AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital" or "the Company") (NYSE: AXS) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Commenting on the third quarter 2020 financial results, Albert Benchimol, President and CEO of AXIS Capital, said:

"This was a quarter in which the world and our industry were impacted by exceptional levels of cat loss activity. First and foremost, our thoughts are with the people and communities that were directly affected by these events, and we’re committed to providing our customers with top caliber claims service as we help to support their rebuilding efforts.

"The losses that we experienced during the quarter were consistent with our reduced catastrophe exposure, reflecting the changes that we’ve made in recent years to re-position our portfolio. We continue to see positive trends in our underlying performance, highlighted by a year-over-year improvement of 5.2 points to our current accident year combined ratio ex-cat and weather this quarter, bringing the year-to-date reduction to 4.5 points.

"This is encouraging progress and we look to the future with great optimism. AXIS is well positioned in its chosen markets, we have excellent relationships with our producers, and we’re seeing strong pricing momentum, highlighted by a 16% rate increase during the quarter in our Insurance segment. We’re confident that AXIS is on a strong path forward, as we continue to build a world class leader in specialty risks."

Consolidated Results*

  • Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the third quarter of 2020 was $73 million, or ($0.87) per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $28 million, or $0.33 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2019.
  • Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $146 million, or ($1.73) per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $292 million, or $3.46 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2019.
  • Operating loss1 for the third quarter of 2020 was $65 million, or ($0.77) per diluted common share1, compared to operating loss of $33 million, or ($0.39) per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2019.
  • Operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $158 million, or ($1.88) per diluted common share, compared to operating income of $209 million, or $2.48 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2019.
  • Adjusted for dividends declared, the book value per diluted common share increased by $0.07, compared to June 30, 2020.
  • Adjusted for dividends declared, the book value per diluted common share increased by $0.13, over the past twelve months.
 

* Amounts may not reconcile due to rounding differences.

1Operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) per diluted common share are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders and earnings (loss) per diluted common share, respectively, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items are provided later in this press release. Loss per diluted common share and operating loss per diluted common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, were calculated using weighted average common shares outstanding due to the net loss attributable to common shareholders and operating loss recognized in these periods.

Third Quarter Consolidated Underwriting Highlights2

  • Gross premiums written decreased by $75 million, or 5%, ($78 million or 6% on a constant currency basis3), to $1.3 billion due to a decrease of $116 million, or 23% in the reinsurance segment, partially offset by an increase of $41 million, or 5% in the insurance segment.
  • Net premiums written decreased by $40 million, or 5%, to $0.8 billion with a decrease of $68 million, or 20% in the reinsurance segment, partially offset by an increase of $28 million, or 5% in the insurance segment.

 

Three months ended September 30,

KEY RATIOS

2020

 

2019

 

Change

Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses4

58.5

%

 

61.7

%

 

(3.2 pts)

 

Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio

22.2

%

 

14.1

%

 

8.1 pts

 

Current accident year loss ratio

80.7

%

 

75.8

%

 

4.9 pts

 

Prior year reserve development ratio

(0.1

%)

 

(2.3

%)

 

2.2 pts

 

Net losses and loss expenses ratio

80.6

%

 

73.5

%

 

7.1 pts

 

Acquisition cost ratio

21.1

%

 

22.5

%

 

(1.4 pts)

 

General and administrative expense ratio

12.8

%

 

13.4

%

 

(0.6 pts)

 

Combined ratio

114.5

%

 

109.4

%

 

5.1 pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

92.4

%

 

97.6

%

 

(5.2 pts)

 

  • Estimated pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums were $240 million ($205 million, after-tax), (Insurance: $132 million and Reinsurance: $108 million) or 22.2 points, primarily attributable to Hurricanes Laura and Sally, the Midwest derecho, wildfires across the West Coast of the United States, the Beirut port explosion and other weather-related events this quarter, compared to $160 million (Insurance $41 million; Reinsurance $119 million), or 14.1 points in 2019.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development was $0.6 million (Insurance $0.3 million; Reinsurance $0.3 million), compared to $27 million (Insurance $15 million; Reinsurance $12 million) in 2019.
 

2 All comparisons are with the same period of the prior year, unless otherwise stated.

3 Amounts presented on a constant currency basis are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation G. The constant currency basis is calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate from the current year to prior year amounts. The reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items are provided in this press release.

4 The current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses was calculated by dividing the current accident year losses less estimated pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance by net premiums earned less reinstatement premiums.

 Nine Months Consolidated Underwriting Highlights

  • Gross premiums written decreased by $159 million, or 3%, to $5.5 billion due to a decrease of $359 million, or 12% in the reinsurance segment, partially offset by an increase of $200 million, or 7% in the insurance segment.
  • Net premiums written decreased by $153 million, or 4%, to $3.6 billion with a decrease of $244 million, or 12% in the reinsurance segment, partially offset by an increase of $91 million, or 6% in the insurance segment.

 

Nine months ended September 30,

KEY RATIOS

2020

 

2019

 

Change

Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

57.8

%

 

60.1

%

 

(2.3 pts)

 

Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio

17.5

%

 

5.9

%

 

11.6 pts

 

Current accident year loss ratio

75.3

%

 

66.0

%

 

9.3 pts

 

Prior year reserve development ratio

(0.3

%)

 

(1.9

%)

 

1.6 pts

 

Net losses and loss expenses ratio

75.0

%

 

64.1

%

 

10.9 pts

 

Acquisition cost ratio

21.2

%

 

22.3

%

 

(1.1 pts)

 

General and administrative expense ratio

13.4

%

 

14.5

%

 

(1.1 pts)

 

Combined ratio

109.6

%

 

100.9

%

 

8.7 pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

92.4

%

 

96.9

%

 

(4.5 pts)

 

  • Estimated pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, were $576 million (Insurance: $325 million and Reinsurance: $251 million), or 17.5 points, primarily attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricanes Laura and Sally, the Midwest derecho, wildfires across the West Coast of the United States, the Beirut port explosion and weather-related events, compared to $196 million (Insurance $64 million; Reinsurance $132 million), or 5.9 points in 2019.
  • Estimated pre-tax losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, associated with first party coverages attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic were $235 million, or 7.1 points. First party losses were primarily associated with property-related coverages, but also included event cancellation, and accident and health coverages.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development was $9 million (Insurance $5 million; Reinsurance $5 million), compared to $65 million (Insurance $43 million; Reinsurance $22 million) in 2019. 

Segment Highlights

Insurance Segment

 

Three months ended September 30,

($ in thousands)

2020

 

2019

 

Change

Gross premiums written

$

935,817

 

 

$

894,902

 

 

4.6

%

Net premiums written

544,857

 

 

517,050

 

 

5.4

%

Net premiums earned

570,184

 

 

536,451

 

 

6.3

%

Underwriting loss

(81,465)

 

 

(17,892)

 

 

nm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

54.7

%

 

58.2

%

 

(3.5 pts)

 

Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio

23.1

%

 

7.7

%

 

15.4 pts

 

Current accident year loss ratio

77.8

%

 

65.9

%

 

11.9 pts

 

Prior year reserve development ratio

—

%

 

(2.7

%)

 

2.7 pts

 

Net losses and loss expenses ratio

77.8

%

 

63.2

%

 

14.6 pts

 

Acquisition cost ratio

20.1

%

 

21.5

%

 

(1.4 pts)

 

Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio

16.5

%

 

18.8

%

 

(2.3 pts)

 

Combined ratio

114.4

%

 

103.5

%

 

10.9 pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

91.3

%

 

98.5

%

 

(7.2 pts)

 

 

nm - not meaningful

 
  • Gross premiums written increased by $41 million, or 5%, ($31 million, or 3% on a constant currency basis), primarily attributable to increases in professional lines, accident and health, and aviation lines driven by new business and favorable rate changes, partially offset by decreases in liability, marine, credit and political risk lines due to a higher level of non-renewals and reduced business opportunities related to the current economic climate.
  • Net premiums written increased by $28 million, or 5%, ($21 million, or 4% on a constant currency basis), reflecting the increase in gross premiums written in the quarter, partially offset by increases in premiums ceded in professional lines and property lines.
  • Estimated pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, were $132 million, primarily attributable to Hurricanes Laura and Sally, the Beirut port explosion, wildfires across the West Coast of the United States and other weather-related events, compared to $41 million in 2019.
  • The current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses decreased by 3.5 points in the third quarter, compared to the same period in 2019, principally due to the impact of favorable pricing over loss trends, improved loss experience in property, marine, credit and political risk, and aviation lines largely associated with the repositioning of the portfolio.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development was $0.3 million this quarter, compared to $15 million in the third quarter of 2019.
  • The acquisition cost ratio decreased by 1.4 points in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2019 due to an increase in ceding commissions.
  • The underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio decreased by 2.3 points in the quarter, largely attributable to a decrease in personnel costs and travel and entertainment expenses, together with an increase in net premiums earned.

 

Nine months ended September 30,

($ in thousands)

2020

 

2019

 

Change

Gross premiums written

$

2,914,100

 

 

$

2,714,322

 

 

7.4

%

Net premiums written

1,729,268

 

 

1,638,197

 

 

5.6

%

Net premiums earned

1,709,268

 

 

1,630,473

 

 

4.8

%

Underwriting income (loss)

(169,698)

 

 

14,336

 

 

nm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

54.8

%

 

57.7

%

 

(2.9 pts)

 

Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio

18.7

%

 

3.9

%

 

14.8 pts

 

Current accident year loss ratio

73.5

%

 

61.6

%

 

11.9 pts

 

Prior year reserve development ratio

(0.2

%)

 

(2.6

%)

 

2.4 pts

 

Net losses and loss expenses ratio

73.3

%

 

59.0

%

 

14.3 pts

 

Acquisition cost ratio

20.1

%

 

21.2

%

 

(1.1 pts)

 

Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio

16.7

%

 

19.0

%

 

(2.3 pts)

 

Combined ratio

110.1

%

 

99.2

%

 

10.9 pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

91.6

%

 

97.9

%

 

(6.3 pts)

 

 

nm - not meaningful

 
  • Gross premiums written increased by $200 million, or 7%, primarily attributable to increases in professional lines, property, liability and marine lines driven by new business and favorable rate changes, partially offset by decreases in credit and political risk lines due to reduced business opportunities related to the current economic climate.
  • Net premiums written increased by $91 million, or 6%, reflecting the increase in gross premiums written, partially offset by increases in premiums ceded in professional lines and property lines.
  • Estimated pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, were $325 million, primarily attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricanes Laura and Sally, the Beirut port explosion, wildfires across the West Coast of the United States and other weather-related events, compared to $64 million in 2019.
  • Estimated pre-tax losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, associated with first party coverages attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic were $137 million, or 7.9 points. First party losses were primarily associated with property-related coverages, but also included event cancellation coverages.
  • Underwriting income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 included the recognition of premiums attributable to Novae's balance sheet at October 2, 2017, without the recognition of the associated acquisition costs, which were written off at the closing date. The absence of $1 million and $11 million of acquisition expenses related to premiums earned in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, benefited the acquisition cost ratio by 0.1 points and 0.6 points, respectively. Adjusting the acquisition cost ratio for these amounts, the acquisition cost ratio decreased by 1.6 points for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

Reinsurance Segment

 

Three months ended September 30,

($ in thousands)

2020

 

2019

 

Change

Gross premiums written

$

395,361

 

 

$

511,604

 

 

(22.7

%)

Net premiums written

271,125

 

 

339,031

 

 

(20.0

%)

Net premiums earned

521,128

 

 

620,856

 

 

(16.1

%)

Underwriting loss

(53,859)

 

 

(60,826)

 

 

(11.5

%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

62.7

%

 

64.8

%

 

(2.1 pts)

 

Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio

21.1

%

 

19.6

%

 

1.5 pts

 

Current accident year loss ratio

83.8

%

 

84.4

%

 

(0.6 pts)

 

Prior year reserve development ratio

(0.1

%)

 

(1.9

%)

 

1.8 pts

 

Net losses and loss expenses ratio

83.7

%

 

82.5

%

 

1.2 pts

 

Acquisition cost ratio

22.3

%

 

23.3

%

 

(1.0 pts)

 

Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio

4.5

%

 

4.1

%

 

0.4 pts

 

Combined ratio

110.5

%

 

109.9

%

 

0.6 pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

89.5

%

 

92.2

%

 

(2.7 pts)

 

  • Gross premiums written decreased by $116 million, or 23%, ($109 million, or 21% on a constant currency basis), primarily attributable to decreases in accident and health, motor, catastrophe, and credit and surety lines. The decrease in accident and health lines was driven by non-renewals following the decision to exit the Middle East business. The decrease in motor lines was due to premium adjustments. The decrease in catastrophe lines was largely driven by a timing difference associated with a significant contract. The decrease in credit and surety lines was attributable to the current economic climate.
  • Net premiums written decreased by $68 million, or 20%, ($61 million, or 18% on a constant currency basis), reflecting the lower gross premiums written, partially offset by decreases in premiums ceded in catastrophe, accident and health, credit and surety, and liability lines.
  • Estimated pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums were $108 million, primarily attributable to the Midwest derecho, wildfires across the West Coast of the United States, Hurricanes Laura and Sally, the Beirut port explosion, and other weather-related events, compared to $119 million in 2019.
  • The current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses decreased by 2.1 points in the third quarter, compared to the same period in 2019, principally due to changes in business mix, and improved performance in aviation, liability and professional lines.
  • Net favorable prior year reserve development was $0.3 million this quarter, compared to $12 million in the same period in 2019.
  • Acquisition cost ratio decreased by 1.0 point in the quarter due to changes in business mix.

 

Nine months ended September 30,

($ in thousands)

2020

 

2019

 

Change

Gross premiums written

$

2,564,419

 

 

$

2,923,169

 

 

(12.3

%)

Net premiums written

1,821,692

 

 

2,065,263

 

 

(11.8

%)

Net premiums earned

1,574,673

 

 

1,784,653

 

 

(11.8

%)

Underwriting income (loss)

(74,982)

 

 

63,425

 

 

nm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

61.1

%

 

62.3

%

 

(1.2 pts)

 

Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio

16.1

%

 

7.6

%

 

8.5 pts

 

Current accident year loss ratio

77.2

%

 

69.9

%

 

7.3 pts

 

Prior year reserve development ratio

(0.3

%)

 

(1.2

%)

 

0.9 pts

 

Net losses and loss expenses ratio

76.9

%

 

68.7

%

 

8.2 pts

 

Acquisition cost ratio

22.5

%

 

23.4

%

 

(0.9 pts)

 

Underwriting-related general and administrative expense ratio

4.9

%

 

4.9

%

 

— pts

 

Combined ratio

104.3

%

 

97.0

%

 

7.3 pts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current accident year combined ratio, excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses

88.5

%

 

90.6

%

 

(2.1 pts)

 

 

nm - not meaningful

 
  • Gross premiums written decreased by $359 million, or 12%, primarily attributable to decreases in catastrophe, agriculture, credit and surety, accident and health, property, and engineering lines due to non-renewals and decreased line sizes. These decreases were partially offset by increases in liability and professional lines attributable to favorable rate changes.
  • Net premiums written decreased by $244 million, or 12%, ($233 million, or 11% on a constant currency basis), reflecting the lower gross premiums written, together with increases in premiums ceded in professional lines, liability, motor, and property lines, partially offset by decreases in premiums ceded in catastrophe, credit and surety, accident and health, and agriculture lines.
  • Estimated pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, were $251 million, primarily attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Midwest derecho, wildfires across the West Coast of the United States, Hurricanes Laura and Sally, the Beirut port explosion, and other weather-related events, compared to $132 million in 2019.
  • Estimated pre-tax losses, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums, associated with first party coverages attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic were $98 million, or 6.2 points. First party losses were primarily associated with property-related coverages, but also included accident and health coverages.

Investments

Net investment income of $102 million decreased from net investment income of $116 million for the third quarter of 2019, primarily due to the decrease in yields. Net realized and unrealized gains recognized in net income for the quarter were $56 million, including net unrealized gains of $23 million ($15 million excluding foreign exchange movements), following an increase in the market value of our equity securities portfolio during the quarter, compared to net realized and unrealized gains of $15 million in the third quarter of 2019.

Markets continued to recover in the third quarter of 2020, leading to pre-tax total return on cash and investments5 of 1.5% including foreign exchange movements (1.2% excluding foreign exchange movements6). Net unrealized gains of $73 million ($43 million excluding foreign exchange movements) were recognized in the quarter following an increase in the market value of our fixed income portfolio, compared to net unrealized gains of $29 million ($48 million excluding foreign exchange movements) during the third quarter of 2019. The prior year pre-tax total return was 1.0% including foreign exchange movements (1.2% excluding foreign exchange movements).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, pre-tax total return on cash and investments was 3.1% including foreign exchange movements (3.1% excluding foreign exchange movements), compared to 5.3% including foreign exchange movements (5.5% excluding foreign exchange movements) for the same period in 2019. Net unrealized gains of $205 million ($213 million excluding foreign exchange movements) were recognized in the year, compared to net unrealized gains of $389 million ($400 million excluding foreign exchange movements) for the same period in 2019.

Our fixed income portfolio book yield was 2.3% at September 30, 2020, compared to 2.9% at September 30, 2019. The market yield was 1.4% at September 30, 2020.

 

5 Pre-tax total return on cash and investments includes net investment income (loss), net investment gains (losses), interest in income (loss) of equity method investments and change in unrealized investment gains (losses) generated by average cash and investment balances. Total cash and invested assets represents the total cash and cash equivalents, fixed maturities, equity securities, mortgage loans, other investments, equity method investments, short-term investments, accrued interest receivable and net receivable (payable) for investments sold (purchased).

6 Pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to pre-tax total return on cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included foreign exchange (losses) gains of $42m and $(31)m for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and foreign exchange (losses) gains of $(6)m and $(28)m for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Capitalization / Shareholders’ Equity

Total capital7 at September 30, 2020 was $6.6 billion, including $1.3 billion of debt and $550 million of preferred equity, compared to $7.4 billion at December 31, 2019. The decrease in total capital was attributable to the repayment of our 5.875% senior unsecured notes, the redemption of our 5.50% Series D Preferred Shares, the net loss generated for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and common share dividends declared, partially offset by net unrealized gains reported in other comprehensive income following an increase in the market value of our fixed income portfolio.

On January 17, 2020, we redeemed all $225 million of our 5.50% Series D Preferred Shares. On June 1, 2020, we repaid $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior unsecured notes.

Book value per diluted common share, calculated on a treasury stock basis, decreased by $0.34 in the current quarter, and decreased by $1.51 over the past twelve months, to $54.75. The decrease in the quarter and over the past twelve months was driven by the net loss generated and common share dividends declared, partially offset by net unrealized gains reported in other comprehensive income.

During the third quarter of 2020, the Company declared dividends of $0.41 per common share, with total dividends declared of $1.64 per common share over the past twelve months. Adjusted for dividends declared, the book value per diluted common share increased by $0.07 for the quarter and increased by $0.13 over the past twelve months.

 

7 Total capital represents the sum of total shareholders' equity and debt.

Conference Call

We will host a conference call on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. (EDT) to discuss the third quarter financial results and related matters. The teleconference can be accessed by dialing 1-877-883-0383 (U.S. callers) or 1-412-902-6506 (international callers) approximately ten minutes in advance of the call and entering the passcode 4617261. A live, listen-only webcast of the call will also be available via the Investor Information section of our website at www.axiscapital.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available for two weeks by dialing 1-877-344-7529 (U.S. callers) or 1-412-317-0088 (international callers) and entering the passcode 10148478. The webcast will be archived in the Investor Information section of our website.

In addition, an investor financial supplement for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 is available in the Investor Information section of our website.

About AXIS Capital

AXIS Capital, through its operating subsidiaries, is a global provider of specialty lines insurance and treaty reinsurance with shareholders' equity at September 30, 2020 of $5.3 billion and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Canada and the Middle East. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a rating of "A+" ("Strong") by Standard & Poor's and "A" ("Excellent") by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com.

Website and Social Media Disclosure

We use our website (www.axiscapital.com) and our corporate Twitter (@AXIS_Capital) and LinkedIn (AXIS Capital) accounts as channels of distribution of Company information. The information we post through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. In addition, e-mail alerts and other information about AXIS Capital may be received when enrolled in our "E-mail Alerts" program, which can be found in the Investor Information section of our website (www.axiscapital.com). The contents of our website and social media channels are not part of this press release.

Please be sure to follow AXIS Capital on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2kRYbZ5

 

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Assets

 

 

 

Investments:

 

Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value

$

12,609,241

 

 

$

12,468,205

 

Equity securities, at fair value

417,886

 

 

474,207

 

Mortgage loans, held for investment, at fair value

544,095

 

 

432,748

 

Other investments, at fair value

760,206

 

 

770,923

 

Equity method investments

104,242

 

 

117,821

 

Short-term investments, at fair value

69,996

 

 

38,471

 

Total investments

14,505,666

 

 

14,302,375

 

Cash and cash equivalents

1,000,781

 

 

1,241,109

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

440,035

 

 

335,348

 

Accrued interest receivable

70,013

 

 

78,085

 

Insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable

3,131,791

 

 

3,071,390

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses

4,337,683

 

 

3,877,756

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss expenses

373,431

 

 

327,795

 

Deferred acquisition costs

520,706

 

 

492,119

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

1,278,672

 

 

1,101,889

 

Receivable for investments sold

17,513

 

 

35,659

 

Goodwill

102,003

 

 

102,003

 

Intangible assets

222,362

 

 

230,550

 

Value of business acquired

4,881

 

 

8,992

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

131,776

 

 

111,092

 

Other assets

315,683

 

 

287,892

 

Total assets

 

 

 

$

26,452,996

 

 

$

25,604,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

$

13,653,488

 

 

$

12,752,081

 

Unearned premiums

4,070,649

 

 

3,626,246

 

Insurance and reinsurance balances payable

1,244,846

 

 

1,349,082

 

Debt

1,309,384

 

 

1,808,157

 

Payable for investments purchased

458,111

 

 

32,985

 

Operating lease liabilities

140,058

 

 

115,584

 

Other liabilities

310,565

 

 

375,911

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

21,187,101

 

 

20,060,046

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

 

 

 

 

Preferred shares

550,000

 

 

775,000

 

Common shares

2,206

 

 

2,206

 

Additional paid-in capital

2,325,196

 

 

2,317,212

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

350,111

 

 

171,710

 

Retained earnings

5,804,637

 

 

6,056,686

 

Treasury shares, at cost

(3,766,255)

 

 

(3,778,806)

 

Total shareholders' equity

5,265,895

 

 

5,544,008

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

26,452,996

 

 

$

25,604,054

 

 

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums earned

$

1,091,312

 

 

$

1,157,307

 

 

$

3,283,941

 

 

$

3,415,126

 

 

Net investment income

101,956

 

 

115,763

 

 

240,098

 

 

361,014

 

 

Net investment gains

55,609

 

 

14,527

 

 

45,777

 

 

48,522

 

 

Other insurance related income (loss)

1,440

 

 

1,533

 

 

(5,270)

 

 

11,385

 

 

Total revenues

 

1,250,317

 

 

1,289,130

 

 

3,564,546

 

 

3,836,047

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses

879,677

 

 

850,913

 

 

2,464,012

 

 

2,187,403

 

 

Acquisition costs

230,564

 

 

260,026

 

 

697,716

 

 

762,807

 

 

General and administrative expenses

138,823

 

 

155,522

 

 

436,538

 

 

496,008

 

 

Foreign exchange losses (gains)

60,734

 

 

(59,543)

 

 

8,760

 

 

(64,868)

 

 

Interest expense and financing costs

15,574

 

 

18,042

 

 

59,641

 

 

49,545

 

 

Reorganization expenses

1,413

 

 

11,215

 

 

822

 

 

29,310

 

 

Amortization of value of business acquired

1,028

 

 

4,368

 

 

4,111

 

 

24,666

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

2,838

 

 

2,831

 

 

8,564

 

 

8,744

 

 

Total expenses

 

1,330,651

 

 

1,243,374

 

 

3,680,164

 

 

3,493,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments

(80,334)

 

 

45,756

 

 

(115,618)

 

 

342,432

 

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

12,056

 

 

(8,147)

 

 

6,030

 

 

(23,850)

 

 

Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments

2,896

 

 

792

 

 

(13,579)

 

 

5,645

 

Net income (loss)

(65,382)

 

 

38,401

 

 

(123,167)

 

 

324,227

 

 

Preferred share dividends

7,563

 

 

10,656

 

 

22,688

 

 

31,969

 

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders

$

(72,945)

 

 

$

27,745

 

 

$

(145,855)

 

 

$

292,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per common share

$

(0.87)

 

 

$

0.33

 

 

$

(1.73)

 

 

$

3.48

 

Earnings (loss) per diluted common share

$

(0.87)

 

 

$

0.33

 

 

$

(1.73)

 

 

$

3.46

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

84,308

 

 

83,947

 

 

84,235

 

 

83,872

 

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

84,308

 

 

84,582

 

 

84,235

 

 

84,420

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

$

0.41

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

1.20

 

 

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Total

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Gross premiums written

$

935,817

 

 

$

395,361

 

 

$

1,331,178

 

 

$

894,902

 

 

$

511,604

 

 

$

1,406,506

 

Net premiums written

544,857

 

 

271,125

 

 

815,982

 

 

517,050

 

 

339,031

 

 

856,081

 

Net premiums earned

570,184

 

 

521,128

 

 

1,091,312

 

 

536,451

 

 

620,856

 

 

1,157,307

 

Other insurance related income

688

 

 

752

 

 

1,440

 

 

733

 

 

800

 

 

1,533

 

Net losses and loss expenses

(443,389)

 

 

(436,288)

 

 

(879,677)

 

 

(338,966)

 

 

(511,947)

 

 

(850,913)

 

Acquisition costs

(114,569)

 

 

(115,995)

 

 

(230,564)

 

 

(115,551)

 

 

(144,475)

 

 

(260,026)

 

Underwriting-related general and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

administrative expenses(8)

(94,379)

 

 

(23,456)

 

 

(117,835)

 

 

(100,559)

 

 

(26,060)

 

 

(126,619)

 

Underwriting loss (9)

$

(81,465)

 

 

$

(53,859)

 

 

(135,324)

 

 

$

(17,892)

 

 

$

(60,826)

 

 

(78,718)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

101,956

 

 

 

 

 

 

115,763

 

Net investment gains

 

 

 

 

55,609

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,527

 

Corporate expenses(8)

 

 

 

 

(20,988)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(28,903)

 

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

 

 

 

 

(60,734)

 

 

 

 

 

 

59,543

 

Interest expense and financing costs

 

 

 

 

(15,574)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(18,042)

 

Reorganization expenses

 

 

 

 

(1,413)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,215)

 

Amortization of value of business acquired

 

 

 

 

(1,028)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,368)

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

(2,838)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,831)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments

 

 

 

 

$

(80,334)

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

45,756

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses ratio

77.8

%

 

83.7

%

 

80.6

%

 

63.2

%

 

82.5

%

 

73.5

%

Acquisition cost ratio

20.1

%

 

22.3

%

 

21.1

%

 

21.5

%

 

23.3

%

 

22.5

%

General and administrative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expense ratio

16.5

%

 

4.5

%

 

12.8

%

 

18.8

%

 

4.1

%

 

13.4

%

Combined ratio

114.4

%

 

110.5

%

 

114.5

%

 

103.5

%

 

109.9

%

 

109.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included corporate expenses of $21 million and $29 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses are included in the general and administrative expense ratio.

9Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented above.

 

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Total

 

Insurance

 

Reinsurance

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Gross premiums written

$

2,914,100

 

 

$

2,564,419

 

 

$

5,478,519

 

 

$

2,714,322

 

 

$

2,923,169

 

 

$

5,637,491

 

Net premiums written

1,729,268

 

 

1,821,692

 

 

3,550,960

 

 

1,638,197

 

 

2,065,263

 

 

3,703,460

 

Net premiums earned

1,709,268

 

 

1,574,673

 

 

3,283,941

 

 

1,630,473

 

 

1,784,653

 

 

3,415,126

 

Other insurance related income (loss)

2,091

 

 

(7,361)

 

 

(5,270)

 

 

1,779

 

 

9,606

 

 

11,385

 

Net losses and loss expenses

(1,252,569)

 

 

(1,211,443)

 

 

(2,464,012)

 

 

(961,444)

 

 

(1,225,959)

 

 

(2,187,403)

 

Acquisition costs

(343,579)

 

 

(354,137)

 

 

(697,716)

 

 

(344,981)

 

 

(417,826)

 

 

(762,807)

 

Underwriting-related general and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

administrative expenses(10)

(284,909)

 

 

(76,714)

 

 

(361,623)

 

 

(311,491)

 

 

(87,049)

 

 

(398,540)

 

Underwriting income (loss)(11)

$

(169,698)

 

 

$

(74,982)

 

 

(244,680)

 

 

$

14,336

 

 

$

63,425

 

 

77,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

240,098

 

 

 

 

 

 

361,014

 

Net investment gains

 

 

 

 

45,777

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,522

 

Corporate expenses(10)

 

 

 

 

(74,915)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(97,468)

 

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

 

 

 

 

(8,760)

 

 

 

 

 

 

64,868

 

Interest expense and financing costs

 

 

 

 

(59,641)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(49,545)

 

Reorganization expenses

 

 

 

 

(822)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,310)

 

Amortization of value of business acquired

 

 

 

 

(4,111)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(24,666)

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

(8,564)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,744)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments

 

 

 

 

$

(115,618)

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

342,432

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses and loss expenses ratio

73.3

%

 

76.9

%

 

75.0

%

 

59.0

%

 

68.7

%

 

64.1

%

Acquisition cost ratio

20.1

%

 

22.5

%

 

21.2

%

 

21.2

%

 

23.4

%

 

22.3

%

General and administrative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

expense ratio

16.7

%

 

4.9

%

 

13.4

%

 

19.0

%

 

4.9

%

 

14.5

%

Combined ratio

110.1

%

 

104.3

%

 

109.6

%

 

99.2

%

 

97.0

%

 

100.9

%

10Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, also included corporate expenses of $75 million and $97 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and corporate expenses are included in the general and administrative expense ratio.

11Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented above.

 

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED)

OPERATING INCOME AND OPERATING RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 AND 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders

$

(72,945)

 

$

27,745

 

$

(145,855)

 

$

292,258

Net investment (gains) losses(12)

(55,609)

 

(14,527)

 

(45,777)

 

(48,522)

Foreign exchange losses (gains)(13)

60,734

 

(59,543)

 

8,760

 

(64,868)

Reorganization expenses(14)

1,413

 

11,215

 

822

 

29,310

Interest in (income) loss of equity method investments(15)

(2,896)

 

(792)

 

13,579

 

(5,645)

Income tax expense

4,235

 

3,361

 

10,494

 

6,524

Operating income (loss)

$

(65,068)

 

$

(32,541)

 

$

(157,977)

 

$

209,057

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per diluted common share

$

(0.87)

 

$

0.33

 

$

(1.73)

 

$

3.46

Net investment (gains) losses

(0.66)

 

(0.17)

 

(0.54)

 

(0.57)

Foreign exchange losses (gains)

0.72

 

(0.71)

 

0.10

 

(0.77)

Reorganization expenses

0.02

 

0.13

 

0.01

 

0.35

Interest in (income) loss of equity method investments

(0.03)

 

(0.01)

 

0.16

 

(0.07)

Income tax expense

0.05

 

0.04

 

0.12

 

0.08

Operating income (loss) per diluted common share

$

(0.77)

 

$

(0.39)

 

$

(1.88)

 

$

2.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

84,308

 

83,947

 

84,235

 

84,420

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shareholders' equity

4,731,858

 

4,801,174

 

4,742,452

 

4,532,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annualized return on average common equity

(6.2

%)

 

2.3

%

 

(4.1

%)

 

8.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annualized operating return on average common equity(16)

(5.5

%)

 

(2.7

%)

 

(4.4

%)

 

6.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12Tax cost (benefit) of $6,667 and $897 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $9,104 and $6,667 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions, after consideration of other relevant factors including the ability to utilize capital losses

13Tax cost (benefit) of ($2,245) and $4,784 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $1,366 and $5,372 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions, after consideration of other relevant factors including the tax status of specific foreign exchange transactions.

14Tax cost (benefit) of ($187) and ($2,320) for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $24 and ($5,515) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.

15Tax cost (benefit) of $nil for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.

16Annualized operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE") is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in SEC Regulation G. The reconciliation to annualized ROACE, the most comparable GAAP financial measure is presented in the table above, and a discussion of the rationale for its presentation is provided later in this press release.

Risk and Uncertainties related to COVID-19

The determination of the net loss estimate for the insurance segment is based on our ground-up assessment of coverage from individual contracts and treaties, including a review of contracts with potential exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic. The determination of the net loss estimate for the reinsurance segment is largely based on a range of industry insured loss estimates and market share analyses, supplemented by a review of in-force treaties that may provide coverage and catastrophe modeling analyses, where appropriate. In addition, we consider preliminary information received from clients, brokers and loss adjusters.

The net loss estimate related to the COVID-19 pandemic is subject to significant uncertainty. This uncertainty is driven by the inherent difficulty in making assumptions around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the lack of comparable events, the ongoing nature of the event, and its far-reaching impacts on world-wide economies and the health of the population. These assumptions include the following:

  • the nature and the duration of the pandemic;
  • the effects on human health, the economy and our customers;
  • the response of government bodies including legislative, regulatory or judicial actions and social influences that could alter the interpretation of our contracts;
  • the coverage provided under our contracts;
  • the coverage provided by our ceded reinsurance; and
  • the evaluation of the loss and impact of loss mitigation actions.

Actual net ultimate amount of the loss for this event may differ materially from the current net loss estimate.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements regarding our estimates, beliefs, expectations, intentions, strategies or projections are forward-looking statements. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the United States federal securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "plan", "believe", "predict", "potential", "intend" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond management's control.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include, but are not limited to, information regarding our estimates of losses for catastrophes and other large losses including losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, measurements of potential losses in the fair market value of our investment portfolio and derivative contracts, our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, the outcome of our strategic initiatives, our expectations regarding estimated synergies and the success of the integration of acquired entities, our expectations regarding the estimated benefits and synergies related to our transformation program, our expectations regarding pricing and other market conditions, our growth prospects, and valuations of the potential impact of movements in interest rates, credit spreads, equity securities' prices and foreign currency rates.

Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • the adverse impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity;
  • the cyclical nature of the insurance and reinsurance business leading to periods with excess underwriting capacity and unfavorable premium rates;
  • the occurrence and magnitude of natural and man-made disasters;
  • the impact of global climate change on our business, including the possibility that we do not adequately assess or reserve for the increased frequency and severity of natural catastrophes;
  • losses from war, terrorism and political unrest or other unanticipated losses;
  • actual claims exceeding our loss reserves;
  • general economic, capital and credit market conditions;
  • the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ;
  • the effects of emerging claims, coverage and regulatory issues, including uncertainty related to coverage definitions, limits, terms and conditions;
  • our inability to purchase reinsurance or collect amounts due to us;
  • the breach by third parties in our program business of their obligations to us;
  • difficulties with technology and/or data security;
  • the failure of our policyholders and intermediaries to pay premiums;
  • the failure of our cedants to adequately evaluate risks;
  • inability to obtain additional capital on favorable terms, or at all;
  • the loss of one or more of our key executives;
  • a decline in our ratings with rating agencies;
  • the loss of business provided to us by our major brokers and credit risk due to our reliance on brokers;
  • changes in accounting policies or practices;
  • the use of industry catastrophe models and changes to these models;
  • changes in governmental regulations and potential government intervention in our industry;
  • inadvertent failure to comply with certain laws and regulations relating to sanctions and foreign corrupt practices;
  • increased competition;
  • changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operate or underwrite business, including the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union;
  • fluctuations in interest rates, credit spreads, equity securities' prices and/or foreign currency values;
  • the failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses or to realize the expected synergies resulting from such acquisitions;
  • the failure to realize the expected benefits or synergies relating to our transformation initiative;
  • changes in tax laws; and
  • other factors including but not limited to those described under Item 1A, ‘Risk Factors’ in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A 'Risk Factors' in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as those factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic and other filings with the SEC which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Readers are urged to carefully consider all such factors as the COVID-19 pandemic may have the effect of heightening many of the other risks and uncertainties described.

We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We present our results of operations in the way we believe will be most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use our financial information to evaluate our performance. Some of the measurements we use are considered non-GAAP financial measures under SEC rules and regulations. In this press release, we present underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, consolidated underwriting income (loss), operating income (loss) (in total and on a per share basis), annualized operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE"), amounts presented on a constant currency basis and pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements which are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation G. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, which may be defined and calculated differently by other companies, better explain and enhance the understanding of our results of operations. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").

Underwriting-Related General and Administrative Expenses

Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses include those general and administrative expenses that are incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations. While this measure is presented in the 'Segment Information' note to our Consolidated Financial Statements, it is considered a non-GAAP financial measure when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis.

Corporate expenses include holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide insurance and reinsurance operations and costs associated with operating as a publicly-traded company. As these costs are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations, these costs are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, and therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss). General and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure to underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, also includes corporate expenses.

The reconciliation of underwriting-related general and administrative expenses to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Segmental Data' section of this press release.

Consolidated Underwriting Income (Loss)

Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a pre-tax measure of underwriting profitability that takes into account net premiums earned and other insurance related income (loss) as revenues and net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and underwriting-related general and administrative expenses as expenses. While this measure is presented in the 'Segment Information' note to our Consolidated Financial Statements, it is considered a non-GAAP financial measure when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis.

We evaluate our underwriting results separately from the performance of our investment portfolio. As a result, we believe it is appropriate to exclude net investment income and net investment gains (losses) from our underwriting profitability measure.

Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations primarily relate to the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on our net insurance-related liabilities. However, we manage our investment portfolio in such a way that unrealized and realized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our investment portfolio generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) arising from our underwriting portfolio. As a result, we believe that foreign exchange losses (gains) are not a meaningful contributor to our underwriting performance, therefore, foreign exchange losses (gains) are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).

Interest expense and financing costs primarily relate to interest payable on our debt. As these expenses are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our underwriting operations, these expenses are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, and therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss).

Reorganization expenses are related to the transformation program which was launched in 2017. This program encompasses the integration of Novae, which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017, the realignment of our accident and health business, together with other initiatives designed to increase efficiency and enhance profitability, while delivering a customer-centric operating model. Reorganization expenses are primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process, therefore, these expenses are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).

We believe that the presentation of underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and consolidated underwriting income (loss) provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations, by highlighting the underlying pre-tax profitability of our underwriting activities. The reconciliation of consolidated underwriting income (loss) to income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Consolidated Segmental Data' section of this press release.

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income (loss) represents after-tax operational results exclusive of net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses, and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments.

Although the investment of premiums to generate income and investment gains (losses) is an integral part of our operations, the determination to realize investment gains (losses) is independent of the underwriting process and is heavily influenced by the availability of market opportunities. Furthermore, many users believe that the timing of the realization of investment gains (losses) is somewhat opportunistic for many companies.

Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations primarily relate to the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on net insurance-related liabilities. In addition, we recognize unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our equity securities and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized on the sale of our available for sale investments and equity securities in net investment gains (losses). We also recognize unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available for sale investments in other comprehensive income (loss). These unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) reported in net income (loss), thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders’ equity. As a result, foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations in isolation are not a fair representation of the performance of our business.

Reorganization expenses are related to the transformation program which was launched in 2017. This program encompasses the integration of Novae, which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017, the realignment of our accident and health business, together with other initiatives designed to increase efficiency and enhance profitability, while delivering a customer-centric operating model. Reorganization expenses are primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process, therefore, these expenses are excluded from operating income (loss).

Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments is primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process, therefore, this income (loss) is excluded from operating income (loss).

Certain users of our financial statements evaluate performance exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses, and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments to understand the profitability of recurring sources of income.

We believe that showing net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), reorganization expenses, and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments reflects the underlying fundamentals of our business. In addition, we believe that this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze performance in a manner similar to how our management analyzes the underlying business performance. We also believe this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, facilitates comparison of our performance with our peer group. We believe that equity analysts and certain rating agencies that follow us, and the insurance industry as a whole, generally exclude these items from their analyses for the same reasons. The reconciliation of operating income (loss) to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' section of this press release.

We also present operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized operating ROACE, which are derived from the operating income (loss) measure and are reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, earnings (loss) per diluted common share and annualized return on average common equity ("ROACE"), respectively, in the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation' section of this press release.

Constant Currency Basis

We present gross premiums written and net premiums written on a constant currency basis in this press release. The amounts presented on a constant currency basis are calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate from the current year to the prior year amounts. We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze growth in gross premiums written and net premiums written on a constant basis. The reconciliation to gross premiums written and net premiums written on a GAAP basis is presented in the 'Insurance Segment' and 'Reinsurance Segment' sections of this press release.

Pre-Tax Total Return on Cash and Investments excluding Foreign Exchange Movement

Pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements measures net investment income (loss), net investments gains (losses), interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, and change in unrealized gains (losses) generated by average cash and investment balances. The reconciliation of pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements to pre-tax total return on cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Investments' section of this press release. We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze the performance of our investment portfolio.

Acquisition of Novae

On October 2, 2017, we acquired Novae. At the acquisition date, we identified value of business acquired ("VOBA") which represents the present value of the expected underwriting profit within policies that were in-force at the closing date of the transaction. In addition, the allocation of the acquisition price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date, resulted in the write-off of the deferred acquisition cost asset on Novae's balance sheet at the acquisition date as the value of policies in-force on that date are considered within VOBA. Consequently, underwriting income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 included the recognition of premiums attributable to Novae's balance sheet at the acquisition date without the recognition of the associated acquisition costs.