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Maiden Holdings, Ltd. - Quarter Report: 2013 March (Form 10-Q)

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

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013

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

For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission File No. 001-34042

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

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

(441) 298-4900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

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

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

As of May 8, 2013, the number of the Registrant's Common Stock ($.01 par value) outstanding was 72,440,861.






INDEX
 
 
Page
PART I - Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
PART II - Other Information
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 



2



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
 
March 31, 2013 (Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2012
 (Audited)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (Amortized cost 2013: $2,497,242; 2012: $2,475,202)
$
2,629,873


$
2,618,697

Other investments, at fair value (Cost 2013: $2,987; 2012: $2,599)
3,220


2,901

Total investments
2,633,093


2,621,598

Cash and cash equivalents
103,789


81,543

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
127,316


132,327

Accrued investment income
21,180


21,007

Reinsurance balances receivable, net (includes $387,591 and $265,766 from related parties in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
726,392


522,614

Funds withheld
44,281


42,712

Prepaid reinsurance premiums (includes $573 and $743 from related parties in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
38,786


38,725

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (includes $9,429 and $9,387 from related parties in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
118,091


110,858

Loan to related party
167,975


167,975

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses (includes $222,374 and $187,387 from related parties in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
312,254


270,669

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
93,448


94,393

Other assets
30,646


33,742

Total assets
$
4,417,251

 
$
4,138,163

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses (includes $649,006 and $610,810 from related parties in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
$
1,779,050


$
1,740,281

Unearned premiums (includes $740,517 and $612,903 from related parties in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
1,134,697


936,497

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
142,977


111,957

Senior notes
207,500


207,500

Junior subordinated debt
126,332


126,317

Total liabilities
3,390,556

 
3,122,552

Commitments and Contingencies


 


EQUITY
 
 
 
Preference shares - Series A
$
150,000


$
150,000

Common shares ($0.01 par value; 73,403,193 and 73,306,283 shares issued in 2013 and 2012, respectively; 72,440,857 and 72,343,947 shares outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
734


733

Additional paid-in capital
576,517


575,869

Accumulated other comprehensive income
133,098


141,130

Retained earnings
169,774


151,308

Treasury shares, at cost (2013 and 2012: 962,336 shares)
(3,801
)

(3,801
)
Total Maiden shareholders’ equity
1,026,322

 
1,015,239

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
373


372

Total equity
1,026,695

 
1,015,611

Total liabilities and equity
$
4,417,251

 
$
4,138,163

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


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


For the Three Months Ended March 31,
2013

2012
Revenues:
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
$
714,720


$
613,212

Net premiums written
$
689,059


$
590,833

Change in unearned premiums
(200,617
)

(152,337
)
Net premiums earned
488,442

 
438,496

Other insurance revenue
5,215


4,754

Net investment income
21,979


18,437

Net realized and unrealized gains on investment
3,283


1,365

Total revenues
518,919

 
463,052

Expenses:
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
334,895


287,917

Commission and other acquisition expenses
132,330


132,258

General and administrative expenses
14,095


13,831

Interest and amortization expenses
9,570


7,678

Amortization of intangible assets
945


1,090

Foreign exchange gains
(1,547
)

(979
)
Total expenses
490,288

 
441,795

Income before income taxes
28,631

 
21,257

Income taxes:
 
 
 
Current tax expense
573


638

Deferred tax (benefit) expense
(49
)

241

Income tax expense
524

 
879

Net income
28,107

 
20,378

Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(27
)

(1
)
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders
28,080

 
20,377

Dividends on preference shares
(3,094
)
 

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
24,986

 
$
20,377

Basic earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
0.35


$
0.28

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
0.34


$
0.28

Dividends declared per common share
$
0.09

 
$
0.08


See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

4




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


 
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
2013

2012
Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
Net income
$
28,107

 
$
20,378

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale fixed maturities arising during the period (net of tax of $7 and ($3) in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
(7,848
)
 
29,309

Adjustment for reclassification of net realized gains recognized in net income, net of tax
(3,081
)
 
(10
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
2,886

 
(2,501
)
Other comprehensive income
(8,043
)
 
26,798

Comprehensive income
20,064

 
47,176

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(27
)
 
(1
)
Other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
11

 
(8
)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(16
)
 
(9
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Maiden shareholders
$
20,048

 
$
47,167



See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


5



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

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2013

2012
Preference shares - Series A
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
150,000

 
$

Ending balance
 
150,000

 

Common shares
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
733

 
732

Exercise of options and issuance of shares
 
1

 

Ending balance
 
734

 
732

Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
575,869

 
579,004

Exercise of options and issuance of common shares
 
339

 
124

Share based compensation expense
 
309

 
285

Ending balance
 
576,517

 
579,413

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
141,130

 
64,059

Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on investments, net
 
(10,929
)
 
29,299

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
2,897

 
(2,509
)
Ending balance
 
133,098

 
90,849

Retained earnings
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
151,308

 
128,648

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
28,080

 
20,377

Dividends on preference shares
 
(3,094
)
 

Dividends on common shares
 
(6,520
)
 
(5,780
)
Ending balance
 
169,774

 
143,245

Treasury shares
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
(3,801
)
 
(3,801
)
Ending balance
 
(3,801
)
 
(3,801
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
372

 
338

Dividend paid to noncontrolling interest
 
(15
)
 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
27

 
1

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(11
)
 
8

Ending balance
 
373

 
347

Total equity
 
$
1,026,695

 
$
810,785


See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


6


MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
2013
 
2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
28,107

 
$
20,378

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
1,312

 
1,618

Net realized and unrealized gains on investment
(3,283
)
 
(1,365
)
Foreign exchange gains
(1,547
)
 
(979
)
Amortization of share-based compensation expense, bond premium and discount and subordinated debt discount, net
3,066

 
1,425

Changes in assets – (increase) decrease:
 
 
 
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
(210,319
)
 
(128,717
)
Funds withheld
(2,610
)
 
(814
)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
(61
)
 
(505
)
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
(7,235
)
 
(5,612
)
Accrued investment income
(219
)
 
(1,665
)
Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
(41,915
)
 
(28,831
)
Other assets
4,947

 
2,804

Changes in liabilities – increase (decrease):
 
 


Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
48,328

 
57,337

Unearned premiums
200,678

 
160,786

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(3,051
)
 
(4,635
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
16,198

 
71,225

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturities – available-for-sale
(178,122
)
 
(400,835
)
Purchases of other investments
(290
)
 
(308
)
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities – available-for-sale
45,379

 
104,125

Proceeds from maturities and calls of fixed maturities
138,654

 
103,319

Proceeds from redemption of other investments
73

 
92

Decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents
5,011

 
24,916

Purchase of capital assets
(99
)
 
(74
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
10,606

 
(168,765
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Senior notes issuance, net of issuance costs

 
96,850

Common share issuance
340

 
124

Dividends paid to common shareholders

 
(5,778
)
Dividends paid to preference shareholders
(3,094
)
 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(2,754
)
 
91,196

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
(1,804
)
 
2,108

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
22,246

 
(4,236
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
81,543

 
188,082

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
103,789

 
$
183,846


See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

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





1. Basis of Presentation - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

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

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, including these notes, should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements, and related notes thereto, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Certain reclassifications have been made for 2012 to conform to the 2013 presentation and have no impact on net income previously reported.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates

Comprehensive Income - Reporting of amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-02, which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The ASU expands the current disclosure guidance by requiring entities to present separately, for each component of other comprehensive income, current period reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income and other amounts of current period other comprehensive income. In addition, the ASU requires entities to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements, significant amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income by component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The new disclosure requirements are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. Early adoption of the guidance is permitted and shall be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Balance Sheet Offsetting

In December 2011, the FASB issued new guidance requiring additional disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either: (1) offset for balance sheet presentation purposes or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar arrangement, regardless of whether they are offset for balance sheet presentation purposes. This guidance is effective at January 1, 2013, with retrospective presentation of the new disclosures required. As this new guidance is disclosure-related only and does not amend the existing balance sheet offsetting guidance, the adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Qualitative Impairment Test For Indefinite-Lived Intangibles

On July 27, 2012, the FASB issued final guidance adding an optional qualitative assessment for determining whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. This ASU 2012-02 is similar to the goodwill guidance which allows companies to perform a qualitative assessment to test goodwill for impairment. This guidance gives companies the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If a company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of such asset exceeds its carrying amount, it would not need to calculate the fair value of the asset in that year. However, if a company concludes otherwise, it must calculate the fair value of the asset, compare that value with its carrying amount and record an impairment charge, if any. To perform a qualitative assessment, a company must identify and evaluate changes in economic, industry and company-specific events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset. The guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.



8

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



2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

Technical Corrections and Improvements

In October 2012, FASB issued ASU 2012-04, Technical Corrections and Improvements. The amendments in this ASU represent changes to clarify the Codification, correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. Additionally, the amendments will make the Codification easier to understand and the fair value measurement guidance easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing needed clarifications. Transition guidance is provided for amendments the FASB believes could change practice. The amendments in this ASU that will not have transition guidance will be effective upon issuance for both public and nonpublic entities. For public entities, the amendments that are subject to the transition guidance will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Adopted

Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity

In March 2013, FASB issued ASU 2013-05 with the objective of resolving the diversity about whether Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810-10, Consolidation-Overall, or ASC 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters-Translation of Financial Statements, applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of in substance real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) within a foreign entity.

Under this guidance, when a reporting entity that is also the parent entity, ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of in substance real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in ASC 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. Additionally, for an equity method investment that is a foreign entity, the partial sale guidance in ASC 830-30-40 continues to be applicable. As such, a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income upon a partial sale of such an equity method investment. However, this treatment does not apply to an equity method investment that is not a foreign entity. In those instances, the cumulative translation adjustment is released into net income only if the partial sale represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity that contains the equity method investment.

Furthermore, the amendments in this ASU clarify that the sale of an investment in a foreign entity includes both (1) events that result in the loss of a controlling financial interest in a foreign entity (that is, irrespective of any retained investment) and (2) events that result in an acquirer obtaining control of an acquiree in which it held an equity interest immediately before the acquisition date (sometimes also referred to as a step acquisition). Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income upon the occurrence of those events.

The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied prospectively to derecognition events occurring after the effective date. Prior periods should not be adjusted. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

3. Segments

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

The fee-generating business (“IIS Fee Business”) associated with the acquisition of certain companies, businesses and assets comprising the international insurance services business of GMAC Insurance Holdings Ltd. (the “IIS Acquisition”), which is included in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, is considered part of the underwriting operations of the Company. Certain portions of the IIS Fee Business are directly associated with the underlying reinsurance contracts recorded in the Diversified Reinsurance segment.


9

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



3. Segments (continued)

To the extent that the fees are generated on underlying insurance contracts sold to third parties that are then ceded under the quota share reinsurance contracts with Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. ("Maiden Bermuda"), a proportionate share of the fee is offset against the related acquisition expense. To the extent that IIS Fee Business is not directly associated with premium revenue generated under the applicable reinsurance contracts, that fee revenue is separately reported on the line captioned “Other insurance revenue” in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following tables summarize the underwriting results of our operating segments:
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

Diversified Reinsurance

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance

ACAC
Quota Share

Total
Net premiums written

$
267,610


$
344,818


$
76,631


$
689,059

Net premiums earned

$
196,249


$
220,288


$
71,905


$
488,442

Other insurance revenue

5,215






5,215

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses

(140,763
)

(145,645
)

(48,487
)

(334,895
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses

(44,782
)

(65,132
)

(22,416
)

(132,330
)
General and administrative expenses

(10,798
)

(489
)

(174
)

(11,461
)
Underwriting income

$
5,121


$
9,022


$
828


14,971

Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders












Net investment income and realized gains on investment










25,262

Amortization of intangible assets










(945
)
Foreign exchange gains










1,547

Interest and amortization expenses










(9,570
)
Other general and administrative expenses










(2,634
)
Income tax expense










(524
)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest










(27
)
Dividends on preference shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,094
)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders










$
24,986














Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*

69.9
%

66.1
%

67.4
%

67.8
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**

22.2
%

29.6
%

31.2
%

26.8
%
General and administrative expense ratio***

5.4
%

0.2
%

0.2
%

2.9
%
Combined ratio****

97.5
%

95.9
%

98.8
%

97.5
%


10

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



3. Segments (continued)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
ACAC
Quota Share
 
Total
Net premiums written
 
$
288,296

 
$
226,015

 
$
76,522

 
$
590,833

Net premiums earned
 
$
204,463

 
$
167,879

 
$
66,154

 
$
438,496

Other insurance revenue
 
4,754

 

 

 
4,754

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(132,392
)
 
(112,856
)
 
(42,669
)
 
(287,917
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(64,149
)
 
(47,169
)
 
(20,940
)
 
(132,258
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(10,448
)
 
(379
)
 
(173
)
 
(11,000
)
Underwriting income
 
$
2,228

 
$
7,475

 
$
2,372

 
12,075

Reconciliation to net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income and realized and unrealized gains on investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,802

Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,090
)
Foreign exchange gains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
979

Interest and amortization expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,678
)
Other general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,831
)
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(879
)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1
)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
20,377

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*
 
63.3
%
 
67.2
%
 
64.5
%
 
65.0
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**
 
30.7
%
 
28.1
%
 
31.7
%
 
29.8
%
General and administrative expense ratio***
 
4.9
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.2
%
 
3.1
%
Combined ratio****
 
98.9
%
 
95.5
%
 
96.4
%
 
97.9
%

*
Calculated by dividing net loss and loss adjustment expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.

**
Calculated by dividing commission and other acquisition expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.

***
Calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.

****
Calculated by adding together net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, commission and other acquisition expense ratio and general and administrative expense ratio.

11

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



3. Segments (continued)
March 31, 2013
Diversified
Reinsurance
 
AmTrust
Quota Share Reinsurance
 
ACAC
Quota Share
 
Total
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
$
342,874

 
$
289,269

 
$
94,249

 
$
726,392

Funds withheld
44,281

 

 

 
44,281

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
38,786

 

 

 
38,786

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
118,091

 

 

 
118,091

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
89,914

 
187,048

 
35,292

 
312,254

Loan to related party

 
167,975

 

 
167,975

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
93,448

 

 

 
93,448

Restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments
1,118,090

 
867,797

 
96,176

 
2,082,063

Corporate and other assets
13,301

 

 

 
833,961

Total Assets
$
1,858,785

 
$
1,512,089

 
$
225,717

 
$
4,417,251


December 31, 2012
Diversified
Reinsurance
 
AmTrust
Quota Share Reinsurance
 
ACAC
Quota Share
 
Total
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
$
260,161

 
$
170,983

 
$
91,470

 
$
522,614

Funds withheld
42,712

 

 

 
42,712

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
38,725

 

 

 
38,725

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
110,858

 

 

 
110,858

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
83,287

 
153,530

 
33,852

 
270,669

Loan to related party

 
167,975

 

 
167,975

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
94,393

 

 

 
94,393

Restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments
1,219,454

 
857,013

 
90,851

 
2,167,318

Corporate and other assets
5,864

 

 

 
722,899

Total Assets
$
1,855,454

 
$
1,349,501

 
$
216,173

 
$
4,138,163


12

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



3. Segments (continued)

The following tables set forth financial information relating to net premiums written and earned by major line of business for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013

2012
Net premiums written
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
$
69,522

 
10.1
%
 
$
80,106

 
13.6
%
Casualty
148,423

 
21.5
%
 
151,939

 
25.7
%
Accident and Health
15,529

 
2.2
%
 
19,472

 
3.3
%
International
34,136

 
5.0
%
 
36,779

 
6.2
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
267,610

 
38.8
%
 
288,296

 
48.8
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
162,018

 
23.5
%
 
90,292

 
15.3
%
Specialty Program
34,946

 
5.1
%
 
22,188

 
3.8
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
147,854

 
21.5
%
 
113,535

 
19.2
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
344,818

 
50.1
%
 
226,015

 
38.3
%
ACAC Quota Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile Liability
44,339

 
6.4
%
 
43,868

 
7.4
%
Automobile Physical Damage
32,292

 
4.7
%
 
32,654

 
5.5
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
76,631

 
11.1
%
 
76,522

 
12.9
%
 
$
689,059

 
100.0
%
 
$
590,833

 
100.0
%
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Net premiums earned
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
$
47,547

 
9.7
%
 
$
58,148

 
13.3
%
Casualty
117,059

 
24.0
%
 
103,979

 
23.7
%
Accident and Health
8,633

 
1.8
%
 
10,644

 
2.4
%
International
23,010

 
4.7
%
 
31,692

 
7.2
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
196,249

 
40.2
%
 
204,463

 
46.6
%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
102,257

 
20.9
%
 
66,892

 
15.3
%
Specialty Program
33,346

 
6.8
%
 
27,638

 
6.3
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
84,685

 
17.3
%
 
73,349

 
16.7
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
220,288

 
45.0
%
 
167,879

 
38.3
%
ACAC Quota Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobile Liability
41,630

 
8.6
%
 
38,137

 
8.7
%
Automobile Physical Damage
30,275

 
6.2
%
 
28,017

 
6.4
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
71,905

 
14.8
%
 
66,154

 
15.1
%
 
$
488,442

 
100.0
%
 
$
438,496

 
100.0
%
    


13

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



4.   Investments

(a) Fixed Maturities and Other Investments

The original or amortized cost, estimated fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses of available-for-sale fixed maturities and other investments as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
March 31, 2013
 
Original or
amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
Available-for-sale fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42,644

 
$
1,084

 
$

 
$
43,728

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
972,653

 
27,720

 
(1,370
)
 
999,003

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
11,682

 
1,293

 

 
12,975

Non-U.S. government bonds
 
54,325

 
1,365

 
(415
)
 
55,275

Other mortgage-backed bonds
 
22,837

 
664

 

 
23,501

Corporate bonds
 
1,259,474

 
105,417

 
(4,472
)
 
1,360,419

Municipal bonds
 
133,627

 
1,345

 

 
134,972

Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
2,497,242

 
138,888

 
(6,257
)
 
2,629,873

Other investments
 
2,987

 
319

 
(86
)
 
3,220

Total investments
 
$
2,500,229

 
$
139,207

 
$
(6,343
)
 
$
2,633,093


December 31, 2012
 
Original or
amortized
cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Fair value
Available-for-sale fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42,671

 
$
1,260

 
$

 
$
43,931

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
962,649

 
30,998

 
(1,473
)
 
992,174

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
11,682

 
1,407

 

 
13,089

Non-U.S. government bonds
 
55,169

 
2,264

 

 
57,433

Other mortgage-backed bonds
 
23,167

 
901

 

 
24,068

Corporate bonds
 
1,247,260

 
113,386

 
(6,492
)
 
1,354,154

Municipal bonds
 
132,604

 
1,244

 

 
133,848

Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
2,475,202

 
151,460

 
(7,965
)
 
2,618,697

Other investments
 
2,599

 
353

 
(51
)
 
2,901

Total investments
 
$
2,477,801

 
$
151,813

 
$
(8,016
)
 
$
2,621,598



14

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



4.   Investments (continued)

The contractual maturities of our fixed maturities, available-for-sale as of March 31, 2013 are shown below.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations prior to contractual maturity.
March 31, 2013
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair
value
 
% of Total fair value
Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
97,965

 
$
99,560

 
3.8
%
Due after one year through five years
 
369,251

 
388,212

 
14.8
%
Due after five years through ten years
 
870,904

 
953,033

 
36.2
%
Due after ten years
 
163,632

 
166,564

 
6.3
%
 
 
1,501,752

 
1,607,369

 
61.1
%
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
972,653

 
999,003

 
38.0
%
Other mortgage-backed bonds
 
22,837

 
23,501

 
0.9
%
Total
 
$
2,497,242

 
$
2,629,873

 
100.0
%

The following tables summarize our available-for-sale fixed maturities and other investments in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or more
 
Total
March 31, 2013
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
181,598

 
$
(1,042
)
 
$
11,633

 
$
(328
)
 
$
193,231

 
$
(1,370
)
Non–U.S. government bonds
 
27,956

 
(415
)
 

 

 
27,956

 
(415
)
Corporate bonds
 
100,881

 
(1,372
)
 
144,214

 
(3,100
)
 
245,095

 
(4,472
)
 
 
310,435

 
(2,829
)
 
155,847

 
(3,428
)
 
466,282

 
(6,257
)
Other investments
 

 

 
2,278

 
(86
)
 
2,278

 
(86
)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale fixed maturities and other investments
 
$
310,435

 
$
(2,829
)
 
$
158,125

 
$
(3,514
)
 
$
468,560

 
$
(6,343
)

As of March 31, 2013, there were approximately 53 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $468,560 and unrealized losses of $6,343. Of these securities, there are 10 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $158,125 and unrealized losses of $3,514.

 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or more
 
Total
December 31, 2012
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
158,591

 
$
(1,473
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
158,591

 
$
(1,473
)
Corporate bonds
 
94,742

 
(1,098
)
 
141,842

 
(5,394
)
 
236,584

 
(6,492
)
 
 
253,333

 
(2,571
)
 
141,842

 
(5,394
)
 
395,175

 
(7,965
)
Other investments
 

 

 
2,011

 
(51
)
 
2,011

 
(51
)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale fixed maturities and other investments
 
$
253,333

 
$
(2,571
)
 
$
143,853

 
$
(5,445
)
 
$
397,186

 
$
(8,016
)



15

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



4.   Investments (continued)

As of December 31, 2012, there were approximately 32 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $397,186 and unrealized losses of $8,016. Of these securities, there are 9 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $143,853 and unrealized losses of $5,445.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments ("OTTI")

We review our investment portfolio for impairment on a quarterly basis. Impairment of investments results in a charge to operations when a fair value decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. As of March 31, 2013, we reviewed our portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of investments. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized no OTTI. Based on our qualitative and quantitative OTTI review of each asset class within our fixed maturity portfolio, the unrealized losses on fixed maturities at March 31, 2013 were primarily due to widening of credit spreads relating to the market illiquidity, rather than credit events. Because we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities until a recovery of fair value to amortized cost, we currently believe it is probable that we will collect all amounts due according to their respective contractual terms. Therefore, we do not consider these fixed maturities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2013.

The following summarizes the credit ratings of our fixed maturities:
Rating* as of March 31, 2013
 
Amortized
cost
 
Fair
value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42,644

 
$
43,728

 
1.7
%
U.S. agency bonds  
 
984,335

 
1,011,978

 
38.5
%
AAA
 
170,398

 
180,366

 
6.9
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
175,773

 
184,189

 
7.0
%
A+, A, A-
 
466,591

 
503,336

 
19.1
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
619,006

 
665,452

 
25.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
38,495

 
40,824

 
1.5
%
Total
 
$
2,497,242

 
$
2,629,873

 
100.0
%
 
Rating* as of December 31, 2012
 
Amortized
cost
 
Fair
value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42,671

 
$
43,931

 
1.7
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
974,331

 
1,005,263

 
38.4
%
AAA
 
171,136

 
183,950

 
7.0
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
186,495

 
196,797

 
7.5
%
A+, A, A-
 
477,236

 
515,383

 
19.7
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
587,858

 
637,089

 
24.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
35,475

 
36,284

 
1.4
%
Total
 
$
2,475,202

 
$
2,618,697

 
100.0
%

*Ratings as assigned by Standard & Poor’s ("S&P")


16

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



4.   Investments (continued)

(b) Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments:
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Investments in limited partnerships
 
$
3,220

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,901

 
100.0
%
Total other investments
 
$
3,220

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,901

 
100.0
%

The Company has an unfunded commitment on its investments in limited partnerships of approximately $2,780 as of March 31, 2013.

(c) Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment

Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method. The following provides an analysis of realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
3,112

 
$

 
$
3,112

Other investments
 
171

 

 
171

Net realized gains on investment
 
$
3,283

 
$

 
$
3,283

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
Other investments
 
11

 
(1
)
 
10

Net realized gains
 
11

 
(1
)
 
10

Unrealized gain on short sales
 
1,355

 

 
1,355

Net realized and unrealized gains on investment
 
$
1,366

 
$
(1
)
 
$
1,365


Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale were $45,379 and $104,125 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale fixed maturities and other investments was as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
$
132,631

 
$
143,495

Other investments
 
233

 
302

Total net unrealized gains
 
132,864

 
143,797

Deferred income tax expense
 
(128
)
 
(132
)
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
 
$
132,736

 
$
143,665

Change in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax
 
$
(10,929
)
 
$
79,928



17

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



4.   Investments (continued)

(d) Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

We are required to maintain assets on deposit to support our reinsurance operations and to serve as collateral for our reinsurance liabilities under various reinsurance agreements. The assets on deposit are available to settle reinsurance liabilities. We also utilize trust accounts to collateralize business with our reinsurance counterparties. These trust accounts generally take the place of letter of credit requirements. The assets in trust as collateral are primarily cash and highly rated fixed maturity securities. The fair value of our restricted assets was as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2013

December 31, 2012
Restricted cash and cash equivalents – third party agreements
 
$
86,715

 
$
97,695

Restricted cash and cash equivalents – related party agreements
 
39,884

 
33,882

Restricted cash and cash equivalents  – U.S. state regulatory authorities
 
717

 
750

Total restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
127,316

 
132,327

Restricted investments – in trust for third party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2013 – $961,998; 2012 – $1,048,827)
 
1,011,229

 
1,101,971

Restricted investments – in trust for related party agreements at fair value (Amortized cost: 2013 – $864,012; 2012 – $851,873)
 
930,123

 
919,557

Restricted investments – in trust for U.S. state regulatory authorities (Amortized cost: 2013 – $12,740; 2012 – $12,744)
 
13,395

 
13,463

Total restricted investments
 
1,954,747

 
2,034,991

Total restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments
 
$
2,082,063

 
$
2,167,318


5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

(a) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”) defines fair value as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability (i.e. the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants. Additionally, ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include: exchange-traded equity securities, U.S. Treasury securities, and listed derivatives that are actively traded.

Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include: listed derivatives that are not actively traded; U.S. government-sponsored agency securities; non-U.S. government obligations; corporate and municipal bonds; mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”); short-duration high yield fund, and over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives (e.g. foreign currency options and forward contracts).

Level 3 — Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about assumptions that market participants would use. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include: insurance and reinsurance derivative contracts; hedge and credit funds with partial transparency; and collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) — equity tranche securities that are traded in less liquid markets.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels.

18

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



5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in the Level 1 hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from third party, nationally, recognized pricing services (“pricing service”). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine an estimate. The fair value estimates are included in the Level 2 hierarchy. The Company will challenge any prices for its investments which are considered to not represent fair value. If quoted market prices and an estimate from a pricing service are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that being valued or through consensus pricing of a pricing service. Depending on the level of observable inputs, the Company will then determine if the estimate is Level 2 or Level 3 hierarchy. The Company bases its estimates of fair values for assets on the bid price as it represents what a third party market participant would be willing to pay in an arm’s length transaction.

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

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

The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value of financial instruments held as of March 31, 2013.

U.S. Government and U.S. Government agencies —  Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage Association. The fair values of U.S. Treasury securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and are included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. We believe the market for U.S. Treasury securities is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. The fair values of U.S. agency securities are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. agency securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
 
Non-U.S. government bonds —  Comprised of bonds issued by non-U.S. governments and their agencies along with supranational organizations. These securities are generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services may use current market trades for securities with similar quality, maturity and coupon. If no such trades are available, the pricing service typically uses analytical models which may incorporate spreads, interest rate data and market/sector news. As the significant inputs used to price non-U.S. government bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of non-U.S. government bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Other mortgage-backed securities Other mortgage-backed bonds consist of a commercial mortgage-backed security ("CMBS"). This security is priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. As the significant inputs used to price the CMBS are observable market inputs, the fair value of the CMBS is included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Corporate bonds —  Comprised of bonds issued by corporations that on acquisition are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher. These securities are generally priced by pricing services. The fair values of corporate bonds that are short-term are priced, by the pricing services, using the spread above the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") yield curve and the fair value of corporate bonds that are long-term are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. The spreads are sourced from broker/dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers. As the significant inputs used to price corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
 
Municipal bonds —  Municipal bonds comprise bonds and auction rate securities issued by U.S. state and municipality entities or agencies. The fair values of municipal bonds are generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services typically use spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipal bonds are observable market inputs, municipals are classified within Level 2. Municipal auction rate securities are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost which approximates their fair value.

Other investments —  The fair values of the investment in limited partnerships are determined by the fund manager based on recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals, and as such, the fair values are included in the Level 3 fair value hierarchy.

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

19

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



5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

Loan to related party —  The carrying value reported in the accompanying balance sheets for this financial instrument approximates its fair value. The underlying investments of the loan are generally priced by pricing services. As the significant inputs used to price the underlying investments are observable market inputs, the fair value of the loan to related party is included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

Senior notes The amount reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments represents the carrying value of the notes. The fair values are based on quoted prices of identical instruments in inactive markets and as such, are included in the Level 2 hierarchy.

Junior subordinated debt —  The amount reported in the accompanying balance sheets for this financial instrument represents the carrying value of the debt. The fair value of the debt was derived using the Black-Derman-Toy model. As the fair value of the junior subordinated debt is determined using observable market inputs in the Black-Derman-Toy model, the fair value is included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

(b) Fair Value Hierarchy

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

At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we classified our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the following valuation hierarchy:
March 31, 2013
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Fair
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
43,728

 
$

 
$

 
$
43,728

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 

 
999,003

 

 
999,003

U.S. agency bonds – other
 

 
12,975

 

 
12,975

Non-U.S. government bonds
 

 
55,275

 

 
55,275

Other mortgage-backed bonds
 

 
23,501

 

 
23,501

Corporate bonds
 

 
1,360,419

 

 
1,360,419

Municipal bonds
 

 
134,972

 

 
134,972

Other investments
 

 

 
3,220

 
3,220

Total
 
$
43,728

 
$
2,586,145

 
$
3,220

 
$
2,633,093

As a percentage of total assets
 
1.0
%
 
58.5
%
 
0.1
%
 
59.6
%

20

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



5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

December 31, 2012
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Fair
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
43,931

 
$

 
$

 
$
43,931

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 

 
992,174

 

 
992,174

U.S. agency bonds – other
 

 
13,089

 

 
13,089

Non-U.S. government bonds
 

 
57,433

 

 
57,433

Other mortgage-backed bonds
 

 
24,068

 

 
24,068

Corporate bonds
 

 
1,354,154

 

 
1,354,154

Municipal bonds
 

 
133,848

 

 
133,848

Other investments
 

 

 
2,901

 
2,901

Total
 
$
43,931

 
$
2,574,766

 
$
2,901

 
$
2,621,598

As a percentage of total assets
 
1.1
%
 
62.2
%
 
0.1
%
 
63.4
%

The Company utilized a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for approximately 99.0% of its fixed maturities. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for fixed maturity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements using relevant market data, benchmark curves, sector groupings and matrix pricing and these have been classified as level 2.

Other investments:  The Company has $3,220 or approximately 0.1% of its investment portfolio in limited partnerships where the fair value estimate is determined by the fund manager based on recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals. Due to the significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the Company includes the estimate in the amount disclosed as Level 3. The Company has determined that its investments in Level 3 securities are not material to its financial position or results of operations.

(c) Level 3 Financial Instruments

The following table presents changes in Level 3 for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
Other investments:
 
2013

2012
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
2,901

 
$
2,192

Net realized gains – included in net income
 
171

 
10

Net realized losses – included in net income
 

 

Change in net unrealized gains – included in other comprehensive income
 

 
12

Change in net unrealized losses – included in other comprehensive income
 
(69
)
 

Purchases
 
290

 
308

Sales and redemptions
 
(73
)
 
(92
)
Transfers into Level 3
 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 

 

Balance at end of period
 
$
3,220

 
$
2,430

Level 3 gains (losses) included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the reporting date
 
$

 
$



21

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



5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

(d) Fair Value of Liabilities

The following table presents the carrying values and fair values of the Senior Notes and Junior Subordinated debt as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Interest Rate
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
2011 Senior Notes
8.25
%
 
$
107,500

 
$
115,455

 
$
107,500

 
$
112,832

2012 Senior Notes
8.00
%
 
100,000

 
108,200

 
100,000

 
105,600

Junior Subordinated Debt
14.00
%
 
126,332

 
163,585

 
126,317

 
166,919


6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

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

Intangible Assets

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

The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and intangible assets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
March 31, 2013
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Useful Life
Goodwill
 
$
58,312

 
$

 
$
58,312

 
Indefinite
State licenses
 
7,727

 

 
7,727

 
Indefinite
Customer relationships
 
51,400

 
(23,991
)
 
27,409

 
15 years double declining
Net balance
 
$
117,439

 
$
(23,991
)
 
$
93,448

 
 

December 31, 2012
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Useful Life
Goodwill
 
$
58,312

 
$

 
$
58,312

 
Indefinite
State licenses
 
7,727

 

 
7,727

 
Indefinite
Customer relationships
 
51,400

 
(23,046
)
 
28,354

 
15 years double declining
Net balance
 
$
117,439

 
$
(23,046
)
 
$
94,393

 
 


22

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



6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets (continued)

The goodwill and intangible assets were recognized as a result of the acquisitions and are subject to annual impairment testing. No impairment was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. The estimated amortization expenses for the next five years are:
2013
$
2,836

2014
3,276

2015
2,840

2016
2,461

2017
2,133


7. Long-Term Debt

Senior Notes

In June 2011, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd. ("Maiden NA"), issued $107,500 principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes ("2011 Senior Notes") due on June 15, 2041, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.  The 2011 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2016, at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the redemption date.    The 2011 Senior Notes are an unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of the Company and rank ahead of the Junior Subordinated Debt, described below. The effective interest rate of the 2011 Senior Notes, based on the net proceeds received, was 8.47%. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2011 Senior Notes were $104,689, after placement agent fees and expense or debt issuance cost of $2,811. The issuance costs related to the 2011 Senior Notes were capitalized and is being amortized over the life of the notes. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $23 (March 31, 2012 - $23).

The interest on the 2011 Senior Notes is payable each quarter beginning on September 15, 2011. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $2,217 (March 31, 2012 - $2,217), out of which $394 was accrued as of March 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - $394).

In March 2012, the Company, through Maiden NA, issued $100,000 principal amount of 8.00% Senior Notes ("2012 Senior Notes") due on March 27, 2042, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. The 2012 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after March 27, 2017, at 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the redemption date. The 2012 Senior Notes are an unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of the Company and rank ahead of the Junior Subordinated Debt, described below. The effective interest rate of the 2012 Senior Notes, based on the net proceeds received, was 8.28%. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2012 Senior Notes were $96,594, after placement agent fees and other expenses of $3,406. The issuance costs related to the 2012 Senior Notes were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the notes. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $28 (March 27-31, 2012 - $1).

The interest on the 2012 Senior Notes is payable each quarter beginning on June 27, 2012. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $2,000 (March 27-31, 2012 - $111), out of which $111 was accrued as of March 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - $111).

Junior Subordinated Debt

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

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

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

23

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



7. Long-Term Debt (continued)

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

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

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

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

As of March 31, 2013, the stated value of the Junior Subordinated Debt was $126,332 which comprises the principal amount of $152,500 less the unamortized discount of $26,168. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $15 (March 31, 2012 - $13). Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $5,337 (March 31, 2012 - $5,337), out of which $4,448 was accrued as of March 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - $4,448).

8. Related Party Transactions

The Founding Shareholders of the Company are Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind. Michael Karfunkel is the non-executive chairman of the board of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. ("AmTrust"), George Karfunkel is a director of AmTrust, and Barry Zyskind is the president, chief executive officer and director of AmTrust. The Founding Shareholders own or control approximately 58% of the outstanding shares of AmTrust. In addition, the Michael Karfunkel 2005 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (which is controlled by Leah Karfunkel, wife of Michael Karfunkel) ("Annuity Trust"), currently owns 72.4% of the issued and outstanding common stock of American Capital Acquisition Corporation ("ACAC"), Michael Karfunkel currently owns 27.6% of ACAC's issued and outstanding common stock, and AmTrust owns preferred shares convertible into 21.25% of the issued and outstanding common stock of ACAC (see below for a description of our common business arrangements with AmTrust and ACAC). Michael Karfunkel is the chairman and chief executive officer of ACAC.

AmTrust

The following describes transactions between the Company and AmTrust.

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company and AmTrust entered into a master agreement, as amended (the "Master Agreement"), by which they caused Maiden Bermuda, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and AmTrust's Bermuda reinsurance subsidiary, AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. ("AII"), to enter into a quota share reinsurance agreement (the "Reinsurance Agreement") by which (a) AII retrocedes to Maiden Bermuda an amount equal to 40% of the premium written by subsidiaries of AmTrust, net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance (and in the case of AmTrust's U.K. insurance subsidiary, AmTrust Europe, Limited, net of commissions) and 40% of losses and (b) AII transferred to Maiden Bermuda 40% of the AmTrust subsidiaries' unearned premiums, effective July 1, 2007, with respect to the current lines of business, excluding risks for which the AmTrust subsidiaries' net retention exceeds $5,000 ("Covered Business"). Effective January 1, 2010, the Company agreed to assume its proportionate share of AmTrust's workers' compensation exposure and shared the benefit of the 2010 excess reinsurance protection. AmTrust also has agreed to cause AII, subject to regulatory requirements, to reinsure any insurance company which writes Covered Business in which AmTrust acquires a majority interest to the extent required to enable AII to cede to Maiden Bermuda 40% of the premiums and losses related to such Covered Business. The Master Agreement further provided that AII receives a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums.

24

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



8. Related Party Transactions (continued)

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

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

Effective April 1, 2011, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Master Agreement to reduce the commission on all business ceded except Retail Commercial Package Business to 30% until December, 31, 2011. Thereafter the rate increased to 31% subject to an adjustment of 1% to 30% if the proportion of Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty premium ceded is greater than or equal to 42% of the Covered Business (excluding Retail Commercial Package Business). If the proportion of Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty premium ceded is greater than or equal to 38% but less than 42% of the Covered Business (excluding Retail Commercial Package Business), the commission rate shall be reduced by 0.5% to 30.5%. In addition, the collateral requirements were restated to clarify that balances relating to all AmTrust subsidiaries are subject to collateral requirements, and the Reinsurance Agreement was extended by one year through June 30, 2014, and shall automatically renew for successive three-year periods thereafter. If AII or Maiden Bermuda elects to so terminate the Reinsurance Agreement, it shall give written notice to the other party hereto not less than nine months prior to either July 1, 2014 or the expiration of any successive three-year period. In addition, either party is entitled to terminate on thirty days' notice or less upon the occurrence of certain early termination events, which include a default in payment, insolvency, change in control of AII or Maiden Bermuda, run-off, or a reduction of 50% or more of the shareholders' equity of Maiden Bermuda or the combined shareholders' equity of AII and the AmTrust subsidiaries.

Effective March 7, 2013, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Reinsurance Agreement extending the term of the agreement to July 1, 2016. The amendment further provides that, effective January 1, 2013, AII will receive a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums with respect to all Covered Business other than retail commercial package business, for which the ceding commission will remain 34.375%. Lastly, with regard to the Specialty Program portion of Covered Business only, excluding workers’ compensation business included in AmTrust’s Specialty Program segment from July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2012, AII will be responsible for ultimate net loss otherwise recoverable from Maiden Bermuda to the extent that the loss ratio to Maiden Bermuda, which shall be determined on an inception to date basis from July 1, 2007 through the date of calculation, is between 81.5% and 95%. Above and below the defined corridor, Maiden Bermuda will continue to reinsure losses at its proportional 40% share per the Reinsurance Agreement.

The Company recorded approximately $61,128 of ceding commission expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (March 31, 2012 - $43,879) as a result of this transaction.

AmTrust European Hospital Liability Quota Share Agreement ("European Hospital Liability Quota Share")

Effective April 1, 2011, Maiden Bermuda, entered into a quota share reinsurance contract with AmTrust Europe Limited and AmTrust International Underwriters Limited, both wholly owned subsidiaries of AmTrust.  Pursuant to the terms of the contract, Maiden Bermuda assumed 40% of the premiums and losses related to policies classified as European Hospital Liability, including associated liability coverages and policies covering physician defense costs, written or renewed on or after April 1, 2011.  The contract also covers policies written or renewed on or before March 31, 2011, but only with respect to losses that occur, accrue or arise on or after April 1, 2011.  The maximum limit of liability attaching shall be €5,000 or currency equivalent (on a 100% basis) per original claim for any one original policy. Maiden Bermuda will pay a ceding commission of 5% and shall allow the reinsured a profit share on original net premiums ceded under the contract.  The profit sharing is based upon the reinsured exceeding defined underwriting performance of each contract year, commencing two years after the beginning of each contract year.  To the extent that the underwriting performance is exceeded, will will share 50% of the excess amounts computed. The agreement has an initial term of one year, has been automatically renewed for one year and can be terminated at any April 1 by either party on four months notice.

Effective January 1, 2012, European Hospital Liability Quota Share was amended, thereby increasing the maximum liability attaching to €10,000 or currency equivalent (on a 100% basis) per original claim for any one original policy. Furthermore, amendments were also made to the contract to expand the territorial scope to include new territories, specifically France.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded approximately $1,251 (March 31, 2012 - $1,192) of commission expense as a result of this transaction.

25

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



8. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Other Reinsurance Agreements

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

Effective September 1, 2010, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Specialty Insurance Company ("Maiden Specialty"), entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with Technology Insurance Company, Inc. ("Technology"), a subsidiary of AmTrust. Under the agreement, Maiden Specialty will cede (a) 90% of its gross liability written under the Open Lending Program ("OPL") and (b) 100% of its surplus lines general liability business under the Naxos Avondale Specialty Casualty Program ("NAXS"). Maiden Specialty's involvement is limited to certain states where Technology is not fully licensed. The agreement also provides that Maiden Specialty receives a ceding commission of 5% of ceded written premiums. The reinsurance agreement had a term of three years and remained continuously in force until terminated in accordance with the contract. The OPL program was terminated on December 31, 2011 on a run-off basis and the NAXS program terminated on October 31, 2012. Maiden Specialty recorded approximately $507 of premiums earned ceded and $128 of ceding commission for the three months ended March 31, 2013, respectively (March 31, 2012 - $2,300 of premiums earned ceded and $696 of ceding commission, respectively).

Effective September 1, 2010, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Reinsurance Company ("Maiden US"), entered into a reinsurance agreement with Security National Insurance Company ("SNIC"), a subsidiary of AmTrust. Under the agreement, SNIC will cede 80% of the gross liabilities produced under the Southern General Agency program to Maiden US. The agreement provides SNIC with a 5% commission of ceded written premiums. The agreement has a term of one year and automatically renews annually unless terminated pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Under this agreement, Maiden US recorded approximately $759 of premiums earned and $38 of commission expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013, respectively (March 31, 2012 - $284 of premiums earned and $82 of commission expense, respectively).

Collateral provided to AmTrust

In order to provide AmTrust's U.S. insurance subsidiaries with credit for reinsurance on their statutory financial statements, AII, as the direct reinsurer of the AmTrust's insurance subsidiaries, has established trust accounts ("Trust Accounts") for their benefit. Maiden Bermuda has agreed to provide appropriate collateral to secure its proportional share under the Reinsurance Agreement of AII's obligations to the AmTrust subsidiaries to whom AII is required to provide collateral. This collateral may be in the form of (a) assets loaned by Maiden Bermuda to AII for deposit into the Trust Accounts, pursuant to a loan agreement between those parties, (b) assets transferred by Maiden Bermuda for deposit into the Trust Accounts, (c) a letter of credit obtained by Maiden Bermuda and delivered to an AmTrust subsidiary on AII's behalf (a "Letter of Credit"), or (d) premiums withheld by an AmTrust subsidiary at Maiden Bermuda's request in lieu of remitting such premiums to AII (“Withheld Funds”). Maiden Bermuda may provide any or a combination of these forms of collateral, provided that the aggregate value thereof equals Maiden Bermuda's proportionate share of its obligations under the Reinsurance Agreement with AII. The amount of collateral Maiden Bermuda is required to maintain, which is determined quarterly, equals its proportionate share of (a) the amount of ceded paid losses for which AII is responsible to such AmTrust subsidiaries but has not yet paid, (b) the amount of ceded loss reserves (including ceded reserves for claims reported but not resolved and losses incurred but not reported) for which AII is responsible to AmTrust subsidiaries, and (c) the amount of ceded reserves for unearned premiums ceded by AmTrust subsidiaries to AII.

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

by lending funds in the amount of $167,975 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 to AII pursuant to a loan agreement entered into between those parties. This loan is carried at cost. Pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreement, AmTrust has agreed to cause AII not to commingle Maiden Bermuda's assets with AII's other assets and to cause the AmTrust subsidiaries not to commingle Maiden Bermuda's assets with the AmTrust subsidiaries' other assets if an AmTrust subsidiary withdraws those assets. AII has agreed that, if an AmTrust subsidiary returns to AII excess assets withdrawn from a Trust Account, drawn on a Letter of Credit or maintained by such AmTrust subsidiary as Withheld Funds, AII will immediately return to Maiden Bermuda its proportionate share of such excess assets. AII has further agreed that if the aggregate fair market value of the amount of Maiden Bermuda's assets held in the Trust Account exceeds Maiden Bermuda's proportionate share of AII's obligations, or if an AmTrust subsidiary misapplies any such collateral, AII will immediately return to Maiden Bermuda an amount equal to such excess or misapplied collateral, less any amounts AII has paid to Maiden Bermuda.In addition, if an AmTrust subsidiary withdraws Maiden Bermuda's assets from a Trust Account and maintains those assets on its books as Withheld Funds, AII has agreed to pay to Maiden Bermuda interest at the rate equivalent to the one-month LIBOR plus 90 basis points per annum computed on the basis of a 360-day year on the loan (except to the extent Maiden Bermuda's proportionate share of AII's obligations to that AmTrust subsidiary exceeds the value of the collateral Maiden Bermuda has provided), and net of unpaid fees Maiden Bermuda owes to AII Insurance Management Limited ("AIIM") and its share of fees owed to the trustee of the Trust Account.The amount of accrued interest relating to the loan was $494 and $0 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively; and

26

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



8. Related Party Transactions (continued)

effective December 1, 2008, the Company entered into a Reinsurer Trust Assets Collateral agreement to provide to AII sufficient collateral to secure its proportional share of AII's obligations to the U.S. AmTrust subsidiaries. The amount of the collateral, as of March 31, 2013 was approximately $867,797 (December 31, 2012 - $857,013) and the accrued interest was $6,949 (December 31, 2012 - $6,967). (See Note 4(d)).

Reinsurance Brokerage Agreements

Effective July 1, 2007, the Company entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement with AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd. ("AIIB"), a subsidiary of AmTrust. Pursuant to the brokerage agreement, AIIB provides brokerage services relating to the Reinsurance Agreement and, beginning on April 1, 2011, the European Hospital Liability Quota Share agreement for a fee equal to 1.25% of the premium assumed. The brokerage fee is payable in consideration of AIIB's brokerage services. AIIB is not the Company's exclusive broker.  AIIB may, if mutually agreed, also produce reinsurance business for the Company from other ceding companies, and in such cases the Company will negotiate a mutually acceptable commission rate. Following the initial one-year term, the agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. Maiden Bermuda recorded approximately $2,754 of reinsurance brokerage expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (March 31, 2012 - $2,098) and deferred reinsurance brokerage of $7,835 as of March 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - $6,299) as a result of this agreement.

The Company paid brokerage fees to AmTrust's subsidiary AmTrust North America of $1 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (March 31, 2012 - $0) for acting as insurance intermediary in relation to certain insurance placements.

Asset Management Agreement

Effective July 1, 2007, we entered into an asset management agreement with AIIM pursuant to which AIIM has agreed to provide investment management services to the Company. Pursuant to the asset management agreement, AIIM provides investment management services for a quarterly fee of 0.05% if the average value of the account for the previous calendar quarter is less than or equal to $1 billion and 0.0375% if the average value of the account for the previous calendar quarter is greater than $1 billion. Following the initial one-year term, the agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. The Company recorded approximately $1,041 of investment management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (March 31, 2012 - $830) as a result of this agreement.
 
Other

On March 1, 2011, we entered into a time sharing agreement for the lease of aircraft owned by AmTrust Underwriters, Inc. ("AUI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AmTrust. The lease is for 10 months ending on December 31, 2011 and automatically renews for successive one-year terms unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company will reimburse AUI for actual expenses incurred as allowed by Federal Aviation Regulations.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded an expense of $0 (March 31, 2012 - $19) for the use of the aircraft.

ACAC

The following describes transactions between the Company and ACAC and its subsidiaries:

ACAC Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement

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

27

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



8. Related Party Transactions (continued)

The ACAC Quota Share provided that the reinsurers paid a provisional ceding commission equal to 32.5% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by the personal lines companies for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment.The ceding commission was subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 60.0% or less and a minimum of 30.5% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or greater.

Effective October 1, 2012, the parties amended the reinsurance agreement to decrease the provisional ceding commission from 32.5% to 32.0% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by the personal lines companies for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% (no change) and a minimum of 30.0% (changed from 30.5%), if the loss ratio is 64.5% or greater. The Company believes that the terms, conditions and pricing of the ACAC Quota Share have been determined by arm's length negotiations and reflect current market terms and conditions.

Maiden Bermuda recorded approximately $21,597 of ceding commission expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (March 31, 2012 - $20,177) as a result of this transaction.

Other

Effective September 12, 2012, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Re Insurance Services, LLC ("Maiden Re"), entered into a consulting agreement with Integon Association Management LLC ("Integon"), a wholly owned subsidiary of ACAC, pursuant to which Maiden Re has agreed to provide to Integon underwriting, and pricing support for a fee of $25 per month, and also a fee of $0.1 for each policy quote evaluation and an additional $0.1 for each policy re-quote evaluation. The initial term of this agreement is for a period of one year, unless terminated earlier by either party. This agreement shall be renewed automatically upon expiration of the initial term for successive one year periods, unless a party delivers written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least 120 days before the end of the initial term or any renewal term. The Company recorded $81 consulting fee income for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Maiden Specialty entered into a reinsurance arrangement with New South Insurance Company ("New South"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACAC. Pursuant to the agreement, Maiden Specialty cedes 100% of certain personal lines business to New South. On March 1, 2010, Maiden Specialty entered into a novation agreement with Motors and New South whereby New South replaced Motors as the reinsurer for all of this run-off business. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, no premiums and commission were ceded to New South.

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

9. Earnings per Common Share

The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
2013

2012
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
$
24,986

 
$
20,377

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
72,417,358

 
72,226,329

Potentially dilutive securities:
 
 
 
Share options
1,023,014

 
830,094

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted
73,440,372

 
73,056,423

Basic earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
$
0.35

 
$
0.28

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
$
0.34

 
$
0.28


As of March 31, 2013, 1,788,534 share options (March 31, 2012 - 2,079,180) were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive.

28

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




10. Shareholders' Equity

Preference Shares - Series A

On August 22, 2012, the Company issued six million 8.25% Preference Shares - Series A (the “Preference Shares”), par value $0.01 per share, at a price of $25 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $145,041 from its offering, after deducting expenses and underwriting discounts of $4,959. The Preference Shares have no stated maturity date and are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of the Company any time after August 29, 2017 at a redemption price of $25 per preference share plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends.

Dividends on the Preference Shares are non-cumulative. Consequently, in the event dividends are not declared on the Preference Shares for any dividend period, holders of Preference Shares will not be entitled to receive a dividend for such period, and such undeclared dividend will not accrue and will not be payable. The holders of Preference Shares will be entitled to receive dividend payments only when, as and if declared by the Company's Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors. Any such dividends will be payable from, and including, the date of original issue on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears.

To the extent declared, these dividends will accumulate, with respect to each dividend period, in an amount per share equal to 8.25% of the $25 liquidation preference per annum. During any dividend period, so long as any Preference Shares remain outstanding, unless the full dividends for the latest completed dividend period on all outstanding Preference Shares have been declared and paid, no dividend shall be paid or declared on the common shares.

The holders of the Preference Shares have no voting rights other than the right to elect up to two of directors if preference share dividends are not declared and paid for six or more dividend periods.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company declared and paid $3,094 in preference share dividends.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following tables set forth financial information regarding the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
March 31, 2013
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investments
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
143,665

 
$
(2,539
)
 
$
141,126

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
(7,848
)
 
2,886

 
(4,962
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(3,081
)
 

 
(3,081
)
Net current period comprehensive income
 
(10,929
)
 
2,886

 
(8,043
)
Ending balance
 
132,736

 
347

 
133,083

Noncontrolling interest
 

 
(15
)
 
(15
)
Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
132,736

 
$
362

 
$
133,098

March 31, 2012
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investments
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
63,737

 
$
314

 
$
64,051

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
29,309

 
(2,501
)
 
26,808

 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(10
)
 

 
(10
)
Net current period comprehensive income
 
29,299

 
(2,501
)
 
26,798

Ending balance
 
93,036

 
(2,187
)
 
90,849

Noncontrolling interest
 

 

 

Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
93,036

 
$
(2,187
)
 
$
90,849


29

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



11. Share Based Compensation

The Company’s 2007 Share Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Plan") provides for grants of share options, restricted shares and restricted share units. The total number of shares currently reserved for issuance under the Plan is 10,000,000 common shares. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Exercise prices of options will be established at or above the fair market value of the Company’s common shares at the date of grant. Under the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee and provided in an award agreement, 25% of the options will become exercisable on the first anniversary of the grant date, with an additional 6.25% of the options vesting each quarter thereafter based on the grantee’s continued employment over a four-year period, and will expire ten years after grant date.

Share Options

The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each vesting date. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the grant date for the award and each vesting date. The Company has estimated the fair value of all share option awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. The adoption of ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" fair value method has resulted in share-based expenses (a component of salaries and benefits) in the amount of $309 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (March 31, 2012 - $285).

The key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2013 and a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption are as follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Assumptions:
 
 
Volatility
45.30 – 47.60

%
Risk-free interest rate
0.85 – 1.29

%
Weighted average expected lives in years
 6.1 years

 
Forfeiture rate
1.60

%
Dividend yield rate
3.04 – 3.55

%

Expected Price Volatility — This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. It was not possible to use actual experience to estimate the expected volatility of the price of the common shares in estimating the value of the options granted because the Company's common shares only began trading in May 2008, thus, it does not have enough history over which to calculate an expected volatility representative of the volatility over the expected lives of the options. As a
substitute for such estimate, the Company blended its historical volatility with the historical volatilities of a set of comparable companies in the industry in which the Company operates.

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

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

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

Dividend Yield — This is calculated by dividing the expected annual dividend by the stock price of the Company at the valuation date. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.


30

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



11. Share Based Compensation (continued)

The following schedule shows all options granted, exercised, expired and forfeited under the Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, December 31, 2012
2,795,437

 
$
6.70

 
6.75 years
Granted
6,500

 
$
9.99

 
9.90 years
Exercised
(96,910
)
 
$
3.51

 
Outstanding, March 31, 2013
2,705,027

 
$
6.82

 
6.54 years
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Number of
Share
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Outstanding, December 31, 2011
2,916,143

 
$
6.61

 
7.55 years
Granted
22,500

 
$
9.42

 
9.90 years
Exercised
(35,384
)
 
$
4.10

 
Expired
(51,033
)
 
$
9.86

 
Forfeited
(2,625
)
 
$
7.10

 
Outstanding, March 31, 2012
2,849,601

 
$
6.55

 
7.35 years

The weighted average grant date fair value was $2.09 and $2.05 for all options outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. There was approximately $1,304 and $1,528 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Performance-Based Restricted Share Units (PB-RSUs)

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") approved the formation of a long-term incentive program under the Plan on March 1, 2011. On that date, the Committee determined to award PB-RSUs to executive officers and senior Company employees. The formula for determining the amount of PB-RSUs awarded uses a combination of a percentage of the employee's base salary (based on a benchmarking analysis from our compensation consultant) divided by the closing price on NASDAQ Global Select Market of our common shares on that date. The grants are performance based which require that certain criteria such as return on equity, underwriting performance, revenue growth and operating expense be met during the performance period to attain a payout. Each metric has a corresponding weighted percentage with a target, threshold and maximum level of performance goal set to achieve a payout. Settlement of the grants can be made in either common shares or cash upon the decision of the Committee. The first performance cycle was for two years, 2011-2012, and subsequent performance cycles are for three years. For the years 2011-2012, no RSUs vested as the target level of performance was not met.

Effective February 19, 2013, the Committee approved the award of PB-RSUs to executive officers and senior Company employees for the fiscal year 2013-2015. Consistent with the first performance cycle, certain criteria such as return on equity, underwriting performance, revenue growth and operating expense need to be met during the performance period to attain a payout. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, no accrual was recognized as the calculated weighted percentage of the performance results of the Company did not meet the target level.

CEO Non-Performance-Based Restricted Share Units (NPB-RSUs)

On March 1, 2012, the Committee approved an award of NPB-RSUs to the Company's CEO. The award consists of 86,705 restricted share units which will fully vest on December 31, 2013. Each share unit has a fair value of $8.56 which is being amortized over 22 months.

On February 19, 2013, the Committee approved an award of NPB-RSUs to the Company's CEO. The award consists of 149,701 restricted share units, of which one-third automatically vest by February 19, 2014, of which one-third automatically vest by February 19, 2015, and of which one-third automatically vest by February 19, 2016. Each share unit has a fair value of $10.02 which is amortized over 36 months.



31

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



11. Share Based Compensation (continued)

Non-CEO Discretionary NPB-RSUs

On February 19, 2013, pursuant to the Plan, the Committee approved an award of NPB-RSUs to non-CEO named executive officers and senior leaders of the Company. The award consists of 94,229 restricted share units, 50% of which will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, with an additional 50% vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date. Each share unit has a fair value of $10.02.

12. Dividends Declared
  
During the first quarter, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the following quarterly dividends payable to shareholders:
 
Dividend per Share
 
Payable on:
 
Record date:
Common shares
$
0.09

 
April 15, 2013
 
April 1, 2013
Preference shares - Series A
$
0.515625

 
March 15, 2013
 
March 1, 2013

13. Subsequent Events

Dividends

On May 7, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the following quarterly dividends:


Dividend per Share

Payable on:

Record date:
Common shares

$
0.09


July 12, 2013

July 1, 2013
Preference shares - Series A

$
0.515625


June 17, 2013

June 1, 2013


Sale of Renewal Rights and Underwriting Platform of Maiden's Excess and Surplus ("E&S") Property Business

On April 22, 2013, Maiden together with Brit Insurance ("Brit") announced a temporary 100% quota share reinsurance of Maiden's E&S unit with Brit Global Specialty. This arrangement will shortly evolve into Brit assuming all renewal rights through Brit Global Specialty USA ("BGSU"). BGSU is Brit's U.S. based service company, accessing non-Lloyd's distribution channels. BGSU will ultimately be writing the renewals of the assumed business into Brit Syndicates 2987. Since Maiden is expecting continued significant cash flows related to the business written prior to the closing date, the sale of the E&S unit will not be considered as a "discontinued operation" in accordance with GAAP.



32




Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q” or this “Report”). References in this Form 10-Q to the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or other similar terms mean the consolidated operations of Maiden Holdings, Ltd and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. References in this Form 10-Q to the term “Maiden Holdings” means Maiden Holdings, Ltd. only. Amounts in tables may not reconcile due to rounding differences.
 
Note on Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes projections concerning financial information and statements concerning future economic performance and events, plans and objectives relating to management, operations, products and services, and assumptions underlying these projections and statements.  These projections and statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control.  These projections and statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, product development, financial results and reserves.  Actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from these projections and statements and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them.  Factors that could cause our actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those in the specific projections and statements are discussed throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 11, 2013.  The projections and statements in this Report speak only as of the date of this Report and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

 Introduction
 
Since our founding in 2007, we have entered into a series of significant strategic transactions that have transformed the scope and scale of our business while keeping our low volatility risk profile intact. These transactions have increased our gross premiums written to in excess of $2.0 billion in 2012 while strongly positioning our capital to extend our business platform both in the U.S. and internationally and include:

Completing a public debt offering of $107.5 million in June 2011 and repurchasing a like amount of our outstanding TRUPS Offering securities in July 2011 ("2011 Senior Notes");

Completing a public debt offering of $100.0 million in March 2012 ("2012 Senior Notes"). The net proceeds of $96.6 million have been used for working capital and general corporate purposes (the 2011 Senior Notes and 2012 Senior Notes may also be referred to as the "2011 Senior Note Offering" or the "2012 Senior Note Offering", respectively, and may collectively be referred to as the "Senior Note Offerings"); and

Completing a public offering of $150.0 million Preference Shares - Series A (the “Preference Shares”). The Company received net proceeds of $145.0 million from the offering. The net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used for continued support and development of our reinsurance business and for other general corporate purposes, which may include repurchasing a portion of the Company's outstanding common shares and repurchasing the Company's outstanding 14% 30-year trust preferred securities ("TRUPS") issued in January 2009.

These significant transactions, along with other unusual or non-recurring events, should be considered when evaluating year-to-year comparability or when comparing our performance with other companies considered our peers and with whom we compete on a regular basis.
 
Overview
 
We are a Bermuda-based holding company formed in June 2007 primarily focused on serving the needs of regional and specialty insurers in the United States and Europe by providing innovative reinsurance solutions designed to support their capital needs. We specialize in reinsurance solutions that optimize financing by providing coverage within the more predictable and actuarially credible lower layers of coverage and/or reinsuring risks that are believed to be lower hazard, more predictable and generally not susceptible to catastrophe claims. Our tailored solutions include a variety of value added services focused on helping our clients grow and prosper.

We provide reinsurance through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Maiden Reinsurance Company ("Maiden US") and Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. ("Maiden Bermuda") and have operations in the United States and Bermuda. On a more limited basis, Maiden Specialty Insurance Company ("Maiden Specialty"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Maiden US, provides primary insurance on a surplus lines basis focusing on non-catastrophe inland marine and property coverages. On April 22, 2013, we entered into a transaction which will divest us of this business commencing on May 1, 2013, consistent with our previously announced intentions with regard to this business. Please see "Recent Developments - Divestiture of Maiden's Excess and Surplus ("E&S") Property Business" on page 34. Maiden Bermuda does not underwrite any primary insurance business. Maiden Life Försäkrings AB

33


("Maiden LF") is a life insurer organized in Sweden and writes credit life insurance on a primary basis in support of Maiden Global Holdings, Ltd. ("Maiden Global") business development efforts.

We currently operate our business through three segments: Diversified Reinsurance, AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and ACAC Quota Share. As of March 31, 2013, we had approximately $4.4 billion in total assets, $1.0 billion of total shareholders’ equity and $1.4 billion in total capital, which includes shareholders’ equity, the senior notes and junior subordinated debt.

The market conditions in which we operate have historically been cyclical, experiencing periods of price erosion followed by rate strengthening as a result of catastrophes or other significant losses that affect the overall capacity of the industry to provide coverage. During the period covered by this report, the reinsurance market has been characterized by significant competition in most lines of business.

Natural and man-made catastrophes occur each year that affect reinsurance industry results. In recent years the insurance and reinsurance industry has experienced an extensive series of significant natural and man-made catastrophes, both globally and in the U.S., that negatively impacted overall industry performance. During the first quarter of 2013, industry experience from catastrophe events was at its lowest levels in several years.

Consistent with our business model, while the Company only experienced modest losses from the 2010 and 2011 global catastrophe events, it did experience a significant loss from Superstorm Sandy in the fourth quarter of 2012, which is discussed in Recent Developments below.

Despite the elevated levels of global and U.S. catastrophe losses affecting the industry during this period, industry financial conditions, taken as a whole, have continued to improve through a combination of very positive non-catastrophe underwriting results, enhanced balance sheets resulting from strong fixed income market performance and readily available capital sources for industry participants, including an inflow of capital from non-traditional market participants. As a result, capital positions across the insurance and reinsurance industry appear to remain strong through March 31, 2013.

However, the property and casualty industry invests significant portions of its premiums and retained underwriting profits in fixed income maturities and relies significantly on investment income to generate acceptable levels of net income. Yields on these securities have continued to decline and remain at historically low levels as U.S. and global policy makers continue to provide record levels of liquidity to their respective economies. Interest rates are widely forecast to persist at such levels for the foreseeable future. The likely continued existence of these investment conditions should continue to adversely impact the results of the property and casualty industry generally, placing additional pressure on both insurance and reinsurance companies underwriting results.

Although the combined ultimate impact of recent catastrophe activity and the fixed income investment environment remains unclear and is currently more uncertain in light of reinsurance industry performance, broad industry conditions brought about by these events remain supportive of improved pricing in primary insurance markets in the near term. To date however, reinsurance industry financial conditions have limited the amount of enhanced pricing the industry would normally experience during periods of increased catastrophe losses. More recently, January 1 and April 1 reinsurance renewals for the industry appeared to show very limited pricing improvement. Accordingly, the scope and tenure of any improved pricing environment and its potential impact on us remains less certain.

As market conditions continue to develop, we continue to maintain our adherence to disciplined underwriting by declining business when pricing, terms and conditions do not meet our underwriting standards. We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of market conditions should the pricing environment become more favorable.

 Recent Developments

Divestiture of Maiden's Excess and Surplus ("E&S") Property Business
 
We previously disclosed our intention to substantially reduce our net exposure to natural hazard events written by Maiden in 2013. Consistent with that disclosure, on April 22, 2013, we entered into a transaction with Brit Insurance ("Brit") whereby effective May 1, 2013, Brit and Maiden entered into a temporary 100% quota share reinsurance of E&S business written by Maiden, with Brit Global Specialty. This arrangement will shortly transition, with Brit assuming the renewal rights of the E&S business through Brit Global Specialty USA ("BGSU"). BGSU is Brit's U.S. based service company, accessing non-Lloyd's distribution channels. BGSU will ultimately be writing the renewals of the assumed business into Brit Syndicates 2987. Employees of Maiden Specialty became employees of BGSU effective May 1, 2013. We have also entered into supporting transition services and agency agreements with BGSU as part of this transaction. The existing in force E&S business written by Maiden as of April 30, 2013 will be run-off. In 2012, the annual E&S net premiums written by Maiden totaled $19.6 million, which was 1.0% of our 2012 consolidated net premiums written.

Losses Incurred from Catastrophic Events

As we have described, our business model is designed to minimize our exposure to catastrophic property losses. Despite this approach, we periodically do incur losses from such events which exceed our provisions for normalized catastrophe activity.

In 2012, we incurred significant losses as a result of Superstorm Sandy which struck the Northeast U.S. on October 29, 2012. Maiden's exposure to this event emanated predominantly from the Company's excess property insurance business written by Maiden Specialty (we have now entered into a transaction to divest the Company of this business, as discussed above), and to a

34


lesser extent from the U.S. assumed treaty reinsurance business written by Maiden US and the ACAC Quota Share. As of March 31, 2013, our estimate of ultimate losses for Superstorm Sandy was $31.1 million, unchanged from December 31, 2012.

Other U.S.-based catastrophe experience in 2012 and 2013 were within the Company's expected parameters which are incorporated into the pricing of our Maiden US accounts.

Issuance of Preference Shares

On August 22, 2012, the Company issued six million 8.25% Preference Shares, par value $0.01 per share, at $25 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $145.0 million from the offering, after deducting expenses and underwriting discounts of $5.0 million. The Preference Shares have no stated maturity date and are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of the Company any time on or after August 29, 2017 at a redemption price of $25 per share plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends.

Dividends on the Preference Shares are non-cumulative. Consequently, in the event dividends are not declared on the Preference Shares for any dividend period, holders of Preference Shares will not be entitled to receive a dividend for such period, and such undeclared dividend will not accrue and will not be payable. The holders of Preference Shares will be entitled to receive dividend payments only when, as and if declared by the Company's board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board of directors. Any such dividends will be payable from, and including, the date of original issue on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears. To the extent declared, these dividends will accumulate, with respect to each dividend period, in an amount per share equal to 8.25% of the $25 liquidation preference per annum.

The holders of the Preference Shares have no voting rights other than the right to elect up to two directors if preference share dividends are not declared and paid for six or more dividend periods. The Preference Shares have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trading commenced on August 31, 2012 under the symbol "MHPRA".

First Quarter 2013 Financial Highlights
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
($ in Millions except per share data)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
25.0

 
$
20.4

 
22.6
 %
Operating earnings(1)
 
$
21.1

 
$
19.4

 
8.7
 %
Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
0.35

 
$
0.28

 
25.0
 %
Operating earnings(1)
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.27

 
7.4
 %
Diluted earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
0.34

 
$
0.28

 
21.4
 %
Operating earnings(1)
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.27

 
7.4
 %
Annualized operating return on average common shareholders' equity(1)
 
9.8
%
 
9.9
%
 
(1.0
)%
Gross premiums written
 
$
714.7

 
$
613.2

 
16.6
 %
Net premiums earned
 
$
488.5

 
$
438.5

 
11.4
 %
Underwriting income
 
$
15.0

 
$
12.1

 
24.0
 %
Net investment income
 
$
22.0

 
$
18.4

 
19.2
 %

 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
% Change
Consolidated Financial Condition
 
($ in Millions except per share data)
Total investments
 
$
2,633.1

 
$
2,621.6

 
0.4
 %
Total assets
 
$
4,417.3

 
$
4,138.2

 
6.7
 %
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
1,779.1

 
$
1,740.3

 
2.2
 %
Total debt
 
$
333.8

 
$
333.8

 
 %
Maiden common shareholders' equity
 
$
876.3

 
$
865.2

 
1.3
 %
Total capital resources(2)
 
$
1,360.1

 
$
1,349.0

 
0.8
 %
Book value per common share(3)
 
12.10

 
11.96

 
1.2
 %
Ratio of debt to total capital resources(4)
 
24.5
%
 
24.7
%
 
(0.8
)%

35




(1)
Operating earnings, operating earnings per common share and operating return on average common equity are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information and a reconciliation to the nearest U.S. GAAP financial measure (net income).

(2)
Total capital is the sum of the Company's senior notes, junior subordinated debt and Maiden shareholders' equity. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information.

(3) Book value per common share are operating metrics. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information.

(4) Ratio of debt to total capital resources are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information.
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, better explain the Company’s results of operations in a manner that allows for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the Company’s business. However these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are:

Operating Earnings and Operating Earnings per Common Share: In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we believe that showing operating earnings enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of our financial information to more easily analyze our results of operations in a manner similar to how management analyzes our underlying business performance. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net income. Operating earnings are an internal performance measure used in the management of our operations and represents operating results excluding, as applicable on a recurring basis, the following:

Net realized and unrealized gains or losses on investment;
Foreign exchange gains or losses;
Amortization of intangible assets; and
Non-cash deferred tax expenses;

We exclude net realized and unrealized gains or losses on investment and foreign exchange gains or losses as we believe that both are heavily influenced in part by market opportunities and other factors. We do not believe amortization of intangible assets are representative of our ongoing business. We believe all of these amounts are largely independent of our business and underwriting process and including them distorts the analysis of trends in our operations.

We also exclude certain non-recurring expenditures that are material to understanding our results of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no such non-recurring items. The following is a reconciliation of operating earnings to its most closely related GAAP measure, net income:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
25.0

 
$
20.4

Add (subtract):
 
 
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gains on investment
 
(3.3
)
 
(1.3
)
Foreign exchange gains
 
(1.5
)
 
(1.0
)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
0.9

 
1.1

  Non-cash deferred tax expense
 

 
0.2

Operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
21.1


$
19.4

Operating earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic operating earnings per common share
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.27

Diluted operating earnings per common share
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.27

    
Operating Return on Common Equity ("Operating ROCE"): Management uses operating return on average common shareholders' equity as a measure of profitability that focuses on the return to common shareholders. It is calculated using operating earnings available to common shareholders (as defined above) divided by average common shareholders' equity. Management has set as a target a long-term average of 15% Operating ROCE, which management believes provides an attractive return to shareholders for the risk assumed. Operating ROCE for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012 is computed as follows:

36


For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Operating earnings available to common shareholders
 
$
21.1

 
$
19.4

Opening common shareholders’ equity
 
$
865.2

 
$
768.6

Ending common shareholders’ equity
 
$
876.3

 
$
810.4

Average common shareholders’ equity
 
$
870.8

 
$
789.5

Annualized operating return on common shareholders' equity
 
9.8
%
 
9.9
%

Operating earnings increased $1.7 million or 8.7% to $21.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 mainly due to higher underwriting and investment income, partially offset by increases in interest expenses, along with payment of dividends on the newly issued Preference Shares. Despite the increase in annualized operating earnings, the annualized Operating ROCE for the three months ended March 31, 2013 declined to 9.8% from 9.9% during the same period in 2012 primarily due to higher average common shareholders' equity in 2013, which resulted from both net income and increases in accumulated other comprehensive income, primarily in the form of unrealized gains on the Company's fixed maturity investments.

Book Value per Common Share:  Management uses growth in book value per common share as a prime measure of the value the Company is generating for its common shareholders, as management believes that growth in the Company’s book value per common share ultimately results in growth in the Company’s common share price. Book value per common share is calculated using common shareholders’ equity (shareholders' equity excluding the aggregate liquidation value of our preference shares) divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Preference Shares are not included in the computation of book value per common share. Book value per common share is impacted by the Company’s net income and external factors such as interest rates, which can drive changes in unrealized gains or losses on its investment portfolio. Book value per common share as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is computed as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2013

December 31, 2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Ending common shareholders’ equity
 
$
876.3

 
$
865.2

Common shares outstanding
 
72,440,857

 
72,343,947

Book value per common share
 
$
12.10

 
$
11.96


Ratio of Debt to Total Capital Resources: Management uses the Ratio of Debt to Total Capital Resources to monitor the financial leverage of the Company. This measure is calculated using total debt divided by the the sum of total Maiden shareholders' equity and total debt. Ratio of Debt to Total Capital Resources as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is computed as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Senior notes
 
$
207.5

 
$
207.5

Junior subordinated debt
 
126.3

 
126.3

Maiden shareholders’ equity
 
1,026.3

 
1,015.2

Total capital resources
 
$
1,360.1


$
1,349.0

Ratio of debt to total capital resources
 
24.5
%
 
24.7
%

Certain Operating Measures
 
Underwriting Income and Combined Ratio:  The combined ratio is used in the insurance and reinsurance industry as a measure of underwriting profitability. Management measures underwriting results on an overall basis and for each segment on the basis of the combined ratio. The combined ratio is the sum of the net loss and loss expense ratio and the expense ratio and the computations of each component are described below. A combined ratio under 100% indicates underwriting profitability, as the total loss and loss adjustment expenses, commission and other acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses are less than the net premiums earned and other insurance revenue on that business. We have generated underwriting income in each year since our inception. Underwriting income is calculated by subtracting net loss and loss adjustment expenses, commissions and other acquisition expenses and applicable general and administrative expenses from the net premiums earned and other insurance revenue and is the monetized counterpart of the combined ratio.

For purposes of these operating measures, the fee-generating business (“IIS Fee Business”) associated with the IIS Acquisition which is included in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, is considered part of the underwriting operations of the Company. Certain portions of the IIS Fee Business are directly associated with the underlying reinsurance contracts recorded in the Diversified Reinsurance segment. To the extent that the fees are generated on underlying insurance contracts sold to third parties that are then

37


ceded under quota share reinsurance contracts to Maiden Bermuda, a proportionate share of the fee is offset against the related acquisition expense. To the extent that IIS Fee Business is not directly associated with premium revenue generated under the applicable reinsurance contracts, that fee revenue is separately reported on the line captioned “Other insurance revenue” in the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

While an important metric of success, underwriting income and combined ratio do not reflect all components of profitability, as they do not recognize the impact of investment income earned on premiums between the time premiums are received and the time loss payments are ultimately paid to clients. Because we do not manage our cash and investments by segment, investment income and interest expense are not allocated to individual reportable segments. Certain general and administrative expenses are allocated to segments based on various factors, including staff count and each segment’s proportional share of gross premiums written.

The “net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio” is derived by dividing net loss and loss adjustment expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue. The “commission and other acquisition expense ratio” is derived by dividing commission and other acquisition expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue. The “general and administrative expense ratio” is derived by dividing general and administrative expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue. The “expense ratio” is the sum of the commission and other acquisition expense ratio and the general and administrative expense ratio.

Relevant Factors

Revenues

We derive our revenues primarily from premiums on our insurance policies and reinsurance contracts, net of any reinsurance or retrocessional coverage purchased. Insurance and reinsurance premiums are a function of the amounts and types of policies and contracts we write, as well as prevailing market prices. Our prices are determined before our ultimate costs, which may extend far into the future, are known.
 
The Company's revenues also include fee income generated by the IIS Fee Business as well as income generated from its investment portfolio. The Company's investment portfolio is comprised of fixed maturity investments, held as available-for-sale ("AFS"), and other investments held in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 944, “Financial Services” (“ASC 944”). In accordance with U.S. GAAP, these investments are carried at fair market value and unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investments are generally excluded from earnings. These unrealized gains and losses are included on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders' equity. If unrealized losses are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, such losses are included in earnings as a realized loss.


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

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

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

change in IBNR reserves, which are reserves established by us for changes in the values of claims that have been reported to us but are not yet settled, as well as claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported. The portion recoverable from reinsurers is deducted from the gross estimated loss.

Commission and other acquisition expenses are comprised of commissions, brokerage fees and insurance taxes. Commissions and brokerage fees are usually calculated as a percentage of premiums and depend on the market and line of business and can, in certain instances, vary based on loss sensitive features of reinsurance contracts. Commission and other acquisition expenses are reported after (1) deducting commissions received on ceded reinsurance, (2) deducting the part of commission and other acquisition expenses relating to unearned premiums and (3) including the amortization of previously deferred commission and other acquisition expenses.

General and administrative expenses include personnel expenses including share-based compensation charges, rent expense, professional fees, information technology costs and other general operating expenses.

 Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
It is important to understand our accounting policies in order to understand our financial position and results of operations. The Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The following presents a discussion of those accounting policies and estimates that

38


management believes are the most critical to its operations and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgment. If actual events differ significantly from the underlying assumptions and estimates used by management, there could be material adjustments to prior estimates that could potentially adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. These critical accounting policies and estimates should be read in conjunction with Note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, included in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC.  There have been no material changes in the application of our critical accounting estimates subsequent to that report.

39




Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our selected unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income data for each of the periods indicated:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Gross premiums written
 
$
714.7

 
$
613.2

Net premiums written
 
$
689.0

 
$
590.8

Net premiums earned
 
$
488.5

 
$
438.5

Other insurance revenue
 
5.2

 
4.8

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(334.9
)
 
(287.9
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(132.3
)
 
(132.3
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(11.5
)
 
(11.0
)
Total underwriting income
 
15.0

 
12.1

Other general and administrative expenses
 
(2.6
)
 
(2.8
)
Net investment income
 
22.0

 
18.4

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments
 
3.3

 
1.3

Amortization of intangible assets
 
(0.9
)
 
(1.1
)
Foreign exchange gains
 
1.5

 
1.0

Interest and amortization expenses
 
(9.6
)
 
(7.7
)
Income tax expense
 
(0.6
)
 
(0.8
)
Dividends on preference shares
 
(3.1
)
 

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
25.0

 
$
20.4

Ratios
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio*
 
67.8
%
 
65.0
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio**
 
26.8
%
 
29.8
%
General and administrative expense ratio***
 
2.9
%
 
3.1
%
Expense ratio
 
29.7
%
 
32.9
%
Combined ratio****
 
97.5
%
 
97.9
%

*
Calculated by dividing net loss and loss adjustment expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.

**
Calculated by dividing commission and other acquisition expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.

***
Calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.

****
Calculated by adding together net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the expense ratio.

Net Income

Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $25.0 million as compared to $20.4 million for the same period in 2012. The higher net income in 2013 was primarily due to improvements in our underwriting and investment income, offset by dividends on Preference Shares. The improved combined ratio primarily emanated from the Company's Diversified Reinsurance segment, while the improvement in investment income reflects the 20.3% increase in average invested assets for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

We evaluate our business by segment, distinguishing between Diversified Reinsurance, AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and ACAC Quota Share segments.

40




Net Premiums Written

Net premiums written increased by $98.2 million, or 16.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012. The table below compares net premiums written by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
267.6

 
38.8
%
 
$
288.3

 
48.8
%
 
$
(20.7
)
 
(7.2
)%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
344.8

 
50.1
%
 
226.0

 
38.3
%
 
118.8

 
52.6
 %
ACAC Quota Share
 
76.6

 
11.1
%
 
76.5

 
12.9
%
 
0.1

 
0.1
 %
Total
 
$
689.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
590.8

 
100.0
%
 
$
98.2

 
16.6
 %

The increase in net premiums written was primarily the result of growth of business written in the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment of $118.8 million or 52.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. This increase reflects the continued combination of AmTrust's expansion through acquisition and ongoing organic growth, both of which are benefiting from improved rate levels, particularly in its workers' compensation business.

These increases were offset by reductions in our business written in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, primarily by Maiden Bermuda, which decreased net premiums written by $20.7 million or 7.2% during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, largely due to non-renewals of certain accounts which were partially offset by limited new account activity. In addition, our Maiden US business experienced a small decrease in premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2013 of $1.7 million or 0.7% compared to March 31, 2012. While Maiden US wrote a number of new excess of loss accounts at January 1, 2013, premiums from these new accounts were offset by a loss in premium from several large proportional US reinsurance contracts that no longer met Maiden US' profitability criteria and were non-renewed in the second half of 2012.

Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums earned increased by $50.0 million, or 11.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012. The table below compares net premiums earned by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
196.3

 
40.2
%
 
$
204.5

 
46.6
%
 
$
(8.2
)
 
(4.0
)%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
220.3

 
45.0
%
 
167.9

 
38.3
%
 
52.4

 
31.2
 %
ACAC Quota Share
 
71.9

 
14.8
%
 
66.1

 
15.1
%
 
5.8

 
8.7
 %
Total
 
$
488.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
438.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
50.0

 
11.4
 %
 
The increase in net premiums earned was primarily the result of the following:

Growth in the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment - The business assumed under the Reinsurance Agreement increased $51.2 million or 35.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012, while the European Hospital Liability Quota increased premiums earned by $1.2 million or 5.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

Growth in the ACAC Quota Share segment - For the three months ended March 31, 2013, net premiums earned increased by $5.8 million or 8.7% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012, as ACAC expanded its business during 2012.

The growth in the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and ACAC Quota Share segments was partially offset by a decline in net earned premium in the Company's Diversified Reinsurance segment. In Maiden US, as previously noted a loss in premium from several large proportional reinsurance contracts that no longer met Maiden US' profitability criteria and were non-renewed in the second half of 2012 resulted in a decline in earned premium of $5.2 million or 3.2% during three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. Additionally, reduced writings by the Company's international operations in 2012, as certain accounts reduced in size or were non-renewed affected earned premiums in 2013.


41


Other Insurance Revenue  

Other insurance revenue represents the IIS Fee Business, which consists primarily of commissions on German auto business produced, that is not directly associated with premium revenue assumed by the Company and increased 9.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Net Investment Income and Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investment

Net Investment Income - Net investment income increased by $3.6 million or 19.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012. The following table details the Company's average invested assets and average book yield for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012.

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Average invested assets
 
$
3,047.5

 
$
2,532.7

Average book yield*
 
2.9
%
 
2.9
%

*Ratio of net investment income over average invested assets, at fair value, including cash and cash equivalents and loan to related party.

Despite the Company reducing the amount of cash held during 2012 and investing in longer term assets, the continuing decline in interest rates to historically low levels continue to reduce the Company's overall portfolio yield. Despite the flat portfolio yields, the increase in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 is the result of the 20.3% growth in average invested assets. The growth in average invested assets during this period is the result of: 1) continued profitable growth in the overall book of business in all segments as described herein; 2) strong positive cash flow from operations during 2012 and 2013; and 3) the issuance of the 2012 Senior Notes and the Preference Shares.

As a result, despite the increase in average invested assets, the historically low interest rate environment has continued to limit the growth of investment income in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Growth in net investment income in 2012 was additionally impacted negatively by increases in prepayments in excess of initially expected levels of the Company's U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities portfolio, resulting in increased levels of amortization of bond premiums by $1.6 million in 2013 compared to 2012.

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investment - Net realized gains on investment were $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Investments" on page 51 for further information.

Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses increased by $47.0 million, or 16.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were 67.8% and 65.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The higher net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios occurred in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, in particular Maiden US and the ACAC Quota Share segment. The Company amortized gains as a reduction of losses assumed from the GMAC Acquisition and the IIS Acquisition of $3.9 million for three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $1.6 million in 2012.

Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses

Commission and other acquisition expenses remained flat at $132.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 2012 and the commission and other acquisition expense ratio decreased to 26.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 29.8% in March 31, 2012. The reduced ratio largely reflects: (1) the impact of loss sensitive features on ceding commission in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, in particular on business written by Maiden US, due to higher loss ratios in that segment; (2) continued growth and ongoing changes in the mix of business in the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment, including the impact of a full year of modifications to ceding commission made under the Reinsurance Agreement along with lower ceding commission and profit share under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share, effective April 1, 2011 and discussed in further detail in that segment's results of operations; (3) modifications made to ceding commission made to the ACAC Quota Share effective October 1, 2012.

42


 

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include expenses which are segregated for analytical purposes as a component of underwriting income. General and administrative expenses consist of:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
General and administrative expenses – segments
 
$
11.5

 
$
11.0

General and administrative expenses – corporate
 
2.6

 
2.8

Total general and administrative expenses
 
$
14.1

 
$
13.8


Total general and administrative expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 1.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The increase in total general and administrative expenses is primarily a result of increases in payroll and technology expenses offset by decreases in office and other professional fees. The general and administrative expense ratio is 2.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 3.1% in 2012. The decrease in the ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2013 reflects the continuing growth of larger quota share accounts which enable the Company to operate more efficiently.

Interest and Amortization Expense

  The interest and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 consists of:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
TRUPS Offering
 
$
5.4

 
$
5.4

Senior Note Offerings
 
4.2

 
2.3

Total
 
$
9.6

 
$
7.7


The increase in interest and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 was due to the issuance of the 2012 Senior Notes on March 27, 2012 and therefore we did not have a full quarter charge in the 2012 period. The weighted average interest rate was 11.47% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 12.83% in 2012.

Income Tax Expense

The Company recorded a current income tax expense of $0.6 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts relate to income tax on the earnings of its international subsidiaries and state taxes incurred by its U.S. subsidiaries. The effective rate of current income tax was 2.0% and 3.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company recorded a net deferred tax benefit of $0.05 million and a net deferred tax expense of $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The net deferred tax benefit arises from timing differences on recognition of certain items under German tax, which are offset by deferred tax expenses related to the goodwill associated with the Company’s acquisition of its U.S. subsidiaries. The effect of the deferred tax expenses will be reversed as: (1) we develop U.S. taxable income to permit recognition of the net deferred tax asset; and (2) the amortization period of the goodwill for tax purposes is exhausted.

Dividends on Preference Shares

The Company declared dividends on the Preference Shares, which were issued on August 22, 2012, of $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Underwriting Results by Operating Segment

The results of operations for our three segments, Diversified Reinsurance, AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance and ACAC Quota Share are discussed below.

43



Diversified Reinsurance Segment

The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the Diversified Reinsurance segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Net premiums written
 
$
267.6

 
$
288.3

Net premiums earned
 
$
196.3

 
$
204.5

Other insurance revenue
 
5.2

 
4.8

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(140.8
)
 
(132.4
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(44.8
)
 
(64.2
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(10.8
)
 
(10.5
)
Underwriting income
 
$
5.1

 
$
2.2

Ratios
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
69.9
%
 
63.3
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
 
22.2
%
 
30.7
%
General and administrative expense ratio
 
5.4
%
 
4.9
%
Expense ratio
 
27.6
%
 
35.6
%
Combined ratio
 
97.5
%
 
98.9
%

The combined ratio decreased to 97.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 98.9% in the same period in 2012. The improved results reflect improved underwriting year experience in both current and prior periods. The change in the components of combined ratios also reflects adjustments to ceding commission for contacts with loss sensitive features, the combined effects of commutation of certain accounts and to a limited extent, a greater proportion of premium from excess of loss contracts compared to the same period in 2012.
 
Premiums -  Net premiums written decreased by $20.7 million, or 7.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The table below illustrates net premiums written by line of business in this segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change in

 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
 
$
69.5

 
26.0
%
 
$
80.1

 
27.7
%
 
$
(10.6
)
 
(13.2
)%
Casualty
 
148.5

 
55.4
%
 
151.9

 
52.7
%
 
(3.4
)
 
(2.3
)%
Accident and Health
 
15.5

 
5.8
%
 
19.5

 
6.8
%
 
(4.0
)
 
(20.2
)%
International
 
34.1

 
12.8
%
 
36.8

 
12.8
%
 
(2.7
)
 
(7.2
)%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
267.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
288.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
(20.7
)
 
(7.2
)%

The decrease in premium written relates primarily to the non-renewal of a Maiden Bermuda account, which caused a decrease in the segment's net premium written of $20.7 million or 7.2% during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, largely due to non-renewals of certain accounts which were partially offset by new account activity.

Our Maiden US business also experienced a small decrease in premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2013 of $1.7 million or 0.7% compared to the same period in 2012. Maiden US wrote a number of new excess of loss accounts at January 1, 2013, which was largely offset by a loss of premium from several large proportional reinsurance contracts that no longer met Maiden US' profitability criteria and were non-renewed in the second half of 2012.

44



The table below illustrates net premiums earned by line of business in this segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change in

 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Property
 
$
47.6

 
24.3
%
 
$
58.2

 
28.4
%
 
$
(10.6
)
 
(18.2
)%
Casualty
 
117.1

 
59.6
%
 
104.0

 
50.9
%
 
13.1

 
12.6
 %
Accident and Health
 
8.6

 
4.4
%
 
10.6

 
5.2
%
 
(2.0
)
 
(18.9
)%
International
 
23.0

 
11.7
%
 
31.7

 
15.5
%
 
(8.7
)
 
(27.4
)%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
196.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
204.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
(8.2
)
 
(4.0
)%

The decline in net earned premiums was principally from Maiden US, which experienced a decline of $5.2 million or 3.2% during three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. This decrease was due to the loss of several large proportional reinsurance contracts that no longer met Maiden US' profitability criteria and were non-renewed in the second half of 2012. Additionally, the remainder of the decline in earned premiums reflects reduced writings by the Company's international operations in 2012, as certain accounts reduced in size or were non-renewed, affected earned premiums in 2013.

Other Insurance Revenue - Other insurance revenue represents the IIS Fee Business, which consists primarily of commissions on German auto business produced, that is not directly associated with premium revenue assumed by the Company and increased 9.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to March 31, 2012.

Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Net loss and loss adjustment expenses increased by $8.4 million, or 6.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were 69.9% and 63.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and include adjustments for the commutation of certain accounts in 2013 and 2012. 

The Company amortized gains as a reduction of losses assumed from the GMAC Acquisition and the IIS Acquisition of $3.9 million for three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $1.6 million in March 31, 2012. In addition the net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were also impacted by development from business written by Maiden Bermuda in prior years.

Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses -  Commission and other acquisition expenses decreased by $19.4 million, or 30.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio were 22.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 30.7% in the same period in 2012. The decrease during the period reflects the reduction in premiums written for the segment in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, consistent with the reasons cited in the discussion of the change in earned premiums. Generally, commission rates are lower on excess of loss contracts than proportional reinsurance contracts.

Lower ceding commissions were recorded in 2013 as compared to 2012 as a result of loss sensitive features on certain contracts, in particular business written by Maiden US. This was due to higher loss ratios on contracts with these features. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, 32.3% of the Maiden US net premiums written have loss sensitive features, which results in lower ceding commissions when loss ratios increase. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the net effect of loss sensitive features on Maiden US reinsurance contracts reduced ceding commissions by $5.9 million, compared to $3.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

General and Administrative Expenses - Consistent with the Company's growth, general and administrative expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 3.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 2012. The general and administrative expense ratio was 5.4% and 4.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The overall expense ratio (including commission and other acquisition expenses) was 27.6% and 35.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Segment

The AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment experienced strong growth during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012. The combined ratio increased slightly to 95.9% for three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 95.5% for the same period in 2012, generally reflecting this segment's stable combined loss ratios and a lower commission and other acquisition expense ratio. The changes in the components of the combined ratio reflect ongoing changes in this segment's mix of business and modifications to the Reinsurance Agreement's ceding commission described below.  

45



The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment for three months ended March 31, 2013, and March 31, 2012:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Net premiums written
 
$
344.8

 
$
226.0

Net premiums earned
 
$
220.3

 
$
167.9

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(145.6
)
 
(112.8
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(65.1
)
 
(47.2
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.4
)
Underwriting income
 
$
9.1

 
$
7.5

Ratios
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
66.1
%
 
67.2
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
 
29.6
%
 
28.1
%
General and administrative expense ratio
 
0.2
%
 
0.2
%
Expense ratio
 
29.8
%
 
28.3
%
Combined ratio
 
95.9
%
 
95.5
%

On March 7, 2013, after receipt of approval from each of the Company’s and AmTrust’s Audit Committee, the Company and AmTrust executed an amendment to the Reinsurance Agreement, which provides for the extension of the term of the Reinsurance Agreement to July 1, 2016. The amendment further provides that, effective January 1, 2013, AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. ("AII") will receive a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums with respect to all Covered Business other than retail commercial package business, for which the ceding commission will remain 34.375%. Though this commission adjustment eliminates its variable feature, the Company anticipates operating for the foreseeable future at that commission rate. Lastly, with regards to the Specialty Program portion of Covered Business only, excluding workers’ compensation business included in the AmTrust’s Specialty Program segment from July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2012, AmTrust will be responsible for ultimate net loss otherwise recoverable from Maiden Bermuda to the extent that the loss ratio to Maiden Bermuda, which shall be determined on an inception to date basis from July 1, 2007 through the date of calculation, is between 81.5% and 95%. Above and below the defined corridor, the Company will continue to reinsure losses at its proportional 40% share per the Reinsurance Agreement. The Company believes that these contract revisions will help to maintain the stability of the overall performance for the Reinsurance Agreement.

Premiums - Net premiums written increased by $118.8 million, or 52.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, business written under the Reinsurance Agreement increased by $118.3 million or 67.4% compared to the same period in 2012 and this increase reflects the continued combination of AmTrust's expansion through acquisition and ongoing organic growth, both of which are benefiting from improved rate levels, particularly in workers' compensation.

The table below illustrates net premiums written by AmTrust’s segments for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change in

 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
$
162.0

 
47.0
%
 
$
90.3

 
40.0
%
 
$
71.7

 
79.4
%
Specialty Program
 
34.9

 
10.1
%
 
22.2

 
9.8
%
 
12.7

 
57.5
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
147.9

 
42.9
%
 
113.5

 
50.2
%
 
34.4

 
30.2
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
$
344.8

 
100.0
%
 
$
226.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
118.8

 
52.6
%


46


Net premiums earned increased by $52.4 million, or 31.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. The increase reflects the ongoing growth of business written under the Reinsurance Agreement and European Hospital Liability Quota Share in 2012 and 2013, as previously described. The table below details net premiums earned by line of business for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change in

 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
$
102.3

 
46.4
%
 
$
66.9

 
39.8
%
 
$
35.4

 
52.9
%
Specialty Program
 
33.3

 
15.1
%
 
27.6

 
16.5
%
 
5.7

 
20.7
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
84.7

 
38.5
%
 
73.4

 
43.7
%
 
11.3

 
15.5
%
Total AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
$
220.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
167.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
52.4

 
31.2
%

Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Net loss and loss expenses increased by $32.8 million, or 29.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the the three months ended March 31, 2012. Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios were 66.1% and 67.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Improved overall loss ratios have arisen due to mix of business changes as the Small Commercial Business segment has increased at a higher rate.

Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses - Commission and other acquisition expenses increased by $17.9 million, or 38.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Expenses have increased in this period in 2013 as a result of ongoing growth in earned premium under both the Reinsurance Agreement and the European Hospital Liability Quota Share. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio increased to 29.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 28.1% in the same period in 2012. The increase reflects the higher proportion of net premium earned from the Reinsurance Agreement, which has a higher commission rate, than the European Hospital Liability Quota Share compared to the same period in 2012.

General and Administrative Expenses -  General and administrative expenses remained flat for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The general and administrative expense ratio also remained flat at 0.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. The overall expense ratio (including commission and other acquisition expenses) was 29.8% and 28.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, reflecting the changes in the commission and other acquisition expense ratio.

ACAC Quota Share Segment

The following table summarizes the underwriting results and associated ratios for the ACAC Quota Share segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Net premiums written
 
$
76.6

 
$
76.5

Net premiums earned
 
$
71.9

 
$
66.1

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(48.5
)
 
(42.7
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(22.4
)
 
(20.9
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
Underwriting income
 
$
0.8

 
$
2.4

 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
 
67.4
%
 
64.5
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
 
31.2
%
 
31.7
%
General and administrative expense ratio
 
0.2
%
 
0.2
%
Expense ratio
 
31.4
%
 
31.9
%
Combined ratio
 
98.8
%
 
96.4
%

The combined ratio increased to 98.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 96.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The higher loss and subsequently combined ratio reflects weaker underwriting performance, particularly on physical damage business written by ACAC in 2011 and 2012, a portion of which ACAC is presently re-underwriting.

47




Effective October 1, 2012, the parties amended the reinsurance agreement to decrease the provisional ceding commission from 32.5% to 32.0% of ceded earned premiums, net of premiums ceded by the personal lines companies for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a minimum of 30.0% (changed from 30.5%), if the loss ratio is 64.5% or greater. The Company believes that the terms, conditions and pricing of the ACAC Quota Share have been determined by arm's length negotiations and reflect current market terms and conditions. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the effect of this contract amendment reduced ceded commissions by $0.4 million.

Premiums - Net premiums written was largely unchanged and increased by only by $0.1 million, or 0.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012. As noted, ACAC is presently re-underwriting a portion of its book of business which may reduce the growth recently experienced in this segment. The table below details net premiums written by line of business in this segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change in

 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Automobile liability
 
$
44.3

 
57.8
%
 
$
43.9

 
57.3
%
 
$
0.4

 
1.1
 %
Automobile physical damage
 
32.3

 
42.2
%
 
32.6

 
42.7
%
 
(0.3
)
 
(1.1
)%
Total ACAC Quota Share
 
$
76.6

 
100.0
%
 
$
76.5

 
100.0
%
 
$
0.1

 
0.1
 %

Net premiums earned increased by $5.8 million, or 8.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012, as a result of the increase in premiums written experienced in 2012. The table below details net premiums earned by line of business in this segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change in

 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Automobile liability
 
$
41.6

 
57.9
%

$
38.1

 
57.6
%
 
$
3.5

 
9.2
%
Automobile physical damage
 
30.3

 
42.1
%

28.0

 
42.4
%
 
2.3

 
8.1
%
Total ACAC Quota Share
 
$
71.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
66.1

 
100.0
%
 
$
5.8

 
8.7
%

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Net losses and loss expenses increased by $5.8 million or 13.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012. Net loss and loss adjustment expense ratios increased to 67.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 64.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 due to adverse development on prior underwriting years.

Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses -  The ACAC Quota Share, as amended, provides that the reinsurers pay a provisional ceding commissions equal to 32.0% of ceded earned premiums, net of premiums ceded by the personal lines companies for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 60.5% or less and a minimum of 30.5% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or higher.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the commission and other acquisition expense ratio of 31.2% and 31.7%, respectively, reflects the adjusted ceding commission recorded in addition to the U.S. Federal excise tax payable on this premium.

General and Administrative Expenses - General and administrative expenses increased by $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Maiden Holdings is a holding company and transacts no business of its own. We therefore rely on cash flows to Maiden Holdings in the form of dividends, advances and loans and other permitted distributions from its subsidiary companies to make dividend payments on its common and preference shares.

The jurisdictions in which our operating subsidiaries are licensed to write business impose regulations requiring companies to maintain or meet various defined statutory ratios, including solvency and liquidity requirements. Some jurisdictions also place restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions.

The payment of dividends from Maiden Holdings’ Bermuda-domiciled operating subsidiary Maiden Bermuda is, under certain circumstances, limited under Bermuda law which requires our Bermuda operating subsidiary to maintain certain measures of

48


solvency and liquidity including the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement ("BSCR"). At March 31, 2013, the statutory capital and surplus of Maiden Bermuda was $929.8 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, Maiden Bermuda did not pay any dividends to Maiden Holdings.

Maiden Holdings’ U.S. domiciled operating subsidiaries, Maiden US and Maiden Specialty, are subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting their ability to declare and pay dividends by the states of Missouri and North Carolina, respectively, the states in which those subsidiaries are domiciled. In addition, there are restrictions based on a risk-based capital test which is the threshold that constitutes the authorized control level. If Maiden US's or Maiden Specialty’s statutory capital and surplus falls below the authorized control level, their respective domiciliary insurance regulators are authorized to take whatever regulatory actions are considered necessary to protect policyholders and creditors. At March 31, 2013, Maiden US and Maiden Specialty statutory capital and surplus were $262.2 million and $47.3 million, respectively, in excess of its authorized control level. The inability of the subsidiaries of Maiden Holdings to pay dividends and other permitted distributions could have a material adverse effect on Maiden Holdings’ cash requirements and ability to make principal, interest and dividend payments on its debt, preference shares and common shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, Maiden US and Maiden Specialty paid no dividends.

Our sources of funds primarily consist of premium receipts net of commissions, investment income, net proceeds from capital raising activities, which may include the issuance of common and preference shares, and proceeds from sales and redemption of investments. Cash is used primarily to pay loss and loss adjustment expenses, general and administrative expenses and dividends, with the remainder made available to our investment managers for investment in accordance with our investment policy. A summary of cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Operating activities
 
$
16.2

 
$
71.2

Investing activities
 
10.6

 
(168.8
)
Financing activities
 
(2.8
)
 
91.2

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
 
(1.8
)
 
2.1

Total increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
22.2

 
$
(4.3
)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $16.2 million compared to $71.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The Company's assets grew by $279.1 million or 6.7% as of March 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012. The increase in assets was largely due to the growth in premium written experienced by the Company, particularly in our AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance segment, in the first quarter of 2013. Cash flows associated with that growth typically lag by at least one calendar quarter, and the Company would anticipate seeing the cash flow benefits of that growth in later quarters in 2013. Additionally, due to the slower rate of premium growth experienced by the Company in the second half of 2012, combined with $16.7 million in loss payments associated with Superstorm Sandy during the first quarter of 2013, cash flow from operations was lower in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Investing cash flows consist primarily of proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments and payments for investments acquired. Net cash provided by investing activities was $10.6 million during three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $168.8 million used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Despite the current interest rate environment which continues to provide historically low fixed income yield levels, the Company continues to deploy available cash for longer-term investments as quickly as investment conditions permit and to maintain, where possible, cash and cash equivalents balances at low levels. Continuation of current market conditions however, may result in the Company accumulating elevated levels of cash and cash equivalents which may result in slower growth in investment income and in certain instances, reductions in investment income despite the increase in invested assets. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the proceeds of sales, maturities and calls of fixed maturity securities exceeded the purchases of such instruments by $5.9 million. Investing cash flows consist primarily of proceeds on the sale or maturity of fixed-maturity investments and payments for fixed-maturity investments acquired.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows used in financing activities were $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of $91.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

49


The following summarizes the net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
Senior notes issuance, net of issuance costs
 
$

 
$
96.9

Dividends paid to Maiden common shareholders
 

 
(5.8
)
Dividends paid to preference shareholders
 
(3.1
)
 

Other, net
 
0.3

 
0.1

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
$
(2.8
)
 
$
91.2


Restrictions, Collateral and Specific Requirements

Maiden Bermuda is neither licensed nor admitted as an insurer, nor is it accredited as a reinsurer, in any jurisdiction in the U.S. As a result, it is generally required to post collateral security with respect to any reinsurance liabilities it assumes from ceding insurers domiciled in the U.S. in order for U.S. ceding companies to obtain credit on their U.S. statutory financial statements with respect to insurance liabilities ceded to them. Under applicable statutory provisions, the security arrangements may be in the form of letters of credit, reinsurance trusts maintained by trustees or funds withheld arrangements where assets are held by the ceding company.

Maiden Bermuda primarily uses trust accounts to meet collateral requirements — cash and cash equivalents and investments pledged in favor of ceding companies in order to comply with relevant insurance regulations.

Maiden US also offers to its clients, on a voluntary basis, the ability to collateralize certain liabilities related to the reinsurance contracts it issues. Under these arrangements, Maiden retains broad investment discretion in order to achieve its business objectives while offering clients the additional security a collateralized arrangement offers. We believe this offers the Company a significant competitive advantage and improves the Company’s retention of high-quality clients. As a result of the transition of relationships as a result of the GMAC Acquisition, as of March 31, 2013 certain of these liabilities and collateralized arrangements are on the records of Maiden Bermuda while the remaining liabilities and collateralized arrangements are obligations of Maiden US.

As of March 31, 2013, total cash and cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments used as collateral were $2.1 billion compared to $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2012. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in assets provided as collateral for the Diversified Reinsurance segment.

The following table details additional information on those assets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Restricted Cash & Cash
Equivalents
 
Fixed
Maturities
 
Total
 
Restricted Cash & Cash
Equivalents
 
Fixed
Maturities
 
Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
($ in Millions)
Maiden US
$
24.7

 
$
735.4

 
$
760.1

 
$
34.0

 
$
722.7

 
$
756.7

Maiden Bermuda
63.2

 
294.7

 
357.9

 
64.5

 
398.3

 
462.8

Diversified Reinsurance
87.9

 
1,030.1

 
1,118.0

 
98.5

 
1,121.0

 
1,219.5

Maiden Bermuda
36.9

 
830.9

 
867.8

 
32.4

 
824.6

 
857.0

AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
36.9

 
830.9

 
867.8

 
32.4

 
824.6

 
857.0

Maiden Bermuda
2.5

 
93.7

 
96.2

 
1.4

 
89.4

 
90.8

ACAC Quota Share
2.5

 
93.7

 
96.2

 
1.4

 
89.4

 
90.8

Total
$
127.3

 
$
1,954.7

 
$
2,082.0

 
$
132.3

 
$
2,035.0

 
$
2,167.3

As a % of Consolidated Balance Sheet captions
100.0
%
 
74.3
%
 
75.5
%
 
100.0
%
 
77.7
%
 
78.8
%

As part of the Reinsurance Agreement, Maiden Bermuda has also loaned funds to AmTrust totaling $168.0 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, to satisfy collateral requirements with AII.

Collateral arrangements with ceding insurers may subject our assets to security interests or require that a portion of our assets be pledged to, or otherwise held by, third parties. Both our trust accounts and letters of credit are fully collateralized by assets held

50


in custodial accounts. Although the investment income derived from our assets while held in trust accrues to our benefit, the investment of these assets is governed by the terms of the letter of credit facilities or the investment regulations of the state or territory of domicile of the ceding insurer, which may be more restrictive than the investment regulations applicable to us under Bermuda law. The restrictions may result in lower investment yields on these assets, which may adversely affect our profitability.

We do not currently anticipate that the restrictions on liquidity resulting from restrictions on the payments of dividends by our subsidiary companies or from assets committed in trust accounts or to collateralize the letter of credit facilities will have a material impact on our ability to carry out our normal business activities, including, our ability to make dividend payments on our common shares.

IIS Acquisition — Funds Withheld

The substantial majority of the premiums and losses underwritten by GMAC International Insurance Company, Ltd. ("GMAC IICL") were subject to collateral requirements in the form of letters of credit and trust agreements. At the closing of the IIS Acquisition, the Company settled cash balances applicable to the subject reinsurance contracts with GMAC IICL of $26.2 million. Actual assets in support of the liabilities assumed under the IICL Agreement were transferred to the Company when the subject individual agreements were novated to Maiden Bermuda. As of March 31, 2013, one contract had not yet been novated and this is expected to occur in 2013. Maiden Bermuda now provides collateral in the form of both trusts and letters of credit as required by the respective reinsurance contracts.

The pre-existing funds withheld amounts (“IIS Funds Withheld”) and cash transferred to GMAC IICL are included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as Funds Withheld. The substantial majority of underlying reinsurance contracts were novated in 2011 to Maiden Bermuda per the terms of the IICL Agreement. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the remaining IIS Funds Withheld balance consisted of the following:
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Fixed maturities, at fair value
$
20.8

 
95.5
 %
 
$
26.4

 
116.4
 %
Cash and cash equivalents
4.3

 
19.7
 %
 
0.1

 
0.4
 %
Funds held on underlying business
0.5

 
2.2
 %
 
0.5

 
2.3
 %
Insurance balances receivable and other
(3.8
)
 
(17.4
)%
 
(4.3
)
 
(19.1
)%
Total IIS Funds Withheld
$
21.8

 
100.0
 %
 
$
22.7

 
100.0
 %

The IIS Funds Withheld constituted 49.2% and 53.1% of the total funds withheld balance on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The fixed maturity portfolio consists primarily of non-U.S. government debt, 100.0% of which is rated AAA as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. All corporate bonds held as of March 31, 2013 are investment grade securities. The fixed maturities consisted of the following:
 
March 31, 2013

December 31, 2012
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
U.K. government bonds
$
14.7

 
70.6
%
 
$
20.0

 
75.7
%
Corporate bonds
6.1

 
29.4
%
 
6.4

 
24.3
%
Total
$
20.8

 
100.0
%
 
$
26.4

 
100.0
%

We do not have any non-U.S. government and government related obligations related to Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal or Spain as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. See the discussion in Counterparty Credit Risk in Item 3 of Part I of this Form 10-Q related to the release of assets forming part of the IIS Funds Withheld.

Investments

Our funds are primarily invested in liquid, high-grade fixed income securities and are designated AFS with an orientation to generating current income. As of March 31, 2013, the weighted average duration of our fixed maturity investment portfolio was 3.6 years and there were approximately $132.6 million of net unrealized gains in the portfolio, compared to a duration of 3.5 years and net unrealized gains of $143.5 million in the portfolio as of December 31, 2012.

Despite the increase in the Company's total assets, the Company's AFS fixed maturity investments only increased by $11.2 million or 0.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012. Positive operating cash flow was offset by a decrease in the value of bonds held of $10.9 million along with slightly elevated levels of cash and cash equivalents held, as of March 31, 2013.

51


The table below shows the aggregate amounts of our invested AFS assets and other investments at fair value including the average yield and duration at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

March 31, 2013
 
Original or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Average yield*
 
Average duration
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42.6

 
$
1.1

 
$

 
$
43.7

 
1.9
%
 
1.0 years
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
972.7

 
27.7

 
(1.4
)
 
999.0

 
2.3
%
 
2.6 years
U.S. agency bonds – other
 
11.7

 
1.3

 

 
13.0

 
4.4
%
 
4.6 years
Non-U.S. government bonds
 
54.3

 
1.4

 
(0.4
)
 
55.3

 
1.8
%
 
2.7 years
Other mortgage-backed securities
 
22.8

 
0.7

 

 
23.5

 
2.9
%
 
3.6 years
Corporate bonds
 
1,259.5

 
105.4

 
(4.5
)
 
1,360.4

 
4.5
%
 
4.7 years
Municipal bonds
 
133.7

 
1.3

 

 
135.0

 
0.5
%
 
0.7 years
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
2,497.3

 
138.9

 
(6.3
)
 
2,629.9

 
3.3
%
 
3.6 years
Other investments
 
3.0

 
0.3

 
(0.1
)
 
3.2

 
 
 
 
Total investments
 
$
2,500.3

 
$
139.2

 
$
(6.4
)
 
$
2,633.1

 
 
 
 

December 31, 2012
 
Original or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Average yield*
 
Average duration
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42.7

 
$
1.2

 
$

 
$
43.9

 
1.9
%
 
1.2 years
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
962.6

 
31.0

 
(1.4
)
 
992.2

 
2.6
%
 
2.5 years
U.S. agency bonds – other
 
11.7

 
1.4

 

 
13.1

 
4.4
%
 
4.8 years
Non-U.S. government bonds
 
55.2

 
2.2

 

 
57.4

 
1.8
%
 
2.9 years
Other mortgage-backed securities
 
23.1

 
0.9

 

 
24.0

 
2.8
%
 
3.8 years
Corporate bonds
 
1,247.3

 
113.5

 
(6.5
)
 
1,354.3

 
4.6
%
 
4.8 years
Municipal bonds
 
132.6

 
1.2

 

 
133.8

 
0.8
%
 
0.7 years
Total available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
2,475.2

 
151.4

 
(7.9
)
 
2,618.7

 
3.5
%
 
3.5 years
Other investments
 
2.6

 
0.4

 
(0.1
)
 
2.9

 
 
 
 
Total investments
 
$
2,477.8

 
$
151.8

 
$
(8.0
)
 
$
2,621.6

 
 
 
 

*Average yield is calculated by dividing annualized investment income for each sub-component of available-for sale securities (including amortization of premium or discount) by amortized cost and therefore does not include investment income earned on cash and cash equivalents or other short-term investments.

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

Historic and implied volatility of the security;

Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;

Adverse conditions specifically related to the security or to specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;

Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and

Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

When assessing our intent to sell a fixed maturity security or if it is more likely that we will be required to sell a fixed maturity security before recovery of its cost basis, we evaluate facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition our security portfolio, sale of securities to meet cash flow needs and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing. In order

52


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

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized no OTTI. Based on our qualitative and quantitative impairment review of each asset class within our fixed maturity portfolio, the remaining unrealized losses on fixed maturities at March 31, 2013, were primarily due to widening of credit spreads relating to the market illiquidity, rather than credit events. Because we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities until a recovery of fair value to amortized cost, we currently believe it is probable that we will collect all amounts due according to their respective contractual terms. Therefore we do not consider these fixed maturities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2013.

The Company may, from time to time, engage in investment activity that will be considered trading activity, in amounts generally less than $100 million. This trading activity is generally focused on taking long or short positions in United States Treasury securities. These periodic activities are classified as trading for the purpose of augmenting where possible investment returns. Unrealized gains and losses from trading activities are recorded in net realized and unrealized gains on investment on the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following table presents information regarding our available-for-sale fixed maturities and other investments that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and split by the length of time the assets are in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
March 31, 2013
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
($ in Millions)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
181.6

 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
11.6

 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
193.2

 
$
(1.4
)
Non-U.S. government bonds
 
28.0

 
(0.4
)
 

 
$

 
28.0

 
(0.4
)
Corporate bonds
 
100.9

 
(1.4
)
 
144.2

 
(3.1
)
 
245.1

 
(4.5
)
 
 
310.5

 
(2.8
)
 
155.8

 
(3.5
)
 
466.3

 
(6.3
)
Other investments
 

 

 
2.3

 
(0.1
)
 
2.3

 
(0.1
)
Total temporarily impaired AFS securities and other investments
 
$
310.5

 
$
(2.8
)
 
$
158.1

 
$
(3.6
)
 
$
468.6

 
$
(6.4
)

As of March 31, 2013, there were approximately 53 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $468.6 million and unrealized losses of $6.4 million. Of these securities, there are 10 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $158.1 million and unrealized losses of $3.6 million.
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
December 31, 2012
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale fixed maturities
 
($ in Millions)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
$
158.6

 
$
(1.4
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
158.6

 
$
(1.4
)
Corporate bonds
 
94.7

 
(1.1
)
 
141.9

 
(5.4
)
 
236.6

 
(6.5
)
 
 
253.3

 
(2.5
)
 
141.9

 
(5.4
)
 
395.2

 
(7.9
)
Other investments
 

 

 
2.0

 
(0.1
)
 
2.0

 
(0.1
)
Total temporarily impaired AFS fixed maturities and other investments
 
$
253.3

 
$
(2.5
)
 
$
143.9

 
$
(5.5
)
 
$
397.2

 
$
(8.0
)


53


As of December 31, 2012, there were approximately 32 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $397.2 million and unrealized losses of $8.0 million. Of these securities, there are 9 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $143.9 million and unrealized losses of $5.5 million.
 
The following table summarizes the fair value by contractual maturity of our AFS fixed maturity investment portfolio as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
 
March 31, 2013

December 31, 2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
% of Total
 
($ in Millions)
 
% of Total
Due in one year or less
 
$
99.6

 
3.8
%
 
$
58.7

 
2.2
%
Due after one year through five years
 
388.2

 
14.8
%
 
387.9

 
14.8
%
Due after five years through ten years
 
953.0

 
36.2
%
 
981.5

 
37.5
%
Due after ten years
 
166.6

 
6.3
%
 
174.4

 
6.7
%
 
 
1,607.4

 
61.1
%
 
1,602.5

 
61.2
%
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
999.0

 
38.0
%
 
992.2

 
37.9
%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
23.5

 
0.9
%
 
24.0

 
0.9
%
Total AFS fixed maturities
 
$
2,629.9

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,618.7

 
100.0
%

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 98.5% and 98.6%, respectively, of our fixed income portfolio consisted of investment grade securities. We define a security as being below-investment grade if it has an S&P credit rating of BB+ or less. The following table summarizes the composition of the fair value of our fixed maturity investments at the dates indicated by ratings as assigned by S&P (and/or other rating agencies when S&P ratings were not available):

March 31, 2013
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
% of Total Fair Value
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Ratings
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42.6

 
$
43.7

 
1.7
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
984.4

 
1,012.0

 
38.5
%
AAA
 
170.4

 
180.4

 
6.9
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
175.8

 
184.2

 
7.0
%
A+, A, A-
 
466.6

 
503.3

 
19.1
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
619.0

 
665.5

 
25.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
38.5

 
40.8

 
1.5
%
Total AFS fixed maturities
 
$
2,497.3

 
$
2,629.9

 
100.0
%

December 31, 2012
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
% of Total Fair Value
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Ratings
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
42.7

 
$
43.9

 
1.7
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
974.3

 
1,005.3

 
38.4
%
AAA
 
171.1

 
184.0

 
7.0
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
186.5

 
196.7

 
7.5
%
A+, A, A-
 
477.2

 
515.4

 
19.7
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
587.9

 
637.1

 
24.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
35.5

 
36.3

 
1.4
%
Total AFS fixed maturities
 
$
2,475.2

 
$
2,618.7

 
100.0
%



54


Substantially all of the Company’s U.S. agency bond holdings are mortgage-backed bonds. Additional details on the mortgage-backed bonds component of our U.S. agency bonds portfolio as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed (RMBS)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GNMA – fixed rate
 
$
90.8

 
8.9
%
 
$
100.8

 
10.0
%
FNMA – fixed rate
 
588.7

 
58.2
%
 
573.0

 
57.0
%
FNMA – variable rate
 
43.8

 
4.3
%
 
46.9

 
4.7
%
FHLMC – fixed rate
 
263.0

 
26.0
%
 
257.7

 
25.6
%
FHLMC – variable rate
 
12.7

 
1.3
%
 
13.8

 
1.4
%
Total RMBS
 
999.0

 
98.7
%
 
992.2

 
98.7
%
Total agency mortgage-backed securities
 
999.0

 
98.7
%
 
992.2

 
98.7
%
Non-MBS fixed rate agency securities
 
13.0

 
1.3
%
 
13.1

 
1.3
%
Total U.S. agency bonds
 
$
1,012.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,005.3

 
100.0
%

The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value associated with the Company's U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed:
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
992.2

 
$
972.1

Purchases
 
154.4

 
225.8

Sales and paydowns
 
(140.8
)
 
(83.2
)
Net realized gains (losses) on sales – included in net income
 

 

Change in net unrealized (gains) losses – included in other comprehensive income
 
(3.1
)
 
(4.0
)
Amortization of bond premium and discount
 
(3.7
)
 
(1.2
)
Ending balance
 
$
999.0

 
$
1,109.5


The Company continued to experience elevated levels of paydowns of its U.S. agency mortgage-backed bond portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. The increased paydowns reflect the ongoing decline in interest rates in the U.S. and globally in recent years, resulting in higher refinancing activity in the U.S. mortgage markets. This market environment was reinforced during the 2012 when the U.S. Federal Reserve enacted new policy measures designed to provide greater liquidity to certain credit markets, in particular the mortgage-backed securities market. These measures may, combined with an already low interest rate environment, have the effect of increasing the level of paydowns on certain mortgage-backed securities in the Company's portfolio, consequently increasing the amount of amortization of bond premium we have incurred. These increased paydowns have in turn increased the amount of premium amortization recognized by the Company for those periods, reducing the amount of net investment income reported by the Company as a result.

Our U.S. agency mortgage-backed bond portfolio is 38.0% of our fixed maturity investments as of March 31, 2013. Given the relative size of this portfolio to our total investments, if these faster prepayment patterns continue over an extended period of time, this could potentially have the effect of limiting the growth in our investment income, or in certain circumstances, or even potentially reducing the total amount of investment income we earn.

The Company holds no asset-backed securities other than the mortgage-backed securities it has described herein.


55


The security holdings by sector and financial strength rating by S&P in this asset class as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:    
 
 
Ratings*
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
AAA

AA+, AA, AA-

A+, A, A-

BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
B+ or lower
 
Fair Value
 
% of Corporate bonds portfolio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Institutions
 
7.0
%
 
4.1
%
 
31.2
%
 
13.9
%
 
0.1
%
 
$
766.8

 
56.3
%
Industrials
 
%
 
1.2
%
 
3.6
%
 
31.6
%
 
2.0
%
 
522.0

 
38.4
%
Utilities/Other
 
%
 
%
 
1.0
%
 
3.4
%
 
0.9
%
 
71.6

 
5.3
%
Total Corporate bonds
 
7.0
%
 
5.3
%
 
35.8
%
 
48.9
%
 
3.0
%
 
$
1,360.4

 
100.0
%

 
 
Ratings*
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
AA+, AA, AA-
 
A+, A, A-
 
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
B+ or lower
 
Fair Value
 
% of Corporate bonds portfolio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Institutions
 
7.1
%
 
5.2
%
 
31.1
%
 
13.7
%
 
0.1
%
 
$
775.1

 
57.2
%
Industrials
 
%
 
1.2
%
 
4.8
%
 
30.8
%
 
1.7
%
 
520.9

 
38.5
%
Utilities/Other
 
%
 
%
 
0.9
%
 
2.5
%
 
0.9
%
 
58.3

 
4.3
%
Total Corporate bonds
 
7.1
%
 
6.4
%
 
36.8
%
 
47.0
%
 
2.7
%
 
$
1,354.3

 
100.0
%
*Ratings as assigned by S&P

Over the last twelve to twenty four months, the Company has increased its allocation to corporate bonds with credit ratings of BBB, in order to take advantage of more attractive yield opportunities in those bonds, while staying within its established investment guidelines.

The Company’s 10 largest corporate holdings, all of which are in the Financial Institutions sector, as of March 31, 2013 as carried at fair value and as a percentage of all fixed income securities are as follows:
March 31, 2013
 
% of Holdings
Based on Fair
Value of All
Fixed Income
Securities
 
Rating*
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
 
Morgan Stanley FLT, Due 10/18/2016 (1)
 
$
39.0

 
1.5
%
 
 A-
Citigroup FLT, Due 6/9/2016 (1)
 
26.0

 
1.0
%
 
 BBB+
Northern Rock Asset Mgt., 3.875% Due 11/16/2020
 
24.7

 
0.9
%
 
 AAA
BNP Paribas, 5.0% Due 1/15/2021
 
21.5

 
0.8
%
 
A+
Vale Overseas Ltd, 4.375% Due 1/11/2022
 
20.5

 
0.8
%
 
A-
Barclays Bank PLC NY FLT, Due 2/24/2020 (1)
 
20.3

 
0.8
%
 
A+
Rabobank Nederland UTREC, 3.875% Due 2/8/2022
 
20.1

 
0.8
%
 
AA-
SLM Corp FLT, Due 1/27/2014 (1)
 
19.8

 
0.8
%
 
BBB-
Bear Stearns FLT, 11/21/2016 (1)
 
19.8

 
0.8
%
 
A
HSBC Financial FLT, Due 6/1/2016 (1)
 
19.7

 
0.7
%
 
A
Total
 
$
231.4

 
8.9
%
 
 
* Ratings as assigned by S&P
(1)Securities with the notation FLT are floating rate securities.


56


As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 17.7% and 17.5% of its corporate fixed maturities were floating rate securities, respectively, all of which were in the Financial Institutions sector. These securities enable the Company to maintain flexibility in the face of volatile fixed income market conditions and to quickly take advantage of any unanticipated increases in interest rates which may occur.

Given the Company’s status as a Bermuda domicile with limited U.S. Federal tax exposure, to the extent that the Company invests in fixed maturity securities issued by U.S. state and local governments, these investments are made on the merits of the underlying investment and not on the tax-exempt status of those securities under U.S. Federal tax law. As a result, at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, municipal securities only composed 5.1% of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we own the following fixed maturities not denominated in U.S. dollars:
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
$
152.0

 
73.3
%
 
$
156.5

 
73.1
%
Non-U.S. government bonds
 
55.3

 
26.7
%
 
57.4

 
26.9
%
Total Non-U.S. dollar AFS fixed maturities
 
$
207.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
213.9

 
100.0
%

These fixed maturities were invested in the following currencies:
 
 
March 31, 2013

December 31, 2012
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Euro
 
$
185.6

 
89.5
%
 
$
191.7

 
89.6
%
Swedish Krona
 
10.7

 
5.2
%
 
10.9

 
5.1
%
Australian Dollar
 
7.6

 
3.7
%
 
7.7

 
3.6
%
British Pound
 
2.7

 
1.3
%
 
2.9

 
1.4
%
All other
 
0.7

 
0.3
%
 
0.7

 
0.3
%
Total Non-U.S. dollar AFS fixed maturities
 
$
207.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
213.9

 
100.0
%

We do not have any government or government related obligations of Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 89.9% and 90.1% of the Company's non-sovereign government issuers were rated AA or higher by S&P. The five largest non-U.S. government issuers held by the Company as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are:
 
 
March 31, 2013

December 31, 2012
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
Germany
 
$
23.5

 
42.6
%
 
$
24.8

 
43.1
%
European Investment Bank
 
12.3
 
22.2
%
 
12.5

 
21.7
%
Sweden
 
6.0
 
10.9
%
 
6.1
 
10.7
%
Israel
 
5.6

 
10.1
%
 
5.7

 
9.9
%
Netherlands
 
5.5

 
9.9
%
 
5.9

 
10.3
%
All other
 
2.4

 
4.3
%
 
2.4

 
4.3
%
Total Non-U.S. government bonds
 
$
55.3

 
100.0
%
 
$
57.4

 
100.0
%


57


For corporate bonds not denominated in U.S. dollars, the following table summarizes the composition of the fair value of our fixed maturity investments at the dates indicated by ratings as assigned by S&P and/or other rating agencies when S&P ratings were not available:

 
 
March 31, 2013

December 31, 2012
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
AAA
 
$
60.8

 
40.0
%
 
$
61.8

 
39.5
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
7.2

 
4.7
%
 
7.9

 
5.0
%
A+, A, A-
 
50.5

 
33.2
%
 
52.3

 
33.4
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
32.1

 
21.1
%
 
33.1

 
21.1
%
BB+ or lower
 
1.4

 
1.0
%
 
1.4

 
1.0
%
Total Non-U.S. dollar denominated corporate bonds
 
$
152.0

 
100.0
%
 
$
156.5

 
100.0
%

The Company does not employ any credit default protection against any of the non-U.S. dollar denominated government or corporate bonds

Financial Strength Ratings

Financial strength ratings represent the opinions of rating agencies on our capacity to meet our obligations. Some of our reinsurance treaties contain special funding and termination clauses that are triggered in the event that we or one of our subsidiaries is downgraded by one of the major rating agencies to levels specified in the treaties, or our capital is significantly reduced. If such an event were to happen, we would be required, in certain instances, to post collateral in the form of letters of credit and/or trust accounts against existing outstanding losses, if any, related to the treaty. In a limited number of instances, the subject treaties could be cancelled retroactively or commuted by the cedant and might affect our ability to write business. Our principal operating subsidiaries are rated “A-” (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company, which rating is the fourth highest of sixteen rating levels, and BBB+ (Good) with a stable outlook by S&P, which is the eighth highest of twenty-two rating levels. Our 2011 Senior Notes and 2012 Senior Notes are both rated BBB- by S&P and the Preference Shares are rated BB by S&P.

Other Material Changes in Financial Position

The following summarizes other material changes in the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
($ in Millions)
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
 
$
726.4

 
$
522.6

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
 
38.8

 
38.7

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
 
118.1

 
110.9

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
 
312.3

 
270.7

Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
(1,779.1
)
 
(1,740.3
)
Unearned premiums
 
(1,134.7
)
 
(936.5
)

In general, the increases in these balances reflect the continued growth of the Company, in particular the strong premium written growth experienced during the first quarter of 2013 in the AmTrust segment. At March 31, 2013, the reinsurance recoverable increased by $7.2 million compared to December 31, 2012, of which $68.2 million or 57.8% relates to reinsurance claims from Superstorm Sandy.


58


Capital Resources

Capital resources consist of funds deployed or available to be deployed in support of our business operations. Our total capital resources were $1,360.1 million at March 31, 2013, a 0.8% increase from $1,349.0 million at December 31, 2012 and reflect the increase in the Company's shareholders equity discussed below.
 
As of March 31, 2013, our shareholders’ equity was $1,026.3 million, a 1.1% increase compared to $1,015.2 million as of December 31, 2012. The increase was due primarily to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 of $25.0 million and favorable foreign currency translation adjustment of $2.9 million offset by a decrease in unrealized gains on investments of $10.9 million, common dividends declared of $6.5 million and Preference Share dividends paid of $3.1 million.

On August 22, 2012, the Company issued 6 million of 8.25% Preference Shares - Series A, par value $0.01 per share, at $25 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $145.0 million from the offering, The net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used for continued support and development of our reinsurance business and for other general corporate purposes, which may include repurchasing the Company's outstanding common shares and repurchasing the Company's outstanding 14% 30-year trust preferred securities issued in January 2009.

Also on that date, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management at its discretion to purchase its outstanding common shares in an amount not exceeding 50% of the net proceeds of the Preference Share Offering. Repurchases under the program may be made in open market or privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, from time to time, depending on market conditions. For the period August 22, 2012 through March 31, 2013, the Company did not repurchase any of its common shares.

Senior Note Offerings

On June 24, 2011, the Company completed an offering of $107.5 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due June 15, 2041, including $7.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2011 Senior Notes to be issued and sold by the Company pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise in part of their over-allotment option. The 2011 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2016, at 100% of the principal amount of the 2011 Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date.

The net proceeds from the 2011 Senior Note Offering were approximately $104.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. With the underwriters’ exercise of a portion of their over-allotment option, the Company repurchased $107.5 million aggregate liquidation amount of TRUPS Offering on July 15, 2011.

On March 27, 2012, the Company completed an offering of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% Senior Notes due on March 27, 2042. The 2012 Senior Notes are redeemable for cash, in whole or in part, on or after March 27, 2017, at 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date. The net proceeds from the 2012 Senior Notes will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Junior Subordinated Debt

On January 20, 2009, the Company established a special purpose trust for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. This involved private placement of 260,000 units (the “Units”), each Unit consisting of $1,000 principal amount of capital securities (the “Trust Preferred Securities”) of Maiden Capital Financing Trust (the “Trust”) and 45 common shares, $.01 par value, of the Company, for a purchase price of $1,000.45 per Unit.

As part of the transaction, the Company issued 11,700,000 common shares to the purchasers of the Trust Preferred Securities. The Trust Preferred Securities mature in 2039 and carry an interest rate of 14% and an effective rate of interest of 16.76%. The proceeds from such issuances, together with the proceeds of the related issuances of common securities of the trusts, were invested by the Trust in subordinated debentures issued by the Company. The gross proceeds to the Company were approximately $260.1 million in the form of junior subordinated debt, before approximately $4.3 million of placement agent fees and expenses.

The value of the common shares issued to purchasers of the Trust Preferred Securities are being carried as a reduction of the liability for the Trust Preferred Securities with the value being amortized against the Company’s earnings over the 30-year term of the Trust Preferred Securities. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the unamortized amount carried as a reduction of the Company’s liability for the junior subordinated debt was $26.2 million. If the Company were to repay the remaining Trust Preferred Securities in full or in part at any time prior to their maturity date, the Company would have to recognize a commensurate amount as a reduction of earnings at that time.

Under the terms of the TRUPS Offering, the Company can repay the principal balance in full or in part at any time. However, if the Company repays such principal within five years of the date of issuance, it is required to pay an additional amount equal to one full year of interest on the amount of Trust Preferred Securities repaid. If we were to fully pay off the remaining securities prior to January 20, 2014, we would incur $21.4 million in additional expenses along with (as noted above) incurring additional amortization charges to write off the remaining unamortized amounts which are presently $26.2 million. As a result, our results of operations and book value would be reduced commensurately.

Although the Company has sufficient liquidity at this time to pay off the remaining securities associated with the TRUPS Offering, given the proximity to the date of expiration of the TRUPS Offering prepayment penalty, it is unlikely that we would pay off these securities prior to January 20, 2014 unless were able to achieve savings in excess of the remaining interest we are

59


required to pay until that time, including any prepayment premium. At any such time that we do pay off the remaining securities associated with the TRUPS Offering, we will incur a charge for the remaining unamortized amounts.

Currency and Foreign Exchange

We conduct business in a variety of foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, the principal exposures being the Euro, the British pound, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar, the Swedish krona and the Russian ruble. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates. Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, and exchange rate fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar may materially impact our results and financial position. Our principal exposure to foreign currency risk is our obligation to settle claims in foreign currencies. In addition, in order to minimize this risk we maintain and expect to continue to maintain a portion of our investment portfolio in investments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We may employ various strategies (including hedging) to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. To the extent that these exposures are not fully hedged or the hedges are ineffective, our results of operations or equity may be reduced by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. At March 31, 2013, no such hedges or hedging strategies were in force or had been entered into. We measure monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at period end exchange rates, with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted at average exchange rates during the period. The effect of the translation adjustments for foreign operations is included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Net foreign exchange gains amounted to $1.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $1.0 million during three months ended March 31, 2012.

Effects of Inflation
 
The effects of inflation are considered implicitly in pricing and estimating reserves loss and loss adjustment expenses. The effects of inflation could cause the severity of claims to rise in the future. To the extent inflation causes these costs, particularly medical treatments and litigation costs, to increase above reserves established for these claims, the Company will be required to increase the reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses with a corresponding reduction in its earnings in the period in which the deficiency is identified. The actual effects of inflation on the results of operations of the Company cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately settled.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of March 31, 2013, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Item 1, Note 2 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.
 
 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses in our investments due to adverse changes in market rates and prices. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the market in which the related underlying assets are invested. We believe that we are principally exposed to two types of market risk: changes in interest rates and changes in credit quality of issuers of investment securities and reinsurers.


60


Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that we may incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. The primary market risk to the investment portfolio is interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturity securities. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. At March 31, 2013, we had AFS fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $2.6 billion that are subject to interest rate risk.

The table below summarizes the interest rate risk associated with our fixed maturity securities by illustrating the sensitivity of the fair value and carrying value of our fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2013 to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates, and the associated impact on our shareholders’ equity. Temporary changes in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities that are held as AFS do impact the carrying value of these securities and are reported in our shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income. The selected scenarios in the table below are not predictions of future events, but rather are intended to illustrate the effect such events may have on the fair value and carrying value of our fixed maturity securities and on our shareholders’ equity as of March 31, 2013:
Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates
 
Fair Value
 
Estimated
Change in
Fair Value
 
Hypothetical %
(Decrease)
Increase in
Shareholders’
Equity
 
 
($ in Millions)
 
 
200 basis point increase
 
$
2,434.0

 
$
(195.9
)
 
(19.1
)%
100 basis point increase
 
2,527.8

 
(102.1
)
 
(9.9
)%
No change
 
2,629.9

 

 
 %
100 basis point decrease
 
2,735.7

 
105.8

 
10.3
 %
200 basis point decrease
 
2,851.1

 
221.2

 
21.6
 %

The interest rate sensitivity on the $168.0 million loan to related party, which carries an interest rate of one month LIBOR plus 90 basis points, is an increase of 100 and 200 basis points in LIBOR would increase our earnings and cash flows by $1.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively, on an annual basis, but would not affect the carrying value of the loan.

Counterparty Credit Risk

The concentrations of the Company’s counterparty credit risk exposures as of March 31, 2013 have not changed materially compared to December 31, 2012.
 
The Company has exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed maturity securities. The Company controls this exposure by emphasizing investment grade credit quality in the securities it purchases. The table below summarizes the credit ratings by major rating category of the Company's fixed maturity investments as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Ratings*
 
 
AA+ or better
 
47.9
%
 
48.0
%
AA, AA-, A+, A, A-
 
25.3
%
 
26.3
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
25.3
%
 
24.3
%
BB+ or lower
 
1.5
%
 
1.4
%
 
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
* Ratings as assigned by S&P

The Company believes this high quality concentration reduces its exposure to credit risk on fixed income investments to an acceptable level.

At March 31, 2013, the Company is not exposed to any significant credit concentration risk on its investments, excluding securities issued by the U.S. governments which are rated AA+ (see "Investments - Liquidity and Capital Resources" on page 51), with the single largest corporate issuer and the top 10 corporate issuers accounting for only 1.5% and 8.9% of the Company’s total fixed income securities, respectively.

The Company is subject to the credit risk of its cedants in the event of their insolvency or their failure to honor the value of the funds held balances due to the Company for any other reason. However, the Company’s credit risk in some jurisdictions is mitigated by a mandatory right of offset of amounts payable by the Company to a cedant against amounts due to the Company. In certain other jurisdictions the Company is able to mitigate this risk, depending on the nature of the funds held arrangements,

61


to the extent that the Company has the contractual ability to offset any shortfall in the payment of the funds held balances with amounts owed by the Company to cedants for losses payable and other amounts contractually due. Funds held balances for which the Company receives an investment return based upon either the results of a pool of assets held by the cedant or the investment return earned by the cedant on its investment portfolio are exposed to an additional layer of credit risk.

The IIS Funds Withheld account due to the Company is related to one cedant, GMAC IICL, whereby GMAC IICL and the Company entered into the IICL Agreement to assume business written by GMAC IICL. Under the IICL Agreement, the individual balances by cedant which comprise the IIS Funds Withheld account have been transferred to the Company upon novation of the underlying reinsurance contract from GMAC IICL to the Company. As of March 31, 2013, one contract had not yet been novated and this is expected to occur in 2013. At March 31, 2013, the IIS Funds Withheld account due from GMAC IICL was $21.8 million, including $20.8 million in a segregated investment portfolio which represents collateral pledged as required by the underlying reinsurance contracts, primarily offset by other net liabilities of $3.8 million. The investments underlying the IIS Funds Withheld account are maintained in separate investment portfolios by GMAC IICL and managed by the Company.

The Company is subject to the credit risk of this cedant in the event of insolvency or GMAC IICL’s failure to honor the value of the funds held balances for any other reason. However, the Company’s credit risk is somewhat mitigated by the fact that the Company generally has the right to offset any shortfall in the payment of the funds held balances with amounts owed by the Company to the cedant for losses payable and other amounts contractually due.

The Company has exposure to credit risk as it relates to its business written through brokers if any of the Company’s brokers are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations with respect to payments to the Company. In addition, in some jurisdictions, if the broker fails to make payments to the insured under the Company’s policy, the Company might remain liable to the insured for the deficiency. The Company's exposure to such credit risk is somewhat mitigated in certain jurisdictions by contractual terms. See Business and Risk Factors in Item1 and 1A of Part I of the Company's Form 10-K, filed on March 11, 2013, respectively, for detailed information on three brokers that accounted for approximately 34.1% of the Company’s gross premiums written in the Diversified Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The Company has exposure to credit risk as it relates to its reinsurance balances receivable and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses. We are subject to the credit risk that AII and/or AmTrust will fail to perform their obligations to pay interest on and repay principal of amounts loaned to AII pursuant to its loan agreement with Maiden Bermuda, and to reimburse Maiden Bermuda for any assets or other collateral of Maiden that AmTrust’s U.S. insurance company subsidiaries apply or retain, and income on those assets. Reinsurance balances receivable from the Company’s clients at March 31, 2013 were $726.4 million, including balances both currently due and accrued.

The Company believes that credit risk related to these balances is mitigated by several factors, including but not limited to, credit checks performed as part of the underwriting process and monitoring of aged receivable balances. In addition, as the vast majority of its reinsurance agreements permit the Company the right to offset reinsurance balances receivable from clients against losses payable to them, the Company believes that the credit risk in this area is substantially reduced. Provisions are made for amounts considered potentially uncollectible. There was no allowance for uncollectible reinsurance balances receivable at March 31, 2013.

The Company purchases limited amounts of retrocessional reinsurance and requires its reinsurers to have adequate financial strength. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors its concentration of credit risk on an ongoing basis. Provisions are made for amounts considered potentially uncollectible. The balance of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses was $118.1 million at March 31, 2013, of which $68.2 million or 57.8% relates to reinsurance claims from Superstorm Sandy. As of March 31, 2013, 75.3% of the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses was due from reinsurers with credit ratings from A.M Best of A, or better, 8.5% due from reinsurers with credit ratings of A-, 16.1% due from reinsurers with credit ratings of B++ and the remaining 0.1% of the reinsurance recoverable was primarily due from state pools.

Foreign Currency Risk

Through its international reinsurance operations, the Company conducts business in a variety of non-U.S. currencies, with the principal exposures being the Euro and British pound. As the Company's reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, foreign exchange rate fluctuations may materially impact the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
The Company is generally able to match foreign currency denominated assets against its net reinsurance liabilities both by currency and duration to protect the Company against foreign exchange and interest rate risks. However, a natural offset does not exist for all currencies. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, 15.3% of our net premiums written and 10.5% of our reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses were transacted in Euro.

Countries that participate in the Euro have experienced significant economic uncertainty in recent years, which continues through the present time. These circumstances are the cumulative result of the effect of excessive sovereign debt, deficits by numerous participating countries in the Euro, uncertainty regarding the monetary policies of the EU and their underlying funding mechanisms and poor economic growth and prospects for the EU as a whole.

While economic policy measures and commitments have stabilized the currency's volatility since the second half of 2012, the EU's fiscal outlook remains negative, and permanent solutions to resolve these issues by participating countries and other institutions to reduce debt levels of EU members and improve its economic outlook have not been resolved.


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While not likely at this time, without satisfactory and timely resolution of these issues, the collapse or modification of the Euro cannot be ruled out at this time. There is also further uncertainty as to what forms of currency would take its place.

As a result, we could be subject to significantly greater foreign currency exposure than we estimate at this time. If the currency were impaired or disrupted to any significant degree, it could also impact our ability to conduct normal business operations in those participating countries.
 
We may employ various strategies to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. To the extent that these exposures are not fully hedged or the hedges are ineffective, our results of operations or equity may be reduced by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. At March 31, 2013, no hedging instruments have been entered into.
 
Our principal foreign currency exposure is to the Euro and British pound, however assuming all other variables remain constant and disregarding any tax effects, a strengthening (weakening) of the U.S. dollar exchange rate of 10% or 20% relative to the non-U.S. currencies held by the Company would result in a decrease (increase) in the Company's net assets of $9.4 million and $18.7 million, respectively.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) and has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective. During the most recent fiscal quarter, there were no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In April 2009, the Company learned that Bentzion S. Turin, the former Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor claiming that his employment with the Company was terminated in retaliation for corporate whistle blowing in violation of the whistle blower protection provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Turin alleged concerns regarding corporate governance with respect to negotiation of the terms of the TRUPS Offering and seeks reinstatement as Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, back pay and legal fees incurred. On December 31, 2009, the U.S. Secretary of Labor found no reasonable cause for Mr. Turin’s claim and dismissed the complaint in its entirety. Mr. Turin objected to the Secretary's findings and requested a hearing before an administrative law judge in the U.S. Department of Labor. The Company moved to dismiss Mr. Turin's complaint, and its motion was granted by the Administrative Law Judge on June 30, 2011. On July 13, 2011, Mr. Turin filed a petition for review of the Administrative Law Judge's decision with the Administrative Review Board in the U.S. Department of Labor. The Company filed its brief in opposition to the petition for review on October 19, 2011. On March 29, 2013, the Administrative Review Board reversed the dismissal of the complaint on procedural grounds, and remanded the case to the administrative law judge. The Company believes that it had ample reason for terminating such employment for good and sufficient legal cause, and the Company believes that the claim is without merit and is vigorously defending this claim.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.



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Item 5. Other Information

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

(a) The 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was held on May 7, 2013.

(b) Matters voted on at the meeting and the number of votes cast:

1. To elect five directors to the Board of Directors of Maiden Holdings, Ltd. to serve until the 2014 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified:

Name
 
Votes For
 
Withheld
 
Broker Non-Vote
Barry D. Zyskind
 
57,755,346

 
1,235,764

 
5,464,971

Simcha G. Lyons
 
55,483,515

 
3,507,595

 
5,464,971

Raymond M. Neff
 
57,604,641

 
1,386,469

 
5,464,971

Yehuda L. Neuberger
 
55,572,967

 
3,418,143

 
5,464,971

Steven H. Nigro
 
57,604,541

 
1,386,569

 
5,464,971


2. To elect four directors to the Board of Directors of Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. to serve until the 2014 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified:

Name
 
Votes For
 
Withheld
 
Broker Non-Vote
David A. Lamneck
 
58,609,997

 
381,113

 
5,464,971

John M. Marshaleck
 
58,612,415

 
378,695

 
5,464,971

Lawrence F. Metz
 
58,611,415

 
379,695

 
5,464,971

Arturo M. Raschbaum
 
58,611,615

 
379,495

 
5,464,971


3. To elect five directors to the Board of Directors of Maiden Global Holdings, Ltd. to serve until the 2014 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified:

Name
 
Votes For
 
Withheld
 
Broker Non-Vote
Patrick J. Haveron
 
58,610,997

 
380,113

 
5,464,971

Ronald M. Judd
 
58,612,415

 
378,695

 
5,464,971

John M. Marshaleck
 
58,612,415

 
378,695

 
5,464,971

Lawrence F. Metz
 
58,611,415

 
379,695

 
5,464,971

Arturo M. Raschbaum
 
58,612,615

 
378,495

 
5,464,971


4. To ratify the selections of BDO USA, LLP to serve as the Company's and Maiden Global Holdings, Ltd.'s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013, and Arthur Morris and Company as Maiden Insurance Company Ltd.'s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013:

Voted For
 
Voted Against
 
Abstain
64,267,803

 
41,420

 
146,858




65



Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit
No.
 
Description
31.1
 
Section 302 Certification of CEO
31.2
 
Section 302 Certification of CFO
32.1
 
Section 906 Certification of CEO
32.2
 
Section 906 Certification of CFO
101.1
 
The following materials from Maiden Holdings, Ltd. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted in XBRL (eXtensive Business Reporting Language): (i) the unaudited Condensed Balance Sheets, (ii) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity, (v) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.**



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


66



SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
By:
 
Date: May 10, 2013
 
/s/ Arturo M. Raschbaum
 
 
Arturo M. Raschbaum
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ John M. Marshaleck
 
 
John M. Marshaleck
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


67