Unassociated Document

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

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission File No. 001-34042

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
98-0570192
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
   
131 Front Street, Hamilton, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)
HM12
(Zip Code)

(441) 292-7090
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨
 
Accelerated filer x
     
Non-accelerated filer   ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting
company)
 
Smaller reporting company ¨

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

As of November 2, 2011, the Registrant had one class of Common Stock ($.01 par value), of which 72,206,276 shares were outstanding.
 
 
 

 

INDEX

   
Page
PART I - Financial Information
   
Item 1.
Financial Statements
   
       
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010
 
3
       
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)
 
4
       
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)
 
5
       
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)
 
6
       
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)
 
7
       
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
8
       
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
33
       
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
58
       
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
60
       
PART II - Other Information
   
       
Item 1
Legal Proceedings
 
61
       
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
62
       
 
Signatures
 
63
 
 
2

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

   
September 30,
2011
(Unaudited)
   
December 31,
2010
(Audited)
 
ASSETS
           
Investments:
           
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (Amortized cost 2011:$1,821,751; 2010: $1,819,775)
  $ 1,898,070     $ 1,874,433  
Other investments, at fair value (Cost 2011: $1,812; 2010: $5,751)
    2,010       5,847  
Total investments
    1,900,080       1,880,280  
Cash and cash equivalents
    146,308       96,151  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    96,770       89,756  
Accrued investment income
    11,344       14,091  
Reinsurance balances receivable, net (includes $181,457 and $95,227 from related parties in 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    372,521       226,333  
Funds withheld
    143,952       152,713  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (includes $7,519 and $1,211 from related parties in 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    39,339       28,992  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (includes $3,673 and $383 from related parties in 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    12,573       6,656  
Loan to related party
    167,975       167,975  
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs (includes $142,146 and $118,015 from related parties in 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    248,144       203,631  
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
    100,026       103,905  
Other assets
    17,035       12,079  
Total assets
  $ 3,256,067     $ 2,982,562  
LIABILITIES
               
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses (includes $355,578 and $263,916  from related parties in 2011 and 2010, respectively)
  $ 1,325,836     $ 1,226,773  
Unearned premiums (includes $480,444 and $366,412 from related parties in 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    845,424       657,556  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    83,507       56,368  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value
          76,225  
Senior notes
    107,500        
Junior subordinated debt
    126,251       215,191  
Total liabilities
    2,488,518       2,232,113  
Commitments and Contingencies
               
EQUITY
               
Common shares ($0.01 par value;73,168,608 and 73,069,436 shares issued in 2011 and 2010, respectively; 72,206,272 and 72,107,100 shares outstanding in 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    732       731  
Additional paid-in capital
    578,634       577,135  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    74,762       54,334  
Retained earnings
    116,882       121,775  
Treasury shares, at cost (2011 and 2010: 962,336 shares)
    (3,801 )     (3,801 )
Total Maiden shareholders’ equity
    767,209       750,174  
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
    340       275  
Total equity
    767,549       750,449  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 3,256,067     $ 2,982,562  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

   
For the three
months ended
September 30,
2011
   
For the three
months ended
September 30,
2010
   
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
2011
   
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
2010
 
Revenues:
                       
Gross premiums written
  $ 451,130     $ 289,815     $ 1,384,302     $ 951,981  
Net premiums written
  $ 428,586     $ 273,435     $ 1,315,052     $ 897,776  
Change in unearned premiums
    (8,309 )     36,158       (180,457 )     (40,470 )
Net premiums earned
    420,277       309,593       1,134,595       857,306  
Other insurance revenue
    4,530             11,364        
Net investment income
    18,749       17,500       57,708       53,956  
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains
    (2,900 )     1,627       (2,262 )     2,474  
Total revenues
    440,656       328,720       1,201,405       913,736  
Expenses:
                               
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    274,504       200,625       746,285       546,264  
Commission and other acquisition expenses
    126,777       88,956       339,673       254,799  
General and administrative expenses
    12,475       10,840       37,607       28,876  
Interest and amortization expenses
    8,178       9,117       26,588       27,348  
Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost
                20,313        
Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense
                15,050        
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,258       1,452       3,775       4,356  
Foreign exchange losses (gains)
    1,103       (1,187 )     (898 )     380  
Total expenses
    424,295       309,803       1,188,393       862,023  
Income before income taxes
    16,361       18,917       13,012       51,713  
Income taxes:
                               
Current tax expense
    203       100       1,299       100  
Deferred tax expense
    156       291       738       881  
Income tax expense
    359       391       2,037       981  
Net income
    16,002       18,526       10,975       50,732  
Add: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    2             5        
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
  $ 16,004     $ 18,526     $ 10,980     $ 50,732  
                                 
Basic earnings per share attributable to Maiden shareholders
  $ 0.22     $ 0.26     $ 0.15     $ 0.72  
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Maiden shareholders
  $ 0.22     $ 0.26     $ 0.15     $ 0.72  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.065     $ 0.22     $ 0.195  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)

   
For the three
months ended
September 30,
2011
   
For the three
months ended
September 30,
2010
   
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
2011
   
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
2010
 
Comprehensive income:
                       
Net income
  $ 16,002     $ 18,526     $ 10,975     $ 50,732  
Other comprehensive income
                               
Unrealized holdings net gains arising during the period
    33       22,675       21,795       51,598  
Adjustment for reclassification of net realized losses (gains) recognized in net income
    65       (3,226 )     (75 )     (7,407 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (3,206 )           (1,291 )      
Other comprehensive (loss) income
    (3,108 )     19,449       20,429       44,191  
Comprehensive income
    12,894       37,975       31,404       94,923  
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    2             5        
Other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    22             (1 )      
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    24             4        
Comprehensive income attributable to Maiden shareholders
  $ 12,918     $ 37,975     $ 31,408     $ 94,923  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)

          
Maiden Shareholders’ Equity
       
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2011
 
Total
equity
   
Retained
earnings
   
Treasury
shares
   
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
   
Common
shares
   
Additional
paid-in
capital
   
Noncontrolling
interest in
subsidiaries
 
Beginning balance
  $ 750,449     $ 121,775     $ (3,801 )   $ 54,334     $ 731     $ 577,135     $ 275  
Exercise of options and issuance of shares
    348                               1       347        
Partial disposal of interest in subsidiary
    210                                       141       69  
Net income (loss)
    10,975       10,980                                       (5 )
Change in net unrealized gains on investments
    21,720                       21,720                        
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (1,291 )                     (1,292 )                     1  
Share based compensation
    1,011                                       1,011        
Dividends on common shares
    (15,873 )     (15,873 )                                      
Ending balance
  $ 767,549     $ 116,882     $ (3,801 )   $ 74,762     $ 732     $ 578,634     $ 340  

          
Maiden Shareholders’ Equity
       
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2010
 
Total
equity
   
Retained
earnings
   
Treasury
shares
   
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
   
Common
shares
   
Additional
paid-in
capital
   
Noncontrolling
interest in
subsidiaries
 
Beginning balance
  $ 676,526     $ 70,781     $ (3,801 )   $ 32,747     $ 713     $ 576,086     $  
Exercise of options and issuance of shares
    61                               18       43        
Exchange of warrants for common shares
    (18 )                                     (18 )      
Net income
    50,732       50,732                                        
Change in net unrealized gains on investments
    44,191                       44,191                        
Share based compensation
    702                                       702        
Dividends on common shares
    (13,825 )     (13,825 )                                      
Ending balance
  $ 758,369     $ 107,688     $ (3,801 )   $ 76,938     $ 731     $ 576,813     $  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)

For the nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
   
2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 10,975     $ 50,732  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
    6,828       5,370  
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments
    2,262       (2,474 )
Foreign exchange (gains) losses
    (898 )     380  
Amortization of share-based compensation expense, bond premium and discount and junior subordinated debt discount, net
    20,248       (4,313 )
Changes in assets - (increase) decrease:
               
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
    (151,263 )     (46,938 )
Funds withheld
    16,402        
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    (10,347 )     (2,823 )
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
    (5,917 )     5,984  
Accrued investment income
    2,749       70  
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs
    (44,635 )     (14,258 )
Other assets
    (9,650 )     (3,570 )
Changes in liabilities – increase (decrease):
               
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
    100,223       87,541  
Unearned premiums
    191,135       44,754  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (23,002 )     (6,238 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    105,110       114,217  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of investments:
               
Purchases of fixed-maturity securities – available-for-sale
    (359,140 )     (408,765 )
Purchases of fixed-maturity securities – trading and short sales
    (825,703 )     (918,476 )
Purchases of other investments
    (1,026 )     (136 )
Sale of investments:
               
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity securities – available-for-sale
    106,041       113,136  
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity securities – trading and short sales
    826,509       967,548  
Proceeds from maturities and calls of fixed-maturity securities – available-for-sale
    297,321       409,061  
Proceeds from redemption of other investments
    4,382       38  
Increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    (7,014 )     (73,923 )
Purchase of capital assets
    (1,093 )     (916 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
    40,277       87,567  
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repurchase agreements, net
    (76,225 )     (25,727 )
Senior notes issuance
    107,500        
Senior notes issuance cost
    (2,811 )      
Repayment of junior subordinated debt
    (107,500 )      
Common share issuance
    348       43  
Dividends paid
    (15,144 )     (13,707 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (93,832 )     (39,391 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
    (1,398 )     (303 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    50,157       162,090  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    96,151       107,396  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 146,308     $ 269,486  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
7

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Maiden Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Maiden”) and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

These interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, including these notes, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, and related notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Certain reclassifications have been made for 2010 to conform to the 2011 presentation and have no impact on net income previously reported.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of Accounting Standards Updates

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option of presenting components of comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.  The updated guidance requires that all non-owner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either as a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The updated guidance is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for the quarter ending March 31, 2012.  Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance resulted in a change in the presentation of the Company’s financial statements but did not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Intangibles — Goodwill and Other: When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts

In December 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance that modifies the goodwill impairment test. Under the updated guidance, goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step process. The first step is to identify potential impairments by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value, a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. The second step is to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, measured in the same manner as goodwill is recognized in a business combination, and compare the implied fair value with the carrying amount of the goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

The updated guidance requires that, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit becomes zero or negative, the second step of the impairment test must be performed when it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment loss exists. In considering whether it is more likely than not that an impairment loss exists, a company is required to evaluate qualitative factors, including the factors presented in existing guidance that trigger an interim impairment test of goodwill (e.g., a significant adverse change in business climate or an anticipated sale of a reporting unit). The provisions of the guidance were effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance in January 2011 did not have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
 
 
8

 
 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

Deferred Acquisition Costs

In October 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance to address the diversity in practice for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance modifies the definition of acquisition costs to specify that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be deferred. If application of this guidance would result in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not previously been capitalized by a reporting entity, the entity may elect not to capitalize those costs. The updated guidance is effective on either a retrospective or prospective basis for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of a company’s annual period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new guidance on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Transfers and Servicing: Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreement

In April 2011, the FASB amended its guidance on accounting for repurchase agreements. The amendments simplify the accounting by eliminating the requirement that the transferor demonstrate it has adequate collateral to fund substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement assets. Under the amended guidance, a transferor maintains effective control over transferred financial assets (and thus accounts for the transfer as a secured borrowing) if there is an agreement that both entitles and obligates the transferor to repurchase the financial assets before maturity and if all of the following conditions previously required are met; (i) financial assets to be repurchased or redeemed are the same or substantially the same as those transferred, (ii) repurchase or redemption date before maturity at a fixed or determinable price, and (iii) the agreement is entered into contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer.  As a result, more arrangements could be accounted for as secured borrowings rather than sales.  The updated guidance is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, early adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new guidance on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS

In May 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance that addresses the objective of the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) to develop common requirements for measuring and for disclosing information about fair value measurements with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).  The FASB and the IASB worked together to ensure that fair value has the same meaning in U.S. GAAP and IFRS and that their respective fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are the same (except for minor differences in wording and style). The FASB and the IASB concluded that this guidance will improve comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The guidance explains how to measure fair value. This updated guidance does not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting.  The updated guidance is effective during interim and annual periods after December 15, 2011. Early application is not permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Intangibles — Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment

In September 2011, the FASB issued updated guidance on goodwill impairment that gives companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment that may allow them to skip the annual two-step test and reduce costs. Under the new guidance, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The FASB provided a sample list of events and circumstances that an entity can consider in performing its qualitative assessment. Under the amended guidance, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test and may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
 
 
9

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

3.   Investments

(a) Fixed Maturities and Other Investments

The original or amortized cost, estimated fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses of available-for-sale and other investments as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:

As of September 30, 2011
 
Original or
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Fixed Maturities – available-for-sale:
                       
U.S. treasury bonds
  $ 44,208     $ 1,834     $     $ 46,042  
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
    976,019       45,938       (5 )     1,021,952  
U.S. agency bonds – other
    16,738       1,856             18,594  
Non-U.S. government bonds
    14,584       578             15,162  
Corporate bonds
    659,471       49,965       (24,527 )     684,909  
Municipal bonds
    110,731       680             111,411  
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
  $ 1,821,751     $ 100,851     $ (24,532 )   $ 1,898,070  
                                 
Other investments
  $ 1,812     $ 198     $     $ 2,010  
 
 
As of December 31, 2010
 
Original or
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Fixed Maturities – available-for-sale:
                       
U.S. treasury bonds
  $ 92,043     $ 1,108     $ (1,422 )   $ 91,729  
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
    951,465       22,351       (4,348 )     969,468  
U.S. agency bonds – other
    41,770       1,638             43,408  
Non-U.S. government bonds
    15,494       444             15,938  
Corporate bonds
    673,756       46,647       (11,410 )     708,993  
Municipal bonds
    45,247       441       (791 )     44,897  
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
  $ 1,819,775     $ 72,629     $ (17,971 )   $ 1,874,433  
                                 
Other investments
  $ 5,751     $ 96     $     $ 5,847  

The contractual maturities of our fixed maturities, available-for-sale as of September 30, 2011 are shown below.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations prior to contractual maturity.

As of September 30, 2011
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
% of Total
Fair Value
   
Maturity
                   
Due in one year or less
  $ 67,804     $ 67,418       3.6 %  
Due after one year through five years
    222,474       221,039       11.7 %  
Due after five years through ten years
    423,502       452,131       23.8 %  
Due after ten years
    131,952       135,530       7.1 %  
      845,732       876,118       46.2 %  
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
    976,019       1,021,952       53.8 %  
Total
  $ 1,821,751     $ 1,898,070       100.0 %  
 
 
10

 
 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

3. Investments (continued)

The following tables summarize our available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:

    
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
As of September 30, 2011
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Available-for-sale securities:
                                   
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
  $ 2,258     $ (5 )   $     $     $ 2,258     $ (5 )
Corporate bonds
    127,659       (5,088 )     118,138       (19,439 )     245,797       (24,527 )
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities
  $ 129,917     $ (5,093 )   $ 118,138     $ (19,439 )   $ 248,055     $ (24,532 )

As of September 30, 2011, there were approximately 26 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $248,055 and unrealized losses of $24,532. Of these securities, there are 7 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $118,138 and unrealized losses of $19,439.

    
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
As of December 31, 2010
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Available-for-sale securities:
                                   
U.S. treasury bonds
  $ 47,165     $ (1,422 )   $     $     $ 47,165     $ (1,422 )
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
    315,370       (4,348 )                 315,370       (4,348 )
Corporate bonds
    86,976       (1,555 )     166,062       (9,855 )     253,038       (11,410 )
Municipal bonds
    27,315       (791 )                 27,315       (791 )
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities
  $ 476,826     $ (8,116 )   $ 166,062     $ (9,855 )   $ 642,888     $ (17,971 )

As of December 31, 2010, there were approximately 32 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $642,888 and unrealized losses of $17,971. Of these securities, there are 9 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $166,062 and unrealized losses of $9,855.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (“OTTI”)

We review our investment portfolio for impairment on a quarterly basis. Impairment of investments results in a charge to operations when a fair value decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. As of September 30, 2011, we reviewed our portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized no OTTI. Based on our qualitative and quantitative OTTI review of each asset class within our fixed maturity portfolio, the remaining unrealized losses on fixed maturities at September 30, 2011 were primarily due to widening of credit spreads relating to the market illiquidity, rather than credit events. Because we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities until a recovery of fair value to amortized cost, we currently believe it is probable that we will collect all amounts due according to their respective contractual terms. Therefore, we do not consider these fixed maturities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2011.
 
 
11

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

3. Investments (continued)

(b) Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments:
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Hedge fund
  $           $ 4,846       82.9 %
Investments in limited partnerships
    2,010       100.0 %     1,001       17.1 %
Total other investments
  $ 2,010       100.0 %   $ 5,847       100.0 %

The Company has an unfunded commitment on its investments in limited partnerships of approximately $3,990 as of September 30, 2011.

(c) Realized and Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses

Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method and include adjustments to the cost basis of investments for declines in value that are considered to be other-than-temporary. The Company maintained one open position in a U.S. Treasury bond sold but not yet purchased valued at $55,495 which resulted in an unrealized loss of $3,143, which is recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) on the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The following provides an analysis of realized and unrealized investment gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

For the three months ended September 30, 2011
 
Gross gains
   
Gross losses
   
Net
 
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,036     $ (1,078 )   $ (42 )
Trading securities and short sales
    1,898       (1,590 )     308  
Other investments
          (23 )     (23 )
Net realized gains
    2,934       (2,691 )     243  
Unrealized loss on short sales
          (3,143 )     (3,143 )
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
  $ 2,934     $ (5,834 )   $ (2,900 )

For the three months ended September 30, 2010
 
Gross gains
   
Gross losses
   
Net
 
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 3,612     $ (137 )   $ 3,475  
Trading securities
    1,127       (781 )     346  
Other investments
          (249 )     (249 )
Net realized gains
    4,739       (1,167 )     3,572  
Unrealized loss on short sales
          (1,945 )     (1,945 )
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
  $ 4,739     $ (3,112 )   $ 1,627  

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
Gross gains
   
Gross losses
   
Net
 
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 1,310     $ (1,118 )   $ 192  
Trading securities and short sales
    2,708       (1,902 )     806  
Other investments
          (117 )     (117 )
Net realized gains
    4,018       (3,137 )     881  
Unrealized loss on short sales
          (3,143 )     (3,143 )
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
  $ 4,018     $ (6,280 )   $ (2,262 )
 
 
12

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

3. Investments (continued)

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010
 
Gross gains
   
Gross losses
   
Net
 
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 9,412     $ (1,756 )   $ 7,656  
Trading securities
    1,649       (1,918 )     (269 )
Other investments
          (249 )     (249 )
Net realized gains
    11,061       (3,923 )     7,138  
Unrealized loss on short sales
          (4,664 )     (4,664 )
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
  $ 11,061     $ (8,587 )   $ 2,474  

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale were $106,041 and $113,136 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities and other investments was as follows:

   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
Fixed maturities
  $ 76,319     $ 76,941  
Other investments
    198       (3 )
Total net unrealized gains
    76,517       76,938  
Deferred income tax expense
    (43 )      
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
  $ 76,474     $ 76,938  
Change in unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
  $ 21,720     $ 44,191  

(d) Restricted Cash and Investments

We are required to maintain assets on deposit to support our reinsurance operations and to serve as collateral for our reinsurance liabilities under various reinsurance agreements. The assets on deposit are available to settle reinsurance liabilities. We also utilize trust accounts to collateralize business with our reinsurance counterparties. These trust accounts generally take the place of letter of credit requirements. The assets in trust as collateral are primarily cash and highly rated fixed maturity securities. The fair value of our restricted assets was as follows:

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Restricted cash – third party agreements
  $ 53,268     $ 59,615  
Restricted cash – related party agreements
    43,038       29,743  
Restricted cash – U.S. state regulatory authorities
    464       398  
Total restricted cash
    96,770       89,756  
Restricted investments – in trust for third party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2011 – $866,400; 2010 – $1,024,895 )
    890,616       1,053,982  
Restricted investments – in trust for related party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2011 – $424,180; 2010 – $339,810 )
    453,258       361,424  
Restricted investments – in trust for U.S. state regulatory authorities (Amortized cost: 2011 – $12,865; 2010 – $13,198 )
    13,763       13,690  
Total restricted investments
    1,357,637       1,429,096  
Total restricted cash and investments
  $ 1,454,407     $ 1,518,852  
 
 
13

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

3. Investments (continued)

(e) Other

The Company enters into repurchase agreements. The agreements are accounted for as collateralized borrowing transactions and are recorded at contract amounts. The Company receives cash or securities, that it invests or holds in short term or fixed income securities. During the period, the Company repaid the entire balance outstanding of $76,225. Interest expense associated with these repurchase agreements was $0 and $756 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, (2010 - $463 and $818, respectively) out of which $0 was accrued as of September 30, 2011 (December 31, 2010 - $702).

Securities sold but not yet purchased represent obligations of the Company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price and, thereby, create a liability to purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices.  The Company’s liability for securities to be delivered is measured at their fair value and as of September 30, 2011 were $55,495 for a U.S. Treasury bond.  This amount is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  Collateral of an equivalent amount has been pledged to the clearing broker.

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in ASC 820. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the ASC 820 hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

 
·
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.

 
·
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 
·
Level 3 - Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use.

In accordance with ASC 820, the Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

ASC 825, “Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” requires all entities to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value.

The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value of financial instruments held as of September 30, 2011.

U.S. government and U.S. government agencies:  Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage Association. The fair values of U.S. government securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and are included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. We believe the market for U.S. Treasury securities is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
 
 
14

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

Non-U.S. government bonds:  Comprised of Non-U.S. government bonds issued primarily by Germany, Belgium and Netherlands. These securities are generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services may use current market trades for securities with similar quality, maturity and coupon. If no such trades are available, the pricing service typically uses analytical models which may incorporate spreads, interest rate data and market/sector news. As the significant inputs used to price Non-U.S. government bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of Non-U.S. government bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Corporate bonds:  Comprised of bonds issued by corporations that on acquisition are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher provided that, in aggregate, corporate bonds with ratings of BBB-/Baa3 do not constitute more than 5% of the market value of our fixed income securities and are diversified across a wide range of issuers and industries. These securities are generally priced by pricing services. The fair values of corporate bonds that are short-term are priced, by the pricing services, using the spread above the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) yield curve and the fair value of corporate bonds that are long-term are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. The spreads are sourced from broker/dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers. As the significant inputs used to price corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Municipals:  Municipal securities comprise bonds and auction rate securities issued by U.S. domiciled state and municipality entities. The fair value of these securities is generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services typically use spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipals are observable market inputs, municipals are classified within Level 2.

Other investments:  The fair values of the hedge funds are based on the net asset value of the funds as reported by the fund manager, and as such, the fair values of those investments are included in the Level 3 fair value hierarchy.

Reinsurance balance receivable:  The carrying values reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair value due to short term nature of the assets.

Loan to related party:  The carrying values reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair value.

Senior Notes: The carrying values reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair value.

Junior subordinated debt:  The carrying values reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair value.
 
 
15

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

(a) Fair Value Hierarchy

The following table presents the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities are measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

As of September 30, 2011
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Fair
Value
 
Assets
                       
Fixed maturities
                       
U.S. treasury bonds
  $ 46,042     $     $     $ 46,042  
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
          1,021,952             1,021,952  
U.S. agency bonds – other
          18,594             18,594  
Non U.S. government bonds
          15,162             15,162  
Corporate bonds
          684,909             684,909  
Municipal bonds
          111,411             111,411  
Other investments
                2,010       2,010  
Total investments
  $ 46,042     $ 1,852,028     $ 2,010     $ 1,900,080  
As a percentage of total assets
    1.4 %     56.9 %     0.1 %     58.4 %
Liabilities
                               
Securities sold but not yet purchased
  $     $ 55,495     $     $ 55,495  
As a percentage of total liabilities
          2.2 %           2.2 %

As of December 31, 2010
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Fair
Value
 
Assets
                       
Fixed maturities
                       
U.S. treasury bonds
  $ 91,729     $     $     $ 91,729  
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
          969,468             969,468  
U.S. agency bonds – other
          43,408             43,408  
Non U.S. government bonds
          15,938             15,938  
Corporate bonds
          708,993             708,993  
Municipal bonds
          44,897             44,897  
Other investments
                5,847       5,847  
Total investments
  $ 91,729     $ 1,782,704     $ 5,847     $ 1,880,280  
As a percentage of total assets
    3.1 %     59.7 %     0.2 %     63.0 %
Liabilities
                               
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
  $     $ 76,225     $     $ 76,225  
As a percentage of total liabilities
          3.4 %           3.4 %
 
 
16

 
 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

(b) Level 3 Financial Instruments

The following table presents changes in Level 3 for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

Other Investments:
 
For the three
months ended
September 30,
2011
   
For the three
months ended
September 30,
2010
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 1,962     $ 5,677  
Net realized and unrealized gains – included in net income
           
Net realized and unrealized losses – included in net income
    (23 )     (249 )
Change in net unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income
    19        
Change in net unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income
          122  
Purchases
    192       4,764  
Sales and redemptions
    (140 )     (4,783 )
Transfers into Level 3
           
Transfers out of Level 3
           
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,010     $ 5,531  
Level 3 gains (losses) included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the reporting date
  $     $  

 
Other Investments:
 
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
2011
   
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
2010
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 5,847     $ 5,549  
Net realized and unrealized gains – included in net income
           
Net realized and unrealized losses – included in net income
    (117 )     (249 )
Change in net unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income
    102        
Change in net unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income
          133  
Purchases
    1,026       4,887  
Sales and redemptions
    (4,848 )     (4,789 )
Transfers into Level 3
           
Transfers out of Level 3
           
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,010     $ 5,531  
Level 3 gains (losses) included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the reporting date
  $     $  
 
 
17

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired. The Company performs an annual impairment analysis to identify potential goodwill impairment and measures the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized. This annual test is performed during the fourth quarter of each year or more frequently if events or circumstances change in a way that requires the Company to perform the impairment analysis on an interim basis. Goodwill impairment testing requires an evaluation of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including the goodwill. An impairment charge is recorded if the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit. No impairments have been identified to date.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of finite and indefinite life assets. Finite life intangible assets include customer and producer relationships and trademarks. Insurance company licenses are considered indefinite life intangible assets subject to annual impairment testing.

The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

As of September 30, 2011
 
Gross
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
 
Useful Life
Goodwill
  $ 58,325     $     $ 58,325  
Indefinite
State licenses
    7,727             7,727  
Indefinite
Customer relationships
    51,400       (17,426 )     33,974  
15 years double declining
Net balance
  $ 117, 452     $ (17,426 )   $ 100,026    

As of December 31, 2010
 
Gross
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
 
Useful Life
Goodwill
  $ 58,429     $     $ 58,429  
Indefinite
State licenses
    7,727             7,727  
Indefinite
Customer relationships
    51,400       (13,651 )     37,749  
15 years double declining
Net balance
  $ 117,556     $ (13,651 )   $ 103,905    

The goodwill and intangible assets were recognized as a result of the acquisitions and are subject to annual impairment testing. No impairment was recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. The estimated amortization expenses for the next five years are:

   
September 30, 2011
 
2011
  $ 1,258  
2012
    4,362  
2013
    3,781  
2014
    3,276  
2015
    2,840  
 
 
18

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

6. Long-Term Debt

Senior Notes

In June 2011, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. ("Maiden NA"), issued $107,500 principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes (“Senior Notes”) due on June 15, 2041, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.  The Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2016, at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date.  In order to ensure that issuance of the Senior Notes resulted in a long term favorable impact to Maiden shareholders, the Company sought to repurchase a portion of the Trust Preferred Securities, described below, with the proceeds of the Senior Notes offering. Under the redemption notice provisions of the Trust Preferred Securities, the Company was required to give at least 30 days’ notice in advance of the next interest payment (July 15, 2011) prior to redemption, or incur an additional quarter's interest payments.  Since the Senior Notes offering was initiated after the 30 day notice period on June 16, 2011, the Company offered to all holders an option to have a portion of their Trust Preferred Securities repurchased on a pro rata basis from the proceeds of the Senior Notes offering in exchange for a waiver of such notice provisions and an agreement to accept interest through July 15, 2011.  Certain of the Trust Preferred Securities holders accepted the offer by June 16, 2011.  All proceeds of the Senior Notes offering were used to repurchase the Trust Preferred Securities of the holders who accepted the offer.  The Senior Notes are an unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of the Company and rank ahead of the Junior Subordinated Debt, described below. The effective interest rate of the Senior Notes, based on the net proceeds received, was 8.47%. The net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes were $104,689, after placement agent fees and expense or debt issuance cost of $2,811, and were used to repurchase $107,500 principal amount portion of the outstanding Junior Subordinated Debt, as discussed above. The issuance costs related to the Senior Notes were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the notes.

The interest on the Senior Notes is payable each quarter beginning on September 15, 2011 and included accrued interest from June 24, 2011. Interest expense for the three months period ended September 30, 2011 and the period from June 24, 2011 to September 30, 2011 were $2,217 and $2,390, respectively, out of which $394 was accrued as of September 30, 2011.
 
Junior Subordinated Debt

On January 20, 2009, the Company completed a private placement of 260,000 units (the “Units”), each Unit consisting of $1,000 principal amount of capital securities (the “Trust Preferred Securities”) of Maiden Capital Financing Trust (the “Trust”), a special purpose trust established by Maiden NA, and 45 common shares, $0.01 par value, of the Company for a purchase price of $1,000.45 per Unit (the “TRUPS Offering”).  In the aggregate, 11,700,000 common shares were issued to the purchasers in the TRUPS Offering. This resulted in gross proceeds to the Company of $260,117, before $4,342 of placement agent fees and expenses.

Certain trusts established by Michael Karfunkel and George Karfunkel, two of the Company’s Founding Shareholders, purchased an aggregate of 159,000 of the Units, or 61.12%. The remaining 101,000 Units were purchased by existing institutional shareholders of the Company.

The Trust used the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Preferred Securities to purchase a subordinated debenture (the “Junior Subordinated Debt”) in the principal amount of $260,000 issued by Maiden NA.

Under the terms of the Trust Preferred Securities, the Company can repay the principal balance in full or in part at any time. However, if the Company repays such principal within five years of the date of issuance, it is required to pay an additional amount equal to one full year of interest on the amount of Trust Preferred Securities repaid. If the remaining amount of the Trust Preferred Securities were repaid within five years of the date of issuance (adjusted for the $107,500 repurchase of Junior Subordinated Debt, which occurred on July 15, 2011), the additional amount due would be $21,350, which would be a reduction in earnings.
 
 
19

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

6. Long-Term Debt (continued)

Pursuant to separate Guarantee Agreements dated as of January 20, 2009 with Wilmington Trust Company, as guarantee trustee, each of the Company and Maiden NA has agreed to guarantee the payment of distributions and payments on liquidation or redemption of the Trust Preferred Securities.

As a consequence of the issuance of a majority of the Units to a related party under ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”, the Trust is a variable interest entity and the Company is deemed not to be the primary beneficiary of the Trust, therefore it is not consolidated. The issuance of common shares associated with the Trust Preferred Securities resulted in an original issuance discount of $44,928 based on market price of $3.85 on January 20, 2009. The discount is amortized over 30 years based on the effective interest method. The Junior Subordinated Debt and Trust Preferred Securities mature in 2039 and carry a stated or coupon rate of 14% with an effective interest rate of 16.95%.

Using the proceeds from the Senior Notes Offering and existing cash, the Company repurchased $107,500 of the Junior Subordinated Debt on July 15, 2011.  Pursuant to the terms of the TRUPS Offering, the Company incurred a repurchase expense equivalent to one year’s interest expense or $15,050.  The Company also accelerated the amortization of the issuance cost and discount related to those repurchased Junior Subordinated Debt which amounted to $20,313.

As of September 30, 2011, the stated value of the Junior Subordinated Debt was $126,251 which comprises the principal amount of $152,500 and unamortized discount of $26,249. Amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $4 and $33, respectively (2010 - $17 and $48, respectively).  Interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $5,965 and $24,165, respectively (2010 - $9,100 and $27,300, respectively), out of which $4,448 was accrued as of September 30, 2011.

 
7. Earnings per Common Share

The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share:

   
For the
three months
ended
September 30,
2011
   
For the
three months
ended
September 30,
2010
   
For the
nine months
ended
September 30,
2011
   
For the
nine months
ended
September 30,
2010
 
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
  $ 16,004     $ 18,526     $ 10,980     $ 50,732  
                                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
    72,182,759       70,493,545       72,136,366       70,359,688  
Potentially dilutive securities:
                               
Share options
    739,209       491,837       746,968       483,774  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted
    72,921,968       70,985,382       72,883,334       70,843,462  
                                 
Basic earnings per share attributable to Maiden shareholders:
  $ 0.22     $ 0.26     $ 0.15     $ 0.72  
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Maiden shareholders:
  $ 0.22     $ 0.26     $ 0.15     $ 0.72  
 
 
20

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

7. Earnings per Common Share (continued)

As of September 30, 2011, 2,147,674 share options (September 30, 2010 – 1,756,961) were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive.

8. Share Based Compensation

Share Options

The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each vesting date. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the grant date for the award and each vesting date. The Company has estimated the fair value of all share option awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. The adoption of ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" fair value method has resulted in share-based expenses (a component of salaries and benefits) in the amount of approximately $333 and $1,011 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively (2010 - $252 and $702, respectively).

The key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption are as follows:

Assumptions:
 
September 30, 2011
 
Volatility
    29.8-46.0 %
Risk-free interest rate
    1.62-3.30 %
Weighted average expected lives in years
 
5-6.1 years
 
Forfeiture rate
    0 %
Dividend yield rate
    1-5.39 %

Expected Price Volatility – This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The common shares of the Company began trading on May 6, 2008 on NASDAQ.  Since the Company does not have enough history over which to calculate an expected volatility representative of the volatility over the expected lives of the options, the Company also considered the historical and current implied volatilities of a set of comparable companies in the industry in which the Company operates.

Risk-Free Interest Rate – This is the U.S. treasury rate for the week of the grant having a term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Expected Lives – This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules, historical exercise and forfeiture patterns. The Company uses the simplified method outlined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 to estimate expected lives for options granted during the period as historical exercise data is not available and the options meet the requirements set out in the Bulletin. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.

Forfeiture Rate – This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or cancelled before becoming fully vested. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.
 
 
21

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

8. Share Based Compensation (continued)

The following tables show all options granted, exercised, expired and exchanged under the Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

For the three months ended September 30, 2011
 
Number of
Share Options
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
 
Outstanding, June 30, 2011
    2,892,533     $ 6.47    
7.96 years
 
Granted
                 
Exercised
    (55,642 )     3.28        
Cancelled
    (1,750 )     7.66        
Outstanding, September 30, 2011
    2,835,141     $ 6.54    
7.72 years
 

For the three months ended September 30, 2010
 
Number of
Share Options
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
 
Outstanding, June 30, 2010
    2,381,230     $ 6.01    
8.56 years
 
Granted
    22,500       7.68    
10.00 years
 
Exercised
    (13,593 )     3.28        
Cancelled
    (4,251 )     3.28        
Outstanding, September 30, 2010
    2,385,886     $ 6.05    
8.32 years
 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
Number of
Share Options
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
    2,940,876     $ 6.41    
8.40 years
 
Granted
    36,500       8.81    
9.61 years
 
Exercised
    (99,172 )     3.50        
Cancelled
    (43,063 )     7.23        
Outstanding, September 30, 2011
    2,835,141     $ 6.54    
7.72 years
 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010
 
Number of
Share Options
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
    2,036,542     $ 5.79    
8.86 years
 
Granted
    372,500       7.28    
9.46 years
 
Exercised
    (14,405 )     3.28        
Cancelled
    (8,751 )     3.28        
Outstanding, September 30, 2010
    2,385,886     $ 6.05    
8.32 years
 

The weighted average grant date fair value was $1.97 and $1.79 for all options outstanding at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There was approximately $2,411 and $2,324 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements as of September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

9. Dividends Declared

On July 27, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per common share, payable on October 17, 2011 to shareholders of record on October 3, 2011.
 
 
22

 
 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

10. Related Party Transactions

The Founding Shareholders of the Company, Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind, are also the principal shareholders, and, respectively, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a Director, and the President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”).

The following describes transactions between the Company and AmTrust.

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company and AmTrust entered into a master agreement, as amended (the “Master Agreement”), by which they caused Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. (“Maiden Bermuda”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and AmTrust’s Bermuda reinsurance subsidiary, AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. (“AII”), to enter into a quota share reinsurance agreement (the “Reinsurance Agreement”) by which (a) AII retrocedes to Maiden Bermuda an amount equal to 40% of the premium written by subsidiaries of AmTrust, net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance (and in the case of AmTrust’s U.K. insurance subsidiary, AmTrust Europe, Limited, net of commissions) and 40% of losses and (b) AII transferred to Maiden Bermuda 40% of the AmTrust subsidiaries’ unearned premium reserves, effective as of July 1, 2007, with respect to the current lines of business, excluding risks for which the AmTrust subsidiaries’ net retention exceeds $5,000 (“Covered Business”). AmTrust also has agreed to cause AII, subject to regulatory requirements, to reinsure any insurance company which writes Covered Business in which AmTrust acquires a majority interest to the extent required to enable AII to cede to Maiden Bermuda 40% of the premiums and losses related to such Covered Business. The Reinsurance Agreement further provided that AII receives a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums. The Reinsurance Agreement had an initial term of three years, which has been extended for three years through June 30, 2013, and will automatically renew for successive three year terms thereafter, unless either AII or Maiden Bermuda notifies the other of its election not to renew not less than nine months prior to the end of any such three year term. In addition, either party is entitled to terminate on thirty days’ notice or less upon the occurrence of certain early termination events, which include a default in payment, insolvency, change in control of AII or Maiden Bermuda, run-off, or a reduction of 50% or more of the shareholders’ equity of Maiden Bermuda or the combined shareholders’ equity of AII and the AmTrust subsidiaries.

On June 11, 2008, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Reinsurance Agreement to add Retail Commercial Package Business to the Covered Business as a consequence of AmTrust’s acquisition of Unitrin Business Insurance (“UBI”). Under the amendment, AmTrust’s subsidiaries cede, upon collection, to Maiden Bermuda 100% of $82.2 million of unearned premium (net of inuring reinsurance) from the acquisition of UBI’s in-force book of business. Additionally, AmTrust cedes to Maiden Bermuda 40% of net premium written, effective as of June 1, 2008. Maiden Bermuda will pay to AmTrust a ceding commission of 34.375% on the unearned premium cession and the Retail Commercial Package Business. The $2,000 maximum liability for a single loss provided in the Reinsurance Agreement shall not be applicable to Retail Commercial Package Business.

On February 9, 2009, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Reinsurance Agreement to clarify that (i) AII would offer Maiden Bermuda the opportunity to reinsure Excess Retention Business, which is defined as a policy issued by an AmTrust insurance subsidiary with respect to which the insurance subsidiary’s retention is greater than $5,000 and (ii) the deduction for the cost of inuring reinsurance from Affiliate Subject Premium (as defined in the Reinsurance Agreement) retroceded to Maiden Bermuda is net of ceding commission.

Effective April 1, 2011, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Reinsurance Agreement to reduce the commission on all business ceded except Retail Commercial Package Business to 30% until December, 31, 2011. Thereafter the rate shall be 31% subject to an adjustment of 1% to 30% if the proportion of Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty premium ceded is greater than or equal to 42% of the Covered Business (excluding Retail Commercial Package Business). If the proportion of Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty premium ceded is greater than or equal to 38% but less than 42% of the Covered Business (excluding Retail Commercial Package Business), the commission rate shall be reduced by 0.5% to 30.5%. In addition, the collateral requirements were restated to clarify that balances relating to all AmTrust subsidiaries are subject to collateral requirements and the Reinsurance Agreement was extended by one year to July 14, 2014, and shall automatically renew for successive three-year periods thereafter, unless the Reinsured or Maiden Bermuda elects to terminate this Reinsurance Agreement effective as of July 1, 2014 or as of the expiration of any successive three-year period. If the AII or Maiden Bermuda elects to so terminate this Reinsurance Agreement, it shall give written notice to the other party hereto not less than nine months prior to either July 1, 2014 or the expiration of any successive three-year period.
 
 
23

 
 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

The Company recorded approximately $41,722 and $112,965 of ceding commission expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, (2010 - $37,501 and $104,085, respectively) as a result of this transaction.

AmTrust European Hospital Liability Quota Share Agreement (“European Hospital Liability Quota Share”)

Effective April 1, 2011, the Company, through Maiden Bermuda, entered into a quota share reinsurance contract with AmTrust Europe Limited and AmTrust International Underwriters Limited, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of AmTrust.  Pursuant to the terms of the contract, Maiden Bermuda will assume 40% of the premiums and losses related to policies classified as European Hospital Liability, including associated liability coverages and policies covering physician defense costs, written or renewed on or after April 1, 2011.  The contract also covers policies written or renewed on or before March 31, 2011, but only with respect to losses that occur, accrue or arise on or after April 1, 2011.  The maximum limit of liability attaching shall be €5,000 or currency equivalent (on a 100% basis) per original claim for any one original policy. Maiden Bermuda will pay a ceding commission of 5% and shall allow the reinsured a profit share on original net premiums ceded under the contract.  The profit sharing is based upon the reinsured exceeding defined underwriting performance of each contract year, commencing two years after the beginning of each contract year.  To the extent that the underwriting performance is exceeded, the Company will share 50% of the excess amounts computed.  For the three and six months period ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded approximately $1,127 and $2,102 of commission expense, respectively, as a result of this transaction.

Other Reinsurance Agreements

Effective January 1, 2008, Maiden Bermuda and AmTrust entered into an agreement to reinsure a 45% participation in the $9,000 in excess of $1,000 layer of AmTrust’s workers’ compensation excess of loss program. This layer provides reinsurance to AmTrust for losses per occurrence in excess of $1,000 up to $10,000, subject to an annual aggregate deductible of $1,250. This participation was sourced through a reinsurance intermediary via open market placement in which competitive bids were solicited by an independent broker. The remaining 55% participation was placed with a single carrier.  This coverage expired on January 1, 2010; as a result, under the Master Agreement, Maiden Bermuda therefore now reinsures 40% of the subject workers’ compensation business up to $10,000, subject to certain additional inuring reinsurance protection that AmTrust has purchased.

As of January 1, 2008, Maiden Bermuda had a 50% participation in a $4,000 in excess of $1,000 specialty transportation program written by AmTrust. Starting January 1, 2009, Maiden Bermuda had a 30% participation in a $4,000 in excess of $1,000 specialty transportation program written by AmTrust. This program provides primarily commercial auto coverage and, to a lesser extent, general liability coverage to private non-emergency para-transit and school bus service operators. This participation was sourced through a reinsurance intermediary via open market placement in which competitive bids were solicited by an independent broker. Several other broker market reinsurers hold the other 50% and 70% participation for 2008 and 2009 policies, respectively. The agreement was not renewed as of January 1, 2010.

Effective September 1, 2010, the Company through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Maiden Specialty Insurance Company (“Maiden Specialty”), entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with Technology Insurance Company, Inc. (“Technology”), a subsidiary of AmTrust. Under the agreement, Maiden Specialty will cede (a) 90% of its credit insurance business written under the Open Lending Program (“OPL”) and (b) 100% of its general liability business under the Naxos Avondale Specialty Casualty Program (“NAXS”). Maiden Specialty’s involvement is limited to certain states where Technology is not fully licensed. The agreement also provides that Maiden Specialty receives a ceding commission of 5% of ceded written premiums. The reinsurance agreement has a term of three years and will remain continuously in force until terminated in accordance to the provisions set forth in the contract. Maiden Specialty recorded approximately $1,862 and $4,119 of premiums earned ceded and $564 and $1,253 ceding commission for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, (2010 – nil).

Effective September 1, 2010, the Company, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Maiden Reinsurance Company (“Maiden US”), entered into a reinsurance agreement with Security National Insurance Company (“SNIC”), a subsidiary of AmTrust. Under the agreement, SNIC will cede 80% of the gross liabilities produced under the Southern General Agency program to Maiden US. The agreement provides SNIC with a 5% commission of ceded written premiums. The agreement has a term of one year. Under this agreement, Maiden US recorded approximately $0 and $7 of premiums earned and $0 and $0.1 commission expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, (2010 – $0).
 
 
24

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Collateral provided to AmTrust

Maiden Bermuda satisfied its collateral requirements under the Reinsurance Agreement with AII as follows:

 
·
by lending funds in the amount of $167,975 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 to AII pursuant to a loan agreement entered into between those parties. This loan is carried at cost. The amount of collateral Maiden Bermuda is required to maintain, which is determined quarterly, equals its proportionate share of (a) the amount of ceded paid losses for which AII is responsible to such AmTrust subsidiaries but has not yet paid, (b) the amount of ceded loss reserves (including ceded reserves for claims reported but not resolved and losses incurred but not reported) for which AII is responsible to AmTrust subsidiaries, and (c) the amount of ceded reserves for unearned premiums ceded by AmTrust subsidiaries to AII. Pursuant to the Master Agreement, AmTrust has agreed to cause AII not to commingle Maiden Bermuda’s assets with AII’s other assets and to cause the AmTrust subsidiaries not to commingle Maiden Bermuda’s assets with the AmTrust subsidiaries’ other assets if an AmTrust subsidiary withdraws those assets. AII has agreed that, if an AmTrust subsidiary returns to AII excess assets withdrawn from a trust account, drawn on a letter of credit or maintained by such AmTrust subsidiary as withheld funds, AII will immediately return to Maiden Bermuda its proportionate share of such excess assets. AII has further agreed that if the aggregate fair market value of the amount of Maiden Bermuda’s assets held in the trust account exceeds Maiden Bermuda’s proportionate share of AII’s obligations, or if an AmTrust subsidiary misapplies any such collateral, AII will immediately return to Maiden Bermuda an amount equal to such excess or misapplied collateral, less any amounts AII has paid to Maiden Bermuda. In addition, if an AmTrust subsidiary withdraws Maiden Bermuda’s assets from a trust account and maintains those assets on its books as withheld funds, AII has agreed to pay to Maiden Bermuda interest at the rate equivalent to the one-month LIBOR plus 90 basis points per annum computed on the basis of a 360-day year on the loan (except to the extent Maiden Bermuda’s proportionate share of AII’s obligations to that AmTrust subsidiary exceeds the value of the collateral Maiden Bermuda has provided). The amount of accrued interest relating to the loan was $473 and $496 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively; and

 
·
by entering into a Reinsurer Trust Assets Collateral agreement. The amount of the collateral, as of September 30, 2011 was approximately $429,926 (December 31, 2010 – $358,621) and the accrued interest was $3,824 (December 31, 2010 – $3,684).

Reinsurance Brokerage Agreements

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement with AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd. (“AIIB”), a subsidiary of AmTrust. Pursuant to the brokerage agreement, AIIB provides brokerage services relating to the Reinsurance Agreement and, beginning on April 1, 2011, the European Hospital Liability Quota Share agreement for a fee equal to 1.25% of the premium reinsured from AII. The brokerage fee is payable in consideration of AIIB’s brokerage services. AIIB is not the Company’s exclusive broker.  AIIB may, if mutually agreed, also produce reinsurance business for the Company from other ceding companies, and in such cases the Company will negotiate a mutually acceptable commission rate. The Company recorded approximately $1,996 and $5,131 of reinsurance brokerage expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, (2010 - $1,509 and $4,163, respectively) and deferred reinsurance brokerage of $4,838 and $3,552 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, as a result of these agreements.

The Company paid brokerage fees to AmTrust’s subsidiary AmTrust North America of $33 and $70 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, (2010 - $33 and $53, respectively) for acting as insurance intermediary in relation to certain insurance placements.

Asset Management Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company entered into an asset management agreement with AII Insurance Management Limited (“AIIM”), an AmTrust subsidiary, pursuant to which AIIM has agreed to provide investment management services to the Company. Pursuant to the asset management agreement, AIIM provides investment management services for an annual fee equal to 0.35% of average invested assets plus all costs incurred. Effective April 1, 2008, the investment management services quarterly fee has been reduced to 0.05% if the average value of the account is less than or equal to $1,000,000 and 0.0375% if the average value of the account for the previous calendar quarter is greater than $1,000,000. The Company recorded approximately $795 and $2,364 of investment management fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, (2010 - $650 and $1,968, respectively) as a result of this agreement.
 
 
25

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Other

On March 1, 2011, the Company entered into a time sharing agreement for the lease of aircraft owned by AmTrust Underwriters, Inc. (“AUI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AmTrust. The lease is for 10 months ending on December 31, 2011 and will automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company will reimburse AUI for actual expenses incurred as allowed by Federal Aviation Regulations.  For the three months ended September 30, 2011 and for the period from March 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011, the Company recorded an expense of $23 and $65, respectively, for the use of the aircraft.

The following describes transactions between the Company and American Capital Acquisition Corporation (“ACAC”):

ACAC Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement

On March 1, 2010, Maiden Bermuda entered into a three year 25% quota share reinsurance agreement with ACAC. ACAC is an insurance holding company owned by the 2005 Michael Karfunkel Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (the “Annuity Trust”), which is controlled by Michael Karfunkel (“Karfunkel”), individually, and AmTrust.  ACAC, on March 1, 2010, acquired from GMAC Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Motors Insurance Corporation (“Motors”) (collectively, “GMAC”), GMAC’s personal lines automobile business. Karfunkel is a Founding Shareholder of the Company. In addition, Karfunkel is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACAC.

The Company, effective March 1, 2010, reinsures 25% of the net premiums of the GMAC personal lines business, pursuant to a quota share reinsurance agreement (“ACAC Quota Share”) with the GMAC personal lines insurance companies, as cedents, and Maiden Bermuda, American Capital Partners Re, Ltd., a Bermuda reinsurer which is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Annuity Trust, and AmTrust, as reinsurers. The Company has a 50% participation in the ACAC Quota Share, by which it receives 25% of net premiums of the personal lines business. The ACAC Quota Share provides that the reinsurers, severally, in accordance with their participation percentages, shall receive 50% of the net premium of the GMAC personal lines insurance companies and assume 50% of the related net losses. The ACAC Quota Share has an initial term of three years and shall renew automatically for successive three year terms unless terminated by written notice not less than nine months prior to the expiration of the current term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Maiden Bermuda’s participation in the ACAC Quota Share may be terminated by ACAC on 60 days written notice in the event Maiden Bermuda becomes insolvent, is placed into receivership, its financial condition is impaired by 50% of the amount of its surplus at the inception of the ACAC Quota Share or latest anniversary, whichever is greater, is subject to a change of control, or ceases writing new and renewal business. ACAC also may terminate the agreement on nine months written notice following the effective date of initial public offering or private placement of stock by ACAC or a subsidiary. Maiden Bermuda may terminate its participation in the ACAC Quota Share on 60 days written notice in the event ACAC is subject to a change of control, cease writing new and renewal business, effects a reduction in their net retention without Maiden Bermuda’s consent or fails to remit premium as required by the terms of the ACAC Quota Share. The ACAC Quota Share provides that the reinsurers pay a provisional ceding commission equal to 32.5% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by the personal lines companies for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment.

The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 60.5% or less and a minimum of 30.5% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or higher. We believe that the terms, conditions and pricing of the ACAC Quota Share have been determined by arm’s length negotiations and reflect current market terms and conditions.

Maiden Bermuda recorded approximately $19,156 and $55,458 of ceding commission expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, (2010 - $15,089 and $22,379, respectively) as a result of this transaction.

Other

Maiden Specialty entered into a reinsurance arrangement with New South Insurance Company (“New South”), a subsidiary of ACAC. Pursuant to the agreement, Maiden Specialty cedes 100% of certain personal lines business to New South. On March 1, 2010, Maiden Specialty entered into a novation agreement with Motors and New South whereby New South replaced Motors as the reinsurer for all of this business. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, Maiden Specialty recorded approximately $0 and $(0.6) of ceded premium, respectively and $0 and $0.2 of ceding commissions, respectively.
 
 
26

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

In June 2011, the Company, through Maiden NA, issued $107,500 principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due on June 15, 2041, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.  The Senior Notes were used to repurchase on a pro rata basis $107,500 of the $260,000 outstanding Trust Preferred Securities.  The Company offered all Trust Preferred Securities holders the option to have their securities repurchased on the same terms.  American Capital Partners Re, Ltd., an entity owned by the Annuity Trust controlled by Michael Karfunkel  accepted the offer to repurchase its $79,066 in principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities on July 15, 2011.  George Karfunkel purchased $25,000, and ACAC and AII each purchased $12,500 of the principal amount of the Senior Notes.  The Company’s Audit Committee reviewed and approved ACAC’s, AII’s, and George Karfunkel’s participation in the Senior Notes offering.

11. Segments

The Company currently operates three business segments: Diversified Reinsurance, AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and ACAC Quota Share. The Company evaluates segment performance based on segment profit separately from the results of our investment portfolio. Other operating expenses allocated to the segments are called General and Administrative expenses which are allocated on an actual basis except salaries and benefits where management’s judgment is applied; the Company does not allocate general corporate expenses to the segments. In determining total assets by segment, the Company identifies those assets that are attributable to a particular segment such as reinsurance balances receivable, funds withheld, prepaid reinsurance premiums, reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, deferred commission and other acquisition costs, loans, goodwill and intangibles, and restricted cash and investments. All remaining assets are allocated to Corporate.

The following tables summarize the underwriting results of our operating segments:

For the three months ended September 30, 2011
 
Diversified
Reinsurance
   
AmTrust
Quota Share
Reinsurance
   
ACAC
Quota Share
   
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 188,652     $ 173,502     $ 66,432     $ 428,586  
Net premiums earned
    197,803       159,668       62,806       420,277  
Other insurance revenue
    4,530                   4,530  
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    (123,267 )     (110,727 )     (40,510 )     (274,504 )
Commissions and other acquisition expenses
    (62,032 )     (44,845 )     (19,900 )     (126,777 )
General and administrative expenses
    (8,468 )     (538 )     (408 )     (9,414 )
Underwriting income
  $ 8,566     $ 3,558     $ 1,988     $ 14,112  
                                 
Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
                               
Net investment income and realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
                            15,849  
Amortization of intangible assets
                            (1,258 )
Foreign exchange losses
                            (1,103 )
Interest and amortization expenses
                            (8,178 )
Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost
                             
Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense
                             
Other general and administrative expenses
                            (3,061 )
Income tax expense
                            (359 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
                            2  
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
                          $ 16,004  
                                 
Net loss and loss expense ratio*
    60.9 %     69.3 %     64.5 %     64.6 %
Acquisition cost ratio**
    30.7 %     28.1 %     31.7 %     29.8 %
General and administrative expense ratio***
    4.2 %     0.4 %     0.6 %     3.0 %
Combined ratio****
    95.8 %     97.8 %     96.8 %     97.4 %
 
 
27

 
 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

11. Segments (continued)

For the three months ended September 30, 2010
 
Diversified
Reinsurance
   
AmTrust
Quota Share
Reinsurance
   
ACAC
Quota Share
   
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 104,452     $ 110,313     $ 58,670     $ 273,435  
Net premiums earned
    142,419       120,747       46,427       309,593  
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    (95,409 )     (76,199 )     (29,017 )     (200,625 )
Commissions and other acquisition expenses
    (34,228 )     (39,011 )     (15,717 )     (88,956 )
General and administrative expenses
    (6,745 )     (220 )     (124 )     (7,089 )
Underwriting income
  $ 6,037     $ 5,317     $ 1,569     $ 12,923  
                                 
Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
                               
Net investment income and realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
                            19,127  
Amortization of intangible assets
                            (1,452 )
Foreign exchange gains
                            1,187  
Interest and amortization expenses
                            (9,117 )
Other general and administrative expenses
                            (3,751 )
Income tax expense
                            (391 )
Net Income attributable to Maiden shareholders
                          $ 18,526  
                                 
Net loss and loss expense ratio*
    67.0 %     63.1 %     62.5 %     64.8 %
Acquisition cost ratio**
    24.0 %     32.3 %     33.9 %     28.7 %
General and administrative expense ratio***
    4.8 %     0.2 %     0.2 %     3.5 %
Combined ratio****
    95.8 %     95.6 %     96.6 %     97.0 %

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
Diversified
Reinsurance
   
AmTrust
Quota Share
Reinsurance
   
ACAC
Quota Share
   
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 605,490     $ 516,665     $ 192,897     $ 1,315,052  
Net premiums earned
    542,325       410,441       181,829       1,134,595  
Other insurance revenue
    11,364                   11,364  
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    (349,999 )     (279,006 )     (117,280 )     (746,285 )
Commissions and other acquisition expenses
    (161,709 )     (120,198 )     (57,766 )     (339,673 )
General and administrative expenses
    (24,805 )     (1,802 )     (1,423 )     (28,030 )
Underwriting income
  $ 17,176     $ 9,435     $ 5,360     $ 31,971  
                                 
Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
                               
Net investment income and realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
                            55,446  
Amortization of intangible assets
                            (3,775 )
Foreign exchange gains
                            898  
Interest and amortization expenses
                            (26,588 )
Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost
                            (20,313 )
Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense
                            (15,050 )
Other general and administrative expenses
                            (9,577 )
Income tax expense
                            (2,037 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
                            5  
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
                          $ 10,980  
                                 
Net loss and loss expense ratio*
    63.2 %     68.0 %     64.5 %     65.1 %
Acquisition cost ratio**
    29.2 %     29.3 %     31.8 %     29.6 %
General and administrative expense ratio***
    4.5 %     0.4 %     0.8 %     3.3 %
Combined ratio****
    96.9 %     97.7 %     97.1 %     98.0 %
 
 
28

 
 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

11. Segments (continued)

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010
 
Diversified
Reinsurance
   
AmTrust
Quota Share
Reinsurance
   
ACAC
Quota Share
   
Total
 
                         
Net premiums written
  $ 409,075     $ 340,992     $ 147,709     $ 897,776  
Net premiums earned
    455,378       333,070       68,858       857,306  
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
    (294,044 )     (209,184 )     (43,036 )     (546,264 )
Commissions and other acquisition expenses
    (123,128 )     (108,249 )     (23,422 )     (254,799 )
General and administrative expenses
    (18,343 )     (1,292 )     (124 )     (19,759 )
Underwriting income
  $ 19,863     $ 14,345     $ 2,276     $ 36,484  
 
                               
Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
                               
Net investment income and realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)
                            56,430  
Amortization of intangible assets
                            (4,356 )
Foreign exchange losses
                            (380 )
Interest and amortization expenses
                            (27,348 )
Other general and administrative expenses
                            (9,117 )
Income tax expense
                            (981 )
Net Income attributable to Maiden shareholders
                          $ 50,732  
 
                               
Net loss and loss expense ratio*
    64.6 %     62.8 %     62.5 %     63.7 %
Acquisition cost ratio**
    27.0 %     32.5 %     34.0 %     29.7 %
General and administrative expense ratio***
    4.0 %     0.4 %     0.2 %     3.4 %
Combined ratio****
    95.6 %     95.7 %     96.7 %     96.8 %

*
Calculated by dividing net loss and loss adjustment expenses by net earned premium and other insurance revenue.
**
Calculated by dividing commission and other acquisition expenses by net earned premium and other insurance revenue.
***
Calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by net earned premium and other insurance revenue.
****
Calculated by adding together net loss and loss expense ratio, acquisition cost ratio and general and administrative expense ratio.

As of September 30, 2011
 
Diversified
Reinsurance
   
AmTrust
Quota Share
Reinsurance
   
ACAC
Quota Share
   
Total
 
                         
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
  $ 191,064     $ 107,761     $ 73,696     $ 372,521  
Funds withheld
    143,952                   143,952  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    39,339                   39,339  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
    12,573                   12,573  
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs
    103,850       114,714       29,580       248,144  
Loan to related party
          167,975             167,975  
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
    100,026                   100,026  
Restricted investments and cash
    966,990       429,926       57,491       1,454,407  
Corporate and other assets
    749                   717,130  
Total Assets
  $ 1,558,543     $ 820,376     $ 160,767     $ 3,256,067  
 
 
29

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

11. Segments (continued)

As of December 31, 2010
 
Diversified
Reinsurance
   
AmTrust
Quota Share
Reinsurance
   
ACAC
Quota Share
   
Total
 
                         
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
  $ 131,109     $ 25,566     $ 69,658     $ 226,333  
Funds withheld
    152,713                   152,713  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    28,992                   28,992  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
    6,656                   6,656  
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs
    85,252       92,155       26,224       203,631  
Loan to related party
          167,975             167,975  
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
    103,905                   103,905  
Restricted investments and cash
    1,136,252       358,621       23,979       1,518,852  
Corporate and other assets
    88                   573,505  
Total Assets
  $ 1,644,967     $ 644,317     $ 119,861     $ 2,982,562  

The following tables set forth financial information relating to gross and net premiums written and earned by major line of business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

For the three months ended September 30,
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
Total
   
% of Total
   
Total
   
% of Total
 
Net premiums written
                       
Diversified Reinsurance
                       
Property
  $ 46,908       10.9 %   $ 37,471       13.7 %
Casualty
    106,413       24.8 %     54,178       19.8 %
Accident and Health
    13,238       3.1 %     12,803       4.7 %
International
    22,093       5.2 %            
Total Diversified Reinsurance
    188,652       44.0 %     104,452       38.2 %
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
                               
Small Commercial Business
    57,836       13.5 %     43,664       16.0 %
Specialty Program
    38,242       8.9 %     20,996       7.7 %
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
    77,424       18.1 %     45,653       16.7 %
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
    173,502       40.5 %     110,313       40.4 %
ACAC Quota Share
                               
Automobile Liability
    38,453       9.0 %     33,565       12.2 %
Automobile Physical Damage
    27,979       6.5 %     25,105       9.2 %
Total ACAC Quota Share
    66,432       15.5 %     58,670       21.4 %
    $ 428,586       100.0 %   $ 273,435       100.0 %
 
 
30

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

11. Segments (continued)

For the nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
Total
   
% of Total
   
Total
   
% of Total
 
Net premiums written
                       
Diversified Reinsurance
                       
Property
  $ 168,612       12.8 %   $ 131,800       14.7 %
Casualty
    314,216       23.9 %     238,194       26.5 %
Accident and Health
    36,779       2.8 %     39,081       4.4 %
International
    85,883       6.5 %            
Total Diversified Reinsurance
    605,490       46.0 %     409,075       45.6 %
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
                               
Small Commercial Business
    174,448       13.3 %     147,494       16.4 %
Specialty Program
    73,674       5.6 %     51,897       5.8 %
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
    268,543       20.4 %     141,601       15.8 %
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
    516,665       39.3 %     340,992       38.0 %
ACAC Quota Share
                               
Automobile Liability
    110,661       8.4 %     84,524       9.4 %
Automobile Physical Damage
    82,236       6.3 %     63,185       7.0 %
Total ACAC Quota Share
    192,897       14.7 %     147,709       16.4 %
    $ 1,315,052       100.0 %   $ 897,776       100.0 %

For the three months ended September 30,
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
Total
   
% of Total
   
Total
   
% of Total
 
Net premiums earned
                       
Diversified Reinsurance
                       
Property
  $ 45,345       10.8 %   $ 42,800       13.8 %
Casualty
    107,757       25.6 %     86,028       27.8 %
Accident and Health
    10,425       2.5 %     13,591       4.4 %
International
    34,276       8.2 %            
Total Diversified Reinsurance
    197,803       47.1 %     142,419       46.0 %
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
                               
Small Commercial Business
    55,542       13.2 %     46,744       15.1 %
Specialty Program
    26,642       6.3 %     21,494       6.9 %
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
    77,484       18.5 %     52,509       17.0 %
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
    159,668       38.0 %     120,747       39.0 %
ACAC Quota Share
                               
Automobile Liability
    36,126       8.6 %     26,001       8.4 %
Automobile Physical Damage
    26,680       6.3 %     20,426       6.6 %
Total ACAC Quota Share
    62,806       14.9 %     46,427       15.0 %
    $ 420,277       100.0 %   $ 309,593       100.0 %
 
 
31

 

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

11. Segments (continued)

For the nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
Total
   
% of Total
   
Total
   
% of Total
 
Net premiums earned
                       
Diversified Reinsurance
                       
Property
  $ 134,741       11.9 %   $ 132,138       15.4 %
Casualty
    285,716       25.2 %     270,103       31.5 %
Accident and Health
    33,524       3.0 %     53,137       6.2 %
International
    88,344       7.7 %            
Total Diversified Reinsurance
    542,325       47.8 %     455,378       53.1 %
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
                               
Small Commercial Business
    156,041       13.7 %     154,884       18.1 %
Specialty Program
    63,155       5.6 %     52,948       6.2 %
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
    191,245       16.9 %     125,238       14.6 %
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
    410,441       36.2 %     333,070       38.9 %
ACAC Quota Share
                               
Automobile Liability
    104,146       9.2 %     38,595       4.5 %
Automobile Physical Damage
    77,683       6.8 %     30,263       3.5 %
Total ACAC Quota Share
    181,829       16.0 %     68,858       8.0 %
    $ 1,134,595       100.0 %   $ 857,306       100.0 %

12. Subsequent Events

Dividends
 
On November 2, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per common share, payable on January 17, 2012 to shareholders of record on January 2, 2012.  As such, the dividend payable will be recorded during the fourth quarter of 2011.
 
 
 
32

 
 
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q” or this “Report”). References in this Form 10-Q to the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or other similar terms mean the consolidated operations of Maiden Holdings, Ltd and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. References in this Form 10-Q to the term “Maiden Holdings” means Maiden Holdings, Ltd. only. Amounts in tables may not reconcile due to rounding differences.
 
Note on Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes projections concerning financial information and statements concerning future economic performance and events, plans and objectives relating to management, operations, products and services, and assumptions underlying these projections and statements.  These projections and statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control.  These projections and statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, product development, financial results and reserves.  Actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from these projections and statements and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them.  Factors that could cause our actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those in the specific projections and statements are discussed throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 14, 2011 and updated in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2011.  The projections and statements in this Report speak only as of the date of this Report and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
 
Introduction
 
Since our founding in 2007, we have entered into a series of significant strategic transactions that have transformed the scope and scale of our business while keeping our low volatility, non-catastrophe oriented risk profile intact. These transactions have increased our revenue to an amount in excess of $1 billion while strongly positioning our capital both in the U.S. and internationally and include:
 
 
·
Entering into a quota share reinsurance agreement with AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. ("AmTrust") in 2007 (the "AmTrust Quota Share");
 
 
·
Acquiring the reinsurance operations of GMAC Insurance in 2008 (the "GMAC Acquisition");
 
 
·
Completing a private placement of trust preferred securities of approximately $260.1 million in 2009 (the "TRUPS Offering");
 
 
·
Entering into a quota share reinsurance agreement with American Capital Acquisition Corporation ("ACAC") in 2010 (the "ACAC Quota Share");
 
 
·
Acquiring the majority of the reinsurance-related infrastructure, assets and liabilities of U.K.-based GMAC International Insurance Services, Ltd. (“IIS”) in 2010 (the "IIS Acquisition"); and
 
 
·
Completing a public debt offering of $107.5 million in June 2011 and repurchasing a like amount of the junior subordinated debt in July 2011.
 
Until such time as the Company attains sufficient historical experience, year-to-year comparability is likely to be more difficult as compared with other companies considered peers of the Company and with whom it competes on a regular basis.
 
Overview
 
We are a Bermuda-based holding company formed in June 2007 primarily focused on serving the needs of regional and specialty insurers in the United States and Europe by providing innovative non-catastrophe reinsurance solutions designed to support their capital needs. We specialize in reinsurance solutions that optimize financing by providing coverage within the more predictable and actuarially credible lower layers of coverage and/or reinsuring risks that are believed to be lower hazard, more predictable and generally not susceptible to catastrophe claims. Our tailored solutions include a variety of value added services focused on helping our clients grow and prosper.
 
We provide reinsurance through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Maiden Reinsurance Company (“Maiden US”) and Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. (“Maiden Bermuda”) and have operations in the United States, Bermuda and Europe. On a more limited basis, Maiden Specialty Insurance Company (“Maiden Specialty”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Maiden US, provides primary insurance on a surplus lines basis focusing on non-catastrophe inland marine and property coverages. Maiden Bermuda does not underwrite any primary insurance business.
 
 
33

 
 
We currently operate our business through three segments: Diversified Reinsurance, AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and the ACAC Quota Share. As of September 30, 2011, we had approximately $3.3 billion in total assets, $767.2 million of total shareholders’ equity and $1.0 billion in total capital, which includes shareholders’ equity and both senior notes and junior subordinated debt. 
 
 The market conditions in which we operate have historically been cyclical, experiencing periods of price erosion followed by rate strengthening as a result of catastrophes or other significant losses that affect the overall capacity of the industry to provide coverage. During the period covered by this discussion, the reinsurance market has been characterized by significant competition in most lines of business.
 
While natural and man-made catastrophes occur each year affecting reinsurance industry results, 2010 and the first nine months of 2011 experienced an extensive series of significant natural and man-made catastrophes, both globally and in the U.S., negatively impacting overall industry performance. Consistent with our business model, the Company experienced immaterial losses from the 2010 or 2011 global catastrophe events; however, the unusually high frequency of loss activity from U.S. thunderstorm and tornado did impact our U.S clients in the second quarter of 2011, adversely affecting the Company’s results. Other U.S.-based catastrophe experience in 2011 has been within the Company’s expected parameters which are incorporated into the pricing of our Maiden US accounts.

In addition, the property and casualty industry invests significant portions of its premiums and retained underwriting profits in fixed income maturities; yields on these securities are at historically low levels. Continued existence of these conditions will increasingly adversely impact the results of the property and casualty industry generally, placing additional pressure on companies underwriting results at a time that market conditions are not supportive of additional pricing measures which would stabilize underwriting trends.
 
Nonetheless, capital positions across the insurance and reinsurance industry appear to remain adequate at present.  Although the ultimate impact remains unclear and is currently more uncertain in light of reinsurance industry performance in the first nine months of 2011, broad industry conditions brought about by the combination of catastrophe events, unfavorable pricing and investment conditions appear to be more supportive of improved pricing in the near term.  The scope and tenure of this improved pricing environment is less certain. As market conditions continue to develop, we continue to maintain our adherence to disciplined underwriting by declining business when pricing, terms and conditions do not meet our underwriting standards. We believe that if such events continue, they could have a significant positive effect on competition and pricing.  We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of market conditions should the pricing environment become more favorable.
 
Recent Developments
 
Senior Notes Offering
 
On June 24, 2011, the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. holding company subsidiary, Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. ("Maiden NA"), closed the offering of $107.5 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due June 15, 2041 (the "Senior Notes"), which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Maiden Holdings. The Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2016, at 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date.
 
Maiden NA has listed the Senior Notes on the New York Stock Exchange and trading commenced on July 21, 2011 under the symbol “MHNA”.
 
Total net proceeds from the offering were approximately $104.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by Maiden NA and the Company. The net proceeds were used to repurchase a portion of the TRUPS Offering securities.  The Company repurchased $107.5 million of junior subordinated debt issued in the TRUPS Offering securities on July 15, 2011.   Pursuant to the terms of the TRUPS Offering, the Company incurred a non-recurring repurchase expense of approximately $15.1 million, which was reported in the Company's results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The Company will save approximately $6.2 million annually as a result of the refinancing, and approximately $15.9 million from the closing of the Senior Notes offering until January 20, 2014, the date on which the repurchase or redemption penalty associated with the TRUPS Offering expires.  As a result of the repurchase, the Company also incurred an additional non-recurring non-cash charge of approximately $20.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, which represents the accelerated amortization of original issue discount and issuance costs associated with equity issued in conjunction with the TRUPS Offering.
 
 
34

 
 
GMAC International Insurance Services, Ltd. Reinsurance Acquisition (“IIS Acquisition”)
 
On November 30, 2010, we acquired the majority of the reinsurance-related infrastructure, assets and liabilities of IIS. IIS is based in the United Kingdom and also included the following primary components, the sum of which is referred to as the “IIS Acquisition”:
 
 
·
A renewal rights agreement under which Maiden Bermuda underwrites certain assumed reinsurance business written by GMAC International Insurance Company, Ltd. (“GMAC IICL”), which covers primarily personal auto and credit life coverages offered by primary insurers in association with programs IIS designs and implements for original equipment automobile manufacturers;
 
 
·
A reinsurance agreement (the "IICL Agreement") under which Maiden Bermuda reinsures all of the existing contracts written by GMAC IICL pursuant to a loss portfolio transfer; under the purchase agreement, all future contracts will be underwritten by Maiden Bermuda;
 
 
·
Acquisition of GMAC VersichsrungService (“GMAC VS”), an insurance producer based in Germany which supports sales of primary personal auto insurance through participating automobile dealerships and original equipment automobile manufacturers; and
 
 
·
Acquisition of GMAC Life Försäkrings (“GMAC LF”), a credit life insurer domiciled in Sweden which writes certain credit life insurance in association through automobile financings offered through participating automobile dealerships and original equipment automobile manufacturers which has been renamed Maiden Life Försäkrings AB (“Maiden LF”).
 
According to the loss portfolio transfer provisions of the IICL Agreement, the Company assumed the loss reserves of $98.8 million associated with the GMAC IICL business as of November 30, 2010. The Company also assumed unearned premium, net of acquisition costs, of approximately $19.2 million.
 
The substantial majority of the premiums and losses underwritten by GMAC IICL are subject to collateral requirements in the form of letters of credit and trust agreements. At the closing of the IIS Acquisition, the Company settled cash balances applicable to the subject reinsurance contracts with GMAC IICL. Actual assets in support of the liabilities assumed under the IICL Agreement will be transferred to the Company when the subject individual agreements are novated to Maiden Bermuda.  Please refer to the section entitled “IIS Acquisition – Funds Withheld” in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q for further information.
 
As a result of assumption of these liabilities, at November 30, 2010 the underlying assets in support of these collateral arrangements totaled $141.8 million. The Company now assumes one hundred percent (100%) of all premiums and losses for which GMAC IICL is otherwise entitled to or liable in respect of the reinsurance contracts.
 
We will pay a fee to GMAC IICL for the right to renew the expiring contracts, subject to certain minimum payments at close, over a three-year period commencing November 30, 2010.
 
On September 1, 2011, in exchange for a 10% interest in GMAC VS, which is an insurance producer in Germany, we entered into cooperation agreements with the Opel Händler VersicherungService GmbH (“Opel Dealer Association”), the Opel dealer association in Germany and the German auto manufacturer Opel. We also renamed GMAC VS “Opel Auto Versicherung” (“OVS”).  The cooperation agreements with both organizations are designed to increase the sales of OVS insurance products in Opel dealerships in Germany and increase fee and other revenues for Opel, the Opel Dealer Association, and Maiden via OVS, respectively.

The aggregate purchase price of GMAC VS and the now renamed Maiden LF at November 30, 2010 was $22.3 million, which was the tangible book value of each entity. All balances of the IIS Acquisition were settled on an estimated basis and pursuant to the terms of the underlying agreements, will be subject to adjustment to the final actual balances in 2011 as of November 30, 2010.
 

ACAC Transaction
 
In November 2009, we announced an agreement in principal with ACAC regarding a multi-year 25% quota share reinsurance agreement expected to generate over $200 million in annual revenue. The contract commenced on March 1, 2010 after final regulatory approval and the closing of ACAC’s acquisition of GMACI’s U.S. consumer property and casualty insurance business, as well as a small amount of commercial auto business. This business generated over $1.0 billion in net written premium in each of 2008, 2009 and 2010. ACAC is owned by one of our Founding Shareholders, Michael Karfunkel, and the Michael Karfunkel 2005 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (the “Annuity Trust”), which is controlled by Michael Karfunkel. The Annuity Trust currently owns 72.4% of ACAC’s issued and outstanding common stock, Michael Karfunkel currently owns 27.6% of ACAC’s issued and outstanding common stock, and AmTrust owns preferred shares convertible into 21.25% of the issued and outstanding common stock of ACAC. In addition to reinsurance support, we will provide support services focused on helping ACAC to continue its profitable expansion.  As noted, management of this business is treated as a separate segment captioned ACAC Quota Share.
 
35

 

Third Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Financial Highlights
 
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
 
·
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders of $16.0 million, or $0.22 basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to net income of $18.5 million or $0.26 basic and diluted earnings per share for the same period in 2010.

 
·
Operating earnings of $21.4 million, or $0.30 basic and $0.29 diluted operating earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to $18.0 million or $0.26 basic and $0.25 diluted operating earnings per share for the same period in 2010. (1)

 
·
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders of $11.0 million, or $0.15 basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to net income of $50.7 million, or $0.72 basic and diluted earnings per share for the same period in 2010.

 
·
Operating earnings of $52.4 million, or $0.73 basic and $0.72 diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to $55.4 million, or $0.72 basic and diluted earnings per share for the same period in 2010.

 
·
Gross premiums written of $451.1 million and $1,384.3 million for the three and nine months ended Sepember 30, 2011, an increase of 55.7% and 45.4% over 2010, respectively.

 
·
Net premiums earned of $420.3 million and $1,134.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 35.8% and 32.3% over 2010, respectively.

 
·
Underwriting income of $14.1 million and $32.0 million and a combined ratio of 97.4% and 98.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to $12.9 million and $36.5 million and 97.0% and 96.8%, respectively for the same periods in 2010. (1)

 
·
Adverse net underwriting impact of second quarter 2011 U.S. thunderstorm and tornado activity totaling $9.5 million, net of the Company’s quarterly provision for normalized catastrophe activity.

 
·
Non-recurring charges in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 related to Senior Notes Offering of $15.1 million for the repurchase expense of $107.5 million in junior subordinated debt funded by the Notes along with a $20.3 million non-cash charge for the accelerated amortization of subordinated debt discount and issuance costs related to the TRUPS Offering which were repurchased with the proceeds of the Senior Notes Offering.

 
·
Net investment income of $18.7 million and $57.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 7.1% and 7.0% over the same periods in 2010, respectively.

Consolidated Financial Condition

 
·
Annualized operating return on equity of 11.1% and 9.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to 9.6% and 10.3% for the same periods in 2010, respectively. (1)

 
·
Common shareholders' equity of $767.2 million; book value per common share of $10.63.

 
·
Total investments of $1.9 billion; fixed maturities comprise 99.9% of total investments, of which 66.2% have a credit rating of AA+ or better and an overall average credit rating of AA.

 
·
Total assets of $3.3 billion.

 
·
Reserve for losses and loss expenses of $1.3 billion.

 
·
Total debt of $233.8 million and a debt to total capitalization ratio of 23.4%.



(1)
Operating earnings and operating earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for additional information and a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP financial measure (net income).  Combined ratios and underwriting income are operating metrics.  See “Certain Operating Measures” for additional information on these measures.
  
 
36

 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, better explain the Company's results of operations in a manner that allows for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the Company's business. However these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are:
 
Operating Earnings and Operating Earnings per Share:   In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe that showing operating earnings enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of our financial information to more easily analyze our results of operations in a manner similar to how management analyzes our underlying business performance.  Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP net income. Operating earnings are an internal performance measure used in the management of our operations and represents operating results excluding, as applicable on a recurring basis, net realized and unrealized investment gains or losses, foreign exchange gain or loss, the amortization of intangible assets and non-cash deferred tax expenses.   We also exclude certain non-recurring expenditures that are material to understanding our results of operations.  For 2011 and 2010, we exclude transaction expenses related to the IIS Acquisition as these are non-recurring.  In 2011, as a result of the Senior Notes Offering, we exclude the junior subordinated debt repurchase expense and the accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance costs, as both are non-recurring.  We exclude net realized investment gains or losses and foreign exchange gain or loss as we believe that both are heavily influenced in part by market opportunities and other factors. We do not believe amortization of intangible assets are representative of our ongoing business. We believe all of these amounts are largely independent of our business and underwriting process and including them distorts the analysis of trends in our operations. The following is a reconciliation of operating earnings to its most closely related GAAP measure, net income.

   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
($ in Millions)
 
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
 
$
16.0
   
$
18.5
   
$
11.0
   
$
50.7
 
Add (subtract):
                               
Net realized and unrealized investment losses (gains)
   
2.9
     
(1.6
)
   
2.3
     
(2.5
)
Amortization of intangible assets
   
1.2
     
1.4
     
3.7
     
4.4
 
Foreign exchange losses (gains)
   
1.1
     
(1.2
)
   
(0.9
)
   
0.4
 
Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense
   
     
     
15.1
     
 
Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost
   
     
     
20.3
     
 
Non-recurring general and administrative expenses relating to IIS Acquisition
   
     
0.6
     
0.2
     
1.5
 
Non-cash deferred tax expense
   
0.2
     
0.3
     
0.7
     
0.9
 
Operating earnings attributable to Maiden shareholders
 
$
21.4
   
$
18.0
   
$
52.4
   
$
55.4
 
Operating earnings per common share:
                               
Basic operating earnings per share
 
$
0.30
   
$
0.26
   
$
0.73
   
$
0.79
 
Diluted operating earnings per share
 
$
0.29
   
$
0.25
   
$
0.72
   
$
0.78
 
 
Operating Return on Equity ("Operating ROE"): Management uses operating return on average shareholders' equity as a measure of profitability that focuses on the return to common shareholders. It is calculated using operating earnings available to common shareholders (as defined above) divided by average common shareholders' equity. Management has set as a target a long-term average of 15% Operating ROE, which management believes provides an attractive return to shareholders for the risk assumed. Operating ROE for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 is computed as follows:
 
   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
($ in Millions)
 
Operating earnings
 
$
21.4
   
$
18.0
   
$
52.4
   
$
55.4
 
                                 
Opening Maiden shareholders’ equity
 
$
759.3
   
$
724.8
   
$
750.2
   
$
676.5
 
Ending Maiden shareholders’ equity
   
767.2
     
758.4
     
767.2
     
758.4
 
Average Maiden shareholders’ equity
 
$
763.3
   
$
741.6
   
$
758.7
   
$
717.5
 
                                 
Operating return on equity
   
2.8
%
   
2.4
%
   
6.9
%
   
7.7
%
Annualized operating return on equity
   
11.1
%
   
9.6
%
   
9.2
%
   
10.3
%
 
Certain Operating Measures
 
Underwriting Income and Combined Ratio:   The combined ratio is used in the insurance and reinsurance industry as a measure of underwriting profitability. Management measures underwriting results on an overall basis and for each segment on the basis of the combined ratio. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio and the expense ratio and the computations of each component are described below. A combined ratio under 100% indicates underwriting profitability, as the total losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses are less than the premiums earned on that business. We have generated underwriting income in each year since our inception. Underwriting income is calculated by subtracting losses and loss adjustment expenses, commissions and other acquisition expenses and applicable general and administrative expenses from the net earned premium and is the monetized counterpart of the combined ratio.
 
 
37

 
 
For purposes of these operating measures, the fee-generating business associated with the IIS Acquisition (“IIS Fee Business”) which is included in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, is considered part of the underwriting operations of the Company. Certain portions of the IIS Fee Business are directly associated with the underlying reinsurance contracts recorded in the Diversified Reinsurance segment. To the extent that the fees are generated on underlying insurance contracts sold to third parties that are then ceded under quota share reinsurance contracts to Maiden Bermuda, a proportionate share of the fee is offset against the related acquisition expense. To the extent that IIS Fee Business is not directly associated with premium revenue generated under the applicable reinsurance contracts, that fee revenue is separately reported on the line captioned “Other insurance revenue” in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
While an important metric of success, underwriting income and combined ratio do not reflect all components of profitability, as it does not recognize the impact of investment income earned on premiums between the time premiums are received and the time loss payments are ultimately paid to clients.   Because we do not manage our assets by segment, investment income, interest expense and total assets are not allocated to individual reportable segments. General and administrative expenses are allocated to segments based on various factors, including staff count and each segment’s proportional share of gross premiums written.
 
The “loss and loss expense ratio” is derived by dividing net losses and loss expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue. The “commission and acquisition cost ratio” is derived by dividing acquisition costs by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue. The “general and administrative expense ratio” is derived by dividing general and administrative expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue. The “expense ratio” is the sum of the commission and acquisition cost ratio and the general and administrative expense ratio.

Relevant Factors
 
Revenues
 
We derive our revenues primarily from premiums on our insurance policies and reinsurance contracts, net of any reinsurance or retrocessional coverage purchased. Insurance and reinsurance premiums are a function of the amounts and types of policies and contracts we write, as well as prevailing market prices. Our prices are determined before our ultimate costs, which may extend far into the future, are known.
 
The Company's revenues also include fee income generated by the IIS Fee Business as well as income generated from its investment portfolio. The Company's investment portfolio is comprised of fixed maturity investments, held as available-for-sale, and other investments that are held as available-for-sale. In accordance with GAAP, these investments are carried at fair market value and unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investments held as available-for-sale are generally excluded from earnings. These unrealized gains and losses are included on the Company's balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders' equity. If unrealized losses are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, such losses are included in earnings as a realized loss.

Expenses
 
Our expenses consist largely of net loss and loss adjustment expenses, commissions and other acquisition costs, general and administrative expenses, amortization of intangible assets and foreign exchange gains or losses. Net loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred are comprised of three main components:

 
·
losses paid, which are actual cash payments to insureds, net of recoveries from reinsurers;

 
·
change in outstanding loss or case reserves, which represent management's best estimate of the likely settlement amount for known claims, less the portion that can be recovered from reinsurers; and

 
·
change in Incurred But Not Reported (“IBNR”) reserves, which are reserves established by us for changes in the values of claims that have been reported to us but are not yet settled, as well as claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported. The portion recoverable from reinsurers is deducted from the gross estimated loss.
  
Acquisition costs are comprised of commissions, brokerage fees and insurance taxes. Commissions and brokerage fees are usually calculated as a percentage of premiums and depend on the market and line of business and can, in certain instances, vary based on loss sensitive features of reinsurance contracts. Acquisition costs are reported after (1) deducting commissions received on ceded reinsurance, (2) deducting the part of acquisition costs relating to unearned premiums and (3) including the amortization of previously deferred acquisition costs.
 
 
38

 
 
General and administrative expenses include personnel expenses including share-based compensation charges, rent expense, professional fees, information technology costs and other general operating expenses. We are experiencing increases in general and administrative expenses resulting from additional staff, increased share-based compensation expense, increased rent expense for our offices and increased professional fees. As the Company continues to expand and diversify in 2011, particularly through the IIS Acquisition, the completion of the implementation of the ACAC Quota Share and other initiatives across both its US and Bermuda platforms, we expect this trend to continue.
 
 Critical Accounting Policies
 
It is important to understand our accounting policies in order to understand our financial position and results of operations. The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The following presents a discussion of those accounting policies and estimates that management believes are the most critical to its operations and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgment. If actual events differ significantly from the underlying assumptions and estimates used by management, there could be material adjustments to prior estimates that could potentially adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. These critical accounting policies and estimates should be read in conjunction with the Company's Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, including Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, for a full understanding of the Company's accounting policies.  For a detailed discussion of our critical accounting policies, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC.  There were no material changes in the application of our critical accounting estimates subsequent to that report.
 
 
 
 
 
 
39

 
 
Results of Operations
 
Net Income
 
The following table sets forth our selected consolidated statement of operations data for each of the periods indicated:
 
   
For the three months
ended September 30,
   
For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
($ in Millions)
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
451.1
   
$
289.8
   
$
1,384.3
   
$
952.0
 
                                 
Net premiums written
 
$
428.6
   
$
273.4
   
$
1,315.1
   
$
897.8
 
                                 
Net premiums earned
 
$
420.3
   
$
309.6
   
$
1,134.5
   
$
857.3
 
Other insurance revenue
   
4.5
     
     
11.4
     
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
(274.5
)
   
(200.6
)
   
(746.3
)
   
(546.3
)
Commissions and other acquisition expenses
   
(126.8
)
   
(89.0
)
   
(339.6
)
   
(254.8
)
General and administrative expenses
   
(9.4
)
   
(7.1
)
   
(28.0
)
   
(19.7
)
Total underwriting income
   
14.1
     
12.9
     
32.0
     
36.5
 
Other general and administrative expenses
   
(3.1
)
   
(3.8
)
   
(9.6
)
   
(9.2
)
Net investment income
   
18.7
     
17.5
     
57.7
     
54.0
 
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains
   
(2.9
)
   
1.6
     
(2.3
)
   
2.5
 
Junior subordinated debt repurchase expense
   
     
     
(15.1
)
   
 
Accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance cost
   
     
     
(20.3
)
   
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
(1.2
)
   
(1.4
)
   
(3.7
)
   
(4.4
)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains
   
(1.1
)
   
1.2
     
0.9
     
(0.4
)
Interest and amortization expenses
   
(8.2
)
   
(9.1
)
   
(26.6
)
   
(27.3
)
Income tax expense
   
(0.3
)
   
(0.4
)
   
(2.0
)
   
(1.0
)
Net income
 
$
16.0
   
$
18.5
   
$
11.0
   
$
50.7
 
                                 
Selected Consolidated Ratios:
                               
Net loss and loss expense ratio
   
64.6
%
   
64.8
%
   
65.1
%
   
63.7
%
Acquisition cost ratio
   
29.8
%
   
28.7
%
   
29.6
%
   
29.7
%
General and administrative expense ratio
   
3.0
%
   
3.5
%
   
3.3
%
   
3.4
%
Expense ratio
   
32.8
%
   
32.2
%
   
32.9
%
   
33.1
%
Combined ratio
   
97.4
%
   
97.0
%
   
98.0
%
   
96.8
%
 
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $16.0 million as compared to $18.5 million for the same period in 2010. The 2011 results include improved underwriting income reflecting continued strong premium growth, offset by a slightly higher combined ratio in 2011. The lower net income result is primarily the result of realized and unrealized investment losses of $2.9 million in 2011 as compared to realized and unrealized investment gains of $1.6 million in 2010. Operating earnings were $21.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to $18.0 million for the same period in 2010.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $11.0 million as compared to $50.7 million for the same period in 2010. The lower result in 2011 was due to charges related to the Senior Notes offering and the results include $15.1 million of junior subordinated debt repurchase expense and $20.3 million of accelerated amortization of junior subordinated debt discount and issuance costs. Operating earnings, which exclude the items related to the Senior Notes offering as well as other items as defined, was $52.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to $55.4 million for the same period in 2010. The 2011 results reflect continued strong premium growth in all of the Company’s operating segments, offset by higher combined ratios in the Diversified and AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Segments. The 2011 results include $9.5 million in losses related to thunderstorm and tornado activity across the U.S. in the second quarter, net of the Company’s quarterly provisions for normalized catastrophe activity. In addition, the lower result reflects realized and unrealized investment losses of $2.3 million in 2011 as compared to realized and unrealized investment gains of $2.5 million in 2010.
 
 
40

 

 
Comparison of Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Premiums.  We evaluate our business by segment. The following table details the mix of our business on both a net premiums written and net premiums earned basis:
 
   
Net Premiums Written
   
Net Premiums Earned
 
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Diversified Reinsurance
   
44.0
%
   
38.2
%
   
46.0
%
   
45.6
%
   
47.1
%
   
46.0
%
   
47.8
%
   
53.1
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
   
40.5
%
   
40.4
%
   
39.3
%
   
38.0
%
   
38.0
%
   
39.0
%
   
36.2
%
   
38.9
%
ACAC Quota Share
   
15.5
%
   
21.4
%
   
14.7
%
   
16.4
%
   
14.9
%
   
15.0
%
   
16.0
%
   
8.0
%
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
 
A variety of factors resulted in continuing growth in the Company’s premium on both a written and earned basis for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010. These factors include:

 
·
In addition, the IIS Acquisition, which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2010 and is reported as part of the Diversified Reinsurance segment, continues to diversify the Company.
     
 
·
In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the U.S. business associated with the Diversified Reinsurance business experienced strong growth resulting in further diversification of the Company’s premium base.
     
 
·
Finally, the Company continues to experience growth across all lines of business in its AmTrust segment, which added an additional line of business in the second quarter 2011, with the inception of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, which is discussed in greater detail in the AmTrust segment discussion.
     
  
·
As noted previously, the ACAC Quota Share segment results in 2011 reflect a full nine months of operations as compared to 2010, which only had seven months of operations.

Net Premiums Written.  Net premiums increased by $155.2 million and $417.3 million or 56.7% and 46.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010, respectively.  The increase in net premiums written was primarily the result of the following:
 
 
·
Premium from the IIS Acquisition. The IIS Acquisition was completed on November 30, 2010; IIS contributed $22.1 million and $85.9 million of the overall increase in net premium written for the three and nine month periods in 2011, respectively.

 
·
Continued underwriting discipline by Maiden US.  Maiden US is maintaining its underwriting discipline in the face of ongoing significant market competition. However, Maiden US continues to see demand for its products and in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, was successful in securing a series of new accounts and experienced strong organic growth, which resulted in increased premiums of $60.7 million and $99.7 million, for those periods, respectively.

 
·
Growth in the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment premium. The commencement of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share increased premiums written by $10.5 million and $85.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, while the business assumed under the Master Agreement increased $52.7 million and $90.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.

 
·
Growth in the ACAC Quota Share segment.  2011 includes a full nine months of results compared to only seven months in 2010, resulting in growth of $45.2 million or 30.6% for the nine month period 2011 as compared to 2010.  For the three months ended September 30, 2011 net premiums written increased by $7.7 million or 13.2%, compared to the same period in 2010.

Excluding the business associated with the Hospital Liability Quota Share, $167.4 million or 50.5% of the increase in net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 was attributable to the automobile line of business, primarily personal auto.

Net Premiums Earned.  Net premiums earned increased by $110.7 million and $277.2 million or 35.8% and 32.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010, respectively.  The increase in net premiums earned was primarily the result of:


 
·
First full calendar quarters of the IIS Acquisition. The IIS Acquisition was completed on November 30, 2010 and thus the nine months ended September 30, 2011 represents the first full calendar periods of operations for the business associated with the IIS Acquisition, which contributed $34.3 million and $88.3 million of the overall increase in net premiums earned for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010, respectively.
   
 
·
 
Growth in the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment premium. The commencement of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share on April 1, 2011 increased premiums earned by $22.6 million and $42.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 while the business assumed under the Master Agreement increased $16.4 million and $35.3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010, respectively.
 
 
41

 
 
 
·
Growth in the ACAC Quota Share segment.  As noted, this new segment commenced on March 1, 2010 and thus the nine months ended September 30, 2011 represents a full nine month period as compared to only seven months in 2010, contributing $16.4 million and $113.0 million of the increase for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010, respectively.

Other Insurance Revenue. Other insurance revenue represents the IIS Fee Business that is not directly associated with premium revenue generated by the Company. The three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 represent the first full periods of operations for the IIS Fee Business and is primarily in respect of the German auto business.

Net Investment Income.  Net investment income increased by $1.2 million and $3.7 million, or 7.1% and 7.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Average invested assets for the period were approximately $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion compared to $2.1 billion and $2.0 billion and average yields were approximately 3.1% and 3.3% compared to 3.4% and 3.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Continued growth in the overall book of business in all segments as described herein, combined with positive cash flow from operations over the last twelve months contributed to the growth in invested assets.
   
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment (Losses) Gains. Net realized and unrealized losses on investments were $2.9 million and $2.3 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to net realized and unrealized gains of $1.6 million and $2.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.  Please refer to Investments on page 52 for further information.
 
Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Net loss and loss adjustment expenses increased by $73.9 million and $200.0 million, or 36.8% and 36.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same periods in 2010, respectively.   The Company’s loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2011 decreased to 64.6% from 64.8% for the same period in 2010. Stable loss ratios in the Company’s Diversified Reinsurance segment contributed to the decrease. The Company’s loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased to 65.1% from 63.7% for same period in 2010. The underwriting impact of U.S storm activity increased the loss ratio by 0.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Adjusted for the storm losses, the Company’s loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was 64.3%, reflecting improved loss ratios in the Diversified Reinsurance segment as a result of the IIS Acquisition offset by higher loss ratios in the AmTrust and ACAC segments. The Company amortized gains as a reduction of losses assumed from the IIS and GMAC Re Acquisitions of $12.7 million and $27.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to $8.8 million and $20.4 million for the same periods in 2010, respectively.

  Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses.  Commission and other acquisition expenses increased by $37.8 million and $84.8 million, or 42.5% and 33.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to the same period in 2010.  This reflects both the growth in earned premium offset by modifications to ceding commission made under the Master Agreement and the lower ceding commission and profit share under the AmTrust European Hospital Liability Quota Share, both effective April 1, 2011 and discussed in further detail in that segment’s results of operations.

General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses include expenses which are segregated for analytical purposes as a component of underwriting income.  General and administrative expenses consist of:
 
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
($ in Millions)
 
General and administrative expenses – segments
 
$
9.4
   
$
7.1
   
$
28.0
   
$
19.7
 
General and administrative expenses – corporate
   
3.1
     
3.8
     
9.6
     
9.2
 
Total
 
$
12.5
   
$
10.9
   
$
37.6
   
$
28.9
 
General and administrative expense ratio
   
3.0
%
   
3.5
%
   
3.3
%
   
3.4
%
 
Total general and administrative expenses increased by $1.6 million, or 15.1% and $8.7 million, or 30.2%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same periods in 2010, respectively. The general and administrative expense ratio, which is a measure of the Company’s efficiency, was 3.0% and 3.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to 3.5% and 3.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The decrease in the three month period reflects the growth in the overall book of business in 2011 along with a decline in expenses from the IIS Acquisition in 2010, primarily non-recurring professional expenses.
 
 
42

 
 
Interest and Amortization Expenses.  The TRUPS Offering was completed in January 2009 and the Senior Notes Offering closed on June 24, 2011.  The interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 consists of the following:
 
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
($ in Millions)
 
TRUPS Offering
 
$
6.0
   
$
9.1
   
$
24.2
   
$
27.3
 
Senior Note Offering
   
2.2
     
     
2.4
     
 
Total
 
$
8.2
   
$
9.1
   
$
26.6
   
$
27.3
 

The decrease in interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010 was due to the repurchase on July 15, 2011 of $107.5 million of the TRUPs Offering which have a coupon of 14.00%, the repurchase of which was financed with the issuance of the Senior Notes, which have a coupon of 8.25%. The weighted average interest rate was 13.16% and 16.20% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to 16.95% for the same periods in 2010, respectively.
 
Income Taxes. As a result of the IIS Acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company now accrues current income taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions, primarily Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Accordingly, the Company incurred $0.3 million and $2.0 million in income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to $0.4 million and $1.0 million in the same period in 2010, respectively.

Underwriting Results by Segment
 
The results of operations for our three business segments, Diversified Reinsurance, AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and ACAC Quota Share are discussed below.  As noted previously, the Company added a third business segment in the first quarter of 2010, ACAC Quota Share.  Please refer to the section within Recent Developments captioned ACAC Transaction for further details on this segment.

Diversified Reinsurance Segment
 
The combined ratio was 95.8% and 96.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to 95.8% and 95.6% in the same periods ended 2010, respectively. As discussed previously, the 2011 results include the underwriting impact of U.S. storm activity, which increased the combined ratio by 1.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Adjusted for the storm losses, the segment’s combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was 95.1% as compared to 95.6% for the same period in 2010, reflecting improved loss ratios in the segment.

The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the Diversified Reinsurance segment:
 
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
($ in Millions)
 
Net premiums written
 
$
188.7
   
$
104.4
   
$
605.5
   
$
409.1
 
                                 
Net premiums earned
 
$
197.8
   
$
142.4
   
$
542.3
   
$
455.4
 
Other insurance revenue
   
4.5
     
     
11.4
     
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
(123.3
)
   
(95.4
)
   
(350.0
)
   
(294.1
)
Commissions and other acquisition expenses
   
(62.0
)
   
(34.2
)
   
(161.7
)
   
(123.1
)
General and administrative expenses
   
(8.5
)
   
(6.8
)
   
(24.8
)
   
(18.3
)
Underwriting income
 
$
8.5
   
$
6.0
   
$
17.2
   
$
19.9
 
                                 
Net loss and loss expense ratio
   
60.9
%
   
67.0
%
   
63.2
%
   
64.6
%
Acquisition cost ratio
   
30.7
%
   
24.0
%
   
29.2
%
   
27.0
%
General and administrative expense ratio
   
4.2
%
   
4.8
%
   
4.5
%
   
4.0
%
Expense ratio
   
34.9
%
   
28.8
%
   
33.7
%
   
31.0
%
Combined ratio
   
95.8
%
   
95.8
%
   
96.9
%
   
95.6
%
 
 
 
43

 
 
Net Premiums Written.  Net premiums written increased by $84.3 million and $196.4 million, or 80.6% and 48.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.  The table below details net premiums written by line of business in this segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
   
For the three months ended 
September 30,
   
Change In
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Property
 
$
46.9
   
$
37.4
   
$
9.5
     
25.2
%
Casualty
   
106.4
     
54.2
     
52.2
     
96.4
%
Accident and Health
   
13.3
     
12.8
     
0.5
     
3.4
%
International
   
22.1
     
     
22.1
     
NM
 
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
188.7
   
$
104.4
   
$
84.3
     
80.6
%
 NM = Not Meaningful

As noted, the IIS Acquisition was completed on November 30, 2010 and the three months ended September 30, 2011 represents the third full calendar quarter of operations, which accounted for $22.1 million of the increase.  In addition, the business written by Maiden US experienced continued growth in the third quarter of 2011 of $60.7 million or 58.3%, as compared to the third quarter of 2010. A series of new accounts were successfully placed, primarily quota share reinsurance contracts.

  The table below details net premiums written by line of business in this segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

   
For the nine months ended 
September 30,
   
Change In
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Property
 
$
168.6
   
$
131.8
   
$
36.8
     
27.9
%
Casualty
   
314.2
     
238.2
     
76.0
     
31.9
%
Accident and Health
   
36.8
     
39.1
     
(2.3
)
   
(5.9
%)
International
   
85.9
     
     
85.9
     
NM
 
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
605.5
   
$
409.1
   
$
196.4
     
48.0
%
 NM = Not Meaningful

As noted, the IIS Acquisition was completed on November 30, 2010 and the nine months ended September 30, 2011 represents the first three full calendar quarters of operations, which accounted for $85.9 million of the increase.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, approximately 68.9% of the net premium written of the International line of business was Personal Automobile business associated with the IIS Acquisition.  The remainder of the net premium written in the International line of business was Credit Life business associated with the IIS Acquisition.  Further, approximately 52.0% of the net premiums written in the International line of business originated in Germany.  No other country in International exceeded 10% of net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  In addition, the business written by Maiden US experienced solid growth in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $99.7 million or 25.3% as compared to the same period in 2010, when certain accounts were not renewed or more premiums was retained by clients. A series of new accounts were successfully added in 2011, primarily excess of loss reinsurance contracts.

Net Premiums Earned.   Net premium earned increased by $55.4 million and $86.9 million, or 38.9% and 19.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.  The table below details net premiums earned by line of business in this segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
Change In
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Property
 
$
45.3
   
$
42.8
   
$
2.5
     
5.9
%
Casualty
   
107.8
     
86.0
     
21.8
     
25.3
%
Accident and Health
   
10.4
     
13.6
     
(3.2
)
   
(23.3
%)
International
   
34.3
     
     
34.3
   
NM
 
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
197.8
   
$
142.4
   
$
55.4
     
38.9
%
NM = Not Meaningful

The increase in earned premiums reflects the addition of the business associated with the IIS Acquisition in 2011 as compared to 2010, which accounted for $34.3 million of the increase.  In addition, the business written by Maiden US and Maiden Bermuda experienced continued growth in the third quarter of 2011 of $21.1 million or 14.8% as compared to the third quarter of 2010.  Maiden US continued to experience strong growth in 2011 and Maiden Bermuda expanded an existing client account, causing the increase. This was offset by the decrease in the Accident & Health (“A&H”) line of business, reflecting Maiden’s disciplined underwriting and the Company’s de-emphasis of the A&H line of business, which resulted in a reduction in the amount of business written during 2011 and 2010, subsequently reducing the amount of premium earned in 2011.
 
 
44

 

 
The table below details net premiums earned by line of business in this segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
   
For the nine months ended 
September 30,
   
Change In
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Property
 
$
134.7
   
$
132.2
   
$
2.5
     
2.0
%
Casualty
   
285.7
     
270.1
     
15.6
     
5.8
%
Accident and Health
   
33.5
     
53.1
     
(19.6
)
   
(36.9
%)
International
   
88.4
     
     
88.4
   
NM
 
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
542.3
   
$
455.4
   
$
86.9
     
19.1
%
NM = Not Meaningful

The increase in earned premiums reflects the addition of the business associated with the IIS Acquisition in 2011 as compared to 2010. This was offset by the decrease in the Accident & Health line of business, reflecting Maiden’s disciplined underwriting and the Company’s de-emphasis of the A&H line of business, which resulted in a reduction in the amount of business written during 2011 and 2010, subsequently reducing the amount of premium earned in 2011.
 
Other Insurance Revenue.   Other insurance revenue represents the IIS Fee Business that is not directly associated with premium revenue generated by the Company. The first nine months of 2011 represents the first full calendar periods of operations for the IIS Fee Business and is primarily in respect of the German auto business.

Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses.   Net loss and loss adjustment expenses increased by $27.9 million and $55.9 million or 29.2% and 19.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010, respectively. The segment's loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2011 decreased to 60.9% from 67.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The segment’s loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased to 63.2% from 64.6% for the same period in 2010.  The underwriting impact of U.S storm activity increased the loss ratio by 1.7% in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Adjusted for the storm losses, the Company’s loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was 61.5%. Amortized gains as a reduction of losses incurred from both the IIS and GMAC Re Acquisitions of $12.7 million and $27.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to $8.8 million and $20.4 million for the same periods in 2010, respectively.
 
Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses.  Commissions and other acquisition expenses increased by $27.8 million or 81.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 and increased $38.6 million or 31.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010, primarily reflecting the increased quota share business as a result of the IIS Acquisition, which typically has a higher ceding commission associated with that business.

General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses increased by $1.7 million and $6.5 million, or 25.5% and 35.2%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same periods in 2010, respectively. The increase in expenses is the result of growth in the segment premiums, particularly as a result of the IIS Acquisition.   The general and administrative expense ratio was 4.2% and 4.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to 4.8% and 4.0% for the same periods in 2010, respectively. The overall expense ratio (including acquisition costs) was 34.9% and 33.7% and 28.8% and 31.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
 AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Segment
 
Pursuant to agreements entered into on July 26, 2011, effective April 1, 2011, the Company entered into a series of contract modifications with AmTrust regarding the reinsurance coverage it provides under the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement (“Master Agreement”), including the ceding commission arrangements contained within that contract. These changes include: 1) extension of the Master Agreement for one additional year, to July 1, 2014, while continuing the automatic three-year renewal subject to the provisions of the contract; 2) a reduction of the ceding commission payable under the Reinsurance Agreement to 30.0% for the period April 1 to December 31, 2011; and 3) subsequent to December 31, 2011, a provision which potentially reduces the ceding commission payable based on the mix of business ceded under the Reinsurance Agreement, excluding business related to the Unitrin Business Insurance (“UBI”) business to either 30.5% or 30.0%.

In addition, on April 1, 2011, the Company entered into a separate one-year 40% quota share agreement (“European Hospital Liability Quota Share”) with AmTrust Europe Limited and AmTrust International Underwriters Limited to cover those entities medical liability business in Europe, substantially all of which is in Italy. The Company’s maximum limit of liability is €2 million and it will pay a ceding commission of 5.0% plus a profit share as defined in the agreement. The profit sharing is based upon the reinsured exceeding defined underwriting performance of each contract year, commencing two years after the beginning of each contract year.  To the extent that the underwriting performance is exceeded, the Company will share 50% of the excess amounts computed.  Pursuant to the terms of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, the Company assumed the in-force and unearned premium as of April 1 which totaled $45.9 million. The business written under this agreement will be included in the Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty line of business in the discussion that follows. As a result of the additional agreement with AmTrust, this segment’s name has been renamed AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance.
 
45

 

The combined ratio increased to 97.8% and 97.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to 95.6% and 95.7% for the same periods in 2010, respectively.  The cause of the increase was due to an increase in the overall loss ratio, offset by a reduction in commissions as a result of a negotiated reduction in the ceding commission of 1.0% effective April 1, 2011, and the change in mix of business due to the commencement of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share.  The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010: 

   
For the three months ended 
September 30,
   
For the nine months ended 
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
($ in Millions)
 
Net premiums written
 
$
173.5
   
$
110.3
   
$
516.7
   
$
341.0
 
                                 
Net premiums earned
 
$
159.7
   
$
120.8
   
$
410.4
   
$
333.1
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
(110.7
)
   
(76.2
)
   
(279.0
)
   
(209.2
)
Commissions and other acquisition expenses
   
(44.9
)
   
(39.1
)
   
(120.2
)
   
(108.3
)
General and administrative expenses
   
(0.5
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(1.8
)
   
(1.3
)
Underwriting income
 
$
3.6
   
$
5.3
   
$
9.4
   
$
14.3
 
                                 
Net loss and loss expense ratio
   
69.3
%
   
63.1
%
   
68.0
%
   
62.8
%
Acquisition cost ratio
   
28.1
%
   
32.3
%
   
29.3
%
   
32.5
%
General and administrative expense ratio
   
0.4
%
   
0.2
%
   
0.4
%
   
0.4
%
Expense ratio
   
28.5
%
   
32.5
%
   
29.7
%
   
32.9
%
Combined ratio
   
97.8
%
   
95.6
%
   
97.7
%
   
95.7
%
 
Premiums.  Net premiums written increased by $63.2 million or 57.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010.    For the three months ended September 30, 2011, net premiums written for the European Hospital Liability Quota Share were $10.5 million.  Excluding this new coverage, the net premiums written in the segment increased by $52.7 million or 47.7%, primarily due to continuing increases in each line of business.  The table below details components of net premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010:
 
   
For the three months ended 
September 30,
   
Change In
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Small Commercial Business
 
$
57.8
   
$
43.7
   
$
14.1
     
32.5
%
Specialty Program
   
38.3
     
21.0
     
17.3
     
82.1
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
   
77.4
     
45.6
     
31.8
     
69.6
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
$
173.5
   
$
110.3
   
$
63.2
     
57.3
%
 
Net premiums written increased by $175.7 million or 51.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010.  The increase in net premiums written was primarily due to the commencement of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share effective April 1, 2011, including the $45.9 million in force and unearned premium assumed at the commencement.  Net premiums written for the European Hospital Liability Quota Share was $39.7 million relating to policies written after April 1, 2011.  Excluding this new coverage, the net premiums written in the segment increased by $90.1 million or 26.4%.  The table below details components of net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010:

 
46

 
 

   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
   
Change In
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Small Commercial Business
 
$
174.5
   
$
147.5
   
$
27.0
     
18.3
%
Specialty Program
   
73.7
     
51.9
     
21.8
     
42.0
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
   
268.5
     
141.6
     
126.9
     
89.6
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
$
516.7
   
$
341.0
   
$
175.7
     
51.5
%

Net premiums earned increased by $38.9 million or 32.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010.    The increase in net premiums earned was primarily due to the commencement of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share effective April 1, 2011, which accounted for $22.6 million of the overall increase.  Excluding this new coverage, the net premiums earned in the segment increased by $16.3 million or 13.6%.  The table below details components of net premiums earned for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010:
  
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
Change In
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Small Commercial Business
 
$
55.6
   
$
46.8
   
$
8.8
     
18.8
%
Specialty Program
   
26.6
     
21.5
     
5.1
     
24.0
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
   
77.5
     
52.5
     
25.0
     
47.6
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
$
159.7
   
$
120.8
   
$
38.9
     
32.2
%
 
Net premiums earned increased by $77.3 million or 23.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010.  The increase in net premiums earned was primarily due to the commencement of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share effective April 1, 2011, which accounted for $42.0 million of the overall increase.  Excluding this new coverage, the net premiums earned in the segment increased by $35.3 million or 10.6%.  The table below details components of net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010:
 
   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
   
Change In
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Small Commercial Business
  $ 156.0     $ 154.9     $ 1.1       0.7 %
Specialty Program
    63.2       53.0       10.2       19.3 %
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
    191.2       125.2       66.0       52.7 %
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
  $ 410.4     $ 333.1     $ 77.3       23.2 %

Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses.   Net loss and loss adjustment expenses increased by $34.5 million or 45.3% and $69.8 million and 33.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010, respectively.  The segments loss ratio increased to 69.3% and 68.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to 63.1% and 62.8% for the same periods in 2010. The increase in the loss ratios reflects the ongoing shift in the mix of business to Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty under the Master Agreement and the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, which historically produce higher loss ratios than the other lines of business.
 
Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses.    Commission and other acquisition expenses increased by $5.8 million or 15.0% and $11.9 million or 11.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same periods in 2010, respectively. The commission and acquisition ratio declined to 28.1% and 29.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to 32.3% and 32.5% for the same periods in 2010, respectively.  The change in both the expenses and ratio reflects the modifications to ceding commission made under the Master Agreement and the lower ceding commission under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, both effective April 1, 2011.  The impact of the lower ceding commission rate reduced the amount of ceding commission paid to AmTrust by $1.1 million and $2.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Expenses have also increased in both periods as a result of ongoing growth in earned premium.
 
General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses increased by $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
 

 
47

 
 
ACAC Quota Share Segment
 
 Please refer to the above discussion of the ACAC Transaction, which resulted in this segment commencing on March 1, 2010.  As a result, comparability between periods is affected by the fact that the results for the first quarter of 2010 reflect only one month of results.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the combined ratio was 96.8% and 97.1%, respectively, compared to a combined ratio of 96.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 96.7% for the period March 1 to September 30, 2010.
 
   
For the three months ended 
September 30,
   
For the nine 
months ended 
September 30,
   
For the 
period from
March 1 to 
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
($ in Millions)
 
Net premiums written
 
$
66.4
   
$
58.7
   
$
192.9
   
$
147.7
 
                                 
Net premiums earned
 
$
62.8
   
$
46.4
   
$
181.8
   
$
68.8
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
(40.5
)
   
(29.0
)
   
(117.3
)
   
(43.0
)
Commissions and other acquisitions expenses
   
(19.9
)
   
(15.7
)
   
(57.7
)
   
(23.4
)
General and administrative expenses
   
(0.4
)
   
(0.1
)
   
(1.4
)
   
(0.1
)
Underwriting income
 
$
2.0
   
$
1.6
   
$
5.4
   
$
2.3
 
                                 
Net loss and loss expense ratio
   
64.5
%
   
62.5
%
   
64.5
%
   
62.5
%
Acquisition cost ratio
   
31.7
%
   
33.9
%
   
31.8
%
   
34.0
%
General and administrative expense ratio
   
0.6
%
   
0.2
%
   
0.8
%
   
0.2
%
Expense ratio
   
32.3
%
   
34.1
%
   
32.6
%
   
34.2
%
Combined ratio
   
96.8
%
   
96.6
%
   
97.1
%
   
96.7
%

Premiums.  Net premium written increased by $7.7 million, or 13.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.  The table below details net premiums written by line of business in this segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
Change in
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Automobile liability  
 
$
38.4
   
$
33.6
   
$
4.8
     
14.6
%
Automobile physical damage  
   
28.0
     
25.1
     
2.9
     
11.4
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
 
$
66.4
   
$
58.7
   
$
7.7
     
13.2
%
 
Net premium written increased by $45.2 million, or 30.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the period from March 1 to September 30, 2010.  The table below details net premiums written by line of business in this segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the period March 1 to September 30, 2010:

   
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
   
For the period
from March 1
to September 30,
   
Change in
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Automobile liability  
 
$
110.7
   
$
84.5
   
$
26.2
     
30.9
%
Automobile physical damage  
   
82.2
     
63.2
     
19.0
     
30.2
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
 
$
192.9
   
$
147.7
   
$
45.2
     
30.6
%

Net premium earned increased by $16.4 million, or 35.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.  The table below details net premiums earned by line of business in this segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
 
48

 
 
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
Change in
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Automobile liability  
 
$
36.1
   
$
26.0
   
$
10.1
     
38.9
%
Automobile physical damage  
   
26.7
     
20.4
     
6.3
     
30.6
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
 
$
62.8
   
$
46.4
   
$
16.4
     
35.3
%
 
Net premium earned increased by $113.0 million, or 164.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the period from March 1 to September 30, 2010.  The table below details net premiums earned by line of business in this segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
   
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
   
For the period
from March 1 to
September 30,
   
Change in
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
Automobile liability  
 
$
104.1
   
$
38.6
   
$
65.5
     
169.8
%
Automobile physical damage  
   
77.7
     
30.2
     
47.5
     
156.7
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
 
$
181.8
   
$
68.8
   
$
113.0
     
164.1
%

Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses.   The ACAC Quota Share provides that the reinsurers pay a provisional ceding commission equal to 32.5% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by the personal lines companies for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 60.5% or less and a minimum of 30.5% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or higher. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the three months ended September 30, 2010 and the period from March 1 to September 30, 2010, the acquisition cost ratio of 31.7% and 31.8%, 33.9% and 34.0%, respectively, reflects the adjusted ceding commission recorded in addition to the U.S. Federal excise tax payable on this premium.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity
 
Maiden Holdings is a holding company and transacts no business of its own. We therefore rely on cash flows to Maiden Holdings in the form of dividends, advances and loans and other permitted distributions from its subsidiary companies to make dividend payments on its common shares.
 
The jurisdictions in which our operating subsidiaries are licensed to write business impose regulations requiring companies to maintain or meet various defined statutory ratios, including solvency and liquidity requirements. Some jurisdictions also place restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions.
 
The payment of dividends from Maiden Holdings’ Bermuda-domiciled operating subsidiary Maiden Bermuda is, under certain circumstances, limited under Bermuda law, which requires our Bermuda operating subsidiary to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity. In addition, Bermuda regulations require approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority for any reduction of capital in excess of 15% of statutory capital, as defined in the Insurance Act 1978 (Bermuda), amendments thereto and related regulations. At September 30, 2011, the statutory capital and surplus of Maiden Bermuda was $687.7 million, and the amount of capital and surplus required to be maintained was $168.9 million. During 2011 and 2010, Maiden Bermuda paid no dividends to Maiden Holdings.
 
Maiden Holdings’ U.S. domiciled operating subsidiaries, Maiden US and Maiden Specialty, are subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting their ability to declare and pay dividends by their states of domicile, which are Missouri and North Carolina, respectively.  In addition, there are restrictions based on risk-based capital tests which is the threshold that constitutes the authorized control level. If Maiden US or Maiden Specialty’s statutory capital and surplus falls below the authorized control level, their respective domiciliary insurance regulators are authorized to take whatever regulatory actions are considered necessary to protect policyholders and creditors. The inability of the subsidiaries of Maiden Holdings to pay dividends and other permitted distributions could have a material adverse effect on Maiden Holdings’ cash requirements and ability to make principal, interest and dividend payments on its Senior Notes and common shares. During 2011 and 2010, Maiden US and Maiden Specialty paid no dividends.
  
 
49

 
 
Our sources of funds primarily consist of premium receipts net of commissions, investment income, net proceeds from capital raising activities, which may include the issuance of common shares, and proceeds from sales and redemption of investments. Cash is used primarily to pay net loss and loss adjustment expenses, interest on debt, general and administrative expenses and dividends, with the remainder made available to our investment managers for investment in accordance with our investment policy. A summary of cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
   
 
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
 
($ in Millions)
             
Operating activities
  $ 61.5     $ 41.8     $ 105.1     $ 114.2  
Investing activities
    1.3       54.0       40.3       87.6  
Financing activities
    (112.3 )     (5.8 )     (93.8 )     (39.4 )
Effect of foreign exchange
    (2.5 )     0.5       (1.4 )     (0.3 )
Total (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (52.0 )   $ 90.5     $ 50.2     $ 162.1  
 
  Cash flows provided by operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $61.5 million and $105.1 million compared to $41.8 million and $114.2 million for the same periods in 2010, respectively. The increase in the amount of cash provided by operations in the third quarter of 2011 reflects the ongoing growth in the Company along with stable combined ratios.  The amount of cash provided by operations in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was slightly lower as compared to 2010 due to growth in the Company’s premium, particularly in the second quarter of 2011, which resulted in a significant increase in reinsurance balances receivable as of September 30, 2011.  The Company’s assets grew by $273.5 million or 9.2% as of September 30, 2011 as compared to December 31, 2010.  This increase in assets should continue to increase cash provided by operating activities as cash from that asset growth is realized.
 
Investing cash flows consist primarily of proceeds on the sale of investments and payments for investments acquired. Net cash from investing activities provided $1.3 million and $40.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $54.0 million and $87.6 million for the same periods in 2010, respectively. The Company continued to deploy available cash for longer-term investments as investment conditions permit. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the proceeds of sales and calls of fixed maturity securities exceeded purchases of such instruments by $44.2 million.
 
Cash flows used in financing activities were $112.3 million and $93.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $5.8 million and $39.4 million used in the same periods in 2010, respectively.  In the third quarter 2011, cash flow used included the repurchase of $107.5 million of junior subordinated debt associated with the TRUPs Offering. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, cash used in financing activities reflects the repayment of $76.2 million of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value along with $15.1 million in dividends paid to common shareholders, compared to $25.8 million and $13.7 million for those items in 2010, respectively.

Fixed income market conditions were particularly volatile during the third quarter of 2011 and the Company made a limited number of fixed income investments during the period, which combined with strong operating cash flow from operations, resulted in higher cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2011 as compared to June 30, 2011.
 
Restrictions, Collateral and Specific Requirements
 
 Maiden Bermuda is neither licensed nor admitted as an insurer, nor is it accredited as a reinsurer, in any jurisdiction in the United States. As a result, it is generally required to post collateral security with respect to any reinsurance liabilities it assumes from ceding insurers domiciled in the United States in order for U.S. ceding companies to obtain credit on their U.S. statutory financial statements with respect to insurance liabilities ceded to them. Under applicable statutory provisions, the security arrangements may be in the form of letters of credit, reinsurance trusts maintained by trustees or funds-withheld arrangements where assets are held by the ceding company.
 
At this time, Maiden Bermuda uses trust accounts primarily to meet collateral requirements — cash equivalents and investments pledged in favor of ceding companies in order to comply with relevant insurance regulations.
 
Maiden US also offers to its clients, on a voluntary basis, the ability to collateralize certain liabilities related to the reinsurance contracts it issues. Under these arrangements, Maiden US retains broad investment discretion in order to achieve its business objectives while offering clients the additional security a collateralized arrangement offers. We believe this offers the Company a significant competitive advantage and improves the Company’s retention of high-quality clients. As a result of the transition of relationships resulting from the GMAC Acquisition, as of September 30, 2011, certain of these liabilities and collateralized arrangements are obligations of Maiden Bermuda while the remainder are obligations of Maiden US.
  
 
50

 
 
As of September 30, 2011, total trust account deposits were $1,454.4 million compared to $1,518.9 million as of December 31, 2010. The following table details additional information on the trust account deposits by segment and by underlying asset as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Cash &
Equivalents
   
Fixed
Maturities
   
Total
   
Cash &
Equivalents
   
Fixed
Maturities
   
Total
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
($ in Millions)
 
Maiden US
 
$
10.4
   
$
608.0
   
$
618.4
   
$
13.4
   
$
558.1
   
$
571.5
 
Maiden Bermuda
   
45.3
     
303.3
     
348.6
     
49.0
     
515.8
     
564.8
 
Total Diversified Reinsurance Segment
   
55.7
     
911.3
     
967.0
     
62.4
     
1,073.9
     
1,136.3
 
                                                 
Maiden Bermuda
   
30.4
     
399.5
     
429.9
     
18.1
     
340.5
     
358.6
 
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Segment
   
30.4
     
399.5
     
429.9
     
18.1
     
340.5
     
358.6
 
                                                 
Maiden Bermuda
   
10.7
     
46.8
     
57.5
     
9.3
     
14.7
     
24.0
 
ACAC Quota Share
   
10.7
     
46.8
     
57.5
     
9.3
     
14.7
     
24.0
 
Total
 
$
96.8
   
$
1,357.6
   
$
1,454.4
   
$
89.8
   
$
1,429.1
   
$
1,518.9
 
 
As part of the AmTrust Master Agreement, Maiden Bermuda has also loaned funds totaling $168.0 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, to AII to satisfy collateral requirements. In addition, Maiden Bermuda has outstanding letters of credit totaling $27.2 million and $24.0 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Collateral arrangements with ceding insurers may subject our assets to security interests or require that a portion of our assets be pledged to, or otherwise held by, third parties. Both our trust accounts and letters of credit are fully collateralized by assets held in custodial accounts. Although the investment income derived from our assets while held in trust accrues to our benefit, the investment of these assets is governed by the terms of the letter of credit facilities or the investment regulations of the state or territory of domicile of the ceding insurer, which may be more restrictive than the investment regulations applicable to us under Bermuda law. The restrictions may result in lower investment yields on these assets, which may adversely affect our profitability.
 
We do not currently anticipate that the restrictions on liquidity resulting from restrictions on the payments of dividends by our subsidiary companies or from assets committed in trust accounts or to collateralize the letter of credit facilities will have a material impact on our ability to carry out our normal business activities, including, our ability to make dividend payments on our common shares.
 
 IIS Acquisition – Funds Withheld
 
The substantial majority of the premiums and losses underwritten by GMAC IICL are subject to collateral requirements in the form of letters of credit and trust agreements. At the closing of the IIS Acquisition, the Company settled cash balances applicable to the subject reinsurance contracts with GMAC IICL of $26.2 million. Actual assets in support of the liabilities assumed under the IICL Agreement will be transferred to the Company when the subject individual agreements are novated to Maiden Bermuda.  In the interim, under the funds withheld provisions of the IICL Agreement, the Company is fully credited for the investment income earned by the underlying assets which support the letters of credit and trust agreements GMAC IICL has provided to its ceding companies.
 
Funds withheld under the provisions of the IICL Agreement (“IIS Funds Withheld”) are included in the consolidated balance sheet as Funds Withheld.  When the underlying reinsurance contracts are novated to Maiden Bermuda per the terms of the IICL Agreement, Maiden Bermuda will provide collateral in the form of both trusts and letters of credit as required by the respective reinsurance contracts.  As of September 30, 2011, eight novations of reinsurance contracts have been agreed to; transfers of the subject balances to the Company are pending.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the IIS Funds Withheld balance consisted of the following:

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Balance
   
% of Total
   
Balance
   
% of Total
 
   
($ in Millions)
         
($ in Millions)
       
Fixed maturities, at fair value:
                               
Non-U.S. government bonds
 
$
83.0
     
57.8
%
 
$
109.1
     
71.4
%
Corporate bonds
   
17.4
     
12.1
%
   
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
19.1
     
13.3
%
   
10.3
     
6.8
%
Funds held on underlying business
   
19.1
     
13.3
%
   
18.0
     
11.8
%
Insurance balances receivable and other
   
5.1
     
3.5
%
   
15.3
     
10.0
%
Total
 
$
143.7
     
100.0
%
 
$
152.7
     
100.0
%
 
 
51

 

 
The fixed maturity portfolio consists primarily of non-U.S. government debt, 87.1% and 67.1% of which is rated AAA as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  All corporate bonds held as of September 30, 2011 are investment grade securities.  The three largest non-U.S. Sovereign government issuers are the following:

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Fair Value
   
% of Total
   
Fair Value
   
% of Total
 
   
($ in Millions)
         
($ in Millions)
       
United Kingdom
 
$
29.7
     
35.8
%
 
$
29.8
     
27.3
%
Germany
   
20.0
     
24.1
%
   
19.9
     
18.2
%
Sweden
   
8.8
     
10.6
%
   
17.4
     
15.9
%
 
As of December 31, 2010, 9.6% of these securities consist of non-U.S. government obligations related to Ireland which we have subsequently disposed of.  As of September 30, 2011, we do not have any non-U.S. government and government related obligations related to Ireland, Italy, Greece, Portugal or Spain.  We had no exposure to government-related obligations of Greece, Portugal and Spain as of December 31, 2010. See the discussion in Counterparty Credit Risk in Item 3 of Part I of this Form 10-Q related to the release of assets forming part of the IIS Funds Withheld.

Investments
 
Our funds are primarily invested in liquid, high-grade fixed income securities and are substantially considered available-for-sale (“AFS”) with an orientation to generating current income. As of September 30, 2011, the weighted average duration of our fixed maturity investment portfolio was 2.78 years and there were approximately $76.4 million of net unrealized gains in the portfolio, compared to a duration of 3.8 years and net AFS  unrealized gains of $54.6 million in the portfolio as of December 31, 2010.  The decrease in duration is due to the acceleration of actual and expected prepayments of certain of the Company's U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, largely due to the declining interest rate environment which has resulted in significant refinancing of residential real estate loans. The table below shows the aggregate amounts of our invested AFS assets and other investments at fair value at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
As of September 30, 2011
 
Original or
Amortized 
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized 
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized 
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
   
($ in Millions)
 
Corporate bonds
 
$
659.5
   
$
50.0
   
$
(24.5
)
 
$
685.0
 
Non U.S. government bonds
   
14.6
     
0.6
     
     
15.2
 
Municipal bonds
   
110.7
     
0.7
     
     
111.4
 
U.S. Treasury bond
   
44.2
     
1.8
     
     
46.0
 
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
   
976.0
     
45.9
     
     
1,021.9
 
U.S. agency bonds - other
   
16.7
     
1.9
     
     
18.6
 
Total AFS fixed maturities
 
$
1,821.7
   
$
100.9
   
$
(24.5
)
 
$
1,898.1
 
                                 
Other investments
 
$
1.8
   
$
0.2
   
$
   
$
2.0
 

As of December 31, 2010
 
Original or
Amortized 
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized 
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized 
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
   
($ in Millions)
 
Corporate bonds  
 
$
673.8
   
$
46.6
   
$
(11.4
)
 
$
709.0
 
Non U.S. government bonds  
   
15.5
     
0.4
     
     
15.9
 
Municipal bonds  
   
45.2
     
0.4
     
(0.8
)
   
44.8
 
U.S. Treasury bond  
   
92.0
     
1.1
     
(1.4
)
   
91.7
 
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
   
951.5
     
22.4
     
(4.4
)
   
969.5
 
U.S. agency bonds - other  
   
41.8
     
1.7
     
     
43.5
 
Total AFS fixed maturities  
 
$
1,819.8
   
$
72.6
   
$
(18.0
)
 
$
1,874.4
 
                                 
Other investments  
 
$
5.8
   
$
0.1
   
$
   
$
5.9
 
   
  Investments were generally stable in the third quarter of 2011. Positive operating cash flows and a continuing increase in fair values were offset by utilization of funds to reduce to $0 the securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value at September 30, 2011.
 
 
52

 
 
We review our investment portfolio for impairment on a quarterly basis. Impairments of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. To determine the recovery period of a fixed maturity security, we consider the facts and circumstances surrounding the underlying issuer including, but not limited to, the following:

 
Historic and implied volatility of the security;
 
Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;
 
Adverse conditions specifically related to the security or to specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;
 
Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and
 
Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

When assessing our intent to sell a fixed maturity security or if it is more likely that we will be required to sell a fixed maturity security before recovery of its cost basis, we evaluate facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition our security portfolio, sale of securities to meet cash flow needs and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing. In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a fixed maturity security, we calculate the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows we expect to recover. The discount rate is the effective interest rate implicit in the underlying fixed maturity security. The effective interest rate is the original yield or the coupon if the fixed maturity security was previously impaired. If other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) exists and we have the intent to sell the security, we conclude that the entire OTTI is credit-related and the amortized cost for the security is written down to current fair value with a corresponding charge to realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income. If we do not intend to sell a fixed maturity security or it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell a fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the fixed maturity security (referred to as the credit loss), we conclude that an OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to the estimated recovery value with a corresponding charge to realized loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income, as this is also deemed the credit portion of the OTTI. The remainder of the decline to fair value is recorded to other comprehensive income (“OCI”), as an unrealized OTTI loss on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as this is considered a non-credit (i.e., recoverable) impairment.

During the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized no OTTI. Based on our qualitative and quantitative impairment review of each asset class within our fixed maturity portfolio, the remaining unrealized losses on fixed maturities at September 30, 2011, were primarily due to widening of credit spreads relating to the market illiquidity, rather than credit events. Because we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities until a recovery of fair value to amortized cost, we currently believe it is probable that we will collect all amounts due according to their respective contractual terms. Therefore we do not consider these fixed maturities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2011.

The Company may, from time to time, engage in investment activity that will be considered trading activity, in amounts generally less than $100 million. This trading activity is generally focused on taking long or short positions in United States Treasury securities. These activities, which commenced in the second quarter of 2010, are classified as trading for the purpose of augmenting where possible investment returns.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, $0.3 million and $0.8 million in realized gains from these trading activities occurred, as compared to a net realized gains of $0.3 million and net unrealized loss of $0.3 million for the same periods in 2010, respectively. As of September 30, 2011, the Company maintained one open short position in a U.S. treasury bond valued at $55.5 million as of September 30, 2011 had resulted in an unrealized loss of $3.1 million which is recorded in net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. This short position is recorded as a liability in the Accrued expenses and other liabilities caption on the Company’s balance sheet as of September 30, 2011.

The following table presents information regarding our invested assets that were in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and split by the length of time the assets are in a continuous unrealized loss position:
   
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
As of September 30, 2011
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
($ in Millions)
 
Available-for-sale securities:
                                   
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
2.3
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
2.3
   
$
 
Corporate bonds
   
127.7
     
(5.1
)
   
118.1
     
(19.4
)
   
245.8
     
(24.5
)
Total temporarily impaired AFS securities
 
$
130.0
   
$
(5.1
)
 
$
118.1
   
$
(19.4
)
 
$
248.1
   
$
(24.5
)
 
As of September 30, 2011, there were approximately 26 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $248.1 million and unrealized losses of $24.5 million.  Of these securities, there are 7 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $118.1 million and unrealized losses of $19.4 million.
  
 
53

 

 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
As of December 31, 2010
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
($ in Millions)
 
Available-for-sale securities:
                                   
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
47.2
   
$
(1.4
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
47.2
   
$
(1.4
)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
   
315.4
     
(4.3
)
   
     
     
315.4
     
(4.3
)
Corporate bonds
   
86.9
     
(1.6
)
   
166.1
     
(9.9
)
   
253.0
     
(11.5
)
Municipal bonds
   
27.3
     
(0.8
)
   
     
     
27.3
     
(0.8
)
Total temporarily impaired AFS securities
 
$
476.8
   
$
(8.1
)
 
$
166.1
   
$
(9.9
)
 
$
642.9
   
$
(18.0
)
 
 As of December 31, 2010, there were approximately 32 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $642.9 million and unrealized losses of $18.0 million. Of these securities, there are 9 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $166.1 million and unrealized losses of $9.9 million.
 
 The following table summarizes the fair value by contractual maturity of our AFS fixed maturity investment portfolio (on a fair value basis) as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
   
% of Total
   
($ in Millions)
   
% of Total
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
67.4
     
3.6
%
 
$
65.4
     
3.5
%
Due after one year through five years
   
221.1
     
11.7
%
   
180.2
     
9.6
%
Due after five years through ten years
   
452.2
     
23.8
%
   
578.7
     
30.9
%
Due after ten years
   
135.5
     
7.1
%
   
80.6
     
4.3
%
U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed securities
   
1,021.9
     
53.8
%
   
969.5
     
51.7
%
Total
 
$
1,898.1
     
100.0
%
 
$
1,874.4
     
100.0
%
 
As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 99.1% and 97.9%, respectively, of our AFS fixed income portfolio consisted of investment grade securities. We define a security as being below-investment grade if it has an S&P credit rating of BB or less. The following table summarizes the composition of the fair value of our fixed maturity investments at the dates indicated by ratings as assigned by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) and/or other rating agencies when S&P ratings were not available:
 
Ratings as of September 30, 2011
 
Amortized
Cost
   
FairMarket
Value
   
% of Total
Fair Market
Value
 
   
($ in Millions)
         
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
44.2
   
$
46.0
     
2.4
%
U.S. agency  bonds
   
992.7
     
1,040.5
     
54.8
%
AAA
   
83.7
     
87.4
     
4.6
%
AA+, AA, AA-
   
125.9
     
130.6
     
6.9
%
A+, A, A-
   
323.5
     
320.2
     
16.9
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
   
233.3
     
255.6
     
13.5
%
BB+ or lower
   
18.4
     
17.8
     
0.9
%
Total
 
$
1,821.7
   
$
1,898.1
     
100.0
%
  
Ratings as of December 31, 2010
 
Amortized
Cost
   
FairMarket
Value
   
% of Total
Fair Market
Value
 
   
($ in Millions)
       
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
92.0
   
$
91.7
     
4.9
%
U.S. agency bonds
   
993.2
     
1,013.0
     
54.0
%
AAA
   
74.7
     
78.5
     
4.2
%
AA+, AA, AA-
   
74.5
     
79.4
     
4.2
%
A+, A, A-
   
325.3
     
329.1
     
17.6
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
   
222.5
     
244.1
     
13.0
%
BB+ or lower
   
37.6
     
38.6
     
2.1
%
Total
 
$
1,819.8
   
$
1,874.4
     
100.0
%
 
 
54

 
 
 
The majority of the Company’s U.S. government agency-based securities holdings are mortgage-backed securities. Additional details on the mortgage-backed securities component of our U.S. government agency-based investment portfolio at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are provided below:

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Fair Value
   
% of Total
   
Fair Value
   
% of Total
 
   
($ in Millions)
         
($ in Millions)
       
Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”)
                       
Residential mortgage-backed (“RMBS”)
                       
GNMA – Fixed Rate
 
$
250.8
     
24.1
%
 
$
273.5
     
27.0
%
FNMA – Fixed Rate
   
501.5
     
48.2
%
   
465.7
     
46.0
%
FNMA – Variable Rate
   
82.0
     
7.9
%
   
80.0
     
7.9
%
FHLMC – Fixed Rate
   
187.6
     
18.0
%
   
150.3
     
14.8
%
Total agency RMBS
   
1,021.9
     
98.2
%
   
969.5
     
95.7
%
Total mortgage-backed securities
   
1,021.9
     
98.2
%
   
969.5
     
95.7
%
Non-MBS fixed rate agency securities
   
18.6
     
1.8
%
   
43.5
     
4.3
%
Total US agency bonds
 
$
1,040.5
     
100.0
%
 
$
1,013.0
     
100.0
%
 
The Company has substantial holdings of corporate securities in 2011 that take advantage of various investment opportunities in this asset class. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 33.6% and 31.8% of its corporate securities were floating rate securities. Security holdings by sector in this asset class as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Fair Value
   
% of Total
   
Fair Value
   
% of Total
 
   
($ in Millions)
         
($ in Millions)
       
Corporate Securities
                       
Financial Institutions
 
$
484.9
     
70.8
%
 
$
486.1
     
68.6
%
Industrials
   
169.8
     
24.8
%
   
161.5
     
22.8
%
Utilities/Other
   
30.3
     
4.4
%
   
61.4
     
8.6
%
Total Corporate Securities
 
$
685.0
     
100.0
%
 
$
709.0
     
100.0
%
  
The Company’s 10 largest corporate holdings as of September 30, 2011 as carried at fair value and as a percentage of all fixed income securities are as follows:

   
Fair Value
 
% of Holdings 
Based on 
Fair Value of
All Fixed
Income Securities
 
   
($ in Millions)
     
Morgan Stanley FLT, Due 10/18/2016 (1)
 
$
31.1
     
1.6
 
Citigroup Inc. FLT, Due 6/9/2016 (1)
   
22.5
     
1.2
 
Barclays Bank PLC FLT Due 2/24/2020 (1)
   
20.1
     
1.1
%
 
Merrill Lynch FLT, Due 6/5/2012 (1)
   
19.2
     
1.0
 
Bear Stearns FLT Due 11/21/2016 (1)
   
18.6
     
1.0
%
 
SLM Corp FLT, Due 1/27/2014 (1)
   
18.4
     
1.0
%
 
JPMorgan Chase FLT, Due 6/13/2016 (1)
   
18.4
     
1.0
 
HSBC Finance FLT, Due 6/1/2016 (1)
   
17.8
     
0.9
 
PartnerRe Finance LLC Due 6/1/2020
   
15.6
     
0.8
%
 
GE Capital Corp FLT, Due 3/20/2014 (1)
   
14.6
     
0.7
 
Total
 
$
196.3
     
10.3
 
 
 
(1)
Securities with the notation FLT are floating rate securities.

The Company holds no asset-backed securities.
 
Given the Company’s status as a Bermuda domiciled entity with limited U.S. Federal tax exposure, to the extent that the Company invests in fixed maturity securities issued by U.S. state and local governments, these investments are made on the merits of the underlying investment and not on the tax-exempt status of those securities under U.S. Federal tax law. As a result, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, municipal securities only composed 5.9% and 2.4% of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio, respectively.
 
 
55

 
 
We also own, as a result of our acquisition of Maiden LF, a limited amount of non-U.S. sovereign government debt, of which 87.5% and 90.2% are rated AAA as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  The three largest non-U.S. sovereign government issuers are:
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Fair value
   
% of Total
   
Fair value
   
% of Total
 
   
($ in Millions)
         
($ in Millions)
       
Germany
 
$
9.5
     
62.6
%
 
$
11.6
     
73.0
%
Netherlands
   
2.3
     
15.1
%
   
1.5
     
9.6
%
Belgium
   
1.9
     
12.5
%
   
1.5
     
9.5
%

As of December 31, 2010, 0.3% of these securities consist of non-U.S. government obligations of Ireland which were subsequently disposed of in the second quarter of 2011.  We do not have any non-U.S. government and government related obligations of Italy, Greece, Portugal and Spain as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 Financial Strength Ratings
 
Financial strength ratings represent the opinions of rating agencies on our capacity to meet our obligations. Some of our reinsurance treaties contain special funding and termination clauses that are triggered in the event that we or one of our subsidiaries is downgraded by one of the major rating agencies to levels specified in the treaties, or our capital is significantly reduced. If such an event were to happen, we would be required, in certain instances, to post collateral in the form of letters of credit and/or trust accounts against existing outstanding losses, if any, related to the treaty. In a limited number of instances, the subject treaties could be cancelled retroactively or commuted by the cedant and might affect our ability to write business. Our principal operating subsidiaries are rated “A-” (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), which rating is the fourth highest of 16 rating levels, and BBB+ (Good) with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s, which is the sixth highest of 21 rating levels.

 Other Material Changes in Financial Position
 
The following summarizes other material changes in the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
 
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
 
$
372.5
   
$
226.3
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
39.3
     
29.0
 
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs
   
248.1
     
203.6
 
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
(1,325.8
)
   
(1,226.8
)
Unearned premiums
   
(845.4
)
   
(657.6
)
 
In general, the increases in these balances reflect the continued growth of the Company, in particular growth in the business of the Diversified Reinsurance segment as a result of both the IIS Acquisition and that segment’s U.S. business, along with continuing growth in the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment, including the addition of the European Hospital Liability Quota Share.
 
Capital Resources
 
Capital resources consist of funds deployed or available to be deployed in support of our business operations. Our total capital resources at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:
 
   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
 
Senior Notes
  $ 107.5     $  
Junior Subordinated Debt
    126.3       215.2  
Maiden shareholders’ equity
    767.2       750.2  
Total capital resources
  $ 1,001.0     $ 965.4  
                 
Ratio of debt to total capitalization
    23.4 %     22.3 %
 
 
56

 

 
As of September 30, 2011, our shareholders’ equity was $767.2 million, a 2.3% increase compared to $750.2 million as of December 31, 2010. The increase was due primarily to the net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $11.0 million, unrealized gains on investments of $21.7 million, offset by losses on cumulative translation adjustment from foreign currencies of $1.3 million and dividends declared of $15.9 million.
 
On June 24, 2011, the Company completed an offering of $107.5 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due June 15, 2041, including $7.5 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes to be issued and sold by the Company pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise in part of their over-allotment option.  The Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2016, at 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date.

The net proceeds from the Senior Notes Offering were approximately $104.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses.  With the underwriters’ exercise part of a portion of their over-allotment option, the Company repurchased $107.5 million aggregate liquidation amount of TRUPS Offering on July 15, 2011.  Pursuant to the terms of the TRUPS Offering, in the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company incurred a non-recurring call premium charge of approximately $15.1 million.  The Company has also incurred an additional non-recurring non-cash charge of $20.3 million, which represents the accelerated amortization of original issue discount and issuance costs associated with equity issued along with the TRUPS Offering.  These charges have decreased the shareholders’ equity as of September 30, 2011 by $35.4 million.  Our shareholders’ equity is expected to increase in the future from interest expense savings that will result from this offering.

On January 20, 2009, as part of the TRUPS Offering, the Company established a special purpose trust for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. This involved private placement of 260,000 units (the “Units”), each Unit consisting of $1,000 principal amount of capital securities (the “Trust Preferred Securities”) of Maiden Capital Financing Trust (the “Trust”) and 45 common shares, $.01 par value, of the Company for a purchase price of $1,000.45 per Unit.
 
 As part of the transaction, the Company issued 11,700,000 common shares to the purchasers of the Trust Preferred Securities. The Trust Preferred Securities mature in 2039 and carry an interest rate of 14% and an effective rate of interest of 16.95%. The proceeds from such issuances, together with the proceeds of the related issuances of common securities of the trusts, were invested by the trusts in subordinated debentures issued by the Company. The gross proceeds to the Company were approximately $260.1 million in the form of junior subordinated debt, before approximately $4.3 million of placement agent fees and expenses.
 
The Company expects to continue to evaluate additional opportunities to refinance the TRUPS Offering securities at lower, more cost-effective interest rate levels. To the extent that such refinancing does occur prior to January 20, 2014, the Company may incur additional interest penalties pursuant to the terms of the TRUPS Offering. Under the terms of the TRUPS Offering, the Company can repay the principal balance in full or in part at any time. However, if the Company repays such principal within five years of the date of issuance, it is required to pay an additional amount equal to one full year of interest on the amount of Trust Preferred Securities repaid. If the remaining amount of the Trust Preferred Securities were repaid within five years of the date of issuance, the additional amount due would be $21.4 million, which would be a reduction in earnings.
 
The Company’s objective would be to generate recurring interest expense savings that would match or exceed the cost of any such interest penalty. However, it is possible this may not occur depending on market conditions and other factors beyond the Company’s control.

The value of the common shares issued to purchasers of the Trust Preferred Securities are being carried as a reduction of the liability for the Trust Preferred Securities with the value being amortized against the Company’s earnings over the 30-year term of the Trust Preferred Securities. At September 30, 2011, the unamortized amount carried as a reduction of the Company’s liability for the Trust Preferred Securities was $26.2 million. If the Company were to repay the remaining Trust Preferred Securities in full or in part at any time prior to their maturity date, the Company would have to recognize a commensurate amount as a reduction of earnings at that time.
 
Currency and Foreign Exchange
 
We conduct business in a variety of non-U.S. currencies, the principal ones being the Euro, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, the Swedish krona, Australian dollar and the Russian ruble.  Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, and exchange rate fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar may materially impact our results and financial position.

The Company also has exposure to foreign currency risk due to both its ownership of its German, Swedish and United Kingdom subsidiaries and divisions, whose functional currencies are the Euro and the British pound sterling, and to collection of premiums and paying claims and other operating expenses in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and holding certain net assets in such currencies. The Company's most significant foreign currency exposures are to the Euro and the British pound.
 
We measure monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year end exchange rates, with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted at average exchange rates during the periods reported.
 
 
57

 
 
For the translation of the Company's subsidiaries' and divisions’ financial statements whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are converted into U.S. dollars using the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates, and revenues and expenses are converted using the average foreign exchange rates for the period. The effect of translation adjustments are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment, which is a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity.

The foreign currency translation adjustment decreased by $3.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011, due to both the Company's net asset exposure to currencies other than the U.S. dollar and the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. The following table provides a reconciliation of the foreign currency translation adjustment for the periods ended September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
($ in Millions)
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment at beginning of period
 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
 
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive income
   
(1.3
)
   
(0.4
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment at end of period
 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
(0.4
)

Net foreign exchange gains totaled $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to losses of $0.4 million during the same period in 2010 and were reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Income.  The gains in 2011 reflect the continuing weakness in the U.S. dollar against both the Euro and British pound.
 
Effects of Inflation
 
The effects of inflation are considered explicitly in pricing and implicitly in estimating reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses. The effects of inflation could cause the severity of claims to rise in the future. To the extent inflation causes these costs, particularly medical treatments and litigation costs, to increase above reserves established for these claims, the Company will be required to increase the reserve for losses and loss expenses with a corresponding reduction in its earnings in the period in which the deficiency is identified. The actual effects of inflation on the results of operations of the Company cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately settled.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of September 30, 2011, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Item 1, Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.
 
 Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses in our investments due to adverse changes in market rates and prices. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the market in which the related underlying assets are invested. We believe that we are principally exposed to two types of market risk: changes in interest rates and changes in credit quality of issuers of investment securities and reinsurers.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Interest rate risk is the risk that we may incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. The primary market risk to the investment portfolio is interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturity securities. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. At September 30, 2011, we had fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $1.9 billion that are subject to interest rate risk.
 
The table below summarizes the interest rate risk associated with our fixed maturity securities by illustrating the sensitivity of the fair value and carrying value of our fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2011 to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates, and the associated impact on our stockholders’ equity. Temporary changes in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities that are held as available-for-sale do impact the carrying value of these securities and are reported in our shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income. The selected scenarios in the table below are not predictions of future events, but rather are intended to illustrate the effect such events may have on the fair value and carrying value of our fixed maturity securities and on our shareholders’ equity, as of September 30, 2011.

 
 
58

 

  
 Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates
 
Fair Value
   
Estimated Change
in Fair Value
   
Hypothetical
Percentage
Increase (Decrease)
in Shareholders’
Equity
 
   
($ in Millions)
         
200 basis point increase
 
$
1,771.0
   
$
(127.0
)
   
(16.6
%)
100 basis point increase
   
1,832.0
     
(66.0
)
   
(8.6
%)
No change
   
1,898.0
     
     
 
100 basis point decrease
   
1,966.0
     
68.0
     
8.9
%
200 basis point decrease
   
2,040.0
     
142.0
     
18.5
%
 
The interest rate sensitivity on the $168.0 million loan to related party carries an interest rate of one month LIBOR plus 90 basis points.  A fluctuation of 100 and 200 basis points in LIBOR would increase or decrease our earnings and cash flows by $1.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively, on an annual basis, depending on the direction of the change in LIBOR, but would not increase or decrease the carrying value of the loan.
  
 Counterparty Credit Risk
 
The concentrations of the Company's counterparty credit risk exposures as of September 30, 2011 have not changed materially compared to December 31, 2010.
 
The Company has exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed income securities. The Company controls this exposure by emphasizing investment grade credit quality in the fixed income securities it purchases. At September 30, 2011, 66.2% of the Company's fixed income portfolio was rated AA+ or better (or equivalent rating), 19.4% was rated A- or better and only 0.9% of the Company's fixed income portfolio was rated below investment grade. The Company believes this high quality concentration reduces its exposure to credit risk on fixed income investments to an acceptable level. At September 30, 2011, the Company is not exposed to any significant credit concentration risk on its investments, excluding securities issued by the U.S. government which are rated AA+ (see Investments in Item 2 of Part I of this Form 10-Q), with the single largest corporate issuer and the top 10 corporate issuers accounting for only 1.6% and 10.3% of the Company's total fixed income securities, respectively.
 
The Company is subject to the credit risk of its cedants in the event of their insolvency or their failure to honor the value of the funds held balances due to the Company for any other reason. However, the Company's credit risk in some jurisdictions is mitigated by a mandatory right of offset of amounts payable by the Company to a cedant against amounts due to the Company. In certain other jurisdictions the Company is able to mitigate this risk, depending on the nature of the funds held arrangements, to the extent that the Company has the contractual ability to offset any shortfall in the payment of the funds held balances with amounts owed by the Company to cedants for losses payable and other amounts contractually due. Funds held balances for which the Company receives an investment return based upon either the results of a pool of assets held by the cedant or the investment return earned by the cedant on its investment portfolio are exposed to an additional layer of credit risk.
 
The IIS Funds Withheld account due to the Company is related to one cedant, GMAC IICL, whereby GMAC IICL and the Company entered into the IICL Agreement to assume business written by GMAC IICL. Under the IICL Agreement, the individual balances by cedant which comprise the IIS Funds Withheld account will transfer to the Company upon novation of the underlying reinsurance contract from GMAC IICL to the Company, which is expected to occur during 2011 pursuant to the terms of the IICL Agreement. At September 30, 2011, the IIS Funds Withheld account due from GMAC IICL was $143.7 million, including $100.4 million in segregated investment portfolios which represents collateral pledged to various cedants required by the underlying reinsurance contracts. The investments underlying the IIS Funds Withheld account are maintained in separate investment portfolios by GMAC IICL and managed by the Company.
 
The Company is subject to the credit risk of this cedant in the event of insolvency or GMAC IICL’s failure to honor the value of the funds held balances for any other reason. However, the Company's credit risk is partially mitigated by the fact that the Company generally has the right to offset any shortfall in the payment of the funds held balances with amounts owed by the Company to the cedant for losses payable and other amounts contractually due.
 
The Company has exposure to credit risk as it relates to its business written through brokers if any of the Company's brokers is unable to fulfill their contractual obligations with respect to payments to the Company. In addition, in some jurisdictions, if the broker fails to make payments to the insured under the Company's policy, the Company might remain liable to the insured for the deficiency. The Company's exposure to such credit risk is somewhat mitigated in certain jurisdictions by contractual terms. See Business and Risk Factors in Item1 and 1A of Part I of the Company’s Form 10-K, filed on March 14, 2011, respectively, for detailed information on three brokers that accounted for approximately 56.3% of the Company's gross premiums written through brokers in the Diversified Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2010.
   
 
59

 
 
The Company has exposure to credit risk as it relates to its reinsurance balances receivable and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses. We are subject to the credit risk that AII and/or AmTrust will fail to perform their obligations to pay interest on and repay principal of amounts loaned to AII pursuant to its loan agreement with Maiden Bermuda, and to reimburse Maiden Bermuda for any assets or other collateral of Maiden that AmTrust’s U.S. insurance company subsidiaries apply or retain, and income on those assets. Reinsurance balances receivable from the Company's clients at September 30, 2011 were $372.5 million, including balances both currently due and accrued.
 
The Company believes that credit risk related to these balances is mitigated by several factors, including but not limited to, credit checks performed as part of the underwriting process and monitoring of aged receivable balances. In addition, as the vast majority of its reinsurance agreements permit the Company the right to offset reinsurance balances receivable from clients against losses payable to them, the Company believes that the credit risk in this area is substantially reduced. Provisions are made for amounts considered potentially uncollectible.  There was no allowance for uncollectible reinsurance balances receivable at September 30, 2011.
 
The Company purchases limited amounts of retrocessional reinsurance and requires its reinsurers to have adequate financial strength. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors its concentration of credit risk on an ongoing basis. Provisions are made for amounts considered potentially uncollectible. The balance of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses was $12.6 million at September 30, 2011.  At September 30, 2011, $3.0 million of the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses was due from Motors and the remaining amount was due from reinsurers with an A- or better rating from A.M. Best or state pools.
 
Foreign Currency Risk

Through its international reinsurance operations, the Company conducts business in a variety of non-U.S. currencies, with the principal exposures being the Euro and British pound. As the Company's reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, foreign exchange rate fluctuations may materially impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
The Company is generally able to match its liability funds against its net reinsurance liabilities both by currency and duration to protect the Company against foreign exchange and interest rate risks. However, a natural offset does not exist for all currencies.
 
We may employ various strategies to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. To the extent that these exposures are not fully hedged or the hedges are ineffective, our results of operations or equity may be reduced by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. At September 30, 2011, no hedging instruments have been entered into.
 
Our principal exposure is to the Euro and British pound, however assuming all other variables remain constant and disregarding any tax effects, a change in the U.S. dollar exchange rate of 10% or 20% relative to the non-U.S. currencies held by the Company would result in a change in the Company’s net assets of $11.1 million and $22.2 million, respectively.
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) and has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective.  During the most recent fiscal quarter, there were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
  
 
 
60

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In April 2009, we learned that Bentzion S. Turin, the former Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor claiming that his employment with us was terminated in retaliation for corporate whistle blowing in violation of the whistle blower protection provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Turin alleged concerns regarding corporate governance with respect to negotiation of the terms of the TRUPS Offering and seeks reinstatement as Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, back pay and legal fees incurred. We believe that we had ample reason for terminating such employment for good and sufficient legal cause, and we believe that the claim is without merit and are vigorously defending this claim. On December 31, 2009, the U.S. Secretary of Labor found no reasonable cause for Mr. Turin’s claim and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.  Mr. Turin objected to the Secretary’s findings and requested a hearing before an administrative law judge in the U.S. Department of Labor.  We moved to dismiss Mr. Turin’s complaint, and our motion was granted by the Administrative Law Judge on June 30, 2011.  On July 13, 2011, Mr. Turin filed a petition for review of the Administrative Law Judge’s decision with the Administrative Review Board in the U.S. Department of Labor.  We filed our brief in opposition to the petition for review on October 19, 2011.
  

 

 
 
61

 
 
Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
     
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
     
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
     
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
     
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
     
101
 
The following materials from Maiden Holdings, Ltd. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted in XBRL (eXtensive Business Reporting Language):  (i) the unaudited Condensed Balance Sheets, (ii) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.**

** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

 

 

 
62

 
 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 hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
(Registrant)
 
     
Date: November 8, 2011
/s/ ARTURO M. RASCHBAUM
 
 
Arturo M. Raschbaum
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
     
 
/s/ JOHN M. MARSHALECK
 
 
John M. Marshaleck
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

 

 
 
63