ACGL 10Q 3.31.14
Table of Contents

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 period ended March 31, 2014
 
Or
 
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number:  001-26456
 
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
Not Applicable
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
Waterloo House, Ground Floor
100 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke HM 08, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(441) 278-9250
(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 o
 
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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x     No o
 
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 x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o   No x
 
The number of the registrant’s common shares (par value, $0.0033 per share) outstanding as of May 1, 2014 was 134,099,536.


Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD.
 
INDEX
 
 
 
Page No.
PART I. Financial Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1 — Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Arch Capital Group Ltd.:
 
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Arch Capital Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2014, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
 
We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters.  It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.  Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
 
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated March 3, 2014, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2013, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
 
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
New York, NY
May 12, 2014

2

Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Assets
 

 
 

Investments:
 

 
 

Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $9,722,364 and $9,564,634)
$
9,775,730

 
$
9,571,776

Short-term investments available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,485,378 and $1,477,584)
1,484,280

 
1,478,367

Investment of funds received under securities lending, at fair value (amortized cost: $93,274 and $97,943)
96,264

 
100,584

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost: $475,868 and $433,275)
548,168

 
496,824

Other investments available for sale, at fair value (cost: $417,762 and $488,687)
426,917

 
498,310

Investments accounted for using the fair value option
1,256,650

 
1,221,534

Investments accounted for using the equity method
255,488

 
244,339

Total investments
13,843,497

 
13,611,734

Cash
1,569,605

 
434,057

Accrued investment income
59,701

 
66,848

Investment in joint venture (cost: $100,000)
102,803

 
104,856

Fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending, at fair value
100,590

 
105,081

Premiums receivable
1,008,375

 
753,924

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
1,790,025

 
1,804,330

Contractholder receivables
1,118,991

 
1,064,246

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
349,077

 
328,343

Deferred acquisition costs, net
384,294

 
342,314

Receivable for securities sold
426,431

 
50,555

Goodwill and intangible assets
120,875

 
27,319

Other assets
926,094

 
872,487

Total assets
$
21,800,358

 
$
19,566,094

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 

 
 

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
8,938,958

 
$
8,824,696

Unearned premiums
2,148,475

 
1,896,365

Reinsurance balances payable
201,794

 
196,167

Contractholder payables
1,118,991

 
1,064,246

Deposit accounting liabilities
409,080

 
421,297

Senior notes
800,000

 
800,000

Revolving credit agreement borrowings
100,000

 
100,000

Securities lending payable
103,330

 
107,999

Payable for securities purchased
499,473

 
51,318

Other liabilities
575,394

 
456,510

Total liabilities
14,895,495

 
13,918,598

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies


 


Redeemable noncontrolling interests (1)
219,234

 

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Non-cumulative preferred shares
325,000

 
325,000

Common shares ($0.0033 par, shares issued: 170,006,958 and 169,560,591)
567

 
565

Additional paid-in capital
320,503

 
299,517

Retained earnings
6,219,170

 
6,042,154

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax
123,719

 
74,964

Common shares held in treasury, at cost (shares: 35,922,820 and 35,885,707)
(1,096,826
)
 
(1,094,704
)
Total shareholders' equity available to Arch
5,892,133

 
5,647,496

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests (1)
793,496

 

Total shareholders’ equity
6,685,629

 
5,647,496

Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity
$
21,800,358

 
$
19,566,094


(1)     See Note 4.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues
 

 
 

Net premiums written
$
1,064,990

 
$
952,776

Change in unearned premiums
(205,210
)
 
(200,006
)
Net premiums earned
859,780

 
752,770

Net investment income
66,994

 
65,672

Net realized gains
19,697

 
58,340

Other-than-temporary impairment losses
(2,971
)
 
(2,248
)
Less investment impairments recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

 
2

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
(2,971
)
 
(2,246
)
 
 
 
 
Other underwriting income
1,582

 
538

Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
3,253

 
13,823

Other income (loss)
(2,104
)
 
1,244

Total revenues
946,231

 
890,141

 
 
 
 
Expenses
 

 
 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
436,240

 
399,403

Acquisition expenses
160,342

 
127,592

Other operating expenses
145,799

 
120,183

Interest expense
14,404

 
5,898

Net foreign exchange losses (gains)
6,563

 
(24,264
)
Total expenses
763,348

 
628,812

 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
182,883

 
261,329

Income tax expense
3,738

 
4,853

Net income
$
179,145

 
$
256,476

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)
3,355

 

Net income available to Arch
182,500

 
256,476

Preferred dividends
5,484

 
5,484

Net income available to common shareholders
$
177,016

 
$
250,992

 
 
 
 
Net income per common share
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.34

 
$
1.92

Diluted
$
1.30

 
$
1.85

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
 

 
 

Basic
131,857,910

 
130,907,902

Diluted
136,562,717

 
135,409,288


(1)     See Note 4.


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Net income
$
179,145

 
$
256,476

Other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax
 
 
 
Unrealized appreciation in value of available-for-sale investments:
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains arising during period
71,353

 
9,471

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax

 
(2
)
Reclassification of net realized gains, net of income taxes, included in net income
(21,249
)
 
(38,701
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(1,349
)
 
(28,222
)
Comprehensive income
227,900

 
199,022

 
 
 
 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)
3,355

 

Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
3,355

 

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income available to Arch
$
231,255

 
$
199,022


(1)     See Note 4.


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares
 

 
 

Balance at beginning and end of period
$
325,000

 
$
325,000

 
 
 
 
Common Shares
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
565

 
561

Common shares issued, net
2

 

Balance at end of period
567

 
561

 
 
 
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
299,517

 
227,778

Exercise of stock options
8,054

 
3,093

Amortization of share-based compensation
14,175

 
11,543

Other
(1,243
)
 
78

Balance at end of period
320,503

 
242,492

 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
6,042,154

 
5,354,361

Net income
179,145

 
256,476

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)
3,355

 

Preferred share dividends
(5,484
)
 
(5,484
)
Balance at end of period
6,219,170

 
5,605,353

 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
74,964

 
287,017

Unrealized appreciation in value of available-for-sale investments, net of deferred income tax:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
80,692

 
289,956

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net of reclassification adjustment
50,104

 
(29,230
)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax

 
(2
)
Balance at end of period
130,796

 
260,724

Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
(5,728
)
 
(2,939
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(1,349
)
 
(28,222
)
Balance at end of period
(7,077
)
 
(31,161
)
Balance at end of period
123,719

 
229,563

 
 
 
 
Common Shares Held in Treasury, at Cost
 

 
 

Balance at beginning of year
(1,094,704
)
 
(1,025,839
)
Shares repurchased for treasury
(2,122
)
 
(41,600
)
Balance at end of period
(1,096,826
)
 
(1,067,439
)
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity available to Arch
5,892,133

 
5,335,530

Noncontrolling interests (1)
793,496

 

Total shareholders’ equity
$
6,685,629

 
$
5,335,530


(1)     See Note 4.

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

Table of Contents

ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Activities
 

 
 

Net income
$
179,145

 
$
256,476

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Net realized gains
(22,367
)
 
(59,504
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
2,971

 
2,246

Equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and other income or loss
9,559

 
23,052

Share-based compensation
14,175

 
11,543

Changes in:
 

 
 

Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable
10,326

 
(22,182
)
Unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance premiums
205,210

 
200,006

Premiums receivable
(242,616
)
 
(198,814
)
Deferred acquisition costs, net
(41,988
)
 
(45,159
)
Reinsurance balances payable
5,428

 
17,365

Other liabilities
59,285

 
23,811

Other items
19,041

 
(3,181
)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
198,169

 
205,659

 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 

 
 

Purchases of:
 

 
 

Fixed maturity investments
(7,131,071
)
 
(3,970,320
)
Equity securities
(89,227
)
 
(63,353
)
Other investments
(304,454
)
 
(250,442
)
Proceeds from the sales of:
 

 
 

Fixed maturity investments
7,014,281

 
3,796,638

Equity securities
49,614

 
81,513

Other investments
331,176

 
280,010

Proceeds from redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity investments
168,484

 
181,727

Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments
156,262

 
(221,444
)
Change in investment of securities lending collateral
4,669

 
(41,019
)
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired (1)
(235,578
)
 

Purchases of furniture, equipment and other assets
(5,382
)
 
(3,742
)
Net Cash Used For Investing Activities
(41,226
)
 
(210,432
)
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Purchases of common shares under share repurchase program

 
(40,964
)
Proceeds from common shares issued, net
3,021

 
1,280

Change in securities lending collateral
(4,669
)
 
41,019

Third party investment in non-redeemable noncontrolling interests (2)
796,903

 

Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interests (2)
186,893

 

Other
1,700

 
1,084

Preferred dividends paid
(5,484
)
 
(5,484
)
Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities
978,364

 
(3,065
)
 
 
 
 
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
241

 
(6,436
)
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash
1,135,548

 
(14,274
)
Cash beginning of year
434,057

 
371,041

Cash end of period
$
1,569,605

 
$
356,767


(1)     See Note 2.
(2)     See Note 4.


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


1.    General

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“ACGL”) is a Bermuda public limited liability company which provides insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis through its subsidiaries (together with ACGL, the “Company”).

On January 30, 2014, the Company acquired CMG Mortgage Insurance Company and its affiliated mortgage insurance companies (together, “CMG Entities”) and the mortgage insurance platform and related assets from PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. (“PMI”) (see Note 2).

On March 20, 2014, the Company acquired approximately 11% of Watford Holdings Ltd.’s common equity and a warrant to purchase additional common equity for $100 million. Watford Holdings Ltd. is the parent of Watford Re Ltd., a newly-formed multi-line Bermuda reinsurance company (together with Watford Holdings Ltd., “Watford”). Watford is considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and the Company concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of Watford. As such, the results of Watford are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements (see Note 4).

The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and Watford. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. 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 and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normally recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of results on an interim basis. The results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year or any future periods.
 
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted; however, management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. This report should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (“2013 Form 10-K”), including the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes.
 
The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior year information to conform to the current presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s net income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity or cash flows. Tabular amounts are in U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted.
 
2.    Business Acquired

On January 30, 2014, the Company’s U.S.-based subsidiaries completed the acquisition of the CMG Entities through a stock purchase agreement (“SPA”) from its previous owners, PMI, which has been in rehabilitation under the receivership of the Arizona Department of Insurance since 2011, and CMFG Life Insurance Company (“CUNA Mutual”). In addition, the Company entered into a distribution agreement with CUNA Mutual and a reinsurance agreement with an affiliate of CUNA Mutual. CMG Mortgage Insurance Company has been renamed “Arch Mortgage Insurance Company” (“Arch MI U.S.”). As part of the transaction, Arch MI U.S. obtained approval as an eligible mortgage insurer from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (each a government sponsored enterprise or “GSE”), subject to maintaining certain ongoing requirements.

In addition, through an asset purchase agreement (“APA”) with PMI, the Company acquired the mortgage insurance operating platform of PMI, 100% of the capital stock of PMI Mortgage Assurance Co., a mortgage insurance company licensed in all 50 states (renamed Arch Mortgage Guaranty Company), and entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement pursuant to which Arch Reinsurance Ltd. agreed to provide 100% quota share indemnity reinsurance to PMI for all certificates of insurance that were issued by PMI between and including January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 that were not in default as of an agreed upon effective date. Other than this quota share, no PMI legacy exposures were assumed in the transaction. As part of the transaction, the Company entered into a services agreement with PMI to provide certain necessary operational services to administer the run-off of PMI’s legacy business at the direction of PMI. Arch MI U.S. also entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement whereby it will cede 20% of all new primary flow mortgage insurance business post-closing (both credit union and non-credit union business) on the first $25 billion in original loan amounts to PMI, on a funds-withheld basis.

8




The completion of the SPA and APA transactions enabled the Company to enter the U.S. mortgage insurance marketplace and serve all lenders nationwide. The arrangements with CUNA Mutual also provided a seamless transition and enabled the Company to provide uninterrupted access and services to the credit union marketplace.

At closing, the Company paid aggregate consideration of $160.6 million (80% of the actual closing date book value of the CMG Entities) under the SPA and $84.6 million under the APA. Additionally, the SPA contains provisions for additional contingent consideration payments, subject to an overall maximum payment of 150% of closing book value of the pre-closing portfolio of the CMG Entities as re-calculated over an earn-out period and payable at the third, fifth and sixth anniversaries after closing (subject to a one time extension period of one to three years at the sellers’ discretion). The maximum amount of contingent consideration payments is $136.3 million. To the extent that the adjusted book value of the CMG Entities drops below the cumulative amount paid by the Company, no additional payments would be due. To determine the fair value of the contingent consideration liability, the Company estimated future payments using a weighted average cost of capital approach at a rate of return of 15% which reflects the industry-weighted average rate of return on debt and equity as required by market participants. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability was $41.8 million at closing. The contingent consideration liability, which is included in ‘other liabilities’ in the consolidated balance sheets, is remeasured at fair value at each balance sheet date ($43.2 million at March 31, 2014) until the contingency is resolved with changes in fair value recognized in ‘net realized gains (losses).’

The following table summarizes the fair value of net assets acquired and allocation of purchase price:
 
 
Total
 
Useful Life
Purchase price
 
 
 
 
Cash paid
 
$
245,157

 
 
Contingent consideration liability
 
41,762

 
 
Total purchase price (a)
 
$
286,919

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets acquired
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
9,579

 
 
Investments, at fair value
 
312,093

 
 
Intangible asset -- acquired insurance contracts
 
46,473

 
5 years
Intangible asset -- operating platform
 
29,900

 
5 years
Intangible asset -- favorable lease contract
 
1,056

 
5 years
Intangible asset -- insurance licenses
 
16,858

 
Indefinite
Other assets acquired
 
21,691

 
 
Total assets acquired
 
437,650

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities acquired
 
 
 
 
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
121,572

 
 
Unearned premiums
 
26,261

 
 
Intangible liability -- unfavorable service contract
 
9,533

 
9 years
Other liabilities acquired
 
7,217

 
 
Total liabilities acquired
 
164,583

 
 
Net assets acquired (b)
 
$
273,067

 
 
Goodwill (a)-(b)
 
$
13,852

 
 

The Company recognized goodwill of $13.9 million that is primarily attributed to PMI’s assembled workforce, access to the mortgage insurance market through an existing operating platform, and additional synergies to be realized in the future. Under U.S. tax principles, which differentiate between taxable and non-taxable business combinations, the Company estimates that $48.0 million of goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The Company includes the operations of Arch MI U.S. in its mortgage segment (see Note 6).

3.    Significant Accounting Policies

As discussed in Note 2, the Company completed its acquisition of the CMG Entities on January 30, 2014. As such, the Company has added relevant sections pertaining to mortgage insurance to its significant accounting policies as described in Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies,” of its audited consolidated financial statements and related notes of the 2013 Form 10-K.

9




(b) Premium Revenues and Related Expenses

Insurance. Insurance premiums written are generally recorded at the policy inception and are primarily earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies for all products, usually 12 months. Premiums written include estimates in the Company’s programs, specialty lines, lenders products business and for participation in involuntary pools. Such premium estimates are derived from multiple sources which include the historical experience of the underlying business, similar business and available industry information. Unearned premium reserves represent the portion of premiums written that relates to the unexpired terms of in-force insurance policies.

Reinsurance. Reinsurance premiums written include amounts reported by brokers and ceding companies, supplemented by the Company’s own estimates of premiums where reports have not been received. The determination of premium estimates requires a review of the Company’s experience with the ceding companies, familiarity with each market, the timing of the reported information, an analysis and understanding of the characteristics of each line of business, and management’s judgment of the impact of various factors, including premium or loss trends, on the volume of business written and ceded to the Company. On an ongoing basis, the Company’s underwriters review the amounts reported by these third parties for reasonableness based on their experience and knowledge of the subject class of business, taking into account the Company’s historical experience with the brokers or ceding companies. In addition, reinsurance contracts under which the Company assumes business generally contain specific provisions which allow the Company to perform audits of the ceding company to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract, including accurate and timely reporting of information. Based on a review of all available information, management establishes premium estimates where reports have not been received. Premium estimates are updated when new information is received and differences between such estimates and actual amounts are recorded in the period in which estimates are changed or the actual amounts are determined.

Reinsurance premiums written are recorded based on the type of contracts the Company writes. Premiums on the Company’s excess of loss and pro rata reinsurance contracts are estimated when the business is underwritten. For excess of loss contracts, premiums are recorded as written based on the terms of the contract. Estimates of premiums written under pro rata contracts are recorded in the period in which the underlying risks are expected to incept and are based on information provided by the brokers and the ceding companies. For multi-year reinsurance treaties which are payable in annual installments, generally, only the initial annual installment is included as premiums written at policy inception due to the ability of the reinsured to commute or cancel coverage during the term of the policy. The remaining annual installments are included as premiums written at each successive anniversary date within the multi-year term.

Reinstatement premiums for the Company’s insurance and reinsurance operations are recognized at the time a loss event occurs, where coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract terms. Reinstatement premiums, if obligatory, are fully earned when recognized. The accrual of reinstatement premiums is based on an estimate of losses and loss adjustment expenses, which reflects management’s judgment. Premium estimates are reviewed by management at least quarterly. Such review includes a comparison of actual reported premiums to expected ultimate premiums along with a review of the aging and collection of premium estimates. Based on management’s review, the appropriateness of the premium estimates is evaluated, and any adjustment to these estimates is recorded in the period in which it becomes known. Adjustments to premium estimates could be material and such adjustments could directly and significantly impact earnings favorably or unfavorably in the period they are determined because the estimated premium may be fully or substantially earned. A significant portion of amounts included as premiums receivable, which represent estimated premiums written, net of commissions, are not currently due based on the terms of the underlying contracts.

Reinsurance premiums written, irrespective of the class of business, are generally earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies or reinsurance contracts. Contracts and policies written on a “losses occurring” basis cover claims that may occur during the term of the contract or policy, which is typically 12 months. Accordingly, the premium is earned evenly over the term. Contracts which are written on a “risks attaching” basis cover claims which attach to the underlying insurance policies written during the terms of such contracts. Premiums earned on such contracts usually extend beyond the original term of the reinsurance contract, typically resulting in recognition of premiums earned over a 24-month period. Certain of the Company’s reinsurance contracts include provisions that adjust premiums or acquisition expenses based upon the experience under the contracts. Premiums written and earned, as well as related acquisition expenses, are recorded based upon the projected experience under such contracts.

The Company also writes certain reinsurance business that is intended to provide insurers with risk management solutions that complement traditional reinsurance. Under these contracts, the Company assumes a measured amount of insurance risk in

10



exchange for an anticipated margin, which is typically lower than on traditional reinsurance contracts. The terms and conditions of these contracts may include additional or return premiums based on loss experience, loss corridors, sublimits and caps. Examples of such business include aggregate stop-loss coverages, financial quota share coverages and multi- year retrospectively rated excess of loss coverages. If these contracts are deemed to transfer risk, they are accounted for as reinsurance.

Mortgage. Mortgage guaranty insurance policies are contracts that are generally non-cancelable by the insurer, are renewable at a fixed price, and provide for payment of premiums on a monthly, annual or single basis. Upon renewal, the Company is not able to re-underwrite or re-price its policies. Consistent with industry accounting practices, premiums written on a monthly basis are earned as coverage is provided. Premiums written on an annual basis are amortized on a monthly pro rata basis over the year of coverage. Primary mortgage insurance premiums written on policies covering more than one year are referred to as single premiums. A portion of the revenue from single premiums is recognized in premiums earned in the current period, and the remaining portion is deferred as unearned premiums and earned over the expected life of the policy. If single premium policies related to insured loans are canceled due to repayment by the borrower, and the premium is non-refundable, the remaining unearned premium related to each canceled policy is recognized as earned premium upon notification of the cancellation.

Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that is applicable to the estimated unexpired risk of insured loans. A portion of premium payments may be refundable if the insured cancels coverage, which generally occurs when the loan is repaid, the loan amortizes to a sufficiently low amount to trigger a lender permitted or legally required cancellation, or the value of the property has increased sufficiently in accordance with the terms of the contract. Premium refunds reduce premiums earned in the consolidated statements of operations.

Acquisition Costs. Acquisition expenses and other expenses related to the Company’s underwriting operations that vary with, and are directly related to, the successful acquisition or renewal of business are deferred and amortized based on the type of contract. For property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts, deferred acquisition costs are amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Consistent with mortgage insurance industry accounting practice, amortization of acquisition costs related to the mortgage insurance contracts for each underwriting year’s book of business is charged against revenue in proportion to estimated gross profits. Estimated gross profits are comprised of earned premiums, interest income, losses and loss adjustment expenses. For each underwriting year, the Company estimates the rate of amortization to reflect actual experience and any changes to persistency or loss development.

Acquisition expenses, net of ceding commissions received from reinsurers, consist principally of commissions and premium taxes paid to obtain the Company’s business. Other operating expenses also include expenses that vary with, and are directly related to, the acquisition of business. Deferred acquisition costs are carried at their estimated realizable value and take into account anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses, based on historical and current experience, and anticipated investment income. A premium deficiency occurs if the sum of anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses, unamortized acquisition costs and maintenance costs exceed unearned premiums and anticipated investment income. A premium deficiency is recorded by charging any unamortized acquisition costs to expense to the extent required in order to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency exceeds unamortized acquisition costs then a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency.


11



(i) Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Insurance and Reinsurance. The reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses consists of estimates of unpaid reported losses and loss adjustment expenses and estimates for losses incurred but not reported. The reserve for unpaid reported losses and loss adjustment expenses, established by management based on reports from ceding companies and claims from insureds, excludes estimates of amounts due from insureds related to losses under high deductible policies, and represents the estimated ultimate cost of events or conditions that have been reported to or specifically identified by the Company. Such reserves are supplemented by management’s estimates of reserves for losses incurred for which reports or claims have not been received. The Company’s reserves are based on a combination of reserving methods, incorporating both Company and industry loss development patterns. The Company selects the initial expected loss and loss adjustment expense ratios based on information derived by its underwriters and actuaries during the initial pricing of the business, supplemented by industry data where appropriate. Such ratios consider, among other things, rate changes and changes in terms and conditions that have been observed in the market. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, are reflected in income in the period in which they are determined. As actual loss information has been reported, the Company has developed its own loss experience and its reserving methods include other actuarial techniques. Over time, such techniques have been given further weight in its reserving process based on the continuing maturation of the Company’s reserves. Inherent in the estimates of ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses are expected trends in claims severity and frequency and other factors which may vary significantly as claims are settled. Accordingly, ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses may differ materially from the amounts recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are recorded on an undiscounted basis, except for excess workers’ compensation and employers’ liability business written by the Company’s insurance operations.

Mortgage. The reserves for mortgage guaranty insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses are the estimated claim settlement costs on notices of default that have been received by the Company, as well as loan defaults that have been incurred but have not been reported by the lenders. Consistent with industry accounting practice, the Company does not establish loss reserves for future claims on insured loans that are not currently in default (defined as two consecutive missed payments). The Company establishes loss reserves on a case-by-case basis when insured loans are identified as currently in default using estimated claim rates and average claim sizes for each report year, net of any salvage recoverable. The Company also reserves for defaults that have occurred but have not yet been reported to the Company prior to the close of an accounting period. To determine this reserve, the Company estimates the number of defaults not yet reported using historical information regarding late reported delinquencies and applies estimated claim rates and claim sizes for the estimated defaults not yet reported.

The establishment of reserves across the Company’s segments is an inherently uncertain process, are necessarily based on estimates, and the ultimate net cost may vary from such estimates. The methods for making such estimates and for establishing the resulting liability are reviewed and updated using the most current information available. Any resulting adjustments, which may be material, are reflected in current operations

(q) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired and is assigned to the applicable reporting unit at acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized and is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis. Impairment tests may be performed more frequently if the facts and circumstances indicate a possible impairment. In performing impairment tests, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, more than a 50% probability) that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in the accounting guidance.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as insurance licenses, are not amortized and are evaluated for impairment similar to goodwill. Finite-lived intangible assets and liabilities include the value of insurance and reinsurance contracts, which are estimated based on the present value of future expected cash flows and amortized in ‘acquisition expenses’ in proportion to the estimated profits expected to be realized. Other finite-lived intangible assets or liabilities, including favorable or unfavorable contracts, are amortized in ‘other operating expenses’ over their useful lives. Finite-lived intangible assets and liabilities are periodically reviewed for indicators of impairment. An impairment is recognized when the carrying amount is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows and is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and fair value.

If goodwill or intangible assets are impaired, such assets are written down to their realizable values with the related expense recorded in the Company’s results of operations.


12



4.     Variable Interest Entity and Noncontrolling Interests

Variable interest entity

A VIE refers to an entity that has characteristics such as (i) insufficient equity at risk to allow the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support or (ii) instances where the equity investors, as a group, do not have characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is defined as the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest as a result of having both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If a company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, it is required to consolidate the VIE in its financial statements.

In March 2014, Watford raised approximately $1.1 billion of capital consisting of $907.3 million in common equity ($895.6 million net of issuance costs) and $226.6 million in preference equity ($219.2 million net of issuance costs and discount). The Company invested $100.0 million and acquired approximately 11% of Watford Holdings Ltd.’s common equity and a warrant to purchase additional common equity. Arch Underwriters Ltd. (“AUL”), a subsidiary of the Company, acts as Watford’s reinsurance manager, and Highbridge Principal Strategies, LLC (“Highbridge”), a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co., manages Watford’s investment assets, each under separate long term services agreements. John Rathgeber, previously Vice Chairman of Arch Worldwide Reinsurance Group, was named CEO of Watford. In addition, Marc Grandisson, Chairman and CEO of Arch Worldwide Reinsurance and Mortgage Groups, and Nicolas Papadopoulo, Chairman and CEO of Arch Reinsurance Ltd., were appointed to the board of directors of Watford.

The Company concluded that Watford is a VIE due to both the reinsurance management services agreement with AUL and the investment management agreement with Highbridge. Both of these agreements provide for services for an extended period of time with limited termination rights by Watford. In addition, these agreements allow for both AUL and Highbridge to participate in the favorable results of Watford in the form of performance fees. To determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary of Watford, the Company concluded that the most significant activity of Watford pertains to the insurance activities arising from the reinsurance management services agreement, as these activities will ultimately generate the investable assets required by Highbridge to execute the investment strategy. In addition, the Company factored into its analysis qualitative aspects of the relationship with Watford that are indicative of power to direct the insurance activities. These aspects coupled with the Company’s board seats and a former executive of the Company serving as Watford’s CEO resulted in the Company concluding that it is the primary beneficiary of Watford. As such, the results of Watford are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company concluded that Watford represents a separate operating segment and provides the income statement and total investable assets, total assets and total liabilities of Watford within Note 6. Because Watford is an independent company, the assets of Watford can be used only to settle obligations of Watford and Watford is solely responsible for its own liabilities and commitments. The Company’s financial exposure to Watford is limited to its investment in Watford’s common shares and counterparty credit risk (mitigated by collateral) arising from the reinsurance transactions.

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests

The Company accounts for the portion of Watford’s common equity attributable to third party investors in the shareholders’ equity section of its consolidated balance sheets. The noncontrolling ownership in Watford’s common shares was approximately 89% at March 31, 2014. The portion of Watford’s income or loss attributable to third party investors is recorded in the consolidated statements of income as ‘net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests.’ The following table sets forth activity in the non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Balance, beginning of year
$

Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests
796,903

Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(3,407
)
Balance, end of period
$
793,496



13



Redeemable noncontrolling interests

The Company accounts for redeemable noncontrolling interests in the mezzanine section of its consolidated balance sheets in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Such redeemable noncontrolling interests represent the 9,065,200 cumulative redeemable preference shares (“Watford Preference Shares”) issued in late March 2014 with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The Watford Preference Shares were issued at a discounted amount of $24.50 per share. Due to the timing of the issuance, not all amounts subscribed were collected by Watford by March 31, 2014. Holders of the Watford Preference Shares will be entitled to receive, if declared by Watford’s board, quarterly cash dividends on the last day of March, June, September, and December commencing June 30, 2014. Dividends will accrue from the closing date to June 30, 2019 at a fixed rate of 8.5% per annum. From June 30, 2019 and subsequent, dividends will accrue based on a floating rate equal to the 3 month U.S. dollar LIBOR (with a 1% floor) plus a margin based on the difference between the fixed rate and the 5 year mid swap rate to the floating rate as set out on the IRSB18. The Watford Preference Shares may be redeemed by Watford on or after June 30, 2019 or at the option of the preferred shareholders at any time on or after June 30, 2034. Because the redemption features are not solely within the control of Watford, the Company accounts for the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Watford Preference Shares in the mezzanine section of its consolidated balance sheets. Third party investors own 100% of the Watford Preference Shares at March 31, 2014. Preferred dividends, including the accretion of the discount and issuance costs, are included as ‘net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests’ in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

5.    Earnings Per Common Share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
Numerator:
 

 
 

Net income
$
179,145

 
$
256,476

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
3,355

 

Net income available to Arch
182,500

 
256,476

Preferred dividends
(5,484
)
 
(5,484
)
Net income available to Arch common shareholders
$
177,016

 
$
250,992

 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 

 
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
131,857,910

 
130,907,902

Effect of dilutive common share equivalents:
 

 
 

Nonvested restricted shares
1,346,401

 
1,290,161

Stock options (1)
3,358,406

 
3,211,225

Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding — diluted
136,562,717

 
135,409,288

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.34

 
$
1.92

Diluted
$
1.30

 
$
1.85

_________________________________________________
(1)
Certain stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share where the exercise price of the stock options exceeded the average market price and would have been anti-dilutive or where, when applying the treasury stock method to in-the-money options, the sum of the proceeds, including unrecognized compensation, exceeded the average market price and would have been anti-dilutive. For the 2014 first quarter and 2013 first quarter, the number of stock options excluded were 759,172 and 1,016,043, respectively.


14

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

6.    Segment Information
 
During the 2014 first quarter, to reflect activity during the period as described below, the Company changed its segment structure and added two new segments (mortgage and ‘other’). The Company now classifies its businesses into three underwriting segments — insurance, reinsurance and mortgage — and two other operating segments — ‘other’ and corporate (non-underwriting). The Company determined its reportable segments using the management approach described in accounting guidance regarding disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Intersegment business is allocated to the segment accountable for the underwriting results.

The Company’s insurance, reinsurance and mortgage segments each have managers who are responsible for the overall profitability of their respective segments and who are directly accountable to the Company’s chief operating decision makers, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACGL and the Chief Financial Officer of ACGL. The chief operating decision makers do not assess performance, measure return on equity or make resource allocation decisions on a line of business basis. Management measures segment performance for its three underwriting segments based on underwriting income or loss. The Company does not manage its assets by underwriting segment and, accordingly, investment income is not allocated to each underwriting segment.

The corporate (non-underwriting) segment results include net investment income, other income (loss), other expenses incurred by the Company, interest expense, net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses included in earnings, equity in net income (loss) of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses, income taxes and items related to the Company’s non-cumulative preferred shares. Such amounts exclude the results of the ‘other’ segment.

The ‘other’ segment includes the results of Watford (see Note 4). Watford has its own management and board of directors that is responsible for the overall profitability of the ‘other’ segment. For the ‘other’ segment, performance is measured based on net income or loss.


15

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


The following tables summarize the Company’s underwriting income or loss by segment, together with a reconciliation of underwriting income or loss to net income available to common shareholders:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2014
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Mortgage
 
Sub-Total
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written (1)
$
730,646

 
$
517,053

 
$
47,907

 
$
1,295,136

 
$
32,194

 
$
1,295,136

Premiums ceded
(185,044
)
 
(73,127
)
 
(4,639
)
 
(262,340
)
 

 
(230,146
)
Net premiums written
545,602

 
443,926

 
43,268

 
1,032,796

 
32,194

 
1,064,990

Change in unearned premiums
(68,101
)
 
(102,578
)
 
(4,503
)
 
(175,182
)
 
(30,028
)
 
(205,210
)
Net premiums earned
477,501

 
341,348

 
38,765

 
857,614

 
2,166

 
859,780

Other underwriting income
500

 
316

 
766

 
1,582

 

 
1,582

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(286,770
)
 
(139,636
)
 
(8,478
)
 
(434,884
)
 
(1,356
)
 
(436,240
)
Acquisition expenses, net
(76,932
)
 
(73,433
)
 
(9,154
)
 
(159,519
)
 
(823
)
 
(160,342
)
Other operating expenses
(81,144
)
 
(36,195
)
 
(13,876
)
 
(131,215
)
 
(1,109
)
 
(132,324
)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
33,155

 
$
92,400

 
$
8,023

 
133,578

 
(1,122
)
 
132,456

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 

 
 

 
 
 
66,993

 
1

 
66,994

Net realized gains
 

 
 

 
 
 
19,697

 

 
19,697

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 

 
 

 
 
 
(2,971
)
 

 
(2,971
)
Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
 

 
 

 
 
 
3,253

 

 
3,253

Other income (loss)
 

 
 

 
 
 
(2,104
)
 

 
(2,104
)
Other expenses
 

 
 

 
 
 
(10,799
)
 
(2,676
)
 
(13,475
)
Interest expense
 

 
 

 
 
 
(14,404
)
 

 
(14,404
)
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)
 

 
 

 
 
 
(6,656
)
 
93

 
(6,563
)
Income before income taxes
 

 
 

 
 
 
186,587

 
(3,704
)
 
182,883

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 
 
(3,738
)
 

 
(3,738
)
Net income (loss)
 

 
 

 
 
 
182,849

 
(3,704
)
 
179,145

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
3,355

 
3,355

Net income available to Arch
 
 
 
 
 
 
182,849

 
(349
)
 
182,500

Preferred dividends
 

 
 

 
 
 
(5,484
)
 

 
(5,484
)
Net income available to Arch common shareholders
 

 
 

 
 
 
$
177,365

 
$
(349
)
 
$
177,016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting Ratios
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Loss ratio
60.1
%
 
40.9
%
 
21.9
%
 
50.7
%
 
62.6
%
 
50.7
%
Acquisition expense ratio (2)
16.0
%
 
21.5
%
 
23.6
%
 
18.5
%
 
38.0
%
 
18.6
%
Other operating expense ratio
17.0
%
 
10.6
%
 
35.8
%
 
15.3
%
 
51.2
%
 
15.4
%
Combined ratio
93.1
%
 
73.0
%
 
81.3
%
 
84.5
%
 
151.8
%
 
84.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investable assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
14,261,106

 
$
1,083,280

 
$
15,344,386

Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
20,653,897

 
1,146,461

 
21,800,358

Total liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
14,860,124

 
35,371

 
14,895,495

_________________________________________________
(1)
Certain amounts included in the gross premiums written of each segment are related to intersegment transactions. Accordingly, the sum of gross premiums written for each segment does not agree to the total gross premiums written as shown in the table above due to the elimination of intersegment transactions in the total.
(2)
The acquisition expense ratio is adjusted to include certain other underwriting income.
 

16

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2013
 
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Mortgage
 
Sub-Total
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written (1)
$
688,817

 
$
450,447

 
$
25,758

 
$
1,163,699

 
$

 
$
1,163,699

Premiums ceded
(184,267
)
 
(27,979
)
 

 
(210,923
)
 

 
(210,923
)
Net premiums written
504,550

 
422,468

 
25,758

 
952,776

 

 
952,776

Change in unearned premiums
(59,585
)
 
(126,315
)
 
(14,106
)
 
(200,006
)
 

 
(200,006
)
Net premiums earned
444,965

 
296,153

 
11,652

 
752,770

 

 
752,770

Other underwriting income
525

 
13

 

 
538

 

 
538

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(283,467
)
 
(113,857
)
 
(2,079
)
 
(399,403
)
 

 
(399,403
)
Acquisition expenses, net
(70,758
)
 
(53,143
)
 
(3,691
)
 
(127,592
)
 

 
(127,592
)
Other operating expenses
(76,315
)
 
(32,197
)
 
(1,403
)
 
(109,915
)
 

 
(109,915
)
Underwriting income
$
14,950

 
$
96,969

 
$
4,479

 
116,398

 

 
116,398

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 

 
 

 
 
 
65,672

 

 
65,672

Net realized gains
 

 
 

 
 
 
58,340

 

 
58,340

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 

 
 

 
 
 
(2,246
)
 

 
(2,246
)
Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
 

 
 

 
 
 
13,823

 

 
13,823

Other income (loss)
 

 
 

 
 
 
1,244

 

 
1,244

Other expenses
 

 
 

 
 
 
(10,268
)
 

 
(10,268
)
Interest expense
 

 
 

 
 
 
(5,898
)
 

 
(5,898
)
Net foreign exchange gains
 

 
 

 
 
 
24,264

 

 
24,264

Income before income taxes
 

 
 

 
 
 
261,329

 

 
261,329

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 
 
(4,853
)
 

 
(4,853
)
Net income
 

 
 

 
 
 
256,476

 

 
256,476

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Net income available to Arch
 
 
 
 
 
 
256,476

 

 
256,476

Preferred dividends
 

 
 

 
 
 
(5,484
)
 

 
(5,484
)
Net income available to Arch common shareholders
 

 
 

 
 
 
$
250,992

 
$

 
$
250,992

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting Ratios
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Loss ratio
63.7
%
 
38.4
%
 
17.8
%
 
53.1
%
 
%
 
53.1
%
Acquisition expense ratio (2)
15.8
%
 
17.9
%
 
31.7
%
 
16.9
%
 
%
 
16.9
%
Other operating expense ratio
17.2
%
 
10.9
%
 
12.0
%
 
14.6
%
 
%
 
14.6
%
Combined ratio
96.7
%
 
67.2
%
 
61.5
%
 
84.6
%
 
%
 
84.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investable assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
13,132,116

 
$

 
$
13,132,116

Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
18,757,061

 

 
18,757,061

Total liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,421,531

 

 
13,421,531

_________________________________________________
(1)
Certain amounts included in the gross premiums written of each segment are related to intersegment transactions. Accordingly, the sum of gross premiums written for each segment does not agree to the total gross premiums written as shown in the table above due to the elimination of intersegment transactions in the total.
(2)
The acquisition expense ratio is adjusted to include other underwriting income.


17

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

7.    Investment Information
 
At March 31, 2014, total investable assets of $15.34 billion included $14.26 billion managed by the Company and $1.08 billion attributable to Watford. Due to the timing of Watford’s launch, the cash proceeds received from Watford’s capital raising activities was not invested at March 31, 2014 and, as such, Watford’s investable assets were included in the Company’s cash balance at such date. As such, the tables in this footnote do not reflect any Watford balances except for the net investment income table. See Note 4 for further details on Watford.

Available For Sale Investments
 
The following table summarizes the fair value and cost or amortized cost of the Company’s investments classified as available for sale:
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
OTTI
Unrealized
Losses (2)
March 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,514,129

 
$
39,704

 
$
(20,047
)
 
$
2,494,472

 
$
(16
)
Mortgage backed securities
1,087,840

 
21,700

 
(14,253
)
 
1,080,393

 
(8,217
)
Municipal bonds
1,410,043

 
28,494

 
(3,742
)
 
1,385,291

 
(17
)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,023,055

 
11,769

 
(9,031
)
 
1,020,317

 

U.S. government and government agencies
1,153,120

 
4,048

 
(5,932
)
 
1,155,004

 
(19
)
Non-U.S. government securities
1,114,382

 
14,538

 
(12,978
)
 
1,112,822

 

Asset backed securities
1,573,751

 
11,143

 
(12,385
)
 
1,574,993

 
(2,902
)
Total
9,876,320

 
131,396

 
(78,368
)
 
9,823,292

 
(11,171
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
548,168

 
78,896

 
(6,596
)
 
475,868

 

Other investments
426,917

 
24,398

 
(15,243
)
 
417,762

 

Short-term investments
1,484,280

 
955

 
(2,053
)
 
1,485,378

 

Total
$
12,335,685

 
$
235,645

 
$
(102,260
)
 
$
12,202,300

 
$
(11,171
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,267,263

 
$
35,289

 
$
(35,537
)
 
$
2,267,511

 
$
(16
)
Mortgage backed securities
1,133,095

 
16,270

 
(22,209
)
 
1,139,034

 
(9,269
)
Municipal bonds
1,481,738

 
29,378

 
(9,730
)
 
1,462,090

 
(17
)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,074,497

 
13,972

 
(15,224
)
 
1,075,749

 
(199
)
U.S. government and government agencies
1,301,809

 
3,779

 
(11,242
)
 
1,309,272

 
(19
)
Non-U.S. government securities
1,085,861

 
14,729

 
(19,363
)
 
1,090,495

 

Asset backed securities
1,332,594

 
20,033

 
(13,795
)
 
1,326,356

 
(3,422
)
Total
9,676,857

 
133,450

 
(127,100
)
 
9,670,507

 
(12,942
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
496,824

 
69,487

 
(5,938
)
 
433,275

 

Other investments
498,310

 
28,082

 
(18,459
)
 
488,687

 

Short-term investments
1,478,367

 
1,654

 
(871
)
 
1,477,584

 

Total
$
12,150,358

 
$
232,673

 
$
(152,368
)
 
$
12,070,053

 
$
(12,942
)
_________________________________________________
(1)
In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. See “—Securities Lending Agreements.”
(2)
Represents the total other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date. At March 31, 2014, the net unrealized gain related to securities for which a non-credit OTTI was recognized in AOCI was $4.8 million, compared to a net unrealized gain of $6.0 million at December 31, 2013.


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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table summarizes, for all available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position, the fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has been in a continual unrealized loss position:
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
March 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
1,012,076

 
$
(17,780
)
 
$
40,352

 
$
(2,267
)
 
$
1,052,428

 
$
(20,047
)
Mortgage backed securities
434,286

 
(11,841
)
 
23,033

 
(2,412
)
 
457,319

 
(14,253
)
Municipal bonds
340,349

 
(3,484
)
 
3,741

 
(258
)
 
344,090

 
(3,742
)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
398,428

 
(8,977
)
 
581

 
(54
)
 
399,009

 
(9,031
)
U.S. government and government agencies
764,802

 
(5,932
)
 

 

 
764,802

 
(5,932
)
Non-U.S. government securities
541,534

 
(10,940
)
 
36,298

 
(2,038
)
 
577,832

 
(12,978
)
Asset backed securities
904,539

 
(8,424
)
 
99,179

 
(3,961
)
 
1,003,718

 
(12,385
)
Total
4,396,014

 
(67,378
)
 
203,184

 
(10,990
)
 
4,599,198

 
(78,368
)
Equity securities
102,589

 
(6,596
)
 

 

 
102,589

 
(6,596
)
Other investments
156,468

 
(15,243
)
 

 

 
156,468

 
(15,243
)
Short-term investments
180,233

 
(2,053
)
 

 

 
180,233

 
(2,053
)
Total
$
4,835,304

 
$
(91,270
)
 
$
203,184

 
$
(10,990
)
 
$
5,038,488

 
$
(102,260
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
1,183,625

 
$
(32,837
)
 
$
46,673

 
$
(2,700
)
 
$
1,230,298

 
$
(35,537
)
Mortgage backed securities
778,693

 
(20,253
)
 
43,634

 
(1,956
)
 
822,327

 
(22,209
)
Municipal bonds
589,009

 
(9,422
)
 
6,092

 
(308
)
 
595,101

 
(9,730
)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
677,617

 
(15,110
)
 
1,612

 
(114
)
 
679,229

 
(15,224
)
U.S. government and government agencies
1,144,809

 
(11,242
)
 

 

 
1,144,809

 
(11,242
)
Non-U.S. government securities
821,506

 
(15,776
)
 
24,334

 
(3,587
)
 
845,840

 
(19,363
)
Asset backed securities
692,362

 
(10,431
)
 
88,629

 
(3,364
)
 
780,991

 
(13,795
)
Total
5,887,621

 
(115,071
)
 
210,974

 
(12,029
)
 
6,098,595

 
(127,100
)
Equity securities
76,563

 
(5,938
)
 

 

 
76,563

 
(5,938
)
Other investments
165,891

 
(15,775
)
 
47,316

 
(2,684
)
 
213,207

 
(18,459
)
Short-term investments
28,170

 
(871
)
 

 

 
28,170

 
(871
)
Total
$
6,158,245

 
$
(137,655
)
 
$
258,290

 
$
(14,713
)
 
$
6,416,535

 
$
(152,368
)
_________________________________________________
(1)
In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. See “—Securities Lending Agreements.”

At March 31, 2014, on a lot level basis, approximately 1,580 security lots out of a total of approximately 4,310 security lots were in an unrealized loss position and the largest single unrealized loss from a single lot in the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was $3.6 million. At December 31, 2013, on a lot level basis, approximately 2,080 security lots out of a total of approximately 4,400 security lots were in an unrealized loss position and the largest single unrealized loss from a single lot in the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was $3.5 million.
 

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The contractual maturities of the Company’s fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements are shown in the following table. Expected maturities, which are management’s best estimates, will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Maturity
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
Due in one year or less
 
$
286,950

 
$
282,281

 
$
235,330

 
$
232,652

Due after one year through five years
 
3,757,966

 
3,731,777

 
3,738,500

 
3,718,920

Due after five years through 10 years
 
1,883,374

 
1,872,047

 
1,966,536

 
1,979,510

Due after 10 years
 
263,384

 
261,484

 
196,305

 
198,286

 
 
6,191,674

 
6,147,589

 
6,136,671

 
6,129,368

Mortgage backed securities
 
1,087,840

 
1,080,393

 
1,133,095

 
1,139,034

Commercial mortgage backed securities
 
1,023,055

 
1,020,317

 
1,074,497

 
1,075,749

Asset backed securities
 
1,573,751

 
1,574,993

 
1,332,594

 
1,326,356

Total
 
$
9,876,320

 
$
9,823,292

 
$
9,676,857

 
$
9,670,507

 
Securities Lending Agreements
 
The Company operates a securities lending program under which certain of its fixed income portfolio securities are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms, for short periods of time through a lending agent. The fair value and amortized cost of fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements were $100.6 million and $100.9 million, respectively, at March 31, 2014, compared to $105.1 million and $105.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013. The fair value of the portfolio of collateral backing the Company’s securities lending program was $96.3 million at March 31, 2014, compared to $100.6 million at December 31, 2013. Such amounts included approximately $6.3 million of sub-prime securities at March 31, 2014, compared to $6.3 million at December 31, 2013. The Company maintains legal control over the securities it lends, retains the earnings and cash flows associated with the loaned securities and receives a fee from the borrower for the temporary use of the securities. An indemnification agreement with the lending agent protects the Company in the event a borrower becomes insolvent or fails to return any of the securities on loan to the Company

Other Investments

The following table summarizes the Company’s other investments, including available for sale and fair value option components:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Available for sale:
 
 
 
Asian and emerging markets
$
266,023

 
$
331,984

Investment grade fixed income
160,894

 
159,115

Other

 
7,211

Total available for sale
426,917

 
498,310

Fair value option:
 
 
 
Term loan investments (par value: $403,383 and $494,502)
410,430

 
512,076

Asian and emerging markets
14,817

 
14,054

Investment grade fixed income
91,907

 
75,062

Other (1)
282,670

 
172,088

Total fair value option
799,824

 
773,280

Total
$
1,226,741

 
$
1,271,590

_________________________________________________
(1)
Includes fund investments with strategies in mortgage servicing rights, transportation and infrastructure assets and other.

Certain of the Company’s other investments are in investment funds for which the Company has the option to redeem at agreed upon values as described in each investment fund’s subscription agreement. Depending on the terms of the various subscription agreements, investments in investment funds may be redeemed daily, monthly, quarterly or on other terms. Two common redemption restrictions which may impact the Company’s ability to redeem these investment funds are gates and lockups. A gate is a suspension of redemptions which may be implemented by the general partner or investment manager of

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

the fund in order to defer, in whole or in part, the redemption request in the event the aggregate amount of redemption requests exceeds a predetermined percentage of the investment fund’s net assets which may otherwise hinder the general partner or investment manager’s ability to liquidate holdings in an orderly fashion in order to generate the cash necessary to fund extraordinarily large redemption payouts. A lockup period is the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to hold the security before having the ability to redeem. If the investment funds are eligible to be redeemed, the time to redeem such fund can take weeks or months following the notification.

Fair Value Option
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities which are accounted for using the fair value option:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Fixed maturities
$
456,826

 
$
448,254

Other investments
799,824

 
773,280

Investments accounted for using the fair value option
$
1,256,650

 
$
1,221,534


Net Investment Income
 
The components of net investment income were derived from the following sources:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Fixed maturities
$
62,449

 
$
62,006

Term loan investments
5,669

 
4,217

Equity securities (dividends)
2,921

 
1,423

Short-term investments
406

 
392

Other (1)
4,718

 
6,299

Gross investment income
76,163

 
74,337

Investment expenses
(9,169
)
 
(8,665
)
Net investment income
$
66,994

 
$
65,672

_________________________________________________
(1)
Includes dividends on investment funds and other items.
 
Net Realized Gains (Losses)
 
Net realized gains (losses) were as follows, excluding other-than-temporary impairment provisions:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Available for sale securities:
 

 
 

Gross gains on investment sales
$
66,051

 
$
67,020

Gross losses on investment sales
(40,013
)
 
(25,056
)
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option:
 

 
 

Fixed maturities
(1,643
)
 
5,058

Other investments
10,776

 
9,951

Equity securities

 
699

Derivative instruments (1)
(12,768
)
 
(378
)
Other (2)
(2,706
)
 
1,046

Net realized gains (losses)
$
19,697

 
$
58,340

_________________________________________________
(1)
See Note 9 for information on the Company’s derivative instruments.
(2)
Includes accretion of contingent liability amounts related to the acquisition of the CMG Entities (see Note 2 for further details).
 

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
 
The Company performs quarterly reviews of its available for sale investments in order to determine whether declines in fair value below the amortized cost basis were considered other-than-temporary in accordance with applicable guidance. The following table details the net impairment losses recognized in earnings by asset class:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Fixed maturities:
 

 
 

Mortgage backed securities
$

 
$
(15
)
Asset backed securities
(6
)
 
(20
)
Total
(6
)
 
(35
)
Equity securities

 
(2,211
)
Other investments
(2,965
)
 

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
$
(2,971
)
 
$
(2,246
)
 
The Company’s net impairment losses recognized in earnings in the 2014 first quarter primarily related to one investment fund. The Company analyzed available positive and negative evidence on the fund, including the business prospects, recent events, industry and market data and other factors. Following such review, the Company determined that it did not have the intent or ability to hold such securities for a reasonable period of time by which the fair value of the securities would increase and the Company would recover its cost and, as such, the cost basis of such securities was adjusted down accordingly.

The Company believes that the $11.2 million of OTTI included in accumulated other comprehensive income at March 31, 2014 on the securities which were considered by the Company to be impaired was due to market and sector-related factors (i.e., not credit losses). At March 31, 2014, the Company did not intend to sell these securities, or any other securities which were in an unrealized loss position, and determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell such securities before recovery of their cost basis.
 
The following table provides a roll forward of the amount related to credit losses recognized in earnings for which a portion of an OTTI was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at start of period
$
60,062

 
$
62,001

Credit loss impairments recognized on securities not previously impaired

 
33

Credit loss impairments recognized on securities previously impaired
6

 
2

Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security

 

Reductions for securities sold during the period
(12,812
)
 
(80
)
Balance at end of period
$
47,256

 
$
61,956

 

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Restricted Assets
 
The Company is required to maintain assets on deposit, which primarily consist of fixed maturities, with various regulatory authorities to support its insurance and reinsurance operations. The Company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries maintain assets in trust accounts as collateral for insurance and reinsurance transactions with affiliated companies and also have investments in segregated portfolios primarily to provide collateral or guarantees for letters of credit to third parties. See Note 10 for further details. The following table details the value of the Company’s restricted assets:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Assets used for collateral or guarantees:
 

 
 

Affiliated transactions
$
4,346,385

 
$
4,060,533

Third party agreements
951,609

 
856,890

Deposits with U.S. regulatory authorities
350,284

 
302,809

Deposits with non-U.S. regulatory authorities
2

 
6,546

Trust funds
92,108

 
75,264

Total restricted assets
$
5,740,388

 
$
5,302,042


8.    Fair Value
 
Accounting guidance regarding fair value measurements addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, it establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for the disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement (Level 1 being the highest priority and Level 3 being the lowest priority).
 
The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:
 
Level 1:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
 
Level 2:
Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument
 
Level 3:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement
 
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for securities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such securities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
 
The Company determines the existence of an active market based on its judgment as to whether transactions for the financial instrument occur in such market with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. The Company uses quoted values and other data provided by nationally recognized independent pricing sources as inputs into its process for determining fair values of its fixed maturity investments. To validate the techniques or models used by pricing sources, the Company’s review process includes, but is not limited to: (i) quantitative analysis (e.g., comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated); (ii) a review of the average number of prices obtained in the pricing process and the range of resulting fair values; (iii) initial and ongoing evaluation of methodologies used by outside parties to calculate fair value including a review of deep dive reports on selected securities which indicate the use of observable inputs in the pricing process; (iv) comparing the fair value estimates to its knowledge of the current market; (v) a comparison of the pricing services’ fair values to other pricing services’ fair values for the same investments; and (vi) back-testing, which includes randomly selecting purchased or sold securities and comparing the executed prices to the fair value estimates from the pricing service. For a majority of investments, the Company obtained multiple quotes. A price source hierarchy was maintained in order to determine which price source would be used (i.e., a price

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ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

obtained from a pricing service with more seniority in the hierarchy will be used over a less senior one in all cases). The hierarchy prioritizes pricing services based on availability and reliability and assigns the highest priority to index providers. Based on the above review, the Company will challenge any prices for a security or portfolio which are considered not to be representative of fair value. The Company did not adjust any of the prices obtained from the pricing services at March 31, 2014.

The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Each source has its own proprietary method for determining the fair value of securities that are not actively traded. In general, these methods involve the use of “matrix pricing” in which the independent pricing source uses observable market inputs including, but not limited to, investment yields, credit risks and spreads, benchmarking of like securities, broker-dealer quotes, reported trades and sector groupings to determine a reasonable fair value. In addition, pricing vendors use model processes, such as an Option Adjusted Spread model, to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The Option Adjusted Spread model is commonly used to estimate fair value for securities such as mortgage backed and asset backed securities. In certain circumstances, when fair values are unavailable from these independent pricing sources, quotes are obtained directly from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets. Such quotes are subject to the validation procedures noted above. Of the $13.64 billion of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at March 31, 2014, approximately $544.4 million, or 4.0%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes. Of the $13.37 billion of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2013, approximately $601.9 million, or 4.5%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes.

The Company reviews its securities measured at fair value and discusses the proper classification of such investments with investment advisers and others. No transfers were made in the periods presented. A discussion of the general classification of the Company’s financial instruments follows:

Fixed maturities. The Company determined that all U.S. Treasuries would be classified as Level 1 securities due to observed levels of trading activity, the high number of strongly correlated pricing quotes received on U.S. Treasuries and other factors. Where the Company believes that quoted market prices are not available or that the market is not active, fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, pricing models or matrix pricing and are generally classified as Level 2 securities. The Company determined that Level 2 securities included corporate bonds, mortgage backed securities, municipal bonds, asset backed securities and non-U.S. government securities.

Equity securities. The Company determined that exchange-traded equity securities would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. Other equity securities are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Other investments. The fair values for certain of the Company’s other investments are determined using net asset values (“NAV”) as advised by external fund managers. The NAV is based on the fund manager’s valuation of the underlying holdings in accordance with the fund’s governing documents. Periodically, the Company performs a number of monitoring procedures in order to assess the quality of the NAVs, including regular review and discussion of each fund’s performance, regular evaluation of fund performance against applicable benchmarks and the backtesting of the NAVs against audited and interim financial statements. Other investments with liquidity terms allowing the Company to substantially redeem its holdings in a short time frame at the applicable NAV are reflected in Level 2. Other investments with redemption restrictions that prevent the Company from redeeming in the near term are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Short-term investments. The Company determined that certain of its short-term investments held in highly liquid money market-type funds would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. Other short-term investments are classified in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements. For purposes of the following tables, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements, at fair value.

Contingent consideration liability. The contingent consideration liability (included in ‘other liabilities’ in the consolidated balance sheets) resulted from the acquisition of the CMG Entities and is remeasured at fair value at each balance sheet date. Changes in fair value are recognized in ‘net realized gains (losses).’ To determine the fair value of the contingent consideration liability, the Company estimates future payments using an income approach based on modeled inputs which include a weighted

24

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

average cost of capital. The Company determined that the contingent consideration liability would be included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
Fair
Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available for sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,514,129

 
$

 
$
2,514,129

 
$

Mortgage backed securities
1,087,840

 

 
1,087,840

 

Municipal bonds
1,410,043

 

 
1,410,043

 

Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,023,055

 

 
1,023,055

 

U.S. government and government agencies
1,153,120

 
1,153,120

 

 

Non-U.S. government securities
1,114,382

 

 
1,114,382

 

Asset backed securities
1,573,751

 

 
1,573,751

 

Total
9,876,320

 
1,153,120

 
8,723,200

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
548,168

 
548,099

 
69

 

Other investments
426,917

 

 
322,582

 
104,335

Short-term investments
1,484,280

 
1,457,349

 
26,931

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments accounted for using the fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
353,644

 

 
353,644

 

Non-U.S. government bonds
63,538

 

 
63,538

 

Mortgage backed securities
39,644

 

 
39,644

 

Other investments
799,824

 

 
380,678

 
419,146

Total
1,256,650

 

 
837,504

 
419,146

Total assets measured at fair value
$
13,592,335

 
$
3,158,568

 
$
9,910,286

 
$
523,481

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities measured at fair value:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Contingent consideration liability
$
43,156

 
$

 
$

 
$
43,156

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
43,156

 
$

 
$

 
$
43,156

_________________________________________________
(1)
In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged.
 

25

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement Using:
 
Fair
Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available for sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,267,263

 
$

 
$
2,265,218

 
$
2,045

Mortgage backed securities
1,133,095

 

 
1,133,095

 

Municipal bonds
1,481,738

 

 
1,481,738

 

Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,074,497

 

 
1,074,497

 

U.S. government and government agencies
1,301,809

 
1,301,809

 

 

Non-U.S. government securities
1,085,861

 

 
1,085,861

 

Asset backed securities
1,332,594

 

 
1,332,594

 

Total
9,676,857

 
1,301,809

 
8,373,003

 
2,045

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
496,824

 
496,738

 
86

 

Other investments
498,310

 

 
327,890

 
170,420

Short-term investments
1,478,367

 
1,427,744

 
50,623

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments accounted for using the fair value option:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
334,065

 

 
334,065

 

Non-U.S. government bonds
73,156

 

 
73,156

 

Mortgage backed securities
41,033

 

 
41,033

 

Other investments
773,280

 

 
395,755

 
377,525

Total
1,221,534

 

 
844,009

 
377,525

Total assets measured at fair value
$
13,371,892

 
$
3,226,291

 
$
9,595,611

 
$
549,990

_________________________________________________
(1)
In securities lending transactions, the Company receives collateral in excess of the fair value of the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged. For purposes of this table, the Company has excluded the collateral received and reinvested and included the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged.
 

26

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs:
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
s
Available-For-Sale
 
Fair Value Option
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
Bonds
 
Other
Investments
 
Other
Investments
 
Total
 
Contingent Consideration Liability
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
2,045

 
$
170,420

 
$
377,525

 
$
549,990

 
$

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Included in earnings (1)

 
2,275

 
6,310

 
8,585

 
(1,394
)
Included in other comprehensive income

 
(2,196
)
 

 
(2,196
)
 

Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Purchases

 

 
40,110

 
40,110

 

Issuances

 

 

 

 
(41,762
)
Sales
(2,045
)
 
(66,164
)
 

 
(68,209
)
 

Settlements

 

 
(4,799
)
 
(4,799
)
 

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period
$

 
$
104,335

 
$
419,146

 
$
523,481

 
$
(43,156
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
98,404

 
$
184,202

 
$
195,350

 
$
477,956

 
$

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Included in earnings (1)
1,492

 
4,762

 
373

 
6,627

 

Included in other comprehensive income
(1,688
)
 
1,912

 

 
224

 

Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Purchases

 
5,000

 
41,654

 
46,654

 

Issuances

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

Settlements
(910
)
 
(9,942
)
 
(58,007
)
 
(68,859
)
 

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period
$
97,298

 
$
185,934

 
$
179,370

 
$
462,602

 
$

_________________________________________________
(1)
Gains or losses on corporate bonds were included in net realized gains (losses) while gains or losses on other investments were included in net realized gains (losses) or net investment income. Gains or losses on the contingent consideration liability were included in net realized gains (losses).

The amount of total gains for the 2014 first quarter included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at March 31, 2014 was $3.3 million, while the amount of total gains for the 2013 first quarter included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at March 31, 2013 was $6.6 million.
 
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, At Fair Value
 
The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The carrying values of cash, accrued investment income, receivable for securities sold, certain other assets, payable for securities purchased and certain other liabilities approximated their fair values at March 31, 2014, due to their respective short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their respective fair values are classified within Level 2.
 
At March 31, 2014, the senior notes of ACGL were carried at their cost of $300.0 million and had a fair value of $394.7 million while the senior notes of Arch-U.S. were carried at their cost of $500.0 million and had a fair value of $530.3 million. The fair values of the senior notes were obtained from a third party pricing service and are based on observable market inputs. As such, the fair value of the senior notes is classified within Level 2.
 

27

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

9.     Derivative Instruments
 
The Company’s investment strategy allows for the use of derivative securities. The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The fair values of those derivatives are based on quoted market prices. All realized and unrealized contract gains and losses are reflected in the Company’s results of operations. The Company utilizes exchange traded U.S. Treasury note, Eurodollar and other futures contracts and commodity futures to manage portfolio duration or replicate investment positions in its portfolios. Certain of the Company’s corporate bonds are managed in a global bond portfolio which incorporates the use of foreign currency forward contracts which are intended to provide an economic hedge against foreign currency movements on the portfolio’s non-U.S. Dollar denominated holdings. The Company routinely utilizes other foreign currency forward contracts, currency options, index futures contracts and other derivatives as part of its total return objective.
 
In addition, the Company purchases to-be-announced mortgage backed securities (“TBAs”) as part of its investment strategy. TBAs represent commitments to purchase a future issuance of agency mortgage backed securities. For the period between purchase of a TBA and issuance of the underlying security, the Company’s position is accounted for as a derivative. The Company purchases TBAs in both long and short positions to enhance investment performance and as part of its overall investment strategy. The Company did not hold any derivatives which were designated as hedging instruments at March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
 
The following table summarizes information on the fair values and notional values of the Company’s derivative instruments. The fair value of TBAs is included in ‘fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value.’
 
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Net
Derivatives
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Value (1)
March 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Futures contracts
$
469

 
$
(769
)
 
$
(300
)
 
$
1,056,045

Foreign currency forward contracts
693

 
(1,565
)
 
(872
)
 
244,614

TBAs
216,548

 
(211,763
)
 
4,785

 
412,800

Other
1,349

 
(844
)
 
505

 
690,029

Total
$
219,059

 
$
(214,941
)
 
$
4,118

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Futures contracts
$
461

 
$
(110
)
 
$
351

 
$
475,967

Foreign currency forward contracts
5,023

 
(3,090
)
 
1,933

 
330,746

TBAs
33,455

 
(21,731
)
 
11,724

 
56,160

Other
920

 
(1,541
)
 
(621
)
 
347,916

Total
$
39,859

 
$
(26,472
)
 
$
13,387

 
 

_________________________________________________
(1)
Represents the absolute notional value of all outstanding contracts, consisting of long and short positions.

The Company’s derivative instruments are generally traded under master netting agreements, which establish terms that apply to all derivative transactions with a counterparty. In the event of a bankruptcy or other stipulated event of default, such agreements provide that the non-defaulting party may elect to terminate all outstanding derivative transactions, in which case all individual derivative positions (loss or gain) with a counterparty are closed out and netted and replaced with a single amount, usually referred to as the termination amount, which is expressed in a single currency. The resulting single net amount, where positive, is payable to the party “in-the-money” regardless of whether or not it is the defaulting party, unless the parties have agreed that only the non-defaulting party is entitled to receive a termination payment where the net amount is positive and is in its favor. Effectively, contractual close-out netting reduces derivatives credit exposure from gross to net exposure. At March 31, 2014, asset derivatives and liability derivatives of $147.7 million and $143.0 million, respectively, were subject to a master netting agreement, compared to $28.0 million and $14.6 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013. The remaining derivatives included in the table above were not subject to a master netting agreement.

28

Table of Contents
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


The following table summarizes net realized gains (losses) recorded on the Company’s derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income:
 
 
Three Months Ended
Derivatives not designated as
 
March 31,
hedging instruments
 
2014
 
2013
Futures contracts
 
$
(9,862
)
 
$
(829
)
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
(2,257
)
 
(725
)
TBAs
 
(37
)
 
541

Other
 
(612
)
 
635

Total
 
$
(12,768
)
 
$
(378
)
 
10.           Commitments and Contingencies
 
Letter of Credit and Revolving Credit Facilities
 
As of March 31, 2014, the Company had a $300 million unsecured revolving loan and letter of credit facility and a $500 million secured letter of credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement expires on August 18, 2014. In addition, the Company had access to secured letter of credit facilities of approximately $192.0 million as of March 31, 2014, which are available on a limited basis and for limited purposes (together with the secured portion of the Credit Agreement and these letter of credit facilities, the “LOC Facilities”). At March 31, 2014, the Company had $430.0 million in outstanding letters of credit under the LOC Facilities, which were secured by investments with a fair value of $493.1 million, and had $100.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the LOC Facilities at March 31, 2014.
 
Investment Commitments
 
The Company’s investment commitments, which are primarily related to agreements entered into by the Company to invest in funds and separately managed accounts when called upon, were approximately $966.1 million at March 31, 2014.

11.                    Share Transactions
 
Share Repurchases
 
The board of directors of ACGL has authorized the investment in ACGL’s common shares through a share repurchase program. Repurchases under the program may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 2014. Since the inception of the share repurchase program, ACGL has repurchased approximately 109.9 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $2.79 billion. During the 2014 first quarter, ACGL did not repurchase any common shares, compared to 930,759 common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $41.0 million for the 2013 period. At March 31, 2014, $712.1 million of share repurchases were available under the program. The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under this program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and corporate and regulatory considerations.

12.            Income Taxes
 
ACGL is incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and, under current Bermuda law, is not obligated to pay any taxes in Bermuda based upon income or capital gains. The Company has received a written undertaking from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event that any legislation is enacted in Bermuda imposing any tax computed on profits, income, gain or appreciation on any capital asset, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax will not be applicable to ACGL or any of its operations until March 31, 2035. This undertaking does not, however, prevent the imposition of taxes on any person ordinarily resident in Bermuda or any company in respect of its ownership of real property or leasehold interests in Bermuda.
 
ACGL and its non-U.S. subsidiaries will be subject to U.S. federal income tax only to the extent that they derive U.S. source income that is subject to U.S. withholding tax or income that is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. and is not exempt from U.S. tax under an applicable income tax treaty with the U.S. ACGL and its

29



non-U.S. subsidiaries will be subject to a withholding tax on dividends from U.S. investments and interest from certain U.S. payors (subject to reduction by any applicable income tax treaty). ACGL and its non-U.S. subsidiaries intend to conduct their operations in a manner that will not cause them to be treated as engaged in a trade or business in the United States and, therefore, will not be required to pay U.S. federal income taxes (other than U.S. excise taxes on insurance and reinsurance premium and withholding taxes on dividends and certain other U.S. source investment income). However, because there is uncertainty as to the activities which constitute being engaged in a trade or business within the United States, there can be no assurances that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service will not contend successfully that ACGL or its non-U.S. subsidiaries are engaged in a trade or business in the United States. If ACGL or any of its non-U.S. subsidiaries were subject to U.S. income tax, ACGL’s shareholders’ equity and earnings could be materially adversely affected. ACGL has subsidiaries and branches that operate in various jurisdictions around the world that are subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The significant jurisdictions in which ACGL’s subsidiaries and branches are subject to tax are the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Switzerland and Denmark.
 
The Company’s income tax provision on income before income taxes resulted in an expense of 2.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to an expense of 1.9% for the 2013 period. The Company’s effective tax rate, which is based upon the expected annual effective tax rate, may fluctuate from period to period based on the relative mix of income or loss reported by jurisdiction and the varying tax rates in each jurisdiction. The Company had a net deferred tax asset of $151.2 million at March 31, 2014, compared to $128.6 million at December 31, 2013. In addition, the Company paid $1.6 million in income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014, while the Company paid $1.3 million for the 2013 period.
 
13.            Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The following table presents details about amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
Amounts Reclassed from AOCI
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Income
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Line Item That Includes
 
March 31,
Details About AOCI Components
 
Reclassification
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains
 
$
26,038

 
$
44,367

 
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
 
(2,971
)
 
(2,248
)
 
 
Total before tax
 
23,067

 
42,119

 
 
Income tax expense
 
(1,818
)
 
(3,418
)
 
 
Net of tax
 
$
21,249

 
$
38,701


The following table presents the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss):
 
Before Tax Amount
 
Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
Net of Tax Amount
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
$
75,400

 
$
4,047

 
$
71,353

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

Less reclassification of net realized gains included in net income
23,067

 
1,818

 
21,249

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(1,349
)
 

 
(1,349
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
50,984

 
$
2,229

 
$
48,755

 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
$
10,347

 
$
876

 
$
9,471

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Less reclassification of net realized gains included in net income
42,119

 
3,418

 
38,701

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(28,222
)
 

 
(28,222
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(59,996
)
 
$
(2,542
)
 
$
(57,454
)



30



14.            Guarantor Financial Information

The following tables present condensed financial information for ACGL, Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. (“Arch-U.S.”), a 100% owned subsidiary of ACGL, and ACGL’s other subsidiaries.
 
 
March 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
ACGL (Parent Guarantor)
 
Arch-U.S. (Subsidiary Issuer)
 
Other ACGL Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments and Eliminations
 
ACGL Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments
$
2,546

 
$
48,689

 
$
13,792,262

 
$

 
$
13,843,497

Cash
12,353

 
45,472

 
1,511,780

 

 
1,569,605

Investments in subsidiaries
6,288,035

 
1,598,732

 

 
(7,886,767
)
 

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates
503

 

 
401,987

 
(402,490
)
 

Premiums receivable

 

 
1,399,825

 
(391,450
)
 
1,008,375

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 
5,617,877

 
(3,827,852
)
 
1,790,025

Contractholder receivables

 

 
1,118,991

 

 
1,118,991

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

 
1,293,460

 
(944,383
)
 
349,077

Deferred acquisition costs, net

 

 
384,294

 

 
384,294

Other assets
6,309

 
62,500

 
2,211,353

 
(543,668
)
 
1,736,494

 
Total assets
$
6,309,746

 
$
1,755,393

 
$
27,731,829

 
$
(13,996,610
)
 
$
21,800,358

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
$

 
$

 
$
12,749,908

 
$
(3,810,950
)
 
$
8,938,958

Unearned premiums

 

 
3,092,858

 
(944,383
)
 
2,148,475

Reinsurance balances payable

 

 
742,630

 
(540,836
)
 
201,794

Contractholder payables

 

 
1,118,991

 

 
1,118,991

Deposit accounting liabilities

 

 
735,993

 
(326,913
)
 
409,080

Senior notes
300,000

 
500,000

 

 

 
800,000

Revolving credit agreement borrowings
100,000

 

 

 

 
100,000

Due to subsidiaries and affiliates
2,091

 
1,167

 
399,232

 
(402,490
)
 

Other liabilities
15,522

 
46,040

 
1,200,906

 
(84,271
)
 
1,178,197

 
Total liabilities
417,613

 
547,207

 
20,040,518

 
(6,109,843
)
 
14,895,495

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (1)

 

 
219,234

 

 
219,234

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity available to Arch
5,892,133

 
1,208,186

 
6,678,581

 
(7,886,767
)
 
5,892,133

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests (1)

 

 
793,496

 

 
793,496

 
Total shareholders’ equity
5,892,133

 
1,208,186

 
7,472,077

 
(7,886,767
)
 
6,685,629

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity
$
6,309,746

 
$
1,755,393

 
$
27,731,829

 
$
(13,996,610
)
 
$
21,800,358


(1)     See Note 4.



31




 
 
December 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
ACGL (Parent Guarantor)
 
Arch-U.S. (Subsidiary Issuer)
 
Other ACGL Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments and Eliminations
 
ACGL Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments
$
2,530

 
$
408,957

 
$
13,200,247

 
$

 
$
13,611,734

Cash
3,223

 
509

 
430,325

 

 
434,057

Investments in subsidiaries
6,046,060

 
1,258,889

 

 
(7,304,949
)
 

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates
2,251

 

 
405,110

 
(407,361
)
 

Premiums receivable

 

 
1,085,369

 
(331,445
)
 
753,924

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 
5,645,156

 
(3,840,826
)
 
1,804,330

Contractholder receivables

 

 
1,064,246

 

 
1,064,246

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

 
1,109,312

 
(780,969
)
 
328,343

Deferred acquisition costs, net

 

 
342,314

 

 
342,314

Other assets
6,598

 
60,342

 
1,714,651

 
(554,445
)
 
1,227,146

 
Total assets
$
6,060,662

 
$
1,728,697

 
$
24,996,730

 
$
(13,219,995
)
 
$
19,566,094

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
$

 
$

 
$
12,625,766

 
$
(3,801,070
)
 
$
8,824,696

Unearned premiums

 

 
2,677,334

 
(780,969
)
 
1,896,365

Reinsurance balances payable

 

 
662,394

 
(466,227
)
 
196,167

Contractholder payables

 

 
1,064,246

 

 
1,064,246

Deposit accounting liabilities

 

 
758,490

 
(337,193
)
 
421,297

Senior notes
300,000

 
500,000

 

 

 
800,000

Revolving credit agreement borrowings
100,000

 

 

 

 
100,000

Due to subsidiaries and affiliates
18

 
10,250

 
397,093

 
(407,361
)
 

Other liabilities
13,148

 
33,206

 
691,699

 
(122,226
)
 
615,827

 
Total liabilities
413,166

 
543,456

 
18,877,022

 
(5,915,046
)
 
13,918,598

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity available to Arch
5,647,496

 
1,185,241

 
6,119,708

 
(7,304,949
)
 
5,647,496

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 
Total shareholders’ equity
5,647,496

 
1,185,241

 
6,119,708

 
(7,304,949
)
 
5,647,496

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity
$
6,060,662

 
$
1,728,697

 
$
24,996,730

 
$
(13,219,995
)
 
$
19,566,094






32




 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
ACGL (Parent Guarantor)
 
Arch-U.S. (Subsidiary Issuer)
 
Other ACGL Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments and Eliminations
 
ACGL Consolidated
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$

 
$

 
$
859,780

 
$

 
$
859,780

Net investment income

 

 
77,001

 
(10,007
)
 
66,994

Net realized gains

 

 
19,697

 

 
19,697

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

 
(2,971
)
 

 
(2,971
)
Other underwriting income

 

 
1,582

 

 
1,582

Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method

 

 
3,253

 

 
3,253

Other income (loss)

 

 
(2,104
)
 

 
(2,104
)
 
Total revenues

 

 
956,238

 
(10,007
)
 
946,231

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 
436,240

 

 
436,240

Acquisition expenses

 

 
160,342

 

 
160,342

Other operating expenses
10,307

 
977

 
134,515

 

 
145,799

Interest expense
5,853

 
6,514

 
12,044

 
(10,007
)
 
14,404

Net foreign exchange losses

 

 
5,741

 
822

 
6,563

 
Total expenses
16,160

 
7,491

 
748,882

 
(9,185
)
 
763,348

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
(16,160
)
 
(7,491
)
 
207,356

 
(822
)
 
182,883

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
2,788

 
(6,526
)
 

 
(3,738
)
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries
(16,160
)
 
(4,703
)
 
200,830

 
(822
)
 
179,145

Equity in net income of subsidiaries
198,660

 
22,152

 

 
(220,812
)
 

Net income
182,500

 
17,449

 
200,830

 
(221,634
)
 
179,145

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)

 

 
3,355

 

 
3,355

Net income available to Arch
182,500

 
17,449

 
204,185

 
(221,634
)
 
182,500

Preferred dividends
(5,484
)
 

 

 

 
(5,484
)
Net income available to Arch common shareholders
$
177,016

 
$
17,449

 
$
204,185

 
$
(221,634
)
 
$
177,016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income available to Arch
$
231,255

 
$
17,220

 
$
252,119

 
$
(269,339
)
 
$
231,255


(1)     See Note 4.


33




 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
ACGL (Parent Guarantor)
 
Arch-U.S. (Subsidiary Issuer)
 
Other ACGL Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments and Eliminations
 
ACGL Consolidated
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned
$

 
$

 
$
752,770

 
$

 
$
752,770

Net investment income

 

 
72,322

 
(6,650
)
 
65,672

Net realized gains

 

 
58,340

 

 
58,340

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

 
(2,246
)
 

 
(2,246
)
Other underwriting income

 

 
538

 

 
538

Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method

 

 
13,823

 

 
13,823

Other income

 

 
1,244

 

 
1,244

 
Total revenues

 

 
896,791

 
(6,650
)
 
890,141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 
399,403

 

 
399,403

Acquisition expenses

 

 
127,592

 

 
127,592

Other operating expenses
9,942

 
777

 
109,464

 

 
120,183

Interest expense
5,820

 
3

 
6,725

 
(6,650
)
 
5,898

Net foreign exchange (gains) losses

 

 
(12,772
)
 
(11,492
)
 
(24,264
)
 
Total expenses
15,762

 
780

 
630,412

 
(18,142
)
 
628,812

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
(15,762
)
 
(780
)
 
266,379

 
11,492

 
261,329

Income tax benefit (expense)

 
235

 
(5,088
)
 

 
(4,853
)
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries
(15,762
)
 
(545
)
 
261,291

 
11,492

 
256,476

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries
272,238

 
18,482

 

 
(290,720
)
 

Net income
256,476

 
17,937

 
261,291

 
(279,228
)
 
256,476

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

Net income available to Arch
256,476

 
17,937

 
261,291

 
(279,228
)
 
256,476

Preferred dividends
(5,484
)
 

 

 

 
(5,484
)
Net income available to Arch common shareholders
$
250,992

 
$
17,937

 
$
261,291

 
$
(279,228
)
 
$
250,992

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income available to Arch
$
199,022

 
$
6,152

 
$
215,329

 
$
(221,481
)
 
$
199,022





34




 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidating Statement
of Cash Flows
ACGL (Parent Guarantor)
 
Arch-U.S. (Subsidiary Issuer)
 
Other ACGL Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments and Eliminations
 
ACGL Consolidated
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
$
11,685

 
$
7,151

 
$
194,833

 
$
(15,500
)
 
$
198,169

Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

 
(7,131,071
)
 

 
(7,131,071
)
Purchases of equity securities

 

 
(89,227
)
 

 
(89,227
)
Purchases of other investments

 

 
(304,454
)
 

 
(304,454
)
Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity investments

 

 
7,014,281

 

 
7,014,281

Proceeds from the sales of equity securities

 

 
49,614

 

 
49,614

Proceeds from the sales of other investments

 

 
331,176

 

 
331,176

Proceeds from redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity investments

 

 
168,484

 

 
168,484

Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments
(16
)
 
360,269

 
(203,991
)
 

 
156,262

Change in investment of securities lending collateral

 

 
4,669

 

 
4,669

Contributions to subsidiaries

 
(312,207
)
 
(100,000
)
 
412,207

 

Intercompany loans issued

 

 
10,250

 
(10,250
)
 

Purchase of business, net of cash acquired

 

 
(235,578
)
 

 
(235,578
)
Purchases of furniture, equipment and other assets
(76
)
 

 
(5,306
)
 

 
(5,382
)
 
Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Investing Activities
(92
)
 
48,062

 
(491,153
)
 
401,957

 
(41,226
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from common shares issued, net
3,021

 

 
412,207

 
(412,207
)
 
3,021

Repayments of intercompany borrowings

 
(10,250
)
 

 
10,250

 

Change in securities lending collateral

 

 
(4,669
)
 

 
(4,669
)
Third party investment in non-redeemable noncontrolling interests (1)

 

 
796,903

 

 
796,903

Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interests (1

 

 
186,893

 

 
186,893

Dividends paid to parent

 

 
(15,500
)
 
15,500

 

Other

 

 
1,700

 

 
1,700

Preferred dividends paid
(5,484
)
 

 

 

 
(5,484
)
 
Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities
(2,463
)
 
(10,250
)
 
1,377,534

 
(386,457
)
 
978,364

Effects of exchange rates changes on foreign currency cash

 

 
241

 

 
241

Increase in cash
9,130

 
44,963

 
1,081,455

 

 
1,135,548

Cash beginning of year
3,223

 
509

 
430,325

 

 
434,057

Cash end of period
$
12,353

 
$
45,472

 
$
1,511,780

 
$

 
$
1,569,605


(1)     See Note 4.


35




 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Statement
of Cash Flows
ACGL (Parent Guarantor)
 
Arch-U.S. (Subsidiary Issuer)
 
Other ACGL Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments and Eliminations
 
ACGL Consolidated
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Operating Activities
$
34,432

 
$
(254
)
 
$
216,481

 
$
(45,000
)
 
$
205,659

Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

 
(3,970,320
)
 

 
(3,970,320
)
Purchases of equity securities

 

 
(63,353
)
 

 
(63,353
)
Purchases of other investments

 

 
(250,442
)
 

 
(250,442
)
Proceeds from the sales of fixed maturity investments

 

 
3,796,638

 

 
3,796,638

Proceeds from the sales of equity securities

 

 
81,513

 

 
81,513

Proceeds from the sales of other investments

 

 
280,010

 

 
280,010

Proceeds from redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity investments

 

 
181,727

 

 
181,727

Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments
7,964

 
(2
)
 
(229,406
)
 

 
(221,444
)
Change in investment of securities lending collateral

 

 
(41,019
)
 

 
(41,019
)
Contributions to subsidiaries

 
(10,250
)
 
(250
)
 
10,500

 

Intercompany loans issued

 

 
(10,250
)
 
10,250

 

Purchases of furniture, equipment and other assets
(31
)
 

 
(3,711
)
 

 
(3,742
)
 
Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Investing Activities
7,933

 
(10,252
)
 
(228,863
)
 
20,750

 
(210,432
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of common shares under share repurchase program
(40,964
)
 

 

 

 
(40,964
)
Proceeds from common shares issued, net
1,280

 

 
10,500

 
(10,500
)
 
1,280

Proceeds from intercompany borrowings

 
10,250

 

 
(10,250
)
 

Change in securities lending collateral

 

 
41,019

 

 
41,019

Dividends paid to parent

 

 
(45,000
)
 
45,000

 

Other

 

 
1,084

 

 
1,084

Preferred dividends paid
(5,484
)
 

 

 

 
(5,484
)
 
Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities
(45,168
)
 
10,250

 
7,603

 
24,250

 
(3,065
)
Effects of exchange rates changes on foreign currency cash

 

 
(6,436
)
 

 
(6,436
)
Increase (decrease) in cash
(2,803
)
 
(256
)
 
(11,215
)
 

 
(14,274
)
Cash beginning of year
6,417

 
612

 
364,012

 

 
371,041

Cash end of period
$
3,614

 
$
356

 
$
352,797

 
$

 
$
356,767


15.            Legal Proceedings
 
The Company, in common with the insurance industry in general, is subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of its business. As of March 31, 2014, the Company was not a party to any litigation or arbitration which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.
 

36

Table of Contents

ITEM 2.            MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations. This should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this report and also our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (“2013 Form 10-K”). In addition, readers should review “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A of Part I of our 2013 Form 10-K. Tabular amounts are in U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted.
 
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“ACGL” and, together with its subsidiaries, “we” or “us”) is a Bermuda public limited liability company with approximately $6.79 billion in capital at March 31, 2014 and, through operations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe and Canada, writes specialty lines of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, as well as mortgage insurance and reinsurance, on a worldwide basis.
 
Current Outlook
 
In the primary insurance markets, our insurance group continued to obtain rate increases above loss cost trends in the 2014 first quarter. In our U.S. insurance business, weighted average rate increases provided 120 basis points of expected margin improvement (i.e., rates in excess of loss cost trends) in the 2014 first quarter with continued margin expansion observed in excess and surplus casualty, construction, and program business. Certain lines, such as property and lenders products, experienced more pressure during the 2014 first quarter. In our reinsurance business, we see a continued softening of terms and conditions with property catastrophe business remaining under pressure due to the alternative capacity in the market. For the first quarter, we experienced approximately a 15% reduction in property cat rates on a gross basis. Also, cedents continue to request additional ceding commissions on quota share contracts of between 2% and 4% and reinsurance buyers continue to shift business to excess of loss treaties. Our underwriting teams continue to execute a disciplined strategy by emphasizing small and medium-sized accounts over large accounts and focusing more on short-tail business.

On January 30, 2014, we completed the acquisition of CMG Mortgage Insurance Company (subsequently renamed Arch Mortgage Insurance Company), the leading provider of mortgage insurance products and services to credit unions in the U.S., and the mortgage insurance operating platform and related assets of PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. (“PMI”). Prior to the acquisition, CMG Mortgage Insurance Company had been approved as an eligible mortgage insurer by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (each a “GSE”) solely for credit union customers. As part of the transaction, Arch Mortgage Insurance Company (“Arch MI U.S.”) has been approved as an eligible mortgage insurer by the GSEs. Arch MI U.S. will continue to serve its existing credit union customers and, at the same time, has made substantial progress in building out its sales force to serve banks and other mortgage originators.

In late March 2014, Watford Re Ltd., a newly-formed multi-line Bermuda reinsurance company, was launched with over $1.1 billion of initial capital. We invested $100.0 million in Watford Holdings Ltd., Watford Re Ltd.’s parent (combined with Watford Re Ltd., “Watford”) and acquired approximately 11% of Watford Holdings Ltd.’s common equity and a warrant to purchase additional common equity. Arch Underwriters Ltd., our subsidiary, acts as Watford’s reinsurance manager, and Highbridge Principal Strategies, LLC, a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co., manages Watford’s investment assets, each under a long term services agreement. John Rathgeber, previously Vice Chairman of Arch Worldwide Reinsurance Group, was named CEO of Watford. In addition, Marc Grandisson, Chairman and CEO of Arch Worldwide Reinsurance and Mortgage Groups, and Nicolas Papadopoulo, Chairman and CEO of Arch Reinsurance Ltd., were appointed to the board of directors of Watford. Despite a late start in the quarter, we ceded $32.2 million of premium to Watford.

Our objective is to achieve an average operating return on average equity of 15% or greater over the insurance cycle, which we believe to be an attractive return to our common shareholders given the risks we assume. We continue to look for opportunities to find acceptable books of business to underwrite without sacrificing underwriting discipline and continue to write a significant portion of our overall book in catastrophe-exposed business which has the potential to increase the volatility of our operating results.
 
The current economic conditions could continue to have a material impact on the frequency and severity of claims and, therefore, could negatively impact our underwriting returns. In addition, volatility in the financial markets could continue to significantly affect our investment returns, reported results and shareholders’ equity. We consider the potential impact of economic trends in the estimation process for establishing unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and in determining our investment strategies.
 

37

Table of Contents

In addition, the impact of weakness of the U.S., European countries and other key economies, projected budget deficits for the U.S., European countries and other governments and the consequences associated with possible additional downgrades of securities of the U.S., European countries and other governments by credit rating agencies is inherently unpredictable and could have a material adverse effect on financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world. In turn, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and, in particular, this could have a material adverse effect on the value of securities in our investment portfolio.
 
Natural Catastrophe Risk
 
We monitor our natural catastrophe risk globally for all perils and regions, in each case, where we believe there is significant exposure. Our models employ both proprietary and vendor-based systems and include cross-line correlations for property, marine, offshore energy, aviation, workers compensation and personal accident. Currently, we seek to limit our 1-in-250 year return period net probable maximum pre-tax loss from a severe catastrophic event in any geographic zone to approximately 25% of total shareholders’ equity. We reserve the right to change this threshold at any time. Based on in-force exposure estimated as of April 1, 2014, and using an updated version of vendor software used to model North Atlantic hurricane exposures, our modeled peak zone catastrophe exposure was a windstorm affecting the Northeastern U.S., with a net probable maximum pre-tax loss of $705 million, followed by windstorms affecting the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Tri-County with net probable maximum pre-tax losses of $624 million and $488 million, respectively. Based on in-force exposure estimated as of January 1, 2014, our modeled peak zone exposure was a windstorm affecting the Northeastern U.S., with a net probable maximum pre-tax loss of $801 million, followed by windstorms affecting the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Tri-County with net probable maximum pre-tax losses of $670 million and $566 million, respectively. Our exposures to other perils, such as U.S. earthquake and international events, was less than the exposures arising from U.S. windstorms and hurricanes in both periods. As of April 1, 2014, our modeled peak zone earthquake exposure (Los Angeles earthquake) represented approximately 41% of our peak zone catastrophe exposure, and our modeled peak zone international exposure (Japan earthquake) was substantially less than both our peak zone windstorm and earthquake exposures. Net probable maximum pre-tax loss estimates are net of expected reinsurance recoveries, before income tax and before excess reinsurance reinstatement premiums. Loss estimates are reflective of the zone indicated and not the entire portfolio. Since hurricanes and windstorms can affect more than one zone and make multiple landfalls, our loss estimates include clash estimates from other zones.
 
The loss estimates shown above do not represent our maximum exposures and it is highly likely that our actual incurred losses would vary materially from the modeled estimates. There can be no assurances that we will not suffer a net loss greater than 25% of our total shareholders’ equity from one or more catastrophic events due to several factors, including the inherent uncertainties in estimating the frequency and severity of such events and the margin of error in making such determinations resulting from potential inaccuracies and inadequacies in the data provided by clients and brokers, the modeling techniques and the application of such techniques or as a result of a decision to change the percentage of shareholders’ equity exposed to a single catastrophic event. Actual losses may also increase if our reinsurers fail to meet their obligations to us or the reinsurance protections purchased by us are exhausted or are otherwise unavailable. See “Risk Factors—Risk Relating to Our Industry” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Natural and Man-Made Catastrophic Events” in our 2013 Form 10-K.
 
Financial Measures
 
Management uses the following three key financial indicators in evaluating our performance and measuring the overall growth in value generated for ACGL’s common shareholders:
 
Book Value per Common Share
 
Book value per common share represents total common shareholders’ equity divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Management uses growth in book value per common share as a key measure of the value generated for our common shareholders each period and believes that book value per common share is the key driver of ACGL’s share price over time. Book value per common share is impacted by, among other factors, our underwriting results, investment returns and share repurchase activity, which has an accretive or dilutive impact on book value per common share depending on the purchase price. Book value per common share was $41.52 at March 31, 2014, compared to $39.82 at December 31, 2013 and $37.66 at March 31, 2013. The 4.3% increase in the 2014 first quarter and 10.2% increase for the trailing twelve months were driven by underwriting and investment returns.
 

38

Table of Contents

Operating Return on Average Common Equity
 
Operating return on average common equity (“Operating ROAE”) represents annualized after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders divided by the average of beginning and ending common shareholders’ equity during the period. After-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders, a “non-GAAP measure” as defined in the SEC rules, represents net income available to Arch common shareholders, excluding net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses, net of income taxes. Management uses Operating ROAE as a key measure of the return generated to common shareholders and has set an objective to achieve an average Operating ROAE of 15% or greater over the insurance cycle, which it believes to be an attractive return to common shareholders given the risks we assume. See “Comment on Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” Our Operating ROAE was 12.1% for the 2014 first quarter, compared to 12.9% for the 2013 first quarter. The lower level of Operating ROAE for the 2014 first quarter primarily resulted from a higher amount of average equity outstanding. Our Operating ROAE also reflects the impact of new initiatives, such as our U.S. mortgage business, which required an upfront capital commitment but will take time to contribute significantly to our returns.
 
Total Return on Investments
 
Total return on investments includes investment income, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net realized gains and losses and the change in unrealized gains and losses generated by Arch’s investment portfolio. Total return is calculated on a pre-tax basis and before investment expenses and includes the effect of financial market conditions along with foreign currency fluctuations. Management uses total return on investments as a key measure of the return generated to Arch common shareholders on the capital held in the business, and compares the return generated by our investment portfolio against benchmark returns which we measured our portfolio against during the periods.
 
The benchmark return index is a customized combination of indices intended to approximate a target portfolio by asset mix and average credit quality while also matching the approximate estimated duration and currency mix of our insurance and reinsurance liabilities. Although the estimated duration and average credit quality of this index will move as the duration and rating of its constituent securities change, generally we do not adjust the composition of the benchmark return index except to incorporate the currency mix as noted above. The benchmark return index should not be interpreted as expressing a preference for or aversion to any particular sector or sector weight. The index is intended solely to provide, unlike many master indices that change based on the size of their constituent indices, a relatively stable basket of investable indices.

At March 31, 2014, the benchmark return index had an average credit quality of “Aa2” by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), an estimated duration of 3.31 years and included weightings to the following indices:
 
 
Weighting
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year AA U.S. Corporate & Yankees Index
21.250
%
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-5 Year U.S. Treasury Index
13.000

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index
11.875

Barclays Capital CMBS, AAA Index
10.000

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year U.S. Municipal Securities Index
7.125

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year Euro Government Bond Index
5.500

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch US Bullet Agency Securities 1-10 Years Index
5.000

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 0-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index
5.000

MSCI World Free Index
5.000

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 5-10 Year U.S. Treasury Index
3.250

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year U.K. Gilt Index
3.000

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Constrained Index
2.750

Barclays Capital U.S. High-Yield Corporate Loan Index
2.750

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year Australia Government Bond Index
2.500

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-5 Year Canada Government Bond Index
2.000

Total
100.000
%

 

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the pre-tax total return (before investment expenses) of investments managed by Arch compared to the benchmark return against which we measured our portfolio during the periods:
 
Arch
Portfolio
 
Benchmark
Return
Pre-tax total return (before investment expenses):
 

 
 

2014 first quarter
1.00
%
 
1.19
%
2013 first quarter
0.50
%
 
0.46
%
 
Total return for the 2014 first quarter reflected positive returns of our non-investment grade fixed income, equity and alternatives portfolios augmenting returns on our core investment grade income portfolio. Excluding foreign exchange, total return was 1.02% for the 2014 first quarter, compared to 1.01% for the 2013 first quarter.
 
Comment on Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
Throughout this filing, we present our operations in the way we believe will be the most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use our financial information in evaluating the performance of our company. This presentation includes the use of after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders, which is defined as net income available to Arch common shareholders, excluding net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses, net of income taxes. The presentation of after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders is a “non-GAAP financial measure” as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measure to net income available to Arch common shareholders (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) in accordance with Regulation G is included under “Results of Operations” below.
 
We believe that net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses in any particular period are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, our business. Although net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses are an integral part of our operations, the decision to realize investment gains or losses, the recognition of the change in the carrying value of investments accounted for using the fair value option in net realized gains or losses, the recognition of net impairment losses, the recognition of equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and the recognition of foreign exchange gains or losses are independent of the insurance underwriting process and result, in large part, from general economic and financial market conditions. Furthermore, certain users of our financial information believe that, for many companies, the timing of the realization of investment gains or losses is largely opportunistic. In addition, net impairment losses recognized in earnings on our investments represent other-than-temporary declines in expected recovery values on securities without actual realization. The use of the equity method on certain of our investments in certain funds that invest in fixed maturity securities is driven by the ownership structure of such funds (either limited partnerships or limited liability companies). In applying the equity method, these investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on our proportionate share of the net income or loss of the funds (which include changes in the market value of the underlying securities in the funds). This method of accounting is different from the way we account for our other fixed maturity securities and the timing of the recognition of equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method may differ from gains or losses in the future upon sale or maturity of such investments. Due to these reasons, we exclude net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses recognized in earnings, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses from the calculation of after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders.
 
We believe that showing net income available to Arch common shareholders exclusive of the items referred to above reflects the underlying fundamentals of our business since we evaluate the performance of and manage our business to produce an underwriting profit. In addition to presenting net income available to Arch common shareholders, we believe that this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze our performance in a manner similar to how management analyzes performance. We also believe that this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, allows the users of financial information to compare our performance with our industry peer group. We believe that the equity analysts and certain rating agencies which follow us and the insurance industry as a whole generally exclude these items from their analyses for the same reasons.
 

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Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table summarizes, on an after-tax basis, our consolidated financial data, including a reconciliation of after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders to net income available to Arch common shareholders:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
After-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders
$
164,404

 
$
158,748

Net realized gains, net of tax
18,273

 
54,923

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings, net of tax
(2,971
)
 
(2,246
)
Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net of tax
3,164

 
13,823

Net foreign exchange (losses) gains, net of tax
(5,854
)
 
25,744

Net income available to Arch common shareholders
$
177,016

 
$
250,992


Segment Information
 
During the 2014 first quarter, to reflect activity during the period as described below, we changed our segment structure and added two new segments (mortgage and ‘other’). We now classify our businesses into three underwriting segments — insurance, reinsurance and mortgage — and two other operating segments — ‘other’ and corporate (non-underwriting). Our insurance, reinsurance and mortgage segments each have managers who are responsible for the overall profitability of their respective segments and who are directly accountable to our chief operating decision makers, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACGL and the Chief Financial Officer of ACGL. The chief operating decision makers do not assess performance, measure return on equity or make resource allocation decisions on a line of business basis. Management measures segment performance for our three underwriting segments based on underwriting income or loss. We do not manage our assets by underwriting segment and, accordingly, investment income is not allocated to each underwriting segment.

We determined our reportable segments using the management approach described in accounting guidance regarding disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used for the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Intersegment business is allocated to the segment accountable for the underwriting results. The corporate (non-underwriting) segment results include net investment income, other income (loss), other expenses incurred by us, interest expense, net realized gains or losses, net impairment losses included in earnings, equity in net income (loss) of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses, income taxes and items related to our non-cumulative preferred shares. Such amounts exclude the results of the ‘other’ segment.

The mortgage segment was formed in the 2014 first quarter and consists of our mortgage insurance and reinsurance business, including Arch MI U.S. The mortgage segment also provides reinsurance on both a proportional and non-proportional basis on a global basis, direct mortgage insurance in Europe and various risk-sharing products to government agencies and mortgage lenders.

The ‘other’ segment includes the results of Watford, which is a newly-formed multi-line Bermuda reinsurance company launched in late March 2014. Watford has its own management and board of directors that is responsible for the overall profitability of its results. We are required to consolidate the results of Watford in our financial statements. The portion of Watford’s earnings attributable to third party investors is recorded in the consolidated statements of income as ‘net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests.’ For the ‘other’ segment, performance is measured based on net income or loss.


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Table of Contents

Insurance Segment
 
The following table sets forth our insurance segment’s underwriting results:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
730,646

 
$
688,817

 
6.1

Premiums ceded
(185,044
)
 
(184,267
)
 
 
Net premiums written
545,602

 
504,550

 
8.1

Change in unearned premiums
(68,101
)
 
(59,585
)
 
 
Net premiums earned
477,501

 
444,965

 
7.3

Other underwriting income
500

 
525

 
 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(286,770
)
 
(283,467
)
 
 

Acquisition expenses, net
(76,932
)
 
(70,758
)
 
 

Other operating expenses
(81,144
)
 
(76,315
)
 
 

Underwriting income
$
33,155

 
$
14,950

 
121.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting Ratios
 

 
 

 
% Point
Change
Loss ratio
60.1
%
 
63.7
%
 
(3.6
)
Acquisition expense ratio (1)
16.0
%
 
15.8
%
 
0.2

Other operating expense ratio
17.0
%
 
17.2
%
 
(0.2
)
Combined ratio
93.1
%
 
96.7
%
 
(3.6
)
_________________________________________________
(1)     The acquisition expense ratio is adjusted to include certain fee income.

The insurance segment consists of our insurance underwriting units which offer specialty product lines on a worldwide basis. Product lines include:

Construction and national accounts: primary and excess casualty coverages to middle and large accounts in the construction industry and a wide range of products for middle and large national accounts, specializing in loss sensitive primary casualty insurance programs (including large deductible, self-insured retention and retrospectively rated programs).
Excess and surplus casualty: primary and excess casualty insurance coverages, including middle market energy business, and contract binding, which primarily provides casualty coverage through a network of appointed agents to small and medium risks.
Lenders products: collateral protection, debt cancellation and service contract reimbursement products to banks, credit unions, automotive dealerships and original equipment manufacturers and other specialty programs that pertain to automotive lending and leasing.
Professional lines: directors’ and officers’ liability, errors and omissions liability, employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, crime, professional indemnity and other financial related coverages for corporate, private equity, venture capital, real estate investment trust, limited partnership, financial institution and not-for-profit clients of all sizes and medical professional and general liability insurance coverages for the healthcare industry. The business is predominately written on a claims-made basis.
Programs: primarily package policies, underwriting workers’ compensation and umbrella liability business in support of desirable package programs, targeting program managers with unique expertise and niche products offering general liability, commercial automobile, inland marine and property business with minimal catastrophe exposure.
Property, energy, marine and aviation: primary and excess general property insurance coverages, including catastrophe-exposed property coverage, for commercial clients. Coverages for marine include hull, war, specie and liability. Aviation and stand alone terrorism are also offered.
Travel, accident and health: specialty travel and accident and related insurance products for individual, group travelers, travel agents and suppliers, as well as accident and health, which provides accident, disability and medical plan insurance coverages for employer groups, medical plan members, students and other participant groups.
Other: includes alternative market risks (including captive insurance programs), excess workers’ compensation and employer’s liability insurance coverages for qualified self-insured groups, associations and trusts, and contract and commercial surety coverages, including contract bonds (payment and performance bonds) primarily for medium and large contractors and commercial surety bonds for Fortune 1,000 companies and smaller transaction business programs.

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Table of Contents

Premiums Written.
 
The following table sets forth our insurance segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Professional lines
$
122,908

 
23

 
$
125,772

 
25

Programs
122,240

 
22

 
95,802

 
19

Construction and national accounts
95,497

 
18

 
87,328

 
17

Property, energy, marine and aviation
62,756

 
12

 
83,611

 
17

Excess and surplus casualty
43,940

 
8

 
23,795

 
5

Travel, accident and health
40,838

 
7

 
27,977

 
5

Lenders products
22,006

 
4

 
26,386

 
5

Other
35,417

 
6

 
33,879

 
7

Total
$
545,602

 
100

 
$
504,550

 
100

 
2014 first quarter versus 2013. Gross premiums written by the insurance segment in the 2014 first quarter were 6.1% higher than in the 2013 first quarter, while net premiums written were 8.1% higher than in the 2013 first quarter. The differential in net versus gross premiums written reflects increases in lines such as programs and contract binding (which was launched in early 2013), both of which are retained at a high level. The growth in net premiums written primarily resulted from increases in programs; excess and surplus casualty; travel, accident and health; and construction and national accounts. Such amounts were partially offset by a reduction in property, energy, marine and aviation business. The increase in program business resulted from new business, underlying exposure growth and rate strengthening within existing programs. The growth in excess and surplus casualty primarily resulted from contract binding business while the increase in travel, accident and health primarily resulted from growth in existing and new distribution lines. The increase in construction and national accounts primarily resulted from new business while the decrease in property lines reflected reductions in property and marine business in response to current market conditions.

Net Premiums Earned.
 
The following table sets forth our insurance segment’s net premiums earned by major line of business:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Professional lines
$
112,744

 
24

 
$
125,818

 
28

Programs
109,181

 
23

 
86,080

 
19

Construction and national accounts
68,989

 
14

 
56,882

 
13

Property, energy, marine and aviation
61,589

 
13

 
78,005

 
17

Excess and surplus casualty
39,107

 
8

 
25,823

 
6

Travel, accident and health
28,065

 
6

 
20,235

 
5

Lenders products
23,832

 
5

 
24,800

 
6

Other
33,994

 
7

 
27,322

 
6

Total
$
477,501

 
100

 
$
444,965

 
100

 
Net premiums written are primarily earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies for all products, usually 12 months. Net premiums earned were 7.3% higher and reflect changes in net premiums written over the previous five quarters.
 
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
 
The table below shows the components of the insurance segment’s loss ratio:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Current year
63.4
 %
 
64.8
 %
Prior period reserve development
(3.3
)%
 
(1.1
)%
Loss ratio
60.1
 %
 
63.7
 %
 

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Table of Contents

Current Year Loss Ratio.
 
The insurance segment’s current year loss ratio was 1.4 points lower in the 2014 first quarter compared to the 2013 first quarter. The 2014 first quarter loss ratio reflected 0.5 points of current year catastrophic activity, compared to no activity in the 2013 first quarter. The loss ratios for the 2014 first quarter reflected continued margin expansion and changes in the mix of business earned.

Prior Period Reserve Development.
 
2014 first quarter: The insurance segment’s net favorable development of $15.6 million, or 3.3 points, consisted of $14.4 million of net favorable development in short-tailed lines and $1.2 million of net favorable development in medium-tailed and long-tailed lines. Favorable development in short-tailed lines primarily consisted of reductions in property (including special risk other than marine) reserves from the 2010 and 2012 accident years (i.e., the year in which a loss occurred), primarily due to varying levels of reported claims activity. Development on the 2005 to 2013 named catastrophic events was favorable by $1.8 million in the quarter. Net favorable development in medium-tailed and long-tailed lines reflected reductions in professional lines of $14.5 million, spread across most accident years, partially offset by an increase of $11.0 million in program reserves and $2.6 million in casualty reserves.

2013 first quarter: The insurance segment’s net favorable development of $5.0 million, or 1.1 points, consisted of $16.1
million of net favorable development in short-tailed lines, partially offset by $11.1 million of net adverse development which was primarily from medium-tailed lines. Favorable development in short-tailed lines primarily consisted of reductions in property (including special risk other than marine) reserves from the 2009 to 2011 accident years, primarily due to varying levels of reported claims activity. Development on the 2005 to 2012 named catastrophic events was not significant in the quarter. Net adverse development in medium-tailed lines of $11.1 million included a net increase of $5.8 million in professional liability reserves, primarily from a small number of claims in the 2007 accident year, $4.5 million in casualty reserves, primarily related to claims from the two most recent accident years on two Canadian auto liability accounts which were non-renewed, and $3.7 million in onshore energy reserves, primarily related to a small number of claims.

Underwriting Expenses.
 
2014 first quarter versus 2013: The insurance segment’s underwriting expense ratio was 33.0% in the 2014 first quarter, compared to 33.0% in the 2013 first quarter. The acquisition expense ratio was 16.0% in the 2014 first quarter, compared to 15.8% in the 2013 first quarter. The comparison of the 2014 first quarter and 2013 first quarter acquisition expense ratios is influenced by, among other things, the mix and type of business written and earned and the level of ceding commissions. In addition, the acquisition expense ratio was impacted by changes in development of prior year loss reserves which increased the 2014 first quarter commission expense ratio by 1.1 points, compared to a 0.1 point reduction in the 2013 first quarter. The other operating expense ratio was 17.0% for the 2014 first quarter, compared to 17.2% for the 2013 first quarter, mainly due to the higher level of net premiums earned.
 



44

Table of Contents

Reinsurance Segment
 
The following table sets forth our reinsurance segment’s underwriting results:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
517,053

 
$
450,447

 
14.8

Premiums ceded
(73,127
)
 
(27,979
)
 
 
Net premiums written
443,926

 
422,468

 
5.1

Change in unearned premiums
(102,578
)
 
(126,315
)
 
 
Net premiums earned
341,348

 
296,153

 
15.3

Other underwriting income
316

 
13

 
 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(139,636
)
 
(113,857
)
 
 

Acquisition expenses, net
(73,433
)
 
(53,143
)
 
 

Other operating expenses
(36,195
)
 
(32,197
)
 
 

Underwriting income
$
92,400

 
$
96,969

 
(4.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting Ratios
 

 
 

 
% Point
Change
Loss ratio
40.9
%
 
38.4
%
 
2.5

Acquisition expense ratio
21.5
%
 
17.9
%
 
3.6

Other operating expense ratio
10.6
%
 
10.9
%
 
(0.3
)
Combined ratio
73.0
%
 
67.2
%
 
5.8


The reinsurance segment consists of our reinsurance underwriting units which offer specialty product lines on a worldwide basis. Product lines include:

Casualty: provides coverage to ceding company clients on third party liability and workers’ compensation exposures from ceding company clients, primarily on a treaty basis. Exposures include, among others, executive assurance, professional liability, workers’ compensation, excess and umbrella liability, excess motor and healthcare business.
Marine and aviation: provides coverage for energy, hull, cargo, specie, liability and transit, and aviation business, including airline and general aviation risks. Business written may also include space business, which includes coverages for satellite assembly, launch and operation for commercial space programs.
Other specialty: provides coverage to ceding company clients for non-excess motor, including U.K. business primarily emanating from one client, and other lines including surety, accident and health, workers’ compensation catastrophe, agriculture, trade credit and political risk.
Property catastrophe: provides protection for most catastrophic losses that are covered in the underlying policies written by reinsureds, including hurricane, earthquake, flood, tornado, hail and fire, and coverage for other perils on a case-by-case basis. Property catastrophe reinsurance provides coverage on an excess of loss basis when aggregate losses and loss adjustment expense from a single occurrence of a covered peril exceed the retention specified in the contract.
Property excluding property catastrophe: provides coverage for both personal lines and commercial property exposures and principally covers buildings, structures, equipment and contents. The primary perils in this business include fire, explosion, collapse, riot, vandalism, wind, tornado, flood and earthquake. Business is assumed on both a proportional and excess of loss basis. In addition, facultative business is written which focuses on commercial property risks on an excess of loss basis.
Other. includes life reinsurance business on both a proportional and non-proportional basis, casualty clash business and, in limited instances, non-traditional business which is intended to provide insurers with risk management solutions that complement traditional reinsurance.

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Table of Contents

Premiums Written.
 
The following table sets forth our reinsurance segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Other specialty
$
147,609

 
33

 
$
131,337

 
31

Casualty
126,713

 
29

 
97,245

 
23

Property excluding property catastrophe
95,127

 
21

 
89,060

 
21

Property catastrophe
52,512

 
12

 
77,142

 
18

Marine and aviation
16,911

 
4

 
23,142

 
5

Other
5,054

 
1

 
4,542

 
2

Total
$
443,926

 
100

 
$
422,468

 
100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro rata
$
174,197

 
39

 
$
162,093

 
38

Excess of loss
269,729

 
61

 
260,375

 
62

Total
$
443,926

 
100

 
$
422,468

 
100


2014 first quarter versus 2013. Gross premiums written by the reinsurance segment in the 2014 first quarter were 14.8% higher than in the 2013 first quarter, while net premiums written were 5.1% higher than in the 2013 first quarter. The differential in gross versus net premiums written reflects the cession of premiums to the ‘other’ segment (Watford) in the 2014 first quarter and a higher amount of retrocessional usage than in the 2013 first quarter. The growth in net premiums written reflected increases in casualty and other specialty lines, partially offset by reductions in property catastrophe and marine lines. Growth in casualty premiums (which includes professional liability business) reflected new international excess motor business and quota shares of U.S. professional liability business while the increase in other specialty premiums reflected growth in multi-line, crop hail, workers’ compensation catastrophe, personal auto and other business, partially offset by a continued reduction in quota share U.K. motor business. The reduction in property catastrophe business reflected market conditions, selected non-renewals and a higher usage of retrocessional coverage.
  
Net Premiums Earned.
 
The following table sets forth our reinsurance segment’s net premiums earned by major line of business:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Other specialty
$
114,938

 
34

 
$
89,593

 
30

Casualty
78,746

 
23

 
55,005

 
19

Property excluding property catastrophe
75,374

 
22

 
64,902

 
22

Property catastrophe
49,794

 
15

 
64,233

 
22

Marine and aviation
18,895

 
6

 
20,104

 
7

Other
3,601

 

 
2,316

 

Total
$
341,348

 
100

 
$
296,153

 
100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro rata
$
187,437

 
55

 
$
142,529

 
48

Excess of loss
153,911

 
45

 
153,624

 
52

Total
$
341,348

 
100

 
$
296,153

 
100

 
Net premiums written, irrespective of the class of business, are generally earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies or reinsurance contracts. Net premiums earned for the 2014 first quarter were 15.3% higher than in the 2013 first quarter, and primarily reflect changes in net premiums written over the previous five quarters, including the mix and type of business written.


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Table of Contents

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
 
The table below shows the components of the reinsurance segment’s loss ratio:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Current year
61.5
 %
 
55.1
 %
Prior period reserve development
(20.6
)%
 
(16.7
)%
Loss ratio
40.9
 %
 
38.4
 %
 
Current Year Loss Ratio.
 
The reinsurance segment’s current year loss ratio was 6.4 points higher in the 2014 first quarter compared to the 2013 first quarter. The 2014 first quarter loss ratio reflected 1.0 point related to current year catastrophic activity, compared to 3.8 points of catastrophic activity in the 2013 first quarter. The current year loss ratio for the 2014 first quarter also reflects changes in the mix of business earned due, in part, to a lower contribution from property catastrophe business.
 
Prior Period Reserve Development.
 
2014 first quarter: The reinsurance segment’s net favorable development of $70.4 million, or 20.6 points, consisted of $51.1 million from short-tailed lines, $19.3 million from long-tailed and medium-tailed lines. Favorable development in short-tailed lines included $38.6 million from property catastrophe and property other than property catastrophe reserves, primarily from the 2011 to 2013 underwriting years (i.e., all premiums and losses attributable to contracts having an inception or renewal date within the given twelve-month period). The net reduction of loss estimates for the reinsurance segment’s short-tailed lines primarily resulted from varying levels of reported and paid claims activity than previously anticipated which led to decreases in certain loss ratio selections during the period. Favorable development in long-tailed lines reflected reductions in casualty reserves of $15.4 million, primarily from the 2003 to 2005 underwriting years based on varying levels of reported and paid claims activity, and a reduction of $4.3 million in marine and aviation reserves, across all underwriting years.
 
2013 first quarter: The reinsurance segment’s net favorable development of $49.4 million, or 16.7 points, consisted of $35.1 million from short-tailed lines and $14.3 million of net favorable development from medium-tailed and long-tailed lines. Favorable development in short-tailed lines included $45.2 million from property catastrophe and property other than property catastrophe reserves, primarily from the 2010 to 2012 underwriting years. Contained within this release was favorable development from the 2005 to 2012 named catastrophic events of $10.8 million. The net reduction of loss estimates for the reinsurance segment’s short-tailed lines primarily resulted from varying levels of reported and paid claims activity than previously anticipated which led to decreases or increases in certain loss ratio selections during the 2013 first quarter. Such amounts were partially offset by an increase in estimates for U.S. crop hail losses of $10.1 million. Net favorable development of $14.3 million in medium-tailed and long-tailed lines included reductions in casualty reserves of $5.9 million, spread across the 2002 to 2010 underwriting years, and marine and aviation reserves of $5.7 million, primarily from the 2008 and 2009 underwriting years. The balance of net favorable development was spread across various lines and underwriting years.

Underwriting Expenses.
 
2014 first quarter versus 2013: The underwriting expense ratio for the reinsurance segment was 32.1% in the 2014 first quarter, compared to 28.8% in the 2013 first quarter. The acquisition expense ratio for the 2014 first quarter was 21.5%, compared to 17.9% for the 2013 first quarter. The comparison of the 2014 first quarter and 2013 first quarter acquisition expense ratios is influenced by, among other things, the mix and type of business written and earned and the level of ceding commissions. The 2014 first quarter reflected a higher level of premiums earned on a pro rata basis, including two large contracts entered into in the second half of 2013, which resulted in a higher level of ceding commissions. The operating expense ratio for the 2014 first quarter was 10.6%, compared to 10.9% in the 2013 first quarter. The operating expense ratio was consistent in both the 2014 first quarter and 2013 first quarter.


47

Table of Contents

Mortgage Segment
 
The following table sets forth our mortgage segment’s underwriting results:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
47,907

 
$
25,758

 
86.0

Premiums ceded
(4,639
)
 

 
 
Net premiums written
43,268

 
25,758

 
68.0

Change in unearned premiums
(4,503
)
 
(14,106
)
 
 
Net premiums earned
38,765

 
11,652

 
232.7

Other underwriting income
766

 

 
 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(8,478
)
 
(2,079
)
 
 

Acquisition expenses, net
(9,154
)
 
(3,691
)
 
 

Other operating expenses
(13,876
)
 
(1,403
)
 
 

Underwriting income
$
8,023

 
$
4,479

 
79.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting Ratios
 

 
 

 
% Point
Change
Loss ratio
21.9
%
 
17.8
%
 
4.1

Acquisition expense ratio
23.6
%
 
31.7
%
 
(8.1
)
Other operating expense ratio
35.8
%
 
12.0
%
 
23.8

Combined ratio
81.3
%
 
61.5
%
 
19.8


Premiums Written.
 
The following table sets forth our mortgage segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Net premiums written by client location:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
36,556

 
85

 
$
23,964

 
93

Other
6,712

 
15

 
1,794

 
7

Total
$
43,268

 
100

 
$
25,758

 
100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written by underwriting location:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
16,731

 
39

 
$

 

Other
26,537

 
61

 
25,758

 
100

Total
$
43,268

 
100

 
$
25,758

 
100


2014 first quarter versus 2013. Net premiums written in the 2014 first quarter included $16.7 million of business underwritten by Arch MI U.S., representing February and March (post-closing) activity and substantially all of which was to credit union customers. Monthly paid policies accounted for substantially all of gross premiums written from Arch MI U.S. in the 2014 first quarter. In addition, net premiums written included $6.7 million from a 100% quota share indemnity reinsurance agreement with PMI for all certificates of insurance that were issued by PMI between and including January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 that were not in default as of an agreed upon effective date. The mortgage segment’s net premiums written also included other reinsurance treaties covering U.S. and international mortgages. The change on such business was minimal, with a decrease in U.S. premiums written offset by growth in international business.

At March 31, 2014, the mortgage segment’s risk-in-force (i.e., the aggregate dollar amount of each insured mortgage loan’s current principal balance multiplied by the insurance coverage percentage specified in the policy for insurance policies issued) consisted of $5.3 billion from Arch MI U.S. (substantially all of which relates to credit union customers) and an additional $4.7 billion through the mortgage segment’s reinsurance and risk-sharing operations. The persistency rate, which represents the percentage of mortgage insurance in force at the beginning of a 12-month period that remains in force at the end of the period, of the Arch MI U.S. portfolio of mortgage loans was 79.1% at March 31, 2014.

Arch MI U.S. generated $424.3 million of new insurance written (“NIW”) during February and March, substantially all of which was to credit union clients, resulting in $105.7 million of new risk-in-force written (“NRW”). Approximately 17% of the NRW represented refinance activity. Monthly paid policies accounted for 94% of NRW with the remainder primarily in single premium policies. Of the NRW, 58% was from borrowers with FICO scores higher than 740, 35% with FICO scores between

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680 and 739 and the remainder between 620 and 679. Roughly 60% of the NRW was at a loan to value (LTV) of 90% to 95% and 32% with a LTV between 80% to 90%.

Net Premiums Earned.
 
Net premiums earned for the 2014 first quarter were substantially higher than in the 2013 first quarter, reflecting both the high earned to written ratio on newly acquired Arch MI U.S. business (substantially all of which are monthly paid policies which are recognized as written and earned premium each month) and a higher earned contribution from the mortgage segment’s quota share reinsurance business.
 
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
 
The table below shows the components of the mortgage segment’s loss ratio:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Current year
24.8
 %
 
17.8
%
Prior period reserve development
(2.9
)%
 
%
Loss ratio
21.9
 %
 
17.8
%
 
In accordance with mortgage insurance industry practice, we only establish loss reserves for loans in our existing default inventory. Unlike property and casualty business for which we estimate ultimate losses on premiums earned, losses on mortgage insurance business can only be recorded at the time a borrower is delinquent on their mortgage. Because our mortgage insurance reserving process does not take into account the impact of future losses from loans that are not in default, mortgage insurance loss reserves are not an estimate of ultimate losses. In addition to establishing loss reserves for loans in default, under GAAP, we are required to establish a premium deficiency reserve for our mortgage insurance products if the amount of expected future losses for a particular product and maintenance costs for such product exceeds expected future premiums, existing reserves and the anticipated investment income for such product. We evaluate whether a premium deficiency exists quarterly. No such reserve was established in the 2014 first quarter.

The mortgage segment’s current year loss ratio was 7.0 points higher in the 2014 first quarter compared to the 2013 first quarter. The current year loss ratio for the 2014 periods reflect changes in the mix of business earned, resulting in part from our acquisition of Arch MI U.S., when compared to the 2013 periods. The mortgage segment’s net favorable development of $1.1 million, or 2.9 points, was spread across a number of underwriting years.
 
Underwriting Expenses.
 
2014 first quarter versus 2013: The underwriting expense ratio for the mortgage segment was 59.4% in the 2014 first quarter, compared to 43.7% in the 2013 first quarter. The acquisition expense ratio for the 2014 first quarter was 23.6%, compared to 31.7% for the 2013 first quarter. The operating expense ratio for the 2014 first quarter was 35.8%, compared to 12.0% in the 2013 first quarter. As the mortgage segment’s mix is expected to shift more towards U.S. mortgage insurance business, the underwriting expense ratio is expected to increase until the Arch MI U.S. premium volume from bank customers becomes a more significant portion of total premiums earned.


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Other Segment

The following table sets forth our ‘other’ segment’s results:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Gross premiums written
$
32,194

Premiums ceded

Net premiums written
32,194

Change in unearned premiums
(30,028
)
Net premiums earned
2,166

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(1,356
)
Acquisition expenses, net
(823
)
Other operating expenses
(1,109
)
Underwriting income (loss)
(1,122
)
 
 
Net investment income
$
1

Other expenses
(2,676
)
Net foreign exchange gains
93

Income (loss) before income taxes
(3,704
)
Income tax expense

Net income (loss)
(3,704
)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
3,355

Net income (loss) available to Arch
$
(349
)
Underwriting Ratios
 

Loss ratio
62.6
%
Acquisition expense ratio
38.0
%
Other operating expense ratio
51.2
%
Combined ratio
151.8
%
 
 
Total investable assets
$
1,083,280

Total assets
1,146,461

Total liabilities
35,371


As noted earlier, the ‘other’ segment includes the results of Watford. Watford has its own management and board of directors and is responsible for the overall profitability of its results. We act as Watford’s reinsurance manager and Highbridge Principal Strategies, a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co., manages Watford’s investment assets, each under a long term services agreement. We invested $100.0 million and acquired approximately 11% of Watford’s common equity and a warrant to purchase additional common equity. We performed an analysis of Watford and concluded that Watford is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and that the consolidated financial statements of Watford would be included in our consolidated financial statements. We record the portion of Watford’s earnings attributable to third party investors in the consolidated statements of income as ‘net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests.’ Management measures segment performance for the ‘other’ segment based on net income or loss. See note 4, “Variable Interest Entity and Noncontrolling Interests” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Due to the timing of Watford’s launch, the cash proceeds received from Watford’s capital raising activities was not invested at March 31, 2014 and, as such, Watford’s investable assets were included in our cash balance at such date. For the 2014 first quarter, Watford assumed $32.2 million of premiums from us, primarily from our reinsurance segment. In addition, Watford’s operating expenses included $2.7 million of non-recurring initial costs (shown in the table above as ‘other expenses’).




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Other Income or Expense Items
 
Net Investment Income. The components of net investment income were derived from the following sources:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Fixed maturities
$
62,449

 
$
62,006

Term loan investments
5,669

 
4,217

Equity securities (dividends)
2,921

 
1,423

Short-term investments
406

 
392

Other (1)
4,718

 
6,299

Gross investment income
76,163

 
74,337

Investment expenses (2)
(9,169
)
 
(8,665
)
Net investment income
$
66,994

 
$
65,672

_________________________________________________
(1)
Amounts include dividends on investment funds and other items.
(2)
Investment expenses were approximately 0.29% of average invested assets for the 2014 first quarter, compared to 0.29% for the 2013 first quarter.

The pre-tax investment income yield, calculated based on amortized cost and on an annualized basis, was 2.08% for the 2014 first quarter, compared to 2.08% for the 2013 fourth quarter and 2.20% for the 2013 first quarter. Such yields reflect the effects of low prevailing interest rates available in the market and our investment strategy which puts an emphasis on total return. Yields on future investment income may vary based on financial market conditions, investment allocation decisions and other factors.
 
Other Income (Loss). We record income or loss from our investments in Gulf Reinsurance Limited (joint venture) and certain other investments using the equity method on a three month lag basis based on the availability of their financial statements. We recorded a loss on $2.1 million on such investments in the 2014 first quarter, compared to income of $1.2 million in the 2013 first quarter. The amounts recorded primarily related to Gulf Reinsurance Limited.
 
Equity in Net Income of Investment Funds Accounted for Using the Equity Method. We recorded $3.3 million of equity in net income related to investment funds accounted for using the equity method in the 2014 first quarter, compared to $13.8 million for the 2013 first quarter. We use the equity method on certain investments (which primarily invest in fixed maturity securities) due to the ownership structure of these investment funds, where we do not have a controlling interest and are not the primary beneficiary. In applying the equity method, these investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on our proportionate share of the net income or loss of the funds (which include changes in the market value of the underlying securities in the funds). Such investments, which are typically structured as limited partnerships, are generally recorded on a one month lag with some investments reported on a three month lag based on the availability of reports from the investment funds. Certain of these funds employ leverage to achieve a higher rate of return on their assets under management. While leverage presents opportunities for increasing the total return of such investments, it may increase losses as well. Fluctuations in the carrying value of the investment funds accounted for using the equity method may increase the volatility of our reported results of operations. Investment funds accounted for using the equity method totaled $255.5 million at March 31, 2014, compared to $244.3 million at December 31, 2013.  

Net Realized Gains or Losses. We recorded net realized gains of $19.7 million for the 2014 first quarter, compared to net realized gains of $58.3 million for the 2013 first quarter. Currently, our portfolio is actively managed to maximize total return within certain guidelines. In assessing returns under this approach, we include net investment income, net realized gains and losses and the change in unrealized gains and losses generated by our investment portfolio. The effect of financial market movements on the investment portfolio will directly impact net realized gains and losses as the portfolio is adjusted and rebalanced. Net realized gains or losses from the sale of fixed maturities primarily resulted from our decisions to reduce credit exposure, to change duration targets, to rebalance our portfolios or due to relative value determinations. In addition, net realized gains or losses include changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option. See note 7, “Investment Information—Net Realized Gains (Losses),” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 
Net Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings. On a quarterly basis, we perform reviews of our available for sale investments to determine whether declines in fair value below the cost basis are considered other-than-temporary in accordance with applicable accounting guidance regarding the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments. The process of determining whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired requires judgment and involves analyzing many

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factors. These factors include (i) an analysis of the liquidity, business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer, (ii) the time period in which there was a significant decline in value, (iii) the significance of the decline, and (iv) the analysis of specific credit events. We evaluate the unrealized losses of our equity securities by issuer and determine if we can forecast a reasonable period of time by which the fair value of the securities would increase and we would recover our cost. If we are unable to forecast a reasonable period of time in which to recover the cost of our equity securities, we record a net impairment loss in earnings equivalent to the entire unrealized loss. We recorded $3.0 million of credit related impairments in earnings for the 2014 first quarter, compared to $2.2 million for the 2013 first quarter. The OTTI recorded for the 2014 first quarter was primarily on one investment fund following a review of available positive and negative evidence. See note 7, “Investment Information—Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Other Expenses. Other expenses, which are included in our other operating expenses and part of corporate and other (non-underwriting), were $10.8 million for the 2014 first quarter, compared to $10.3 million for the 2013 first quarter. Such amounts primarily represent certain holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide insurance and reinsurance operations, share based compensation expense and costs associated with operating as a publicly traded company. Other expenses for the 2014 first quarter reflected a higher level of compensation costs than in the 2013 period.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $14.4 million for the 2014 first quarter, compared to $5.9 million for the 2013 period. The higher level of interest expense primarily resulted from interest related to the $500.0 million of 5.144% senior notes issued by Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. (“Arch-U.S.”) in December 2013. In addition, interest expense for the 2014 first quarter includes accretion on certain deposit accounting liabilities.
 
Net Foreign Exchange Gains or Losses. Net foreign exchange losses for the 2014 first quarter were $6.6 million (net unrealized losses of $6.5 million and net realized losses of $0.1 million), compared to net foreign exchange gains for the 2013 first quarter of $24.3 million (net unrealized gains of $25.9 million and net realized losses of $1.6 million). Net unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses result from the effects of revaluing our net insurance liabilities required to be settled in foreign currencies at each balance sheet date. Changes in the value of investments held in foreign currencies due to foreign currency rate movements are reflected as a direct increase or decrease to shareholders’ equity and are not included in the consolidated statements of income. We have not matched a portion of our projected liabilities in foreign currencies with investments in the same currencies and may not match such amounts in future periods, which could increase our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and increase the volatility of our shareholders’ equity.

Income tax expense. Our income tax provision on income before income taxes resulted in an expense of 2.0% for the 2014 first quarter, compared to an expense of 1.9% for the 2013 period. Our effective tax rate, which is based upon the expected annual effective tax rate, may fluctuate from period to period based on the relative mix of income or loss reported by jurisdiction and the varying tax rates in each jurisdiction.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
Critical accounting policies, estimates and recent accounting pronouncements are discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2013 Form 10-K, updated where applicable in the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Financial Condition
 
Investable Assets
 
The finance and investment committee of our board of directors establishes our investment policies and sets the parameters for creating guidelines for our investment managers. The finance and investment committee reviews the implementation of the investment strategy on a regular basis. Our current approach stresses preservation of capital, market liquidity and diversification of risk. While maintaining our emphasis on preservation of capital and liquidity, we expect our portfolio to become more diversified and, as a result, we may expand into areas which are not currently part of our investment strategy. Our Chief Investment Officer administers the investment portfolio, oversees our investment managers, formulates investment strategy in conjunction with our finance and investment committee and directly manages certain portions of our fixed income and equity portfolios.

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At March 31, 2014, our total investable assets of $15.34 billion included $14.26 billion managed by Arch and $1.08 billion attributable to Watford. Due to the timing of Watford’s launch, the cash proceeds received from Watford’s capital raising activities was not invested at March 31, 2014 and, as such, Watford’s investable assets were included in our cash balance at such date. All information in this section relates to the investments managed by Arch.

The following table summarizes total investable assets managed by Arch:
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value
$
9,775,730

 
63.7

 
$
9,571,776

 
68.1

Fixed maturities, at fair value (1)
456,826

 
3.0

 
448,254

 
3.2

Fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements, at fair value (2)
100,590

 
0.7

 
105,081

 
0.7

Total fixed maturities
10,333,146

 
67.3

 
10,125,111

 
72.1

Short-term investments available for sale, at fair value
1,484,280

 
9.7

 
1,478,367

 
10.5

Short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements, at fair value (2)

 

 

 

Cash
1,569,605

 
10.2

 
434,057

 
3.1

Equity securities available for sale, at fair value
548,168

 
3.6

 
496,824

 
3.5

Other investments available for sale, at fair value
426,917

 
2.8

 
498,310

 
3.5

Other investments, at fair value (1)
799,824

 
5.2

 
773,280

 
5.5

Investments accounted for using the equity method (3)
255,488

 
1.7

 
244,339

 
1.7

Securities transactions entered into but not settled at the balance sheet date
(73,042
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(763
)
 

Total investable assets
15,344,386

 
100.0

 
14,049,525

 
100.0

Less: amounts in ‘other’ segment (4)
(1,083,280
)
 
(7.1
)
 

 

Total investable assets managed by Arch
$
14,261,106

 
92.9

 
$
14,049,525

 
100.0

_________________________________________________
(1)
Represents securities which are carried at fair value under the fair value option and reflected as “investments accounted for using the fair value option” on our balance sheet. Changes in the carrying value of such securities are recorded in net realized gains or losses.
(2)
This table excludes the collateral received and reinvested and includes the fixed maturities and short-term investments pledged under securities lending agreements, at fair value.
(3)
Changes in the carrying value of investment funds accounted for using the equity method are recorded as “equity in net income (loss) of investments funds accounted for using the equity method” rather than as an unrealized gain or loss component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
(4)
Represents investable assets of Watford which are not managed by us. Such amounts are included in the ‘other’ segment (all cash at March 31, 2014).

At March 31, 2014, our fixed income portfolio, which includes fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, had average credit quality ratings from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”)/Moody’s of “AA/Aa2” and an average yield to maturity (embedded book yield), before investment expenses, of 2.27%. At December 31, 2013, our fixed income portfolio had average credit quality ratings from S&P/Moody’s of “AA-/Aa2” and an average yield to maturity of 2.38%. Our investment portfolio had an average effective duration of 3.24 years at March 31, 2014, compared to 2.62 years at December 31, 2013. At March 31, 2014, approximately $9.11 billion, or 64%, of total investable assets managed by Arch were internally managed, compared to $9.07 billion, or 65%, at December 31, 2013.

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The following table summarizes our fixed maturities and fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements (“Fixed Maturities”) by type:
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
March 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,867,773

 
$
39,704

 
$
(20,047
)
 
$
2,848,116

Mortgage backed securities
1,127,484

 
21,700

 
(14,253
)
 
1,120,037

Municipal bonds
1,410,043

 
28,494

 
(3,742
)
 
1,385,291

Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,023,055

 
11,769

 
(9,031
)
 
1,020,317

U.S. government and government agencies
1,153,120

 
4,048

 
(5,932
)
 
1,155,004

Non-U.S. government securities
1,177,920

 
14,538

 
(12,978
)
 
1,176,360

Asset backed securities
1,573,751

 
11,143

 
(12,385
)
 
1,574,993

Total
$
10,333,146

 
$
131,396

 
$
(78,368
)
 
$
10,280,118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
$
2,601,328

 
$
35,289

 
$
(35,537
)
 
$
2,601,576

Mortgage backed securities
1,174,128

 
16,270

 
(22,209
)
 
1,180,067

Municipal bonds
1,481,738

 
29,378

 
(9,730
)
 
1,462,090

Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,074,497

 
13,972

 
(15,224
)
 
1,075,749

U.S. government and government agencies
1,301,809

 
3,779

 
(11,242
)
 
1,309,272

Non-U.S. government securities
1,159,017

 
14,729

 
(19,363
)
 
1,163,651

Asset backed securities
1,332,594

 
20,033

 
(13,795
)
 
1,326,356

Total
$
10,125,111

 
$
133,450

 
$
(127,100
)
 
$
10,118,761


The following table provides the credit quality distribution of our Fixed Maturities:
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Rating (1)
 
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
U.S. government and government agencies (2)
 
$
2,070,766

 
20.0

 
$
2,284,053

 
22.6

AAA
 
3,833,070

 
37.1

 
3,709,872

 
36.6

AA
 
2,015,706

 
19.5

 
1,720,605

 
17.0

A
 
1,373,213

 
13.3

 
1,359,193

 
13.4

BBB
 
279,207

 
2.7

 
304,543

 
3.0

BB
 
167,484

 
1.6

 
180,125

 
1.8

B
 
193,581

 
1.9

 
188,119

 
1.9

Lower than B
 
215,875

 
2.1

 
241,463

 
2.4

Not rated
 
184,244

 
1.8

 
137,138

 
1.3

Total
 
$
10,333,146

 
100.0

 
$
10,125,111

 
100.0

_________________________________________________
(1)
For individual fixed maturities, S&P ratings are used. In the absence of an S&P rating, ratings from Moody’s are used, followed by ratings from Fitch Ratings.
(2)
Includes U.S. government-sponsored agency mortgage backed securities and agency commercial mortgage backed securities.
 
At March 31, 2014, below-investment grade securities comprised approximately 7% of our Fixed Maturities, compared to 7% at December 31, 2013. In accordance with our investment strategy, we invest in high yield fixed income securities which are included in “Corporate bonds.” Upon issuance, these securities are typically rated below investment grade (i.e., rating assigned by the major rating agencies of “BB+” or less). At March 31, 2014, corporate bonds represented 45% of the total below investment grade securities at fair value, mortgage backed securities represented 43% of the total and 12% were in other classes. At December 31, 2013, corporate bonds represented 46% of the total below investment grade securities at fair value, mortgage backed securities represented 46% of the total and 8% were in other classes. Unrealized losses include the impact of foreign exchange movements on certain securities denominated in foreign currencies and, as such, the amount of securities in an unrealized loss position fluctuates due to foreign currency movements.
 

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The following table provides information on the severity of the unrealized loss position as a percentage of amortized cost for all Fixed Maturities which were in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Severity of
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
0-10%
 
$
4,551,297

 
$
(70,136
)
 
89.5

 
$
6,006,316

 
$
(110,954
)
 
87.3

10-20%
 
35,973

 
(4,716
)
 
6.0

 
78,250

 
(11,465
)
 
9.0

20-30%
 
11,875

 
(3,466
)
 
4.4

 
13,955

 
(4,621
)
 
3.6

30-40%
 
53

 
(50
)
 
0.1

 
74

 
(60
)
 
0.1

Total
 
$
4,599,198

 
$
(78,368
)
 
100.0

 
$
6,098,595

 
$
(127,100
)
 
100.0


The following table provides information on the severity of the unrealized loss position as a percentage of amortized cost for non-investment grade Fixed Maturities which were in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Severity of
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
0-10%
 
$
94,508

 
$
(2,048
)
 
2.6

 
$
133,354

 
$
(3,882
)
 
3.1

10-20%
 
2,804

 
(391
)
 
0.5

 
444

 
(64
)
 
0.1

20-30%
 

 

 

 
1,292

 
(350
)
 
0.3

30-80%
 
13

 
(32
)
 

 
28

 
(35
)
 

Total
 
$
97,325

 
$
(2,471
)
 
3.1

 
$
135,118

 
$
(4,331
)
 
3.5

 
We determine estimated recovery values for our Fixed Maturities following a review of the business prospects, credit ratings, estimated loss given default factors and information received from asset managers and rating agencies for each security. For structured securities, we utilize underlying data, where available, for each security provided by asset managers and additional information from credit agencies in order to determine an expected recovery value for each security. The analysis provided by the asset managers includes expected cash flow projections under base case and stress case scenarios which modify expected default expectations and loss severities and slow down prepayment assumptions.

The following table summarizes our top ten exposures to fixed income corporate issuers by fair value at March 31, 2014, excluding guaranteed amounts and covered bonds:
 
Fair Value
 
Credit
Rating (1)
General Electric Co.
$
72,158

 
AA+/Aa1
Exxon Mobil Corp.
55,004

 
AAA/Aaa
Toyota Motor Corporation
54,802

 
AA-/Aa3
Anheuser-Busch Inbev NV
50,881

 
A/A2
Daimler AG
50,033

 
A-/A3
Royal Bank of Canada
49,804

 
AA-/Aa3
Caterpillar Inc.
44,328

 
A/A2
Royal Dutch Shell PLC
43,910

 
AA/Aa1
AT&T Inc.
36,570

 
A-/A3
Crown Castle Int'l Corp.
34,687

 
NR/A2
Total
$
492,177

 
 
_________________________________________________
(1) 
Ratings as assigned by S&P/Moody’s.
 
Our portfolio includes investments, such as mortgage-backed securities, which are subject to prepayment risk. At March 31, 2014, our investments in residential mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) amounted to approximately $1.13 billion, or 7.9% of total investable assets managed by Arch, compared to $1.17 billion, or 8.4%, at December 31, 2013.  As with other fixed income investments, the fair value of these securities fluctuates depending on market and other general economic conditions and the interest rate environment. Changes in interest rates can expose us to changes in the prepayment rate on these investments. In periods of declining interest rates, mortgage prepayments generally increase and MBS are prepaid more quickly, requiring us to reinvest the proceeds at the then current market rates. Conversely, in periods of rising rates, mortgage prepayments generally fall, preventing us from taking full advantage of the higher level of rates. However, economic conditions may curtail prepayment activity if refinancing becomes more difficult, thus limiting prepayments on MBS. Our portfolio also includes commercial mortgage backed securities (“CMBS”). At March 31, 2014, CMBS constituted approximately $1.02

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billion, or 7.2% of total investable assets managed by Arch, compared to $1.07 billion, or 7.6%, at December 31, 2013. The commercial real estate market has experienced price deterioration, which could lead to increased delinquencies and defaults on commercial real estate mortgages. We do not have a significant exposure to insurance enhanced asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. We do not have any significant investments in companies which guarantee securities at March 31, 2014.

Delinquencies and losses with respect to residential mortgage loans from certain vintage years have increased since 2007 and may continue to increase, particularly in the sub-prime sector. In addition, during this period, residential property values in many states have declined or remained stable, after extended periods during which those values appreciated. A continued decline or an extended flattening in those values may result in additional increases in delinquencies and losses on residential mortgage loans generally, especially with respect to second homes and investment properties, and with respect to any residential mortgage loans where the aggregate loan amounts (including any subordinate loans) are close to or greater than the related property values. These developments may have a significant adverse effect on the prices of loans and securities, including those in our investment portfolio. The situation continues to have wide ranging consequences, including downward pressure on economic growth and the potential for increased insurance and reinsurance exposures, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, business and operations.


The following table provides information on our MBS and CMBS at March 31, 2014, excluding amounts guaranteed by the U.S. government:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Issuance
Year
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Average
Credit
Quality
 
Total
 
% of
Amortized
Cost
 
% of Investable
Assets Managed by Arch
Non-agency MBS:
2003-2008
 
$
169,008

 
CC+
 
$
181,411

 
107.3
%
 
1.3
%
 
2010
 
41,244

 
AA+
 
41,261

 
100.0
%
 
0.3
%
 
2012
 
37,508

 
AAA
 
37,304

 
99.5
%
 
0.3
%
 
2013
 
107,119

 
AAA
 
106,245

 
99.2
%
 
0.7
%
 
2014
 
427

 
NR
 
452

 
105.9
%
 
0.0
%
Total non-agency MBS
 
 
$
355,306

 
BBB-
 
$
366,673

 
103.2
%
 
2.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-agency CMBS:
2004-2009
 
79,657

 
A+
 
81,110

 
101.8
%
 
0.6
%
 
2010
 
80,031

 
AAA
 
81,891

 
102.3
%
 
0.6
%
 
2011
 
161,841

 
AAA
 
166,386

 
102.8
%
 
1.2
%
 
2012
 
99,669

 
AA+
 
98,954

 
99.3
%
 
0.7
%
 
2013
 
361,853

 
AAA
 
362,687

 
100.2
%
 
2.5
%
 
2014
 
75,849

 
AAA
 
75,192

 
99.1
%
 
0.5
%
Total non-agency CMBS
 
 
$
858,900

 
AA+
 
$
866,220

 
100.9
%
 
6.1
%
 
 
Non-Agency
 
Non-Agency
Additional Statistics:
 
MBS
 
CMBS (1)
Weighted average loan age (months)
 
72

 
28

Weighted average life (months) (2) 
 
64

 
51

Weighted average loan-to-value % (3) 
 
66.5
%
 
60.2
%
Total delinquencies (4) 
 
13.3
%
 
0.7
%
Current credit support % (5) 
 
17.0
%
 
31.3
%
_________________________________________________
(1)
Loans defeased with government/agency obligations were not material to the collateral underlying our CMBS holdings.
(2)
The weighted average life for MBS is based on the interest rates in effect at March 31, 2014. The weighted average life for CMBS reflects the average life of the collateral underlying our CMBS holdings.
(3)
The range of loan-to-values is 23% to 90% on MBS and 2% to 116% on CMBS.
(4)
Total delinquencies includes 60 days and over.
(5)
Current credit support % represents the % for a collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) or CMBS class/tranche from other subordinate classes in the same CMO or CMBS deal.


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The following table provides information on our asset backed securities (“ABS”) at March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Average
Credit
Quality
 
Weighted Average Credit Support
 
Total
 
% of
Amortized
Cost
 
% of Investable
Assets Managed by Arch
Sector:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Credit cards
$
546,256

 
AAA
 
17
%
 
$
545,686

 
99.9
%
 
3.8
%
Autos
279,477

 
AAA
 
28
%
 
278,825

 
99.8
%
 
2.0
%
Equipment
242,152

 
AA-
 
7
%
 
237,426

 
98.0
%
 
1.7
%
Loans
234,990

 
AA+
 
30
%
 
233,311

 
99.3
%
 
1.6
%
Other
272,118

 
AA+
 
10
%
 
278,503

 
102.3
%
 
2.0
%
Total ABS (1)
$
1,574,993

 
AA+
 
 
 
$
1,573,751

 
99.9
%
 
11.0
%
_________________________________________________
(1)
The effective duration of the total ABS was 1.9 years at March 31, 2014.
  
At March 31, 2014, our fixed income portfolio included $28.0 million par value in sub-prime securities with a fair value of $15.1 million and average credit quality ratings from S&P/Moody’s of “CCC+/Caa3.” At December 31, 2013, our fixed income portfolio included $48.5 million par value in sub-prime securities with a fair value of $27.9 million and average credit quality ratings from S&P/Moody’s of “B/Caa1.” Such amounts were primarily in the home equity sector of our asset backed securities, with the balance in other ABS, MBS and CMBS sectors. We define sub-prime mortgage-backed securities as investments in which the underlying loans primarily exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: low FICO scores, above-prime interest rates, high loan-to-value ratios or high debt-to-income ratios. In addition, the portfolio of collateral backing our securities lending program contained $6.3 million fair value of sub-prime securities with average credit quality ratings from S&P/Moody’s of “CC/Ca” at March 31, 2014, compared to $6.3 million and “CCC/Caa3” at December 31, 2013.
 
The following table provides information on the fair value of our Eurozone investments at March 31, 2014:
 
Sovereign (2)
 
Financial
Corporates
 
Other
Corporates
 
Covered
Bonds (3)
 
Bank
Loans (4)
 
Equities and
Other
 
Total
Country (1)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Netherlands
$
130,855

 
$
1,347

 
$
68,309

 
$

 
$
17,249

 
$
12,306

 
$
230,066

Germany
139,270

 

 
2,164

 

 
16,324

 
10,277

 
168,035

Finland
70,568

 

 

 
6,930

 

 

 
77,498

France

 
1,340

 
26,535

 

 
4,031

 
8,316

 
40,222

Luxembourg

 
3,225

 
7,320

 

 
12,714

 

 
23,259

Supranational (5)
9,504

 

 

 

 

 

 
9,504

Ireland

 

 
5,508

 

 
1,603

 
75

 
7,186

Italy

 

 
1,709

 

 
3,615

 

 
5,324

Spain

 

 

 

 
1,624

 

 
1,624

Total
$
350,197

 
$
5,912

 
$
111,545

 
$
6,930

 
$
57,160

 
$
30,974

 
$
562,718

_________________________________________________
(1)
The country allocations set forth in the table are based on various assumptions made by us in assessing the country in which the underlying credit risk resides, including a review of the jurisdiction of organization, business operations and other factors. Based on such analysis, we do not believe that we have any Eurozone investments from Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Slovakia or Slovenia at March 31, 2014.
(2)
Sovereign includes securities issued and/or guaranteed by Eurozone governments.
(3)
Securities issued by Eurozone banks where the security is backed by a separate group of loans.
(4)
Included in “investments accounted for using the fair value option.”
(5)
Includes World Bank, European Investment Bank, International Finance Corp. and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
 

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At March 31, 2014, our equity portfolio included $548.2 million of equity securities, compared to $496.8 million at December 31, 2013. Our equity portfolio primarily consists of publicly traded common stocks in the consumer staples, real estate and natural resources sectors. The following table provides information on the severity of the unrealized loss position as a percentage of cost for all equity securities classified as available for sale which were in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Severity of
Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
% of
Total Gross
Unrealized
Losses
0-10%
 
$
77,885

 
$
(2,786
)
 
42.2

 
$
52,964

 
$
(1,924
)
 
32.4

10-20%
 
24,252

 
(3,645
)
 
55.3

 
20,312

 
(2,792
)
 
47.0

20-30%
 
297

 
(94
)
 
1.4

 
3,103

 
(1,140
)
 
19.2

30-50%
 
155

 
(71
)
 
1.1

 
184

 
(82
)
 
1.4

Total
 
$
102,589

 
$
(6,596
)
 
100.0

 
$
76,563

 
$
(5,938
)
 
100.0

 
On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the unrealized losses of our equity securities by issuer and forecast a reasonable period of time by which the fair value of the securities would increase and we would recover the cost basis. All of the unrealized losses on equity securities were on holdings which have been in a continual unrealized loss position for less than 12 months at March 31, 2014. We believe that a reasonable period of time exists to allow for recovery of the cost basis of our equity securities that are in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2014.
 
The following table summarizes our other investments:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Available for sale:
 
 
 
Asian and emerging markets
$
266,023

 
$
331,984

Investment grade fixed income
160,894

 
159,115

Other

 
7,211

Total available for sale
426,917

 
498,310

Fair value option:
 
 
 
Term loan investments (par value: $403,383 and $494,502)
410,430

 
512,076

Asian and emerging markets
14,817

 
14,054

Investment grade fixed income
91,907

 
75,062

Other (1)
282,670

 
172,088

Total fair value option
$
799,824

 
$
773,280

Total
$
1,226,741

 
$
1,271,590

________________________________________________
(1)
Includes fund investments with strategies in mortgage servicing rights, transportation and infrastructure assets and other.

Certain of our other investments are in investment funds for which we have the option to redeem at agreed upon values as described in each investment fund’s subscription agreement. Depending on the terms of the various subscription agreements, investments in investment funds may be redeemed daily, monthly, quarterly or on other terms. Two common redemption restrictions which may impact our ability to redeem these investment funds are gates and lockups. A gate is a suspension of redemptions which may be implemented by the general partner or investment manager of the fund in order to defer, in whole or in part, the redemption request in the event the aggregate amount of redemption requests exceeds a predetermined percentage of the investment fund’s net assets which may otherwise hinder the general partner or investment manager’s ability to liquidate holdings in an orderly fashion in order to generate the cash necessary to fund extraordinarily large redemption payouts. A lockup period is the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to hold the security before having the ability to redeem. If our investment is eligible to be redeemed, the time to redeem such investment can take weeks or months following the notification.

Certain of our investment managers may use leverage to achieve a higher rate of return on their assets under management, primarily those included in “other investments available for sale, at fair value,” “investments accounted for using the fair value option” and “investments accounted for using the equity method” on our balance sheet. While leverage presents opportunities for increasing the total return of such investments, it may increase losses as well. Accordingly, any event that adversely affects the value of the underlying holdings would be magnified to the extent leverage is used and our potential losses would be magnified. In addition, the structures used to generate leverage may lead to such investments being required to meet covenants based on market valuations and asset coverage. Market valuation declines could force the sale of investments into a depressed market, which may result in significant additional losses. Alternatively, the levered investments may attempt to delever by

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raising additional equity or potentially changing the terms of the established financing arrangements. We may choose to participate in the additional funding of such investments.
 
Our investment strategy allows for the use of derivative instruments. We utilize various derivative instruments such as futures contracts to enhance investment performance, replicate investment positions or manage market exposures and duration risk that would be allowed under our investment guidelines if implemented in other ways. See note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures concerning derivatives.
 
Accounting guidance regarding fair value measurements addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. See note 8, “Fair Value,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for a summary of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 segregated by level in the fair value hierarchy.

Premiums Receivable and Reinsurance Recoverables
 
At March 31, 2014, 81.4% of premiums receivable of $1.01 billion represented amounts not yet due, while amounts in excess of 90 days overdue were 2.5% of the total. At December 31, 2013, 80.0% of premiums receivable of $753.9 million represented amounts not yet due, while amounts in excess of 90 days overdue were 3.3% of the total. Approximately 6.3% of the $62.0 million of paid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable at March 31, 2014 were more than 90 days overdue, while 27.6% of the $56.1 million of paid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable at December 31, 2013 were more than 90 days overdue. Our reserves for doubtful accounts were approximately $12.7 million at March 31, 2014, compared to $12.3 million at December 31, 2013.
 
At March 31, 2014, approximately 85.2% of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses (not including prepaid reinsurance premiums) of $1.79 billion were due from carriers which had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better and the largest reinsurance recoverables from any one carrier was approximately 4.0% of our total shareholders’ equity. At December 31, 2013, approximately 86.5% of reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses (not including prepaid reinsurance premiums) of $1.80 billion were due from carriers which had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better and the largest reinsurance recoverables from any one carrier was approximately 4.2% of our total shareholders’ equity.
 
The effects of reinsurance on written and earned premiums and losses and loss adjustment expenses with unaffiliated reinsurers were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Premiums Written
 

 
 

Direct
$
745,989

 
$
715,052

Assumed
549,147

 
448,647

Ceded
(230,146
)
 
(210,923
)
Net
$
1,064,990

 
$
952,776

 
 
 
 
Premiums Earned
 

 
 

Direct
$
681,888

 
$
647,522

Assumed
382,298

 
306,924

Ceded
(204,406
)
 
(201,676
)
Net
$
859,780

 
$
752,770

 
 
 
 
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 

 
 

Direct
$
385,715

 
$
351,767

Assumed
144,021

 
108,997

Ceded
(93,496
)
 
(61,361
)
Net
$
436,240

 
$
399,403

 

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Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
We establish reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“Loss Reserves”) which represent estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections, at a given point in time, of our expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of losses incurred. Estimating Loss Reserves is inherently difficult, which is exacerbated by the fact that we have relatively limited historical experience upon which to base such estimates. We utilize actuarial models as well as available historical insurance industry loss ratio experience and loss development patterns to assist in the establishment of Loss Reserves. Actual losses and loss adjustment expenses paid will deviate, perhaps substantially, from the reserve estimates reflected in our financial statements.

At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our Loss Reserves, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, by type and by operating segment were as follows:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Insurance:
 

 
 

Case reserves
$
1,427,639

 
$
1,446,029

IBNR reserves
3,061,102

 
3,037,755

Total net reserves
4,488,741

 
4,483,784

Reinsurance:
 

 
 

Case reserves
739,002

 
749,830

Additional case reserves
104,951

 
113,331

IBNR reserves
1,751,777

 
1,722,214

Total net reserves
2,595,730

 
2,585,375

Mortgage:
 
 
 
Case reserves
107,120

 
1,419

IBNR reserves
17,936

 
5,868

Total net reserves
125,056

 
7,287

Other:
 
 
 
IBNR reserves
1,356

 

Total net reserves
1,356

 

Total:
 

 
 

Case reserves
2,273,761

 
2,197,278

Additional case reserves
104,951

 
113,331

IBNR reserves
4,832,171

 
4,765,837

Total net reserves
$
7,210,883

 
$
7,076,446

 
At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the insurance segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Professional lines (1)
$
1,534,145

 
$
1,525,360

Construction and national accounts
706,642

 
694,721

Excess and surplus casualty (2)
669,090

 
678,893

Programs
654,650

 
644,689

Property, energy, marine and aviation
471,497

 
503,208

Travel, accident and health
53,922

 
49,934

Lenders products
36,827

 
31,076

Other (3)
361,968

 
355,903

Total net reserves
$
4,488,741

 
$
4,483,784

_________________________________________________
(1)
Includes professional liability, executive assurance and healthcare business.
(2)
Includes casualty and contract binding business.
(3)
Includes alternative markets, excess workers’ compensation and surety business.


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At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the reinsurance segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Casualty (1)
$
1,518,624

 
$
1,513,205

Other specialty (2)
422,913

 
397,776

Property excluding property catastrophe (3)
258,478

 
260,968

Property catastrophe
180,025

 
190,027

Marine and aviation
154,713

 
163,293

Other (4)
60,977

 
60,106

Total net reserves
$
2,595,730

 
$
2,585,375

 _________________________________________________
(1)
Includes professional liability, executive assurance, healthcare and excess motor business.
(2)
Includes non-excess motor, surety, accident and health, workers’ compensation catastrophe, agriculture, trade credit and political risk.
(3)
Includes facultative business.
(4)
Includes life, casualty clash and other.

Shareholders’ Equity and Book Value per Common Share
 
Total shareholders’ equity available to Arch was $5.89 billion at March 31, 2014, compared to $5.65 billion at December 31, 2013. The increase in the 2014 first quarter was primarily attributable to net income, reflecting contributions from both underwriting and investing activities. There were no share repurchases during the 2014 first quarter.
 
On May 1, 2014, we issued an earnings release and financial supplement for the 2014 first quarter. The consolidated statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q differ from those included in our earnings release and financial supplement primarily reflecting the effect of an immaterial change to the allocation of issuance costs related to Watford’s issuance of common shares. As a result, our additional paid-in capital and total shareholders’ equity available to Arch decreased by $1.3 million while the non-redeemable noncontrolling interest increased by the same amount. This had no effect on total shareholders’ equity. As a result, book value per common share decreased to $41.52 from the $41.53 as reported in our earnings release and financial supplement.

The following table presents the calculation of book value per common share:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Calculation of book value per common share:
 

 
 

Total shareholders’ equity available to Arch
$
5,892,133

 
$
5,647,496

Less preferred shareholders’ equity
325,000

 
325,000

Common shareholders’ equity available to Arch
$
5,567,133

 
$
5,322,496

Common shares outstanding, net of treasury shares (1)
134,084,138

 
133,674,884

Book value per common share
$
41.52

 
$
39.82

_________________________________________________
(1)
Excludes the effects of 8,314,310 and 8,338,480 stock options and 443,756 and 443,710 restricted stock units outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
ACGL is a holding company whose assets primarily consist of the shares in its subsidiaries. Generally, ACGL depends on its available cash resources, liquid investments and dividends or other distributions from its subsidiaries to make payments, including the payment of debt service obligations and operating expenses it may incur and any dividends or liquidation amounts with respect to the non-cumulative preferred shares and common shares. ACGL’s readily available cash, short-term investments and marketable securities, excluding amounts held by our regulated insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, totaled $14.9 million at March 31, 2014, compared to $5.8 million at December 31, 2013. During the 2014 first quarter, ACGL received dividends of $15.5 million from Arch Reinsurance Ltd. (“Arch Re Bermuda”), our Bermuda-based reinsurer and insurer.
 
The ability of our regulated insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions or other payments to us is dependent on their ability to meet applicable regulatory standards. Under Bermuda law, Arch Re Bermuda is required to maintain an enhanced capital requirement which must equal or exceed its minimum solvency margin (i.e., the amount by which the value of its general business assets must exceed its general business liabilities) equal to the greatest of (1)

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$100.0 million, (2) 50% of net premiums written (being gross premiums written less any premiums ceded by Arch Re Bermuda, but Arch Re Bermuda may not deduct more than 25% of gross premiums when computing net premiums written) and (3) 15% of net aggregated losses and loss expense provisions and other insurance reserves. Arch Re Bermuda is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends during any financial year if it is not in compliance with its enhanced capital requirement, minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio. In addition, Arch Re Bermuda is prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year’s statutory balance sheet) unless it files, at least seven days before payment of such dividends, with the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet the required margins. In addition, Arch Re Bermuda is prohibited, without prior approval of the BMA, from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital, as set out in its previous year’s statutory financial statements. As a Class 4 insurer, Arch Re Bermuda is required to maintain available statutory capital and surplus pertaining to its general business at a level equal to or in excess of its enhanced capital requirement (“ECR”) which is established by reference to either the BSCR model (“BSCR”) or an approved internal capital model. At December 31, 2013, as determined under Bermuda law, Arch Re Bermuda had statutory capital of $2.36 billion ($2.32 billion at December 31, 2012) and statutory capital and surplus of $5.42 billion ($5.01 billion at December 31, 2012), which amounts were in compliance with Arch Re Bermuda’s ECR at such date. Such amounts include ownership interests in U.S. insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Accordingly, Arch Re Bermuda can pay approximately $1.34 billion to ACGL during the remainder of 2014 without providing an affidavit to the BMA, as discussed above. Under BMA guidelines, the value of the assets of our insurance group (i.e., the group of companies that conducts exclusively, or mainly, insurance business) must exceed the amount of the group’s liabilities by the aggregate minimum margin of solvency of each qualifying member of the group (the “Group MSM”). A member is a qualifying member of the insurance group if it is subject to solvency requirements in the jurisdiction in which it is registered. We were in compliance with the Group MSM at December 31, 2013.

Our U.S. insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are subject to insurance laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The ability of our regulated insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions is dependent on their ability to meet applicable regulatory standards. These regulations include restrictions that limit the amount of dividends or other distributions, such as loans or cash advances, available to shareholders without prior approval of the insurance regulatory authorities. Dividends or distributions, if any, made by Arch Re U.S. would result in an increase in available capital at Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. (“Arch-U.S.”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACGL. Arch Re U.S. can declare a maximum of approximately $101.3 million of dividends during 2014 subject to the authority of the Nebraska Director of Insurance to disapprove the payment of such dividend. Nebraska insurance laws also require that the statutory surplus of Arch Re U.S. following any dividend or distribution be reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities and adequate to its financial needs. In addition, Nebraska insurance laws require that each insurer give notice to the Nebraska Director of Insurance of all dividends and other distributions within five business days following declaration thereof and that any such dividend or other distribution may not be paid within ten business days of such notice, unless for good cause shown and the Nebraska Director of Insurance has approved such payment within the ten business days of such notice.

In addition to meeting applicable regulatory standards, the ability of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to intermediate parent companies owned by Arch Re Bermuda is also constrained by our dependence on the financial strength ratings of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries from independent rating agencies. The ratings from these agencies depend to a large extent on the capitalization levels of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. We believe that ACGL has sufficient cash resources and available dividend capacity to service its indebtedness and other current outstanding obligations.

Our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are required to maintain assets on deposit, which primarily consist of fixed maturities, with various regulatory authorities to support their operations. The assets on deposit are available to settle insurance and reinsurance liabilities to third parties. Our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries maintain assets in trust accounts as collateral for insurance and reinsurance transactions with affiliated companies and also have investments in segregated portfolios primarily to provide collateral or guarantees for letters of credit to third parties. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, such amounts approximated $5.74 billion and $5.30 billion, respectively.
 
Our non-U.S. operations account for a significant percentage of our net premiums written. In general, the business written by our non-U.S. operations, which is heavily weighted towards reinsurance business, has been more profitable than the business written in our U.S. operations, which is weighted more towards insurance business. In general, our reinsurance segment has operated at a higher margin than our insurance segment, which is due to prevailing market conditions and the mix and type of business written. The most profitable line of business in the current environment continues to be catastrophe-exposed property reinsurance, which is written primarily in our non-U.S. operations. Additionally, a significant component of our pre-tax income is generated through our investment performance. We hold a substantial amount of our investable assets in our non-U.S. operations and, accordingly, a large portion of our investment income is produced in our non-U.S. operations. In addition, ACGL, through its subsidiaries, provides financial support to certain of its insurance subsidiaries and affiliates, through certain

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reinsurance arrangements beneficial to the ratings of such subsidiaries. Our U.S.-based insurance and reinsurance groups enter into separate reinsurance arrangements with Arch Re Bermuda covering individual lines of business. For the 2013 calendar year, the U.S. groups ceded business to Arch Re Bermuda at an aggregate net cession rate (i.e., net of third party reinsurance) of approximately 55% (compared to 46% for 2012). All of the above factors have resulted in the non-U.S. group providing a higher contribution to our overall pre-tax income in the current period than the percentage of net premiums written would indicate.
 
Except as described in the above paragraph, or where express reinsurance, guarantee or other financial support contractual arrangements are in place, each of ACGL’s subsidiaries or affiliates is solely responsible for its own liabilities and commitments (and no other ACGL subsidiary or affiliate is so responsible). Any reinsurance arrangements, guarantees or other financial support contractual arrangements that are in place are solely for the benefit of the ACGL subsidiary or affiliate involved and third parties (creditors or insureds of such entity) are not express beneficiaries of such arrangements.
 
The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Total cash provided by (used for):
 

 
 

Operating activities
$
198,169

 
$
205,659

Investing activities
(41,226
)
 
(210,432
)
Financing activities
978,364

 
(3,065
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
241

 
(6,436
)
Increase in cash
$
1,135,548

 
$
(14,274
)
 
Cash provided by operating activities for the 2014 first quarter was lower than in the 2013 period. The decrease in operating cash flows reflected a lower level of distributions on certain fund investments and a higher level of operating expenses paid, partially offset by an increase in premiums collected.

Cash used for investing activities for the 2014 first quarter was lower than in the 2013 period. Activity for the 2014 first quarter reflected a lower level of net purchases of fixed maturity investments, while the gross purchases and sales of such investments was higher than in the 2013 period.

Cash provided by financing activities for the 2014 first quarter was higher than in the 2013 period, primarily due to the consolidation of Watford in our results, and the capital raising activities of Watford during the period. There were no share repurchases under our share repurchase program in the 2014 first quarter, compared to $41.0 million in the 2013 period.
 
Our insurance and reinsurance operations provide liquidity in that premiums are received in advance, sometimes substantially in advance, of the time losses are paid. The period of time from the occurrence of a claim through the settlement of the liability may extend many years into the future. Sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, financing arrangements or routine sales of investments.
 
As part of Arch’s investment strategy, we seek to establish a level of cash and highly liquid short-term and intermediate-term securities which, combined with expected cash flow, is believed by us to be adequate to meet our foreseeable payment obligations. However, due to the nature of our operations, cash flows are affected by claim payments that may comprise large payments on a limited number of claims and which can fluctuate from year to year. We believe that our liquid investments and cash flow will provide us with sufficient liquidity in order to meet our claim payment obligations. However, the timing and amounts of actual claim payments related to recorded Loss Reserves vary based on many factors, including large individual losses, changes in the legal environment, as well as general market conditions. The ultimate amount of the claim payments could differ materially from our estimated amounts. Certain lines of business written by us, such as excess casualty, have loss experience characterized as low frequency and high severity. The foregoing may result in significant variability in loss payment patterns. The impact of this variability can be exacerbated by the fact that the timing of the receipt of reinsurance recoverables owed to us may be slower than anticipated by us. Therefore, the irregular timing of claim payments can create significant variations in cash flows from operations between periods and may require us to utilize other sources of liquidity to make these payments, which may include the sale of investments or utilization of existing or new credit facilities or capital market transactions. If the source of liquidity is the sale of investments, we may be forced to sell such investments at a loss, which may be material.
 

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Our investments in certain securities, including certain fixed income and structured securities, investments in funds accounted for using the equity method, other investments and our investments in Gulf Reinsurance Limited (joint venture) and Watford may be illiquid due to contractual provisions or investment market conditions. If we require significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of anticipated cash requirements, then we may have difficulty selling these investments in a timely manner or may be forced to sell or terminate them at unfavorable values.
 
On a consolidated basis, total investable assets managed by Arch totaled $14.26 billion at March 31, 2014, compared to $14.05 billion at December 31, 2013. The primary goals of our asset liability management process are to satisfy the insurance liabilities, manage the interest rate risk embedded in those insurance liabilities and maintain sufficient liquidity to cover fluctuations in projected liability cash flows, including debt service obligations. Generally, the expected principal and interest payments produced by our fixed income portfolio adequately fund the estimated runoff of our insurance reserves. Although this is not an exact cash flow match in each period, the substantial degree by which the fair value of the fixed income portfolio exceeds the expected present value of the net insurance liabilities, as well as the positive cash flow from newly sold policies and the large amount of high quality liquid bonds, provide assurance of our ability to fund the payment of claims and to service our outstanding debt without having to sell securities at distressed prices or access credit facilities. Our unfunded investment commitments totaled approximately $966.1 million at March 31, 2014.
 
Various rating agencies have announced the possibility of future downgrades of the United States’ credit rating, depending on spending levels, interest rates, fiscal pressures that result in a higher general government debt trajectory and other factors. In addition, the impact of the continuing weakness of the U.S., European countries and other key economies, projected budget deficits for the U.S., European countries and other governments and the consequences associated with possible additional downgrades of securities of the U.S., European countries and other governments by credit rating agencies is inherently unpredictable and could have a material adverse effect on financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world. In turn, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and, in particular, this could have a material adverse effect on the value and liquidity of securities in our investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2014 included $1.15 billion of obligations of the U.S. government and government agencies at fair value and $1.41 billion of municipal bonds at fair value. Please refer to Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our 2013 Form 10-K for a discussion of other risks relating to our business and investment portfolio.
 
We expect that our liquidity needs, including our anticipated insurance obligations and operating and capital expenditure needs, for the next twelve months, at a minimum, will be met by funds generated from underwriting activities and investment income, as well as by our balance of cash, short-term investments, proceeds on the sale or maturity of our investments, and our credit facilities.

We monitor our capital adequacy on a regular basis and will seek to adjust our capital base (up or down) according to the needs of our business. The future capital requirements of our business will depend on many factors, including our ability to write new business successfully and to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. Our ability to underwrite is largely dependent upon the quality of our claims paying and financial strength ratings as evaluated by independent rating agencies. In particular, we require (1) sufficient capital to maintain our financial strength ratings, as issued by several ratings agencies, at a level considered necessary by management to enable our key operating subsidiaries to compete; (2) sufficient capital to enable our underwriting subsidiaries to meet the capital adequacy tests performed by statutory agencies in the U.S. and other key markets; and (3) letters of credit and other forms of collateral that are necessary for our non-U.S. operating companies because they are “non-admitted” under U.S. state insurance regulations.

In December 2013, Arch-U.S., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACGL, completed a public offering of $500.0 million principal amount of 5.144% senior notes issued at par and due November 1, 2043 (“Arch-U.S. Senior Notes”), fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ACGL (the “Guarantee”). The Arch-U.S. Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Arch-U.S. and ACGL, respectively, and rank equally and ratably with the other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Arch-U.S. and ACGL, respectively.
 
As part of our capital management program, we may seek to raise additional capital or may seek to return capital to our shareholders through share repurchases, cash dividends or other methods (or a combination of such methods). Any such determination will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our profits, financial requirements and other factors, including legal restrictions, rating agency requirements and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant.
 
The board of directors of ACGL has authorized the investment in ACGL’s common shares through a share repurchase program. Authorizations have consisted of a $1.0 billion authorization in February 2007, a $500.0 million authorization in May 2008, a $1.0 billion authorization in November 2009 and a $1.0 billion authorization in February 2011. Since the inception

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of the share repurchase program through March 31, 2014, ACGL has repurchased 109.9 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $2.79 billion. At March 31, 2014, $712.1 million of share repurchases were available under the program. Repurchases under the program may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 2014. The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under this program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and corporate and regulatory considerations. We will continue to monitor our share price and, depending upon results of operations, market conditions and the development of the economy, as well as other factors, we will consider share repurchases on an opportunistic basis.
 
To the extent that our existing capital is insufficient to fund our future operating requirements or maintain such ratings, we may need to raise additional funds through financings or limit our growth. We can provide no assurance that, if needed, we would be able to obtain additional funds through financing on satisfactory terms or at all. Adverse developments in the financial markets, such as disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the capital and credit markets, may result in realized and unrealized capital losses that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and our businesses, and may also limit our access to capital required to operate our business.
 
If we are not able to obtain adequate capital, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected, which could include, among other things, the following possible outcomes: (1) potential downgrades in the financial strength ratings assigned by ratings agencies to our operating subsidiaries, which could place those operating subsidiaries at a competitive disadvantage compared to higher-rated competitors; (2) reductions in the amount of business that our operating subsidiaries are able to write in order to meet capital adequacy-based tests enforced by statutory agencies; and (3) any resultant ratings downgrades could, among other things, affect our ability to write business and increase the cost of bank credit and letters of credit. In addition, under certain of the reinsurance agreements assumed by our reinsurance operations, upon the occurrence of a ratings downgrade or other specified triggering event with respect to our reinsurance operations, such as a reduction in surplus by specified amounts during specified periods, our ceding company clients may be provided with certain rights, including, among other things, the right to terminate the subject reinsurance agreement and/or to require that our reinsurance operations post additional collateral.
 
In addition to common share capital, we depend on external sources of finance to support our underwriting activities, which can be in the form (or any combination) of debt securities, preference shares, common equity and bank credit facilities providing loans and/or letters of credit. As noted above, equity or debt financing, if available at all, may be on terms that are unfavorable to us. In the case of equity financings, dilution to our shareholders could result, and, in any case, such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our outstanding securities.
 
In August 2011, we entered into a three-year agreement for a $300 million unsecured revolving loan and letter of credit facility and a $500 million secured letter of credit facility. Under the terms of the agreement, Arch Reinsurance Company, our U.S.-based reinsurer, and Arch Re Bermuda are limited to issuing $100 million of unsecured letters of credit as part of the unsecured revolving loan. In addition, we have access to secured letter of credit facilities of approximately $192.0 million, which are available on a limited basis and for limited purposes. Refer to note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies—Letter of Credit and Revolving Credit Facilities,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our available facilities, applicable covenants on such facilities and available capacity.
 
In March 2012, ACGL and Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. filed a universal shelf registration statement with the SEC. This registration statement allows for the possible future offer and sale by us of various types of securities, including unsecured debt securities, preference shares, common shares, warrants, share purchase contracts and units and depositary shares. The shelf registration statement enables us to efficiently access the public debt and/or equity capital markets in order to meet our future capital needs. The shelf registration statement also allows selling shareholders to resell common shares that they own in one or more offerings from time to time. We will not receive any proceeds from any shares offered by the selling shareholders. This report is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
 
At March 31, 2014, total capital available to Arch of $6.79 billion consisted of $800.0 million of senior notes, representing 11.8% of the total, $100.0 million of revolving credit agreement borrowings due in August 2014, representing 1.5% of the total, $325.0 million of preferred shares, representing 4.8% of the total, and common shareholders’ equity of $5.57 billion, representing 82.0% of the total. At December 31, 2013, total capital available to Arch of $6.55 billion consisted of $800.0 million of senior notes, representing 12.2% of the total, $100.0 million of revolving credit agreement borrowings due in August 2014, representing 1.5% of the total, $325.0 million of preferred shares, representing 5.0% of the total, and common shareholders’ equity of $5.32 billion, representing 81.3% of the total. The increase in capital during the 2014 first quarter was primarily attributable to net income, reflecting contributions from both underwriting and investing activities.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Off-balance sheet arrangements are discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2013 Form 10-K.
 
Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management
 
In accordance with the SEC’s Financial Reporting Release No. 48, we performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the effects that market risk exposures could have on the future earnings, fair values or cash flows of our financial instruments as of March 31, 2014. Market risk represents the risk of changes in the fair value of a financial instrument and is comprised of several components, including liquidity, basis and price risks. An analysis of material changes in market risk exposures at March 31, 2014 that affect the quantitative and qualitative disclosures presented in our 2013 Form 10-K (see section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management”) were as follows:
 
Investment Market Risk
 
Fixed Income Securities. We invest in interest rate sensitive securities, primarily debt securities. We consider the effect of interest rate movements on the fair value of our fixed maturities, fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements, short-term investments and certain of our other investments which invest in fixed income securities and the corresponding change in unrealized appreciation. As interest rates rise, the fair value of our interest rate sensitive securities falls, and the converse is also true. Based on historical observations, there is a low probability that all interest rate yield curves would shift in the same direction at the same time. Accordingly, the actual effect of interest rate movements may differ materially from the amounts set forth in the following tables.
 
The following table summarizes the effect that an immediate, parallel shift in the interest rate yield curve would have had on our fixed income securities:
 
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
(U.S. dollars in millions)
-100
 
-50
 
 
+50
 
+100
March 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total fair value
$
13,540.9

 
$
13,328.5

 
$
13,116.7

 
$
12,909.1

 
$
12,707.5

Change from base
3.23
%
 
1.61
%
 

 
(1.58
)%
 
(3.12
)%
Change in unrealized value
$
424.2

 
$
211.8

 
$

 
$
(207.6
)
 
$
(409.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total fair value
$
13,338.9

 
$
13,178.2

 
$
13,009.5

 
$
12,839.6

 
$
12,671.3

Change from base
2.53
%
 
1.30
%
 

 
(1.31
)%
 
(2.60
)%
Change in unrealized value
$
329.4

 
$
168.7

 
$

 
$
(169.9
)
 
$
(338.2
)
 
In addition, we consider the effect of credit spread movements on the fair value of our fixed maturities, fixed maturities pledged under securities lending agreements, short-term investments and certain of our other investments and investment funds accounted for using the equity method which invest in fixed income securities and the corresponding change in unrealized appreciation. As credit spreads widen, the fair value of our fixed income securities falls, and the converse is also true.
 
The following table summarizes the effect that an immediate, parallel shift in credit spreads in a static interest rate environment would have had on our fixed income securities:
 
Credit Spread Shift in Basis Points
(U.S. dollars in millions)
-100
 
-50
 
 
+50
 
+100
March 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total fair value
$
13,336.8

 
$
13,243.8

 
$
13,116.7

 
$
13,003.8

 
$
12,889.9

Change from base
1.68
%
 
0.97
%
 

 
(0.86
)%
 
(1.73
)%
Change in unrealized value
$
220.1

 
$
127.1

 
$

 
$
(112.9
)
 
$
(226.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Total fair value
$
13,228.3

 
$
13,137.9

 
$
13,009.5

 
$
12,896.3

 
$
12,783.0

Change from base
1.68
%
 
0.99
%
 

 
(0.87
)%
 
(1.74
)%
Change in unrealized value
$
218.8

 
$
128.4

 
$

 
$
(113.2
)
 
$
(226.5
)

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Another method that attempts to measure portfolio risk is Value-at-Risk (“VaR”). VaR attempts to take into account a broad cross-section of risks facing a portfolio by utilizing relevant securities volatility data skewed towards the most recent months and quarters. VaR measures the amount of a portfolio at risk for outcomes 1.65 standard deviations from the mean based on normal market conditions over a one year time horizon and is expressed as a percentage of the portfolio’s initial value. In other words, 95% of the time, should the risks taken into account in the VaR model perform per their historical tendencies, the portfolio’s loss in any one year period is expected to be less than or equal to the calculated VaR, stated as a percentage of the measured portfolio’s initial value. As of March 31, 2014, our portfolio’s VaR was estimated to be 3.34%, compared to an estimated 3.43% at December 31, 2013.
 
Certain Other Investments and Equity Securities. Our investment portfolio includes certain other investments which do not invest in fixed income securities along with equity holdings. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of such investments totaled $658.1 million and $606.4 million, respectively. These investments are exposed to price risk, which is the potential loss arising from decreases in fair value. An immediate hypothetical 10% decline in the value of each position would reduce the fair value of such investments by approximately $65.8 million and $60.6 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and would have decreased book value per common share by approximately $0.49 and $0.45, respectively. An immediate hypothetical 10% increase in the value of each position would increase the fair value of such investments by approximately $65.8 million and $60.6 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and would have increased book value per common share by approximately $0.49 and $0.45, respectively.
 
Investment-Related Derivatives. Derivative instruments may be used to enhance investment performance, replicate investment positions or manage market exposures and duration risk that would be allowed under our investment guidelines if implemented in other ways. The fair values of those derivatives are based on quoted market prices. See note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures concerning derivatives. At March 31, 2014, the notional value of the net long position of derivative instruments (excluding to-be-announced mortgage backed securities which are included in the fixed income securities analysis above and foreign currency forward contracts which are included in the foreign currency exchange risk analysis below) was $1.75 billion, compared to $812.1 million at December 31, 2013. A 100 basis point depreciation of the underlying exposure to these derivative instruments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 would have resulted in a reduction in net income of approximately $17.5 million and $8.1 million, respectively, and would have decreased book value per common share by $0.13 and $0.06, respectively. A 100 basis point appreciation of the underlying exposure to these derivative instruments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 would have resulted in an increase in net income of approximately $17.5 million and $8.1 million, respectively, and would have increased book value per common share by $0.13 and $0.06, respectively.
 
For further discussion on investment activity, please refer to “—Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Investable Assets.”
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
 
Foreign currency rate risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Through our subsidiaries and branches located in various foreign countries, we conduct our insurance and reinsurance operations in a variety of local currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. We generally hold investments in foreign currencies which are intended to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in our net insurance liabilities. We may also utilize foreign currency forward contracts and currency options as part of our investment strategy. See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
 

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The following table provides a summary of our net foreign currency exchange exposures, as well as foreign currency derivatives in place to manage these exposures:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Net assets (liabilities), denominated in foreign currencies, excluding shareholders’ equity and derivatives
$
(32,628
)
 
$
168,352

Shareholders’ equity denominated in foreign currencies (1)
392,950

 
396,106

Net foreign currency forward contracts outstanding (2)
(52,380
)
 
(87,399
)
Net exposures denominated in foreign currencies
$
307,942

 
$
477,059

 
 
 
 
Pre-tax impact of a hypothetical 10% appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies:
 

 
 

Shareholders’ equity
$
(30,794
)
 
$
(47,706
)
Book value per common share
$
(0.23
)
 
$
(0.36
)
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax impact of a hypothetical 10% decline of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies:
 

 
 

Shareholders’ equity
$
30,794

 
$
47,706

Book value per common share
$
0.23

 
$
0.36

_________________________________________________
(1)
Represents capital contributions held in the foreign currencies of our operating units.
(2)
Notional value of the outstanding foreign currency forward contracts in U.S. Dollars.
 
As a result of the current financial and economic environment as well as the potential for additional investment returns, we may not match a portion of our projected liabilities in foreign currencies with investments in the same currencies, which would increase our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and increase the volatility in our results of operations. Historical observations indicate a low probability that all foreign currency exchange rates would shift against the U.S. Dollar in the same direction and at the same time and, accordingly, the actual effect of foreign currency rate movements may differ materially from the amounts set forth above. For further discussion on foreign exchange activity, please refer to “—Results of Operations.”
 
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This release or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of us may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, for purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” or “continue” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature or their negative or variations or similar terminology.
 
Forward-looking statements involve our current assessment of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements are discussed below and elsewhere in this release and in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and include:
 
our ability to successfully implement its business strategy during “soft” as well as “hard” markets;
acceptance of our business strategy, security and financial condition by rating agencies and regulators, as well as by brokers and our insureds and reinsureds; 
our ability to maintain or improve our ratings, which may be affected by our ability to raise additional equity or debt financings, by ratings agencies’ existing or new policies and practices, as well as other factors described herein;
general economic and market conditions (including inflation, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, prevailing credit terms and the depth and duration of a recession) and conditions specific to the reinsurance and insurance markets (including the length and magnitude of the current “soft” market) in which we operate;
competition, including increased competition, on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors;
developments in the world’s financial and capital markets and our access to such markets;
our ability to successfully enhance, integrate and maintain operating procedures (including information technology) to effectively support our current and new business;
the loss of key personnel;

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the integration of businesses we have acquired or may acquire into our existing operations;
accuracy of those estimates and judgments utilized in the preparation of our financial statements, including those related to revenue recognition, insurance and other reserves, reinsurance recoverables, investment valuations, intangible assets, bad debts, income taxes, contingencies and litigation, and any determination to use the deposit method of accounting, which for a relatively new insurance and reinsurance company, like our company, are even more difficult to make than those made in a mature company since relatively limited historical information has been reported to us through March 31, 2014;
 greater than expected loss ratios on business written by us and adverse development on claim and/or claim expense liabilities related to business written by our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries;
 severity and/or frequency of losses;
claims for natural or man-made catastrophic events in our insurance or reinsurance business could cause large losses and substantial volatility in our results of operations;
acts of terrorism, political unrest and other hostilities or other unforecasted and unpredictable events;
availability to us of reinsurance to manage our gross and net exposures and the cost of such reinsurance;
the failure of reinsurers, managing general agents, third party administrators or others to meet their obligations to us;
the timing of loss payments being faster or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being slower than anticipated by us;
our investment performance, including legislative or regulatory developments that may adversely affect the fair value of our investments;
the impact of the continued weakness of the U.S., European countries or other key economies, projected budget deficits for the U.S., European countries and other governments and the consequences associated with possible additional downgrades of securities of the U.S., European countries and other governments by credit rating agencies, and the resulting effect on the value of securities in our investment portfolio as well as the uncertainty in the market generally;
losses relating to aviation business and business produced by a certain managing underwriting agency for which we may be liable to the purchaser of its prior reinsurance business or to others in connection with the May 5, 2000 asset sale described in our periodic reports filed with the SEC;
changes in accounting principles or policies or in our application of such accounting principles or policies;
changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operates, underwrites business or invests;
statutory or regulatory developments, including as to tax policy matters and insurance and other regulatory matters such as the adoption of proposed legislation that would affect Bermuda-headquartered companies and/or Bermuda-based insurers or reinsurers and/or changes in regulations or tax laws applicable to us, our subsidiaries, brokers or customers; and
the other matters set forth under Item 1A “Risk Factors”, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the other factors set forth in our other documents on file with the SEC, and management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors.
 
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
Other Financial Information
 
The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2014 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 have been reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. Their report (dated May 12, 2014) is included on page 2. The report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that unaudited financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for their report on the unaudited financial

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information because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of the registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Reference is made to the information appearing above under the subheading “Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management” under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
In connection with the filing of this Form 10-Q, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to applicable Exchange Act Rules as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of and during the period covered by this report with respect to information being recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and with respect to timely communication to them and other members of management responsible for preparing periodic reports of all material information required to be disclosed in this report as it relates to ACGL and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
We continue to enhance our operating procedures and internal controls to effectively support our business and our regulatory and reporting requirements. Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. As a result of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or by collusion of two or more people. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. As a result of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatement due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the disclosure controls and procedures are met.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
 
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
 
We, in common with the insurance industry in general, are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of our business. As of March 31, 2014, we were not a party to any litigation or arbitration which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.
 

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Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The following table summarizes our purchases of our common shares for the 2014 first quarter:
 
 
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
 May Yet be Purchased
Under the Plan or
Programs
1/1/2014 - 1/31/2014
 
3,172

 
$
55.86

 

 
$
712,115

2/1/2014 - 2/28/2014
 
2,546

 
54.97

 

 
$
712,115

3/1/2014 - 3/31/2014
 
31,395

 
57.47

 

 
$
712,115

Total
 
37,113

 
$
57.16

 

 
$
712,115

_________________________________________________
(1)
Includes repurchases by ACGL of shares, from time to time, from employees in order to facilitate the payment of withholding taxes on restricted shares granted and the exercise of stock appreciation rights. We purchased these shares at their fair value, as determined by reference to the closing price of our common shares on the day the restricted shares vested or the stock appreciation rights were exercised.
(2)
Remaining amount available at March 31, 2014 under ACGL’s share repurchase authorization, under which repurchases may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 2014.
 
Item 5.  Other Information
 
In accordance with Section 10a(i)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we are responsible for disclosing non-audit services to be provided by our independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which are approved by the Audit Committee of our board of directors. During the 2014 first quarter, the Audit Committee approved engagements of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for permitted non-audit services, which consisted of tax consulting services, tax compliance services and other accounting consulting services.

Item 6.  Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
15
 
Accountants’ Awareness Letter (regarding unaudited interim financial information)
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101
 
The following financial information from Arch Capital Group Ltd.’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 


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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 thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD.
 
 
(REGISTRANT)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Constantine Iordanou
Date: May 12, 2014
 
Constantine Iordanou
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) and Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Mark D. Lyons
Date: May 12, 2014
 
Mark D. Lyons
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
15
 
Accountants’ Awareness Letter (regarding unaudited interim financial information)
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101
 
The following financial information from Arch Capital Group Ltd.’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 



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