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PEMBROKE, Bermuda, May 4, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – WATFORD HOLDINGS LTD. (“Watford” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: WTRE) today reported a net loss of $ 267.8 million, after $ 1.2 million of preferred dividends, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to net income of $ 47.6 million, after payment of $ 4.9 million in preferred dividends, for the same period in 2019. The book value per diluted ordinary share was $ 28.21 as of March 31, 2020, a decrease of 35.1% as of December 31, 2019. Quarterly results include:
- Net loss available to common shareholders of $ 267.8 million, or $ (13.42) per diluted common share, compared to net income of $ 47.6 million, or $ 2.10 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2019;
- Combined ratio of 104.4%, comprised of a loss ratio of 79.0%, an acquisition expense ratio of 20.3%, and a general and administrative expense ratio of 5.1%, compared to a ratio combined 104.1% for the first quarter of the previous year, comprised of a 75.9% loss ratio, a 23.3% acquisition expense ratio and a 4.9% administrative and general expense ratio;
- Net interest income of $ 27.8 million, a 1.4% return on average net assets, for the first quarter of 2020, compared to net interest income of $ 30.4 million and a 1.5% return on average net assets for the first quarter of 2019;
- Net investment loss of $ 262.7 million, a (13.0)% return on average net assets for the first quarter of 2020, compared to net investment income of $ 58.4 million and a return of 2.8% on net assets average for the first quarter of 2019; and
- During the quarter, the Company repurchased 127,744 common shares at an average price of $ 22.42 per share for an aggregate cost of $ 2.9 million under the previously announced $ 50 million share repurchase program. As of March 31, 2020, up to approximately $ 47.1 million share buybacks were available under this program.
In addition, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in relation to the outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The pandemic is causing unprecedented social disruption, global economic volatility, reduced liquidity in capital markets, and intervention by various governments around the world.
At this time, there are significant uncertainties around the maximum number of insurance claims and the extent of damage resulting from this pandemic. The Company’s estimates in its insurance and reinsurance business lines are based on currently available information derived from modeling techniques, preliminary claim information obtained from the Company’s clients and brokers, a review of relevant current contracts with exposure potential for the pandemic and estimates of recoverable reinsurance. These estimates include losses related only to claims incurred as of March 31, 2020. The actual losses from these events may vary materially from the estimates due to various factors, including the uncertainties inherent in making such determinations and the evolutionary nature of this pandemic.
Commenting on the first quarter 2020 financial results, Jon Levy, CEO of Watford, said:
“First of all, we would like to acknowledge the difficult times created by the COVID-19 pandemic and express how grateful we are to those who are on the front lines at the service of their communities. Watford is also committed to supporting our clients and customers during this stressful period. I would like to thank Watford’s broader team for their efforts to deliver the same level of excellence in operations in these extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
As reported in our press release on April 23, 2020, our results for the first quarter were greatly affected by the volatility of the investment market caused by the economic shutdown ordered by governments around the world. The pandemic has had significant impacts worldwide, and Watford took its share of that impact, although not to a greater extent than anticipated for an event of this magnitude.
Our net loss of $ 267.8 million for the quarter was driven by a net investment loss of $ 262.7 million. The net investment loss, in turn, was predominantly the result of $ 285.5 million of “market-to-market” unrealized losses in our non-investment grade fixed income portfolio.
Net interest income, a key factor of long-term shareholder value, remained stable and solid at $ 27.8 million, representing a quarterly return on net assets of 1.4%.
Our combined ratio for the quarter was 104.4% and 102.2% when adjusted for other underwriting income and certain corporate and nonrecurring expenses. While the COVID-19 pandemic has created significant areas of uncertainty for the property and casualty insurance industry, the impact on our first quarter underwriting results was not material as we believe that our business combination is less exposed to the business classes that are likely to be most affected.
Conditions in the insurance and reinsurance market continue to move in a favorable direction and we remain optimistic about our position in the market. “
Assurance
The following table summarizes the Company’s underwriting results:
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | % Change | |||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 234,902 | $ | 186,689 | 25.8% | ||||
| Net written premiums | 186,700 | 145,387 | 28.4% | ||||||
| Net premiums earned | 140,039 | 146,094 | (4.1)% | ||||||
| Subscription income (loss) (1) | (6,143 | ) | (5,970 | ) | (2.9)% | ||||
| Point change% | |||||||||
| Loss ratio | 79.0 | % | 75.9 | % | 3.1% | ||||
| Acquisition expense ratio | 20.3 | % | 23.3 | % | (3.0)% | ||||
| General and administrative expenses ratio | 5.1 | % | 4.9 | % | 0.2% | ||||
| Combined ratio | 104.4 | % | 104.1 | % | 0.3% | ||||
| Adjusted combined ratio (2) | 102.2 | % | 102.3 | % | (0.1)% | ||||
(1) Underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure. USA And it is calculated as the net premiums earned, less the loss and loss adjustment expenses, the acquisition expenses and the general and administrative expenses. See “Comments on Regulation G” for more information, including a reconciliation of underwriting income (loss) with net income (loss) available to common shareholders.
(2) The adjusted combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. USA And it is calculated by dividing the sum of the loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses, less certain corporate expenses, by the sum of the net premiums earned and other subscription income (losses). See “Comments on Regulation G” for more information, including a reconciliation of our adjusted combined ratio with our combined ratio.
The following table provides summary information on premiums written and earned by line of business:
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||
| Gross written premiums: | |||||
| Claims reinsurance | $ | 83,818 | $ | 75,601 | |
| Other specialized reinsurance | 36,880 | 24,298 | |||
| Real estate catastrophe reinsurance | 9,832 | 5,992 | |||
| Insurance and coinsurance programs. | 104,372 | 80,798 | |||
| Total | $ | 234,902 | $ | 186,689 | |
| Net written premiums: | |||||
| Claims reinsurance | $ | 83,667 | $ | 75,065 | |
| Other specialized reinsurance | 35,484 | 23,182 | |||
| Real estate catastrophe reinsurance | 9,832 | 5,982 | |||
| Insurance and coinsurance programs. | 57,717 | 41,158 | |||
| Total | $ | 186,700 | $ | 145,387 | |
| Net premiums earned: | |||||
| Claims reinsurance | $ | 52,765 | $ | 63,313 | |
| Other specialized reinsurance | 35,364 | 44,561 | |||
| Real estate catastrophe reinsurance | 4,884 | 2,971 | |||
| Insurance and coinsurance programs. | 47,026 | 35,249 | |||
| Total | $ | 140,039 | $ | 146,094 | |
The following table shows the components of our loss expenses and loss adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
| Loss and loss Adjustment Expenses |
% cattle Cousins |
Loss and loss Adjustment Expenses |
% cattle Cousins |
||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||
| Current year | $ | 110,856 | 79.1 | % | $ | 110,901 | 75.9 | % | |||||
| Previous year development (favorable) / adverse | (180 | ) | (0.1 | )% | (51 | ) | – | % | |||||
| Loss expenses and loss adjustment | $ | 110,676 | 79.0 | % | $ | 110,850 | 75.9 | % | |||||
Results for the three months ended March 31, 2020 versus 2019:
Gross and net premiums written in the first quarter of 2020 were 25.8% and 28.4% higher, respectively, than in the first quarter of 2019. The increase in gross and net written premiums reflects growth in all lines of business. Accident reinsurance and other specialty reinsurance premiums increased during the prior year quarter, primarily due to the increase in personal and commercial auto deeds.
Net premiums obtained in the first quarter of 2020 were 4.1% lower than in the first quarter of 2019. The decrease in premiums reflected a non-renewal of a multi-line quota contract within the claims reinsurance and an exposure not recurring within another specialized reinsurance obtained in the first quarter of 2019. This was partially offset by the increase in deeds in the insurance and coinsurance programs and, to a lesser extent, the reinsurance of real estate catastrophes.
The loss ratio was 79.0% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 75.9% in the first quarter of 2019. The acquisition expense ratio was 20.3% in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 23.3% in the first quarter of 2019. In the first quarter of 2020, the increase in the loss ratio and the corresponding decrease in the acquisition expense ratio were due to incurred losses related to COVID-19 and affected other reinsurance businesses specialized. Part of this increase in losses is offset by decreases in commissions that are sensitive to losses, which are reflected as benefits for the acquisition index. Other movements reflect changes in the mix and the type of business. The development of the loss reserve from the previous year for the first quarters of 2020 and 2019 was essentially flat.
The general and administrative expenses index was 5.1% in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 4.9% in the first quarter of 2019. The increase of 0.2 points compared to the first quarter of the previous year was attributable to the continuous expenses of the public company. Excluding certain corporate expenses, our adjusted administrative and overhead rate was 3.0% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 3.5% in the first quarter of 2019.
Investments
The following table summarizes the Company’s key investment returns on a consolidated basis:
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||
| Interest income | $ | 37,824 | $ | 43,141 | |||
| Investment management fees – related parties | (4,352 | ) | (4,409 | ) | |||
| Loan and other miscellaneous investment expenses | (5,669 | ) | (8,298 | ) | |||
| Net Interest Income | 27,803 | 30,434 | |||||
| Gains (losses) made on investments | (5,046 | ) | 1,282 | ||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on investments | (285,456 | ) | 32,438 | ||||
| Investment performance fees – related parties | – | (5,800 | ) | ||||
| Net investment income (loss) | $ | (262,699 | ) | $ | 58,354 | ||
| Unrealized gains on investments (balance sheet) | $ | 40,525 | $ | 32,106 | |||
| Unrealized losses on investments (balance sheet) | (413,791 | ) | (111,535 | ) | |||
| Unrealized net gains (losses) on investments (balance sheet) | $ | (373,266 | ) | $ | (79,429 | ) | |
| Net Interest Income Yield on Average Net Assets (1) | 1.4 | % | 1.5 | % | |||
| Non-investment grade portfolio (1) | 1.7 | % | 1.9 | % | |||
| Investment grade portfolio (1) | 0.5 | % | 0.6 | % | |||
| Return on net investment over average net worth (1) | (13.0 | )% | 2.8 | % | |||
| Non-investment grade portfolio (1) | (17.4 | )% | 3.4 | % | |||
| Investment grade portfolio (1) | 0.8 | % | 1.1 | % | |||
| Return on investment net on average total investments (excluding accumulated investment income) (2) | (10.1 | )% | 2.1 | % | |||
| Non-investment grade portfolio (2) | (14.9 | )% | 2.7 | % | |||
| Investment grade portfolio (2) | 0.8 | % | 1.1 | % | |||
(1) The return on net interest income on average net assets and the return on net investment income on average net assets are calculated by dividing net interest income and net investment income (loss), respectively, between average net assets. Net assets are calculated as the sum of total investments, accumulated investment income, and accounts receivable for securities sold, less loans from revolving credit contracts, payable for securities purchased and payable for securities sold short. . For the three-month period, the average net asset is calculated using the averages for each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, loans from revolving credit contracts are not subtracted from the calculation of net assets. The separate components of these returns (non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio) are non-GAAP financial measures. USA Please refer to “Comments on Regulation G” for more information, including a reconciliation of these components of our return on net interest income on average net assets and the return on net investment income on average net assets.
(2) The return on net investment income on the average of total investments (excluding accumulated investment income) is calculated by dividing the net investment income by the average on total investments. For the three-month period, average total investments are calculated using the averages for each quarterly period. The separate components of these returns (non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio) are non-GAAP financial measures. USA See “Comments on Regulation G” for more information, including a reconciliation of these components of our net return on investment income to the average of total investments (excluding accumulated investment income).
The following tables summarize the composition of the Company’s investment grade and investment grade portfolios by sector as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
| March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Finance | Health care | Technology | Customer service | Industrial actions | Consumer goods | Petroleum gas | All others (1) | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-investment grade portfolio: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term loan investments | $ | 906,999 | $ | 190,535 | $ | 195,084 | $ | 199,837 | $ | 98,518 | $ | 89,778 | $ | 40,415 | $ | 32,049 | $ | 60,783 | ||||||||
| Corporate bonds | 240,570 | 24,927 | 43,028 | 15,702 | 49,761 | 27,585 | 19,947 | 18,522 | 41,098 | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity: specific sector | 95,112 | 59,714 | 27,174 | 5,868 | – | 1,026 | – | 242 | 1,088 | |||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments – specific sector | 47,703 | 7,703 | – | – | – | – | – | 40,000 | – | |||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 1,290,384 | 282,879 | 265,286 | 221,407 | 148,279 | 118,389 | 60,362 | 90,813 | 102,969 | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity: specific sector | 26,148 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments – not sector specific | 222,065 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 140,613 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other investments | 30,682 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 8,529 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total portfolio without investment grade | $ | 1,718,421 | $ | 282,879 | $ | 265,286 | $ | 221,407 | $ | 148,279 | $ | 118,389 | $ | 60,362 | $ | 90,813 | $ | 102,969 | ||||||||
| Investment grade portfolio: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | $ | 167,570 | $ | 62,046 | $ | 13,752 | $ | 12,135 | $ | 15,481 | $ | 14,133 | $ | 34,718 | $ | 7,346 | $ | 7,959 | ||||||||
| Short-term investments | 74,093 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| US government bonds USA And government agencies | 265,423 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-US government bonds and government agencies | 149,858 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 113,583 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 21,785 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal government bonds and government agencies | 2,073 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment grade portfolio | $ | 794,385 | $ | 62,046 | $ | 13,752 | $ | 12,135 | $ | 15,481 | $ | 14,133 | $ | 34,718 | $ | 7,346 | $ | 7,959 | ||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 2,512,806 | $ | 344,925 | $ | 279,038 | $ | 233,542 | $ | 163,760 | $ | 132,522 | $ | 95,080 | $ | 98,159 | $ | 110,928 | ||||||||
(1) Includes telecommunications, public services and basic materials.
| December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Finance | Health care | Technology | Customer service | Industrial actions | Consumer goods | Petroleum gas | All others (1) | ||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-investment grade portfolio: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term loan investments | $ | 1,061,934 | $ | 212,800 | $ | 221,982 | $ | 232,659 | $ | 121,434 | $ | 111,912 | $ | 46,827 | $ | 52,200 | $ | 62,120 | ||||||||
| Corporate bonds | 213,841 | 17,547 | 19,160 | 10,972 | 28,144 | 13,822 | 23,491 | 27,632 | 73,073 | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity: specific sector | 101,551 | 55,946 | 30,640 | 11,263 | – | 1,283 | – | 1,040 | 1,379 | |||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments – specific sector | 16,620 | 8,261 | – | 3,030 | – | 5,329 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 1,393,946 | 294,554 | 271,782 | 257,924 | 149,578 | 132,346 | 70,318 | 80,872 | 136,572 | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity: specific sector | 23,586 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments – not sector specific | 215,816 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 190,738 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other investments | 30,461 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 7,706 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total portfolio without investment grade | $ | 1,862,253 | $ | 294,554 | $ | 271,782 | $ | 257,924 | $ | 149,578 | $ | 132,346 | $ | 70,318 | $ | 80,872 | $ | 136,572 | ||||||||
| Investment grade portfolio: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | $ | 158,632 | $ | 72,707 | $ | 12,087 | $ | 8,035 | $ | 11,752 | $ | 10,548 | $ | 32,046 | $ | 5,734 | $ | 5,723 | ||||||||
| Short-term investments | 96,867 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| US government bonds USA And government agencies | 285,609 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-US government bonds and government agencies | 133,409 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 145,433 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 24,750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal government bonds and government agencies | 2,184 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment grade portfolio | $ | 846,884 | $ | 72,707 | $ | 12,087 | $ | 8,035 | $ | 11,752 | $ | 10,548 | $ | 32,046 | $ | 5,734 | $ | 5,723 | ||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 2,709,137 | $ | 367,261 | $ | 283,869 | $ | 265,959 | $ | 161,330 | $ | 142,894 | $ | 102,364 | $ | 86,606 | $ | 142,295 | ||||||||
(1) Includes telecommunications, public services and basic materials.
The table below summarizes the credit quality of the Company’s investment grade and investment grade portfolios as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, as rated by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC, or Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, or Moody’s, Fitch Ratings Inc., or Fitch, Kroll Bond Rating Agency, or KBRA, or DBRS Morningstar, or DBRS, as applicable:
| Credit Rating (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2020 | Fair value | AAA | AA | A | BBB | Bed and breakfast | yes | CCC | DC | C | re | Not qualified | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-investment grade portfolio: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term loan investments | $ | 906,999 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 10,277 | $ | 650,028 | $ | 161,307 | $ | 2,823 | $ | 1,314 | $ | 1,590 | $ | 79,660 | |||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | 240,570 | – | – | – | 5,933 | 14,447 | 84,955 | 118,847 | 1,872 | – | 3,699 | 10,817 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 140,613 | – | – | 3,339 | 85,572 | 19,727 | 7,395 | 1,418 | – | – | – | 23,162 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 8,529 | – | – | – | – | 1,190 | – | – | – | – | 2,552 | 4,787 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | 269,768 | 26,024 | 133,548 | 402 | 62,091 | – | 40,000 | – | – | – | – | 7,703 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed income instruments and short-term investments | 1,566,479 | 26,024 | 133,548 | 3,741 | 153,596 | 45,641 | 782,378 | 281,572 | 4,695 | 1,314 | 7,841 | 126,129 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other investments | 30,682 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actions | 121,260 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total portfolio without investment grade | $ | 1,718,421 | $ | 26,024 | $ | 133,548 | $ | 3,741 | $ | 153,596 | $ | 45,641 | $ | 782,378 | $ | 281,572 | $ | 4,695 | $ | 1,314 | $ | 7,841 | $ | 126,129 | |||||||||||
| Investment grade portfolio: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | $ | 167,570 | $ | – | $ | 34,647 | $ | 76,063 | $ | 52,085 | $ | 4,775 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | |||||||||||
| US government bonds USA And government agencies | 265,423 | – | 265,423 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 113,583 | 1,628 | – | 15,980 | 95,975 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 21,785 | – | – | 4,600 | 17,185 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-US government bonds and government agencies | 149,858 | – | 149,858 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal government bonds and government agencies | 2,073 | 1,023 | 570 | 480 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | 74,093 | 4,150 | 21,239 | – | 48,704 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment grade portfolio | $ | 794,385 | $ | 6,801 | $ | 471,737 | $ | 97,123 | $ | 213,949 | $ | 4,775 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,512,806 | $ | 32,825 | $ | 605,285 | $ | 100,864 | $ | 367,545 | $ | 50,416 | $ | 782,378 | $ | 281,572 | $ | 4,695 | $ | 1,314 | $ | 7,841 | $ | 126,129 | |||||||||||
(1) For individual fixed-maturity investments, Standard & Poor’s ratings are used. In the absence of a Standard & Poor’s rating, Moody’s ratings are used, followed by Fitch ratings, followed by KBRA and DBRS ratings.
| Credit Rating (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | Fair value | AAA | AA | A | BBB | Bed and breakfast | yes | CCC | DC | C | re | Not qualified | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-investment grade portfolio: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term loan investments | $ | 1,061,934 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 9,617 | $ | 761,168 | $ | 215,909 | $ | 6,823 | $ | 2,119 | $ | – | $ | 66,298 | |||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | 213,841 | – | – | – | – | 9,003 | 58,345 | 135,613 | – | – | – | 10,880 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 190,738 | – | – | 4,002 | 105,706 | 29,695 | 18,381 | – | – | – | – | 32,954 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 7,706 | – | – | – | – | 976 | – | – | – | – | 2,497 | 4,233 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | 232,436 | – | 116,805 | 34,903 | 64,108 | – | – | 8,359 | – | – | – | 8,261 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed income instruments and short-term investments | 1,706,655 | – | 116,805 | 38,905 | 169,814 | 49,291 | 837,894 | 359,881 | 6,823 | 2,119 | 2,497 | 122,626 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Investments | 30,461 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equities | 125,137 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Non-Investment Grade Portfolio | $ | 1,862,253 | $ | – | $ | 116,805 | $ | 38,905 | $ | 169,814 | $ | 49,291 | $ | 837,894 | $ | 359,881 | $ | 6,823 | $ | 2,119 | $ | 2,497 | $ | 122,626 | |||||||||||
| Investment Grade Portfolio: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | $ | 158,632 | $ | – | $ | 36,128 | $ | 81,401 | $ | 41,103 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | |||||||||||
| U.S. government and government agency bonds | 285,609 | – | 285,609 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 145,433 | 2,006 | – | 25,177 | 118,250 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 24,750 | – | – | 1,100 | 23,650 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-U.S. government and government agency bonds | 133,409 | – | 132,460 | – | 949 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal government and government agency bonds | 2,184 | 1,135 | 573 | 476 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | 96,867 | 25,783 | 20,037 | – | 51,047 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Investment Grade Portfolio | $ | 846,884 | $ | 28,924 | $ | 474,807 | $ | 108,154 | $ | 234,999 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,709,137 | $ | 28,924 | $ | 591,612 | $ | 147,059 | $ | 404,813 | $ | 49,291 | $ | 837,894 | $ | 359,881 | $ | 6,823 | $ | 2,119 | $ | 2,497 | $ | 122,626 | |||||||||||
(1) For individual fixed maturity investments, Standard & Poor’s ratings are used. In the absence of a Standard & Poor’s rating, ratings from Moody’s are used, followed by ratings from Fitch, followed by ratings from KBRA, followed by ratings from DBRS.
Corporate Function
The Company has a corporate function that includes general and administrative expenses related to corporate activities, interest expense, net foreign exchange gains (losses), income tax expense and items related to the Company’s contingently redeemable preference shares.
The Company incurred an interest expense of $ 2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, in relation to the Company’s 6.5% senior notes issued on July 2, 2019. Interest is paid semi-annually in arrears on January 2 and July 2.
Preference dividends were $ 1.2 million and $ 4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
During the quarter, the Company repurchased 127,744 common shares at an average price of $ 22.42 per share for an aggregate cost of $ 2.9 million. As of March 31, 2020, up to approximately $ 47.1 million of share repurchases were available under the program. In light of COVID-19 and the uncertain economic outlook, the Company has temporarily halted repurchases under the program.
Conference Call
The Company will hold a conference call on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its 2020 first quarter results. The Company also plans to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact its underwriting and investment portfolios in future periods and certain actions the Company has taken in response to the crisis. A live webcast of this call will be available via the Investors section of the Company’s website at http://investors.watfordre.com. A replay of the conference call will also be available via the Investors section of the Company’s website beginning on May 6, 2020.
About Watford Holdings Ltd.
Watford Holdings Ltd. is a global property and casualty insurance and reinsurance company with approximately $ 788.9 million in capital as of March 31, 2020, comprised of: $ 172.5 million of senior notes, $ 52.3 million of contingently redeemable preference shares and $ 564.1 million of common shareholders’ equity, with operations in Bermuda, the United States and Europe. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned financial strength ratings of “A-” (Excellent) from A.M. Best and “A” from Kroll Bond Rating Agency. On May 1, 2020, A.M. Best announced that it had placed under review with negative implications the financial strength ratings of our operating subsidiaries.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
| (Unaudited) | |||||||
| March 31st, | December 31, | ||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| Assets | ($ in thousands) | ||||||
| Investments: | |||||||
| Term loans, fair value option (Amortized cost: $ 1,113,510 and $ 1,113,212) | $ | 906,999 | $ | 1,061,934 | |||
| Fixed maturities, fair value option (Amortized cost: $ 504,750 and $ 432,576) | 392,452 | 416,594 | |||||
| Short-term investments, fair value option (Cost: $ 348,059 and $ 325,542) | 343,861 | 329,303 | |||||
| Equity securities, fair value option | 58,091 | 59,799 | |||||
| Other investments, fair value option | 30,682 | 30,461 | |||||
| Investments, fair value option | 1,732,085 | 1,898,091 | |||||
| Fixed maturities, available for sale (Amortized cost: $ 749,835 and $ 739,456) | 717,552 | 745,708 | |||||
| Equity securities, fair value through net income | 63,169 | 65,338 | |||||
| Total investments | 2,512,806 | 2,709,137 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 96,580 | 102,437 | |||||
| Accrued investment income | 16,344 | 14,025 | |||||
| Premiums receivable | 281,541 | 273,657 | |||||
| Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses | 197,458 | 170,974 | |||||
| Prepaid reinsurance premiums | 128,570 | 132,577 | |||||
| Deferred acquisition costs, net | 71,402 | 64,044 | |||||
| Receivable for securities sold | 26,789 | 16,288 | |||||
| Intangible assets | 7,650 | 7,650 | |||||
| Funds held by reinsurers | 40,520 | 42,505 | |||||
| Other assets | 27,287 | 17,562 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 3,406,947 | $ | 3,550,856 | |||
| Liabilities | |||||||
| Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 1,300,249 | $ | 1,263,628 | |||
| Unearned premiums | 478,663 | 438,907 | |||||
| Losses payable | 46,424 | 61,314 | |||||
| Reinsurance balances payable | 71,204 | 77,066 | |||||
| Payable for securities purchased | 63,829 | 18,180 | |||||
| Payable for securities sold short | 30,076 | 66,257 | |||||
| Revolving credit agreement borrowings | 576,486 | 484,287 | |||||
| Senior notes | 172,486 | 172,418 | |||||
| Amounts due to affiliates | 4,168 | 4,467 | |||||
| Investment management and performance fees payable | 5,428 | 17,762 | |||||
| Other liabilities | 41,552 | 21,912 | |||||
| Total liabilities | $ | 2,790,565 | $ | 2,626,198 | |||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||
| Contingently redeemable preference shares | 52,328 | 52,305 | |||||
| Shareholders ’equity | |||||||
| Common shares ($ 0.01 pair; shares authorized: 120 million; shares issued: 22,703,170 and 22,692,300) | 227 | 227 | |||||
| Additional payment in capital | 898,693 | 898,083 | |||||
| Retained earnings (deficit) | (224,737 | ) | 43,470 | ||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (32,206 | ) | 5,629 | ||||
| Common shares held in treasury, at cost (shares: 2,917,149 and 2,789,405) | (77,923 | ) | (75,056 | ) | |||
| Total shareholders ’equity | 564,054 | 872,353 | |||||
| Total liabilities, contingently redeemable preference shares and shareholders’ equity | $ | 3,406,947 | $ | 3,550,856 | |||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
| (Unaudited) | |||||||
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| Revenues | ($ in thousands except share and per share data) | ||||||
| Gross premiums written | $ | 234,902 | $ | 186,689 | |||
| Gross premiums ceded | (48,202 | ) | (41,302 | ) | |||
| Net premiums written | 186,700 | 145,387 | |||||
| Change in unearned premiums | (46,661 | ) | 707 | ||||
| Net premiums earned | 140,039 | 146,094 | |||||
| Other underwriting income (loss) | 133 | 592 | |||||
| Interest income | 37,824 | 43,141 | |||||
| Investment management fees – related parties | (4,352 | ) | (4,409 | ) | |||
| Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses | (5,669 | ) | (8,298 | ) | |||
| Net interest income | 27,803 | 30,434 | |||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | (290,502 | ) | 33,720 | ||||
| Investment performance fees – related parties | – | (5,800 | ) | ||||
| Net investment income (loss) | (262,699 | ) | 58,354 | ||||
| Total revenues | (122,527 | ) | 205,040 | ||||
| Expenses | |||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expenses | (110,676 | ) | (110,850 | ) | |||
| Acquisition expenses | (28,367 | ) | (33,974 | ) | |||
| General and administrative expenses | (7,139 | ) | (7,240 | ) | |||
| Interest expenses | (2,912 | ) | – | ||||
| Net foreign exchange gains (losses) | 5,013 | (437 | ) | ||||
| Total expenses | (144,081 | ) | (152,501 | ) | |||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | (266,608 | ) | 52,539 | ||||
| Income from tax expenses | – | – | |||||
| Net income (loss) before preference dividends | (266,608 | ) | 52,539 | ||||
| Preference dividends | (1,171 | ) | (4,907 | ) | |||
| Net income (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (267,779 | ) | $ | 47,632 | ||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income tax: | |||||||
| Available-for-sale investments: | |||||||
| Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period | $ | (28,431 | ) | $ | 3,915 | ||
| Unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) arising during the period | (7,699 | ) | 1,130 | ||||
| Credit loss recognized in net income (loss) | 563 | – | |||||
| Reclassification of net realized (gains) losses, net of income taxes, included in net income (loss) | (2,405 | ) | (229 | ) | |||
| Unrealized holding gains (losses) of available for sale investments | (37,972 | ) | 4,816 | ||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 137 | (165 | ) | ||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income tax | (37,835 | ) | 4,651 | ||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | (305,614 | ) | $ | 52,283 | ||
| Earnings (loss) per share: | |||||||
| Basic and diluted | $ | (13.42 | ) | $ | 2.10 | ||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the determination of earnings (loss) per share: | |||||||
| Basic and diluted | 19,951,932 | 22,682,875 | |||||
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| Numerator: | ($ in thousands except share and per share data) | ||||||
| Net income (loss) before preference dividends | $ | (266,608 | ) | $ | 52,539 | ||
| Preference dividends | (1,171 | ) | (4,907 | ) | |||
| Net income (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (267,779 | ) | $ | 47,632 | ||
| Denominator: | |||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted (1) | 19,951,932 | 22,682,875 | |||||
| Earnings (loss) per common share: | |||||||
| Basic and diluted | $ | (13.42 | ) | $ | 2.10 | ||
(1) The weighted average non-vested restricted share units are excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2020, due to a net loss reported.
| March 31st, | December 31, | September 30, | June 30, | March 31st, | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2019 | 2019 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Numerator: | ($ in thousands except share and per share data) | |||||||||||||
| Total shareholders ’equity | $ | 564,054 | $ | 872,353 | $ | 960,773 | $ | 961,296 | $ | 941,891 | ||||
| Denominator: | ||||||||||||||
| Common shares outstanding – basic | 19,863,328 | 19,976,397 | 22,765,802 | 22,765,802 | 22,682,875 | |||||||||
| Effect of dilutive common share equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
| Non-vested restricted share units (1) | 131,277 | 82,360 | 82,360 | 82,360 | – | |||||||||
| Common shares outstanding – diluted | 19,994,605 | 20,058,757 | 22,848,162 | 22,848,162 | 22,682,875 | |||||||||
| Book value per common share | $ | 28.40 | $ | 43.67 | $ | 42.20 | $ | 42.23 | $ | 41.52 | ||||
| Book value per diluted common share | $ | 28.21 | $ | 43.49 | $ | 42.05 | $ | 42.07 | $ | 41.52 | ||||
(1) During the first quarter of 2020, the Company granted 63,591 restricted share units and common shares to certain employees and directors, 48,917 of which are non-vested as of March 31, 2020. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company granted 165,287 restricted share units and common shares to certain employees and directors, 82,360 of which are non-vested as of March 31, 2020.
Comments on Regulation G
Throughout this release, the Company presents its operations in the way it believes will be the most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use the Company’s financial information in evaluating the performance of the Company and that investors and such other persons benefit from having a consistent basis for comparison between quarters and for comparison with other companies within the industry. These measures may not, however, be comparable to similarly titled measures used by companies outside of the insurance industry. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures in assessing the Company’s overall financial performance.
This presentation includes the use of “underwriting income (loss)” (which is defined as net premiums earned less loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses), “adjusted underwriting income (loss)” (which is defined as underwriting income (loss) plus other underwriting income (loss) less certain corporate expenses), and “adjusted combined ratio” (which is calculated by dividing the sum of loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses, less certain corporate expenses, by the sum of net premiums earned and other underwriting income (loss)). Certain corporate expenses are generally comprised of non-recurring costs of the holding company, such as costs associated with the initial setup of subsidiaries, as well as costs associated with the ongoing operations of the holding company such as compensation of certain executives.
The presentation of underwriting income (loss), adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measures to net income (loss) available to common shareholders (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure) in accordance with Regulation G is included on the following pages of this release.
Underwriting income (loss) is useful in evaluating our underwriting performance, without regard to other underwriting income (losses), net investment income (losses), net foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, income tax expenses and preference dividends, and adjusted underwriting income (loss) is useful in evaluating our underwriting performance, without regard to net investment income (losses), net foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, income tax expenses, preference dividends and certain corporate expenses, and the adjusted combined ratio is a key indicator of our profitability, without regard to certain corporate expenses. The Company believes that preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss), other underwriting income (loss) and certain corporate expenses in any particular period are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, the Company’s underwriting performance. Although preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss) and other underwriting income (loss) are an integral part of the Company’s 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, and the recognition of foreign exchange gains or losses are independent of the underwriting process and result, in large part, from general economic and financial market conditions. Furthermore, certain users of the Company’s financial information believe that, for many companies, the timing of the realization of investment gains or losses is largely opportunistic. The Company believes that certain corporate expenses, due to their non-recurring nature, are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, the Company’s business performance. Due to these reasons, the Company excludes preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss), other underwriting income (loss) from the calculation of underwriting income (loss), and excludes preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss) and certain corporate expenses from the calculation of adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio.
The Company believes that showing underwriting income (loss), adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio exclusive of the items referred to above reflects the underlying fundamentals of the Company’s business since the Company evaluates the performance of its business using underwriting income (loss), adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio. The Company believes that this presentation enables investors and other users of the Company’s financial information to analyze the Company’s performance in a manner similar to how the Company’s management analyzes performance. The Company also believes that this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, allows the users of the Company’s financial information to compare the Company’s performance with its industry peer group. The Company believes that the equity analysts and certain rating agencies, which follow the Company and the insurance industry as a whole generally exclude these items from their analysis for the same reasons.
This presentation also includes the non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio components of our investment returns: “net interest income yield on average net assets” (calculated as net interest income divided by average net assets), “net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income)” (calculated as net investment income divided by average total investments), and “net investment income return on average net assets” (calculated as net investment income divided by average net assets). Net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payables for securities sold short. For the three-month period, average net assets is calculated using the averages of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of the revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net interest income, net investment income (loss) or the net assets calculation.
The presentation of the separate components of our investment returns (non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio) are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measures to net interest income and net investment income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, in accordance with Regulation G is included on the following pages of this release.
The non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio components of our investment returns (net interest income yield on average net assets, net investment income return on average net assets and on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income), respectively) are useful in evaluating our investment performance. The non-investment grade portfolio components of these investment returns reflect the performance of our investment strategy under HPS Investment Partners, LLC (“HPS”), which includes the use of leverage. The investment grade portfolio component of these returns reflects the performance of the investment portfolios that predominantly support our underwriting collateral.
The following tables present a reconciliation of underwriting income (loss) to net income (loss) available to common shareholders, and a reconciliation of adjusted underwriting income (loss) to underwriting income (loss):
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||
| Net income (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | (267,779 | ) | $ | 47,632 | ||
| Preference dividends | 1,171 | 4,907 | |||||
| Net income (loss) before dividends | (266,608 | ) | 52,539 | ||||
| Income from tax expenses | – | – | |||||
| Interest expenses | 2,912 | – | |||||
| Net foreign exchange (gains) losses | (5,013 | ) | 437 | ||||
| Net investment (income) loss | 262,699 | (58,354 | ) | ||||
| Other underwriting (income) loss | (133 | ) | (592 | ) | |||
| Underwriting income (loss) | (6,143 | ) | (5,970 | ) | |||
| Certain corporate expenses | 2,996 | 1,963 | |||||
| Other underwriting income (loss) | 133 | 592 | |||||
| Adjusted underwriting income (loss) | $ | (3,014 | ) | $ | (3,415 | ) | |
The adjusted combined ratio reconciles to the combined ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 as follows:
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Adjustment | How Adjusted |
Amount | Adjustment | How Adjusted |
||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | $ | 110,676 | $ | – | $ | 110,676 | $ | 110,850 | $ | – | $ | 110,850 | |||||||||||
| Acquisition expenses | 28,367 | – | 28,367 | 33,974 | – | 33,974 | |||||||||||||||||
| General & administrative expenses (1) | 7,139 | (2,996 | ) | 4,143 | 7,240 | (1,963 | ) | 5,277 | |||||||||||||||
| Net premiums earned (1) | 140,039 | 133 | 140,172 | 146,094 | 592 | 146,686 | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 79.0 | % | 75.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition expense ratio | 20.3 | % | 23.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| General & administrative expense ratio (1) | 5.1 | % | 4.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 104.4 | % | 104.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted loss ratio | 79.0 | % | 75.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted acquisition expense ratio | 20.2 | % | 23.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted general & administrative expense ratio | 3.0 | % | 3.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted combined ratio | 102.2 | % | 102.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) Adjustments include certain corporate expenses, which are deducted from general and administrative expenses, and other underwriting income (loss), which is added to net premiums earned.
The following tables summarize the components of our total investment return for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-Investment Grade | Investment Grade | Cost of U/W Collateral (4) | Total | Non-Investment Grade | Investment Grade | Cost of U/W Collateral (4) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 32,764 | $ | 5,060 | $ | – | $ | 37,824 | $ | 37,339 | $ | 5,802 | $ | – | $ | 43,141 | |||||||||||||||
| Investment management fees – related parties | (3,973 | ) | (379 | ) | – | (4,352 | ) | (4,071 | ) | (338 | ) | – | (4,409 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses | (2,591 | ) | (225 | ) | (2,853 | ) | (5,669 | ) | (4,858 | ) | (204 | ) | (3,236 | ) | (8,298 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | 26,200 | 4,456 | (2,853 | ) | 27,803 | 28,410 | 5,260 | (3,236 | ) | 30,434 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains (losses) on investments | (7,225 | ) | 2,179 | – | (5,046 | ) | 1,319 | (37 | ) | – | 1,282 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments (1) | (285,493 | ) | 37 | – | (285,456 | ) | 27,625 | 4,813 | – | 32,438 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment performance fees – related parties | – | – | – | – | (5,800 | ) | – | – | (5,800 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) | $ | (266,518 | ) | $ | 6,672 | $ | (2,853 | ) | $ | (262,699 | ) | $ | 51,554 | $ | 10,036 | $ | (3,236 | ) | $ | 58,354 | |||||||||||
| Average total investments (2) | $ | 1,790,337 | $ | 820,635 | $ | – | $ | 2,610,972 | $ | 1,895,843 | $ | 888,424 | $— | $ | 2,784,267 | ||||||||||||||||
| Average net assets (3) | $ | 1,530,825 | $ | 826,062 | $ | (328,750 | ) | $ | 2,028,137 | $ | 1,506,245 | $ | 886,927 | $ | (316,987 | ) | $ | 2,076,185 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest income yield on average net assets (3) | 1.7 | % | 0.5 | % | 1.4 | % | 1.9 | % | 0.6 | % | 1.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) (2) | (14.9 | )% | 0.8 | % | (10.1 | )% | 2.7 | % | 1.1 | % | 2.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income return on average net assets (3) | (17.4 | )% | 0.8 | % | (0.9 | )% | (13.0 | )% | 3.4 | % | 1.1 | % | (1.0 | )% | 2.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments excludes unrealized gains and losses from the available for sale portfolios, which are recorded in other comprehensive income.
(2) Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) is calculated by dividing net investment income by average total investments. For the three-month period, average total investments is calculated using the average of the beginning and ending balance of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net investment income.
(3) Net interest income yield on average net assets and net investment income return on average net assets are calculated by dividing net interest income, and net investment income (loss), respectively, by average net assets. For the non-investment grade component of investment returns and total investment returns, net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less total revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payable for securities sold short. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of the revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net interest income, net investment income (loss), or the net assets calculation.
(4) The cost of underwriting collateral is calculated as the revolving credit agreement expenses for the investment grade portfolios divided by the average total revolving credit agreement borrowings for the investment grade portfolios during the period.
| As of March 31, 2020 | As of March 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-Investment Grade | Investment Grade |
Borrowings for U/W Collateral | Total | Non-Investment Grade | Investmen Grade |
Borrowings for U/W Collateral | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average total investments – QTD | $ | 1,790,337 | $ | 820,635 | $ | – | $ | 2,610,972 | $ | 1,895,843 | $ | 888,424 | $ | – | $ | 2,784,267 | |||||||||||||||
| Average net assets – QTD | 1,530,825 | 826,062 | (328,750 | ) | 2,028,137 | 1,506,245 | 886,927 | (316,987 | ) | 2,076,185 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 1,718,421 | $ | 794,385 | $ | – | $ | 2,512,806 | $ | 1,909,095 | $ | 921,071 | $ | – | $ | 2,830,166 | |||||||||||||||
| Accrued Investment Income | 12,312 | 4,032 | – | 16,344 | 13,300 | 4,046 | – | 17,346 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivable for Securities Sold | 22,329 | 4,460 | – | 26,789 | 62,365 | 201 | – | 62,566 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Payable for Securities Purchased | 61,834 | 1,995 | – | 63,829 | 83,189 | 12,388 | – | 95,577 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Payable for Securities Sold Short | 30,076 | – | – | 30,076 | 28,737 | – | – | 28,737 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Revolving credit agreement borrowings | 247,736 | – | 328,750 | 576,486 | 326,256 | – | 326,487 | 652,743 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets | $ | 1,413,416 | $ | 800,882 | $ | (328,750 | ) | $ | 1,885,548 | $ | 1,546,578 | $ | 912,930 | $ | (326,487 | ) | $ | 2,133,021 | |||||||||||||
| Non-investment grade borrowing ratio (1) | 17.50 | % | 21.10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains on investments | $ | 25,439 | $ | 15,086 | $ | – | $ | 40,525 | $ | 28,066 | $ | 4,040 | $ | – | $ | 32,106 | |||||||||||||||
| Unrealized losses on investments | (366,188 | ) | (47,603 | ) | – | (413,791 | ) | (104,700 | ) | (6,835 | ) | – | (111,535 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments | $ | (340,749 | ) | $ | (32,517 | ) | $ | – | $ | (373,266 | ) | $ | (76,634 | ) | $ | (2,795 | ) | $ | – | $ | (79,429 | ) | |||||||||
(1) The non-investment grade borrowing ratio is calculated as revolving credit agreement borrowings divided by net assets.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This release or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company may include forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s 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. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company’s return on equity potential and prospects for further book value growth.
Forward-looking statements involve the Company’s 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 the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and include:
- our limited operating history;
- fluctuations in the results of our operations;
- our ability to compete successfully with more established competitors;
- our losses exceeding our reserves;
- downgrades, potential downgrades or other negative actions by rating agencies, including A.M. Best’s recent announcement that it has placed under review with negative implications the financial strength and credit ratings of our operating subsidiaries;
- our dependence on key executives and inability to attract qualified personnel, or the potential loss of Bermudian personnel as a result of Bermuda employment restrictions;
- our dependence on letter of credit facilities that may not be available on commercially acceptable terms;
- our potential inability to pay dividends or distributions;
- our potential need for additional capital in the future and the potential unavailability of such capital to us on favorable terms or at all;
- our dependence on clients’ evaluations of risks associated with such clients’ insurance underwriting;
- the suspension or revocation of our subsidiaries’ insurance licenses;
- Watford Holdings potentially being deemed an investment company under U.S. federal securities law;
- the potential characterization of us and/or any of our subsidiaries as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”);
- our dependence on certain subsidiaries of Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“Arch”) for services critical to our underwriting operations;
- changes to our strategic relationship with Arch or the termination by Arch of any of our services agreements or quota share agreements;
- our dependence on HPS and Arch Investment Management Ltd. (“AIM”) to implement our investment strategy;
- the termination by HPS or AIM of any of our investment management agreements;
- risks associated with our investment strategy being greater than those faced by competitors;
- changes in the regulatory environment;
- our potentially becoming subject to U.S. federal income taxation;
- our potentially becoming subject to U.S. withholding and information reporting requirements under the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) provisions;
- our ability to complete acquisitions and integrate businesses successfully;
- adverse general economic and market conditions, including those caused by pandemics, including COVID-19, and government actions in response thereto; 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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the other factors set forth in the Company’s 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 the Company or persons acting on its 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact
Robert L. Hawley: (441) 278-3456
