ptp10q_secondquarter2013.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, 2013
   
 
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 29,267,929 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of July 18, 2013.

 
 

 

PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     
Page
 
         
PART I  –  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
         
Item 1.
Financial Statements
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2012
    1  
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
    2  
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
    3  
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
    4  
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
    5  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
    6  
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    32  
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
    53  
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
    54  
           
PART II  –  OTHER INFORMATION
       
           
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    54  
Item 6.
Exhibits
    54  
           
SIGNATURES
    55  

 
 
 

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Financial Statements

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
($ in thousands, except share data)

   
(Unaudited)
       
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities at fair value
  $ 1,815,640     $ 1,941,685  
(amortized cost - $1,739,802 and $1,781,549, respectively)
               
Fixed maturity trading securities at fair value
    105,070       112,813  
(amortized cost - $98,550 and $104,053, respectively)
               
Short-term investments
    77,636       172,801  
Total investments
    1,998,346       2,227,299  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,609,461       1,720,395  
Accrued investment income
    19,805       21,299  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    133,360       128,517  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    3,889       3,899  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    1,575       2,661  
Funds held by ceding companies
    119,445       114,090  
Deferred acquisition costs
    30,173       28,112  
Reinsurance deposit assets
    76,948       50,693  
Deferred tax assets
    31,297       22,773  
Other assets
    23,603       13,565  
Total assets
  $ 4,047,902     $ 4,333,303  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 1,793,087     $ 1,961,282  
Unearned premiums
    123,590       113,960  
Debt obligations
    250,000       250,000  
Commissions payable
    72,994       64,849  
Other liabilities
    61,685       48,678  
Total liabilities
  $ 2,301,356     $ 2,438,769  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized,
  $ 293     $ 327  
29,267,929 and 32,722,144 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
               
Additional paid-in capital
    3,817       209,897  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    64,367       137,690  
Retained earnings
    1,678,069       1,546,620  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,746,546     $ 1,894,534  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 4,047,902     $ 4,333,303  
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 1 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
($ in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenue:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 142,933     $ 145,075     $ 269,786     $ 283,287  
Net investment income
    17,808       26,155       36,352       54,707  
Net realized gains on investments
    11,686       24,978       25,004       47,317  
Total other-than-temporary impairments
    (200 )     (335 )     (614 )     (91 )
Portion of impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income
    (1,316 )     (778 )     (1,323 )     (2,092 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    (1,516 )     (1,113 )     (1,937 )     (2,183 )
Other income (expense)
    (315 )     (191 )     1,077       (670 )
Total revenue
    170,596       194,904       330,282       382,458  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    62,667       67,117       76,665       146,313  
Net acquisition expenses
    30,313       30,200       60,532       60,857  
Operating expenses
    19,718       19,696       39,023       36,679  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    (859 )     (310 )     (1,079 )     222  
Interest expense
    4,780       4,774       9,559       9,546  
Total expenses
    116,619       121,477       184,700       253,617  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    53,977       73,427       145,582       128,841  
Income tax expense
    4,123       5,895       9,212       8,022  
Net income
  $ 49,854     $ 67,532     $ 136,370     $ 120,819  
                                 
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 1.63     $ 1.98     $ 4.32     $ 3.48  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.61     $ 1.97     $ 4.26     $ 3.46  
                                 
Shareholder dividends:
                               
Common shareholder dividends declared
  $ 2,337     $ 2,667     $ 4,921     $ 5,507  
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 Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
($ in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net income
  $ 49,854     $ 67,532     $ 136,370     $ 120,819  
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                               
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    (200 )     (335 )     (614 )     (91 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    (64,027 )     34,280       (58,217 )     49,093  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    (64,227 )     33,945       (58,831 )     49,002  
                                 
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                               
Net realized gains on investments
    (12,968 )     (25,219 )     (27,243 )     (47,897 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    1,516       1,113       1,937       2,183  
Total reclassifications to net income
    (11,452 )     (24,106 )     (25,306 )     (45,714 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    (75,679 )     9,839       (84,137 )     3,288  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    8,943       (1,735 )     10,814       (1,361 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (66,736 )     8,104       (73,323 )     1,927  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (16,882 )   $ 75,636     $ 63,047     $ 122,746  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 3 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
($ in thousands)

   
2013
   
2012
 
Common shares:
           
Balances at beginning of period
  $ 327     $ 355  
Exercise of common share options
    4       -  
Settlement of equity awards
    2       2  
Repurchase of common shares
    (40 )     (25 )
Balances at end of period
    293       332  
                 
Additional paid-in capital:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    209,897       313,730  
Exercise of common share options
    14,144       1,014  
Settlement of equity awards
    (1,270 )     (1,109 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (224,193 )     (89,910 )
Amortization of share-based compensation
    4,461       3,694  
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation
    778       63  
Balances at end of period
    3,817       227,482  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    137,690       146,635  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (73,323 )     1,927  
Balances at end of period
    64,367       148,562  
                 
Retained earnings:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    1,546,620       1,230,139  
Net income
    136,370       120,819  
Common share dividends
    (4,921 )     (5,507 )
Balances at end of period
    1,678,069       1,345,451  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,746,546     $ 1,721,827  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 4 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
($ in thousands)

   
2013
   
2012
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 136,370     $ 120,819  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    4,552       2,518  
Net realized gains on investments
    (25,004 )     (47,317 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    1,937       2,183  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    (1,079 )     222  
Amortization of share-based compensation
    6,506       4,046  
Deferred income tax expense
    2,291       5,215  
Net fixed maturity trading securities activities
    -       9,877  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accrued investment income
    1,138       4,817  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    (6,115 )     13,778  
Funds held by ceding companies
    (5,611 )     (17,140 )
Deferred acquisition costs
    (2,143 )     1,134  
Reinsurance deposit assets
    (26,255 )     -  
Net unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (144,198 )     (158,720 )
Net unearned premiums
    11,349       1,833  
Commissions payable
    8,424       1,624  
Other assets and liabilities
    (11,275 )     (4,074 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (49,113 )     (59,185 )
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from the sales of:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    203,571       395,269  
Short-term investments
    11,857       20,597  
Proceeds from the maturities or paydowns of:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    93,075       179,768  
Short-term investments
    176,568       577,296  
Acquisitions of:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    (218,111 )     (172,110 )
Short-term investments
    (97,705 )     (168,542 )
Acquisitions of furniture, equipment and other assets
    (3,805 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    165,450       832,278  
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (4,921 )     (5,507 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (224,233 )     (89,935 )
Proceeds from exercise of common share options
    14,144       1,014  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (215,010 )     (94,428 )
                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    (12,261 )     (5,192 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (110,934 )     673,473  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,720,395       792,510  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,609,461     $ 1,465,983  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
  $ 15,264     $ 9,012  
Interest paid
  $ 9,375     $ 9,375  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
- 5 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
1.           Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum Holdings”) is a holding company domiciled in Bermuda.  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 Regency Holdings (“Platinum Regency”), Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (“Platinum Finance”) and Platinum Administrative Services, Inc.  The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the Company, unless the context otherwise indicates.
 
We operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries, Platinum Bermuda, a Bermuda reinsurance company, and Platinum US, a U.S. reinsurance company.  Platinum Regency is an intermediate holding company based in Ireland and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Holdings.  Platinum Finance is an intermediate holding company based in the U.S. and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Regency.  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. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Finance that provides 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 as of June 30, 2013 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 are unaudited and include all 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, 2012.
 
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results may differ materially 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, but are not limited to, premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), valuation of investments and income taxes.  In addition, estimates are used in our risk transfer analysis 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.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
New Accounting Standards Adopted in 2013
 
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”).  ASU 2013-02 supersedes and replaces the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASU 2011-12 “Comprehensive Income: Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassification of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05” and ASU 2011-05 “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” and requires additional information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  None of the other requirements of the previous ASUs are affected by ASU 2013-02.  ASU 2013-02 is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012.  We adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2013 with additional disclosures reflected in Note 10.
 
 
- 6 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
2.           Investments
 
Fixed Maturity Available-for-sale Securities
 
Our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities are U.S. dollar denominated securities. The following table sets forth our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):

         
Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
             
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross Unrealized Gains
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Non-credit portion of OTTI(1)
 
June 30, 2013:
                             
U.S. Government
  $ 4,597     $ 245     $ -     $ 4,842     $ -  
Municipal bonds
    1,152,113       69,817       5,151       1,216,779       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    39,969       513       -       40,482       -  
Corporate bonds
    242,056       7,115       3,433       245,738       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    93,907       5,340       155       99,092       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    190,834       2,053       1,829       191,058       713  
Asset-backed securities
    16,326       1,730       407       17,649       287  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,739,802     $ 86,813     $ 10,975     $ 1,815,640     $ 1,000  
                                         
December 31, 2012:
                                       
U.S. Government
  $ 4,632     $ 312     $ -     $ 4,944     $ -  
Municipal bonds
    1,080,273       129,735       74       1,209,934       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    49,978       999       -       50,977       -  
Corporate bonds
    279,981       21,109       182       300,908       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    127,148       8,807       429       135,526       264  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    222,331       2,584       3,293       221,622       2,083  
Asset-backed securities
    17,206       1,426       858       17,774       858  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,781,549     $ 164,972     $ 4,836     $ 1,941,685     $ 3,205  
 
(1)
The non-credit portion of other than temporary impairments (“OTTI”) represents the amount of unrealized losses on impaired securities that were not recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as of the reporting date.  These unrealized losses are included in gross unrealized losses as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
Fixed Maturity Trading Securities
 
Our fixed maturity trading securities are non-U.S. dollar denominated securities that, along with our non-U.S. dollar short-term trading investments and non-U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalents, are held for the purposes of hedging our non-U.S. dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities.
 
The following table sets forth the fair value of our fixed maturity trading securities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
June 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
Non-U.S. governments
  $ 105,070     $ 112,813  
Total fixed maturity trading securities
  $ 105,070     $ 112,813  
 
 
- 7 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
Maturities
 
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, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 66,062     $ 66,804  
Due from one to five years
    451,162       471,377  
Due from five to ten years
    593,056       616,478  
Due in ten or more years
    427,005       458,252  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
    301,067       307,799  
Total
  $ 1,838,352     $ 1,920,710  
 
The actual maturities of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities could differ from stated maturities due to call or prepayment provisions.
 
Short-term Investments
 
The following table sets forth the fair value of our short-term investments as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
June 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
Available-for-sale:
           
U.S. Government
  $ -     $ 49,186  
Trading:
               
Non-U.S. governments
    77,636       123,615  
Total short-term investments
  $ 77,636     $ 172,801  
 
The fair value adjustments on short-term investments recognized as trading under the fair value option contributed no realized gains or losses on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2013, we had purchases of $97.7 million, proceeds from maturities of $127.4 million and proceeds from sales of  $11.9 million from non-U.S. dollar denominated short-term investments accounted for as trading in accordance with the fair value option that were included in investing activities on the statements of cash flows.  For the six months ended June 30, 2012, we had purchases of $106.1 million, proceeds from maturities of $169.6 million and proceeds from sales of $20.6 million from non-U.S. dollar denominated short-term investments accounted for as trading in accordance with the fair value option that were included in investing activities on the statements of cash flows.
 
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
 
The following table sets forth the net impairment losses on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 30  
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    1,075       1,106       1,411       2,146  
Sub-prime asset-backed securities
    441       7       526       7  
Net impairment losses on investments
  $ 1,516     $ 1,113     $ 1,937     $ 2,183  
 
We analyze the creditworthiness of our available-for-sale securities by reviewing various performance metrics of the issuer.  We determined that none of our government bonds, municipal bonds or corporate bonds were other-than-temporarily impaired for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.
 
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. As of June 30, 2013, the single largest unrealized loss within our CMBS portfolio was $0.1 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $4.8 million.
 
 
- 8 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
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 determined that none of our U.S. Government agency RMBS were other-than-temporarily impaired for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.  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.  As of June 30, 2013, the single largest unrealized loss within our RMBS portfolio was $0.6 million related to a non-agency RMBS security with an amortized cost of $4.2 million.  As of June 30, 2013, the single largest unrealized loss within our sub-prime ABS portfolio was $0.3 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $0.6 million.
 
The following table sets forth a summary of the cumulative credit losses recognized on our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 36,562     $ 60,444     $ 40,219     $ 61,841  
Credit losses on securities previously impaired
    1,516       1,113       1,937       2,183  
Reduction for paydowns and securities sold
    (2,204 )     (3,464 )     (6,138 )     (5,721 )
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
    (112 )     (219 )     (256 )     (429 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 35,762     $ 57,874     $ 35,762     $ 57,874  
 
As of June 30, 2013, total cumulative credit losses were related to CMBS, non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS.  The cumulative credit losses we recorded on CMBS of $1.4 million were on two securities issued in 2007.  As of June 30, 2013, 4.0% of the mortgages backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and 1.0% of the mortgages had incurred cumulative losses.  For these securities, the expected losses for the underlying mortgages were greater than the remaining credit support of 4.6%.  The cumulative credit losses we recorded on non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS of $34.4 million were on seventeen securities issued from 2004 to 2007.  As of June 30, 2013, 16.4% of the mortgages backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and 6.4% of the mortgages had incurred cumulative losses.  For these securities, the expected losses for the underlying mortgages were greater than the remaining credit support of 3.2%.   
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
The following table sets forth our gross unrealized losses on securities classified as fixed maturity 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
June 30, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
 
Less than twelve months:
                       
Municipal bonds
  $ 164,419     $ 5,151     $ 18,878     $ 74  
Corporate bonds
    80,080       3,433       4,450       41  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    6,600       155       6,758       165  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    52,944       396       39       9  
Asset-backed securities
    13,480       120       64       1  
Total
  $ 317,523     $ 9,255     $ 30,189     $ 290  
                                 
Twelve months or more:
                               
Municipal bonds
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Corporate bonds
    -       -       6,039       141  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       762       264  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    15,142       1,433       17,096       3,284  
Asset-backed securities
    809       287       799       857  
Total
  $ 15,951     $ 1,720     $ 24,696     $ 4,546  
                                 
Total unrealized losses:
                               
Municipal bonds
  $ 164,419     $ 5,151     $ 18,878     $ 74  
Corporate bonds
    80,080       3,433       10,489       182  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    6,600       155       7,520       429  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    68,086       1,829       17,135       3,293  
Asset-backed securities
    14,289       407       863       858  
Total
  $ 333,474     $ 10,975     $ 54,885     $ 4,836  
 
 
- 9 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities 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.
 
Net Investment Income
 
The following table sets forth our net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 16,870     $ 24,583     $ 34,613     $ 51,870  
Short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents
    1,175       1,989       2,223       3,811  
Funds held by ceding companies
    811       600       1,653       1,254  
Subtotal
    18,856       27,172       38,489       56,935  
Investment expenses
    (1,048 )     (1,017 )     (2,137 )     (2,228 )
Net investment income
  $ 17,808     $ 26,155     $ 36,352     $ 54,707  
 
Net Realized Gains on Investments
 
The following table sets forth our net realized gains on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Gross realized gains on the sale of investments
  $ 12,982     $ 25,263     $ 27,258     $ 47,941  
Gross realized losses on the sale of investments
    (15 )     -       (15 )     (1 )
Net realized gains on the sale of investments
    12,967       25,263       27,243       47,940  
Fair value adjustments on trading securities
    (1,281 )     (285 )     (2,239 )     (623 )
Net realized gains on investments
  $ 11,686     $ 24,978     $ 25,004     $ 47,317  
 
3.           Fair Value Measurements
 
The accounting guidance related to fair value measurements addresses the recognition and disclosure of fair value measurements where those measurements are either required or permitted by the guidance.  The fair values of our financial assets and liabilities addressed by this guidance 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;
 
 
Level 2:
Valuations are based on prices obtained from independent pricing vendors, index providers or broker-dealers using observable inputs for financial assets and liabilities; and
 
 
Level 3:
Valuations are based on unobservable inputs for assets and liabilities where there is little or no market activity.  Unadjusted third party pricing sources or management's assumptions and internal valuation models may be used to determine the fair value of financial assets or liabilities.
 
 
- 10 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
Level 1, 2 and 3 Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value
 
The fair values of our fixed maturity securities and short-term investments are based on prices primarily obtained from pricing vendors, index providers, or broker-dealers using observable inputs.  Fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and our reinsurance deposit assets are generally valued using the market approach.  We validate the prices we obtain from third party pricing sources by performing price comparisons against multiple pricing sources, if available, periodically back-testing of sales to the previously reported fair value, performing an in-depth review of specific securities when evaluating stale prices and large price movements, as well as performing other validation procedures.  We also continuously monitor market data that relates to our investment portfolio and review pricing documentation that describes the methodologies used by various pricing vendors.  If we determine that a price appears unreasonable, we investigate and assess whether the price should be adjusted.  Our fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and reinsurance deposit assets are classified in the fair value hierarchy as follows:
 
U.S. Government
 
Level 1 - The fair values of U.S. Government securities were based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
 
Municipal bonds
 
Level 2 - 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.
 
Non-U.S. governments
 
Level 1 or 2 - The fair values of non-U.S. government securities were determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.  Our non-U.S. government bond portfolio consisted of securities issued primarily by governments, provinces, agencies and supranationals.
 
Corporate bonds
 
Level 2 - The fair values of corporate 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 industry and economic indicators.
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
Level 2 or 3 - The fair values of CMBS classified as Level 2 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.  CMBS classified as Level 3 used unobservable inputs that may include the probability of default and loss severity in the event of default.
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
Level 2 or 3 - Our RMBS portfolio was comprised of securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and by non-agency institutions.  The fair values of RMBS classified as Level 2 were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, loan level information, security cash flows and structures, prepayment speeds, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  Non-agency RMBS classified as Level 3 used unobservable inputs that may include the probability of default, loss severity in the event of default and prepayment speeds.
 
Asset-backed securities
 
Level 2 or 3 - The fair values of ABS classified as Level 2 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.  Sub-prime ABS classified as Level 3 used unobservable inputs that may include the probability of default, loss severity in the event of default and prepayment speeds.
 
Short-term investments
 
Level 2 - The fair values of short-term investments were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.
 
Reinsurance deposit assets
 
Level 3 - The fair values of our reinsurance deposit assets were determined by management primarily using unobservable inputs through the application of our own assumptions and internal valuation model.
 
 
- 11 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the Company as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
June 30, 2013:
                       
Investments:
                       
U.S. Government
  $ 4,842     $ 4,842     $ -     $ -  
Municipal bonds
    1,216,779       -       1,216,779       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    145,552       51,523       94,029       -  
Corporate bonds
    245,738       -       245,738       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    99,092       -       99,092       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    191,058       -       186,538       4,520  
Asset-backed securities
    17,649       -       16,392       1,257  
Short-term investments
    77,636       -       77,636       -  
Total investments
    1,998,346       56,365       1,936,204       5,777  
Reinsurance deposit assets
    76,948       -       -       76,948  
Total
  $ 2,075,294     $ 56,365     $ 1,936,204     $ 82,725  
                                 
December 31, 2012:
                               
Investments:
                               
U.S. Government
  $ 4,944     $ 4,944     $ -     $ -  
Municipal bonds
    1,209,934       -       1,209,934       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    163,790       56,422       107,368       -  
Corporate bonds
    300,908       -       300,908       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    135,526       -       135,002       524  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    221,622       -       216,248       5,374  
Asset-backed securities
    17,774       -       16,738       1,036  
Short-term investments
    172,801       -       172,801       -  
Total investments
    2,227,299       61,366       2,158,999       6,934  
Reinsurance deposit asset
    50,693       -       -       50,693  
Total
  $ 2,277,992     $ 61,366     $ 2,158,999     $ 57,627  
 
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.  Transfers of assets into or out of Level 3 are recorded at their fair values as of the end of each reporting period, consistent with the date of the determination of fair value.  The transfers into and out of Level 3 were based on the level of evidence available to corroborate significant observable inputs with market observable information.
 
Changes in Level 3 Financial Assets
 
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balance for our Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Reinsurance deposit assets
   
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ -     $ 1,996     $ 3,263     $ 52,088     $ 57,347  
Purchases
    -       -       -       25,000       25,000  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    -       (126 )     (29 )     -       (155 )
Total increase (decrease) in fair value included in earnings
    -       -       -       (140 )     (140 )
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       176       96       -       272  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       4,049       312       -       4,361  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       (1,575 )     (2,385 )     -       (3,960 )
Balance, end of period
  $ -     $ 4,520     $ 1,257     $ 76,948     $ 82,725  
                                         
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ (140 )   $ (140 )
 
 
- 12 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Reinsurance deposit assets
   
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ -     $ 5,564     $ 1,723     $ -     $ 7,287  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    -       (641 )     -       -       (641 )
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       285       (157 )     -       128  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       2,253       -       -       2,253  
Balance, end of period
  $ -     $ 7,461     $ 1,566     $ -     $ 9,027  
                                         
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Reinsurance deposit assets
   
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 524     $ 5,374     $ 1,036     $ 50,693     $ 57,627  
Purchases
    -       -       -       25,000       25,000  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    -       (166 )     (29 )     -       (195 )
Total increase (decrease) in fair value included in earnings
    -       -       -       1,255       1,255  
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    487       421       29       -       937  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       4,049       2,606       -       6,655  
Transfers out of Level 3
    (1,011 )     (5,158 )     (2,385 )     -       (8,554 )
Balance, end of period
  $ -     $ 4,520     $ 1,257     $ 76,948     $ 82,725  
                                         
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,255     $ 1,255  
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Reinsurance deposit assets
   
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ -     $ 8,146     $ 1,867     $ -     $ 10,013  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    -       (734 )     -       -       (734 )
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       50       (301 )     -       (251 )
Transfers into Level 3
    -       2,253       -       -       2,253  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       (2,254 )     -       -       (2,254 )
Balance, end of period
  $ -     $ 7,461     $ 1,566     $ -     $ 9,027  
                                         
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 
Quantitative Information of Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
The fair value measurements of our CMBS, non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS classified as Level 3 were based on unadjusted third party pricing sources.
 
Our reinsurance deposit assets represent retrocessional aggregate excess of loss reinsurance agreements we purchased for consideration of $75.0 million.  We elected to record our reinsurance deposit assets under the fair value option as the terms and conditions of these contracts have unique variable investment performance factors.  The terms of these agreements provide for a book yield ranging from a minimum of 3.0% to a maximum of 6.5% accumulating over the estimated contract period.
 
The fair value measurements of our reinsurance deposit assets used significant unobservable inputs through the application of our own assumptions and internal valuation model and were classified as Level 3.  The most significant unobservable inputs used in our internal valuation model are the estimated contract period remaining, credit spread above the risk-free rate and net losses and LAE ceded. The credit spread above the risk-free rate is determined by reviewing the credit spreads of fixed income securities through observable market data, as well as considering illiquidity and the structure of these contracts.  The fair value of the reinsurance deposit assets may increase or decrease due to changes in the estimated contract period remaining, the credit spread and net losses and LAE ceded.  Generally, a decrease in the credit spread would result in an increase in the fair value of the reinsurance deposit assets. Conversely, an increase in the credit spread or an increase in net losses and LAE ceded would result in a decrease in the fair value of the reinsurance deposit assets.
 
 
- 13 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
  
The following table sets forth the weighted average of the significant unobservable quantitative information used for the fair value measurement of our reinsurance deposit assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
   
June 30,
2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
Estimated contract period remaining
 
1,372 days
   
1,350 days
 
Credit spread above the risk-free rate
    1.96%       2.47%  
Net losses and LAE ceded inception-to-date
  $ -     $ -  
 
Other Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Carried at Fair Value
 
Accounting guidance requires note disclosure of the fair value of other financial assets and liabilities not carried at fair value, excluding balances related to insurance contracts.
 
The debt obligations on our consolidated balance sheets were recorded at cost with a carrying value of $250.0 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and had a fair value of $274.6 million and $278.5 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  The fair value measurements were based on observable inputs and therefore would be considered to be Level 2.
 
Our remaining financial assets and liabilities were carried at cost or amortized cost, which approximates fair value, at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  The fair value measurements were based on observable inputs and therefore would be considered to be Level 1 or Level 2.
 
4.           Credit Facilities
 
As of June 30, 2013, we had a $300.0 million credit facility with various financial institutions (the “Syndicated Credit Facility”) available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit.  In addition, we had other letter of credit (“LOC”) facilities available for the issuance of letters of credit to support reinsurance obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.  We had no revolving borrowings under the Syndicated Credit Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit and the cash and cash equivalents held in trust to collateralize letters of credit issued as of June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Letters of Credit
   
Collateral
 
   
Committed Capacity
   
Issued
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Syndicated Credit Facility:
                 
Secured
  $ 200,000     $ 80,405     $ 93,347  
Unsecured
    100,000       -       -  
Total Syndicated Credit Facility
    300,000       80,405       93,347  
Other LOC Facilities
    118,122       46,454       67,312  
Total
  $ 418,122     $ 126,859     $ 160,659  
 
As of June 30, 2013, we were in compliance with covenants under all credit facilities.
 
On July 2, 2013, Platinum Bermuda increased the amount of an uncommitted LOC facility by $50.0 million resulting in total uncommitted LOC capacity of $256.9 million available to our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The Company also has the ability to increase the syndicated and other LOC facilities by up to $175.0 million, subject to agreement with the lenders.
 
5.           Income Taxes
 
We provide for income tax expense or benefit based upon pre-tax 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, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda 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 31, 2035.  Platinum Holdings has subsidiaries based in the United States and Ireland that are subject to the tax laws thereof.
 
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the 2003 federal income tax return of our U.S.-based subsidiaries and during 2013 the Company received a refund of $6.0 million, including accrued interest of $1.3 million, related to this return.  The federal income tax returns of our U.S.-based subsidiaries that remain open to examination are for calendar years 2009 and later.
 
 
- 14 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
6.             Share Repurchases
 
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 July 24, 2013, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2013, in accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 2,705,797 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $155.9 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $57.62 per share.  During the six months ended June 30, 2013, in accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 3,997,661 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $224.2 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $56.09 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.
 
7.           Statutory Regulations and Dividend Restrictions
 
Platinum Holdings and its subsidiaries are subject to certain legal and regulatory restrictions in their respective jurisdictions of domicile. The legal restrictions generally include the requirement to maintain positive net assets and to be able to pay liabilities as they become due.  Regulatory restrictions on dividends are described below.
 
Dividend Restrictions on Platinum Holdings
 
There are no regulatory restrictions on retained earnings available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Holdings to its shareholders.
 
Dividend Restrictions on Subsidiaries
 
The laws and regulations of Bermuda and the United States include certain restrictions on the amount of statutory capital and surplus that are available for the payment of dividends 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. The following table summarizes the dividend capacity of our reinsurance subsidiaries for 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
2013
   
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
   
June 30, 2013
 
   
Dividend Capacity
   
Paid
   
Remaining
 
Platinum Bermuda
  $ 318,343     $ 162,500     $ 155,843  
Platinum US
    30,779       -       30,779  
Total
  $ 349,122     $ 162,500     $ 186,622  
 
Subsequent to June 30, 2013, Platinum Bermuda declared and paid a dividend of $100.0 million to Platinum Holdings.
 
There are no regulatory restrictions on retained earnings available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Finance to Platinum Regency or by Platinum Regency to Platinum Holdings.
 
8.           Operating Segment Information
 
We have organized our worldwide reinsurance business into three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  In managing our operating segments, we use measures such as underwriting income or loss and related underwriting ratios to allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying business.  Such measures are considered to be non-GAAP.  These non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies.  These measures are used to monitor our results and should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
 
Underwriting income or loss measures the performance of the Company’s underwriting function and consists of net premiums earned less net losses and LAE and net underwriting expenses.  Net underwriting expenses include net acquisition expenses and operating costs related to underwriting.  Underwriting income or loss excludes revenues and expenses related to net investment income, net realized gains or losses on investments, net impairment losses on investments, corporate expenses not allocated to underwriting operations, interest expense, net foreign currency exchange gains and losses and other income and expense.
 
Underwriting ratios are calculated for net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and net underwriting expense.  The ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net earned premiums.  The combined ratio is the sum of the net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and net underwriting expense ratios.  The Company believes that underwriting income or loss and ratios highlight the profitability of our reinsurance operations.
 
 
- 15 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the three operating segments, together with a reconciliation of segment underwriting income (loss) to the U.S. GAAP measure of income before income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 57,350     $ 79,711     $ 9,309     $ 146,370  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    58,832       75,629       8,472       142,933  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    21,292       35,358       6,017       62,667  
Net acquisition expenses
    9,698       18,068       2,547       30,313  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,414       5,670       327       13,411  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 20,428     $ 16,533     $ (419 )     36,542  
                                 
Net investment income
                            17,808  
Net realized gains on investments
                            11,686  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (1,516 )
Other income (expense)
                            (315 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (6,307 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            859  
Interest expense
                            (4,780 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 53,977  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    36.2 %     46.8 %     71.0 %     43.8 %
Net acquisition expense
    16.5 %     23.9 %     30.1 %     21.2 %
Other underwriting expense
    12.6 %     7.5 %     3.9 %     9.4 %
Combined
    65.3 %     78.2 %     105.0 %     74.4 %
                                 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 61,695     $ 72,678     $ 7,086     $ 141,459  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    62,838       75,746       6,491       145,075  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    17,653       45,851       3,613       67,117  
Net acquisition expenses
    8,721       18,487       2,992       30,200  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,454       5,625       267       13,346  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 29,010     $ 5,783     $ (381 )     34,412  
                                 
Net investment income
                            26,155  
Net realized gains on investments
                            24,978  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (1,113 )
Other income (expense)
                            (191 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (6,350 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            310  
Interest expense
                            (4,774 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 73,427  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    28.1 %     60.5 %     55.7 %     46.3 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.9 %     24.4 %     46.1 %     20.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    11.9 %     7.4 %     4.1 %     9.2 %
Combined
    53.9 %     92.3 %     105.9 %     76.3 %
 
 
- 16 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 116,777     $ 150,555     $ 13,803     $ 281,135  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    110,684       146,424       12,678       269,786  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    7,087       65,001       4,577       76,665  
Net acquisition expenses
    17,925       34,317       8,290       60,532  
Other underwriting expenses
    14,746       11,393       660       26,799  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 70,926     $ 35,713     $ (849 )     105,790  
                                 
Net investment income
                            36,352  
Net realized gains on investments
                            25,004  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (1,937 )
Other income (expense)
                            1,077  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (12,224 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            1,079  
Interest expense
                            (9,559 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 145,582  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    6.4 %     44.4 %     36.1 %     28.4 %
Net acquisition expense
    16.2 %     23.4 %     65.4 %     22.4 %
Other underwriting expense
    13.3 %     7.8 %     5.2 %     9.9 %
Combined
    35.9 %     75.6 %     106.7 %     60.7 %
                                 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 129,848     $ 147,078     $ 8,194     $ 285,120  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    124,166       151,512       7,609       283,287  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    58,590       86,887       836       146,313  
Net acquisition expenses
    17,956       35,862       7,039       60,857  
Other underwriting expenses
    14,289       10,661       458       25,408  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 33,331     $ 18,102     $ (724 )     50,709  
                                 
Net investment income
                            54,707  
Net realized gains on investments
                            47,317  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (2,183 )
Other income (expense)
                            (670 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (11,271 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            (222 )
Interest expense
                            (9,546 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 128,841  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    47.2 %     57.3 %     11.0 %     51.6 %
Net acquisition expense
    14.5 %     23.7 %     92.5 %     21.5 %
Other underwriting expense
    11.5 %     7.0 %     6.0 %     9.0 %
Combined
    73.2 %     88.0 %     109.5 %     82.1 %
 
 
- 17 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
9.           Earnings per Common Share
 
The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ and amounts in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Earnings
                       
Basic and Diluted
                       
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 49,854     $ 67,532     $ 136,370     $ 120,819  
Portion allocated to participating common shareholders (1)
    (113 )     (278 )     (304 )     (485 )
Net income allocated to common shareholders
  $ 49,741     $ 67,254     $ 136,066     $ 120,334  
                                 
Common Shares
                               
Basic
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    30,571       33,914       31,467       34,602  
Diluted
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    30,571       33,914       31,467       34,602  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Common share options
    155       142       191       139  
Restricted share units
    244       48       246       64  
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
    30,970       34,104       31,904       34,805  
                                 
Earnings Per Common Share
                               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 1.63     $ 1.98     $ 4.32     $ 3.48  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.61     $ 1.97     $ 4.26     $ 3.46  
 
(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.
 
10.           Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets relates to unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes.
 
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
   
Pre-tax
   
Tax
   
Net of tax
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 151,517     $ (20,414 )   $ 131,103  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    (200 )     -       (200 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    (64,027 )     6,963       (57,064 )
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    (64,227 )     6,963       (57,264 )
                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    (12,968 )     1,980       (10,988 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    1,516       -       1,516  
Total reclassifications to net income
    (11,452 )     1,980       (9,472 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (75,679 )     8,943       (66,736 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 75,838     $ (11,471 )   $ 64,367  
 
 
- 18 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Pre-tax
   
Tax
   
Net of tax
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 162,310     $ (21,852 )   $ 140,458  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    (335 )     (13 )     (348 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    34,280       (2,810 )     31,470  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    33,945       (2,823 )     31,122  
                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    (25,219 )     1,194       (24,025 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    1,113       (106 )     1,007  
Total reclassifications to net income
    (24,106 )     1,088       (23,018 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    9,839       (1,735 )     8,104  
Balance, end of period
  $ 172,149     $ (23,587 )   $ 148,562  
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
   
Pre-tax
   
Tax
   
Net of tax
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 159,975     $ (22,285 )   $ 137,690  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    (614 )     11       (603 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    (58,217 )     7,161       (51,056 )
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    (58,831 )     7,172       (51,659 )
                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    (27,243 )     3,675       (23,568 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    1,937       (33 )     1,904  
Total reclassifications to net income
    (25,306 )     3,642       (21,664 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (84,137 )     10,814       (73,323 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 75,838     $ (11,471 )   $ 64,367  
                         
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Pre-tax
   
Tax
   
Net of tax
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 168,861     $ (22,226 )   $ 146,635  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    (91 )     60       (31 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    49,093       (2,943 )     46,150  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    49,002       (2,883 )     46,119  
                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    (47,897 )     1,754       (46,143 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    2,183       (232 )     1,951  
Total reclassifications to net income
    (45,714 )     1,522       (44,192 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    3,288       (1,361 )     1,927  
Balance, end of period
  $ 172,149     $ (23,587 )   $ 148,562  

The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and the location of those amounts in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenue:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
  $ 12,968     $ 25,219     $ 27,243     $ 47,897  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (1,516 )     (1,113 )     (1,937 )     (2,183 )
                                 
Income tax expense
  $ 1,980     $ 1,088     $ 3,642     $ 1,522  
 
 
- 19 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
11.           Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
 
Platinum Holdings fully and unconditionally guarantees the $250.0 million of debt obligations issued by its 100%-owned subsidiary 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
June 30, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Total investments
  $ -     $ 143     $ 1,998,203     $ -     $ 1,998,346  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,730,076       651,801       548,878       (2,930,755 )     -  
Cash and cash equivalents
    8,058       146,834       1,454,569       -       1,609,461  
Reinsurance assets
    -       -       288,442       -       288,442  
Other assets
    14,934       1,765       134,954       -       151,653  
Total assets
  $ 1,753,068     $ 800,543     $ 4,425,046     $ (2,930,755 )   $ 4,047,902  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,989,821     $ -     $ 1,989,821  
Debt obligations
    -       250,000       -       -       250,000  
Other liabilities
    6,522       1,665       53,348       -       61,535  
Total liabilities
  $ 6,522     $ 251,665     $ 2,043,169     $ -     $ 2,301,356  
                                         
Shareholders' Equity
                                       
Common shares
  $ 293     $ -     $ 8,000     $ (8,000 )   $ 293  
Additional paid-in capital
    3,817       214,514       2,022,600       (2,237,114 )     3,817  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    64,367       21,302       85,664       (106,966 )     64,367  
Retained earnings
    1,678,069       313,062       265,613       (578,675 )     1,678,069  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,746,546     $ 548,878     $ 2,381,877     $ (2,930,755 )   $ 1,746,546  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 1,753,068     $ 800,543     $ 4,425,046     $ (2,930,755 )   $ 4,047,902  
 
(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 20 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Total investments
  $ -     $ 181     $ 2,227,118     $ -     $ 2,227,299  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,821,818       636,814       540,354       (2,998,986 )     -  
Cash and cash equivalents
    70,604       152,122       1,497,669       -       1,720,395  
Reinsurance assets
    -       -       277,279       -       277,279  
Other assets
    8,997       2,884       96,449       -       108,330  
Total assets
  $ 1,901,419     $ 792,001     $ 4,638,869     $ (2,998,986 )   $ 4,333,303  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,140,241     $ -     $ 2,140,241  
Debt obligations
    -       250,000       -       -       250,000  
Other liabilities
    6,885       1,647       39,996       -       48,528  
Total liabilities
  $ 6,885     $ 251,647     $ 2,180,237     $ -     $ 2,438,769  
                                         
Shareholders' Equity
                                       
Common shares
  $ 327     $ -     $ 8,000     $ (8,000 )   $ 327  
Additional paid-in capital
    209,897       213,736       2,021,045       (2,234,781 )     209,897  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    137,690       41,386       179,071       (220,457 )     137,690  
Retained earnings
    1,546,620       285,232       250,516       (535,748 )     1,546,620  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,894,534     $ 540,354     $ 2,458,632     $ (2,998,986 )   $ 1,894,534  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 1,901,419     $ 792,001     $ 4,638,869     $ (2,998,986 )   $ 4,333,303  
 
(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 21 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 142,933     $ -     $ 142,933  
Net investment income (expense)
    9       (8 )     17,807       -       17,808  
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       11,686       -       11,686  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (1,516 )     -       (1,516 )
Other income (expense)
    716       -       (1,031 )     -       (315 )
Total revenue
    725       (8 )     169,879       -       170,596  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       62,667       -       62,667  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       30,313       -       30,313  
Operating expenses
    6,175       39       13,504       -       19,718  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       (859 )     -       (859 )
Interest expense
    -       4,780       -       -       4,780  
Total expenses
    6,175       4,819       105,625       -       116,619  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (5,450 )     (4,827 )     64,254       -       53,977  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (1,608 )     5,731       -       4,123  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (5,450 )     (3,219 )     58,523       -       49,854  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    55,304       11,363       8,144       (74,811 )     -  
Net income
  $ 49,854     $ 8,144     $ 66,667     $ (74,811 )   $ 49,854  
 
(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 22 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 145,075     $ -     $ 145,075  
Net investment income (expense)
    2       12       26,141       -       26,155  
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       24,978       -       24,978  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (1,113 )     -       (1,113 )
Other income (expense)
    991       -       (1,182 )     -       (191 )
Total revenue
    993       12       193,899       -       194,904  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       67,117       -       67,117  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       30,200       -       30,200  
Operating expenses
    5,834       67       13,795       -       19,696  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       (310 )     -       (310 )
Interest expense
    -       4,774       -       -       4,774  
Total expenses
    5,834       4,841       110,802       -       121,477  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (4,841 )     (4,829 )     83,097       -       73,427  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (1,627 )     7,522       -       5,895  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (4,841 )     (3,202 )     75,575       -       67,532  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    72,373       15,004       11,802       (99,179 )     -  
Net income
  $ 67,532     $ 11,802     $ 87,377     $ (99,179 )   $ 67,532  
 
(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 23 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 269,786     $ -     $ 269,786  
Net investment income (expense)
    22       (30 )     36,360       -       36,352  
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       25,004       -       25,004  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (1,937 )     -       (1,937 )
Other income (expense)
    4,845       4       (3,772 )     -       1,077  
Total revenue
    4,867       (26 )     325,441       -       330,282  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       76,665       -       76,665  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       60,532       -       60,532  
Operating expenses
    11,801       73       27,149       -       39,023  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       (1,079 )     -       (1,079 )
Interest expense
    -       9,559       -       -       9,559  
Total expenses
    11,801       9,632       163,267       -       184,700  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (6,934 )     (9,658 )     162,174       -       145,582  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (3,196 )     12,408       -       9,212  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (6,934 )     (6,462 )     149,766       -       136,370  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    143,304       34,293       27,831       (205,428 )     -  
Net income
  $ 136,370     $ 27,831     $ 177,597     $ (205,428 )   $ 136,370  
 
(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 24 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 283,287     $ -     $ 283,287  
Net investment income (expense)
    3       (7 )     54,711       -       54,707  
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       47,317       -       47,317  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (2,183 )     -       (2,183 )
Other income (expense)
    2,187       1       (2,858 )     -       (670 )
Total revenue
    2,190       (6 )     380,274       -       382,458  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       146,313       -       146,313  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       60,857       -       60,857  
Operating expenses
    10,775       133       25,771       -       36,679  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       222       -       222  
Interest expense
    -       9,546       -       -       9,546  
Total expenses
    10,775       9,679       233,163       -       253,617  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (8,585 )     (9,685 )     147,111       -       128,841  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (3,265 )     11,287       -       8,022  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (8,585 )     (6,420 )     135,824       -       120,819  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    129,404       31,941       25,521       (186,866 )     -  
Net income
  $ 120,819     $ 25,521     $ 161,345     $ (186,866 )   $ 120,819  
 
(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 25 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 49,854     $ 8,144     $ 66,667     $ (74,811 )   $ 49,854  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    -       -       (200 )     -       (200 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       (2 )     (64,025 )     -       (64,027 )
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       (2 )     (64,225 )     -       (64,227 )
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       (12,968 )     -       (12,968 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       1,516       -       1,516  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       (11,452 )     -       (11,452 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       (2 )     (75,677 )     -       (75,679 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       2       8,941       -       8,943  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       (66,736 )     -       (66,736 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    (66,736 )     (16,610 )     (16,610 )     99,956       -  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (16,882 )   $ (8,466 )   $ (16,679 )   $ 25,145     $ (16,882 )

(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 26 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 67,532     $ 11,802     $ 87,377     $ (99,179 )   $ 67,532  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    -       -       (335 )     -       (335 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       (1 )     34,281       -       34,280  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       (1 )     33,946       -       33,945  
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       (25,219 )     -       (25,219 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       1,113       -       1,113  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       (24,106 )     -       (24,106 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       (1 )     9,840       -       9,839  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       1       (1,736 )     -       (1,735 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       8,104       -       8,104  
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    8,104       3,221       3,222       (14,547 )     -  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 75,636     $ 15,023     $ 98,703     $ (113,726 )   $ 75,636  

(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 27 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 136,370     $ 27,831     $ 177,597     $ (205,428 )   $ 136,370  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    -       -       (614 )     -       (614 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       (2 )     (58,215 )     -       (58,217 )
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       (2 )     (58,829 )     -       (58,831 )
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       (27,243 )     -       (27,243 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       1,937       -       1,937  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       (25,306 )     -       (25,306 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       (2 )     (84,135 )     -       (84,137 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       2       10,812       -       10,814  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       (73,323 )     -       (73,323 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    (73,323 )     (20,084 )     (20,084 )     113,491       -  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 63,047     $ 7,747     $ 84,190     $ (91,937 )   $ 63,047  

(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 28 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 120,819     $ 25,521     $ 161,345     $ (186,866 )   $ 120,819  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    -       -       (91 )     -       (91 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       (1 )     49,094       -       49,093  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       (1 )     49,003       -       49,002  
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       (47,897 )     -       (47,897 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       2,183       -       2,183  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       (45,714 )     -       (45,714 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       (1 )     3,289       -       3,288  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       1       (1,362 )     -       (1,361 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       1,927       -       1,927  
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    1,927       2,527       2,527       (6,981 )     -  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 122,746     $ 28,048     $ 165,799     $ (193,847 )   $ 122,746  
 
(1)           Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 29 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (9,845 )   $ (5,324 )   $ (33,944 )   $ -     $ (49,113 )
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from the sales of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       203,571       -       203,571  
Short-term investments
    -       -       11,857       -       11,857  
Proceeds from the maturities or paydowns of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       36       93,039       -       93,075  
Short-term investments
    -       -       176,568       -       176,568  
Acquisitions of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       (218,111 )     -       (218,111 )
Short-term investments
    -       -       (97,705 )     -       (97,705 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    162,500       -       -       (162,500 )     -  
Acquisitions of furniture, equipment and other assets
    (191 )     -       (3,614 )     -       (3,805 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    162,309       36       165,605       (162,500 )     165,450  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (4,921 )     -       (162,500 )     162,500       (4,921 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (224,233 )     -       -       -       (224,233 )
Proceeds from exercise of common share options
    14,144       -       -       -       14,144  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (215,010 )     -       (162,500 )     162,500       (215,010 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    -       -       (12,261 )     -       (12,261 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (62,546 )     (5,288 )     (43,100 )     -       (110,934 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    70,604       152,122       1,497,669       -       1,720,395  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 8,058     $ 146,834     $ 1,454,569     $ -     $ 1,609,461  

 
- 30 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (5,698 )   $ (5,161 )   $ (48,326 )   $ -     $ (59,185 )
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from the sales of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       395,269       -       395,269  
Short-term investments
    -       -       20,597       -       20,597  
Proceeds from the maturities or paydowns of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       40       179,728       -       179,768  
Short-term investments
    -       -       577,296       -       577,296  
Acquisitions of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       (172,110 )     -       (172,110 )
Short-term investments
    -       -       (168,542 )     -       (168,542 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    70,000       -       -       (70,000 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    70,000       40       832,238       (70,000 )     832,278  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (5,507 )     -       (70,000 )     70,000       (5,507 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (89,935 )     -       -       -       (89,935 )
Proceeds from exercise of common share options
    1,014       -       -       -       1,014  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (94,428 )     -       (70,000 )     70,000       (94,428 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    -       -       (5,192 )     -       (5,192 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (30,126 )     (5,121 )     708,720       -       673,473  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    47,791       108,260       636,459       -       792,510  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 17,665     $ 103,139     $ 1,345,179     $ -     $ 1,465,983  

 
- 31 -

 
 
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, 2013 (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, 2012 (the “2012 Form 10-K”).  This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Please see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2012 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 domiciled in Bermuda.  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 Regency Holdings (“Platinum Regency”), Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (“Platinum Finance”) and Platinum Administrative Services, Inc.  The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the Company, unless the context otherwise indicates.
 
As of June 30, 2013, our capital resources of $2.0 billion consisted of $1.7 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0 million of debt obligations.  Our net income was $49.9 million and $136.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, which compares with net income of $67.5 million and $120.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.  The decrease in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012 reflected an increase in current year major catastrophe losses and a decrease in our net realized gains on investments and net investment income, partially offset by an increase in net favorable development on prior years’ unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”).  The increase in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012 reflected an increase in net favorable development on prior years’ unpaid losses and LAE and a decrease in current year major catastrophe losses, partially offset by a decrease in our net realized gains on investments and net investment income.
 
Our net premiums written were $146.4 million and $281.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and $141.5 million and $285.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.
 
Current Outlook
 
We anticipate that the remainder of 2013 will be characterized by ample capacity for insurance and reinsurance risk.
 
In the Property and Marine segment, the mid-year underwriting period reflected mildly deteriorating conditions for all lines of business except property catastrophe business, where insurance rate decreases in response to an influx of capacity in the market were more pronounced.  Absent a major catastrophe event during the remainder of the year, we anticipate continued downward pressure on pricing for catastrophe exposed business.  We currently expect that the portfolio of business we write in our Property and Marine segment during 2013 will be similar to our current in-force book of business.  We expect that our Property and Marine segment 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, while insurance rate increases are beginning to take hold and keep pace with expected loss cost trends, competition for ceded reinsurance has increased and most new business opportunities and some renewals do not meet our pricing standards. For the time being, it appears that most of the benefits from increasing underlying insurance rates are not flowing through to reinsurers.  While the recent increase in investment yields may be beneficial for the casualty market in the long run, currently many clients and competitors carry excess capital and reserve releases continue to be more common than reserve charges in the liability lines.  Unless these conditions change we expect the total return available from the casualty reinsurance business will not improve materially.  We expect that select casualty reinsurance contracts will continue to offer adequate returns and that the portfolio of business we write in our Casualty segment during 2013 will be similar to our current in-force book of business.
 
Reflecting a continued lack of demand for finite risk covers, we expect to write a relatively small portfolio of business in our Finite Risk segment in 2013.
 
Absent major events in the insurance or capital markets during the remainder of the year, we expect mild deterioration in overall reinsurance rate adequacy.  We will continue emphasizing profitability, not market share.
 
The impact on our investment portfolio from the recent rise in interest rates was mitigated by our prior efforts to manage down our portfolio duration.  If treasury yields increase or spreads expand further we may deploy more cash into investment grade securities.
 
Based on our current reserve position, portfolio of in-force business, asset portfolio, and underwriting prospects for the balance of the year, we believe that we are well capitalized with a comfortable margin above the rating agency targets for a company with our ratings.  If our business performs as expected, we anticipate that we may generate excess capital over time.  Under those conditions, we would have the financial flexibility to expand our underwriting, hold riskier assets, or repurchase our common shares.  Our decision-making will be guided by the risk adjusted pricing prevailing in the reinsurance and financial markets at the time.
 
 
- 32 -

 
 
Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that are inherently subjective in nature 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.  The critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements include premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and LAE, valuation of investments and income taxes.  In addition, estimates are used in our risk transfer analysis for assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions.  For a detailed discussion of our critical accounting estimates, please refer to Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in our 2012 Form 10-K.
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
In presenting the Company’s results in the Results of Operations below, management has included certain tables containing financial measures that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP.  Such measures, including underwriting income or loss and related underwriting ratios, are referred to as non-GAAP measures.  These non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies.  Management believes these measures allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying business.  These measures are used to monitor our results and should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Underwriting income or loss, including segment underwriting income or loss, is reconciled to the U.S. GAAP measure of income or loss before income taxes in Note 8 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q in accordance with Regulation G.
 
Underwriting income or loss measures the performance of the Company’s underwriting function and consists of net premiums earned less net losses and LAE and net underwriting expenses.  Net underwriting expenses include net acquisition expenses and operating costs related to underwriting.  Underwriting income or loss excludes revenues and expenses related to net investment income, net realized gains or losses on investments, net impairment losses on investments, corporate expenses not allocated to underwriting operations, interest expense, net foreign currency exchange gains or losses and other income and expense.
 
Underwriting ratios are calculated for net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and net underwriting expense.  The ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net earned premiums.  The combined ratio is the sum of the net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and net underwriting expense ratios.  The Company believes that underwriting income or loss and ratios highlight the profitability of our reinsurance operations.
 
We conduct our worldwide reinsurance business through three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  In managing our three operating segments, we use underwriting income and loss and related underwriting ratios as a measure in evaluating segment performance.
 
Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013 as Compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
Net income and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows ($ and amounts in thousands, except diluted earnings per common share):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Underwriting income
  $ 36,542     $ 34,412  
Net investment income
    17,808       26,155  
Net realized gains on investments
    11,686       24,978  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (1,516 )     (1,113 )
Other revenues (expenses)
    (10,543 )     (11,005 )
Income before income taxes
    53,977       73,427  
Income tax expense
    (4,123 )     (5,895 )
Net income
  $ 49,854     $ 67,532  
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
    30,970       34,104  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.61     $ 1.97  
 
Underwriting Results
 
Net underwriting income was $36.5 million and $34.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The change in the net underwriting result was due primarily to an increase in net favorable development offset by an increase in net losses from current year major catastrophes.
 
 
- 33 -

 
 
Net favorable or unfavorable development is the development of prior years’ unpaid losses and LAE and the related impact of premiums and commissions.  Net favorable or unfavorable loss development, the unpaid losses and LAE component of net favorable or unfavorable development, excludes the related impact of premiums and commissions.
 
Generally, an event causing more than $1 billion of property losses to the insurance industry or $10 million of property losses to the Company is considered and tracked as a major catastrophe.  Net losses from major catastrophes consist of gross losses and LAE, net of any retrocessional recoveries and reinstatement premiums earned.
 
Net favorable development was $44.1 million and $23.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net losses from major catastrophes were $18.6 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The following discussion and analysis reviews our underwriting results by operating segment.
 
Property and Marine
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results, ratios and the period over period change for the Property and Marine segment for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 58,841     $ 61,431     $ (2,590 )
Ceded premiums written
    1,491       (264 )     1,755  
Net premiums written
    57,350       61,695       (4,345 )
Net premiums earned
    58,832       62,838       (4,006 )
Net losses and LAE
    21,292       17,653       3,639  
Net acquisition expenses
    9,698       8,721       977  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,414       7,454       (40 )
Property and Marine segment underwriting income
  $ 20,428     $ 29,010     $ (8,582 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    36.2 %     28.1 %  
8.1 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    16.5 %     13.9 %  
2.6 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    12.6 %     11.9 %  
0.7 points
 
Combined
    65.3 %     53.9 %  
11.4 points
 

The Property and Marine segment underwriting income decreased by $8.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012 and related to an increase in net losses from current year major catastrophes partially offset by an increase in net favorable development.

Net losses from current year major catastrophes were $18.6 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net losses from 2013 major catastrophes for the three months ended June 30, 2013 were primarily attributable to floods in central and eastern Europe, primarily in Germany, and tornadoes in the Midwest, primarily in Oklahoma, referred to as Property Claims Services (“PCS”) Catastrophe 14.  Net losses from 2012 major catastrophes for the three months ended June 30, 2012 were primarily attributable to severe weather, including a tornado and hailstorm event in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas and Indiana that occurred in April 2012, referred to as PCS Catastrophe 74, offset by a decrease in estimates of first quarter 2012 net losses from major catastrophes from tornado and hailstorm events in Kentucky and Tennessee that occurred in February and March 2012, referred to as PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67.

Net favorable development was $22.2 million and $11.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Property and Marine segment generated 39.2% and 43.6% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Gross premiums written decreased by $2.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012 and decreased by $4.0 million excluding reinstatement premiums related to major catastrophes.  Gross premiums written included increases of $1.7 million and $1.4 million related to changes in prior years’ premium estimates for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Excluding the effect of reinstatement premiums and changes in prior years’ premium estimates, gross premiums written decreased by $4.3 million. The decrease in gross premiums written was primarily due to decreases in the crop and ocean marine classes for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012 and resulted from fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.
 
 
- 34 -

 
 
Net premiums earned decreased by $4.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  Net premiums written and earned were also impacted by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net Losses and LAE
 
Net losses and LAE increased by $3.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012.  The increase in net losses and LAE was primarily due to an increase in net losses from current year major catastrophes partially offset by an increase in net favorable loss development in 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.
 
Current Year Major Catastrophe Losses
 
Net losses from current year major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 34.1 points and 5.7 points for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The following table sets forth the components of pre-tax net losses from 2013 major catastrophes for the three months ended June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Major Catastrophe
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
Floods in central and eastern Europe
  $ (16,182 )   $ 1,527     $ (14,655 )
PCS Catastrophe 14
    (3,922 )     11       (3,911 )
Total
  $ (20,104 )   $ 1,538     $ (18,566 )

The following table sets forth the components of pre-tax net losses from 2012 major catastrophes for the three months ended June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

Major Catastrophe
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
PCS Catastrophe 74
  $ (9,844 )   $ 98     $ (9,746 )
Decrease in First Quarter 2012 Catastrophe Estimates:
                       
PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67
    6,241       3       6,244  
Total
  $ (3,603 )   $ 101     $ (3,502 )

Any development of losses related to 2012 major catastrophes subsequent to December 31, 2012 is included in prior years’ loss development in the major catastrophes class of business for the three months ended June 30, 2013.
 
Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Net favorable loss development was $24.5 million and $7.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 38.5 points and 14.8 points for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 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 by class of business for the three months ended June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Major catastrophes
  $ 22,510     $ (8 )   $ (2,403 )   $ 20,099  
Property per risk
    2,365       199       (184 )     2,380  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    1,920       (147 )     (99 )     1,674  
Property proportional
    (1,299 )     (193 )     -       (1,492 )
Other
    (1,005 )     287       264       (454 )
Total
  $ 24,491     $ 138     $ (2,422 )   $ 22,207  
 
Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from Hurricane Sandy and the Tohoku earthquake in Japan as well as marine losses arising from Hurricanes Katrina and Ike.  Net favorable development in the property per risk class arose primarily from the 2006 and 2012 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2011 and 2012 underwriting years. Net unfavorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from one contract in the 2007 underwriting year.
 
 
- 35 -

 
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the three months ended June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
  $ 3,131     $ 61     $ 131     $ 3,323  
Major catastrophes
    1,969       (9 )     1,011       2,971  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    220       (104 )     1,941       2,057  
Property proportional
    1,835       (94 )     -       1,741  
Other
    631       135       460       1,226  
Total
  $ 7,786     $ (11 )   $ 3,543     $ 11,318  

Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the North American business in the 2011 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from 2008 through 2010 events.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2006 through 2011 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from the North American business from the 2009 and 2010 underwriting years.
 
Calendar Year Losses – Excluding Current Year Major Catastrophes and Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Calendar year losses, excluding current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, were $25.7 million and $21.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, were 43.0% and 36.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The loss ratio was impacted by greater loss activity in the property risk class as well as higher attritional losses, predominantly in the U.S., in the property catastrophe class in 2013 as compared with 2012.  Calendar year losses and related loss ratios, excluding losses from current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $9.7 million and 16.5%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and $8.7 million and 13.9%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  The increase in net acquisition expenses and the acquisition expense ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012 was primarily due to one new contract in the property proportional class that has a higher acquisition expense ratio than the remainder of the segment.  Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were also impacted by other changes in the mix of business.
 
Other Underwriting Expenses
 
Other underwriting expenses were $7.4 million and $7.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Casualty
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results, ratios and the period over period change for the Casualty segment for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 79,711     $ 72,678     $ 7,033  
Net premiums earned
    75,629       75,746       (117 )
Net losses and LAE
    35,358       45,851       (10,493 )
Net acquisition expenses
    18,068       18,487       (419 )
Other underwriting expenses
    5,670       5,625       45  
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 16,533     $ 5,783     $ 10,750  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    46.8 %     60.5 %  
(13.7) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    23.9 %     24.4 %  
(0.5) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.5 %     7.4 %  
0.1 points
 
Combined
    78.2 %     92.3 %  
(14.1) points
 
 
 
- 36 -

 

The Casualty segment underwriting income increased by $10.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net favorable development.  Net favorable development was $22.2 million and $11.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Casualty operating segment generated 54.5% and 51.4% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net premiums written increased by $7.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012.   Net premiums written in the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $13.2 million and $13.0 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums written increased by $6.9 million. The increase in net premiums written relates primarily to the accident and health and international casualty classes.
 
Net premiums earned decreased by $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012.  Net premiums earned in the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $6.7 million and $9.4 million, respectively.  Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums earned increased by $2.5 million. Net premiums written and earned were impacted by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net Losses and LAE
 
Net losses and LAE decreased by $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net favorable loss development.
 
Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Net favorable loss development was $22.0 million and $11.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 28.8 points and 16.0 points for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 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 impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the three months ended June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 16,068     $ (232 )   $ -     $ 15,836  
North American umbrella
    6,370       467       -       6,837  
International casualty
    (848 )     15       (250 )     (1,083 )
Other
    366       223       17       606  
Total
  $ 21,956     $ 473     $ (233 )   $ 22,196  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2006 through 2011 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from a professional liability claim in the 2003 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2009 and prior underwriting years.  Net unfavorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from a change in the pattern of loss development from the 2002 underwriting year that resulted in $1.6 million of net unfavorable development.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the three months ended June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 8,088     $ (825 )   $ 68     $ 7,331  
North American umbrella
    4,721       435       -       5,156  
North American occurrence
    1,589       (89 )     -       1,500  
Accident and health
    883       305       -       1,188  
International casualty
    (4,294 )     34       149       (4,111 )
Other
    748       (405 )     322       665  
Total
  $ 11,735     $ (545 )   $ 539     $ 11,729  
 
 
- 37 -

 

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2008 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2006 and 2007 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose from most prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2008 through 2010 underwriting years.  Net unfavorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from medical malpractice contracts from the 2005 through 2007 underwriting years and liability claims arising from Australian wildfires in the 2008 underwriting year.
 
Calendar Year Losses – Excluding Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Calendar year losses, excluding prior years’ loss development, were $57.3 million and $57.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were 75.6% and 76.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Calendar year losses and related ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $18.1 million and 23.9%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and $18.5 million and 24.4%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Other Underwriting Expenses
 
Other underwriting expenses were $5.7 million and $5.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Finite Risk
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results, ratios and the period over period change for the Finite Risk segment for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 9,309     $ 7,086     $ 2,223  
Net premiums earned
    8,472       6,491       1,981  
Net losses and LAE
    6,017       3,613          
Net acquisition expenses
    2,547       2,992          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    8,564       6,605       1,959  
Other underwriting expenses
    327       267       60  
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (419 )   $ (381 )   $ (38 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    71.0 %     55.7 %        
Net acquisition expense
    30.1 %     46.1 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense
    101.1 %     101.8 %  
(0.7) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    3.9 %     4.1 %  
(0.2) points
 
Combined
    105.0 %     105.9 %  
(0.9) points
 

During the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the in-force Finite Risk portfolio consisted of one contract and we expect minor activity in this segment in the foreseeable future due to the relatively low level of demand for finite risk products.  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.  Due to the decline in premium volume in recent years, current year ratios may be significantly impacted by relatively small adjustments of prior years’ reserves.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Finite Risk segment generated 6.3% and 5.0% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The increases in net premiums written and net premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012 were primarily attributable to increases in the subject premium basis on the single contract currently in-force in 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.
 
Net Losses, LAE and Acquisition Expenses
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses increased by $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net premiums earned.  Net unfavorable development was $0.3 million and net favorable development was $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
 
- 38 -

 
 
Non-Underwriting Results
 
Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income was $17.8 million and $26.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net investment income decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2013, as compared with the same period in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the average book yield for the portfolio of total investments and cash and cash equivalents from 2.7% in the second quarter of 2012 to 2.0% in the second quarter of 2013.  The decrease in the average book yield reflected the sale of higher yielding investments.  We also retained a higher proportion of cash in our portfolio in order to decrease the overall duration and maintain high liquidity.  Contributing to the decrease in net investment income was a reduction of approximately $291.1 million in the average book value of our investments and cash and cash equivalents for the three months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012, primarily due to share repurchases and negative operating cash flows over the last twelve months.
 
Net Realized Gains on Investments
 
Net realized gains on investments were $11.7 million and $25.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $13.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and included $5.4 million of net realized gains from the sale of corporate bonds, $4.8 million of net realized gains from the sale of municipal bonds and $2.5 million of net realized gains from the sale of commercial mortgage-back securities (“CMBS”).  Also included in net realized gains was a net negative impact from fair value adjustments on trading securities of $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 related to non-U.S. government securities.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $25.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and included $21.2 million of net realized gains from the sale of municipal bonds and $3.0 million of net realized gains from the sale of corporate bonds.  The net negative impact from fair value adjustments on trading securities of $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was related to non-U.S. government securities.
 
Net Impairment Losses on Investments
 
Net impairment losses reflect other-than-temporary impairments attributable to credit losses on impaired securities that relate exclusively to investments in securitized mortgages not guaranteed by U.S. government agencies.
 
Net impairment losses on investments were $1.5 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2013 included $1.1 million related to non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and $0.4 million related to sub-prime asset backed securities (“ABS”).  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2012 related substantially all to non-agency RMBS.
 
Other Revenues and Expenses
 
The following table sets forth other revenues and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Other income (expense)
  $ (315 )   $ (191 )
Operating expenses not allocated to segments
    (6,307 )     (6,350 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
    859       310  
Interest expense
    (4,780 )     (4,774 )
Other expenses
  $ (10,543 )   $ (11,005 )
 
Operating expenses not allocated to underwriting segments were $6.3 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and related to costs such as compensation and other corporate expenses associated with operating as a publicly-traded company.
 
Interest expense was $4.8 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 and related to our $250.0 million of debt obligations.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $4.1 million and $5.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Our effective tax rate was 7.6% and 8.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The income tax expense or benefit is primarily driven by the taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries.  Our effective tax rate is primarily driven by the portion of taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries relative to the income or loss generated by our Bermuda-based operations, which are not subject to corporate income tax.  Premiums earned by our U.S. and Bermuda-based subsidiaries generally do not bear a proportionate relationship to their respective pre-tax income for a variety of reasons, including the significant impact on pre-tax income of the different mixes of business underwritten by the particular subsidiary, the presence or absence of underwriting income or loss attributable to such business, and the investment results experienced by the particular subsidiary.
 
 
- 39 -

 
 
Pre-tax income was $41.7 million and $12.3 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2013.  Pre-tax income was $55.9 million and $17.7 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2012.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 as Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
Net income and diluted earnings per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows ($ and amounts in thousands, except diluted earnings per common share):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Underwriting income
  $ 105,790     $ 50,709  
Net investment income
    36,352       54,707  
Net realized gains on investments
    25,004       47,317  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (1,937 )     (2,183 )
Other revenues (expenses)
    (19,627 )     (21,709 )
Income before income taxes
    145,582       128,841  
Income tax expense
    (9,212 )     (8,022 )
Net income
  $ 136,370     $ 120,819  
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
    31,904       34,805  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 4.26     $ 3.46  

Underwriting Results
 
Net underwriting income was $105.8 million and $50.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The change in the net underwriting result was due primarily to an increase in net favorable development and a decrease in net losses from current year major catastrophes.
 
Net favorable development was $98.6 million and $51.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net losses from current year major catastrophes were $18.6 million and $29.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The following discussion and analysis reviews our underwriting results by operating segment.
 
Property and Marine
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results, ratios and the period over period change for the Property and Marine segment for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 118,318     $ 129,975     $ (11,657 )
Ceded premiums written
    1,541       127       1,414  
Net premiums written
    116,777       129,848       (13,071 )
Net premiums earned
    110,684       124,166       (13,482 )
Net losses and LAE
    7,087       58,590       (51,503 )
Net acquisition expenses
    17,925       17,956       (31 )
Other underwriting expenses
    14,746       14,289       457  
Property and Marine segment underwriting income
  $ 70,926     $ 33,331     $ 37,595  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    6.4 %     47.2 %  
(40.8) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    16.2 %     14.5 %  
1.7 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    13.3 %     11.5 %  
1.8 points
 
Combined
    35.9 %     73.2 %  
(37.3) points
 
 
 
- 40 -

 

The Property and Marine segment underwriting result improved by $37.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net favorable development and a decrease in net losses from current year major catastrophes.
 
Net favorable development was $52.3 million and $22.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net losses from current year major catastrophes were $18.6 million and $29.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net losses from 2013 major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2013  were attributable to floods in central and eastern Europe and PCS Catastrophe 14.  Net losses from 2012 major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2012 were attributable to PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67 and PCS Catastrophe 74.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Property and Marine segment generated 41.5% and 45.5% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Gross premiums written decreased by $11.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, and by $10.8 million excluding reinstatement premiums written related to major catastrophes.  Gross premiums written included increases of $4.3 million and $1.7 million related to changes in prior years’ premium estimates for six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Excluding the effect of reinstatement premiums and changes in prior years’ premium estimates, gross premiums written decreased by $13.3 million. The decrease in gross premiums written was primarily due to decreases in the crop and catastrophe excess-of-loss classes for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012 and resulted from fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.
 
Net premiums earned decreased by $13.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  Net premiums written and earned were also impacted by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net Losses and LAE
 
Net losses and LAE decreased by $51.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The decrease in net losses and LAE was primarily due to an increase in net favorable loss development and a reduction in net losses from current year major catastrophes in 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.
 
Current Year Major Catastrophe Losses
 
Net losses from current year major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 18.3 points and 25.1 points for six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The following table sets forth the components of pre-tax net losses from 2013 major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Major Catastrophe
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
Floods in central and eastern Europe
  $ (16,182 )   $ 1,527     $ (14,655 )
PCS Catastrophe 14
    (3,922 )     11       (3,911 )
Total
  $ (20,104 )   $ 1,538     $ (18,566 )

The following table sets forth the components of pre-tax net losses from 2012 major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

Major Catastrophe
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67
  $ (21,802 )   $ 2,171     $ (19,631 )
PCS Catastrophe 74
    (9,844 )     98       (9,746 )
Total
  $ (31,646 )   $ 2,269     $ (29,377 )

During the course of 2012, the Company decreased its estimate of the pre-tax loss from PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67 and PCS Catastrophe 74.  At December 31, 2012, the Company’s estimate of the pre-tax net loss was $17.5 million and $8.7 million for PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67 and PCS Catastrophe 74, respectively.  Any development of losses related to these major catastrophes subsequent to December 31, 2012 is included in prior years’ loss development in the major catastrophes class of business for the six months ended June 30, 2013.
 
Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Net favorable loss development was $56.1 million and $18.5 million for six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 48.7 points and 17.2 points for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 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.
 
 
- 41 -

 
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the six months ended June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Major catastrophes
  $ 39,599     $ (31 )   $ (4,083 )   $ 35,485  
Property per risk
    8,003       97       (4 )     8,096  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    5,291       125       (158 )     5,258  
Crop
    1,793       38       196       2,027  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    1,007       240       -       1,247  
Other
    391       (184 )     -       207  
Total
  $ 56,084     $ 285     $ (4,049 )   $ 52,320  

Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from Hurricane Sandy and the Tohoku earthquake in Japan, as well as marine losses arising from Hurricanes Katrina and Ike.  Net favorable development in the property per risk class arose primarily from the 2011 and 2012 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2010 through 2012 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from the 2012 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2006 through 2008 underwriting years.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the six months ended June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Property per risk
  $ 6,350     $ (24 )   $ 1,336     $ 7,662  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    5,780       (8 )     276       6,048  
Major catastrophes
    2,290       (24 )     678       2,944  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    734       (104 )     2,195       2,825  
Property proportional
    2,851       (153 )     -       2,698  
Other
    484       6       -       490  
Total
  $ 18,489     $ (307 )   $ 4,485     $ 22,667  

Net favorable development in the property per risk class arose from most prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the North American business in the 2011 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from 2008 and 2009 events.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2006 through 2011 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose from most prior underwriting years.
 
Calendar Year Losses – Excluding Current Year Major Catastrophes and Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Calendar year losses, excluding current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, were $43.1 million and $45.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, were 38.0% and 38.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Calendar year losses and related loss ratios, excluding losses from current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, were impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $17.9 million and 16.2%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and $18.0 million and 14.5%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The increase in the acquisition expense ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012 was primarily due to one new contract in the property proportional class that has a higher acquisition expense ratio than the remainder of the segment.  Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
 
- 42 -

 
 
Other Underwriting Expenses
 
Other underwriting expenses were $14.7 million and $14.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The increase was primarily due to higher performance-based compensation accruals in 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.
 
Casualty
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results, ratios and the period over period change for the Casualty segment for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 150,555     $ 147,078     $ 3,477  
Net premiums earned
    146,424       151,512       (5,088 )
Net losses and LAE
    65,001       86,887       (21,886 )
Net acquisition expenses
    34,317       35,862       (1,545 )
Other underwriting expenses
    11,393       10,661       732  
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 35,713     $ 18,102     $ 17,611  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    44.4 %     57.3 %  
(12.9) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    23.4 %     23.7 %  
(0.3) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.8 %     7.0 %  
0.8 points
 
Combined
    75.6 %     88.0 %  
(12.4) points
 

The Casualty segment underwriting income increased by $17.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net favorable development.  Net favorable development was $46.6 million and $28.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Casualty segment generated 53.6% and 51.6% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net premiums written increased by $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012.  Net premiums written in the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $24.0 million and $25.1 million, respectively.  Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums written increased by $4.5 million.
 
Net premiums earned decreased by $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013  as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The net premiums earned in the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $15.0 million and $18.1 million, respectively.  Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums earned decreased by $2.0 million.  Net premiums written and earned were impacted by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net Losses and LAE
 
Net losses and LAE decreased by $21.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net favorable loss development.
 
Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Net favorable loss development was $45.6 million and $27.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 31.1 points and 19.1 points for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 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 impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
 
- 43 -

 
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the six months ended June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 22,047     $ (106 )   $ 61     $ 22,002  
North American umbrella
    16,887       463       -       17,350  
Accident and health
    1,698       435       -       2,133  
Financial lines
    2,203       (232 )     (38 )     1,933  
North American clash
    1,149       13       11       1,173  
North American occurrence
    343       581       122       1,046  
Other
    1,241       (8 )     (265 )     968  
Total
  $ 45,568     $ 1,146     $ (109 )   $ 46,605  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2010 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from a professional liability claim in the 2003 underwriting year and a product liability claim in the 2011 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2009 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose from the 2009 through 2011 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from the 2011 and 2012 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American clash class arose primarily from the 2008 and prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose primarily from the 2007 through 2011 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from construction defect claims in the 2004 and 2005 underwriting years.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 by class of business ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 20,586     $ (1,384 )   $ 739     $ 19,941  
North American umbrella
    10,612       426       -       11,038  
North American occurrence
    4,421       (144 )     19       4,296  
Accident and health
    917       420       -       1,337  
International casualty
    (7,929 )     36       153       (7,740 )
Other
    (879 )     (314 )     648       (545 )
Total
  $ 27,728     $ (960 )   $ 1,559     $ 28,327  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2008 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2007 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose primarily from the 2007 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2008 through 2010 underwriting years.  Net unfavorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from the 2006, 2008 and 2010 underwriting years. The 2006 underwriting year was impacted by medical malpractice claims. The 2008 underwriting year was impacted by claims related to the credit crisis arising from the financial institutions business and liability arising from Australian wildfires. The 2010 underwriting year was impacted by a claim related to a power plant in Thailand.
 
Calendar Year Losses – Excluding Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Calendar year losses, excluding prior years’ loss development, were $110.6 million and $114.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were 75.5% and 76.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Calendar year losses and related ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $34.3 million and 23.4%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and $35.9 million and 23.7%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Other Underwriting Expenses
 
Other underwriting expenses were $11.4 million and $10.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The increase was primarily due to higher performance-based compensation accruals in 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.
 
 
- 44 -

 
 
Finite Risk
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results, ratios and the period over period change for the Finite Risk segment for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 13,803     $ 8,194     $ 5,609  
Net premiums earned
    12,678       7,609       5,069  
Net losses and LAE
    4,577       836          
Net acquisition expenses
    8,290       7,039          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    12,867       7,875       4,992  
Other underwriting expenses
    660       458       202  
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (849 )   $ (724 )   $ (125 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    36.1 %     11.0 %        
Net acquisition expense
    65.4 %     92.5 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense
    101.5 %     103.5 %  
(2.0) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    5.2 %     6.0 %  
(0.8) points
 
Combined
    106.7 %     109.5 %  
(2.8) points
 

During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the in-force Finite Risk portfolio consisted of one contract and we expect minor activity in this segment in the foreseeable future due to the relatively low level of demand for finite risk products.  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.  Due to the decline in premium volume in recent years, current year ratios may be significantly impacted by relatively small adjustments of prior years’ reserves.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Finite Risk segment generated 4.9% and 2.9% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The increases in net premiums written and net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012 were primarily attributable to increases in the subject premium basis on the single contract currently in-force in 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.
 
Net Losses, LAE and Acquisition Expenses
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses increased by $5.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net premiums earned.  Net unfavorable development was $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and net favorable development was less than $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Non-Underwriting Results
 
Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income was $36.4 million and $54.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net investment income decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2013, as compared with the same period in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the average book yield for the portfolio of total investments and cash and cash equivalents from 2.8% in the first six months of 2012 to 2.0% in the first six months of 2013.  The decrease in the average book yield reflected the sale of higher yielding investments.  We also retained a higher proportion of cash in our portfolio in order to decrease the overall duration and maintain high liquidity.  Contributing to the decrease in net investment income was a reduction of approximately $256.6 million in the average book value of our investments and cash and cash equivalents for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012, primarily due to share repurchases and negative operating cash flows over the last twelve months.
 
Net Realized Gains on Investments
 
Net realized gains on investments were $25.0 million and $47.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $27.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, and included $18.3 million of net realized gains from the sale of municipal bonds, $6.1 million of net realized gains from the sale of corporate bonds and $2.5 million of net realized gains from the sale of CMBS. Also included in net realized gains was a net negative impact from fair value adjustments on trading securities of $2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 related to non-U.S. government securities.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $47.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and included $41.3 million of net realized gains from the sale of municipal bonds, $4.6 million of net realized gains from the sale of corporate bonds and $1.0 million of net realized gains from the sale of CMBS. The net negative impact from fair value adjustments on trading securities of $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was related to non-U.S. government securities.
 
 
- 45 -

 
 
Net Impairment Losses on Investments
 
Net impairment losses reflect other-than-temporary impairments attributable to credit losses on impaired securities that relate exclusively to investments in securitized mortgages not guaranteed by U.S. government agencies.
 
Net impairment losses on investments were $1.9 million and $2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The net impairment losses recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included $1.4 million related to non-agency RMBS and $0.5 million related to sub-prime ABS.  The net impairment losses recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2012 related substantially all to non-agency RMBS.
 
Other Revenues and Expenses
 
The following table sets forth other revenues and expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Other income (expense)
  $ 1,077     $ (670 )
Operating expenses not allocated to segments
    (12,224 )     (11,271 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
    1,079       (222 )
Interest expense
    (9,559 )     (9,546 )
Other expenses
  $ (19,627 )   $ (21,709 )
 
Other income (expense) includes changes in the fair value of our reinsurance deposit assets.  Income from our reinsurance deposit assets was $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013.  We had no reinsurance deposit assets during the six months ended June 30, 2012.
 
Operating expenses not allocated to underwriting segments were $12.2 million and $11.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and related to costs such as compensation and other corporate expenses associated with operating as a publicly-traded company.  The increase was primarily due to higher performance-based compensation accruals in 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.
 
Interest expense was $9.6 million and $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and related to our $250.0 million of debt obligations.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $9.2 million and $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Our effective tax rate was 6.3% and 6.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The income tax expense or benefit is primarily driven by the taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries.  Our effective tax rate is primarily driven by the portion of taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries relative to the income or loss generated by our Bermuda-based operations, which are not subject to corporate income tax.  Premiums earned by our U.S. and Bermuda-based subsidiaries generally do not bear a proportionate relationship to their respective pre-tax income for a variety of reasons, including the significant impact on pre-tax income of the different mixes of business underwritten by the particular subsidiary, the presence or absence of underwriting income or loss attributable to such business, and the investment results experienced by the particular subsidiary.
 
Pre-tax income was $108.6 million and $37.0 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2013.  Pre-tax income was $95.5 million and $33.6 in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2012.
 
Financial Condition
 
The following discussion of financial condition, liquidity and capital resources as of June 30, 2013 focuses only on material changes from December 31, 2012.  See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition,” in our 2012 Form 10-K.
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity Requirements
 
Platinum Holdings is a holding company, the assets of which consist primarily of shares of its subsidiaries.  Platinum Holdings’ liquidity requirements, and those of Platinum Finance, include the payment of operating expenses, debt service obligations and income taxes.  Our reinsurance subsidiaries’ principal liquidity requirements are the payment of losses and LAE, commissions, brokerage, operating expenses, income taxes and dividends to Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance.  We consider the impact of dividends and other distributions from our reinsurance subsidiaries on their respective capital levels, which may impact the financial strength rating assigned to our subsidiaries by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P").
 
 
- 46 -

 
 
Collateral Requirements of our Reinsurance Subsidiaries
 
Platinum Bermuda is not licensed, approved or accredited as a reinsurer in the United States and, therefore, under the terms of its contracts with U.S. ceding companies, it is required to provide collateral to its ceding companies for unpaid losses and LAE and unearned premiums in a form acceptable to state insurance commissioners.  Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US also provide reinsurance coverage in many other international jurisdictions, several of which require us to provide collateral.  Typically, this type of collateral takes the form of letters of credit issued by a bank, the establishment of a trust, or funds held by ceding companies.  See “Sources of Liquidity – Credit Facilities” below for additional information on our credit facilities and the collateral required by us under these facilities.
 
Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US also have reinsurance and other contracts that require them to provide collateral to ceding companies when certain levels of assumed liabilities are attained.  Should certain events occur, such as a decline in our financial strength rating by A.M. Best or S&P below specified levels or a decline in statutory equity below specified amounts, the amount of collateral required may increase.  Some reinsurance contracts also have special termination provisions that permit early termination should certain events occur. Investments of $58.9 million and cash and cash equivalents of $12.1 million were pledged to collateralize obligations under various reinsurance contracts as of June 30, 2013.
 
Other Liquidity Requirements
 
Platinum Holdings fully and unconditionally guarantees the outstanding $250.0 million of debt obligations of Platinum Finance.  Platinum Finance pays interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum on June 1 and December 1 of each year.
 
Platinum Holdings also may require cash to pay for share repurchases.  See “Capital Resources - Share and Debt Repurchases” below for additional discussion of share repurchases.
 
Sources of Liquidity
 
Platinum Holdings’ and Platinum Finance’s sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents, liquid investments, borrowings from our syndicated credit facility, the potential issuance of securities, and dividends and other distributions from subsidiaries. Our reinsurance subsidiaries’ sources of liquidity consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, inflows of cash from operations, proceeds from the sale, redemption and maturity of investments and borrowings from our credit facilities.
 
As of June 30, 2013, we had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $1.6 billion, including $8.1 million at Platinum Holdings and $146.8 million at Platinum Finance.  We expect that Platinum Holdings’ and Platinum Finance’s liquidity needs for the next twelve months will be met by our cash and cash equivalents and available dividend capacity from our subsidiaries. We expect that our reinsurance subsidiaries’ liquidity needs for the next twelve months will be met by our cash and cash equivalents, inflows of cash from operations, investment income and proceeds from the sale, redemption or maturity of investments.
 
Cash Flows
 
The following table summarizes the cash provided by or used in our operating, investing and financing activities and the effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (49,113 )   $ (59,185 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
    165,450       832,278  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (215,010 )     (94,428 )
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    (12,261 )     (5,192 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (110,934 )     673,473  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,720,395       792,510  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,609,461     $ 1,465,983  
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash used in operating activities in both 2013 and 2012 was primarily due to the payment of losses and LAE and a reduction in premium volume as compared with prior years.  Our reinsurance subsidiaries generally have liquidity from underwriting activities as premiums are received in advance of the time losses are paid.  The period of time from the occurrence of a claim through the settlement of the liability may extend many years into the future.  However, due to the nature of our reinsurance operations, cash flows are affected by claim payments that can fluctuate from year to year.  The amount and timing of actual claim payments can vary based on many factors, including the severity of individual losses, changes in the legal environment, and general market conditions.  As a result of a reduction in premium volume and expected loss payments resulting from major catastrophe activity in the last three years, we anticipate that our operating cash flows will be negative for at least the next 12 months.
 
Investing Activities
 
Net cash provided by investing activities in both 2013 and 2012 was primarily due to sales and maturities of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities and short-term investments, partially offset by the acquisition of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities and short-term investments.  We have increased our cash balance from investing activities to decrease the overall duration of our investable assets and to maintain high liquidity.
 
 
- 47 -

 
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities primarily related to repurchases of common shares of $224.2 million and $89.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  In addition, dividends paid to common shareholders were $4.9 million and $5.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Investments
 
As part of our investment strategy, we seek to establish a level of cash and liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities.  We believe our expected cash flows from our investment strategy will be adequate to meet our foreseeable liquidity requirements.  However, the ultimate amount and timing of claim payments could differ materially from our estimates and create significant variations in cash flows from operations between periods, which may require us to make payments from other sources of liquidity, such as sales of investments, borrowings from credit facilities or proceeds from capital market transactions.  If we need to sell investments to meet liquidity requirements, the sale of such investments may be at a material gain or loss.
 
Our investment portfolio consists primarily of diversified, high quality, predominantly investment grade fixed maturity securities.  See Note 3 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q for additional discussion of fair values.  The following table sets forth the fair values, net unrealized gains and losses and credit quality of our investments as of June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Fair Value
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Credit Quality
 
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities:
                 
U.S. Government
  $ 4,842     $ 245    
Aaa
 
Municipal bonds:
                     
State general obligation bonds
    796,390       42,292    
Aa3
 
Essential service bonds
    182,376       9,423    
Aa3
 
Pre-refunded bonds
    84,378       3,664    
Aa2
 
State income tax and sales tax bonds
    76,909       6,545    
Aa1
 
Other municipal bonds
    76,726       2,742    
Aa2
 
Subtotal
    1,216,779       64,666    
Aa2
 
Non-U.S. governments
    40,482       513    
Aa1
 
Corporate bonds:
                     
Industrial
    160,740       1,081    
Baa2
 
Utilities
    55,964       1,017    
Baa1
 
Insurance
    29,034       1,584    
Baa1
 
Subtotal
    245,738       3,682    
Baa1
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    99,092       5,185    
Aa3
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                     
U.S. Government agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    173,425       1,483    
Aaa
 
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    17,633       (1,259 )  
Caa2
 
Subtotal
    191,058       224    
Aa2
 
Asset-backed securities:
                     
Asset-backed securities
    13,480       (120 )  
Aaa
 
Sub-prime asset-backed securities
    4,169       1,443       C  
Subtotal
    17,649       1,323       A2  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    1,815,640       75,838    
Aa3
 
Fixed maturity trading securities:
                       
Non-U.S. governments
    105,070       n/a    
Aaa
 
Total fixed maturity trading securities
    105,070       n/a    
Aaa
 
Short-term investments:
                       
Trading
    77,636       n/a    
Aaa
 
Total short-term investments
    77,636       n/a    
Aaa
 
Total investments
  $ 1,998,346     $ 75,838    
Aa3
 
 
 
- 48 -

 

Our investable assets, which consist of investments, cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net balances due to and from brokers totaled $3.6 billion and $4.0 billion at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Our investable assets had a weighted average rating of Aa2 and Aa1 as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, primarily measured by Moody’s Investor Services ("Moody's").  If a particular security did not have a Moody’s rating then a rating generally from S&P was converted to a Moody’s equivalent rating.  Investable assets had a weighted average duration of 2.4 and 2.6 years as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
 
Non-U.S. Governments
 
Our non-U.S. government bond portfolio, which includes our short-term investments classified as trading, consists of securities issued by governments, provinces, agencies and supranationals.
 
The following table provides additional detail on the fair value and amortized cost of our portfolio of non-U.S. government fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, fixed maturity trading securities and short-term investments converted to U.S. dollars as of June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Fair Value
         
Non-U.S. government portfolio
 
Basic Monetary Unit
   
Other Non-U.S. Dollar
   
U.S. Dollar
   
Total
    Amortized Cost  
Germany
  $ 43,157     $ -     $ -     $ 43,157     $ 40,799  
Netherlands
    -       1,439       -       1,439       1,344  
Eurozone governments
    43,157       1,439       -       44,596       42,143  
New Zealand
    59,438       -       -       59,438       59,438  
United Kingdom
    51,522       -       -       51,522       47,925  
Sweden
    -       1,169       30,217       31,386       31,088  
Australia
    24,194       -       -       24,194       23,928  
Japan
    -       -       5,222       5,222       5,000  
Norway
    -       -       5,043       5,043       4,996  
Supranational
    -       1,787       -       1,787       1,638  
Other non-U.S. governments
    135,154       2,956       40,482       178,592       174,013  
Total non-U.S. governments
  $ 178,311     $ 4,395     $ 40,482     $ 223,188     $ 216,156  

We invest in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities for purposes of hedging our non-U.S. dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities.
 
In addition to the investments noted above, we held non-U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents of $96.2 million that are also held for the purpose of hedging our non-U.S. dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities.
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
The net unrealized gain position of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios was $64.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2013 as compared with a net unrealized gain position of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios of $129.7 million and $20.9 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.  The decreases in the net unrealized gain position in our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios were the result of increases in treasury yields and a widening of interest rate spreads as well as realized gains from sales activities.  We analyze the creditworthiness of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios by reviewing various performance metrics of the issuer, including financial condition, credit ratings and other public information. 
 
The net unrealized gain position of our CMBS portfolio was $5.2 million as of June 30, 2013 as compared with $8.4 million as of December 31, 2012.  The decrease in the net unrealized gain position in our CMBS portfolio was the result of sales activities.  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 gain position of our RMBS portfolio was $0.2 million, with non-agency RMBS representing net unrealized losses of $1.3 million, as of June 30, 2013 as compared with a net unrealized loss position of $0.7 million, with non-agency RMBS representing net unrealized losses of $2.9 million, as of December 31, 2012.  Approximately 91% of the RMBS in our investment portfolio were issued or are 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 9% of our RMBS were issued by non-agency institutions that relate exclusively to investments in securitized mortgages not guaranteed by U.S. government agencies. Securities with underlying sub-prime mortgages as collateral are included in ABS. The net unrealized gain position of our portfolio of sub-prime ABS was $1.4 million as of June 30, 2013 as compared with $0.5 million as of December 31, 2012.  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.
 
 
- 49 -

 
 
We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our fixed maturity available-for-sale portfolio of $11.0 million 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.
 
Credit Facilities
 
As of June 30, 2013, we had a $300.0 million credit facility with various financial institutions (the “Syndicated Credit Facility”) available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit.  In addition, we had other letter of credit (“LOC”) facilities available for the issuance of letters of credit to support reinsurance obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.  We had no revolving borrowings under the Syndicated Credit Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit and the cash and cash equivalents held in trust to collateralize letters of credit issued as of June 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Letters of Credit
   
Collateral
 
   
Committed Capacity
   
Issued
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Syndicated Credit Facility:
                 
Secured
  $ 200,000     $ 80,405     $ 93,347  
Unsecured
    100,000       -       -  
Total Syndicated Credit Facility
    300,000       80,405       93,347  
Other LOC Facilities
    118,122       46,454       67,312  
Total
  $ 418,122     $ 126,859     $ 160,659  

As of June 30, 2013, we were in compliance with covenants under all credit facilities.
 
On July 2, 2013, Platinum Bermuda increased the amount of an uncommitted LOC facility by $50.0 million resulting in total uncommitted LOC capacity of $256.9 million available to our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The Company also has the ability to increase the syndicated and other LOC facilities by up to $175.0 million, subject to agreement with the lenders.
 
Dividend Restrictions
 
Platinum Holdings and its subsidiaries are subject to certain legal and regulatory restrictions in their respective jurisdictions of domicile. The legal restrictions generally include the requirement to maintain positive net assets and to be able to pay liabilities as they become due. For more details on our regulations, see Item 1, “Business – Regulation,” in our 2012 Form 10-K.  Regulatory restrictions on dividends are described below.
 
Dividend Restrictions on Platinum Holdings
 
There are no regulatory restrictions on retained earnings available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Holdings to its shareholders.
 
Dividend Restrictions on Subsidiaries
 
The laws and regulations of Bermuda and the United States include certain restrictions on the amount of statutory capital and surplus that are available for the payment of dividends 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. The following table summarizes the dividend capacity of our reinsurance subsidiaries for 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
   
2013
   
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
   
June 30, 2013
 
   
Dividend Capacity
   
Paid
   
Remaining
 
Platinum Bermuda
  $ 318,343     $ 162,500     $ 155,843  
Platinum US
    30,779       -       30,779  
Total
  $ 349,122     $ 162,500     $ 186,622  
 
 
- 50 -

 
 
Subsequent to June 30, 2013, Platinum Bermuda declared and paid a dividend of $100.0 million to Platinum Holdings.
 
There are no regulatory restrictions on retained earnings available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Finance to Platinum Regency or by Platinum Regency to Platinum Holdings.
 
Capital Resources
 
At June 30, 2013, our capital resources of $2.0 billion consisted of $1.7 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0 million of debt obligations.  At December 31, 2012, our capital resources of $2.1 billion consisted of $1.9 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0 million of debt obligations.  The decrease in capital of $148.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was primarily attributable to repurchases of common shares of $224.2 million and the decrease in our net unrealized gains of $73.3 million, net of tax, partially offset by net income of $136.4 million.
 
Share and Debt Repurchases
 
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 July 24, 2013, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2013, in accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 2,705,797 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $155.9 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $57.62 per share.  During the six months ended June 30, 2013, in accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 3,997,661 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $224.2 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $56.09 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.
 
Our Board of Directors has also authorized the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our outstanding Series B 7.5% Notes due June 1, 2017, issued by Platinum Finance, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  We have not repurchased any of our Series B 7.5% Notes.
 
The timing and amount, if any, of repurchase transactions depends on a variety of factors, including prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, corporate and regulatory considerations and other factors.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined for purposes of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, which are not accounted for or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2013.
 
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 2012 Form 10-K.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
See Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” contained elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.
 
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.
 
 
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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 financial strength 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 effect on our business of the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business;
 
·  
the effect on our business of the highly competitive nature of the property and casualty reinsurance industry, including the effect of new entrants to the 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 retrocessional reinsurance on acceptable terms;
 
·  
foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation;
 
·  
our ability to maintain and enhance effective operating procedures and internal controls over financial reporting;
 
·  
our need to make many estimates and judgments in the preparation of our financial statements;
 
·  
the limitations placed on our financial and operational flexibility by the representations, warranties and covenants in our debt and credit facilities;
 
·  
our ability to retain key executives and attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future;
 
·  
the performance of our investment portfolio;
 
·  
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 effects that the imposition of U.S. corporate income tax would have on Platinum Holdings and its non-U.S. subsidiaries;
 
 
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·  
the risk that U.S. persons who hold our shares will be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences under certain circumstances;
 
·  
the risk that 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;
 
·  
the risk that 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 possibility that we may become subject to taxes in Bermuda;
 
·  
the effect on our business 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 uncertain impact on our business of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010;
 
·  
the dependence of the cash flows of Platinum Holdings on dividends, interest and other permissible payments from its subsidiaries to meet its obligations;
 
·  
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 2012 Form 10-K.
 
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, 2012.  See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” in our 2012 Form 10-K for a complete discussion of these risks.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
The following table shows the aggregate hypothetical impact on the market value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio as of June 30, 2013, 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
  $ 2,010,518     $ 1,964,745     $ 1,920,710     $ 1,878,510     $ 1,838,150  
Percent change in market value
    4.7%       2.3%       0.0%       (2.2% )     (4.3% )
Resulting net appreciation (depreciation)
  $ 89,808     $ 44,035     $ -     $ (42,200 )   $ (82,560 )
 
Actual shifts in interest rates may not change by the same magnitude across the maturity spectrum or on an individual security and, as a result, the impact on the fair value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio may be materially different from the resulting net appreciation or depreciation indicated in the table above.
 
 
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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, 2013 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 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  
 
The following table summarizes our purchases of our common shares during the three months ended June 30, 2013:

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid per Share (1)
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program
   
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (2)
 
April 1, 2013 - April 30, 2013
    491,068     $ 56.65       491,068     $ 128,097,602  
May 1, 2013 - May 31, 2013
    2,214,729       57.84       2,214,729       51  
June 1, 2013 - June 30, 2013
    -       -       -       51  
Total
    2,705,797     $ 57.62       2,705,797     $ 51  

(1)
Including commissions.
 
(2)
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 July 24, 2013, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.
 
Item 6.Exhibits

Exhibit Number
 
Description
     
10.1
 
Amendment and Restatement Agreement dated July 2, 2013 relating to a Facility Agreement dated July 31, 2012 for Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. made between Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. as the Guarantor, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. as the Borrower, National Australia Bank Limited as the Arranger, the Original Bank, the Agent and the Security Agent and ING Bank N.V. as the Increase Bank.(1)
10.2
 
Uncommitted U.S. $125,000,000 Facility Agreement dated July 31, 2012 as amended and restated on July 2, 2013 made between Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. as the Guarantor, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. as the Borrower, National Australia Bank Limited as the Arranger, the Agent and the Security Agent and National Australia Bank Limited and ING Bank N.V. as the Effective Date Banks.(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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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, 2013 (unaudited) and December 31, 2012, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited), (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited), and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited).
 
(1)  
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 3, 2013.
 
 
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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 25, 2013
By:
/s/ Michael D. Price  
    Michael D. Price  
   
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
       
 
Date: July 25, 2013
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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