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Global Indemnity Group, LLC - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)

Form 10-K
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016

OR

 

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

For the Transition Period from             to             

001-34809

Commission File Number

GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Cayman Islands

 

98-1304287

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

27 HOSPITAL ROAD

GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN

KY1-9008

CAYMAN ISLANDS

(Address of principal executive office including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (345) 949-0100

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Exchange on Which Registered

A Ordinary shares, $0.0001 Par Value

7.75% Subordinated Notes due 2045

 

The Nasdaq Global Select Market

The Nasdaq Global Select Market

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES  ☐    NO  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    YES  ☐    NO  ☒

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  ☒     NO  ☐

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☒

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    YES  ☐    NO  ☒

The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the price of the registrant’s A ordinary shares as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (based on the last reported sale price on the Nasdaq Global Select Market as of such date), was $251,860,903. There are no B ordinary shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant.

As of March 1, 2017, the registrant had outstanding 13,436,548 A ordinary shares and 4,133,366 B ordinary shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
  PART I   

Item 1.

  BUSINESS      2  

Item 1A.

  RISK FACTORS      33  

Item 1B.

  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS      47  

Item 2.

  PROPERTIES      47  

Item 3.

  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS      48  

Item 4.

  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES      48  
  PART II   

Item 5.

  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES      49  

Item 6.

  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA      52  

Item 7.

  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS      54  

Item 7A.

  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK      85  

Item 8.

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA      88  

Item 9.

  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE      165  

Item 9A.

  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES      165  

Item 9B.

  OTHER INFORMATION      168  
  PART III   

Item 10.

  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE      169  

Item 11.

  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION      169  

Item 12.

  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS      169  

Item 13.

  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE      169  

Item 14.

  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES      169  
  PART IV   

Item 15.

  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES      170  

Item 16.

  FORM 10-K SUMMARY      174  

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. BUSINESS

Some of the information contained in this Item 1 or set forth elsewhere in this report, including information with respect to the Company’s plans and strategy, constitutes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the end of Item 7 of Part II and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein.

References to the Company refer to Global Indemnity Limited and its subsidiaries or, prior to November 7, 2016, to Global Indemnity plc and its subsidiaries.

References to the acquisition of American Reliable refer to the January 1, 2015 acquisition of American Reliable Insurance Company (“American Reliable”).

History

Global Indemnity Limited (“Global Indemnity”) is a holding company formed on February 9, 2016 under the laws of the Cayman Islands. On November 7, 2016, Global Indemnity Limited replaced Global Indemnity plc, an Irish company, as the ultimate parent company pursuant to a scheme of arrangement whereby all of Global Indemnity plc’s A ordinary shares were cancelled and replaced with one A ordinary share of Global Indemnity Limited on a one for one basis and each B ordinary share of Global Indemnity plc was cancelled and replaced with one B ordinary share of Global Indemnity Limited on a one for one basis. Global Indemnity’s A ordinary shares are publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “GBLI.” Please see Note 13 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information on the cancellation of Global Indemnity plc ordinary shares and the replacement of these shares with ordinary shares of Global Indemnity Limited.

Subsequent to the completion of the redomestication, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, including Global Indemnity plc, were placed into liquidation, liquidated, or merged out of existence. In addition, substantially all of the assets of these companies, including intellectual property, were transferred to Global Indemnity Limited.

On September 30, 2016, one of the Company’s indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, Diamond State Insurance Company, sold all the outstanding shares of capital stock of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, United National Specialty Insurance Company, to an unrelated party. Diamond State Insurance Company received a one-time payment of $18.7 million and recognized a pretax gain of $6.9 million which is reflected in other income. This transaction will not have an impact on the Company’s ongoing business operations. Going forward, any business previously written by United National Specialty Insurance Company has been and will be written by other companies within the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations.

On January 1, 2015, Global Indemnity Group, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, acquired 100% of the voting equity interest of American Reliable Insurance Company from American Bankers Insurance Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Assurant,Inc., by paying $113.7 million in cash and assuming $283.9 million of customary insurance related liabilities, obligations, and mandates. Per the American Reliable Stock Purchase Agreement (“American Reliable SPA”), the ultimate purchase price is subject to (i) accounting procedures that were performed in 2015 to determine GAAP book value and (ii) indemnification on future development on recorded loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014. In accordance with the American Reliable SPA, on the third calendar year following the calendar year of the closing, if loss and loss adjustment expenses for accident years 2014 and prior are lower than recorded unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014, Global Indemnity Group, Inc. will pay the variance to American Bankers Group, Inc. Conversely, if loss and loss adjustment expenses for accident years 2014 and prior exceed recorded unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014, American Bankers Group, Inc. will pay the variance to Global Indemnity Group, Inc. In accordance with a dispute resolution agreement between Global Indemnity

 

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Group, Inc. and American Bankers Group, Inc., any variance paid related to the loss indemnification will be subject to interest of 5% compounded semi-annually. The Company’s current estimate of the purchase price, based on available financial information, is approximately $99.8 million. Final settlement of the purchase price is expected during 2018.

Please see Note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information on the acquisition of American Reliable.

General

Global Indemnity provides its insurance products across a distribution network that includes binding authority, program, brokerage, and reinsurance. Starting in the 1st quarter of 2015, the Company manages the distribution of these products through three business segments: Commercial Lines, managed in Bala Cynwyd, PA, offers specialty property and casualty products designed for product lines such as Small Business Binding Authority, Property Brokerage, and Programs; Personal Lines, managed in Scottsdale, AZ, offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage; and Reinsurance Operations, managed in Bermuda, provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and primary writers including insurance and reinsurance companies. The Commercial Lines and Personal Lines segments comprise the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations (“Insurance Operations”).

Prior to 2015, the Commercial Lines segment was known as Insurance Operations segment. With the acquisition of American Reliable, the Insurance Operations segment was renamed to Commercial Lines segment. The newly acquired American Reliable became the Company’s Personal Lines segment. For segment reporting, the values for 2014 did not change for Commercial Lines and Reinsurance Operations.

Business Segments

See Note 20 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for gross and net premiums written, income and total assets of each operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. For a discussion of the variances between years, see “Results of Operations” in Item 7 of Part II of this report.

Personal Lines

The Company’s Personal Lines distribute property and casualty insurance products and operate primarily in the admitted markets. In the standard property and casualty insurance market, insurance rates and forms are highly regulated; products and coverage are largely uniform and have relatively predictable exposures. In the standard market, policies must be written by insurance companies that are admitted to transact business in the state in which the policy is issued. As a result, in the standard property and casualty insurance market, insurance companies tend to compete for customers primarily on the basis of price, coverage, value-added service, and financial strength.

The Company’s Personal Lines writes specialty products such as agriculture, mobile homes, manufactured homes, homeowners, and watersports via American Reliable. These products are distributed through retail agents, wholesale general agents, and brokers. The insurance products are either underwritten via specific binding authority or by internal personnel.

See “Underwriting” below for additional discussion on how the Company’s insurance products are underwritten.

In 2016 and 2015, gross premiums written for the Personal Lines were $300.9 million and $326.3 million, respectively, and includes business written by American Reliable that is ceded to insurance companies owned by Assurant under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement in the amount of $35.3 million and $55.8 million, respectively. Personal lines was a new business segment in 2015 resulting from the acquisition of American Reliable on January 1, 2015.

 

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Commercial Lines

The Company’s Commercial Lines distribute property and casualty insurance products and operate predominantly in the excess and surplus lines marketplace. The excess and surplus lines market differs significantly from the standard property and casualty insurance market.

The excess and surplus lines market provides coverage for businesses that often do not fit the underwriting criteria of an insurance company operating in the standard markets due to their relatively greater unpredictable loss patterns and unique niches of exposure requiring rate and policy form flexibility. Without the excess and surplus lines market, certain businesses would have to self-insure their exposures, or seek coverage outside the U.S. market.

Competition in the excess and surplus lines market tends to focus less on price and more on availability, service, and other considerations. While excess and surplus lines market exposures may have higher perceived insurance risk than their standard market counterparts, excess and surplus lines market underwriters historically have been able to generate underwriting profitability superior to standard market underwriters.

A portion of the Company’s Commercial Lines is written on a specialty admitted basis. When writing on a specialty admitted basis, the Company’s focus is on writing insurance for insureds that engage in similar but often highly specialized types of activities. The specialty admitted market is subject to greater state regulation than the surplus lines market, particularly with regard to rate and form filing requirements and the ability to enter and exit lines of business. Insureds purchasing coverage from specialty admitted insurance companies do so because the insurance product is not otherwise available from standard market insurers. Yet, for regulatory or marketing reasons, these insureds require products that are written by an admitted insurance company.

The Commercial Lines’ insurance products target specific, defined groups of insureds with customized coverage to meet their needs. To manage operations, the Commercial Lines segment differentiates its products by product classification. These product classifications are as follows:

 

   

Penn-America Group distributes property and general liability products for small commercial businesses through a select network of wholesale general agents with specific binding authority;

 

   

United National Group distributes property, general liability, and professional lines products through program administrators with specific binding authority; and

 

   

Diamond State Group distributes property, casualty, and professional lines products through wholesale brokers that are underwritten by the Company’s personnel and selected brokers with specific binding authority.

These product classifications comprise the Commercial Lines business segment and are not considered individual business segments because each product has similar economic characteristics, distribution, and coverage.

The Company’s Commercial Lines provide property, casualty, and professional liability products utilizing customized guidelines, rates, and forms tailored to the Company’s risk and underwriting philosophy. See “Underwriting” below for a discussion on how the Company’s insurance products are underwritten.

In 2016, gross premiums written for the Commercial Lines were $205.1 million compared to $214.2 million for 2015. For 2016, surplus lines business accounts for approximately 80.1% of the business written while specialty admitted business accounts for the remaining 19.9%.

Reinsurance Operations

Global Indemnity Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“Global Indemnity Reinsurance”) is a Bermuda based treaty reinsurer of specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies. The Company’s Reinsurance

 

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Operations segment provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and primary writers including insurance and reinsurance companies, and consists solely of the operations of Global Indemnity Reinsurance.

The reinsurance markets face many of the same issues confronted in the primary insurance markets including excess capital capacity, low investment returns and increased pressure on generating acceptable return on investment.

The limited number of catastrophic events in recent years and an increase in the available capacity has continued to put pressure on pricing levels. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is focused on using its capital capacity to write catastrophe-oriented placements and other niche or specialty-focused excess of loss contracts meeting the Company’s risk tolerance and return thresholds.

In 2016, gross premiums written from third parties were $59.8 million compared to $49.7 million for 2015.

Products and Product Development

The Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations distribute property and casualty insurance products. Its Personal Lines operate primarily in the admitted marketplace; whereas, its Commercial Lines operate predominantly in the excess and surplus lines marketplace. To manage its operations, the Company seeks to differentiate its products by product classification. See “Personal Lines” and “Commercial Lines” above for a description of these product classifications. The U.S. Insurance Operations are licensed to write on a surplus lines (non-admitted) basis and/or an admitted basis in all 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which provides the Company with flexibility in designing products and programs, and in determining rates to meet emerging risks and discontinuities in the marketplace.

The Company’s Reinsurance Operations offer third party treaty reinsurance for specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies as well as professional liability products to companies. The Company’s Reinsurance Operations also provide reinsurance to its Insurance Operations in the form of quota share arrangements.

Geographic Concentration

The following table sets forth the geographic distribution of gross premiums written for the periods indicated:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015     2014  
   Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent  

California

   $ 62,010        11.0   $ 56,142        9.5   $ 27,711        9.5

Texas

     48,183        8.5       52,913        9.0       26,170        9.0  

Florida

     36,683        6.5       37,725        6.4       29,371        10.2  

Louisiana

     28,437        5.0       28,274        4.8       6,474        2.2  

New York

     26,040        4.6       28,329        4.8       16,326        5.6  

North Carolina

     21,613        3.8       26,245        4.4       2,955        1.0  

Arizona

     19,883        3.5       21,199        3.6       1,653        0.6  

New Jersey

     14,797        2.6       16,602        2.8       7,121        2.4  

Massachusetts

     14,352        2.5       15,352        2.6       13,470        4.6  

Oklahoma

     13,887        2.5       16,433        2.8       2,651        0.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

     285,885        50.5       299,214        50.7       133,902        46.0  

All other states

     220,123        38.9       241,286        40.9       96,076        33.0  

Reinsurance Operations

     59,837        10.6       49,733        8.4       61,275        21.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 565,845        100.0   $ 590,233        100.0   $ 291,253        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Marketing and Distribution

The Company provides its insurance products across a full distribution network—binding authority, program, brokerage, direct, and reinsurance. For its binding authority and program product classifications, the Company distributes its insurance products primarily through a group of wholesale general agents and program administrators that have specific quoting and binding authority. For its brokerage business, the Company distributes its insurance products through wholesale insurance brokers who in turn sell the Company’s insurance products to insureds through retail insurance brokers. For its reinsurance business, the Company distributes its products through reinsurance brokers and on a direct basis.

The Company’s Commercial Lines distributes its insurance products primarily through a group of approximately 120 wholesale general agents and program administrators. Of the Commercial Lines’ non-affiliated professional wholesale general agents and program administrators, the top five accounted for 32.1% of the Commercial Lines’ gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2016. One agency represented 9.8% of the Commercial Lines’ gross premiums written.

The Company’s Personal Lines distributes specialty personal and agricultural insurance products through a group of approximately 290 agents, primarily comprised of wholesale general agents. It also distributes its specialty personal insurance products on a retail basis in New Mexico and Arizona. Of the Personal Lines’ non-affiliated professional wholesale general agents and retail agents, the top five accounted for 20.3% of the Personal Lines’ gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2016. No one agency represented more than 10% of the Personal Lines’ gross premiums written.

There is no agency which accounts for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Global Indemnity Reinsurance assumed premiums on four treaties from two cedants which accounted for 92% of the Reinsurance Operations’ 2016 gross premiums written. There is no treaty that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The Company’s primary distribution strategy is to seek to maintain strong relationships with a limited number of high-quality wholesale professional general agents and wholesale insurance brokers. The Company carefully selects distribution sources based on their expertise, experience and reputation. The Company believes that its distribution strategy enables it to effectively access numerous markets at a relatively low cost structure through the marketing, underwriting, and administrative support of the Company’s professional general agencies and wholesale insurance brokers. The Company believes these wholesale general agents and wholesale insurance brokers have local market knowledge and expertise that enables them to access business in these markets more effectively.

Underwriting

For Commercial Lines, the Company’s insurance products are primarily underwritten via specific binding authority in which the Company grants underwriting authority to its wholesale general agents and program administrators and via brokerage in which the Company’s internal personnel underwrites business submitted by wholesale insurance brokers. Some of the Company’s specialized property business is submitted by retail agents or directly from insureds and is also underwritten by internal personnel.

For Personal Lines, the Company’s insurance products are distributed through retail agents, wholesale general agents, and brokers. The insurance products are either underwritten via specific binding authority or by internal personnel.

Specific Binding Authority—The Company’s wholesale general agents, retail agents, and program administrators for both Commercial Lines and Personal Lines have specific quoting and binding authority with

 

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respect to a single insurance product and some have limited quoting and binding authority with respect to multiple products.

The Company’s wholesale general agents, retail agents, and program administrators will either utilize company administered policy systems with the Company’s underwriting guidelines embedded within the system or the agents will use their own proprietary systems. When the agents use their own proprietary systems, the Company provides its wholesale general agents, retail agents, and program administrators with a comprehensive, regularly updated underwriting manual that specifically outlines risk eligibility which is developed based on the type of insured, nature of exposure and overall expected profitability. This manual also outlines (a) premium pricing, (b) underwriting guidelines, including but not limited to policy forms, terms and conditions, and (c) policy issuance instructions.

The Company’s wholesale general agents, retail agents, and program administrators are appointed to underwrite submissions received in accordance with the Company’s underwriting manual. Risks that are not within the specific binding authority must be submitted to the Company’s underwriting personnel directly for underwriting review and approval or denial of the application of the insured. The Company’s wholesale general agents provide all policy issuance services in accordance with the Company’s underwriting manuals.

Agricultural partners are not provided with underwriting manuals. Rather, they are provided with letters of authority; whereby, policies and endorsement issuance rights are extended.

The Company regularly monitors the underwriting quality of its wholesale general agents, retail agents, and program administrators through a disciplined system of controls, which includes the following:

 

   

automated system criteria edits and exception reports;

 

   

individual policy reviews to measure adherence to the Company’s underwriting manual including: risk selection, underwriting compliance, policy issuance and pricing;

 

   

periodic on-site comprehensive audits to evaluate processes, controls, profitability and adherence to all aspects of the Company’s underwriting manual including: risk selection, underwriting compliance, policy issuance and pricing;

 

   

internal quarterly actuarial analysis of loss ratios produced by business underwritten by the Company’s wholesale general agents, retail agents, and program administrators; and

 

   

internal quarterly analysis of financial results, including premium growth and overall profitability of business produced by the Company’s wholesale general agents, retail agents, and program administrators.

The Company provides incentives to certain of its wholesale general agents and program administrators to produce profitable business through contingent profit commission structures that are tied directly to the achievement of profitability targets.

Brokerage—There are only two wholesale insurance brokers with specific binding authority. These brokers are within the Company’s Commercial Lines and are subject to the same guidelines and monitoring as discussed above. The majority of the Company’s wholesale insurance brokers do not have specific binding authority; therefore, these risks are submitted to the Company’s underwriting personnel for review and processing.

The Company provides its underwriters with a comprehensive, regularly updated underwriting manual that outlines risk eligibility which is developed based on the type of insured, nature of exposure and overall expected profitability. This manual also outlines (a) premium pricing, (b) underwriting guidelines, including but not limited to policy forms, terms and conditions.

 

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The Company’s underwriting personnel review submissions, issue all quotes and perform all policy issuance functions. The Company regularly monitors the underwriting quality of its underwriters through a disciplined system of controls, which includes the following:

 

   

individual policy reviews to measure the Company’s underwriters’ adherence to the underwriting manual including: risk selection, underwriting compliance, policy issuance and pricing;

 

   

periodic underwriting review to evaluate adherence to all aspects of the Company’s underwriting manual including: risk selection, underwriting compliance, policy issuance and pricing;

 

   

internal quarterly actuarial analysis of loss ratios produced by business underwritten by the Company’s underwriters; and

 

   

internal quarterly analysis of financial results, including premium growth and overall profitability of business produced by the Company’s underwriters.

Reinsurance—The Company’s Global Indemnity Reinsurance subsidiary primarily offers retrocessional coverage to Bermuda based reinsurance companies. The business assumed is primarily quota share treaties on property catastrophe, marine business and mortgage insurance. The Company also writes a small amount of professional lines excess liability business. Prior to entering into any agreement, the Company evaluates a number of factors for each cedent including, but not limited to, reputation and financial condition, underwriting and claims practices and historical claims experience. The Company also models proposed treaties for both the catastrophe exposure and the marginal impact on the Company’s existing catastrophe portfolio.

Contingent Commissions

Certain professional general agencies of the U.S. Insurance Operations are paid special incentives, referred to as contingent commissions, when results of business produced by these agencies are more favorable than predetermined thresholds. Similarly, in some circumstances, companies that cede business to the Reinsurance Operations are paid a profit commission based on the profitability of the ceded portfolio. These commissions are charged to other underwriting expenses when incurred.

Pricing

The Company’s pricing actuaries establish pricing tailored to each specific product it underwrites, taking into account historical loss experience, historical rate level changes, and individual risk and coverage characteristics. The Company generally uses the actuarial loss costs promulgated by the Insurance Services Office as a benchmark in the development of pricing for most of the Company’s products. Specific products will utilize proprietary rating when deemed appropriate. The Company will seek to only write business if it believes it can achieve an adequate risk adjusted rate of return.

Reinsurance of Underwriting Risk

The Company’s philosophy is to purchase reinsurance from third parties to limit its liability on individual risks and to protect against property catastrophe and casualty clash losses. Reinsurance assists the Company in controlling exposure to severe losses and protecting capital resources. The type, cost and limits of reinsurance it purchases can vary from year to year based upon the Company’s desired retention levels and the availability of quality reinsurance at an acceptable price. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge an insurer from its primary liability for the full amount of limits on the policies it has written, it does make the assuming reinsurer liable to the insurer to the extent of the insurance ceded. The Company’s reinsurance contracts renew throughout the year and all of its reinsurance is purchased following guidelines established by management. The Company primarily utilizes treaty reinsurance products made up of proportional and excess of loss reinsurance. Additionally, the Company may purchase facultative reinsurance protection on single risks when deemed necessary.

 

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The Company purchases specific types and structures of reinsurance depending upon the characteristics of the lines of business and specialty products underwritten. The Company will typically seek to place proportional reinsurance for umbrella and excess products, certain specialty products, or in the development stages of a new product. The Company believes that this approach allows it to control net exposure in these product areas most cost effectively.

The Company purchases reinsurance on an excess of loss basis to cover individual risk severity. These structures are utilized to protect the Company’s primary positions on property and casualty products. The excess of loss structures allow the Company to maximize underwriting profits over time by retaining a greater portion of the risk in these products, while helping to protect against the possibility of unforeseen volatility.

The Company analyzes its reinsurance contracts to ensure that they meet the risk transfer requirements of applicable accounting guidance, which requires that the reinsurer must assume significant insurance risk under the reinsured portions of the underlying insurance contracts and that there must be a reasonably possible chance that the reinsurer may realize a significant loss from the transaction.

The Company continually evaluates its retention levels across its entire line of business and specialty product portfolio seeking to ensure that the ultimate reinsurance structures are aligned with the Company’s corporate risk tolerance levels associated with such products. Any decision to decrease the Company’s reliance upon proportional reinsurance or to increase the Company’s excess of loss retentions could increase the Company’s earnings volatility. In cases where the Company decides to increase its excess of loss retentions, such decisions will be a result of a change or progression in the Company’s risk tolerance level. The Company endeavors to purchase reinsurance from financially strong reinsurers with which it has long-standing relationships. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Company holds collateral, including letters of credit, under reinsurance agreements.

The Company’s Insurance Operations’ primary reinsurance treaties are as follows:

Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss—The Company’s current property writings create exposure to catastrophic events. To protect against these exposures, the Company purchases a property catastrophe treaty. Effective June 1, 2016, the Company renewed its property catastrophe excess of loss treaty which provides occurrence coverage for losses of $280 million in excess of $20 million. This treaty is made up of three layers: $20 million in excess of $20 million, which the Company participated on 25% of the placement, $60 million in excess of $40 million, and $200 million in excess of $100 million. This treaty provides for one full reinstatement of coverage at 100% additional premium as to time and pro rata as to amount of limit reinstated. The property catastrophe excess of loss treaty that expired on May 31, 2016 provided identical coverage.

Location-Specific Quota Share—Effective May 1, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to cede 50% of the net underwriting results for certain Personal Lines products in certain states, subject to an occurrence limit of $50 million for property coverages and $1.5 million for casualty coverages.

Property Per Risk Excess of Loss—Effective January 1, 2017, the Company renewed its property per risk excess of loss treaty. This treaty provides coverage in three sections: 80% of $4 million per risk in excess of $1 million per risk for all business except the Property Brokerage unit and business written by American Reliable, 100% of $4 million per risk in excess of $1 million per risk for American Reliable business, and 75% of $8 million per risk in excess of $2 million per risk for Property Brokerage business. This treaty also provides coverage of 100% of $20 million per risk in excess of $10 million per risk and 100% of $20 million per risk in excess of $30 million per risk for Property Brokerage business. The treaty’s liability is limited to twice the named per risk limit by section and layer for all risks involved in one loss occurrence. This replaced the treaty which expired December 31, 2016, which provided identical coverage except for the section related to business other than Property Brokerage and American Reliable business, which provided 80% of $9 million per risk in excess of $1 million per risk. Also, the expiring treaty did not provide any coverage in excess of $30 million per risk for Property Brokerage business.

 

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Casualty and Professional Liability Excess of Loss—Effective October 1, 2016, the Company renewed its casualty and professional liability excess of loss treaty. The casualty section provides coverage for 50% of $2 million per occurrence in excess of $1 million per occurrence for general liability and auto liability. The professional liability section provides coverage for 50% of $4 million per policy/occurrence in excess of $1 million per policy/occurrence. For both sections, allocated loss adjustment expenses are included within limits. This replaced the casualty and professional liability treaty that expired on September 30, 2016 which provided for 100% of the identical coverage limits and retentions.

Casualty Clash Excess of Loss—Effective October 1, 2016, the Company renewed its casualty clash excess of loss treaty which provides coverage of $10 million per occurrence in excess of $3 million per occurrence, subject to a $20 million limit for all loss occurrences. The casualty clash treaty that expired on September 30, 2016 provided identical coverage.

100% Ceded Quota Share to American Bankers—Effective December 1, 2014, American Reliable entered into four treaties to cede 100% of its liabilities related to certain businesses to American Bankers Insurance Company that were not included in the acquisition of American Reliable. These treaties are still in effect at December 31, 2016. American Reliable recorded ceded written premiums of $35.3 million and $55.8 million, and ceded earned premiums of $43.2 million and $59.5 million to American Bankers Insurance Company for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

100% Assumed Quota Share from American Bankers—Effective December 1, 2014, American Reliable entered into two treaties to assume 100% of its liabilities from various insurers owned by Assurant, Inc. for business included in the acquisition but not written directly by American Reliable. These treaties are still in effect at December 31, 2016. American Reliable recorded assumed written premiums of $38.1 million and $82.3 million, and assumed earned premiums of $55.8 million and $92.7 million from insurance companies owned by Assurant, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

To the extent that there may be an increase or decrease in catastrophe or casualty clash exposure in the future, the Company may increase or decrease its reinsurance protection for these exposures commensurately. There were no other significant changes to any of the Company’s Insurance Operations’ reinsurance treaties during 2016.

 

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The following table sets forth the ten reinsurers for which the Company has the largest reinsurance receivables as of December 31, 2016. Also shown are the amounts of premiums ceded by the Company to these reinsurers during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

(Dollars in millions)    A.M.
Best
Rating
     Gross
Reinsurance
Receivables
    Percent
of
Total
    Ceded
Premiums
Written
     Percent
of
Total
 

Munich Re America Corp.

     A+      $ 51.1       33.2   $ 18.2        19.2

General Reinsurance Corp.

     A++        14.1       9.2       6.1        6.4  

Westport Insurance Corp.

     A+        8.5       5.5       —          —    

Everest Reinsurance Company

     A        8.4       5.5       3.3        3.5  

Transatlantic Reinsurance

     A+        7.0       4.5       1.4        1.5  

Swiss Reinsurance America Corp.

     A        6.1       4.0       3.2        3.4  

Odyssey America Reinsurance

     A+        4.8       3.1       2.8        2.9  

American Bankers Insurance Company

     NR        3.8       2.5       35.3        37.2  

Hartford Fire Insurance Company

     A        3.7       2.4       —          —    

Lloyd’s Syndicate

     A+        3.0       1.9       1.9        2.0  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

        110.5       71.8       72.2        76.1  

All other reinsurers

        43.3       28.2       22.7        23.9  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total reinsurance receivables before purchase accounting adjustments and allowance for uncollectible reinsurance

        153.8       100.0   $ 94.9        100.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Purchase accounting adjustments and allowance for uncollectible reinsurance

        (10.0       
     

 

 

        

Total receivables, net of purchase accounting adjustments and allowance for uncollectible reinsurance

        143.8         

Collateral held in trust from reinsurers

        (13.9       
     

 

 

        

Net receivables

      $ 129.9         
     

 

 

        

At December 31, 2016, the Company carried reinsurance receivables, net of collateral held in trust, of $129.9 million. This amount is net of a purchase accounting adjustment and an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables. The purchase accounting adjustment resulted from the Company’s acquisition of Wind River Investment Corporation on September 5, 2003 and is related to discounting the acquired loss reserves to their present value and applying a risk margin to the discounted reserves. This adjustment was $2.0 million at December 31, 2016. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables was $8.0 million at December 31, 2016.

Historically, there have been insolvencies following a period of competitive pricing in the industry. While the Company has recorded allowances for reinsurance receivables based on currently available information, conditions may change or additional information might be obtained that may require the Company to record additional allowances. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews its financial exposure to the reinsurance market and assesses the adequacy of its collateral and allowance for uncollectible reinsurance. The Company continues to take actions to mitigate its exposure to possible loss.

Claims Management and Administration

The Company’s approach to claims management is designed to investigate reported incidents at the earliest juncture, to select, manage, and supervise all legal and adjustment aspects of claims, including settlement, for the mutual benefit of the Company, its professional general agents, wholesale brokers, reinsurers and insureds. The Company’s professional general agents and wholesale brokers have no authority to settle claims or otherwise

 

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exercise control over the claims process, with the exception of one statutory managing general agent and one general agent. The Insurance Operations’ claims management staff supervises or processes all claims. The Company’s Insurance Operations has a formal claims review process, and all claims greater than $100,000 for Personal Lines and $250,000 for Commercial Lines, gross of reinsurance, are reviewed by senior claims management and certain senior executives. Large loss trends and analysis are reviewed by a Large Loss committee.

To handle claims, the Company’s Insurance Operations utilizes its own in-house claims department as well as third-party claims administrators (“TPAs”) and assuming reinsurers, to whom it delegates limited claims handling authority. The Insurance Operations’ experienced in-house staff of claims management professionals are assigned to one of five dedicated claim units: casualty and automobile claims, latent exposure claims, property claims, TPA oversight, and a wholly owned subsidiary that administers construction defect claims. The dedicated claims units meet regularly to communicate current developments within their assigned areas of specialty.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $228.9 million of direct outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense case reserves at its Insurance Operations. Claims relating to approximately 92% of those reserves are handled by in-house claims management professionals, while claims relating to approximately 2% of those reserves are handled by TPAs, which send the Company detailed financial and claims information on a monthly basis. The Company also individually supervises in-house any significant or complicated TPA handled claims, and conducts on-site audits of material TPAs at least twice a year. Approximately 6% of its reserves are handled by the Company’s assuming reinsurers. The Company reviews and supervises the claims handled by its reinsurers seeking to protect its reputation and minimize exposure.

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Applicable insurance laws require the Company to maintain reserves to cover its estimated ultimate losses under insurance policies and reinsurance treaties that it writes and for loss adjustment expenses relating to the investigation and settlement of claims.

The Company establishes loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for individual claims by evaluating reported claims on the basis of:

 

   

knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the claim;

 

   

the severity of injury or damage;

 

   

jurisdiction of the occurrence;

 

   

the potential for ultimate exposure;

 

   

litigation related developments;

 

   

the type of loss; and

 

   

the Company’s experience with the insured and the line of business and policy provisions relating to the particular type of claim.

The Company generally estimates such losses and claims costs through an evaluation of individual reported claims. The Company also establishes reserves for incurred but not reported losses (“IBNR”). IBNR reserves are based in part on statistical information and in part on industry experience with respect to the expected number and nature of claims arising from occurrences that have not been reported. The Company also establishes its reserves based on estimates of future trends in claims severity and other subjective factors. Insurance companies are not permitted to reserve for a catastrophe until it has occurred. Reserves are recorded on an undiscounted basis other than fair value adjustments recorded under purchase accounting. The Company’s Insurance Operations’ reserves are reviewed quarterly by the in-house actuarial staff. Loss reserve estimates for the

 

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Company’s Reinsurance Operations are developed by independent, external actuaries; however management is responsible for the final determination of loss reserve selections. The data for this analysis is organized by treaty and treaty year. Reviews for both Insurance Operations and Reinsurance Operations are generally performed both gross and net of reinsurance and ceded reviews are also completed for most reserve categories.

In addition to the Company’s internal reserve analysis, independent external actuaries perform a full, detailed review of the Insurance Operations’ reserves annually. The Company does not rely upon the review by the independent actuaries to develop its reserves; however, the data is used to corroborate the analysis performed by the in-house actuarial staff. The Company’s independent external actuaries also perform a full, detailed review of the Reinsurance Operations’ reserves annually. The results of the detailed reserve reviews by internal and external actuaries are summarized and discussed with the Company’s senior management to determine the best estimate of reserves.

With respect to some classes of risks, the period of time between the occurrence of an insured event and the final resolution of a claim may be many years, and during this period it often becomes necessary to adjust the claim estimates either upward or downward. Certain classes of umbrella and excess liability that the Company underwrites have historically had longer intervals between the occurrence of an insured event, reporting of the claim and final resolution. In such cases, the Company must estimate reserves over long periods of time with the possibility of several adjustments to reserves. Other classes of insurance that the Company underwrites, such as most property insurance, historically have shorter intervals between the occurrence of an insured event, reporting of the claim and final resolution. Reserves with respect to these classes are therefore inherently less likely to be adjusted.

The loss and loss expense reserving process is intended to reflect the impact of inflation and other factors affecting loss payments by taking into account changes in historical payment patterns and perceived trends. However, there is no precise method for the subsequent evaluation of the adequacy of the consideration given to inflation, or to any other specific factor, or to the way one factor may affect another.

The loss and loss adjustment expense development table that follows shows changes in the Company’s reserves in subsequent years from the prior loss and loss expense estimates based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year and in conformity with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The estimate is increased or decreased as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of losses for individual years. A redundancy means the original estimate was higher than the current estimate; a deficiency means that the current estimate is higher than the original estimate.

The first line of the loss and loss adjustment expense development table shows, for the years indicated, the Company’s net reserve liability including the reserve for IBNR. The first section of the table shows, by year, the cumulative amounts of losses and loss adjustment expenses paid as of the end of each succeeding year. The second section sets forth the re-estimates in later years of incurred losses and loss expenses, including payments, for the years indicated. The “cumulative redundancy/ (deficiency)” represents, as of the date indicated, the difference between the latest re-estimated liability and the reserves as originally estimated.

On January 1, 2015, the acquisition of American Reliable was completed. Consequently, American Reliable’s loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are only in the 2015 and 2016 years in the table below.

 

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The following table shows development in Global Indemnity’s loss and loss adjustment expense reserves on a net basis:

 

(Dollars in thousands)   2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016  

Balance sheet reserves:

  $ 735,342     $ 800,885     $ 835,839     $ 725,297     $ 638,906     $ 684,878     $ 629,558     $ 586,975     $ 552,271     $ 571,917     $ 520,603  

Cumulative paid as of:

                     

One year later

  $ 169,899     $ 190,723     $ 215,903     $ 189,358     $ 160,204     $ 155,888     $ 134,065     $ 116,118     $ 127,394     $ 118,466    

Two years later

    300,041       360,336       366,647       299,720       261,569       260,667       223,358       211,661       184,185      

Three years later

    413,055       470,313       454,284       375,066       330,522       333,131       304,272       253,989        

Four years later

    478,408       532,753       510,177       419,717       377,350       399,854       337,697          

Five years later

    506,915       561,536       541,313       454,509       431,146       425,856            

Six years later

    525,173       581,265       569,079       485,777       447,780              

Seven years later

    534,801       602,649       582,337       499,806                

Eight years later

    551,849       613,980       592,840                  

Nine years later

    560,923       622,758                    

Ten years later

    568,103                      

Re-estimated liability as of:

                     

End of year

  $ 735,342     $ 800,885     $ 835,839     $ 725,297     $ 638,906     $ 684,878     $ 629,558     $ 586,975     $ 552,271     $ 571,917     $ 520,603  

One year later

    716,361       832,733       827,439       671,399       643,569       690,004       619,887       575,256       517,249       514,668    

Two years later

    732,056       812,732       768,623       640,750       642,478       679,689       602,217       544,750       461,630      

Three years later

    707,525       765,435       730,079       636,051       640,581       661,592       576,659       495,631        

Four years later

    672,712       737,614       719,486       631,101       624,183       640,641       531,083          

Five years later

    658,429       731,468       715,067       621,098       611,226       602,764            

Six years later

    651,850       729,228       713,106       611,203       589,115              

Seven years later

    654,983       734,695       706,719       597,125                

Eight years later

    665,293       733,716       695,184                  

Nine years later

    667,043       726,817                    

Ten years later

    663,227                      

Cumulative redundancy/ (deficiency)

  $ 72,115     $ 74,068     $ 140,655     $ 128,172     $ 49,791     $ 82,114     $ 98,475     $ 91,344     $ 90,641     $ 57,249     $ —    

Gross Liability—end of year

    1,702,010       1,503,238       1,506,430       1,257,741       1,059,756       971,377       879,113       779,466       675,472       680,047       651,042  

Less: Reinsurance recoverable

    966,668       702,353       670,591       532,444       420,850       286,499       249,555       192,491       123,201       108,130       130,439  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability-end of year

    735,342       800,885       835,839       725,297       638,906       684,878       629,558       586,975       552,271       571,917       520,603  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross re-estimated liability

    1,020,647       1,135,977       1,051,831       845,334       771,107       757,896       673,860       605,501       561,161       614,879       651,042  

Less: Re-estimated recoverable at December 31, 2016

    357,420       409,160       356,647       248,209       181,992       155,132       142,777       109,870       99,531       100,211       130,439  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net re-estimated liability at December 31, 2016

  $ 663,227     $ 726,817     $ 695,184     $ 597,125     $ 589,115     $ 602,764     $ 531,083     $ 495,631     $ 461,630     $ 514,668     $ 520,603  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross cumulative redundancy/ (deficiency)

  $ 681,363     $ 367,261     $ 454,599     $ 412,407     $ 288,649     $ 213,481     $ 205,253     $ 173,965     $ 114,311     $ 65,168     $ —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Note 11 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for a reconciliation of the Company’s liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance ceded, as well as further discussion surrounding changes to reserves for prior accident years.

Asbestos and Environmental (“A&E”) Exposure

The Company’s environmental exposure arises from the sale of general liability and commercial multi-peril insurance. Currently, the Company’s policies continue to exclude classic environmental contamination claims. However, in some states, the Company is required, depending on the circumstances, to provide coverage for certain bodily injury claims, such as an individual’s exposure to a release of chemicals. The Company has also issued policies that were intended to provide limited pollution and environmental coverage. These policies were specific to certain types of products underwritten by the Company. The Company has also received a number of asbestos-related claims, the majority of which are declined based on well-established exclusions. In establishing the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses related to A&E exposures, management considers facts currently known and the current state of the law and coverage litigations. Estimates of these liabilities are reviewed and updated continually.

Uncertainty remains as to the Company’s ultimate liability for asbestos-related claims due to such factors as the long latency period between asbestos exposure and disease manifestation and the resulting potential for involvement of multiple policy periods for individual claims, the increase in the volume of claims made by plaintiffs who claim exposure but who have no symptoms of asbestos-related disease, and an increase in claims subject to coverage under general liability policies that do not contain aggregate limits of liability.

 

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The liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, inclusive of A&E reserves, reflects the Company’s best estimates for future amounts needed to pay losses and related adjustment expenses as of each of the balance sheet dates reflected in the financial statements herein in accordance with GAAP. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $15.8 million of net loss reserves for asbestos-related claims and $14.1 million for environmental claims. The Company attempts to estimate the full impact of the A&E exposures by establishing specific case reserves on all known losses. See Note 11 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for tables showing the Company’s gross and net reserves for A&E losses.

In addition to the factors referenced above, establishing reserves for A&E and other mass tort claims involves considerably more judgment than other types of claims due to, among other things, inconsistent court decisions, an increase in bankruptcy filings as a result of asbestos related liabilities, and judicial interpretations that often expand theories of recovery and broaden the scope of coverage.

See Note 11 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for the survival ratios on a gross and net basis for the Company’s A&E claims.

Investments

The Company’s investment policy is determined by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company engages third-party investment advisors to oversee its investments and to make recommendations to the Investment Committee. The Company’s investment policy allows it to invest in taxable and tax-exempt fixed income investments including corporate bonds as well as publicly traded and private equity investments. With respect to fixed income investments, the maximum exposure per issuer varies as a function of the credit quality of the security. The allocation between taxable and tax-exempt bonds is determined based on market conditions and tax considerations, including the applicability of the alternative minimum tax. The maximum allowable investment in equity securities under the Company’s investment policy is 30% of the Company’s GAAP equity, or $239.4 million at December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $1,498.1 million of investments and cash and cash equivalent assets, including $186.6 million of equity and limited partnership investments less a $3.7 million payable for securities purchased.

Insurance company investments must comply with applicable statutory regulations that prescribe the type, quality and concentration of investments. These regulations permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state, and municipal obligations, corporate bonds and loans, and preferred and common equity securities.

 

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The following table summarizes by type the estimated fair value of Global Indemnity’s investments and cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:

 

     December 31, 2016     December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
(Dollars in thousands)    Estimated
Fair Value
     Percent
of Total
    Estimated
Fair Value
     Percent
of Total
    Estimated
Fair Value
     Percent
of Total
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 75,110        5.0   $ 67,037        4.4   $ 58,823        3.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

U.S. treasury and agency obligations

     72,047        4.8       107,122        7.1       80,767        5.4  

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     156,446        10.4       205,240        13.5       191,473        12.8  

Mortgage-backed securities (1)

     88,468        5.9       159,123        10.5       208,759        13.9  

Asset-backed securities

     233,991        15.6       260,022        17.2       178,263        11.9  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     183,192        12.2       140,390        9.3       133,158        8.9  

Corporate bonds and loans

     380,027        25.3       332,111        21.9       383,416        25.6  

Foreign corporate bonds

     125,860        8.4       102,141        6.7       107,639        7.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,240,031        82.6       1,306,149        86.2       1,283,475        85.7  

Common stock

     120,557        8.0       110,315        7.3       122,048        8.2  

Other invested assets

     66,121        4.4       32,592        2.1       33,663        2.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments and cash and cash equivalents (2)

   $ 1,501,819        100.0   $ 1,516,093        100.0   $ 1,498,009        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes collateralized mortgage obligations of $28,608, $57,330, and $49,322 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
(2) Does not include net receivable (payable) for securities sold (purchased) of ($3,717), $172, and $60 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Although the Company generally intends to hold fixed maturities to recovery and/or maturity, the Company regularly re-evaluates its position based upon market conditions. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s fixed maturities, excluding the mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and collateralized mortgage obligations, had a weighted average maturity of 3.9 years and a weighted average duration, excluding mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and collateralized mortgage obligations and including cash and short-term investments, of 1.8 years. The Company’s financial statements reflect a net unrealized loss on fixed maturities available for sale as of December 31, 2016 of $1.3 million on a pre-tax basis.

The following table shows the average amount of fixed maturities, income earned on fixed maturities, and the book yield thereon, as well as unrealized gains for the periods indicated:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015     2014  

Average fixed maturities at book value

   $ 1,274,836     $ 1,290,641     $ 1,230,317  

Gross income on fixed maturities (1)

     30,337       32,091       26,788  

Book yield

     2.38     2.49     2.18

Fixed maturities at book value

   $ 1,241,339     $ 1,308,333     $ 1,272,948  

Unrealized gain (loss)

     (1,308     (2,184     10,527  

 

(1) Represents income earned by fixed maturities, gross of investment expenses and excluding realized gains and losses.

The Company has sought to structure its portfolio to reduce the risk of default on collateralized commercial real estate obligations and asset-backed securities. Of the $88.5 million of mortgage-backed securities, $59.9 million is invested in U.S. agency paper and $28.6 million is invested in collateralized mortgage obligations, of which $28.0 million, or 98.0%, are rated AA+ or better. In addition, the Company holds $234.0 million in asset-backed

 

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securities, of which 85.4% are rated AA or better and $183.2 million in commercial mortgaged-backed securities, of which 100.0% are rated A- or better. The weighted average credit enhancement for the Company’s asset-backed securities is 21.8. The Company also faces liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is when the fair value of an investment is not able to be realized due to lack of interest by outside parties in the marketplace. The Company attempts to diversify its investment holdings to minimize this risk. The Company’s investment managers run periodic analysis of liquidity costs to the fixed income portfolio. The Company also faces credit risk. 97.6% of the Company’s fixed income securities are investment grade securities. 18.7% of the Company’s fixed maturities are rated AAA. See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Item 7A of Part II of this report for a more detailed discussion of the credit market and the Company’s investment strategy.

The following table summarizes, by Standard & Poor’s rating classifications, the estimated fair value of Global Indemnity’s investments in fixed maturities, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

     December 31, 2016     December 31, 2015  
(Dollars in thousands)    Estimated
Fair Value
     Percent of
Total
    Estimated
Fair Value
     Percent of
Total
 

AAA

   $ 232,176        18.7   $ 222,381        17.0

AA

     432,595        35.0       518,122        39.7  

A

     346,606        28.0       355,225        27.2  

BBB

     197,449        15.9       175,785        13.5  

BB

     15,967        1.3       16,868        1.3  

B

     7,866        0.6       7,989        0.6  

CCC

     447        0.0       515        0.0  

CC

     241        0.0       976        0.1  

C

     —          —         559        0.0  

Not rated

     6,684        0.5       7,729        0.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   $ 1,240,031        100.0   $ 1,306,149        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the expected maturity distribution of Global Indemnity’s fixed maturities portfolio at their estimated market value as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

     December 31, 2016     December 31, 2015  
(Dollars in thousands)    Estimated
Market Value
     Percent of
Total
    Estimated
Market Value
     Percent of
Total
 

Due in one year or less

   $ 80,982        6.5   $ 107,582        8.2

Due in one year through five years

     622,926        50.2       594,859        45.6  

Due in five years through ten years

     20,770        1.7       38,016        2.9  

Due in ten years through fifteen years

     3,252        0.3       2,137        0.2  

Due after fifteen years

     6,450        0.5       4,020        0.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Securities with fixed maturities

     734,380        59.2       746,614        57.2  

Mortgaged-backed securities

     88,468        7.1       159,123        12.2  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     183,192        14.8       140,390        10.7  

Asset-backed securities

     233,991        18.9       260,022        19.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

   $ 1,240,031        100.0   $ 1,306,149        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The expected weighted average duration of the Company’s asset-backed, mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities is 1.7 years.

The value of the Company’s portfolio of bonds is inversely correlated to changes in market interest rates. In addition, some of the Company’s bonds have call or prepayment options. This could subject the Company to reinvestment risk should interest rates fall and issuers call their securities and the Company is forced to invest the

 

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proceeds at lower interest rates. The Company seeks to mitigate its reinvestment risk by investing in securities with varied maturity dates, so that only a portion of the portfolio will mature, be called, or be prepaid at any point in time.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had aggregate equity securities of $120.6 million that consisted entirely of common stocks.

The Company’s investments in other invested assets is comprised of a limited liability partnership investment where the partnership invests in distressed securities and assets, which was valued at $32.9 million at December 31, 2016, a limited liability partnership investment that invests in real estate, which was valued at zero at December 31, 2016, and a limited liability partnership that provides financing for middle market companies, which was valued at $33.2 million at December 31, 2016. There is no readily available independent market price for these limited liability partnership investments. The Company does not have access to daily valuations; therefore, the estimated fair value of these limited partnerships is based on the net asset value as a practical expedient for each limited partnership. The Company receives annual audited financial statements from each of the partnership investments it owns.

Realized gains, including other than temporary impairments, for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $21.7 million compared with losses of $3.4 million and gains of $35.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Competition

The Company competes with numerous domestic and international insurance and reinsurance companies, mutual companies, specialty insurance companies, underwriting agencies, diversified financial services companies, Lloyd’s syndicates, risk retention groups, insurance buying groups, risk securitization products and alternative self-insurance mechanisms. In particular, the Company competes against insurance subsidiaries of the groups in the specialty insurance market noted below, insurance companies, and others, including:

 

   

American International Group;

 

   

American Modern Insurance Group

 

   

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd.;

 

   

Berkshire Hathaway;

 

   

Everest Re Group, Ltd.;

 

   

Foremost Insurance Group

 

   

Great American Insurance Group;

 

   

HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.;

 

   

IFG Companies;

 

   

Markel Corporation;

 

   

Nationwide Insurance;

 

   

Navigators Insurance Group;

 

   

RLI Corporation;

 

   

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.;

 

   

The Travelers Companies, Inc.;

 

   

Validus Group; and

 

   

W.R. Berkley Corporation.

 

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In addition to the companies mentioned above, the Company is facing competition from standard line companies who are continuing to write risks that traditionally had been written by excess and surplus lines carriers, Bermuda companies who are establishing relationships with wholesale brokers and purchasing carriers, and other excess and surplus lines competitors.

Competition may take the form of lower prices, broader coverage, greater product flexibility, higher quality services, reputation and financial strength or higher ratings by independent rating agencies. In all of the Company’s markets, it competes by developing insurance products to satisfy well-defined market needs and by maintaining relationships with brokers and insureds that rely on the Company’s expertise. For its program and specialty wholesale products, offerings and underwriting products that are not readily available is the Company’s principal means of differentiating itself from its competition. Each of the Company’s products has its own distinct competitive environment. The Company seeks to compete through innovative products, appropriate pricing, niche underwriting expertise, and quality service to policyholders, general agencies and brokers.

Employees

At December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately 430 employees. None of the Company’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements as of December 31, 2016.

Ratings

A.M. Best ratings for the industry range from “A++” (Superior) to “F” (In Liquidation) with some companies not being rated. The Company’s Insurance Operations, which consist of its United States based insurance companies, and Global Indemnity Reinsurance are currently rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the third highest of sixteen rating categories.

Publications of A.M. Best indicate that “A” (Excellent) ratings are assigned to those companies that, in A.M. Best’s opinion, have an excellent ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. In evaluating a company’s financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews its profitability, leverage and liquidity, as well as its spread of risk, the quality and appropriateness of its reinsurance, the quality and diversification of its assets, the adequacy of its policy and loss reserves, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital structure and the experience and objectives of its management. These ratings are based on factors relevant to policyholders, general agencies, insurance brokers and intermediaries and are not directed to the protection of investors.

Regulation

General

The business of insurance is regulated in most countries, although the degree and type of regulation varies significantly from one jurisdiction to another. As a holding company, Global Indemnity is not subject to any insurance regulation in the Cayman Islands which the Company redomesticated to in 2016. However, Global Indemnity is subject to various Cayman Island laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, laws and regulations governing interested directors, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder lawsuits and indemnification of directors.

U.S. Regulation

At December 31, 2016, the Company had six operating insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States; United National Insurance Company, Penn-America Insurance Company, and Penn-Star Insurance Company, which are domiciled in Pennsylvania; Diamond State Insurance Company which is domiciled in Indiana; Penn-Patriot Insurance Company, which is domiciled in Virginia; and American Reliable Insurance Company, which is domiciled in Arizona.

 

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As the indirect parent of these U.S. insurance companies, Global Indemnity is subject to the insurance holding company laws of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, and Arizona. These laws generally require each of the U.S. insurance companies to register with its respective domestic state insurance department and to annually furnish financial and other information about the operations of the companies within the insurance holding company system. Generally, all material transactions among affiliated companies in the holding company system to which any of the U.S. insurance companies is a party must be fair, and, if material or of a specified category, require prior notice and approval or absence of disapproval by the insurance department where the subsidiary is domiciled. Material transactions include sales, loans, reinsurance agreements, certain types of dividends, and service agreements with the non-insurance companies within Global Indemnity’s family of companies, the Insurance Operations, or the Reinsurance Operations.

Changes of Control

Before a person can acquire control of a U.S. insurance company, prior written approval must be obtained from the insurance commissioner of the state where the insurer is domiciled. Prior to granting approval of an application to acquire control of a domestic insurer, the state insurance commissioner will consider factors such as the financial strength of the applicant, the integrity and management of the applicant’s Board of Directors and executive officers, the acquirer’s plans for the management, Board of Directors, executive officers, and employees of the company being acquired, the acquirer’s plans for the future operations of the domestic insurer and any anti-competitive results that may arise from the consummation of the acquisition of control. Generally, state statutes provide that control over a domestic insurer is presumed to exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds proxies representing 10% or more of the voting securities of the domestic insurer. Because a person acquiring 10% or more of the Company’s ordinary shares would indirectly control the same percentage of the stock of the U.S. insurance companies, the insurance change of control laws of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia and Arizona would likely apply to such a transaction. While the Company’s articles of association limit the voting power of any U.S. shareholder to less than 9.5%, there can be no assurance that the applicable state insurance regulator would agree that any shareholder did not control the applicable insurance company.

These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of Global Indemnity, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of the shareholders of Global Indemnity might consider desirable.

Federal Insurance Regulation

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) includes a number of provisions having a direct impact on the insurance industry, most notably, the creation of a Federal Insurance Office to monitor the insurance industry, streamlining of surplus lines insurance, credit for reinsurance, and systemic risk regulation. The Federal Insurance Office is empowered to gather data and information regarding the insurance industry and insurers, including conducting a study for submission to the U.S. Congress on how to modernize and improve insurance regulation in the United States. With respect to surplus lines insurance, the Dodd-Frank Act gives exclusive authority to regulate surplus lines transactions to the home state of the insured, and the requirement that a surplus lines broker must first attempt to place coverage in the admitted market is substantially softened with respect to large commercial policyholders. Significantly, the Dodd-Frank Act provides that a state may not prevent a surplus lines broker from placing surplus lines insurance with a non-U.S. insurer that appears on the quarterly listing of non-admitted insurers maintained by the International Insurers Department of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Regarding credit for reinsurance, the Dodd-Frank Act generally provides that the state of domicile of the ceding company (and no other state) may regulate financial statement credit for the ceded risk. The Dodd-Frank Act also provides the U.S. Federal Reserve with supervisory authority over insurance companies that are deemed to be “systemically important.” The Company continues to monitor the impact the Dodd-Frank Act or any changes thereto may have on operations.

 

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State Insurance Regulation

State insurance authorities have broad regulatory powers with respect to various aspects of the business of U.S. insurance companies, including, but not limited to, licensing companies to transact admitted business or determining eligibility to write surplus lines business, accreditation of reinsurers, admittance of assets to statutory surplus, regulating unfair trade and claims practices, establishing reserve requirements and solvency standards, management of enterprise risk, regulating investments and dividends, approving policy forms and related materials in certain instances and approving premium rates in certain instances. State insurance laws and regulations may require the Company’s U.S. insurance companies to file financial statements with insurance departments everywhere they will be licensed or eligible or accredited to conduct insurance business, and their operations are subject to review by those departments at any time. The Company’s U.S. insurance companies prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting principles (“SAP”) and procedures prescribed or permitted by these departments. State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the books and records, financial reporting, policy filings and market conduct of insurance companies domiciled in their states, generally once every three to five years, although market conduct examinations may take place at any time. These examinations are generally carried out in cooperation with the insurance departments of other states under guidelines promulgated by the NAIC. In addition, admitted insurers are subject to targeted market conduct examinations involving specific insurers by state insurance regulators in any state in which the insurer is admitted. The insurance departments for the states of Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Virginia completed their most recent financial examinations of the Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries, excluding American Reliable, for the period ended December 31, 2012. Their final reports were issued in 2014, and there were no materially adverse findings. The insurance department for the state of Arizona completed its most recent financial examination of American Reliable for the period ending December 31, 2013. Their final report was issued in 2015, and there were no materially adverse findings.

Insurance Regulatory Information System Ratios

The NAIC Insurance Regulatory Information System (“IRIS”) was developed by a committee of the state insurance regulators and is intended primarily to assist state insurance departments in executing their statutory mandates to oversee the financial condition of insurance companies operating in their respective states. IRIS identifies twelve industry ratios and specifies “usual values” for each ratio. Departure from the usual values of the ratios can lead to inquiries from individual state insurance commissioners as to certain aspects of an insurer’s business. Insurers that report four or more ratios that fall outside the range of usual values are generally targeted for increased regulatory review.

The U.S. insurance subsidiaries have strong risk capital scores. Due to the acquisition of American Reliable on January 1, 2015 and their inclusion in the intercompany pooling arrangements, the intercompany pooling participation percentages of the companies in the group changed. The Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries have acceptable results for the IRIS ratios with the exception of the following:

 

   

Change in net written premiums, two-year overall operating ratio, change in surplus and change in adjusted surplus for Penn-Patriot Insurance Company were outside of the IRIS range due to its change in participation percentage to the intercompany pooling arrangement as a result of the addition of American Reliable in the intercompany pooling arrangement.

 

   

Investment yields were lower than the IRIS range for Diamond State Insurance Company, United National Insurance Company, Penn-America Insurance Company, Penn-Star Insurance Company and Penn-Patriot Insurance Company. The investment portfolios of these companies are invested in high quality short duration bonds.

 

   

Asset to liability liquidity ratios for United National Insurance Company and Penn-America Insurance Company due to intercompany payables to parents and affiliates that will be settled in the 1st quarter of 2017.

 

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The following ratios were outside of the IRIS range due to the acquisition of American Reliable Insurance Company on January 1, 2015 and the addition of American Reliable in the intercompany pooling arrangement:

 

   

Changes in net written premiums for American Reliable Insurance Company

 

   

Two-year overall operating ratio for American Reliable Insurance Company

 

   

Estimated current reserve deficiency for United National Insurance Company, Diamond State Insurance Company and Penn-Star Insurance Company

Risk-Based Capital Regulations

The state insurance departments of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia and Arizona require that each domestic insurer report its risk-based capital based on a formula calculated by applying factors to various asset, premium and reserve items. The formula takes into account the risk characteristics of the insurer, including asset risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk and business risk. The respective state insurance regulators use the formula as an early warning regulatory tool to identify possible inadequately capitalized insurers for purposes of initiating regulatory action, and generally not as a means to rank insurers. State insurance laws impose broad confidentiality requirements on those engaged in the insurance business (including insurers, general agencies, brokers and others) and on state insurance departments as to the use and publication of risk-based capital data. The respective state insurance regulators have explicit regulatory authority to require various actions by, or to take various actions against, insurers whose total adjusted capital does not exceed certain company action level risk-based capital levels.

Based on the standards currently adopted, the U.S. insurance companies reported in their 2016 statutory filings that their capital and surplus are above the prescribed company action level risk-based capital requirements. See Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information on the NAIC’s risk-based capital model for determining the levels of statutory capital and surplus an insurer must maintain.

Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”)

SAP is a basis of accounting developed to assist insurance regulators in monitoring and regulating the solvency of insurance companies. SAP is primarily concerned with measuring an insurer’s surplus. Accordingly, statutory accounting focuses on valuing assets and liabilities of insurers at financial reporting dates in accordance with appropriate insurance laws, regulatory provisions, and practices prescribed or permitted by each insurer’s domiciliary state.

GAAP is concerned with a company’s solvency, but it is also concerned with other financial measurements, such as income and cash flows. As a direct result, different line item groupings of assets and liabilities and different amounts of assets and liabilities are reflected in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP than financial statements prepared in accordance with SAP.

Statutory accounting practices established by the NAIC and adopted in part by the Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, and Arizona regulators determine, among other things, the amount of statutory surplus and statutory net income of the U.S. insurance companies and thus determine, in part, the amount of funds these subsidiaries have available to pay dividends.

State Dividend Limitations

The U.S. insurance companies are restricted by statute as to the amount of dividends that they may pay without the prior approval of the applicable state regulatory authorities. Dividends may be paid without advanced

 

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regulatory approval only out of unassigned surplus. The dividend limitations imposed by the applicable state laws are based on the statutory financial results of each company within the Insurance Operations that are determined using statutory accounting practices that differ in various respects from accounting principles used in financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. See “Regulation—Statutory Accounting Principles.” Key differences relate to, among other items, deferred acquisition costs, limitations on deferred income taxes, reserve calculation assumptions and surplus notes, if any.

See the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section in Item 7 of Part II of this report for a more complete description of the state dividend limitations. See Note 19 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for the dividends declared and paid by Global Indemnity’s U.S. insurance companies in 2016 and the maximum amount of distributions that U.S. insurance companies could pay as dividends in 2017.

Guaranty Associations and Similar Arrangements

Most of the jurisdictions in which the U.S. insurance companies are admitted to transact business require property and casualty insurers doing business within that jurisdiction to participate in guaranty associations. These associations are organized to pay contractual benefits owed pursuant to insurance policies issued by impaired, insolvent or failed insurers. These associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in a particular state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent, or failed insurer is engaged. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets or in limited circumstances by surcharging policyholders.

Operations of Global Indemnity Reinsurance

The insurance laws of the United States regulate or prohibit the sale of insurance and reinsurance within their jurisdictions by non-domestic insurers and reinsurers that are not admitted to do business within such jurisdictions. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is not admitted to do business in the United States. The Company does not intend for Global Indemnity Reinsurance to maintain offices or solicit, advertise, settle claims or conduct other insurance and reinsurance underwriting activities in any jurisdiction in the United States where the conduct of such activities would require that Global Indemnity Reinsurance be admitted or authorized.

As a reinsurer that is not licensed, accredited, or approved in any state in the United States, Global Indemnity Reinsurance is required to post collateral security with respect to the reinsurance liabilities it assumes from the Company’s Insurance Operations as well as other U.S. ceding companies. The posting of collateral security is generally required in order for U.S. ceding companies to obtain credit on their U.S. statutory financial statements with respect to reinsurance liabilities ceded to unlicensed or unaccredited reinsurers. Under applicable United States “credit for reinsurance” statutory provisions, the security arrangements generally may be in the form of letters of credit, reinsurance trusts maintained by third-party trustees or funds-withheld arrangements whereby the ceded premium is held by the ceding company. If “credit for reinsurance” laws or regulations are made more stringent in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia and Arizona or other applicable states or any of the U.S. insurance companies re-domesticate to one of the few states that do not allow credit for reinsurance ceded to non-licensed reinsurers, the Company may be unable to realize some of the benefits expected from its business plan. Accordingly, Global Indemnity Reinsurance could be adversely affected.

Global Indemnity Reinsurance generally is not subject to regulation by U.S. jurisdictions. Specifically, rate and form regulations otherwise applicable to authorized insurers generally do not apply to Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s surplus lines transactions.

Bermuda Insurance Regulation

The Bermuda Insurance Act 1978 and related regulations, as amended (the “Insurance Act”), regulates the insurance business of Global Indemnity Reinsurance and provides that no person may carry on any such business

 

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in or from within Bermuda unless registered as an insurer by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) under the Insurance Act. Global Indemnity Reinsurance, which is incorporated to carry on general insurance and reinsurance business, is registered as a Class 3B insurer in Bermuda. A corporate body is registrable as a Class 3B insurer if it intends to carry on insurance business in circumstances where 50% or more of the net premiums written or 50% or more of the loss and loss expense provisions represent unrelated business, or its total net premiums written from unrelated business are $50.0 million or more. The continued registration of an applicant as an insurer is subject to it complying with the terms of its registration and such other conditions as the BMA may impose from time to time. An insurer’s registration may be canceled by the BMA on certain grounds specified in the Insurance Act, including failure of the insurer to comply with its obligations under the Insurance Act.

The Insurance Act imposes solvency and liquidity standards, auditing and reporting requirements, and grants the BMA powers to supervise, investigate, require information and the production of documents, and to intervene in the affairs of Bermuda insurance companies. The BMA continues to make amendments to the Insurance Act with a view to enhancing Bermuda’s insurance regulatory regime.

The BMA utilizes a risk-based approach when it comes to licensing and supervising insurance companies. As part of the BMA’s risk-based system, an assessment of the inherent risks within each particular class of insurer is used to determine the limitations and specific requirements which may be imposed. Thereafter the BMA keeps its analysis of relative risk within individual institutions under review on an ongoing basis, including through the scrutiny of regular audited statutory financial statements, and, as appropriate, meeting with senior management during onsite visits.

On March 25, 2016, Bermuda’s prudential framework for (re)insurance and group supervision was confirmed as being fully equivalent to the regulatory standards applied to European reinsurance companies and insurance groups in accordance with the requirements of the Solvency II Directive. Bermuda was granted this full “Solvency II equivalence” for an unlimited period by the European Commission based on an assessment conducted by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, and the equivalence decision was applied retroactively to January 1, 2016.

Certain significant aspects of the Bermuda insurance regulatory framework are set forth as follows:

Cancellation of Insurer’s Registration

An insurer’s registration may be canceled by the BMA on certain grounds specified in the Bermuda Insurance Act, including failure of the insurer to comply with its obligations under the Bermuda Insurance Act or if, in the opinion of the BMA, the insurer has not been carrying on business in accordance with sound insurance principles.

Principal Representative and Principal Office

Every registered insurer or reinsurer is required to maintain a principal office in Bermuda and to appoint and maintain a principal representative in Bermuda, subject to certain prescribed requirements under the Bermuda Insurance Act. Further, any registered insurer that is a Class 3A insurer or above is required to maintain a head office in Bermuda and direct and manage its insurance business from Bermuda. The recent amendments to the Bermuda Insurance Act provide that in considering whether an insurer satisfies the requirements of having its head office in Bermuda, the BMA may consider (a) where the underwriting, risk management, and operational decision making occurs; (b) whether the presence of senior executives who are responsible for, and involved in, the decision making are located in Bermuda; and (c) where meetings of the board of directors occur. The BMA will also consider (a) the location where management meets to effect policy decisions; (b) the residence of the officers, insurance managers or employees; and (c) the residence of one or more directors in Bermuda.

 

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Global Indemnity Reinsurance maintains its principal office in Hamilton, Bermuda and its external management firm has been appointed as its principal representative.

It is the duty of the principal representative upon reaching the view that there is a likelihood of the insurer for which the principal representative acts becoming insolvent or that a reportable “event” has, to the principal representative’s knowledge, occurred or is believed to have occurred, to immediately notify the BMA and to make a report in writing to the BMA within 14 days of the prior notification setting out all the particulars of the case that are available to the principal representative.

Where there has been a significant loss which is reasonably likely to cause the insurer to fail to comply with its enhanced capital requirement (in respect of its general business, as described below under the Enhanced Capital Requirement (“ECR”) and Minimum Solvency Margin (“MSM”) section), the principal representative must also furnish the BMA with a capital and solvency return reflecting an enhanced capital requirement prepared using post-loss data. The principal representative must provide this within 45 days of notifying the BMA regarding the loss.

Furthermore, where a notification has been made to the BMA regarding a material change to an insurer’s business or structure (including a merger or amalgamation), the principal representative has 30 days from the date of such notification to furnish the BMA with unaudited interim statutory financial statements in relation to such period if so requested by the BMA, together with a general business solvency certificate in respect to those statements.

Independent Approved Auditor

Every registered insurer, such as Global Indemnity Reinsurance, must appoint independent auditors who will audit and report annually on the statutory financial statements, the statutory financial return of the insurer and U.S. GAAP statements, which are required to be filed annually with the BMA.

Loss Reserve Specialist

As a registered Class 3B insurer, Global Indemnity Reinsurance is required to submit an opinion of its approved loss reserve specialist in respect of its technical provisions contained within its Economic Balance Sheet (see below).

Annual Financial Statements and Annual Statutory Financial Return

As prescribed by the Insurance Act, Global Indemnity Reinsurance, a Class 3B insurer, must prepare annual statutory financial statements. The statutory financial return shall consist of an insurer information sheet, a report of the approved independent auditor on the GAAP financial statements, a statutory balance sheet, a statutory statement of income, a statutory statement of capital and surplus, notes to the statutory financial statements and a statutory declaration of compliance.

In addition to preparing statutory financial statements, Global Indemnity Reinsurance must file financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP in respect of each financial year. Such statements must be filed with the BMA within a period of four months from the end of the financial year or such longer period, not exceeding seven months, as the BMA may determine. The audited financial statements will be published by the BMA.

For financial years after January 1, 2016, commercial insurers will also be required to prepare a Financial Condition Report providing details of, among other things, measures governing the business operations, corporate governance framework, solvency and financial performance of the insurer.

 

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Enhanced Capital Requirement (“ECR”) and Minimum Solvency Margin (“MSM”)

The BMA has promulgated the Insurance (Prudential Standards) (Class 4 and Class 3B Solvency Requirement) Amendment Rules 2008, as amended (the “Rules”) which, among other things, mandate that a Class 3B insurer’s ECR be calculated by either (a) the model set out in Schedule I to the Rules, or (b) an internal capital model which the BMA has approved for use for this purpose. For 2016, Global Indemnity Reinsurance used the BMA’s model to calculate its capital and solvency requirements.

The risk-based regulatory capital adequacy and solvency requirements implemented with effect from December 31, 2008 (termed the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement or “BSCR”) provide a risk-based capital model as a tool to assist the BMA both in measuring risk and in determining appropriate levels of capitalization. BSCR employs a standard mathematical model that correlates the risk underwritten by Bermuda insurers to the capital that is dedicated to their business. The framework that has been developed applies a standard measurement format to the risk associated with an insurer’s assets, liabilities and premiums, including a formula to take account of catastrophe risk exposure.

Where an insurer believes that its own internal model for measuring risk and determining appropriate levels of capital better reflects the inherent risk of its business, it may apply to the BMA for approval to use its internal capital model in substitution for the BSCR model. The BMA may approve an insurer’s internal model, provided certain conditions have been established, and may revoke approval of an internal model in the event that the conditions are no longer met or where it feels that the revocation is appropriate. The BMA will review the internal model regularly to confirm that the model continues to meet the conditions.

In order to minimize the risk of a shortfall in capital arising from an unexpected adverse deviation, the BMA seeks that insurers operate at or above a threshold capital level (termed the Target Capital Level or “TCL”), which exceeds the BSCR or approved internal model minimum amounts. The Rules provide prudential standards in relation to the ECR and Capital and Solvency Return (“CSR”). The ECR is determined using the BSCR or an approved internal model, provided that at all times the ECR must be an amount equal to, or exceeding the MSM. The CSR is the return setting out the insurer’s risk management practices and other information used by the insurer to calculate its approved internal model ECR. The capital requirements require Class 3B insurers to hold available statutory capital and surplus equal to, or exceeding ECR and set TCL at 120% of ECR. In circumstances where an insurer has failed to comply with an ECR given by the BMA, such insurer is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends until the failure is rectified.

The risk-based solvency capital framework referred to above represents a modification of the minimum solvency margin test set out in the Insurance Returns and Solvency Amendment Regulations 1980 (as amended). While it must calculate its ECR annually by reference to either the BSCR or an approved internal model, Global Indemnity Reinsurance must also ensure at all times that its ECR is at least equal to the MSM for a Class 3B insurer in respect of its general business, which is the greater of:

 

(i) $1.0 million;

 

(ii) 50% of net premiums written;

 

(iii) 15% of net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and other general business insurance reserves.

 

(iv) 25% of the insurer’s enhanced capital requirement.

The BMA has also introduced a three-tiered capital system for Class 3B insurers designed to assess the quality of capital resources that an insurer has available to meet its capital requirements. The tiered capital system classifies all capital instruments into one of three tiers based on their “loss absorbency” characteristics, with the highest quality capital classified as Tier 1 Capital and lesser quality capital classified as either Tier 2 or Tier 3 Capital. Only Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital may be used to support an insurer’s MSM. Certain percentages of each of Tier 1, 2 and 3 Capital may be used to satisfy an insurer’s ECR. Any combination of Tier 1, 2 or 3 Capital may be used to meet the TCL.

 

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The Rules introduced a regime that requires Class 3B insurers to perform an assessment of their own risk and solvency requirements, referred to as a Commercial Insurer’s Solvency Self Assessment (“CISSA”). The CISSA will allow the BMA to obtain an insurer’s view of the capital resources required to achieve its business objectives and to assess the company’s governance, risk management and controls surrounding this process. The Rules also introduced a Catastrophe Risk Return, which must be filed with the BMA, which assesses an insurer’s reliance on vendor models in assessing catastrophe exposure.

Economic Balance Sheet Framework

The Economic Balance Sheet (“EBS”) framework is an accounting balance sheet approach using market consistent values for all current assets and current obligations relating to in-force business which applies to Class 3B and 4 insurers effective for the 2016 financial year end. The EBS framework is embedded as part of the Capital and Solvency Return and forms the basis for the insurer’s ECR.

Minimum Liquidity Ratio

The Insurance Act provides a minimum liquidity ratio for general business insurers, such as Global Indemnity Reinsurance. An insurer engaged in general business is required to maintain the value of its relevant assets at not less than 75% of the amount of its relevant liabilities; as such terms are defined in the Insurance Act.

Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions

Global Indemnity Reinsurance is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends during any financial year if it is in breach of its minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio or if the declaration or payment of such dividends would cause it to fail to meet such margin or ratio. In addition, if it has failed to meet its minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio on the last day of any financial year, Global Indemnity Reinsurance will be prohibited, without the approval of the BMA, from declaring or paying any dividends during the next financial year.

Global Indemnity Reinsurance is prohibited, without the approval of the BMA, from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital as set out in its previous year’s financial statements, and any application for such approval must include such information as the BMA may require. In addition, if at any time it fails to meet its minimum margin of solvency, Global Indemnity Reinsurance is required within 30 days after becoming aware of such failure or having reason to believe that such failure has occurred, to file with the BMA a written report containing certain information.

Additionally, under the Companies Act, Global Indemnity Reinsurance may not declare or pay a dividend, or make a distribution from contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that it is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or if the realizable value of its assets would be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts.

Supervision, Investigation and Intervention

The BMA has wide powers of investigation and document production in relation to Bermuda insurers under the Insurance Act. For example, the BMA may appoint an inspector with extensive powers to investigate the affairs of Global Indemnity Reinsurance if the BMA believes that such an investigation is in the best interests of its policyholders or persons who may become policyholders. Further, the BMA has the power to appoint a professional person to prepare a report on any aspect of any matter about which the BMA has or could require information. If it appears to the BMA that there is a risk of Global Indemnity Reinsurance becoming insolvent, or that Global Indemnity Reinsurance is in breach of the Insurance Act or any conditions imposed upon its registration, the BMA may, among other things, direct Global Indemnity Reinsurance not to take on any new business, not to vary any current treaties if the effect would be to increase its liabilities, not to make certain

 

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investments, to realize or not realize certain investments, to maintain in, or transfer to, the custody of a specified bank, certain assets, not to declare or pay any dividends or other distributions or to restrict the making of such payments, or to limit its premium income or remove an officer.

The BMA may also make additional rules prescribing prudential standards in relation to the ECR, CSR, insurance reserves and eligible capital which Global Indemnity Reinsurance must comply with.

Bermuda Code of Conduct

The BMA has implemented the Insurance Code of Conduct (the “Bermuda Code of Conduct”) which came into effect on July 1, 2010. The BMA established July 1, 2011 as the date of compliance for commercial insurers. The Bermuda Code of Conduct is divided into six categories: (i) Proportionality Principal, (ii) Corporate Governance, (iii) Risk Management, (iv) Governance Mechanism, (v) Outsourcing, and (vi) Market Discipline and Disclosure. These categories contain the duties, requirements and compliance standards to which all insurers must adhere. It stipulates that in order to achieve compliance with the Bermuda Code of Conduct, insurers are to develop and apply policies and procedures capable of assessment by the BMA. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is in compliance with the Bermuda Code of Conduct.

Group Supervision

Emerging international norms in the regulation of global insurance groups are trending increasingly towards the imposition of group-wide supervisory regimes by one principal “home” regulator over all the legal entities in the group, no matter where incorporated. Amendments to the Insurance Act in 2010 introduced such a regime into Bermuda insurance regulation.

The Insurance Act contains provisions regarding group supervision, the authority to exclude specified entities from group supervision, the power for the BMA to withdraw as a group supervisor, the functions of the BMA as group supervisor and the power of the BMA to make rules regarding group supervision.

The BMA has issued the Insurance (Group Supervision) Rules 2011 (the “Group Supervision Rules”) and the Insurance (Prudential Standards) (Insurance Group Solvency Requirement) Rules 2011 (the “Group Solvency Rules”) each effective December 31, 2011. The Group Supervision Rules set out the rules in respect of the assessment of the financial situation and solvency of an insurance group, the system of governance and risk management of the insurance group, and supervisory reporting and disclosures of the insurance group. The Group Solvency Rules set out the rules in respect of the capital and solvency return and enhanced capital requirements for an insurance group. The BMA also intends to publish an insurance code of conduct in relation to group supervision.

Global Indemnity Reinsurance was notified by the BMA that, having considered the matters set out in the 2010 amendments to the Insurance Act, it had determined that it would not be Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s group supervisor.

Notifications to the BMA

In the event that the share capital of an insurer (or its parent) is traded on any stock exchange recognized by the BMA, then any shareholder must notify the BMA within 45 days of becoming a 10%, 20%, 33% or 50% shareholder of such insurer. An insurer must also provide written notice to the BMA that a person has become, or ceased to be, a “Controller” of that insurer. A Controller for this purpose means a managing director, chief executive or other person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the Directors of Global Indemnity Reinsurance are accustomed to act, including any person who holds, or is entitled to exercise, 10% or more of the voting shares or voting power or is otherwise able to exercise significant influence over the management of Global Indemnity Reinsurance.

 

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Global Indemnity Reinsurance is also required to notify the BMA in writing in the event any person has become or ceased to be an officer of it, an officer being a director, chief executive or senior executive performing duties of underwriting, actuarial, risk management, compliance, internal audit, finance or investment matters. Failure to give required notice is an offense under the Insurance Act.

An insurer, or designated insurer in respect of the group of which it is a member, must notify the BMA in writing that it proposes to take measures that are likely to be of material significance for the discharge, in relation to the insurer or the group, of the BMA’s functions under the Insurance Act. Measures that are likely to be of material significance include:

 

   

acquisition or transfer of insurance business being part of a scheme falling within section 25 of the Insurance Act or section 99 of the Companies Act;

 

   

amalgamation with or acquisition of another firm; and

 

   

a material change in the insurer’s business plan not otherwise reported to the BMA.

In respect of the forgoing, the BMA will typically object to the material change unless it is satisfied that:

 

   

the interest of the policyholders and potential policyholders of the insurer or the group would not in any manner be threatened by the material change; and

 

   

without prejudice to the first point, that, having regard to the material change, the requirements of the Insurance Act would continue to be complied with, or, if any of those requirements are not complied with, that the insurer concerned is likely to undertake adequate remedial action.

Failure to give such notice constitutes an offence under the Insurance Act. It is possible to appeal a notice of objection served by the BMA.

Disclosure of Information

The BMA may assist other regulatory authorities, including foreign insurance regulatory authorities, with their investigations involving insurance and reinsurance companies in Bermuda, but subject to restrictions. For example, the BMA must be satisfied that the assistance being requested is in connection with the discharge of regulatory responsibilities of the foreign regulatory authority. Further, the BMA must consider whether cooperation is in the public interest. The grounds for disclosure are limited and the Insurance Act provides sanctions for breach of the statutory duty of confidentiality.

Under the Companies Act, the Minister of Finance may assist a foreign regulatory authority that has requested assistance in connection with inquiries being carried out by it in the performance of its regulatory functions. The Minster of Finance’s powers include requiring a person to furnish information to the Minister of Finance, to produce documents to the Minister of Finance, to attend and answer questions and to give assistance to the Minister of Finance in relation to inquiries. The Minister of Finance must be satisfied that the assistance requested by the foreign regulatory authority is for the purpose of its regulatory functions and that the request is in relation to information in Bermuda that a person has in his possession or under his control. The Minister of Finance must consider, among other things, whether it is in the public interest to give the information sought.

Certain Other Bermuda Law Considerations

Although Global Indemnity Reinsurance is incorporated in Bermuda, it is classified as a non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes by the BMA. Pursuant to the non-resident status, Global Indemnity Reinsurance may engage in transactions in currencies other than Bermuda dollars, and there are no restrictions on its ability to transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States residents that are holders of its ordinary shares.

 

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Under Bermuda law, exempted companies are companies formed for the purpose of conducting business outside Bermuda from a principal place of business in Bermuda. As an “exempted” company, Global Indemnity Reinsurance may not, without the express authorization of the Bermuda legislature or under a license or consent granted by the Minister of Finance, participate in certain business transactions, including transactions involving Bermuda landholding rights and the carrying on of business of any kind for which it is not licensed in Bermuda.

Taxation of Global Indemnity and Subsidiaries

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands currently have no form of income, corporate or capital gains tax and no estate duty, inheritance tax or gift tax.

Global Indemnity is an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Global Indemnity has received an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, which is February 9, 2016, no law that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising in respect of Global Indemnity, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income.

Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, is an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands.

Ireland

Global Indemnity Unlimited Company, formerally known as Global Indemnity plc, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary is a private unlimited company incorporated under the laws of Ireland. The Company is a resident taxpayer fully subject to Ireland corporate income tax. Currently, Global Indemnity Unlimited Company has only non-trading income which is subject to corporate income tax of 25.0%.

Global Indemnity Services Ltd., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary, is a company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Ireland. The company is a resident taxpayer fully subject to Ireland corporate income tax laws. Currently, Global Indemnity Services Ltd. has only trading income, so it is subject to corporate income tax of 12.5%.

U.A.I. (Ireland) Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, is a company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Ireland. The company is a resident taxpayer fully subject to Ireland corporate income tax laws. Currently, U.A.I. (Ireland) Limited has only non-trading income, so it is subject to corporate income tax of 25.0%.

U.A.I. (Ireland) II Unlimited Company, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, is a private unlimited company incorporated under the laws of Ireland. The company is a resident taxpayer fully subject to Ireland corporate income tax laws. Currently, U.A.I. (Ireland) II Unlimited Company has only non-trading income, so it is subject to corporate income tax of 25.0%.

Bermuda

Under current Bermuda law, the Company and its Bermuda subsidiaries are not required to pay any taxes in Bermuda on income or capital gains. Currently, there is no Bermuda income, corporation or profits tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty or inheritance tax payable by Global Indemnity

 

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Reinsurance or its shareholders, other than shareholders ordinarily resident in Bermuda, if any. Currently, there is no Bermuda withholding or other tax on principal, interest, or dividends paid to holders of the ordinary shares of Global Indemnity Reinsurance, other than holders ordinarily resident in Bermuda, if any. There can be no assurance that Global Indemnity Reinsurance or its shareholders will not be subject to any such tax in the future.

The Company has received a written assurance from the Bermuda Minister of Finance under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966 of Bermuda, that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that would impose tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of that tax would not be applicable to Global Indemnity Reinsurance or to any of its operations, shares, debentures or obligations through March 31, 2035; provided that such assurance is subject to the condition that it will not be construed to prevent the application of such tax to people ordinarily resident in Bermuda, or to prevent the application of any taxes payable by Global Indemnity Reinsurance in respect of real property or leasehold interests in Bermuda held by them. Given the limited duration of the assurance, the Company cannot be certain that the Company will not be subject to any Bermuda tax after March 31, 2035.

Gibraltar

Global Indemnity (Gibraltar) Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, is a private limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Gibraltar. The Company received a tax ruling from the Ministry of Finance Income Tax Office of Gibraltar that dividends and distributions received by Global Indemnity (Gibraltar) Ltd. from Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd. would not be subject to tax in Gibraltar, provided that Global Indemnity (Gibraltar) Ltd. continues to indirectly hold a relevant participation in U.A.I. (Luxembourg) I S.à.r.l.

Luxembourg

U.A.I. (Luxembourg) I S.à.r.l., U.A.I. (Luxembourg) II S.à.r.l., U.A.I. (Luxembourg) III S.à.r.l., U.A.I. (Luxembourg) IV S.à.r.l., U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l., and Wind River (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. (the “Luxembourg Companies”) are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries and private limited liability companies incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg. These are taxable companies, which may carry out any activities that fall within the scope of their corporate object clause. In accordance with Luxembourg regulations, the companies are resident taxpayers fully subject to Luxembourg corporate income tax at a rate of 29.22% and net worth tax at a rate of 0.5%. The companies are entitled to benefits of the tax treaties concluded between Luxembourg and other countries and European Union Directives.

Profit distributions (not in respect to liquidations) by the companies are generally subject to Luxembourg dividend withholding tax at a rate of 15%, unless a domestic law exemption or a lower tax treaty rate applies. Dividends paid by any of the Luxembourg Companies to their Luxembourg resident parent company are exempt from Luxembourg dividend withholding tax, provided that at the time of the dividend distribution, the resident parent company has held (or commits itself to continue to hold) 10% or more of the nominal paid up capital of the distributing entity or, in the event of a lower percentage participation, a participation having an acquisition price of Euro 1.2 million or more for a period of at least 12 months.

The Luxembourg Companies have received advance tax confirmations (“ATCs”) from the Luxembourg Administration des Contributions Directes (the “Luxembourg tax authorities”) that the financing activities of the Luxembourg Companies does not lead to taxation in Luxembourg except for the taxation as provided in the ATCs. Based on these confirmations, the current financing activities of the Luxembourg Companies should not lead to taxation in Luxembourg other than for such tax as provided for in the financial statements. The Luxembourg Companies have in their files transfer pricing documentation substantiating the arm’s length nature of the financing activities. It is however not guaranteed that the Luxembourg Companies cannot be subject to higher Luxembourg taxes.

 

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Barbados

GBLI (Barbados) Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, is incorporated under the Companies Act, Cap. 308 of the Laws of Barbados. It is a duly licenced international business company under the International Business Companies Act, Cap. 77 of the Laws of Barbados and subject to a corporate income tax rate as follows:

 

   

2.5% on all profits and gains up to $5,000,000;

 

   

2% on all profits and gains exceeding $5,000,000 but not exceeding $10,000,000;

 

   

1.5% on all profits and gains exceeding $10,000,000 but not exceeding $15,000,000; and

 

   

0.25% on all profits and gains exceeding $15,000,000.

United States

The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the Company’s operations. The Company manages its business in a manner that seeks to mitigate the risk that either Global Indemnity or Global Indemnity Reinsurance will be treated as engaged in a U.S. trade or business for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, whether business is being conducted in the United States is an inherently factual determination. Because the United States Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), regulations and court decisions fail to identify definitively activities that constitute being engaged in a trade or business in the United States, the Company cannot be certain that the IRS will not contend successfully that Global Indemnity or Global Indemnity Reinsurance is or has been engaged in a trade or business in the United States. A non-U.S. corporation deemed to be so engaged would be subject to U.S. income tax at regular corporate rates, as well as the branch profits tax, on its income that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business unless the corporation is entitled to relief under the permanent establishment provision of an applicable tax treaty, as discussed below. Such income tax, if imposed, would be based on effectively connected income computed in a manner generally analogous to that applied to the income of a U.S. corporation, except that a non-U.S. corporation is generally entitled to deductions and credits only if it timely files a U.S. federal income tax return. Global Indemnity and Global Indemnity Reinsurance are filing protective U.S. federal income tax returns on a timely basis in order to preserve the right to claim income tax deductions and credits if it is ever determined that it is subject to U.S. federal income tax. All of the Company’s other non-U.S. entities are considered disregarded entities for federal income tax purposes. The highest marginal federal income tax rates as of 2016 are 39.6% for a corporation’s effectively connected income and 30% for the branch profits tax.

If Global Indemnity Reinsurance is entitled to the benefits under the tax treaty between Bermuda and the United States (the “Bermuda Treaty”), Global Indemnity Reinsurance would not be subject to U.S. income tax on any business profits of its insurance enterprise found to be effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, unless that trade or business is conducted through a permanent establishment in the United States. No regulations interpreting the Bermuda Treaty have been issued. Global Indemnity Reinsurance currently conducts its activities to reduce the risk that it will have a permanent establishment in the United States, although the Company cannot be certain that it will achieve this result.

An insurance enterprise resident in Bermuda generally will be entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda Treaty if (1) more than 50% of its shares are owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, by individual residents of the United States or Bermuda or U.S. citizens and (2) its income is not used in substantial part, directly or indirectly, to make disproportionate distributions to, or to meet certain liabilities to, persons who are neither residents of either the United States or Bermuda nor U.S. citizens. The Company cannot be certain that Global Indemnity Reinsurance will be eligible for Bermuda Treaty benefits in the future because of factual and legal uncertainties regarding the residency and citizenship of the Company’s shareholders.

Foreign insurance companies carrying on an insurance business within the United States have a certain minimum amount of effectively connected net investment income, determined in accordance with a formula that depends, in part, on the amount of U.S. risk insured or reinsured by such companies. If Global Indemnity Reinsurance is considered to

 

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be engaged in the conduct of an insurance business in the United States and it is not entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda Treaty in general (because it fails to qualify under the limitations on treaty benefits discussed above), the Code could subject a significant portion of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s investment income to U.S. income tax. In addition, while the Bermuda Treaty clearly applies to premium income, it is uncertain whether the Bermuda Treaty applies to other income such as investment income. If Global Indemnity Reinsurance is considered engaged in the conduct of an insurance business in the United States and is entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda Treaty in general, but the Bermuda Treaty is interpreted to not apply to investment income, a significant portion of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s investment income could be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

The United States also imposes an excise tax on insurance and reinsurance premiums paid to foreign insurers or reinsurers with respect to risks located in the United States. The rates of tax applicable to premiums paid to Global Indemnity Reinsurance on such business are 4% for direct insurance premiums and 1% for reinsurance premiums. Foreign corporations not engaged in a trade or business in the United States are subject to 30% U.S. income tax imposed by withholding on the gross amount of certain “fixed or determinable annual or periodic gains, profits and income” derived from sources within the United States (such as dividends and certain interest on investments), subject to exemption under the Code or reduction by applicable treaties. The Bermuda Treaty does not reduce the rate of tax in such circumstances. Global Indemnity Group, Inc. is a Delaware corporation wholly owned by U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l. Under U.S. federal income tax law, dividends and interest paid by a U.S. corporation to a non-U.S. shareholder are generally subject to a 30% withholding tax, unless reduced by treaty. The income tax treaty between Luxembourg and the United States (the “Luxembourg Treaty”) reduces the rate of withholding tax on interest payments to 0% and on dividends to 15%, or 5% (if the shareholder owns 10% or more of the company’s voting stock). There is a risk that interest paid by the Company’s U.S. subsidiary to a Luxembourg affiliate may be subject to a 30% withholding tax.

The Company’s U.S. subsidiaries are each subject to taxation in the United States at regular corporate rates.

Available Information

The Company maintains a website at www.globalindemnity.ky. The information on the Company’s website is not incorporated herein by reference. The Company will make available, free of charge on its website, the most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files such material with, or furnishes it to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The public may also read and copy any materials the Company files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains, free of charge, an Internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

The risks and uncertainties described below are those the Company believes to be material. If any of the following actually occur, the Company’s business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Risks Related to the Company’s Business

If actual claims payments exceed the Company’s reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

The Company’s success depends upon its ability to accurately assess the risks associated with the insurance and reinsurance policies that it writes. The Company establishes reserves on an undiscounted basis to cover its

 

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estimated liability for the payment of all losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred with respect to premiums earned on the insurance policies that it writes. Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, reserves are estimates of what the Company expects to be the ultimate cost of resolution and administration of claims under the insurance policies that it writes. These estimates are based upon actuarial and statistical projections, the Company’s assessment of currently available data, as well as estimates and assumptions as to future trends in claims severity and frequency, judicial theories of liability and other factors. The Company continually refines its reserve estimates in an ongoing process as experience develops and claims are reported and settled. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries obtain an annual statement of opinion from an independent actuarial firm on the reasonableness of these reserves.

Establishing an appropriate level of reserves is an inherently uncertain process. The following factors may have a substantial impact on the Company’s future actual losses and loss adjustment experience:

 

   

claim and expense payments;

 

   

frequency and severity of claims;

 

   

legislative and judicial developments; and

 

   

changes in economic conditions, including the effect of inflation.

For example, as industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other conditions change, unexpected and unintended exposures related to claims and coverage may emerge. Examples include claims relating to mold, asbestos and construction defects, as well as larger settlements and jury awards against professionals and corporate directors and officers. In addition, there is a growing trend of plaintiffs targeting property and casualty insurers in purported class action litigations relating to claims handling, insurance sales practices and other practices. These exposures may either extend coverage beyond the Company’s underwriting intent or increase the frequency or severity of claims. As a result, such developments could cause the Company’s level of reserves to be inadequate.

Actual losses and loss adjustment expenses the Company incurs under insurance policies that it writes may be different from the amount of reserves it establishes, and to the extent that actual losses and loss adjustment expenses exceed the Company’s expectations and the reserves reflected on its financial statements, the Company will be required to immediately reflect those changes by increasing its reserves. In addition, regulators could require that the Company increase its reserves if they determine that the reserves were understated in the past. When the Company increases reserves, pre-tax income for the period in which it does so will decrease by a corresponding amount. In addition to having an effect on reserves and pre-tax income, increasing or “strengthening” reserves causes a reduction in the Company’s insurance companies’ surplus and could cause the rating of its insurance company subsidiaries to be downgraded or placed on credit watch. Such a downgrade could, in turn, adversely affect the Company’s ability to sell insurance policies.

Catastrophic events can have a significant impact on the Company’s financial and operational condition.

Results of operations of property and casualty insurers are subject to man-made and natural catastrophes. The Company has experienced, and expects to experience in the future, catastrophe losses. It is possible that a catastrophic event or a series of multiple catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results and financial condition. The Company’s operating results could be negatively impacted if it experiences losses from catastrophes that are in excess of the catastrophe reinsurance coverage of its Insurance Operations. The Company’s Reinsurance Operations also have exposure to losses from catastrophes as a result of the reinsurance treaties that it writes. Operating results could be negatively impacted if losses and expenses related to property catastrophe events exceed premiums assumed. Catastrophes include windstorms, hurricanes, typhoons, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, hail, severe winter weather, fires and may include terrorist events such as the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Company cannot predict how severe a particular catastrophe may be until after it occurs. The extent of losses from catastrophes is a function of the total amount

 

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and type of losses incurred, the number of insureds affected, the frequency of the events and the severity of the particular catastrophe. Most catastrophes occur in small geographic areas. However, some catastrophes may produce significant damage in large, heavily populated areas.

The benefits of acquiring American Reliable may not be realized which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business operations and financial results.

There may be difficulties in the continued integration of American Reliable business, which could result in a failure to realize the potential benefits of the acquisition. Achieving the anticipated benefits of the acquisition will depend in part upon whether the common aspects of the business can continue to be integrated in an efficient and effective manner with Global Indemnity’s existing businesses. Furthermore, the risk that the Company’s or American Reliable’s prospective insurance premiums, investment yield, or net earnings are less than anticipated (including as a result of unexpected events, competition, costs, charges or outlays whether as a consequence of the transaction or otherwise) could negatively impact the Company’s profitability and results of operations.

A failure in the Company’s operational systems or infrastructure or those of third parties, including security breaches or cyber-attacks, could disrupt the Company’s business, its reputation, and / or cause losses which would have a material effect on the Company’s business operations and financial results.

The Company’s business is dependent upon the secure processing, storage, and transmission of information over computer networks using applications, systems and other technologies. The business depends on effective information security and systems to perform accounting, policy administration, claims, underwriting, actuarial and all aspects of day to day operations necessary to service the Company’s customers and agents, to value the Company’s investments and to timely and accurately report the Company’s financial results.

The information systems the Company relies upon must ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of the data, including systems maintained by the Company as well as data in and assets held through third-party service providers and systems. The Company employs various measures, systems, applications and software to address the data security. The Company reviews its existing security measures and systems on a continuing basis through internal and independent evaluations. The Company has implemented administrative and technical controls and takes protective actions in an attempt to reduce the risk of cyber incidents.

The Company’s internal and external controls, processes, and the vendors used to protect networks, systems and applications, individually or together, may be insufficient to prevent a security incident. Employee or third party vendor errors, malicious acts, unauthorized access, computer viruses, malware, the introduction of malicious code, system failures and disruptions and or cyber-attacks can result in business interruption, compromise of data and loss of assets and that could have security consequences. Complexity of the Company’s technology increases regularly and has increased the risk of a security incident involving data, network, systems and applications.

The Company has, from time to time, experienced security incidents, none of which had a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, results of operations, or financial condition. Security incidents have the potential to interrupt business, cause delays in processes and procedures directly affecting the Company, and jeopardize the Company’s, insureds, claimants, agents and others confidential data resulting in data loss and loss of assets and reputational damages. If this occurs it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business operations and financial results.

Security incidents could require significant resources, both internal and external, to resolve or remediate and could result in financial losses that may not be covered by insurance or not fully recoverable under any insurance. The Company may be subject to litigation and damages or regulatory action under data protection and privacy laws and regulations enacted by federal, state and foreign governments, or other regulatory bodies. As a result, the Company’s ability to conduct its business and its results of operations might be materially and adversely affected.

 

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The Company’s failure to adequately protect personal information could have a material adverse effect on its business.

A wide variety of local, state, national, and international laws and regulations apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer and other processing of personal data, including laws mandating the privacy and security of personal health and financial data. These data protection and privacy-related laws and regulations are evolving and may result in ever-increasing regulatory and public scrutiny and escalating levels of enforcement and sanctions. The Company’s failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or to protect such data, could result in enforcement action against it, including fines, imprisonment of company officials and public censure, claims for damages by customers and other affected individuals, damage to the Company’s reputation and loss of goodwill (both in relation to existing customers and prospective customers), any of which could have a material adverse effect on its operations, financial performance and business.

Evolving and changing definitions of personal data and personal information within the European Union, the United States, and elsewhere may limit or inhibit the Company’s ability to operate or expand its business, including limiting technology alliance partners that may involve the sharing of data. Additionally, there is a risk that failures in systems designed to protect private, personal or proprietary data held by the Company will allow such data to be disclosed to or acquired or seen by others, resulting in potential regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, or penalties, remediation obligations and/or private litigation by parties whose data were improperly disclosed. There is also a risk that the Company could be found to have failed to comply with U.S. or foreign laws or regulations regarding the collection, consent, handling, transfer, or disposal of such privacy, personal or proprietary data, which could subject it to fines or other sanctions, as well as adverse reputational impact. Even the perception of privacy concerns, whether or not valid, may harm the Company’s reputation, inhibit adoption of its products by current and future customers, or adversely impact its ability to attract and retain workforce talent.

A decline in rating for any of the Company’s insurance or reinsurance subsidiaries could adversely affect its position in the insurance market; making it more difficult to market its insurance products and cause premiums and earnings to decrease.

If the rating of any of the companies in its Insurance Operations or Reinsurance Operations is reduced from its current level of “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the Company’s competitive position in the insurance industry could suffer, and it could be more difficult to market its insurance products. A downgrade could result in a significant reduction in the number of insurance contracts the Company writes and in a substantial loss of business; as such business could move to other competitors with higher ratings, thus causing premiums and earnings to decrease.

Ratings have become an increasingly important factor in establishing the competitive position for insurance companies. A.M. Best ratings currently range from “A++” (Superior) to “F” (In Liquidation), with a total of 16 separate ratings categories. A.M. Best currently assigns the companies in the Insurance Operations and Reinsurance Operations a financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent), the third highest of their 16 rating categories. The objective of A.M. Best’s rating system is to provide potential policyholders an opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and its ability to meet ongoing obligations, including paying claims. In evaluating a company’s financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews its profitability, leverage and liquidity, its spread of risk, the quality and appropriateness of its reinsurance, the quality and diversification of its assets, the adequacy of its policy and loss reserves, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital structure, and the experience and objectives of its management. These ratings are based on factors relevant to policyholders, general agencies, insurance brokers, reinsurers, and intermediaries and are not directed to the protection of investors. These ratings are not an evaluation of, nor are they directed to, investors in the Company’s A ordinary shares and are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the Company’s A ordinary shares. Publications of A.M. Best indicate that companies are assigned “A” (Excellent) ratings if, in A.M. Best’s opinion, they have an excellent ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders. These ratings are subject to periodic review by, and may be revised downward or revoked at the sole discretion of A.M. Best.

 

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The Company cannot guarantee that its reinsurers will pay in a timely fashion, if at all, and as a result, the Company could experience losses.

The Company cedes a portion of gross premiums written to third party reinsurers under reinsurance contracts. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable to the Company to the extent the risk is transferred, it does not relieve the Company of its liability to its policyholders. Upon payment of claims, the Company will bill its reinsurers for their share of such claims. The reinsurers may not pay the reinsurance receivables that they owe to the Company or they may not pay such receivables on a timely basis. If the reinsurers fail to pay it or fail to pay on a timely basis, the Company’s financial results would be adversely affected. Lack of reinsurer liquidity, perceived improper underwriting, or claim handling by the Company, and other factors could cause a reinsurer not to pay. See “Business—Reinsurance of Underwriting Risk” in Item 1 of Part I of this report.

See Note 9 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for further information surrounding the Company’s reinsurance receivable balances as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

The Company’s investment performance may suffer as a result of adverse capital market developments or other factors, which would in turn adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.

The Company derives a significant portion of its income from its invested assets. As a result, the Company’s operating results depend in part on the performance of its investment portfolio. The Company’s operating results are subject to a variety of investment risks, including risks relating to general economic conditions, market volatility, interest rate fluctuations, liquidity risk and credit and default risk. The fair value of fixed income investments can fluctuate depending on changes in interest rates and the credit quality of underlying issuers. Generally, the fair market value of these investments has an inverse relationship with changes in interest rates, while net investment income earned by the Company from future investments in fixed maturities will generally increase or decrease with changes in interest rates. Additionally, with respect to certain of its investments, the Company is subject to pre-payment or reinvestment risk.

Credit tightening could negatively impact the Company’s future investment returns and limit the ability to invest in certain classes of investments. Credit tightening may cause opportunities that are marginally attractive to not be financed, which could cause a decrease in the number of bond issuances. If marginally attractive opportunities are financed, they may be at higher interest rates, which would cause credit risk of such opportunities to increase. If new debt supply is curtailed, it could cause interest rates on securities that are deemed to be credit-worthy to decline. Funds generated by operations, sales, and maturities will need to be invested. If the Company invests during a tight credit market, investment returns could be lower than the returns the Company is currently realizing and/or it may have to invest in higher risk securities.

With respect to its longer-term liabilities, the Company strives to structure its investments in a manner that recognizes liquidity needs for its future liabilities. However, if the Company’s liquidity needs or general and specific liability profile unexpectedly changes, it may not be successful in continuing to structure its investment portfolio in that manner. To the extent that the Company is unsuccessful in correlating its investment portfolio with its expected liabilities, the Company may be forced to liquidate its investments at times and prices that are not optimal, which could have a material adverse effect on the performance of its investment portfolio. The Company refers to this risk as liquidity risk, which is when the fair value of an investment is not able to be realized due to low demand by outside parties in the marketplace.

The Company is also subject to credit risk due to non-payment of principal or interest. Several classes of securities that the Company holds have default risk. As interest rates rise for companies that are deemed to be less creditworthy, there is a greater risk that they will be unable to pay contractual interest or principal on their debt obligations.

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond the Company’s control. Although the

 

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Company attempts to take measures to manage the risks of investing in a changing interest rate environment, the Company may not be able to mitigate interest rate sensitivity effectively. A significant increase in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the market value of the Company’s fixed maturities securities.

The Company also has an equity portfolio. The performance of the Company’s equity portfolio is dependent upon a number of factors, including many of the same factors that affect the performance of its fixed income investments, although those factors sometimes have the opposite effect on the performance of the equity portfolio. Individual equity securities have unsystemic risk. The Company could experience market declines on these investments. The Company also has systemic risk, which is the risk inherent in the general market due to broad macroeconomic factors that affect all companies in the market. If the market indexes were to decline, the Company anticipates that the value of its portfolio would be negatively affected.

The Company has investments in limited partnerships which are not liquid. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interests but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interests without consent from the general partner. The Company’s returns could be negatively affected if the market value of the partnerships declines. If the Company needs liquidity, it might be forced to liquidate other investments at a time when prices are not optimal.

See Note 5 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for further information surrounding the Company’s investments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Deterioration in the debt and equity markets could result in a margin call which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and/or results of operations.

The collateral backing the Company’s margin borrowing facilities currently consist of equity securities but could also include fixed income securities in the future. Declines in financial markets could negatively impact the value of the Company’s collateral. Adverse changes in market value could result in a margin call which would require the posting of additional collateral thereby reducing liquidity. Additionally, if such a margin call is not met, the Company could be required to liquidate securities and incur realized losses or it could potentially decrease the Company’s borrowing capacity.

Borrowings under the Company’s margin borrowing facilities are based upon a variable rate of interest, which could result in higher expense in the event of increases in interest rates.

As of December 31, 2016, $66.6 million of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness bore interest at a rate that varies depending upon the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). If LIBOR rises, the interest rates on outstanding debt will increase resulting in increased interest payment obligations under the Company’s margin borrowing facilities. This could have a negative effect on the Company’s cash flow and financial condition.

The Company’s outstanding indebtedness could adversely affect its financial flexibility and a failure to make periodic payments related to the Subordinated Notes could adversely affect the Company.

In 2015, the Company sold $100 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.75% Subordinated Notes due in 2045, and may borrow again in the future. The level of debt outstanding could adversely affect the Company’s financial flexibility, including:

 

   

increasing vulnerability to changing economic, regulatory and industry conditions;

 

   

limiting the ability to borrow additional funds; and

 

   

requiring the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to debt payments, thereby, reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other purposes.

 

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Furthermore, failure by the Company to make periodic payments related to its outstanding indebtedness could impact rating agencies and regulators assessment of the Company’s capital position, adequacy and flexibility and therefore, the financial strength ratings of rating agencies, and regulators’ assessment of the solvency of the Company and its subsidiaries.

The Company is dependent on its senior executives and the loss of any of these executives or the Company’s inability to attract and retain other key personnel could adversely affect its business.

The Company’s success depends upon its ability to attract and retain qualified employees and upon the ability of senior management and other key employees to implement the Company’s business strategy. The Company believes there are a limited number of available, qualified executives in the business lines in which it competes. The success of the Company’s initiatives and future performance depend, in significant part, upon the continued service of the senior management team. The future loss of any of the services of members of the Company’s senior management team or the inability to attract and retain other talented personnel could impede the further implementation of the Company’s business strategy, which could have a material adverse effect on its business. In addition, the Company does not currently maintain key man life insurance policies with respect to any of its employees.

Employee error and misconduct may be difficult to detect and prevent and could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation.

Losses may result from, among other things, fraud, errors, failure to document transactions properly, failure to obtain proper internal authorization, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements. It is not always possible to deter or prevent employee misconduct and the precautions the Company takes to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. Resultant losses could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation.

Since the Company depends on professional general agencies, brokers, other insurance companies and other reinsurance companies for a significant portion of its revenue, a loss of any one of them could adversely affect the Company.

The Company markets and distributes its insurance products through a group of approximately 410 professional general agencies that have specific quoting and binding authority and that in turn sell the Company’s insurance products to insureds through retail insurance brokers. The Company also markets and distributes its reinsurance products through third-party brokers, insurance companies and reinsurance companies. A loss of all or substantially all of the business produced by any one of these general agencies, brokers, insurance companies or reinsurance companies could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

If market conditions cause reinsurance to be more costly or unavailable, the Company may be required to bear increased risks or reduce the level of its underwriting commitments.

As part of the Company’s overall strategy of risk and capacity management, it purchases reinsurance for a portion of the risk underwritten by its insurance subsidiaries. Market conditions beyond the Company’s control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance it purchases, which may affect the level of its business and profitability. The Company’s third party reinsurance facilities are generally subject to annual renewal. The Company may be unable to maintain its current reinsurance facilities or obtain other reinsurance facilities in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. If the Company is unable to renew expiring facilities or obtain new reinsurance facilities, either the net exposure to risk would increase or, if the Company is unwilling to bear an increase in net risk exposures, it would have to reduce the amount of risk it underwrites.

 

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The Company’s financial and business results may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including cyclical changes in the insurance industry.

Historically, the results of companies in the property and casualty insurance industry have been subject to significant fluctuations and uncertainties. The industry’s profitability can be affected significantly by:

 

   

competition;

 

   

capital capacity;

 

   

rising levels of actual costs that are not foreseen by companies at the time they price their products;

 

   

volatile and unpredictable developments, including man-made, weather-related and other natural catastrophes or terrorist attacks;

 

   

changes in loss reserves resulting from the general claims and legal environments as different types of claims arise and judicial interpretations relating to the scope of insurers’ liability develop; and

 

   

fluctuations in interest rates, inflationary pressures and other changes in the investment environment, which affect returns on invested assets and may affect the ultimate payout of losses.

The demand for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance can also vary significantly, rising as the overall level of economic activity increases and falling as that activity decreases. The property and casualty insurance industry historically is cyclical in nature. These fluctuations in demand and competition could produce underwriting results that would have a negative impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

The Company faces significant competitive pressures in its business that could cause demand for its products to fall and adversely affect the Company’s profitability.

The Company competes with a large number of other companies in its selected lines of business. The Company competes, and will continue to compete, with major U.S. and non-U.S. insurers and other regional companies, as well as mutual companies, specialty insurance companies, reinsurance companies, underwriting agencies and diversified financial services companies. The Company’s competitors include, among others: American International Group, American Modern Insurance Group, Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., Berkshire Hathaway, Everest Re Group, Ltd., Foremost Insurance Group, Great American Insurance Group, HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., IFG Companies, Markel Corporation, Nationwide Insurance, Navigators Insurance Group, RLI Corporation, Selective Insurance Group, Inc., The Travelers Companies, Inc., Validus Group, and W.R. Berkley Corporation. Some of the Company’s competitors have greater financial and marketing resources than the Company does. The Company’s profitability could be adversely affected if it loses business to competitors offering similar products at or below the Company’s prices.

The Company’s general agencies typically pay the insurance premiums on business they have bound to the Company on a monthly basis. This accumulation of balances due to the Company exposes it to credit risk.

Insurance premiums generally flow from the insured to their retail broker, then into a trust account controlled by the Company’s professional general agencies. The Company’s professional general agencies are typically required to forward funds, net of commissions, to the Company following the end of each month. Consequently, the Company assumes a degree of credit risk on the aggregate amount of these balances that have been paid by the insured but have yet to reach the Company.

Brokers, insurance companies and reinsurance companies typically pay premiums on reinsurance treaties written with the Company on a quarterly basis. This accumulation of balances due to the Company exposes it to credit risk.

Assumed premiums on reinsurance treaties generally flow from the ceding companies to the Company on a quarterly basis. In some instances, the reinsurance treaties allow for funds to be withheld for longer periods as

 

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specified in the treaties. Consequently, the Company assumes a degree of credit risk on the aggregate amount of these balances that have been collected by the reinsured but have yet to reach the Company.

Because the Company provides its general agencies with specific quoting and binding authority, if any of them fail to comply with pre-established guidelines, the Company’s results of operations could be adversely affected.

The Company markets and distributes its insurance products through professional general agencies that have limited quoting and binding authority and that in turn sell the Company’s insurance products to insureds through retail insurance brokers. These professional general agencies can bind certain risks without the Company’s initial approval. If any of these wholesale professional general agencies fail to comply with the Company’s underwriting guidelines and the terms of their appointment, the Company could be bound on a particular risk or number of risks that were not anticipated when it developed the insurance products or estimated loss and loss adjustment expenses. Such actions could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

The Company’s holding company structure and regulatory constraints limit its ability to receive dividends from subsidiaries in order to meet its cash requirements.

Global Indemnity is a holding company and, as such, has no substantial operations of its own. The Company’s assets primarily consist of cash and ownership of the shares of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Dividends and other permitted distributions from insurance subsidiaries, which include payment for equity awards granted by Global Indemnity to employees of such subsidiaries, are expected to be Global Indemnity’s sole source of funds to meet ongoing cash requirements, including debt service payments and other expenses.

Due to its corporate structure, most of the dividends that Global Indemnity receives from its subsidiaries must pass through Global Indemnity Reinsurance. The inability of Global Indemnity Reinsurance to pay dividends in an amount sufficient to enable Global Indemnity to meet its cash requirements at the holding company level could have a material adverse effect on its operations.

Bermuda law does not permit payment of dividends or distributions of contributed surplus by a company if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company, after the payment is made, would be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or the realizable value of the company’s assets would be less, as a result of the payment, than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts. Furthermore, pursuant to the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978, an insurance company is prohibited from declaring or paying a dividend during the financial year if it is in breach of its minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio or if the declaration or payment of such dividends would cause it to fail to meet such margin or ratio. See “Regulation—Bermuda Insurance Regulation” in Item 1 of Part I of this report.

In addition, the Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which are indirect subsidiaries of Global Indemnity Reinsurance, are subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting their ability to declare and pay dividends, which must first pass through Global Indemnity Reinsurance before being paid to Global Indemnity. See “Regulation—U.S. Regulation” in Item 1 of Part I of this report. Also, see Note 19 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for the maximum amount of dividends that could be paid by the Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries in 2017.

The Company’s businesses are heavily regulated and changes in regulation may limit the way it operates.

The Company is subject to extensive supervision and regulation in the U.S. states in which the Insurance Operations operate. This is particularly true in those states in which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are licensed, as opposed to those states where its insurance subsidiaries write business on a surplus lines basis. The supervision and regulation relate to numerous aspects of the Company’s business and financial condition. The primary purpose of the supervision and regulation is the protection of the Company’s insurance policyholders and not its investors. The extent of regulation varies, but generally is governed by state statutes. These statutes

 

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delegate regulatory, supervisory, and administrative authority to state insurance departments. This system of regulation covers, among other things:

 

   

standards of solvency, including risk-based capital measurements;

 

   

restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;

 

   

restrictions on the types of terms that the Company can include or exclude in the insurance policies it offers;

 

   

restrictions on the way rates are developed and the premiums the Company may charge;

 

   

standards for the manner in which general agencies may be appointed or terminated;

 

   

credit for reinsurance;

 

   

certain required methods of accounting;

 

   

reserves for unearned premiums, losses and other purposes; and

 

   

potential assessments for the provision of funds necessary for the settlement of covered claims under certain insurance policies provided by impaired, insolvent or failed insurance companies.

The statutes or the state insurance department regulations may affect the cost or demand for the Company’s products and may impede the Company from obtaining rate increases or taking other actions it might wish to take to increase profitability. Further, the Company may be unable to maintain all required licenses and approvals and its business may not fully comply with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations or the relevant authority’s interpretation of the laws and regulations. Also, regulatory authorities have discretion to grant, renew or revoke licenses and approvals subject to the applicable state statutes and appeal process. If the Company does not have the requisite licenses and approvals (including in some states the requisite secretary of state registration) or do not comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the insurance regulatory authorities could stop or temporarily suspend the Company from carrying on some or all of its activities or monetarily penalize the Company.

The U.S. insurance regulatory framework has come under increased federal scrutiny, in particular under the new administration change in the United States, and some state legislators have considered or enacted laws that may alter or increase state regulation of insurance and reinsurance companies and holding companies. Moreover, the NAIC, which is an association of the insurance commissioners of all 50 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and state insurance regulators regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations. Changes in these laws and regulations or the interpretation of these laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

Although the U.S. federal government has not historically regulated the insurance business, there have been proposals from time to time to impose federal regulation on the insurance industry. In 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act establishes a Federal Insurance Office within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Federal Insurance Office initially has limited regulatory authority and is empowered to gather data and information regarding the insurance industry and insurers, including conducting a study for submission to the U.S. Congress on how to modernize and improve insurance regulation in the U.S. Further, the Dodd-Frank Act gives the Federal Reserve supervisory authority over a number of financial services companies, including insurance companies, if they are designated by a two-thirds vote of a Financial Stability Oversight Council as “systemically important.” While the Company does not believe that it is “systemically important,” as defined in the Dodd-Frank Act, it is possible that the Financial Stability Oversight Council may conclude that it is. If the Company were designated as “systemically important,” the Federal Reserve’s supervisory authority could include the ability to impose heightened financial regulation and could impact requirements regarding the Company’s capital, liquidity, leverage, business and investment conduct. As a result of the foregoing, the Dodd-Frank Act, or other additional federal regulation that is adopted in

 

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the future, could impose significant burdens on the Company, including impacting the ways in which it conducts business, increasing compliance costs and duplicating state regulation, and could result in a competitive disadvantage, particularly relative to smaller insurers who may not be subject to the same level of regulation.

The interests of holders of A ordinary shares may conflict with the interests of the Company’s controlling shareholder.

Fox Paine & Company, LLC (“Fox Paine & Company”) beneficially owns shares having approximately 84% of the Company’s total voting power. The percentage of the Company’s total voting power that Fox Paine & Company may exercise is greater than the percentage of the Company’s total shares that Fox Paine & Company beneficially owns because Fox Paine & Company beneficially owns all of the Company’s B ordinary shares, which have ten votes per share as opposed to A ordinary shares, which have one vote per share. The A ordinary shares and the B ordinary shares generally vote together as a single class on matters presented to the Company’s shareholders. Based on the ownership structure of the affiliates of Fox Paine & Company that own these shares, these affiliates are not subject to the voting restriction contained in the Company’s articles of association. As a result, Fox Paine & Company has and will continue to have control over the outcome of certain matters requiring shareholder approval, including the power to, among other things:

 

   

elect all of the Company’s directors;

 

   

amend the Company’s articles of association (as long as their voting power is greater than 66%);

 

   

ratify the appointment of the Company’s auditors;

 

   

increase the Company’s share capital; and

 

   

resolve to pay dividends or distributions;

Subject to certain exceptions, Fox Paine & Company may also be able to prevent or cause a change of control. Fox Paine & Company’s control over the Company, and Fox Paine & Company’s ability in certain circumstances to prevent or cause a change of control, may delay or prevent a change of control, or cause a change of control to occur at a time when it is not favored by other shareholders. As a result, the trading price of the Company’s A ordinary shares could be adversely affected.

In addition, the Company has agreed to pay Fox Paine & Company an annual management fee of $1.9 million, adjusted annually to reflect change in the consumer price index published by the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics “CPI-U”, in exchange for management services. The Company has also agreed to pay a termination fee of cash in an amount to be agreed upon, plus reimbursement of expenses, upon the termination of Fox Paine & Company’s management services in connection with the consummation of a change of control transaction that does not involve Fox Paine & Company and its affiliates. The Company has also agreed to pay Fox Paine & Company a transaction advisory fee of cash in an amount to be agreed upon, plus reimbursement of expenses upon the consummation of a change of control transaction that does not involve Fox Paine & Company and its affiliates in exchange for advisory services to be provided by Fox Paine & Company in connection therewith. Fox Paine & Company may in the future make significant investments in other insurance or reinsurance companies. Some of these companies may compete with the Company or its subsidiaries. Fox Paine & Company is not obligated to advise the Company of any investment or business opportunities of which they are aware, and they are not prohibited or restricted from competing with the Company or its subsidiaries.

The Company’s controlling shareholder has the contractual right to nominate a certain number of the members of the Board of Directors and also otherwise controls the election of Directors due to its ownership.

While Fox Paine & Company has the right under the terms of the memorandum and articles of association to nominate a certain number of directors of the Board of Directors, dependent on Fox Paine & Company’s percentage ownership of voting shares in the Company for so long as Fox Paine & Company hold an aggregate

 

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25% or more of the voting power in the Company, it also controls the election of all directors to the Board of Directors due to its controlling share ownership. The Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of nine directors, all of whom were identified and proposed for consideration for the Board of Directors by Fox Paine & Company.

The Company’s Board of Directors, in turn, and subject to its fiduciary duties under Cayman Island law, appoints the members of the Company’s senior management, who also have fiduciary duties to the Company. As a result, Fox Paine & Company effectively has the ability to control the appointment of the members of the Company’s senior management and to prevent any changes in senior management that other shareholders or other members of the Board of Directors may deem advisable.

Because the Company relies on certain services provided by Fox Paine & Company, the loss of such services could adversely affect its business.

Fox Paine & Company provides certain management services to the Company. To the extent that Fox Paine & Company is unable or unwilling to provide similar services in the future, and the Company is unable to perform those services itself or is unable to secure replacement services, the Company’s business could be adversely affected.

The U.S. and global economic and financial industry downturns could harm the Company’s business, its liquidity and financial condition, and its stock price.

In past years, global market and economic conditions were severely disrupted. New disruptions may potentially affect (among other aspects of the Company’s business) the demand for and claims made under the Company’s products, the ability of customers, counterparties and others to establish or maintain their relationships with the Company, its ability to access and efficiently use internal and external capital resources, the availability of reinsurance protection, the risks the Company assumes under reinsurance programs, and the Company’s investment performance. Continued volatility in the U.S. and other securities markets may adversely affect the Company’s stock price.

If the Company is unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, the Company’s business may be adversely affected, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of the Company’s financial reports and the market price of the Company’s common stock could be adversely affected.

Global Indemnity is required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal control. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that the Company evaluate and determine the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting,provide a management report on internal control over financial reporting and requires that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting be attested to by its independent registered public accounting firm. In 2014, the Company identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, which was remediated in 2015.

Global Indemnity may discover other material weaknesses in the future which may lead to its financial statements being materially misstated. As a result, , the market price of the Company’s common stock could be adversely affected, and the Company could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which its securities are listed, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources. The cost of remediating a potential material weakness could materially adversely affect the Company’s business and financial condition.

The Company’s operating results and shareholders’ equity may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations.

The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The Reinsurance Operations conducts business with some customers in foreign currencies and several of the Company’s U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries maintains

 

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investments and cash accounts in foreign currencies. At period-end, the Company re-measures non-U.S. currency financial assets to their current U.S. dollar equivalent. The resulting gain or loss for foreign denominated investments is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity; whereas, the gain or loss on foreign denominated cash accounts is reflected in income during the period. Financial liabilities, if any, are generally adjusted within the reserving process. However, for known losses on claims to be paid in foreign currencies, the Company re-measures the liabilities to their current U.S. dollar equivalent each period end with the resulting gain or loss reflected in income during the period. Foreign exchange risk is reviewed as part of the Company’s risk management process. The Company may experience losses resulting from fluctuations in the values of non-U.S. currencies relative to the strength of the U.S. dollar, which could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and some of its assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it might not be possible for shareholders to enforce civil liability provisions of the federal or state securities laws of the United States.

The Company is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands and some of its assets are located outside the United States. A judgment for the payment of money rendered by a court in the United States based on civil liability would not be automatically enforceable in the Cayman Islands. There is no treaty between the Cayman Islands, or the United Kingdom (of which the Cayman Islands is an Overseas Territory) and the United States providing for the reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments. Similarly, judgments might not be enforceable in countries other than the United States where the Company has assets.

Cayman Islands law differs from the laws in effect in the United States and might afford less protection to shareholders.

The Company’s shareholders could have more difficulty protecting their interests than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction of the United States. It may be difficult for a shareholder to effect service of process within the U.S. or to enforce judgments obtained against the Company in U.S. courts. The Company has irrevocably agreed that it may be served with process with respect to actions based on offers and sales of securities made in the U.S. by having Global Indemnity Group, Inc. be the Company’s U.S. agent appointed for that purpose. A Cayman court may impose civil liability on the Company or its directors or officers in a suit brought in the Cayman courts against the Company or such persons with respect to a violation of U.S. federal securities laws, provided that the facts surrounding such violation would constitute or give rise to a cause of action under Cayman law.

Risks Related to Taxation

Legislative and regulatory action by the U.S. Congress could materially and adversely affect the Company.

The Company’s tax position could be adversely impacted by changes in tax laws, tax treaties or tax regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof. Legislative action may be taken by the U.S. Congress which, if ultimately enacted, could, among other things, override tax treaties upon which the Company relies or could broaden the circumstances under which the Company would be considered a U.S. resident, any of which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s effective tax rate and cash tax position.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) and the European Union (“EU”) are considering measures that might encourage countries to change their tax laws which could have a negative impact on the Company.

The OECD has published an action plan to address base erosion and profit shifting (“BEPS”) impacting its member countries and other jurisdictions. It is possible that jurisdictions in which the Company does business could react to the BEPS initiative or their own concerns by enacting tax legislation that could adversely affect the Company or its shareholders.

 

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A number of multilateral organizations, including the EU and the OECD have, in recent years, expressed concern about some countries not participating in adequate tax information exchange arrangements and have threatened those that do not agree to cooperate with punitive sanctions by member countries. It is as yet unclear what all of these sanctions might be, which countries might adopt them, and when or if they might be imposed. The Company cannot assure, however, that the Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) that have been or will be entered into by the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries are located will be sufficient to preclude all of the sanctions described above, which, if ultimately adopted, could adversely affect the Company or its shareholders.

The Company may become subject to taxes in the Cayman Islands or Bermuda in the future, which may have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.

The Company and its subsidiaries which have been incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as exempted companies and, as such, obtained an undertaking from the Governor in Council of the Cayman Islands substantially that, for a period of 20 years from the date of such undertaking, which is February 9, 2016, no law that is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profit or income or gains or appreciation shall apply to the Company and no such tax and no tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax will be payable, either directly or by way of withholding, on the Company’s ordinary shares. This undertaking would not, however, prevent the imposition of taxes on any person ordinarily resident in the Cayman Islands or any company in respect of its ownership of real property or leasehold interests in the Cayman Islands. Given the limited duration of the undertaking, the Company cannot be certain that it will not be subject to Cayman Islands tax after the expiration of the 20-year period.

Global Indemnity Reinsurance was formed in 2006 through the amalgamation of the Company’s non-U.S. operations. The Company received an assurance from the Bermuda Minister of Finance, under the Bermuda Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966, as amended, that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that would impose tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of any such tax will not be applicable to Global Indemnity Reinsurance or any of its operations, shares, debentures or other obligations through March 31, 2035. Given the limited duration of the assurance, the Company cannot be certain that it will not be subject to any Bermuda tax after March 31, 2035.

Following the expiration of the periods described above, the Company may become subject to taxes in the Cayman Islands or Bermuda, which may have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.

Global Indemnity or Global Indemnity Reinsurance may be subject to U.S. tax that may have a material adverse effect on Global Indemnity’s or Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s results of operations.

Global Indemnity is a Cayman company and Global Indemnity Reinsurance is a Bermuda company. The Company seeks to manage its business in a manner designed to reduce the risk that Global Indemnity and Global Indemnity Reinsurance will be treated as being engaged in a U.S. trade or business for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, because there is considerable uncertainty as to the activities that constitute being engaged in a trade or business within the United States, the Company cannot be certain that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service will not contend successfully that Global Indemnity or Global Indemnity Reinsurance is or has been engaged in a trade or business in the United States. If Global Indemnity or Global Indemnity Reinsurance were considered to be engaged in a business in the United States, the Company could be subject to U.S. corporate income and branch profits taxes on the portion of its earnings effectively connected to such U.S. business, in which case its results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

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The impact of the Letters of Commitment by the Cayman Islands and Bermuda or other concessions to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development to eliminate harmful tax practices is uncertain and could adversely affect the tax status of the Company’s subsidiaries in the Cayman Islands or Bermuda.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which is commonly referred to as the OECD, has published reports and launched a global dialogue among member and non-member countries on measures to limit harmful tax competition. These measures are largely directed at counteracting the effects of tax havens and preferential tax regimes in countries around the world. The Cayman Islands and Bermuda are not listed as uncooperative tax haven jurisdictions because each had previously committed itself to eliminate harmful tax practices and to embrace international tax standards for transparency, exchange of information and the elimination of any aspects of the regimes for financial and other services that attract business with no substantial domestic activity. The Company is not able to predict what changes will arise from the OECD in the future or whether such changes will subject it to additional taxes.

There is a risk that interest paid by the Company’s U.S. subsidiary to a Luxembourg affiliate may be subject to 30% U.S. withholding tax.

U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment, S.à.r.l., an indirectly owned Luxembourg subsidiary of Global Indemnity Reinsurance, owns certain loans and notes issued by Global Indemnity Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Under U.S. federal income tax law, interest paid by a U.S. corporation to a non-U.S. shareholder is generally subject to a 30% withholding tax, unless reduced by treaty. The income tax treaty between the United States and Luxembourg (the “Luxembourg Treaty”) generally eliminates the withholding tax on interest paid to qualified residents of Luxembourg. Were the IRS to contend successfully that U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment, S.à.r.l. is not eligible for benefits under the Luxembourg Treaty, interest paid to U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment, S.à.r.l. by Global Indemnity Group, Inc. would be subject to the 30% withholding tax. Such tax may be applied retroactively to all previous years for which the statute of limitations has not expired, with interest and penalties. Such a result may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operation.

There is a risk that interest income imputed to the Company’s Irish affiliates may be subject to 25% Irish income tax.

U.A.I. (Ireland) Limited and U.A.I. (Ireland) II Unlimited Company are companies incorporated under the laws of Ireland. The companies are resident taxpayers fully subject to Ireland corporate income tax of 12.5% on trading income and 25.0% on non-trading income, including interest and dividends from foreign companies. The Company intends to manage its operations in such a way that there will not be any material taxable income generated in Ireland under Irish law. However, there can be no assurance from the Irish authorities that a law may not be enacted that would impute income to U.A.I. (Ireland) Limited and U.A.I. (Ireland) II Unlimited Company in the future or retroactively arising out of the Companies’ current operations.

 

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

Item 2. PROPERTIES

At December 31, 2016, office space leased in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, holds the Commercial Lines’ principal executive offices and headquarters. Additional office space leased in California, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas, serve as field offices for Commercial Lines. Some of the office space in California also serves as office space for Commercial Lines’ claims operations. Office space in Hamilton, Bermuda used by Reinsurance Operations is shared with one of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s service providers per an agreement between the two. Office space leased in Arizona, Nebraska, and Florida, is used by Personal Lines. Office space leased in Cavan, Ireland is used to support the operating needs of the Insurance and Reinsurance Operations. The leases for the properties listed are held by various Company subsidiaries. The Company believes the properties listed are suitable and adequate to meet its needs.

 

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Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is, from time to time, involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The Company purchased insurance and reinsurance coverage for risks in amounts that it considers adequate. However, there can be no assurance that the insurance and reinsurance coverage that the Company maintains is sufficient or will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost. The Company does not believe that the resolution of any currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or taken as a whole, will have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

There is a greater potential for disputes with reinsurers who are in runoff. Some of the Company’s reinsurers’ have operations that are in runoff, and therefore, the Company closely monitors those relationships. The Company anticipates that, similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, it will continue to be subject to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary course of business.

 

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market for the Company’s A Ordinary Shares

The Company’s A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, formerly the NASDAQ National Market, under the symbol “UNGL” on December 16, 2003. On March 14, 2005 the Company changed its symbol to “INDM.” On July 6, 2010, the Company changed its symbol to “GBLI” as part of a redomestication transaction whereby all shares of “INDM” were replaced with shares of “GBLI” on a one-for-two basis. On November 7, 2016, in connection with a redomestication from Ireland to Cayman Islands, all of Global Indemnity plc’s ordinary shares were cancelled and replaced with one ordinary share of Global Indemnity Limited on a one for one basis. The ordinary shares of Global Indemnity Limited continue to trade under the symbol “GBLI”. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low intraday sales prices of the Company’s A ordinary shares as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

 

     High      Low  

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016:

     

First Quarter

   $ 32.07      $ 27.39  

Second Quarter

     32.09        20.96  

Third Quarter

     31.77        26.55  

Fourth Quarter

     38.97        29.00  

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015:

     

First Quarter

   $ 29.93      $ 22.96  

Second Quarter

     29.73        26.60  

Third Quarter

     29.20        25.22  

Fourth Quarter

     29.92        25.05  

There is no established public trading market for the Company’s B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share.

As of March 1, 2017, there were 4 holders of record of the Company’s B ordinary shares, all of whom are affiliates of Fox Paine & Company, LLC. The number of holders of record, including individual owners of the Company’s A ordinary shares, was 625 as of March 1, 2017. The Company believes that the actual number of beneficial owners of the Company’s A ordinary shares is much higher than the number of record holders as shares are held in “street name” by brokers and others on behalf of individual owners.

See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for information regarding securities authorized under the Company’s equity compensation plans.

 

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Performance of the Company’s A Ordinary Shares

The following graph represents a five-year comparison of the cumulative total return to shareholders for the Company’s A ordinary shares and stock of companies included in the NASDAQ Insurance Index and NASDAQ Composite Index, which the Company believes are the most comparative indexes.

 

LOGO

 

     12/31/11      12/31/12      12/31/13      12/31/14      12/31/15      12/31/16  

Global Indemnity Limited

   $ 100.0      $ 111.6      $ 127.6      $ 143.1      $ 146.3      $ 192.7  

NASDAQ Insurance Index

     100.0        113.5        146.2        158.7        168.9        195.3  

NASDAQ Composite Index

     100.0        115.9        160.3        181.8        192.2        206.6  

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Company Purchases of Ordinary Shares

The Company’s Share Incentive Plan allows employees to surrender A ordinary shares as payment for the tax liability incurred upon the vesting of restricted stock that was issued under the Share Incentive Plan. During 2016, the Company purchased an aggregate 28,099 of surrendered A ordinary shares from employees for $0.8 million. All shares purchased from employees are held as treasury stock and recorded at cost until formally retired. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information on the retirement of the Company’s A ordinary shares as well as a tabular disclosure of the Company’s share repurchases by month.

Dividend Policy

The Company did not declare or pay cash dividends on any class of its ordinary shares in 2016 or 2015. Payment of dividends is subject to future determinations by the Board of Directors based on the Company’s results, financial conditions, amounts required to grow the Company’s business, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

The Company is a holding company and has no direct operations. The ability of Global Indemnity Limited to pay dividends is subject to Cayman Islands regulations and depends, in part, on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends. Global Indemnity Reinsurance and the U.S. insurance subsidiaries are subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting their ability to declare and pay dividends. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

 

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Financial Condition—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and Uses of Funds” in Item 7 of Part II of this report for dividend limitation and Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statement in Item 8 of Part II of this report for the dividends declared and paid by the U.S. insurance subsidiaries in 2016 and the maximum amount of distributions that they could pay as dividends in 2017.

Under the Companies Act, Global Indemnity Reinsurance may only declare or pay a dividend if it has no reasonable grounds for believing that it is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or if the realizable value of its assets would not be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts.

For 2016, the Company believes that Global Indemnity Reinsurance should have sufficient liquidity and solvency to pay dividends. In the future, the Company anticipates using dividends from Global Indemnity Reinsurance to fund obligations of Global Indemnity. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is prohibited, without the approval of the BMA, from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital as set out in its previous year’s statutory financial statements, and any application for such approval must include such information as the BMA may require. Based upon the total statutory capital plus the statutory surplus as set out in its 2016 statutory financial statements that will be filed in 2017, Global Indemnity Reinsurance could pay a dividend of up to $324.7 million without requesting BMA approval. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is dependent on receiving distributions from its subsidiaries in order to pay the full dividend in cash.

In 2016, profit distributions (not in respect to liquidations) by the Luxembourg Companies were generally subject to Luxembourg dividend withholding tax at a rate of 15%, unless a domestic law exemption or a lower tax treaty rate applies. Dividends paid by any of the Luxembourg Companies to their Luxembourg resident parent company are exempt from Luxembourg dividend withholding tax, provided that at the time of the dividend distribution, the resident parent company has held (or commits itself to continue to hold) 10% or more of the nominal paid up capital of the distributing entity or, in the event of a lower percentage participation, a participation having an acquisition price of Euro 1.2 million or more for a period of at least twelve months.

For a discussion of factors affecting the Company’s ability to pay dividends, see “Business—Regulation” in Item 1 of Part I, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and Uses of Funds” in Item 7 of Part II, and Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

 

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Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected consolidated historical financial data for the Company and should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this report. No cash dividends were declared on common stock in any year presented in the table.

 

(Dollars in thousands, except shares and per
share data)
   For the Years Ended December 31,  
   2016      2015     2014      2013      2012  

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

             

Gross premiums written

   $ 565,845      $ 590,233     $ 291,253      $ 290,723      $ 244,053  

Net premiums written

     470,940        501,244       273,181        271,984        219,547  

Net premiums earned

     468,465        504,143       268,519        248,722        238,862  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     21,721        (3,374     35,860        27,412        6,755  

Total revenues

     534,514        538,778       333,755        319,134        293,016  

Net income

     49,868        41,469       62,856        61,690        34,757  

Per share data:

             

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 49,868      $ 41,469     $ 62,856      $ 61,690      $ 34,757  

Basic

     2.89        1.71       2.50        2.46        1.30  

Diluted

     2.84        1.69       2.48        2.45        1.30  

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

             

Basic

     17,246,717        24,253,657       25,131,811        25,072,712        26,722,772  

Diluted

     17,547,061        24,505,851       25,331,420        25,174,015        26,748,833  
     2016      2015     2014      2013      2012  

Consolidated Insurance Operating Ratios based on the Company’s GAAP Results: (1)

             

Loss ratio (2) (3)

     56.4        54.6       51.2        53.5        64.3  

Expense ratio

     42.0        39.9       40.8        42.5        39.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Combined ratio (2) (3)

     98.4        94.5       92.0        96.0        104.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net / gross premiums written

     83.2        84.9       93.8        93.6        90.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Position as of Last Day of Period:

             

Total investments and cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,501,819      $ 1,516,093     $ 1,498,009      $ 1,567,415      $ 1,533,989  

Reinsurance receivables, net of allowance

     143,774        115,594       125,718        197,887        241,827  

Total assets

     1,972,946        1,957,294       1,930,033        1,911,779        1,903,703  

7.75% Subordinated notes payable

     96,497        96,388       —          —          —    

Margin borrowing facilities

     66,646        75,646       174,673        100,000        —    

Senior notes payable

     —          —         —          —          54,000  

Junior subordinated debentures

     —          —         —          —          30,929  

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

     651,042        680,047       675,472        779,466        879,114  

Total shareholders’ equity

     797,951        749,926       908,290        873,280        806,618  

Book value per share

     45.42        42.98       35.86        34.65        32.15  

 

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(1) The Company’s insurance operating ratios are GAAP financial measures that are generally viewed in the insurance industry as indicators of underwriting profitability. The loss ratio is the ratio of net losses and loss adjustment expenses to net premiums earned. The expense ratio is the ratio of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses to net premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and expense ratios. The ratios presented here represent the consolidated results of the Company’s Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, and Reinsurance Operations.
(2) A summary of prior accident year adjustments is summarized as follows:
   

2016 loss and combined ratios reflect a $57.3 million reduction of net losses and loss adjustment expenses

   

2015 loss and combined ratios reflect a $34.7 million reduction of net losses and loss adjustment expenses

   

2014 loss and combined ratios reflect a $16.4 million reduction of net losses and loss adjustment expenses

   

2013 loss and combined ratios reflect a $7.9 million reduction of net losses and loss adjustment expenses

   

2012 loss and combined ratios reflect a $4.4 million increase of net losses and loss adjustment expenses

See “Results of Operations” in Item 7 of Part II of this report for details of these items and their impact on the loss and combined ratios.

 

(3) The Company’s loss and combined ratios for 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012 include $72.1 million, $45.0 million, $14.0 million, $10.0 million, and $14.2 million, respectively, of catastrophic losses on a current accident year basis from the Insurance Operations. See “Results of Operations” in Item 7 of Part II of this report for a discussion of the impact of these losses on the loss and combined ratios.

 

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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes of Global Indemnity included elsewhere in this report. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this report, including information with respect to the Company’s plans and strategy, constitutes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the end of this Item 7 and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A above for more information. You should review “Risk Factors” in Item 1A above for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein.

Recent Developments

On June 20, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan for the Company to redomicile from Ireland to the Cayman Islands. On September 14, 2016, the Company held a special meeting of the holders of its A ordinary shares and B ordinary shares and an extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders. All resolutions required to effectuate the redomestication were approved by the requisite shareholder vote. On October 21, 2016, the High Court of Ireland sanctioned Global Indemnity plc’s scheme of arrangement related to the redomestication from Ireland to Cayman Islands. The redomestication transaction was completed on November 7, 2016 and as a result, Global Indemnity Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company, replaced Global Indemnity plc as the ultimate holding company of the Global Indemnity group of companies.

In connection with the redomestication to the Cayman Islands, each A ordinary share of Global Indemnity plc was cancelled and replaced with one A ordinary share of Global Indemnity Limited and each B ordinary share of Global Indemnity plc was cancelled and replaced with one B ordinary share of Global Indemnity Limited. The Global Indemnity Limited A ordinary shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the ticker symbol GBLI, the same symbol under which Global Indemnity plc’s A ordinary shares were previously listed.

On September 30, 2016, Diamond State Insurance Company sold all the outstanding shares of capital stock of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, United National Specialty Insurance Company, to an unrelated party. Diamond State Insurance Company received a one-time payment of $18.7 million and recognized a pretax gain of $6.9 million which is reflected in other income. This transaction will not have an impact on the Company’s ongoing business operations. Going forward, any business previously written by United National Specialty Insurance Company has been and will be written by other companies within the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations.

James W. Crystal and Larry N. Port resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors effective July 24, 2016 and July 28, 2016, respectively.

Overview

In connection with the acquisition of American Reliable in 2015, the Company reevaluated segment classifications and determined that the Company will operate and manage its business through three business segments: Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, and Reinsurance Operations.

The Company’s Commercial Lines segment distribute property and casualty insurance products through a group of approximately 120 professional general agencies that have limited quoting and binding authority, as well as a number of wholesale insurance brokers who in turn sell the Company’s insurance products to insureds through

 

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retail insurance brokers. Commercial Lines operates predominantly in the excess and surplus lines marketplace. The Company manages its Commercial Lines segment via product classification. These product classifications are: 1) Penn-America, which includes property and general liability products for small commercial businesses distributed through a select network of wholesale general agents with specific binding authority; 2) United National, which includes property, general liability, and professional lines products distributed through program administrators with specific binding authority; and 3) Diamond State, which includes property, casualty, and professional lines products distributed through wholesale brokers and program administrators with specific binding authority.

The Company’s Personal Lines segment, via American Reliable, offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage through a group of approximately 290 agents, primarily comprised of wholesale general agents, with specific binding authority in the admitted marketplace.

The Company’s Reinsurance Operations, consisting solely of the operations of Global Indemnity Reinsurance, currently provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and on a direct basis. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is a Bermuda based treaty reinsurer for specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies. Global Indemnity Reinsurance conducts business in Bermuda and is focused on using its capital capacity to write catastrophe-oriented placements and other niche or specialty-focused treaties meeting the Company’s risk tolerance and return thresholds.

The Company derives its revenues primarily from premiums paid on insurance policies that it writes and from income generated by its investment portfolio, net of fees paid for investment management services. The amount of insurance premiums that the Company receives is a function of the amount and type of policies it writes, as well as prevailing market prices.

The Company’s expenses include losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses, corporate and other operating expenses, interest, investment expenses, and income taxes. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are estimated by management and reflect the Company’s best estimate of ultimate losses and costs arising during the reporting period and revisions of prior period estimates. The Company records its best estimate of losses and loss adjustment expenses considering both internal and external actuarial analyses of the estimated losses the Company expects to incur on the insurance policies it writes. The ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses will depend on the actual costs to resolve claims. Acquisition costs consist principally of commissions and premium taxes that are typically a percentage of the premiums on the insurance policies the Company writes, net of ceding commissions earned from reinsurers. Other underwriting expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses and general operating expenses related to underwriting activities. Corporate and other operating expenses are comprised primarily of outside legal fees, other professional and accounting fees, directors’ fees, management fees, and salaries and benefits for company personnel whose services relate to the support of corporate activities. In 2016, corporate expenses also included $4.2 million of expenses related to the redomestication. In 2015, corporate expenses also included $8.3 million of expenses related to the acquisition of American Reliable. Interest expense is primarily comprised of amounts due on outstanding debt.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, which require it to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of Part II of this report. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

The Company believes that of the Company’s significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and estimation.

 

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Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Although variability is inherent in estimates, the Company believes that the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses reflects Management’s best estimate for future amounts needed to pay losses and related loss adjustment expenses and the impact of its reinsurance coverage with respect to insured events.

In developing loss and loss adjustment expense (“loss” or “losses”) reserve estimates for the US Insurance Operations, the Company’s actuaries perform detailed reserve analyses each quarter. To perform the analysis, the data is organized at a “reserve category” level. A reserve category can be a line of business such as commercial automobile liability, or it can be a particular type of claim such as construction defect. The reserves within a reserve category level are characterized as long-tail or short-tail. For long-tail business, it will generally be several years between the time the business is written and the time when all claims are settled. The Company’s long-tail exposures include general liability, professional liability, products liability, commercial automobile liability, and excess and umbrella. Short-tail exposures include property, commercial automobile physical damage, and equine mortality. To manage its insurance operations, the Company differentiates by product classifications, which are Penn-America, United National, Diamond State, and American Reliable. For further discussion about the Company’s product classifications, see “General—Business Segments—Insurance Operations” in Item 1 of Part I of this report. Each of the Company’s product classifications contain both long-tail and short-tail exposures. Every reserve category is analyzed by the Company’s actuaries each quarter. Management is responsible for the final determination of loss reserve selections.

Loss reserve estimates for the Company’s Reinsurance Operations are developed by independent, external actuaries; at least annually; however, management is responsible for the final determination of loss reserve selections. The data for this analysis is organized by treaty and treaty year. As with the Company’s reserves for its Insurance Operations, reserves for its Reinsurance Operations are characterized as long-tail or short-tail. Long-tail exposures include workers compensation, professional liability, and excess and umbrella liability. Short-tail exposures are primarily catastrophe exposed property and marine accounts.

In addition to the Company’s internal reserve analysis, independent external actuaries perform a full, detailed review of the Insurance and Reinsurance Operations’ reserves annually. The Company reviews both the internal and external actuarial analyses in determining its reserve position.

The actuarial methods used to project ultimate losses for both long-tail and short-tail reserve categories include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

Paid Development method;

 

   

Incurred Development method;

 

   

Expected Loss Ratio method;

 

   

Bornhuetter-Ferguson method using premiums and paid loss;

 

   

Bornhuetter-Ferguson method using premiums and incurred loss; and

 

   

Average Loss method.

The Paid Development method estimates ultimate losses by reviewing paid loss patterns and applying them to accident years with further expected changes in paid loss. Selection of the paid loss pattern requires analysis of several factors including the impact of inflation on claims costs, the rate at which claims professionals make claim payments and close claims, the impact of judicial decisions, the impact of underwriting changes, the impact of large claim payments and other factors. Claim cost inflation itself requires evaluation of changes in the cost of repairing or replacing property, changes in the cost of medical care, changes in the cost of wage replacement, judicial decisions, legislative changes and other factors. Because this method assumes that losses are paid at a consistent rate, changes in any of these factors can impact the results. Since the method does not rely on case reserves, it is not directly influenced by changes in the adequacy of case reserves.

 

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For many reserve categories, paid loss data for recent periods may be too immature or erratic for reliable loss projections. This situation often exists for long-tail exposures. In addition, changes in the factors described above may result in inconsistent payment patterns. Finally, estimating the paid loss pattern subsequent to the most mature point available in the data analyzed often involves considerable uncertainty for long-tail reserve categories.

The Incurred Development method is similar to the Paid Development method, but it uses case incurred losses instead of paid losses. Since this method uses more data (case reserves in addition to paid losses) than the Paid Development method, the incurred development patterns may be less variable than paid development patterns. However, selection of the incurred loss pattern requires analysis of all of the factors listed in the description of the Paid Development method. In addition, the inclusion of case reserves can lead to distortions if changes in case reserving practices have taken place and the use of case incurred losses may not eliminate the issues associated with estimating the incurred loss pattern subsequent to the most mature point available.

The Expected Loss Ratio method multiplies premiums by an expected loss ratio to produce ultimate loss estimates for each accident year. This method may be useful if loss development patterns are inconsistent, losses emerge very slowly, or there is relatively little loss history from which to estimate future losses. The selection of the expected loss ratio requires analysis of loss ratios from earlier accident years or pricing studies and analysis of inflationary trends, frequency trends, rate changes, underwriting changes, and other applicable factors.

The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method using premiums and paid losses is a combination of the Paid Development method and the Expected Loss Ratio method. This method normally determines expected loss ratios similar to the method used for the Expected Loss Ratio method and requires analysis of the same factors described above. The method assumes that only future losses will develop at the expected loss ratio level. The percent of paid loss to ultimate loss implied from the Paid Development method is used to determine what percentage of ultimate loss is yet to be paid. The use of the pattern from the Paid Development method requires consideration of all factors listed in the description of the Paid Development method. The estimate of losses yet to be paid is added to current paid losses to estimate the ultimate loss for each accident year. This method will react very slowly if actual ultimate loss ratios are different from expectations due to changes not accounted for by the Expected Loss Ratio calculation.

The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method using premiums and incurred losses is similar to the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method using premiums and paid losses except that it uses case incurred losses. The use of case incurred losses instead of paid losses can result in development patterns that are less variable than paid development patterns. However, the inclusion of case reserves can lead to distortions if changes in case reserving practices have taken place. The method requires analysis of all the factors that need to be reviewed for the Expected Loss Ratio and Incurred Development methods.

The Average Loss method multiplies a projected number of ultimate incurred claims by an estimated ultimate average loss for each accident year to produce ultimate loss estimates. Since projections of the ultimate number of claims are often less variable than projections of ultimate loss, this method can provide more reliable results for reserve categories where loss development patterns are inconsistent or too variable to be relied on exclusively. In addition, this method can more directly account for changes in coverage that impact the number and size of claims. However, this method can be difficult to apply to situations where very large claims or a substantial number of unusual claims result in volatile average claim sizes. Projecting the ultimate number of claims requires analysis of several factors including the rate at which policyholders report claims to the Company, the impact of judicial decisions, the impact of underwriting changes and other factors. Estimating the ultimate average loss requires analysis of the impact of large losses and claim cost trends based on changes in the cost of repairing or replacing property, changes in the cost of medical care, changes in the cost of wage replacement, judicial decisions, legislative changes and other factors.

For many reserve categories, especially those that can be considered long-tail, a particular accident year may not have a sufficient volume of paid losses to produce a statistically reliable estimate of ultimate losses. In such a

 

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case, the Company’s actuaries typically assign more weight to the Incurred Development method than to the Paid Development method. As claims continue to settle and the volume of paid losses increases, the actuaries may assign additional weight to the Paid Development method. For most of the Company’s reserve categories, even the case incurred losses for accident years that are early in the claim settlement process will not be of sufficient volume to produce a reliable estimate of ultimate losses. In these cases, the Company will not assign any weight to the Paid and Incurred Development methods and will use the Bornhuetter-Ferguson and Expected Loss Ratio methods. For short-tail exposures, the Paid and Incurred Development methods can often be relied on sooner primarily because the Company’s history includes a sufficient number of accident years to cover the entire period over which paid and incurred losses are expected to change. However, the Company may also assign weights to the Expected Loss Ratio, Bornhuetter-Ferguson and Average Loss methods for short-tail exposures when developing estimates of ultimate losses.

Generally, reserves for long-tail lines give more weight to the Expected Loss Ratio method in the more recent immature years. As the accident years mature, weight shifts to the Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods and eventually to the Incurred and/or Paid Development method. Claims related to umbrella business are usually reported later than claims for other long-tail lines. For umbrella business, the shift from the Expected Loss Ratio method to the Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods to the Loss Development method may be more protracted than for most long-tailed lines. Reserves for short-tail lines tend to make the shift across methods more quickly than the long-tail lines.

For other more complex reserve categories where the above methods may not produce reliable indications, the Company uses additional methods tailored to the characteristics of the specific situation. Such reserve categories include losses from construction defect and A&E claims.

For construction defect losses, the Company’s actuaries organize losses by the year in which they were reported to develop an IBNR provision for development on known cases. To estimate losses from claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported to the Company (pure IBNR), various extrapolation techniques are applied to the pattern of claims that have been reported to estimate the number of claims yet to be reported. This process requires analysis of several factors including the rate at which policyholders report claims to the Company, the impact of judicial decisions, the impact of underwriting changes and other factors. An average claim size is determined from past experience and applied to the number of unreported claims to estimate reserves for these claims.

Establishing reserves for A&E and other mass tort claims involves considerably more judgment than other types of claims due to, among other things, inconsistent court decisions, bankruptcy filings as a result of asbestos-related liabilities, and judicial interpretations that often expand theories of recovery and broaden the scope of coverage. The insurance industry continues to receive a substantial number of asbestos-related bodily injury claims, with an increasing focus being directed toward other parties, including installers of products containing asbestos rather than against asbestos manufacturers. This shift has resulted in significant insurance coverage litigation implicating applicable coverage defenses or determinations, if any, including but not limited to, determinations as to whether or not an asbestos-related bodily injury claim is subject to aggregate limits of liability found in most comprehensive general liability policies. The Company continues to closely monitor its asbestos exposure and make adjustments where they are warranted.

Reserve analyses performed by the Company’s internal and external actuaries result in actuarial point estimates. The results of the detailed reserve reviews were summarized and discussed with the Company’s senior management to determine the best estimate of reserves. This group considered many factors in making this decision. The factors included, but were not limited to, the historical pattern and volatility of the actuarial indications, the sensitivity of the actuarial indications to changes in paid and incurred loss patterns, the consistency of claims handling processes, the consistency of case reserving practices, changes in the Company’s pricing and underwriting, and overall pricing and underwriting trends in the insurance market.

 

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Management’s best estimate at December 31, 2016 was recorded as the loss reserve. Management’s best estimate is as of a particular point in time and is based upon known facts, the Company’s actuarial analyses, current law, and the Company’s judgment. This resulted in carried gross and net reserves of $651.0 million and $520.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2016. A breakout of the Company’s gross and net reserves, excluding the effects of the Company’s intercompany pooling arrangements and intercompany stop loss and quota share reinsurance agreements, as of December 31, 2016 is as follows:

 

     Gross Reserves  
(Dollars in thousands)    Case      IBNR (1)      Total  

Commercial Lines

   $ 127,245      $ 331,400      $ 458,645  

Personal Lines

     65,487        61,863        127,350  

Reinsurance Operations

     16,670        48,377        65,047  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 209,402      $ 441,640      $ 651,042  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Net Reserves (2)  
(Dollars in thousands)    Case      IBNR (1)      Total  

Commercial Lines

   $ 103,492      $ 273,760      $ 377,252  

Personal Lines

     26,681        51,860        78,541  

Reinsurance Operations

     16,670        48,140        64,810  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 146,843      $ 373,760      $ 520,603  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Losses incurred but not reported, including the expected future emergence of case reserves.
(2) Does not include reinsurance receivable on paid losses.

The Company continually reviews these estimates and, based on new developments and information, includes adjustments of the estimated ultimate liability in the operating results for the periods in which the adjustments are made. The establishment of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves makes no provision for the possible broadening of coverage by legislative action or judicial interpretation, or the emergence of new types of losses not sufficiently represented in the Company’s historical experience or that cannot yet be quantified or estimated. The Company regularly analyzes its reserves and reviews reserving methodologies so that future adjustments to prior accident year reserves can be minimized. However, given the complexity of this process, reserves require continual updates and the ultimate liability may be higher or lower than previously indicated. Changes in estimates for loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are recorded in the period that the change in these estimates is made. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for details concerning the changes in the estimate for incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses related to prior accident years.

The detailed reserve analyses that the Company’s internal and external actuaries complete use a variety of generally accepted actuarial methods and techniques to produce a number of estimates of ultimate loss. The Company determines its best estimate of ultimate loss by reviewing the various estimates provided by its actuaries and other relevant information. The reserve estimate is the difference between the estimated ultimate loss and the losses paid to date. The difference between the estimated ultimate loss and the case incurred loss (paid loss plus case reserve) is considered to be IBNR. IBNR calculated as such includes a provision for development on known cases (supplemental development) as well as a provision for claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported to the Company (pure IBNR).

In light of the many uncertainties associated with establishing the estimates and making the assumptions necessary to establish reserve levels, the Company reviews its reserve estimates on a regular basis and makes adjustments in the period that the need for such adjustments is determined.

The key assumptions fundamental to the reserving process are often different for various reserve categories and accident years. Some of these assumptions are explicit assumptions that are required of a particular method, but

 

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most of the assumptions are implicit and cannot be precisely quantified. An example of an explicit assumption is the pattern employed in the Paid Development method. However, the assumed pattern is itself based on several implicit assumptions such as the impact of inflation on medical costs and the rate at which claim professionals close claims. Loss frequency is a measure of the number of claims per unit of insured exposure, and loss severity is a measure of the average size of claims. Each reserve category has an implicit frequency and severity for each accident year as a result of the various assumptions made.

Previous reserve analyses have resulted in the Company’s identification of information and trends that have caused it to increase or decrease frequency and severity assumptions in prior periods and could lead to the identification of a need for additional material changes in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, which could materially affect results of operations, equity, business and insurer financial strength and debt ratings. Factors affecting loss frequency include, among other things, the effectiveness of loss controls and safety programs and changes in economic activity or weather patterns. Factors affecting loss severity include, among other things, changes in policy limits and deductibles, rate of inflation and judicial interpretations. Another factor affecting estimates of loss frequency and severity is the loss reporting lag, which is the period of time between the occurrence of a loss and the date the loss is reported to the Company. The length of the loss reporting lag affects the Company’s ability to accurately predict loss frequency (loss frequencies are more predictable for short-tail lines) as well as the amount of reserves needed for IBNR.

If the actual levels of loss frequency and severity are higher or lower than expected, the ultimate losses will be different than management’s best estimate. For most of its reserve categories, the Company believes that frequency can be predicted with greater accuracy than severity. Therefore, the Company believes management’s best estimate is more likely influenced by changes in severity than frequency. The following table, which the Company believes reflects a reasonable range of variability around its best estimate based on historical loss experience and management’s judgment, reflects the impact of changes (which could be favorable or unfavorable) in frequency and severity on the Company’s current accident year net loss estimate of $321.3 million for claims occurring during the year ended December 31, 2016:

 

(Dollars in thousands)     Severity Change  
  -10%      -5%      0%      5%      10%  

Frequency Change

     -5   $ (46,589    $ (31,327    $ (16,065    $ (803    $ 14,459  
     -3     (40,805      (25,222      (9,639      5,944        21,527  
     -2     (37,913      (22,170      (6,426      9,318        25,061  
     -1     (35,022      (19,117      (3,213      12,691        28,596  
     0     (32,130      (16,065      —          16,065        32,130  
     1     (29,238      (13,013      3,213        19,439        35,664  
     2     (26,347      (9,960      6,426        22,812        39,199  
     3     (23,455      (6,908      9,639        26,186        42,733  
     5     (17,672      (803      16,065        32,933        49,802  

The Company’s net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses of $520.6 million as of December 31, 2016 relate to multiple accident years. Therefore, the impact of changes in frequency and severity for more than one accident year could be higher or lower than the amounts reflected above.

Recoverability of Reinsurance Receivables

The Company regularly reviews the collectability of its reinsurance receivables, and includes adjustments resulting from this review in earnings in the period in which the adjustment arises. A.M. Best ratings, financial history, available collateral, and payment history with the reinsurers are several of the factors that the Company considers when judging collectability. Changes in loss reserves can also affect the valuation of reinsurance receivables if the change is related to loss reserves that are ceded to reinsurers. Certain amounts may be uncollectible if the Company’s reinsurers dispute a loss or if the reinsurer is unable to pay. If its reinsurers do not pay, the Company remains legally obligated to pay the loss.

 

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See Note 9 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for further information surrounding the Company’s reinsurance receivable balances and collectability as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. For a listing of the ten reinsurers for which the Company has the largest reinsurance asset amounts as of December 31, 2016, see “Reinsurance of Underwriting Risk” in Item 1 of Part I of this report.

Investments

The carrying amount of the Company’s investments approximates their fair value. The Company regularly performs various analytical valuation procedures with respect to investments, including reviewing each fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position to determine the amount of unrealized loss related to credit loss and the amount related to all other factors, such as changes in interest rates. The credit loss represents the portion of the amortized book value in excess of the net present value of the projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. The credit loss component of the other than temporary impairment is recorded through earnings, whereas the amount relating to factors other than credit losses are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of taxes. During its review, the Company considers credit rating, market price, and issuer specific financial information, among other factors, to assess the likelihood of collection of all principal and interest as contractually due. Securities for which the Company determines that a credit loss is likely are subjected to further analysis to estimate the credit loss to be recognized in earnings, if any. See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for the specific methodologies and significant assumptions used by asset class. Upon identification of such securities and periodically thereafter, a detailed review is performed to determine whether the decline is considered other than temporary. This review includes an analysis of several factors, including but not limited to, the credit ratings and cash flows of the securities, and the magnitude and length of time that the fair value of such securities is below cost.

For an analysis of the Company’s securities with gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and for other than temporary impairment losses that the Company recorded for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, please see Note 5 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company categorizes its invested assets and derivative instruments that are accounted for at fair value in the consolidated statements into a fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy is directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs utilized to determine the fair value of these assets. The reported value of financial instruments not carried at fair value, principally cash and cash equivalents and margin borrowing facility approximate fair value. See Note 7 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for further information about the fair value hierarchy and the Company’s assets that are accounted for at fair value.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company tests for impairment of goodwill at least annually and more frequently as circumstances warrant in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Accounting guidance allows for the testing of goodwill for impairment using both qualitative and quantitative factors. Impairment of goodwill is recognized only if the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. The amount of the impairment loss would be equal to the excess carrying value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, there was no impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2016.

Impairment of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives is tested at least annually and more frequently as circumstances warrant in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Accounting guidance allows for the

 

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testing of intangible assets for impairment using both qualitative and quantitative factors. Impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets is recognized only if the carrying amount of the intangible assets exceeds the fair value of said assets. The amount of the impairment loss would be equal to the excess carrying value of the assets over the fair value of said assets. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, there were no impairments of indefinite lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2016.

Intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite useful life are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The carrying amounts of definite lived intangible assets are regularly reviewed for indicators of impairment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Impairment is recognized only if the carrying amount of the intangible asset is in excess of its undiscounted projected cash flows. The impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset. As of December 31, 2016, there were no triggering events that occurred during the year that would result in an impairment of definite lived intangible assets.

See Note 8 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for more details concerning the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

The costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance and reinsurance contracts include commissions, premium taxes and certain other costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance and reinsurance contracts. The excess of the Company’s costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance and reinsurance contracts over the related ceding commissions earned from reinsurers is capitalized as deferred acquisition costs and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned.

In accordance with accounting guidance for insurance enterprises, the method followed in computing such amounts limits them to amounts recoverable from premium to be earned, related investment income, losses and loss adjustment expenses, and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of expected loss and loss adjustment expenses and unamortized acquisition costs exceeds related unearned premium. This evaluation is done at a product line level in Insurance Operations and at a treaty level in Reinsurance Operations. Any future expected loss on the related unearned premium is recorded first by impairing the unamortized acquisition costs on the related unearned premium followed by an increase to loss and loss adjustment expense reserves on additional expected loss in excess of unamortized acquisition costs. The Company calculates deferred acquisition costs for Insurance Operations separately by product lines and for its Reinsurance Operations separately for each treaty.

Taxation

The Company provides for income taxes in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities primarily result from temporary differences between the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities.

At each balance sheet date, management assesses the need to establish a valuation allowance that reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. A valuation allowance would be based on all available information including the Company’s assessment of uncertain tax positions and projections of future taxable income from each tax-paying component in each jurisdiction, principally derived from business plans and available tax planning strategies. There are no valuation allowances as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The deferred tax asset balance is analyzed regularly by management. This assessment requires significant judgment and considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies and/or actions. Based on these analyses, the Company has determined that its deferred tax asset is recoverable. Projections of future taxable income incorporate several

 

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assumptions of future business and operations that are apt to differ from actual experience. If, in the future, the Company’s assumptions and estimates that resulted in the forecast of future taxable income for each tax-paying component prove to be incorrect, a valuation allowance may be required. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

The Company applies a more likely than not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties, only allowing the recognition of those tax benefits that have a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. Please see Note 10 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for a discussion of the Company’s tax uncertainties.

In April, 2016, the US Department of the Treasury announced the issuance of temporary and proposed regulations that could eliminate certain types of interest deductions. These regulations include provisions that may be interpreted to impact other common tax structures including intercompany financing and obligations. The US Department of Treasury still needs to provide clarification on these regulations and proposals.

Business Segments

The Company manages its business through three business segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Reinsurance Operations. The Personal Lines and Commercial Lines segments comprise the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations, which currently includes the operations of United National Insurance Company, Diamond State Insurance Company, Penn-America Insurance Company, Penn-Star Insurance Company, Penn-Patriot Insurance Company, American Reliable Insurance Company, American Insurance Adjustment Agency, Inc., Collectibles Insurance Services, LLC, Global Indemnity Insurance Agency, LLC, and J.H. Ferguson & Associates, LLC. Reinsurance Operations includes the operations of Global Indemnity Reinsurance Company, Ltd.

The Company evaluates the performance of these three segments based on gross and net premiums written, revenues in the form of net premiums earned, and expenses in the form of (1) net losses and loss adjustment expenses, (2) acquisition costs, and (3) other underwriting expenses.

Prior to 2015, the Commercial Lines segment was known as Insurance Operations segment. With the acquisition of American Reliable, the Insurance Operations segment was renamed to Commercial Lines segment. The newly acquired American Reliable became the Company’s Personal Lines segment. For segment reporting, the values for 2014 did not change for Commercial Lines and Reinsurance Operations.

See “Business Segments” in Item 1 of Part I of this report for a description of the Company’s segments.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the Company’s results for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
    Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2016 (4)     2015       2015     2014 (5)    

Gross premiums written

   $ 565,845     $ 590,233       (4.1 %)    $ 590,233     $ 291,253       102.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 470,940     $ 501,244       (6.0 %)    $ 501,244     $ 273,181       83.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 468,465     $ 504,143       (7.1 %)    $ 504,143     $ 268,519       87.7

Other income

     10,345       3,400       204.3     3,400       555       NM  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     478,810       507,543       (5.7 %)      507,543       269,074       88.6

Losses and expenses:

            

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     264,003       275,368       (4.1 %)      275,368       137,561       100.2

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     196,650       201,303       (2.3 %)      201,303       109,619       83.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

     18,157     $ 30,872       (41.2 %)    $ 30,872       21,894       41.0

Net investment income

     33,983       34,609       (1.8 %)      34,609       28,821       20.1

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     21,721       (3,374     NM       (3,374     35,860       (109.4 %) 

Corporate and other operating expenses

     (17,338     (24,448     (29.1 %)      (24,448     (14,559     67.9

Interest expense

     (8,905     (4,913     81.3     (4,913     (822     NM  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     47,618       32,746       45.4     32,746       71,194       (54.0 %) 

Income tax (expense) benefit

     2,250       8,723       (74.2 %)      8,723       (8,338     204.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 49,868     $ 41,469       20.3   $ 41,469     $ 62,856       (34.0 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting Ratios:

            

Loss ratio (1):

     56.4     54.6       54.6     51.2  

Expense ratio (2)

     42.0     39.9       39.9     40.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Combined ratio (3)

     98.4     94.5       94.5     92.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

NM—not meaningful

 

(1) The loss ratio is a GAAP financial measure that is generally viewed in the insurance industry as an indicator of underwriting profitability and is calculated by dividing net losses and loss adjustment expenses by net premiums earned.
(2) The expense ratio is a GAAP financial measure that is calculated by dividing the sum of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses by net premiums earned.
(3) The combined ratio is a GAAP financial measure and is the sum of the Company’s loss and expense ratios.
(4) On September 30, 2016, Diamond State Insurance Company sold all the outstanding shares of capital stock of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, United National Specialty Insurance Company. Financial results for 2016 include United National Specialty Insurance. Company. This transaction will not have a significant impact on the Company’s ongoing business operations. Going forward, any business previously written by United National Specialty Insurance Company has been and will be written by other companies within the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations.
(5) Financial results for 2014 do not include American Reliable as it was not acquired until January 1, 2015.

 

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Premiums

The following table summarizes the change in premium volume by business segment:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
     %
Change
    Years Ended
December 31,
     %
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015        2015      2014 (6)     

Gross premiums written (1)

                

Personal Lines (3) (4)

   $ 300,888      $ 326,282        (7.8 %)    $ 326,282      $ —          NM  

Commercial Lines (4)

     205,120      $ 214,218        (4.2 %)      214,218        229,978        (6.9 %) 

Reinsurance (5)

     59,837        49,733        20.3     49,733        61,275        (18.8 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gross premiums written

   $ 565,845      $ 590,233        (4.1 %)    $ 590,233      $ 291,253        102.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ceded premiums written

                

Personal Lines (4)

   $ 74,660      $ 72,247        3.3   $ 72,247      $ —          NM  

Commercial Lines (4)

     20,209        16,692        21.1     16,692        17,013        (1.9 %) 

Reinsurance (5)

     36        50        (28.0 %)      50        1,059        (95.3 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total ceded premiums written

   $ 94,905      $ 88,989        6.6   $ 88,989      $ 18,072        NM  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net premiums written (2)

                

Personal Lines (4)

   $ 226,228      $ 254,035        (10.9 %)    $ 254,035      $ —          NM  

Commercial Lines (4)

     184,911        197,526        (6.4 %)      197,526        212,965        (7.2 %) 

Reinsurance (5)

     59,801        49,683        20.4     49,683        60,216        (17.5 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net premiums written

   $ 470,940      $ 501,244        (6.0 %)    $ 501,244      $ 273,181        83.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

                

Personal Lines (4)

   $ 236,170      $ 253,048        (6.7 %)    $ 253,048      $ —          NM  

Commercial Lines (4)

     190,727        199,304        (4.3 %)      199,304        211,165        (5.6 %) 

Reinsurance (5)

     41,568        51,791        (19.7 %)      51,791        57,354        (9.7 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net premiums earned

   $ 468,465      $ 504,143        (7.1 %)    $ 504,143      $ 268,519        87.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NM—not meaningful

 

(1) Gross premiums written represent the amount received or to be received for insurance policies written without reduction for reinsurance costs or other deductions.
(2) Net premiums written equal gross premiums written less ceded premiums written.
(3) Includes business written by American Reliable that is ceded to insurance companies owned by Assurant under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement of $35.3 million, $55.8 million, and $0 during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
(4) Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.
(5) External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.
(6) Financial results for 2014 do not include American Reliable as it was not acquired until January 1, 2015.

Gross premiums written decreased by 4.1% for year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015. Gross premiums written include business written by American Reliable that is ceded to insurance entities owned by Assurant under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement in the amount of $35.3 million and $55.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Excluding the business that is ceded 100% to insurance entities owned by Assurant, gross premiums written decreased by 0.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015. The decline is mainly due to targeted reductions in catastrophe exposed business within the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations offset by an increase in gross premiums written within the Company’s Reinsurance Operations due to a new mortgage insurance treaty written in the fourth quarter of 2016. This new mortgage insurance treaty contributed $22.4 million to gross premiums written and is expected to earn over an eight year period.

 

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Gross premiums written increased by 102.7% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 2014. This increase was mainly due to the acquisition of American Reliable in 2015 offset by reduction in Commercial Lines and Reinsurance Operations’ gross premium written. Commerical Lines’ gross premium written decreased by 6.9%. This was the result of underwriting actions taken to improve profitability. Reinsurance Operations’ gross premiums written decreased by 18.8% mainly due to competition in the property catastrophe reinsurance marketplace. The market was very competitive due to excess capital resulting in property rates declining and smaller portfolios.

Net Retention

The ratio of net premiums written to gross premiums written is referred to as the Company’s net premium retention. The Company’s net premium retention is summarized by segments as follows:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
    Years Ended
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015     Change     2015     2014     Change  

Personal Lines (1) (2)

     85.2     93.9     (8.7 %)       

Commercial Lines

     90.1     92.2     (2.1 %)      92.2     92.6     (0.4 %) 

Reinsurance

     99.9     99.9     0.0     99.9     98.3     1.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total (1)

     88.8     93.8     (5.0 %)      93.8     93.8     0.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Excludes business written by American Reliable that is ceded to insurance companies owned by Assurant under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement of $35.3 million and $55.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(2) Personal Lines was a new segment in 2015 due to the American Reliable acquisition on January 1, 2015.

The net premium retention for the Personal Lines segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by 8.7 points compared to the same period in 2015. The reduction in the Personal Lines’ retention rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to an increase in catastrophe reinsurance as well as the quota share arrangement that was put in place during the second quarter of 2016.

The net premium retention for the Commercial Lines segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by 2.1 points as compared to the same period in 2015 primarily due to ceding more premiums in an effort to reduce exposure to catastrophes and large losses.

Net Premiums earned

Net premiums earned within the Personal Lines segment decreased by 6.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. This decline was due to the purchase of additional catastrophe reinsurance. In addition, net premiums earned also decreased due to incurring a reinstatement premium of $7.1 million in connection with wildfires that occurred in Tennessee during the 4th quarter of 2016 . These wildfires resulted in the Company incurring $25.0 million in net losses in 2016. Property net premiums earned were $196.3 million and $216.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Casualty net premiums earned were $39.8 million and $36.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Net premiums earned within the Commercial Lines segment decreased by 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The decline in net premiums earned was primarily due to decreasing the Company’s property retention, the purchase of additional property excess of loss reinsurance, and a slight reduction in gross premiums written. Property net premiums earned were $109.2 million and $119.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Casualty net premiums earned were $81.6 million and $79.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

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Net premiums earned within the Commercial Lines segment decreased by 5.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The decline in net premiums earned was primarily due to a reduction of gross premiums written which was the result of underwriting actions taken to improve profitability. Property net premiums earned for 2015 and 2014 were $119.4 million and $126.6 million, respectively. Casualty net premiums earned for 2015 and 2014 were $79.9 million and $84.5 million, respectively.

Net premiums earned within the Reinsurance Operations segment decreased by 19.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The decline in net premiums earned was primarily due to one treaty being non-renewed in 2016 in an effort to reduce catastrophe exposure. Property net premiums earned were $37.6 million and $49.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Casualty net premiums earned were $4.0 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Net premiums earned within the Reinsurance Operations segment decreased by 9.7% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decline in gross premiums written mainly due to competition in the property catastrophe reinsurance marketplace. In addition, one of the treaties was non-renewed in 2016 to reduce catastrophe exposure. Property net premiums earned for 2015 and 2014 were $49.5 million and $55.3 million, respectively. Casualty net premiums earned for 2015 and 2014 were $2.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

Underwriting Results

The following table compares the Company’s combined ratios by segment:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2016     2015     2014  

Personal Lines (1)

     117.8     104.0  

Commercial Lines

     79.8     90.6     97.8

Reinsurance

     72.5     63.5     70.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     98.4     94.5     92.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Personal Lines was a new segment in 2015 due to the American Reliable acquisition on January 1, 2015.

 

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Personal Lines

The components of income from the Company’s Personal Lines segment and corresponding underwriting ratios are as follows:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
    Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2016 (3)     2015 (3)       2015 (3)     2014 (3) (4)    

Gross premiums written (1)

   $ 300,888     $ 326,282       (7.8 %)    $ 326,282     $ 339,248       (3.8 %) 

Net premiums written

   $ 226,228     $ 254,035       (10.9 %)    $ 254,035     $ 255,182       (0.4 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 236,170     $ 253,048       (6.7 %)    $ 253,048     $ 254,641       (0.6 %) 

Other income

     3,097       2,872       2.2     2,872       1,912       50.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     239,267       255,920       (6.5 %)      255,920       256,553       (0.2 %) 

Losses and expenses:

            

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     174,933       163,986       6.7     163,986       154,856       5.9

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses (2)

     103,289       99,140       4.2     99,140       106,131       (6.6 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ (38,955   $ (7,206     NM     $ (7,206   $ (4,434     (62.5 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting Ratios:

            

Loss ratio:

            

Current accident year

     74.1     64.8       64.8     56.8  

Prior accident year

     0     0.0       0.0     4.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Calendar year loss ratio

     74.1     64.8       64.8     60.8  

Expense ratio

     43.7     39.2       39.2     41.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Combined ratio

     117.8     104.0       104.0     102.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

NM—not meaningful

 

(1) Includes business written by American Reliable that is ceded to insurance companies owned by Assurant under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement of $35.3 million, $55.8 million, and $0 during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
(2) Includes excise tax related to cessions from the Company’s Personal Lines to its Reinsurance Operations of $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
(3) Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.
(4) Represent unaudited pro forma results of operation for the year ended December 31, 2014 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014 as opposed to January 1, 2015.

Although the Company did not acquire American Reliable until January 1, 2015, unaudited proforma results of operations for 2014 were included in the table directly above for comparative purposes only.

Premiums

See “Result of Operations” above for a discussion on consolidated premiums for 2016.

Gross premiums written decreased by 3.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 2014. The decrease is primarily due to a reduction in premiums on business written by American Reliable that is ceded to insurance entities owned by Assurant under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement.

 

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Table of Contents

Net premiums earned within the Personal Lines segment decreased by 0.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. Property net premiums earned were $216.7 million and $217.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Casualty net premiums earned were $36.3 million and $37.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Other Income

Other income was $3.1 million, $2.9 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Other income is primarily comprised of fee income on installments, commission income, and accrued interest on the anticipated indemnification of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. In accordance with a dispute resolution agreement between Global Indemnity Group, Inc. and American Bankers Group, Inc., any variance paid related to the loss indemnification will be subject to interest of 5% compounded semi-annually. Other income includes interest income related to the loss indemnification of $1.0 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. There was no interest income related to the loss indemnification during the year ended December 31, 2014. The dispute resolution agreement between Global Indemnity Group, Inc. and American Bankers Group, Inc. is expected to be settled in the 1st half of 2018.

Loss Ratio

The current accident year losses and loss ratio is summarized as follows:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
    Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015       2015     2014 (1)    

Catastrophe

   $ 58,162     $ 33,983       71.2   $ 33,983     $ 16,245       109.2

Non-catastrophe

     116,771       130,003       (10.2 %)      130,003       128,344       1.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total accident year losses

   $ 174,933     $ 163,986       6.7   $ 163,986     $ 144,589       13.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Current accident year loss ratio:

            

Catastrophe

     24.6     13.4       13.4     6.4  

Non-catastrophe

     49.5     51.4       51.4     50.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total accident year loss ratio

     74.1     64.8       64.8     56.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Represent unaudited pro forma results of operation for the year ended December 31, 2014 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014 as opposed to January 1, 2015.

The current accident year catastrophe loss ratio for 2016 increased by 11.2 points compared to 2015 primarily due to the higher catastrophe losses experienced during the fourth accident quarter of 2016, particularly from the Tennessee Wildfires. The current accident year catastrophe loss ratio for 2015 increased by 7.0 points compared to 2014 mainly due to wild fires in California.

The current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio for 2016 improved by 1.9 point compared to 2015 mainly due to lower case incurred emergence resulting from a decrease in reported claim frequency.

The gross loss reserves for the Personal Lines segment were increased for higher than expected emergence for accident years 2014 and prior. These losses are fully indemnified in accordance with the American Reliable Stock Purchase Agreement. There were no changes to net prior accident year losses during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. In 2014, the calendar year loss ratio includes a decrease of $10.3 million, or 4.0 percentage points related to reserve development on prior accident years.

 

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Table of Contents

Expense Ratios

The expense ratio increased 4.5 points from 39.2% for 2015 to 43.7% for 2016 primarily due to the reduction in earned premiums in 2016 as a result of the quota share arrangement and the purchase of additional reinsurance. The increase in the expense ratio was also due to the 2015 expense ratio benefitting from accounting adjustments related to the purchase of American Reliable.

The expense ratio improved 2.5 points from 41.7% for 2014 to 39.2% for 2015 primarily due to impact on underwriting expenses from the acquisition date adjustments to fair value of deferred acquisition costs and intangible assets.

Commercial Lines

The components of income from the Company’s Commercial Lines segment and corresponding underwriting ratios are as follows:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
    Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2016 (3)     2015 (3)       2015 (3)     2014 (3)    

Gross premiums written

   $ 205,120     $ 214,218       (4.2 %)    $ 214,218     $ 229,978       (6.9 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 184,911     $ 197,526       (6.4 %)    $ 197,526     $ 212,965       (7.2 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 190,727     $ 199,304       (4.3 %)    $ 199,304     $ 211,165       (5.6 %) 

Other income

     7,472       621       NM       621       620       0.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     198,199       199,925       (0.9 %)      199,925     $ 211,785       (5.6 %) 

Losses and expenses:

            

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     74,996       97,530       (23.1 %)      97,530       117,586       (17.1 %) 

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses (1)

     77,297       83,170       (7.1 %)      83,170       88,983       (6.5 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ 45,906     $ 19,225       138.8   $ 19,225     $ 5,216       268.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting Ratios:

            

Loss ratio:

            

Current accident year

     62.3     61.8       61.8     61.6  

Prior accident year

     (23.0 %)      (12.9 %)        (12.9 %)      (5.9 %)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Calendar year loss ratio

     39.3     48.9       48.9     55.7  

Expense ratio

     41.0     41.7       41.7     42.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Combined ratio

     80.3     90.6       90.6     97.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

NM—not meaningful

 

(1) Includes excise tax related to cessions from the Company’s Commercial Lines to its Reinsurance Operations of $523, $1,051, and $1,114 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
(2) Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.

Premiums

See “Result of Operations” above for a discussion on consolidated premiums.

 

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Table of Contents

Other Income

Other income was $7.5 million, 0.6 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016, other income is primarily comprised of the net gain on the asset sale of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, United National Specialty Insurance Company of $7.5 million and fee income. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, other income is primarily comprised of fee income.

Loss Ratio

The current accident year losses and loss ratio is summarized as follows:

 

      Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
    Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015       2015     2014    

Property losses

            

Catastrophe

   $ 13,978     $ 11,014       26.9   $ 11,014     $ 13,950       (21.0 %) 

Non-catastrophe

     51,230       55,078       (7.0 %)      55,078       51,697       6.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property losses

     65,208       66,092       (1.3 %)      66,092       65,648       0.7

Casualty losses

     53,572       57,066       (6.1 %)      57,066       64,431       (11.4 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accident year losses

   $ 118,780     $ 123,158       (3.6 %)    $ 123,158     $ 130,078       (5.3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current accident year loss ratio:

            

Property

            

Catastrophe

     12.8     9.2       9.2     11.0  

Non-catastrophe

     46.9     46.1       46.1     40.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Property loss ratio

     59.7     55.3       55.3     51.8  

Casualty loss ratio

     65.7     71.4       71.4     76.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total accident year loss ratio

     62.3     61.8       61.8     61.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and ratios

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP measures or ratios, which excludes the impact of prior accident year adjustments, to its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio. The Company believes the non-GAAP measures or ratios are useful to investors when evaluating the Company’s underwriting performance as trends in the Company’s Commercial Lines may be obscured by prior accident year adjustments. These non-GAAP

 

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measures or ratios should not be considered as a substitute for its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio and does not reflect the overall underwriting profitability of the Company.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2016     2015     2014     2016     2015     2014  

Property

            

Non catastrophe property losses and ratio excluding the effect of prior accident year (1)

   $ 51,230     $ 55,078     $ 51,697       46.9     46.1     40.8

Effect of prior accident year

     966       (1,633     1,038       0.9     (1.4 %)      0.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non catastrophe property losses and ratio (2)

   $ 52,196     $ 53,445     $ 52,735       47.8     44.7     41.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Catastrophe losses and ratio excluding the effect of prior accident year (1)

   $ 13,978     $ 11,014     $ 13,950       12.8     9.2     11.0

Effect of prior accident year

     (502     249       985       (0.5 %)      0.2     0.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Catastrophe losses and ratio (2)

   $ 13,476     $ 11,263     $ 14,935       12.3     9.4     11.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property losses and ratio excluding the effect of prior accident year (1)

   $ 65,208     $ 66,092     $ 65,648       59.7     55.3     51.8

Effect of prior accident year

     464       (1,384     2,023       0.5     (1.1 %)      1.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property losses and ratio (2)

   $ 65,672     $ 64,708     $ 67,671       60.2     54.2     53.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Casualty

            

Total Casualty losses and ratio excluding the effect of prior accident year (1)

   $ 53,572     $ 57,067     $ 64,431       65.7     71.4     76.2

Effect of prior accident year

     (44,248     (24,244     (14,514     (54.2 %)      (30.3 %)      (17.2 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Casualty losses and ratio (2)

   $ 9,324     $ 32,823     $ 49,916       11.4     41.1     59.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

            

Total net losses and loss adjustment expense and total loss ratio excluding the effect of prior accident year (1)

   $ 118,780     $ 123,158     $ 130,077       62.3     61.8     61.6

Effect of prior accident year

     (43,784     (25,628     (12,491     (23.0 %)      (12.9 %)      (5.9 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net losses and loss adjustment expense and total loss ratio (2)

   $ 74,996     $ 97,530     $ 117,586       39.3     48.9     55.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Non-GAAP measure / ratio
(2) Most directly comparable GAAP measure / ratio

The current accident year catastrophe loss ratio for 2016 increased by 3.6 points compared to 2015 primarily due to losses from convective storms occurring during the first six months of the year. The current accident year catastrophe loss ratio for 2015 improved by 1.8 points compared to 2014 primarily due to a decrease in the severity of storms in 2015.

The current accident year property non-catastrophe loss ratio for 2016 increased by 0.8 points compared to 2015. The current accident year property non-catastrophe loss ratio for 2015 increased by 5.3 points compared to 2014 which is mainly attributable to one large fire loss in Florida.

The current accident year casualty loss ratio for 2016 improved by 5.7 points compared to 2015 mainly due to the decrease in reported claim frequency which reflects the milder winter weather experienced during 2016. Also, underwriting actions and rate increases over the past several years have contributed to the improvement experienced to date. The current accident year casualty loss ratio for 2015 improved by 4.8 points compared to 2014. During the last several years, rates were increased and unprofitable business was not renewed contributing to this improvement.

 

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The calendar year loss ratio for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 includes a decrease of $43.8 million, or 23.0 percentage points, a decrease of $25.6 million or 12.9 percentage points, and a decrease of $12.5 million or 5.9 percentage points, respectively, related to reserve development on prior accident years. Please see Note 11 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for further discussion on prior accident year development.

Expense Ratios

The expense ratio for the Company’s Commercial Lines improved 1.2 points from 41.7% for 2015 to 40.5% for 2016. The improvement in the expense ratio is primarily due to efficiencies realized from integration of American Reliable into the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations.

The expense ratio for the Company’s Commercial Lines improved 0.4 points from 42.1% for 2014 to 41.7% for 2015. The improvement in the expense ratio is primarily due to certain costs which were allocated solely to Commercial Lines in 2014 now being allocated to both Commercial Lines and Personal Lines.

Reinsurance Operations

The components of income from the Company’s Reinsurance Operations segment and corresponding underwriting ratios are as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
    Year Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2016 (1)     2015 (1)       2015 (1)     2014 (1)    

Gross premiums written

   $ 59,837     $ 49,733       20.3   $ 49,733     $ 61,275       (18.8 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 59,801     $ 49,683       20.4   $ 49,683     $ 60,216       (17.5 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 41,568     $ 51,791       (19.7 %)    $ 51,791     $ 57,354       (9.7 %) 

Other loss

     (224     (93     140.9     (93     (65     43.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     41,344       51,698       (20.0 %)      51,698     $ 57,289       (9.8 %) 

Losses and expenses:

            

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     14,074       13,852       1.6     13,852       19,975       (30.7 %) 

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     16,064       18,993       (15.4 %)      18,993       20,636       (8.0 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting income (loss)

   $ 11,206     $ 18,853       (40.6 %)    $ 18,853     $ 16,678       13.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Underwriting Ratios:

            

Loss ratio:

            

Current accident year

     66.3     44.3       44.3     41.7  

Prior accident year

     (32.4 %)      (17.5 %)        (17.5 %)      (6.9 )%   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Calendar year loss ratio

     33.9     26.8       26.8     34.8  

Expense ratio

     38.6     36.7       36.7     36.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Combined ratio

     72.5     63.5       63.5     70.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.

Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and ratios

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP measures or ratios, which excludes the impact of prior accident year adjustments, to its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio. The Company believes the non-GAAP measures or ratios are useful to investors when evaluating the Company’s underwriting performance as trends in

 

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the Company’s Reinsurance Operations may be obscured by prior accident year adjustments. These non-GAAP measures or ratios should not be considered as a substitute for its most directly comparable GAAP measure or ratio and does not reflect the overall underwriting profitability of the Company.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2016     2015     2014     2016     2015     2014  

Total net losses and loss adjustment expense and total loss ratio excluding the effect of prior accident year (1)

   $ 27,542     $ 22,922     $ 23,917       66.3     44.3     41.7

Effect of prior accident year

     (13,468     (9,070     (3,942     (32.4 %)      (17.5 %)      (6.9 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net losses and loss adjustment expense and total loss ratio (2)

   $ 14,074     $ 13,852     $ 19,975       33.9     26.8     34.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2016     2015     2014  

Loss ratio excluding the effect of prior accident year (1)

     66.3     44.3     41.7

Effect of prior accident year

     (32.4 %)      (17.5 %)      (6.9 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss ratio (2)

     33.9     26.8     34.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Non-GAAP measure / ratio
(2) Most directly comparable GAAP measure / ratio

Premiums

See “Result of Operations” above for a discussion on consolidated premiums.

Other Loss

Reinsurance Operations recognized a loss of $0.2 million in 2016 and a loss of less than $0.1 million in both 2015 and 2014. Other loss is comprised of foreign exchange gains and losses.

Loss Ratio

The current accident year loss ratio for 2016 increased by 22.0 points compared to 2015 primarily in the property lines for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe contracts. The higher catastrophe losses were being driven by the Fort McMurray fires in Canada, Hurricane Matthew, and the New Zealand earthquake. The higher non-catastrophe experience reflects the impact of the Jubilee platform breakdown in Africa. The current accident year loss ratio for 2015 increased by 2.6 points compared to 2014 primarily due to slightly higher premium volume in professional lines which generally has a higher loss ratio than property as well as increased marine property losses due to the Tianjin explosion in China.

The calendar year loss ratio for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 includes a decrease of $13.5 million, or 32.4 percentage points, a decrease of $9.1 million or 17.5 percentage points, and a decrease of $3.9 million or 6.9 percentage points, respectively, related to reserve development on prior accident years. Please see Note 11 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for further discussion on prior accident year development.

Expense Ratio

The expense ratio for the Company’s Reinsurance Operations increased 1.9 points from 36.7% for 2015 to 38.6% for 2016. The increase is primarily due to higher ceding commission on business written as well as improvements

 

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in prior year losses resulting in higher contingent commission partially offset by a reduction in profit sharing commissions and a recovery of prior year cascading excise tax.

The expense ratio for the Company’s Reinsurance Operations increased 0.7 points from 36.0% for 2014 to 36.7% for 2015. The increase is primarily due to consulting fees incurred and bonuses awarded during 2015 offset by a reduction in current accident year contingent commissions due to lower premium earned on one of the property catastrophe contracts.

Unallocated Corporate Items

Net Investment Income

 

      Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
    Years Ended
December 31,
    %
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015       2015     2014    

Gross investment income (1)

   $ 39,151     $ 37,918       3.3   $ 37,918     $ 32,420       17.0

Investment expenses

     (5,168     (3,309     56.2     (3,309     (3,599     (8.1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 33,983     $ 34,609       (1.8 %)    $ 34,609     $ 28,821       20.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Excludes realized gains and losses

Gross investment income for 2016 increased by 3.3% compared to 2015. The increase was primarily due to the increase in income related to the Company’s limited liability investments during 2016 partially offset by a reduction in the size of the investment portfolio due to redeeming $190.0 million of A ordinary shares during the fourth quarter of 2015. Gross investment income for 2015 increased by 17.0% compared to 2014 primarily due to the acquisition of American Reliable’s investment portfolio in 2015.

Investment expenses for 2016 increased by 56.2% compared to 2015. The increase is mainly attributable to $1.5 million in upfront fees necessary to enter into a new investment in middle market corporate debt and equity investments in limited liability companies. See Note 9 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information on the Company’s $40 million commitment related to this new investment. Investment expenses for 2015 decreased by 8.1% compared to 2014 primarily due to a reduction of the Company’s equity portfolio during 2014.

At December 31, 2016, the Company held agency mortgage-backed securities with a market value of $59.9 million. Excluding the agency mortgage-backed securities, the average duration of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio was 1.9 years as of December 31, 2016, compared with 2.4 years as of December 31, 2015. Including cash and short-term investments, the average duration of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio, excluding agency mortgage-backed securities, was 1.8 years as of December 31, 2016 compared with 2.3 years as of December 31, 2015. Changes in interest rates can cause principal payments on certain investments to extend or shorten which can impact duration. At December 31, 2016, the Company’s embedded book yield on its fixed maturities, not including cash, was 2.1% compared with 2.2% at December 31, 2015. The embedded book yield on the $156.4 million of municipal bonds in the Company’s portfolio, which includes $103.6 million of taxable municipal bonds, was 2.7% at December 31, 2016, compared to an embedded book yield of 2.7% on the Company’s municipal bond portfolio of $205.2 million at December 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company held agency mortgage-backed securities with a book value of $100.4 million. Excluding the agency mortgage-backed securities, the average duration of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio was 2.4 years as of December 31, 2015, compared with 2.0 years as of December 31, 2014. Including cash and short-term investments, the average duration of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio, excluding agency mortgage-backed securities was 2.3 years as of December 31, 2015, compared with 1.9 years as of December 31, 2014. Changes in interest rates can cause principal payments on certain investments to extend

 

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or shorten which can impact duration. At December 31, 2015, the Company’s embedded book yield on its fixed maturities, not including cash, was 2.2% compared with 2.1% at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s investment portfolio held $93.5 million in tax-free municipal bonds with an embedded book yield of 2.7% compared with an embedded book yield of 3.3% on $69.5 million in tax-free municipal bonds as of December 31, 2014.

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net realized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015      2014  

Common stock

   $ 27,049      $ 9,444      $ 55,026  

Fixed maturities

     2,515        1,505        2,171  

Interest rate swap

     (1,110      (6,988      (20,836

Other than temporary impairment losses

     (6,733      (7,335      (501
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

   $ 21,721      $ (3,374    $ 35,860  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

`

See Note 4 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for an analysis of total investment return on a pre-tax basis for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

Corporate and Other Operating Expenses

Corporate and other operating expenses consist of outside legal fees, other professional fees, directors’ fees, management fees, salaries and benefits for holding company personnel, development costs for new products, and taxes incurred which are not directly related to operations. Corporate and other operating expenses were $17.3 million, $24.4 million, and $14.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. This decrease in 2016 as compared to 2015 is primarily due to 2015 including costs incurred in connection with the American Reliable acquisition of $8.3 million; whereas, 2016 included costs incurred in connection with the redomestication of $4.2 million. The increase in 2015 as compared to 2014 is primarily due to incurring costs as a result of the acquisition of American Reliable.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $8.9 million, $4.9 million, and $0.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015,and 2014, respectively. This increase in 2016 as compared to 2015 is primarily due to the Company’s $100 million debt offering in August 2015 offset by a reduction in interest expense on margin borrowing facility due to decreased borrowings. The increase in 2015 as compared to 2014 is primarily due to the new debt offering in August, 2015 as well as higher balances outstanding under the margin borrowing facilities in 2015 as compared to 2014.

See Note 12 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for details on the Company’s debt.

Income Tax Benefit/ Expense

The income tax benefit was $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with income tax benefit of $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in income tax benefit is primarily

 

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due to capital gains and the gain on the sale of United National Specialty Insurance Company during the year ended December 31, 2016. The income tax benefit was $8.7 million for 2015 compared with income tax expense of $8.3 million for 2014. The reduction in income tax expense for 2015 compared to 2014 is primarily due to incurring acquisition expenses related to American Reliable, a decrease in capital gains in 2015, and a $6.3 million withholding tax paid in 2014 in connection with the $125 million dividend from Global Indemnity Group Inc. to U.A.I. Luxembourg S.à.r.l.

See Note 10 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for a comparison of income tax between periods.

Net Income (Loss)

The factors described above resulted in a net income of $49.9 million, $41.5 million and $62.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Funds

Global Indemnity is a holding company. Its principal asset is its ownership of the shares of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including those of its U.S. insurance companies: United National Insurance Company, Diamond State Insurance Company, Penn-America Insurance Company, Penn-Star Insurance Company, Penn-Patriot Insurance Company, and American Reliable Insurance Company; and its Reinsurance Operations: Global Indemnity Reinsurance.

The principal sources of cash that Global Indemnity requires to meet its short term and long term liquidity needs, including the payment of corporate expenses, debt service payments, and share repurchases, includes dividends, other permitted disbursements from its direct and indirect subsidiaries, reimbursement for equity awards granted to employees and intercompany borrowings. The principal sources of funds at these direct and indirect subsidiaries include underwriting operations, investment income, and proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments. Funds are used principally by these operating subsidiaries to pay claims and operating expenses, to make debt payments, fund margin requirements on interest rate swap agreements, to purchase investments, and to make dividend payments. The future liquidity of Global Indemnity is dependent on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends.

On October 29, 2015, Global Indemnity acquired rights, expiring December 31, 2019, to redeem an additional 3,397,031 ordinary shares for $78.1 million, which is subject to an annual 3% increase. In addition, the Company has future funding commitments of $24.8 million related to investments. The timing of this commitment is uncertain. Other than the impact of this potential redemption and the Company’s future funding commitments related to investments, Global Indemnity has no commitments that could have a material impact on its short-term or long-term liquidity needs.

Global Indemnity’s U.S. insurance companies are restricted by statute as to the amount of dividends that they may pay without the prior approval of regulatory authorities. The dividend limitations imposed by state laws are based on the statutory financial results of each insurance company within the Insurance Operations that are determined by using statutory accounting practices that differ in various respects from accounting principles used in financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. See “Regulation—Statutory Accounting Principles.” Key differences relate to, among other items, deferred acquisition costs, limitations on deferred income taxes, reserve calculation assumptions and surplus notes.

Under Indiana law, Diamond State Insurance Company may not pay any dividend or make any distribution of cash or other property, the fair market value of which, together with that of any other dividends or distributions

 

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made within the 12 consecutive months ending on the date on which the proposed dividend or distribution is scheduled to be made, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of its surplus as of the 31st day of December of the last preceding year, or (2) its net income for the 12 month period ending on the 31st day of December of the last preceding year, unless the commissioner approves the proposed payment or fails to disapprove such payment within 30 days after receiving notice of such payment. An additional limitation is that Indiana does not permit a domestic insurer to declare or pay a dividend except out of unassigned surplus unless otherwise approved by the commissioner before the dividend is paid.

Under Pennsylvania law, United National Insurance Company, Penn-America Insurance Company, and Penn-Star Insurance Company may not pay any dividend or make any distribution that, together with other dividends or distributions made within the preceding 12 consecutive months, exceeds the greater of (1) 10% of its surplus as shown on its last annual statement on file with the commissioner or (2) its net income for the period covered by such statement, not including pro rata distributions of any class of its own securities, unless the commissioner has received notice from the insurer of the declaration of the dividend and the commissioner approves the proposed payment or fails to disapprove such payment within 30 days after receiving notice of such payment. An additional limitation is that Pennsylvania does not permit a domestic insurer to declare or pay a dividend except out of unassigned funds (surplus) unless otherwise approved by the commissioner before the dividend is paid. Furthermore, no dividend or other distribution may be declared or paid by a Pennsylvania insurance company that would reduce its total capital and surplus to an amount that is less than the amount required by the Insurance Department for the kind or kinds of business that it is authorized to transact. Pennsylvania law allows loans to affiliates up to 10% of statutory surplus without prior regulatory approval.

Under Virginia law, Penn-Patriot Insurance Company may not pay any dividend or make any distribution of cash or other property, the fair market value of which, together with that of any other dividends or distributions made within the preceding 12 consecutive months exceeds the lesser of either (1) 10% of its surplus as of the 31st day of December of the last preceding year, or (2) its net income, not including net realized capital gains, for the 12 month period ending on the 31st day of December of the last preceding year, not including pro rata distributions of any class of its securities, unless the commissioner approves the proposed payment or fails to disapprove such payment within 30 days after receiving notice of such payment. In determining whether the dividend must be approved, undistributed net income from the second and third preceding years, not including net realized capital gains, may be carried forward.

Under Arizona law, American Reliable Insurance Company may not pay any dividend or make any distribution of cash or other property, the fair market value of which, together with that of any other dividends or distributions made within the preceding 12 months exceeds the lesser of either (1) 10% of its surplus as of the 31st day of December of the last preceding year, or (2) its net income for the 12 month period ending on the 31st day of December of the last preceding year, not including pro rata distributions of any class of its securities, unless the commissioner approves the proposed payment or fails to disapprove such payment within 30 days after receiving notice of such payment.

See Note 19 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for the dividends declared and paid by Global Indemnity’s U.S. insurance companies in 2016 and the maximum amount of distributions that U.S. insurance companies could pay as dividends in 2017.

Global Indemnity Reinsurance is prohibited, without the approval of the BMA, from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital as set out in its previous year’s statutory financial statements, and any application for such approval must include such information as the BMA may require. Based upon the total statutory capital plus the statutory surplus as set out in its 2016 statutory financial statements that will be filed in 2017, the Company believes Global Indemnity Reinsurance could pay a dividend of up to $324.7 million without requesting BMA approval. Global Indemnity Reinsurance did not declare or pay any dividends during 2016. For 2017, the Company believes that Global Indemnity Reinsurance, including distributions it could receive from its subsidiaries, should have sufficient liquidity and solvency to pay dividends.

 

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Surplus Levels

Global Indemnity’s U.S. insurance companies are required by law to maintain a certain minimum level of policyholders’ surplus on a statutory basis. Policyholders’ surplus is calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets. The NAIC has risk-based capital standards that are designed to identify property and casualty insurers that may be inadequately capitalized based on the inherent risks of each insurer’s assets and liabilities and mix of net premiums written. Insurers falling below a calculated threshold may be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action. Based on the standards currently adopted, the policyholders’ surplus of each of the U.S. insurance companies is in excess of the prescribed minimum company action level risk-based capital requirements.

Cash Flows

Sources of operating funds consist primarily of net premiums written and investment income. Funds are used primarily to pay claims and operating expenses and to purchase investments.

The Company’s reconciliation of net income to cash provided from (used for) operations is generally influenced by the following:

 

   

the fact that the Company collect premiums, net of commission, in advance of losses paid;

 

   

the timing of the Company’s settlements with its reinsurers; and

 

   

the timing of the Company’s loss payments.

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities in 2016, 2015, and 2014 was ($24.4) million, $3.8 million and $12.0 million, respectively.

In 2016, the decrease in operating cash flows of approximately $28.1 million from the prior year was primarily a net result of the following items:

 

     2016      2015      Change  

Net premiums collected

   $ 480,799      $ 527,123      $ (46,324

Net losses paid

     (321,188      (336,316      15,128  

Underwriting and corporate expenses

     (217,845      (229,738      11,893  

Net investment income

     37,915        46,709        (8,794

Net federal income taxes recovered (paid)

     4,694        (102      4,796  

Interest paid

     (8,771      (3,926      (4,845
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   $ (24,396    $ 3,750      $ (28,146
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The decline in net premiums collected of $40.5 million is primarily due to the settlement of a terminated quota share agreement between American Reliable and Bankers Atlantic Reinsurance Company.

In 2015, the increase in operating cash flows of approximately $15.8 million from the prior year was primarily a net result of the following items:

 

     2015     2014      Change  

Net premiums collected

   $ 527,123     $ 255,053      $ 272,070  

Net losses paid

     (336,316     (169,386      (166,930

Underwriting and corporate expenses

     (229,738     (121,302      (108,436

Net investment income

     46,709       38,298        8,411  

Net federal income taxes recovered (paid)

     (102     (13,861      13,759  

Interest paid

     (3,926     (804      (3,122
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   $ 3,750 (1)    $ (12,002    $ 15,752  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(1) The net cash used for operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 was negatively impacted in the amount of $23.8 million due to the commutation of a policy with one of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s cedants. The commutation of this policy had no impact on net income.

See the consolidated statements of cash flows in the financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for details concerning the Company’s investing and financing activities.

Liquidity

Currently, the Company believes each company in its Insurance Operations and Reinsurance Operations maintains sufficient liquidity to pay claims through cash generated by operations and liquid investments. The holding companies also maintain sufficient liquidity to meet their obligations. The Company monitors its investment portfolios to assure liability and investment durations are closely matched.

Prospectively, as fixed income investments mature and new cash is obtained, the cash available to invest will be invested in accordance with the Company’s investment policy. The Company’s investment policy allows the Company to invest in taxable and tax-exempt fixed income investments as well as publicly traded and private equity investments. With respect to bonds, the Company’s credit exposure limit for each issuer varies with the issuer’s credit quality. The allocation between taxable and tax-exempt bonds is determined based on market conditions and tax considerations. The fixed income portfolio currently has a duration of 1.95 years which allows the Company to defensively position itself during the current low interest rate environment.

The Company has access to various capital sources including dividends from insurance subsidiaries, invested assets in its non-U.S. subsidiaries, and access to the debt and equity capital markets. The Company believes it has sufficient liquidity to meet its capital needs. See Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for a discussion of the Company’s dividend capacity. However, the Company’s future capital requirements depend on many factors, including the amount of premium it writes, the amount of loss reserves by lines of business, and catastrophe exposure. To the extent that the Company needs to raise additional funds, any equity or debt financing for this purpose, if available at all, may be on terms that are not favorable to the Company. If the Company cannot obtain adequate capital, its business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

On September 30, 2016, Diamond State Insurance Company sold all the outstanding shares of capital stock of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, United National Specialty Insurance Company, to an unrelated party. Diamond State Insurance Company received a one-time payment of $18.7 million and recognized a pretax gain of $6.9 million which is reflected in other income. This transaction will not have an impact on the Company’s ongoing business operations. Going forward, any business previously written by United National Specialty Insurance Company has been and will be written by other companies within the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations.

On October 29, 2015, Global Indemnity acquired rights, expiring December 31, 2019, to redeem an additional 3,397,031 ordinary shares for $78.1 million, which is subject to an annual 3% increase.

Stop Loss Agreement, Quota Share Arrangements and Intercompany Pooling Arrangement

Global Indemnity’s U.S. insurance companies, excluding Personal Lines, and Global Indemnity Reinsurance participated in a stop loss agreement that provided protection to the U.S. insurance companies, excluding Personal Lines, in a loss corridor from 70% to 90% subject to certain restrictions. This agreement was terminated on a prospective basis on January 1, 2016.

During 2015, the Company’s U.S. insurance companies participated in quota share reinsurance agreements with Global Indemnity Reinsurance whereby 50% of the net retained business of the U.S. insurance companies was

 

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ceded to Global Indemnity Reinsurance. Effective January 1, 2016, the cession percentage was lowered to 40% from 50%. These agreements exclude named storms. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is an unauthorized reinsurer. As a result, any losses and unearned premiums that are ceded to Global Indemnity Reinsurance by the U.S. insurance companies must be collateralized. To satisfy this requirement, Global Indemnity Reinsurance has set up custodial trust accounts on behalf of the U.S. insurance companies.

Global Indemnity Reinsurance also has established trust accounts to collateralize exposure it has to third party ceding companies. The Company invests the funds in securities that have durations that closely match the expected duration of the liabilities assumed. The Company believes that Global Indemnity Reinsurance will have sufficient liquidity to pay claims prospectively.

Global Indemnity’s U.S. insurance companies participate in an intercompany pooling arrangement whereby premiums, losses, and expenses are shared pro rata amongst the U.S. insurance companies.

Capital Resources

On January 18, 2006, U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l. loaned $6.0 million to United America Indemnity, Ltd. The loan was used to pay operating expenses that arise in the normal course of business. The loan is a demand loan and bears interest at 4.38%. Due to the recent liquidation of United America Indemnity, Ltd., this loan was assumed by Global Indemnity Limited. At December 31, 2016, there was $1.0 million outstanding on this loan with accrued interest of $1.9 million. Global Indemnity is dependent on its subsidiaries to pay its dividends and operating expenses.

On November 12, 2007, Global Indemnity Reinsurance issued a $50.0 million demand line of credit to United America Indemnity, Ltd. which bore interest at 5.25%. The proceeds of the line were used to fund purchases of the Company’s A ordinary shares as part of two $50.0 million share buyback programs that were initiated in November 2007 and February 2008, respectively. On February 13, 2008, the demand line of credit was amended. The interest rate was decreased to 3.75% per annum, and the loan amount was increased to $100.0 million. In June 2008, Global Indemnity Reinsurance declared and paid a dividend of $50.0 million to United America Indemnity, Ltd. United America Indemnity, Ltd. used proceeds from the dividend to repay a portion of the line of credit. In February, 2010 the line of credit was converted to a non-interest bearing note payable for the full amount of principal and accrued interest to date. In May, 2014, United America Indemnity, Ltd. repaid $20 million of the outstanding balance due under this note. In November, 2016, this note was assumed by Global Indemnity Limited. As of December 31, 2016, there was $33.0 million outstanding on the note payable.

U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l. holds two promissory notes in the amounts of $175.0 million and $110.0 million and two loans in the amount of $125.0 million and $100.0 million from Global Indemnity Group, Inc. The $175.0 million and $110.0 million notes bear interest at a rate of 6.64% and 6.20%, respectively, and mature in 2018 and 2020, respectively. The $125.0 million and the $100.0 million loan bears interest at 5.78% and 8.06%, respectively, and matures in 2024 and 2045, respectively. Interest on these agreements is paid annually. At December 31, 2016, accrued interest on these notes and loans was $12.0 million. Other than its investment portfolio, Global Indemnity Group, Inc. has no income producing operations. The ability of Global Indemnity Group, Inc. to generate cash to repay the notes and loan is dependent on dividends that it receives from its subsidiaries or using other assets it holds.

In November, 2011, U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l. issued a $100.0 million demand line of credit to Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd. which bears interest at 1.2%. The proceeds of the line were loaned from Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd. to Global Indemnity plc, bearing interest at 1.2%, to fund purchases of the Company’s A ordinary shares as part of the $100.0 million share repurchase program announced in September, 2011. In August, 2012, the demand line of credit was increased to $125.0 million to fund additional purchases under the Company’s $25.0 million share repurchase authorization. In September, 2015, U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l. increased the demand line of credit that it previously issued to Global Indemnity (Cayman) Limited from

 

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$125.0 million to $225.0 million. In November, 2016, the amounts owed by Global Indemnity plc were assigned to Global Indemnity Limited. As of December 31, 2016, Global Indemnity Limited owed Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd. $108.0 million under this arrangement, with accrued interest of $6.1 million, and Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd. had $181.5 million outstanding on the line of credit with U.A.I. (Luxembourg) Investment S.à.r.l., with accrued interest of $6.9 million.

In November, 2012, American Insurance Service, Inc. (“AIS”) issued a $35.0 million loan to Global Indemnity Reinsurance, bearing interest at the six month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 3.5%. The proceeds of the loan were used to fund trust accounts in the normal course of business. Effective October 31, 2013, American Insurance Service, Inc. (“AIS”) assigned all of its rights, obligations, duties, and liabilities under the note to Global Indemnity Group, Inc. As of December 31, 2016, there was $5.0 million outstanding on the note payable, with accrued interest of $0.2 million payable to AIS and $1.1 million payable to Global Indemnity Group, Inc.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had available two margin borrowing facilities. The borrowing rate was tied to LIBOR and was approximately 1.6% as of December 31, 2016. These facilities were due on demand. The borrowings were subject to maintenance margin, which is a minimum account balance that must be maintained. A decline in market conditions could require an additional deposit of collateral. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $85.9 million in collateral was deposited to support the borrowings. The amount borrowed against the margin accounts may fluctuate as routine investment transactions, such as dividends received, investment income received, maturities and pay-downs, impact cash balances. The margin facilities contains customary events of default, including, without limitation, insolvency, failure to make required payments, failure to comply with any representations or warranties, failure to adequately assure future performance, and failure of a guarantor to perform under its guarantee. The amount outstanding on the Company’s margin borrowing facilities was $66.6 million and $75.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. On February 17, 2017, the margin borrowing facilities were transferred to a new broker. See Note 24 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information on the new margin borrowing facility.

On May 12, 2014, Global Indemnity Group, Inc. entered into an agreement to loan $200 million to Global Indemnity (Cayman) Limited which bears interest at 0.28% and matures in 2017. In December, 2014, Global Indemnity (Cayman) Limited repaid $125.0 million of the outstanding principal. As of December 31, 2016, Global Indemnity (Cayman) Limited owed $75.0 million under this loan agreement with accrued interest of $0.9 million.

The Company entered into two $100 million derivative instruments. Due to declines in interest rates, the Company has paid $1.0 million and $6.6 million in connection with these derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

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Contractual Obligations

The Company has commitments in the form of operating leases, commitments to fund limited liability investments, subordinated notes, and unpaid losses and loss expense obligations. As of December 31, 2016, contractual obligations related to Global Indemnity’s commitments, including any principal and interest payments, were as follows:

 

            Payment Due by Period  
(Dollars in thousands)    Total      2017      2018 and
2019
     2020 and
2021
     Thereafter  

Operating leases (1)

   $ 8,686      $ 3,227      $ 5,342      $ 117      $ —    

Commitments to fund limited liability investments

     24,768        24,768        —          —          —    

Subordinated notes due 2045 (2)

     322,813        7,750        15,500        15,500        284,063  

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses obligations (3)

     651,042        264,974        207,031        85,938        93,099  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,007,309      $ 300,719      $ 227,873      $ 101,555      $ 377,162  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The Company leases office space and equipment as part of its normal operations. The amounts shown above represent future commitments under such operating leases.
(2) On August 12, 2015, the Company issued Subordinated Notes due in 2045 in the aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million through an underwritten public offering. The notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to 7.75% payable quarterly. The notes mature on August 15, 2045. The Company has the right to redeem the notes in $25 increments, in whole or in part, on and after August 15, 2020, or on any interest payments date thereafter, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption. See Note 12 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information on the 2045 Subordinated Notes.
(3) These amounts represent the gross future amounts needed to pay losses and related loss adjustment expenses and do not reflect amounts that are expected to be recovered from the Company’s reinsurers. See discussion in “Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses” for more details.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has no off balance sheet arrangements.

Inflation

Property and casualty insurance premiums are established before the Company knows the amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses or the extent to which inflation may affect such amounts. The Company attempts to anticipate the potential impact of inflation in establishing its reserves.

Future increases in inflation could result in future increases in interest rates, which in turn are likely to result in a decline in the market value of the investment portfolio and resulting in unrealized losses and reductions in shareholders’ equity.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements under “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this report may include forward-looking statements within the meaning

 

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of Section 21E of the Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “project,” “plan,” “seek,” “intend,” or “anticipate” or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, and include discussions of strategy, financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations or consequences of identified transactions or natural disasters, and statements about the future performance, operations, products and services of the companies.

The Company’s business and operations are and will be subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Consequently, actual results and experience may materially differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of this report for risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected.

The forward-looking statements contained in this report are primarily based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events and trends that it believes may affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, business strategy and financial needs. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors described in the section captioned “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. These risks are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report include additional factors that could adversely impact the Company’s business and financial performance. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for the Company to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this report. The Company cannot provide assurance that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

In addition, statements that “the Company believes” and similar statements reflect the Company’s beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this report, and while the Company believes such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and these statements should not be read to indicate that the Company have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.

This report and the documents that are referenced in this report and have filed as exhibits to this report should be read with the understanding that actual future results, levels of activity, performance and achievements may be materially different from what the Company expects. The Company qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

The Company’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they were made. The Company undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in the estimated fair value of a financial instrument as the result of changes in interest rates, equity prices, credit risk, illiquidity, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. The Company’s consolidated balance sheet includes the estimated fair values of assets that are subject to market risk. The Company’s primary market risks are interest rate risk and credit risks associated with investments in fixed maturities, equity price risk associated with investments in equity securities, and foreign exchange risk associated with premium received that is denominated in foreign currencies. Each of these risks is discussed in more detail below. The Company has no commodity risk.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. The Company’s fixed income investments are exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. As interest rates rise, the market value of the Company’s fixed income investments fall, and the converse is also true. The Company seeks to manage interest rate risk through an active portfolio management strategy that involves the selection, by the Company’s managers, of investments with appropriate characteristics, such as duration, yield, currency, and liquidity that are tailored to the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of the Company’s liabilities. The Company’s strategy for managing interest rate risk also includes maintaining a high quality bond portfolio with a relatively short duration to reduce the effect of interest rate changes on book value. A significant portion of the Company’s investment portfolio matures each year, allowing for reinvestment at current market rates.

As of December 31, 2016, assuming identical shifts in interest rates for securities of all maturities, the table below illustrates the sensitivity of market value in Global Indemnity’s bonds to selected hypothetical changes in basis point increases and decreases:

 

          
(Dollars in thousands)      Change in Market Value  

Basis Point Change

   Market Value          $              %      

(200)

   $ 1,285,954      $ 45,922        3.7

(100)

     1,263,475        23,443        1.9

No change

     1,240,032        —          —    

100

     1,216,946        (23,086      (1.9 %) 

200

     1,194,262        (45,770      (3.7 %) 

The Company’s interest rate swaps are also exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these financial instruments. As interest rates decline, the market value of the Company’s interest rate swaps fall, and the converse is also true. Since the Company has designated the interest rate swaps as non-hedge instruments, the changes in the fair value is recognized as net realized investment gains / losses in the consolidated statements of operations. Therefore, changes in interest rates will have a direct impact to the Company’s results of operations. In addition, on a daily basis, a margin requirement is calculated. If interest rates decline, the Company is required to pay a margin call equal to the change in the fair market value of the interest rate swap. When interest rates rise, the counterparty is required to pay to the Company a margin call equal to the change in fair market value of the interest rate swap.

 

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As of December 31, 2016, the table below illustrates the sensitivity of market value of the Company’s interest rate swaps as well as the impact on the consolidated statements of operation to selected hypothetical changes in basis point increases and decreases:

 

(Dollars in thousands)      Change in Market
Value and Impact to
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
 

Basis Point Change

   Market Value     

(200)

   $ (40,479)      $ (28,955

(100)

     (25,462      (13,938

No change

     (11,524      —    

100

     1,416        12,940  

200

     13,432        24,956  

Credit Risk

The Company’s investment policy requires that its investments in debt instruments are of high credit quality issuers and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer based upon the rating of the security.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $25.7 million worth of investment exposure to subprime and Alt-A investments. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $25.2 million of those investments have been rated BBB+ to AAA by Standard & Poor’s and $0.5 million were rated below investment grade. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $47.7 million worth of investment exposure to subprime and Alt-A investments. As of December 31, 2015, approximately $46.8 million of those investments have been rated BBB+ to AAA by Standard & Poor’s and $0.9 million were rated below investment grade. There were no impairments recognized on these investments during the years ended December 31, 2016 or 2015.

In addition, the Company has credit risk exposure to its general agencies and reinsurers. The Company seeks to mitigate and control its risks to producers by typically requiring its general agencies to render payments within no more than 45 days after the month in which a policy is effective and including provisions within the Company’s general agency contracts that allow it to terminate a general agency’s authority in the event of non-payment.

With respect to its credit exposure to reinsurers, the Company seeks to mitigate and control its risk by ceding business to only those reinsurers having adequate financial strength and sufficient capital to fund their obligation. In addition, the Company seeks to mitigate credit risk to reinsurers through the use of trusts and letters of credit for collateral.

Equity Price Risk

In 2016, the strategy for the Company’s equity portfolio followed a large cap value approach. This investment style placed primary emphasis on selecting the best relative values from those issues having a projected normalized price-earnings ratio at a discount to the market multiple.

The Company compares the results of the Company’s equity portfolio to a customized benchmark which is the S&P 500 Value excluding financials. To protect against equity price risk, the sector exposures within the Company’s equity portfolio closely correlate to the sector exposures within the custom benchmark index. In 2016, the Company’s common stock portfolio returned a net gain of 13.2%, not including investment advisor fees, compared to the benchmark gain of 15.7%.

The carrying values of investments subject to equity price risk are based on quoted market prices as of the balance sheet dates. Market prices are subject to fluctuation and thus the amount realized in the subsequent sale

 

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of an investment may differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of an equity security results from perceived changes in the underlying economic makeup of a stock, the price of alternative investments and overall market conditions.

The Company attempts to mitigate its unsystemic risk, which is the risk that is associated with holding a particular security, by holding a large number of securities in that market. At year end, no security represented more than 5.7% of the market value of the equity portfolio. The Company continues to have systemic risk, which is the risk inherent in the general market due to broad macroeconomic factors that affect all companies in the market.

As of December 31, 2016, the table below summarizes the Company’s equity price risk and reflects the effect of a hypothetical 10% and 20% increase or decrease in market prices. The selected hypothetical changes do not indicate what could be the potential best or worst scenarios.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  

Hypothetical Price

Change

   Estimated Fair Value
after Hypothetical
Change in Prices
     Hypothetical Percentage
Increase (Decrease) in
Shareholders’ Equity(1)
 

(20%)

   $  96,446        (2.0 %) 

(10%)

     108,501        (1.0 %) 

No change

     120,557        —    

10%

     132,613        1.0

20%

     144,668        2.0

 

(1) Net of 35% tax

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The Company has foreign currency exchange risk associated with a portion of the business written at Global Indemnity Reinsurance, as well as a small portion of expenses related to corporate overhead in its Ireland and Luxembourg offices. The Company also maintains investments in foreign denominated securities and cash accounts in foreign currencies in order to pay expenses in foreign countries. At period-end, the Company re-measures those non-U.S. currency financial assets to their current U.S. dollar equivalent. Financial liabilities, if any, are generally adjusted within the reserving process. However, for known losses on claims to be paid in foreign currencies, the Company re-measures the liabilities to their current U.S. dollar equivalent each period end.

 

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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Index to Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as of and for the Years Ended December  31, 2016 and 2015

     89  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as of and for the Year ended December  31, 2014

     90  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     91  

Consolidated Statements of Operations

     92  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

     93  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

     94  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     95  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     96  

Index to Financial Statement Schedules

 

Schedule I

  Summary of Investments—Other Than Investments in Related Parties      S-1  

Schedule II

  Condensed Financial Information of Registrant      S-2  

Schedule III

  Supplementary Insurance Information      S-8  

Schedule IV

  Reinsurance Earned Premiums      S-9  

Schedule V

  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves      S-10  

Schedule VI

  Supplementary Information for Property Casualty Underwriters      S-11  

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and

Shareholders of Global Indemnity Limited

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Global Indemnity Limited (formerly known as Global Indemnity plc) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Global Indemnity Limited at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Global Indemnity Limited’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated March 10, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 10, 2017

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and

Shareholders of Global Indemnity Limited

In our opinion, the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014 present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Global Indemnity Limited (formerly known as Global Indemnity, plc) and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules for the year ended December 31, 2014 presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 16, 2015

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

      December 31,
2016
    December 31,
2015
 
ASSETS     

Fixed maturities:

    

Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,241,339 and $1,308,333)

   $ 1,240,031     $ 1,306,149  

Equity securities:

    

Available for sale, at fair value (cost: $119,515 and $100,157)

     120,557       110,315  

Other invested assets

     66,121       32,592  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

     1,426,709       1,449,056  

Cash and cash equivalents

     75,110       67,037  

Premiums receivable, net

     92,094       89,245  

Reinsurance receivables, net

     143,774       115,594  

Funds held by ceding insurers

     13,114       16,037  

Federal income taxes receivable

     —         4,828  

Deferred federal income taxes

     40,957       34,687  

Deferred acquisition costs

     57,901       56,517  

Intangible assets

     23,079       23,607  

Goodwill

     6,521       6,521  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     42,583       44,363  

Receivable for securities sold

     —         172  

Other assets

     51,104       49,630  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,972,946     $ 1,957,294  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Liabilities:

    

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 651,042     $ 680,047  

Unearned premiums

     286,984       286,285  

Federal income taxes payable

     219       —    

Ceded balances payable

     14,675       4,589  

Payable for securities purchased

     3,717       —    

Contingent commissions

     9,454       11,069  

Debt

     163,143       172,034  

Other liabilities

     45,761       53,344  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 1,174,995     $ 1,207,368  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

     —         —    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value, 900,000,000 ordinary shares authorized; A ordinary shares issued: 13,436,548 and 16,424,546, respectively; A ordinary shares outstanding: 13,436,548 and 13,313,751, respectively; B ordinary shares issued and outstanding: 4,133,366 and 4,133,366, respectively

     2       3  

Additional paid-in capital

     430,283       529,872  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes

     (618     4,078  

Retained earnings

     368,284       318,416  

A ordinary shares in treasury, at cost: 0 and 3,110,795 shares, respectively

     —         (102,443
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     797,951       749,926  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,972,946     $ 1,957,294  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2016     2015     2014  

Revenues:

      

Gross premiums written

   $ 565,845     $ 590,233     $ 291,253  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 470,940     $ 501,244     $ 273,181  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 468,465     $ 504,143     $ 268,519  

Net investment income

     33,983       34,609       28,821  

Net realized investment gains (losses):

      

Other than temporary impairment losses on investments

     (6,733     (7,335     (501

Other net realized investment gains

     28,454       3,961       36,361  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net realized investment gains (losses)

     21,721       (3,374     35,860  

Other income

     10,345       3,400       555  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     534,514       538,778       333,755  

Losses and Expenses:

      

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     264,003       275,368       137,561  

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     196,650       201,303       109,619  

Corporate and other operating expenses

     17,338       24,448       14,559  

Interest expense

     8,905       4,913       822  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     47,618       32,746       71,194  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (2,250     (8,723     8,338  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 49,868     $ 41,469     $ 62,856  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per share data:

      

Net income

      

Basic

   $ 2.89     $ 1.71     $ 2.50  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 2.84     $ 1.69     $ 2.48  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

      

Basic

     17,246,717       24,253,657       25,131,811  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     17,547,061       24,505,851       25,331,420  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2016     2015     2014  

Net income

   $ 49,868     $ 41,469     $ 62,856  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

      

Unrealized holding gains (losses)

     10,058       (17,457     6,878  

Portion of other than temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (3     (4     (4

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

     (14,809     (1,985     (37,177

Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)

     58       140       (341
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     (4,696     (19,306     (30,644
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income, net of tax

   $ 45,172     $ 22,163     $ 32,212  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2016     2015     2014  

Number of A ordinary shares issued:

      

Number at beginning of period

     16,424,546       16,331,577       16,200,406  

Ordinary shares issued under share incentive plans

     115,711       121,812       94,563  

Ordinary shares issued to directors

     35,185       36,321       36,608  

B ordinary shares converted to A ordinary shares

     —         7,928,004       —    

Ordinary shares redeemed

     —         (8,260,870     —    

Ordinary shares issued in connection with American Reliable acquisition

     —         267,702       —    

Reduction in treasury shares due to redomestication

     (3,138,894     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number at end of period

     13,436,548       16,424,546       16,331,577  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number of B ordinary shares issued:

      

Number at beginning and end of period

     4,133,366       12,061,370       12,061,370  

B Ordinary shares converted to A ordinary shares

     —         (7,928,004     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number at end of period

     4,133,366       4,133,366       12,061,370  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value of A ordinary shares:

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 2     $ 2     $ 2  

Reduction in treasury shares due to redomestication

     (1     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 1     $ 2     $ 2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value of B ordinary shares:

      

Balance at beginning and end of period

   $ 1     $ 1     $ 1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital:

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 529,872     $ 519,590     $ 516,653  

Reduction in treasury shares due to redomestication

     (103,248     —         —    

Share compensation plans

     3,532       10,272       2,900  

Tax benefit on share-based compensation expense

     127       10       37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 430,283     $ 529,872     $ 519,590  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax:

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 4,078     $ 23,384     $ 54,028  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

      

Change in unrealized holding losses

     (4,751     (19,436     (30,299

Change in other than temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (3     (10     (4

Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)

     58       140       (341
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (4,696     (19,306     (30,644
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ (618   $ 4,078     $ 23,384  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Retained earnings:

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 318,416     $ 466,717     $ 403,861  

Ordinary shares redeemed

     —         (189,770     —    

Net income

     49,868       41,469       62,856  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 368,284     $ 318,416     $ 466,717  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number of treasury shares:

      

Number at beginning of period

     3,110,795       3,064,815       3,059,371  

A ordinary shares purchased

     28,099       11,895       5,444  

Elimination of shares indirectly owned by subsidiary

     —         34,085       —    

Reduction in treasury shares due to redomestication

     (3,138,894     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number at end of period

     —         3,110,795       3,064,815  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Treasury shares, at cost:

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ (102,443   $ (101,404   $ (101,265

A ordinary shares purchased, at cost

     (805     (333     (139

Elimination of shares indirectly owned by subsidiary

     —         (706     —    

Reduction in treasury shares due to redomestication

     103,248       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ —       $ (102,443   $ (101,404
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 797,951     $ 749,926     $ 908,290  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2016     2015     2014  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 49,868     $ 41,469     $ 62,856  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:

      

Amortization of the value of business acquired

     —         25,500       —    

Amortization and depreciation

     6,312       5,284       3,466  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     123       47       —    

Restricted stock and stock option expense

     3,531       10,271       2,900  

Deferred federal income taxes

     (2,727     (7,201     (828

Amortization of bond premium and discount, net

     9,828       13,643       9,103  

Net realized investment (gains) losses

     (21,721     3,374       (35,860

Equity in the earnings of equity method limited liability investments

     (5,190     (2,533     —    

Gain on the disposition of subsidiary

     (6,857     —         —    

Changes in:

      

Premiums receivable, net

     (2,849     25,325       (6,698

Reinsurance receivables, net

     (28,180     23,966       72,169  

Funds held by ceding insurers

     2,923       9,147       (6,514

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

     (29,005     (84,914     (103,994

Unearned premiums

     699       (6,764     4,186  

Ceded balances payable

     10,086       (11,430     (2,377

Other assets and liabilities, net

     (15,065     (6,070     (3,398

Contingent commissions

     (1,615     (6,264     308  

Federal income tax receivable/payable

     5,047       (1,689     (4,734

Deferred acquisition costs, net

     (1,384     (31,279     (3,061

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     1,780       3,868       474  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

     (24,396     3,750       (12,002
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Cash release from escrow for business acquisition

     —         113,696       —    

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

     —         (92,336     —    

Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities

     381,389       647,404       415,739  

Proceeds from sale of equity securities

     111,156       39,723       191,765  

Proceeds from sale of preferred stock

     —         1,540       —    

Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturities

     86,009       157,845       108,556  

Proceeds from limited partnership distribution

     9,450       5,959       —    

Proceeds from sale of other invested assets

     —         —         12  

Proceeds from disposition of subsidiary, net of cash and cash equivalents disposed of $1,269

     16,922       —         —    

Cash deposited in escrow for purchase of American Reliable

     —         —         (113,696

Amount paid in connection with derivatives

     (1,010     (6,604     (20,550

Purchases of fixed maturities

     (437,690     (627,983     (615,867

Purchases of equity securities

     (109,940     (38,451     (45,077

Purchases of other invested assets

     (14,125     (3,550     (30,120
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     42,161       197,243       (109,238
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net borrowings (repayments) under margin borrowing facilities

     (9,000     (99,027     74,673  

Redemption of ordinary shares

     —         (189,770     —    

Proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes

     —         100,000       —    

Debt issuance cost

     (14     (3,659     —    

Purchases of A ordinary shares

     (805     (333     (139

Tax benefit on share-based compensation expense

     127       10       37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     (9,692     (192,779     74,571  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     8,073       8,214       (46,669

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     67,037       58,823       105,492  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 75,110     $ 67,037     $ 58,823  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

Global Indemnity Limited (“Global Indemnity” or “the Company”) was incorporated on February 9, 2016 and is domiciled in the Cayman Islands. On November 7, 2016, Global Indemnity replaced Global Indemnity plc as the ultimate parent company as a result of a redomestication transaction. The Company’s A ordinary shares are publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol GBLI. See Note 2 below for details regarding the redomestication. In connection with the redomestication, Global Indemnity plc was converted to a private unlimited company and was placed into liquidation on November 7, 2016.

Starting in the 1st quarter of 2015, the Company manages its business through three business segments: Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, and Reinsurance Operations. The Company’s Commercial Lines, managed in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, offers specialty property and casualty insurance products in the excess and surplus lines marketplace. The Company manages its Commercial Lines by differentiating them into three product classifications: Penn-America, which markets property and general liability products to small commercial businesses through a select network of wholesale general agents with specific binding authority; United National, which markets insurance products for targeted insured segments, including specialty products, such as property, general liability, and professional lines through program administrators with specific binding authority; and Diamond State, which markets property, casualty, and professional lines products, which are developed by the Company’s underwriting department by individuals with expertise in those lines of business, through wholesale brokers and also markets through program administrators having specific binding authority. These product classifications comprise the Company’s Commercial Lines business segment and are not considered individual business segments because each product has similar economic characteristics, distribution, and coverage. The Company’s Personal Lines segment, via the American Reliable product classification, offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage through general and specialty agents with specific binding authority on an admitted basis and is managed in Scottsdale, AZ. Collectively, the Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries are licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Company’s Reinsurance Operations consist solely of the operations of its Bermuda-based wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Indemnity Reinsurance. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is a treaty reinsurer of specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies. The Company’s Reinsurance Operations segment provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and primary writers including insurance and reinsurance companies.

On September 30, 2016, Diamond State Insurance Company sold all the outstanding shares of capital stock of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, United National Specialty Insurance Company, to an unrelated party. Diamond State Insurance Company received a one-time payment of $18.7 million and recognized a pretax gain of $6.9 million which is reflected in other income. This transaction will not have an impact on the Company’s ongoing business operations. Going forward, any business previously written by United National Specialty Insurance Company has been and will be written by other companies within the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which differs in certain respects from those principles followed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Global Indemnity and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

2. Redomestication

On June 20, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan for the Company to redomicile from Ireland to the Cayman Islands. On September 14, 2016, the Company held a special meeting of the holders of its A ordinary shares and B ordinary shares and an extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders. All resolutions required to effectuate the redomestication were approved by the requisite shareholder vote. On October 21, 2016, the High Court of Ireland sanctioned Global Indemnity plc’s scheme of arrangement related to the redomestication from Ireland to Cayman Islands. The redomestication transaction was completed on November 7, 2016 and as a result, Global Indemnity Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company, replaced Global Indemnity plc as the ultimate holding company of the Global Indemnity group of companies.

In connection with the redomestication to the Cayman Islands, each A ordinary share of Global Indemnity plc was cancelled and replaced with one A ordinary share of Global Indemnity Limited and each B ordinary share of Global Indemnity plc was cancelled and replaced with one B ordinary share of Global Indemnity Limited. The Global Indemnity Limited A ordinary shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the ticker symbol GBLI, the same symbol under which Global Indemnity plc’s A ordinary shares were previously listed.

 

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Investments

The Company’s investments in fixed maturities and equity securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at their fair value. Fair value is defined as 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. The fair values of the Company’s available for sale portfolio, excluding interests in limited liability companies and limited partnerships, are determined on the basis of quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses third party pricing services to assist in determining fair value. In many instances, these services examine the pricing of similar instruments to estimate fair value. The Company purchases bonds with the expectation of holding them to their maturity; however, changes to the portfolio are sometimes required to assure it is appropriately matched to liabilities. In addition, changes in financial market conditions and tax considerations may cause the Company to sell an investment before it matures. The difference between amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s available for sale investments, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and, accordingly, has no effect on net income other than for the credit loss component of impairments deemed to be other than temporary.

For investments in limited liability companies and limited partnerships where the ownership interest is less than 3%, the Company carries these investments at fair value, and the change in the difference between cost and the fair value of the partnership interests, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and, accordingly, has no effect on net income other than for impairments deemed to be other than temporary. The Company uses the equity method to account for an investments in limited liability companies and limited partnerships where its ownership interest exceeds 3%. The equity method of accounting for an investment in a limited liability company or limited partnership requires that its cost basis be updated to account for the income or loss earned on the investment. The income or loss associated with the limited liability companies or limited partnerships is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations, and the adjusted cost basis approximates fair value.

The Company’s investments in other invested assets were valued at $66.1 million and $32.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts relate to investments in limited liability companies

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

and limited partnerships. The Company does not have access to daily valuations, therefore; the estimated fair value of the limited liability companies and limited partnerships are based on net asset value as a practical expedient for the limited liability companies and limited partnerships.

Net realized gains and losses on investments are determined based on the first-in, first-out method.

The Company regularly performs various analytical valuation procedures with respect to its investments, including reviewing each fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position to assess whether the security has a credit loss. Specifically, the Company considers credit rating, market price, and issuer specific financial information, among other factors, to assess the likelihood of collection of all principal and interest as contractually due. Securities for which the Company determines that a credit loss is likely are subjected to further analysis through discounted cash flow testing to estimate the credit loss to be recognized in earnings, if any. The specific methodologies and significant assumptions used by asset class are discussed below. Upon identification of such securities and periodically thereafter, a detailed review is performed to determine whether the decline is considered other than temporary. This review includes an analysis of several factors, including but not limited to, the credit ratings and cash flows of the securities and the magnitude and length of time that the fair value of such securities is below cost.

For fixed maturities, the factors considered in reaching the conclusion that a decline below cost is other than temporary include, among others, whether:

 

  (1) the issuer is in financial distress;

 

  (2) the investment is secured;

 

  (3) a significant credit rating action occurred;

 

  (4) scheduled interest payments were delayed or missed;

 

  (5) changes in laws or regulations have affected an issuer or industry;

 

  (6) the investment has an unrealized loss and was identified by the Company’s investment manager as an investment to be sold before recovery or maturity; and

 

  (7) the investment failed cash flow projection testing to determine if anticipated principal and interest payments will be realized.

According to accounting guidance for debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company is required to assess whether it has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before the anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met the Company must recognize an other than temporary impairment with the entire unrealized loss being recorded through earnings. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position not meeting these conditions, the Company assesses whether the impairment of a security is other than temporary. If the impairment is deemed to be other than temporary, the Company must separate the other than temporary impairment into two components: the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors, such as changes in interest rates. The credit loss represents the portion of the amortized book value in excess of the net present value of the projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. The credit loss component of the other than temporary impairment is recorded through earnings, whereas the amount relating to factors other than credit losses is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

 

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For equity securities, management carefully reviews all securities with unrealized losses to determine if a security should be impaired and further focuses on securities that have either:

 

  (1) persisted with unrealized losses for more than twelve consecutive months or

 

  (2) the value of the investment has been 20% or more below cost for six continuous months or more.

The amount of any write-down, including those that are deemed to be other than temporary, is included in earnings as a realized loss in the period in which the impairment arose.

For an analysis of other than temporary losses that were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, please see Note 5 below.

Variable Interest Entities

A Variable Interest Entity (VIE) refers to an investment in which an investor holds a controlling interest that is not based on the majority of voting rights. Under the VIE model, the party that has the power to exercise significant management influence and maintain a controlling financial interest in the entity’s economics is said to be the primary beneficiary, and is required to consolidate the entity within their results. Other entities that participate in a VIE, for which their financial interests fluctuate with changes in the fair value of the investment entity’s net assets but do not have significant management influence and the ability to direct the VIE’s significant economic activities are said to have a variable interest in the VIE but do not consolidate the VIE in their financial results.

The Company has variable interests in two VIEs for which it is not the primary beneficiary. These investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as their ownership interest exceeds 3% of their respective investments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has a cash management program that provides for the investment of excess cash balances primarily in short-term money market instruments. Generally, bank balances exceed federally insured limits. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.

At December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $52.0 million of cash and cash equivalents that was invested in a diversified portfolio of high quality short-term debt securities.

Valuation of Premium Receivable

The Company evaluates the collectability of premium receivable based on a combination of factors. In instances in which the Company is aware of a specific circumstance where a party may be unable to meet its financial obligations to the Company, a specific allowance for bad debts against amounts due is recorded to reduce the net receivable to the amount reasonably believed by management to be collectible. For all remaining balances, allowances are recognized for bad debts based on the length of time the receivables are past due. The allowance for bad debts was $1.9 million and $1.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company tests for impairment of goodwill at least annually and more frequently as circumstances warrant in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Accounting guidance allows for the testing of goodwill for

 

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impairment using both qualitative and quantitative factors. Impairment of goodwill is recognized only if the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. The amount of the impairment loss would be equal to the excess carrying value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, there was no impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2016.

Impairment of intangible assets with an indefinite useful life is tested at least annually and more frequently as circumstances warrant in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Accounting guidance allows for the testing of indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment using both qualitative and quantitative factors. Impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets is recognized only if the carrying amount of the intangible assets exceeds the fair value of said assets. The amount of the impairment loss would be equal to the excess carrying value of the assets over the fair value of said assets. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, there were no impairments of indefinite lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2016.

Intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite useful life are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The carrying amounts of definite lived intangible assets are regularly reviewed for indicators of impairment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Impairment is recognized only if the carrying amount of the intangible asset is in excess of its undiscounted projected cash flows. The impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset. As of December 31, 2016, there were no triggering events that occurred during the year that would result in an impairment of definite lived intangible assets.

See Note 8 for additional information on goodwill and intangible assets.

Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk from various areas of exposure with reinsurers. Amounts receivable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the reinsured policy and the reinsurance contract.

The Company regularly reviews the collectability of reinsurance receivables. An allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivable is recognized based on the financial strength of the reinsurers and the length of time any balances are past due. Any changes in the allowance resulting from this review are included in net losses and loss adjustment expenses on the consolidated statements of operations during the period in which the determination is made. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance was $8.0 million and $9.7 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The applicable accounting guidance requires that the reinsurer must assume significant insurance risk under the reinsured portions of the underlying insurance contracts and that there must be a reasonably possible chance that the reinsurer may realize a significant loss from the transaction. The Company has evaluated its reinsurance contracts and concluded that each contract qualifies for reinsurance accounting treatment pursuant to this guidance.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.

 

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Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The deferred tax asset balance is analyzed regularly by management. This assessment requires significant judgment and considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies and/or actions. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations can generate sufficient taxable income to realize the remaining deferred income tax assets, and accordingly, the Company has not established any valuation allowances.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

The costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance and reinsurance contracts include commissions, premium taxes and certain other costs that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance and reinsurance contracts. The excess of the Company’s costs of acquiring new and renewal insurance and reinsurance contracts over the related ceding commissions earned from reinsurers is capitalized as deferred acquisition costs and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned.

The amortization of deferred acquisition costs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $114.3 million, $86.2 million, and $57.1 million, respectively.

Premium Deficiency

A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of expected loss and loss adjustment expenses and unamortized acquisition costs exceeds related unearned premium after consideration of investment income. This evaluation is done at a product line level in Insurance Operations and at a treaty level in Reinsurance Operations. Any future expected loss on the related unearned premium is recorded first by impairing the unamortized acquisition costs on the related unearned premium followed by an increase to loss and loss adjustment expense reserves on additional expected loss in excess of unamortized acquisition costs.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the total premium deficiency charges were $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $0.4 million, respectively, comprised solely of reductions to unamortized deferred acquisition costs within the commercial automobile lines in the Commercial Lines Segment. Based on the Company’s analysis, the Company expensed acquisition cost as incurred for the remainder of 2016, 2015 and 2014 for the commercial automobile lines in the Commercial Lines Segment. As the charges were a reduction of unamortized deferred acquisition costs in each respective period, no premium deficiency reserve existed as of December 31, 2016 or 2015.

Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to cash flow variability from interest rate risk. The derivative instruments are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and included in other assets and other liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments and the periodic net interest settlements under the derivatives instruments are recognized as net realized investment gains on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

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Margin Borrowing Facilities

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet represent the outstanding borrowings. The outstanding borrowings are due on demand; therefore, the cash receipts and cash payments related to the margin borrowing facilities are shown net in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Subordinated Notes

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet represent the outstanding balances, net of deferred issuance cost. See Note 12 for details.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represents the Company’s best estimate of future amounts needed to pay losses and related settlement expenses with respect to events insured by the Company. This liability is based upon the accumulation of individual case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period with respect to direct business, estimates received from ceding companies with respect to assumed reinsurance, and estimates of unreported losses.

The process of establishing the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment is complex, requiring the use of informed actuarially based estimates and management’s judgment. In some cases, significant periods of time, up to several years or more, may elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss and the reporting of that loss to the Company. To establish this liability, the Company regularly reviews and updates the methods of making such estimates and establishing the resulting liabilities. Any resulting adjustments are recorded in consolidated statements of operations during the period in which the determination is made.

Retirement of Treasury Stock

Upon the formal retirement of treasury stock, the Company offsets the par value of the treasury stock that is being retired against Ordinary Shares and reflects any excess of cost over par value as a deduction from Additional Paid-in Capital.

Premiums

Premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the respective policies and treaties. Unearned premiums are computed on a pro rata basis to the day of expiration.

Mandatory reinstatement premiums assessed on reinsurance policies are earned in the period of the loss event that gave rise to the reinstatement premiums.

Contingent Commissions

Certain professional general agencies of the Insurance Operations are paid special incentives, referred to as contingent commissions, when results of business produced by these agencies are more favorable than predetermined thresholds. Similarly, in some circumstances, companies that cede business to the Reinsurance Operations are paid profit commissions based on the profitability of the ceded portfolio. These commissions are charged to other underwriting expenses when incurred.

 

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Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock options and other equity based compensation using the modified prospective application of the fair value-based method permitted by the appropriate accounting guidance. See Note 16 for details.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share has been calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding and the weighted-average common share equivalents outstanding, which include options and other equity awards. See Note 18 for details.

Foreign Currency

The Company maintains investments and cash accounts in foreign currencies related to the operations of its business. At period-end, the Company re-measures non-U.S. currency financial assets to their current U.S. dollar equivalent. The resulting gain or loss for foreign denominated investments is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity; whereas, the gain or loss on foreign denominated cash accounts is reflected in income during the period. Financial liabilities, if any, are generally adjusted within the reserving process. However, for known losses on claims to be paid in foreign currencies, the Company re-measures the liabilities to their current U.S. dollar equivalent each period end with the resulting gain or loss reflected in income during the period. Net transaction gains and losses, primarily comprised of re-measurement of known losses on claims to be paid in foreign currencies, were a loss of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and gains of $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Other Income

On September 30, 2016, Diamond State Insurance Company sold all the outstanding shares of capital stock of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, United National Specialty Insurance Company, to an unrelated party. Diamond State Insurance Company received a one-time payment of $18.7 million and recognized a pretax gain of $6.9 million which is reflected in other income. This transaction will not have an impact on the Company’s ongoing business operations. Going forward, any business previously written by United National Specialty Insurance Company has been and will be written by other companies within the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations.

In addition, other income is comprised of fee income on policies issued, commission income, accrued interest on the anticipated indemnification of unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserve, and foreign exchange gains and losses.

 

4. Acquisition

On January 1, 2015, Global Indemnity Group, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, acquired 100% of the voting equity interest of American Reliable from American Bankers Insurance Group, Inc. by paying $113.7 million in cash and assuming $283.9 million of customary insurance related liabilities, obligations, and mandates. Per the American Reliable Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”), the ultimate purchase price is subject to (i) accounting procedures that were performed in 2015 to determine GAAP book value and (ii) indemnification on future development on recorded loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014. In accordance with the

 

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SPA, on the third calendar year following the calendar year of the closing, if loss and loss adjustment expenses for accident years 2014 and prior are lower than recorded unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014, Global Indemnity Group, Inc. will pay the variance to American Bankers Group, Inc. Conversely, if loss and loss adjustment expenses for accident years 2014 and prior exceed recorded unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014, American Bankers Group, Inc. will pay the variance to Global Indemnity Group, Inc. In accordance with a dispute resolution agreement between Global Indemnity Group, Inc. and American Bankers Group, Inc., any variance paid related to the loss indemnification will be subject to interest of 5% compounded semi-annually. The Company’s purchase price, based on available financial information at the date of acquisition, was $99.8 million.

The results of American Reliable’s operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition on January 1, 2015.

The purchase of American Reliable expanded Global Indemnity’s product offerings. American Reliable is a specialty company that distributes personal lines products written on an admitted basis that are unusual and harder to place. It complements Global Indemnity’s existing US Insurance Operations that primarily distribute commercial lines products on an excess and surplus lines basis.

American Reliable is domiciled in Arizona and as such is subject to its state insurance department regulations.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, American Reliable had total revenues of $259.0 million and pre-tax loss of $4.2 million. These amounts are included in the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The following table presents the Company’s unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the years December 31, 2015 and 2014 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014 instead of January 1, 2015.

 

     Pro Forma  
     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)    2015      2014  

Total Revenue

   $ 538,778      $ 597,583  

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 46,864      $ 63,053  

Net Income (Loss) per share (diluted)

   $ 1.91      $ 2.46  

The pro forma results were calculated by applying the Company’s accounting policies and adjusting the result of American Reliable to reflect (i) the impact of intercompany reinsurance with Global Indemnity Reinsurance, (ii) the impact on interest expense resulting from changes to the Company’s capital structure in connection with the acquisition, (iii) the impact on investment income from the acquisition date adjustments to fair value of investments, (iv) the impact on underwriting expenses from the acquisition date adjustments to fair value of deferred acquisition costs and intangible assets, (v) the impact of excluding transaction costs related to the acquisition and (vi) the tax effects of the above adjustments.

The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the integration of American Reliable. Such pro forma amounts are not indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed on January 1, 2014, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the combined company.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company has finalized its process of valuing the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition.

 

(Dollars in thousands)       

ASSETS:

  

Investments

   $ 226,458  

Cash and cash equivalents

     21,360  

Premiums receivables, net

     26,102  

Accounts receivable

     11,311  

Reinsurance receivables

     13,842  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     43,506  

Intangible assets

     32,000  

Deferred federal income taxes

     915  

Other assets

     6,473  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     381,967  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

  

Unearned premiums

     172,234  

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

     89,489  

Reinsurance balances payable

     13,219  

Contingent commissions

     3,903  

Other liabilities

     5,026  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     283,871  
  

 

 

 

Estimated fair value of net assets acquired

     98,096  

Purchase price

     99,797  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill

   $ 1,701  
  

 

 

 

The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The assets and liabilities acquired by the Company were adjusted to estimated fair value. The $1.7 million excess of cash and acquisition cost over the estimated fair value of assets acquired was recognized as goodwill. Under the purchase method of accounting, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually.

Goodwill of $1.7 million, arising from the acquisition, consists largely of the synergies and economies of scales expected from combining the operations of Global Indemnity and American Reliable. The Company has assigned goodwill of $1.7 million to the Personal Lines segment. There is no tax goodwill.

An identification and valuation of intangible assets was performed that resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of $32.0 million with values assigned as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Description

  

Useful Life

    

Amount

 

State insurance licenses

     Indefinite      $ 5,000  

Value of business acquired

     < 1 year        25,500  

Agent relationships

     10 years        900  

Trade name

     7 years        600  
     

 

 

 
      $ 32,000  
     

 

 

 

Intangible assets arising from the acquisition are deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table presents details of the Company’s intangible assets arising from the American Reliable acquisition as of December 31, 2015:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Description

   Useful Life      Cost      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Value
 

State insurance licenses

     Indefinite      $ 5,000      $ —        $ 5,000  

Value of business acquired

     < 1 year        25,500        25,500        0  

Agent relationships

     10 years        900        90        810  

Trade name

     7 years        600        86        514  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 32,000      $ 25,676      $ 6,324  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization related to the Company’s definite lived intangible assets resulting from American Reliable acquisition was $25.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company expected that amortization expense for the next five years related to the American Reliable acquisition will be as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)       

2016

   $ 176  

2017

     176  

2018

     176  

2019

     176  

2020

     176  

As of December 31, 2015, the fair value, gross contractual amounts due, and contractual cash flows not expected to be collected of acquired receivables were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

   Fair Value      Gross
Contractual
Amounts Due
     Contractual
cash flows not
expected to be
collected
 

Premium receivables

   $ 26,102      $ 26,896      $ 794  

Accounts receivable

     11,311        11,311        —    

Reinsurance receivables

     13,842        13,842        —    

In connection with the acquisition, the Company agreed to pay to Fox Paine & Company an investment banking fee of 3% of the amount paid plus the additional capital required to operate American Reliable on a standalone basis and a $1.5 million investment advisory fee, which in the aggregate, totaled $6.5 million. This amount was included in corporate and other operating expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2015. As payment for these fees, 267,702 A ordinary shares of Global Indemnity were issued under the Global Indemnity plc Share Incentive Plan in May, 2015. These shares were registered but cannot be sold until the earlier of five years or a change of control. See Note 16 for additional information on the Company’s share incentive plan, including the Global Indemnity plc Share Incentive Plan.

Additional costs, mainly professional fees, of $5.1 million were incurred in connection with the acquisition of American Reliable. Of this amount, $1.8 million and $3.3 million was recorded as corporate and other operating expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company paid approximately $1.6 million in employee compensation related costs, which were related to periods prior to the Acquisition. These costs were accrued by American Reliable and were included in the fair value of net assets acquired by Global Indemnity Group, Inc. on January 1, 2015.

 

5. Investments

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments were as follows as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

(Dollars in thousands)   

Amortized

Cost

    

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

    

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

   

Estimated
Fair Value

    

Other than
temporary
impairments
recognized
in AOCI (1)

 

As of December 31, 2016

             

Fixed maturities:

             

U.S. treasury and agency obligations

   $ 71,517      $ 763      $ (233   $ 72,047      $  —    

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     155,402        1,423        (379     156,446        —    

Mortgage-backed securities

     88,131        895        (558     88,468        —    

Asset-backed securities

     233,890        684        (583     233,991        (4

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     184,821        118        (1,747     183,192        —    

Corporate bonds

     381,209        1,666        (2,848     380,027        —    

Foreign corporate bonds

     126,369        164        (673     125,860        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,241,339        5,713        (7,021     1,240,031        (4

Common stock

     119,515        3,445        (2,403     120,557        —    

Other invested assets

     66,121        —          —         66,121        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,426,975      $ 9,158      $ (9,424   $ 1,426,709      $ (4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents the total amount of other than temporary impairment losses relating to factors other than credit losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

(Dollars in thousands)    Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Fair Value
     Other than
temporary
impairments
recognized
in AOCI (1)
 

As of December 31, 2015

             

Fixed maturities:

             

U.S. treasury and agency obligations

   $ 106,303      $ 1,140      $ (321   $ 107,122      $  —    

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     203,121        2,576        (457     205,240        —    

Mortgage-backed securities

     157,753        2,113        (743     159,123        —    

Asset-backed securities

     261,008        435        (1,421     260,022        (9

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     142,742        —          (2,352     140,390        —    

Corporate bonds

     334,720        685        (3,294     332,111        —    

Foreign corporate bonds

     102,686        194        (739     102,141        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,308,333        7,143        (9,327     1,306,149        (9

Common stock

     100,157        16,118        (5,960     110,315        —    

Other invested assets

     32,592        —          —         32,592        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,441,082      $ 23,261      $ (15,287   $ 1,449,056      $ (9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents the total amount of other than temporary impairment losses relating to factors other than credit losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).

Excluding U.S. treasuries and agency bonds, the Company did not hold any debt or equity investments in a single issuer that was in excess of 5% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio classified as available for sale at December 31, 2016, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

(Dollars in thousands)   

Amortized

Cost

    

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Due in one year or less

   $ 80,840      $ 80,982  

Due in one year through five years

     623,678        622,926  

Due in five years through ten years

     20,356        20,770  

Due in ten years through fifteen years

     3,245        3,252  

Due after fifteen years

     6,378        6,450  

Mortgage-backed securities

     88,131        88,468  

Asset-backed securities

     233,890        233,991  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     184,821        183,192  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,241,339      $ 1,240,031  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table contains an analysis of the Company’s securities with gross unrealized losses, categorized by the period that the securities were in a continuous loss position as of December 31, 2016:

 

     Less than 12 months     12 months or longer (1)     Total  
(Dollars in thousands)   

Fair Value

    

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

   

Fair Value

    

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

   

Fair Value

    

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fixed maturities:

               

U.S. treasury and agency obligations

   $ 39,570      $ (233   $ —        $ —       $ 39,570      $ (233

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     46,861        (369     670        (10     47,531        (379

Mortgage-backed securities

     52,780        (541     298        (17     53,078        (558

Asset-backed securities

     62,737        (493     23,937        (90     86,674        (583

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     94,366        (1,090     69,747        (657     164,113        (1,747

Corporate bonds

     171,621        (2,731     9,218        (117     180,839        (2,848

Foreign corporate bonds

     76,036        (673     —          —         76,036        (673
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     543,971        (6,130     103,870        (891     647,841        (7,021

Common stock

     57,439        (2,403     —          —         57,439        (2,403
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 601,410      $ (8,533   $ 103,870      $ (891   $ 705,280      $ (9,424
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Fixed maturities in a gross unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer are primarily comprised of non-credit losses on investment grade securities where management does not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be forced to sell the security before recovery. The Company has analyzed these securities and has determined that they are not other than temporarily impaired.

The following table contains an analysis of the Company’s securities with gross unrealized losses, categorized by the period that the securities were in a continuous loss position as of December 31, 2015:

 

     Less than 12 months     12 months or longer (1)     Total  
(Dollars in thousands)   

Fair Value

    

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

   

Fair
Value

    

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

   

Fair Value

    

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fixed maturities:

               

U.S. treasury and agency obligations

   $ 79,496      $ (321   $ —        $ —       $ 79,496      $ (321

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     49,708        (373     7,732        (84     57,440        (457

Mortgage-backed securities

     63,759        (743     —          —         63,759        (743

Asset-backed securities

     203,381        (1,404     4,843        (17     208,224        (1,421

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     118,813        (2,005     21,577        (347     140,390        (2,352

Corporate bonds

     211,364        (3,269     2,120        (25     213,484        (3,294

Foreign corporate bonds

     63,860        (697     5,129        (42     68,989        (739
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     790,381        (8,812     41,401        (515     831,782        (9,327

Common stock

     36,798        (5,960     —          —         36,798        (5,960
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 827,179      $ (14,772   $ 41,401      $ (515   $ 868,580      $ (15,287
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(1) Fixed maturities in a gross unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer are primarily comprised of non-credit losses on investment grade securities where management does not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be forced to sell the security before recovery. The Company has analyzed these securities and has determined that they are not other than temporarily impaired.

Subject to the risks and uncertainties in evaluating the potential impairment of a security’s value, the impairment evaluation conducted by the Company as of December 31, 2016 concluded the unrealized losses discussed above are not other than temporary impairments. The impairment evaluation process is discussed in the “Investment” section of Note 3 (“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”).

The following is a description, by asset type, of the methodology and significant inputs that the Company used to measure the amount of credit loss recognized in earnings, if any:

U.S. treasury and agency obligations—As of December 31, 2016, gross unrealized losses related to U.S. treasury and agency obligations were $0.233 million. All unrealized losses have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and are rated AA+. Macroeconomic and market analysis is conducted in evaluating these securities. The analysis is driven by moderate interest rate anticipation, yield curve management, and security selection.

Obligations of states and political subdivisions—As of December 31, 2016, gross unrealized losses related to obligations of states and political subdivisions were $0.379 million. Of this amount, $0.010 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated A. All factors that influence performance of the municipal bond market are considered in evaluating these securities. The aforementioned factors include investor expectations, supply and demand patterns, and current versus historical yield and spread relationships. The analysis relies on the output of fixed income credit analysts, as well as dedicated municipal bond analysts who perform extensive in-house fundamental analysis on each issuer, regardless of their rating by the major agencies.

Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”)—As of December 31, 2016, gross unrealized losses related to mortgage-backed securities were $0.558 million. Of this amount, $0.017 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated investment grade. Mortgage-backed securities are modeled to project principal losses under downside, base, and upside scenarios for the economy and home prices. The primary assumption that drives the security and loan level modeling is the Home Price Index (“HPI”) projection. These forecasts incorporate not just national macro-economic trends, but also regional impacts to arrive at the most granular and accurate projections. These assumptions are incorporated into the model as a basis to generate delinquency probabilities, default curves, loss severity curves, and voluntary prepayment curves at the loan level within each deal. The model utilizes HPI-adjusted current LTV, payment history, loan terms, loan modification history, and borrower characteristics as inputs to generate expected cash flows and principal loss for each bond under various scenarios.

Asset backed securities (“ABS”)—As of December 31, 2016, gross unrealized losses related to asset backed securities were $0.583 million. Of this amount, $0.090 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated AA or better. The weighted average credit enhancement for the Company’s asset backed portfolio is 21.8. This represents the percentage of pool losses that can occur before an asset backed security will incur its first dollar of principal losses. Every ABS transaction is analyzed on a stand-alone basis. This analysis involves a thorough review of the collateral, prepayment, and structural risk in each transaction. Additionally, the analysis includes an in-depth credit analysis of the originator and servicer of the collateral. The analysis projects an expected loss for a deal given a set of assumptions specific to the asset type.

 

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These assumptions are used to calculate at what level of losses the deal will incur its first dollar of principal loss. The major assumptions used to calculate this ratio are loss severities, recovery lags, and no advances on principal and interest.

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)—As of December 31, 2016, gross unrealized losses related to the CMBS portfolio were $1.747 million. Of this amount, $0.657 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated A+ or better. The weighted average credit enhancement for the Company’s CMBS portfolio is 30.2. This represents the percentage of pool losses that can occur before a mortgage-backed security will incur its first dollar of principal loss. For the Company’s CMBS portfolio, a loan level analysis is utilized where every underlying CMBS loan is re-underwritten based on a set of assumptions reflecting expectations for the future path of the economy. Each loan is analyzed over time using a series of tests to determine if a credit event will occur during the life of the loan. Inherent in this process are several economic scenarios and their corresponding rent/vacancy and capital market states. The five primary credit events that frame the analysis include loan modifications, term default, balloon default, extension, and ability to pay off at balloon. The resulting output is the expected loss adjusted cash flows for each bond under the base case and distressed scenarios.

Corporate bondsAs of December 31, 2016, gross unrealized losses related to corporate bonds was $2.848 million. Of this amount, $0.117 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated investment grade. The analysis for this asset class includes maintaining detailed financial models that include a projection of each issuer’s future financial performance, including prospective debt servicing capabilities, capital structure composition, and the value of the collateral. The analysis incorporates the macroeconomic environment, industry conditions in which the issuer operates, the issuer’s current competitive position, its vulnerability to changes in the competitive and regulatory environment, issuer liquidity, issuer commitment to bondholders, issuer creditworthiness, and asset protection. Part of the process also includes running downside scenarios to evaluate the expected likelihood of default as well as potential losses in the event of default.

Foreign bonds—As of December 31, 2016, gross unrealized losses related to foreign bonds were $0.673 million. All unrealized losses have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. For this asset class, detailed financial models are maintained that include a projection of each issuer’s future financial performance, including prospective debt servicing capabilities, capital structure composition, and the value of the collateral. The analysis incorporates the macroeconomic environment, industry conditions in which the issuer operates, the issuer’s current competitive position, its vulnerability to changes in the competitive and regulatory environment, issuer liquidity, issuer commitment to bondholders, issuer creditworthiness, and asset protection. Part of the process also includes running downside scenarios to evaluate the expected likelihood of default as well as potential losses in the event of default.

Common stock—As of December 31, 2016, gross unrealized losses related to common stock were $2.403 million. All unrealized losses have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. To determine if an other than temporary impairment of an equity security has occurred, the Company considers, among other things, the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the equity security. The Company also examines other factors to determine if the equity security could recover its value in a reasonable period of time.

 

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The Company recorded the following other than temporary impairments (“OTTI”) on its investment portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015     2014  

Fixed maturities:

      

OTTI losses, gross

   $ (259   $ (24   $ (31

Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (pre-tax)

     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net impairment losses on fixed maturities recognized in earnings

     (259     (24     (31

Equity securities

     (6,474     (7,311     (470
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (6,733   $ (7,335   $ (501
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table is an analysis of the credit losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturities held by the Company as of December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)        2016              2015             2014      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 31      $ 50     $ 54  

Additions where no OTTI was previously recorded

     —          —         —    

Additions where an OTTI was previously recorded

     —          —         —    

Reductions for securities for which the company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery

     —          —         —    

Reductions reflecting increases in expected cash flows to be collected

     —          —         —    

Reductions for securities sold during the period

     —          (19     (4
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 31      $ 31     $ 50  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    December 31,  
   2016      2015  

Net unrealized gains (losses) from:

     

Fixed maturities

   $ (1,308    $ (2,184

Common stock

     1,042        10,158  

Deferred taxes

     (352      (3,896
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

   $ (618    $ 4,078  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, by component for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

Year Ended December 31, 2016

(Dollars in thousands)

   Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available for Sale
Securities, Net of
Tax
    Foreign Currency
Items, Net of Tax
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income, Net of Tax
 

Beginning balance

   $ 4,200     $ (122   $ 4,078  

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification

     10,374       (261     10,113  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (15,128     319       (14,809
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (4,754     58       (4,696
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ (554)     $ (64   $ (618)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

(Dollars in thousands)

   Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available for Sale
Securities, Net of
Tax
    Foreign Currency
Items, Net of Tax
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income, Net of Tax
 

Beginning balance

   $ 23,647     $ (263   $ 23,384  

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification

     (17,065     (256     (17,321

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (2,382     397       (1,985
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (19,447     141       (19,306
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 4,200     $ (122   $ 4,078  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

          Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income

Years Ended December 31,
 

(Dollars in thousands)

Details about Accumulated Other

Comprehensive Income Components

  

Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations

           2016                     2015          

Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities

   Other net realized investment (gains)    $ (30,055   $ (11,559
   Other than temporary impairment losses on investments      6,733       7,335  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Total before tax      (23,322     (4,224
   Income tax expense      8,194       1,842  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, net of tax    $ (15,128   $ (2,382
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency items

   Other net realized investment losses    $ 491     $ 610  
   Income tax (benefit)      (172     (213
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Foreign currency items, net of tax    $ 319     $ 397  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total reclassifications

   Total reclassifications, net of tax    $ (14,809   $ (1,985
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net realized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015      2014  

Fixed maturities:

        

Gross realized gains

   $ 2,947      $ 3,565      $ 2,843  

Gross realized losses

     (691      (2,180      (703
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gains

     2,256        1,385        2,140  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common stock:

        

Gross realized gains

     28,785        10,379        55,907  

Gross realized losses

     (8,210      (8,246      (1,351
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gains

     20,575        2,133        54,556  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Preferred stock:

        

Gross realized gains

     —          96        —    

Gross realized losses

     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gains

     —          96        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives:

        

Gross realized gains

     3,733        —          —    

Gross realized losses

     (4,843      (6,988      (20,836
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) (1)

     (1,110      (6,988      (20,836
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net realized investment gains (losses)

   $ 21,721      $ (3,374    $ 35,860  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes $4.8 million, $5.4 million, and $5.5 million of periodic net interest settlements related to the derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

The proceeds from sales of available for sale securities resulting in net realized investment gains (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015      2014  

Fixed maturities

   $ 381,389      $ 647,404      $ 415,739  

Equity securities

     111,156        39,723        191,765  

Preferred stock

     —          1,540        —    

 

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Net Investment Income

The sources of net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015      2014  

Fixed maturities

   $ 30,337      $ 32,091      $ 26,788  

Equity securities

     3,302        3,125        5,484  

Cash and cash equivalents

     217        82        61  

Other invested assets

     5,295        2,620        87  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

     39,151        37,918        32,420  

Investment expense (1)

     (5,168      (3,309      (3,599
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

   $ 33,983      $ 34,609      $ 28,821  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Investment expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes $1.5 million in upfront fees necessary to enter into a new investment. See Note 9 for additional information on the Company’s $40 million commitment related to this new investment.

The Company’s total investment return on a pre-tax basis for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015     2014  

Net investment income

   $  33,983     $  34,609     $  28,821  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains(losses)

     21,721       (3,374     35,860  

Change in unrealized holding gains and losses

     (8,240     (25,673     (45,861
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized investment returns

     13,481       (29,047     (10,001
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment return

   $ 47,464     $ 5,562     $ 18,820  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment return %

     3.1     0.3     1.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average investment portfolio

   $ 1,507,184     $ 1,752,785     $ 1,533,104  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Insurance Enhanced Asset-Backed and Credit Securities

As of December 31, 2016, the Company held insurance enhanced asset-backed and credit securities with a market value of approximately $27.1 million. Approximately $9.8 million of these securities were tax-free municipal bonds, which represented approximately 0.7% of the Company’s total cash and invested assets, net of payable/ receivable for securities purchased and sold. These securities had an average rating of “A+.” Approximately $5.6 million of these bonds are pre-refunded with U.S. treasury securities, of which $0.4 million are backed by financial guarantors, meaning that funds have been set aside in escrow to satisfy the future interest and principal obligations of the bond. Of the remaining $4.2 million of tax free insurance enhanced municipal bonds, none would have carried a lower credit rating had they not been insured.

 

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A summary of the Company’s insurance enhanced municipal bonds that are backed by financial guarantors, including the pre-refunded bonds that are escrowed in U.S. government obligations, as of December 31, 2016, is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Financial Guarantor

   Total      Pre-refunded
Securities
     Government
Guaranteed
Securities
     Exposure Net
of Pre-refunded
& Government
Guaranteed

Securities
 

Ambac Financial Group

   $ 1,494      $ 450      $      $ 1,044  

Municipal Bond Insurance Association

     2,657        —          —          2,657  

Gov’t National Housing Association

     495        —          495        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total backed by financial guarantors

     4,646        450        495        3,701  

Other credit enhanced municipal bonds

     5,164        5,164        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 9,810      $ 5,614      $ 495      $ 3,701  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In addition to the tax-free municipal bonds, the Company held $17.3 million of insurance enhanced bonds that are comprised of $17.2 million of taxable municipal bonds and $0.1 million of asset-backed securities, which represented approximately 1.2% of the Company’s total invested assets, net of receivable/payable for securities purchased and sold. The financial guarantors of the Company’s $17.3 million of insurance enhanced asset-backed and taxable municipal securities include Municipal Bond Insurance Association ($3.0 million) and Assured Guaranty Corporation ($14.3 million).

The Company had no direct investments in the entities that have provided financial guarantees or other credit support to any security held by the Company at December 31, 2016.

Bonds Held on Deposit

Certain cash balances, cash equivalents, equity securities, and bonds available for sale were deposited with various governmental authorities in accordance with statutory requirements, were held as collateral pursuant to borrowing arrangements, or were held in trust pursuant to intercompany reinsurance agreements. The fair values were as follows as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

     Estimated Fair Value  
(Dollars in thousands)    December 31,
2016
     December 31,
2015
 

On deposit with governmental authorities

   $ 29,079      $ 38,815  

Intercompany trusts held for the benefit of U.S. policyholders

     351,002        375,827  

Held in trust pursuant to third party requirements

     88,178        66,544  

Letter of credit held for third party requirements

     4,871        5,598  

Securities held as collateral for borrowing arrangements (1)

     85,939        95,647  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 559,069      $ 582,431  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Amount required to collateralize margin borrowing facilities.

Variable Interest Entities

A Variable Interest Entity (VIE) refers to an investment in which an investor holds a controlling interest that is not based on the majority of voting rights. Under the VIE model, the party that has the power to exercise

 

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significant management influence and maintain a controlling financial interest in the entity’s economics is said to be the primary beneficiary, and is required to consolidate the entity within their results. Other entities that participate in a VIE, for which their financial interests fluctuate with changes in the fair value of the investment entity’s net assets but do not have significant management influence and the ability to direct the VIE’s significant economic activities are said to have a variable interest in the VIE but do not consolidate the VIE in their financial results.

The Company has variable interests in two VIEs for which it is not the primary beneficiary. These investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as their ownership interest exceeds 3% of their respective investments.

The fair value of one of the Company’s VIEs, which invests in distressed securities and assets, was $32.9 million and $32.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from this VIE, which factors in future funding commitments, was $48.6 million and $52.6 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company also invested in a new limited partnership during 2016 that is also considered a VIE. The Company’s investment in this partnership has a fair value of $33.2 million at December 31, 2016.

The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from this VIE at December 31, 2016 was $42.3 million. The Company’s investment in VIEs is included in other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

6. Derivative Instruments

Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce risks from changes in interest rates. Under the terms of the interest rate swaps, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount.

The Company accounts for the interest rate swaps as non-hedge instruments and recognizes the fair value of the interest rate swaps in other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recognized as net realized investment gains in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company is ultimately responsible for the valuation of the interest rate swaps. To aid in determining the estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps, the Company relies on the forward interest rate curve and information obtained from a third party financial institution.

The following table summarizes information on the location and the gross amount of the derivatives’ fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging

Instruments under ASC 815

  

Balance Sheet
Location

   December 31, 2016     December 31, 2015  
      Notional
Amount
     Fair
Value
    Notional
Amount
     Fair
Value
 

Interest rate swap agreements

   Other liabilities    $ 200,000      $ (11,524   $ 200,000      $ (15,256

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the net gains (losses) included in the consolidated statements of operations for changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the periodic net interest settlements under the derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

  

Consolidated Statements of
Operations Line

   Years Ended December 31,  
      2016     2015     2014  

Interest rate swap agreements

   Net realized investment gains (losses)    $ (1,110   $ (6,988   $ (20,836

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company is due $5.3 million and $4.5 million, respectively, for funds it needed to post to execute the swap transaction and $12.6 million and $17.3 million, respectively, for margin calls made in connection with the interest rate swaps. These amounts are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

7. Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standards related to fair value measurements define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, outline a fair value hierarchy based on inputs used to measure fair value, and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. These standards do not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. The Company has determined that its fair value measurements are in accordance with the requirements of these accounting standards.

The Company’s invested assets and derivative instruments are carried at their fair value and are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy:

 

   

Level 1—inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

   

Level 2—inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for similar assets, either directly or indirectly.

 

   

Level 3—inputs are unobservable for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table presents information about the Company’s invested assets and derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.

 

As of December 31, 2016    Fair Value Measurements  
(Dollars in thousands)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Fixed maturities:

           

U.S. treasury and agency obligations

   $ 72,047      $  —        $  —        $ 72,047  

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     —          156,446        —          156,446  

Mortgage-backed securities

     —          88,468        —          88,468  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     —          183,192        —          183,192  

Asset-backed securities

     —          233,991        —          233,991  

Corporate bonds

     —          380,027        —          380,027  

Foreign corporate bonds

     —          125,860        —          125,860  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     72,047        1,167,984        —          1,240,031  

Common stock

     120,557        —          —          120,557  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value (1)

   $ 192,604      $ 1,167,984      $ —        $ 1,360,588  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Derivative instruments

   $ —        $ 11,524      $ —        $ 11,524  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value

   $ —        $ 11,524      $ —        $ 11,524  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Excluded from the table above are limited partnerships of $66.1 million at December 31, 2016 whose fair value is based on net asset value as a practical expedient.

 

As of December 31, 2015    Fair Value Measurements  
(Dollars in thousands)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Fixed maturities:

           

U.S. treasury and agency obligations

   $ 101,264      $ 5,858      $  —        $ 107,122  

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     —          205,240        —          205,240  

Mortgage-backed securities

     —          159,123        —          159,123  

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

     —          140,390        —          140,390  

Asset-backed securities

     —          260,022        —          260,022  

Corporate bonds

     —          332,111        —          332,111  

Foreign corporate bonds

     —          102,141        —          102,141  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     101,264        1,204,885        —          1,306,149  

Common stock

     110,315        —          —          110,315  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value (1)

   $ 211,579      $ 1,204,885      $ —        $ 1,416,464  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Derivative instruments

   $ —        $ 15,256      $ —        $ 15,256  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value

   $ —        $ 15,256      $ —        $ 15,256  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Excluded from the table above are limited partnerships of $32.6 million at December 31, 2015 whose fair value is based on net asset value as a practical expedient.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The securities classified as Level 1 in the above table consist of U.S. Treasuries and equity securities actively traded on an exchange.

The securities classified as Level 2 in the above table consist primarily of fixed maturity securities and derivative instruments. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for fixed maturities, security prices are derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information. If there are no recent reported trades, matrix or model processes are used to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Included in the pricing of asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and mortgage-backed securities are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal over the remaining life of the securities. Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and prepayment speeds previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral. The estimated fair value of the derivative instruments, consisting of interest rate swaps, is obtained from a third party financial institution that utilizes observable inputs such as the forward interest rate curve.

For the Company’s material debt arrangements, the current fair value of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

     December 31, 2016      December 31, 2015  
(Dollars in thousands)    Carrying Value      Fair Value      Carrying Value      Fair Value  

Margin Borrowing Facilities

   $ 66,646      $ 66,646      $ 75,646      $ 75,646  

7.75% Subordinated Notes due 2045 (1)

     96,497        95,697        96,388        91,748  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 163,143      $ 162,343      $ 172,034      $ 167,394  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the carrying value and fair value of the 7.75% Subordinated Notes due 2045 are net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $3.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively.

The fair value of the margin borrowing facilities approximates its carrying value due to the facilities being due on demand. The 7.75% subordinated notes due 2045 are publicly traded instruments and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

The following table presents changes in Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
 

(Dollars in thousands)

   2016      2015  

Beginning balance

   $ —        $ —    

Total gains (realized / unrealized):

     

Amortization of bond premium and discount, net

     75        —    

Included in realized gains (losses)

     486        —    

Purchases

     27,303        —    

Sales

     (27,864      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The investments classified as Level 3 in the above table consist of privately placed debt instruments purchased in 2016 with unobservable inputs. The Company does not have access to daily valuations; therefore, market trades, performance of the underlying assets, and key risks are considered in order to estimate fair values of these middle market corporate debt instruments. In the fourth quarter of 2016 the Company exchanged the debt instruments purchased in previous quarters of 2016, along with cash and equity related to the debt instruments, for a single interest in the Private Middle Market Loan Fund, LP, which is considered a VIE. As this investment is priced using a Net Asset Value (NAV) it is excluded from the level 3 investment table above. See Note 4 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report for further information regarding the Company’s investment in VIEs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Fair Value of Alternative Investments

Other invested assets consist of limited liability partnerships whose fair value is based on net asset value per share practical expedient. The following table provides the fair value and future funding commitments related to these investments at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

     December 31, 2016      December 31, 2015  
(Dollars in thousands)    Fair
Value
     Future
Funding
Commitment
     Fair
Value
     Future
Funding
Commitment
 

Real Estate Fund, LP (1)

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —    

European Non-Performing Loan Fund, LP (2)

     32,922        15,714        32,592        20,014  

Private Middle Market Loan Fund, LP (3)

     33,199        9,054        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 66,121      $ 24,768      $ 32,592      $ 20,014  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) This limited partnership invests in real estate assets through a combination of direct or indirect investments in partnerships, limited liability companies, mortgage loans, and lines of credit. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner. The Company continues to hold an investment in this limited partnership and has written the fair value down to zero.
(2) This limited partnership invests in distressed securities and assets through senior and subordinated, secured and unsecured debt and equity, in both public and private large-cap and middle-market companies. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. Based on the terms of the partnership agreement, the Company anticipates its interest in this partnership to be redeemed by 2020.
(3) This limited partnership provides financing for middle market companies. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. Based on the terms of the investment management agreement, the Company anticipates its interest to be redeemed no later than 2024.

Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships with ownership interest exceeding 3%

The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in limited liability companies and limited partnerships where its ownership interest exceeds 3%. The equity method of accounting for an investment in a limited liability company and limited partnership requires that its cost basis be updated to account for the income or loss earned on the investment. The investment income associated with these limited liability companies or

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

limited partnerships, which is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations, was $5.2 million, $2.5 million, and $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Pricing

The Company’s pricing vendors provide prices for all investment categories except for investments in limited partnerships whose fair value is based on net asset values as a practical expedient. Two primary vendors are utilized to provide prices for equity and fixed maturity securities.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used by the Company’s pricing vendors for investment securities carried at fair value:

 

   

Common stock prices are received from all primary and secondary exchanges.

 

   

Corporate and agency bonds are evaluated by utilizing a multi-dimensional relational model. For bonds with early redemption options, an option adjusted spread model is utilized. Both asset classes use standard inputs and incorporate security set up, defined sector breakdown, benchmark yields, apply base spreads, yield to maturity, and adjust for corporate actions.

 

   

Data from commercial vendors is aggregated with market information, then converted into a prepayment/spread/LIBOR curve model used for commercial mortgage obligations (“CMO”). CMOs are categorized with mortgage-backed securities in the tables listed above. For asset-backed securities, data derived from market information along with trustee and servicer reports is converted into spreads to interpolated swap yield curve. For both asset classes, evaluations utilize standard inputs plus new issue data, monthly payment information, and collateral performance. The evaluated pricing models incorporate discount rates, loan level information, prepayment speeds, treasury benchmarks, and LIBOR and swap curves.

 

   

For obligations of state and political subdivisions, a multi-dimensional relational model is used to evaluate securities. The pricing models incorporate security set-up, benchmark yields, apply base spreads, yield to worst or market convention, ratings updates, prepayment schedules and adjustments for material events notices.

 

   

U.S. treasuries are evaluated by obtaining feeds from a number of live data sources including active market makers and inter-dealer brokers.

 

   

For mortgage-backed securities, a matrix model correlation to TBA (a forward MBS trade) or benchmarking is utilized to value a security.

The Company performs certain procedures to validate whether the pricing information received from the pricing vendors is reasonable, to ensure that the fair value determination is consistent with accounting guidance, and to ensure that its assets are properly classified in the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s procedures include, but are not limited to:

 

   

Reviewing periodic reports provided by the Investment Manager that provides information regarding rating changes and securities placed on watch. This procedure allows the Company to understand why a particular security’s market value may have changed or may potentially change.

 

   

Understanding and periodically evaluating the various pricing methods and procedures used by the Company’s pricing vendors to ensure that investments are properly classified within the fair value hierarchy.

 

   

On a quarterly basis, the Company corroborates investment security prices received from its pricing vendors by obtaining pricing from a second pricing vendor for a sample of securities.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

During 2016 and 2015, the Company has not adjusted quotes or prices obtained from the pricing vendors.

 

8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

As a result of acquisitions in 2015 and 2010, the Company has goodwill of $6.5 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, which represents the excess purchase price over the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired. Impairment testing performed in 2016 and 2015 did not result in impairment of the goodwill acquired.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    Commercial
Lines
     Personal Lines      Total  

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $ 4,820      $ —        $ 4,820  

Acquisition of American Reliable on January 1, 2015

     —          1,701        1,701  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015 and 2016

   $ 4,820      $ 1,701      $ 6,521  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intangible assets

The following table presents details of the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2016:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Description

   Useful Life      Cost      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Value
 

Trademarks

     Indefinite      $ 4,800      $ —        $ 4,800  

Tradenames

     Indefinite        4,200        —          4,200  

State insurance licenses

     Indefinite        10,000        —          10,000  

Customer relationships

     15 years        5,300        2,369        2,931  

Agent relationships

     10 years        900        179        721  

Trade names

     7 years        600        173        427  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 25,800      $ 2,721      $ 23,079  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents details of the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2015:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Description

   Useful Life      Cost      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Value
 

Trademarks

     Indefinite      $ 4,800      $ —        $ 4,800  

Tradenames

     Indefinite        4,200        —          4,200  

State insurance licenses

     Indefinite        10,000        —          10,000  

Customer relationships

     15 years        5,300        2,017        3,283  

Agent relationships

     10 years        900        90        810  

Trade names

     7 years        600        86        514  

Value of business added (“VOBA”)

     < 1 year        25,500        25,500        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 51,300      $ 27,693      $ 23,607  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Amortization related to the Company’s definite lived intangible assets, other than VOBA, was $0.5 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization related to VOBA was $25.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company did not have any amortization related to VOBA during the years ended December 31, 2016 or 2014.

The Company expects that amortization expense for the next five years will be as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)       

2017

   $  529  

2018

     529  

2019

     529  

2020

     529  

2021

     529  

Intangible assets with indefinite lives

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, indefinite lived intangible assets, which are comprised of tradenames, trademarks, and state insurance licenses, were $19.0 million. The Company reviewed internal business unit results, the growth of competitors and the overall property and casualty insurance market for indicators of impairment of its indefinite lived intangible assets. Impairment testing performed in 2016 and 2015 indicated that there was no impairment of these assets.

Intangible assets with definite lives

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, definite lived intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, were $4.1 million and $4.6 million, respectively, and were comprised of customer relationships, agent relationships, and tradenames. VOBA of $25.5 million, which was related to the American Reliable acquisition, was fully amortized in 2015. The Company reviewed internal business unit results, the growth of competitors and the overall property and casualty insurance market for indicators of impairment of its definite lived intangible assets. There was no impairment of these assets in 2016 or 2015.

 

9. Reinsurance

The Company cedes risk to unrelated reinsurers on a pro rata (“quota share”) and excess of loss basis in the ordinary course of business to limit its net loss exposure on insurance contracts. Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not discharge the Company of primary liability. Moreover, reinsurers may fail to pay the Company due to a lack of reinsurer liquidity, perceived improper underwriting, and losses for risks that are excluded from reinsurance coverage and other similar factors, all of which could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

The Company had the following reinsurance balances as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    December 31,
2016
     December 31,
2015
 

Reinsurance receivables, net

   $ 143,774      $ 115,594  

Collateral securing reinsurance receivables

     (13,865      (6,445
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reinsurance receivables, net of collateral

   $ 129,909      $ 109,149  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables

   $ 8,040      $ 9,675  

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     42,583        44,363  

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The reinsurance receivables above are net of a purchase accounting adjustment related to discounting acquired loss reserves to their present value and applying a risk margin to the discounted reserves. This adjustment was $2.0 million and $3.0 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had one aggregate unsecured reinsurance receivable that exceeded 3% of shareholders’ equity from the following reinsurer. Unsecured reinsurance receivables include amounts receivable for paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, less amounts secured by collateral.

 

(Dollars in thousands)    Reinsurance
Receivables
     A.M. Best Ratings
(As of December 31, 2016)
 

Munich Re America Corporation

   $ 51,178        A+  

The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    Written      Earned  

For the year ended December 31, 2016:

     

Direct business

   $ 468,046      $ 466,750  

Reinsurance assumed

     97,799        98,267  

Reinsurance ceded (1)

     (94,905      (96,552
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net premiums

   $ 470,940      $ 468,465  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015:

     

Direct business

   $ 458,185      $ 452,441  

Reinsurance assumed

     132,048        144,554  

Reinsurance ceded (2)

     (88,989      (92,852
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net premiums

   $ 501,244      $ 504,143  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014:

     

Direct business

   $ 229,978      $ 228,652  

Reinsurance assumed

     61,275        58,414  

Reinsurance ceded

     (18,072      (18,547
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net premiums

   $ 273,181      $ 268,519  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes ceded written premiums and ceded earned premiums of $35.3 million and $43.2 million, respectively, to American Bankers Insurance Company.
(2) Includes ceded written premiums and ceded earned premiums of $55.8 million and $59.5 million, respectively, to American Bankers Insurance Company.

 

10. Income Taxes

The statutory income tax rates of the countries where the Company does business are 35% in the United States, 0% in Bermuda, 0% in the Cayman Islands, 0% in Gibraltar, 29.22% in the Duchy of Luxembourg, 0.25% to 2.5% in Barbados, and 25% on non-trading income, 33% on capital gains and 12.5% on trading income in the Republic of Ireland. The statutory income tax rate of each country is applied against the annual taxable income of each country to calculate the annual income tax expense.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company’s income before income taxes from its non-U.S. subsidiaries and U.S. subsidiaries, including the results of the quota share and stop-loss agreements between Global Indemnity Reinsurance and the Insurance Operations, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31, 2016:

(Dollars in thousands)

   Non-U.S.
Subsidiaries
    U.S.
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Total  

Revenues:

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 201,726     $ 506,061     $ (141,942   $ 565,845  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 201,690     $ 269,250     $ —       $ 470,940  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 212,325     $ 256,140     $ —       $ 468,465  

Net investment income

     48,807       19,341       (34,165     33,983  

Net realized investment gains

     (89     21,810       —         21,721  

Other income (loss)

     (224     10,569       —         10,345  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     260,819       307,860       (34,165     534,514  

Losses and Expenses:

        

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     95,812       168,191       —         264,003  

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     94,749       101,901       —         196,650  

Corporate and other operating expenses

     9,035       8,303       —         17,338  

Interest expense

     8,312       34,758       (34,165     8,905  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 52,911     $ (5,293   $ —       $ 47,618  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015:

(Dollars in thousands)

   Non-U.S.
Subsidiaries
    U.S.
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Total  

Revenues:

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 345,392     $ 540,500     $ (295,659   $ 590,233  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 345,342     $ 155,902     $ —       $ 501,244  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 283,448     $ 220,695     $ —       $ 504,143  

Net investment income

     44,534       18,011       (27,936     34,609  

Net realized investment losses

     (1,039     (2,335     —         (3,374

Other income (loss)

     (93     3,493       —         3,400  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     326,850       239,864       (27,936     538,778  

Losses and Expenses:

        

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     141,444       133,924       —         275,368  

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     122,999       78,304       —         201,303  

Corporate and other operating expenses

     5,928       18,520       —         24,448  

Interest expense

     4,492       28,357       (27,936     4,913  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 51,987     $ (19,241   $ —       $ 32,746  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014:

(Dollars in thousands)

   Non-U.S.
Subsidiaries
    U.S.
Subsidiaries
     Eliminations     Total  

Revenues:

         

Gross premiums written

   $ 173,563     $ 229,979      $ (112,289   $ 291,253  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 172,504     $ 100,677      $ —       $ 273,181  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 168,743     $ 99,776      $ —       $ 268,519  

Net investment income

     31,420       16,715        (19,314     28,821  

Net realized investment gains

     926       34,934        —         35,860  

Other income (loss)

     (65     620        —         555  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     201,024       152,045        (19,314     333,755  

Losses and Expenses:

         

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     62,669       74,892        —         137,561  

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     70,479       39,140        —         109,619  

Corporate and other operating expenses

     5,243       9,316        —         14,559  

Interest expense

     852       19,284        (19,314     822  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 61,781     $ 9,413      $ —       $ 71,194  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense (benefit):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015      2014  

Current income tax expense (benefit):

        

Non-resident withholding

   $ —        $ —        $ 6,250  

Foreign

     330        263        129  

U.S. Federal

     147        (1,785      2,787  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current income tax expense (benefit)

     477        (1,522      9,166  

Deferred income tax benefit:

        

U.S. Federal

     (2,727      (7,201      (828
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred income tax benefit

     (2,727      (7,201      (828
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax expense (benefit)

   $ (2,250    $ (8,723    $ 8,338  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average expected tax provision has been calculated using income (loss) before income taxes in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the differences between the tax provision for financial statement purposes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015     2014  
     Amount     % of Pre-
Tax  Income
    Amount     % of Pre-
Tax  Income
    Amount     % of Pre-
Tax  Income
 

Expected tax provision at weighted average

   $ (1,496     (3.1 %)    $ (6,434     (19.6 %)    $ 3,465       4.9

Adjustments:

            

Non-resident withholding

     —         —         —         —         6,250       8.8  

Tax exempt interest

     (394     (0.8     (441     (1.3     (472     (0.7

Dividend exclusion

     (617     (1.3     (784     (2.4     (1,340     (1.9

Other

     257       0.5       (1,064     (3.3     435       0.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual taxes on continuing operations

   $ (2,250     (4.7 %)    $ (8,723     (26.6 %)    $ 8,338       11.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The effective income tax benefit rate for 2016 was 4.7%, compared with an effective income tax benefit rate of 26.6% for 2015 and an effective income tax rate of 11.7% for 2014. The increase in the effective income tax rate in 2016 compared to 2015 is primarily due to capital gains in 2016. The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2015 compared to 2014 is primarily due to incurring acquisition expenses related to American Reliable, a decrease in capital gains in 2015, and a $6.3 million withholding tax paid in 2014 in connection with the $125 million dividend from Global Indemnity Group Inc. to U.A.I. Luxembourg S.à.r.l.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are presented below:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015  

Deferred tax assets:

     

Discounted unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 7,015      $ 8,222  

Unearned premiums

     8,802        7,884  

Section 163(j) carryforward

     8,075        3,135  

Alternative minimum tax credit carryover

     10,957        10,868  

Net operating loss carryforward

     3,205        1,934  

Partnership K1 basis differences

     238        245  

Capital gain on derivative instruments

     4,033        5,340  

Investment impairments

     3,419        2,635  

Stock options

     2,820        2,635  

Stat-to-GAAP reinsurance reserve

     1,337        1,364  

Intercompany transfers

     808        1,612  

Depreciation and amortization

     —          36  

Other

     4,986        4,545  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

     55,695        50,455  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Purchase accounting adjustment for American Reliable

     6,095        6,095  

Intangible assets

     3,942        3,893  

Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale and investments in limited partnerships included in accumulated other comprehensive income

     352        3,896  

Investment basis differences

     484        1,034  

Deferred acquisition costs

     2,941        642  

Depreciation and amortization

     119        —    

Other

     805        208  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     14,738        15,768  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net deferred tax assets

   $ 40,957      $ 34,687  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities listed in the table above relate to temporary differences between the Company’s accounting and tax carrying values and carryforwards for its companies in the United States.

Management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be completely utilized in future years. As a result, the Company has not recorded a valuation allowance at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

The Company has an alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforward of $11.0 million and $10.9 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which can be carried forward indefinitely. The Company has a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of $3.2 million, as of December 31, 2016, which will expire in 2036 and a NOL carryforward of $1.9 million, as of December 31, 2015. The Company has a Section 163(j) (“163(j)”) carryforward of $8.1 million and $3.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which can be carried forward indefinitely. The 163(j) carryforward is for disqualified interest paid or accrued to a related entity that is not subject to U.S. tax.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company and some of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years before 2013.

Should the Company’s subsidiaries that are subject to income taxes imposed by the U.S. authorities pay a dividend to their foreign affiliates, withholding taxes would apply. The Company has not recorded deferred taxes for potential withholding tax on undistributed earnings. The Company believes, although there can be no assurances, that it qualifies for treaty benefits under the Tax Convention with Luxembourg and would be subject to a 5% withholding tax if it were to pay a dividend. Determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these undistributed earnings is not practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation. In December, 2014, Global Indemnity Group, Inc. paid a dividend of $125 million to U.A.I. (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. and paid a 5% withholding tax of $6.3 million. The Company did not pay any dividends from a U.S. subsidiary to a foreign affiliate during 2016 or 2015.

The Company applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties whereby it only recognizes those tax benefits that have a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits during 2016 or 2015.

The Company classifies all interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense. The Company did not incur any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. As of December 31, 2016, the Company did not record any liabilities for tax-related interest and penalties on its consolidated balance sheets.

 

11. Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Starting on December 31, 2016, and for future annual reporting periods, the Company has enhanced its disclosure regarding liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses by presenting development tables for incurred claims and paid claims, the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age and a reconciliation of incurred and paid claims development information to the unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses on the balance sheet.

The incurred and paid claims tables are aggregated by lines of business that have similar payout patterns. In the case of Global Indemnity, payout patterns are generally similar for property lines within their respective segments and for casualty lines within their respective segments.

The tables are shown net of reinsurance and by accident year. The incurred claims tables include incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) liabilities. The incurred claims tables also include quantitative information about claim frequency.

Information regarding liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses that had been provided in prior year end reporting periods are consistent with the disclosures made in such prior year end reporting periods.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Consolidated Activity

Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015     2014  

Balance at beginning of period

   $  680,047     $  675,472     $  779,466  

Less: Ceded reinsurance receivables

     108,130       123,201       192,491  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at beginning of period

     571,917       552,271       586,975  

Purchased reserves, gross

     2,007       89,489       —    

Less: Purchased reserves ceded

     (45     12,800       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Purchase reserves, net of third party reinsurance

     2,052       76,689       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses related to:

      

Current year

     321,255       310,066       153,994  

Prior years

     (57,252     (34,698     (16,433
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

     264,003       275,368       137,561  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses related to:

      

Current year

     177,006       164,058       55,485  

Prior years

     140,363       168,353       116,780  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total paid losses and loss adjustment expenses

     317,369       332,411       172,265  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at end of period

     520,603       571,917       552,271  

Plus: Ceded reinsurance receivables

     130,439       108,130       123,201  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 651,042     $ 680,047     $ 675,472  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

When analyzing loss reserves and prior year development, the Company considers many factors, including the frequency and severity of claims, loss trends, case reserve settlements that may have resulted in significant development, and any other additional or pertinent factors that may impact reserve estimates.

During 2016, the Company reduced its prior accident year loss reserves by $57.3 million, which consisted of a $43.8 million decrease related to Commercial Lines and a $13.5 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations.

The $43.8 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Commercial Lines primarily consisted of the following:

 

   

Property: A $0.8 million increase in aggregate with a $0.5 million increase in the non-catastrophe segments and $0.3 million increase in the catastrophe segments. The increases reflect higher than expected case incurred emergence, primarily in the 2009, 2012, and 2015 accident years. The increases were partially offset by decreases in the 2008, 2011, and 2013 accident years due to better than expected case incurred emergence in those accident years.

 

   

General Liability: A $43.8 million reduction in aggregate, within the casualty lines, with $9.4 million of favorable development in the construction defect reserve category and $34.4 million of favorable development in the other general liability reserve categories. For the construction defect reserve category, lower than expected frequency and severity led to favorable development in accident years 2005 through 2015. Lower than expected claims severity was the driver of the favorable development in the other general liability reserve categories, primarily in the 2004 through 2014 accident years.

 

   

Marine: A $1.4 million decrease in accident years 2010 through 2012 was driven by less than expected case incurred emergence in these years which is primarily within the casualty lines.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The $13.5 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Reinsurance Operations was primarily from the property lines for accident years 2010 through 2015. Ultimate losses were lowered in these accident years based on reviews of the experience reported from cedants.

During 2015, the Company reduced its prior accident year loss reserves by $34.7 million, which consisted of a $25.6 million decrease related to Commercial Lines and a $9.1 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations.

The $25.6 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Commercial Lines primarily consisted of the following:

 

   

General Liability: A $20.4 million reduction in aggregate, within the casualty lines, with $5.9 million of favorable development in the construction defect reserve category and $14.5 million of favorable development in the other general liability reserve categories. In the construction defect reserve category, a reduction in both claims frequency and severity was observed across several accident years which contributed to the recognition of favorable development primarily in accident years 2008 through 2014. For general liability excluding construction defect, lower than expected claims severity was experienced across multiple accident years leading to the recognition of favorable development in accident years 2004 through 2014.

 

   

Professional: A $6.2 million decrease in aggregate primarily related to better than anticipated claims frequency and severity in accident years 2006 through 2011 which is within the casualty lines.

The $9.1 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Reinsurance Operations was primarily driven by $6.8 million of favorable development in property mainly due to accident years 2011 through 2014 and $2.8 million of favorable development in the marine product mainly due to accident years 2010 and 2011, partially offset by adverse development of $1.0 million in workers compensation mainly due to accident year 2010. Ultimate losses from quota share underwriting years 2013 and prior were booked to the amount reported from cedants and reserve releases on legacy contracts due to better than anticipated case incurred emergence led to the recognition of favorable development.

During 2014, the Company reduced its prior accident year loss reserves by $16.4 million, which consisted of a $12.5 million decrease related to Commercial Lines and a $3.9 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations.

The $12.5 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Commercial Lines primarily consisted of the following:

 

   

Property: A $2.1 million increase due to higher than expected emergence on non-catastrophe claims primarily in accident years 2007, 2012, and 2013.

 

   

General Liability: A $3.1 million reduction, within the casualty lines, due to less than anticipated frequency in accident year 2001 and less than anticipated frequency and severity on claims from accident years 2007 through 2010 partially offset by greater than anticipated loss emergence in accident year 2013.

 

   

Asbestos and Environmental: A $7.1 million increase, within the casualty lines, related to policies written prior to 1990 as a result of recent severity being higher than expected due to faster erosion of underlying policy limits.

 

   

Professional: A $19.4 million reduction primarily due to expected loss emergence being much less than anticipated for accident years 2007 through 2011 which is within the casualty lines.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

   

Umbrella: A $2.7 million decrease primarily driven by less than anticipated frequency in accident years 2002 through 2007 which is within the casualty lines.

 

   

Commercial Auto: A $3.6 million increase primarily related to accident years 2011 through 2013 which is within the casualty lines. Larger vehicles were written prior to 2014 and industry loss development factors were used to project losses.

The $3.9 million reduction of prior accident year loss reserves related to Reinsurance Operations was primarily due to better than anticipated loss emergence on property lines partially offset by adverse development related to commercial auto and higher than anticipated severity on the Company’s marine product.

Prior to 2001, the Company underwrote multi-peril business insuring general contractors, developers, and sub-contractors primarily involved in residential construction that has resulted in significant exposure to construction defect (“CD”) claims. The Company’s reserves for CD claims are established based upon management’s best estimate in consideration of known facts, existing case law and generally accepted actuarial methodologies. However, due to the inherent uncertainty concerning this type of business, the ultimate exposure for these claims may vary significantly from the amounts currently recorded. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, gross reserves for CD claims were $54.5 million and $70.4 million, respectively, and net reserves for CD claims were $48.6 million and $62.2 million, respectively.

The Company has exposure to asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) claims. The asbestos exposure primarily arises from the sale of product liability insurance, and the environmental exposure arises from the sale of general liability and commercial multi-peril insurance. In establishing the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses related to A&E exposures, management considers facts currently known and the current state of the law and coverage litigation. Liabilities are recognized for known claims (including the cost of related litigation) when sufficient information has been developed to indicate the involvement of a specific insurance policy, and management can reasonably estimate its liability. In addition, liabilities have been established to cover additional exposures on both known and unasserted claims. Estimates of the liabilities are reviewed and updated regularly. Case law continues to evolve for such claims, and uncertainty exists about the outcome of coverage litigation and whether past claim experience will be representative of future claim experience. Included in net unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were IBNR reserves of $26.7 million, $26.0 million, and $26.4 million, respectively, and case reserves of approximately $3.2 million, $4.5 million, and $4.8 million, respectively, for known A&E-related claims.

The following table shows the Company’s gross reserves for A&E losses:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015     2014  

Gross reserve for A&E losses and loss adjustment expenses—beginning of period

   $ 53,824     $ 56,535     $ 50,155  

Plus: Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses—case reserves

     (669     2,666       4,333  

Plus: Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses—IBNR

     2,064       (2,663     7,340  

Less: Payments

     3,300       2,714       5,293  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross reserves for A&E losses and loss adjustment expenses—end of period

   $ 51,919     $ 53,824     $ 56,535  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table shows the Company’s net reserves for A&E losses:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016     2015     2014  

Net reserve for A&E losses and loss adjustment expenses—beginning of period

   $ 30,529     $ 31,185     $ 23,038  

Plus: Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses—case reserves

     (125     395       2,754  

Plus: Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses—IBNR

     631       (394     8,241  

Less: Payments

     1,145       657       2,848  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net reserves for A&E losses and loss adjustment expenses—end of period

   $ 29,890     $ 30,529     $ 31,185  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Establishing reserves for A&E and other mass tort claims involves more judgment than other types of claims due to, among other things, inconsistent court decisions, an increase in bankruptcy filings as a result of asbestos-related liabilities, and judicial interpretations that often expand theories of recovery and broaden the scope of coverage. The insurance industry continues to receive a substantial number of asbestos-related bodily injury claims, with an increasing focus being directed toward other parties, including installers of products containing asbestos rather than against asbestos manufacturers. This shift has resulted in significant insurance coverage litigation implicating applicable coverage defenses or determinations, if any, including but not limited to, determinations as to whether or not an asbestos-related bodily injury claim is subject to aggregate limits of liability found in most comprehensive general liability policies.

As of December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the survival ratio on a gross basis for the Company’s open A&E claims was 13.8 years, 15.0 years, and 10.8 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the survival ratio on a net basis for the Company’s open A&E claims was 19.3 years, 16.8 years, and 8.4 years, respectively. The survival ratio, which is the ratio of gross or net reserves to the 3-year average of annual paid claims, is a financial measure that indicates how long the current amount of gross or net reserves are expected to last based on the current rate of paid claims.

Line of Business Categories

The following is information, presented by lines of business with similar payout patterns, about incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2016, net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities included within the net incurred claims amounts.

The information about incurred and paid claims development for the years ended December 31, 2007 to 2015, is presented as supplementary unaudited information.

Commercial Lines

Property and Casualty Methodologies

Commercial Lines internal actuarial reserve reviews were completed for loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses (ALAE) separately for property excluding catastrophe experience, property catastrophes, and casualty reserve categories. The reserve reviews were completed with data through December, 2016. Actuarial methodologies, such as the Loss Development and Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods, were employed to develop estimates of ultimate Loss & ALAE for most reserve categories. Additional actuarial methodologies were employed to develop estimates of ultimate Loss & ALAE for mass tort and constructions defect reserve categories due to the unique characteristics of the exposures involved. Management’s ultimate selections were

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

based on the internal actuarial review and a third party actuarial review based on data through September 2016. A rollforward, performed by the aforementioned third party, was completed through December, 2016 to determine if there have been any significant changes in development. Case incurred is subtracted from the management selected ultimates to obtain the booked IBNR reserves. These methodologies are consistent with last year.

Commercial Lines cumulative claim frequency has been calculated at the claim level and includes claims closed without payment.

Commercial Lines—Property

(Dollars in thousands)

 

    

Incurred Claims and Allocated Claims
Adjustment Expenses,

Net of Reinsurance

        
     For the Years Ended December 31,      As of December 31, 2016  

Accident

Year

   2014      2015      2016      IBNR (1)      Cumulative Number
of Reported Claims
 
     (unaudited)      (unaudited)                       

2014

   $ 64,459      $ 65,529      $ 65,375      $ 3,247        6,388  

2015

        64,693        65,880        5,817        4,864  

2016

           63,632        11,855        4,047  
        

 

 

       
        Total      $ 194,887        
        

 

 

       

 

(1) Incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims

Commercial Lines—Property

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claims
Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
     For the Years Ended December 31,  

Accident

Year

   2014      2015      2016  
     (unaudited)      (unaudited)         

2014

   $ 45,771      $ 59,049      $ 61,085  

2015

        41,972        58,134  

2016

           39,994  
        

 

 

 

Total

 

     159,213  

All outstanding liabilities before 2014, net of reinsurance

 

     5,378  
        

 

 

 

Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 

   $ 41,052  
        

 

 

 

The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2016:

 

    Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred
Claims by Age,

Net of Reinsurance (Unaudited)
 

Year

  1     2     3  

Commercial Lines—Property

    65.5     22.4     3.1

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Commercial Lines—Casualty

(Dollars in thousands)

 

    Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance        
    For the Years Ended December 31,     As of December 31, 2016  

Accident

Year

  2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     IBNR (1)     Cumulative
Number of
Reported
Claims
 
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)                    

2007

  $ 222,751     $ 238,374     $ 240,974     $ 229,255     $ 219,709     $ 221,276     $ 215,716     $ 210,327     $ 208,412     $ 205,257     $ 11,119       8,690  

2008

      138,417       170,855       160,325       149,564       148,019       146,142       138,558       134,352       129,740       10,002       6,065  

2009

        93,748       96,956       104,518       104,803       104,392       96,206       92,666       89,939       9,537       3,774  

2010

          79,188       101,830       102,252       101,113       94,484       90,683       83,997       11,891       3,287  

2011

            115,441       117,602       117,288       115,193       109,420       96,761       18,682       3,478  

2012

              61,340       65,911       65,637       63,123       54,674       14,766       2,140  

2013

                63,807       68,089       66,855       65,220       14,390       2,278  

2014

                  61,325       58,873       56,620       19,267       2,089  

2015

                    55,628       55,141       24,547       1,715  

2016

                      52,228       37,773       1,247  
                   

 

 

     
                    Total     $ 889,577      
                   

 

 

     

 

(1) Incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims

Commercial Lines—Casualty

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claims Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance  
     For the Years Ended December 31,  

Accident

Year

   2007      2008      2009      2010      2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      2016  
     (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)         

2007

   $ 14,250      $ 46,819      $ 96,489      $ 136,203      $ 160,712      $ 174,488      $ 184,028      $ 188,162      $ 190,102      $ 191,564  

2008

        7,844        34,172        65,700        86,889        100,369        110,145        114,546        116,094        117,639  

2009

           5,564        19,154        37,653        53,738        65,721        71,108        73,831        76,413  

2010

              5,503        19,926        34,659        50,520        58,913        64,693        66,593  

2011

                 5,451        21,325        41,282        56,562        64,885        72,247  

2012

                    3,500        11,884        22,456        30,883        35,776  

2013

                       6,400        17,881        28,955        37,657  

2014

                          3,968        14,846        25,133  

2015

                             2,958        13,922  

2016

                                3,847  
                             

 

 

 
                             Total      $ 640,791  

All outstanding liabilities before 2007, net of reinsurance

 

     62,487  
                             

 

 

 

Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 

   $ 311,274  
                             

 

 

 

The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2016:

 

     Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of
Reinsurance (Unaudited)
 

Year

   1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10  

Commercial Lines—Casualty

     6.7     17.4     20.2     16.7     10.5     6.9     3.3     2.0     1.1     0.7

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Personal Lines

Property and Casualty Methodologies

Personal Lines internal actuarial reserve reviews were completed for loss and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) combined for property excluding catastrophe experience, property catastrophes, and casualty reserve categories. The reserve reviews were completed with data through December, 2016. Actuarial methodologies, such as the Loss Development and Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods, were employed to develop estimates of ultimate Loss & LAE. Management’s ultimate selections were based on the internal actuarial review and a third party actuarial review based on data through September 2016. A rollforward, performed by the aforementioned third party, was completed through December, 2016 to determine if there have been any significant changes in development. Case incurred is subtracted from the management selected ultimates to obtain the booked IBNR reserves. These methodologies are consistent with last year.

Personal lines are primarily comprised of business acquired in the purchase of American Reliable, which occurred on January 1, 2015. The acquisition included the purchase of the business of the legal entity as well as additional books of business written by other Assurant entities. In addition, ceding arrangements subsequent to the date of the acquisition are not consistent with years prior to the acquisition. As a result, it is not practical, nor would it be consistent, to include information for years prior to 2015 in the development tables for Personal Lines.

Personal Lines cumulative claim frequency has been calculated at the claim level and includes claims closed without payment.

Personal Lines—Property

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Incurred Claims and Allocated Claims
Adjustment Expenses, Net of
Reinsurance
        
     For the Years Ended
December 31,
     As of December 31, 2016  

Accident

Year

   2015      2016      IBNR (1)      Cumulative Number
of Reported Claims
 
     (unaudited)                       

2015

   $ 139,508      $ 137,611      $ 3,299        16,182  

2016

        144,916        14,179        15,724  
     

 

 

       
     Total      $ 282,527        
     

 

 

       

 

(1) Incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Personal Lines—Property

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claims Adjustment
Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
     For the Years Ended December 31,  

Accident

Year

   2015      2016  
     (unaudited)         

2015

   $ 109,953      $ 133,093  

2016

        121,548  
     

 

 

 
     Total        254,641  

All outstanding liabilities before 2015, net of reinsurance

 

     2,538  
     

 

 

 

Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 

   $ 30,424  
     

 

 

 

The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2016.

 

     Average Annual Percentage Payout of
Incurred Claims by Age,  Net of Reinsurance
(Unaudited)
 

Year

               1                              2               

Personal Lines—Property

     81.9     16.8

Personal Lines—Casualty

(Dollars in thousands)

 

    Incurred Claims and Allocated Claims
Adjustment Expenses, Net of  Reinsurance
             
    For the Years Ended December 31,     As of December 31, 2016  

Accident

Year

  2015     2016     IBNR (1)     Cumulative Number
of Reported Claims
 
    (unaudited)                    

2015

  $ 20,566     $ 21,986     $ 8,243       1,057  

2016

      23,390       16,465       745  
   

 

 

     
    Total     $ 45,376      
   

 

 

     

 

(1) Incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Personal Lines —Casualty

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claims Adjustment
Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
 
     For the Years Ended December 31,  

Accident

Year

   2015      2016  
     (unaudited)         

2015

   $ 3,817      $ 9,418  

2016

        3,795  
     

 

 

 
     Total        13,213  

All outstanding liabilities before 2015, net of reinsurance

 

     11,338  
     

 

 

 

Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 

   $ 43,500  
     

 

 

 

The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2016:

 

     Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred
Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (Unaudited)
 

Year

                      1                                          2                    

Personal Lines—Casualty

     16.8     25.5

Reinsurance Lines

Property & Casualty Methodologies

Reinsurance Operations internal reserve reviews were completed for loss and allocated loss adjustment expenses (ALAE) combined for run off treaties and the current book of business. The current book of business is constituted of professional liability portfolios and retrocessions from Bermuda based companies for property catastrophe, marine business, and mortgage insurance. The reserve reviews were completed based on the latest data reported from the cedants which is typically on a quarter lag. Paid loss, ALAE and Case reserves, shown in the reinsurance category tables below, which are originally based in a foreign currency, are remeasured in U.S. dollars based on the Foreign Exchange (FX) rate at the date the cedant’s report. Management’s ultimate selections were based on a review of ultimates reported from the cedants, a third party actuarial review based on data reported through September 2016, and loss emergence during the reporting period. Case incurred is subtracted from the management selected ultimates to obtain the booked IBNR reserves. These methodologies are consistent with last year.

The Company does not have direct access to claim frequency information underlying certain reinsurance contracts. As a result, the Company does not believe providing claim frequency information is practicable.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Reinsurance Lines—Property

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance         
     For the Years Ended December 31,      As of December 31,
2016
 

Accident

Year

   2010      2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      2016      IBNR (1)      Cumulative
Number
of

Reported
Claims
 
     (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)                       

2010

   $ 13,486      $ 15,041      $ 14,091      $ 14,562      $ 14,562      $ 14,562      $ 14,562      $ 248        —    

2011

        30,963        28,547        26,916        25,994        24,994        24,912        1,194        —    

2012

           10,388        10,578        9,279        8,579        8,497        616        —    

2013

              15,153        9,948        8,197        6,698        1,008        —    

2014

                 21,787        18,861        14,139        1,979        —    

2015

                    19,877        16,738        7,364        —    

2016

                       23,646        17,739        —    
                    

 

 

       
                    Total      $ 109,192        
                    

 

 

       

 

(1) Incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims

Reinsurance Lines—Property

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claims Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance  
     For the Years Ended December 31,  

Accident

Year

   2010      2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      2016  
     (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)         

2010

   $ 456      $ 11,678      $ 12,201      $ 14,043      $ 14,199      $ 14,231      $ 14,249  

2011

        12,044        19,274        20,698        22,060        22,426        22,771  

2012

           1,127        5,481        7,221        7,648        7,527  

2013

              723        4,008        5,835        5,111  

2014

                 2,243        9,035        10,460  

2015

                    742        5,163  

2016

                       2,071  
                    

 

 

 
                    Total        67,352  

All outstanding liabilities before 2010, net of reinsurance

 

     181  
                    

 

 

 

Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 

   $ 42,021  
                    

 

 

 

The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2016:

 

     Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age,
Net of Reinsurance (Unaudited)
 

Year

   1     2     3     4     5     6     7  

Reinsurance Lines—Property

     14.9     46.8     13.4     3.1     0.4     0.8     0.1

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Reinsurance Lines – Casualty

(Dollars in thousands)

 

    Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance        
    For the Years Ended December 31,     As of December 31,
2016
 

Accident

Year

  2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     IBNR (1)     Cumulative
Number of
Reported
Claims
 
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)                    

2007

  $ 3,645     $ 6,396     $ 6,359     $ 6,351     $ 6,352     $ 4,705     $ 4,931     $ 4,931     $ 3,894     $ 3,944     $ 529       —    

2008

      8,906       8,758       8,988       8,997       10,167       10,340       10,340       9,435       9,835       476       —    

2009

        20,706       23,818       25,444       30,533       30,850       31,340       31,419       31,453       391       —    

2010

          41,831       53,279       57,916       62,628       61,062       61,792       60,701       2,755       —    

2011

            45,726       48,846       44,692       47,980       46,510       43,657       2,860       —    

2012

              15,865       15,624       17,123       17,579       17,360       1,018       —    

2013

                1,224       1,262       1,172       1,013       927       —    

2014

                  1,988       2,095       2,060       1,995       —    

2015

                    2,908       2,911       2,782       —    

2016

                      3,626       3,627       —    
                   

 

 

     
                    Total     $ 176,560      
                   

 

 

     

 

(1) Incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims

Reinsurance Lines—Casualty

(Dollars in thousands)

 

    Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claims Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance  
    For the Years Ended December 31,  

Accident

Year

  2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016  
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)        

2007

  $ —       $ 78     $ 852     $ 1,811     $ 1,900     $ 2,452     $ 2,674     $ 2,678     $ 2,727     $ 2,733  

2008

        627       1,955       5,149       5,648       6,832       8,713       8,875       8,919  

2009

        1,986       9,759       11,064       12,597       13,652       15,104       30,141       31,019  

2010

          10,185       21,447       30,754       36,090       39,123       55,315       55,848  

2011

            7,968       20,072       28,495       36,020       38,907       39,815  

2012

              5,312       9,435       11,658       15,534       15,696  

2013

                123       50       62       65  

2014

                  88       47       50  

2015

                    107       128  

2016

                      —    
                   

 

 

 
                    Total     $ 154,273  

All outstanding liabilities before 2007, net of reinsurance

 

    —    
                   

 

 

 

Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

 

  $ 22,287  
                   

 

 

 

The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2016:

 

     Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance
(Unaudited)
 

Year

   1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10  

Reinsurance Lines—Casualty

     9.2     10.5     10.8     15.7     3.9     11.9     18.4     1.5     0.8     0.1

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 is as follows:

 

Net outstanding liabilities

  

Commercial Lines – Property

   $ 41,052  

Commercial Lines – Casualty

     311,274  

Personal Lines – Property

     30,424  

Personal Lines – Casualty

     43,500  

Reinsurance Lines – Property

     42,021  

Reinsurance Lines – Casualty

     22,287  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

     490,558  
  

 

 

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims

  

Commercial Lines – Property

   $ 6,439  

Commercial Lines – Casualty

     76,956  

Personal Lines – Property

     39,708  

Personal Lines – Casualty

     5,352  

Reinsurance Lines – Property

     —    

Reinsurance Lines – Casualty

     237  
  

 

 

 

Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims

     128,692  
  

 

 

 

Other outstanding liabilities

  

Commercial Lines

  

Ceded Allowance

     8,040  

Unallocated claims adjustment expenses

     17,795  

Purchase accounting adjustment

     (2,000

Loss Clearing

     (910

Personal Lines

  

Fronted business ceded to Assurant

     3,748  

Unallocated claims adjustment expenses

     4,685  

Loss Clearing

     (68

Reinsurance Lines

  

Unallocated claims adjustment expenses

     646  

Other

     (144
  

 

 

 

Total other outstanding liabilities

     31,792  

Total gross liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 651,042  
  

 

 

 

12. Debt

The Company’s outstanding debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

     December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015  

Margin Borrowing Facilities

   $ 66,646      $ 75,646  

7.75% Subordinated Notes due 2045

     96,497        96,388  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 163,143      $ 172,034  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Margin Borrowing Facilities

The Company has available two margin borrowing facilities. The borrowing rate for each facility is tied to LIBOR and was approximately 1.6% and 1.3% at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These facilities are due on demand. The borrowings are subject to maintenance margin, which is a minimum account balance that must be maintained. A decline in market conditions could require an additional deposit of collateral. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $85.9 million in securities were deposited as collateral to support borrowings. The amount borrowed against the margin accounts may fluctuate as routine investment transactions, such as dividends received, investment income received, maturities and pay-downs, impact cash balances. The margin facilities contain customary events of default, including, without limitation, insolvency, failure to make required payments, failure to comply with any representations or warranties, failure to adequately assure future performance, and failure of a guarantor to perform under its guarantee. The amount outstanding on the Company’s margin borrowing facilities was $66.6 million and $75.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company recorded interest expense related to the Margin Borrowing Facilities of approximately $1.0 million, $1.9 million, and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

7.75% Subordinated Notes due 2045

On August 12, 2015, the Company issued $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 2045 Subordinated Notes through an underwritten public offering.

The notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to 7.75%, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2015. The notes mature on August 15, 2045. The Company has the right to redeem the notes in $25 increments, in whole or in part, on and after August 15, 2020, or on any interest payment date thereafter, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption.

The notes are subordinated unsecured obligations and rank (i) senior to the Company’s existing and future capital stock, (ii) senior in right of payment to future junior subordinated debt, (iii) equally in right of payment with any unsecured, subordinated debt that the Company incurs in the future that ranks equally with the notes, and (iv) subordinate in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future senior debt. In addition, the notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries.

The subordinated notes do not require the maintenance of any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity, and do not contain provisions that would afford holders of the subordinated notes protection in the event of a sudden and dramatic decline in the Company’s credit quality resulting from any highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving the Company that may adversely affect holders. The subordinated notes do not restrict the Company in any way, now or in the future, from incurring additional indebtedness, including senior indebtedness that would rank senior in right of payment to the subordinated notes. There is no right of acceleration of maturity of the subordinated notes in the case of default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the subordinated notes or in the performance of any other obligation of the Company under the notes or if the Company defaults on any other debt securities. Holders may accelerate payment of indebtedness on the notes only upon the Company’s bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. AM Best, which provides the Company’s industry rating, is giving the Company a 30% equity credit on the notes due to their 30 year maturity, as opposed to treating the notes entirely as debt.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company incurred $3.7 million in deferred issuance costs associated with the notes, which is being amortized over the term of the notes. Interest expense, including amortization of deferred issuance costs, recognized on the notes was $7.9 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The following table represents the amounts recorded for the 7.75% subordinated notes as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

     December 31, 2016  
     Outstanding
Principal
     Unamortized Debt
Issuance Costs
     Net Carrying
Amount
 

7.75% Subordinated Notes due 2045

   $ 100,000      $ (3,503    $ 96,497  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2015  
     Outstanding
Principal
     Unamortized Debt
Issuance Costs
     Net Carrying
Amount
 

7.75% Subordinated Notes due 2045

   $ 100,000      $ (3,612    $ 96,388  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

13. Shareholders’ Equity

On November 7, 2016, Global Indemnity plc, an Irish public limited company, and Global Indemnity Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company, completed the previously disclosed scheme of arrangement under Irish law (the “Scheme of Arrangement”) that effected a transaction (the “Redomestication”) that resulted in the shareholders of Global Indemnity plc becoming shareholders of Global Indemnity Limited, and Global Indemnity plc becoming a subsidiary of Global Indemnity Limited. In accordance with the terms of the Scheme of Arrangement, the following steps occurred effectively simultaneously on November 7, 2016:

 

  1. 13,463,864 shares of Global Indemnity plc A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, which represent all of the existing A ordinary shares excluding the treasury shares held by Global Indemnity plc and A shares held by Global Indemnity Limited, and 4,133,366 Global Indemnity plc B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, (together, the “Global Indemnity plc ordinary shares”) were cancelled. The treasury shares of Global Indemnity plc were not subject to the scheme. The carrying value of the Global Indemnity plc treasury shares, $103.2 million, were offset against the Additional Paid-in Capital account of Global Indemnity Limited, according to the Company’s policy regarding the treatment of treasury shares;

 

  2. the reserves created on the cancellation of the Global Indemnity plc ordinary shares were used to issue 17,597,230 Global Indemnity plc ordinary shares to Global Indemnity Limited; and

 

  3. in return for such issuance of new Global Indemnity plc ordinary shares to Global Indemnity Limited, Global Indemnity Limited issued 13,463,864 A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, and 4,133,366 Global Indemnity Limited B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (together the “Global Indemnity Limited ordinary shares”), to the former stockholders of Global Indemnity plc. Each shareholder received one Global Indemnity Limited A ordinary share for each Global Indemnity plc A ordinary share owned by such shareholder prior to the Scheme of Arrangement and one Global Indemnity Limited B ordinary share for each Global Indemnity plc B ordinary share owned by such shareholder prior to the Scheme of Arrangement.

 

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Prior to the Redomestication, the Global Indemnity plc A ordinary shares were listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “GBLI” and registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In connection with the Redomestication, Global Indemnity plc requested that Nasdaq file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an application to strike the Global Indemnity plc A ordinary shares from listing on Nasdaq and the Global Indemnity plc A ordinary shares from registration under the Exchange Act.

The Global Indemnity Limited ordinary shares are deemed registered under the Exchange Act. The Global Indemnity Limited A ordinary shares began trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “GBLI,” the same symbol under which the Global Indemnity plc ordinary shares previously traded, at the opening of Nasdaq on November 7, 2016.

Dividend Restriction

The ability of Global Indemnity Limited to pay dividends is subject to Cayman Island regulations. Under Cayman Islands law, dividends and distributions may only be made from distributable reserves or from amounts standing to the credit of the Company’s share premium account, together with any reserve established by the revaluation of the Company’s asset, subject to the ability of the Company to meet its obligations in the ordinary course as they fall due. Distributable reserves represents the accumulated realized profits and losses of Global Indemnity Limited on a standalone basis, which is $368.3 million as of December 31, 2016. Share premium represents the excess of the consideration paid upon the initial issuance of any share over the par value. As of December 31, 2016, share premium was $430.3 million. Reserves established by the revaluation of the Company’s asset were ($0.6) million as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, the maximum dividends and distributions allowable under Cayman Island law is $797.9 million.

Since the Company is a holding company and has no direct operations, its ability to pay dividends depends, in part, on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends. Global Indemnity Reinsurance and the U.S. insurance subsidiaries are subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting their ability to declare and pay dividends. See Note 19 for additional information regarding dividend limitations imposed on Global Indemnity Reinsurance and the U.S. insurance subsidiaries.

Repurchases and Redemptions of the Company’s Ordinary Shares

The Company allows employees to surrender A ordinary shares as payment for the tax liability incurred upon the vesting of restricted stock that was issued under the Company’s share incentive plan in effect at the time of issuance. During 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company purchased an aggregate of 28,099, 11,895 and 5,444, respectively, of surrendered A ordinary shares from its employees for $0.8 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively. All shares purchased from employees by the Company are held as treasury stock and recorded at cost until formally retired by the company.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table provides information with respect to the A ordinary shares that were surrendered, repurchased, or redeemed in 2016:

 

Period (1)

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased or
Redeemed
    Average
Price Paid
Per Share
     Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced

Plan or Program
     Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
 

A ordinary shares:

          

January 1 – 31, 2016

     12,410 (2)    $ 29.02        —          —    

February 1 – 29, 2016

     15,093 (2)    $ 28.25        —          —    

May 1 – 31, 2016

     596 (2)    $ 30.56        —          —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

     28,099     $ 28.64        —       
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

(1) Based on settlement date.
(2) Surrendered by employees as payment of taxes withheld on the vesting of restricted stock.

There were no B ordinary shares that were surrendered, repurchased, or redeemed in 2016.

On October 29, 2015, Global Indemnity entered into a redemption agreement with certain affiliates of Fox Paine & Company and agreed to redeem 8,260,870 of its ordinary shares for $190.0 million in the aggregate from affiliates of Fox Paine & Company. Global Indemnity also acquired rights, expiring December 31, 2019, to redeem an additional 3,397,031 ordinary shares for $78.1 million, which is subject to an annual 3% increase. After giving effect to the share redemptions and regardless of whether or not the additional redemption rights are exercised, affiliates of Fox Paine & Company will continue to have the ability to cast a majority of votes on matters submitted to Global Indemnity shareholders for approval.

The following table provides information with respect to ordinary shares that were surrendered, repurchased, or redeemed in 2015:

 

Period (1)

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased or
Redeemed
    Average
Price Paid
Per Share
     Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced

Plan or Program
     Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
 

A ordinary shares:

          

January 1 – 31, 2015

     9,009 (2)    $ 28.37        —          —    

March 1 – 31, 2015

     2,290 (2)    $ 26.98        —          —    

May 1 – 31, 2015

     596 (2)    $ 27.01        —          —    

November 1 – 30, 2015

     8,260,870 (3)    $ 23.00        —          —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

     8,272,765     $ 23.01        —       
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

(1) Based on settlement date.
(2) Surrendered by employees as payment of taxes withheld on the vesting of restricted stock.
(3) Of these shares, 7,928,004 shares were converted from B ordinary shares to A ordinary shares. Of the 7,928,004 converted shares, 4,555,061 were redeemed and 3,372,943 went into a liquidating trust.

Other than the 7,928,004 B ordinary shares that were converted to A ordinary shares as noted above, no additional B ordinary shares were surrendered, repurchased or redeemed in 2015.

 

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14. Related Party Transactions

Fox Paine & Company

As of December 31, 2016, Fox Paine & Company beneficially owned shares having approximately 84% of the Company’s total outstanding voting power. Fox Paine & Company has the right to appoint a number of the Company’s Directors equal in aggregate to the pro rata percentage of the voting shares of the Company beneficially held by Fox Paine & Company for so long as Fox Paine & Company holds an aggregate of 25% or more of the voting power in the Company. Fox Paine & Company controls the election of all of the Company’s Directors due to its controlling share ownership. The Company’s Chairman is a member of Fox Paine & Company. The Company relies on Fox Paine & Company to provide management services and other services related to the operations of the Company.

Global Indemnity Reinsurance was a limited partner in Fox Paine Capital Fund, II, which was managed by Fox Paine & Company. This investment was originally made by United National Insurance Company in June 2000 and pre-dates the September 5, 2003 acquisition by Fox Paine of Wind River Investment Corporation, which was the predecessor holding company for United National Insurance Company. In connection with the Company’s share redemption in 2015, Global Indemnity Reinsurance elected to redeem its shares in Fox Paine Capital Fund II, and as a result, the Company no longer held an interest in Fox Paine Capital Fund II as of November 10, 2015. All of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s allocable Global Indemnity plc shares that were held by Fox Paine Capital Fund, II were transferred into a new unrelated liquidating partnership.

There were no distributions received from Fox Paine Capital Fund II during the year ended December 31, 2016 or 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company received a distribution of $0.8 million from Fox Paine Capital Fund II.

The Company relies on Fox Paine & Company to provide management services and other services related to the operations of the Company. Starting in 2014, this fee is adjusted annually to reflect the percentage change in the CPI-U. In addition, the payment of the annual management fee will be deferred until a change of control or September, 2018, whichever occurs first, and is subject to an annual adjustment equal to the rate of return the Company earns on its investment portfolio. Management fee expense of $2.1 million, $1.9 million, and $1.9 million was incurred during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, unpaid management fees, which were included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, were $4.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

In connection with the acquisition of American Reliable, the Company agreed to pay to Fox Paine & Company an investment banking fee of 3% of the amount paid plus the additional capital required to operate American Reliable on a standalone basis and a $1.5 million investment advisory fee, which in the aggregate, totaled $6.5 million. This amount was included in corporate and other operating expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2015. As payment for these fees, 267,702 A ordinary shares of Global Indemnity were issued under the Global Indemnity plc Share Incentive Plan in May, 2015. These shares cannot be sold until the earlier of five years after January 1, 2015 or a change of control. See Note 16 for additional information on the Company’s share incentive plans including the Global Indemnity plc Share Incentive Plan.

During 2015, the Company reimbursed Fox Paine & Company $1.2 million for expenses related to the redemption of the Company’s ordinary shares. See Note 13 for additional information on the share redemption.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Cozen O’Connor

The Company incurred $0.7 million, and $0.2 million for legal services rendered by Cozen O’Connor during the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Stephen A. Cozen, the chairman of Cozen O’Connor, was a member of the Company’s Board of Directors until he resigned on December 31, 2015.

Crystal & Company

During each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred $0.2 million in brokerage fees to Crystal & Company, an insurance broker. James W. Crystal, the chairman and chief executive officer of Crystal & Company, was a member of the Company’s Board of Directors until he resigned on July 24, 2016.

Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd.

Global Indemnity Reinsurance is a participant in two reinsurance agreements with Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd. (“Hiscox Bermuda”) while Steve Green, the President of Global Indemnity Reinsurance, was a member of Hiscox Bermuda’s Board of Directors. Steve Green was a member of the Hiscox Bermuda’s Board of Directors until May, 2014. The Company estimated that the following earned premium and incurred losses related to these agreements have been assumed by Global Indemnity Reinsurance from Hiscox Bermuda:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015      2014  

Assumed earned premium

   $ 27      $ 2,266      $ 6,383  

Assumed losses and loss adjustment expenses

     (527      509        763  

Net payable balances due from Global Indemnity Reinsurance under this agreement are as follows:

 

     As of December 31.  
(Dollars in thousands)        2016              2015      

Net payable balance

   $ (107    $ (110

 

15. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

In 2014, the Company entered into a $50 million commitment to purchase an alternative investment vehicle which is comprised of European non-performing loans. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has funded $34.3 million of this commitment leaving $15.7 million as unfunded.

In June, 2016, the Company entered into a $40 million commitment with an investment manager that provides financing for middle market companies. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has funded $30.9 million of this commitment leaving $9.1 million as unfunded.

Lease Commitments

Total rental expense under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $3.7 million, $3.5 million, and $2.6 million, respectively. Rent expense was net of sublease income of $0.02 million,

 

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$0.07 million, and $0.04 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2016, future minimum cash payments under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)       

2017

   $ 3,227  

2018

     3,185  

2019

     2,157  

2020

     117  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 8,686  
  

 

 

 

Legal Proceedings

The Company is, from time to time, involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains insurance and reinsurance coverage for such risks in amounts that it considers adequate. However, there can be no assurance that the insurance and reinsurance coverage that the Company maintains is sufficient or will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost. The Company does not believe that the resolution of any currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or taken as a whole, will have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

There is a greater potential for disputes with reinsurers who are in runoff. Some of the Company’s reinsurers’ have operations that are in runoff, and therefore, the Company closely monitors those relationships. The Company anticipates that, similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, it will continue to be subject to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary course of business.

Other Commitments

The Company is party to a Management Agreement, as amended, with Fox Paine & Company, whereby in connection with certain management services provided to it by Fox Paine & Company, the Company agreed to pay an annual management fee to Fox Paine & Company. See Note 14 above for additional information pertaining to this management agreement.

 

16. Share-Based Compensation Plans

The fair value method of accounting recognizes share-based compensation to employees and non-employee directors in the consolidated statements of operations using the grant-date fair value of the stock options and other equity-based compensation expensed over the requisite service and vesting period.

For the purpose of determining the fair value of stock option awards, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. An estimation of forfeitures is required when recognizing compensation expense which is then adjusted over the requisite service period should actual forfeitures differ from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized through a cumulative adjustment to compensation in the period of change.

The prescribed accounting guidance also requires tax benefits relating to excess stock-based compensation deductions to be prospectively presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows as financing cash inflows. The tax benefit resulting from stock-based compensation deductions in excess of amounts reported for financial reporting purposes was $0.1 million, $0.05 million, and $0.04 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Share Incentive Plan

On June 11, 2014, the Company’s Shareholders approved the Global Indemnity plc Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The previous share incentive plan, which became effective in 2003, expired per its terms on

 

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September 5, 2013. As a result of the redomestication, the Global Indemnity plc Share Incentive Plan’s sponsorship and existing obligations with respect to awards granted and outstanding were assumed by the Company and the Global Indemnity plc Share Incentive Plan was replaced with the Global Indemnity Limited Share Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to give the Company a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors by offering stock options, restricted shares and other stock-based awards. Under the Plan, the Company may grant up to 2.0 million A ordinary shares pursuant to grants under the Plan.

Options

Award activity for stock options granted under the Plan and the weighted average exercise price per share are summarized as follows:

 

     Time-Based
Options
    Performance-
Based  Options
    Total
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
 

Options outstanding at January 1, 2014

     412,500       —         412,500     $ 18.62  

Options issued

     325,000       —         325,000     $ 31.74  

Options forfeited

     (125,000     —         (125,000   $ 19.60  

Options exercised

     —         —         —         —    

Options expired

     —         —         —         —    

Options purchased by the Company

     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2014

     612,500       —         612,500     $ 25.38  

Options issued

     —         200,000       200,000     $ 28.37  

Options forfeited

     —         —         —         —    

Options exercised

     —         —         —         —    

Options expired

     (12,500     —         (12,500   $ 37.70  

Options purchased by the Company

     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2015

     600,000       200,000       800,000     $ 25.94  

Options issued

     —         —         —         —    

Options forfeited

     —         (200,000     (200,000   $ 28.37  

Options exercised

     —         —         —         —    

Options expired

     —         —         —         —    

Options purchased by the Company

     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2016

     600,000       —         600,000     $ 25.13  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options exercisable at December 31, 2016

     450,000       —         450,000     $ 22.71  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Of the 450,000 of options exercisable at December 31, 2016, 250,000 options are still subject to a clawback which is based on the remeasurement of accident year results on the third anniversary after the options provisionally vest.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company awarded 200,000 options with a strike price of $28.37 which were subsequently forfeited during the year ended December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 325,000 Time-Based Options under the Plan. Of these options, 25,000 were forfeited during 2014. The remaining 300,000 stock options were issued to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. See below for vesting schedule related to this stock award.

 

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The Company recorded $0.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million of compensation expense for stock options outstanding under the Plan in each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

The Company did not receive any proceeds from the exercise of options during 2016, 2015 or 2014 under the Plan.

Amortization expense related to options outstanding is anticipated to be $0.3 million in 2017.

Option intrinsic values, which are the differences between the fair value of $38.21 at December 31, 2016 and the strike price of the option, are as follows:

 

     Number
of Shares
     Weighted
Average
Strike Price
    Intrinsic
Value
 

Outstanding

     600,000      $ 25.13     $ 7.9 million  

Exercisable

     450,000      $ 22.71 (1)    $ 7.0 million  

Exercised (1)

     —          —         —    

 

(1) The intrinsic value of the exercised options is the difference between the fair market value at time of exercise and the strike price of the option.

The options exercisable at December 31, 2016 include the following:

 

Option Price

   Number of options
exercisable
 

$17.87

     300,000  

$32.38

     150,000  
  

 

 

 

Options exercisable at December 31, 2016

     450,000  
  

 

 

 

There were no options granted under the Plan in 2016. The weighted average fair value of options granted under the Plan was $8.69 and $7.92 in 2015 and 2014, respectively, using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions.

 

     2015     2014  

Dividend yield

     0.0     0.0

Expected volatility

     31.59     37.7

Risk-free interest rate

     1.7     1.7

Expected option life

     5.0 years       6.9 years  

The following tables summarize the range of exercise prices of options outstanding at December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:

 

Ranges of

Exercise Prices

   Outstanding at
December 31, 2016
    Weighted Average Per
Share Exercise Price
     Weighted Average
Remaining Life
 

$17.87 – $19.99

     300,000     $ 17.87        4.7 years  

$20.00 – $29.99

     —         —          N/A  

$30.00 – $37.70

     300,000 (1)    $ 32.38        7.1 years  
  

 

 

      

Total

     600,000       
  

 

 

      

 

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(1)—the weighted average per share exercise price on these shares outstanding is variable. See note below under Chief Executive Officer for additional information.

 

Ranges of

Exercise Prices

   Outstanding at
December 31, 2015
    Weighted Average Per
Share Exercise Price
     Weighted Average
Remaining Life
 

$17.87 – $19.99

     300,000     $ 17.87        5.7 years  

$20.00 – $29.99

     200,000     $ 28.37        9.0 years  

$30.00 – $37.70

     300,000 (1)    $ 32.38        8.1 years  
  

 

 

      

Total

     800,000       
  

 

 

      

(1)—the weighted average per share exercise price on these shares outstanding is variable. See note below under Chief Executive Officer for additional information.

 

Ranges of

Exercise Prices

   Outstanding at
December 31, 2014
    Weighted Average Per
Share Exercise Price
     Weighted Average
Remaining Life
 

$17.87 – $19.99

     300,000     $ 17.87        6.7 years  

$20.00 – $29.99

     —         —          N/A  

$30.00 – $37.70

     312,500 (1)    $ 32.59        8.8 years  
  

 

 

      

Total

     612,500       
  

 

 

      

(1)—the weighted average per share exercise price on 300,000 of these shares outstanding is variable. See note below under Chief Executive Officer for additional information.

Restricted Shares

In addition to stock option grants, the Plan also provides for the granting of restricted shares to employees and non-employee Directors. The Company recognized compensation expense for restricted stock of $3.2 million, $3.5 million and $2.6 million for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation expense for the non-vested restricted stock is $2.9 million at December 31, 2016, which will be recognized over a weighted average life of 1.4 years.

The following table summarizes the restricted stock grants since the 2003 inception of the previous share incentive plan.

 

     Restricted Stock Awards  

Year

   Employees      Directors      Total  

Inception through 2013

     711,068        405,280        1,116,348  

2014

     95,694        36,608        132,302  

2015

     138,507        36,321        174,828  

2016

     121,346        35,185        156,531  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,066,615        513,394        1,580,009  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the non-vested restricted shares activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:

 

     Number of
Shares
     Weighted
Average
Price
Per Share
 

Non-vested Restricted Shares at January 1, 2014

     98,121      $ 21.48  

Shares issued

     132,302      $ 25.67  

Shares vested

     (57,017    $ 24.29  

Shares forfeited

     (1,131    $ 22.13  
  

 

 

    

Non-vested Restricted Shares at December 31, 2014

     172,275      $ 23.76  

Shares issued

     174,828      $ 28.24  

Shares vested

     (70,503    $ 25.31  

Shares forfeited

     (16,695    $ 24.11  
  

 

 

    

Non-vested Restricted Shares at December 31, 2015

     259,905      $ 26.33  

Shares issued

     156,531      $ 29.44  

Shares vested

     (111,205    $ 26.11  

Shares forfeited

     (5,633    $ 27.25  
  

 

 

    

Non-vested Restricted Shares at December 31, 2016

     299,598      $ 28.02  
  

 

 

    

Based on the terms of the Restricted Share grants, all forfeited shares revert back to the Company.

During 2014, the Company granted an aggregate of 95,694 A ordinary shares to key employees at a weighted average grant date fair value of $25.37 per share under the Plan. Of the shares granted in 2014, 5,671 were granted to a key employee and vest 33 1/3% on each subsequent anniversary date of the award for a period of three years and 11,857 were granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and vest 33 1/3% on each subsequent anniversary date of the grant for a period of three years subject to an accident year true-up of bonus year underwriting results as of the third anniversary of the grant. The remaining 78,166 shares were granted to key employees and will vest as follows:

 

   

16.5%, 16.5%, and 17.0% of the granted stock vest on the first, second, and third anniversary of the grant, respectively.

 

   

50% of granted stock vests 100% on the third anniversary of the grant subject to accident year true-up of bonus year underwriting results and are subject to Board approval.

During 2014, the Company granted 36,608 A ordinary shares, at a weighted average grant date fair value of $26.46 per share, to non-employee directors of the Company under the Plan. As noted above, an additional 18,838 A ordinary shares were issued to non-employee directors on June 12, 2014. These shares were earned by non-employee directors prior to January 1, 2014 and were conditioned on shareholders’ approval of the Plan at the Company’s June 11, 2014 annual shareholder meeting. The shareholders approved the plan at the June 11, 2014 annual shareholder meeting.

During 2015, the Company granted an aggregate of 138,507 A ordinary shares to key employees at a weighted average grant date fair value of $28.37 per share under the Plan. Of the shares granted in 2015, 10,574 were granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and vest 33 1/3% on each subsequent anniversary date of the grant for a period of three years subject to an accident year true-up of bonus year underwriting results as of the third anniversary of the grant and an additional 44,058 shares were granted to the Company’s Chief Executive

 

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Officer and other key employees which vest 100% on January 1, 2018. The remaining 83,875 shares were granted to key employees and will vest as follows:

 

   

16.5%, 16.5%, and 17.0% of the granted stock vest on the first, second, and third anniversary of the grant, respectively.

 

   

50% of granted stock vests 100% on the third anniversary of the grant subject to calendar year true-up of bonus year underwriting results and are subject to Board approval.

During 2015, the Company granted 36,321 A ordinary shares, at a weighted average grant date fair value of $27.73 per share, to non-employee directors of the Company under the Plan.

During 2016, the Company granted an aggregate of 121,346 A ordinary shares to key employees at a weighted average grant date fair value of $28.97 per share under the Plan. Of the shares granted in 2016, 11,199 were granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and vest 33 1/3% on each subsequent anniversary date of the grant for a period of three years subject to true-up of bonus year underwriting results as of the third anniversary of the grant. 5,309 shares were granted to another key employee and vest 100% on February 7, 2019. 8,253 shares were granted to other key employees and vest 33% on the first and second anniversary of the grant and vest 34% on the third anniversary of the grant contingent on meeting certain performance objectives and subject to Board approval. The remaining 96,585 shares were granted to key employees and will vest as follows:

 

   

16.5%, 16.5%, and 17.0% of the granted stock vest on the first, second, and third anniversary of the grant, respectively.

 

   

50% of granted stock vests 100% on the third anniversary of the grant subject to true-up of bonus year underwriting results and are subject to Board approval.

During 2016, the Company granted 35,185 A ordinary shares, at a weighted average grant date fair value of $31.05 per share, to non-employee directors of the Company under the Plan.

All of the shares granted to non-employee directors in 2016, 2015, and 2014 were fully vested but subject to certain restrictions.

Chief Executive Officer

Effective September 19, 2011, Cynthia Y. Valko was hired as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Ms. Valko’s terms of employment included two equity components including the granting of 300,000 stock options with a strike price equal to the closing price of the Company’s shares on the trading day preceding the start date, or $17.87 per share, and an annual bonus opportunity of which 50% shall be paid in restricted shares based on the market value of the Company’s shares as of December 31 of the subject bonus year. The stock options vested 33 1/3% on December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The restricted shares vest 33 1/3% on each anniversary of the subject bonus year. All equity components based on performance are subject to accident year true-up of bonus year underwriting results and are subject to Board approval.

In 2014, Ms. Valko was awarded an additional 300,000 stock options. The stock options vest as follows: 20% vested on December 31, 2015, 30% vested on December 31, 2016, and the remaining 50% vest on December 31, 2017 and are based on achieving underwriting income, premium volume, and underwriting profitability targets, subject to an accident year true up on the 3rd anniversary of each such year. Vesting of the stock options is subject to continued employment. The exercise price applicable to the Stock Options is $25.00 subject to

 

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adjustment based on the Company’s average year-end tangible book value per share, the average interest rate of certain Treasury bonds and the time period elapsed between January 1, 2014 and the date the stock options are exercised. The stock options were granted under and are subject to the terms of the Plan, as amended, subject to shareholder approval of such plan to the extent required to affect such grant under the plan.

 

17. 401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a 401(k) defined contribution plan that covers all eligible U.S. employees. Under this plan, the Company matches 100% of the first 6% contributed by an employee. Vesting on contributions made by the Company is immediate. Total expenses for the plan were $1.9 million, $2.0 million, and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

 

18. Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share have been computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding during the period.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)    2016      2015      2014  

Net income

   $ 49,868      $ 41,469      $ 62,856  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

        

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

     17,246,717        24,253,657        25,131,811  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per share

   $ 2.89      $ 1.71      $ 2.50  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

        

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

     17,547,061        24,505,851        25,331,420  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per share

   $ 2.84      $ 1.69      $ 2.48  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

A reconciliation of weighted average shares for basic earnings per share to weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share is as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2016      2015      2014  

Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share

     17,246,717        24,253,657        25,131,811  

Non-vested restricted stock

     187,526        148,669        100,546  

Options

     112,818        103,525        99,063  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share

     17,547,061        24,505,851        25,331,420  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average shares outstanding used to determine dilutive earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 do not include 300,000, 500,000, and 312,500 options, respectively, which were deemed to be anti-dilutive.

 

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The following table summarizes options which are deemed to be anti-dilutive at December 31, 2016:

 

Grant Date

   Expiration Date      Outstanding
Options
     Strike
Price
 

February 9, 2014

     February 9, 2024        300,000      $ 32.38  
     

 

 

    
        300,000     
     

 

 

    

 

19. Statutory Financial Information

GAAP differs in certain respects from Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”) as prescribed or permitted by the various U.S. state insurance departments. The principal differences between SAP and GAAP are as follows:

 

   

Under SAP, investments in debt securities are primarily carried at amortized cost, while under GAAP the Company records its debt securities at estimated fair value.

 

   

Under SAP, policy acquisition costs, such as commissions, premium taxes, fees and other costs of underwriting policies are charged to current operations as incurred, while under GAAP such costs are deferred and amortized on a pro rata basis over the period covered by the policy.

 

   

Under SAP, certain assets designated as “Non-admitted assets” (such as prepaid expenses) are charged against surplus.

 

   

Under SAP, net deferred income tax assets are admitted following the application of specified criteria, with the resulting admitted deferred tax amount being credited directly to surplus.

 

   

Under SAP, certain premium receivables are non-admitted and are charged against surplus based upon aging criteria.

 

   

Under SAP, the costs and related receivables for guaranty funds and other assessments are recorded based on management’s estimate of the ultimate liability and related receivable settlement, while under GAAP such costs are accrued when the liability is probable and reasonably estimable and the related receivable amount is based on future premium collections or policy surcharges from in-force policies.

 

   

Under SAP, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums are reported net of the effects of reinsurance transactions, whereas under GAAP, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums are reported gross of reinsurance.

 

   

Under SAP, a provision for reinsurance is charged to surplus based on the authorized status of reinsurers, available collateral, and certain aging criteria, whereas under GAAP, an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance is established based on management’s best estimate of the collectability of reinsurance receivables.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) issues model laws and regulations, many of which have been adopted by state insurance regulators, relating to: (a) risk-based capital (“RBC”) standards; (b) codification of insurance accounting principles; (c) investment restrictions; and (d) restrictions on the ability of insurance companies to pay dividends.

The Company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries are required by law to maintain certain minimum surplus on a statutory basis, and are subject to regulations under which payment of a dividend from statutory surplus is restricted and may require prior approval of regulatory authorities. Applying the current regulatory restrictions as of December 31, 2016, the maximum amount of distributions that could be paid in 2017 by the United National insurance companies, the Penn-America insurance companies, and American Reliable as dividends under

 

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applicable laws and regulations without regulatory approval is approximately $17.8 million, $8.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively. The Penn-America insurance companies limitation includes $2.6 million that would be distributed to United National Insurance Company or its subsidiary Penn Independent Corporation based on the December 31, 2016 ownership percentages. United National Specialty Insurance Company paid a $12.0 million dividend to its parent company, Diamond State Insurance Company in September, 2016. The Penn-America insurance companies and American Reliable did not declare or pay any dividends in 2016. The maximum amount of distributions that can be paid in 2017 are not impacted by the $35.0 million in dividends that were paid on January 10, 2017, which were previously declared in 2015 by the United National insurance companies.

The NAIC’s RBC model provides a tool for insurance regulators to determine the levels of statutory capital and surplus an insurer must maintain in relation to its insurance and investment risks, as well as its reinsurance exposures, to assess the potential need for regulatory attention. The model provides four levels of regulatory attention, varying with the ratio of an insurance company’s total adjusted capital to its authorized control level RBC (“ACLRBC”). If a company’s total adjusted capital is:

 

  (a) less than or equal to 200%, but greater than 150% of its ACLRBC (the “Company Action Level”), the company must submit a comprehensive plan to the regulatory authority proposing corrective actions aimed at improving its capital position;

 

  (b) less than or equal to 150%, but greater than 100% of its ACLRBC (the “Regulatory Action Level”), the regulatory authority will perform a special examination of the company and issue an order specifying the corrective actions that must be followed;

 

  (c) less than or equal to 100%, but greater than 70% of its ACLRBC (the “Authorized Control Level”), the regulatory authority may take any action it deems necessary, including placing the company under regulatory control; and

 

  (d) less than or equal to 70% of its ACLRBC (the “Mandatory Control Level”), the regulatory authority must place the company under its control.

Based on the standards currently adopted, the Company reported in its 2016 statutory filings that the capital and surplus of the U.S. insurance companies are above the prescribed Company Action Level RBC requirements.

The following is selected information for the Company’s U.S. insurance companies, net of intercompany eliminations, where applicable, as determined in accordance with SAP:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  

(Dollars in thousands)

   2016      2015      2014  

Statutory capital and surplus, as of end of period

   $ 323,144      $ 318,101      $ 253,362  

Statutory net income (loss)

     35,618        48,633        36,003  

Global Indemnity Reinsurance must also prepare annual statutory financial statements. The Bermuda Insurance Act 1978 (the “Insurance Act”) prescribes rules for the preparation and substance of these statutory financial statements which include, in statutory form, a balance sheet, an income statement, a statement of capital and surplus and notes thereto. The statutory financial statements are not prepared in accordance with GAAP or SAP and are distinct from the financial statements prepared for presentation to Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s shareholders and under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981 (the “Companies Act”), which financial statements will be prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

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The principal differences between statutory financial statements prepared under the Insurance Act and GAAP are as follows:

 

   

Under the Insurance Act, policy acquisition costs, such as commissions, premium taxes, fees and other costs of underwriting policies are charged to current operations as incurred, while under GAAP such costs are deferred and amortized on a pro rata basis over the period covered by the policy.

 

   

Under the Insurance Act, prepaid expenses and intangible assets are charged to current operations as incurred, while under GAAP such costs are deferred and amortized on a pro rata basis.

 

   

Under the Insurance Act, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums are reported net of the effects of reinsurance transactions, whereas under GAAP, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums are reported gross of reinsurance.

Under the Companies Act, Global Indemnity Reinsurance may only declare or pay a dividend if it has no reasonable grounds for believing that it is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or if the realizable value of its assets would not be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is also prohibited, without the approval of the BMA, from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital as set out in its previous year’s statutory financial statements, and any application for such approval must include such information as the BMA may require. Based upon the total statutory capital plus the statutory surplus as set out in its 2016 statutory financial statements that will be filed in 2017, Global Indemnity Reinsurance could pay a dividend of up to $324.7 million without requesting BMA approval. Global Indemnity Reinsurance is dependent on receiving distributions from its subsidiaries in order to pay the full dividend in cash.

The following is selected information for Global Indemnity Reinsurance, net of intercompany eliminations, where applicable, as determined in accordance with the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015      2014  

Statutory capital and surplus, as of end of period

   $ 838,923      $ 713,842      $ 923,862  

Statutory net income (loss)

     32,768        864        44,593  

 

20. Segment Information

The Company manages its business through three business segments: Commercial Lines, managed in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, offers specialty property and casualty products designed for product lines such as Small Business Binding Authority, Property Brokerage, and Programs; Personal Lines, managed in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage; and Reinsurance Operations, managed in Bermuda, provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and primary writers including insurance and reinsurance companies.

On September 30, 2016, Diamond State Insurance Company sold all the outstanding shares of capital stock of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, United National Specialty Insurance Company, to an unrelated party. Diamond State Insurance Company received a one-time payment of $18.7 million and recognized a pretax gain of $6.9 million which is reflected in other income. This transaction will not have an impact on the Company’s ongoing business operations. Going forward, any business previously written by United National Specialty Insurance Company has been and will be written by other companies within the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations.

All three segments follow the same accounting policies used for the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For further disclosure regarding the Company’s accounting policies, please see Note 3.

 

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Prior to 2015, the Commercial Lines segment was known as Insurance Operations segment. With the acquisition of American Reliable, the Insurance Operations segment was renamed to Commercial Lines segment. American Reliable became the Company’s Personal Lines segment. For segment reporting, the values for 2014 did not change for Commercial Lines and Reinsurance Operations.

The following are tabulations of business segment information for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Corporate information is included to reconcile segment data to the consolidated financial statements.

 

2016:

(Dollars in thousands)

   Commercial
Lines (1)
    Personal
Lines (1)
    Reinsurance
Operations  (2)
    Total  

Revenues:

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 205,120     $ 300,888 (6)    $ 59,837     $ 565,845  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 184,911     $ 226,228     $ 59,801     $ 470,940  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 190,727     $ 236,170     $ 41,568     $ 468,465  

Other income (loss)

     7,472       3,097       (224     10,345  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     198,199       239,267       41,344       478,810  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Losses and Expenses:

        

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     74,996       174,933       14,074       264,003  

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     77,297 (3)      103,289 (4)      16,064       196,650  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from segments

   $ 45,906     $ (38,955   $ 11,206     $ 18,157  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unallocated Items:

        

Net investment income

           33,983  

Net realized investment gains

           21,721  

Corporate and other operating expenses

           (17,338

Interest expense

           (8,905
        

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

           47,618  

Income tax benefit

           2,250  
        

 

 

 

Net income

           49,868  
        

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 804,418     $ 456,654     $ 711,874 (5)    $ 1,972,946  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.
(2) External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.
(3) Includes federal excise tax of $523 relating to cessions from Commercial Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
(4) Includes federal excise tax of $1,181 relating to cessions from Personal Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
(5) Comprised of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s total assets less its investment in subsidiaries
(6) Includes $35,334 of business written by American Reliable that is ceded to insurance companies owned by Assurant under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement.

 

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2015:

(Dollars in thousands)

   Commercial
Lines (1)
    Personal
Lines (1)
    Reinsurance
Operations  (2)
    Total  

Revenues:

        

Gross premiums written

   $ 214,218     $ 326,282 (6)    $ 49,733     $ 590,233  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 197,526     $ 254,035     $ 49,683     $ 501,244  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 199,304     $ 253,048     $ 51,791     $ 504,143  

Other income (loss)

     621       2,872       (93     3,400  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     199,925       255,920       51,698       507,543  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Losses and Expenses:

        

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     97,530       163,986       13,852       275,368  

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     83,170 (3)      99,140 (4)      18,993       201,303  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from segments

   $ 19,225     $ (7,206   $ 18,853     $ 30,872  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unallocated Items:

        

Net investment income

           34,609  

Net realized investment losses

           (3,374

Corporate and other operating expenses

           (24,448

Interest expense

           (4,913
        

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

           32,746  

Income tax benefit

           8,723  
        

 

 

 

Net income

           41,469  
        

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 729,097     $ 510,503     $ 717,694 (5)    $ 1,957,294  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.
(2) External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.
(3) Includes federal excise tax of $1,051 relating to cessions from Commercial Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
(4) Includes federal excise tax of $1,265 relating to cessions from Personal Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
(5) Comprised of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s total assets less its investment in subsidiaries
(6) Includes $55,829 of business written by American Reliable that is ceded to insurance companies owned by Assurant under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement.

 

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2014:

(Dollars in thousands)

   Commercial
Lines (1)
    Reinsurance
Operations  (2)
    Total  

Revenues:

      

Gross premiums written

   $ 229,978     $ 61,275 (5)    $ 291,253  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums written

   $ 212,965     $ 60,216     $ 273,181  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

   $ 211,165     $ 57,354     $ 268,519  

Other income (loss)

     620       (65     555  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     211,785       57,289       269,074  

Losses and Expenses:

      

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     117,586       19,975       137,561  

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     88,983 (3)      20,636       109,619  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from segments

   $ 5,216     $ 16,678     $ 21,894  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Unallocated items:

      

Net investment income

         28,821  

Net realized investment gains

         35,860  

Corporate and other operating expenses

         (14,559

Interest expense

         (822
      

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

         71,194  

Income tax expense

         (8,338
      

 

 

 

Net income

       $ 62,856  
      

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,288,763     $ 641,270 (4)    $ 1,930,033  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.
(2) External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.
(3) Includes excise tax of $1,114 related to cessions from Commercial Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
(4) Comprised of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s total assets less its investment in subsidiaries.

 

21. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Taxes and Interest Paid

The Company paid the following net federal income taxes and interest for 2016, 2015, and 2014:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)    2016      2015      2014  

Federal income taxes paid

   $ 195      $ 104      $ 13,997  

Federal income taxes recovered

     4,889        2        136  

Interest paid

     8,771        3,926        804  

Non-Cash Activities

On January 1, 2015, Global Indemnity Group, Inc. acquired 100% of the voting equity interest of American Reliable. In conjunction with the acquisition, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Company were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)       

Fair value of assets acquired (including goodwill)

   $ 383,668  

Liabilities assumed

     283,871  

 

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22. New Accounting Pronouncements

The following are new accounting guidance issued in 2016 which have not yet been adopted.

In October, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance regarding intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Under current GAAP, the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers (intercompany sales) are deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through use. This is an exception to the principle in ASC 740, Income Taxes, that generally requires comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes. The new guidance eliminates the exception for all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory. As a result, a reporting entity would recognize the tax expense from the sale of the asset in the seller’s tax jurisdiction when the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of that transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Any deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer’s jurisdiction would also be recognized at the time of the transfer. The new guidance does not apply to intra-entity transfers of inventory. The income tax consequences from the sale of inventory from one member of a consolidated entity to another will continue to be deferred until the inventory is sold to a third party. The Company is still evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

In August, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance regarding the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments within the statements of cash flows. The new guidance addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Although the Company is still evaluating the impact of this new guidance, the Company does not anticipate it will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

In June, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance surrounding the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. For assets held at amortized cost basis, the new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of information for credit loss estimates. For available for sale debt securities, credit losses should be measured similar to current GAAP; however, the new guidance requires that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of this new guidance is permitted as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is still evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

In March, 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance surrounding stock compensation. The new guidance simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. Although the Company is still evaluating the impact of this new guidance, the Company does not anticipate it will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February, 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance regarding leases. The new guidance increases transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Although the Company is still evaluating the impact of this new guidance, the

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Company does not anticipate it will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

In January, 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance surrounding the accounting for financial instruments. The new guidance addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. In particular, the guidance requires equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in net income. It also simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of this new guidance is permitted as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is still evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

In May, 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from customers arising from the transfer of goods and services. New and enhanced disclosures will also be required. In 2016, the FASB issued several new accounting pronouncements which provided clarification to existing guidance surrounding revenue from contracts with customers. Long and short duration insurance contracts, which comprise the majority of the Company’s revenues, are excluded from this accounting guidance. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Although the Company is still evaluating the impact of this new guidance, the Company does not anticipate it will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

23. Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

An unaudited summary of the Company’s 2016 and 2015 quarterly performance is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2016  
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)    First
Quarter
     Second
Quarter
     Third
Quarter
     Fourth
Quarter
 

Net premiums earned

   $ 121,636      $ 117,804      $ 119,553      $ 109,472  

Net investment income

     9,746        6,562        8,795        8,880  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     (7,493      (3,492      1,928        30,778  

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     64,784        78,111        72,162        48,946  

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     52,090        48,542        48,129        47,889  

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,953        (11,468      10,598        46,535  

Net income (loss)

     7,125        (5,165      9,535        38,373  

Per share data—Diluted:

           

Net income (loss)

   $ 0.41      $ (0.30    $ 0.54      $ 2.18  

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2015  
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)    First
Quarter
     Second
Quarter
     Third
Quarter
     Fourth
Quarter
 

Net premiums earned

   $ 127,337      $ 128,877      $ 124,707      $ 123,222  

Net investment income

     8,241        9,141        8,852        8,375  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     (2,970      6,532        (10,778      3,842  

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses

     69,619        79,560        77,691        48,498  

Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses

     48,258        50,926        50,934        51,185  

Income before income taxes

     3,238        9,772        (9,727      29,463  

Net income

     6,794        11,117        (3,746      27,304  

Per share data—Diluted:

           

Net income

   $ 0.26      $ 0.43      $ (0.15    $ 1.30  

 

24. Subsequent events

On February 17, 2017, the Company transferred the margin borrowing facility, described above in footnote 12, to a new broker. As of the transfer date, the Company had borrowed $74.8 million. The borrowing rate is tied to the Fed Funds Effective rate and is currently less than 1%. Approximately $95.0 million in collateral was deposited to support the transfer. The borrowing is subject to a maintenance margin, which is a minimum account balance that must be maintained. A decline in market conditions could require an additional deposit of collateral. The margin borrowing facility contains events of default, including, without limitation, insolvency, breach of contract, assignment for the benefit of the Company’s creditors, failure to comply with any representations or warranties, and proceedings to suspend the Company’s business or license by any regulator or organization.

 

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Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

 

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2016, the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

   

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

   

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and Directors; and

 

   

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has assessed the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. The standard measures adopted by management in making its evaluation are the measures in the Internal Control Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

Based upon its assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2016, and that there were no material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of that date.

 

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Ernst & Young, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which has audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-K, has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. See “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” on page 167.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and

Shareholders of Global Indemnity Limited

We have audited Global Indemnity Limited’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the “COSO criteria”). Global Indemnity Limited’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Global Indemnity Limited maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Global Indemnity Limited as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016 of Global Indemnity Limited, and our report dated March 10, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 10, 2017

 

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Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, the Company’s definitive proxy statement relating to the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (“2016 Proxy Statement”).

 

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement.

 

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement.

 

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement.

 

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by the Company in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

  (1) The Financial Statements listed in the accompanying index on page 88 are filed as part of this report.

 

  (2) The Financial Statement Schedules listed in the accompanying index on page 88 are filed as part of this report.

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

  2.1    American Reliable SPA dated as of October 16, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 21, 2014 (File No. 001-34809)).
  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of Global Indemnity Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  3.2    Certificate of Incorporation of Change on Name of Global Indemnity Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  3.3    Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Global Indemnity Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  4.1    Specimen Share Certificate (evidencing the common shares of Global Indemnity Limited)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  4.2    Indenture, dated as of August 12, 2015, by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 12, 2015)(File No. 001-34809)).
  4.3    First Supplemental Indenture, dated November 7, 2016, among Global Indemnity Limited, Global Indemnity plc and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of August 12, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  4.4    Officers’ Certificate, dated August 12, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 12, 2015 (File No. 001-34809)).
  4.5    Form of 7.75% Subordinated Notes due 2045 (included in Exhibit 4.2) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 12, 2015 (File No. 001-34809)).
10.1*    Management Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2003, by and among United National Group, Ltd., Fox Paine & Company, LLC and The AMC Group, L.P. with related Indemnity Letter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-108857) filed on October 28, 2003)(File No. 000-50511)).

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.2*    Amendment No. 1 to the Management Agreement, dated as of May 25, 2006, by and among United America Indemnity, Ltd., Fox Paine & Company, LLC and Wind River Holdings, L.P., formerly The AMC Group, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2006) (File No. 000-50511)).
10.3*    Letter Agreement, dated March 16, 2011, assigning the 2003 Management Agreement (as amended) and related indemnity agreement, by and among United America Indemnity, Ltd., Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd. and Fox Paine & Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 000-34809)).
10.4*    Guaranties, dated March 15, 2011, provided by each of United America Indemnity, Ltd., Global Indemnity Reinsurance Company, Ltd., and Global Indemnity Group, Inc., in each case in favor of Fox Paine & Company, LLC, relating to the obligations of Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd. under the Letter Agreement, dated March 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 000-34809)).
10.5*    Amendment No. 3 to the Management Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2011, by and among Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd. and Fox Paine & Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-34809)).
10.6*    Amended and Restated Management Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2013, by and among Global Indemnity (Cayman) Ltd. and Fox Paine & Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 (File No. 001-34809)).
10.7*    Confirmation Letter, dated as of November 7, 2016, between Global Indemnity Limited, Global Indemnity plc, Global Indemnity (Cayman) Limited and Fox Paine & Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
10.8*    Reaffirmation Agreements, dated as of October 31, 2013, provided by each of United America Indemnity, Ltd., Global Indemnity Reinsurance Company, Ltd., and Global Indemnity Group, Inc. reaffirming the March 15, 2011 Guaranty Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 (File No. 001-34809)).
10.9*    Reaffirmation Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2016, by Global Indemnity Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
10.10*    Reaffirmation Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2016, by Global Indemnity Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8K-12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
10.11*    Amendment No. 1 and the Global Indemnity plc Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 28, 2015 (File No. 001-34809)).
10.12*    Global Indemnity Limited Share Incentive Plan, as amended and restated and effective as of November 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

  10.13*    Global Indemnity plc Annual Incentive Award Program, amended and restated effective July 2, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated July 2, 2010 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.14*    Deed Poll of Assumption for United America Indemnity, Ltd. Annual Incentive Award Program by Global Indemnity plc, dated July 2, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated July 2, 2010 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.15*    Global Indemnity Limited Annual Incentive Awards Program, as amended and restated and effective as of November 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.16*    Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated July 2, 2010, by and among Global Indemnity plc (as successor to United America Indemnity, Ltd.) and the signatories thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated July 2, 2010 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.17*    Assignment and Assumption Agreement relating to the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated July 2, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated July 2, 2010 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.18*    Amendment to the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2013, by and among Global Indemnity plc and the signatories thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2013 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.19*    Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2016, between Global Indemnity Limited and Global Indemnity plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.20*    Indemnification Agreement between United America Indemnity, Ltd. and Fox Paine Capital Fund II International L.P., dated July 2, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12b dated July 2, 2010 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.21*    Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2016, between Global Indemnity Limited, Global Indemnity plc and Fox Paine Capital Fund II International L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.22*    Form of Indemnification Agreement between United America Indemnity, Ltd. and certain directors and officers of Global Indemnity plc, dated July 2, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Current Report on form 8-K12B dated July 2, 2010 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.23*    Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of            , 2016, between Global Indemnity Limited, Global Indemnity plc, United America Indemnity, Ltd. and certain directors and officers of who may become a party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.24*    Employment Agreement, as amended, for William J. Devlin, Jr., dated October 24, 2005 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.14 of the Company’s amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 dated September 5, 2012 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.25*    Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement with William J. Devlin, Jr., dated November 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B (File No. 001-34809)).

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

  10.26*    Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2009, between Penn-America Insurance Company and Matthew B. Scott (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 000-50511)).
  10.27*    Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement with Matthew B. Scott, dated November 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.28*    Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2009, between United America Indemnity, Ltd. and Thomas M. McGeehan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 000-50511)).
  10.29*    Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement with Thomas M. McGeehan, dated November 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.30*    Executive Employment Agreement with Cynthia Y. Valko, dated November 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.31*    Executive Employment Term Sheet with Stephen Green, dated February 18, 2015 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.20 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.32*    Amendment to the Executive Employment Term Sheet with Stephen Green, dated November 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.33    Amended and Restated Institutional Account Agreement dated as of June 7, 2013 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.34    Amended and Restated Institutional Account Agreement dated as of May 28, 2014 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.22 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.35    Redemption Agreement, dated October 29, 2015, by and between Global Indemnity plc and the parties listed on Annex A thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 29, 2015)(File No. 001-34809)).
  10.36    Amended and Restated Additional Redemption Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2016, between Global Indemnity Limited, Global Indemnity plc and other parties listed therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.37    Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2016, among Global Indemnity Limited, Global Indemnity plc, Global Indemnity Group, Inc., American Bankers Insurance Group, Inc. and Assurant, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8K-12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  10.38    Deed Poll, dated as of November 7, 2016, by Global Indemnity Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K12B dated November 7, 2016 (File No. 001-34809)).
  21.1+    List of Subsidiaries.
  23.1+    Consent of Ernst and Young LLP.

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

  23.2+    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
  31.1+    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31.2+    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  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.
101.1+    The following financial information from Global Indemnity’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014; (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; and (vii) Financial Statement Schedules.

 

+ Filed or furnished herewith.
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.

 

Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED
By:   /s/      Cynthia Y. Valko        
Name:   Cynthia Y. Valko

Title:

  Chief Executive Officer

Date:

  March 10, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated below on March 10, 2017.

 

SIGNATURE

  

TITLE

/s/     Saul A. Fox        

Saul A. Fox

  

Chairman and Director

/s/     Cynthia Y. Valko        

Cynthia Y. Valko

  

Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director

/s/     Thomas M. McGeehan        

Thomas M. McGeehan

  

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/     Seth J. Gersch        

Seth J. Gersch

  

Director

/s/     John H. Howes        

John H. Howes

  

Director

/s/     Bruce Lederman        

Bruce Lederman

  

Director

/s/     Raphael de Balmann        

Raphael de Balmann

  

Director

/s/     Joseph W. Brown        

Joseph W. Brown

  

Director

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

SCHEDULE I—SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS—OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS

IN RELATED PARTIES

(In thousands)

 

     As of December 31, 2016  
     Cost *      Value      Amount
Included in
the Balance
Sheet
 

Type of Investment:

        

Fixed maturities:

        

United States government and government agencies and authorities

   $ 71,517      $ 72,047      $ 72,047  

States, municipalities, and political subdivisions

     155,402        156,446        156,446  

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

     506,842        505,651        505,651  

Public utilities

     24,949        24,847        24,847  

All other corporate bonds

     482,629        481,040        481,040  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

     1,241,339        1,240,031        1,240,031  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity securities:

        

Common stocks:

        

Public utilities

     8,881        9,146        9,146  

Industrial and miscellaneous

     110,634        111,411        111,411  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     119,515        120,557        120,557  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other long-term investments

     66,121        66,121        66,121  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 1,426,975      $ 1,426,709      $ 1,426,709  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Original cost of equity securities; original cost of fixed maturities adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts; original cost for other long-term investments adjusted for income or loss earned on investments in accordance with equity method of accounting. All amounts are shown net of impairment losses.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

SCHEDULE II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

(Parent Only)

Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

     Years Ended
December 31, 2016
 
ASSETS   

Fixed maturities

   $ 3,770  

Cash and cash equivalents

     91  

Intercompany note receivable (1)

     750,397  

Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries (1)

     292,195  

Receivable for Securities

     1  

Other assets

     59  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,046,513  
  

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

Liabilities:

  

Debt

   $ 96,497  

Intercompany notes payable (1)

     141,998  

Interest Payable

     990  

Due to affiliates (1)

     8,759  

Other liabilities

     318  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 248,562  
  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

      

Shareholders’ equity:

  

Ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value, 900,000,000 ordinary shares authorized; A ordinary shares issued and outstanding: 13,436,548; B ordinary shares issued and outstanding: 4,133,366

     2  

Preferred shares, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

      

Additional paid-in capital

     430,283  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

     (618

Retained earnings

     368,284  
  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     797,951  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,046,513  
  

 

 

 

 

(1) This item has been eliminated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY PLC

SCHEDULE II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

(Parent Only)

Balance Sheet

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

    Year Ended
December 31, 2015
 
ASSETS  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 2,185  

Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries (1)

    951,760  

Due from affiliates (1)

    3,645  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 957,590  
 

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

Liabilities:

 

Debt

  $ 96,388  

Intercompany notes payable (1)

    108,000  

Other liabilities

    3,221  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    207,609  
 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

     

Shareholders’ equity:

 

Ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value, 900,000,000 ordinary shares authorized; A ordinary shares issued and outstanding: 16,424,546 and 13,313,751, respectively; B ordinary shares issued and outstanding: 4,133,366

    3  

Deferred shares, €1 par value, 40,000 ordinary shares authorized, issued and outstanding (1)

    55  

Preferred shares, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

     

Additional paid-in capital

    529,872  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

    4,078  

Retained earnings

    318,416  

A ordinary shares in treasury, at cost: 3,110,795 shares

    (102,443
 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

    749,981  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 957,590  
 

 

 

 

 

(1) This item has been eliminated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

SCHEDULE II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (continued)

(Parent Only)

Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Revenues:

  

Net investment income

   $ 28  
  

 

 

 

Total revenues

     28  

Expenses:

  

Intercompany interest expense (1)

     198  

Other expenses

     1,833  
  

 

 

 

Loss before equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (2,003

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries (1)

     51,871  
  

 

 

 

Net income

     49,868  
  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

  

Unrealized holding losses

     (17

Equity in other comprehensive loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries (1)

     (4,679
  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (4,696
  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income, net of tax

   $ 45,172  
  

 

 

 

 

(1) This item has been eliminated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY PLC

SCHEDULE II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (continued)

(Parent Only)

Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
           2015                 2014        

Revenues:

    

Total revenues

   $ —       $ —    

Expenses:

    

Intercompany interest expense (1)

     1,296       1,296  

Other expenses

     8,203       4,484  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (9,499     (5,780

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries (1)

     50,968       68,636  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     41,469       62,856  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

    

Equity in other comprehensive loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries (1)

     (19,306     (30,644
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (19,306     (30,644
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income, net of tax

   $ 22,163     $ 32,212  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) This item has been eliminated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

SCHEDULE II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant—(continued)

(Parent Only)

Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 1  
  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities activities:

  

Proceeds from disposition of subsidiaries

     456  

Capital contribution to a subsidiary

     (450

Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities

     84  
  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

     90  
  

 

 

 

Net change in cash and equivalents

     91  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

      
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 91  
  

 

 

 

Supplemental Non-Cash Disclosure:

The Company did not receive any non-cash dividends during the years ended December 31, 2016.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY PLC

SCHEDULE II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant—(continued)

(Parent Only)

Statement of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
           2015                 2014        

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   $ 95,891     $ (1,598
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes

     100,000        

Debt issuance cost

     (3,659      

Purchases of A ordinary shares

     (333     (139

Tax benefit on share-based compensation expense

     10       37  

Redemption of ordinary shares

     (189,770      
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

     (93,752     (102
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and equivalents

     2,139       (1,700

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     46       1,746  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 2,185     $ 46  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Non-Cash Disclosure:

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received a non-cash dividend of $2.7 million and from one of its subsidiaries which was used to repay intercompany balances due. The Company did not receive any non-cash dividends during the year ended December 31, 2015.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

SCHEDULE III—SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Segment

   Deferred Policy
Acquisition  Costs
     Future
Policy  Benefits,
Losses, Claims And
Loss Expenses
     Unearned
Premiums
     Other Policy and
Benefits Payable
 

At December 31, 2016:

           

Commercial Lines

   $ 19,755      $ 458,645      $ 94,698      $ —   

Personal Lines

     28,381        127,350        157,464         

Reinsurance Operations

     9,765        65,047        34,822         

At December 31, 2015:

           

Commercial Lines

   $ 20,784      $ 524,607      $ 100,027      $ —   

Personal Lines

     31,900        94,359        169,669         

Reinsurance Operations

     3,833        61,081        16,589         

At December 31, 2014:

           

Commercial Lines

   $ 21,249      $ 579,621      $ 102,118      $ —   

Reinsurance Operations

     3,989        95,851        18,697         

 

Segment

   Premium
Revenue
     Benefits, Claims,
Losses And
Settlement
Expenses
     Amortization of
Deferred Policy
Acquisition Costs
     Net
Written
Premium
 

For the year ended December 31, 2016:

           

Commercial Lines

   $ 190,727      $ 74,996      $ 42,361      $ 184,911  

Personal Lines

     236,170        174,933        61,416        226,228  

Reinsurance Operations

     41,568        14,074        10,540        59,801  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 468,465      $ 264,003      $ 114,317      $ 470,940  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015:

           

Commercial Lines

   $ 199,304      $ 97,530      $ 43,821      $ 197,526  

Personal Lines

     253,048        163,986        31,291        254,035  

Reinsurance Operations

     51,791        13,852        11,058        49,683  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 504,143      $ 275,368      $ 86,170      $ 501,244  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014:

           

Commercial Lines

   $ 211,165      $ 117,586      $ 45,015      $ 212,965  

Reinsurance Operations

     57,354        19,975        12,036        60,216  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 268,519      $ 137,561      $ 57,051      $ 273,181  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Unallocated Corporate Items

   Net
Investment
Income
     Corporate
and Other
Operating

Expenses
 

For the year ended December 31, 2016

   $ 33,983      $ 17,338  

For the year ended December 31, 2015

   $ 34,609      $ 24,448  

For the year ended December 31, 2014

   $ 28,821      $ 14,559  

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

SCHEDULE IV—REINSURANCE

EARNED PREMIUMS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

    Direct
Amount
    Ceded to Other
Companies
    Assumed from
Other  Companies
    Net Amount     Percentage
of Amount
Assumed to Net
 

For the year ended December 31, 2016:

         

Property & Liability Insurance

  $ 466,750     $ 96,552     $ 98,267     $ 468,465       21.0

For the year ended December 31, 2015:

         

Property & Liability Insurance

  $ 452,441     $ 92,852     $ 144,554     $ 504,143       28.7

For the year ended December 31, 2014:

         

Property & Liability Insurance

  $ 228,652     $ 18,547     $ 58,414     $ 268,519       21.8

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

SCHEDULE V—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Description

  Balance at
Beginning  of

Period
    Charged
(Credited) to  Costs
and Expenses
    Charged (Credited)
to Other Accounts
    Other
Deductions
    Balance at End
of Period
 

For the year ended December 31, 2016:

         

Investment asset valuation reserves:

         

Mortgage loans

  $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

Real estate

                             

Allowance for doubtful accounts:

         

Premiums, accounts and notes receivable

  $ 1,646     $ 282     $ —       $ —       $ 1,928  

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

                             

Reinsurance receivables

    9,675       (1,635                 8,040  

For the year ended December 31, 2015:

         

Investment asset valuation reserves:

         

Mortgage loans

  $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

Real estate

                             

Allowance for doubtful accounts:

         

Premiums, accounts and notes receivable

  $ 1,518     $ 128     $ —       $ —       $ 1,646  

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

                             

Reinsurance receivables

    9,350       325                   9,675  

For the year ended December 31, 2014:

         

Investment asset valuation reserves:

         

Mortgage loans

  $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

Real estate

                             

Allowance for doubtful accounts:

         

Premiums, accounts and notes receivable

  $ 1,782     $ (264   $ —       $ —       $ 1,518  

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

                             

Reinsurance receivables

    9,010       340                   9,350  

 

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GLOBAL INDEMNITY LIMITED

SCHEDULE VI—SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION FOR PROPERTY CASUALTY UNDERWRITERS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs
     Reserves for
Unpaid Claims
and Claim
Adjustment
Expenses
     Discount If
Any  Deducted
     Unearned
Premiums
 

Consolidated Property & Casualty Entities:

           

As of December 31, 2016

   $ 57,901      $ 651,042      $ 2,000      $ 286,984  

As of December 31, 2015

     56,517        680,047        3,000        286,285  

As of December 31, 2014

     25,238        675,472        4,000        120,815  

 

    Earned
Premiums
    Net
Investment
Income
    Claims and Claim Adjustment
Expense Incurred Related  To
    Amortization  Of
Deferred Policy
Acquisition Costs
    Paid Claims
and Claim
Adjustment
Expenses
    Premiums
Written
 
      Current Year     Prior Year        

Consolidated Property & Casualty Entities:

             

For the year ended December 31, 2016

  $ 468,465     $ 33,983     $ 321,255     $ (57,252   $ 114,317     $ 317,369     $ 470,940  

For the year ended December 31, 2015

    504,143       34,609       310,066       (34,698     86,170       332,417       501,244  

For the year ended December 31, 2014

    268,519       28,821       153,994       (16,433     57,051       172,265       273,181  

Note: All of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are 100% owned and consolidated.

 

S-11