Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

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, 2015

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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 1-15259

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda		98-0214719
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
110 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke HM08 Bermuda		P.O. Box HM 1282 Hamilton HM FX Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Mailing address)

(441) 296-5858

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Security		Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value of $1.00 per share		NASDAQ Global Select Market
Guarantee of Argo Group US, Inc. 6.500% Senior Notes due 2042		NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

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 Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

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

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer ¨

Non-accelerated filer ¨

Smaller reporting company ¨

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) of each of the issuer’s classes of common shares as of November 4, 2015.

Title	Outstanding
Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share	27,875,463

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

INDEX

		Page
PART I. Financial Information		3
Item 1.	Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014	3
	Consolidated Statements of Income for three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	37
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	46
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	48
PART II. Other Information		48
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	48
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	48
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	48
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	49
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	49
Item 5.	Other Information	49
Item 6.	Exhibits	49
	Signatures	51

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)

	September 30,			December 31,
	2015			2014 *
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturities, at fair value:
Available-for-sale (cost: 2015 - $2,841.7; 2014 - $2,817.2)	$	2,822.2		$	2,840.7
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2015 - $358.5; 2014 - $307.3)		466.0			486.3
Other investments (cost: 2015 - $488.1; 2014 - $488.9)		500.0			495.1
Short-term investments, at fair value (cost: 2015 - $345.0; 2014 - $275.8)		344.8			275.8
Total investments		4,133.0			4,097.9
Cash		96.2			81.0
Accrued investment income		21.0			22.1
Premiums receivable		437.4			353.6
Reinsurance recoverables		1,067.3			997.2
Goodwill		152.2			152.2
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization		74.4			78.6
Current income taxes receivable, net		17.1			14.9
Deferred acquisition costs, net		141.4			124.6
Ceded unearned premiums		262.5			207.6
Other assets		225.0			226.6
Total assets	$	6,627.5		$	6,356.3
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	3,104.1		$	3,042.4
Unearned premiums		932.7			817.2
Accrued underwriting expenses		131.8			143.1
Ceded reinsurance payable, net		286.4			178.8
Funds held		80.5			55.0
Senior unsecured fixed rate notes		143.8			143.8
Other indebtedness		57.4			62.0
Junior subordinated debentures		172.7			172.7
Deferred tax liabilities, net		33.4			53.0
Other liabilities		43.2			41.6
Total liabilities		4,986.0			4,709.6
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares - $1.00 par, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 37,056,534 and 34,318,224 shares issued at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively		37.1			34.3
Additional paid-in capital		961.8			836.3
Treasury shares (9,181,544 and 8,606,489 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)		(331.1	)		(301.4	)
Retained earnings		950.2			969.4
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes		23.5			108.1
Total shareholders' equity		1,641.5			1,646.7
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	6,627.5		$	6,356.3

* Derived from audited consolidated financial statements.

See accompany notes.

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions, except number of shares and per share amount)

(Unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Premiums and other revenue:
Earned premiums	$	346.0		$	337.6		$	1,026.6		$	999.4
Net investment income		21.3			20.8			63.9			64.7
Fee and other income (expense), net		1.0			1.6			(0.1	)		0.1
Net realized investment and other gains		3.7			12.9			25.0			42.5
Total revenue		372.0			372.9			1,115.4			1,106.7
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		200.0			191.9			574.3			559.5
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		132.8			133.8			401.9			399.3
Interest expense		4.8			4.9			14.3			15.0
Foreign currency exchange gain		(1.8	)		(6.0	)		(8.4	)		(2.8	)
Total expenses		335.8			324.6			982.1			971.0
Income before income taxes		36.2			48.3			133.3			135.7
Provision for income taxes		0.9			3.6			11.3			12.2
Net income	$	35.3		$	44.7		$	122.0		$	123.5
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	1.27		$	1.57		$	4.36		$	4.28
Diluted	$	1.24		$	1.54		$	4.28		$	4.21
Dividend declared per common share	$	0.20		$	0.16		$	0.60		$	0.46
Weighted average common shares:
Basic		27,916,586			28,552,240			27,997,638			28,824,182
Diluted		28,474,504			29,080,608			28,540,094			29,337,175

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net realized investment and other gains before other-than- temporary impairment losses	$	7.1		$	13.1		$	30.3		$	44.1
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities		—			—			(0.9	)		(1.2	)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities		(3.4	)		(0.2	)		(4.4	)		(0.4	)
Impairment losses recognized in earnings		(3.4	)		(0.2	)		(5.3	)		(1.6	)
Net realized investment and other gains	$	3.7		$	12.9		$	25.0		$	42.5

See accompanying notes.

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net income	$	35.3		$	44.7		$	122.0		$	123.5
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(4.0	)		(2.3	)		(6.6	)		(1.9	)
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
(Losses) gains arising during the year		(69.7	)		(38.8	)		(104.3	)		16.1
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income		0.1			(5.8	)		(6.9	)		(22.0	)
Other comprehensive loss before tax		(73.6	)		(46.9	)		(117.8	)		(7.8	)
Income tax (benefit) provision related to other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
(Losses) gains arising during the year		(18.3	)		(4.9	)		(28.6	)		10.7
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income		(1.7	)		(4.1	)		(4.6	)		(7.2	)
Income tax (benefit) provision related to other comprehensive loss		(20.0	)		(9.0	)		(33.2	)		3.5
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(53.6	)		(37.9	)		(84.6	)		(11.3	)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(18.3	)	$	6.8		$	37.4		$	112.2

See accompanying notes.

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	122.0		$	123.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization and depreciation		30.7			27.8
Share-based payments expense		20.8			13.3
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements		(0.6	)		(0.1	)
Deferred income tax provision, net		13.8			22.9
Net realized investment and other gains		(25.0	)		(42.5	)
Loss on disposals of fixed assets, net		0.2			—
Change in:
Accrued investment income		1.1			3.5
Receivables		(162.2	)		214.1
Deferred acquisition costs		(17.6	)		(13.0	)
Ceded unearned premiums		(58.5	)		(31.2	)
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses		75.9			(167.7	)
Unearned premiums		123.0			87.6
Ceded reinsurance payable and funds held		134.3			(159.5	)
Income taxes		(2.3	)		(35.3	)
Accrued underwriting expenses		(19.7	)		4.1
Other, net		(0.1	)		24.2
Cash provided by operating activities		235.8			71.7
Cash flows from investing activities:
Sales of fixed maturity investments		609.8			884.6
Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed maturity investments		637.4			243.6
Sales of equity securities		61.6			61.8
Sales of other investments		57.4			29.7
Purchases of fixed maturity investments		(1,303.4	)		(1,197.3	)
Purchases of equity securities		(97.9	)		(17.7	)
Purchases of other investments		(67.2	)		(49.8	)
Change in foreign regulatory deposits and voluntary pools		7.5			22.5
Change in short-term investments		(69.9	)		(16.5	)
Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts		(6.7	)		0.6
Purchases of fixed assets		(22.0	)		(26.7	)
Other, net		17.4			(21.5	)
Cash used by investing activities		(176.0	)		(86.7	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment on note payable		—			(0.1	)
Redemption of trust preferred securities, net		—			(18.0	)
Activity under stock incentive plans		1.5			3.3
Repurchase of Company's common shares		(29.7	)		(40.9	)
Excess tax expense from share-based payment arrangements		0.6			0.1
Payment of cash dividends to common shareholders		(17.1	)		(13.4	)
Cash used by financing activities		(44.7	)		(69.0	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		0.1			(0.3	)
Change in cash		15.2			(84.3	)
Cash, beginning of period		81.0			157.4
Cash, end of period	$	96.2		$	73.1

See accompanying notes.

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.	Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (“Argo Group,” “we” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The preparation of interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The major estimates reflected in our consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses; reinsurance recoverables, including the reinsurance recoverables allowance for doubtful accounts; estimates of written and earned premiums; reinsurance premium receivable; fair value of investments and assessment of potential impairment; valuation of goodwill and intangibles and our deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain financial information that normally is included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement footnotes, prepared in accordance with GAAP, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2015.

The interim financial information as of, and for the three and nine months ended, September 30, 2015 and 2014 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim information includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the results presented for the interim periods. The operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. All significant intercompany amounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts in prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

10% Stock Dividend

On February 17, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a 10% stock dividend, payable on March 16, 2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 2, 2015. As a result of the stock dividend, 2,554,506 additional shares were issued. Cash was paid in lieu of fractional shares of our common shares. All references to share and per share amounts in this document and related disclosures have been adjusted to reflect the stock dividend for all periods presented.

2.	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606). The ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized and requires additional disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows for these transactions. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as early as annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2018. Companies may use either a “full retrospective” adoption, meaning the update is applied to all periods presented, or a “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the update is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. While insurance contracts are excluded from this ASU, fee income related to our brokerage operations and management of the third-party capital for our underwriting Syndicate at Lloyd’s will be subject to this updated guidance. We continue to evaluate what impact this ASU will have on our financial results and disclosures and which adoption method to apply, but no not anticipate such impact being material based on the limited revenue streams subject to the ASU.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether entities should be consolidated if they are deemed variable interest entities. It is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2015-02 on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, “Insurance (Topic 944), Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts.” ASU 2015-09 requires additional disclosures about short-duration contracts for products in effect for typically a year or less. The disclosures will focus on the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. ASU 2015-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2015-09 on our consolidated financial statements.

3.	Investments

Composition of Invested Assets

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investments were as follows:

September 30, 2015
(in millions)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
Fixed maturities
USD denominated:
U.S. Governments	$	167.8	$	1.4	$	0.3	$	168.9
Non-U.S. Governments		87.4		0.4		1.8		86.0
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		473.6		19.4		0.5		492.5
Credit-Financial		491.4		8.2		2.5		497.1
Credit-Industrial		493.0		6.7		6.8		492.9
Credit-Utility		148.8		2.1		7.4		143.5
Structured securities:
CMO/MBS-agency ⁽¹⁾		132.8		6.0		0.2		138.6
CMO/MBS-non agency		11.7		0.7		—		12.4
CMBS ⁽²⁾		165.5		0.9		0.7		165.7
ABS ⁽³⁾		127.8		0.5		0.3		128.0
CLO ⁽⁴⁾		136.0		0.4		0.8		135.6
Foreign denominated:
Governments		171.4		1.0		20.1		152.3
Credit		126.0		1.3		18.3		109.0
ABS/CMBS		24.9		0.1		2.9		22.1
CLO		83.6		1.2		7.2		77.6
Total fixed maturities		2,841.7		50.3		69.8		2,822.2
Equity securities		358.5		129.7		22.2		466.0
Other investments		488.1		12.6		0.7		500.0
Short-term investments		345.0		—		0.2		344.8
Total investments	$	4,033.3	$	192.6	$	92.9	$	4,133.0

⁽¹⁾	Collateralized mortgage obligations/mortgage-backed securities (“CMO/MBS”).

⁽²⁾	Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”).

⁽³⁾	Asset-backed securities (“ABS”).

⁽⁴⁾	Collateralized loan obligations (“CLO”).

December 31, 2014
(in millions)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
Fixed maturities
USD denominated:
U.S. Governments	$	184.0	$	1.3	$	0.3	$	185.0
Non-U.S. Governments		79.9		0.6		0.6		79.9
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		468.1		22.9		0.3		490.7
Credit-Financial		508.1		12.3		2.3		518.1
Credit-Industrial		493.7		9.4		3.5		499.6
Credit-Utility		142.7		3.2		3.9		142.0
Structured securities:
CMO/MBS-agency ⁽¹⁾		168.0		8.0		0.7		175.3
CMO/MBS-non agency		13.2		0.8		—		14.0
CMBS ⁽²⁾		178.6		1.6		0.2		180.0
ABS ⁽³⁾		142.7		0.4		0.5		142.6
CLO ⁽⁴⁾		78.7		0.2		0.5		78.4
Foreign denominated:
Governments		148.4		1.2		9.4		140.2
Credit		136.7		1.8		12.5		126.0
ABS/CMBS		29.5		0.2		2.5		27.2
CLO		44.9		0.7		3.9		41.7
Total fixed maturities		2,817.2		64.6		41.1		2,840.7
Equity securities		307.3		184.1		5.1		486.3
Other investments		488.9		7.5		1.3		495.1
Short-term investments		275.8		—		—		275.8
Total investments	$	3,889.2	$	256.2	$	47.5	$	4,097.9

⁽¹⁾	Collateralized mortgage obligations/mortgage-backed securities (“CMO/MBS”).

⁽²⁾	Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”).

⁽³⁾	Asset-backed securities (“ABS”).

⁽⁴⁾	Collateralized loan obligations (“CLO”).

Included in “Total investments” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is $78.2 million and $75.2 million, respectively, of assets managed on behalf of the trade capital providers, who are third-party participants that provide underwriting capital to our Syndicate 1200 segment.

Contractual Maturity

The amortized cost and fair values of fixed maturity investments as of September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, were as follows:

(in millions)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	219.8	$	208.4
Due after one year through five years		1,295.9		1,285.8
Due after five years through ten years		480.4		481.0
Thereafter		163.3		167.0
Structured securities		682.3		680.0
Total	$	2,841.7	$	2,822.2

The expected maturities may differ from the contractual maturities because debtors may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

Other Invested Assets

Details regarding the carrying value and unfunded investment commitments of the other invested assets portfolio as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:

September 30, 2015
(in millions)	Carrying Value		Unfunded Commitments
Investment Type
Hedge funds	$	141.3	$	—
Private equity		143.7		71.6
Long only funds		195.1		—
Other investments		19.9		—
Total other invested assets	$	500.0	$	71.6

December 31, 2014
(in millions)	Carrying Value		Unfunded Commitments
Investment Type
Hedge funds	$	153.2	$	—
Private equity		123.6		72.9
Long only funds		200.7		—
Other investments		17.6		—
Total other invested assets	$	495.1	$	72.9

The following describes each investment type:

Hedge funds: Hedge funds include funds that primarily buy and sell stocks including short sales, multi-strategy credit, relative value credit and distressed credit.

Private equity: Private equity includes buyout funds, real asset/infrastructure funds, credit special situations funds, mezzanine lending funds and direct investments and strategic non-controlling minority investments in private companies that are principally accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Long only funds: These funds include a fund that primarily owns international stocks, a fund that owns high yield fixed income securities and a fund that primarily owns investment-grade corporate and sovereign fixed income securities.

Other investments: Other investments include our participation in pools, foreign exchange currency forward contracts to manage exposure on losses related to global catastrophic events, our Canadian dollar investment portfolio, certain Euro and other non-U.S. dollar denominated investments and to minimize negative impacts to our investment portfolio returns.

Unrealized Losses and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

An aging of unrealized losses on our investments in fixed maturities, equity securities, other investments and short-term investments is presented below:

September 30, 2015	Less Than One Year					One Year or Greater				Total
(in millions)	Fair Value			Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value			Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities
USD denominated:
U.S. Governments ⁽²⁾	$	33.6		$	0.3	$	0.4	$	—	$	34.0		$	0.3
Non-U.S. Governments		32.9			1.5		3.1		0.3		36.0			1.8
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		27.2			0.2		8.5		0.3		35.7			0.5
Credit-Financial		197.9			2.2		19.1		0.3		217.0			2.5
Credit-Industrial		218.4			5.2		30.6		1.6		249.0			6.8
Credit-Utility		75.0			3.9		13.3		3.5		88.3			7.4
Structured securities:
CMO/MBS-agency⁽¹⁾		7.9			—		8.2		0.2		16.1			0.2
CMBS ⁽²⁾		54.9			0.7		4.5		—		59.4			0.7
ABS ⁽¹⁾		27.5			—		12.1		0.3		39.6			0.3
CLO		95.2			0.7		8.9		0.1		104.1			0.8
Foreign denominated:
Governments ⁽²⁾		136.3			20.1		0.3		—		136.6			20.1
Credit		104.2			18.3		—		—		104.2			18.3
ABS/CMBS		21.8			2.9		—		—		21.8			2.9
CLO		75.6			7.2		—		—		75.6			7.2
Total fixed maturities		1,108.4			63.2		109.0		6.6		1,217.4			69.8
Equity securities		136.0			22.2		—		—		136.0			22.2
Other investments		(0.4	)		0.7		—		—		(0.4	)		0.7
Short-term investments		20.5			0.2		—		—		20.5			0.2
Total	$	1,264.5		$	86.3	$	109.0	$	6.6	$	1,373.5		$	92.9

⁽¹⁾	Unrealized losses less than one year are less than $0.1 million.

⁽²⁾	Unrealized losses one year or greater are less than $0.1 million.

December 31, 2014	Less Than One Year					One Year or Greater				Total
(in millions)	Fair Value			Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value			Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities
USD denominated:
U.S. Governments	$	55.0		$	0.2	$	15.7	$	0.1	$	70.7		$	0.3
Non-U.S. Governments		36.5			0.4		5.2		0.2		41.7			0.6
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		10.4			0.1		16.6		0.2		27.0			0.3
Credit-Financial		195.7			2.2		11.1		0.1		206.8			2.3
Credit-Industrial		240.8			3.3		12.2		0.2		253.0			3.5
Credit-Utility		63.1			3.8		1.9		0.1		65.0			3.9
Structured securities:
CMO/MBS-agency		10.1			0.1		19.2		0.6		29.3			0.7
CMBS		49.3			0.1		6.0		0.1		55.3			0.2
ABS		68.8			0.2		8.1		0.3		76.9			0.5
CLO		60.4			0.5		—		—		60.4			0.5
Foreign denominated:
Governments		123.7			9.3		11.2		0.1		134.9			9.4
Credit		122.3			12.3		0.9		0.2		123.2			12.5
ABS/CMBS		26.8			2.5		—		—		26.8			2.5
CLO		41.7			3.9		—		—		41.7			3.9
Total fixed maturities		1,104.6			38.9		108.1		2.2		1,212.7			41.1
Equity securities		53.6			5.1		—		—		53.6			5.1
Other investments		(0.9	)		1.3		—		—		(0.9	)		1.3
Short-term investments		—			—		—		—		—			—
Total	$	1,157.3		$	45.3	$	108.1	$	2.2	$	1,265.4		$	47.5

We regularly evaluate our investments for other-than-temporary impairment. For fixed maturity securities, the evaluation for a credit loss is generally based on the present value of expected cash flows of the security as compared to the amortized book value. For structured securities, frequency and severity of loss inputs are used in projecting future cash flows of the securities. Loss frequency is measured as the credit default rate, which includes such factors as loan-to-value ratios and credit scores of borrowers. For equity securities and other investments, the length of time and the amount of decline in fair value are the principal factors in determining other-than-temporary impairment. We also recognize other-than-temporary losses on fixed maturity securities that we intend to sell.

We hold a total of 6,805 securities, of which 2,909 were in an unrealized loss position for less than one year and 193 were in an unrealized loss position for a period one year or greater as of September 30, 2015. Unrealized losses greater than twelve months on fixed maturities were the result of a number of factors, including increased credit spreads, foreign currency fluctuations and higher market yields relative to the date the securities were purchased, and for structured securities, by the performance of the underlying collateral, as well. In considering whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired or not, we also considered that we do not intend to sell the investments and it is unlikely that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity. In situations where we did not recognize other-than-temporary losses on investments in our equity portfolio, we have evaluated the near-term prospects of the investment in relation to the severity and duration of the impairment and based on that evaluation, have the ability and intent to hold these investments until a recovery of the cost basis. We do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2015.

There was no recognized other-than-temporary loss on our fixed maturities portfolio for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our fixed maturities portfolio of $0.9 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our equity portfolio of $3.4 million and $4.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our equity portfolio of $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

Realized Gains and Losses

The following table presents our gross realized investment and other gains (losses):

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Realized gains
Fixed maturities	$	2.9		$	4.5		$	10.5		$	15.2
Equity securities		9.8			0.7			22.6			16.1
Other investments		14.6			13.6			44.9			36.5
Short-term investments		—			—			1.1			0.1
Other assets		—			2.0			—			2.0
Gain on sale of real estate holdings		—			—			0.4			—
Gross realized investment gains		27.3			20.8			79.5			69.9
Realized losses
Fixed maturities		(4.1	)		(1.1	)		(13.1	)		(8.7	)
Equity securities		(2.5	)		(0.1	)		(3.6	)		(0.2	)
Other investments		(13.4	)		(6.5	)		(30.9	)		(12.6	)
Short-term investments		(0.1	)		—			(1.5	)		(0.3	)
Other assets		(0.1	)		—			(0.1	)		(4.0	)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities		—			—			(0.9	)		(1.2	)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities		(3.4	)		(0.2	)		(4.4	)		(0.4	)
Gross realized investment and other losses		(23.6	)		(7.9	)		(54.5	)		(27.4	)
Net realized investment and other gains	$	3.7		$	12.9		$	25.0		$	42.5

The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments are summarized as follows:

(in millions)	Fixed Maturities			Equity Maturities			Other Investments		Short Term			Real Estate Holdings and Other			Tax Effects			Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Realized before impairments	$	(1.2	)	$	7.3		$	1.2	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.1	)	$	(2.1	)	$	5.0
Realized - impairments		—			(3.4	)		—		—			—			1.2			(2.2	)
Change in unrealized		(22.6	)		(46.7	)		—		(0.2	)		—			20.1			(49.4	)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Realized before impairments	$	3.4		$	0.6		$	7.1	$	—		$	2.0		$	(5.3	)	$	7.8
Realized - impairments		—			(0.2	)		—		—			—			0.4			0.2
Change in unrealized		(33.9	)		(10.7	)		—		—			—			9.0			(35.6	)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Realized before impairments	$	(2.6	)	$	19.0		$	14.0	$	(0.4	)	$	0.3		$	(10.5	)	$	19.8
Realized - impairments		(0.9	)		(4.4	)		—		—			—			1.8			(3.5	)
Change in unrealized		(40.9	)		(71.5	)		1.5		(0.2	)		—			33.3			(77.8	)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Realized before impairments	$	6.5		$	15.9		$	23.9	$	(0.2	)	$	(2.0	)	$	(13.4	)	$	30.7
Realized - impairments		(1.2	)		(0.4	)		—		—			—			0.5			(1.1	)
Change in unrealized		(12.0	)		5.0			1.1		—			—			(3.5	)		(9.4	)

We entered into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to manage currency exposure on losses related to certain global catastrophe events. We did not renew this program in the third quarter of 2015 as the currency exposure has become immaterial. These currency forward contracts were carried at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Other investments” at September 30, 2014. The realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are included in “Net realized investment and other gains” in our Consolidated Statements of Income. The notional amount of these currency forward contracts was $25.6 million at September 30, 2014. The fair value of these currency forward contracts was a loss of $2.0 million at September 30, 2014. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized $0.0 million and $0.5 million in realized gains and $0.3 million and $2.3 million in realized losses, respectively, from these currency forward contracts. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized $0.1 million and $3.9 million in realized gains and $2.2 million and $4.1 million in realized losses, respectively, from these currency forward contracts.

We enter into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to manage currency exposure on our Canadian dollar (“CAD”) investment portfolio, certain Euro and other non-U.S. dollar denominated investments, and to minimize negative impacts to our investment portfolio returns. The currency forward contracts are carried at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Other investments.” The realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in “Net realized investment and other gains” in our Consolidated Statements of Income. The notional amount of the Canadian dollar forward contracts was CAD 160.7 million (USD $119.9 million) and CAD 132.0 million (USD $118.3 million) as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The notional amount of the remaining forward contracts was not material as of September 30, 2015 and 2014. The fair value of the currency forward contracts was a gain of $5.1 million and a loss of $0.4 million as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized $8.6 million and $26.4 million in realized gains and $3.9 million and $13.4 million in realized losses, respectively, from the currency forward contracts. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized $5.7 million and $2.6 million in realized gains and realized losses, respectively.

Regulatory Deposits, Pledged Securities and Letters of Credit

At September 30, 2015, the amortized cost and fair value of investments on deposit with U.S., Canadian and various other agencies for regulatory purposes were $185.9 million and $192.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the amortized cost and fair value of investments on deposit with U.S., Canadian and various other agencies for regulatory purposes were $186.6 million and $194.2 million, respectively.

At September 30, 2015, investments with an amortized cost of $34.6 million and fair value of $34.8 million were pledged as collateral in support of irrevocable letters of credit (“LOCs”) in the amount of $28.2 million issued under the terms of certain reinsurance agreements in respect of reported loss and loss expense reserves. At December 31, 2014, investments with an amortized cost of $55.0 million and fair value of $55.3 million were pledged as collateral in support of irrevocable LOCs in the amount of $43.6 million issued under the terms of certain reinsurance agreements in respect of reported loss and loss expense reserves.

Our Corporate member’s capital supporting our Lloyd’s business was $211.9 million and $217.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is 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. Fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal (or most advantageous) market that are independent, knowledgeable, able to transact for the asset or liability and willing to transfer the asset or liability.

Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach are used to measure fair value. The inputs of these valuation techniques are categorized into three levels.

●

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the reporting date. We define actively traded as a security that has traded in the past seven days. We receive one quote per instrument for Level 1 inputs.

●

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. We receive one quote per instrument for Level 2 inputs.

●

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect our own judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.

We receive fair value prices from third-party pricing services and our outside investment managers. These prices are determined using observable market information such as dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution

data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. We have reviewed the processes used by the third-party providers for pricing the securities, and have determined that these processes result in fair values consistent with GAAP requirements. In addition, we review these prices for reasonableness, and have not adjusted any prices received from the third-party providers as of September 30, 2015. A description of the valuation techniques we use to measure assets at fair value is as follows:

Fixed Maturities (Available-for-Sale) Levels 1 and 2:

●

United States Treasury securities are typically valued using Level 1 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets at the reporting date.

●

United States Government agencies, non-U.S. Government securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, credit securities and foreign denominated securities are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services. Observable data may include dealer quotes, market spreads, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

●

CMO/MBS agency, CMO/MBS non-agency, CMBS, ABS and CLO securities are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services. Observable data may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Equity Securities Level 1: Equity securities are principally reported at fair value using Level 1 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from a third-party pricing service using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets at the reporting date.

Equity Securities Level 3: We own certain equity securities that are reported at fair value using Level 3 inputs. The valuation techniques for these securities include the following:

●

Fair value measurements are obtained from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Security Valuation Office at the reporting date.

●

Fair value measurements for an investment in an equity fund obtained by applying final prices provided by the administrator of the fund, which is based upon certain estimates and assumptions.

Other Investments Level 2: Foreign regulatory deposits are assets held in trust in jurisdictions where there is a legal and regulatory requirement to maintain funds locally in order to protect policyholders. Lloyd’s is the appointed investment manager for the funds. These assets are invested in short-term government securities, agency securities and corporate bonds and are valued using Level 2 inputs based upon values obtained from Lloyd’s. Foreign currency future contracts are valued by our counterparty using market driven foreign currency exchange rates and are considered Level 2 investments.

Short-term Investments: Short-term investments are principally reported at fair value using Level 1 inputs, with the exception of short-term corporate bonds reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs as described in the fixed maturities section above. Values for the investments categorized as Level 1 are obtained from various financial institutions as of the reporting date.

Transfers Between Level 1 and Level 2 Securities: There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

Based on an analysis of the inputs, our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis have been categorized as follows:

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in millions)	September 30, 2015		Level 1 ^(a)		Level 2 ^(b)		Level 3 ^(c)
Fixed maturities
USD denominated:
U.S. Governments	$	168.9	$	110.4	$	58.5	$	—
Non-U.S. Governments		86.0		—		86.0		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		492.5		—		492.5		—
Credit-Financial		497.1		—		497.1		—
Credit-Industrial		492.9		—		492.9		—
Credit-Utility		143.5		—		143.5		—
Structured securities:
CMO/MBS-agency		138.6		—		138.6		—
CMO/MBS-non agency		12.4		—		12.4		—
CMBS		165.7		—		165.7		—
ABS		128.0		—		128.0		—
CLO		135.6		—		135.6		—
Foreign denominated:
Governments		152.3		—		152.3		—
Credit		109.0		—		109.0		—
ABS/CMBS		22.1		—		22.1		—
CLO		77.6		—		77.6		—
Total fixed maturities		2,822.2		110.4		2,711.8		—
Equity securities		466.0		465.2		—		0.8
Other investments		91.2		—		91.2		—
Short-term investments		344.8		323.8		21.0		—
	$	3,724.2	$	899.4	$	2,824.0	$	0.8

^(a)	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

^(b)	Significant other observable inputs

^(c)	Significant unobservable inputs

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in millions)	December 31, 2014		Level 1 ^(a)		Level 2 ^(b)		Level 3 ^(c)
Fixed maturities
USD denominated:
U.S. Governments	$	185.0	$	99.2	$	85.8	$	—
Non-U.S. Governments		79.9		—		79.9		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		490.7		—		490.7		—
Credit-Financial		518.1		—		518.1		—
Credit-Industrial		499.6		—		499.6		—
Credit-Utility		142.0		—		142.0		—
Structured securities:
CMO/MBS-agency		175.3		—		175.3		—
CMO/MBS-non agency		14.0		—		14.0		—
CMBS		180.0		—		180.0		—
ABS		142.6		—		142.6		—
CLO		78.4		—		78.4		—
Foreign denominated:
Governments		140.2		—		140.2		—
Credit		126.0		—		126.0		—
ABS/CMBS		27.2		—		27.2		—
CLO		41.7		—		41.7		—
Total fixed maturities		2,840.7		99.2		2,741.5		—
Equity securities		486.3		485.4		—		0.9
Other investments		97.3		—		97.3		—
Short-term investments		275.8		273.9		1.9		—
	$	3,700.1	$	858.5	$	2,840.7	$	0.9

^(a)	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

^(b)	Significant other observable inputs

^(c)	Significant unobservable inputs

The fair value measurements in the tables above do not equal “Total investments” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as they exclude certain other investments that are accounted for under the equity-method of accounting.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the investments categorized as Level 3 are as follows:

Fair Value Measurements Using Observable Inputs (Level 3)

(in millions)	Equity Securities			Total
Beginning balance, January 1, 2015	$	0.9		$	0.9
Transfers into Level 3		—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		—			—
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in net income (loss)		—			—
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)		—			—
Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements
Purchases		—			—
Issuances		—			—
Sales		(0.1	)		(0.1	)
Settlements		—			—
Ending balance, September 30, 2015	$	0.8		$	0.8
Amount of total gains or losses for the year included in net income (loss) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2015	$	—		$	—

(in millions)	Equity Securities			Other Assets			Total
Beginning balance, January 1, 2014	$	1.3		$	2.6		$	3.9
Transfers into Level 3		—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		—			—			—
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in net income (loss)		—			—			—
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)		0.1			—			0.1
Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements
Purchases		—			—			—
Issuances		—			—			—
Sales		(0.5	)		—			(0.5	)
Settlements		—			(2.6	)		(2.6	)
Ending balance, December 31, 2014	$	0.9		$	—		$	0.9
Amount of total gains or losses for the year included in net income (loss) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at December 31, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we did not have any financial assets or financial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis or any financial liabilities on a recurring basis.

4.	Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The following table provides a reconciliation of reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”):

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014
Net reserves beginning of the year	$	2,137.1		$	2,107.6
Add:
Losses and LAE incurred during current calendar year, net of reinsurance:
Current accident year		589.6			585.9
Prior accident years		(15.3	)		(26.4	)
Losses and LAE incurred during calendar year, net of reinsurance		574.3			559.5
Deduct:
Losses and LAE payments made during current calendar year, net of reinsurance:
Current accident year		105.2			115.3
Prior accident years		435.5			435.5
Losses and LAE payments made during current calendar year, net of reinsurance:		540.7			550.8
Change in participation interest ⁽¹⁾		(1.2	)		24.7
Foreign exchange adjustments		(27.7	)		(4.9	)
Net reserves - end of period		2,141.8			2,136.1
Add:
Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and LAE, end of period		962.3			926.5
Gross reserves - end of period	$	3,104.1		$	3,062.6

⁽¹⁾	Amount represents (decreases) increases in reserves due to change in syndicate participation

Reserves for losses and LAE represent the estimated indemnity cost and related adjustment expenses necessary to investigate and settle claims. Such estimates are based upon individual case estimates for reported claims, estimates from ceding companies for reinsurance assumed and actuarial estimates for losses that have been incurred but not yet reported to the insurer. Any change in probable ultimate liabilities is reflected in current operating results.

Impacting losses and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $15.3 million in favorable prior years’ loss reserve development comprised of the following: $25.1 million of net favorable development in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment primarily the result of favorable development in the general and products liability lines and commercial automobile, partially offset by unfavorable development in property lines; $10.4 million of net unfavorable development in the Commercial Specialty segment, primarily driven by unfavorable development in general liability and workers compensation due to increases in claim severity, partially offset by favorable development in auto liability and short tail lines; $5.8 million of net favorable development in the International Specialty segment primarily driven by favorable development in Argo Insurance Bermuda and Argo Re, partially offset by unfavorable development in the Brazil unit; $2.8 million of net favorable development in the Syndicate 1200 segment primarily driven by favorable development in property, general liability and marine & energy, partially offset by unfavorable development in other liability classes and aerospace; and $8.0 million of unfavorable development in the Run-off Lines segment primarily caused by unfavorable development in workers compensation lines and asbestos and environmental liability, offset in part by favorable development in run-off reinsurance claims.

Impacting losses and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $26.4 million in favorable prior years’ loss reserve development comprised of the following: $34.6 million of net favorable development in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment primarily caused by favorable development in the general and products liability lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in commercial automobile and property lines; $5.2 million of net unfavorable development in the Commercial Specialty segment, primarily driven by unfavorable development in general liability lines due to increases in claim severity, as well as unfavorable development in auto liability lines, partially offset by favorable development in workers compensation and short-tail lines; $0.1 million of net favorable development in the International Specialty segment; $15.8 million of net favorable development in the Syndicate 1200 segment primarily driven by favorable development in various property classes, as well as favorable development in professional indemnity and aerospace, partially offset by unfavorable development in general liability; and $18.9 million of unfavorable development in the Run-off Lines segment primarily caused by unfavorable development in workers compensation lines driven by increasing medical costs on older claims, as well as unfavorable development in asbestos liability on assumed business.

In the opinion of management, our reserves represent the best estimate of our ultimate liabilities, based on currently known facts, current law, current technology and assumptions considered reasonable where facts are not known. Due to the significant uncertainties and related management judgments, there can be no assurance that future loss development, favorable or unfavorable, will not occur.

Debt

Revolving Credit Facility

On March 7, 2014, each of Argo Group, Argo Group US, Inc., Argo International Holdings Limited and Argo Underwriting Agency Limited (the “Borrowers”) entered into a $175 million credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement provides for a $175.0 million revolving credit facility with a maturity date of March 7, 2018 unless extended in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital and permitted acquisitions, and each of the Borrowers has agreed to be jointly and severally liable for the obligations of the other Borrowers under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrowers might be required immediately to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Lenders holding at least a majority of the loans and commitments under the Credit Agreement may elect to accelerate the maturity of the loans and/or terminate the commitments under the Credit Agreement upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default.

Included in the Credit Agreement is a provision that allows up to $17.5 million of the revolving credit facility to be used for LOCs, subject to availability. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding and $0.2 million in LOCs against the Credit Facility.

Junior Subordinated Debentures

On July 16, 2014, Argo Group US, Inc. purchased the outstanding PXRE Capital Trust V $20,000,000 Junior Subordinated Debt Securities (“Capital Trust V”) at a discount equal to 90.0% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest through the date of purchase for a total price of $18.2 million, resulting in the recognition of a $2.0 million pre-tax realized gain. The Capital Trust V was redeemed on April 29, 2015.

6.	Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Cash. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Investment securities and short-term investments. See Note 3, “Investments,” for additional information.

Premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverables on paid losses. The carrying value of current receivables approximates fair value. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying values of premiums receivable over 90 days were $12.2 million and $12.4 million, respectively. Included in “Reinsurance recoverables” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, are amounts that are due from trade capital providers associated with the operations of Syndicate 1200. Upon settlement, the receivable is offset against the liability also reflected in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the payable was in excess of the receivable. Of our reinsurance recoverables on paid losses, excluding amounts attributable to Syndicate 1200’s trade capital providers, at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying values over 90 days were $9.1 million and $9.9 million, respectively. Our methodology for establishing our allowances for doubtful accounts includes specifically identifying all potential uncollectible balances regardless of aging. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the allowance for doubtful accounts for premiums receivable was $3.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively, and the allowance for doubtful accounts for reinsurance recoverables on paid losses was $2.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Premiums receivable over 90 days were secured by collateral in the amount of $0.3 million and $0.3 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Reinsurance recoverables on paid losses over 90 days were secured by collateral in the amount of $0.6 million and $0.4 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Debt. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of our Junior subordinated debentures, Senior unsecured fixed rate notes and Other indebtedness was estimated using appropriate market indices or quoted prices from external sources based on current market conditions.

A summary of our financial instruments whose carrying value did not equal fair value is shown below:

	September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
(in millions)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Junior subordinated debentures	$	172.7	$	153.0	$	172.7	$	155.5
Senior unsecured fixed rate notes		143.8		144.6		143.8		132.3
Other indebtedness:
Floating rate loan stock		56.8		50.3		61.3		55.2
Note payable		0.6		0.6		0.7		0.6
	$	373.9	$	348.5	$	378.5	$	343.6

7.	Shareholders’ Equity

On August 4, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.20 on each share of common stock outstanding. On September 15, 2015, we paid $5.6 million to our shareholders of record on September 1, 2015.

On August 5, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.16 on each share of common stock outstanding, on a post-stock dividend basis. On September 15, 2014, we paid $4.7 million to our shareholders of record on September 1, 2014.

On November 5, 2013, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares (“2013 Repurchase Authorization”). The 2013 Repurchase Authorization supersedes all the previous Repurchase Authorizations. As of September 30, 2015, availability under the 2013 Repurchase Authorization for future repurchases of our common shares was $63.1 million.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we repurchased a total of 85,959 common shares and 575,055, respectively, for $4.8 million and $29.7 million, respectively. A summary of activity from January 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015 follows.

A summary of common shares repurchased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is shown below:

Repurchase Type	Date Trading Plan Initiated	2015 Purchase Period	Number of Shares Repurchased		Average Price of Shares Repurchased		Total Cost (in millions)		Repurchase Authorization Year
10b5-1 Trading Plan	12/15/2014	01/05/2015-02/12/2015		117,482	$	53.50	$	6.3	2013
10b5-1 Trading Plan	03/16/2015	03/18/2015-05/06/2015		150,050	$	49.56		7.4	2013
Open Market	N/A	01/01/2015-09/30/2015		307,523	$	51.83		16.0	2013
Total				575,055	$	51.58	$	29.7

8.	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (where applicable) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is presented below:

(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Holding Gains on Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Total
Balance, January 1, 2015	$	(15.6	)	$	130.7		$	(7.0	)	$	108.1
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(6.6	)		(75.7	)		—			(82.3	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			(2.3	)		—			(2.3	)
Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(6.6	)		(78.0	)		—			(84.6	)
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	(22.2	)	$	52.7		$	(7.0	)	$	23.5

(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Holding Gains on Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Total
Balance, January 1, 2014	$	(11.5	)	$	163.9		$	(4.6	)	$	147.8
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(1.9	)		5.4			—			3.5
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			(14.8	)		—			(14.8	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income		(1.9	)		(9.4	)		—			(11.3	)
Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(13.4	)	$	154.5		$	(4.6	)	$	136.5

The following tables illustrate the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income shown in the above tables that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Income:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015		2014			2015			2014
Unrealized gains and losses on securities:
Net realized investment losses	$	0.1	$	(5.8	)	$	(6.9	)	$	(22.0	)
Benefit for income taxes		1.7		4.1			4.6			7.2
Net of taxes	$	1.8	$	(1.7	)	$	(2.3	)	$	(14.8	)

9.	Net Income Per Common Share

The following table presents the calculation of net income per common share on a basic and diluted basis (all balances have been adjusted to reflect the 10% stock dividend):

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)	2015		2014		2015		2014
Net income	$	35.3	$	44.7	$	122.0	$	123.5
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic		27,916,586		28,552,240		27,997,638		28,824,182
Effect of dilutive securities:
Equity compensation awards		557,918		528,368		542,456		512,993
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted		28,474,504		29,080,608		28,540,094		29,337,175
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	1.27	$	1.57	$	4.36	$	4.28
Diluted	$	1.24	$	1.54	$	4.28	$	4.21

Excluded from the weighted average common shares outstanding calculation at September 30, 2015, and 2014 are 9,181,544 shares and 8,440,355 shares, respectively, which are held as treasury shares. The shares are excluded as of their repurchase date. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, there were no equity compensation awards with an anti-dilutive effect. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, equity compensation awards to purchase 1,879 shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share as these instruments were anti-dilutive. These instruments expired or will expire at varying times from 2014 through 2016.

10.	Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Income taxes paid. We paid income taxes of $ 10.8 million and $23.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Income taxes recovered. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, $11.5 million of income taxes was recovered. No income taxes were recovered during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Interest paid was as follows:

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015		2014
Senior unsecured fixed rate notes	$	7.0	$	7.0
Junior subordinated debentures		5.3		5.8
Other indebtedness		2.0		2.3
Total interest paid	$	14.3	$	15.1

11.	Share-based Compensation

The fair value method of accounting is used for equity-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the award at the measurement date and recognized over the requisite service period. We use the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair values on the measurement date for share options and share appreciation rights (“SARs”). The Black-Scholes model uses several assumptions to value a share award. The volatility assumption is based on the historical change in our stock price over the previous five years preceding the measurement date. The risk-free rate of return assumption is based on the five-year U.S. Treasury constant maturity rate on the measurement date. The expected award life is based upon the average holding period over the history of the incentive plan. The expected dividend yield is based on our history and expected dividend payouts.

The following table summarizes the assumptions we used for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Risk-free rate of return		1.44%		1.77%
Expected dividend yields		1.52%		1.49%
Expected award life (years)		4.64	4.67
Expected volatility		20.81%		22.84%

All outstanding awards were adjusted to reflect the 10% stock dividend, resulting in a 10% increase to the number of awards outstanding and a 9.09% reduction in the exercise price.

Argo Group’s Long-Term Incentive Plans

In November 2007, our shareholders approved the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”), which provides for an aggregate of 4.5 million shares of our common stock that may be issued to executives, non-employee directors, and other key employees. As of May 2014, 1.46 million shares remained available for grant under the 2007 Plan. In May 2014, our shareholders approved the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which provides for an additional 2.8 million shares of our common stock to be available for issuance to executives, non-employee directors and other key employees. The share awards may be in the form of share options, SARs, restricted shares, restricted share awards, restricted share units awards, performance awards, other share-based awards and other cash-based awards. Shares issued under this plan may be shares that are authorized and unissued or shares that we reacquired, including shares purchased on the open market. Share options and SARs will count as one share for the purposes of the limits under the incentive plans; restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units, performance shares or other share-based incentive awards which settle in common shares will count as 2.75 shares for purpose of the limits under the 2014 Plan.

Share options may be in the form of incentive share options, non-qualified share options and restorative options. Share options are required to have an exercise price that is not less than the market value on the date of grant. We are prohibited from repricing the options. The term of the share options cannot exceed seven years from the grant date.

A summary of restricted share activity as of September 30, 2015 and changes during the nine months then ended is as follows:

	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015		313,716		$	31.38
Granted		297,873		$	39.21
Vested and issued		(119,295	)	$	26.83
Expired or forfeited		(8,938	)	$	41.76
Outstanding at September 30, 2015		483,356		$	37.14

The restricted shares vest over two to four years. Expense recognized under this plan for the restricted shares was $1.4 million and $4.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to $0.8 million and $2.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Compensation expense for all share-based compensation awards is included in “Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expense” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. As of September 30, 2015, there was $13.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted share compensation arrangements granted by Argo Group.

A summary of stock-settled SARs activity as of September 30, 2015 and changes during the nine months then ended is as follows:

	Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2015		1,313,726		$	28.57
Granted		243,305		$	39.43
Exercised		(165,036	)	$	24.15
Expired or forfeited		(7,231	)	$	31.68
Outstanding at September 30, 2015		1,384,764		$	30.14

The stock-settled SARs vest over a one to four year period. Upon exercise of the stock-settled SARs, the employee is entitled to receive shares of our common stock equal to the appreciation of the stock as compared to the exercise price. Expense recognized for the stock-settled SARs was $0.3 million and $1.3 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to $0.3 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, there was $3.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-settled SARs outstanding.

A summary of cash-settled SARs activity as of September 30, 2015 and changes during the nine months then ended is as follows:

	Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2015		2,001,451		$	32.76
Granted		913,157		$	47.48
Exercised		(366,527	)	$	29.19
Expired or forfeited		(216,354	)	$	39.40
Outstanding at September 30, 2015		2,331,727		$	38.46

The cash-settled SARs vest over a one to four year period. Upon exercise of the cash-settled SARs, the employee is entitled to receive cash payment for the appreciation in the value of our common stock over the exercise price. We account for the cash-settled SARs as liability awards, which require the awards to be revalued at each reporting period. Expense recognized for the cash-settled SARs was $2.8 million and $14.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to $1.2 million and $9.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, there was $13.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to cash-settled SARs outstanding.

12.	Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses were as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Commissions	$	56.5		$	59.8		$	182.4		$	178.0
General expenses		69.6			69.0			222.2			211.9
Premium taxes, boards and bureaus		7.5			7.2			8.1			19.5
		133.6			136.0			412.7			409.4
Net deferral of policy acquisition costs		(0.8	)		(2.2	)		(10.8	)		(10.1	)
Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	$	132.8		$	133.8		$	401.9		$	399.3

Included in general expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $5.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively, and $20.8 million and $13.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of expense for our total equity compensation.

13.	Income Taxes

We are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and, under current Bermuda law, are not obligated to pay any taxes in Bermuda based upon income or capital gains. We have received an undertaking from the Supervisor of Insurance in Bermuda pursuant to the provisions of the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act, 2011, which exempts us from any Bermuda taxes computed on profits, income or any capital asset, gain or appreciation or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, at least until the year 2035.

We do not consider ourselves to be engaged in a trade or business in the United States or the United Kingdom and, accordingly, do not expect to be subject to direct United States or United Kingdom income taxation.

We have subsidiaries based in the United Kingdom that are subject to the tax laws of that country. Under current law, these subsidiaries are taxed at the applicable corporate tax rates. Six of the United Kingdom subsidiaries are deemed to be engaged in business in the United States, and therefore, are subject to United States corporate tax in respect of a proportion of their United States underwriting business only. Relief is available against the United Kingdom tax liabilities in respect of overseas taxes paid that arise from the underwriting business. Corporate income tax losses incurred in the United Kingdom can be carried forward, for application against future income, indefinitely. Our United Kingdom subsidiaries file separate United Kingdom income tax returns.

We have subsidiaries based in the United States that are subject to United States tax laws. Under current law, these subsidiaries are taxed at the applicable corporate tax rates. Our United States subsidiaries file a consolidated United States federal income tax return.

We also have operations in Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, France, Malta, Spain and Ireland, which also are subject to income taxes imposed by the jurisdiction in which they operate. We have operations in the United Arab Emirates, which are not subject to income tax under the laws of that country.

Our income tax provision includes the following components:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Current tax provision	$	(11.3	)	$	(15.0	)	$	(2.5	)	$	(10.7	)
Deferred tax (benefit) provision related to:
Future tax deductions		14.1			19.7			16.7			52.9
Valuation allowance change		(1.9	)		(1.1	)		(2.9	)		(30.0	)
Income tax provision	$	0.9		$	3.6		$	11.3		$	12.2

Our expected income tax provision computed on pre-tax income (loss) at the weighted average tax rate has been calculated as the sum of the pre-tax income (loss) in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, pre-tax income (loss) attributable to our operations and the operations’ effective tax rates were as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015							2014
	Pre-Tax Income (Loss)				Effective Tax Rate			Pre-Tax Income (Loss)				Effective Tax Rate
Bermuda	$	24.6				0.0	%	$	27.5				0.0	%
United States		10.5				19.6	%		13.5				16.2	%
United Kingdom		1.9				-58.5	%		9.2				15.4	%
Belgium		—		⁽¹⁾		31.4	%		(0.1	)			-7.9	%
Brazil		(0.7	)			0.0	%		(1.2	)			0.0	%
United Arab Emirates		0.1				0.0	%		—				0.0	%
Ireland		—		⁽¹⁾		0.0	%		—				0.0	%
Malta		(0.3	)			0.0	%		(0.8	)			0.0	%
Switzerland		0.1				-20.0	%		0.2				4.8	%
Pre-tax income	$	36.2						$	48.3


	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015							2014
	Pre-Tax Income (Loss)				Effective Tax Rate			Pre-Tax Income (Loss)				Effective Tax Rate
Bermuda	$	68.8				0.0	%		74.3				0.0	%
United States		59.1				22.4	%		49.2				20.9	%
United Kingdom		9.1				-21.4	%		11.1				17.1	%
Belgium		(0.1	)			-50.5	%		(0.1	)			-32.4	%
Brazil		(3.7	)			0.0	%		3.9				0.0	%
United Arab Emirates		0.2				0.0	%		(0.9	)			0.0	%
Ireland		(0.1	)			0.0	%		—				0.0	%
Malta		—		⁽¹⁾		0.0	%		(1.8	)			0.0	%
Switzerland		—		⁽¹⁾		-21.3	%		—		⁽¹⁾		24.2	%
Pre-tax income	$	133.3						$	135.7

⁽¹⁾	Pre-tax income for the respective year was less than $0.1 million.

A reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate is as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Income tax provision at expected rate	$	3.7		$	6.1		$	21.1		$	20.6
Tax effect of:
Tax-exempt interest		(1.2	)		(1.1	)		(3.1	)		(3.4	)
Dividends received deduction		(0.6	)		(0.5	)		(1.8	)		(1.7	)
Valuation allowance change		(1.9	)		(1.1	)		(2.9	)		(30.0	)
Other permanent adjustments, net		0.1			(0.1	)		0.3			(1.0	)
Adjustment for prior year tax return		(0.6	)		(1.1	)		(0.6	)		(1.1	)
Adjustment for annualized rate		0.8			0.8			0.6			(0.9	)
United States state tax (benefit) expense		—			—			(2.5	)		—
Capital loss carryforward from prior merger		—			—			—			29.8
Other foreign adjustments		0.1			—			0.2			—
Prior period adjustments to deferred		—			0.8			—			(0.3	)
Prior year foreign taxes recovered		—			—			(1.2	)		—
Foreign exchange adjustments		0.5			(0.2	)		0.9			(0.1	)
Foreign withholding taxes		—			—			0.3			0.3
Income tax provision	$	0.9		$	3.6		$	11.3		$	12.2

Income tax (benefit) provision - Foreign	$	(1.2	)	$	1.5		$	(2.0	)	$	2.0
Income tax provision - United States, Federal		2.1			2.1			16.8			9.8
Income tax (benefit) provision - United States, state		—			—			(3.8	)		0.1
Foreign withholding tax - United States		—			—			0.3			0.3
Income tax provision	$	0.9		$	3.6		$	11.3		$	12.2

We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties within our global operations in “Interest expense” and “Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses,” respectively, in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Our net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are supported by taxes paid in previous periods, reversal of taxable temporary differences and recognition of future income. Management regularly evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and makes any necessary adjustments to them based upon any changes in management’s expectations of future taxable income. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon our generation of sufficient taxable income in the future to recover tax benefits that cannot be recovered from taxes paid in the carryback period, which is generally two years for net operating losses and three years for capital losses for our United States operations. At September 30, 2015, we had a total net deferred tax liability of $10.8 million prior to any valuation allowance. Management has concluded that a valuation allowance is required for a portion of the tax effected net operating loss carryforward of $17.1 million generated from a prior merger and for the tax effected net operating loss carryforward of $1.0 million from ARIS. Of the net operating carryforwards from a prior merger, $15.6 million will expire if not used by December 31, 2025 and $1.5 million will expire if not used by December 31, 2027. Of the ARIS loss carryforward, $0.2 million will expire if not used by December 31, 2027, $0.4 million will expire if not used by December 31, 2028 and $0.4 million will expire if not used by December 31, 2029. The valuation allowances have been established as Internal Revenue Code Section 382 limits the application of net operating loss and net capital loss carryforwards following an ownership change. The loss carryforwards available per year are $2.8 million as required by Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Further, due to cumulative losses since inception, management has concluded that a valuation allowance is required for the full amount of the tax effected net operating losses generated by our Brazil and Malta entities. Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $22.6 million is required as of September 30, 2015 of which $15.1 million relates to the prior merger and ARIS loss carryforwards, $5.5 million relates to Brazil operations, and $2.0 million relates to Malta operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the valuation allowance was reduced by $0.7 million pertaining to the prior merger and ARIS loss carryforwards, decreased by $2.1 million pertaining to our Brazil operations and decreased by $0.1 million pertaining to our Malta operations.

We had no material unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2015 and 2014. Our United States subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011. Our United Kingdom subsidiaries are no longer subject to United Kingdom income tax examinations by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for years before 2012.

14.	Commitments and Contingencies

Argo Group’s subsidiaries are parties to legal actions incidental to their business. Based on the opinion of counsel, management believes that the resolution of these matters will not materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

We have contractual commitments to invest up to $71.6 million related to our limited partnership investments at September 30, 2015. These commitments will be funded as required by the partnership agreements and range in duration from one to thirteen years.

15.	Segment Information

We are primarily engaged in underwriting property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. We have four ongoing reporting segments: Excess and Surplus Lines, Commercial Specialty, International Specialty and Syndicate 1200. Additionally, we have a Run-off Lines segment for certain products that we no longer underwrite.

We consider many factors, including the nature of each segment’s insurance and reinsurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and the regulatory environment, in determining how to aggregate reporting segments.

In evaluating the operating performance of our segments, we focus on core underwriting and investing results before the consideration of realized gains or losses from the sales of investments. Realized investment gains are reported as a component of the Corporate and Other segment, as decisions regarding the acquisition and disposal of securities reside with the investment function and are not under the control of the individual business segments. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the operation of each segment.

Revenue and income (loss) before income taxes for each segment were as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015		2014		2015			2014
Revenue:
Earned premiums
Excess and Surplus Lines	$	135.7	$	121.2	$	389.9		$	363.9
Commercial Specialty		73.3		72.7		217.6			215.5
International Specialty		37.6		38.0		113.2			112.6
Syndicate 1200		99.1		104.4		305.5			305.9
Run-off Lines		0.3		1.3		0.4			1.5
Total earned premiums		346.0		337.6		1,026.6			999.4
Net investment income
Excess and Surplus Lines		8.8		8.9		26.3			27.2
Commercial Specialty		4.6		4.5		13.8			13.8
International Specialty		2.9		2.3		8.8			6.1
Syndicate 1200		2.3		2.1		6.9			7.9
Run-off Lines		2.1		2.4		6.2			7.2
Corporate and Other		0.6		0.6		1.9			2.5
Total net investment income		21.3		20.8		63.9			64.7
Fee and other income (expense), net		1.0		1.6		(0.1	)		0.1
Net realized investment and other gains		3.7		12.9		25.0			42.5
Total revenue	$	372.0	$	372.9	$	1,115.4		$	1,106.7

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Income (loss) before income taxes
Excess and Surplus Lines	$	26.5		$	27.6		$	75.4		$	75.9
Commercial Specialty		12.4			8.0			20.8			9.2
International Specialty		3.5			4.0			21.4			16.4
Syndicate 1200		6.9			8.8			28.0			34.7
Run-off Lines		(7.1	)		(8.3	)		(7.0	)		(17.6	)
Total segment income before taxes		42.2			40.1			138.6			118.6
Corporate and Other		(9.7	)		(4.7	)		(30.3	)		(25.4	)
Net realized investment and other gains		3.7			12.9			25.0			42.5
Total income before income taxes	$	36.2		$	48.3		$	133.3		$	135.7

The table below presents earned premiums by geographic location for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. For this disclosure, we determine geographic location by the country of domicile of our subsidiaries that underwrite the business and not by the location of insureds or reinsureds from whom the business was generated.

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015		2014		2015		2014
Bermuda	$	26.8	$	27.0	$	76.8	$	75.7
Brazil		10.3		11.0		34.7		35.4
Malta		0.5		0.5		1.4		1.6
United Kingdom		99.1		104.4		305.5		305.9
United States		209.3		194.7		608.2		580.8
Total earned premiums	$	346.0	$	337.6	$	1,026.6	$	999.4

The following table represents identifiable assets:

	September 30,		December 31,
(in millions)	2015		2014
Excess and Surplus Lines	$	2,461.4	$	2,350.7
Commercial Specialty		1,387.9		1,358.5
International Specialty		801.0		776.8
Syndicate 1200		1,353.1		1,258.5
Run-off Lines		557.7		552.8
Corporate and Other		66.4		59.0
Total	$	6,627.5	$	6,356.3

Included in total assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are $396.3 million and $315.4 million, respectively, in assets associated with trade capital providers.

16.	Information Provided in Connection with Outstanding Debt of Subsidiaries

The following tables present condensed consolidating financial information at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, for Argo Group (the “Parent Guarantor”) and Argo Group US (the “Subsidiary Issuer”). The Subsidiary Issuer is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Guarantor under the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. Earnings of subsidiaries are reflected in the Parent Guarantor’s investment accounts and earnings.

The Parent Guarantor fully and unconditionally guarantees certain of the debt of the Subsidiary Issuer. Condensed consolidating financial information of the Subsidiary Issuer is presented on a consolidated basis and consists principally of the net assets, results of operations and cash flows of operating insurance company subsidiaries.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in millions)

	Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd (Parent Guarantor)			Argo Group US, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Subsidiary Issuer)		Other Subsidiaries and Eliminations ⁽¹⁾			Consolidating Adjustments ⁽²⁾			Total
Assets
Investments	$	6.4		$	2,830.2	$	1,296.4		$	—		$	4,133.0
Cash		—			84.8		11.4			—			96.2
Accrued investment income		—			15.9		5.1			—			21.0
Premiums receivable		—			166.7		270.7			—			437.4
Reinsurance recoverables		—			1,195.4		(128.1	)		—			1,067.3
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		—			130.0		96.6			—			226.6
Current income taxes receivable, net		—			12.3		4.8			—			17.1
Deferred acquisition costs, net		—			61.8		79.6			—			141.4
Ceded unearned premiums		—			119.8		142.7			—			262.5
Other assets		9.7			155.3		66.4			(6.4	)		225.0
Due (to) from affiliates		(52.5	)		1.5		(1.5	)		52.5			—
Intercompany note receivable		—			41.7		(41.7	)		—			—
Investments in subsidiaries		1,722.3			—		—			(1,722.3	)		—
Total assets	$	1,685.9			4,815.4		1,802.4		$	(1,676.2	)	$	6,627.5
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	—			2,177.9		926.2		$	—		$	3,104.1
Unearned premiums		—			506.9		425.8			—			932.7
Funds held and ceded reinsurance payable, net		—			695.5		(328.6	)		—			366.9
Long-term debt		28.3			288.7		56.9			—			373.9
Deferred tax liabilities, net		—			24.0		9.4			—			33.4
Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities		16.1			98.4		60.5			—			175.0
Total liabilities		44.4			3,791.4		1,150.2			—			4,986.0
Total shareholders' equity		1,641.5			1,024.0		652.2			(1,676.2	)		1,641.5
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,685.9		$	4,815.4	$	1,802.4		$	(1,676.2	)	$	6,627.5

⁽¹⁾	Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

⁽²⁾	Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2014

(in millions)

	Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd (Parent Guarantor)		Argo Group US, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Subsidiary Issuer)			Other Subsidiaries and Eliminations ⁽¹⁾			Consolidating Adjustments ⁽²⁾			Total
Assets
Investments	$	0.7	$	2,841.5		$	1,255.7		$	—		$	4,097.9
Cash		—		49.3			31.7			—			81.0
Accrued investment income		—		17.8			4.3			—			22.1
Premiums receivable		—		154.6			199.0			—			353.6
Reinsurance recoverables		—		1,173.6			(176.4	)		—			997.2
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		—		131.7			99.1			—			230.8
Current income taxes receivable, net		—		10.1			4.8			—			14.9
Deferred acquisition costs, net		—		58.0			66.6			—			124.6
Ceded unearned premiums		—		98.5			109.1			—			207.6
Other assets		9.6		174.1			67.9			(25.0	)		226.6
Due from (to) affiliates		2.9		(19.8	)		19.8			(2.9	)		—
Intercompany note receivable		—		72.0			(72.0	)		—			—
Investments in subsidiaries		1,698.0		—			—			(1,698.0	)		—
Total assets	$	1,711.2	$	4,761.4		$	1,609.6		$	(1,725.9	)	$	6,356.3
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	—	$	2,136.4		$	906.0		$	—		$	3,042.4
Unearned premiums		—		448.9			368.3			—			817.2
Funds held and ceded reinsurance payable, net		—		675.1			(441.3	)		—			233.8
Long-term debt		49.0		288.7			61.4			(20.6	)		378.5
Deferred tax liabilities, net		—		41.2			11.8			—			53.0
Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities		15.5		104.2			65.0			—			184.7
Total liabilities		64.5		3,694.5			971.2			(20.6	)		4,709.6
Total shareholders' equity		1,646.7		1,066.9			638.4			(1,705.3	)		1,646.7
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,711.2	$	4,761.4		$	1,609.6		$	(1,725.9	)	$	6,356.3

⁽¹⁾	Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

⁽²⁾	Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in millions)

	Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd (Parent Guarantor)			Argo Group US, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Subsidiary Issuer)		Other Subsidiaries and Eliminations ⁽¹⁾			Consolidating Adjustments ⁽²⁾			Total
Premiums and other revenue:
Earned premiums	$	—		$	122.1	$	223.9		$	—		$	346.0
Net investment income		(0.2	)		14.1		7.6			(0.2	)		21.3
Fee and other income (expense), net		—			—		1.0			—			1.0
Net realized investment and other gains		—			1.4		2.3			—			3.7
Total revenue		(0.2	)		137.6		234.8			(0.2	)		372.0
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		—			75.4		124.6			—			200.0
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		4.9			48.0		79.9			—			132.8
Interest expense		0.5			3.8		0.7			(0.2	)		4.8
Foreign currency exchange gain		—			0.1		(1.9	)		—			(1.8	)
Total expenses		5.4			127.3		203.3			(0.2	)		335.8
Income before income taxes		(5.6	)		10.3		31.5			—			36.2
Provision for income taxes		—			2.1		(1.2	)		—			0.9
Net income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(5.6	)		8.2		32.7			—			35.3
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		40.9			—		—			(40.9	)		—
Net income	$	35.3		$	8.2	$	32.7		$	(40.9	)	$	35.3

⁽¹⁾	Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

⁽²⁾	Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

(in millions)

	Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd (Parent Guarantor)			Argo Group US, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Subsidiary Issuer)		Other Subsidiaries and Eliminations ⁽¹⁾			Consolidating Adjustments ⁽²⁾			Total
Premiums and other revenue:
Earned premiums	$	—		$	114.2	$	223.4		$	—		$	337.6
Net investment income		(0.1	)		13.6		7.3			—			20.8
Fee and other income (expense), net		—			1.5		0.1			—			1.6
Net realized investment and other gains		—			9.2		3.7			—			12.9
Total revenue		(0.1	)		138.5		234.5			—			372.9
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		—			69.9		122.0			—			191.9
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		2.3			51.6		79.9			—			133.8
Interest expense		0.7			3.8		0.6			(0.2	)		4.9
Foreign currency exchange gain		—			0.3		(6.3	)		—			(6.0	)
Total expenses		3.0			125.6		196.2			(0.2	)		324.6
Income before income taxes		(3.1	)		12.9		38.3			0.2			48.3
Provision for income taxes		—			2.1		1.5			—			3.6
Net income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(3.1	)		10.8		36.8			0.2			44.7
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		47.9			—		—			(47.9	)		—
Net income	$	44.8		$	10.8	$	36.8		$	(47.7	)	$	44.7

⁽¹⁾	Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

⁽²⁾	Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in millions)

	Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd (Parent Guarantor)			Argo Group US, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Subsidiary Issuer)			Other Subsidiaries and Eliminations ⁽¹⁾			Consolidating Adjustments ⁽²⁾			Total
Premiums and other revenue:
Earned premiums	$	—		$	376.0		$	650.6		$	—		$	1,026.6
Net investment income		(0.7	)		42.6			22.2			(0.2	)		63.9
Fee and other income (expense), net		—			(2.4	)		2.3			—			(0.1	)
Net realized investment and other gains		2.0			24.7			0.3			(2.0	)		25.0
Total revenue		1.3			440.9			675.4			(2.2	)		1,115.4
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		—			220.0			354.3			—			574.3
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		14.4			149.5			238.0			—			401.9
Interest expense		1.2			11.4			1.9			(0.2	)		14.3
Foreign currency exchange gain		—			1.0			(9.4	)		—			(8.4	)
Total expenses		15.6			381.9			584.8			(0.2	)		982.1
Income before income taxes		(14.3	)		59.0			90.6			(2.0	)		133.3
Provision for income taxes		—			13.3			(2.0	)		—			11.3
Net income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(14.3	)		45.7			92.6			(2.0	)		122.0
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		136.3			—			—			(136.3	)		—
Net income	$	122.0		$	45.7		$	92.6		$	(138.3	)	$	122.0

⁽¹⁾	Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

⁽²⁾	Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

(in millions)

	Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd (Parent Guarantor)			Argo Group US, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Subsidiary Issuer)			Other Subsidiaries and Eliminations ⁽¹⁾			Consolidating Adjustments ⁽²⁾			Total
Premiums and other revenue:
Earned premiums	$	—		$	343.7		$	655.7		$	—		$	999.4
Net investment income		(0.3	)		42.4			22.6			—			64.7
Fee and other (expense) income, net		—			(1.5	)		1.6			—			0.1
Net realized investment and other gains		—			34.6			7.9			—			42.5
Total revenue		(0.3	)		419.2			687.8			—			1,106.7
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		—			211.2			348.3			—			559.5
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		12.5			147.9			238.9			—			399.3
Interest expense		1.8			11.4			2.1			(0.3	)		15.0
Foreign currency exchange gain		—			0.1			(2.9	)		—			(2.8	)
Total expenses		14.3			370.6			586.4			(0.3	)		971.0
Income before income taxes		(14.6	)		48.6			101.4			0.3			135.7
Provision for income taxes		—			10.2			2.0			—			12.2
Net income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries		(14.6	)		38.4			99.4			0.3			123.5
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		138.1			—			—			(138.1	)		—
Net income	$	123.5		$	38.4		$	99.4		$	(137.8	)	$	123.5

⁽¹⁾	Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

⁽²⁾	Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in millions)

	Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd (Parent Guarantor)			Argo Group US, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Subsidiary Issuer)			Other Subsidiaries and Eliminations ⁽¹⁾			Consolidating Adjustments ⁽²⁾		Total
Net cash flows from operating activities	$	12.6		$	130.6		$	92.6		$	—	$	235.8
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of investments		—			524.5			204.3			—		728.8
Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed maturity investments		—			509.5			127.9			—		637.4
Purchases of investments		—			(1,073.2	)		(395.3	)		—		(1,468.5	)
Change in short-term investments and foreign regulatory deposits		1.3			(34.5	)		(29.2	)		—		(62.4	)
Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts		1.5			—			(8.2	)		—		(6.7	)
Issuance of intercompany note, net		—			15.0			(15.0	)		—		—
Purchases of fixed assets and other, net		0.2			(7.3	)		2.5			—		(4.6	)
Cash used by investing activities		3.0			(66.0	)		(113.0	)		—		(176.0	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under intercompany note, net		—			—			—			—		—
Activity under stock incentive plans		1.5			—			—			—		1.5
Repurchase of Company's common shares		—			(29.7	)		—			—		(29.7	)
Excess tax expense from share-based payment arrangements		—			0.6			—			—		0.6
Payment of cash dividend to common shareholders		(17.1	)		—			—			—		(17.1	)
Cash used by financing activities		(15.6	)		(29.1	)		—			—		(44.7	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		—			—			0.1			—		0.1
Change in cash		—			35.5			(20.3	)		—		15.2
Cash, beginning of the period		—			49.3			31.7			—		81.0
Cash, end of period	$	—		$	84.8		$	11.4		$	—	$	96.2

⁽¹⁾	Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

⁽²⁾	Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

(in millions)

	Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd (Parent Guarantor)			Argo Group US, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Subsidiary Issuer)			Other Subsidiaries and Eliminations ⁽¹⁾			Consolidating Adjustments ⁽²⁾			Total
Net cash flows (used by) from operating activities	$	(16.5	)	$	11.8		$	70.0		$	6.4		$	71.7
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of investments		—			609.2			366.9			—			976.1
Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed maturity investments		—			148.0			95.6			—			243.6
Purchases of investments		—			(773.1	)		(491.7	)		—			(1,264.8	)
Change in short-term investments and foreign regulatory deposits		0.1			(12.5	)		18.4			—			6.0
Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts		(0.5	)		—			1.1			—			0.6
Issuance of intercompany note, net		—			14.5			(48.5	)		34.0			—
Purchases of fixed assets and other, net		(7.0	)		(20.1	)		(14.7	)		(6.4	)		(48.2	)
Cash (used) provided by investing activities		(7.4	)		(34.0	)		(72.9	)		27.6			(86.7	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under intercompany note, net		34.0			—			—			(34.0	)		—
Activity under stock incentive plans		3.3			—			—			—			3.3
Redemption of trust preferred securities, net		—			—			—			(18.0	)		(18.0	)
Payment on note payable		—			(0.1	)		—			—			(0.1	)
Repurchase of Company's common shares		—			(41	)		—			—			(40.9	)
Excess tax expense from share-based payment arrangements		—			0.1			—			—			0.1
Payment of cash dividend to common shareholders		(13.4	)		—			—			—			(13.4	)
Cash provided (used) by financing activities		23.9			(40.9	)		—			(52.0	)		(69.0	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		—			-			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
Change in cash		—			(63.1	)		(3.2	)		(18.0	)		(84.3	)
Cash, beginning of period		—			132.1			25.3			—			157.4
Cash, end of period	$	—		$	69.0		$	22.1		$	(18.0	)	$	73.1

⁽¹⁾	Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

⁽²⁾	Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and also a discussion of our financial condition as of September 30, 2015. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and Argo Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2015, including the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto.

Forward Looking Statements

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk and the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements (including the notes thereto) may contain “forward looking statements,” which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that actual developments will be those anticipated by us. Actual results may differ materially as a result of significant risks and uncertainties, including non-receipt of expected payments, capital markets and their effect on investment income and fair value of the investment portfolio, development of claims and the effect on loss reserves, accuracy in estimating loss reserves, changes in the demand for our products, effect of general economic conditions, adverse government legislation and regulations, government investigations into industry practices, developments relating to existing agreements, heightened competition, changes in pricing environments and changes in asset valuations. For a more detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties, see our public filings made with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

Generally, it is our policy to communicate events that may have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial position, including property and casualty catastrophe events and material losses in the investment portfolio, in a timely manner through a public announcement. It is also our policy not to make public announcements regarding events that are believed to have no material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial position based on management’s current estimates and available information, other than through regularly scheduled calls, press releases or filings.

Consolidated Results of Operations

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we reported net income of $35.3 million and $122.0 million, or $1.24 and $4.28 per diluted share, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we reported net income of $44.7 million and $123.5 million, or $1.54 and $4.21 per diluted share, respectively.

The following is a comparison of selected data from our operations:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Gross written premiums	$	531.4		$	497.2		$	1,565.9		$	1,480.4
Earned premiums	$	346.0		$	337.6		$	1,026.6		$	999.4
Net investment income		21.3			20.8			63.9			64.7
Fee and other income (expense), net		1.0			1.6			(0.1	)		0.1
Net realized investment and other gains		3.7			12.9			25.0			42.5
Total revenue	$	372.0		$	372.9		$	1,115.4		$	1,106.7
Income before income taxes		36.2		$	48.3			133.3		$	135.7
Provision for income taxes		0.9			3.6			11.3			12.2
Net income	$	35.3		$	44.7		$	122.0		$	123.5
Loss ratio		57.8	%		56.8	%		55.9	%		56.0	%
Expense ratio		38.4	%		39.6	%		39.1	%		40.0	%
Combined ratio		96.2	%		96.4	%		95.0	%		96.0	%

The increase in consolidated gross written premiums was primarily attributable to growth in our segments, excluding International Specialty, resulting from our introduction of new products and increased renewals. Partially offsetting these increases were slight declines in gross written premiums in the International Specialty segment. All of our segments have been impacted by increased competition for both new and renewal business and pressure on rates. The increase in earned premiums was attributable to the growth in gross written premiums, partially offset by declines in the Syndicate 1200 segment due to a reduction in our participation interest.

Consolidated net investment income increased for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 due to the increase in our total invested assets balances as we continue to generate positive operating cash flows. Consolidated net investment income decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 due primarily to the continued reinvestment at market yields below the portfolio’s book yield and an increased focus on total portfolio returns relative to current income.

Consolidated net realized investment and other gains for the three months ended September 30, 2015 primarily consisted of $7.3 million of gains recognized from our equity portfolio. Additionally we recognized $1.2 million in realized gains on our other invested assets portfolio, including our investments accounted for under the equity method. Our other invested asset portfolio was adversely impacted by foreign currency rate changes. Additionally, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 we recognized $3.4 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses on certain investment securities. Consolidated net realized investment and other gains for the three months ended September 30, 2014 primarily consisted of $3.4 million from our fixed maturity portfolio, $7.1 million from our other invested assets portfolio and a $2.0 million gain resulting from the extinguishment of one of our junior subordinated debentures. Consolidated net realized investment and other gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 included $19.0 million from our equity portfolio and $14.0 million from our other invested assets portfolio, partially offset by a $2.6 million realized loss on our fixed maturity portfolio and $5.3 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses. Consolidated net realized investment and other gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $15.9 million from our equity portfolio, $23.9 million from our other invested assets portfolio and $6.5 million from our fixed maturity portfolio, partially offset by $1.6 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses.

We have purchased foreign currency future forward contracts to manage currency exposure on prior catastrophe events. The open contracts have a term of 90 days to match the anticipated payment pattern of the associated losses, and may be renewed at the end of each term. We do not apply hedge accounting to these contracts; as a result, all gains (losses) were recognized in net realized investment gains (losses). For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized $0.5 million in foreign currency exchange gains related to the loss reserves recorded for these events which were offset by $0.3 million in realized losses from the currency forward contracts. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized foreign currency exchange gains of $1.7 million related to the loss reserves recorded for these events which were offset by $1.8 million in realized losses from the currency forward contracts.

Consolidated losses and loss adjustment expenses were $200.0 million and $191.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $14.3 million in catastrophe losses including $9.0 million from the Tianjin explosion and $4.8 million from storms losses. Partially offsetting these catastrophe losses was $6.6 million of net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves, primarily attributable to favorable development in the general liability lines, partially offset by net unfavorable development on the workers compensation lines. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $7.6 million in large losses for the current accident year. Also included in losses and loss adjustment expenses was $6.6 million in catastrophe losses resulting from various storm activity. Partially offsetting these current accident year losses was $3.1 million of net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves, primarily attributable to favorable development in the general liability lines partially offset by unfavorable development in the commercial multi-peril and run-off workers compensation lines.

Consolidated losses and loss adjustment expenses were $574.3 million and $559.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $19.6 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in catastrophe losses. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $15.3 million in net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years compared to $26.4 million in net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years for the same period in 2014.

The following table summarizes the above referenced loss reserve development with respect to prior year loss reserves by line of business for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

(in millions)	2014 Net Reserves		Net Reserve Development (Favorable)/ Unfavorable			Percent of 2014 Net Reserves
General liability	$	913.0	$	(26.4	)		-2.9	%
Workers compensation		327.9		13.1			4.0	%
Syndicate 1200 property		99.2		(3.0	)		-3.0	%
Syndicate 1200 liability		202.4		0.2			0.1	%
Commercial multi-peril		164.6		10.6			6.4	%
Commercial auto liability		158.3		(5.1	)		-3.2	%
Reinsurance - nonproportional assumed property		79.7		(3.1	)		-3.9	%
Syndicate 1200 specialty		18.7		(1.2	)		-6.4	%
All other lines		173.3		(0.4	)		-0.2	%
Total	$	2,137.1	$	(15.3	)		-0.7	%

In determining appropriate reserve levels for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we maintained the same general processes and disciplines that were used to set reserves at prior reporting dates. No significant changes in methodologies were made to estimate the reserves since the last reporting date; however, at each reporting date we reassess the actuarial estimate of the reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses and record our best estimate. Consistent with prior reserve valuations, as claims data becomes more mature for prior accident years, actuarial estimates were refined to weigh certain actuarial methods more heavily in order to respond to any emerging trends in the paid and reported loss data. While prior accident years’ net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses for some lines of business have developed favorably in recent years, this does not imply that more recent accident years’ reserves will also develop favorably; pricing, reinsurance costs, legal environment, general economic conditions including changes in inflation and many other factors impact management’s ultimate loss estimates.

When determining reserve levels, we recognize that there are several factors that present challenges and uncertainties to the estimation of net loss reserves. Examples of these uncertainties include changes to the reinsurance structure and potential increases in inflation. Our net retained losses vary by product and they have generally increased over time. To properly recognize these uncertainties, actuarial reviews have given significant consideration to the paid and incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson (“BF”) methodologies. Compared with other actuarial methodologies, the paid and incurred BF methods assign smaller weight to actual reported loss experience, with the greatest weight assigned to an expected or planned loss ratio. The expected or planned loss ratio has typically been determined using various assumptions pertaining to prospective loss frequency and loss severity. In setting reserves at September 30, 2015, we continued to consider the paid and incurred BF methods for recent years.

Our loss reserve estimates gradually blend in the results from development and frequency/severity methodologies over time. For general liability estimates, our own loss experience is not deemed fully credible for several years after the end of an accident year. We rely primarily on the BF methods during that period. For property business, our loss reserve estimates also blend in the results from development and frequency/severity methodologies over time. For property lines, in contrast to general liability estimates, where loss reporting and claims closing patterns settle more quickly, we give greater weight to development methods starting at the end of the accident year.

Consolidated gross reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses were $3,104.1 million (including $94.2 million of reserves attributable to Syndicate 1200 segment's trade capital providers) and $3,062.6 million (including $74.6 million of reserves attributable to Syndicate 1200 segment’s trade capital providers) as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Management has recorded its best estimate of loss reserves at each date based on current known facts and circumstances. Due to the significant uncertainties inherent in the estimation of loss reserves, there can be no assurance that future loss development, favorable or unfavorable, will not occur.

Consolidated underwriting, insurance and acquisition expenses were $132.8 million and $401.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $133.8 million and $399.3 million for the same periods in 2014. The decline in the consolidated expense ratio for 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily attributable to a reduction in the accrual for premium taxes and other assessments due to a change in accounting estimate, coupled with the increase in earned premiums without a corresponding increase in fixed costs.

Consolidated interest expense was comparable at $4.8 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Consolidated interest expense was $14.3 million and $15.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015

and 2014, respectively. The decline in consolidated interest expense was the result of extinguishment in July 2014 of a junior subordinated debenture.

Consolidated foreign currency exchange gain was $1.8 million and $8.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $6.0 million and $2.8 million for the same periods ended 2014. The changes in the foreign currency exchange gains were due to fluctuations of the United States Dollar, on a weighted average basis, against the currencies in which we transact our business. For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the United States Dollar strengthened against all major currencies, excluding the Euro and the Japanese Yen. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the United States Dollar appreciated against all major currencies, except the British Pound, which was essentially flat.

The consolidated provision for income taxes was $0.9 million and $11.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $3.6 million and $12.2 million for the same periods ended 2014. The income tax provision represents the income tax expense associated with our operations based on the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Therefore, the provision for income taxes represents taxes on net income for our United States, Ireland, Belgium, Brazil, Switzerland and United Kingdom operations. The decline in the tax expense for 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily due to reduced income tax expense for our United Kingdom operations.

Segment Results

We are primarily engaged in writing property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. We have four ongoing reporting segments: Excess and Surplus Lines, Commercial Specialty, International Specialty and Syndicate 1200. Additionally, we have a Run-off Lines segment for products that we no longer underwrite.

We consider many factors, including the nature of each segment’s insurance and reinsurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and regulatory environment, in determining how to aggregate reporting segments.

In evaluating the operating performance of our segments, we focus on core underwriting and investing results before consideration of realized gains or losses from the sales of investments. Intersegment transactions are allocated to the segment that initiated the transaction. Realized investment gains and losses are reported as a component of the Corporate and Other segment, as decisions regarding the acquisition and disposal of securities reside with the corporate investment function and are not under the control of the individual business segments. Although this measure of profit (loss) does not replace net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability, management uses this measure of profit (loss) to focus our reporting segments on generating operating income.

Since we generally manage and monitor the investment portfolio on an aggregate basis, the overall performance of the investment portfolio and related net investment income is discussed above on a consolidated basis under consolidated net investment income rather than within or by segment.

Excess and Surplus Lines

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Gross written premiums	$	162.4		$	146.5		$	521.2		$	462.3
Earned premiums		135.7			121.2			389.9		$	363.9
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		74.3			58.6			211.5			187.8
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		42.2			42.3			124.8			122.6
Underwriting income		19.2			20.3			53.6			53.5
Net investment income		8.8			8.9			26.3			27.2
Interest expense		(1.5	)		(1.6	)		(4.5	)		(4.8	)
Income before income taxes	$	26.5		$	27.6		$	75.4		$	75.9
Loss ratio		54.8	%		48.4	%		54.3	%		51.6	%
Expense ratio		31.1	%		35.0	%		32.0	%		33.7	%
Combined ratio		85.9	%		83.4	%		86.3	%		85.3	%

The increase in gross written and earned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to increased underwriting activity in all operating units, with the exception of contracts, which continued to be adversely impacted by the current rate environment. The increase in gross written and earned premiums for the nine

months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to growth in the casualty, management liability and errors and omissions units. Partially offsetting these increases were reduced writings in the transportation, contract and property units. The Excess and Surplus lines segment has been impacted by increased competition and declining rates.

Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $2.7 million in catastrophe losses resulting from storm activity in the United States. Offsetting these losses was $10.1 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years primarily within the general and products liability lines. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $0.5 million in catastrophe losses resulting from storm activity in the United States. Offsetting these catastrophe losses was $12.9 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years primarily within the general and products liability lines of business, partially offset by unfavorable development in commercial automobile lines.

Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $4.7 million in catastrophe losses resulting from spring storm activity. Offsetting these losses was $25.1 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years primarily within the general and products liability and commercial automobile lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in the property lines. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $2.9 million in catastrophe losses resulting from storm activity in the United States coupled with $4.0 million in current accident year large property losses. Offsetting these current accident year losses was $34.6 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years primarily within the general and products liability lines of business, partially offset by unfavorable development in commercial automobile and property lines.

The decline in the expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to a decline in acquisition expenses due to increased ceding commissions received. Non-acquisition expenses were comparable between periods. The decline in the expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period ended 2014 was primarily attributable to a decline in acquisition expenses due to increased ceding commissions received, coupled with non-acquisition expenses growing at a slower rate than earned premiums.

Commercial Specialty

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Commercial Specialty segment:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Gross written premiums	$	147.8		$	138.7		$	347.3		$	328.2
Earned premiums	$	73.3		$	72.7		$	217.6		$	215.5
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		40.9			43.8			136.5			139.2
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		24.3			25.9			69.7			76.8
Underwriting income (loss)		8.1			3.0			11.4			(0.5	)
Net investment income		4.6			4.5			13.8			13.8
Interest expense		(0.8	)		(0.8	)		(2.4	)		(2.4	)
Fee and other income (expense), net		0.5			1.3			(2.0	)		(1.7	)
Income before income taxes	$	12.4		$	8.0		$	20.8		$	9.2
Loss ratio		55.9	%		60.3	%		62.8	%		64.7	%
Expense ratio		33.1	%		35.6	%		32.0	%		35.6	%
Combined ratio		89.0	%		95.9	%		94.8	%		100.3	%

The increase in gross written and earned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to growth in our public entity, commercial programs and surety units, partially offset by declines in our grocery, retail and mining units. The increase in gross written and earned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to growth in our commercial programs and surety units, partially offset by declines in our grocery, retail and mining units. Gross written premiums were negatively impacted by decreasing rates and increasing competition coupled with adverse economic conditions in the energy and mining sectors.

Included in the loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.2 million of net favorable development on prior accident year reserves primarily attributable to favorable development in the general liability, short-tail and auto liability lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in the workers compensation lines. Also included in loss expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $0.4 million of catastrophe losses resulting from storm activity in the United States. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $0.3 million of net unfavorable development on prior accident year reserves primarily attributable to unfavorable development in the general liability lines, partially offset by favorable development in the short-tail lines. Also included in loss expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $1.0 million of catastrophe losses resulting from storms in the United States.

Included in the loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $10.4 million of net unfavorable development on prior accident year reserves primarily attributable to unfavorable development in the general liability and workers compensation lines, partially offset by favorable development in the short-tail and auto liability lines. Also included in loss expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.8 million of catastrophe losses resulting from spring storms. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $5.2 million of net unfavorable development on prior accident year reserves primarily attributable to unfavorable development in the general liability and auto liability lines, partially offset by favorable development in the short-tail and workers compensation lines. Also included in loss expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $5.0 million of catastrophe losses resulting from storms in the United States.

The decline in the expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period ended 2014 was primarily attributable to an increase in fronting fees received due to growth in the state funds and other fronting programs, coupled with non-acquisition expenses remaining flat. The decline in the expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period ended 2014 was primarily attributable to an increase in fronting fees received due to growth in the state funds and other fronting programs coupled with a decline in the accrual for premiums taxes and other assessments due to a change in accounting estimate. Non-acquisition expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were comparable with the same period ended 2014.

Fee and other income (expense), net declined for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same periods in 2014 due to reduced revenues resulting from the sale of certain programs, coupled with a decline in new business due to increased competition.

International Specialty

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the International Specialty segment:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Gross written premiums	$	63.2		$	64.0		$	233.5		$	244.6
Earned premiums	$	37.6		$	38.0		$	113.2		$	112.6
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		23.1			22.2			57.6			59.2
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		13.1			13.3			40.7			40.8
Underwriting income		1.4			2.5			14.9			12.6
Net investment income		2.9			2.3			8.8			6.1
Interest expense		(0.8	)		(0.8	)		(2.3	)		(2.3	)
Income before income taxes	$	3.5		$	4.0		$	21.4		$	16.4
Loss ratio		61.5	%		58.3	%		50.9	%		52.5	%
Expense ratio		35.0	%		34.8	%		35.9	%		36.3	%
Combined ratio		96.5	%		93.1	%		86.8	%		88.8	%

Gross written premiums declined for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same periods in 2014 due to reductions in the professional liability lines, partially offset by increases in the short tail property reinsurance and the casualty lines. Additionally, gross written premiums for our Brazil operations declined primarily due to the deterioration of the Brazilian currency. The lines written by the International Specialty segment continue to be highly competitive. The decline in earned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was due to reduced premium writing in the quarter. The increase in earned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to a reduction in our ceding percentages, coupled with a change in business mix.

Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $7.1 million of catastrophe losses as a result of $5.5 million from the Tianjin explosion, $1.1 million from storms in the United States, and $0.5 million from other small events. Partially offsetting these 2015 accident year losses was $2.1 million in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves driven by casualty and professional lines partially offset by unfavorable development in short tail property reinsurance. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $5.1 million of catastrophe losses as a result of $2.0 million from the European and Canadian hailstorms, $2.0 million from Typhoon Rammasun and $1.1 million from Hurricane Odile. Partially offsetting these catastrophe losses was $0.5 million in net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves.

Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $5.8 million of net favorable development on prior accident year loss reserves primarily in our short tail property reinsurance, professional liability and casualty lines, compared to $0.1 million of favorable development for the same period ended 2014. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $8.1 million in catastrophe losses as discussed above, as compared to $7.1 million for the same period ended 2014 from the various storms as detailed above.

The increase in the expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily attributable to slightly reduced ceding commissions received, coupled with a slight increase in fixed expenses. The decline in the expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period ended 2014 was primarily attributable to a slight increase in earned premiums, while expenses remained constant.

Syndicate 1200

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Syndicate 1200 segment:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Gross written premiums	$	157.7		$	146.7		$	463.5		$	443.8
Earned premiums	$	99.1		$	104.4		$	305.5		$	305.9
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		54.6			56.7			160.7			154.4
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		40.4			40.5			124.2			124.1
Underwriting income		4.1			7.2			20.6			27.4
Net investment income		2.3			2.1			6.9			7.9
Interest expense		(0.6	)		(0.8	)		(1.9	)		(2.4	)
Fee and other income, net		1.1			0.3			2.4			1.8
Income before income taxes	$	6.9		$	8.8		$	28.0		$	34.7
Loss ratio		55.1	%		54.3	%		52.6	%		50.5	%
Expense ratio		40.8	%		38.8	%		40.7	%		40.6	%
Combined ratio		95.9	%		93.1	%		93.3	%		91.1	%

For 2015, we reduced our participation percentage to 68%, down from 75% for 2014. The increase in gross written premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to increases all divisions, excluding marine and energy, as we continued to establish new products and expand profitable lines. Additionally, operations in China and Singapore contributed $3.9 million in gross written premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $0.8 million for the same period ended 2014 as these offices began writing premiums in the latter part of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the increase in gross written premiums was attributable to increases in liability, specialty, aerospace and Asia divisions, partially offset by declines in the property and marine and energy divisions. Operations in China and Singapore contributed $11.0 million in gross written premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Earned premiums reflect the impact of the decline in our participation during 2015. The Syndicate 1200 segment has been adversely impacted by increased competition in 2015.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses are reported net of losses ceded to the trade capital providers. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $4.0 million of catastrophe losses as a result of $3.5 million from the Tianjin explosion and $0.5 million from other small events. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Syndicate 1200 segment reported no catastrophe losses. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $0.3 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years compared to $0.6 million for the same period ended 2014. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 were current accident year losses of $7.6 million resulting from a large general liability loss and three large aviation losses, compared to no significant current accident year large losses for the same period ended 2015.

Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $5.0 million of catastrophe losses as a result of $3.5 million from the Tianjin explosion, $1.0 million from storm activity in the United States and $0.5 million from other small events. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Syndicate 1200 segment reported no catastrophe losses. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $2.8 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years primarily attributable to favorable development in the property and specialty lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in the liability and aerospace lines. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were current accident year losses of $16.5 million as a result of large losses from logging, aviation, satellite and offshore energy losses, compared to no significant current accident year large losses for the same period ended 2015. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $15.8 million net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years primarily attributable to favorable development in the property, professional indemnity and aerospace lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in the general liability line.

The increase in the expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to increased commission and broker expenses resulting from current market conditions. The expense ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were comparable, as a decline in fixed expenses offset the increased commission and broker expenses.

Fee income, net represents fees and profit commission derived from the management of third party capital for our underwriting syndicate at Lloyd’s. The increase in net fee and other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same periods in 2014 was primarily due to increased management fees due to the reduction in our participation, increased profit commission due to increased profitability, coupled with reduced Lloyd’s expenses.

Run-off Lines

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Run-off Lines segment:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Earned premiums	$	0.3		$	1.3		$	0.4		$	1.5
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		7.1			10.6			8.0			18.9
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		1.4			1.0			4.0			6.1
Underwriting loss		(8.2	)		(10.3	)		(11.6	)		(23.5	)
Net investment income		2.1			2.4			6.2			7.2
Fee and other income (expense), net		(0.6	)		—			(0.5	)		—
Interest expense		(0.4	)		(0.4	)		(1.1	)		(1.3	)
Loss before income taxes	$	(7.1	)	$	(8.3	)	$	(7.0	)	$	(17.6	)

Earned premiums for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were primarily attributable to adjustments resulting from final audits, reinstatement premiums and other adjustments on policies previously underwritten.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was the result of net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years due to $3.2 million unfavorable development in the primary asbestos book driven by increasing defense costs, $2.8 million of unfavorable development in the run-off workers compensation lines due to increasing medical costs on older claims and the discount unwind and $1.4 million of unfavorable development in other assumed business partially offset by net favorable reserve development in our run-off reinsurance lines. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 included $10.6 million of net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years consisting of $6.0 million from our asbestos and environmental exposure and $4.6 million in our run-off workers compensation lines.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was the result of net unfavorable prior accident year loss reserve development in our run-off workers compensation and asbestos liability lines partially offset by net favorable reserve development in our run-off reinsurance lines. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $18.9 million of net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years consisting of $9.0 million from our asbestos and environmental exposure and $9.9 million in our run-off workers compensation lines.

The following table represents a reconciliation of total gross and net reserves for the Run-off Lines. Amounts in the net column are reduced by reinsurance recoverable.

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015						2014
(in millions)	Gross			Net			Gross			Net
Asbestos and environmental:
Loss reserves, beginning of period	$	53.9		$	50.4		$	57.5		$	53.3
Incurred losses		4.7			4.3			10.6			8.8
Losses paid		(9.0	)		(7.5	)		(14.4	)		(12.6	)
Loss reserves - asbestos and environmental, end of period		49.6			47.2			53.7			49.5
Risk management reserves		259.5			162.3			262.5			173.4
Run-off reinsurance reserves		3.4			3.4			4.4			4.4
Other run-off lines		3.9			3.6			3.3			3.1
Total loss reserves - Run-off Lines	$	316.4		$	216.5		$	323.9		$	230.4

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses for the Run-off Lines segment consists primarily of administrative expenses. Underwriting expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was favorably impacted by a $1.1 million recovery of a policyholder dividend in the run-off Risk Management lines. The decline in underwriting expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 was due to a $2.4 million decline in the accrual for premium taxes and other assessments due to a change in accounting estimate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The primary sources of our cash flows are premiums, reinsurance recoveries, proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments and investment income. The primary cash outflows are claim payments, loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance costs and operating expenses. Additional cash outflow occurs through payments of underwriting and acquisition costs such as commissions, taxes, payroll and general overhead expenses. Management believes that cash receipts from premiums, proceeds from investment sales and redemptions and investment income are sufficient to cover cash outflows in the foreseeable future. Should the need for additional cash arise, we believe we have access to additional sources of liquidity.

Cash provided by operating activities can fluctuate due to a timing difference in the collection of premiums and reinsurance recoveries and the payment of losses and expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was $235.8 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $71.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in cash flows from operating activities from 2015 to 2014 was driven by the timing of reinsurance payments primarily concentrated in the Syndicate 1200 segment, partially offset by the first quarter 2014 partial settlement of a whole account quota share contract covering the Syndicate 1200 segment loss reserves for the 2009 and prior years of account.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net cash used by investing activities was $176.0 million compared to net cash used by investing activities of $86.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in cash flows used from investing activities in 2015 from 2014 was mainly the result of purchases of fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments, partially offset by the inflow of cash from maturities and sales of fixed maturity investments. As of September 30, 2015, $344.8 million of the investment portfolio was invested in short-term investments. Included in purchases of fixed assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $42.6 million associated with the acquisition of real estate holdings, which were purchased on our behalf by a third-party intermediary using funds held in escrow from the fourth quarter 2014 sale of the Torrance, California real estate holdings, as previously disclosed in our December 31, 2014 Form 10-K.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, net cash used by financing activities was $44.7 million and $69.0 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we repurchased approximately 575,055 and 882,010 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $29.7 million and $42.2 million, respectively. We paid cash dividends to our shareholders totaling $17.1 million and $13.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

On March 7, 2014, each of Argo Group, Argo Group US, Inc., Argo International Holdings Limited, and Argo Underwriting Agency Limited (the “Borrowers”) entered into a $175 million credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement provides for a $175.0 million revolving credit facility with a maturity date of March 7, 2018 unless extended in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital and permitted acquisitions, and each of the Borrowers has agreed to be jointly and severally liable for the obligations of the other Borrowers under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrowers could be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Lenders holding at least a majority of the loans and commitments under the Credit Agreement may elect to accelerate the maturity of the loans and/or terminate the commitments under the Credit Agreement upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default. No defaults or events of defaults have occurred as of the date of this filing.

Included in the Credit Agreement is a provision that allows up to $17.5 million of the revolving credit facility to be used for letters of credit (“LOCs”), subject to availability. As of September 30, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding and $0.2 million in LOCs against the Credit Facility.

On February 17, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a 10% stock dividend, payable on March 16, 2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 2, 2015. Shareholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares.

On November 5, 2013, our Board authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares (“2013 Repurchase Authorization”). The 2013 Repurchase Authorization supersedes all the previous repurchase authorizations. These shares are being held as treasury shares in accordance with the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. As of September 30, 2015, availability under the 2013 Repurchase Authorization for future repurchases of our common shares was $63.1 million.

Refer to Part II, Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Argo Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 that Argo Group filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015 for further discussion on Argo Group’s liquidity.

Recent Accounting Standards and Critical Accounting Estimates

New Accounting Standards

The discussion of the adoption and pending adoption of recently issued accounting policies is included in Note 2, “Recently Issued Accounting Standards,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 - “Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).”

Critical Accounting Estimates

Refer to “Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 that we filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015 for information on accounting policies that we consider critical in preparing our consolidated financial statements. These policies include significant estimates made by management using information available at the time the estimates were made. However, these estimates could change materially if different information or assumptions were used.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We believe that we are principally exposed to three types of market risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and foreign currency risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Our fixed investment portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the fair valuation of these securities. As interest rates rise, the fair value of our fixed maturity portfolio generally falls, and the converse is generally also true. We manage interest rate risk through an asset liability strategy that involves the selection of investments with appropriate characteristics, such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity that are tailored to the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of our liabilities. A significant portion of the investment portfolio matures each quarter, allowing for reinvestment at current market rates.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is a major factor of our overall enterprise risk, and we have established policies and procedures to evaluate our exposure to credit risk, particularly with respect to our investment holdings and our receivable balances. In particular, we are exposed to credit risk on losses recoverable from reinsurers and receivables from insureds. Downturns in one sector or market can adversely impact other sectors and may result in higher credit exposure. We do not currently use credit default swaps to mitigate our credit exposure from either investments or counterparties.

We have exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed maturity investments, short-term investments and other investments, which arises from the uncertainty associated with a financial instrument obligor’s ability to make timely principal and/or interest payments. Our risk management strategy and investment policy attempts to mitigate this risk by primarily investing in debt

instruments of high credit quality issuers, limiting credit concentrations and diversifying issuers, and frequently monitoring the credit quality of issuers and counterparties.

We also have credit exposure related to receivables from reinsurers and insureds, and control this risk by limiting our exposure to any one counterparty and evaluating the financial strength of our reinsurance counterparties, including generally requiring minimum credit ratings. In certain cases, we also receive collateral from our customers and reinsurance counterparties, which reduces our credit exposure in certain instances.

As shown on the accompanying table, our fixed maturities portfolio is diversified among different types of investments. The securities are principally rated by one or more Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (i.e., Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Services, Inc., and Fitch Ratings, Ltd). If a security has two ratings, the lower rating is used, and if a security has three ratings, the middle rating is used in the preparation of this table. At September 30, 2015, our fixed maturities portfolio had a weighted average rating of A+, with 69.7% ($2.0 billion fair value) rated A or better and 30.4% ($859.1 million fair value) rated AAA. Our portfolio included 11.3% ($319.5 million fair value) of less than investment grade (BB+ or lower) fixed maturities at September 30, 2015.

	Fair Value
(in millions)	AAA		AA		A		Other		Total
USD denominated:
U.S. Governments	$	168.3	$	—	$	—	$	0.6	$	168.9
Non-U.S. Governments		33.3		15.9		2.9		33.9		86.0
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		110.6		275.7		80.8		25.4		492.5
Credit-Financial		4.2		51.0		276.2		165.7		497.1
Credit-Industrial		1.9		12.5		98.5		380.0		492.9
Credit-Utility		—		12.5		24.3		106.7		143.5
Structured securities:
CMO/MBS-agency		138.6		—		—		—		138.6
CMO/MBS-non agency		—		7.8		0.6		4.0		12.4
CMBS		92.4		34.5		12.1		26.7		165.7
ABS		121.4		0.4		—		6.2		128.0
CLO		63.4		16.2		30.6		25.4		135.6
Foreign denominated:
Governments		96.1		33.7		1.9		20.6		152.3
Credit		3.7		27.2		60.5		17.6		109.0
ABS/CMBS		21.4		—		0.7		—		22.1
CLO		3.8		11.9		18.2		43.7		77.6
Total fixed maturities	$	859.1	$	499.3	$	607.3	$	856.5	$	2,822.2

We also hold a diversified investment portfolio of common stocks in various industries and market segments, ranging from small market capitalization stocks to large capitalization companies. Marketable equity securities are carried on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, and are subject to the risk of potential loss in fair value resulting from adverse changes in prices. At September 30, 2015, the fair value of our equity securities portfolio was $ 466.0 million.

Foreign Currency Risk

We have exposure to foreign currency risk in both our insurance contracts and invested assets, and to a lesser extent in a portion of our debt. Some of our insurance contracts provide that ultimate losses may be payable in various foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange rate risk exists where we do not have cash or securities denominated in the currency for which we will ultimately pay the claims. Thus, we attempt to manage our foreign currency risk by seeking to match our liabilities under insurance and reinsurance polices that are payable in foreign currencies with cash and investments that are denominated in such currencies. In certain instances, we use foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate this risk. Due to the extended time frame for settling the claims plus the fluctuation in currency exchange rates, the potential exists for us to realize gains and/or losses related to foreign exchange rates. In addition, we may experience foreign currency gains or losses related to exchange rate fluctuations in operating expenses as certain operating costs are payable in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded realized gains of $ 1.8 million and $ 8.4 million, respectively, from movements in foreign currency rates on our insurance operations. In addition, we recorded realized losses of $ 3.5 million and $ 11.7 million from movements on foreign currency rates in our investment portfolio and realized gains of $ 4.4 million and realized losses of $ 11.4 million from our currency forward contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. We had unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 of $ 41.3 million in movements on foreign currency rates in our investment portfolio, which are recorded in “Other comprehensive income, net of taxes” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These losses are principally related to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar versus other foreign currencies.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Argo Group, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. In designing and evaluating these disclosure controls and procedures, Argo Group and its management recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Argo Group in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

There were no changes in the internal control over financial reporting made during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We review our disclosure controls and procedures, which may include internal controls over financial reporting, on an ongoing basis. From time to time, management makes changes to enhance the effectiveness of these controls and ensure that they continue to meet the needs of our business activities over time.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Our subsidiaries are parties to legal actions incidental to their business. Based on the opinion of counsel, management believes that the resolution of these matters will not materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

See “Risk Factors” in the Argo Group Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for a detailed discussion of the additional risk factors affecting us.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

From January 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015, we have repurchased a total 575,055 shares of our common shares for a total cost of $ 29.7 million. Since the inception of the repurchase authorizations through September 30, 2015, we have repurchased 9,181,544 shares of our common stock at an average price of $36.06 for a total cost of $331.1 million. These shares are being held as treasury shares in accordance with the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. As of September 30, 2015, availability under the 2013 Repurchase Authorization for future repurchases of our common shares was $63.1 million.

The following table provides information with respect to shares of our common stock that were repurchased or surrendered during the three months ended September 30, 2015:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)		Average Price Paid per Share (b)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publically Announced Plan or Program (c)		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Program (d)
July 1 through July 31, 2015		—	$	—		—	$	67,890,294
August 1 through August 31, 2015		52,975	$	55.40		52,834	$	64,963,518
September 1 through September 30, 2015		33,125	$	55.06		33,125	$	63,139,540
Total		86,100				85,959

Employees are allowed to surrender shares to settle the tax liability incurred upon the vesting or exercise of shares under our various employees equity compensation plans. For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we received 141 shares of our common stock, with an average price paid per share of $57.69 that were surrendered by employees in payment for the minimum required withholding taxes. In the above table, these shares are included in columns (a) and (b), but excluded from columns (c) and (d). These shares do not reduce the number of shares that may yet be purchased under the repurchase plan.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

A list of exhibits required to be filed as part of this report is set forth in the Exhibit Index of this Form 10-Q, which immediately precedes such exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number		Description

12.1		Statements of Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends
31.1		Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
31.2		Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
32.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

November 6, 2015	By	/s/ Mark E. Watson III
		Mark E. Watson III
		President and Chief Executive Officer

November 6, 2015	By	/s/ Jay S. Bullock
		Jay S. Bullock
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer