ptp10q_firstquarter2014.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 March 31, 2014
   
 
OR
   
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number: 001-31341

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

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

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

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

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 o

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 o

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
o
Non-accelerated filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o

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

The registrant had 26,933,459 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of April 17, 2014.

 
 

 
 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     
Page
 
         
PART I  –  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
         
Item 1.
Financial Statements
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2013
    1  
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)
    2  
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)
    3  
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)
    4  
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for  the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)
    5  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)
    6  
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    32  
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
    56  
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
    56  
           
PART II  –  OTHER INFORMATION
       
           
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    57  
Item 6.
Exhibits
    57  
           
SIGNATURES
    58  

 
 

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Financial Statements

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
($ in thousands, except share data)

   
(Unaudited)
       
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities at fair value
  $ 1,883,192     $ 1,857,870  
(amortized cost - $1,795,758 and $1,799,888, respectively)
               
Fixed maturity trading securities at fair value
    103,128       103,395  
(amortized cost - $98,208 and $97,959, respectively)
               
Short-term investments
    53,469       66,679  
Total investments
    2,039,789       2,027,944  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,412,970       1,464,418  
Accrued investment income
    22,112       20,026  
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    142,643       138,454  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    1,311       1,057  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    1,376       1,032  
Funds held by ceding companies
    117,428       119,241  
Deferred acquisition costs
    33,213       31,103  
Reinsurance deposit assets
    81,004       79,303  
Deferred tax assets
    20,649       25,141  
Other assets
    12,856       16,166  
Total assets
  $ 3,885,351     $ 3,923,885  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 1,604,762     $ 1,671,365  
Unearned premiums
    136,272       126,300  
Debt obligations
    250,000       250,000  
Commissions payable
    79,748       78,791  
Other liabilities
    54,626       50,722  
Total liabilities
  $ 2,125,408     $ 2,177,178  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized,
  $ 269     $ 281  
26,933,459 and 28,142,977 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
               
Additional paid-in capital
    -       10,711  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    74,559       48,084  
Retained earnings
    1,685,115       1,687,631  
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,759,943     $ 1,746,707  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,885,351     $ 3,923,885  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 1 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
($ in thousands, except per share data)

   
2014
   
2013
 
Revenue:
           
Net premiums earned
  $ 126,273     $ 126,853  
Net investment income
    17,692       18,544  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    (515 )     13,318  
Total other-than-temporary impairments
    34       (414 )
Portion of impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income
    (122 )     (7 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    (88 )     (421 )
Other income
    1,517       1,392  
Total revenue
    144,879       159,686  
                 
Expenses:
               
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    26,509       13,998  
Net acquisition expenses
    27,501       30,219  
Operating expenses
    18,283       19,305  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    (187 )     (220 )
Interest expense
    4,786       4,779  
Total expenses
    76,892       68,081  
                 
Income before income taxes
    67,987       91,605  
Income tax expense
    4,252       5,089  
Net income
  $ 63,735     $ 86,516  
                 
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 2.30     $ 2.67  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 2.27     $ 2.63  
                 
Shareholder dividends:
               
Common shareholder dividends declared
  $ 2,209     $ 2,584  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
- 2 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
($ in thousands)
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Net income
  $ 63,735     $ 86,516  
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
               
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    34       (414 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    29,330       5,810  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    29,364       5,396  
                 
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
               
Net realized gains on investments
    -       (14,275 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    88       421  
Total reclassifications to net income
    88       (13,854 )
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    29,452       (8,458 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (2,977 )     1,871  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    26,475       (6,587 )
Comprehensive income
  $ 90,210     $ 79,929  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 3 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
($ in thousands)

   
2014
   
2013
 
Common shares:
           
Balances at beginning of period
  $ 281     $ 327  
Issuance of common shares
    1       4  
Repurchase of common shares
    (13 )     (13 )
Balances at end of period
    269       318  
                 
Additional paid-in capital:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    10,711       209,897  
Issuance of common shares
    (1,222 )     6,863  
Amortization of share-based compensation
    2,210       2,234  
Repurchase of common shares
    (11,699 )     (68,301 )
Balances at end of period
    -       150,693  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    48,084       137,690  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    26,475       (6,587 )
Balances at end of period
    74,559       131,103  
                 
Retained earnings:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    1,687,631       1,546,620  
Net income
    63,735       86,516  
Repurchase of common shares
    (64,042 )     -  
Common share dividends
    (2,209 )     (2,584 )
Balances at end of period
    1,685,115       1,630,552  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 1,759,943     $ 1,912,666  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
- 4 -

 
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
($ in thousands)

   
2014
   
2013
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 63,735     $ 86,516  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Net realized losses (gains) on investments
    515       (13,318 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    88       421  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    (187 )     (220 )
Amortization of share-based compensation
    3,052       3,313  
Other amortization and depreciation
    2,603       2,652  
Deferred income tax expense
    1,514       3,082  
Changes in:
               
Accrued investment income
    (2,094 )     (2,016 )
Reinsurance premiums receivable
    (4,171 )     3,063  
Funds held by ceding companies
    1,696       (2,165 )
Deferred acquisition costs
    (2,094 )     (756 )
Reinsurance deposit assets
    (1,702 )     (1,395 )
Net unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (71,413 )     (89,507 )
Net unearned premiums
    9,504       7,912  
Commissions payable
    928       3,015  
Other operating assets and liabilities
    4,292       (13,155 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    6,266       (12,558 )
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from sales of:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       107,492  
Short-term investments
    6,613       5,052  
Proceeds from the maturities or paydowns of:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    38,025       49,728  
Short-term investments
    61,974       78,368  
Acquisitions of:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    (36,000 )     (79,870 )
Short-term investments
    (52,392 )     (14,036 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    18,220       146,734  
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (2,209 )     (2,584 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (75,754 )     (68,314 )
Proceeds from share-based compensation, including income tax benefits
    246       7,384  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (77,717 )     (63,514 )
                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    1,783       (4,811 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (51,448 )     65,851  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,464,418       1,720,395  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,412,970     $ 1,786,246  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
  $ 189     $ 3,053  
Interest paid
  $ -     $ -  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 5 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
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, through reinsurance brokers, to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.
 
Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) include Platinum Holdings, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”), Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Platinum US”), Platinum Regency Holdings (“Platinum Regency”), Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (“Platinum Finance”) and Platinum Administrative Services, Inc.  The terms “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to the Company, unless the context otherwise indicates.
 
We operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries, Platinum Bermuda, a Bermuda reinsurance company, and Platinum US, a U.S. reinsurance company.  Platinum Regency is an intermediate holding company based in Ireland and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Holdings.  Platinum Finance is an intermediate holding company based in the U.S. and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Regency.  Platinum Bermuda is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Holdings and Platinum US is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Finance.  Platinum Administrative Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Finance that provides administrative support services to the Company.
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information.  Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.  All material inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in preparing these consolidated financial statements.  The consolidated financial statements as of  March 31, 2014 and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 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, 2013.
 
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.  The major estimates used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements, and therefore considered to be critical accounting estimates, include, but are not limited to, premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), valuation of investments and income taxes.  In addition, estimates are used in our risk transfer analysis for assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions.  Results of changes in estimates are reflected in results of operations in the period in which the change is made.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
 
- 6 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
2.           Investments
 
Fixed Maturity Available-for-sale Securities
 
Our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities are U.S. dollar denominated securities. The following table sets forth our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
         
Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
             
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross Unrealized Gains
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Non-credit portion of
OTTI(1)
 
March 31, 2014:
                             
U.S. Government
  $ 4,544     $ 180     $ -     $ 4,724     $ -  
U.S. Government agencies
    81,407       697       195       81,909       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,204,247       73,806       2,468       1,275,585       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    39,975       526       -       40,501       -  
Corporate bonds
    220,731       9,217       1,534       228,414       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    66,561       4,736       143       71,154       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    162,107       1,573       939       162,741       294  
Asset-backed securities
    16,186       2,529       551       18,164       326  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,795,758     $ 93,264     $ 5,830     $ 1,883,192     $ 620  
                                         
December 31, 2013:
                                       
U.S. Government
  $ 4,561     $ 204     $ -     $ 4,765     $ -  
U.S. Government agencies
    51,847       -       725       51,122       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,220,869       54,333       5,955       1,269,247       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    39,973       541       -       40,514       -  
Corporate bonds
    224,095       6,704       3,564       227,235       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    72,641       4,982       132       77,491       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    169,699       1,335       1,069       169,965       331  
Asset-backed securities
    16,203       1,657       329       17,531       305  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,799,888     $ 69,756     $ 11,774     $ 1,857,870     $ 636  
                                         
 
(1)
The non-credit portion of other than temporary impairments ("OTTI") represents the amount of unrealized losses on impaired securities that were not recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as of the reporting date. These unrealized losses are included in gross unrealized losses as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
 
 
- 7 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Fixed Maturity Trading Securities
 
Our fixed maturity trading securities are non-U.S. dollar denominated securities that, along with our non-U.S. dollar short-term trading investments and non-U.S. dollar cash and cash equivalents, are generally held for the purposes of hedging our net non-U.S. dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities.
 
The following table sets forth the fair value of our fixed maturity trading securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
March 31,
 2014
   
December 31,
 2013
 
Non-U.S. governments
  $ 103,128     $ 103,395  
Total fixed maturity trading securities
  $ 103,128     $ 103,395  

Maturities
 
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities by stated maturity as of March 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):

   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 57,769     $ 58,736  
Due from one to five years
    475,798       496,460  
Due from five to ten years
    705,795       736,126  
Due in ten or more years
    409,750       442,939  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
    244,854       252,059  
Total
  $ 1,893,966     $ 1,986,320  

The actual maturities of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities could differ from stated maturities due to call or prepayment provisions.
 
Short-term Investments
 
We account for short-term investments as trading in accordance with the fair value option and include them in investing activities on the statements of cash flows.  The following table sets forth the fair value of our short-term investments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
March 31,
 2014
   
December 31,
 2013
 
Non-U.S. governments
  $ 53,469     $ 66,679  
Total short-term investments
  $ 53,469     $ 66,679  

 
- 8 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
 
We analyze the creditworthiness of our available-for-sale securities by reviewing various performance metrics of the issuer.  We determined that none of our government bonds, government agencies, municipal bonds, corporate bonds or commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) were other-than-temporarily impaired for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
The following table sets forth the net impairment losses on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
  $ 88     $ 336  
Sub-prime asset-backed securities
    -       85  
Net impairment losses on investments
  $ 88     $ 421  

Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) include U.S. Government agency RMBS and non-agency RMBS.  Securities with underlying sub-prime mortgages as collateral are included in asset-backed securities (“ABS”).  We determined that none of our U.S. Government agency RMBS were other-than-temporarily impaired for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.  We analyze our non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, prepayment speeds and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  As of March 31, 2014, the single largest unrealized loss within our RMBS portfolio was $0.4 million related to a non-agency RMBS security with an amortized cost of $4.1 million.  As of March 31, 2014, the single largest unrealized loss within our sub-prime ABS portfolio was $0.3 million related to a security with an amortized cost of $0.6 million.
 
The following table sets forth a summary of the cumulative credit losses recognized on our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 31,603     $ 40,219  
Credit losses on securities previously impaired
    88       421  
Reduction for paydowns and securities sold
    (1,039 )     (3,934 )
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
    (237 )     (144 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 30,415     $ 36,562  

For the period ended March 31, 2014, total cumulative credit losses decreased primarily due to principal paydowns.  As of March 31, 2014, total cumulative credit losses were related to CMBS, non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS. The cumulative credit losses we recorded on CMBS of $0.4 million were on one security issued in 2007.  As of March 31, 2014, 2.2% of the mortgages backing this security were 90 days or more past due and 2.7% of the mortgages had incurred cumulative losses.  The cumulative credit losses we recorded on non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS of $30.0 million were on sixteen securities issued from 2004 to 2007.  As of March 31, 2014, 15.9% of the mortgages backing these securities were 90 days or more past due and 8.6% 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 2.9%.   
 
 
- 9 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
The following table sets forth our gross unrealized losses on securities classified as fixed maturity available-for-sale aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
 
Less than twelve months:
                       
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 29,629     $ 195     $ 41,122     $ 725  
Municipal bonds
    109,260       2,408       247,873       5,955  
Corporate bonds
    34,870       873       90,789       3,486  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       2,938       1  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    65,345       86       35,910       172  
Asset-backed securities
    13,770       230       13,576       24  
Total
  $ 252,874     $ 3,792     $ 432,208     $ 10,363  
                                 
Twelve months or more:
                               
U.S. Government agencies
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Municipal bonds
    1,713       60       -       -  
Corporate bonds
    7,293       661       920       78  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    4,610       143       4,624       131  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    9,680       853       10,587       897  
Asset-backed securities
    264       321       699       305  
Total
  $ 23,560     $ 2,038     $ 16,830     $ 1,411  
                                 
Total unrealized losses:
                               
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 29,629     $ 195     $ 41,122     $ 725  
Municipal bonds
    110,973       2,468       247,873       5,955  
Corporate bonds
    42,163       1,534       91,709       3,564  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    4,610       143       7,562       132  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    75,025       939       46,497       1,069  
Asset-backed securities
    14,034       551       14,275       329  
Total
  $ 276,434     $ 5,830     $ 449,038     $ 11,774  

We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities portfolio of $5.8 million represent temporary declines in fair value.  We believe that the unrealized losses are not necessarily predictive of ultimate performance and that the provisions we have made for net impairment losses are adequate.  However, economic conditions may deteriorate more than expected and may adversely affect the expected cash flows of our securities, which in turn may lead to impairment losses being recorded in future periods.  Conversely, economic conditions may improve more than expected and favorably increase the expected cash flows of our impaired securities, which would be earned through net investment income over the remaining life of the security.
 
 
- 10 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Net Investment Income
 
The following table sets forth our net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 17,002     $ 17,743  
Short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents
    731       1,048  
Funds held by ceding companies
    904       842  
Subtotal
    18,637       19,633  
Investment expenses
    (945 )     (1,089 )
Net investment income
  $ 17,692     $ 18,544  

Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
The following table sets forth our net realized gains (losses) on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
 
Gross realized gains on the sale of investments
  $ -     $ 14,276  
Gross realized losses on the sale of investments
    -       -  
Net realized gains on the sale of investments
    -       14,276  
Fair value adjustments on trading securities
    (515 )     (958 )
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
  $ (515 )   $ 13,318  

3.           Fair Value Measurements
 
The accounting guidance related to fair value measurements addresses the recognition and disclosure of fair value measurements where those measurements are either required or permitted by the guidance. The fair values of our financial assets and liabilities addressed by this guidance are determined primarily through the use of observable inputs.  Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from external independent sources.   Unobservable inputs reflect management’s assumptions about what market participants’ assumptions would be in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available.   We classify our financial assets and liabilities in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  This classification requires judgment in assessing the market and pricing methodologies for a particular security.  The fair value hierarchy is comprised of the following three levels:
 
 
Level 1:
Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial assets or liabilities;
 
 
Level 2:
Valuations are based on prices obtained from index providers, independent 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.  Unadjusted third party pricing sources or management’s assumptions and internal valuation models may be used to determine the fair value of financial assets or liabilities.
 
 
- 11 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Level 1, 2 and 3 Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value
 
The fair values of our fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents are based on prices primarily obtained from index providers, pricing vendors, or broker-dealers using observable inputs. The fair value measurements of all of our securities were based on unadjusted prices provided by third party pricing sources.  We validate the prices we obtain from third party pricing sources by performing price comparisons against multiple pricing sources, if available, periodically back-testing sales to the previously reported fair value, performing an in-depth review of specific securities when evaluating stale prices and large price movements, as well as performing other validation procedures. We also continuously monitor market data that relates to our investment portfolio and review pricing documentation that describes the methodologies used by various pricing sources. If we determine that a price appears unreasonable, we investigate and assess whether the price should be adjusted. The fair value measurements of our reinsurance deposit assets were based upon our internal valuation model, which utilizes certain characteristics of both the market and income valuation approaches. Our fixed maturity securities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and reinsurance deposit assets are classified in the fair value hierarchy as follows:
 
U.S. Government
 
Level 1 - The fair values of U.S. Government securities were based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
 
U.S. Government agencies
 
Level 2 - The fair values of U.S. Government agencies were based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.
 
Municipal bonds
 
Level 2 - The fair values of municipal bonds were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and economic indicators.
 
Non-U.S. governments
 
Level 1 or 2 - The fair values of non-U.S. government securities classified as Level 1 were based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  Non-U.S. government securities classified as Level 2 were based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes. Our non-U.S. government bond portfolio consisted of securities issued primarily by governments, provinces, agencies and supranationals.
 
Corporate bonds
 
Level 2 - The fair values of corporate bonds were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark securities, bids, credit risks and industry and economic indicators.
 
 
- 12 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
Level 2 or 3 - The fair values of CMBS classified as Level 2 were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  CMBS classified as Level 3 used unobservable inputs that may include the probability of default and loss severity in the event of default.
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
Level 2 or 3 - Our RMBS portfolio was comprised of securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and by non-agency institutions.  The fair values of RMBS classified as Level 2 were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, loan level information, security cash flows and structures, prepayment speeds, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  Non-agency RMBS classified as Level 3 used unobservable inputs that may include the probability of default, loss severity in the event of default and prepayment speeds.
 
Asset-backed securities
 
Level 2 or 3 - The fair values of ABS classified as Level 2 were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, bids, security cash flows and structures, type of collateral, prepayment speeds, delinquencies, loss severities and default rates.  Sub-prime ABS classified as Level 3 used unobservable inputs that may include the probability of default, loss severity in the event of default and prepayment speeds.
 
Short-term investments
 
Level 1 or 2 - The fair values of short-term investments classified as Level 1 were based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  The fair values of short-term investments classified as Level 2 were determined based on observable inputs that may include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes.
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
Level 1 - The fair values of cash and cash equivalents were determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits, time deposits, money market instruments and both U.S. Government and non-U.S. government obligations.
 
Reinsurance deposit assets
 
Level 3 - The fair values of our reinsurance deposit assets were determined by management primarily using unobservable inputs through the application of our own assumptions and internal valuation model.  See further discussion on reinsurance deposit assets below.
 
 
- 13 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Fair Value Levels
 
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the Company as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
         
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
March 31, 2014:
                       
Investments:
                       
U.S. Government
  $ 4,724     $ 4,724     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Government agencies
    81,909       -       81,909       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,275,585       -       1,275,585       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    143,629       54,845       88,784       -  
Corporate bonds
    228,414       -       228,414       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    71,154       -       69,339       1,815  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    162,741       -       161,616       1,125  
Asset-backed securities
    18,164       -       17,900       264  
Short-term investments
    53,469       -       53,469       -  
Total investments
    2,039,789       59,569       1,977,016       3,204  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,412,970       1,412,970       -       -  
Reinsurance deposit assets
    81,004       -       -       81,004  
Total
  $ 3,533,763     $ 1,472,539     $ 1,977,016     $ 84,208  
                                 
December 31, 2013:
                               
Investments:
                               
U.S. Government
  $ 4,765     $ 4,765     $ -     $ -  
U.S. Government agencies
    51,122       -       51,122       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,269,247       -       1,269,247       -  
Non-U.S. governments
    143,909       54,980       88,929       -  
Corporate bonds
    227,235       -       227,235       -  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    77,491       -       77,491       -  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    169,965       -       169,372       593  
Asset-backed securities
    17,531       -       15,304       2,227  
Short-term investments
    66,679       8,933       57,746       -  
Total investments
    2,027,944       68,678       1,956,446       2,820  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,464,418       1,464,418       -       -  
Reinsurance deposit assets
    79,303       -       -       79,303  
Total
  $ 3,571,665     $ 1,533,096     $ 1,956,446     $ 82,123  
 
Cash and cash equivalents included demand deposits and time deposits totaling $188.7 million as of March 31, 2014 and totaling $120.7 million as of December 31, 2013.
 
 
- 14 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Transfers of assets into or out of Level 3 are recorded at their fair values as of the end of each reporting period, consistent with the date of the determination of fair value. The transfers into and out of Level 3 were based on the level of evidence available to corroborate significant observable inputs with market observable information.
 
Changes in Level 3 Financial Assets
 
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balance for our Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Reinsurance deposit assets
   
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ -     $ 593     $ 2,227     $ 79,303     $ 82,123  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    -       (638 )     -       -       (638 )
Total increase (decrease) in fair value included in net income
    -       -       -       1,701       1,701  
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       377       1,047       -       1,424  
Transfers into Level 3
    1,815       793       -       -       2,608  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       -       (3,010 )     -       (3,010 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,815     $ 1,125     $ 264     $ 81,004     $ 84,208  
                                         
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,701     $ 1,701  
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
   
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
   
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
Asset-backed securities
   
Reinsurance deposit assets
   
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 524     $ 5,374     $ 1,036     $ 50,693     $ 57,627  
Sales, maturities and paydowns
    -       (40 )     -       -       (40 )
Total increase (decrease) in fair value included in net income
    -       -       -       1,395       1,395  
Total net unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    487       245       (67 )     -       665  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       -       2,294       -       2,294  
Transfers out of Level 3
    (1,011 )     (3,583 )     -       -       (4,594 )
Balance, end of period
  $ -     $ 1,996     $ 3,263     $ 52,088     $ 57,347  
                                         
Total increase (decrease) in fair value of the financial assets included in earnings for the period
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,395     $ 1,395  

 
- 15 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Quantitative Information of Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
The fair value measurements of our CMBS, non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS classified as Level 3 were based on unadjusted third party pricing sources.
 
The fair value measurements of our reinsurance deposit assets used significant unobservable inputs through the application of our own assumptions and internal valuation model and were classified as Level 3.  The most significant unobservable inputs used in our internal valuation model are the estimated contract period remaining, credit spread above the risk-free rate and net losses and LAE ceded.  The credit spread above the risk-free rate is determined by reviewing the credit spreads of fixed income securities through observable market data, as well as considering illiquidity and the structure of these contracts.  The fair value of the reinsurance deposit assets may increase or decrease due to changes in the estimated contract period remaining, the credit spread and net losses and LAE ceded.  Generally, a decrease in the credit spread or a decrease in net losses and LAE ceded would result in an increase in the fair value of the reinsurance deposit assets.  Conversely, an increase in the credit spread or an increase in net losses and LAE ceded would result in a decrease in the fair value of the reinsurance deposit assets.
 
The following table sets forth the weighted average of the significant unobservable quantitative information used for the fair value measurement of our reinsurance deposit assets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
   
March 31,
 2014
   
December 31,
 2013
 
Estimated contract period remaining
 
1,103 days
   
1,193 days
 
Credit spread above the risk-free rate
    1.36%       1.58%  
Net losses and LAE ceded inception-to-date
  $ -     $ -  

Other Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Carried at Fair Value
 
Accounting guidance requires note disclosure of the fair value of other financial assets and liabilities, not carried at fair value, excluding balances related to insurance contracts.
 
The debt obligations on our consolidated balance sheets were recorded at cost with a carrying value of $250.0 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and had a fair value of $282.7 million and $271.5 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The fair value measurements were based on observable inputs and therefore would be considered to be Level 2.
 
Our remaining financial assets and liabilities were generally carried at cost or amortized cost, which approximates fair value, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The fair value measurements were based on observable inputs and therefore would be considered to be Level 1 or Level 2.

4.           Credit Facilities
 
Syndicated Credit Facility
 
As of March 31, 2014, we had a $300.0 million credit facility with various financial institutions (the “Syndicated Credit Facility”) available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit (“LOC”) for the working capital, liquidity and general corporate requirements of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and our reinsurance subsidiaries.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance have unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries under the Syndicated Credit Facility.
 
 
- 16 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Other Letter of Credit Facilities
 
As of March 31, 2014, we had a LOC facility with a financial institution in the aggregate amount of $100.0 million available for the issuance of LOC to support reinsurance obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.
 
As of March 31, 2014, Platinum Bermuda had an uncommitted LOC facility of $125.0 million available for the issuance of LOC to support reinsurance obligations of Platinum Bermuda.  There was $8.1 million committed under this facility as of March 31, 2014.  Platinum Holdings has unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of Platinum Bermuda under this facility.
 
We had no revolving borrowings under the Syndicated Credit Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013.  The following table summarizes the outstanding LOC and the cash and cash equivalents held to collateralize LOC issued as of March 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):

   
Letters of Credit
   
Collateral
 
   
Committed Capacity
   
Issued
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Syndicated Credit Facility:
                 
Secured
  $ 200,000     $ 78,373     $ 91,367  
Unsecured
    100,000       -       -  
Total Syndicated Credit Facility
    300,000       78,373       91,367  
Other LOC Facilities
    108,120       34,069       67,340  
Total
  $ 408,120     $ 112,442     $ 158,707  

As of March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under our credit facilities.
 
Our reinsurance subsidiaries had a total remaining uncommitted LOC capacity of $266.9 million available as of March 31, 2014.  The Company also has the ability to increase the Syndicated Credit Facility and other LOC facilities by up to $175.0 million subject to agreement with the lenders.
 
On April 9, 2014, we entered into an amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility with various financial institutions.  The amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility is a four-year, $300.0 million secured senior credit facility available for LOC, with a sublimit of $100.0 million for revolving borrowings.  LOC and borrowings under the amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility are available for the working capital, liquidity and general corporate requirements of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility contains representations, warranties and covenants that are similar to the Syndicated Credit Facility in place at March 31, 2014.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance have unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of each party under the amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility.
 
 
- 17 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
5.           Income Taxes
 
We provide for income tax expense or benefit based upon pre-tax income reported in the consolidated financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and are subject to Bermuda law with respect to taxation.  Under current Bermuda law, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda are not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains and they have received an assurance from the Bermuda Minister of Finance that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that would impose tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of any such tax will not be applicable to Platinum Holdings or Platinum Bermuda or any of their respective operations, shares, debentures or other obligations until March 31, 2035.  Platinum Holdings has subsidiaries based in the United States and Ireland that are subject to the tax laws thereof.
 
The federal income tax returns of our U.S.-based subsidiaries that remain open to examination are for calendar years 2010 and later. The tax returns that remain open for our Ireland-based subsidiary, Platinum Regency, are for calendar years 2009 and later.

6.           Shareholders’ Equity
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets relates to unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes.
 
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
   
Pre-tax
   
Tax
   
Net of tax
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 57,982     $ (9,898 )   $ 48,084  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    34       -       34  
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    29,330       (2,977 )     26,353  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    29,364       (2,977 )     26,387  
                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       -  
Net impairment losses on investments
    88       -       88  
Total reclassifications to net income
    88       -       88  
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    29,452       (2,977 )     26,475  
Balance, end of period
  $ 87,434     $ (12,875 )   $ 74,559  
 
 
- 18 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
   
Pre-tax
   
Tax
   
Net of tax
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 159,975     $ (22,285 )   $ 137,690  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    (414 )     11       (403 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    5,810       198       6,008  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    5,396       209       5,605  
                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Net realized gains on investments
    (14,275 )     1,695       (12,580 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    421       (33 )     388  
Total reclassifications to net income
    (13,854 )     1,662       (12,192 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (8,458 )     1,871       (6,587 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 151,517     $ (20,414 )   $ 131,103  

The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and the location of those amounts in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Revenue:
           
Net realized gains on investments
  $ -     $ (14,275 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    88       421  
                 
Income tax expense
  $ -     $ 1,662  

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 April 22, 2014, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, in accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 1,298,004 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $75.8 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $58.36 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.
 
 
- 19 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
7.           Dividend Restrictions
 
Platinum Holdings and its subsidiaries are subject to certain legal and regulatory restrictions in their respective jurisdictions of domicile. The legal restrictions generally include the requirement to maintain positive net assets and to be able to pay liabilities as they become due. Regulatory restrictions on dividends are described below.
 
Dividend Restrictions on Platinum Holdings
 
Platinum Holdings receives dividends and other distributions from its subsidiaries as a source of liquidity and to fund the payment of dividends to its shareholders.  Distributions to Platinum Holdings from its subsidiaries may be restricted as described below.  There are no significant restrictions on retained earnings available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Holdings to its shareholders.
 
Dividend Restrictions on Subsidiaries

The laws and regulations of Bermuda and the United States include certain restrictions on the amount of statutory capital and surplus that are available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US to their respective parent companies, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance.
 
The following table summarizes the dividend restrictions of our reinsurance subsidiaries ($ in thousands):

   
2014
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
   
March 31, 2014
 
   
Dividend Capacity
   
Paid
   
Remaining
 
Platinum Bermuda
  $ 264,320     $ 50,000     $ 214,320  
Platinum US
    25,572       -       25,572  
Total
  $ 289,892     $ 50,000     $ 239,892  

There are no regulatory restrictions on retained earnings available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Finance to Platinum Regency or by Platinum Regency to Platinum Holdings.
 
8.           Operating Segment Information
 
We have organized our worldwide reinsurance business into three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  We believe that underwriting income or loss and ratios allow for a more complete understanding of the profitability of our reinsurance operations and operating segments.  These measures are considered to be non-GAAP.  These non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies.  These measures are used to monitor our results and should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
 
 
- 20 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
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 underwriting.  Underwriting income or loss excludes revenues and expenses related to net investment income, net realized gains or losses on investments, net impairment losses on investments, corporate expenses not allocated to underwriting segments, interest expense, net foreign currency exchange gains or losses and other income and expense.
 
Underwriting ratios are calculated for net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and other underwriting expense.  The ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net premiums earned.  The combined ratio is the sum of the net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and other underwriting expense ratios.
 
The following table summarizes underwriting income or loss and ratios for the three operating segments, together with a reconciliation of segment underwriting income (loss) to the U.S. GAAP measure of income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 57,745     $ 71,674     $ 6,358     $ 135,777  
Net premiums earned
    53,192       65,717       7,364       126,273  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    5,610       14,960       5,939       26,509  
Net acquisition expenses
    10,043       15,642       1,816       27,501  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,370       5,228       292       12,890  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 30,169     $ 29,887     $ (683 )     59,373  
                                 
Net investment income
                            17,692  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                            (515 )
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (88 )
Other income
                            1,517  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (5,393 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            187  
Interest expense
                            (4,786 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 67,987  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    10.5 %     22.8 %     80.6 %     21.0 %
Net acquisition expense
    18.9 %     23.8 %     24.7 %     21.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    13.9 %     8.0 %     4.0 %     10.2 %
Combined
    43.3 %     54.6 %     109.3 %     53.0 %
 
 
- 21 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
   
Property and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Net premiums written
  $ 59,427     $ 70,844     $ 4,494     $ 134,765  
Net premiums earned
    51,852       70,795       4,206       126,853  
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (14,205 )     29,643       (1,440 )     13,998  
Net acquisition expenses
    8,227       16,249       5,743       30,219  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,332       5,723       333       13,388  
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 50,498     $ 19,180     $ (430 )     69,248  
                                 
Net investment income
                            18,544  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
                            13,318  
Net impairment losses on investments
                            (421 )
Other income
                            1,392  
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
                            (5,917 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
                            220  
Interest expense
                            (4,779 )
Income before income taxes
                          $ 91,605  
                                 
Underwriting ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expense
    (27.4 %)     41.9 %     (34.2 %)     11.0 %
Net acquisition expense
    15.9 %     23.0 %     136.5 %     23.8 %
Other underwriting expense
    14.1 %     8.1 %     7.9 %     10.6 %
Combined
    2.6 %     73.0 %     110.2 %     45.4 %

 
- 22 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
9.           Earnings per Common Share
 
The following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per common share computations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ and amounts in thousands, except per share data):

   
2014
   
2013
 
Earnings
           
Basic and Diluted
           
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 63,735     $ 86,516  
Portion allocated to participating common shareholders (1)
    -       (189 )
Net income allocated to common shareholders
  $ 63,735     $ 86,327  
                 
Common Shares
               
Basic
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    27,765       32,373  
Diluted
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    27,765       32,373  
Effect of dilutive securities:
               
Common share options
    51       219  
Restricted share units
    293       246  
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
    28,109       32,838  
                 
Earnings Per Common Share
               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 2.30     $ 2.67  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 2.27     $ 2.63  

(1)
Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested restricted shares issued under the Company's share incentive plan that are considered to be participating securities.  All outstanding restricted shares vested in July 2013.
 
 
- 23 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
10.           Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
 
Platinum Holdings fully and unconditionally guarantees the $250.0 million of debt obligations issued by its 100%-owned subsidiary Platinum Finance.

The following tables present the condensed consolidating financial information for Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and the non-guarantor subsidiaries of Platinum Holdings as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
March 31, 2014

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Total investments
  $ -     $ 102     $ 2,039,687     $ -     $ 2,039,789  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,703,315       629,808       607,088       (2,940,211 )     -  
Cash and cash equivalents
    54,758       230,532       1,127,680       -       1,412,970  
Reinsurance assets
    -       -       295,971       -       295,971  
Inter-company receivables
    9,596       -       500       (10,096 )     -  
Other assets
    1,965       3,030       131,626       -       136,621  
Total assets
  $ 1,769,634     $ 863,472     $ 4,202,552     $ (2,950,307 )   $ 3,885,351  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,820,782     $ -     $ 1,820,782  
Debt obligations
    -       250,000       -       -       250,000  
Inter-company payables
    -       39       10,057       (10,096 )     -  
Other liabilities
    9,691       6,345       38,590       -       54,626  
Total liabilities
  $ 9,691     $ 256,384     $ 1,869,429     $ (10,096 )   $ 2,125,408  
                                         
Shareholders’ Equity
                                       
Common shares
  $ 269     $ -     $ 8,000     $ (8,000 )   $ 269  
Additional paid-in capital
    -       215,666       2,024,904       (2,240,570 )     -  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    74,559       23,911       98,467       (122,378 )     74,559  
Retained earnings
    1,685,115       367,511       201,752       (569,263 )     1,685,115  
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,759,943     $ 607,088     $ 2,333,123     $ (2,940,211 )   $ 1,759,943  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,769,634     $ 863,472     $ 4,202,552     $ (2,950,307 )   $ 3,885,351  
 
(1)
Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 24 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Total investments
  $ -     $ 114     $ 2,027,830     $ -     $ 2,027,944  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,658,425       610,679       591,175       (2,860,279 )     -  
Cash and cash equivalents
    88,402       230,818       1,145,198       -       1,464,418  
Reinsurance assets
    -       -       290,887       -       290,887  
Inter-company receivables
    9,739       -       351       (10,090 )     -  
Other assets
    2,135       1,290       137,211       -       140,636  
Total assets
  $ 1,758,701     $ 842,901     $ 4,192,652     $ (2,870,369 )   $ 3,923,885  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Liabilities
                                       
Reinsurance liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,876,456     $ -     $ 1,876,456  
Debt obligations
    -       250,000       -       -       250,000  
Inter-company payables
    -       39       10,051       (10,090 )     -  
Other liabilities
    11,994       1,687       37,041       -       50,722  
Total liabilities
  $ 11,994     $ 251,726     $ 1,923,548     $ (10,090 )   $ 2,177,178  
                                         
Shareholders’ Equity
                                       
Common shares
  $ 281     $ -     $ 8,000     $ (8,000 )   $ 281  
Additional paid-in capital
    10,711       215,420       2,024,409       (2,239,829 )     10,711  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    48,084       18,382       66,463       (84,845 )     48,084  
Retained earnings
    1,687,631       357,373       170,232       (527,605 )     1,687,631  
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,746,707     $ 591,175     $ 2,269,104     $ (2,860,279 )   $ 1,746,707  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,758,701     $ 842,901     $ 4,192,652     $ (2,870,369 )   $ 3,923,885  
 
(1)
Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 25 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 126,273     $ -     $ 126,273  
Net investment income (expense)
    10       (47 )     17,729       -       17,692  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    -       -       (515 )     -       (515 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (88 )     -       (88 )
Other income (expense)
    1,523       -       (6 )     -       1,517  
Total revenue
    1,533       (47 )     143,393       -       144,879  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       26,509       -       26,509  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       27,501       -       27,501  
Operating expenses
    5,966       34       12,283       -       18,283  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       (187 )     -       (187 )
Interest expense
    -       4,786       -       -       4,786  
Total expenses
    5,966       4,820       66,106       -       76,892  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (4,433 )     (4,867 )     77,287       -       67,987  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (1,654 )     5,906       -       4,252  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (4,433 )     (3,213 )     71,381       -       63,735  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    68,168       13,352       10,139       (91,659 )     -  
Net income
  $ 63,735     $ 10,139     $ 81,520     $ (91,659 )   $ 63,735  
 
(1)
Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 26 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                             
Net premiums earned
  $ -     $ -     $ 126,853     $ -     $ 126,853  
Net investment income (expense)
    13       (22 )     18,553       -       18,544  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    -       -       13,318       -       13,318  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       (421 )     -       (421 )
Other income (expense)
    4,129       4       (2,741 )     -       1,392  
Total revenue
    4,142       (18 )     155,562       -       159,686  
                                         
Expenses:
                                       
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
    -       -       13,998       -       13,998  
Net acquisition expenses
    -       -       30,219       -       30,219  
Operating expenses
    5,626       34       13,645       -       19,305  
Net foreign currency exchange losses (gains)
    -       -       (220 )     -       (220 )
Interest expense
    -       4,779       -       -       4,779  
Total expenses
    5,626       4,813       57,642       -       68,081  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,484 )     (4,831 )     97,920       -       91,605  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (1,588 )     6,677       -       5,089  
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (1,484 )     (3,243 )     91,243       -       86,516  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    88,000       22,930       19,687       (130,617 )     -  
Net income
  $ 86,516     $ 19,687     $ 110,930     $ (130,617 )   $ 86,516  
 
(1)
Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 27 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 63,735     $ 10,139     $ 81,520     $ (91,659 )   $ 63,735  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    -       -       34       -       34  
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       -       29,330       -       29,330  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       -       29,364       -       29,364  
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       -       -       -  
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       88       -       88  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       88       -       88  
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       -       29,452       -       29,452  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       -       (2,977 )     -       (2,977 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       26,475       -       26,475  
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    26,475       5,529       5,529       (37,533 )     -  
Comprehensive income
  $ 90,210     $ 15,668     $ 113,524     $ (129,192 )   $ 90,210  

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

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries(1)
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net income
  $ 86,516     $ 19,687     $ 110,930     $ (130,617 )   $ 86,516  
Other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities before reclassifications:
                                       
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on securities with other-than-temporary impairments recorded
    -       -       (414 )     -       (414 )
Change in net unrealized gains and losses on all other securities
    -       -       5,810       -       5,810  
Total change in net unrealized gains and losses
    -       -       5,396       -       5,396  
                                         
Reclassifications to net income on available-for-sale securities:
                                       
Net realized gains on investments
    -       -       (14,275 )     -       (14,275 )
Net impairment losses on investments
    -       -       421       -       421  
Total reclassifications to net income
    -       -       (13,854 )     -       (13,854 )
                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
    -       -       (8,458 )     -       (8,458 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    -       -       1,871       -       1,871  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -       (6,587 )     -       (6,587 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) due to change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries
    (6,587 )     (3,474 )     (3,474 )     13,535       -  
Comprehensive income
  $ 79,929     $ 16,213     $ 100,869     $ (117,082 )   $ 79,929  

(1)
Amounts represent an aggregation of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and exclude consolidating adjustments.
 
 
- 29 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (5,681 )   $ (297 )   $ 12,490     $ (246 )   $ 6,266  
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from sales of:
                                       
Short-term investments
    -       -       6,613       -       6,613  
Proceeds from the maturities or paydowns of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       11       38,014       -       38,025  
Short-term investments
    -       -       61,974       -       61,974  
Acquisitions of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       (36,000 )     -       (36,000 )
Short-term investments
    -       -       (52,392 )     -       (52,392 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    50,000       -       -       (50,000 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    50,000       11       18,209       (50,000 )     18,220  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (2,209 )     -       (50,000 )     50,000       (2,209 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (75,754 )     -       -       -       (75,754 )
Proceeds from share-based compensation, including income tax benefits
    -       -       -       246       246  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (77,963 )     -       (50,000 )     50,246       (77,717 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    -       -       1,783       -       1,783  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (33,644 )     (286 )     (17,518 )     -       (51,448 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    88,402       230,818       1,145,198       -       1,464,418  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 54,758     $ 230,532     $ 1,127,680     $ -     $ 1,412,970  

 
- 30 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

   
Platinum
Holdings
   
Platinum
Finance
   
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
   
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (4,965 )   $ 99     $ (7,692 )   $ -     $ (12,558 )
                                         
Investing Activities:
                                       
Proceeds from sales of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       107,492       -       107,492  
Short-term investments
    -       -       5,052       -       5,052  
Proceeds from the maturities or paydowns of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       20       49,708       -       49,728  
Short-term investments
    -       -       78,368       -       78,368  
Acquisitions of:
                                       
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    -       -       (79,870 )     -       (79,870 )
Short-term investments
    -       -       (14,036 )     -       (14,036 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
    42,500       -       -       (42,500 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    42,500       20       146,714       (42,500 )     146,734  
                                         
Financing Activities:
                                       
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (2,584 )     -       (42,500 )     42,500       (2,584 )
Repurchase of common shares
    (68,314 )     -       -       -       (68,314 )
Proceeds from share-based compensation, including income tax benefits
    7,384       -       -       -       7,384  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (63,514 )     -       (42,500 )     42,500       (63,514 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    -       -       (4,811 )     -       (4,811 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (25,979 )     119       91,711       -       65,851  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    70,604       152,122       1,497,669       -       1,720,395  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 44,625     $ 152,241     $ 1,589,380     $ -     $ 1,786,246  
 
 
- 31 -

 

Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014 (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, 2013 (the “2013 Form 10-K”).  This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Please see Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, in our 2013 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, through reinsurance brokers, to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.
 
Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) include Platinum Holdings, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. (“Platinum Bermuda”), Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (“Platinum US”), Platinum Regency Holdings (“Platinum Regency”), Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (“Platinum Finance”) and Platinum Administrative Services, Inc.  The terms “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to the Company, unless the context otherwise indicates.
 
As of March 31, 2014, our capital resources of $2.0 billion consisted of $1.8 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0 million of debt obligations.  Investable assets, consisting of investments, cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net balances due to brokers, were $3.5 billion as of March 31, 2014.  Our net income was $63.7 million and $86.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Our net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $135.8 million and $134.8 million, respectively.  Book value per share was $65.35 as of March 31, 2014, an increase of 5.3% from $62.07 as of December 31, 2013.
 
Current Outlook
 
We anticipate that the remainder of 2014 will be characterized by ample capacity for insurance and reinsurance risk making it difficult to find attractively priced business.
 
We generally expect property catastrophe reinsurance rates for peak zones and perils to remain acceptable for the balance of the year.  However, we anticipate risk adjusted rate reductions to continue, reflecting the recent influx of capacity into the marketplace.  We currently expect that the portfolio of business we write in our Property and Marine segment during 2014 will be similar to our current in-force book of business. We also 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.
 
Competition remains strong for casualty business and many treaties do not meet our pricing standards.  We currently expect that abundant casualty insurance and reinsurance capacity may result in deterioration of risk adjusted rates.
 
Reflecting a continued lack of demand for finite risk covers, we expect to write a relatively small portfolio of business in our Finite Risk segment in 2014.
 
Absent major events in the insurance or capital markets, we expect continued downward pressure on overall reinsurance rate adequacy.  We will continue emphasizing profitability not market share while seeking to maintain a position in our larger markets by participating on the most attractive business.
 
 
- 32 -

 
 
For the past 11½ years our financial performance has been supported by investment returns from fixed income assets of high credit quality and moderate interest rate risk.  Over that same time frame, while we have maintained a low risk investment portfolio, the portfolios of other market participants have migrated toward a higher risk and higher expected return format.  Companies have made significant allocations to public and private equities and alternative strategies.  We have begun actively exploring a higher risk/higher expected return approach for our shareholders’ equity and may invest in riskier assets in the future.
 
Based on our current reserve position, net in-force portfolio, asset portfolio, and underwriting prospects for the balance of the year, we believe that we are strongly capitalized with a comfortable margin above the rating agency targets for a company with our ratings.  If the business performs as expected, we believe our capital cushion would grow over time.  Under those conditions, we anticipate having the financial flexibility to expand our underwriting, hold riskier assets and repurchase our common shares.  Our decision-making will be guided by the risk adjusted pricing prevailing in the reinsurance and financial markets at the time.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that are inherently subjective in nature that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent liabilities.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.  The critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements include premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), valuation of investments and income taxes.  In addition, estimates are used in our risk transfer analysis for assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions.  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 2013 Form 10-K.
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
In presenting our results, management has included financial measures that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP.  Such measures, including underwriting income or loss and related underwriting ratios, book value per common share and fully converted book value per common share, are referred to as non-GAAP measures.  These non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies.  Management believes these measures allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying business.  These measures are used to monitor our results and should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures are included below or elsewhere within this Form 10-Q in accordance with Regulation G.
 
Underwriting Income (Loss) and Ratios
 
We believe that underwriting income or loss and ratios allow for a more complete understanding of the profitability of our reinsurance operations and operating segments.  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 underwriting.  Underwriting income or loss excludes revenues and expenses related to net investment income, net realized gains or losses on investments, net impairment losses on investments, corporate expenses not allocated to underwriting operations, interest expense, net foreign currency exchange gains or losses and other income and expense.
 
Underwriting ratios are calculated for net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and other underwriting expense.  The ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net earned premiums.  The combined ratio is the sum of the net losses and LAE, net acquisition expense and other underwriting expense ratios.
 
Segment underwriting income or loss is reconciled to the U.S. GAAP measure of income or loss before income taxes in Note 8 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q.
 
 
- 33 -

 
 
Book Value and Fully Converted Book Value per Common Share
 
The following summary sets forth the calculation of book value and fully converted book value per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 ($ and amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Market price per share at period end
  $ 60.10     $ 61.28  
                 
Shareholders' equity
  $ 1,759,943     $ 1,746,707  
Add: Proceeds from exercise of share options
    4,994       4,994  
Shareholders' equity - diluted
  $ 1,764,937     $ 1,751,701  
                 
Basic common shares outstanding
    26,933       28,143  
Add: Common share options
    148       148  
Add: Restricted share units
    553       598  
Diluted common shares outstanding
    27,634       28,889  
                 
Book value per common share
               
Book value per common share
  $ 65.35     $ 62.07  
Fully converted book value per common share
  $ 63.87     $ 60.64  

Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 as Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
In discussing our Results of Operations, we refer to financial measures such as net losses from major catastrophes and net favorable or unfavorable development.
 
Generally, an event causing more than $1 billion of property losses to the insurance industry or $10 million of property losses to the Company is considered and tracked as a major catastrophe.  Net losses from major catastrophes consist of gross losses and LAE, net of any retrocessional recoveries and reinstatement premiums earned.
 
Net favorable or unfavorable development is the development of prior years’ unpaid losses and LAE and the related impact of premiums and commissions.  Net favorable or unfavorable loss development, the unpaid loss and LAE component of net favorable or unfavorable development, excludes the related impact of premiums and commissions.
 
 
- 34 -

 
 
Net income and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows ($ and amounts in thousands, except diluted earnings per common share):

   
2014
   
2013
 
Underwriting income
  $ 59,373     $ 69,248  
Net investment income
    17,692       18,544  
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    (515 )     13,318  
Net impairment losses on investments
    (88 )     (421 )
Other revenues (expenses)
    (8,475 )     (9,084 )
Income before income taxes
    67,987       91,605  
Income tax expense
    (4,252 )     (5,089 )
Net income
  $ 63,735     $ 86,516  
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
    28,109       32,838  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 2.27     $ 2.63  

The decrease in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013 was primarily due to decreases in underwriting income and net realized gains on investments. The decrease in diluted earnings per common share was due to the decrease in net income, partially offset by a decrease in the diluted weighted average shares outstanding.  The decrease in the diluted weighted average shares outstanding related to share repurchases during the last twelve months.

Underwriting Results
 
Net underwriting income was $59.4 million and $69.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change in the net underwriting result was primarily due to a decrease in net favorable development.
 
Net favorable development was $47.0 million and $54.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  There were no losses from current year major catastrophes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
The following discussion and analysis reviews our underwriting results by operating segment.
 
 
- 35 -

 
 
Property and Marine
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results, ratios and the period over period change for the Property and Marine segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 59,269     $ 59,477     $ (208 )
Ceded premiums written
    1,524       50       1,474  
Net premiums written
    57,745       59,427       (1,682 )
Net premiums earned
    53,192       51,852       1,340  
Net losses and LAE
    5,610       (14,205 )     19,815  
Net acquisition expenses
    10,043       8,227       1,816  
Other underwriting expenses
    7,370       7,332       38  
Property and Marine segment underwriting income
  $ 30,169     $ 50,498     $ (20,329 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    10.5 %     (27.4 %)  
37.9 points
 
Net acquisition expense
    18.9 %     15.9 %  
3.0 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    13.9 %     14.1 %  
(0.2) points
 
Combined
    43.3 %     2.6 %  
40.7 points
 
 
The Property and Marine segment underwriting income decreased by $20.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily due to a decrease in net favorable development.

Net favorable development was $14.0 million and $30.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

There were no losses from current year major catastrophes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Property and Marine segment generated 42.5% and 44.1% of our net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
The Property and Marine segment gross premiums written decreased by $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013.  Gross premiums written were generally stable with increases in North American property proportional business offset by decreases in catastrophe and crop business.
 
 
- 36 -

 
 
Ceded premiums written increased by $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The increase in ceded premiums written was due to an increase in our purchase of retrocessional coverage on international catastrophe business.
 
Net premiums earned increased by $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013.  Net premiums written and earned were impacted by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net Losses and LAE
 
The following table sets forth the components of net losses and LAE for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Prior years’ favorable (unfavorable) loss development
  $ 13,864     $ 31,593  
Calendar year losses, excluding prior years’ loss development
    (19,474 )     (17,388 )
Net losses and LAE
  $ (5,610 )   $ 14,205  

Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
The Property and Marine segment net favorable loss development was $13.9 million and $31.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratio by 26.1 points and 59.9 points for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the three months ended March 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses
and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net
Premiums
   
Net
Development
Major catastrophes
  $ 9,746     $ (4 )   $ (12 )   $ 9,730  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    1,524       (27 )     (79 )     1,418  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    920       170       (20 )     1,070  
Other
    1,674       (18 )     109       1,765  
Total
  $ 13,864     $ 121     $ (2 )   $ 13,983  

Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class resulted primarily from the Tohoku earthquake and the September 2010 and June 2011 New Zealand earthquakes.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose from most prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2011 through 2013 underwriting years.
 
 
- 37 -

 

The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the three months ended March 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses
and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net
Premiums
   
Net
Development
 
Major catastrophes
  $ 17,089     $ (23 )   $ (1,680 )   $ 15,386  
Property per risk
    5,638       (102 )     180       5,716  
Catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events)
    3,371       272       (59 )     3,584  
Marine, aviation and satellite
    2,321       (35 )     (68 )     2,218  
Property proportional
    1,689       9       -       1,698  
Crop
    1,485       26       -       1,511  
Total
  $ 31,593     $ 147     $ (1,627 )   $ 30,113  

Net favorable development in the major catastrophes class resulted primarily from Hurricane Sandy.  Net favorable development in the property per risk class arose primarily from the 2008 through 2012 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the catastrophe excess-of-loss (non-major events) class arose primarily from the 2010 and 2012 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the marine, aviation and satellite class arose from most prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the property proportional class arose primarily from the 2011 and 2012 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the crop class arose primarily from the 2012 underwriting year.
 
Calendar Year Losses – Excluding Prior Years’ Loss Development

The Property and Marine segment calendar year losses, excluding prior years’ loss development, were $19.5 million and $17.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were 36.6% and 32.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratio was impacted by higher losses in the property catastrophe (non-major events) and property per risk classes in 2014 as compared with 2013.  Calendar year loss ratios were also impacted by an increase in North American property proportional business which has a higher loss ratio than the remainder of the segment.
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
The Property and Marine segment net acquisition expenses were $10.0 million and $8.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The net acquisition expense ratios were 18.9% and 15.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The increase in the net acquisition expenses and net acquisition expense ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013 was primarily due to a reduction in catastrophe and crop business which has lower acquisition ratios than the remainder of the segment and an increase in North American property proportional business which has a higher acquisition ratio than the remainder of the segment.
 
Other Underwriting Expenses
 
The Property and Marine segment other underwriting expenses were $7.4 million and $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The increase was the result of a small increase in fixed expenses offset by lower performance-based compensation accruals in 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013.
 
 
- 38 -

 
 
Casualty
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results, ratios and the period over period change for the Casualty segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 71,674     $ 70,844     $ 830  
Net premiums earned
    65,717       70,795       (5,078 )
Net losses and LAE
    14,960       29,643       (14,683 )
Net acquisition expenses
    15,642       16,249       (607 )
Other underwriting expenses
    5,228       5,723       (495 )
Casualty segment underwriting income
  $ 29,887     $ 19,180     $ 10,707  
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    22.8 %     41.9 %  
(19.1) points
 
Net acquisition expense
    23.8 %     23.0 %  
0.8 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    8.0 %     8.1 %  
(0.1) points
 
Combined
    54.6 %     73.0 %  
(18.4) points
 

The Casualty segment underwriting income increased by $10.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily due to an increase in net favorable development.  Net favorable development was $33.6 million and $24.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned
 
The Casualty segment generated 52.8% and 52.6% of our net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
The Casualty segment net premiums written increased by $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013.  Net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2013 reflected an increase to prior years’ premium estimates of $10.8 million.  Excluding this increase to prior years’ premium estimates in 2013, net premiums written increased by $11.7 million, primarily as a result of more accident and health business written.
 
The Casualty segment net premiums earned decreased by $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013.  Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2013 reflected an increase to prior years’ premium estimates of $8.2 million.  Excluding this increase to prior years’ premium estimates in 2013, net premiums earned increased by $3.3 million as a result of the increases 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.
 
 
- 39 -

 
 
Net Losses and LAE
 
The following table sets forth the components of net losses and LAE for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Prior years’ favorable (unfavorable) loss development
  $ 32,603     $ 23,612  
Calendar year losses, excluding prior years’ loss development
    (47,563 )     (53,255 )
Net losses and LAE
  $ (14,960 )   $ (29,643 )

Prior Years’ Loss Development
 
The Casualty segment net favorable loss development was $32.6 million and $23.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Net favorable loss development and related premium adjustments decreased the net loss and LAE ratios by 50.5 points and 33.5 points for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Net favorable loss development for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was primarily attributable to a level of cumulative losses reported by our ceding companies that was lower than expected and that, in our judgment, resulted in sufficient credibility in the loss experience to change our previously selected loss ratios.
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the three months ended March 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses
and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net
Premiums
   
Net
Development
 
North American claims made
  $ 10,443     $ (18 )   $ -     $ 10,425  
Financial lines
    9,387       (84 )     48       9,351  
North American umbrella
    7,110       -       -       7,110  
International casualty
    2,619       150       705       3,474  
North American clash
    2,369       7       104       2,480  
Accident and health
    1,204       22       (26 )     1,200  
Other
    (529 )     42       32       (455 )
Total
  $ 32,603     $ 119     $ 863     $ 33,585  

Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2011 underwriting years, partially offset by net unfavorable development on the 2007 underwriting year arising from medical products liability. A change in loss development patterns resulted in $0.7 million of net unfavorable development for this class.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class resulted primarily from political risk business in the 2007 and 2008 underwriting years and surety business in the 2013 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose from the 2005 through 2010 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the international casualty class arose from most prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American clash class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2010 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose primarily from the 2011 through 2013 underwriting years.
 
 
- 40 -

 
 
The following table sets forth the net favorable (unfavorable) development by class of business for the three months ended March 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Class of Business
 
Net Losses
and LAE
   
Net Acquisition Expenses
   
Net
Premiums
   
Net
Development
 
North American umbrella
  $ 10,517     $ (5 )   $ -     $ 10,512  
North American claims made
    5,979       126       61       6,166  
International casualty
    2,062       (22 )     (15 )     2,025  
Accident and health
    1,701       20       -       1,721  
North American occurrence
    907       593       60       1,560  
Financial lines
    1,546       (54 )     5       1,497  
Other
    900       15       13       928  
Total
  $ 23,612     $ 673     $ 124     $ 24,409  

 
Net favorable development in the North American umbrella class arose primarily from the 2003 through 2005 and 2007 through 2009 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American claims made class arose primarily from the 2004 through 2010 underwriting years, partially offset by unfavorable development on a product liability claim in the 2011 underwriting year.  Net favorable development in the international casualty class resulted primarily from the international excess claims made business in the 2011 and prior underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the accident and health class arose from the 2009 through 2011 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the North American occurrence class arose primarily from the 2007 through 2011 underwriting years, partially offset by unfavorable development in the 2004 through 2006 underwriting years.  Net favorable development in the financial lines class arose primarily from the 2011 underwriting year.
 
Calendar Year Losses – Excluding Prior Years’ Loss Development

The Casualty segment calendar year losses, excluding prior years’ loss development, were $47.6 million and $53.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The calendar year loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were 73.3% and 75.4% for three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The decrease in calendar year loss ratios, excluding prior years’ development, was primarily due to lower initial expected loss ratio estimates in the current year for several North American casualty classes as we lowered our estimates beginning in the second half of 2013 as a result of better than expected historical loss experience.  Calendar year losses and related loss ratios, excluding prior years’ loss development, were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
Net Acquisition Expenses
 
The Casualty segment net acquisition expenses were $15.6 million and $16.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.   The net acquisition expense ratios were 23.8% and 23.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The decrease in net acquisition expenses was due to a decrease in earned premiums and the increase in the net acquisition expense ratio was the result of changes in the mix of business for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013.
 
 
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Other Underwriting Expenses
 
The Casualty segment other underwriting expenses were $5.2 million and $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The decrease was primarily the result of lower performance-based compensation accruals in 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013.
 
Finite Risk
 
The following table sets forth underwriting results and ratios and the period over period change for the Finite Risk segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

   
2014
   
2013
   
Increase (decrease)
 
Net premiums written
  $ 6,358     $ 4,494     $ 1,864  
Net premiums earned
    7,364       4,206       3,158  
Net losses and LAE
    5,939       (1,440 )        
Net acquisition expenses
    1,816       5,743          
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
    7,755       4,303       3,452  
Other underwriting expenses
    292       333       (41 )
Finite Risk segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ (683 )   $ (430 )   $ (253 )
                         
Underwriting ratios:
                       
Net loss and LAE
    80.6 %     (34.2 %)        
Net acquisition expense
    24.7 %     136.5 %        
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense
    105.3 %     102.3 %  
3.0 points
 
Other underwriting expense
    4.0 %     7.9 %  
(3.9) points
 
Combined
    109.3 %     110.2 %  
(0.9) points
 

During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the in-force Finite Risk portfolio consisted of one contract.  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 small amount of premium volume in recent years, current year ratios may be significantly impacted by relatively small adjustments of prior years’ reserves.
 
Net Premiums Written and Earned

The Finite Risk segment generated 4.7% and 3.3% of our net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
The increases in net premiums written and net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013 were primarily attributable to increases in the subject premium basis on the single contract currently in-force in 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013.
 
 
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Net Losses, LAE and Acquisition Expenses
 
The Finite Risk segment net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses increased by $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily due to an increase in net premiums earned.
 
Non-Underwriting Results
 
Net Investment Income
 
Net investment income was $17.7 million and $18.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Net investment income decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared with the same period in 2013 primarily from a reduction in the average book value of our investments and cash and cash equivalents of approximately $356.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013.  The reduction in average book value was primarily due to share repurchases over the last twelve months.
 
The average book yield for the portfolio of total investments and cash and cash equivalents was 2.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with 2.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
 
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Net realized losses on investments were $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and net realized gains on investments were $13.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  Net realized losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 related to fair value adjustments on non-U.S. government securities.
 
Sales of investments resulted in net realized gains of $14.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, which included $13.5 million of net realized gains from the sale of municipal bonds and $0.7 million of net realized gains from the sale of corporate bonds.  Net realized gains for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were negatively impacted by fair value adjustments on non-U.S. government securities of $1.0 million.
 
Net Impairment Losses on Investments
 
Net impairment losses reflect other-than-temporary impairments attributable to credit losses on impaired securities that relate exclusively to investments in securitized mortgages not guaranteed by U.S. government agencies.
 
Net impairment losses on investments were $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2014 related to non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”).  The net impairment losses recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2013 included $0.3 million related to non-agency RMBS and $0.1 million related to related to sub-prime asset backed securities (“ABS”).
 
 
- 43 -

 
 
Other Revenues and Expenses
 
The following table sets forth other revenues and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Other income
  $ 1,517     $ 1,392  
Operating expenses not allocated to segments
    (5,393 )     (5,917 )
Net foreign currency exchange (losses) gains
    187       220  
Interest expense
    (4,786 )     (4,779 )
Other expenses
  $ (8,475 )   $ (9,084 )

Other income includes changes in the fair value on our reinsurance deposit assets of $1.7 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Operating expenses not allocated to segments were $5.4 million and $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The decrease was primarily the result of lower performance-based compensation accruals in 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013.
 
Interest expense was $4.8 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and related to our $250.0 million of debt obligations.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense or benefit is primarily driven by the taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries.  Our effective tax rate is primarily driven by the portion of taxable income or loss generated by our U.S.-based subsidiaries relative to the income or loss generated by our Bermuda-based operations, which are not subject to corporate income tax.  Premiums earned by our U.S. and Bermuda-based subsidiaries generally do not bear a proportionate relationship to their respective pre-tax income for a variety of reasons, including the significant impact on pre-tax income of the different mixes of business underwritten by the particular subsidiary, the presence or absence of underwriting income or loss attributable to such business, and the investment results experienced by the particular subsidiary.
 
Income tax expense was $4.3 million and $5.1 million for three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Our effective tax rate was 6.3% and 5.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Pre-tax income was $53.6 million and $14.4 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  Pre-tax income was $66.9 million and $24.8 million in our Bermuda and U.S. companies, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
 
Financial Condition
 
The following discussion of financial condition, liquidity and capital resources as of March 31, 2014 focuses only on material changes from December 31, 2013.  See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition”, in our 2013 Form 10-K.
 
 
- 44 -

 
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity Requirements
 
Platinum Holdings is a holding company, the assets of which consist primarily of shares of its subsidiaries.  Platinum Holdings’ liquidity requirements, and those of Platinum Finance, include the payment of operating expenses, debt service obligations and income taxes.  Our reinsurance subsidiaries’ principal liquidity requirements are the payment of losses and LAE, commissions, brokerage, operating expenses, income taxes and dividends to Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance.  We consider the impact of dividends and other distributions from our reinsurance subsidiaries on their respective capital levels, which may impact the financial strength ratings assigned to our subsidiaries by A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (“S&P”).
 
Collateral Requirements of our Reinsurance Subsidiaries
 
Platinum Bermuda is not licensed, approved or accredited as a reinsurer in the United States and, therefore, under the terms of its contracts with U.S. ceding companies, it is required to provide collateral to its ceding companies for unpaid losses and LAE and unearned premiums in a form acceptable to state insurance regulators.  Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US also provide reinsurance coverage in many international jurisdictions, several of which require them to provide collateral directly with regulators or ceding companies.
 
Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US also have reinsurance and other contracts that require them to provide collateral to ceding companies when certain levels of assumed liabilities are attained.  Should certain events occur, such as a decline in our financial strength rating by A.M. Best or S&P below specified levels or a decline in statutory equity below specified amounts, the amount of collateral required may increase.  Some reinsurance contracts also have special termination provisions that permit early termination should certain events occur.
 
Generally, our collateral requirements are satisfied as follows:
 
·  
Letters of credit issued by financial institutions.  See “Sources of Liquidity – Credit Facilities” below for additional information on our credit facilities, letters of credit issued and the collateral required by us under these facilities as of March 31, 2014;
 
·  
Pledged assets or trust accounts.  As of March 31, 2014, investments of $5.8 million were pledged to U.S. regulatory authorities and investments of $58.4 million and cash and cash equivalents of $13.2 million were pledged to collateralize obligations under various reinsurance contracts; and
 
·  
Funds held by ceding companies.
 
Other Liquidity Requirements
 
Platinum Holdings fully and unconditionally guarantees the outstanding $250.0 million of debt obligations of Platinum Finance.  Platinum Finance pays interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum on June 1 and December 1 of each year.
 
Platinum Holdings may also require cash to pay for share repurchases.  See “Capital Resources - Share and Debt Repurchases” below for additional discussion of share repurchases.
 
Sources of Liquidity
 
Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance’s sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents, liquid investments, potential borrowings from our syndicated credit facility, the potential issuance of securities, and dividends and other distributions from subsidiaries. Our reinsurance subsidiaries’ sources of liquidity consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, inflows of premiums, investment income, proceeds from the sales, maturities and paydowns of investments, capital contributions from Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance and potential borrowings from our syndicated credit facility.
 
 
- 45 -

 
 
As of March 31, 2014, we had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $1.4 billion, including $54.8 million at Platinum Holdings and $230.5 million at Platinum Finance. We expect that Platinum Holdings’ and Platinum Finance’s liquidity needs for the next twelve months will be met by our cash and cash equivalents and available dividend capacity from our subsidiaries.  We expect that our reinsurance subsidiaries’ liquidity needs for the next twelve months will be met by our cash and cash equivalents, inflows of premiums, investment income and proceeds from the sales, maturities and paydowns of investments.
 
Cash Flows
 
The following table summarizes the cash provided by or used in our operating, investing and financing activities and the effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 6,266     $ (12,558 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
    18,220       146,734  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (77,717 )     (63,514 )
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes
    1,783       (4,811 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (51,448 )     65,851  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,464,418       1,720,395  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,412,970     $ 1,786,246  

Operating Activities
 
Cash provided by and used in operating activities fluctuates primarily as a result of the payment of losses and LAE and changes in volume and timing of premium receipts.  Our reinsurance subsidiaries generally have liquidity from underwriting activities as premiums are received in advance of the time losses are paid.  The period of time from the occurrence of a claim through the settlement of the liability may extend many years into the future.  However, due to the nature of our reinsurance operations, cash flows are affected by the amount and timing of actual claim payments that can vary based on many factors, including the severity of individual losses, changes in the legal environment, foreign exchange rates and general market conditions.  As a result of expected payment of losses and LAE, including the payment of losses from major catastrophe activity in the last several years, our operating cash flows may be negative for the next twelve months.
 
Investing Activities
 
Net cash provided by investing activities decreased primarily as a result of no sales of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared with proceeds from sales of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities of $107.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities primarily related to repurchases of common shares of $75.8 million and $68.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Investments
 
As part of our investment strategy, we seek to establish a level of cash and liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities which, including expected cash outflows from our operating activities and cash flows from our investments, 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 our syndicated credit facility or proceeds from capital market transactions.  If we need to sell investments to meet liquidity requirements, the sale of such investments may be at a material gain or loss.  Our investment portfolio consists primarily of diversified, high quality, predominantly investment grade fixed maturity securities.
 
 
- 46 -

 
 
Our investable assets consist of investments, cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net balances due to brokers.  Our investable assets credit quality is primarily measured by Moody’s.  If a particular security did not have a Moody’s rating then a rating generally from S&P was converted to a Moody’s equivalent rating.  The following table sets forth our investment portfolio information as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
   
March 31,
 2014
   
December 31,
 2013
 
Investable Assets
 
$3.5 billion
   
$3.5 billion
 
Credit Quality
 
Aa2
   
Aa2
 
Book Yield
    2.1%       2.1%  
Duration
 
2.6 yrs
   
2.6 yrs
 

The following table summarizes the fair value and unrealized gains or losses of our investments and cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):
 
   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
   
Fair Value
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Fair Value
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities:
                       
U.S. Government
  $ 4,724     $ 180     $ 4,765     $ 204  
U.S. Government agencies
    81,909       502       51,122       (725 )
Municipal bonds
    1,275,585       71,338       1,269,247       48,378  
Non-U.S. governments
    40,501       526       40,514       541  
Corporate bonds
    228,414       7,683       227,235       3,140  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    71,154       4,593       77,491       4,850  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
    162,741       634       169,965       266  
Asset-backed securities
    18,164       1,978       17,531       1,328  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
    1,883,192       87,434       1,857,870       57,982  
Fixed maturity trading securities:
                               
Non-U.S. governments
    103,128       n/a       103,395       n/a  
Total fixed maturity trading securities
    103,128       n/a       103,395       n/a  
Short-term investments:
                               
Trading
    53,469       n/a       66,679       n/a  
Total short-term investments
    53,469       n/a       66,679       n/a  
Total investments
    2,039,789       87,434       2,027,944       57,982  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,412,970       -       1,464,418       -  
Total investments and cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,452,759     $ 87,434     $ 3,492,362     $ 57,982  

See Note 3 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q for discussion of the fair value measurements of our financial assets and liabilities.
 
 
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Non-U.S. Governments
 
Our non-U.S. government bond portfolio consists of securities issued by governments, provinces, agencies and supranationals.
 
The following table provides additional detail on the fair value and amortized cost of our portfolio of non-U.S. government fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, fixed maturity trading securities and short-term investments converted to U.S. dollars as of March 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):

   
Fair Value
       
Non-U.S. government portfolio
 
Basic Monetary Unit
   
Other Non-U.S. Dollar
   
U.S. Dollar
   
Total
   
Amortized Cost
 
Germany
  $ 40,404     $ -     $ -     $ 40,404     $ 38,467  
Netherlands
    -       1,543       -       1,543       1,488  
Eurozone governments
    40,404       1,543       -       41,947       39,955  
United Kingdom
    54,845       -       -       54,845       52,218  
New Zealand
    32,126       -       -       32,126       32,126  
Sweden
    -       1,213       30,288       31,501       31,167  
Australia
    24,549       -       -       24,549       24,376  
Japan
    -       -       5,178       5,178       5,000  
Norway
    -       -       5,035       5,035       4,997  
Supranational
    -       1,917       -       1,917       1,812  
Other non-U.S. governments
    111,520       3,130       40,501       155,151       151,696  
Total non-U.S. governments
  $ 151,924     $ 4,673     $ 40,501     $ 197,098     $ 191,651  

In addition to the investments noted above, we held non-U.S. dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents of $98.5 million as of March 31, 2014.  Non-U.S. dollar investments and cash and cash equivalents are generally held for the purpose of hedging our net non-U.S. dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities.
 
 
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Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
The following table provides additional information on the fair values, net unrealized gains and losses and credit quality of our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Fair Value
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Credit Quality
 
U.S. Government
  $ 4,724     $ 180    
Aaa
 
U.S. Government agencies
    81,909       502    
Aaa
 
Municipal bonds:
                     
State general obligation bonds
    891,557       51,005    
Aa2
 
Essential service bonds
    189,200       9,037    
Aa3
 
State income tax and sales tax bonds
    70,464       5,939    
Aa2
 
Other municipal bonds
    68,906       2,419    
Aa2
 
Pre-refunded bonds
    55,458       2,938    
Aa2
 
Subtotal
    1,275,585       71,338    
Aa2
 
Non-U.S. governments
    40,501       526    
Aa1
 
Corporate bonds:
                     
Industrial
    147,857       4,389    
Baa2
 
Utilities
    58,606       1,290       A3  
Insurance
    21,951       2,004    
Baa2
 
Subtotal
    228,414       7,683    
Baa1
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
    71,154       4,593       A1  
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                       
U.S. Government agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    146,770       942    
Aaa
 
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
    15,971       (308 )  
Caa2
 
Subtotal
    162,741       634    
Aa2
 
Asset-backed securities:
                       
Asset-backed securities
    13,375       (225 )  
Aaa
 
Sub-prime asset-backed securities
    4,789       2,203       C  
Subtotal
    18,164       1,978       A2  
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,883,192     $ 87,434    
Aa3
 

As of March 31, 2014, there were approximately $13.0 million and $4.5 million of municipal bonds for which ratings of “Aa” and “A”, respectively, included the benefit of guarantees from third-party insurers that would otherwise be rated as “A” and “Baa”, respectively, without the existence of such guarantees.
 
 
- 49 -

 
 
The net unrealized gain position of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios was $71.3 million and $7.7 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2014 as compared with a net unrealized gain position of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios of $48.4 million and $3.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.  The increases in the net unrealized gain position in our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios were the result of a decrease in interest rates and a tightening of credit spreads.  We analyze the creditworthiness of our municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios by reviewing various performance metrics of the issuer, including financial condition, credit ratings and other public information. 
 
The net unrealized gain position of our CMBS portfolio was $4.6 million as of March 31, 2014 as compared with $4.9 million as of December 31, 2013.  We analyze our CMBS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, debt-service-coverage ratios and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.  Our portfolio consists primarily of senior tranches of CMBS with high credit ratings and strong credit support.
 
The net unrealized gain position of our RMBS portfolio was $0.6 million, with non-agency RMBS representing net unrealized losses of $0.3 million, as of March 31, 2014 as compared with $0.3 million, with non-agency RMBS representing net unrealized losses of $0.7 million, as of December 31, 2013.  Approximately 90% of the RMBS in our investment portfolio were issued or are guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and are referred to as U.S. Government agency RMBS.  The remaining 10% of our RMBS were issued by non-agency institutions that relate exclusively to investments in securitized mortgages not guaranteed by U.S. government agencies.  Securities with underlying sub-prime mortgages as collateral are included in ABS.  We analyze our non-agency RMBS and sub-prime ABS on a periodic basis using default loss models based on the performance of the underlying loans.  Performance metrics include, but are not limited to, delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, prepayment speeds and cumulative losses incurred.  The expected losses for a mortgage pool are compared with the current level of credit support, which generally represents the point at which our security would experience losses.  We evaluate projected cash flows as well as other factors in order to determine if a credit impairment has occurred.
 
We believe that the gross unrealized losses in our fixed maturity available-for-sale securities portfolio of $5.8 million represent temporary declines in fair value.  We believe that the unrealized losses are not necessarily predictive of ultimate performance and that the provisions we have made for net impairment losses are adequate.  However, economic conditions may deteriorate more than expected and may adversely affect the expected cash flows of our securities, which in turn may lead to impairment losses being recorded in future periods.  Conversely, economic conditions may improve more than expected and favorably increase the expected cash flows of our impaired securities, which would be earned through net investment income over the remaining life of the security.
 
Maturities
 
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities by stated maturity as of March 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 57,769     $ 58,736  
Due from one to five years
    475,798       496,460  
Due from five to ten years
    705,795       736,126  
Due in ten or more years
    409,750       442,939  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
    244,854       252,059  
Total
  $ 1,893,966     $ 1,986,320  

The actual maturities of our fixed maturity available-for-sale and trading securities could differ from stated maturities due to call or prepayment provisions.
 
 
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Credit Facilities
 
Syndicated Credit Facility
 
As of March 31, 2014, we had a $300.0 million credit facility with various financial institutions (the “Syndicated Credit Facility”) available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit (“LOC”) for the working capital, liquidity and general corporate requirements of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and our reinsurance subsidiaries.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance have unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries under the Syndicated Credit Facility.
 
Other Letter of Credit Facilities
 
As of March 31, 2014, we had a LOC facility with a financial institution in the aggregate amount of $100.0 million available for the issuance of LOC to support reinsurance obligations of our reinsurance subsidiaries.
 
As of March 31, 2014, Platinum Bermuda had an uncommitted LOC facility of $125.0 million available for the issuance of LOC to support reinsurance obligations of Platinum Bermuda.  There was $8.1 million committed under this facility as of March 31, 2014.  Platinum Holdings has unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of Platinum Bermuda under this facility.
 
We had no borrowings under the Syndicated Credit Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013.  The following table summarizes the outstanding LOC and the cash and cash equivalents held to collateralize LOC issued as of March 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):

   
Letters of Credit
   
Collateral
 
   
Committed Capacity
   
Issued
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Syndicated Credit Facility:
                 
Secured
  $ 200,000     $ 78,373     $ 91,367  
Unsecured
    100,000       -       -  
Total Syndicated Credit Facility
    300,000       78,373       91,367  
Other LOC Facilities
    108,120       34,069       67,340  
Total
  $ 408,120     $ 112,442     $ 158,707  

As of March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under our credit facilities.
 
Our reinsurance subsidiaries had a total remaining uncommitted LOC capacity of $266.9 million available as of March 31, 2014.  The Company also has the ability to increase the Syndicated Credit Facility and other LOC facilities by up to $175.0 million subject to agreement with the lenders.
 
On April 9, 2014, we entered into an amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility with various financial institutions.  The amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility is a four-year, $300.0 million secured senior credit facility available for LOC, with a sublimit of $100.0 million for revolving borrowings.  LOC and borrowings under the amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility are available for the working capital, liquidity and general corporate requirements of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and our reinsurance subsidiaries.  The amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility contains representations, warranties and covenants that are similar to the Syndicated Credit Facility in place at March 31, 2014.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance have unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of each party under the amended and restated Syndicated Credit Facility.
 
 
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Dividend Restrictions
 
Platinum Holdings and its subsidiaries are subject to certain legal and regulatory restrictions in their respective jurisdictions of domicile. The legal restrictions generally include the requirement to maintain positive net assets and to be able to pay liabilities as they become due. For more details on these restrictions, see Item 1, “Business – Regulation”, in our 2013 Form 10-K.  Regulatory restrictions on dividends are described below.
 
Dividend Restrictions on Platinum Holdings
 
Platinum Holdings receives dividends and other distributions from its subsidiaries as a source of liquidity and to fund the payment of dividends to its shareholders.  Distributions to Platinum Holdings from its subsidiaries may be restricted as described below.  There are no significant restrictions on retained earnings available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Holdings to its shareholders.
 
Dividend Restrictions on Subsidiaries
 
The laws and regulations of Bermuda and the United States include certain restrictions on the amount of statutory capital and surplus that are available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US to their respective parent companies, Platinum Holdings and Platinum Finance.
 
The following table summarizes the dividend restrictions of our reinsurance subsidiaries ($ in thousands):

   
2014
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
   
March 31, 2014
 
   
Dividend Capacity
   
Paid
   
Remaining
 
Platinum Bermuda
  $ 264,320     $ 50,000     $ 214,320  
Platinum US
    25,572       -       25,572  
Total
  $ 289,892     $ 50,000     $ 239,892  

There are no regulatory restrictions on retained earnings available for the payment of dividends by Platinum Finance to Platinum Regency or by Platinum Regency to Platinum Holdings.
 
Capital Resources
 
At March 31, 2014, our capital resources of $2.0 billion consisted of $1.8 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0 million of debt obligations.  At December 31, 2013, our capital resources of $2.0 billion consisted of $1.7 billion of common shareholders’ equity and $250.0  million of debt obligations.  The increase in capital of $13.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily attributable to net income of $63.7 million and the increase in net unrealized gains, net of tax, of $26.5 million, partially offset by repurchases of common shares of $75.8 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 April 22, 2014, to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250.0 million of our common shares.
 
 
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During the three months ended March 31, 2014, in accordance with the share repurchase program, we repurchased 1,298,004 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $75.8 million at a weighted average cost including commissions of $58.36 per share.  The shares we repurchased were canceled.

Our Board of Directors has also authorized the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our outstanding Series B 7.5% Notes due June 1, 2017, issued by Platinum Finance, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  As of March 31, 2014, we had not repurchased any of our Series B 7.5% Notes.
 
The timing and amount, if any, of repurchase transactions depend on a variety of factors, including prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, corporate and regulatory considerations and other factors.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined for purposes of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, which are not accounted for or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2014.
 
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 2013 Form 10-K.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
None.
 
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 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;
 
 
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·  
the adequacy of our estimated liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses;
 
·  
the effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business;
 
·  
our ability to maintain our A.M. Best and S&P financial strength ratings;
 
·  
our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms if necessary;
 
·  
our exposure to credit loss from counterparties in the normal course of business;
 
·  
the availability and cost of collateral arrangements in order to provide reinsurance;
 
·  
the effect on our business of the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business;
 
·  
the effect on our business of the highly competitive nature of the property and casualty reinsurance industry, including the effect of new entrants to the industry;
 
·  
losses that we could face from terrorism, political unrest and war;
 
·  
our dependence on the business provided to us by reinsurance brokers and our exposure to credit risk associated with our brokers during the premium and loss settlement process;
 
·  
the availability of retrocessional reinsurance on acceptable terms;
 
·  
foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
 
·  
our ability to maintain and enhance effective operating procedures and internal controls over financial reporting;
 
·  
our need to make many estimates and judgments in the preparation of our financial statements;
 
·  
the limitations placed on our financial and operational flexibility by the representations, warranties and covenants in our debt and credit facilities;
 
·  
our ability to retain key executives and attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the future;
 
·  
the effect of technology breaches or failures on our business;
 
·  
the performance of our investment portfolio;
 
 
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·  
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 of income, premium or other taxes on Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. or its subsidiaries by other jurisdictions;
 
·  
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 non-compliance with laws, regulations and taxation on transactions with international counter-parties;
 
·  
the dependence of the cash flows of Platinum Holdings on dividends, interest and other permissible payments from its subsidiaries to meet its obligations;
 
·  
the risk that our shareholders may have greater difficulty in protecting their interests than would shareholders of a U.S. corporation; and
 
·  
limitations on the ownership, transfer and voting rights of our common shares.
 
As a consequence, our future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.  The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive.  Additionally, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect new information or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of future events.  For a detailed discussion of our risk factors, refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, in our 2013 Form 10-K.
 
 
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Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
We believe that we are principally exposed to the following types of market risk:  interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The following discussion focuses only on material changes to these types of market risks since December 31, 2013.  See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, in our 2013 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 March 31, 2014, resulting from an immediate parallel shift in interest rates ($ in thousands):
 
   
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
 
      - 100bp       - 50bp    
Current
      + 50bp       + 100bp  
Total fair value
  $ 2,081,166     $ 2,032,819     $ 1,986,320     $ 1,941,673     $ 1,898,877  
Percent change in fair value
    4.8%       2.3%       0.0%       (2.2% )     (4.4% )
Resulting net appreciation (depreciation)
  $ 94,846     $ 46,499     $ -     $ (44,647 )   $ (87,443 )

Actual shifts in interest rates may not change by the same magnitude across the maturity spectrum or on an individual security and, as a result, the impact on the fair value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio may be materially different from the resulting net appreciation or depreciation indicated in the table above.
 
In addition, while our debt obligations are not carried at fair value and not adjusted for market changes, changes in interest rates could have an impact on the value of our debt obligations if they are required to be refinanced before the stated maturity date.
 
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 March 31, 2014 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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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 March 31, 2014:

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid per Share (1)
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program
   
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (2)
 
January 1, 2014 - January 31, 2014
    44,497     $ 59.15       44,497     $ 168,307,428  
February 1, 2014 - February 28, 2014
    651,985       57.34       651,985       130,923,749  
March 1, 2014 - March 31, 2014
    601,522       59.41       601,522       95,185,235  
Total
    1,298,004     $ 58.36       1,298,004     $ 95,185,235  

(1)
Including commissions.
 
(2)
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 April 22, 2014, 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 March 31, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited), (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited), and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited).
10.1
 
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 9, 2014, among Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc., Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, ING Bank N.V. and National Australian Bank Limited, as Documentation Agents, U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.(1)
10.2
 
List of Contents of Exhibits and Schedules to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. (1)

(1)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 10, 2014.
 
 
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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: April 24, 2014
By:
/s/ Michael D. Price  
    Michael D. Price  
   
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
       
 
       
Date: April 24, 2014
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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