ptp10q_secondquarter2012.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, 2012
   
 
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 33,212,487 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of July 19, 2012.

 
 

 

PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     
Page
 
         
PART I  –  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
         
Item 1.
Financial Statements
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011
 
1
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
 
2
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
    3  
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
    4  
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
    5  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (Unaudited)
    6  
           
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    23  
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
    41  
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
    42  
           
PART II  –  OTHER INFORMATION
       
           
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    42  
Item 6.
Exhibits
    42  
           
SIGNATURES
    43  


 
 
 

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
($ in thousands, except share data)

   
(Unaudited)
       
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities at fair value
  $ 2,309,987     $ 2,663,574  
(amortized cost - $2,137,666 and $2,494,710, respectively)
               
Fixed maturity trading securities at fair value
    113,847       125,126  
(amortized cost - $104,450 and $115,156, respectively)
               
Short-term investments
    167,778       588,834  
Total investments
    2,591,612       3,377,534  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,465,983       792,510  
Accrued investment income
    24,541       29,440  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    145,132       159,387  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    4,222       6,302  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    316       8,360  
Funds held by ceding companies
    111,408       94,546  
Deferred acquisition costs
    27,620       28,779  
Deferred tax assets
    25,038       31,613  
Other assets
    29,065       23,140  
Total assets
  $ 4,424,937     $ 4,551,611  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,229,603     $ 2,389,614  
Unearned premiums
    114,759       121,164  
Debt obligations
    250,000       250,000  
Commissions payable
    64,304       62,773  
Other liabilities
    44,444       37,201  
Total liabilities
  $ 2,703,110     $ 2,860,752  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized,
  $ 332     $ 355  
33,212,487 and 35,526,400 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
               
Additional paid-in capital
    227,482       313,730  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    148,562       146,635  
Retained earnings
    1,345,451       1,230,139  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,721,827     $ 1,690,859  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 4,424,937     $ 4,551,611  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 1 -

 

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
($ in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenue:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $ 145,075     $ 172,436     $ 283,287     $ 355,317  
Net investment income
    26,155       33,965       54,707       66,343  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    24,978       (4,689 )     47,317       (4,282 )
Total other-than-temporary impairments
    (335 )     (548 )     (91 )     500  
Portion of impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
    (778 )     (1,118 )     (2,092 )     (3,673 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    (1,113 )     (1,666 )     (2,183 )     (3,173 )
Other income (expense)
    (191 )     (60 )     (670 )     1,036  
Total revenue
    194,904       199,986       382,458       415,241  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    67,117       159,357       146,313       478,952  
Net acquisition expenses
    30,200       34,115       60,857       68,065  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
    -       4,474       -       748  
Operating expenses
    19,696       17,105       36,679       34,256  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    (310 )     614       222       803  
Interest expense
    4,774       4,767       9,546       9,533  
Total expenses
    121,477       220,432       253,617       592,357  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    73,427       (20,446 )     128,841       (177,116 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    5,895       (45 )     8,022       477  
Net income (loss)
  $ 67,532     $ (20,401 )   $ 120,819     $ (177,593 )
                                 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
                               
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 1.98     $ (0.55 )   $ 3.48     $ (4.75 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 1.97     $ (0.55 )   $ 3.46     $ (4.75 )
                                 
Shareholder dividends:
                               
Common shareholder dividends declared
  $ 2,667     $ 2,969     $ 5,507     $ 5,933  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08     $ 0.16     $ 0.16  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 2 -

 

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
($ in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 67,532     $ (20,401 )   $ 120,819     $ (177,593 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income, before deferred tax:
                               
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities arising during the period
    33,945       55,984       49,002       70,753  
Reclassification adjustments:
                               
Net realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale investments
    (25,219 )     6,744       (47,897 )     3,036  
Net impairment losses on investments
    1,113       1,666       2,183       3,173  
Other comprehensive income, before deferred tax
    9,839       64,394       3,288       76,962  
                                 
Deferred tax on components of other comprehensive income:
                               
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities arising during the period
    (2,823 )     (9,680 )     (2,883 )     (10,443 )
Reclassification adjustments:
                               
Net realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale investments
    1,194       (2,162 )     1,754       (1,918 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    (106 )     (34 )     (232 )     (79 )
Deferred income tax expense
    (1,735 )     (11,876 )     (1,361 )     (12,440 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax:
                               
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities arising during the period
    31,122       46,304       46,119       60,310  
Reclassification adjustments:
                               
Net realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale investments
    (24,025 )     4,582       (46,143 )     1,118  
Net impairment losses on investments
    1,007       1,632       1,951       3,094  
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax
    8,104       52,518       1,927       64,522  
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 75,636     $ 32,117     $ 122,746     $ (113,071 )

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 3 -

 

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
($ in thousands)

   
2012
   
2011
 
Common shares:
           
Balances at beginning of period
  $ 355     $ 377  
Exercise of common share options
    -       -  
Issuance of common shares
    -       -  
Settlement of equity awards
    2       4  
Repurchase of common shares
    (25 )     (8 )
Balances at end of period
    332       373  
                 
Additional paid-in capital:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    313,730       453,619  
Exercise of common share options
    1,014       1,132  
Issuance of common shares
    -       2  
Settlement of equity awards
    (1,109 )     (2,726 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (89,910 )     (33,899 )
Purchase of common share options
    -       (47,900 )
Share based compensation
    3,694       2,275  
Income tax benefit from share based compensation
    63       379  
Balances at end of period
    227,482       372,882  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Balances at beginning of period
    146,635       (24,488 )
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes:
               
Change in unrealized gains and losses
    7       60,987  
Non-credit component of impairment losses
    1,920       3,535  
Balances at end of period
    148,562       40,034  
                 
Retained earnings:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    1,230,139       1,465,947  
Net income (loss)
    120,819       (177,593 )
Common share dividends
    (5,507 )     (5,933 )
Balances at end of period
    1,345,451       1,282,421  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,721,827     $ 1,695,710  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 4 -

 

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
($ in thousands)

   
2012
   
2011
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 120,819     $ (177,593 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    2,518       1,829  
Net realized (gains) losses on investments
    (47,317 )     4,282  
Net impairment losses on investments
    2,183       3,173  
Net foreign currency exchange losses
    222       803  
Share-based compensation
    4,046       2,275  
Deferred income tax expense
    5,215       759  
Net fixed maturity trading securities activities
    9,877       142  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income
    4,817       (276 )
Decrease in reinsurance premiums receivable
    13,778       15,896  
Increase in funds held by ceding companies
    (17,140 )     (5,946 )
Decrease in deferred acquisition costs
    1,134       4,560  
Increase (decrease) in net unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (158,720 )     194,976  
Increase (decrease) in net unearned premiums
    1,833       (34,645 )
Increase (decrease) in commissions payable
    1,624       (5,531 )
Changes in other assets and liabilities
    (4,074 )     28,584  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (59,185 )     33,288  
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    395,269       353,402  
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity trading securities
    -       20,413  
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
    20,597       27,995  
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    179,768       72,694  
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments
    577,296       140,014  
Acquisition of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    (172,110 )     (34,499 )
Acquisition of short-term investments
     (168,542 )     (211,527 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    832,278       368,492  
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (5,507 )     (5,933 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (89,935 )     (33,907 )
Purchase of common share options
    -       (47,900 )
Proceeds from exercise of common share options
    1,014       1,132  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (94,428 )     (86,608 )
                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    (5,192 )     15,724  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    673,473       330,896  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    792,510       987,877  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,465,983     $ 1,318,773  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Income taxes paid
  $ 9,012     $ 417  
Interest paid
  $ 9,375     $ 9,375  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 5 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
1.
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum Holdings”) is a holding company domiciled in Bermuda.  Through our reinsurance subsidiaries, we provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.
 
Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) include Platinum Holdings, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”), Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Platinum US”), Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (“Platinum Finance”), Platinum Regency Holdings (“Platinum Regency”) and Platinum Administrative Services, Inc.  The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the Company, unless the context otherwise indicates.
 
Platinum Regency is an intermediate holding company based in Ireland and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Holdings.  Platinum Finance is an intermediate holding company based in the U.S. and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Regency.  We operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries, Platinum Bermuda, a Bermuda reinsurance company, and Platinum US, a U.S. reinsurance company.   Platinum Bermuda is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Holdings and Platinum US is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Finance.  Platinum Administrative Services, Inc. is a subsidiary that provides administrative support services to the Company.
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information.  Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.  All material inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in preparing these consolidated financial statements.  The consolidated financial statements included in this report as of  June 30, 2012 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited and include all adjustments consisting of normal recurring items that management considers necessary for a fair presentation under U.S. GAAP.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.  The major estimates used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements, and therefore considered to be critical accounting estimates, include, but are not limited to, premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), reinsurance recoverable, valuation of investments and income taxes.  In addition, estimates are used to evaluate risk transfer for assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions.  Results of changes in estimates are reflected in results of operations in the period in which the change is made.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income: Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassification of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05” (“ASU 2011-12”).  ASU 2011-12 defers the presentation on the face of the financial statements of the effects of reclassifications of the components of net income and other comprehensive income out of accumulated other comprehensive income for all periods.  None of the other requirements of ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”) issued in June 2011 are affected by ASU 2011-12.  ASU 2011-05 requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements.  Under the continuous statement approach, the statement would include the components and total of net income, the components and total of other comprehensive income and the total of comprehensive income.  Under the two statement approach, the first statement would include the components and total of net income and the second statement would include the components and total of other comprehensive income and the total of comprehensive income.  ASU 2011-05 does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income.  ASU 2011-05 is effective retrospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  We adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2012 and included a separate statement of comprehensive income (loss) in our financial statements.  The separate statement of comprehensive income (loss) incorporated the effects of reclassification adjustments recognized in our statement of operations.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirement in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (“ASU 2011-04”).  ASU 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provides guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required and permitted under U.S. GAAP or International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).  For U.S. GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS.   ASU 2011-04 is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption not permitted.  In the period of adoption, a reporting entity is required to disclose a change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs that result from applying ASU 2011-04 and to quantify the total effect, if practicable.  We adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2012 and there were no changes in valuation technique or inputs. Additional disclosures required under ASU 2011-04 have been reflected in Note 3.
 
In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-26, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts” (“ASU 2010-26”).  ASU 2010-26 modifies the types of costs that may be deferred, allowing insurance companies to only defer costs directly related to successful acquisition of new or renewal contracts.  These costs include incremental direct costs of successful contracts, the portion of employees’ salaries and benefits related to time spent on acquisition activities for successful contracts and other costs incurred in the acquisition of contracts.  Additional disclosure of the type of acquisition costs capitalized is also required.  ASU 2010-26 is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of a company’s annual period.  We adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2012 and there was no impact on our financial statements.
 
 
- 6 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
2.
Investments
 
Fixed Maturity Available-for-sale Securities
 
The following table sets forth our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 ($ in thousands):

         
Included in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income
             
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Non-credit
portion of OTTI(1)
 
June 30, 2012:
                             
U.S. Government
  $ 4,667     $ 344     $ -     $ 5,011     $ -  
U.S. Government agencies
    10,003       161       -       10,164       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,204,826       148,029       18       1,352,837       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    92,948       1,532       185       94,295       -  
Corporate bonds
    330,863       20,255       716       350,402       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    188,789       13,941       1,374       201,356       171  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    283,247       2,355       9,320       276,282       6,068  
Asset-backed securities
    22,323       775       3,458       19,640       3,096  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 2,137,666     $ 187,392     $ 15,071     $ 2,309,987     $ 9,335  
                                         
December 31, 2011:
                                       
U.S. Government
  $ 4,702     $ 381     $ -     $ 5,083     $ -  
U.S. Government agencies
    100,000       259       -       100,259       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,510,658       150,280       178       1,660,760       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    69,992       1,929       655       71,266       -  
Corporate bonds
    329,218       21,093       763       349,548       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    195,309       11,884       2,584       204,609       196  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    261,187       2,866       12,426       251,627       8,397  
Asset-backed securities
    23,644       489       3,711       20,422       2,821  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 2,494,710     $ 189,181     $ 20,317     $ 2,663,574     $ 11,414  
 
(1)
The non-credit portion of other than temporary impairments ("OTTI") represents the amount of unrealized losses on impaired securities that were not realized in earnings as of the reporting date.  These unrealized losses are included in gross unrealized losses as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
Our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities are U.S. dollar denominated securities.  Non-U.S. governments consist primarily of securities issued by governments and financial institutions that are explicitly guaranteed by the respective government.  At December 31, 2011, U.S. Government agencies consist of securities issued by financial institutions under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
Fixed Maturity Trading Securities
 
The following table sets forth the fair value of our fixed maturity trading securities as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities:
           
Non-U.S. governments
  $ 113,847     $ 125,126  
Total fixed maturity trading securities
  $ 113,847     $ 125,126  
 
Our non-U.S. government fixed maturity trading securities are non-U.S. dollar denominated investments held for the purposes of hedging our non-U.S. dollar foreign currency reinsurance liabilities.

In prior periods, we have used insurance-linked securities to actively manage our exposure to catastrophe loss. We elected to record our investments in insurance-linked securities using the fair value option attributes of FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, "Financial Instruments" ("ASC 825"), and recorded these in fixed maturity trading securities.  There were mark-to-market adjustments recorded under ASC 825 of less than $0.1 million of net realized losses for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and $1.3 million of net realized losses on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  At acquisition, we determine our trading intent in the near term of our fixed maturity trading securities accounted for in accordance with ASC 825. If we do not intend to sell these securities in the near term, the purchases and sales are included in investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows, otherwise they are included in operating activities.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, there were proceeds from sales of $20.4 million and no purchases of trading securities accounted for in accordance with ASC 825 that were included in investing activities in the statements of cash flows.
 
 
- 7 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
Short-term Investments
 
The following table sets forth the fair value of our short-term investments as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Available-for-sale:
           
U.S. Government
  $ 62,352     $ 322,320  
U.S. Government agencies
    -       85,389  
Trading:
               
Non-U.S. governments
    105,426       181,125  
Total short-term investments
  $ 167,778     $ 588,834  

Our U.S. dollar denominated short-term investments are accounted for as available-for-sale and our non-U.S. dollar denominated short-term investments are accounted for in accordance with the fair value option attributes of ASC 825.  The mark-to-market adjustments on short-term investments recognized under ASC 825 contributed no net realized gains or losses in the three months ended June 30, 2012 and less than $0.1 million of net realized losses on investments in the six months ended June 30, 2012.   The mark-to-market adjustments on short-term investments contributed less than $0.1 million of net realized losses for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and less than $0.1 million of net realized gains on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, we had purchases of $106.1 million, proceeds from sales of $20.6 million and proceeds from maturities of $169.6 million from non-U.S. dollar denominated short-term investments accounted for in accordance with ASC 825 that were included in investing activities in the statements of cash flows.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, we had purchases of $132.4 million, proceeds from maturities of $30.6 million and no proceeds from sales from non-U.S. dollar denominated short-term investments accounted for in accordance with ASC 825 that were included in investing activities in the statements of cash flows.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
 
We analyze the creditworthiness of our investment portfolio by reviewing various performance metrics of the issuer, including financial condition, credit ratings and other public information.  We determined that none of our government bonds, municipal bonds or corporate bonds were other-than-temporarily impaired for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
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, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and less than $0.1 million of net impairment losses and no net impairment losses for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  As of June 30, 2012, the single largest unrealized loss within our CMBS portfolio was $0.7 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $4.8 million.
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) include U.S. Government agency RMBS and non-agency RMBS.  Securities with underlying sub-prime mortgages as collateral are included in asset-backed securities (“ABS”).  We analyze our non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, prepayment speeds and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  We recorded net impairment losses related to non-agency RMBS of $1.1 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $2.1 million and $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  As of June 30, 2012, the single largest unrealized loss within our RMBS portfolio was $2.0 million related to a non-agency RMBS security with an amortized cost of $2.4 million.
 
We had no net impairment losses related to sub-prime ABS for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and $0.2 million of net impairment losses for the three months ended June 30, 2011.  We had no net impairment losses related to sub-prime ABS for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and $0.8 million of net impairment losses for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  As of June 30, 2012, the single largest unrealized loss within our sub-prime ABS portfolio was $2.2 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $4.4 million.
 
The following table sets forth a summary of the cumulative credit losses recognized on our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
2012
   
2011
 
Beginning balance, April 1
  $ 60,444     $ 48,138  
Credit losses on securities not previously impaired
    -       20  
Additional credit losses on securities previously impaired
    1,113       1,646  
Reduction for paydowns and securities sold
    (3,464 )     (1,786 )
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
    (219 )     (146 )
Ending balance, June 30
  $ 57,874     $ 47,872  
 
 
- 8 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

The following table sets forth a summary of the cumulative credit losses recognized on our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
2012
   
2011
 
Beginning balance, January 1
  $ 61,841     $ 48,845  
Credit losses on securities not previously impaired
    -       20  
Additional credit losses on securities previously impaired
    2,183       3,153  
Reduction for paydowns and securities sold
    (5,721 )     (3,901 )
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
    (429 )     (245 )
Ending balance, June 30
  $ 57,874     $ 47,872  

As of June 30, 2012, total cumulative credit losses were related to CMBS, non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS.  The cumulative credit losses we recorded on CMBS of $4.1 million were on four securities issued from 2006 to 2007.  As of June 30, 2012, 6.4% of the mortgages backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and 0.9% of the mortgages had incurred cumulative losses.  For these securities, the expected losses for the underlying mortgages were greater than the remaining average credit support of 20.3%.   The cumulative credit losses we recorded on non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS of $53.8 million were on twenty-eight securities issued from 2004 to 2007.  As of June 30, 2012, 16.6% of the mortgages backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and 5.5% of the mortgages had incurred cumulative losses.  For these securities, the expected losses for the underlying mortgages were greater than the remaining average credit support of 6.8%.   

Unrealized Losses

The following table sets forth our gross unrealized losses on securities classified as fixed maturity available-for-sale aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.  The amounts only relate to securities in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
 
Less than twelve months:
                       
Municipal bonds
  $ 5,801     $ 1     $ 4,751     $ 131  
Non-U.S. governments
    -       -       9,988       29  
Corporate bonds
    37,419       716       12,526       763  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    11,398       175       19,797       1,047  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    96,128       371       131,574       2,112  
Asset-backed securities
    703       258       580       84  
Total
  151,449     $ 1,521     $ 179,216     $ 4,166  
                                 
Twelve months or more:
                               
Municipal bonds
  $ 3,014     $ 17     $ 3,002     $ 47  
Non-U.S. governments
    4,814       185       4,373       626  
Corporate bonds
    -       -       -       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    16,529       1,199       6,171       1,537  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    46,116       8,949       43,704       10,314  
Asset-backed securities
    16,614       3,200       16,854       3,627  
Total
  $ 87,087     $ 13,550     $ 74,104     $ 16,151  
                                 
Total unrealized losses:
                               
Municipal bonds
  $ 8,815     $ 18     $ 7,753     $ 178  
Non-U.S. governments
    4,814       185       14,361       655  
Corporate bonds
    37,419       716       12,526       763  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    27,927       1,374       25,968       2,584  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    142,244       9,320       175,278       12,426  
Asset-backed securities
    17,317       3,458       17,434       3,711  
Total
  $ 238,536     $ 15,071     $ 253,320     $ 20,317  

We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities portfolio represent temporary declines in fair value.  We believe that the unrealized losses are not necessarily predictive of ultimate performance and that the provisions we have made for net impairment losses are adequate.  However, economic conditions may deteriorate more than expected and may adversely affect the expected cash flows of our securities, which in turn may lead to impairment losses being recorded in future periods.  Conversely, economic conditions may improve more than expected and favorably increase the expected cash flows of our impaired securities, which would be earned through net investment income over the remaining life of the security.
 
 
- 9 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
Net Investment Income
 
The following table sets forth our net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 24,583     $ 32,561     $ 51,870     $ 64,412  
Short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents
    1,989       2,091       3,811       3,590  
Funds held
    600       395       1,254       613  
Subtotal
    27,172       35,047       56,935       68,615  
Investment expenses
    (1,017 )     (1,082 )     (2,228 )     (2,272 )
Net investment income
  $ 26,155     $ 33,965     $ 54,707     $ 66,343  

Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
The following table sets forth our net realized gains (losses) on investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Gross realized gains on the sale of investments
  $ 25,263     $ 477     $ 47,941     $ 4,421  
Gross realized losses on the sale of investments
    -       (6,894 )     (1 )     (6,897 )
Net realized gains (losses) on the sale of investments
    25,263       (6,417 )     47,940       (2,476 )
Mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities
    (285 )     1,728       (623 )     (1,806 )
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
  $ 24,978     $ (4,689 )   $ 47,317     $ (4,282 )

Maturities
 
The actual maturities of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities could differ from stated maturities due to call or prepayment provisions.  The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities by stated maturity as of June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 93,049     $ 93,926  
Due from one to five years
    430,712       456,377  
Due from five to ten years
    570,958       626,049  
Due in ten or more years
    653,038       750,204  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
    494,359       497,278  
Total
  $ 2,242,116     $ 2,423,834  
 
3.
Fair Value Measurements
 
The accounting guidance relating to fair value measurements addresses how a company should measure fair value when required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes.  The fair values of our financial assets and liabilities addressed by this guidance are determined primarily through the use of observable inputs.  Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from external independent sources.  Unobservable inputs reflect management’s assumptions about what market participants’ assumptions would be in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available.  We classify our financial assets and liabilities in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  This classification requires judgment in assessing the market and pricing methodologies for a particular security.  The fair value hierarchy is comprised of the following three levels:
 
 
Level 1:
Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial assets or liabilities;
 
 
Level 2:
Valuations are based on prices obtained from independent index providers, pricing vendors or broker-dealers using observable inputs for financial assets and liabilities; and
 
 
Level 3:
Valuations are based on unobservable inputs for assets and liabilities where there is little or no market activity.  Management’s assumptions and/or internal valuation pricing models may be used to determine the fair value of financial assets or liabilities.
 
 
- 10 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the Company as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 ($ in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
June 30, 2012:
                       
Investments:
                       
U.S. Government
  $ 5,011     $ 5,011     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Government agencies
    10,164       -       10,164       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,352,837       -       1,352,837       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    208,142       55,431       152,711       -  
Corporate bonds
    350,402       -       350,402       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    201,356       -       201,356       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    276,282       -       268,821       7,461  
Asset-backed securities
    19,640       -       18,074       1,566  
Short-term investments
    167,778       -       167,778       -  
Total
  $ 2,591,612     $ 60,442     $ 2,522,143     $ 9,027  
                                 
December 31, 2011:
                               
Investments:
                               
U.S. Government
  $ 5,083     $ 5,083     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Government agencies
    100,259       -       100,259       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,660,760       -       1,660,760       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    196,392       55,561       140,831       -  
Corporate bonds
    349,548       -       349,548       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    204,609       -       204,609       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    251,627       -       243,481       8,146  
Asset-backed securities
    20,422       -       18,555       1,867  
Short-term investments
    588,834       34,894       553,940       -  
Total
  $ 3,377,534     $ 95,538     $ 3,271,983     $ 10,013  

The fair values of our fixed maturity securities and short-term investments are generally based on prices obtained from independent index providers, pricing vendors or broker-dealers using observable inputs.  Fixed maturity securities and short-term investments are generally valued using the market approach.  The following table describes the valuation techniques, assumptions, and significant inputs used to determine the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities as well as their classification pursuant to the fair value hierarchy:
 
U.S. Government
The fair values of U.S. Government securities were based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 1.
   
U.S Government agencies
Our U.S. Government agencies portfolio consisted of securities issued by financial institutions guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  The observable inputs used to price these securities may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2.
   
Municipal bonds
The fair values of municipal bonds were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and economic indicators.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2.
   
Non-U.S. governments
Our non-U.S. government bond portfolio consisted of securities issued primarily by governments, provinces, agencies and supranationals as well as debt issued by financial institutions that is guaranteed by non-U.S. governments.  The fair values of non-U.S. government securities were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 1 or Level 2.
   
Corporate bonds
The observable inputs used to price corporate issues may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and industry and economic indicators.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2.
 
 
- 11 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
The fair values of CMBS were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2.
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Our RMBS portfolio was comprised of securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and by non-agency institutions.  The observable inputs used to price U.S. Government agency RMBS may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, loan level information and prepayment speeds.  The observable inputs used to price non-agency RMBS may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, prepayment speeds, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2 or Level 3.
 
Asset-backed securities
The fair values of ABS were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, type of collateral, prepayment speeds, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 2 or Level 3.
 
Short-term investments
Short-term investments were carried at fair value based on observable inputs or carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.  The fair value measurements were classified as Level 1 or Level 2.
   
Derivative instruments
Our derivative instruments may include interest rate options, commodity options and other derivative instruments.  See Note 4 for additional disclosure on our derivative instruments.  Our interest rate and commodity options were exchange traded and the fair values were based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  The fair values were classified as Level 1.  The fair value of our other derivative instrument was determined by management primarily using unobservable inputs through the application of our own assumptions and internal valuation pricing models.  The fair value was classified as Level 3.
 
The fair value measurements of our non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS classified as Level 3 used significant unobservable inputs that include prepayment rates, probability of default, and loss severity in the event of default.  These measurements were based upon unadjusted third party pricing sources. The fair value measurement of our other derivative instrument classified as Level 3 used significant unobservable inputs through the application of our own assumptions and internal valuation pricing models.  Unobservable inputs used in the internal valuation pricing model included the unpaid contract premiums, probability of losses triggered under the covered perils for first and second events, the remaining time to the end of the annual contract period and the seasonality of risks.  Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation may result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
 
Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities
 
The following tables reconcile the beginning and ending balance for our Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Derivatives
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, April 1
  $ 5,564     $ 1,723     $ -     $ 7,287  
Purchases
    -       -       -       -  
Issuances
    -       -       -       -  
Settlements
    -       -       -       -  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    (641 )     -       -       (641 )
Total net realized gains included in earnings
    -       -       -       -  
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the derivative instrument included in earnings
    -       -       -       -  
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in comprehensive income (loss)
    285       (157 )     -       128  
Transfers into Level 3
    2,253       -       -       2,253  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       -       -       -  
Ending balance, June 30
  $ 7,461     $ 1,566     $ -     $ 9,027  
                                 
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets and liabilities included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

 
- 12 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Derivatives
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, April 1
  $ 3,305     $ 909     $ 1,257     $ 5,471  
Purchases
    -       -       -       -  
Issuances
    -       -       -       -  
Settlements
    -       -       2,427       2,427  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    (89 )     -       -       (89 )
Total net realized gains included in earnings
    -       -       -       -  
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the derivative instrument included in earnings
    -       -       (4,474 )     (4,474 )
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in comprehensive income (loss)
    (407 )     525       -       118  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       -       -       -  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       (1,434 )     -       (1,434 )
Ending balance, June 30
  $ 2,809     $ -     $ (790 )   $ 2,019  
                                 
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets and liabilities included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ (4,474 )   $ (4,474 )
 
The following tables reconcile the beginning and ending balance for our Level 3 financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Derivatives
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, January 1
  $ 8,146     $ 1,867     $ -     $ 10,013  
Purchases
    -       -       -       -  
Issuances
    -       -       -       -  
Settlements
    -       -       -       -  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    (734 )     -       -       (734 )
Total net realized gains included in earnings
    -       -       -       -  
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the derivative instrument included in earnings
    -       -       -       -  
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in comprehensive income (loss)
    50       (301 )     -       (251 )
Transfers into Level 3
    2,253       -       -       2,253  
Transfers out of Level 3
    (2,254 )     -       -       (2,254 )
Ending balance, June 30
  $ 7,461     $ 1,566     $ -     $ 9,027  
                                 
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets and liabilities included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  


   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Derivatives
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, January 1
  $ 2,449     $ 1,069     $ (4,871 )   $ (1,353 )
Purchases
    -       -       4,829       4,829  
Issuances
    -       -       -       -  
Settlements
    -       -       -       -  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    (165 )     -       -       (165 )
Total net realized gains included in earnings
    -       -       -       -  
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the derivative instrument included in earnings
    -       -       (748 )     (748 )
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in comprehensive income (loss)
    525       365       -       890  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       -       -       -  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       (1,434 )     -       (1,434 )
Ending balance, June 30
  $ 2,809     $ -     $ (790 )   $ 2,019  
                                 
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets and liabilities included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ (748 )   $ (748 )

Transfers of assets and liabilities into or out of Level 3 are recorded at their fair values as of the end of each reporting period, consistent with the date of the determination of fair value.  The transfers into and out of Level 3 were due to the sufficiency of evidence available to corroborate significant observable inputs with market observable information.  There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
Other Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Carried at Fair Value
 
Accounting guidance requires disclosures of the fair value of other financial assets and liabilities, however insurance contracts are excluded.
 
 
- 13 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
The Series B 7.5% Notes due June 1, 2017 (the "debt obligations") on our consolidated balance sheets were recorded at cost with a carrying value of $250.0 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and had a fair value of $273.2 million and $269.0 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The fair value measurements were based on observable inputs and therefore would be considered to be Level 2.
 
Our other financial assets and liabilities not referred to above were carried at cost or amortized cost, which generally approximates fair value, at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The fair value measurements were based on observable inputs and therefore would be considered to be Level 1 or Level 2.
 
4.
Derivative Instruments
 
At December 31, 2011 and during the period January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012, we held no derivative instruments.  In prior periods, including the six months ended June 30, 2011, we held derivative instruments.  Our derivative instruments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value as other assets or other liabilities, with changes in fair values and realized gains and losses recognized in net changes in fair value of derivatives in the consolidated statements of operations.  None of our derivatives were designated as hedges under current accounting guidance.  Our objectives for entering into derivative agreements are as follows:
 
Interest Rate Options
 
We use interest rate options within our portfolio of fixed maturity investments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk.
 
Commodity Options
 
We use commodity options to hedge certain underwriting risks.
 
Other Derivative Instrument
 
We use other derivative instruments to hedge certain underwriting risks.
 
In August 2008, we entered into a derivative agreement with Topiary Capital Limited (“Topiary”), a Cayman Islands special purpose vehicle, that provided us with the ability to recover up to $200.0 million if two catastrophic events involving U.S. wind, U.S. earthquake, European wind or Japanese earthquake occurred that met specified loss criteria during any of three annual periods commencing August 1, 2008.  The derivative agreement with Topiary expired on July 31, 2011 and no recovery was made.
 
Expense related to our other derivative instrument recorded in net changes in fair value of derivatives was $4.5 million and $0.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.
 
5.
Credit Facilities
 
Syndicated Credit Facility
 
On June 24, 2011, we entered into an amended and restated three-year $300.0 million credit facility (the "Syndicated Credit Facility") that consists of a $100.0 million unsecured senior credit facility available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit and a $200.0 million secured senior credit facility available for letters of credit.  The Syndicated Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants.  We are in compliance with the covenants under the Syndicated Credit Facility.
 
Letter of Credit Facility
 
On June 30, 2011, our reinsurance subsidiaries entered into a letter of credit facility in the maximum aggregate amount of $100.0 million (the “LOC Facility”) that expires on December 31, 2013.  Under the terms of the LOC Facility, up to $100.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit to support reinsurance obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The LOC Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants.  We are in compliance with the covenants under the LOC Facility.
 
We had no cash borrowings under the Syndicated Credit Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit and the cash and cash equivalents and investments held in trust to collateralize the letters of credit issued as of June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Letters of Credit
   
Collateral
 
   
Capacity
   
Issued
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
Investments
   
Total
 
Syndicated Credit Facility:
                             
Secured
  $ 200,000     $ 101,399     $ 118,287     $ -     $ 118,287  
Unsecured
    100,000       -       -       -       -  
Total Syndicated Credit Facility
    300,000       101,399       118,287       -       118,287  
LOC Facility
    100,000       36,273       32,010       13,268       45,278  
Total
  $ 400,000     $ 137,672     $ 150,297     $ 13,268     $ 163,565  
 
 
- 14 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
6.
Income Taxes
 
We provide for income tax expense or benefit based upon income reported in the consolidated financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and are subject to Bermuda law with respect to taxation.  Under current Bermuda law, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda are not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains and they have received an assurance from the Bermuda Minister of Finance that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that would impose tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of any such tax will not be applicable to Platinum Holdings or Platinum Bermuda or any of their respective operations, shares, debentures or other obligations until March 31, 2035.  Platinum Holdings has subsidiaries based in the United States and Ireland that are subject to the tax laws thereof.
 
The 2003 income tax return of our U.S.-based subsidiaries is currently under examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The income tax returns that remain open to examination are for calendar years 2008 and forward.
 
7.
Share Repurchases
 
Our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of our common shares through a share repurchase program.  Since the program was established, our Board of Directors has approved increases in the repurchase program from time to time, most recently on July 23, 2012, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2012, in accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 2,464,471 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $89.9 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $36.49 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.
 
8.
Statutory Regulations and Dividend Capacity
 
The laws and regulations of Bermuda and the United States include certain restrictions on the amount of dividends that can be paid by Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US to their respective parent companies, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance, without the prior approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.  Based on regulatory restrictions, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends by our reinsurance subsidiaries during 2012 without prior regulatory approval is as follows ($ in thousands):

Platinum Bermuda
  $ 286,574  
Platinum US
    52,992  
Total
  $ 339,566  

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, dividends of $70.0 million were paid by Platinum Bermuda to Platinum Holdings.  Therefore, as of June 30, 2012, the remaining amount available for payment of dividends by our reinsurance subsidiaries during 2012 without prior regulatory approval was $269.6 million.  Subsequent to June 30, 2012, Platinum Bermuda declared and paid a dividend of $50.0 million to Platinum Holdings.

There are no regulatory restrictions on the amount of dividends that Platinum Finance can pay to Platinum Regency. Irish law prohibits Platinum Regency from declaring a dividend to Platinum Holdings unless it has “profits available for distribution.”  The determination of whether a company has profits available for distribution is based on its accumulated realized profits less its accumulated realized losses.
 
9.
Operating Segment Information
 
We have organized our worldwide reinsurance business into the following three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  The Property and Marine segment includes principally property and marine reinsurance coverages that are written in the United States and international markets.  This operating segment includes property reinsurance, crop reinsurance and marine and aviation reinsurance.  The Property and Marine segment includes property catastrophe and marine excess-of-loss reinsurance contracts, property and marine per-risk excess-of-loss reinsurance contracts and property proportional reinsurance contracts.  The Casualty segment includes reinsurance contracts that cover general and product liability, professional liability, accident and health, umbrella liability, workers' compensation, casualty clash, automobile liability, surety, trade credit, and political risk.  We generally seek to write casualty reinsurance on an excess-of-loss basis.  The Finite Risk operating segment includes principally structured reinsurance contracts with ceding companies whose needs may not be met efficiently through traditional reinsurance products.  In exchange for contractual features that limit our risk, reinsurance contracts that we include in our Finite Risk segment typically provide the potential for significant profit commission to the ceding company.  The classes of risks underwritten through our finite risk contracts are generally consistent with the classes covered by our traditional products.  The finite risk reinsurance contracts that we underwrite generally provide prospective protection, meaning coverage is provided for losses that are incurred after inception of the contract, as contrasted with retrospective coverage, which covers losses that are incurred prior to inception of the contract.  The three main categories of finite risk contracts are quota share, multi-year excess-of-loss and whole account aggregate stop loss.

In managing our operating segments, we use measures such as net underwriting income and underwriting ratios to evaluate segment performance.  We do not allocate assets or certain income and expenses such as net investment income, net realized gains and losses on investments, net impairment losses on investments, net changes in fair value of derivatives, net foreign currency exchange gains and losses, interest expense and certain corporate expenses by segment.  The measures we use in evaluating our operating segments should not be used as a substitute for measures determined under U.S. GAAP.  Underwriting ratios are considered to be non-GAAP measures and are calculated for net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and net underwriting expense.  The ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net earned premiums.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the three operating segments, together with a reconciliation of segment underwriting income (loss) to income (loss) before income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):
 
 
- 15 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 61,695     $ 72,678     $ 7,086     $ 141,459  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    62,838       75,746       6,491       145,075  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    17,653       45,851       3,613       67,117  
Net acquisition expenses
    8,721       18,487       2,992       30,200  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,454       5,625       267       13,346  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 29,010     $ 5,783     $ (381 )     34,412  
                                 
Net investment income
                            26,155  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                            24,978  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (1,113 )
Other income (expense)
                            (191 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            -  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (6,350 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            310  
Interest expense
                            (4,774 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
                          $ 73,427  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    28.1 %     60.5 %     55.7 %     46.3 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.9 %     24.4 %     46.1 %     20.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    11.9 %     7.4 %     4.1 %     9.2 %
Combined
    53.9 %     92.3 %     105.9 %     76.3 %
                                 
                                 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 54,411     $ 69,234     $ 2,242     $ 125,887  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    91,852       77,104       3,480       172,436  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    116,543       43,868       (1,054 )     159,357  
Net acquisition expenses
    12,009       18,144       3,962       34,115  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,274       4,829       264       12,367  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (43,974 )   $ 10,263     $ 308       (33,403 )
                                 
Net investment income
                            33,965  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                            (4,689 )
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (1,666 )
Other income (expense)
                            (60 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            (4,474 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (4,738 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            (614 )
Interest expense
                            (4,767 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
                          $ (20,446 )
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    126.9 %     56.9 %     (30.3 %)     92.4 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.1 %     23.5 %     113.9 %     19.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.9 %     6.3 %     7.6 %     7.2 %
Combined
    147.9 %     86.7 %     91.2 %     119.4 %

 
- 16 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 129,848     $ 147,078     $ 8,194     $ 285,120  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    124,166       151,512       7,609       283,287  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    58,590       86,887       836       146,313  
Net acquisition expenses
    17,956       35,862       7,039       60,857  
Other underwriting expenses
    14,289       10,661       458       25,408  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 33,331     $ 18,102     $ (724 )     50,709  
                                 
Net investment income
                            54,707  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                            47,317  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (2,183 )
Other income (expense)
                            (670 )
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            -  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (11,271 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            (222 )
Interest expense
                            (9,546 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
                          $ 128,841  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    47.2 %     57.3 %     11.0 %     51.6 %
Net acquisition expense
    14.5 %     23.7 %     92.5 %     21.5 %
Other underwriting expense
    11.5 %     7.0 %     6.0 %     9.0 %
Combined
    73.2 %     88.0 %     109.5 %     82.1 %
                                 
                                 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 166,213     $ 149,753     $ 4,706     $ 320,672  
                                 
Net premiums earned
    189,757       157,928       7,632       355,317  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    394,873       83,487       592       478,952  
Net acquisition expenses
    25,635       36,707       5,723       68,065  
Other underwriting expenses
    14,595       10,161       499       25,255  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (245,346 )   $ 27,573     $ 818       (216,955 )
                                 
Net investment income
                            66,343  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                            (4,282 )
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (3,173 )
Other income (expense)
                            1,036  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
                            (748 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (9,001 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            (803 )
Interest expense
                            (9,533 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
                          $ (177,116 )
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    208.1 %     52.9 %     7.8 %     134.8 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.5 %     23.2 %     75.0 %     19.2 %
Other underwriting expense
    7.7 %     6.4 %     6.5 %     7.1 %
Combined
    229.3 %     82.5 %     89.3 %     161.1 %
 
 
- 17 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
10.
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
 
The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings or loss per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ and amounts in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Earnings (Loss)
                       
Basic and Diluted
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  $ 67,532     $ (20,401 )   $ 120,819     $ (177,593 )
Portion allocated to participating common shareholders (1)
    (278 )     137       (485 )     1,069  
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders
  $ 67,254     $ (20,264 )   $ 120,334     $ (176,524 )
                                 
Common Shares
                               
Basic
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,914       37,113       34,602       37,155  
Diluted
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    33,914       37,113       34,602       37,155  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Common share options
    142       127       139       268  
Restricted share units
    48       159       64       269  
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
    34,104       37,399       34,805       37,692  
                                 
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
                               
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 1.98     $ (0.55 )   $ 3.48     $ (4.75 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (2)
  $ 1.97     $ (0.55 )   $ 3.46     $ (4.75 )
 
(1)
Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company's share incentive plans that are considered to be participating securities.
 
(2)
During a period of loss, the basic weighted average common shares outstanding is used in the denominator of the diluted loss per common share computation as the effect of including potential dilutive shares would be anti-dilutive.
 
11.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Platinum Holdings fully and unconditionally guarantees the $250.0 million of debt obligations issued by Platinum Finance.
 
The following tables present the condensed consolidating financial information for Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and the non-guarantor subsidiaries of Platinum Holdings as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):
 
 
- 18 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
June 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                                   
Total investments
  $ -     $ 232     $ 2,591,380     $ -     $ 2,591,612  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,700,293       655,570       512,671       (2,868,534 )     -  
Cash and cash equivalents
    17,665       103,139       1,345,179       -       1,465,983  
Reinsurance assets
    -       -       288,698       -       288,698  
Other assets
    8,379       5,362       64,903       -       78,644  
Total assets
  $ 1,726,337     $ 764,303     $ 4,802,831     $ (2,868,534 )   $ 4,424,937  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,408,816     $ -     $ 2,408,816  
Debt obligations
    -       250,000       -       -       250,000  
Other liabilities
    4,510       1,632       38,152       -       44,294  
Total liabilities
  $ 4,510     $ 251,632     $ 2,446,968     $ -     $ 2,703,110  
                                         
Shareholders' Equity
                                       
Common shares
  $ 332     $ -     $ 8,000     $ (8,000 )   $ 332  
Additional paid-in capital
    227,482       213,405       2,020,382       (2,233,787 )     227,482  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    148,562       43,804       192,357       (236,161 )     148,562  
Retained earnings
    1,345,451       255,462       135,124       (390,586 )     1,345,451  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,721,827     $ 512,671     $ 2,355,863     $ (2,868,534 )   $ 1,721,827  
                      -                  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 1,726,337     $ 764,303     $ 4,802,831     $ (2,868,534 )   $ 4,424,937  
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2011

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                                   
Total investments
  $ -     $ 274     $ 3,377,260     $ -     $ 3,377,534  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,638,898       621,041       484,561       (2,744,500 )     -  
Cash and cash equivalents
    47,791       108,260       636,459       -       792,510  
Reinsurance assets
    -       -       297,374       -       297,374  
Other assets
    6,229       6,620       71,344       -       84,193  
Total assets
  $ 1,692,918     $ 736,195     $ 4,866,998     $ (2,744,500 )   $ 4,551,611  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,573,701     $ -     $ 2,573,701  
Debt obligations
    -       250,000       -       -       250,000  
Other liabilities
    2,059       1,634       33,358       -       37,051  
Total liabilities
  $ 2,059     $ 251,634     $ 2,607,059     $ -     $ 2,860,752  
                                         
Shareholders' Equity
                                       
Common shares
  $ 355     $ -     $ 8,000     $ (8,000 )   $ 355  
Additional paid-in capital
    313,730       213,342       2,000,335       (2,213,677 )     313,730  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    146,635       41,277       187,903       (229,180 )     146,635  
Retained earnings
    1,230,139       229,942       63,701       (293,643 )     1,230,139  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,690,859     $ 484,561     $ 2,259,939     $ (2,744,500 )   $ 1,690,859  
                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 1,692,918     $ 736,195     $ 4,866,998     $ (2,744,500 )   $ 4,551,611  

 
- 19 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 145,075     $ -     $ 145,075  
Net investment income
    2       12       26,141       -       26,155  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    -       -       24,978       -       24,978  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (1,113 )     -       (1,113 )
Other income (expense)
    991       -       (1,182 )     -       (191 )
Total revenue
    993       12       193,899       -       194,904  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       67,117       -       67,117  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       30,200       -       30,200  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
    -       -       -       -       -  
Operating expenses
    5,834       67       13,795       -       19,696  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       (310 )     -       (310 )
Interest expense
    -       4,774       -       -       4,774  
Total expenses
    5,834       4,841       110,802       -       121,477  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (4,841 )     (4,829 )     83,097       -       73,427  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (1,627 )     7,522       -       5,895  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (4,841 )     (3,202 )     75,575       -       67,532  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    72,373       15,004       11,802       (99,179 )     -  
Net income (loss)
  $ 67,532     $ 11,802     $ 87,377     $ (99,179 )   $ 67,532  
                                         
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes
    8,104       3,221       11,326       (14,547 )     8,104  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 75,636     $ 15,023     $ 98,703     $ (113,726 )   $ 75,636  

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 172,436     $ -     $ 172,436  
Net investment income
    1       (7 )     33,971       -       33,965  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    -       -       (4,689 )     -       (4,689 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (1,666 )     -       (1,666 )
Other income (expense)
    (967 )     3       904       -       (60 )
Total revenue
    (966 )     (4 )     200,956       -       199,986  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       159,357       -       159,357  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       34,115       -       34,115  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
    -       -       4,474       -       4,474  
Operating expenses
    5,826       143       11,136       -       17,105  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       614       -       614  
Interest expense
    -       4,767       -       -       4,767  
Total expenses
    5,826       4,910       209,696       -       220,432  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (6,792 )     (4,914 )     (8,740 )     -       (20,446 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (1,679 )     1,634       -       (45 )
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (6,792 )     (3,235 )     (10,374 )     -       (20,401 )
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (13,609 )     5,047       1,835       6,727       -  
Net income (loss)
  $ (20,401 )   $ 1,812     $ (8,539 )   $ 6,727     $ (20,401 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes
    52,518       22,054       74,574       (96,628 )     52,518  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 32,117     $ 23,866     $ 66,035     $ (89,901 )   $ 32,117  

 
- 20 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                                   
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 283,287     $ -     $ 283,287  
Net investment income
    3       (7 )     54,711       -       54,707  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    -       -       47,317       -       47,317  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (2,183 )     -       (2,183 )
Other income (expense)
    2,187       1       (2,858 )     -       (670 )
Total revenue
    2,190       (6 )     380,274       -       382,458  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       146,313       -       146,313  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       60,857       -       60,857  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
    -       -       -       -       -  
Operating expenses
    10,775       133       25,771       -       36,679  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       222       -       222  
Interest expense
    -       9,546       -       -       9,546  
Total expenses
    10,775       9,679       233,163       -       253,617  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (8,585 )     (9,685 )     147,111       -       128,841  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (3,265 )     11,287       -       8,022  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (8,585 )     (6,420 )     135,824       -       120,819  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    129,404       31,941       25,521       (186,866 )     -  
Net income (loss)
  $ 120,819     $ 25,521     $ 161,345     $ (186,866 )   $ 120,819  
                                         
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes
    1,927       2,527       4,454       (6,981 )     1,927  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 122,746     $ 28,048     $ 165,799     $ (193,847 )   $ 122,746  

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                                   
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 355,317     $ -     $ 355,317  
Net investment income
    3       46       66,347       (53 )     66,343  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    -       -       (4,282 )     -       (4,282 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (3,173 )     -       (3,173 )
Other income (expense)
    (1,692 )     118       2,610       -       1,036  
Total revenue
    (1,689 )     164       416,819       (53 )     415,241  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       478,952       -       478,952  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       68,065       -       68,065  
Net changes in fair value of derivatives
    -       -       748       -       748  
Operating expenses
    10,049       202       24,005       -       34,256  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    1       -       802       -       803  
Interest expense
    53       9,533       -       (53 )     9,533  
Total expenses
    10,103       9,735       572,572       (53 )     592,357  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (11,792 )     (9,571 )     (155,753 )     -       (177,116 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (600 )     (3,263 )     4,340       -       477  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (11,192 )     (6,308 )     (160,093 )     -       (177,593 )
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (166,401 )     13,834       7,573       144,994       -  
Net income (loss)
  $ (177,593 )   $ 7,526     $ (152,520 )   $ 144,994     $ (177,593 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes
    64,522       23,103       87,625       (110,728 )     64,522  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (113,071 )   $ 30,629     $ (64,895 )   $ 34,266     $ (113,071 )

 
- 21 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

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

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (1,275 )   $ (6,482 )   $ 41,045     $ -     $ 33,288  
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       353,402       -       353,402  
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity trading securities
    -       -       20,413       -       20,413  
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
    -       -       27,995       -       27,995  
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       63       72,631       -       72,694  
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments
    -       -       140,014       -       140,014  
Acquisition of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       (34,499 )     -       (34,499 )
Acquisition of short-term investments
    -       -       (211,527 )     -       (211,527 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    280,000       -       -       (280,000 )     -  
Investment in subsidiary
    (120,000 )     (3,000 )     -       123,000       -  
Inter-company loans
    -       75,000       100,000       (175,000 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    160,000       72,063       468,429       (332,000 )     368,492  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (5,933 )     -       (280,000 )     280,000       (5,933 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (33,907 )     -       -       -       (33,907 )
Purchase of common share options
    (47,900 )     -       -       -       (47,900 )
Proceeds from exercise of common share options
    1,132       -       -       -       1,132  
Capital contribution from parent
    -       -       123,000       (123,000 )     -  
Inter-company loans
    (75,000 )     -       (100,000 )     175,000       -  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (161,608 )     -       (257,000 )     332,000       (86,608 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    -       -       15,724       -       15,724  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,883 )     65,581       268,198       -       330,896  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    45,035       7,347       935,495       -       987,877  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 42,152     $ 72,928     $ 1,203,693     $ -     $ 1,318,773  
 
 
- 22 -

 
 
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, 2012 (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, 2011 (the “2011 Form 10-K”).  This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Please see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2011 Form 10-K and the “Note on Forward-Looking Statements” below.  The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
 
Overview
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum Holdings”) is a holding company domiciled in Bermuda.  Through our reinsurance subsidiaries we provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.  Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) include Platinum Holdings, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”), Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Platinum US”), Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. ("Platinum Finance"), Platinum Regency Holdings ("Platinum Regency") and Platinum Administrative Services, Inc.  The terms "we," "us," and "our" refer to the Company, unless the context otherwise indicates.
 
At June 30, 2012, our capital resources of $1.97 billion consisted of $1.72 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0 million of Series B 7.5% Notes due June 1, 2017 (the “debt obligations”).  Our net income was $67.5 and $120.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, which compares with a net loss of $20.4 and $177.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.  Net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 reflected net realized gains on investments of $25.0 million and $47.3 million, respectively, and net losses arising from major catastrophes of $3.5 million and $29.4 million, respectively. The net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 reflected losses from worldwide major catastrophes of $84.0 million and $332.0 million, respectively, and net realized losses on investments of $4.7 million and $4.3 million, respectively.
 
Our net premiums written were $141.5 million and $285.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and $125.9 million and $320.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.  The decrease in net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011 was primarily due to the non-renewal of business that did not meet our minimum pricing standards and our desire to reduce our exposure to catastrophe events.

Current Outlook
 
We anticipate that the remainder of 2012 will be characterized by ample capacity for insurance risk and that, despite the recent catastrophe events, risk adjusted pricing will be flat or marginally up in all lines of business that have not recently experienced significant losses.  There have been significant insured losses from various natural catastrophes in Chile, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, the United States and other countries in the last two and a half years, which may lead to price increases for certain loss-affected accounts.  In addition, the introduction of catastrophe model revisions that increase the expected loss costs for certain U.S. and European wind events may, over time, ultimately support increases in rates for certain U.S. and European property catastrophe contracts.  However, we believe that reinsurers generally remain well-capitalized and that competitive pressure will keep property catastrophe reinsurance rates from rising significantly absent major events in the insurance or capital markets.
 
We generally expect property catastrophe exposed reinsurance rates for peak zones and perils will remain reasonably attractive for the balance of 2012.  In 2012, our largest reductions in business written occurred in the catastrophe exposed business and U.S. crop classes.  We expect that our Property and Marine segment will continue to represent a large proportion of our overall book of business, which could result in significant volatility in our results of operations.
 
Ongoing drought conditions in the United States are the most widespread in over 50 years and have the potential to produce material losses to us under our crop reinsurance treaties.  The Company is currently unable to quantify the net loss, if any, that may arise from the drought.  The aggregate exposure to this peril under our U.S. crop treaties is currently estimated to be approximately $88.0 million.  Approximately 84% of the aggregate exposure is from excess-of-loss treaties, while the remainder is our loss exposure for proportional treaties net of premiums, commissions and brokerage.

In the Casualty segment, we currently believe competition remains strong and capacity is abundant.  While insurance rates are beginning to improve in some casualty classes, positive loss cost trends have dampened any significant improvement in profitability.  Coupled with the current low interest rate environment, this means many treaties do not meet our pricing standards.  We expect insurance and reinsurance capacity to remain abundant for the rest of 2012 constraining the potential for significant improvements in risk adjusted rates.  While we expect that select casualty reinsurance contracts may offer adequate returns, the portfolio of business we write in our Casualty segment will likely continue to decrease in 2012 as compared with 2011 unless market conditions improve beyond our current expectations. 
 
Reflecting a continued lack of demand for finite risk covers, we expect to write a relatively small portfolio of business in our Finite Risk segment in 2012.

Absent major events in the insurance or capital markets, we expect relative stability in overall reinsurance rate adequacy in 2012.  We will continue with our strategy to underwrite for profitability, not market share.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that are inherently subjective in nature that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent liabilities.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.  Our critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements include premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), reinsurance recoverable, valuation of investments and income taxes.  In addition, estimates are used to evaluate risk transfer for assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions.  For a detailed discussion of our critical accounting estimates, please refer to Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in our 2011 Form 10-K.
 
 
- 23 -

 
 
Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 as Compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Net income (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows ($ and amounts in thousands, except diluted earnings (loss) per common share):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2012
   
2011
   
Net change
 
Underwriting income (loss)
  $ 34,412     $ (33,403 )   $ 67,815  
Net investment income
    26,155       33,965       (7,810 )
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    24,978       (4,689 )     29,667  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (1,113 )     (1,666 )     553  
Other revenues (expenses)
    (11,005 )     (14,653 )     3,648  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    73,427       (20,446 )     93,873  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (5,895 )     45       (5,940 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 67,532     $ (20,401 )   $ 87,933  
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per common share
    34,104       37,113       (3,009 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 1.97     $ (0.55 )   $ 2.52  

The net income and diluted income per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the net loss and diluted loss per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was primarily due to an increase in the net underwriting result attributable to a decrease in major catastrophe activity.  In addition, there were net realized gains on investments rather than net realized losses on investments, partially offset by a decrease in net investment income and higher income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011.  As the three months ended June 30, 2011 resulted in a net loss, the basic weighted average common shares outstanding is used in the denominator of the diluted loss per common share computation.

Underwriting Results
 
Underwriting income or loss and underwriting ratios measure the performance of the Company’s underwriting function.  Underwriting income or loss consists of net premiums earned less net losses and LAE and net underwriting expenses. Net underwriting expenses include net acquisition expenses and operating costs related to the underwriting operations.  Underwriting income or loss excludes revenues and expenses related to net investment income, net realized gains or losses on investments, net impairment losses on investments, net changes in fair value of derivatives, net foreign exchange gains or losses, corporate expenses not allocated to underwriting operations, interest expense and other revenues and expenses.  Underwriting ratios are calculated for net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and net underwriting expense.  The ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net earned premiums.
 
Net favorable or unfavorable development is the development of prior years’ unpaid losses and LAE and the related impact of premiums and commissions.
 
Net underwriting income was $34.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, which compares with a net underwriting loss of $33.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011.  The change in the net underwriting result was due primarily to a decrease in major catastrophes in 2012.  
 
Net losses arising from major catastrophes were $3.5 million and $84.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable development was $23.2 million and $16.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
We conduct our worldwide reinsurance business through three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  The following discussion and analysis reviews our underwriting results by operating segment.  Segment underwriting income is reconciled to the U.S. GAAP measure of income or loss before income taxes in Note 9 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q.  The measures we use in evaluating our operating segments should not be used as a substitute for measures determined under U.S. GAAP.

Property and Marine
 
The following table summarizes underwriting results and ratios for the Property and Marine segment for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2012
   
2011
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 61,431     $ 76,642     $ (15,211 )
Ceded premiums written
    (264 )     22,231       (22,495 )
Net premiums written
    61,695       54,411       7,284  
Net premiums earned
    62,838       91,852       (29,014 )
Net losses and LAE
    17,653       116,543       (98,890 )
Net acquisition expenses
    8,721       12,009       (3,288 )
Other underwriting expenses
    7,454       7,274       180  
Property and Marine segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 29,010     $ (43,974 )   $ 72,984  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    28.1 %     126.9 %  
(98.8) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    13.9 %     13.1 %  
0.8 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    11.9 %     7.9 %  
4.0 points
 
Combined
    53.9 %     147.9 %  
(94.0) points
 
 
 
- 24 -

 

The Property and Marine segment underwriting result improved by $73.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in net losses arising from major catastrophes.  Net losses arising from major catastrophes, net of reinstatement premiums and retrocessional recoveries, were $3.5 million and $84.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net losses from major catastrophes for the three months ended June 30, 2012 were attributable to severe weather, including tornadoes and hailstorms in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas and Indiana that occurred in April 2012, referred to as Property Claims Services (“PCS”) Catastrophe 74, offset by a reduction in first quarter net losses from major catastrophes from tornadoes and hailstorms primarily in Kentucky and Tennessee that occurred in March 2012, referred to as PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67.  Net losses from major catastrophes for the three months ended June 30, 2011 were attributable to U.S. tornadoes, the June New Zealand earthquake and increases in first quarter 2011 catastrophe loss estimates.  The increases in the first quarter 2011 catastrophe estimates related to the February earthquake in New Zealand, the earthquake in Japan, Australian floods and Cyclone Yasi.  Property and Marine underwriting income, excluding major catastrophes and net favorable development, was also impacted by changes in the mix of business resulting in an increase in the combined ratio.  The increase in the combined ratio was primarily due to a decrease in the proportion of catastrophe excess-of-loss business which has a lower combined ratio as compared to the other classes of business.
 
The Property and Marine segment generated 43.6% and 43.2% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Gross premiums written decreased by $15.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011, and decreased by $7.2 million when excluding reinstatement premiums related to major catastrophes of $0.1 million and $8.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The decrease in gross premiums written, excluding reinstatement premiums, was due to decreases across most classes of business, most significantly in the catastrophe excess-of-loss classes, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011 and resulted from fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards and our desire to reduce our exposure to catastrophe events.   The decrease in ceded premiums written was due to a decrease in retrocessional reinsurance purchased for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011.  Net premiums earned decreased by $29.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily as a result of decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  Net premiums written and earned were also impacted by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE decreased by $98.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in losses arising from major catastrophes.  The following table sets forth the components of pre-tax net losses by major catastrophe for the three months ended June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

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

The following table sets forth the components of pre-tax net losses by major catastrophe for the three months ended June 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):

Major Catastrophe
 
Gross Losses and LAE
   
Retrocessional Recoveries
   
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
U.S. tornadoes
  $ (35,064 )   $ -     $ (35,064 )   $ 2,836     $ (32,228 )
June New Zealand earthquake
    (5,530 )     -       (5,530 )     -       (5,530 )
Increases in First Quarter 2011 Catastrophe Estimates:
                                       
February New Zealand earthquake
    (35,702 )     -       (35,702 )     2,784       (32,918 )
Japan earthquake
    (7,738 )     -       (7,738 )     1,108       (6,630 )
Australian floods
    (4,597 )     -       (4,597 )     1,022       (3,575 )
Cyclone Yasi
    (3,226 )     -       (3,226 )     133       (3,093 )
Total
  $ (91,857 )   $ -     $ (91,857 )   $ 7,883     $ (83,974 )

Net losses and LAE arising from major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 5.7 points and 97.4 points for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Net favorable loss development was $7.8 million and $5.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 14.8 points and 4.0 points for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2012 by class of business ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
  $ 3,131     $ 61     $ 131     $ 3,323  
Major catastrophes
    1,969       (9 )     1,011       2,971  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    220       (104 )     1,941       2,057  
Property proportional
    1,835       (94 )     -       1,741  
Other
    631       135       460       1,226  
Total
  $ 7,786     $ (11 )   $ 3,543     $ 11,318  
 
 
- 25 -

 

Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the North American business in the 2011 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from 2008 through 2010 events.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2006 through 2011 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from the North American business from the 2009 and 2010 underwriting years.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2011 by class of business ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
  $ 2,068     $ 120     $ (245 )   $ 1,943  
Crop
    1,138       (106 )     -       1,032  
Other
    1,968       195       (884 )     1,279  
Total
  $ 5,174     $ 209     $ (1,129 )   $ 4,254  

Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from North American business from the 2010 underwriting year, partially offset by unfavorable development from International business resulting from an increase in loss estimates from ceding companies related to fourth quarter 2010 events in Europe and Australia.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from North American business in the 2010 underwriting year.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $8.7 million and 13.9%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and $12.0 million and 13.1%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2011.  The decrease in net acquisition expenses was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned as compared with the same period in 2011.  The increase in acquisition expense ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, was primarily due to a reduction in catastrophe excess-of-loss business which has a lower acquisition ratio than the remainder of the segment.   Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were also impacted by other changes in the mix of business.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $7.5 million and $7.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The increase in 2012 as compared with 2011 was primarily attributable to higher performance-based compensation in the current year as compared to the prior year, partially offset by a reduction in headcount.

Casualty
 
The following table summarizes underwriting results and ratios for the Casualty segment for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2012
   
2011
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 72,678     $ 69,234     $ 3,444  
Net premiums earned
    75,746       77,104       (1,358 )
Net losses and LAE
    45,851       43,868       1,983  
Net acquisition expenses
    18,487       18,144       343  
Other underwriting expenses
    5,625       4,829       796  
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 5,783     $ 10,263     $ (4,480 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    60.5 %     56.9 %  
3.6 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    24.4 %     23.5 %  
0.9 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.4 %     6.3 %  
1.1 points
 
Combined
    92.3 %     86.7 %  
5.6 points
 

The Casualty segment underwriting income decreased by $4.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011.  Net favorable development was $11.7 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.  The Casualty segment had a higher combined ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the financial lines class.
 
 
- 26 -

 
 
The Casualty segment generated 51.4% and 55.0% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net premiums written increased by $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011.  The net premiums written in the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $13.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively.  Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums written decreased by $8.6 million primarily due to fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  The net premiums earned in the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were also impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $9.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively.  Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums earned decreased by $7.1 million.  Net premiums earned decreased as a result of the decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  Net premiums written and earned were also impacted by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE increased by $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011.  Net favorable loss development was $11.7 million and $11.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 16.0 points and 15.4 points for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2012 by class of business ($ in thousands):

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

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2008 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2006 and 2007 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose from most prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2008 through 2010 underwriting years.  Net unfavorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from medical malpractice contracts from the 2005 through 2007 underwriting years and liability claims arising from Australian wildfires in the 2008 underwriting year.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the three months ended June 30, 2011 by class of business ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 5,635     $ (600 )   $ 17     $ 5,052  
North American umbrella
    3,343       (150 )     -       3,193  
Financial lines
    2,433       (41 )     (4 )     2,388  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    1,977       (6 )     83       2,054  
International casualty
    (1,359 )     (185 )     747       (797 )
Other
    (775 )     504       48       (223 )
Total
  $ 11,254     $ (478 )   $ 891     $ 11,667  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 and 2004 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003, 2006 and 2008 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the 2008 underwriting year resulted from improved loss experience in the current year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2007 underwriting years in the North American surety class, with a change in the loss development patterns resulting in approximately $1.3 million of the net favorable development.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2007 underwriting years.  The net favorable development in the 2007 underwriting year resulted from improved loss experience in the current year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net unfavorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from the 2003 and 2008 underwriting years, partially offset by favorable development in most underwriting years prior to 2008.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $18.5 million and 24.4%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and $18.1 million and 23.5%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2011.  Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $5.6 million and $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The increase in 2012 as compared with 2011 was primarily attributable to higher performance-based compensation in the current year as compared to the prior year, partially offset by a reduction in headcount.
 
 
- 27 -

 

Finite Risk
 
The following table summarizes underwriting results and ratios for the Finite Risk segment for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2012
   
2011
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 7,086     $ 2,242     $ 4,844  
Net premiums earned
    6,491       3,480       3,011  
Net losses and LAE
    3,613       (1,054 )        
Net acquisition expenses
    2,992       3,962          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    6,605       2,908       3,697  
Other underwriting expenses
    267       264       3  
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (381 )   $ 308     $ (689 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    55.7 %     (30.3 %)        
Net acquisition expense
    46.1 %     113.9 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense
    101.8 %     83.6 %  
18.2 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    4.1 %     7.6 %  
(3.5) points
 
Combined
    105.9 %     91.2 %  
14.7 points
 

During the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the in-force Finite Risk portfolio consisted of one contract and we expect minor activity in this segment in the foreseeable future due to the relatively low level of demand for finite risk products.  Due to the inverse relationship between losses and commissions for this segment, we believe it is important to evaluate the overall combined ratio, rather than its component parts of net loss and LAE ratio and net acquisition expense ratio.  Due to the decline in premium volume in recent years, current year ratios may be significantly impacted by relatively small adjustments of prior years’ reserves.

The Finite Risk segment generated 5.0% and 1.8% of our net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The increases in net premiums written and net premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011 were primarily attributable to an increase in prior years’ premium estimates relating to the one in-force contract.
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses increased by $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to an increase in net premiums earned and a decrease in net favorable development.  Net favorable development was $0.1 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The net favorable development decreased the net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratio by 2.0 points and 13.2 points for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  In addition, a change in underwriting conditions resulted in an increase in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the current period.

Non-Underwriting Results

Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income was $26.2 million and $34.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net investment income decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2012, as compared with the same period in 2011, as a result of a reduction in average investable assets and a decrease in average yields for the portfolio from 3.3% in the second quarter of 2011 to 2.7% in the second quarter of 2012.  The decrease in average yields is attributable to the sales, maturities and paydowns of investments that were primarily reinvested into cash equivalents.

Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Net realized gains on investments were $25.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and net realized losses on investments were $4.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $25.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and included $21.2 million of net realized gains from the sale of municipal bonds and $3.0 million of net realized gains from the sale of corporate bonds.  The net losses from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities of $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 were related to non-U.S. government securities.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized losses of $6.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, primarily from U.S. Government securities.  The net gains from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities of $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 were related primarily to non-U.S. government securities.

Net Impairment Losses on Investments
 
Net impairment losses on investments were $1.1 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The net impairment losses reflect other-than-temporary impairments attributable to credit losses on impaired securities that relate exclusively to investments in securitized mortgages not guaranteed by U.S. government agencies.  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2012 related substantially all to non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”).  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2011 included $1.5 million related to non-agency RMBS and $0.2 million related to sub-prime asset-backed securities (“ABS”).
 
 
- 28 -

 

Net Changes in Fair Value of Derivatives
 
There were no net changes in the fair value of derivatives for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as we did not hold any derivatives during the period from April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012.  Net changes in the fair value of derivatives resulted in an expense of $4.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and was related to a decrease in the fair value of a derivative agreement with Topiary Capital Limited that was used to manage our exposure to certain underwriting risks until it expired on July 31, 2011.

Operating Expenses
 
Non-underwriting operating expenses were $6.3 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and related to costs such as compensation and other corporate expenses associated with operating as a publicly-traded company.  The increase during the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011 was primarily attributable to higher performance-based compensation in the current year as compared to the prior year.

Interest Expense
 
Interest expense was $4.8 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and related to our $250.0 million of debt obligations.

Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $5.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and income tax benefit was less than $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011.  Our effective tax rate was 8.0% and (0.2%) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Income tax expense or benefit is primarily driven by the taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries.  The income tax expense or benefit rate is driven by the portion of taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries relative to the income or loss generated by our Bermuda-based operations, which are not subject to corporate income tax.  Premiums earned by our U.S. and Bermuda-based subsidiaries generally do not bear a proportionate relationship to their respective pre-tax income for a variety of reasons, including the significant impact on pre-tax income of the different mixes of business underwritten by the particular subsidiary, the presence or absence of underwriting income or loss attributable to such business, and the investment results experienced by the particular subsidiary.
 
Pre-tax income was $55.9 million and $17.7 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  Pre-tax loss was $22.2 million in our Bermuda companies and pre-tax income was $1.8 million in our U.S. companies for the three months ended June 30, 2011.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 as Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Net income (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows ($ and amounts in thousands, except diluted earnings (loss) per common share):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2012
   
2011
   
Net change
 
Underwriting income (loss)
  $ 50,709     $ (216,955 )   $ 267,664  
Net investment income
    54,707       66,343       (11,636 )
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    47,317       (4,282 )     51,599  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (2,183 )     (3,173 )     990  
Other revenues (expenses)
    (21,709 )     (19,049 )     (2,660 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    128,841       (177,116 )     305,957  
Income tax expense
    (8,022 )     (477 )     (7,545 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 120,819     $ (177,593 )   $ 298,412  
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per common share
    34,805       37,155       (2,350 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 3.46     $ (4.75 )   $ 8.21  

The net income and diluted income per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the net loss and diluted loss per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was primarily due to an increase in the net underwriting result attributable to a significant decrease in major catastrophe activity.  In addition, there were net realized gains on investments rather than net realized losses on investments, partially offset by a decrease in net investment income and higher income taxes, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011.  As the six months ended June 30, 2011 resulted in a net loss, the basic weighted average common shares outstanding is used in the denominator of the diluted loss per common share computation.

Underwriting Results
 
Net underwriting income was $50.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012, which compares with a net underwriting loss of $217.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  The change in the net underwriting result was due primarily to a significant decrease in net losses arising from major catastrophes in 2012.  
 
 
- 29 -

 
 
Net losses arising from major catastrophes were $29.4 million and $332.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable development was $51.0 million and $49.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Property and Marine
 
The following table summarizes underwriting results and ratios for the Property and Marine segment for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2012
   
2011
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 129,975     $ 200,456     $ (70,481 )
Ceded premiums written
    127       34,243       (34,116 )
Net premiums written
    129,848       166,213       (36,365 )
Net premiums earned
    124,166       189,757       (65,591 )
Net losses and LAE
    58,590       394,873       (336,283 )
Net acquisition expenses
    17,956       25,635       (7,679 )
Other underwriting expenses
    14,289       14,595       (306 )
Property and Marine segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 33,331     $ (245,346 )   $ 278,677  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    47.2 %     208.1 %  
(160.9) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    14.5 %     13.5 %  
1.0 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    11.5 %     7.7 %  
3.8 points
 
Combined
    73.2 %     229.3 %  
(156.1) points
 

The Property and Marine segment underwriting result improved by $278.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in net losses arising from major catastrophes.  Net losses arising from major catastrophes, net of reinstatement premiums and retrocessional recoveries, were $29.4 million and $332.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net losses from major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2012 were substantially all attributable to severe weather, including tornadoes and hailstorms primarily in Kentucky and Tennessee that occurred in March 2012, referred to as PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67, and tornadoes and hailstorms in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas and Indiana that occurred in April 2012, referred to as PCS Catastrophe 74.  Net losses from major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2011 related primarily to the February and June earthquakes in New Zealand, the earthquake in Japan, U.S. tornadoes, Australian floods and Cyclone Yasi.  Property and Marine underwriting income, excluding major catastrophes and net favorable development, was also impacted by changes in the mix of business resulting in an increase in the combined ratio.  The increase in the combined ratio was primarily due to a decrease in the proportion of catastrophe excess-of-loss business which has a lower combined ratio as compared to the other classes of business.
 
The Property and Marine segment generated 45.5% and 51.8% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Gross premiums written decreased by $70.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2011, and by $53.4 million when considering reinstatement premiums related to major catastrophes of $2.4 million and $19.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The decrease in gross premiums written, excluding reinstatement premiums, was due to decreases across most classes of business, most significantly in the catastrophe excess-of-loss classes, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011 and resulted from fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards and our desire to reduce our exposure to catastrophe events.   The decrease in ceded premiums written was due to a decrease in retrocessional reinsurance purchased for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011.  Net premiums earned decreased by $65.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily as a result of decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  Net premiums written and earned were also impacted by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE decreased by $336.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in losses arising from major catastrophes.  The following table sets forth the components of pre-tax net losses by major catastrophe for the six months ended June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

Major Catastrophe
 
Gross Losses and LAE
   
Retrocessional Recoveries
   
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
PCS Catastrophes 66 and 67
  $ (21,802 )   $ -     $ (21,802 )   $ 2,171     $ (19,631 )
PCS Catastrophe 74
    (9,844 )     -       (9,844 )     98       (9,746 )
Total
  $ (31,646 )   $ -     $ (31,646 )   $ 2,269     $ (29,377 )
 
 
- 30 -

 

The following table sets forth the components of pre-tax net losses by major catastrophe for the six months ended June 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):

Major Catastrophe
 
Gross Losses and LAE
   
Retrocessional Recoveries
   
Net Losses and LAE
   
Reinstatement Premiums Earned
   
Net Losses from Major Catastrophes
 
February New Zealand earthquake
  $ (177,173 )   $ -     $ (177,173 )   $ 7,341     $ (169,832 )
Japan earthquake
    (133,944 )     35,000       (98,944 )     5,752       (93,192 )
U.S. tornadoes
    (35,064 )     -       (35,064 )     2,836       (32,228 )
Australian floods
    (20,201 )     -       (20,201 )     1,776       (18,425 )
Cyclone Yasi
    (14,335 )     -       (14,335 )     1,515       (12,820 )
June New Zealand earthquake
    (5,530 )     -       (5,530 )     -       (5,530 )
Total
  $ (386,247 )   $ 35,000     $ (351,247 )   $ 19,220     $ (332,027 )

During the course of 2011, the Company increased its estimates of pre-tax net losses from major catastrophes for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  At December 31, 2011, the Company’s estimates of pre-tax net losses were $208.5 million for the February New Zealand earthquake, $143.6 million for the Japan earthquake, $43.0 million for the U.S. tornadoes, $16.5 million for the Australian floods, $13.5 million for Cyclone Yasi, and $33.7 million for the June New Zealand earthquake.   For the six months ended June 30, 2012, there was no material impact to net development from major catastrophe events that occurred in 2011.

Net losses and LAE arising from major catastrophes, with related premium adjustments, increased the net loss and LAE ratio by 25.1 points and 182.5 points for six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Net favorable loss development was $18.5 million and $17.4 million for six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 17.2 points and 8.7 points for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 by class of business ($ in thousands):

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

Net favorable development in the property per risk excess-of-loss class arose from most prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the North American business in the 2011 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from 2008 and 2009 events.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose primarily from the 2006 through 2011 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from most prior underwriting years.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2011 by class of business ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
Major catastrophes
  $ 14,421     $ (8 )   $ (327 )   $ 14,086  
Property per risk excess-of-loss
    6,714       256       175       7,145  
Property proportional
    4,051       (53 )     -       3,998  
Crop
    1,817       (120 )     -       1,697  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    (9,810 )     (71 )     (407 )     (10,288 )
Other
    215       (8 )     162       369  
Total
  $ 17,408     $ (4 )   $ (397 )   $ 17,007  
 
 
- 31 -

 

Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class arose primarily from the September 2010 earthquake in New Zealand and the December 2010 floods in Australia.  Net favorable development in the property per risk excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the North American business from the 2003 and 2007 through 2010 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from the 2008 and 2009 underwriting years. Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from North American business in the 2010 underwriting year.  Net unfavorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from an increase in loss estimates from ceding companies related to fourth quarter 2010 events in Europe and Australia, partially offset by North American and international business prior to 2010.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $18.0 million and 14.5%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and $25.6 million and 13.5%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  The decrease in net acquisition expenses was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned as compared with the same period in 2011.  The increase in the acquisition expense ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011 was primarily due to a reduction in catastrophe excess-of-loss business which has a lower acquisition ratio than the remainder of the segment.   Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were also impacted by other changes in the mix of business.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $14.3 million and $14.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The decrease in 2012 as compared with 2011 was primarily attributable to a reduction in headcount partially offset by higher performance-based compensation in the current year as compared to the prior year.

Casualty
 
The following table summarizes underwriting results and ratios for the Casualty segment for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2012
   
2011
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 147,078     $ 149,753     $ (2,675 )
Net premiums earned
    151,512       157,928       (6,416 )
Net losses and LAE
    86,887       83,487       3,400  
Net acquisition expenses
    35,862       36,707       (845 )
Other underwriting expenses
    10,661       10,161       500  
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 18,102     $ 27,573     $ (9,471 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    57.3 %     52.9 %  
4.4 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    23.7 %     23.2 %  
0.5 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    7.0 %     6.4 %  
0.6 points
 
Combined
    88.0 %     82.5 %  
5.5 points
 

The Casualty segment underwriting income decreased by $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2011.  Net favorable development was $28.3 million and $31.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The Casualty segment had a higher combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to the financial lines class.
 
The Casualty segment generated 51.6% and 46.7% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net premiums written decreased by $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2011.  The net premiums written in the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $25.1 million and $8.3 million, respectively.  Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums written decreased by $19.5 million primarily due to fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  The net premiums earned in the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were also impacted by increases to prior years’ premium estimates of $18.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively.  Excluding the impact of increases to prior years’ premium estimates, net premiums earned decreased by $19.7 million.  Net premiums earned decreased as a result of the decreases in net premiums written in current and prior periods.  Net premiums written and earned were also impacted by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
 
- 32 -

 
 
Net losses and LAE increased by $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in net favorable loss development.  Net favorable loss development was $27.7 million and $30.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 19.1 points and 19.7 points for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 by class of business ($ in thousands):

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

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2008 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2007 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose primarily from the 2007 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2008 through 2010 underwriting years.  Net unfavorable development in the international casualty class arose primarily from the 2006, 2008 and 2010 underwriting years. The 2006 underwriting year was impacted by medical malpractice claims. The 2008 underwriting year was impacted by claims related to the credit crisis arising from the financial institutions business and liability arising from Australian wildfires. The 2010 underwriting year was impacted by a claim related to a power plant in Thailand.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development for the six months ended June 30, 2011 by class of business ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expense
   
Net Premiums
   
Net Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 19,722     $ (963 )   $ 17     $ 18,776  
North American umbrella
    7,809       (161 )     -       7,648  
North American occurrence excess-of-loss
    4,548       188       179       4,915  
Financial lines
    3,173       (110 )     (48 )     3,015  
Accident and health
    (3,253 )     1,151       -       (2,102 )
Other
    (1,190 )     (7 )     334       (863 )
Total
  $ 30,809     $ 98     $ 482     $ 31,389  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2007 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2006 and 2008 underwriting years.  The net favorable development in the 2008 underwriting year resulted from improved loss experience in the current year after adverse experience led us to increase the selected loss ratio from the initial expected loss ratio in prior years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence excess-of-loss class arose primarily from the 2005 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2007 underwriting years on the North American surety class, with a change in the loss development patterns resulting in approximately $1.3 million of the net favorable development.  Net unfavorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2006 underwriting years.
 
Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were $35.9 million and 23.7%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and $36.7 million and 23.2%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  Net acquisition expenses and related net acquisition expense ratios were impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Other underwriting expenses were $10.7 million and $10.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The increase in 2012 as compared with 2011 was primarily attributable to higher performance-based compensation in the current year as compared to the prior year partially offset by a reduction in headcount.
 
 
- 33 -

 
 
Finite Risk
 
The following table summarizes underwriting results and ratios for the Finite Risk segment for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2012
   
2011
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 8,194     $ 4,706     $ 3,488  
Net premiums earned
    7,609       7,632       (23 )
Net losses and LAE
    836       592          
Net acquisition expenses
    7,039       5,723          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    7,875       6,315       1,560  
Other underwriting expenses
    458       499       (41 )
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (724 )   $ 818     $ (1,542 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    11.0 %     7.8 %        
Net acquisition expense
    92.5 %     75.0 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense
    103.5 %     82.8 %  
20.7 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    6.0 %     6.5 %  
(0.5) points
 
Combined
    109.5 %     89.3 %  
20.2 points
 

During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the in-force Finite Risk portfolio consisted of one contract and we expect minor activity in this segment in the foreseeable future due to the relatively low level of demand for finite risk products.

The Finite Risk segment generated 2.9% and 1.5% of our net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The net premiums written increased by $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011.  The increase in net premiums written was primarily attributable to an increase in prior years’ premium estimates relating to the one in-force contract.
 
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses increased by $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily due to a decrease in net development.  There was less than $0.1 million of net favorable development for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and net favorable development was $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  The net favorable development decreased the net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratio by 0.3 points and 14.2 points for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  In addition, a change in underwriting conditions resulted in an increase in the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio for the current period.

Non-Underwriting Results

Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income was $54.7 million and $66.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net investment income decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2012, as compared with the same period in 2011, as a result of a reduction in average investable assets and a decrease in average yields for the portfolio from 3.3% in 2011 to 2.8% in 2012.  The decrease in average yields is attributable to the sales, maturities and paydowns of investments that were primarily reinvested into cash equivalents.

Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Net realized gains on investments were $47.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and net realized losses on investments were $4.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $47.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and included $41.3 million of net realized gains from the sale of municipal bonds, $4.6 million of net realized gains from the sale of corporate bonds and $1.0 million from the sale of commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”).  The net losses from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities of $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 were related to non-U.S government securities.  Sales of investments resulted in net realized losses of $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily from realized losses from U.S. Government securities, partially offset by realized gains from corporate bonds.  The net losses from mark-to-market adjustments on trading securities of $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were related primarily to insurance-linked securities.
 
 
- 34 -

 

Net Impairment Losses on Investments
 
Net impairment losses on investments were $2.2 million and $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The net impairment losses reflect other-than-temporary impairments attributable to credit losses on impaired securities that relate exclusively to investments in securitized mortgages not guaranteed by U.S. government agencies.  The net impairment losses recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2012 related substantially all to non-agency RMBS.  The net impairment losses recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2011 included $2.4 million related to non-agency RMBS and $0.8 million related to sub-prime ABS.

Net Changes in Fair Value of Derivatives
 
There were no net changes in the fair value of derivatives for the six months ended June 30, 2012 as we did not hold any derivatives during the period from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012.  Net changes in the fair value of derivatives resulted in expense of $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and was related to a decrease in the fair value of a derivative agreement with Topiary Capital Limited that was used to manage our exposure to certain underwriting risks until it expired on July 31, 2011.

Operating Expenses
 
Non-underwriting operating expenses were $11.3 million and $9.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and related to costs such as compensation and other corporate expenses associated with operating as a publicly-traded company.  The increase during the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011 was primarily attributable to higher performance-based compensation in the current year as compared to the prior year.

Interest Expense
 
Interest expense was $9.5 million for both the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and related to our $250.0 million of debt obligations.

Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $8.0 million and $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Our effective tax rate was 6.2% and (0.3%) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Income tax expense or benefit is primarily driven by the taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries.  The income tax expense or benefit rate is driven by the portion of taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries relative to the income or loss generated by our Bermuda-based operations, which are not subject to corporate income tax.  Premiums earned by our U.S. and Bermuda-based subsidiaries generally do not bear a proportionate relationship to their respective pre-tax income for a variety of reasons, including the significant impact on pre-tax income of the different mixes of business underwritten by the particular subsidiary, the presence or absence of underwriting income or loss attributable to such business, and the investment results experienced by the particular subsidiary.
 
Pre-tax income was $95.5 million and $33.6 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  Pre-tax loss was $186.6 million in our Bermuda companies and pre-tax income was $8.3 million in our U.S. companies for the six months ended June 30, 2011.
 
Financial Condition
 
The following discussion of financial condition, liquidity and capital resources as of June 30, 2012 focuses only on material changes from December 31, 2011.  See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition,” in our 2011 Form 10-K.
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity Requirements
 
Platinum Holdings is a holding company, the assets of which consist primarily of shares of its subsidiaries.  Platinum Holdings depends primarily on its available cash resources and liquid investments and dividends and other distributions from its subsidiaries to meet its obligations.  Such obligations, and those of Platinum Finance, may include operating expenses, debt service obligations and income taxes.  We believe that Platinum Holdings has sufficient cash resources and its subsidiaries have available dividend capacity to service our current outstanding obligations.  Our reinsurance subsidiaries’ principal cash requirements are the payment of losses and LAE, commissions, brokerage, operating expenses, income taxes and dividends to Platinum Holdings.  We consider the impact of dividends and other distributions from our reinsurance subsidiaries on their respective capital levels, which may impact the financial strength rating assigned to our subsidiaries by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P").
 
 
- 35 -

 
 
Platinum Bermuda is not licensed, approved or accredited as a reinsurer in the United States and, therefore, under the terms of most of its contracts with U.S. ceding companies, it is required to provide collateral to its ceding companies for unpaid losses and LAE and unearned premiums in a form acceptable to state insurance commissioners.  Typically, this type of collateral takes the form of letters of credit issued by a bank, the establishment of a trust, or funds withheld.  See “Sources of Liquidity – Credit Facilities” below for additional information on our bank credit facilities and the collateral required by us.
 
Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US have reinsurance and other contracts that also require them to provide collateral to ceding companies should certain events occur, such as a decline in our financial strength rating by A.M. Best or S&P below specified levels or a decline in statutory equity below specified amounts, or when certain levels of assumed liabilities are attained.  Some reinsurance contracts also have special termination provisions that permit early termination should certain events occur. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we held investments with a carrying value of $56.9 million and $61.1 million, respectively, and cash and cash equivalents of $10.2 million and $9.3 million, respectively, in trust to collateralize obligations under various reinsurance contracts.
 
The laws and regulations of Bermuda and the United States include certain restrictions on the amount of dividends that can be paid by Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US to their respective parent companies, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance, without the prior approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.  Based on regulatory restrictions, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends by our reinsurance subsidiaries during 2012 without prior regulatory approval is as follows ($ in thousands):

Platinum Bermuda
  $ 286,574  
Platinum US
    52,992  
Total
  $ 339,566  

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, dividends of $70.0 million were paid by Platinum Bermuda to Platinum Holdings.  Therefore, as of June 30, 2012, the remaining amount available for payment of dividends by our reinsurance subsidiaries during 2012 without prior regulatory approval was $269.6 million.  Subsequent to June 30, 2012, Platinum Bermuda declared and paid a dividend of $50.0 million to Platinum Holdings.
 
There are no regulatory restrictions on the amount of dividends that Platinum Finance can pay to Platinum Regency. Irish law prohibits Platinum Regency from declaring a dividend to Platinum Holdings unless it has “profits available for distribution.”  The determination of whether a company has profits available for distribution is based on its accumulated realized profits less its accumulated realized losses.
 
Platinum Holdings fully and unconditionally guarantees the outstanding $250.0 million debt obligations of Platinum Finance.  Platinum Finance pays interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum on each June 1 and December 1.
 
Platinum Holdings also may require cash to pay for share repurchases.  See “Capital Resources - Share and Debt Repurchases” below for additional discussion of share repurchases.
 
Sources of Liquidity
 
Our sources of funds consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents held by us, cash from operations, proceeds from sales, redemption and maturity of investments, borrowings from our credit facilities and the issuance of securities.  As at June 30, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1.47 billion and Platinum Holdings had cash and cash equivalents of $17.7 million.  We expect that our liquidity needs for the next twelve months will be met by our cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations, investment income and proceeds from the sale, redemption or maturity of our investments.

Cash Flows
 
Net cash flows used in operating activities were $59.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and net cash flows provided by operating activities were $33.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011.  Cash flows used in operating activities resulted primarily from an increase in the payment of losses and LAE and a reduction in premium volume in the six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared with the same period in 2011.  Our reinsurance subsidiaries have liquidity from premiums, which are generally received in advance of the time losses are paid.  The period of time from the occurrence of a claim through the settlement of the liability may extend many years into the future.  However, due to the nature of our reinsurance operations, cash flows are affected by claim payments that can fluctuate from year to year.  The amount and timing of actual claim payments can vary based on many factors, including the severity of individual losses, changes in the legal environment, and general market conditions.  As a result of expected loss payments resulting from major catastrophe activity that occurred in the last two and a half years, we anticipate that our future operating cash flows will be negative for at least the next 12 months.
 
Net cash flows provided by investing activities were $832.3 million and $368.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  In 2012 and 2011, net cash flows provided by investing activities were primarily due to sales and maturities of short-term investments and fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, partially offset by the acquisition of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities and short-term investments.  In 2012, we increased our cash balance from investing activities as a result of numerous factors including the expected loss payments resulting from major catastrophe activity that occurred in the last two and a half years and in order to manage the overall duration of our investment portfolio.
 
Net cash flows used in financing activities were $94.4 million and $86.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net cash flows used in financing activities in 2012 primarily related to repurchases of common shares of $89.9 million and the payment of dividends to common shareholders of $5.5 million.  Net cash flows used in financing activities in 2011 primarily related to repurchases of common shares and the purchase of common share options totaling $81.8 million and the payment of dividends to common shareholders of $5.9 million.
 
 
- 36 -

 
 
Investments
 
Our investable assets totaled $4.08 billion and $4.20 billion at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Investable assets include investments, cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net balances due to and from brokers and had a duration of 3.1 and 3.6 years as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
 
As part of our investment strategy, we seek to establish a level of cash and liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities which, combined with expected cash flows from our operating activities, we believe to be adequate to meet our foreseeable payment obligations.  The ultimate amount and timing of claim payments could differ materially from our estimates and create significant variations in cash flows from operations between periods, which may require us to make payments from other sources of liquidity, such as sales of investments, borrowings from credit facilities or proceeds from capital market transactions.  If we need to sell investments to meet liquidity requirements, the sale of such investments may be at a material loss.
 
Our investment portfolio consists primarily of diversified, high quality, predominantly investment grade fixed maturity securities.  See Note 3 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q for additional discussion of fair values.  The following table sets forth the fair values, net unrealized gains and losses and credit quality of our investments as of June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Fair Value
   
Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
   
Credit Quality
 
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities:
                 
U.S. Government
  $ 5,011     344    
Aaa
 
U.S. Government agencies
    10,164       161    
Aaa
 
Municipal bonds:
                     
State general obligation bonds
    756,621       83,273    
Aa2
 
Essential service bonds
    315,760       31,738    
Aa3
 
State income tax and sales tax bonds
    138,844       20,758    
Aa1
 
Other municipal bonds
    108,470       10,075    
Aa2
 
Pre-refunded bonds
    33,142       2,167    
Aa3
 
Subtotal
    1,352,837       148,011    
Aa2
 
Non-U.S. governments
    94,295       1,347    
Aa1
 
Corporate bonds:
                     
Industrial
    209,989       10,142    
Baa1
 
Utilities
    84,267       5,491       A3  
Insurance
    48,555       3,212    
Baa1
 
Finance
    7,591       694    
Baa1
 
Subtotal
    350,402       19,539    
Baa1
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    201,356       12,567    
Aa2
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                       
U.S. Government agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    229,079       1,957    
Aaa
 
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    42,399       (8,648 )  
Caa2
 
Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities
    4,804       (274 )  
Caa2
 
Subtotal
    276,282       (6,965 )  
Aa3
 
Asset-backed securities:
                       
Asset-backed securities
    13,237       (363 )  
Aaa
 
Sub-prime asset-backed securities
    6,403       (2,320 )     C  
Subtotal
    19,640       (2,683 )     A3  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    2,309,987       172,321    
Aa3
 
Fixed maturity trading securities:
                       
Non-U.S. governments
    113,847       n/a    
Aaa
 
Total fixed maturity trading securities
    113,847       n/a    
Aaa
 
Short-term investments:
                       
Available-for-sale
    62,352       (173 )  
Aaa
 
Trading
    105,426       n/a    
Aaa
 
Total short-term investments
    167,778       (173 )  
Aaa
 
Total investments
  2,591,612     172,148    
Aa3
 
 
As of June 30, 2012, our investments had a dollar weighted average rating of Aa3, primarily measured by Moody’s Investor Services ("Moody's").  If a particular security did not have a Moody’s rating then a rating from S&P was generally converted to a Moody’s equivalent rating.
 
 
- 37 -

 

Our non-U.S. government bond portfolio consists of securities issued by governments, provinces, agencies and supranationals as well as debt issued by financial institutions that is guaranteed by non-U.S. governments.  The following table provides additional detail on the fair value and amortized cost of our portfolio of non-U.S. government fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, fixed maturity trading securities and short-term investments converted to U.S. dollars as of June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Fair Value
       
Non-U.S. government portfolio
 
Basic Monetary Unit
   
Other
Non-U.S. Dollar
   
U.S. Dollar
   
Total
   
Amortized Cost
 
Germany
  $ 43,304     $ -     $ -     $ 43,304     $ 40,119  
Ireland
    -       -       4,814       4,814       4,999  
Netherlands
    -       1,512       -       1,512       1,376  
Eurozone governments
    43,304       1,512       4,814       49,630       46,494  
New Zealand
    109,020       -       -       109,020       109,009  
United Kingdom
    55,431       -       -       55,431       50,112  
Australia
    6,847       -       30,784       37,631       36,373  
Norway
    -       -       33,355       33,355       32,993  
Sweden
    -       1,294       20,076       21,370       21,163  
Japan
    -       -       5,266       5,266       5,000  
Supranational
    -       1,865       -       1,865       1,679  
Other non-U.S. governments
    171,298       3,159       89,481       263,938       256,329  
Total non-U.S. governments
  $ 214,602     $ 4,671     $ 94,295     $ 313,568     $ 302,823  

We invest in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities for purposes of hedging our non-U.S. dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities.  Our investments in debt issued by Eurozone financial institutions are guaranteed by their respective governments and are included in the table above.
 
In addition to the investments noted above, we hold non-U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents of $250.9 million that are also held for the purpose of hedging our net foreign currency reinsurance liabilities.
 
The net unrealized gain position of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios was $148.0 million and $19.5 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2012 as compared with an unrealized gain position of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios of $150.1 million and $20.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2011.  The decrease in the net unrealized gain position in our municipal bond portfolio was the result of sales activities partially offset by the positive impact of the narrowing of interest rate spreads and lower U.S. Government treasury yields.  We analyze the creditworthiness of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios by reviewing various performance metrics of the issuer, including financial condition, credit ratings and other public information. 
 
The net unrealized gain position of our portfolio of CMBS was $12.6 million as of June 30, 2012 as compared with $9.3 million as of December 31, 2011.  The net unrealized gain position was positively impacted by a narrowing of interest rate spreads and lower U.S. Government treasury yields, partially offset by sales activities. We analyze our CMBS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, debt-service-coverage ratios and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  Our portfolio consists primarily of senior tranches of CMBS with high credit ratings and strong credit support.
 
The net unrealized loss position of our RMBS portfolio was $7.0 million, with non-agency RMBS representing $8.6 million, as of June 30, 2012 as compared with $9.6 million, with non-agency RMBS representing $11.3 million, as of December 31, 2011.  Approximately 83% of the RMBS in our investment portfolio were issued or are guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and are referred to as U.S. Government agency RMBS.  The remaining 17% of our RMBS were issued by non-agency institutions and included securities with underlying Alt-A mortgages.  Securities with underlying sub-prime mortgages as collateral are included in ABS. The net unrealized loss position of our portfolio of sub-prime ABS was $2.7 million as of June 30, 2012 as compared with $2.3 million as of December 31, 2011.  We analyze our non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include, but are not limited to, delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, prepayment speeds and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.
 
We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our available-for-sale portfolio represent temporary declines in fair value.  We believe that the unrealized losses are not necessarily predictive of ultimate performance and that the provisions we have made for net impairment losses are adequate.  However, economic conditions may deteriorate more than expected and may adversely affect the expected cash flows of our securities, which in turn may lead to impairment losses recorded in future periods.  Conversely, economic conditions may improve more than expected and favorably increase the cash flows expected from these impaired securities, which would be earned through net investment income over the remaining life of the security.
 
 
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Credit Facilities
 
Syndicated Credit Facility
 
On June 24, 2011, we entered into an amended and restated three-year $300.0 million credit facility (the "Syndicated Credit Facility") that consists of a $100.0 million unsecured senior credit facility available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit and a $200.0 million secured senior credit facility available for letters of credit.  The Syndicated Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants.  We are in compliance with the covenants under the Syndicated Credit Facility.
 
Letter of Credit Facility
 
On June 30, 2011, our reinsurance subsidiaries entered into a letter of credit facility in the maximum aggregate amount of $100.0 million (the “LOC Facility”) that expires on December 31, 2013.  Under the terms of the LOC Facility, up to $100.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit to support reinsurance obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The LOC Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants.  We are in compliance with the covenants under the LOC Facility.
 
We had no cash borrowings under the Syndicated Credit Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit and the cash and cash equivalents and investments held in trust to collateralize the letters of credit issued as of June 30, 2012 ($ in thousands):

   
Letters of Credit
   
Collateral
 
   
Capacity
   
Issued
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
Investments
   
Total
 
Syndicated Credit Facility:
                             
Secured
  $ 200,000     $ 101,399     $ 118,287     $ -     $ 118,287  
Unsecured
    100,000       -       -       -       -  
Total Syndicated Credit Facility
    300,000       101,399       118,287       -       118,287  
LOC Facility
    100,000       36,273       32,010       13,268       45,278  
Total
  $ 400,000     $ 137,672     $ 150,297     $ 13,268     $ 163,565  

Capital Resources
 
At June 30, 2012, our capital resources of $1.97 billion consisted of $1.72 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0 million of debt obligations.  At December 31, 2011, our capital resources of $1.94 billion consisted of $1.69 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0 million of debt obligations.  The increase in capital during the six months ended June 30, 2012 was primarily attributable to our net income of $120.8 million, partially offset by repurchases of common shares of $89.9 million.

Share and Debt Repurchases

Our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of our common shares through a share repurchase program.  Since the program was established, our Board of Directors has approved increases in the repurchase program from time to time, most recently on July 23, 2012, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, in accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 2,464,471 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $89.9 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $36.49 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.

Our Board of Directors has also authorized the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our outstanding debt obligations issued by Platinum Finance in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  We have not repurchased any of our debt obligations.
 
The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under our repurchase 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 the “Consolidated Financial Statements” contained elsewhere in this Form 10-Q as of June 30, 2012.
 
 
- 39 -

 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
There have been no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations as disclosed under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition - Contractual Obligations,” in our 2011 Form 10-K.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
See Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” contained elsewhere in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.
 
Note On Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  Forward-looking statements are based on our current plans or expectations that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.  These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us.  In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements.
 
The inclusion of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q should not be considered as a representation by us or any other person that our current plans or expectations will be achieved.  Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, including the following:
 
·  
the occurrence of severe natural or man-made catastrophic events;
 
·  
the effectiveness of our loss limitation methods and pricing models;
 
·  
the adequacy of our ceding companies’ ability to assess the risks they underwrite;
 
·  
the adequacy of our liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses;
 
·  
the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business;
 
·  
our ability to maintain our A.M. Best and S&P ratings;
 
·  
our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms if necessary;
 
·  
our exposure to credit loss from counterparties in the normal course of business;
 
·  
our ability to provide reinsurance from Bermuda to insurers domiciled in the United States;
 
·  
the effect on our business of the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business;
 
·  
the effect on our business of the highly competitive nature of the property and casualty reinsurance industry;
 
·  
losses that we could face from terrorism, political unrest and war;
 
·  
our dependence on the business provided to us by reinsurance brokers and our exposure to credit risk associated with our brokers during the premium and loss settlement process;
 
·  
the availability of catastrophic loss protection on acceptable terms;
 
·  
foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation;
 
·  
our ability to maintain and enhance effective operating procedures and internal controls over financial reporting;
 
·  
our need to make many estimates and judgments in the preparation of our financial statements;
 
 
- 40 -

 
 
·  
the limitations placed on our financial and operational flexibility by the representations, warranties and covenants in our debt and credit facilities;
 
·  
our ability to retain key executives and attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future;
 
·  
the performance of our investment portfolio;
 
·  
fluctuations in the mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities markets;
 
·  
the effects of changes in market interest rates on our investment portfolio;
 
·  
the concentration of our investment portfolio in any particular industry, asset class or geographic region;
 
·  
the effects that the imposition of U.S. corporate income tax would have on Platinum Holdings and its non-U.S. subsidiaries;
 
·  
the risk that U.S. persons who hold our shares will be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences under certain circumstances;
 
·  
the risk that U.S. persons who dispose of our shares may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation at the rates applicable to dividends on all or a portion of their gains, if any;
 
·  
the risk that holders of 10% or more of our shares may be subject to U.S. income taxation under the “controlled foreign corporation” rules;
 
·  
the effect of changes in U.S. federal income tax law on an investment in our shares;
 
·  
the possibility that we may become subject to taxes in Bermuda;
 
·  
the effect on our business of potential changes in the regulatory system under which we operate;
 
·  
the impact of regulatory regimes and changes to accounting rules on our financial results, irrespective of business operations;
 
·  
the uncertain impact on our business of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010;
 
·  
the dependence of the cash flows of Platinum Holdings, a holding company, on dividends, interest and other permissible payments from its subsidiaries to meet its obligations;
 
·  
the risk that our shareholders may have greater difficulty in protecting their interests than would shareholders of a U.S. corporation; and
 
·  
limitations on the ownership, transfer and voting rights of our common shares.
 
As a consequence, our future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.  The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive.  Additionally, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect new information or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of future events.  For a detailed discussion of our risk factors, refer to Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in our 2011 Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We believe that we are principally exposed to the following types of market risk:  interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The following discussion focuses only on material changes to these types of market risks since December 31, 2011.  See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our 2011 Form 10-K for a complete discussion of these risks.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
The following table shows the aggregate hypothetical impact on the market value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio as of June 30, 2012, resulting from an immediate parallel shift in interest rates ($ in thousands):

   
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 
      - 100bp       - 50bp    
Current
      + 50bp       + 100bp  
Total market value
  $ 2,553,619     $ 2,487,590     $ 2,423,834     $ 2,362,948     $ 2,304,960  
Percent change in market value
    5.4 %     2.6 %     0.0 %     (2.5 %)     (4.9 %)
Resulting net appreciation (depreciation)
  $ 129,785     $ 63,756     $ -     $ (60,886 )   $ (118,874 )
 
Actual shifts in interest rates may not change by the same magnitude across the maturity spectrum and, as a result, the impact on the fair value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio may be materially different from the resulting net appreciation or depreciation indicated in the table above.
 
 
- 41 -

 
 
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q.  Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and timely reported as specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
No changes occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2012 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 

The following table summarizes our purchases of our common shares during the three months ended June 30, 2012:

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, 2012 – April 30, 2012
    411,800     $ 35.98       411,800     $ 132,305,268  
May 1, 2012 – May 31, 2012
    998,391       36.66       998,391       95,705,431  
June 1, 2012 - June 30, 2012
    245,584       36.78       245,584       86,671,790  
Total
    1,655,775     $ 36.51       1,655,775     $ 86,671,790  

(1)
Including commissions.
 
(2)
Our Board of Directors established a program authorizing the repurchase of our common shares.  Since the program was established, our Board of Directors has approved increases in the repurchase program from time to time, most recently on July 23, 2012, 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
     
31.1
 
Certification of Michael D. Price, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2
 
Certification of Allan C. Decleir, Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1
 
Certification of Michael D. Price, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
 
Certification of Allan C. Decleir, Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101
 
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited), (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited), and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited).
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.  
       
Date: July 26, 2012
By:
/s/ Michael D. Price  
    Michael D. Price  
   
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
       
 
Date: July 26, 2012
By:
/s/ Allan C. Decleir  
    Allan C. Decleir  
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
       
 
 
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