 30, 2011, total cumulative credit losses related to CMBS, non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS.  The cumulative credit losses we recorded on CMBS of $5.1 million were on four securities issued from 2006 to 2007.  As of June 30, 2011, 6.6% of the mortgage pools backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and 0.3% of the mortgage pools had incurred cumulative losses.  For these securities, the expected losses for the underlying mortgage pools were greater than the remaining credit support of 17.9%.   The cumulative credit losses we recorded on non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS of $42.8 million were on twenty-six securities issued from 2004 to 2007.  As of June 30, 2011, 20.0% of the mortgage pools backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and 4.8% of the mortgage pools had incurred cumulative losses.  For these securities, the expected losses for the underlying mortgage pools were greater than the remaining credit support of 8.9%.   
 
 
- 7 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Unrealized Gains and Losses
 
The following table sets forth the net changes in unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):
                         
   
Three Months Ended
 June  30,
   
Six Months Ended
 June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Gross change in unrealized investment gains and losses
  $ 64,394     $ 45,056     $ 76,962     $ 100,784  
Less: deferred tax
    (11,876 )     (10,223 )     (12,440 )     (18,079 )
Net change in unrealized investment gains and losses
  $ 52,518     $ 34,833     $ 64,522     $ 82,705  
 
The following table sets forth our gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity 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, 2011 and December 31, 2010 ($ in thousands):

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
 
                         
Less than twelve months:
                       
U.S. Government
  $ 2,258     $ 31     $ 388,087     $ 17,807  
Municipal bonds
    344,577       8,470       670,592       28,773  
Non-U.S. governments
                4,455       543  
Corporate bonds
    24,800       543       37,334       1,059  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    14,267       775              
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    20,830       332       17,103       431  
Asset-backed securities
    1,509                    
Total
  $ 408,241     $ 10,151     $ 1,117,571     $ 48,613  
                                 
Twelve months or more:
                               
U.S. Government
  $     $     $     $  
Municipal bonds
                2,032       87  
Non-U.S. governments
    4,455       543              
Corporate bonds
                       
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    6,618       1,089       22,016       1,393  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    52,610       27,160       56,297       29,057  
Asset-backed securities
    18,096       4,974       21,816       4,924  
Total
  $ 81,779     $ 33,766     $ 102,161     $ 35,461  
                                 
Total unrealized losses:
                               
U.S. Government
  $ 2,258     $ 31     $ 388,087     $ 17,807  
Municipal bonds
    344,577       8,470       672,624       28,860  
Non-U.S. governments
    4,455       543       4,455       543  
Corporate bonds
    24,800       543       37,334       1,059  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    20,885       1,864       22,016       1,393  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    73,440       27,492       73,400       29,488  
Asset-backed securities
    19,605       4,974       21,816       4,924  
Total
  $ 490,020     $ 43,917     $ 1,219,732     $ 84,074  
 
The fair values of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities included in the table above relate only to securities in an unrealized loss position as of the reporting date.
 
We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our available-for-sale portfolio represent temporary declines in fair value.  We believe that the unrealized losses are not necessarily predictive of ultimate performance and that the provisions we have made for net impairment losses are adequate.  However, economic conditions may deteriorate more than expected and may adversely affect the expected cash flows of our securities, which in turn may lead to impairment losses being recorded in future periods.  Conversely, economic conditions may improve more than expected and favorably increase the expected cash flows of our impaired securities, which would be earned through net investment income over the remaining life of the security.
 
 
- 8 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Net Investment Income
 
The following table sets forth our net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
 June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
 June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 32,561     $ 35,716     $ 64,412     $ 73,780  
Short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents
    2,074       381       3,580       587  
Funds held
    395       465       613       918  
Subtotal
    35,030       36,562       68,605       75,285  
Less: investment expenses
    1,065       1,190       2,262       2,408  
Net investment income
  $ 33,965     $ 35,372     $ 66,343     $ 72,877  
 
Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments
 
The following table sets forth our net realized gains and losses on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):
                         
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Gross realized gains on the sale of investments
  $ 477     $ 54,249     $ 4,421     $ 58,962  
Gross realized losses on the sale of investments
    (6,894 )     (6,358 )     (6,897 )     (6,360 )
Net realized gains (losses) on the sale of investments
    (6,417 )     47,891       (2,476 )     52,602  
Mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities
    1,728       1,598       (1,806 )     2,344  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
  $ (4,689 )   $ 49,489     $ (4,282 )   $ 54,946  
 
Maturities
 
The actual maturities of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities could differ from stated maturities due to call or prepayment provisions.  The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities by stated maturity as of June 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):
             
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
             
Due in one year or less
  $ 202,231     $ 203,661  
Due from one to five years
    626,163       652,418  
Due from five to ten years
    575,672       603,624  
Due in ten or more years
    874,457       896,272  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
    373,568       355,314  
Total
  $ 2,652,091     $ 2,711,289  
 
3.
Fair Value Measurements
 
The fair values of our financial assets and liabilities are determined primarily through the use of observable inputs.  Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from external independent sources.   Unobservable inputs reflect management’s assumptions about what market participants’ assumptions would be in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available.   We classify our financial assets and liabilities in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  This classification requires judgment in assessing the market and pricing methodologies for a particular security.  The fair value hierarchy is comprised of the following three levels:
 
Level 1:
Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial assets or liabilities;
 
 
- 9 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Level 2:
Valuations of financial assets and liabilities are based on prices obtained from independent pricing vendors, index providers or broker-dealers using observable inputs; and
 
Level 3:
Valuations are based on unobservable inputs for assets and liabilities where there is little or no market activity.  Management’s assumptions and/or internal valuation pricing models may be used to determine the fair value of financial assets or liabilities.
 
The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all financial assets and liabilities which the Company has recorded at fair value as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 ($ in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
June 30, 2011:
                       
Financial assets:
                       
Investments:
                       
U.S. Government
  $ 113,981     $ 113,981     $     $  
U.S. Government agencies
    116,609             116,609        
Municipal bonds
    1,575,686             1,575,686        
Non-U.S. governments
    208,046       55,536       152,510        
Corporate bonds
    336,714             336,714        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    202,359             202,359        
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    130,538             127,730       2,808  
Asset-backed securities
    22,418             22,418        
Insurance-linked securities
    4,938             4,938        
Short-term investments
    226,307             226,307        
Total
  $ 2,937,596     $ 169,517     $ 2,765,271     $ 2,808  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Derivative instrument
    789                   789  
Total
  $ 789     $     $     $ 789  
                                 
December 31, 2010:
                               
Financial assets:
                               
Investments:
                               
U.S. Government
  $ 391,303     $ 391,303     $     $  
U.S. Government agencies
    116,450             116,450        
Municipal bonds
    1,537,432             1,537,432        
Non-U.S. governments
    216,395       57,643       158,752        
Corporate bonds
    366,968             366,968        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    203,313             203,313        
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    166,458             164,009       2,449  
Asset-backed securities
    23,568             22,499       1,069  
Insurance-linked securities
    26,086             26,086        
Short-term investments
    176,648             176,648        
Total
  $ 3,224,621     $ 448,946     $ 2,772,157     $ 3,518  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Derivative instrument
    4,871                   4,871  
Total
  $ 4,871     $     $     $ 4,871  
 
 
- 10 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Our financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value include fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and a derivative instrument.   The fair values of our fixed maturity securities and short-term investments are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing vendors, index providers or broker-dealers using observable inputs.  Fixed maturity securities are generally valued using the market approach.  The inputs used to determine the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
U.S. Government
The fair values of U.S. Government securities were based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 1.
 
U.S Government agencies
Our U.S. Government agencies portfolio consisted of securities issued by financial institutions guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  The observable inputs used to price these securities may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2.
   
Municipal bonds
The fair values of municipal bonds were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and economic indicators.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2.
   
Non-U.S. governments
Our non-U.S. government bond portfolio consisted of securities issued primarily by governments, provinces, agencies and supranationals as well as debt issued by financial institutions that is guaranteed by a non-U.S. government.  The fair values of non-U.S. government securities were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 1 or Level 2.
   
Corporate bonds
The observable inputs used to price corporate issues may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and industry and economic indicators.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2.
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
The fair values of CMBS were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2.
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Our RMBS portfolio was comprised of securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and by non-agency institutions.  The observable inputs used to price U.S. Government agency RMBS may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, loan level information and prepayment speeds.  The observable inputs used to price non-agency RMBS may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, prepayment speeds, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2 or Level 3.
   
Asset-backed securities
The fair values of ABS were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, type of collateral, prepayment speeds, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2 or Level 3.
   
Insurance-linked securities
The fair values of insurance-linked securities were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and specific catastrophic events.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2.
   
Short-term investments
Short-term investments were generally carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value, and were classified as Level 2.
   
Derivative instrument
The fair value of our derivative instrument was determined by management primarily using unobservable inputs through the application of our own assumptions and internal valuation pricing models.  Unobservable inputs used in the internal valuation pricing model included the unpaid contract premiums, probability of losses triggered under the covered perils for first and second events, the remaining time to the end of the annual contract period and the seasonality of risks.  The valuation was based on the use of significant unobservable inputs and therefore the fair value measurement was classified as Level 3.  See Note 4 for additional disclosure on our derivative instrument.
 
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balance for our Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Beginning balance, January 1
  $ (1,353 )   $ (4,677 )
Purchases
    4,829        
Issuances
           
Settlements
          4,513  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    (165 )      
Total net realized gains included in earnings
           
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the derivative instrument included in earnings
    (748 )     (2,345 )
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in comprehensive income
    890        
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    (1,434 )      
Ending balance, June 30
  $ 2,019     $ (2,509 )
                 
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets and liabilities included in earnings for the period
  $ (748 )   $ (2,345 )
 
 
- 11 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
We transferred $1.4 million of sub-prime ABS from Level 3 to Level 2 on June 30, 2011.  The transfers were due to sufficient evidence collected to validate the fair values we obtained from broker-dealers.  There were no transfers from Level 1 or Level 2 during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2010.
 
The carrying amounts of our financial assets and liabilities were equal to fair values at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, except for the debt obligations on our consolidated balance sheets.  The debt obligations were recorded at cost with a carrying value of $250.0 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and had a fair value of $269.0 million and $260.9 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
4.
Derivative Instrument
 
In August 2008, we entered into a derivative agreement with Topiary Capital Limited (“Topiary”), a Cayman Islands special purpose vehicle, that provides us with the ability to recover up to $200.0 million if two catastrophic events involving U.S. wind, U.S. earthquake, European wind or Japanese earthquake occur that meet specified loss criteria during any of three annual periods commencing August 1, 2008.  Any recovery we make under this contract is based on insured property industry loss estimates for U.S. perils and European wind and a parametric index for Japanese earthquake events.  Recovery is based on both a physical and financial variable and is not based on actual losses we may incur.  Consequently, the transaction is accounted for as a derivative and is carried at the estimated fair value.
 
During the first quarter of 2011, the earthquake in Japan qualified as a first event under this agreement and resulted in an increase in the fair value of the derivative instrument due to the increased probability of a recovery.  A recovery would be made only if a second qualifying catastrophic event occurred prior to the end of the derivative agreement on July 31, 2011.  Under the terms of the agreement, we pay Topiary approximately $9.7 million during each of the three annual periods.  The net derivative liability of $0.8 million and $4.9 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, were included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.  The fair value expense of $0.7 million and $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were included in the net changes in fair value of derivatives on our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Topiary’s limit of loss is collateralized with high quality investment grade securities held in an account for the benefit of the Company.  The performance of the securities in the collateral account is guaranteed under a total return swap agreement with Goldman Sachs International whose obligations under the swap agreement are guaranteed by Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
 
Topiary is a variable interest entity under U.S. GAAP.  We have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of Topiary and, accordingly, we have not consolidated this entity in our consolidated financial statements.
 
5.
Credit Facilities
 
Syndicated Credit Facility
 
On June 24, 2011, we entered into a three-year, $300.0 million credit facility (the "Syndicated Credit Facility") that amended and restated our existing credit facility, which was scheduled to expire on September 13, 2011.  The Syndicated Credit Facility consists of a $100.0 million unsecured senior credit facility available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit and a $200.0 million secured senior credit facility available for letters of credit.  Borrowings and letters of credit under the Syndicated Credit Facility are available for the working capital, liquidity and general corporate requirements of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and our reinsurance subsidiaries.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance have unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The Syndicated Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including requirements to maintain a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization of not greater than 0.35 to 1.0 and to maintain a consolidated tangible net worth of not less than the higher of (i) $1.25 billion or (ii) the sum of $1.25 billion plus 50% of net income for each fiscal year plus 75% of the aggregate increases in shareholders’ equity through the issuance or sale of shares minus the amount of any extraordinary dividend payment or repurchase of shares.  In addition, each of our reinsurance subsidiaries must maintain a financial strength rating from A.M. Best Company of at least B++ at all times.  We are in compliance with the covenants under the Syndicated Credit Facility.
 
Letter of Credit Facility
 
On June 30, 2011, our reinsurance subsidiaries entered into a letter of credit facility in the maximum aggregate amount of $100.0 million (the “LOC Facility”) that expires on December 31, 2013.  Under the terms of the LOC Facility, up to $100.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit to support reinsurance obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The LOC Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants.  We are in compliance with the covenants under the LOC Facility. 
 
The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit and the cash and cash equivalents and investments held in trust to collateralize secured letters of credit issued as of June 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Letters of Credit
   
Collateral
 
   
Capacity
   
Issued
   
Cash
   
Investments
   
Total
 
Syndicated Credit Facility:
                             
Secured
  $ 200,000     $ 117,109     $ 135,690     $ 1,194     $ 136,884  
Unsecured
    100,000                          
Total Syndicated Credit Facility
    300,000       117,109       135,690       1,194       136,884  
                                         
LOC Facility
    100,000       1,772       3,841             3,841  
                                         
Total
  $ 400,000     $ 118,881     $ 139,531     $ 1,194     $ 140,725  
 
 
- 12 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
6.
Income Taxes
 
We provide for income tax expense or benefit based upon income reported in the consolidated financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and are subject to Bermuda law with respect to taxation.  Under current Bermuda law, they are not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains and they have received an assurance from the Bermuda Minister of Finance 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.  Platinum Holdings also has subsidiaries based in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland that are subject to the tax laws thereof.
 
The 2003 income tax return of our U.S.-based subsidiaries is currently under examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  The income tax returns that remain open to examination are for calendar years 2006 and forward.
 
7.
Share Repurchases and Option Purchases
 
Our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of our common shares through a share repurchase program.  Since the program was established, our Board of Directors has approved increases in the repurchase program from time to time, most recently on February 16, 2011, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, in accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 762,000 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate amount of $33.9 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $44.50 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled. In January, 2011, the Company purchased, for an aggregate of $47.9 million in cash, the common share options issued to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe”) in connection with the Company’s initial public offering in 2002.  The options provided RenaissanceRe with the right to purchase 2,500,000 common shares from the Company for $27.00 per share and were subsequently amended to provide for net share settlements.  The options were purchased under the Company’s share repurchase program and were canceled.  As of June 30, 2011, the remaining amount available under the repurchase program was $237.4 million.
 
8.
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
 
The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share computations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ and amounts in thousands, except per share data):

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Earnings:
                       
Basic and Diluted
                       
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (20,401 )   $ 124,139     $ (177,593 )   $ 139,560  
Net income (loss) allocated to participating common shareholders (1)
    (137 )           (1,069 )      
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders
  $ (20,264 )   $ 124,139     $ (176,524 )   $ 139,560  
                                 
Common Shares:
                               
Basic
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    37,113       43,225       37,155       44,322  
                                 
Diluted
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    37,113       43,225       37,155       44,322  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Common share options
    127       2,583       268       2,562  
Restricted share units
    159       441       269       481  
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
    37,399       46,249       37,692       47,365  
                                 
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:
                               
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (0.55 )   $ 2.87     $ (4.75 )   $ 3.15  
                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (2)
  $ (0.55 )   $ 2.68     $ (4.75 )   $ 2.95  
 
 
(1) Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company's share incentive plans that are considered to be participating securities.
   
(2)
During a period of loss, the basic weighted average common shares outstanding is used in the denominator of the diluted loss per common share computation as the effect of including potential dilutive shares would be anti-dilutive.
 
 
- 13 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
9.
Operating Segment Information
 
We have organized our worldwide reinsurance business into the following three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  The Property and Marine 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 segment includes reinsurance contracts that are either catastrophe excess-of-loss, per-risk excess-of-loss or proportional contracts.  The Casualty segment includes reinsurance contracts that cover general and product liability, professional liability, accident and health, umbrella liability, workers' compensation, casualty clash, automobile liability, surety, trade credit, and political risk.  We generally seek to write casualty reinsurance on an excess-of-loss basis.  We write first dollar proportional casualty reinsurance contracts on an opportunistic basis.  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 risk, reinsurance contracts that we include in our Finite Risk segment typically provide the potential for significant profit commission to the ceding company.  The classes of risks underwritten through our finite risk contracts are generally consistent with the classes covered by our traditional products.  The finite risk reinsurance 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.
 
In managing our operating segments, we use measures such as net underwriting income and underwriting ratios to evaluate segment performance.  We do not allocate assets or certain income and expenses such as net investment income, net realized gains and losses on investments, net impairment losses on investments, net changes in fair value of derivatives, net foreign currency exchange gains and losses, interest expense and certain corporate expenses by segment.  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, together with a reconciliation of underwriting income (loss) to income (loss) before income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Property
and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 54,411     $ 69,234     $ 2,242     $ 125,887  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    91,852       77,104       3,480       172,436  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    116,543       43,868        (1,054 )     159,357  
Net acquisition expenses
    12,009       18,144       3,962       34,115  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,274       4,829       264       12,367  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (43,974 )   $ 10,263     $ 308        (33,403 )
                                 
Net investment income
      33,965  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
      (4,689 )
Net impairment losses on investments
      (1,666 )
Other income (expense)
      (60 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
      (4,474 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (4,738 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
      (614 )
Interest expense
      (4,767 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    $ (20,446 )
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    126.9 %     56.9 %     (30.3 %)     92.4 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.1 %     23.5 %     113.9 %     19.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.9 %     6.3 %     7.6 %     7.2 %
Combined
    147.9 %     86.7 %     91.2 %     119.4 %
 
 
- 14 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Property
and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                                 
Net premiums written
  $ 74,105     $ 72,628     $ 4,985     $ 151,718  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    100,550       85,166       5,716       191,432  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    35,010       40,058       (3,593 )     71,475  
Net acquisition expenses
    17,218       18,752       8,118       44,088  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,720       5,654       313       13,687  
Segment underwriting income
  $ 40,602     $ 20,702     $ 878       62,182  
                                 
Net investment income
      35,372  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
      49,489  
Net impairment losses on investments
      (3,410 )
Other income (expense)
      (144 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
      (30 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (6,473 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
      67  
Interest expense
      (4,709 )
Income before income taxes
    $ 132,344  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    34.8 %     47.0 %     (62.9 %)     37.3 %
Net acquisition expense
    17.1 %     22.0 %     142.0 %     23.0 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.7 %     6.6 %     5.5 %     7.1 %
Combined
    59.6 %     75.6 %     84.6 %     67.4 %
                                 
 
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Property
and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                                 
Net premiums written
  $ 166,213     $ 149,753     $ 4,706     $ 320,672  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    189,757       157,928       7,632       355,317  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    394,873       83,487       592       478,952  
Net acquisition expenses
    25,635       36,707       5,723       68,065  
Other underwriting expenses
    14,595       10,161       499       25,255  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (245,346 )   $ 27,573     $ 818        (216,955 )
                                 
Net investment income
      66,343  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
      (4,282 )
Net impairment losses on investments
      (3,173 )
Other income (expense)
      1,036  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
      (748 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (9,001 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
      (803 )
Interest expense
      (9,533 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    $ (177,116 )
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    208.1 %     52.9 %     7.8 %     134.8 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.5 %     23.2 %     75.0 %     19.2 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.7 %     6.4 %     6.5 %     7.1 %
Combined
    229.3 %     82.5 %     89.3 %     161.1 %
 
 
- 15 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Property
and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                                 
Net premiums written
  $ 220,890     $ 166,379     $ 11,876     $ 399,145  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    228,356       173,068       10,186       411,610  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    161,637       71,588       2,818       236,043  
Net acquisition expenses
    33,449       36,479       11,489       81,417  
Other underwriting expenses
    16,419       12,124       651       29,194  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 16,851     $ 52,877     $ (4,772 )     64,956  
                                 
Net investment income
      72,877  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
      54,946  
Net impairment losses on investments
      (21,512 )
Other income (expense)
      129  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
      (2,345 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (12,707 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
      1,296  
Interest expense
      (9,469 )
Income before income taxes
    $ 148,171  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    70.8 %     41.4 %     27.7 %     57.3 %
Net acquisition expense
    14.6 %     21.1 %     112.8 %     19.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.2 %     7.0 %     6.4 %     7.1 %
Combined
    92.6 %     69.5 %     146.9 %     84.2 %
 
10.
Statutory Regulations and Dividend Capacity
 
The laws and regulations of Bermuda and the United States include certain restrictions on the amount of dividends or other distributions that can be paid by Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US to their respective parent companies, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance, without the prior approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.  Based on the regulatory restrictions, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by our reinsurance subsidiaries during 2011 without prior regulatory approval is as follows ($ in thousands):
       
Platinum Bermuda
  $ 341,541  
Platinum US
    64,282  
Total
  $ 405,823  
 
Platinum Bermuda paid no dividends to Platinum Holdings during the three months ended June 30, 2011 and made dividend payments of $180.0 million to Platinum Holdings during the six months ended June 30, 2011.  Platinum US paid no dividends to Platinum Finance during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.  As of June 30, 2011, the remaining amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by our reinsurance subsidiaries without regulatory approval was $225.8 million.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, Platinum US repaid a $100.0 million surplus note to Platinum Regency, the parent company of Platinum Finance.  Platinum Regency subsequently paid dividends of $100.0 million to Platinum Holdings.
 
11.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
 
Platinum Holdings fully and unconditionally guarantees the $250.0 million Series B Notes issued by Platinum Finance.  The following tables present the condensed consolidating financial information for Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and the non-guarantor subsidiaries of Platinum Holdings as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):

 
- 16 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
June 30, 2011
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
ASSETS
                             
Total investments
  $     $ 329     $ 2,937,267     $     $ 2,937,596  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,649,119       640,282       465,592       (2,754,993 )      
Cash and cash equivalents
    42,152       72,928       1,203,693             1,318,773  
Reinsurance assets
                337,124             337,124  
Other assets
    7,491       4,150       77,263             88,904  
Total assets
  $ 1,698,762     $ 717,689     $ 5,020,939     $ (2,754,993 )   $ 4,682,397  
                                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $     $     $ 2,666,740     $     $ 2,666,740  
Debt obligations
          250,000                   250,000  
Other liabilities
    3,052       2,455       64,440             69,947  
Total liabilities
  $ 3,052     $ 252,455     $ 2,731,180     $     $ 2,986,687  
                                         
Shareholders’ Equity
                                       
Common shares
  $ 373     $     $ 8,000     $ (8,000 )   $ 373  
Additional paid-in capital
    372,882       213,335       2,000,320       (2,213,655 )     372,882  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    40,034       24,612       64,634       (89,246 )     40,034  
Retained earnings
    1,282,421       227,287       216,805       (444,092 )     1,282,421  
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,695,710     $ 465,234     $ 2,289,759     $ (2,754,993 )   $ 1,695,710  
                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,698,762     $ 717,689     $ 5,020,939     $ (2,754,993 )   $ 4,682,397  


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2010
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
ASSETS
                             
Total investments
  $     $ 394     $ 3,224,227     $     $ 3,224,621  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,910,617       599,965       434,539       (2,945,121 )      
Cash and cash equivalents
    45,035       7,347       935,495             987,877  
Reinsurance assets
                301,778             301,778  
Inter-company loans (1)
          75,000             (75,000 )      
Other assets
    17,337       3,111       80,096       (507 )     100,037  
Total assets
  $ 1,972,989     $ 685,817     $ 4,976,135     $ (3,020,628 )   $ 4,614,313  
                                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $     $     $ 2,431,741     $     $ 2,431,741  
Debt obligations
          250,000                   250,000  
Inter-company loans (1)
    75,000                   (75,000 )      
Other liabilities
    2,534       1,592       33,498       (507 )     37,117  
Total liabilities
  $ 77,534     $ 251,592     $ 2,465,239     $ (75,507 )   $ 2,718,858  
                                         
Shareholders’ Equity
                                       
Common shares
  $ 377     $     $ 8,000     $ (8,000 )   $ 377  
Additional paid-in capital
    453,619       212,956       1,876,561       (2,089,517 )     453,619  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (24,488 )     1,509       (22,991 )     21,482       (24,488 )
Retained earnings
    1,465,947       219,760       649,326       (869,086 )     1,465,947  
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,895,455     $ 434,225     $ 2,510,896     $ (2,945,121 )   $ 1,895,455  
                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,972,989     $ 685,817     $ 4,976,135     $ (3,020,628 )   $ 4,614,313  
 
 
(1) During 2010, Platinum Finance provided loans to Platinum Holdings of $75.0 million, due February 1, 2011.  These loans were repaid on February 1, 2011.

 
- 17 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $     $     $ 172,436     $     $ 172,436  
Net investment income
    1       (7 )     33,971             33,965  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                (4,689 )           (4,689 )
Net impairment losses on investments
                (1,666 )           (1,666 )
Other income (expense)
    (967 )     3       904             ( 60 )
Total revenue
    (966 )     (4 )     200,956             199,986  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
                159,357             159,357  
Net acquisition expenses
                34,115             34,115  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                4,474             4,474  
Operating expenses
    5,826       143       11,136             17,105  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
                614             614  
Interest expense
          4,767                   4,767  
Total expenses
    5,826       4,910       209,696             220,432  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (6,792 )     (4,914 )     (8,740 )           (20,446 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
          (1,679 )     1,634             (45 )
                                         
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (6,792 )     (3,235 )     (10,374 )           (20,401 )
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (13,609 )     5,047       1,835       6,727        
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (20,401 )   $ 1,812     $ (8,539 )   $ 6,727     $ (20,401 )

 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $     $     $ 191,432     $     $ 191,432  
Net investment income
    21       47       35,304             35,372  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                49,489             49,489  
Net impairment losses on investments
                (3,410 )           (3,410 )
Other income (expense)
    (654 )           510             (144 )
Total revenue
    (633 )     47       273,325             272,739  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
                71,475             71,475  
Net acquisition expenses
                44,088             44,088  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                30             30  
Operating expenses
    6,448       66       13,646             20,160  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
                (67 )           (67 )
Interest expense
          4,709                   4,709  
Total expenses
    6,448       4,775       129,172             140,395  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (7,081 )     (4,728 )     144,153             132,344  
Income tax expense (benefit)
          (1,664 )     9,869             8,205  
                                         
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (7,081 )     (3,064 )     134,284             124,139  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    131,220       26,154       25,932       (183,306 )      
                                         
Net income
  $ 124,139     $ 23,090     $ 160,216     $ (183,306 )   $ 124,139  

 
- 18 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $     $     $ 355,317     $     $ 355,317  
Net investment income
    3       46       66,347       (53 )     66,343  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                (4,282 )           (4,282 )
Net impairment losses on investments
                (3,173 )           (3,173 )
Other income (expense)
     (1,692 )     118       2,610             1,036  
Total revenue
    (1,689 )     164       416,819       (53 )     415,241  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
                478,952             478,952  
Net acquisition expenses
                68,065             68,065  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                748             748  
Operating expenses
    10,049       202       24,005             34,256  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    1             802             803  
Interest expense
    53       9,533             (53 )     9,533  
Total expenses
    10,103       9,735       572,572       (53 )     592,357  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (11,792 )     (9,571 )     (155,753 )           (177,116 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
     (600 )      (3,263 )     4,340             477  
                                         
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (11,192 )     (6,308 )     (160,093 )           (177,593 )
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (166,401 )     13,834       7,573       144,994        
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (177,593 )   $ 7,526     $ (152,520 )   $ 144,994     $ (177,593 )
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $     $     $ 411,610     $     $ 411,610  
Net investment income
    31       93       72,753             72,877  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                54,946             54,946  
Net impairment losses on investments
                (21,512 )           (21,512 )
Other income (expense)
    (210 )           339             129  
Total revenue
    (179 )     93       518,136             518,050  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
                236,043             236,043  
Net acquisition expenses
                81,417             81,417  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                2,345             2,345  
Operating expenses
    12,721       135       29,045             41,901  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
                (1,296 )           (1,296 )
Interest expense
          9,469                   9,469  
Total expenses
    12,721       9,604       347,554             369,879  
                                         
 Income (loss) before income taxes
    (12,900 )     (9,511 )     170,582             148,171  
Income tax expense (benefit)
          (3,204 )     11,815             8,611  
                                         
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (12,900 )     (6,307 )     158,767             139,560  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    152,460       43,491       37,004       (232,955 )      
                                         
Net income
  $ 139,560     $ 37,184     $ 195,771     $ (232,955 )   $ 139,560  
 
 
- 19 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (1,275 )   $ (6,482 )   $ 41,045     $     $ 33,288  
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
                353,402             353,402  
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity trading securities
                20,413             20,413  
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
                27,995             27,995  
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
          63       72,631             72,694  
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments
                140,014             140,014  
Acquisition of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
                (34,499 )           (34,499 )
Acquisition of short-term investments
                (211,527 )           (211,527 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    280,000                   (280,000 )      
Investment in subsidiary
    (120,000 )     (3,000 )           123,000        
Inter-company loans
          75,000       100,000       (175,000 )      
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    160,000       72,063       468,429       (332,000 )     368,492  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (5,933 )           (280,000 )     280,000       (5,933 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (33,907 )                       (33,907 )
Purchase of common share options
    (47,900 )                       (47,900 )
Proceeds from exercise of common share options
    1,132                         1,132  
Capital contribution from parent
                123,000       (123,000 )      
Inter-company loans
     (75,000 )           (100,000 )     175,000        
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (161,608 )           (257,000 )     332,000       (86,608 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                15,724             15,724  
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,883 )     65,581       268,198             330,896  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    45,035       7,347       935,495             987,877  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 42,152     $ 72,928     $ 1,203,693     $     $ 1,318,773  
 
                               
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (11,568 )   $ 9,240     $ 23,855     $     $ 21,527  
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
                2,056,935             2,056,935  
Proceeds from sale of preferred stocks
                2,634             2,634  
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
                17,110             17,110  
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
          79       158,360             158,439  
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments
                204,725             204,725  
Acquisition of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
                (1,547,483 )           (1,547,483 )
Acquisition of short-term investments
                (285,210 )           (285,210 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    243,500       20,000             (263,500 )      
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    243,500       20,079       607,071       (263,500 )     607,150  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (7,055 )           (263,500 )     263,500       (7,055 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (212,823 )                       (212,823 )
Proceeds from exercise of common share options
    19,251                         19,251  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (200,627 )           (263,500 )     263,500       (200,627 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                (8,560 )           (8,560 )
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    31,305       29,319       358,866             419,490  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    49,449       7,655       625,680             682,784  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 80,754     $ 36,974     $ 984,546     $     $ 1,102,274  

 
- 20 -

 
 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2011 (this “Form 10-Q”) and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and Item 7, “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, 2010 (the “2010 Form 10-K”).  This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Please see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2010 Form 10-K and the “Note on Forward-Looking Statements” below.  The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
 
 Overview
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum Holdings”) is a holding company that is domiciled in Bermuda and was organized in 2002.  We had approximately $1.9 billion in capital resources as of June 30, 2011.  Through our reinsurance subsidiaries we provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.
 
Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) include Platinum Holdings, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”), Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Platinum US”), Platinum Re (UK) Limited (“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 the Company, unless the context otherwise indicates.
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2011, our Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk operating segments accounted for approximately 43%, 55% and 2%, respectively, of our total net premiums written of $125.9 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, our Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk operating segments accounted for approximately 52%, 47% and 1%, respectively, of our total net premiums written of $320.7 million.  As of June 30, 2011, we had total investments and cash and cash equivalents of $4.3 billion and shareholders’ equity of $1.7 billion.
 
 Current Outlook
 
Due to the accumulation of insured international natural catastrophe losses over the past 18 months and the introduction of catastrophe modeling changes for the U.S. wind peril, we generally expect property catastrophe reinsurance rates to improve for the balance of the year.  We do not believe that the rate improvements will extend meaningfully to the non-catastrophe lines of business.  We expect that property and marine business will continue to represent a large proportion of our overall book of business, which could result in significant volatility in our results of operations.
 
In the Casualty segment, we expect insurance and reinsurance capacity to remain abundant for the rest of 2011 putting downward pressure on risk adjusted rates.  With intense competition, low interest rates, and positive loss cost trends, the expected profitability of many casualty treaties is eroding.  While we expect that select casualty reinsurance treaties will offer adequate returns, the amount of business we write in our Casualty segment will likely decrease during 2011 compared with the amount we wrote in 2010.
 
We expect a relatively low level of demand for products in our Finite Risk segment for the remainder of 2011.
 
 Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make many estimates and valuation assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent liabilities.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.  Our critical accounting estimates include premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), reinsurance recoverable, valuation of investments and income taxes.  In addition, estimates are used to evaluate risk transfer for assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions.  Updates to our critical accounting estimates are discussed below.  For a detailed discussion of our other critical accounting estimates, please refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included in our 2010 Form 10-K.
 
 Reinsurance Recoverable
 
In order to limit the effect on our financial condition of large and multiple losses, we may buy retrocessional reinsurance, which is reinsurance for our own account.  Reinsurance recoverable, also referred to as “ceded loss reserves,” includes estimates of the recoveries from our retrocessional reinsurance that arise from losses from our reinsurance business.  These assets are estimates of future amounts recoverable from retrocessionaires for losses that have occurred at or before the balance sheet date.  Each quarter, after estimating the amount of unpaid losses and LAE, our actuaries review all retrocessional contracts.  The estimate of the amount recoverable is based on the gross incurred loss and the structure of the retrocessional contracts.  In addition, we assess the financial strength of our reinsurers and their willingness and ability to pay our claims.  Based on this assessment, we may record an allowance and reduce the reinsurance recoverable and net earnings.
 
 
- 21 -

 
 
 Results of Operations
 
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 as Compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Net income (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were as follows ($ and amounts in thousands, except diluted earnings (loss) per common share):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Net change
 
                   
Underwriting income (loss)
  $ (33,403 )   $ 62,182     $ (95,585 )
Net investment income
    33,965       35,372       (1,407 )
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    (4,689 )     49,489       (54,178 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    (1,666 )     (3,410 )     1,744  
Other revenues (expenses)
    (14,653 )     (11,289 )     (3,364 )
  Income (loss) before income taxes
    (20,446 )     132,344       (152,790 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    45       (8,205 )     8,250  
  Net income (loss)
  $ (20,401 )   $ 124,139     $ (144,540 )
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
    37,113       46,249       (9,136 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (0.55 )   $ 2.68     $ (3.23 )
 
The net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with net income for the same period in 2010 was primarily due to a decrease in the net underwriting result attributable to an increase in major catastrophe activity and a decrease in net favorable development.  In addition, there were net realized losses on investments in the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with net realized gains on investments for the same period in 2010.
 
The diluted loss per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was due to a net loss resulting primarily from an increase in losses arising from major catastrophes.  During a period of loss, the basic weighted average common shares outstanding is used in the denominator of the diluted loss per common share computation.
 
Underwriting Results
 
Underwriting income and loss consists of net premiums earned, less net losses and LAE, net acquisition expenses and operating costs related to underwriting operations.
 
Net underwriting loss was $33.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and net underwriting income was $62.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  The change in the net underwriting result was due to an increase in net losses arising from major catastrophes and a decrease in net favorable development.
 
Net losses arising from major catastrophes were $78.4 million and $16.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable development was $16.4 million and $40.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable or unfavorable development is the development of prior years’ unpaid losses and LAE and the related impact on premiums and commissions.  The net favorable development for the three months ended June 30, 2011 relating to prior years was substantially all in the Property and Marine and Casualty segments.
 
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 underwriting income and loss and underwriting ratios to evaluate segment performance.  We do not allocate assets or certain income and expenses such as net investment income, net realized gains and losses on investments, net impairment losses on investments, net changes in fair value of derivatives, net foreign currency exchange gains and losses, interest expense and certain corporate expenses to segments.  Segment underwriting income is reconciled to the U.S. GAAP measure of income before income taxes in Note 9 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q.  The measures we use in evaluating our operating segments should not be used as a substitute for measures determined under U.S. GAAP.
 
Property and Marine
 
The Property and Marine operating segment generated 43.2% and 48.8% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Property and Marine segment for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Increase (decrease)
 
                   
Gross premiums written
  $ 76,642     $ 83,967     $ (7,325 )
Ceded premiums written
    22,231       9,862       12,369  
Net premiums written
    54,411       74,105       (19,694 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    91,852       100,550       (8,698 )
Net losses and LAE
    116,543       35,010       81,533  
Net acquisition expenses
    12,009       17,218       (5,209 )
Other underwriting expenses
    7,274       7,720       ( 446 )
Property and Marine segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (43,974 )   $ 40,602     $ (84,576 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    126.9 %     34.8 %  
92.1 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    13.1 %     17.1 %  
(4.0) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.9 %     7.7 %  
0.2 points
 
Combined
    147.9 %     59.6 %  
88.3 points
 
 
 
- 22 -

 
 
The Property and Marine segment underwriting result decreased by $84.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to an increase in net losses arising from major catastrophes.  Net losses arising from major catastrophes, net of reinstatement premiums and retrocessional recoveries, were $78.4 million and $16.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net losses from major catastrophes for the three months ended June 30, 2011 were attributable to severe U.S. weather and increases in first quarter 2011 catastrophe loss estimates.  The increases in the first quarter 2011 catastrophe loss estimates arose from the earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan, the 2011 floods in Australia and Cyclone Yasi in Australia and were based primarily on information received from our clients.
 
Gross premiums written decreased by $7.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Gross premiums written included reinstatement premiums related to major catastrophes of $8.1 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The decrease in gross premiums written was primarily due to decreases in the International and North American catastrophe excess-of loss business for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the same period in 2010 and resulted from fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards and the desire to reduce our exposure to catastrophe events.  The increase in ceded premiums written was due to an increase in our purchase of retrocessional coverage on catastrophe business for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the same period in 2010 that resulted from the desire to reduce our exposure to catastrophe events.  Net premiums earned decreased by $8.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the same period in 2010, primarily as a result of decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  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 increased by $81.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to an increase in losses arising from major catastrophes in 2011 and attritional losses relating to the June New Zealand earthquakes, as well as a decrease in net favorable loss development.  The following table sets forth the gross and net losses and LAE by major catastrophe for the three months ended June 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):
                               
Major Catastrophe
 
Gross Losses and LAE
   
Retrocessional Recoveries
   
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
                               
Severe U.S. weather
  $ (35,064 )   $     $ (35,064 )   $ 2,836     $ (32,228 )
Increases in First Quarter 2011 Catastrophe Estimates:
                                       
February New Zealand earthquake
    (35,702 )           (35,702 )     2,784       (32,918 )
Japan earthquake
    (7,738 )           (7,738 )     1,108       (6,630 )
2011 Australian floods
    (4,597 )           (4,597 )     1,022       (3,575 )
Cyclone Yasi
    (3,226 )           (3,226 )     133       (3,093 )
Total
  $ (86,327 )   $     $ (86,327 )   $ 7,883     $ (78,444 )
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2010, net losses and LAE arising from major catastrophes of $19.6 million, excluding reinstatement premiums earned of $3.2 million, related to the increase in loss estimates from the earthquake in Chile that occurred during the first quarter of 2010.  Net losses and LAE arising from major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 90.8 points and 19.0 points for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Net favorable loss development was $5.2 million and $19.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 4.0 points and 19.0 points for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2011 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
  $ 2,068     $ 120     $ (245 )   $ 1,943  
Crop
    1,138       (106 )           1,032  
Other
    1,968       195       (884 )     1,279  
Total
  $ 5,174     $ 209     $ (1,129 )   $ 4,254  

Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from North American business from the 2010 underwriting year, partially offset by unfavorable development from International business resulting from an increase in loss estimates from ceding companies related to fourth quarter 2010 events in Europe and Australia.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from North American business in the 2010 underwriting year.
 
 
- 23 -

 
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
Property per risk excess-of-loss
  $ 3,596     $ 434     $ 93     $ 4,123  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    5,087       458       383       5,928  
Crop
    10,806       (3,464 )           7,342  
Major catastrophes
    (691 )           (1,874 )     (2,565 )
Other property
    979       (427 )     70       622  
Total
  $ 19,777     $ (2,999 )   $ (1,328 )   $ 15,450  
 
Net favorable development in the property per risk excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2007 through 2009 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2009 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from our North American business in the 2009 underwriting year.  Net unfavorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from marine exposure on Hurricane Ike in 2008.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $12.0 million and 13.1%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and $17.2 million and 17.1%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  The decrease in net acquisition expenses and the acquisition expense ratio was primarily due to net favorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses during the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with net unfavorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses for the same period in 2010.  Net favorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses were $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and net unfavorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses were $3.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Net favorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses decreased the acquisition expense ratio by 0.1 points for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and the net unfavorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses increased the acquisition expense ratio by 3.2 points for the three months ended June 30, 2010.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $7.3 million and $7.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The decrease in 2011 as compared with 2010 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the accrual for performance-based compensation in 2011.
 
Casualty
 
The Casualty operating segment generated 55.0% and 47.9% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Casualty segment for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Increase (decrease)
 
                   
Net premiums written
  $ 69,234     $ 72,628     $ (3,394 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    77,104       85,166       (8,062 )
Net losses and LAE
    43,868       40,058       3,810  
Net acquisition expenses
    18,144       18,752       (608 )
Other underwriting expenses
    4,829       5,654       (825 )
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 10,263     $ 20,702     $ (10,439 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    56.9 %     47.0 %  
9.9 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    23.5 %     22.0 %  
1.5 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    6.3 %     6.6 %  
(0.3) points
 
Combined
    86.7 %     75.6 %  
11.1 points
 
 
The Casualty segment underwriting income decreased by $10.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to a decrease in net favorable development.  Net favorable development was $11.7 million and $23.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
 
- 24 -

 
 
Net premiums written decreased by $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to decreases in business underwritten in 2011 and 2010 across most casualty classes as a result of fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  Net premiums earned decreased by $8.1 million as a result of the decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  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 increased by $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to a decrease in net favorable loss development.  Net favorable loss development was $11.3 million and $22.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 15.4 points and 26.7 points for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by changes in the mix of business.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2011 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
North American claims made
  $ 5,635     $ (600 )   $ 17     $ 5,052  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    1,977       (6 )     83       2,054  
North American umbrella
    3,343       (150 )           3,193  
International casualty
    (1,359 )     (185 )     747       (797 )
Financial lines
    2,433       (41 )     (4 )     2,388  
Other
    (775 )     504       48       (223 )
Total
  $ 11,254     $ (478 )   $ 891     $ 11,667  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 and 2004 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2007 underwriting years.  The net favorable development in the 2007 underwriting year resulted from improved loss experience in the current year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003, 2006 and 2008 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the 2008 underwriting year resulted from improved loss experience in the current year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net unfavorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from the 2003 and 2008 underwriting years, partially offset by favorable development in most underwriting years prior to 2008.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2007 underwriting years in the North American surety class, with a change in the loss development patterns resulting in approximately $1.3 million of the net favorable development.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
North American claims made
  $ 12,487     $ 5     $     $ 12,492  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    7,340       (124 )           7,216  
North American umbrella
    2,427       (3 )           2,424  
Accident and health
    728       295             1,023  
Other
    (364 )     475       136       247  
Total
  $ 22,618     $ 648     $ 136     $ 23,402  
 
Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2006 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 underwriting years.  In addition, we experienced favorable development in the 2008 underwriting year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior periods.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2005 through 2008 underwriting years.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $18.1 million and 23.5%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and $18.8 million and 22.0%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  The acquisition expense ratio increased due to net unfavorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared to net favorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses for the same period in 2010.  Net unfavorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses were $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and net favorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses were $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Net unfavorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses increased the acquisition expense ratio by 0.4 points for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and the net favorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses of commissions decreased the acquisition expense ratio by 0.8 points for the three months ended June 30, 2010.
 
 
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Other underwriting expenses were $4.8 million and $5.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The decrease in 2011 as compared with 2010 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the accrual for performance-based compensation in 2011.
 
Finite Risk
 
The Finite Risk segment generated 1.8% and 3.3% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Due to the 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 LAE ratio and net acquisition expense ratio.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Finite Risk segment for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Increase (decrease)
 
                   
Net premiums written
  $ 2,242     $ 4,985     $ (2,743 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    3,480       5,716       (2,236 )
Net losses and LAE
    (1,054 )     (3,593 )        
Net acquisition expenses
    3,962       8,118          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    2,908       4,525       (1,617 )
Other underwriting expenses
    264       313       (49 )
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 308     $ 878     $ ( 570 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    (30.3 %)     (62.9 %)        
Net acquisition expense
    113.9 %     142.0 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratios
    83.6 %     79.1 %  
4.5 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.6 %     5.5 %  
2.1 points
 
Combined
    91.2 %     84.6 %  
6.6 points
 
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the Finite Risk portfolio consisted of one in force contract and we expect little or no new activity in this segment in the foreseeable future due to the relatively low level of demand for finite risk products.  Due to the decline in premium volume in recent years, current year ratios may be significantly impacted by relatively insignificant adjustments of prior years’ reserves.  The decreases in net premiums written and net premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2010 were primarily attributable to a decrease in the underlying premiums written relating to the one in force contract.
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses decreased by $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to a decrease in net earned premiums and a decrease in net favorable development for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Net favorable development was $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively.  Net favorable development for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was primarily related to a contract from the 2003 underwriting year.  Net favorable development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily due to the commutation of a contract from the 2005 underwriting year and a decrease in losses related to a contract from the 2003 underwriting year.  The net favorable development decreased the net loss and LAE and acquisition expense ratio by 13.2 points and 21.4 points for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Non-Underwriting Results
 
Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income was $34.0 million and $35.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net investment income decreased in the three months ended June 30, 2011, as compared with the same period in 2010, primarily as a result of a reduction in investable assets.
 
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Net realized losses on investments were $4.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and net realized gains on investments were $49.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized losses of $6.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, primarily from U.S. Government securities.  The net gains from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities of $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 were related primarily to non-U.S. Government securities.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $47.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily from U.S. Government securities, U.S. Government agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and non-U.S. Government securities.  The net gains from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities of $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were related primarily to non-U.S. Government securities.
 
 
- 26 -

 
 
Net Impairment Losses on Investments
 
Net impairment losses on investments were $1.7 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The net impairment losses reflect other-than-temporary impairments attributable to credit losses on impaired securities.  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2011 included $1.5 million related to non-agency RMBS and $0.2 million related to sub-prime asset-backed securities (“ABS”).  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2010 included $1.8 million related to non-agency RMBS and $1.6 million related to sub-prime ABS.
 
Net Changes in Fair Value of Derivatives
 
The expense for the fair value of derivatives was $4.5 million and less than $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The net changes in the fair value of derivatives were attributed to a three year derivative agreement with Topiary Capital Limited (“Topiary”) that commenced in August 2008 and provides us with annual second event catastrophe protection.  During the first quarter of 2011, the earthquake in Japan qualified as a first event under this agreement and resulted in an increase in the fair value of the derivative instrument during the first quarter due to the increased probability of a recovery.  During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the fair value of the derivative instrument decreased due to the reduced probability that a second qualifying catastrophic event occurs prior to the end of the derivative contract on July 31, 2011.  See Note 4 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q for additional discussion of Topiary.
 
Operating Expenses
 
Non-underwriting operating expenses were $4.7 million and $6.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and related to costs such as compensation and other corporate expenses associated with operating as a publicly-traded company.  The decrease in the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the same period in 2010 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the accrual for performance-based compensation in 2011.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense was $4.8 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and related to our $250.0 million of Series B 7.5% Notes due June 1, 2017 (the “Series B Notes”).
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax benefit was less than $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and income tax expense was $8.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Income tax expense or benefit is primarily driven by the composition of income before income taxes from our subsidiaries and will vary depending on the contribution to net income or loss by our U.S. based subsidiaries.
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 as Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Net income (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were as follows ($ and amounts in thousands, except diluted earnings (loss) per common share):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Net change
 
                   
Underwriting income (loss)
  $ (216,955 )   $ 64,956     $ (281,911 )
Net investment income
    66,343       72,877       (6,534 )
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    (4,282 )     54,946       (59,228 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    (3,173 )     (21,512 )     18,339  
Other revenues (expenses)
    (19,049 )     (23,096 )     4,047  
  Income (loss) before income taxes
    (177,116 )     148,171       (325,287 )
Income tax expense
    (477 )     (8,611 )     8,134  
  Net income (loss)
  $ (177,593 )   $ 139,560     $ (317,153 )
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
    37,155       47,365       (10,210 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ (4.75 )   $ 2.95     $ (7.70 )
 
The net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with net income for the same period in 2010 was primarily due to a decrease in the net underwriting result attributable to an increase in major catastrophe activity and a decrease in net favorable development.  In addition, there were net realized losses on investments in the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with net realized gains in the same period in 2010 and net investment income also decreased.  This was partially offset by a decrease in net impairment losses on investments.
 
The diluted loss per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with diluted earnings per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was due to a net loss resulting primarily from an increase in losses arising from major catastrophes.  During a period of loss, the basic weighted average common shares outstanding is used in the denominator of the diluted loss per common share computation.
 
 
- 27 -

 
 
Underwriting Results
 
Net underwriting loss was $217.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and net underwriting income was $65.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The change in the net underwriting result was due to an increase in net losses arising from major catastrophes and a decrease in net favorable development.
 
Net losses arising from major catastrophes were $326.5 million and $105.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable development was $49.5 million and $89.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The net favorable development for the six months ended June 30, 2011 relating to prior years was substantially all in the Property and Marine and Casualty segments.
 
Property and Marine
 
The Property and Marine operating segment generated 51.8% and 55.3% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Property and Marine segment for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Increase (decrease)
 
                   
Gross premiums written
  $ 200,456     $ 236,512     $ (36,056 )
Ceded premiums written
    34,243       15,622       18,621  
Net premiums written
    166,213       220,890       (54,677 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    189,757       228,356       (38,599 )
Net losses and LAE
    394,873       161,637       233,236  
Net acquisition expenses
    25,635       33,449       (7,814 )
Other underwriting expenses
    14,595       16,419       (1,824 )
Property and Marine segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (245,346 )   $ 16,851     $ (262,197 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    208.1 %     70.8 %  
137.3 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    13.5 %     14.6 %  
(1.1) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.7 %     7.2 %  
0.5 points
 
Combined
    229.3 %     92.6 %  
136.7 points
 
 
The Property and Marine segment underwriting result decreased by $262.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to an increase in net losses arising from major catastrophes.  Net losses arising from major catastrophes, net of reinstatement premiums and retrocessional recoveries, were $326.5 million and $105.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net losses from major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were attributable to earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan, severe U.S. weather, the 2011 floods in Australia and Cyclone Yasi in Australia.
 
Gross premiums written decreased by $36.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2010.  Gross premiums written included reinstatement premiums related to major catastrophes of $19.5 million and $16.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The decrease in gross premiums written was primarily due to decreases in the North American catastrophe excess-of-loss and per risk excess-of-loss business for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the same period in 2010 and resulted from fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards and the desire to reduce our exposure to catastrophe events.   The increase in ceded premiums written was due to an increase in our purchase of retrocessional coverage on catastrophe business for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the same period in 2010 that resulted from the desire to reduce our exposure to catastrophe events.  Net premiums earned decreased by $38.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the same period in 2010, primarily as a result of decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  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 increased by $233.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to an increase in losses arising from major catastrophes and a decrease in net favorable loss development.  The following table sets forth the gross and net losses and LAE by major catastrophe for the six months ended June 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):
                               
Major Catastrophe
 
Gross Losses and LAE
   
Retrocessional Recoveries
   
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
                               
February New Zealand earthquake
  $ (177,173 )   $     $ (177,173 )   $ 7,341     $ (169,832 )
Japan earthquake
    (133,944 )     35,000       (98,944 )     5,752       (93,192 )
Severe U.S. weather
    (35,064 )           (35,064 )     2,836       (32,228 )
2011 Australian floods
    (20,201 )           (20,201 )     1,776       (18,425 )
Cyclone Yasi
    (14,335 )           (14,335 )     1,515       (12,820 )
Total
  $ (380,717 )   $ 35,000     $ (345,717 )   $ 19,220     $ (326,497 )
 
 
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For the six months ended June 30, 2010, net losses and LAE arising from major catastrophes of $120.7 million, excluding reinstatement premiums earned of $15.3 million, related primarily to the earthquake in Chile.  Net losses and LAE arising from major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 179.2 points and 51.6 points for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Net favorable loss development was $17.4 million and $38.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 8.7 points and 16.6 points for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2011 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
Property per risk excess-of-loss
  $ 6,714     $ 256     $ 175     $ 7,145  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    (9,810 )     (71 )     (407 )     (10,288 )
Property proportional
    4,051       (53 )           3,998  
Major catastrophes
    14,421       (8 )     (327 )     14,086  
Crop
    1,817       (120 )           1,697  
Other
    215       (8 )     162       369  
Total
  $ 17,408     $ (4 )   $ (397 )   $ 17,007  

Net favorable development in the property per risk excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the North American business from the 2003 and 2007 through 2010 underwriting years.  Net unfavorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from an increase in loss estimates from ceding companies related to fourth quarter 2010 events in Europe and Australia, partially offset by North American business and International business prior to 2010.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from the 2008 and 2009 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from the September 2010 earthquake in New Zealand and the December 2010 floods in Australia.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from North American business in the 2010 underwriting year.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2010 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
Property per risk excess-of-loss
  $ 12,950     $ (71 )   $ 164     $ 13,043  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    7,452       351       524       8,327  
Crop
    14,724       (3,463 )           11,261  
Property proportional
    2,928       (418 )           2,510  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    1,059       (253 )     301       1,107  
Major catastrophes
    (691 )           (1,466 )     (2,157 )
Total
  $ 38,422     $ (3,854 )   $ (477 )   $ 34,091  
 
Net favorable development in the property per risk excess-of-loss class arose primarily from international and North American regional business from the 2007 and 2009 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2009 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from our North American business in the 2009 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from our North American business in the 2005 through 2008 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2005 and 2007 underwriting years. Net unfavorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from marine exposure on Hurricane Ike in 2008.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $25.6 million and 13.5% , respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and $33.4 million and 14.6%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The decrease in net acquisition expenses and the acquisition expense ratio was primarily due to a decrease in net unfavorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses as compared with the same period in 2010.   Net unfavorable development of commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses was less than $0.1 million and $3.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  There was no impact from the net unfavorable development of commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and net unfavorable development of commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses increased the acquisition expense ratio by 1.7 points for the six months ended June 30, 2010.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $14.6 million and $16.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The decrease in 2011 as compared with 2010 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the accrual for performance-based compensation in 2011.
 
 
- 29 -

 
 
Casualty
 
The Casualty operating segment generated 46.7% and 41.7% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Casualty segment for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Increase (decrease)
 
                   
Net premiums written
  $ 149,753     $ 166,379     $ (16,626 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    157,928       173,068       (15,140 )
Net losses and LAE
    83,487       71,588       11,899  
Net acquisition expenses
    36,707       36,479       228  
Other underwriting expenses
    10,161       12,124       (1,963 )
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 27,573     $ 52,877     $ (25,304 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    52.9 %     41.4 %  
11.5 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    23.2 %     21.1 %  
2.1 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    6.4 %     7.0 %  
(0.6) points
 
Combined
    82.5 %     69.5 %  
13.0 points
 
 
The Casualty segment underwriting income decreased by $25.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to a decrease in net favorable development.  Net favorable development was $31.4 million and $60.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Net premiums written decreased by $16.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to decreases in business underwritten in 2011 and 2010 across most casualty classes as a result of fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  Net premiums earned decreased by $15.1 million as a result of the decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  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 increased by $11.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to a decrease in net favorable loss development.  Net favorable loss development was $30.8 million and $56.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 19.7 points and 32.5 points for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by changes in the mix of business.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2011 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
North American claims made
  $ 19,722     $ (963 )   $ 17     $ 18,776  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    4,548       188       179       4,915  
North American umbrella
    7,809       (161 )           7,648  
Accident and health
    (3,253 )     1,151             (2,102 )
Financial lines
    3,173       (110 )     (48 )     3,015  
Other
    (1,190 )     (7 )     334       (863 )
Total
  $ 30,809     $ 98     $ 482     $ 31,389  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2007 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2005 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2006 and 2008 underwriting years.  The net favorable development in the 2008 underwriting year resulted from improved loss experience in the current year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net unfavorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2006 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2007 underwriting years on the North American surety class, with a change in the loss development patterns resulting in approximately $1.3 million of the net favorable development.
 
 
- 30 -

 
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2010 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
North American claims made
  $ 23,521     $ 2,271     $     $ 25,792  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    24,680       (249 )     7       24,438  
North American umbrella
    5,876       (2 )           5,874  
Financial lines
    1,831       23       65       1,919  
International casualty
    (1,310 )     289       223       (798 )
Accident and health
    1,671       1,173             2,844  
Other
    (309 )     61       135       (113 )
Total
  $ 55,960     $ 3,566     $ 430     $ 59,956  
 
Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2006 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2002 through 2006 underwriting years.  In addition, we experienced net favorable development in the 2008 underwriting year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 and 2004 underwriting years, partially offset by unfavorable development in the 2008 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from our North American surety business in the 2004 though 2007 underwriting years.  Net unfavorable development in the international casualty class arose from the 2008 underwriting year, partially offset by net favorable development on all other years.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2007 and 2008 underwriting years.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $36.7 million and 23.2%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and $36.5 million and 21.1%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The increase in the acquisition expense ratio was due to a decrease in net favorable commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the same period in 2010.  Net favorable development of commission adjustments related to prior years’ losses was $0.1 million and $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net favorable development of commissions adjustments related to prior years’ losses decreased the acquisition expense ratio by 0.1 points and 2.1 points for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $10.2 million and $12.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The decrease in 2011 as compared with 2010 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the accrual for performance-based compensation in 2011.
 
Finite Risk
 
The Finite Risk segment generated 1.5% and 3.0% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Finite Risk segment for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Increase (decrease)
 
                   
Net premiums written
  $ 4,706     $ 11,876     $ (7,170 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    7,632       10,186       (2,554 )
Net losses and LAE
    592       2,818          
Net acquisition expenses
    5,723       11,489          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    6,315       14,307       (7,992 )
Other underwriting expenses
    499       651       (152 )
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 818     $ (4,772 )   $ 5,590  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    7.8 %     27.7 %        
Net acquisition expense
    75.0 %     112.8 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratios
    82.8 %     140.5 %  
(57.7) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    6.5 %     6.4 %  
0.1 points
 
Combined
    89.3 %     146.9 %  
(57.6) points
 
 
 
- 31 -

 
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the Finite Risk portfolio consisted of one in force contract and we expect little or no new activity in this segment in the foreseeable future due to the relatively low level of demand for finite risk products.  Due to the decline in premium volume in recent years, current year ratios may be significantly impacted by relatively insignificant adjustments of prior years’ reserves.  The decreases in net premiums written and net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2010 were primarily attributable to a decrease in the underlying premiums written relating to the one in force contract.
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses decreased by $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to net favorable development for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with net unfavorable development for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  Net favorable development was $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared with net unfavorable development of $4.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  Net favorable and unfavorable development for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were primarily related to a contract from the 2003 underwriting year.  The net favorable development decreased the net loss and LAE and acquisition expense ratio by 14.2 points for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared with net unfavorable development increasing the ratio by 44.1 points for the six months ended June 30, 2010.
 
Non-Underwriting Results
 
Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income was $66.3 million and $72.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net investment income decreased in the six months ended June 30, 2011, as compared with the same period in 2010, primarily as a result of a reduction in investable assets.
 
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Net realized losses on investments were $4.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and net realized gains on investments were $54.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized losses of $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily from realized losses from U.S. Government securities offset by realized gains from corporate bonds.  The net losses from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities of $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were related primarily to insurance-linked securities.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $52.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily from U.S. Government securities, U.S. Government non-agency RMBS, corporate bonds and non-U.S. Government securities.  The net gains from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities of $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were related primarily to non-U.S. Government securities.
 
Net Impairment Losses on Investments
 
Net impairment losses on investments were $3.2 million and $21.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The net impairment losses reflect other-than-temporary impairments attributable to credit losses on impaired securities.  The net impairment losses recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2011 included $2.4 million related to non-agency RMBS and $0.8 million related to sub-prime ABS.  The net impairment losses recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2010 included $11.0 million related to sub-prime ABS, $7.7 million related to commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and $2.8 million related to non-agency RMBS.
 
Net Changes in Fair Value of Derivatives
 
The expense for the fair value of derivatives was $0.7 million and $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The net changes in the fair value of derivatives were attributed to a three year derivative agreement with Topiary that commenced in August 2008 and provides us with annual second event catastrophe protection.  During the six months ended June 30, 2011, the earthquake in Japan qualified as a first event under this agreement and resulted in a decreased expense in the fair value of the derivative instrument due to the increased probability of a recovery.  A recovery would be made only if a second qualifying catastrophic event occurs prior to the end of the derivative contract on July 31, 2011.
 
Operating Expenses
 
Non-underwriting operating expenses were $9.0 million and $12.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and related to costs such as compensation and other corporate expenses associated with operating as a publicly-traded company.  The decrease in the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared with the same period in 2010 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the accrual for performance-based compensation in 2011.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense was $9.5 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 and related to our $250.0 million of Series B Notes.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $0.5 million and $8.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Income tax expense is primarily driven by the composition of income before income taxes from our subsidiaries and will vary depending on the contribution to net income or loss by our U.S. based subsidiaries.
 
 
- 32 -

 
 
 Financial Condition
 
The following discussion of financial condition, liquidity and capital resources as of June 30, 2011 focuses only on material changes from December 31, 2010.  See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition,” in our 2010 Form 10-K.
 
 Liquidity
 
Liquidity Requirements
 
Our principal cash requirements are the payment of losses and LAE, commissions, brokerage, operating expenses and income taxes.  Additionally, cash is required for dividends to our common shareholders, the servicing of debt, share repurchases and the purchase of retrocessional contracts.  During the six months ended June 30, 2011, unpaid losses and LAE increased by $255.5 million primarily as a result of significant catastrophe activity during the first six months of 2011.  We anticipate that our operating cash flow will be negatively impacted by the payment of these losses.  We expect that our liquidity needs for the next twelve months will be met by our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash flows from operations, investment income and proceeds from the sale, redemption or maturity of our investments.
 
Platinum Holdings is a holding company, the assets of which consist primarily of shares of its subsidiaries.  Platinum Holdings depends primarily on its available cash resources and liquid investments and dividends and other distributions from its subsidiaries to meet its obligations.  Such obligations may include operating expenses, debt service obligations, dividends on its common shares and repurchases of common shares or other securities.  The ability of the reinsurance subsidiaries to pay dividends is constrained by our dependence on the financial strength ratings by A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) and Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) of our reinsurance subsidiaries, which depend to a large extent on the capitalization levels of the reinsurance subsidiaries.  We believe that Platinum Holdings has sufficient cash resources and its subsidiaries have available dividend capacity to service our current outstanding obligations.
 
The laws and regulations of Bermuda and the United States include certain restrictions on the amount of dividends or other distributions that can be paid by Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US to their respective parent companies, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance, without the prior approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.  Based on the regulatory restrictions, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by our reinsurance subsidiaries during 2011 without prior regulatory approval is as follows ($ in thousands):
       
Platinum Bermuda
  $ 341,541  
Platinum US
    64,282  
Total
  $ 405,823  
 
Platinum Bermuda made dividend payments of $180.0 million to Platinum Holdings during the six months ended June 30, 2011.  Platinum US paid no dividends to Platinum Finance during the six months ended June 30, 2011.  As of June 30, 2011, the remaining amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by our reinsurance subsidiaries without regulatory approval was $225.8 million.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, Platinum US repaid a $100.0 million surplus note to Platinum Regency, the parent company of Platinum Finance.  Platinum Regency subsequently paid dividends of $100.0 million to Platinum Holdings.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, Platinum Holdings repaid loans from Platinum Finance of $75.0 million, due February 1, 2011.  In March 2011, Platinum Holdings contributed an additional $120.0 million in capital to Platinum Bermuda.
 
Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US have reinsurance and other contracts that require them to provide collateral to ceding companies should certain events occur, such as a decline in our ratings by A.M. Best or S&P below specified levels, or a decline in statutory equity below specified amounts, or when certain levels of assumed liabilities are attained.  Some reinsurance contracts also have special termination provisions that permit early termination should certain events occur.  As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we held investments with a carrying value of $55.3 million and $69.8 million, respectively, and cash and cash equivalents of $18.6 million and $9.9 million, respectively, in trust to collateralize obligations under our reinsurance contracts.  As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we held investments with a carrying value of $1.2 million and $48.6 million, respectively, and cash and cash equivalents of $139.5 million and $100.3 million, respectively, to collateralize letters of credit issued under our credit facilities.  The letters of credit were issued to collateralize obligations under various reinsurance contracts.  See “Sources of Liquidity” below for additional discussion of our credit facilities.
 
Sources of Liquidity
 
Our sources of funds consist primarily of cash from operations, proceeds from sales, redemption and maturity of investments, issuance of securities and cash and cash equivalents held by us.  Net cash flows provided by operations were $33.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and net cash flows provided by operations excluding trading securities were $33.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011.
 
In addition, on June 24, 2011, we entered into a three-year, $300.0 million credit facility (the "Syndicated Credit Facility") that amended and restated our existing credit facility, which was scheduled to expire on September 13, 2011.  The Syndicated Credit Facility consists of a $100.0 million unsecured senior credit facility available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit and a $200.0 million secured senior credit facility available for letters of credit.  Borrowings and letters of credit under the Syndicated Credit Facility are available for the working capital, liquidity and general corporate requirements of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and our reinsurance subsidiaries.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance have unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The Syndicated Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including requirements to maintain a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization of not greater than 0.35 to 1.0 and to maintain a consolidated tangible net worth of not less than the higher of (i) $1.25 billion or (ii) the sum of $1.25 billion plus 50% of net income for each fiscal year plus 75% of the aggregate increases in shareholders’ equity through the issuance or sale of shares minus the amount of any extraordinary dividend payment or repurchase of shares.  In addition, each of our reinsurance subsidiaries must maintain a financial strength rating from A.M. Best Company of at least B++ at all times.  We are in compliance with the covenants under the Syndicated Credit Facility.  The Syndicated Credit Facility provides that we may increase the commitments by up to $150.0 million subject to the participation of lenders.
 
 
- 33 -

 
 
Also, on June 30, 2011, our reinsurance subsidiaries entered into a letter of credit facility in the maximum aggregate amount of $100.0 million (the “LOC Facility”) that expires on December 31, 2013.  Under the terms of the LOC Facility, up to $100.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit to support reinsurance obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The LOC Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants.  We are in compliance with the covenants under the LOC Facility.  We also have the ability to request a supplemental letter of credit facility for up to $150.0 million subject to the agreement with the lender.
 
As of June 30, 2011, $100.0 million was available for borrowing and letters of credit on an unsecured basis and $82.9 million was available for letters of credit on a secured basis under the Syndicated Credit Facility.  In addition, $98.2 million was available for letters of credit on a secured basis under the LOC Facility.
 
Our aggregate cash and invested assets totaled $4.3 billion and $4.2 billion at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  Balances due from and to brokers are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, and the net balance due to brokers was $33.0 million as of June 30, 2011 and the net balance due from brokers was an amount less than $0.1 million as of December 31, 2010.  Our investment portfolio consists primarily of diversified, high quality, predominantly investment grade fixed maturity securities.  Our aggregate cash and invested assets, including accrued investment income and net balances due to and from brokers, had a duration of 3.5 and 4.1 years as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
As of June 30, 2011, the fair value of our available-for-sale securities was $2.5 billion, with a net unrealized gain of $53.3 million, and the fair value of our trading securities was $167.6 million.  See Note 3 to the "Consolidated Financial Statements" in this Form 10-Q for additional discussion on fair values.  The following table sets forth the fair values, net unrealized gains and losses and average credit quality of our fixed maturity securities as of June 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):
 
     
Fair Value
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Average Credit Quality
 
                     
Available-for-sale securities:
                   
U.S. Government
    $ 113,981     $ 2,677    
Aaa
 
U.S. Government agencies
      100,420       420    
Aaa
 
Municipal bonds:
                       
State general obligation bonds
      825,880       22,373    
Aa2
 
Essential service bonds
      403,246       13,546    
Aa3
 
State income tax and sales tax bonds
      168,104       7,448    
Aa1
 
Other municipal bonds
      135,587       4,487    
Aa2
 
Pre-refunded bonds
      42,869       2,475    
Aa2
 
Subtotal
      1,575,686       50,329    
Aa2
 
                         
Non-U.S. governments
      61,568       1,601    
Aa1
 
                         
Corporate bonds:
                       
Industrial
      212,334       11,100       A3  
Utilities
      66,635       2,817       A3  
Insurance
      50,418       2,550       A3  
Finance
      7,327       47    
Baa1
 
Subtotal
      336,714       16,514       A3  
                           
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
      202,359       10,372    
Aa2
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                         
U.S. Government agency residential mortgage-backed securities
      74,290       3,009    
Aaa
 
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
      50,102       (24,634 )     B3  
Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities
      6,146       (2,608 )  
Caa2
 
Subtotal
      130,538       (24,233 )  
Baa1
 
                           
Asset-backed securities:
                         
Asset-backed securities
      13,346       (254 )  
Aaa
 
Sub-prime asset-backed securities
      9,072       (4,139 )  
Caa2
 
Subtotal
      22,418       (4,393 )  
Baa1
 
                           
Total available-for-sale securities
      2,543,684       53,287    
Aa3
 
                           
Trading securities:
                         
Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities:
                         
Non-U.S. governments
      146,478       n/a    
Aaa
 
U.S. Government agencies
      16,189       n/a    
Aaa
 
Insurance-linked securities
      4,938       n/a    
Caa1
 
Total trading securities
      167,605       n/a    
Aaa
 
                           
Short-term investments
      226,307       n/a    
Aaa
 
                           
Total investments
    $ 2,937,596     $ 53,287    
Aa3
 
 
 
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As of June 30, 2011, our portfolio of fixed maturity securities had a dollar weighted average rating of Aa3, primarily measured by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”).  If a particular security does not have a Moody’s rating then a rating from S&P is generally converted to a Moody’s equivalent rating.
 
The net unrealized gain position of our portfolio of CMBS was $10.4 million as of June 30, 2011 as compared with $8.3 million as of December 31, 2010.  The improvement in the net unrealized gain position was primarily attributable to a decrease or narrowing of interest rate spreads and a decrease in U.S. Treasury rates during the year.  We analyze our CMBS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, debt-service-coverage ratios and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  Our portfolio consists primarily of senior tranches of CMBS with high credit ratings and strong credit support.
 
The net unrealized loss position of our RMBS portfolio was $24.2 million, with non-agency RMBS representing $27.2 million, as of June 30, 2011 as compared with $25.9 million, with non-agency RMBS representing $29.1 million, as of December 31, 2010.  The decrease in the net unrealized loss position of our RMBS portfolio was primarily attributable to a decrease or narrowing of interest rate spreads during the first six months of 2011.  Approximately 57% of the RMBS in our investment portfolio are issued or guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and are referred to as U.S. Government agency RMBS.  The remaining 43% of our RMBS were issued by non-agency institutions and included securities with underlying Alt-A mortgages.  The net unrealized loss position of our portfolio of sub-prime ABS was $4.1 million as of June 30, 2011 as compared with $4.4 million as of December 31, 2010.  We analyze our non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include, but are not limited to, delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, prepayment speeds and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.
 
We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our available-for-sale portfolio represent temporary declines in fair value.  We believe that the unrealized losses are not necessarily predictive of ultimate performance and that the provisions we have made for net impairment losses are adequate.  However, economic conditions may deteriorate more than expected and may adversely affect the expected cash flows of our securities, which in turn may lead to impairment losses recorded in future periods.  Conversely, economic conditions may improve more than expected and favorably increase the cash flows expected from these impaired securities, which would be earned through net investment income over the remaining life of the security.
 
 Capital Resources
 
At June 30, 2011, our capital resources of $1.9 billion consisted of common shareholders’ equity of $1.7 billion and $250.0 million of Series B Notes.  At December 31, 2010, our capital resources of $2.1 billion consisted of common shareholders’ equity of $1.9 billion and $250.0 million of Series B Notes.  The decrease in capital during the six months ended June 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to a net loss of $177.6 million, option purchases of $47.9 million and repurchases of common shares of $33.9 million, partially offset by an improvement in accumulated other comprehensive income of $64.5 million.
 
Our Board of Directors established a program authorizing the repurchase of our common shares.  Since the program was established, our Board of Directors has approved increases in the repurchase program from time to time, most recently on February 16, 2011, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, in accordance with the share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors, we repurchased 762,000 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate amount of $33.9 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $44.50 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.   In January, 2011, the Company purchased, for an aggregate of $47.9 million in cash, the common share options issued to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe”) in connection with the Company’s initial public offering in 2002.  The options provided RenaissanceRe with the right to purchase 2,500,000 common shares from the Company for $27.00 per share and were subsequently amended to provide for net share settlements.  The options were purchased under the Company’s share repurchase program and were canceled. We did not repurchase any common shares during the quarter ended June 30, 2011.  As of June 30, 2011, the remaining amount available under the repurchase program was $237.4 million.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined for the purposes of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, which are not accounted for or disclosed in our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2011.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
There have been no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations as disclosed under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition - Contractual Obligations,” in our 2010 Form 10-K.
 
 
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 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 1 to the "Consolidated Financial Statements" in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
 
 Note On Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  Forward-looking statements are based on our current plans or expectations that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.  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.
 
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 current plans or expectations will be achieved.  Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, including the following:
 
·  
the occurrence of severe natural or man-made catastrophic events;
 
·  
the effectiveness of our loss limitation methods and pricing models;
 
·  
the adequacy of our ceding companies’ ability to assess the risks they underwrite;
 
·  
the adequacy of our liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses;
 
·  
the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business;
 
·  
our ability to maintain our A.M. Best and S&P ratings;
 
·  
our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms if necessary;
 
·  
our exposure to credit loss from counterparties in the normal course of business;
 
·  
our ability to provide reinsurance from Bermuda to insurers domiciled in the United States;
 
·  
the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business;
 
·  
the highly competitive nature of the property and casualty reinsurance industry;
 
·  
losses that we could face from terrorism, political unrest and war;
 
·  
our dependence on the business provided to us by reinsurance brokers and our exposure to credit risk associated with our brokers during the premium and loss settlement process;
 
·  
the availability of catastrophic loss protection on acceptable terms;
 
·  
foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation;
 
 
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·  
our ability to maintain and enhance effective operating procedures and internal controls over financial reporting;
 
·  
the preparation of our financial statements requires us to make many estimates and judgments;
 
·  
the representations, warranties and covenants in our credit facilities limit our financial and operational flexibility;
 
·  
our ability to retain key executives and attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future;
 
·  
the performance of our investment portfolio;
 
·  
fluctuations in the mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities markets;
 
·  
the effects of changes in market interest rates on our investment portfolio;
 
·  
the concentration of our investment portfolio in any particular industry, asset class or geographic region;
 
·  
the possibility that we may become subject to taxes in Bermuda after 2016;
 
·  
the effects that the imposition of U.S. corporate income tax would have on Platinum Holdings and its non-U.S. subsidiaries;
 
·  
the risk that U.S. persons who hold our shares will be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences if we are considered to be a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
 
·  
under certain circumstances, our shareholders may be required to pay taxes on their pro rata share of the related person insurance income of Platinum Bermuda;
 
·  
U.S. persons who dispose of our shares may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation at the rates applicable to dividends on all or a portion of their gains, if any;
 
·  
holders of 10% or more of our shares may be subject to U.S. income taxation under the “controlled foreign corporation” rules;
 
·  
the effect of changes in U.S. federal income tax law on an investment in our shares;
 
·  
the impact of Bermuda's commitment to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to eliminate harmful tax practices on our tax status in Bermuda is uncertain;
 
·  
the effect of potential changes in the regulatory system under which we operate;
 
·  
the impact of regulatory regimes and changes to accounting rules on our financial results, irrespective of business operations;
 
·  
the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business;
 
·  
the dependence of the cash flows of Platinum Holdings, a holding company, on dividends, interest and other permissible payments from its subsidiaries;
 
·  
the risk that our shareholders may have greater difficulty in protecting their interests than would shareholders of a U.S. corporation; and
 
·  
limitations on the ownership, transfer and voting rights of our common shares.
 
As a consequence, our 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 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 revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect new information or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of future events.  For a detailed discussion of our risk factors, refer to Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in our 2010 Form 10-K.
 
 
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ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We believe that we are principally exposed to the following types of market risk: interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk.  The following discussion focuses only on material changes to these types of market risks since December 31, 2010.  See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our 2010 Form 10-K for a complete discussion of these risks.
 
 Interest Rate Risk
 
The following table shows the aggregate hypothetical impact on the fair value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio as of June 30, 2011, resulting from an immediate parallel shift in interest rates ($ in thousands):

   
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 
      - 100bp       - 50bp    
Current
      + 50bp       + 100bp  
                                       
Total market value
  $ 2,856,473     $ 2,784,208     $ 2,711,289     $ 2,640,180     $ 2,571,914  
                                         
Percent change in market value
    5.4%       2.7%             (2.6% )     (5.1% )
                                         
Resulting net appreciation (depreciation)
  $ 204,382     $ 132,117     $ 59,198     $ (11,911 )   $ (80,177 )
 
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 the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q.  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, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
 Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
No changes occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2011 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number
 
Description
     
10.1
 
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2011, among Platinum Holdings, Platinum Bermuda., Platinum US, Platinum Finance, the Lenders party thereto, ING Bank N.V., London Branch, as Documentation Agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.(1)
10.2
 
List of Contents of Exhibits and Schedules to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Platinum Holdings agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. (1)
10.3
 
Committed Letter of Credit Issuance Facility Letter dated June 30, 2011 among Platinum Bermuda, Platinum US, Platinum Holdings (solely for purposes of paragraph 9.2 thereof) and Citibank Europe plc. (1)
10.4
 
Insurance Letters of Credit Master Agreement dated June 30, 2011 among Platinum Bermuda, Platinum US and Citibank Europe plc. (1)
31.1
 
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.
 
31.2
 
Certification of Allan C. Decleir, Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
32.1
 
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.
 
32.2
 
Certification of Allan C. Decleir, 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.
 
101
 
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T:  (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited) and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited).
 
 
(1)           Incorporated by reference from the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2011.
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
 
       
Date: July 26, 2011
By:
/s/ Michael D. Price  
    Michael D. Price  
    President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
       
 
       
Date: July 26, 2011
By:
/s/ Allan C. Decleir  
    Allan C. Decleir  
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
       
 

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