ptp10q_jun10.htm
 


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

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010
   
 
OR
   
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number: 001-31341

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

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

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes X   No ___

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

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

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

The registrant had 41,094,952 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of July 15, 2010.


 
 

 


PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Page
     
PART I  –  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2010 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2009
1
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
2
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
3
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
4
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
5
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
33
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
34
     
PART II  –  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
34
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
35
Item 6.
Exhibits
35
     
SIGNATURES
35

 
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ in thousands, except share data)
 
 
    (Unaudited)        
   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities at fair value (amortized cost – $3,146,963 and $3,590,081, respectively)
  $ 3,172,459     $ 3,514,052  
Fixed maturity trading securities at fair value (amortized cost – $152,906 and $136,426, respectively)
    161,365       142,566  
Preferred stocks (cost – $812 and $1,879, respectively)
    2,090       3,897  
Short-term investments
    89,825       26,350  
Total investments
    3,425,739       3,686,865  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,102,274       682,784  
Accrued investment income
    28,373       29,834  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    160,729       269,912  
Reinsurance recoverable on ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses
    15,288       19,240  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    12,748       10,470  
Funds held by ceding companies
    85,030       84,478  
Deferred acquisition costs
    38,994       40,427  
Deferred tax assets
    41,787       63,093  
Other assets
    23,787       134,475  
Total assets
  $ 4,934,749     $ 5,021,578  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,224,026     $ 2,349,336  
Unearned premiums
    168,545       180,609  
Debt obligations
    250,000       250,000  
Commissions payable
    57,370       90,461  
Other liabilities
    129,373       73,441  
Total liabilities
    2,829,314       2,943,847  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common shares, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 41,094,952 and 45,942,639 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    411       459  
Additional paid-in capital
    695,967       883,425  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    12,700       (70,005 )
Retained earnings
    1,396,357       1,263,852  
Total shareholders' equity
    2,105,435       2,077,731  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 4,934,749     $ 5,021,578  

 
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
- 1 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
($ in thousands, except per share data)
 

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenue:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 191,432       232,462       411,610     $ 480,214  
Net investment income
    35,372       44,077       72,877       78,323  
Net realized gains on investments
    49,489       10,794       54,946       31,364  
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    1,777       (10,194 )     (10,861 )     (13,654 )
Portion of impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (5,187 )     6,938        (10,651 )     6,990  
Net impairment losses on investments
     (3,410 )     (3,256 )      (21,512 )     (6,664 )
Other income (expense)
     (144 )     5,212       129       5,444  
Total revenue
    272,739       289,289       518,050       588,681  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    71,475       124,945       236,043       269,109  
Net acquisition expenses
    44,088       38,338       81,417       78,494  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
    30       106       2,345       2,523  
Operating expenses
    20,160       22,906       41,901       43,774  
Net foreign currency exchange (gains) losses
     (67 )     (537 )      (1,296 )     459  
Interest expense
    4,709       4,756       9,469       9,511  
Total expenses
    140,395       190,514       369,879       403,870  
                                 
Income before income tax expense
    132,344       98,775       148,171       184,811  
Income tax expense
    8,205       645       8,611       1,759  
                                 
Net income
    124,139       98,130       139,560       183,052  
Preferred dividends
                      1,301  
                                 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 124,139       98,130       139,560     $ 181,751  
                                 
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 2.87       1.94       3.15     $ 3.63  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 2.68       1.90       2.95     $ 3.47  
                                 
Comprehensive income:
                               
Net income
  $ 124,139       98,130       139,560     $ 183,052  
Other comprehensive income – net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes
    34,833       64,958       82,705       63,382  
Comprehensive income
  $ 158,972       163,088       222,265     $ 246,434  
                                 
Shareholder dividends:
                               
Preferred shareholder dividends declared
  $                 $ 2,602  
Dividends declared per preferred share
                      0.45  
Common shareholder dividends declared
    3,400       4,026       7,055       8,288  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.08       0.08       0.16     $ 0.16  

 
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
- 2 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
($ in thousands)


   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Preferred shares:
           
Balances at beginning of period
  $     $ 57  
Conversion of preferred shares
          (57 )
Balances at end of period
           
                 
Common shares:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    459       475  
Issuance of common shares
    1        
Purchase of common shares
    (58 )     (37 )
Settlement of equity awards
    3       2  
Conversion of preferred shares
          57  
Exercise of common share options
    6       1  
Balances at end of period
    411       498  
                 
Additional paid-in capital:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    883,425       1,114,135  
Issuance of common shares
    4       246  
Purchase of common shares
    (212,765 )     (101,346 )
Share based compensation
    7,152       7,091  
Settlement of equity awards
    (966 )     (1,070 )
Exercise of common share options
    19,245       1,575  
Tax shortfall from share based compensation
    (128 )      
Balances at end of period
    695,967       1,020,631  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Balances at beginning of period
    (70,005 )     (188,987 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of deferred tax
          (14,244 )
Noncredit component of impairment losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred tax
    8,528       (6,140 )
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred tax
    74,177       69,522  
Balances at end of period
    12,700       (139,849 )
                 
Retained earnings:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    1,263,852       883,717  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of deferred tax
          14,244  
Net income
    139,560       183,052  
Preferred share dividends
          (1,301 )
Common share dividends
     (7,055 )     (8,288 )
Balances at end of period
    1,396,357       1,071,424  
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,105,435     $ 1,952,704  
 

See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
- 3 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
($ in thousands)
 
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 139,560     $ 183,052  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    6,697       10,398  
Net realized gains on investments
    (54,946 )     (31,364 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    21,512       6,664  
Net foreign currency exchange (gains) losses
    (1,296 )     459  
Share based compensation
    7,152       7,091  
Deferred income tax expense
    3,227       3,818  
Trading securities activities, net
     (30,559 )     199,030  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in accrued investment income
    1,227       (4,419 )
Decrease in reinsurance premiums receivable
    108,061       44,942  
(Increase) decrease in funds held by ceding companies
    (1,047 )     15,885  
Decrease in deferred acquisition costs
    1,183       7,106  
Decrease in net unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (100,659 )     (83,580
Decrease in net unearned premiums
    (12,466 )     (26,827 )
Changes in net current income tax payable and recoverable
    (5,546 )     3,301  
Changes in other assets and liabilities
    (60,573 )     (11,682 )
Other net
          12  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    21,527       323,886  
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    2,056,935       368,546  
Proceeds from sale of preferred stocks
    2,634        
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of available-for-sale securities
    158,439       296,086  
Acquisition of available-for-sale securities
     (1,547,483 )     (1,301,166 )
Acquisition of trading securities
 
­–
      (119,911 )
(Increase) decrease in short-term investments
     (63,375 )     61,485  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    607,150       (694,960 )
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
          (2,602 )
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (7,055 )     (8,288 )
Purchase of common shares
     (212,823 )     (101,384 )
Proceeds from exercise of common share options
    19,251       1,576  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (200,627 )     (110,698 )
                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    (8,560 )     4,692  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    419,490       (477,080 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    682,784       813,017  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,102,274     $ 335,937  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Income taxes paid (refunded)
  $ 11,261     $ (5,610 )
Interest paid
  $ 9,375     $ 9,375  


See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
- 4 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
 
 
1.
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum Holdings”) is a Bermuda holding company organized in 2002.  Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries:  Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”) and Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Platinum US”).  The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” also refer to the Company, unless the context otherwise indicates.  We provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages, through reinsurance intermediaries, to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).  These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Bermuda, Platinum US, Platinum Re (UK) Limited, Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (“Platinum Finance”), Platinum Regency Holdings (“Platinum Regency”), Platinum Administrative Services, Inc. and Platinum UK Services Company Limited.  All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated in preparing these consolidated financial statements.  The consolidated financial statements included in this report as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are unaudited and include adjustments consisting of normal recurring items that management considers necessary for a fair presentation under U.S. GAAP.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated statement of operations to conform to the 2010 presentation.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued additional guidance under the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”), which amends the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities (“VIEs”).  The amendments will affect the overall consolidation analysis under ASC 810.  In particular, the amendments modify the approach for determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE.  We adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2010 and it did not have an effect on our financial position and results of operations.
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) – Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements” (“ASU 2010-06”).  This update requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements, including disclosures regarding (i) the amounts and reasons for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements and separate presentation of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements of items measured using significant unobservable inputs, as previously disclosed for Level 3, (ii) inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for financial assets and liabilities that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3, (iii) the activity within Level 3 fair value measurements, and (iv) disaggregation of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value into classes of financial assets and liabilities.  The requirements were effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosure about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  We adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2010 and it did not have an effect on our financial position and results of operations.
 
2.
Investments
 
Available-for-sale Securities
 
The following table sets forth our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities and preferred stocks as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 ($ in thousands):

               
Gross Unrealized Losses
       
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized Gains
   
Non-OTTI
   
Non-credit portion of OTTI
   
Fair Value
 
June 30, 2010:
                             
U.S. Government
  $ 1,034,196       21,849                 $ 1,056,045  
U.S. Government agencies
    100,000       893                   100,893  
Corporate bonds
    455,147       22,434       5,135             472,446  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    217,406       7,159       7,040       225       217,300  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    231,213       3,863       33,882       11,381       189,813  
Asset-backed securities
    41,593       113       8,799       3,497       29,410  
Municipal bonds
    992,150       41,646       4,211             1,029,585  
Non-U.S. governments
    75,258       1,809       100             76,967  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    3,146,963       99,766       59,167       15,103       3,172,459  
Preferred stocks
    812       1,278                   2,090  
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 3,147,775       101,044       59,167       15,103     $ 3,174,549  
 
 
- 5 -

 
 
                     
Gross Unrealized Losses
         
      Amortized Cost    
  Gross
Unrealized Gains
     
Non-OTTI
      Non-credit portion of OTTI       Fair Value  
December 31, 2009:
                                       
U.S. Government
  $ 614,224       270       5,797           $ 608,697  
U.S. Government agencies
    100,000       1,082                   101,082  
Corporate bonds
    467,640       18,446       9,100             476,986  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    243,176       376       26,253       2,279       215,020  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    767,338       3,158       39,142       16,651       714,703  
Asset-backed securities
    84,396       1,311       14,606       11,402       59,699  
Municipal bonds
    744,677       19,172       4,348             759,501  
Non-U.S. governments
    568,630       10,359       625             578,364  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    3,590,081       54,174       99,871       30,332       3,514,052  
Preferred stocks
    1,879       2,018                   3,897  
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 3,591,960       56,192       99,871       30,332     $ 3,517,949  
 
Our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities and preferred stocks are U.S. dollar denominated securities.  U.S. Government agencies include securities issued by financial institutions under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  Non-U.S. governments consist primarily of securities issued by governments and financial institutions that are explicitly guaranteed by the respective government.
 
Trading Securities
 
The following table sets forth the fair value of our fixed maturity trading securities as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 ($ in thousands):
             
   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
             
Insurance-linked securities
  $ 25,901     $ 25,682  
Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities:
               
U.S. Government agencies
    15,254       16,423  
Corporate bonds
    64       77  
Non-U.S. governments
    120,146       100,384  
Total trading securities
  $ 161,365     $ 142,566  
 
We have elected to record our investments in insurance-linked securities at fair value.  Insurance-linked securities have exposure to catastrophe loss, which we actively manage.  We believe that the various risk elements of insurance-linked securities are more appropriately accounted for in accordance with the fair value measurement attributes of FASB ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” (“ASC 825”).  We have included insurance-linked securities at a fair value of $25.9 million and $25.7 million in our fixed maturity trading securities on our consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The mark-to-market adjustments on securities recognized under ASC 825 resulted in a decrease in fair value of $0.6 million and an increase in fair value of $4.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and an increase in fair value of $0.2 million and $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  These mark-to-market adjustments were included in net realized gains on investments in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
At acquisition, we determine our trading intent in the near term for securities accounted for in accordance with ASC 825.  If we do not intend to sell these securities in the near term, the purchases and sales are included in investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows, otherwise they are included in operating activities.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, there were no purchases or sales of trading securities accounted for in accordance with ASC 825.  For the six months ended June 30, 2009, purchases of $119.9 million of securities were classified as investing activities and net sales of $208.9 million of securities were classified as net trading securities and included in operating activities of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
Unrealized Gains and Losses
 
The following table sets forth the net changes in unrealized investment gains and losses on our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                         
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Gross change in unrealized investment gains and losses
  $ 45,056       69,109       100,784     $ 52,101  
Less deferred tax
    (10,223 )     (4,151 )     (18,079 )     (2,963 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of deferred tax
                      14,244  
Net change in unrealized gains and losses
  $ 34,833       64,958       82,705     $ 63,382  
 
 
- 6 -

 
 
The following table sets forth our unrealized losses on securities classified as available-for-sale aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 ($ in thousands):

   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
 
                         
Less than twelve months:
                       
U.S. Government
  $             594,343     $ 5,797  
Corporate bonds
    14,501       403       34,393       281  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    15       20       18,101       244  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    15,493       753       540,606       10,446  
Asset-backed securities
                1,075       445  
Municipal bonds
    136,766       4,148       187,159       4,244  
Non-U.S. governments
    4,898       100       59,815       565  
Total
  $ 171,673       5,424       1,435,492     $ 22,022  
                                 
Twelve months or more:
                               
U.S. Government
  $                 $  
Corporate bonds
    35,436       4,732       59,423       8,819  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    47,276       7,245       160,039       28,288  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    92,388       44,510       94,969       45,347  
Asset-backed securities
    28,669       12,296       28,238       25,563  
Municipal bonds
    3,039       63       3,015       104  
Non-U.S. governments
                1,661       60  
Total
  $ 206,808       68,846       347,345     $ 108,181  
                                 
Total unrealized losses:
                               
U.S. Government
  $             594,343     $ 5,797  
Corporate bonds
    49,937       5,135       93,816       9,100  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    47,291       7,265       178,140       28,532  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    107,881       45,263       635,575       55,793  
Asset-backed securities
    28,669       12,296       29,313       26,008  
Municipal bonds
    139,805       4,211       190,174       4,348  
Non-U.S. governments
    4,898       100       61,476       625  
Total
  $ 378,481       74,270       1,782,837     $ 130,203  
 
The fair values of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities included in the table above relate only to securities in an unrealized loss position as of the reporting date.  We routinely review our available-for-sale investments to determine whether unrealized losses represent temporary changes in fair value or are the result of an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”).  The process of determining whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired requires judgment and involves analyzing many factors.  These factors include the overall financial condition of the issuer, the length of time and magnitude of an unrealized loss, specific credit events, the collateral structure and the credit support that may be applicable.  The amount of the credit loss of an impaired debt security is the difference between the amortized cost and the greater of (i) the present value of expected future cash flows or (ii) the fair value of the security.  The credit loss is recognized in net income and the portion of OTTI related to all other factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity.
 
Investment holdings within our corporate bond portfolio were diversified across approximately 30 industry sectors and are comprised of many individual issuers and issues within each sector.  As of June 30, 2010, the single largest unrealized loss within our corporate bond portfolio was $1.4 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $7.4 million.  We consider the credit worthiness of our corporate bond portfolio by reviewing various performance metrics of the issuer, including financial condition and credit ratings as well as other public information.  We determined that none of our corporate bonds were other-than-temporarily impaired for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
 
- 7 -

 
 
We analyze our commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, debt-service-coverage ratios and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  We recorded no net impairment losses related to CMBS for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and net impairment losses of $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, and net impairment losses of $7.7 million and $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Our residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) include U.S. Government agency RMBS and non-agency RMBS.  Our securities with underlying sub-prime mortgages as collateral are included in asset-backed securities.  We analyze our RMBS and sub-prime asset-backed securities on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, prepayment speeds and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  We recorded net impairment losses related to non-agency RMBS of $1.8 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and net impairment losses of $2.8 million and $3.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.   We also recorded net impairment losses related to sub-prime asset-backed securities of $1.6 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and net impairment losses of $11.0 million and $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
The following table sets forth a summary of the credit losses recognized on our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Beginning balance, January 1
  $ 18,695     $  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
          2,300  
Credit losses on securities not previously impaired
    7,728       2,728  
Additional credit losses on securities previously impaired
    13,784       2,728  
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
    (291 )      
Ending balance, June 30
  $ 39,916     $ 7,756  
 
The credit losses on our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities related to CMBS and RMBS. The cumulative credit losses we recorded on CMBS of $10.4 million were on five securities issued from 2006 to 2008.  As of June 30, 2010, 9.7% of the mortgage pools backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and the mortgage pools had not incurred any losses.  For these securities, the expected losses for the underlying mortgage pools were greater than the remaining credit support of 16.8%.   The cumulative credit losses we recorded on RMBS and sub-prime asset-backed securities of $29.5 million were on 19 securities issued from 2005 to 2007.  As of June 30, 2010, 16.1% of the mortgage pools backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and 3.4% of the mortgage pools had incurred cumulative losses.  For these securities, the expected losses for the underlying mortgage pools were greater than the remaining credit support of 7.9%.
   
We evaluate the unrealized losses of our preferred stocks by individual issuer and determine if we can forecast a reasonable period of time by which the fair value of the securities will increase and we will recover our cost.  If we are unable to forecast a reasonable period of time in which we will recover the cost of our preferred stocks, we record a net impairment loss in our consolidated statement of operations equivalent to the entire unrealized loss.  We recorded no net impairment losses related to our preferred stocks for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 and for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  We recorded net impairment losses related to our preferred stocks of $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
 
In evaluating the potential for OTTI, we also consider our intent to sell a security and the likelihood that we will be required to sell a security before an unrealized loss is recovered.  Our intent to sell a security is based, in part, on adverse changes in the credit worthiness of a debt issuer, pricing and other market conditions and our anticipated net cash flows.  If we determine that we intend to sell a security that is in an unrealized loss position, then the unrealized loss related to such security, representing the difference between the security’s amortized cost and its fair value, is recognized as a net impairment loss in our consolidated statement of operations at the time we determine our intent is to sell.
 
We believe that the gross unrealized loss in our available-for-sale portfolio represents temporary declines in fair value.  We believe that the unrealized loss is not necessarily predictive of ultimate performance and that the provisions we have made for net impairment losses are adequate.  However, economic conditions may deteriorate more than expected and may adversely affect the expected cash flows of our securities, which in turn may lead to impairment losses recorded in future periods.
 
Net Investment Income
 
The following table sets forth our net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                         
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 35,716       44,158       73,780     $ 77,724  
Short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents
    381       321       587       1,297  
Funds held
    465       837       918       1,709  
Subtotal
    36,562       45,316       75,285       80,730  
Less investment expenses
    1,190       1,239       2,408       2,407  
Net investment income
  $ 35,372       44,077       72,877     $ 78,323  
 
 
- 8 -

 
 
Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments
 
The following table sets forth our net realized gains and losses on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                         
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Gross realized gains on the sale of investments
  $ 54,249       8,155       58,962     $ 30,317  
Gross realized losses on the sale of investments
    (6,358 )     (156 )     (6,360 )     (549 )
Net realized gains on the sale of investments
    47,891       7,999       52,602       29,768  
Mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities
    1,598       2,795       2,344       1,596  
Net realized gains on investments
  $ 49,489       10,794       54,946     $ 31,364  
 
Maturities
 
Actual maturities of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities could differ from stated maturities due to call or prepayment provisions.  The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities by stated maturity as of June 30, 2010 ($ in thousands):
             
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
             
Due in one year or less
  $ 95,214     $ 96,870  
Due from one to five years
    678,477       705,001  
Due from five to ten years
    1,400,756       1,443,426  
Due in ten or more years
    635,210       652,004  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
    490,212       436,523  
Total
  $ 3,299,869     $ 3,333,824  
 
3.
Fair Value Measurements
 
The fair values of our financial assets and liabilities are determined primarily through the use of observable inputs.  Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from external independent sources.   Unobservable inputs reflect management’s assumptions about what market participants would use 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 includes 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 of financial assets and liabilities are based on prices obtained from independent pricing vendors, index providers, or broker-dealers using observable inputs; and
 
Level 3:
Valuations are based on unobservable inputs for assets and liabilities where there is little or no market activity.  Management’s assumptions are used in internal valuation pricing models to determine the fair value of financial assets or liabilities.
 
 
- 9 -

 
 
The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all financial assets and liabilities which the Company has recorded at fair value as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 ($ in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
June 30, 2010
                       
Financial assets:
                       
U.S. Government
  $ 1,056,045       1,056,045           $  
U.S. Government agencies
    116,147             116,147        
Corporate bonds
    472,510       23,221       449,289        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    217,300             217,300        
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    189,813             189,813        
Asset-backed securities
    29,410             29,410        
Municipal bonds
    1,029,585             1,029,585        
Non-U.S. governments
    197,113       57,178       139,935        
Insurance-linked securities
    25,901             25,901        
Preferred stocks
    2,090       2,090              
Short-term investments
    89,825             89,825        
Total
  $ 3,425,739       1,138,534       2,287,205     $  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Derivative instrument
    2,509                   2,509  
Total
  $ 2,509                 $ 2,509  
                                 
December 31, 2009:
                               
Financial assets:
                               
U.S. Government
  $ 608,697       608,697           $  
U.S. Government agencies
    117,505             117,505        
Corporate bonds
    477,063       27,760       449,303        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    215,020             215,020        
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    714,703             714,703        
Asset-backed securities
    59,699             59,699        
Municipal bonds
    759,501             759,501        
Non-U.S. governments
    678,748       35,311       643,437        
Insurance-linked securities
    25,682             25,682        
Preferred stocks
    3,897       3,897              
Short-term investments
    26,350             26,350        
Total
  $ 3,686,865       675,665       3,011,200     $  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Derivative instrument
    4,677                   4,677  
Total
  $ 4,677                 $ 4,677  
 
 
- 10 -

 
 
Our financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value include fixed maturity securities, preferred stocks, short-term investments and a derivative instrument.   The fair values of our fixed maturity securities, preferred stocks and short-term investments are based on prices generally obtained from independent pricing vendors, index providers, or broker-dealers using observable inputs.  Fixed maturity securities are generally valued using the market approach.  The inputs used to determine the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
U.S. Government
The fair values of U.S. Government securities are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 1.
   
U.S Government agencies
Our U.S. Government agencies portfolio consists of securities issued by financial institutions guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  The observable inputs used to price these securities may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.
   
Corporate bonds
Our corporate bond portfolio is comprised of corporate issues and redeemable preferred stocks.  The observable inputs used to price corporate issues may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and industry and economic indicators.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.  Exchange traded redeemable preferred stocks are priced based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 1.
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
The fair values of CMBS are determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Our RMBS portfolio is comprised of securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and by non-agency institutions.  The observable inputs used to price U.S. Government agency RMBS may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, loan level information and prepayment speeds.  The observable inputs used to price non-agency RMBS may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, prepayment speeds, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.
   
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
The fair values of ABS are determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, type of collateral, prepayment speeds, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.
   
Municipal bonds
The fair values of municipal bonds are determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and economic indicators.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.
   
Non-U.S. governments
Our non-U.S. government bond portfolio consists of securities issued primarily by governments, provinces, agencies and supranationals as well as debt issued by financial institutions that is guaranteed by a non-U.S. government.  The fair values of non-U.S. government securities are determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 1 or Level 2.
   
Insurance-linked securities
The fair values of insurance-linked securities are determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and specific catastrophic events.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.
   
Preferred stocks
Non-redeemable exchange traded preferred stocks are priced based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  The fair value measurements are classified as Level 1.
   
Short-term investments
Short-term investments are generally carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value and are classified as Level 2.
   
Derivative instrument
The fair value of our derivative instrument is determined by management primarily using unobservable inputs through the application of our own assumptions and internal valuation pricing models.  Unobservable inputs used in the internal valuation pricing model include the unpaid contract premiums, probability of losses triggered under the covered perils for first and second events, the remaining time to the end of the annual contract period and the seasonality of risks.  The valuation is based on the use of significant unobservable inputs therefore the fair value measurement is classified as Level 3.  See Note 4 for additional disclosure on our derivative instrument.
 
 
 

 
 
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balance for our Level 3 financial instrument measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):

   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Beginning balance at January 1
  $ (4,677 )   $ (4,753 )
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    4,513       4,829  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
           
Total net realized gains (losses) included in earnings
           
Total decrease in fair value of the derivative instrument included in earnings
    (2,345 )     (2,523 )
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in comprehensive income
           
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
           
Ending balance at June 30
  $ (2,509 )   $ (2,447 )
                 
Total decrease in fair value of the derivative instrument included in earnings relating to liabilities outstanding for the period
  $ (2,345 )   $ (2,523 )
 
There were no transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
The carrying amount of all financial assets and liabilities was equal to fair value as at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, except for the senior notes included in debt obligations on our consolidated balance sheets.  The senior notes were recorded at cost with a carrying value of $250.0 million at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and had a fair value of $262.5 million and $245.0 million at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
 
4.
Derivative Instrument
 
In August 2008, we entered into a derivative agreement with Topiary Capital Limited (“Topiary”), a Cayman Islands special purpose vehicle, that provides us with the ability to recover up to $200.0 million should two catastrophic events involving U.S. wind, U.S. earthquake, European wind or Japanese earthquake occur that meet specified loss criteria during any of three annual periods commencing August 1, 2008.  Any recovery we make under this contract is based on insured property industry loss estimates for the U.S. perils and European wind and a parametric index for Japanese earthquake events.  Recovery is based on both a physical and financial variable and is not based on actual losses we may incur.  Consequently, the transaction is accounted for as a derivative and the derivative is carried at the estimated fair value.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, we pay Topiary approximately $9.7 million during each of the three annual periods.  The net derivative liability of $2.5 million and $4.7 million at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, was included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.  The net change in fair value for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 of $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, was included in the change in fair value of derivatives on our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Topiary’s limit of loss is collateralized with high quality investment grade securities deposited in an account to secure its obligations to the Company.  The performance of the securities in the collateral account is guaranteed under a total return swap agreement with Goldman Sachs International whose obligations under the swap agreement are guaranteed by Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
 
Topiary is a variable interest entity under the provisions of ASC 810.  We have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of Topiary and accordingly we have not consolidated this entity in our consolidated financial statements.
 
5.
Income Taxes
 
We provide for income tax expense or benefit based upon income reported in the consolidated financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and are subject to Bermuda law with respect to taxation.  Under current Bermuda law, they are not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains and they have received an assurance from the Bermuda Minister of Finance that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that would impose tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of any such tax will not be applicable to Platinum Holdings or Platinum Bermuda or any of their respective operations, shares, debentures or other obligations until March 28, 2016.  Platinum Holdings has subsidiaries based in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland that are subject to the respective tax laws thereof.
 
The income tax returns of our U.S.-based subsidiaries that remain open to examination are for calendar years 2003 and forward.  The income tax returns of 2003 and 2004 are currently under examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
 
6.
Company Share Repurchases
 
Our board of directors has authorized the repurchase of our common shares through a share repurchase program.  In accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 5,757,906 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate amount of $212.8 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $36.96 per share during the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.  Since the program was established, our board of directors has monitored the level of share repurchase activity and periodically restored the repurchase authority under the program to $250.0 million, most recently on July 22, 2010.
 
 
- 12 -

 
 
7.
Earnings per Common Share
 
The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands, except per share data):
   
Net
Income
   
Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding
   
Earnings
per
Share
 
                   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                 
Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
                 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 124,139       43,225     $ 2.87  
Effect of dilutive securities - common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
          3,024          
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per common share
  $ 124,139       46,249     $ 2.68  
                         
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                       
Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 98,130       50,580     $ 1.94  
Effect of dilutive securities - common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
          1,014          
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per common share
  $ 98,130       51,594     $ 1.90  
                         
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 139,560       44,322     $ 3.15  
Effect of dilutive securities - common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
          3,043          
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per common share
  $ 139,560       47,365     $ 2.95  
                         
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                       
Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 181,751       50,105     $ 3.63  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
          1,114          
Conversion of preferred shares
          1,525          
Preferred share dividends
    1,301                
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per common share
  $ 183,052       52,744     $ 3.47  
 
8.
Operating Segment Information
 
We conduct our worldwide reinsurance business through three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  The Property and Marine operating segment includes principally property and marine reinsurance coverages that are written in the United States and international markets.  This operating segment includes property reinsurance, crop reinsurance and marine and aviation reinsurance.  The Property and Marine operating segment includes reinsurance contracts that are either catastrophe excess-of-loss, per-risk excess-of-loss or proportional contracts.  The Casualty operating segment includes reinsurance contracts that cover general and product liability, professional liability, accident and health, umbrella liability, workers' compensation, casualty clash, automobile liability, surety, trade credit, and political risk.  We generally seek to write casualty reinsurance on an excess-of-loss basis.  We write first dollar proportional casualty reinsurance contracts on an opportunistic basis.  The Finite Risk operating segment includes principally structured reinsurance contracts with ceding companies whose needs may not be met efficiently through traditional reinsurance products.  In exchange for contractual features that limit our downside risk, reinsurance contracts that we classify as finite risk provide the potential for significant profit commission to the ceding company.  The classes of risks underwritten through finite risk contracts are generally consistent with the classes covered by traditional products.  The finite risk contracts that we underwrite generally provide prospective protection, meaning coverage is provided for losses that are incurred after inception of the contract, as contrasted with retrospective coverage, which covers losses that are incurred prior to inception of the contract.  The three main categories of finite risk contracts are quota share, multi-year excess-of-loss and whole account aggregate stop loss.
 
 
- 13 -

 
 
In managing our operating segments, we use measures such as net underwriting income and underwriting ratios to evaluate segment performance.  We do not allocate assets or certain income and expenses such as investment income, net realized gains and losses on investments, net impairment losses on investments, net changes in fair value of derivatives, net foreign currency exchange gains and losses, interest expense and certain corporate expenses to segments.  The measures we use in evaluating our operating segments should not be used as a substitute for measures determined under U.S. GAAP.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the three operating segments, together with a reconciliation of underwriting income to income before income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):

   
Property
and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Net premiums written
  $ 74,105       72,628       4,985     $ 151,718  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    100,550       85,166       5,716       191,432  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    35,010       40,058        (3,593 )     71,475  
Net acquisition expenses
    17,218       18,752       8,118       44,088  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,720       5,654       313       13,687  
Segment underwriting income
  $ 40,602       20,702       878       62,182  
                                 
Net investment income
      35,372  
Net realized gains on investments
      49,489  
Net impairment losses on investments
      (3,410 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
      (30 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
      67  
Other expense
      (144 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (6,473 )
Interest expense
      (4,709 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 132,344  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    34.8 %     47.0 %     (62.9 %)     37.3 %
Net acquisition expense
    17.1 %     22.0 %     142.0 %     23.0 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.7 %     6.6 %     5.5 %     7.1 %
Combined
    59.6 %     75.6 %     84.6 %     67.4 %
                                 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                               
Net premiums written
  $ 113,405       87,459       7,253     $ 208,117  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    128,316       99,161       4,985       232,462  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    62,807       61,042       1,096       124,945  
Net acquisition expenses
    13,526       20,406       4,406       38,338  
Other underwriting expenses
    9,123       6,130       400       15,653  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 42,860       11,583       (917 )     53,526  
                                 
Net investment income
      44,077  
Net realized gains on investments
      10,794  
Net impairment losses on investments
      (3,256 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
      (106 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
      537  
Other income
      5,212  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (7,253 )
Interest expense
      (4,756 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 98,775  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    48.9 %     61.6 %     22.0 %     53.7 %
Net acquisition expense
    10.5 %     20.6 %     88.4 %     16.5 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.1 %     6.2 %     8.0 %     6.7 %
Combined
    66.5 %     88.4 %     118.4 %     76.9 %
 
 
- 14 -

 
 
     
Property
and Marine
     
Casualty
     
Finite Risk
     
Total
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                               
Net premiums written
  $ 220,890       166,379       11,876     $ 399,145  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    228,356       173,068       10,186       411,610  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    161,637       71,588       2,818       236,043  
Net acquisition expenses
    33,449       36,479       11,489       81,417  
Other underwriting expenses
    16,419       12,124       651       29,194  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 16,851       52,877        (4,772 )     64,956  
                                 
Net investment income
      72,877  
Net realized gains on investments
      54,946  
Net impairment losses on investments
      (21,512 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
      (2,345 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
      1,296  
Other income
      129  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (12,707 )
Interest expense
      (9,469 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 148,171  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    70.8 %     41.4 %     27.7 %     57.3 %
Net acquisition expense
    14.6 %     21.1 %     112.8 %     19.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.2 %     7.0 %     6.4 %     7.1 %
Combined
    92.6 %     69.5 %     146.9 %     84.2 %
                                 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009:
                               
Net premiums written
  $ 255,140       185,473       12,776     $ 453,389  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    261,987       209,121       9,106       480,214  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    140,258       120,183       8,668       269,109  
Net acquisition expenses
    30,890       46,627       977       78,494  
Other underwriting expenses
    17,282       11,799       700       29,781  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 73,557       30,512       (1,239 )     102,830  
                                 
Net investment income
      78,323  
Net realized gains on investment
      31,364  
Net impairment losses on investments
      (6,664 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
      (2,523 )
Net foreign currency exchange losses
      (459 )
Other income
      5,444  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (13,993 )
Interest expense
      (9,511 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 184,811  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    53.5 %     57.5 %     95.2 %     56.0 %
Net acquisition expense
    11.8 %     22.3 %     10.7 %     16.3 %
Other underwriting expense
    6.6 %     5.6 %     7.7 %     6.2 %
Combined
    71.9 %     85.4 %     113.6 %     78.5 %
 
9.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
 
Platinum Finance is a U.S. based intermediate holding company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Platinum Regency.  The outstanding Series B Notes issued by Platinum Finance, due June 1, 2017, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Platinum Holdings.
 
The payment of dividends from our subsidiaries is limited by applicable laws and statutory requirements of the jurisdictions in which the subsidiaries operate, including Bermuda, the United States, and Ireland.  Based on the regulatory restrictions of the applicable jurisdictions, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by Platinum US to Platinum Finance in 2010 without prior regulatory approval is $38.6 million.  The maximum amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by the reinsurance subsidiaries of Platinum Holdings in 2010, including Platinum US, without prior regulatory approval is estimated to be approximately $431.0 million.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, Platinum Bermuda paid dividends of $110.0 million and $235.0 million, respectively, to Platinum Holdings.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, Platinum Regency paid dividends of $8.5 million to Platinum Holdings.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, Platinum US paid dividends of $20.0 million to Platinum Finance.
 
 
- 15 -

 
 
The tables below present the condensed consolidating financial information of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and the non-guarantor subsidiaries of Platinum Holdings as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
June 30, 2010
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
ASSETS
                             
Total investments
  $       26,415       3,399,324           $ 3,425,739  
Investment in subsidiaries
    2,014,814       603,857       406,534       (3,025,205 )      
Cash and cash equivalents
    80,753       36,975       984,546             1,102,274  
Reinsurance assets
                312,789             312,789  
Other assets
    13,501       3,226       77,778       (558 )     93,947  
Total assets
  $ 2,109,068       670,473       5,180,971       (3,025,763 )   $ 4,934,749  
                                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $             2,449,941           $ 2,449,941  
Debt obligations
          250,000                   250,000  
Other liabilities
    3,633       14,193       112,105       (558 )     129,373  
Total liabilities
    3,633       264,193       2,562,046       ( 558 )     2,829,314  
                                         
Shareholders’ Equity
                                       
Common shares
    411             8,000       (8,000 )     411  
Additional paid-in capital
    695,967       212,479       1,875,609       (2,088,088 )     695,967  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    12,700       26,135       38,764       (64,899 )     12,700  
Retained earnings
    1,396,357       167,666       696,552       (864,218 )     1,396,357  
Total shareholders’ equity
    2,105,435       406,280       2,618,925       (3,025,205 )     2,105,435  
                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,109,068       670,473       5,180,971       (3,025,763 )   $ 4,934,749  


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2009
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
ASSETS
                             
Total investments
  $       26,426       3,660,439           $ 3,686,865  
Investment in subsidiaries
    2,023,276       546,946       341,627       (2,911,849 )      
Cash and cash equivalents
    49,448       7,655       625,681             682,784  
Reinsurance assets
                424,527             424,527  
Other assets
    13,649       6,265       210,963       (3,475 )     227,402  
Total assets
  $ 2,086,373       587,292       5,263,237       (2,915,324 )   $ 5,021,578  
                                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $             2,620,406           $ 2,620,406  
Debt obligations
          250,000                   250,000  
Other liabilities
    8,642       1,641       66,633       (3,475 )     73,441  
Total liabilities
    8,642       251,641       2,687,039       (3,475 )     2,943,847  
                                         
Shareholders’ Equity
                                       
Common shares
    459             6,250       (6,250 )     459  
Additional paid-in capital
    883,425       212,608       1,883,156       (2,095,764 )     883,425  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (70,005 )     (7,439 )     (77,490 )     84,929       (70,005 )
Retained earnings
    1,263,852       130,482       764,282       (894,764 )     1,263,852  
Total shareholders’ equity
    2,077,731       335,651       2,576,198       (2,911,849 )     2,077,731  
                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,086,373       587,292       5,263,237       (2,915,324 )   $ 5,021,578  

 
- 16 -

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


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
Platinum Holdings
   
Platinum Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $             232,462           $ 232,462  
Net investment income
    14       41       44,022             44,077  
Net realized gains on investments
                10,794             10,794  
Net impairment losses on investments
                (3,256 )           (3,256 )
Other income
    448             4,764             5,212  
Total revenue
    462       41       288,786             289,289  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
                124,945             124,945  
Net acquisition expenses
                38,338             38,338  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                106             106  
Operating expenses
    6,616       111       16,179             22,906  
Net foreign currency exchange gains
                (537 )           (537 )
Interest expense
          4,756                   4,756  
Total expenses
    6,616       4,867       179,031             190,514  
                                         
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    (6,154 )     (4,826 )     109,755             98,775  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    150       (1,515 )     2,010             645  
                                         
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (6,304 )     (3,311 )     107,745             98,130  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    104,434       7,414       5,083       (116,931 )      
                                         
Net income
  $ 98,130       4,103       112,828       (116,931 )   $ 98,130  

 
- 17 -

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $             411,610           $ 411,610  
Net investment income
    31       93       72,753             72,877  
Net realized gains on investments
                54,946             54,946  
Net impairment losses on investments
                (21,512 )           (21,512 )
Other income (expense)
     (210 )           339             129  
Total revenue
    (179 )     93       518,136             518,050  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
                236,043             236,043  
Net acquisition expenses
                81,417             81,417  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                2,345             2,345  
Operating expenses
    12,721       135       29,045             41,901  
Net foreign currency exchange gains
                (1,296 )           (1,296 )
Interest expense
          9,469                   9,469  
Total expenses
    12,721       9,604       347,554             369,879  
                                         
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    (12,900 )     (9,511 )     170,582             148,171  
Income tax expense (benefit)
           (3,204 )     11,815             8,611  
                                         
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (12,900 )     (6,307 )     158,767             139,560  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    152,460       43,491       37,004       (232,955 )      
                                         
Net income
  $ 139,560       37,184       195,771       (232,955 )   $ 139,560  


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $             480,214           $ 480,214  
Net investment income
    44       61       78,218             78,323  
Net realized gains on investments
                31,364             31,364  
Net impairment losses on investments
                (6,664 )           (6,664 )
Other income
    902             4,542             5,444  
Total revenue
    946       61       587,674             588,681  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
                269,109             269,109  
Net acquisition expenses
                78,494             78,494  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                2,523             2,523  
Operating expenses
    13,159       219       30,396             43,774  
Net foreign currency exchange losses
                459             459  
Interest expense
          9,511                   9,511  
Total expenses
    13,159       9,730       380,981             403,870  
                                         
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    (12,213 )     (9,669 )     206,693             184,811  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    300       (3,210 )     4,669             1,759  
                                         
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (12,513 )     (6,459 )     202,024             183,052  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    195,565       11,165       5,454       (212,184 )      
                                         
Net income
    183,052       4,706       207,478       (212,184 )     183,052  
Preferred dividends
    1,301                         1,301  
                                         
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 181,751       4,706       207,478       (212,184 )   $ 181,751  

 
- 18 -

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
Platinum
   
Platinum
   
Non-guarantor
   
Consolidating
       
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
Holdings
   
Finance
   
Subsidiaries
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (11,568 )     9,240       23,855           $ 21,527  
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
                2,056,935             2,056,935  
Proceeds from sale of preferred stocks
                2,634             2,634  
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of available-for-sale securities
          79       158,360             158,439  
Acquisition of available-for-sale securities
                (1,547,483 )           (1,547,483 )
Increase in short-term investments
                (63,375 )           (63,375 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    243,500       20,000             (263,500 )      
Net cash provided by investing activities
    243,500       20,079       607,071       (263,500 )     607,150  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (7,055 )           (263,500 )     263,500       (7,055 )
Purchase of common shares
    (212,823 )                       (212,823 )
Proceeds from exercise of  common share options
    19,251                         19,251  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (200,627 )             (263,500 )     263,500       (200,627 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                (8,560 )           (8,560 )
                                         
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    31,305       29,319       358,866             419,490  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    49,449       7,655       625,680             682,784  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 80,754       36,974       984,546           $ 1,102,274  


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
Platinum
   
Platinum
   
Non-guarantor
   
Consolidating
       
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
Holdings
   
Finance
   
Subsidiaries
   
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                               
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (6,866 )     (9,448 )     340,200           $ 323,886  
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities
                368,546             368,546  
Purchase of subsidiary shares
                (18,367 )     18,367        
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of available-for-sale securities
          668       295,418             296,086  
Acquisition of available-for-sale securities
                (1,301,166 )           (1,301,166 )
Acquisition of trading securities
                (119,911 )           (119,911 )
Increase in short-term investments
                61,485             61,485  
Dividends from subsidiaries
    65,000       20,000             (85,000 )      
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    65,000       20,668       (713,995 )     (66,633 )     (694,960 )
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
    (2,602 )                       (2,602 )
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (8,288 )           (85,000 )     85,000       (8,288 )
Purchase of common shares
    (101,384 )                       (101,384 )
Proceeds from exercise of share options
    1,576                         1,576  
Proceeds from common share issuance
          18,367             (18,367 )      
Net cash provided be (used in) financing activities
    (110,698 )     18,367       (85,000 )     66,633       (110,698 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                4,692             4,692  
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (52,564 )     29,587       (454,103 )           (477,080 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    66,325       10,468       736,224             813,017  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 13,761       40,055       282,121           $ 335,937  

 
- 19 -

 
 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2010 (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, 2009 (the “2009 Form 10-K”).  This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Please see the “Note on Forward-Looking Statements” below.  Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
 
 Our Business
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum Holdings”) was organized in 2002 as a Bermuda holding company.  We operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”) and Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Platinum US”).  Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries are collectively referred to in this Form 10-Q as “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our,” unless the context otherwise indicates.  We provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages, through reinsurance intermediaries, to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.
 
We had $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion in capital resources as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  Our net income was $124.1 million and $98.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net income was $139.6 million and $183.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The increase in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily due to an increase in net realized gains on investments in 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The decrease in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was due to losses arising from catastrophes, substantially attributable to the earthquake in Chile in the first quarter of 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009 when there was lower catastrophe activity.  This was partially offset by an increase in net favorable development as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Our net premiums written were $151.7 million and $208.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net premiums written were $399.1 million and $453.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease in net premiums written for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily due to non-renewal of business that fell below our minimum pricing standards as compared to the same periods in 2009.
 
 Current Outlook
 
We anticipate the remainder of 2010 will continue to be characterized by ample capacity for insurance risk and that risk adjusted pricing will come under downward pressure in all lines of business that have not recently experienced significant losses.
 
We expect the presence or absence of major catastrophe events will have a significant effect on property market capacity and pricing at January 1, 2011.  We intend to adjust the composition and size of our portfolio accordingly.
 
If reinsurance rates for business in the property market remain attractive, we expect to write a similar amount of non-crop property and marine business for the remainder of 2010 compared with the amount we wrote in 2009.  As a result, we expect that property and marine business will represent a larger proportion of our overall book of business, which could result in increased volatility in our results of operations.
 
We believe that capacity for casualty insurance and reinsurance will remain abundant during the remainder of 2010.  Competition continues to drive rates down and with interest rates at low levels and losses trending at a positive rate, the expected profitability of many casualty contracts is eroding.  However, we believe that select casualty reinsurance treaties will offer adequate returns.  Under these conditions, we expect the amount of business we write in our Casualty segment will continue to decrease until market conditions change for the better.
 
We expect a relatively low level of demand for products in our Finite Risk segment for the remainder of 2010.
 
 Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make many estimates and valuation assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent liabilities.  Certain of these estimates and assumptions result from judgments that are necessarily subjective.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.  Our critical accounting estimates include premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), reinsurance recoverable, valuation of investments and evaluation of risk transfer.  For a detailed discussion of the Company’s critical accounting estimates, please refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included in our 2009 Form 10-K.
 
 Results of Operations
 
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2010 as Compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
Net income and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows ($ in thousands, except earnings per common share):

   
2010
   
2009
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
                   
Net income
  $ 124,139       98,130     $ 26,009  
Weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share
    46,249       51,594       (5,345 )
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 2.68       1.90     $ 0.78  
 
 
- 20 -

 
 
The increase in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the same period in 2009 was primarily due to an increase in net realized gains on investments of $38.7 million and an increase in net underwriting income of $8.7 million, partially offset by decreases in net investment income of $8.7 million and other income of $5.4 million and an increase in income tax expense of $7.6 million.  The increase in net realized gains on investments resulted from sales of certain investments that increased in fair value.  The increase in net underwriting income for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009 was primarily due to an increase in net favorable development and changes in the mix of business, including an increase in catastrophe business.  Partially offsetting the increase in net underwriting income was an increase in catastrophe losses substantially attributable to the earthquake in Chile.  Net underwriting income consists of net premiums earned, less net losses and LAE, net acquisition expenses and operating costs related to underwriting operations.
 
The increase in diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009 was partially due to the increase in net income.  Diluted earnings per common share was also favorably impacted by decreased average shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009.  The weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 2010 decreased primarily due to the impact of our repurchase of 11,358,600 common shares from April 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.
 
We conduct our worldwide reinsurance business through three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  In managing our operating segments, we use measures such as underwriting income and underwriting ratios to evaluate segment performance.  We do not allocate assets or certain income and expenses such as investment income, net realized gains and losses on investments, net changes in fair value of derivatives, net foreign currency exchange gains and losses, interest expense and certain corporate expenses to segments.  Segment underwriting income is reconciled to the U.S. GAAP measure of income before income taxes in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q.  The measures we use in evaluating our operating segments should not be used as a substitute for measures determined under U.S. GAAP.
 
Underwriting Results
 
Net underwriting income was $62.2 million and $53.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The increase in net underwriting income was primarily due to an increase in net favorable development and changes in the mix of business, partially offset by an increase in losses arising from major catastrophes in 2010.
 
Net favorable development was $40.1 million and $23.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net favorable or unfavorable development is the development of prior years’ unpaid losses and LAE and the related impact on premiums and commissions.  The net favorable development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 relating to prior years was in both the Property and Marine and Casualty segments.  Net losses arising from major catastrophes were $16.4 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Property and Marine
 
The Property and Marine operating segment generated 48.8% and 54.5% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Property and Marine segment for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
                   
Gross premiums written
  $ 83,967       120,498     $ (36,531 )
Ceded premiums written
    9,862       7,093       2,769  
Net premiums written
    74,105       113,405       (39,300 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    100,550       128,316       (27,766 )
Net losses and LAE
    35,010       62,807       (27,797 )
Net acquisition expenses
    17,218       13,526       3,692  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,720       9,123       (1,403 )
Property and Marine segment underwriting income
  $ 40,602       42,860     $ (2,258 )
                         
Ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    34.8 %     48.9 %  
(14.1) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    17.1 %     10.5 %  
6.6 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.7 %     7.1 %  
0.6 points
 
Combined
    59.6 %     66.5 %  
(6.9) points
 
 
 
- 21 -

 
 
The Property and Marine segment underwriting income decreased by $2.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to an increase in net losses arising from major catastrophes, partially offset by an increase in net favorable development.  Net losses arising from major catastrophes were $16.4 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net losses from major catastrophes for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were substantially attributable to an increase in losses estimated for the earthquake in Chile.  Net favorable development was $15.5 million and $6.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Gross premiums written decreased by $36.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Gross premiums written included reinstatement premiums related to major catastrophes of $2.4 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease in gross premiums written was primarily due to decreases in the North American property classes, including crop, catastrophe, and per risk excess-of-loss business for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.  The increase in ceded premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the same period in 2009 was primarily the result of an increase in the purchase of industry loss warranties.  The decrease in net premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the same period in 2009 was the result of decreases in net premiums written in the prior underwriting years and in crop business in 2010 and also reflects changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE decreased by $27.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009, which was primarily due to an increase in net favorable loss development and a decrease in net premiums earned, offset by an increase in catastrophe losses substantially attributable to the earthquake in Chile.  Net favorable loss development was $19.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with net unfavorable loss development of $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Net losses and LAE arising from major catastrophes was $19.6 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 19.0 points for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and net unfavorable loss development and related premium adjustments increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 0.1 points for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Net losses arising from major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 19.0 points and 0.4 points for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The resulting loss ratio, excluding catastrophes and development, decreased due to a lower proportion of crop business written, which has a higher loss ratio than the remainder of the segment, and a higher proportion of catastrophe business, which has a lower loss ratio than the remainder of the segment.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than we expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
Property per risk excess-of-loss
  $ 3,596       434       93     $ 4,123  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    5,087       458       383       5,928  
Crop
    10,806       (3,464 )           7,342  
Major catastrophes
    (691 )           (1,874 )     (2,565 )
Other property
    979       (427 )     70       622  
Total
  $ 19,777       (2,999 )     (1,328 )   $ 15,450  

 
Net favorable development in the property per risk excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2007 through 2009 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2009 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from our North American business in the 2009 underwriting year.  Net unfavorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from marine exposure on Hurricane Ike.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2009 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
Property per risk excess-of-loss
  $ 4,999       (23 )     318     $ 5,294  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    1,485       94       95       1,674  
Major catastrophes
    (1,112 )           1,338       226  
Crop
    (4,860 )     5,200             340  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    (2,294 )     291       203       (1,800 )
Other
    735       (254 )           481  
Total
  $ (1,047 )     5,308       1,954     $ 6,215  
 
 
- 22 -

 
 
Net favorable development in the property per risk excess-of-loss class arose primarily from our North American business in the 2006 and 2007 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2008 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose from our international crop business, which was substantially offset by net unfavorable development from our North American crop business.  Net unfavorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from our marine business in the 2005, 2007 and 2008 underwriting years.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $17.2 million and 17.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and $13.5 million and 10.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  The increases in net acquisition expenses and net acquisition expense ratio were primarily due to an increase in commissions related to net favorable development.
 
Casualty
 
The Casualty operating segment generated 47.9% and 42.0% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Casualty segment for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
                   
Net premiums written
  $ 72,628       87,459     $ (14,831 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    85,166       99,161       (13,995 )
Net losses and LAE
    40,058       61,042       (20,984 )
Net acquisition expenses
    18,752       20,406       (1,654 )
Other underwriting expenses
    5,654       6,130       (476 )
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 20,702       11,583     $ 9,119  
                         
Ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    47.0 %     61.6 %  
(14.6) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    22.0 %     20.6 %  
1.4 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    6.6 %     6.2 %  
0.4 points
 
Combined
    75.6 %     88.4 %  
(12.8) points
 
 
The Casualty segment underwriting income increased by $9.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009, which was primarily the result of an increase in net favorable development and changes in the mix of business.  Net favorable development was $23.4 million and $17.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Net premiums written decreased by $14.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009, which was primarily due to decreases in business underwritten in 2010 and 2009 across most casualty classes as a result of fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  Net premiums earned decreased by $14.0 million as a result of the decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  Net premiums written and earned were also affected by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE decreased by $21.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009, which was due to an increase in net favorable loss development and a decrease in net premiums earned.  Net favorable loss development was $22.6 million and $13.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 26.7 points and 13.9 points for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by changes in the mix of business.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
North American claims made
  $ 12,487       5           $ 12,492  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    7,340       (124 )           7,216  
North American umbrella
    2,427       (3 )           2,424  
Accident and health
    728       295             1,023  
Other
    (364 )     475       136       247  
Total
  $ 22,618       648       136     $ 23,402  

 
- 23 -

 
 
Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2006 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 underwriting years.  In addition, we experienced favorable development in the 2008 underwriting year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior periods.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2005 through 2008 underwriting years.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2009 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
North American excess-of-loss claims made
  $ 8,412       545           $ 8,957  
North American clash
    2,635       (4 )     295       2,926  
International casualty
    2,028       (119 )     62       1,971  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    2,467       (533 )     32       1,966  
North American umbrella
    (2,941 )     4,176             1,235  
Other
    870       (145 )     61       786  
Total
  $ 13,471       3,920       450     $ 17,841  
 
Net favorable development in the North American excess-of-loss claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the North American clash class arose primarily from an improvement in a loss resulting from an oil refinery explosion in 2005.  Net favorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from our motor excess-of-loss business in the 2002 through 2005 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence excess-of-loss class arose from the 2003 and 2004 underwriting years after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose from the 2003 underwriting year and also included offsetting adjustments to both net losses and LAE and net acquisition costs in other underwriting years.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $18.8 million and 22.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and $20.4 million and 20.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  The decrease in net acquisition expenses was due to a decrease in net premiums earned and commissions related to net favorable development.  The net acquisition ratio was impacted by favorable development on net acquisition expenses and changes in the mix of business.
 
Finite Risk
 
The Finite Risk segment generated 3.3% and 3.5% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Due to the inverse relationship between losses and commissions for this segment, we believe it is important to evaluate the overall combined ratio, rather than its component parts of net loss and LAE ratio and net acquisition expense ratio.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Finite Risk segment for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
                   
Net premiums written
  $ 4,985       7,253     $ (2,268 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    5,716       4,985       731  
                         
Net losses and LAE
    (3,593 )     1,096          
Net acquisition expenses
    8,118       4,406          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    4,525       5,502       (977 )
Other underwriting expenses
    313       400       (87 )
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 878       (917 )   $ 1,795  
                         
Ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    (62.9 %)     22.0 %        
Net acquisition expense
    142.0 %     88.4 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratios
    79.1 %     110.4 %  
(31.3) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    5.5 %     8.0 %  
(2.5) points
 
Combined
    84.6 %     118.4 %  
(33.8) points
 
 
 
- 24 -

 
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Finite Risk portfolio consisted of one finite risk contract in force and we expect little or no new activity in this segment in the foreseeable future due to the relatively low level of demand for finite risk products.  Due to the decline in premium volume in recent years, current year ratios may be significantly impacted by relatively insignificant adjustments of prior years’ business.
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses decreased by $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to net favorable development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to net unfavorable development for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Net favorable development was $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to net unfavorable development of $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Net favorable development for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily due to the commutation of a contract from the 2005 underwriting year and a decrease in losses related to a contract from the 2003 underwriting year.  The net favorable development decreased the net loss and LAE and acquisition expense ratio by 21.4 points for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to net unfavorable development increasing the ratio by 10.1 points for the three months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Non-Underwriting Results
 
Net investment income was $35.4 million and $44.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net investment income decreased primarily as a result of lower yields on invested assets and cash and cash equivalents.
 
Net realized gains on investments were $49.5 million and $10.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The following table sets forth the components of our net realized gains and losses on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
Net change
 
                   
Gross realized gains on the sale of investments
  $ 54,249       8,155     $ 46,094  
Gross realized losses on the sale of investments
    (6,358 )     (156 )     (6,202 )
Net realized gains on the sale of investments
    47,891       7,999       39,892  
Mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities
    1,598       2,795       (1,197 )
Net realized gains on investments
  $ 49,489       10,794     $ 38,695  
 
Sales of investments for the three months ended June 30, 2010 resulted in net realized gains on investments of $47.9 million, primarily from sales of U.S. Government securities, U.S. Government agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and non-U.S. Government securities.  The net gains from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were comprised of net gains of $1.6 million related primarily to non-U.S. Government securities.  Sales of investments for the three months ended June 30, 2009 resulted in net realized gains on investments of $8.0 million primarily from U.S. Government agency securities, corporate bonds, U.S. Government agency RMBS and asset-backed securities.  The net gains from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were comprised of net gains of $2.8 million related primarily to non-U.S. Governments and U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (“TIPS”).
 
Net impairment losses on investments were $3.4 million and $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The net impairment losses reflect other-than-temporary impairments attributed to credit losses for impaired securities.  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2010 included $1.8 million related to non-agency RMBS and $1.6 million related to sub-prime asset-backed securities.  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2009 included $2.3 million related to non-agency RMBS, $0.6 million of sub-prime asset-backed securities and $0.3 million related to commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”).
 
Other expense was $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and other income was $5.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009.  Other income for the three months ended June 30, 2009 substantially all related to profit on a reinsurance contract that was accounted for as a deposit.
 
Operating expenses were $20.2 million and $22.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Operating expenses included $13.7 million and $15.7 million related to other underwriting expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which represents compensation and other expenses associated with the operations of the underwriting subsidiaries.  The remaining operating expenses of $6.5 million and $7.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to costs such as compensation and other corporate expenses associated with operating as a publicly-traded company.  The decrease was partially attributable to lower performance based compensation accruals.
 
Interest expense was $4.7 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 and was related to our $250.0 million of Series B Notes due June 1, 2017.
 
Income tax expense was $8.2 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Our income tax expense during interim periods is based on an estimate of our consolidated annual effective tax rate.  The effective tax rates for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were 6.2% and 0.7%, respectively.  The increases in income tax expense and the effective tax rate were the result of an increase in the proportion of income before income taxes generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries.
 
 
- 25 -

 
 
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 as Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
 
Net income and diluted earnings per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows ($ in thousands, except earnings per common share):
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
Decrease
 
                   
Net income
  $ 139,560       183,052     $ 43,492  
Weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share
    47,365       52,744       5,379  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 2.95       3.47     $ 0.52  
 
The decrease in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the same period in 2009 was primarily due to a decrease in net underwriting income of $37.9 million, an increase in net impairment losses on investments of $14.8 million and an increase in income tax expense of $6.9 million, partially offset by an increase in net realized gains on investments of $23.6 million.  The decrease in net underwriting income was primarily due to an increase in losses arising from major catastrophes, partially offset by an increase in net favorable development.  The increase in net realized gains on investments resulted from sales of certain investments that increased in fair value.
 
The decrease in diluted earnings per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009 was primarily due to the decrease in net income.  The impact of the decrease in net income on earnings per common share was partially offset by decreased average shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The weighted average shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased primarily due to the impact of our repurchase of 13,610,404 common shares from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.
 
Underwriting Results
 
Net underwriting income was $65.0 million and $102.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease in net underwriting income was primarily due to an increase in losses arising from major catastrophes in 2010, partially offset by an increase in net favorable development and changes in the mix of business.
 
Net losses arising from major catastrophes were $105.4 million and $10.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net favorable development was $89.6 million and $45.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The net favorable development for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 relating to prior years was in both the Property and Marine and Casualty segments.  
 
Property and Marine
 
The Property and Marine operating segment generated 55.3% and 56.3% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Property and Marine segment for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
                   
Gross premiums written
  $ 236,512       265,933     $ (29,421 )
Ceded premiums written
    15,622       10,793       4,829  
Net premiums written
    220,890       255,140       (34,250 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    228,356       261,987       (33,631 )
Net losses and LAE
    161,637       140,258       21,379  
Net acquisition expenses
    33,449       30,890       2,559  
Other underwriting expenses
    16,419       17,282       (863 )
Property and Marine segment underwriting income
  $ 16,851       73,557     $ (56,706 )
                         
Ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    70.8 %     53.5 %  
17.3 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    14.6 %     11.8 %  
2.8 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.2 %     6.6 %  
0.6 points
 
Combined
    92.6 %     71.9 %  
20.7 points
 
 
The Property and Marine segment underwriting income decreased by $56.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009, which was primarily due to a decrease in earned premiums and an increase in net losses arising from major catastrophes, partially offset by an increase in net favorable development.  We had $105.4 million of net losses arising from major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with $10.5 million in the same period in 2009.  Net losses from major catastrophes in 2010 were substantially attributable to the earthquake in Chile.  Net favorable development was $34.1 million and $6.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
 
- 26 -

 
 
Gross premiums written decreased by $29.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Gross premiums written included reinstatement premiums of $16.6 million and $1.9 million related to major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease in gross premiums written was primarily due to decreases in North American crop business for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the same period in 2009, partially offset by an increase in catastrophe business for the same period.  The increase in ceded premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the same period in 2009 was primarily the result of an increase in the purchase of industry loss warranties.  The decrease in net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the same period in 2009 was the result of reduced net premiums written in the prior underwriting years and reflects changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE increased by $21.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009, which was primarily due to losses arising from major catastrophes in 2010, substantially attributable to the earthquake in Chile.  Net losses and LAE arising from major catastrophes were $120.7 million and $12.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The increase in net losses arising from major catastrophes was partially offset by an increase in net favorable loss development.  Net favorable loss development was $38.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with net unfavorable loss development of $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  Net losses arising from major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 51.6 points and 4.3 points for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 16.6 points for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and net unfavorable loss development and related premium adjustments increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 0.3 points for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The resulting loss ratio, excluding catastrophes and development, decreased due to a lower proportion of crop business, which has a higher loss ratio than the remainder of the segment, and a higher proportion of catastrophe business, which has a lower loss ratio than the remainder of the segment.  Net favorable loss development for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than we expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2010 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
Property per risk excess-of-loss
  $ 12,950       (71 )     164     $ 13,043  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    7,452       351       524       8,327  
Crop
    14,724       (3,463 )           11,261  
Property proportional
    2,928       (418 )           2,510  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    1,059       (253 )     301       1,107  
Major catastrophes
    (691 )           (1,466 )     (2,157 )
Total
  $ 38,422       (3,854 )     (477 )   $ 34,091  

 
Net favorable development in the property per risk excess-of-loss class arose primarily from international and North American regional business from the 2007 and 2009 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2009 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from our North American business in the 2009 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from our North American business in the 2005 through 2008 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2005 and 2007 underwriting years. Net unfavorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from marine exposure on Hurricane Ike.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2009 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
Property per risk excess-of-loss
  $ 7,699       (249 )     322     $ 7,772  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    8,055       912       252       9,219  
Major catastrophes
    (3,528 )           1,698       (1,830 )
Crop
    (10,583 )     5,105             (5,478 )
Marine, aviation and satellite
    (5,730 )     214       690       (4,826 )
Other
    1,556       (283 )           1,273  
Total
  $ (2,531 )     5,699       2,962     $ 6,130  
 
Net favorable development in the property per risk excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2006 and 2007 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2008 underwriting year.  Net unfavorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from marine exposure on Hurricanes Ike, Gustav and Katrina.  Net unfavorable development in the crop class arose primarily from the 2008 underwriting year.  Net unfavorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2005 through 2008 underwriting years from our marine business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $33.4 million and 14.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and $30.9 million and 11.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The increases in net acquisition expenses and net acquisition expense ratio were primarily due to an increase in commissions related to net favorable development.
 
 
- 27 -

 
 
Casualty
 
The Casualty operating segment generated 41.7% and 40.9% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Casualty segment for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
                   
Net premiums written
  $ 166,379       185,473     $ (19,094 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    173,068       209,121       (36,053 )
Net losses and LAE
    71,588       120,183       (48,595 )
Net acquisition expenses
    36,479       46,627       (10,148 )
Other underwriting expenses
    12,124       11,799       325  
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 52,877       30,512     $ 22,365  
                         
Ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    41.4 %     57.5 %  
(16.1) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    21.1 %     22.3 %  
(1.2) points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.0 %     5.6 %  
1.4 points
 
Combined
    69.5 %     85.4 %  
(15.9) points
 
 
The Casualty segment underwriting income increased by $22.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009, which was primarily the result of an increase in net favorable development.  Net favorable development was $60.0 million and $40.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Net premiums written decreased by $19.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009, which was primarily due to decreases in business underwritten in 2010 and 2009 across most casualty classes as a result of fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  Net premiums earned decreased by $36.1 million as a result of the decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  Net premiums written and earned were also affected by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE decreased by $48.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009, which was due to an increase in net favorable loss development and a decrease in net premiums earned.  Net favorable loss development was $56.0 million and $36.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 32.5 points and 17.5 points for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by changes in the mix of business.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2010 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
North American claims made
  $ 23,521       2,271           $ 25,792  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    24,680       (249 )     7       24,438  
North American umbrella
    5,876       (2 )           5,874  
Financial lines
    1,831       23       65       1,919  
International casualty
    (1,310 )     289       223       (798 )
Accident and health
    1,671       1,173             2,844  
Other
    (309 )     61       135       (113 )
Total
  $ 55,960       3,566       430     $ 59,956  

 
Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2006 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2002 through 2006 underwriting years.  In addition, we experienced net favorable development in the 2008 underwriting year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 and 2004 underwriting years, partially offset by unfavorable development in the 2008 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from our North American surety business in the 2004 though 2007 underwriting years.  Net unfavorable development in the international casualty class arose from the 2008 underwriting year, partially offset by net favorable development on all other years.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2007 and 2008 underwriting years.
 
 
- 28 -

 
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2009 by class of business ($ in thousands):
                         
Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
                         
North American excess-of-loss claims made
  $ 15,343       434           $ 15,777  
North American clash
    1,619       (29 )     227       1,817  
International casualty
    1,525       (229 )     139       1,435  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    13,764       (434 )     73       13,403  
North American umbrella
    3,661       4,145             7,806  
Other
    697       (256 )     (595 )     (154 )
Total
  $ 36,609       3,631       (156 )   $ 40,084  
 
Net favorable development in the North American excess-of-loss claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the North American clash class arose primarily from an improvement in a loss resulting from an oil refinery explosion in 2005.  Net favorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from our motor excess-of-loss business in various underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2005 underwriting years.  In addition, we experienced net favorable development in the 2007 underwriting year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003, 2004 and 2005 underwriting years and also included offsetting adjustments to both net losses and LAE and net acquisition costs in other underwriting years.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $36.5 million and 21.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and $46.6 million and 22.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The decrease in net acquisition expenses was primarily due to a decrease in net premiums earned.  The net acquisition expense ratio decreased due to changes in the mix of business.
 
Finite Risk
 
The Finite Risk segment generated 3.0% and 2.8% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the Finite Risk segment for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
                   
Net premiums written
  $ 11,876       12,776     $ (900 )
                         
Net premiums earned
    10,186       9,106       1,080  
                         
Net losses and LAE
    2,818       8,668          
Net acquisition expenses
    11,489       977          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    14,307       9,645       4,662  
Other underwriting expenses
    651       700       (49 )
Finite Risk segment underwriting loss
  $ (4,772 )     (1,239 )   $ (3,533 )
                         
Ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    27.7 %     95.2 %        
Net acquisition expense
    112.8 %     10.7 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratios
    140.5 %     105.9 %  
34.6 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    6.4 %     7.7 %  
(1.3) points
 
Combined
    146.9 %     113.6 %  
33.3 points
 
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Finite Risk portfolio consisted of one finite risk contract in force and we expect little or no new activity in this segment in the foreseeable future due to the relatively low level of demand for finite risk products.  Due to the decline in premium volume in recent years, current year ratios may be significantly impacted by relatively insignificant adjustments of prior years’ business.
 
 
- 29 -

 
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses increased by $4.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to an increase in net unfavorable development.  Net unfavorable development was $4.5 million and $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net unfavorable development for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily due to an increase in losses related to a contract from the 2003 underwriting year.  The net unfavorable development increased the net loss and LAE and acquisition expense ratio by 44.1 points in 2010 and by 6.2 points in 2009.
 
Non-Underwriting Results
 
Net investment income was $72.9 million and $78.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Net investment income decreased primarily as a result of lower yields on invested assets and cash and cash equivalents.
 
Net realized gains on investments were $54.9 million and $31.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The following table sets forth the components of our net realized gains and losses on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 ($ in thousands):
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
Net change
 
                   
Gross realized gains on the sale of investments
  $ 58,962       30,317     $ 28,645  
Gross realized losses on the sale of investments
    (6,360 )     (549 )     (5,811 )
Net realized gains on the sale of investments
    52,602       29,768       22,834  
Mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities
    2,344       1,596       748  
Net realized gains on investments
  $ 54,946       31,364     $ 23,582  
 
Sales of investments for the six months ended June 30, 2010 resulted in net realized gains on investments of $52.6 million, primarily from sales of U.S. Government securities, U.S. Government agency RMBS, corporate bonds and non-U.S. Government securities.  The net gains from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were comprised of net gains of $2.3 million related primarily to non-U.S. Government securities.  Sales of investments for the six months ended June 30, 2009 resulted in net realized gains on investments of $29.8 million from TIPS, U.S. Government agencies, corporate bonds, U.S. Government agency RMBS, asset-backed securities and non-U.S. government securities.  The net gains from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were comprised of net gains of $1.6 million related primarily to non-U.S. Governments and TIPS.
 
Net impairment losses on investments were $21.5 million and $6.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The net impairment losses reflect other-than-temporary impairments attributed to the credit losses for impaired securities.  The net impairment losses recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2010 included $11.0 million related to sub-prime asset-backed securities, $7.7 million related to CMBS and $2.8 million related to non-agency RMBS.  The net impairment losses recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2009 included $3.8 million related to non-agency RMBS, $1.2 million related to preferred stocks, $1.0 million related to CMBS and $0.7 million sub-prime asset-backed securities.
 
The net changes in fair value of derivatives were $2.3 million and $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The net changes in the fair value of derivatives was attributed to a three year derivative contract with Topiary Capital Limited that commenced in August 2008 and provides us with annual second event catastrophe protection.
 
Other income was $0.1 million and $5.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Other income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 substantially all related to profit on a reinsurance contract that was accounted for as a deposit.
 
Operating expenses were $41.9 million and $43.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Operating expenses included $29.2 million and $29.8 million related to other underwriting expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which represents compensation and other expenses associated with the operations of the underwriting subsidiaries.  The remaining operating expenses of $12.7 million and $14.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to costs such as compensation and other corporate expenses associated with operating as a publicly-traded company.  The decrease was partially attributable to lower performance based compensation accruals.
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains were $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and net foreign currency exchange losses were $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The net foreign exchange gains and losses for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were minimal because we held non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities, primarily the Euro and Pound Sterling, in approximately equivalent amounts.
 
Interest expense was $9.5 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 and was related to our $250.0 million of Series B Notes due June 1, 2017.
 
Income tax expense was $8.6 million and $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Our income tax expense during interim periods is based on an estimate of our consolidated annual effective tax rate.  The effective tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were 5.8% and 1.0%, respectively.  The increases in income tax expense and the effective tax rate were the result of an increase in the proportion of income before income taxes generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries.
 
 Financial Condition
 
The following discussion of financial condition, liquidity and capital resources as of June 30, 2010 focuses only on material changes from December 31, 2009.  See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition,” in our 2009 Form 10-K.
 
 
- 30 -

 
 
 Liquidity
 
Liquidity Requirements
 
Our principal cash requirements are the payment of losses and LAE, commissions, brokerage, operating expenses, and income taxes.  Additionally, cash is required for dividends to our common shareholders, the servicing of debt, capital expenditures and the purchase of retrocessional contracts.  Our liquidity requirements have not changed materially since December 31, 2009.  We expect that our liquidity needs for the next twelve months will be met by our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash flows from operations, investment income and proceeds on the sale, redemption or maturity of our investments.
 
Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US have reinsurance and other contracts that require them to provide collateral to ceding companies should certain events occur, such as a decline in our rating by A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) or Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) below specified levels, or a decline in statutory equity below specified amounts, or when certain levels of assumed liabilities are attained.  Some reinsurance contracts also have special termination provisions that permit early termination should certain events occur.  As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we held investments with a carrying value of $100.5 million and $275.5 million, respectively, and cash and cash equivalents of $22.7 million and $26.8 million, respectively, in trust to collateralize obligations under our reinsurance contracts.  As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we held investments with a carrying value of $160.9 million and $206.5 million, respectively, and cash and cash equivalents of $27.7 million and $17.0 million, respectively, to collateralize letters of credit issued under our credit facility.  The letters of credit were issued primarily to collateralize obligations under various reinsurance contracts.
 
Sources of Liquidity
 
Our sources of funds consist primarily of cash from operations, proceeds from sales, redemption and maturity of investments, issuance of securities and cash and cash equivalents held by us.  Net cash flows provided by operations excluding trading security activities were $52.1 million and $124.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, we have a $400.0 million credit facility with a syndicate of lenders that consists of a $150.0 million senior unsecured credit facility available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit and a $250.0 million senior secured credit facility available for letters of credit.  As of June 30, 2010, $150.0 million was available for borrowing and letters of credit on an unsecured basis and $114.4 million was available for letters of credit on a secured basis under the credit facility.  As of December 31, 2009, $150.0 million was available for borrowing and letters of credit on an unsecured basis and $105.9 million was available for letters of credit on a secured basis under the credit facility.
 
On a consolidated basis, our aggregate cash and invested assets totaled $4.5 billion and $4.4 billion at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  Additionally, there were net balances due to brokers of $76.6 million related to the purchase of securities at June 30, 2010 as compared with net balances due from brokers of $123.3 million related to the sale of securities at December 31, 2009.  Balances due from and to brokers are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively.  Our investment portfolio consists primarily of diversified, high quality, predominantly investment grade fixed maturity securities.  Our aggregate cash and invested assets, including net balances due to and from brokers, had a duration of 3.9 years and 3.5 years as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
 
As of June 30, 2010, the fair value of our available-for-sale securities was $3.2 billion, with a net unrealized gain of $26.8 million.  The following table sets forth the fair values, net unrealized gains and losses and average credit quality of our fixed maturity securities as of June 30, 2010 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Fair Value
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Average Credit Quality
 
                   
Available-for-sale securities:
                 
U.S. Government
  $ 1,056,045     $ 21,849    
Aaa
 
U.S. Government agencies
    100,893       893    
Aaa
 
Corporate bonds:
                     
Industrial
    310,355       15,974      A3  
Finance
    15,236       (1,407 )  
Baa2
 
Utilities
    66,391       3,006      A3  
Insurance
    57,243       3,020      A3  
Preferreds with maturity date
    23,221       (3,294 )  
Baa2
 
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities:
                       
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    217,300       (106 )  
Aa2
 
U.S. Government agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    93,620       3,813    
Aaa
 
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    89,117       (38,894 )  
Ba2
 
Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities
    7,076       (6,319 )  
Caa2
 
Sub-prime asset-backed securities
    9,815       (11,852 )    B2  
Asset-backed securities
    19,595       (331 )  
Aaa
 
Municipal bonds
    1,029,585       37,435    
Aa2
 
Non-U.S. governments
    76,967       1,709    
Aa1
 
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    3,172,459       25,496    
Aa2
 
Preferred stocks
    2,090       1,278    
Ba3
 
Total available-for-sale securities
    3,174,549       26,774    
Aa2
 
                         
Trading securities:
                       
Insurance-linked securities
    25,901       n/a    
Ba3
 
U.S. Government agencies
    15,254       n/a    
Aaa
 
Corporate bonds
    64       n/a    
Baa2
 
Non-U.S. governments
    120,146       n/a    
Aaa
 
Total trading securities
    161,365       n/a    
Aa2
 
Short-term investments
    89,825       n/a    
Aaa
 
Total investments
  $ 3,425,739     $ 26,774    
Aa2
 
 
 
- 31 -

 
 
The net unrealized loss position of our portfolio of CMBS was $0.1 million as of June 30, 2010 as compared with $28.2 million as of December 31, 2009.  This decrease in net unrealized loss was primarily attributable to a decrease in yields and the recognition of credit impairments from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010.  We analyze our CMBS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, debt-service-coverage ratios and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  Our portfolio consists primarily of senior tranches of CMBS with high credit ratings and strong credit support.
 
The net unrealized loss position of our RMBS portfolio was $41.4 million as of June 30, 2010 as compared with $52.6 million as of December 31, 2009.  The change in net unrealized loss was primarily attributable to the recognition of credit impairments since December 31, 2009.  Approximately 49% of the RMBS in our investment portfolio are issued or guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and are referred to as U.S. Government agency RMBS.  The remaining 51% of our RMBS were issued by non-agency institutions and included securities with underlying Alt-A mortgages.  The net unrealized loss position of our portfolio of sub-prime asset-backed securities was $11.9 million as of June 30, 2010 as compared with $25.7 million as of December 31, 2009.  This decrease in net unrealized loss was primarily attributable to the recognition of credit impairments since December 31, 2009.  We analyze our RMBS and sub-prime asset-backed securities 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.
 
Fair Values
 
The following discussion focuses only on material changes to disclosure on fair values since December 31, 2009.  See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates – Valuation of Investments” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Condition - Liquidity – Fair Values” in our 2009 Form 10-K for further disclosure on fair values.
 
We obtain prices for all of our fixed maturity securities and preferred stocks from pricing services, which include index providers, pricing vendors and broker-dealers.  As of June 30, 2010, we valued approximately 48% of our investment securities using prices obtained from index providers, 38% using prices obtained from pricing vendors, and 14% using prices obtained from broker-dealers.
 
See Note 3 in the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q for a detailed discussion on observable inputs used to determine the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities and also the observable and unobservable inputs used to determine fair value of all other financial instruments.
 
 Capital Resources
 
At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, our capital resources were $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, and consisted of common shareholders’ equity of $2.1 billion and $250.0 million of Series B Notes.  There was no significant change in capital during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 as net income for the period and the increase in the fair value of our available-for-sale investment portfolio was substantially offset by share repurchase activity.
 
In accordance with the share repurchase program authorized by our board of directors, we repurchased 5,757,906 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate amount of $212.8 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $36.96 per share during the six months ended June 30, 2010.  On August 4, 2004, our board of directors established a program authorizing the repurchase of our common shares.  Since that date, our board of directors has approved increases in the repurchase program from time to time, most recently on July 22, 2010, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.  Our board of directors has also authorized the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our outstanding Series B Notes issued by Platinum Finance in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  We have not repurchased any Series B Notes.  The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under these programs depends on a variety of factors, including 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 our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2010.
 
 Contractual Obligations
 
There have been no material changes 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 2009 Form 10-K.
 
 
- 32 -

 
 
 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
 
 Note On Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  Forward-looking statements are based on our current plans or expectations that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.  These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us.  In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements.
 
The inclusion of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q should not be considered as a representation by us or any other person that our current plans or expectations will be achieved.  Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, including the following:
 
 
severe catastrophic events over which we have no control;
 
 
the effectiveness of our loss limitation methods and pricing models;
 
 
the adequacy of our liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses;
 
 
our ability to maintain our A.M. Best and S&P ratings;
 
 
our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms if necessary;
 
 
the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business;
 
 
the highly competitive nature of the property and casualty reinsurance industry;
 
 
our ability to maintain our business relationships with reinsurance brokers;
 
 
the availability of retrocessional reinsurance on acceptable terms;
 
 
market volatility and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuation;
 
 
tax, regulatory or legal restrictions or limitations applicable to us or the property and casualty reinsurance business generally;
 
 
general political and economic conditions, including the effects of civil unrest, acts of terrorism, war or a prolonged United States or global economic downturn or recession; and
 
 
changes in our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions, which may happen at any time at our discretion.
 
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, which are discussed in more detail in Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2009 Form 10-K, 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.
 
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, 2009.  See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our 2009 Form 10-K for a complete discussion of these risks.
 
 
- 33 -

 
 
 Interest Rate Risk
 
The following table shows the aggregate hypothetical impact on the fair value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio as of June 30, 2010, resulting from an immediate parallel shift in the treasury yield curve ($ in thousands):

   
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 
      - 100bp       - 50bp    
Current
      + 50bp       + 100bp  
                                       
Total market value
  $ 3,509,506       3,422,081       3,333,824       3,248,140     $ 3,165,409  
                                         
Percent change in market value
    5.3 %     2.6 %           (2.6 %)     (5.1 %)
                                         
Resulting net appreciation (depreciation)
  $ 209,637       122,212       33,955       (51,729 )   $ (134,460 )
 
 
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
 Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the 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.
 
 Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
No changes occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2010 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 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
The following are material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2009 Form 10-K.
 
There are limitations on the ownership, transfer and voting rights of our common shares.
 
Under our Amended and Restated Bye-laws, our directors are required to decline to issue, repurchase, or register any transfer of shares if they determine in their sole discretion that such action may result in a person owning, directly or beneficially, and in some cases indirectly through non-U.S. entities or constructively, 10% or more of the voting power.  The directors also may refuse to issue, repurchase or register any transfer of shares if they determine in their sole discretion that such action may result in a non-de minimus adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequence.
 
In addition, our Amended and Restated Bye-laws generally provide that any person owning, directly or beneficially, and in some cases indirectly through non-U.S. entities or constructively, shares carrying 9.5% or more of the total voting rights attached to all of our outstanding shares, will have the voting rights attached to such shares reduced so that it may not exercise 9.5% or more of such total voting rights of the shares.  Because of the attribution provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules of the SEC regarding determination of beneficial ownership, this requirement may have the effect of reducing the voting rights of a shareholder whether or not such shareholder directly holds 9.5% or more of our shares while other shareholders may have their voting rights increased.  Further, the directors have the authority to require from any shareholder certain information for the purpose of determining whether that shareholder's voting rights are to be reduced.  Failure to respond to such a notice, or submitting incomplete or inaccurate information, gives the directors discretion to disregard all votes attached to that shareholder's shares.
 
The insurance law of Maryland, the domiciliary state of Platinum US, prevents any person from acquiring control of us or of Platinum US unless that person has filed a notification with specified information with the Maryland Insurance Commissioner and has obtained the Commissioner’s prior approval.  Under the Maryland statute, acquiring 10% or more of the voting stock of an insurance company or its parent company is presumptively considered a change of control, although such presumption may be rebutted.  Accordingly, any person who acquires, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting securities of Platinum Holdings without the prior approval of the Maryland Insurance Commissioner will be in violation of this law and may be subject to injunctive action requiring the disposition or seizure of those securities by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner or prohibiting the voting of those securities and to other actions determined by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner.  In addition, many U.S. state insurance laws require prior notification of state insurance departments of a change in control of a non-domiciliary insurance company doing business in that state.  While these pre-notification statutes do not authorize the state insurance departments to disapprove the change in control, they authorize regulatory action in the affected state if particular conditions exist such as undue market concentration.  Any future transactions that would constitute a change in control of Platinum Holdings may require prior notification in those states that have adopted pre-acquisition notification laws.
 
 
- 34 -

 
 
Common shares may be offered or sold in Bermuda only in compliance with the provisions of the Investment Business Act 2003 of Bermuda.  In addition, sales of common shares to persons resident in Bermuda for Bermuda exchange control purposes may require the prior approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “Authority”).  Consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 of Bermuda (and its related regulations) has been obtained from the Authority for the issue and transfer of the common shares between non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, provided our shares remain listed on an appointed stock exchange, which includes the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.  In giving such consent, neither the Authority nor the Registrar of Companies accepts any responsibility for the financial soundness of any proposal or for the correctness of any of the statements made or opinions expressed herein or therein.
 
The foregoing provisions of our Amended and Restated Bye-laws and legal restrictions will have the effect of rendering more difficult or discouraging unsolicited takeover bids from third parties or the removal of incumbent management.
 
ITEM 2. 
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(c) The following table summarizes our purchases of our common shares during the three months ended June 30, 2010:

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid per Share (1)
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program (2)
   
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
 
                         
April 1, 2010 – April 30, 2010
    106,700     $ 37.10       106,700     $ 246,041,025  
May 1, 2010 – May 31, 2010
    2,663,700       36.98       2,663,700       147,544,789  
June 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
    1,299,040       36.29       1,299,040       100,399,063  
Total
    4,069,440     $ 36.76       4,069,440     $ 100,399,063  
 
(1)
Including commissions.
 
(2)
On August 4, 2004, our board of directors established a program authorizing the repurchase of our common shares.  Since that date, our board of directors has approved increases in the repurchase program from time to time, most recently on July 22, 2010, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.
 
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number
 
Description
     
10.1*
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated July 22, 2010 between the Company and Michael D. Price. (1)
 
10.2*
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated July 22, 2010 between the Company and Michael E. Lombardozzi and Letter Agreement dated September 1, 2011 between Platinum Administrative Services, Inc. and Michael E. Lombardozzi attached as Exhibit B thereto. (1)
 
31.1
 
Certification of Michael D. Price, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
31.2
 
Certification of Allan C. Decleir, Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
32.1
 
Certification of Michael D. Price, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2
 
Certification of Allan C. Decleir, Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
*Items denoted with an asterisk represent management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

(1)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 23, 2010.
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
 
       
Date: July 26, 2010
By:
/s/  Michael D. Price  
    Michael D. Price  
   
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
       
 
Date: July 26, 2010
By:
/s/  Allan C. Decleir  
    Allan C. Decleir  
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
       
 
 
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