ptp10q_thirdquarter2013.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 September 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.)

Waterloo House
100 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke, Bermuda
 
HM 08
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(441) 295-7195
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

The Belvedere Building
69 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke, Bermuda HM 08
(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 27,909,665 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of October 17, 2013.
 
 
 

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
Page
     
PART I  –  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2012
1
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
2
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
3
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
4
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
5
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
6
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
34
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
58
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
59
     
PART II  –  OTHER INFORMATION
  59
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
59
Item 6.
Exhibits
59
     
SIGNATURES
60

 
 
 

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
($ in thousands, except share data)

   
(Unaudited)
       
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities at fair value
  $ 1,835,380     $ 1,941,685  
(amortized cost - $1,767,085 and $1,781,549, respectively)
               
Fixed maturity trading securities at fair value
    102,604       112,813  
(amortized cost - $96,390 and $104,053, respectively)
               
Short-term investments
    73,635       172,801  
Total investments
    2,011,619       2,227,299  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,565,405       1,720,395  
Accrued investment income
    20,451       21,299  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    133,769       128,517  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    3,525       3,899  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    5,120       2,661  
Funds held by ceding companies
    118,983       114,090  
Deferred acquisition costs
    32,378       28,112  
Reinsurance deposit assets
    78,179       50,693  
Deferred tax assets
    25,986       22,773  
Other assets
    13,844       13,565  
Total assets
  $ 4,009,259     $ 4,333,303  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 1,758,056     $ 1,961,282  
Unearned premiums
    130,488       113,960  
Debt obligations
    250,000       250,000  
Commissions payable
    75,018       64,849  
Other liabilities
    96,767       48,678  
Total liabilities
  $ 2,310,329     $ 2,438,769  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized,
  $ 279     $ 327  
27,909,665 and 32,722,144 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
               
Additional paid-in capital
    -       209,897  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    57,390       137,690  
Retained earnings
    1,641,261       1,546,620  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,698,930     $ 1,894,534  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 4,009,259     $ 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
($ in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenue:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 135,360     $ 138,588     $ 405,146     $ 421,875  
Net investment income
    17,758       23,209       54,110       77,916  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    (306 )     22,982       24,698       70,299  
Total other-than-temporary impairments
    14       354       (600 )     263  
Portion of impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income
    (79 )     (1,053 )     (1,402 )     (3,145 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    (65 )     (699 )     (2,002 )     (2,882 )
Other income (expense)
    1,426       (96 )     2,503       (766 )
Total revenue
    154,173       183,984       484,455       566,442  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    44,142       45,117       120,807       191,430  
Net acquisition expenses
    30,675       26,168       91,207       87,025  
Operating expenses
    20,672       19,966       59,695       56,645  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    487       541       (592 )     763  
Interest expense
    4,782       4,775       14,341       14,321  
Total expenses
    100,758       96,567       285,458       350,184  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    53,415       87,417       198,997       216,258  
Income tax expense
    15,130       2,553       24,342       10,575  
Net income
  $ 38,285     $ 84,864     $ 174,655     $ 205,683  
                                 
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 1.34     $ 2.56     $ 5.71     $ 6.02  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.32     $ 2.54     $ 5.63     $ 5.98  
                                 
Shareholder dividends:
                               
Common shareholder dividends declared
  $ 2,260     $ 2,630     $ 7,181     $ 8,137  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08     $ 0.24     $ 0.24  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 2 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
($ in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net income
  $ 38,285     $ 84,864     $ 174,655     $ 205,683  
                                 
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
    14       354       (600 )     263  
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    (7,622 )     24,211       (65,839 )     73,304  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    (7,608 )     24,565       (66,439 )     73,567  
                                 
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                               
Net realized gains on investments
    -       (22,710 )     (27,243 )     (70,607 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    65       699       2,002       2,882  
Total reclassifications to net income
    65       (22,011 )     (25,241 )     (67,725 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    (7,543 )     2,554       (91,680 )     5,842  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    566       (729 )     11,380       (2,090 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (6,977 )     1,825       (80,300 )     3,752  
Comprehensive income
  $ 31,308     $ 86,689     $ 94,355     $ 209,435  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 3 -

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

   
2013
   
2012
 
Common shares:
           
Balances at beginning of period
  $ 327     $ 355  
Exercise of common share options
    4       1  
Settlement of equity awards
    2       2  
Repurchase of common shares
    (54 )     (30 )
Balances at end of period
    279       328  
                 
Additional paid-in capital:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    209,897       313,730  
Exercise of common share options
    14,458       2,554  
Issuance (cancelation) of common shares
    (791 )     (176 )
Settlement of equity awards
    (1,270 )     (1,128 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (229,878 )     (109,603 )
Amortization of share-based compensation
    6,661       5,802  
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation
    923       367  
Balances at end of period
    -       211,546  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    137,690       146,635  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (80,300 )     3,752  
Balances at end of period
    57,390       150,387  
                 
Retained earnings:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    1,546,620       1,230,139  
Net income
    174,655       205,683  
Repurchase of common shares
    (72,833 )     -  
Common share dividends
    (7,181 )     (8,137 )
Balances at end of period
    1,641,261       1,427,685  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,698,930     $ 1,789,946  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
- 4 -

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

   
2013
   
2012
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 174,655     $ 205,683  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    6,533       4,555  
Net realized gains on investments
    (24,698 )     (70,299 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    2,002       2,882  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    (592 )     763  
Amortization of share-based compensation
    9,955       6,805  
Deferred income tax expense
    8,167       3,853  
Net fixed maturity trading securities activities
    6,993       9,877  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accrued investment income
    557       5,761  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    (5,672 )     8,577  
Funds held by ceding companies
    (4,622 )     (18,790 )
Deferred acquisition costs
    (4,257 )     (403 )
Reinsurance deposit assets
    (27,486 )     -  
Net unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (193,807 )     (239,970 )
Net unearned premiums
    13,887       9,224  
Commissions payable
    10,217       4,713  
Other assets and liabilities
    14,070       47,800  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (14,098 )     (18,969 )
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from the sales of:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    203,571       558,848  
Short-term investments
    11,857       36,581  
Proceeds from the maturities or paydowns of:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    155,246       213,503  
Short-term investments
    209,240       663,011  
Acquisitions of:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    (291,006 )     (202,729 )
Short-term investments
    (121,306 )     (266,723 )
Acquisitions of furniture, equipment and other assets
    (6,188 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    161,414       1,002,491  
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (7,181 )     (8,137 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (302,765 )     (109,633 )
Proceeds from share-based compensation, including income tax benefits
    15,385       2,554  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (294,561 )     (115,216 )
                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (7,745 )     1,863  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (154,990 )     870,169  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,720,395       792,510  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,565,405     $ 1,662,679  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
  $ 15,293     $ 14,508  
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 Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months ended September 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 Nine Months Ended September 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 September 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)
 
September 30, 2013:
                             
U.S. Government
  $ 4,579     $ 230     $ -     $ 4,809     $ -  
Municipal bonds
    1,217,511       62,751       5,453       1,274,809       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    39,971       541       -       40,512       -  
Corporate bonds
    226,835       7,023       3,016       230,842       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    83,270       5,126       292       88,104       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    178,662       1,500       1,367       178,795       502  
Asset-backed securities
    16,257       1,609       357       17,509       286  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,767,085     $ 78,780     $ 10,485     $ 1,835,380     $ 788  
                                         
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 September 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 generally held for the purposes of hedging our net non-U.S. dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities.
 
The following table sets forth the fair value of our fixed maturity trading securities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
September 30, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
Non-U.S. governments
  $ 102,604     $ 112,813  
Total fixed maturity trading securities
  $ 102,604     $ 112,813  

 
- 7 -

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

   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 41,124     $ 41,612  
Due from one to five years
    475,473       495,931  
Due from five to ten years
    658,273       681,902  
Due in ten or more years
    410,416       434,131  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
    278,189       284,408  
Total
  $ 1,863,475     $ 1,937,984  

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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
September 30, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
Available-for-sale:
           
U.S. Government
  $ -     $ 49,186  
Trading:
               
Non-U.S. governments
    73,635       123,615  
Total short-term investments
  $ 73,635     $ 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we had purchases of $121.3 million, proceeds from maturities of $160.0 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 nine months ended September 30, 2012, we had purchases of $204.3 million, proceeds from maturities of $242.0 million and proceeds from sales of $36.6 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 30  
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    28       693       1,439       2,839  
Sub-prime asset-backed securities
    37       6       563       13  
Net impairment losses on investments
  $ 65     $ 699     $ 2,002     $ 2,882  
 
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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
 
 
- 8 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30, 2013, the single largest unrealized loss within our CMBS portfolio was $0.3 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $4.8 million.
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) include U.S. Government agency RMBS and non-agency RMBS.  Securities with underlying sub-prime mortgages as collateral are included in asset-backed securities (“ABS”).  We determined that none of our U.S. Government agency RMBS were other-than-temporarily impaired for the three and nine months ended September 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 September 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 $4.1 million.  As of September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 35,762     $ 57,874     $ 40,219     $ 61,841  
Credit losses on securities not previously impaired
    -       42       -       42  
Credit losses on securities previously impaired
    65       657       2,002       2,840  
Reduction for paydowns and securities sold
    (2,956 )     (3,447 )     (9,094 )     (9,168 )
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
    (195 )     (309 )     (451 )     (738 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 32,676     $ 54,817     $ 32,676     $ 54,817  

 
As of September 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 $1.2 million were on two securities issued in 2007.  As of September 30, 2013, 3.4% 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 $31.5 million were on seventeen securities issued from 2004 to 2007.  As of September 30, 2013, 16.0% of the mortgages backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and 7.9% 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 2.9%.   
 
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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
September 30, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
 
Less than twelve months:
                       
Municipal bonds
  $ 207,187     $ 5,453     $ 18,878     $ 74  
Corporate bonds
    85,865       3,016       4,450       41  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    4,463       292       6,758       165  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    28,640       162       39       9  
Asset-backed securities
    13,529       71       64       1  
Total
  $ 339,684     $ 8,994     $ 30,189     $ 290  
 
 
- 9 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
     
September 30, 2013
     
December 31, 2012
 
    Fair Value     Unrealized Loss     Fair Value     Unrealized Loss  
Twelve months or more:
                               
Municipal bonds
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Corporate bonds
    -       -       6,039       141  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       762       264  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    14,572       1,205       17,096       3,284  
Asset-backed securities
    772       286       799       857  
Total
  $ 15,344     $ 1,491     $ 24,696     $ 4,546  
                                 
Total unrealized losses:
                               
Municipal bonds
  $ 207,187     $ 5,453     $ 18,878     $ 74  
Corporate bonds
    85,865       3,016       10,489       182  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    4,463       292       7,520       429  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    43,212       1,367       17,135       3,293  
Asset-backed securities
    14,301       357       863       858  
Total
  $ 355,028     $ 10,485     $ 54,885     $ 4,836  

We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities portfolio of $10.5 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 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 16,815     $ 22,022     $ 51,428     $ 73,892  
Short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents
    1,123       1,547       3,346       5,358  
Funds held by ceding companies
    722       684       2,375       1,938  
Subtotal
    18,660       24,253       57,149       81,188  
Investment expenses
    (902 )     (1,044 )     (3,039 )     (3,272 )
Net investment income
  $ 17,758     $ 23,209     $ 54,110     $ 77,916  
 
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
The following table sets forth our net realized gains (losses) on investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Gross realized gains on the sale of investments
  $ -     $ 22,979     $ 27,258     $ 70,920  
Gross realized losses on the sale of investments
    -       -       (15 )     (1 )
Net realized gains on the sale of investments
    -       22,979       27,243       70,919  
Fair value adjustments on trading securities
    (306 )     3       (2,545 )     (620 )
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
  $ (306 )   $ 22,982     $ 24,698     $ 70,299  

 
- 10 -

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

Level 1, 2 and 3 Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value
 
Fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and our reinsurance deposit assets are generally valued using the market approach.  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.  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.
 
 
- 11 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
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.
 
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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
September 30, 2013:
                       
Investments:
                       
U.S. Government
  $ 4,809     $ 4,809     $ -     $ -  
Municipal bonds
    1,274,809       -       1,274,809       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    143,116       54,437       88,679       -  
Corporate bonds
    230,842       -       230,842       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    88,104       -       88,104       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    178,795       -       178,280       515  
Asset-backed securities
    17,509       -       14,949       2,560  
Short-term investments
    73,635       -       73,635       -  
Total investments
    2,011,619       59,246       1,949,298       3,075  
Reinsurance deposit assets
    78,179       -       -       78,179  
Total
  $ 2,089,798     $ 59,246     $ 1,949,298     $ 81,254  
                                 
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  

 
- 12 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three and nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Reinsurance deposit assets
   
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ -     $ 4,520     $ 1,257     $ 76,948     $ 82,725  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    -       (269 )     -       -       (269 )
Total increase (decrease) in fair value included in earnings
    -       -       -       1,231       1,231  
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       329       (75 )     -       254  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       -       1,378       -       1,378  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       (4,065 )     -       -       (4,065 )
Balance, end of period
  $ -     $ 515     $ 2,560     $ 78,179     $ 81,254  
                                         
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,231     $ 1,231  
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Reinsurance deposit assets
   
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ -     $ 7,461     $ 1,566     $ -     $ 9,027  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    -       (935 )     -       -       (935 )
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       1,789       (30 )     -       1,759  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       3,807       4,932       -       8,739  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       (3,915 )     (399 )     -       (4,314 )
Balance, end of period
  $ -     $ 8,207     $ 6,069     $ -     $ 14,276  
                                         
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 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
    -       (435 )     (29 )     -       (464 )
Total increase (decrease) in fair value included in earnings
    -       -       -       2,486       2,486  
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    487       750       (46 )     -       1,191  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       4,049       3,984       -       8,033  
Transfers out of Level 3
    (1,011 )     (9,223 )     (2,385 )     -       (12,619 )
Balance, end of period
  $ -     $ 515     $ 2,560     $ 78,179     $ 81,254  
                                         
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 2,486     $ 2,486  
 
 
- 13 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 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
    -       (1,669 )     -       -       (1,669 )
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       1,839       (331 )     -       1,508  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       6,060       4,932       -       10,992  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       (6,169 )     (399 )     -       (6,568 )
Balance, end of period
  $ -     $ 8,207     $ 6,069     $ -     $ 14,276  
                                         
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 periods.
 
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 or a decrease in net losses and LAE ceded 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.
 
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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
   
September 30, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
Estimated contract period remaining
 
1,282 days
   
1,350 days
 
Credit spread above the risk-free rate
    1.84%       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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and had a fair value of $273.0 million and $278.5 million at September 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 generally carried at cost or amortized cost, which approximates fair value, at September 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.
 
 
- 14 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
4.           Credit Facilities
 
As of September 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 (“LOC”).  In addition, our reinsurance subsidiaries had other LOC facilities available for the issuance of LOC to collateralize their reinsurance obligations.  We had no revolving borrowings under the Syndicated Credit Facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
The following table summarizes the outstanding LOC and the cash and cash equivalents held in trust to collateralize LOC issued as of September 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Letters of Credit
   
Collateral
 
   
Committed Capacity
   
Issued
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Syndicated Credit Facility:
                 
Secured
  $ 200,000     $ 80,405     $ 93,356  
Unsecured
    100,000       -       -  
Total Syndicated Credit Facility
    300,000       80,405       93,356  
Other LOC Facilities
    115,405       44,068       67,317  
Total
  $ 415,405     $ 124,473     $ 160,673  

As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with covenants under our credit facilities.
 
On July 2, 2013, Platinum Bermuda increased the amount of an uncommitted LOC facility by $50.0 million.  Our reinsurance subsidiaries have a total uncommitted LOC capacity of $259.6 million available.  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 in April 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 2010 and later.
 
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.
 
In accordance with the share repurchase program, during the three months ended September 30, 2013 we repurchased 1,353,682 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $78.5 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $58.01 per share.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 we repurchased 5,351,343 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $302.8 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $56.58 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.
 
As of September 30, 2013, we had $171.5 million remaining under the share repurchase program.
 
 
- 15 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
   
September 30, 2013
 
   
Dividend Capacity
   
Paid
   
Remaining
 
Platinum Bermuda
  $ 318,343     $ 262,500     $ 55,843  
Platinum US
    30,779       -       30,779  
Total
  $ 349,122     $ 262,500     $ 86,622  

Subsequent to September 30, 2013, Platinum Bermuda declared and paid a dividend of $55.8 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 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 premiums earned.  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.
 
 
- 16 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 59,169     $ 69,992     $ 8,737     $ 137,898  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    55,127       72,543       7,690       135,360  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    28,339       10,242       5,561       44,142  
Net acquisition expenses
    9,699       19,067       1,909       30,675  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,747       5,727       342       13,816  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 9,342     $ 37,507     $ (122 )     46,727  
                                 
Net investment income
                            17,758  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                            (306 )
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (65 )
Other income (expense)
                            1,426  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (6,856 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            (487 )
Interest expense
                            (4,782 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 53,415  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    51.4 %     14.1 %     72.3 %     32.6 %
Net acquisition expense
    17.6 %     26.3 %     24.8 %     22.7 %
Other underwriting expense
    14.1 %     7.9 %     4.4 %     10.2 %
Combined
    83.1 %     48.3 %     101.5 %     65.5 %
                                 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 64,876     $ 72,358     $ 8,745     $ 145,979  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    61,900       70,326       6,362       138,588  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    26,790       14,358       3,969       45,117  
Net acquisition expenses
    7,078       16,710       2,380       26,168  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,661       5,662       289       13,612  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 20,371     $ 33,596     $ (276 )     53,691  
                                 
Net investment income
                            23,209  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                            22,982  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (699 )
Other income (expense)
                            (96 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (6,354 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            (541 )
Interest expense
                            (4,775 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 87,417  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    43.3 %     20.4 %     62.4 %     32.6 %
Net acquisition expense
    11.4 %     23.8 %     37.4 %     18.9 %
Other underwriting expense
    12.4 %     8.1 %     4.5 %     9.8 %
Combined
    67.1 %     52.3 %     104.3 %     61.3 %
 
 
- 17 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 175,946     $ 220,547     $ 22,540     $ 419,033  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    165,811       218,967       20,368       405,146  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    35,426       75,243       10,138       120,807  
Net acquisition expenses
    27,624       53,384       10,199       91,207  
Other underwriting expenses
    22,493       17,120       1,002       40,615  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 80,268     $ 73,220     $ (971 )     152,517  
                                 
Net investment income
                            54,110  
Net realized gains on investments
                            24,698  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (2,002 )
Other income (expense)
                            2,503  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (19,080 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            592  
Interest expense
                            (14,341 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 198,997  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    21.4 %     34.4 %     49.8 %     29.8 %
Net acquisition expense
    16.7 %     24.4 %     50.1 %     22.5 %
Other underwriting expense
    13.6 %     7.8 %     4.9 %     10.0 %
Combined
    51.7 %     66.6 %     104.8 %     62.3 %
                                 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 194,724     $ 219,436     $ 16,939     $ 431,099  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    186,066       221,838       13,971       421,875  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    85,380       101,245       4,805       191,430  
Net acquisition expenses
    25,034       52,572       9,419       87,025  
Other underwriting expenses
    21,950       16,323       747       39,020  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 53,702     $ 51,698     $ (1,000 )     104,400  
                                 
Net investment income
                            77,916  
Net realized gains on investments
                            70,299  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (2,882 )
Other income (expense)
                            (766 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (17,625 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            (763 )
Interest expense
                            (14,321 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 216,258  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    45.9 %     45.6 %     34.4 %     45.4 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.5 %     23.7 %     67.4 %     20.6 %
Other underwriting expense
    11.8 %     7.4 %     5.3 %     9.2 %
Combined
    71.2 %     76.7 %     107.1 %     75.2 %

 
- 18 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ and amounts in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Earnings
                       
Basic and Diluted
                       
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 38,285     $ 84,864     $ 174,655     $ 205,683  
Portion allocated to participating common shareholders (1)
    (26 )     (234 )     (301 )     (740 )
Net income allocated to common shareholders
  $ 38,259     $ 84,630     $ 174,354     $ 204,943  
                                 
Common Shares
                               
Basic
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    28,655       32,996       30,519       34,063  
Diluted
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    28,655       32,996       30,519       34,063  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Common share options
    131       179       173       154  
Restricted share units
    279       97       257       69  
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
    29,065       33,272       30,949       34,286  
                                 
Earnings Per Common Share
                               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 1.34     $ 2.56     $ 5.71     $ 6.02  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.32     $ 2.54     $ 5.63     $ 5.98  
 
(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.  In July 2013, the remaining outstanding restricted shares vested and therefore there were no unvested restricted shares as of September 30, 2013.
 
 
- 19 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
   
Pre-tax
   
Tax
   
Net of tax
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 75,838     $ (11,471 )   $ 64,367  
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
    14       -       14  
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    (7,622 )     566       (7,056 )
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    (7,608 )     566       (7,042 )
                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       -  
Net impairment losses on investments
    65       -       65  
Total reclassifications to net income
    65       -       65  
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (7,543 )     566       (6,977 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 68,295     $ (10,905 )   $ 57,390  
                         
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Pre-tax
   
Tax
   
Net of tax
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 172,149     $ (23,587 )   $ 148,562  
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
    354       19       373  
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    24,211       (3,181 )     21,030  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    24,565       (3,162 )     21,403  
                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    (22,710 )     2,466       (20,244 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    699       (33 )     666  
Total reclassifications to net income
    (22,011 )     2,433       (19,578 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    2,554       (729 )     1,825  
Balance, end of period
  $ 174,703     $ (24,316 )   $ 150,387  

 
- 20 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 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
    (600 )     11       (589 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    (65,839 )     7,727       (58,112 )
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    (66,439 )     7,738       (58,701 )
                         
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
    2,002       (33 )     1,969  
Total reclassifications to net income
    (25,241 )     3,642       (21,599 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (91,680 )     11,380       (80,300 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 68,295     $ (10,905 )   $ 57,390  
                         
   
Nine Months Ended September 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
    263       79       342  
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    73,304       (6,124 )     67,180  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    73,567       (6,045 )     67,522  
                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    (70,607 )     4,220       (66,387 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    2,882       (265 )     2,617  
Total reclassifications to net income
    (67,725 )     3,955       (63,770 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    5,842       (2,090 )     3,752  
Balance, end of period
  $ 174,703     $ (24,316 )   $ 150,387  

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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenue:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
  $ -     $ 22,710     $ 27,243     $ 70,607  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (65 )     (699 )     (2,002 )     (2,882 )
Income tax expense
  $ -     $ 2,433     $ 3,642     $ 3,955  
 
 
- 21 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
11.           Commitments
 
During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda entered into ten-year lease agreements for new office space in Pembroke, Bermuda.  Our contractual obligations for these operating leases are $1.1 million annually beginning August 27, 2013, for a total of $10.8 million for the ten-year lease term.
 
12.           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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
September 30, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Total investments
  $ -     $ 126     $ 2,011,493     $ -     $ 2,011,619  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,667,006       680,845       574,649       (2,922,500 )     -  
Cash and cash equivalents
    28,124       148,204       1,389,077       -       1,565,405  
Reinsurance assets
    -       -       293,775       -       293,775  
Other assets
    12,248       1,808       124,404       -       138,460  
Total assets
  $ 1,707,378     $ 830,983     $ 4,393,398     $ (2,922,500 )   $ 4,009,259  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,963,712     $ -     $ 1,963,712  
Debt obligations
    -       250,000       -       -       250,000  
Other liabilities
    8,448       6,334       81,835       -       96,617  
Total liabilities
  $ 8,448     $ 256,334     $ 2,045,547     $ -     $ 2,310,329  
                                         
Shareholders' Equity
                                       
Common shares
  $ 279     $ -     $ 8,000     $ (8,000 )   $ 279  
Additional paid-in capital
    -       214,660       2,022,889       (2,237,549 )     -  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    57,390       20,252       77,638       (97,890 )     57,390  
Retained earnings
    1,641,261       339,737       239,324       (579,061 )     1,641,261  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,698,930     $ 574,649     $ 2,347,851     $ (2,922,500 )   $ 1,698,930  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 1,707,378     $ 830,983     $ 4,393,398     $ (2,922,500 )   $ 4,009,259  
 
(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 Nine Months Ended September 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.
 
 
- 23 -

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

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 135,360     $ -     $ 135,360  
Net investment income (expense)
    1       (43 )     17,800       -       17,758  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    -       -       (306 )     -       (306 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (65 )     -       (65 )
Other income (expense)
    1,149       -       277       -       1,426  
Total revenue
    1,150       (43 )     153,066       -       154,173  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       44,142       -       44,142  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       30,675       -       30,675  
Operating expenses
    6,626       37       14,009       -       20,672  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       487       -       487  
Interest expense
    -       4,782       -       -       4,782  
Total expenses
    6,626       4,819       89,313       -       100,758  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (5,476 )     (4,862 )     63,753       -       53,415  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (1,589 )     16,719       -       15,130  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (5,476 )     (3,273 )     47,034       -       38,285  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    43,761       29,948       26,675       (100,384 )     -  
Net income
  $ 38,285     $ 26,675     $ 73,709     $ (100,384 )   $ 38,285  
 
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 138,588     $ -     $ 138,588  
Net investment income (expense)
    2       (3 )     23,210       -       23,209  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    -       -       22,982       -       22,982  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (699 )     -       (699 )
Other income (expense)
    1,400       1       (1,497 )     -       (96 )
Total revenue
    1,402       (2 )     182,584       -       183,984  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       45,117       -       45,117  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       26,168       -       26,168  
Operating expenses
    5,842       49       14,075       -       19,966  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       541       -       541  
Interest expense
    -       4,775       -       -       4,775  
Total expenses
    5,842       4,824       85,901       -       96,567  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (4,440 )     (4,826 )     96,683       -       87,417  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (1,625 )     4,178       -       2,553  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (4,440 )     (3,201 )     92,505       -       84,864  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    89,304       8,175       4,974       (102,453 )     -  
Net income
  $ 84,864     $ 4,974     $ 97,479     $ (102,453 )   $ 84,864  
 
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 405,146     $ -     $ 405,146  
Net investment income (expense)
    23       (73 )     54,160       -       54,110  
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       24,698       -       24,698  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (2,002 )     -       (2,002 )
Other income (expense)
    5,994       4       (3,495 )     -       2,503  
Total revenue
    6,017       (69 )     478,507       -       484,455  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       120,807       -       120,807  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       91,207       -       91,207  
Operating expenses
    18,427       110       41,158       -       59,695  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       (592 )     -       (592 )
Interest expense
    -       14,341       -       -       14,341  
Total expenses
    18,427       14,451       252,580       -       285,458  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (12,410 )     (14,520 )     225,927       -       198,997  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (4,785 )     29,127       -       24,342  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (12,410 )     (9,735 )     196,800       -       174,655  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    187,065       64,241       54,506       (305,812 )     -  
Net income
  $ 174,655     $ 54,506     $ 251,306     $ (305,812 )   $ 174,655  
 
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 421,875     $ -     $ 421,875  
Net investment income (expense)
    5       (10 )     77,921       -       77,916  
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       70,299       -       70,299  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (2,882 )     -       (2,882 )
Other income (expense)
    3,587       2       (4,355 )     -       (766 )
Total revenue
    3,592       (8 )     562,858       -       566,442  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       191,430       -       191,430  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       87,025       -       87,025  
Operating expenses
    16,617       182       39,846       -       56,645  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       763       -       763  
Interest expense
    -       14,321       -       -       14,321  
Total expenses
    16,617       14,503       319,064       -       350,184  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (13,025 )     (14,511 )     243,794       -       216,258  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (4,890 )     15,465       -       10,575  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (13,025 )     (9,621 )     228,329       -       205,683  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    218,708       40,116       30,495       (289,319 )     -  
Net income
  $ 205,683     $ 30,495     $ 258,824     $ (289,319 )   $ 205,683  
 
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 38,285     $ 26,675     $ 73,709     $ (100,384 )   $ 38,285  
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
    -       -       14       -       14  
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       -       (7,622 )     -       (7,622 )
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       -       (7,608 )     -       (7,608 )
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       -       -       -  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       65       -       65  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       65       -       65  
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       -       (7,543 )     -       (7,543 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       (1 )     567       -       566  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       (1 )     (6,976 )     -       (6,977 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    (6,977 )     (1,049 )     (1,050 )     9,076       -  
Comprehensive income
  $ 31,308     $ 25,625     $ 65,683     $ (91,308 )   $ 31,308  
 
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 84,864     $ 4,974     $ 97,479     $ (102,453 )   $ 84,864  
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
    -       -       354       -       354  
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       (2 )     24,213       -       24,211  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       (2 )     24,567       -       24,565  
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       (22,710 )     -       (22,710 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       699       -       699  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       (22,011 )     -       (22,011 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       (2 )     2,556       -       2,554  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       1       (730 )     -       (729 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       (1 )     1,826       -       1,825  
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    1,825       1,356       1,355       (4,536 )     -  
Comprehensive income
  $ 86,689     $ 6,329     $ 100,660     $ (106,989 )   $ 86,689  
 
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 174,655     $ 54,506     $ 251,306     $ (305,812 )   $ 174,655  
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
    -       -       (600 )     -       (600 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       (2 )     (65,837 )     -       (65,839 )
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       (2 )     (66,437 )     -       (66,439 )
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       (27,243 )     -       (27,243 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       2,002       -       2,002  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       (25,241 )     -       (25,241 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       (2 )     (91,678 )     -       (91,680 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       1       11,379       -       11,380  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       (1 )     (80,299 )     -       (80,300 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    (80,300 )     (21,133 )     (21,134 )     122,567       -  
Comprehensive income
  $ 94,355     $ 33,372     $ 149,873     $ (183,245 )   $ 94,355  
 
(1)
Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 30 -

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

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 205,683     $ 30,495     $ 258,824     $ (289,319 )   $ 205,683  
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
    -       -       263       -       263  
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       (3 )     73,307       -       73,304  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       (3 )     73,570       -       73,567  
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       (70,607 )     -       (70,607 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       2,882       -       2,882  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       (67,725 )     -       (67,725 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       (3 )     5,845       -       5,842  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       2       (2,092 )     -       (2,090 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       (1 )     3,753       -       3,752  
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    3,752       3,883       3,882       (11,517 )     -  
Comprehensive income
  $ 209,435     $ 34,377     $ 266,459     $ (300,836 )   $ 209,435  
 
(1)
Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 31 -

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

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (8,724 )   $ (3,970 )   $ (481 )   $ (923 )   $ (14,098 )
                                         
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
    -       52       155,194       -       155,246  
Short-term investments
    -       -       209,240       -       209,240  
Acquisitions of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       (291,006 )     -       (291,006 )
Short-term investments
    -       -       (121,306 )     -       (121,306 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    262,500       -       -       (262,500 )     -  
Acquisitions of furniture, equipment and other assets
    (772 )     -       (5,416 )     -       (6,188 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    261,728       52       162,134       (262,500 )     161,414  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (7,181 )     -       (262,500 )     262,500       (7,181 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (302,765 )     -       -       -       (302,765 )
Proceeds from share-based compensation, including income tax benefits
    14,462       -       -       923       15,385  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (295,484 )     -       (262,500 )     263,423       (294,561 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    -       -       (7,745 )     -       (7,745 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (42,480 )     (3,918 )     (108,592 )     -       (154,990 )
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
  $ 28,124     $ 148,204     $ 1,389,077     $ -     $ 1,565,405  
 
 
- 32 -

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

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (7,874 )   $ (3,507 )   $ (7,588 )   $ -     $ (18,969 )
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from the sales of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       558,848       -       558,848  
Short-term investments
    -       -       36,581       -       36,581  
Proceeds from the maturities or paydowns of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       63       213,440       -       213,503  
Short-term investments
    -       -       663,011       -       663,011  
Acquisitions of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       (202,729 )     -       (202,729 )
Short-term investments
    -       -       (266,723 )     -       (266,723 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    120,000       -       -       (120,000 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    120,000       63       1,002,428       (120,000 )     1,002,491  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (8,137 )     -       (120,000 )     120,000       (8,137 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (109,633 )     -       -       -       (109,633 )
Proceeds from share-based compensation, including income tax benefits
    2,554       -       -       -       2,554  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (115,216 )     -       (120,000 )     120,000       (115,216 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    -       -       1,863       -       1,863  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,090 )     (3,444 )     876,703       -       870,169  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    47,791       108,260       636,459       -       792,510  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 44,701     $ 104,816     $ 1,513,162     $ -     $ 1,662,679  
 
 
- 33 -

 
 
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 September 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 (our “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 September 30, 2013, our capital resources of $1.9 billion consisted of $1.7 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0 million of debt obligations.  Our net income was $38.3 million and $174.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.  Our net premiums written were $137.9 million and $419.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
 
Current Outlook
 
In the Property and Marine segment, global insured catastrophe activity in 2013 has been below the long term average level and, absent a major insured catastrophe event during the balance 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 2014 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, recent rate increases may be moderating and competition for ceded reinsurance business remains strong.  While volatile at times, the overall level of treasury yields remain at historical lows and credit spreads are at approximately average levels despite a slow growing economy.  Unless these conditions change we expect the total return available from the casualty business will not improve materially.  Accordingly, we expect to write a similar sized portfolio during 2014 in our Casualty segment as compared with 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 2014.
 
The impact on our investment portfolio from the recent rise in interest rates was mitigated by our prior efforts to reduce our portfolio duration.  If treasury yields increase further or credit spreads expand we anticipate deploying cash into investment-grade securities.
 
Based on our current reserve position, our net in-force portfolio, our asset portfolio, and our underwriting prospects for the near term, we believe that we are well capitalized with a comfortable margin above the rating agency targets for a company with our ratings.  If the business performs as expected, we anticipate our capital cushion will grow 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 pricing we observe in the various markets.
 
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.
 
 
- 34 -

 
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
In presenting the Company’s results in the Results of Operations below, management has included 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 premiums earned.  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 September 30, 2013 as Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Net income and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows ($ and amounts in thousands, except diluted earnings per common share):

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Underwriting income
  $ 46,727     $ 53,691  
Net investment income
    17,758       23,209  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    (306 )     22,982  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (65 )     (699 )
Other revenues (expenses)
    (10,699 )     (11,766 )
Income before income taxes
    53,415       87,417  
Income tax expense
    (15,130 )     (2,553 )
Net income
  $ 38,285     $ 84,864  
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
    29,065       33,272  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.32     $ 2.54  

Underwriting Results
 
Net underwriting income was $46.7 million and $53.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The change in the net underwriting result was due primarily to a decrease in net favorable development and an increase in net losses from current year major catastrophes partially offset by underwriting income in our North American crop class as compared with underwriting losses in the same period in 2012.
 
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.
 
 
- 35 -

 
 
Net favorable development was $41.2 million and $61.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net losses from current year major catastrophes were $11.2 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The underwriting result related to our North American crop business improved to underwriting income of $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, from an underwriting loss of $17.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012.
 
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 September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 67,969     $ 65,135     $ 2,834  
Ceded premiums written
    8,800       259       8,541  
Net premiums written
    59,169       64,876       (5,707 )
Net premiums earned
    55,127       61,900       (6,773 )
Net losses and LAE
    28,339       26,790       1,549  
Net acquisition expenses
    9,699       7,078       2,621  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,747       7,661       86  
Property and Marine segment underwriting income
  $ 9,342     $ 20,371     $ (11,029 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    51.4 %     43.3 %  
8.1 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    17.6 %     11.4 %  
6.2 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    14.1 %     12.4 %  
1.7 points
 
Combined
    83.1 %     67.1 %  
16.0 points
 

The Property and Marine segment underwriting result decreased by $11.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012 and related to a decrease in net favorable development and an increase in net losses from current year major catastrophes, partially offset by underwriting income in our North American crop class as compared with an underwriting loss in the same period in 2012.

Net favorable development was $2.0 million and $20.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Net losses from current year major catastrophes were $11.2 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net losses from 2013 major catastrophes for the three months ended September 30, 2013 were primarily attributable to German hailstorms.  This net loss was partially offset by a decrease in estimates of second quarter 2013 net losses from major catastrophes.  The second quarter 2013 losses from major catastrophes related to floods in central and eastern Europe, primarily in Germany, as well as Property Claims Services (“PCS”) Catastrophe 14, tornadoes in the U.S. Midwest, primarily in Oklahoma.

Net losses from 2012 major catastrophes for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were primarily attributable to Hurricane Isaac and a U.S. multi-day straight line wind and thunderstorm event referred to as PCS Catastrophe 83.  These net losses were partially offset by a decrease in estimates of first and second quarter 2012 net losses from major catastrophes.  The first and second quarter 2012 losses from major catastrophes related to PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67, tornado and hailstorm events in Kentucky and Tennessee that occurred in February and March 2012, as well as PCS Catastrophe 74, severe weather, including a tornado and hailstorm event in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas and Indiana, that occurred in April 2012.
 
Underwriting income related to our 2013 North American crop business was $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, and the underwriting loss related to our 2012 North American crop business, as a result of the severe drought conditions in the United States, was $17.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012.
 
 
- 36 -

 
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Property and Marine segment generated 42.9% and 44.4% of our net premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Gross premiums written increased by $2.8 million, and by $5.1 million excluding reinstatement premiums written related to major catastrophes, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The increase in gross premiums written, excluding reinstatement premiums, was primarily due to one new contract in the North American property proportional class partially offset by a decrease in the North American crop class for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.

Ceded premiums written increased by $8.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The increase in ceded premiums written was due to an increase in our purchase of retrocessional coverage on catastrophe business.
 
Net premiums earned decreased by $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012, primarily as a result of decreases in net premiums written in 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 $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The increase in net losses and LAE was due to a decrease in net favorable loss development and an increase in net losses from current year major catastrophes in 2013.  These changes were almost entirely offset by an improvement in our underwriting result in our North American crop class.
 
Current Year Major Catastrophe Losses
 
Net losses from current year major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 20.4 points and 12.9 points for the three months ended September 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 September 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Major Catastrophe
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
German hailstorms
  $ (15,692 )   $ 33     $ (15,659 )
Decrease in Second Quarter 2013 Catastrophe Estimates:
                       
Floods in central and eastern Europe
    2,737       (2 )     2,735  
PCS Catastrophe 14
    1,684       6       1,690  
Total
  $ (11,271 )   $ 37     $ (11,234 )

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

Major Catastrophe
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
PCS Catastrophe 83
  $ (6,736 )   $ 1,107     $ (5,629 )
Hurricane Isaac
    (3,101 )     324       (2,777 )
Decrease in First and Second Quarter 2012 Catastrophe Estimates:
                       
PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67
    1,096       398       1,494  
PCS Catastrophe 74
    81       427       508  
Total
  $ (8,660 )   $ 2,256     $ (6,404 )
 
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 September 30, 2013.
 
 
- 37 -

 
 
Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Net favorable loss development was $1.4 million and $20.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 3.4 points and 33.1 points for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended September 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 September 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Marine, aviation and satellite
  $ 2,531     $ (73 )   $ (81 )   $ 2,377  
Property proportional
    2,109       (44 )     -       2,065  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    1,396       (13 )     14       1,397  
Major catastrophes
    (3,817 )     (9 )     45       (3,781 )
Other
    (802 )     (23 )     809       (16 )
Total
  $ 1,417     $ (162 )   $ 787     $ 2,042  

Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose from most prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from international business in the 2012 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2012 underwriting year.  Net unfavorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from a marine loss related to Hurricane Ike partially offset by net favorable development on various other events.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the three months ended September 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Major catastrophes
  $ 11,281     $ (13 )   $ (648 )   $ 10,620  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    5,122       287       105       5,514  
Property per risk
    1,878       18       391       2,287  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    2,334       107       (224 )     2,217  
Other
    198       49       -       247  
Total
  $ 20,813     $ 448     $ (376 )   $ 20,885  

Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from the Tohoku earthquake.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from international business in the 2011 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the property per risk class arose primarily from North American business in the 2007 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose from most prior underwriting years with a change in loss development patterns contributing $0.8 million to the net favorable development.
 
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 $18.5 million and $38.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, were 34.0% and 65.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The decrease in calendar year losses and the loss ratios, excluding current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, resulted primarily from underwriting income in our North American crop business in 2013 as compared with an underwriting loss for the same period in 2012.  Underwriting income related to our 2013 North American crop business was $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, and the underwriting loss related to our 2012 North American crop business, as a result of the severe drought conditions in the United States, was $17.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding current year major catastrophes, prior years’ loss development and the underwriting results from our North American crop business, were 38.7% and 40.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Calendar year losses and related loss ratios were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
 
- 38 -

 
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $9.7 million and 17.6%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and $7.1 million and 11.4%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The increase in net acquisition expenses and the net acquisition expense ratio for the three months ended September 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 $7.7 million for both the three months ended September 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 September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 69,992     $ 72,358     $ (2,366 )
Net premiums earned
    72,543       70,326       2,217  
Net losses and LAE
    10,242       14,358       (4,116 )
Net acquisition expenses
    19,067       16,710       2,357  
Other underwriting expenses
    5,727       5,662       65  
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 37,507     $ 33,596     $ 3,911  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    14.1 %     20.4 %  
(6.3) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    26.3 %     23.8 %  
2.5 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.9 %     8.1 %  
(0.2) points
 
Combined
    48.3 %     52.3 %  
(4.0) points
 

The Casualty segment underwriting income increased by $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012.  Net favorable development was $39.1 million and $40.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Casualty operating segment generated 50.8% and 49.6% of our net premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net premiums written decreased by $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The decrease in net premiums written relates primarily to the North American casualty excess-of-loss classes.
 
Net premiums earned increased by $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012.  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 $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012, primarily due to lower calendar year losses excluding prior years’ loss development.
 
 
- 39 -

 
 
Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Net favorable loss development was $40.1 million and $40.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 55.6 points and 57.3 points for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended September 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.  In addition, we regularly review and update our initial expected loss ratios and loss development patterns based on our loss experience and these updates resulted in net favorable loss development in several classes of business.  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 September 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 18,070     $ (737 )   $ -     $ 17,333  
North American umbrella
    17,030       3       -       17,033  
International casualty
    2,616       (2 )     159       2,773  
North American clash
    2,415       4       11       2,430  
North American occurrence
    838       5       125       968  
Financial lines
    (2,057 )     (58 )     18       (2,097 )
Other
    1,185       (510 )     -       675  
Total
  $ 40,097     $ (1,295 )   $ 313     $ 39,115  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2012 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from the 2003 and 2008 underwriting years.  A change in initial expected loss ratios contributed $4.6 million to the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2006 through 2011 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from the 2005 underwriting year.  A change in initial expected loss ratios contributed $8.9 million to the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from the 2007, 2010 and 2011 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American clash class arose primarily from the 2009 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose primarily from the 2007 through 2012 underwriting years partially offset by unfavorable development from the 2002 and 2010 underwriting years. A change in initial expected loss ratios contributed $0.6 million to the net favorable development.  Net unfavorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from political risk losses from the 2005 and 2008 underwriting years.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the three months ended September 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 22,278     $ (94 )   $ -     $ 22,184  
North American umbrella
    13,233       4       -       13,237  
Financial lines
    6,393       (86 )     (150 )     6,157  
North American occurrence
    (1,579 )     (48 )     22       (1,605 )
Other
    (370 )     169       545       344  
Total
  $ 39,955     $ (55 )   $ 417     $ 40,317  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2009 underwriting years with a change in loss development patterns contributing $4.6 million to the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2006 underwriting years with a change in loss development patterns contributing $9.6 million to the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from the 2006 and 2010 underwriting years.  Net unfavorable development in the North American occurrence class arose primarily from a change in loss development patterns which contributed $1.2 million to the net unfavorable development.
 
Calendar Year Losses – Excluding Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Calendar year losses, excluding prior years’ loss development, were $50.3 million and $54.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were 69.7% and 77.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The decrease in calendar year losses and the loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, was primarily due to a lower loss ratio in the financial lines class in 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.  During the quarter, we also lowered our initial expected loss ratio estimates in the current year for several North American casualty classes as a result of better than expected historical loss experience.  Calendar year losses and related loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
 
- 40 -

 
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $19.1 million and 26.3%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and $16.7 million and 23.8%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  The increase in net acquisition expenses and the net acquisition expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012 was the result of increased ceding commissions related to prior years’ loss development and changes in the mix of business.
 
Other Underwriting Expenses
 
Other underwriting expenses were $5.7 million for both the three months ended September 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 September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 8,737     $ 8,745     $ (8 )
Net premiums earned
    7,690       6,362       1,328  
Net losses and LAE
    5,561       3,969          
Net acquisition expenses
    1,909       2,380          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    7,470       6,349       1,121  
Other underwriting expenses
    342       289       53  
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (122 )   $ (276 )   $ 154  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    72.3 %     62.4 %        
Net acquisition expense
    24.8 %     37.4 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense
    97.1 %     99.8 %  
(2.7) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    4.4 %     4.5 %  
(0.1) points
 
Combined
    101.5 %     104.3 %  
(2.8) points
 

During the three months ended September 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 6.0% of our net premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The increase in net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012 was 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 $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net premiums earned.  Net favorable development was $0.1 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
 
- 41 -

 
 
Non-Underwriting Results
 
Net Investment Income

Net investment income was $17.8 million and $23.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net investment income decreased during the three months ended September 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 2.4% in the third quarter of 2012 to 2.0% in the third quarter of 2013.  The decrease in the average book yield reflected sales, maturities and paydowns and the prevailing low interest rate environment.  We continue to retain a high proportion of cash in our portfolio in order to manage the overall duration and provide ample liquidity.

Contributing to the decrease in net investment income was a reduction of approximately $392.8 million in the average book value of our investments and cash and cash equivalents for the three months ended September 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 or Losses on Investments
 
Net realized losses on investments were $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and net realized gains on investments were $23.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  Net realized losses for the three months ended September 30, 2013 reflected the net negative impact from fair value adjustments on trading securities related to non-U.S. government securities.
 
Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $23.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and included $16.7 million of net realized gains from the sale of municipal bonds, $3.7 million of net realized gains from the sale of corporate bonds and $2.3 million of net realized gains from the sale of commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”).
 
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 $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2013 related to non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and sub-prime asset backed securities (“ABS”).  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended September 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 September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Other income (expense)
  $ 1,426     $ (96 )
Operating expenses not allocated to segments
    (6,856 )     (6,354 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
    (487 )     (541 )
Interest expense
    (4,782 )     (4,775 )
Other expenses
  $ (10,699 )   $ (11,766 )
 
Other income (expense) includes changes in the fair value of our reinsurance deposit assets.  Income from our reinsurance deposit assets was $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  We had no reinsurance deposit assets during the three months ended September 30, 2012.
 
Operating expenses not allocated to underwriting segments were $6.9 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended September 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 September 30, 2013 and 2012 and related to our $250.0 million of debt obligations.
 
 
- 42 -

 
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $15.1 million and $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Our effective tax rate was 28.3% and 2.9% for the three months ended September 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 $11.6 million and $41.8 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Pre-tax income was $79.9 million and $7.5 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2012.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 as Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Net income and diluted earnings per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows ($ and amounts in thousands, except diluted earnings per common share):

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Underwriting income
  $ 152,517     $ 104,400  
Net investment income
    54,110       77,916  
Net realized gains on investments
    24,698       70,299  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (2,002 )     (2,882 )
Other revenues (expenses)
    (30,326 )     (33,475 )
Income before income taxes
    198,997       216,258  
Income tax expense
    (24,342 )     (10,575 )
Net income
  $ 174,655     $ 205,683  
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
    30,949       34,286  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 5.63     $ 5.98  

Underwriting Results
 
Net underwriting income was $152.5 million and $104.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The change in the net underwriting result was due primarily to an increase in net favorable development, a decrease in net losses from current year major catastrophes and underwriting income in our North American crop class as compared with underwriting losses in the same period in 2012.
 
Net favorable development was $139.9 million and $112.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net losses from current year major catastrophes were $29.8 million and $35.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The underwriting result related to our North American crop business improved to underwriting income of $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, from an underwriting loss of $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 
The following discussion and analysis reviews our underwriting results by operating segment.
 
 
- 43 -

 
 
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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 186,287     $ 195,110     $ (8,823 )
Ceded premiums written
    10,341       386       9,955  
Net premiums written
    175,946       194,724       (18,778 )
Net premiums earned
    165,811       186,066       (20,255 )
Net losses and LAE
    35,426       85,380       (49,954 )
Net acquisition expenses
    27,624       25,034       2,590  
Other underwriting expenses
    22,493       21,950       543  
Property and Marine segment underwriting income
  $ 80,268     $ 53,702     $ 26,566  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    21.4 %     45.9 %  
(24.5) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    16.7 %     13.5 %  
3.2 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    13.6 %     11.8 %  
1.8 points
 
Combined
    51.7 %     71.2 %  
(19.5) points
 

The Property and Marine segment underwriting result improved by $26.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net favorable development, a decrease in net losses from current year major catastrophes and underwriting income in our North American crop class as compared with an underwriting loss in the same period in 2012.
 
Net favorable development was $54.4 million and $43.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net losses from current year major catastrophes were $29.8 million and $35.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net losses from 2013 major catastrophes for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were attributable to German hailstorms, floods in central and eastern Europe and PCS Catastrophe 14.  Net losses from 2012 major catastrophes for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were attributable to PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67, PCS Catastrophe 74, PCS Catastrophe 83 and Hurricane Isaac.
 
Underwriting income related to our 2013 North American crop business was $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and the underwriting loss related to our 2012 North American crop business, as a result of the severe drought conditions in the United States, was $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Property and Marine segment generated 42.0% and 45.2% of our net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Gross premiums written decreased by $8.8 million, and by $5.9 million excluding reinstatement premiums written related to major catastrophes, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The decrease in gross premiums written was primarily due to decreases in the crop class partially offset by one new contract in the North American property proportional class for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.  Gross premiums written were also impacted by fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.

Ceded premiums written increased by $10.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The increase in ceded premiums written was due to an increase in our purchase of retrocessional coverage on catastrophe business.
 
Net premiums earned decreased by $20.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 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.
 
 
- 44 -

 
 
Net Losses and LAE
 
Net losses and LAE decreased by $50.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The decrease in net losses and LAE was primarily due to an increase in net favorable loss development, a decrease in net losses from current year major catastrophes and an improvement in our underwriting result in our North American crop class.
 
Current Year Major Catastrophe Losses
 
Net losses from current year major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 18.9 points and 21.0 points for nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The following table sets forth the components of pre-tax net losses from 2013 major catastrophes for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Major Catastrophe
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
German hailstorms
  $ (15,692 )   $ 33     $ (15,659 )
Floods in central and eastern Europe
    (13,445 )     1,525       (11,920 )
PCS Catastrophe 14
    (2,238 )     17       (2,221 )
Total
  $ (31,375 )   $ 1,575     $ (29,800 )

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

Major Catastrophe
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67
  $ (20,706 )   $ 2,569     $ (18,137 )
PCS Catastrophe 74
    (9,764 )     526       (9,238 )
PCS Catastrophe 83
    (6,736 )     1,107       (5,629 )
Hurricane Isaac
    (3,101 )     324       (2,777 )
Total
  $ (40,307 )   $ 4,526     $ (35,781 )

During the course of 2012, we revised our estimates of pre-tax losses for the above 2012 major catastrophe events.  At December 31, 2012, our estimates of pre-tax net losses were $17.5 million for PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67, $8.7 million for PCS Catastrophe 74, $6.0 million for PCS Catastrophe 83 and $1.5 million for Hurricane Isaac.  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 nine months ended September 30, 2013.
 
Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Net favorable loss development was $57.5 million and $39.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 33.6 points and 22.6 points for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Major catastrophes
  $ 35,782     $ (40 )   $ (4,038 )   $ 31,704  
Property per risk
    6,932       67       805       7,804  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    6,687       112       (144 )     6,655  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    3,538       167       115       3,820  
Property proportional
    2,499       (227 )     -       2,272  
Crop
    2,063       44       -       2,107  
Total
  $ 57,501     $ 123     $ (3,262 )   $ 54,362  
 
 
- 45 -

 
 
Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from Hurricane Sandy and the Tohoku earthquake, partially offset by net unfavorable development on a marine loss related to Hurricane Ike.  Net favorable development in the property per risk class arose primarily from the 2012 underwriting year.  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 marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2005 through 2008 and 2012 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from the 2010 through 2012 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from the 2008 and prior underwriting years. Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from the 2012 underwriting year.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Major catastrophes
  $ 13,572     $ (37 )   $ 29     $ 13,564  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    10,902       279       382       11,563  
Property per risk
    8,227       (6 )     1,726       9,947  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    3,068       4       1,972       5,044  
Property proportional
    2,997       (108 )     -       2,889  
Other
    536       9       -       545  
Total
  $ 39,302     $ 141     $ 4,109     $ 43,552  

Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from the Tohoku earthquake.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2010 and 2011 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the property per risk class arose from the 2006 through 2010 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2006 through 2008 underwriting years with a change in loss development patterns contributing $0.8 million to the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from the 2008 through 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 $61.6 million and $84.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, were 36.7% and 47.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The decrease in calendar year losses and related loss ratios, excluding current year major catastrophes and prior years’ loss development, resulted primarily from underwriting income in our North American crop business in 2013 as compared with an underwriting loss for the same period in 2012.  Underwriting income related to our 2013 North American crop business was $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and the underwriting loss related to our 2012 North American crop business, as a result of the severe drought conditions in the United States, was $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding current year major catastrophes, prior years’ loss development and the underwriting result from our North American crop business, were 39.2% and 42.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Calendar year losses and related loss ratios were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $27.6 million and 16.7%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $25.0 million and 13.5%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The increase in net acquisition expenses and the net acquisition expense ratio for the nine months ended September 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 $22.5 million and $22.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
 
- 46 -

 
 
Casualty
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results, ratios and the period over period change for the Casualty segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 220,547     $ 219,436     $ 1,111  
Net premiums earned
    218,967       221,838       (2,871 )
Net losses and LAE
    75,243       101,245       (26,002 )
Net acquisition expenses
    53,384       52,572       812  
Other underwriting expenses
    17,120       16,323       797  
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 73,220     $ 51,698     $ 21,522  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    34.4 %     45.6 %  
(11.2) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    24.4 %     23.7 %  
0.7 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.8 %     7.4 %  
0.4 points
 
Combined
    66.6 %     76.7 %  
(10.1) points
 

The Casualty segment underwriting income increased by $21.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net favorable development.  Net favorable development was $85.7 million and $68.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Casualty segment generated 52.6% and 50.9% of our net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Net premiums written increased by $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  Net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $29.3 million and $30.0 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums written increased by $1.8 million.
 
Net premiums earned decreased by $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013  as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  Net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $17.6 million and $20.6 million, respectively.  Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums earned increased by $0.1 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 $26.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net favorable loss development.  In addition, calendar year losses excluding prior years’ loss development were lower.
 
Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
Net favorable loss development was $85.7 million and $67.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 39.2 points and 31.2 points for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the nine months ended September 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.  In addition, we regularly review and update our initial expected loss ratios and loss development patterns based on our loss experience and these updates resulted in net favorable loss development in several classes of business.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
 
- 47 -

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

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 40,117     $ (843 )   $ 61     $ 39,335  
North American umbrella
    33,917       466       -       34,383  
International casualty
    3,831       (9 )     (105 )     3,717  
North American clash
    3,564       16       21       3,601  
Accident and health
    2,879       (74 )     -       2,805  
North American occurrence
    1,182       586       248       2,016  
Other
    175       (291 )     (21 )     (137 )
Total
  $ 85,665     $ (149 )   $ 204     $ 85,720  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2012 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from the 2003 underwriting year.  A change in initial expected loss ratios contributed $4.6 million to the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose from all prior underwriting years.  A change in initial expected loss ratios contributed $8.9 million to the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the international casualty class arose from most prior underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from the 2002 and 2008 underwriting years.  A change in the loss development pattern in the 2002 underwriting year contributed $1.6 million of the net unfavorable development.  Net favorable development in the North American clash class arose primarily from the 2007 through 2009 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2009 through 2011 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose primarily from the 2007 through 2012 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from the 2006 and prior underwriting years.  A change in initial expected loss ratios contributed $0.6 million to the net favorable development.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 by class of business ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 42,864     $ (1,478 )   $ 739     $ 42,125  
North American umbrella
    23,845       430       -       24,275  
Financial lines
    5,676       (369 )     460       5,767  
North American occurrence
    2,842       (192 )     41       2,691  
Accident and health
    933       552       -       1,485  
International casualty
    (8,219 )     74       295       (7,850 )
Other
    (258 )     (32 )     441       151  
Total
  $ 67,683     $ (1,015 )   $ 1,976     $ 68,644  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2009 underwriting years with a change in loss development patterns contributing $4.6 million to the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2007 underwriting years with a change in loss development patterns contributing $9.6 million to the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from the 2006 and 2010 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose primarily from the 2002, 2003 and 2007 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development from the 2004 through 2006 underwriting years. The net unfavorable development included a change in loss development patterns of $0.8 million.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2009 and 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 an increase in medical malpractice claims. The 2008 underwriting year was impacted by an increase in 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 $160.9 million and $168.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were 73.6% and 76.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The decrease in calendar year losses and the loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, was primarily due to lower initial expected loss ratio estimates in the current year for several North American casualty classes as we lowered our estimates as a result of better than expected historical loss experience.  Also, there was a lower loss ratio in the financial lines class in 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012.  Calendar year losses and related loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
 
- 48 -

 
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $53.4 million and 24.4%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $52.6 million and 23.7%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The increase in net acquisition expenses and the net acquisition expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the same period in 2012 was the result of changes in the mix of business.
 
Other Underwriting Expenses
 
Other underwriting expenses were $17.1 million and $16.3 million for the nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
       
   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 22,540     $ 16,939     $ 5,601  
Net premiums earned
    20,368       13,971       6,397  
Net losses and LAE
    10,138       4,805          
Net acquisition expenses
    10,199       9,419          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    20,337       14,224       6,113  
Other underwriting expenses
    1,002       747       255  
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (971 )   $ (1,000 )   $ 29  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    49.8 %     34.4 %        
Net acquisition expense
    50.1 %     67.4 %  
 
 
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense
    99.9 %     101.8 %  
(1.9) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    4.9 %     5.3 %  
(0.4) points
 
Combined
    104.8 %     107.1 %  
(2.3) points
 

During the nine months ended September 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 5.4% and 3.9% of our net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The increases in net premiums written and net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 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 $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in net premiums earned.  Net unfavorable development was $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and net favorable development was $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 
 
- 49 -

 

Non-Underwriting Results
 
Net Investment Income

Net investment income was $54.1 million and $77.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Net investment income decreased during the nine months ended September 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 first nine months of 2012 to 2.0% in the first nine months of 2013.  The decrease in the average book yield reflected sales, maturities and paydowns and the prevailing low interest rate environment.  We continue to retain a high proportion of cash in our portfolio in order to manage the overall duration and provide ample liquidity.
 
Contributing to the decrease in net investment income was a reduction of approximately $302.0 million in the average book value of our investments and cash and cash equivalents for the nine months ended September 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 $24.7 million and $70.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $27.2 million for the nine months ended September 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 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was a net negative impact from fair value adjustments on trading securities of $2.5 million related to non-U.S. government securities.
 
Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $70.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and included $58.0 million of net realized gains from the sale of municipal bonds, $8.3 million of net realized gains from the sale of corporate bonds and $3.3 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 nine months ended September 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 $2.0 million and $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The net impairment losses recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included $1.4 million related to non-agency RMBS and $0.6 million related to sub-prime ABS.  The net impairment losses recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related substantially all to non-agency RMBS.
 
Other Revenues and Expenses
 
The following table sets forth other revenues and expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Other income (expense)
  $ 2,503     $ (766 )
Operating expenses not allocated to segments
    (19,080 )     (17,625 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
    592       (763 )
Interest expense
    (14,341 )     (14,321 )
Other expenses
  $ (30,326 )   $ (33,475 )
 
Other income (expense) includes changes in the fair value of our reinsurance deposit assets.  Income from our reinsurance deposit assets was $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  We had no reinsurance deposit assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 
Operating expenses not allocated to underwriting segments were $19.1 million and $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 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 $14.3 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and related to our $250.0 million of debt obligations.
 
 
- 50 -

 
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $24.3 million and $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Our effective tax rate was 12.2% and 4.9% for the nine months ended September 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 $120.2 million and $78.8 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  Pre-tax income was $175.4 million and $41.1 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 
Financial Condition
 
The following discussion of financial condition, liquidity and capital resources as of September 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 ratings assigned to our subsidiaries by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P").
 
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 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 $12.7 million were pledged to collateralize obligations under various reinsurance contracts as of September 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 may also 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 sales, maturities and paydowns of investments and borrowings from our syndicated credit facility.
 
 
- 51 -

 
 
As of September 30, 2013, we had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $1.6 billion, including $28.1 million at Platinum Holdings and $148.2 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 sales, maturities and paydowns 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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (14,098 )   $ (18,969 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
    161,414       1,002,491  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (294,561 )     (115,216 )
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (7,745 )     1,863  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (154,990 )     870,169  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,720,395       792,510  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,565,405     $ 1,662,679  
 
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 the amount and timing of actual claim payments that 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 twelve months.
 
Investing Activities
 
Net cash provided by investing activities in both 2013 and 2012 was primarily due to sales, maturities and paydowns 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 manage the overall duration of our portfolio and to provide ample liquidity.
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities primarily related to repurchases of common shares of $302.8 million and $109.6 million for the nine months ended September 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 our syndicated credit facility 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.
 
 
- 52 -

 
 
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 discussion of the fair value measurements of our financial assets and liabilities.  The following table sets forth the fair values, net unrealized gains and losses and credit quality of our investments as of September 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Fair Value
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Credit Quality
 
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities:
                 
U.S. Government
  $ 4,809     $ 230    
Aaa
 
Municipal bonds:
                     
State general obligation bonds
    871,520       38,709    
Aa2
 
Essential service bonds
    185,433       7,232    
Aa3
 
Pre-refunded bonds
    65,543       3,262    
Aa2
 
State income tax and sales tax bonds
    76,179       5,828    
Aa1
 
Other municipal bonds
    76,134       2,267    
Aa2
 
Subtotal
    1,274,809       57,298    
Aa2
 
Non-U.S. governments
    40,512       541    
Aa1
 
Corporate bonds:
                     
Industrial
    154,096       1,641    
Baa2
 
Utilities
    57,669       739    
Baa1
 
Insurance
    19,077       1,627    
Baa2
 
Subtotal
    230,842       4,007    
Baa2
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    88,104       4,834    
Aa3
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                     
U.S. Government agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    161,937       1,113    
Aaa
 
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    16,858       (980 )  
Caa2
 
Subtotal
    178,795       133    
Aa2
 
Asset-backed securities:
                     
Asset-backed securities
    13,529       (71 )  
Aaa
 
Sub-prime asset-backed securities
    3,980       1,323       C  
Subtotal
    17,509       1,252       A2  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    1,835,380       68,295    
Aa3
 
Fixed maturity trading securities:
                       
Non-U.S. governments
    102,604       n/a    
Aa1
 
Total fixed maturity trading securities
    102,604       n/a    
Aa1
 
Short-term investments:
                       
Trading
    73,635       n/a    
Aaa
 
Total short-term investments
    73,635       n/a    
Aaa
 
Total investments
  $ 2,011,619     $ 68,295    
Aa3
 

Our investable assets, which consist of investments, cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net balances due to and from brokers totaled $3.5 billion and $4.0 billion at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Our investable assets had a weighted average rating of Aa2 and Aa1 as of September 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 duration of 2.5 and 2.6 years as of September 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.
 
 
- 53 -

 
 
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 September 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
  $ 40,245     $ -     $ -     $ 40,245     $ 37,949  
Netherlands
    -       1,524       -       1,524       1,438  
Eurozone governments
    40,245       1,524       -       41,769       39,387  
New Zealand
    64,354       -       -       64,354       64,353  
United Kingdom
    54,436       -       -       54,436       51,017  
Sweden
    -       1,225       30,260       31,485       31,154  
Australia
    12,565       -       -       12,565       12,335  
Japan
    -       -       5,211       5,211       5,000  
Norway
    -       -       5,041       5,041       4,997  
Supranational
    -       1,890       -       1,890       1,753  
Other non-U.S. governments
    131,355       3,115       40,512       174,982       170,609  
Total non-U.S. governments
  $ 171,600     $ 4,639     $ 40,512     $ 216,751     $ 209,996  
 
In addition to the investments noted above, we held non-U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents of $132.7 million.  These investments and cash and cash equivalents are generally held for the purpose of hedging our net 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 $57.3 million and $4.0 million, respectively, as of September 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 credit 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 $4.8 million as of September 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 primarily the result of realized gains from 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 $0.1 million, with non-agency RMBS representing net unrealized losses of $1.0 million, as of September 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.  The decrease in the net unrealized loss position in our non-agency RMBS portfolio was primarily the result of the recognition of net impairment losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  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, the 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 $1.3 million as of September 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.
 
We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities portfolio of $10.5 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 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.
 
 
- 54 -

 
 
Credit Facilities
 
As of September 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 (“LOC”).  In addition, our reinsurance subsidiaries had other LOC facilities available for the issuance of LOC to collateralize their reinsurance obligations.  We had no revolving borrowings under the Syndicated Credit Facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
The following table summarizes the outstanding LOC and the cash and cash equivalents held in trust to collateralize LOC issued as of September 30, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Letters of Credit
   
Collateral
 
   
Committed Capacity
   
Issued
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Syndicated Credit Facility:
                 
Secured
  $ 200,000     $ 80,405     $ 93,356  
Unsecured
    100,000       -       -  
Total Syndicated Credit Facility
    300,000       80,405       93,356  
Other LOC Facilities
    115,405       44,068       67,317  
Total
  $ 415,405     $ 124,473     $ 160,673  

As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with covenants under our credit facilities.
 
On July 2, 2013, Platinum Bermuda increased the amount of an uncommitted LOC facility by $50.0 million.  Our reinsurance subsidiaries have a total uncommitted LOC capacity of $259.6 million available.  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.
 
The $100.0 million LOC facility our reinsurance subsidiaries entered into on June 30, 2011 expires on December 31, 2013.  We are in discussions with the financial institution to renew this LOC facility for the same amount with similar terms and conditions as the current LOC facility.
 
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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
   
September 30, 2013
 
   
Dividend Capacity
   
Paid
   
Remaining
 
Platinum Bermuda
  $ 318,343     $ 262,500     $ 55,843  
Platinum US
    30,779       -       30,779  
Total
  $ 349,122     $ 262,500     $ 86,622  

 
- 55 -

 

Subsequent to September 30, 2013, Platinum Bermuda declared and paid a dividend of $55.8 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 September 30, 2013, our capital resources of $1.9 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 $195.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily attributable to repurchases of common shares of $302.8 million and the decrease in net unrealized gains, net of tax, of $80.3 million, partially offset by net income of $174.7 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.
 
In accordance with the share repurchase program, during the three months ended September 30, 2013 we repurchased 1,353,682 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $78.5 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $58.01 per share.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 we repurchased 5,351,343 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $302.8 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $56.58 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.
 
As of September 30, 2013, we had $171.5 million remaining under the share repurchase program.
 
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 depend 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 September 30, 2013.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Except as discussed below, there have been no material changes outside 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.
 
During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda entered into ten-year lease agreements for new office space in Pembroke, Bermuda.  Our contractual obligations for these operating leases are $1.1 million annually beginning August 27, 2013, for a total of $10.8 million for the ten-year lease term.  See Note 11 in the Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.
 
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.
 
 
- 56 -

 
 
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;
 
 
- 57 -

 
 
·  
the effects that the imposition of U.S. corporate income tax would have on Platinum Holdings and its non-U.S. subsidiaries;
 
·  
the risk that U.S. persons who hold our shares will be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences 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 September 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
  $ 2,029,315     $ 1,982,858     $ 1,937,984     $ 1,894,997     $ 1,853,916  
Percent change in market value
    4.7%       2.3%       0.0%       (2.2% )     (4.3% )
Resulting net appreciation (depreciation)
  $ 91,331     $ 44,874     $ -     $ (42,987 )   $ (84,068 )

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.
 
 
- 58 -

 
 
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 September 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 September 30, 2013:

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (3)
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share (1)(3)
   
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)
 
July 1, 2013 - July 31, 2013
    256,842     $ 57.70       243,000     $ 235,971,604  
August 1, 2013 - August 31, 2013
    876,802       58.10       876,802       185,027,644  
September 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013
    233,880       57.98       233,880       171,468,351  
Total
    1,367,524     $ 58.01       1,353,682     $ 171,468,351  

(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.
 
(3)
The July 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013 amounts include 13,842 shares withheld for taxes upon the vesting of restricted shares at a price of $57.19 per share.  The shares were subsequently canceled.
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
     
  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 September 30, 2013 (unaudited) and December 31, 2012, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited), (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited), and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited).

 
- 59 -

 
 
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: October 24, 2013
By:
/s/ Michael D. Price  
    Michael D. Price  
   
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
       
 
       
Date: October 24, 2013
By:
/s/ Allan C. Decleir  
    Allan C. Decleir  
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
       

- 60 -