xlgroup-06.30.2014-10Q

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

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
 
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
OR
 
 
 
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from _______ to ______
Commission file number 1-10804
XL GROUP
Public Limited Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ireland
 
98-0665416
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
XL House, 8 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
+353 (1) 400-5500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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 ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of August 4, 2014, there were 265,499,119 outstanding Ordinary Shares, $0.01 par value per share, of the registrant.



XL GROUP PLC
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
ASSETS
Investments:
 

 
 

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014, $29,065,531; 2013, $27,111,874)
$
30,442,921

 
$
27,500,136

Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2014, $839,716; 2013, $903,201)
988,710

 
1,040,237

Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014, $347,473; 2013, $455,470)
347,674

 
456,288

Total investments available for sale
$
31,779,305

 
$
28,996,661

Fixed maturities, held to maturity at amortized cost (fair value: 2014, $0; 2013, $3,131,235)

 
2,858,695

Investments in affiliates
1,500,548

 
1,370,943

Other investments
1,204,564

 
1,164,630

Total investments
$
34,484,417

 
$
34,390,929

Cash and cash equivalents
3,071,139

 
1,800,832

Accrued investment income
322,100

 
346,809

Deferred acquisition costs
459,081

 
670,659

Ceded unearned premiums
1,129,091

 
788,871

Premiums receivable
3,409,296

 
2,612,602

Reinsurance balances receivable
149,995

 
118,885

Unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable
3,354,273

 
3,435,230

Receivable from investments sold
59,469

 
144,765

Goodwill and other intangible assets
455,057

 
411,611

Deferred tax asset
216,312

 
237,884

Other assets
738,685

 
693,810

Total assets
$
47,848,915

 
$
45,652,887

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
 

 
 

Unpaid losses and loss expenses
$
20,281,934

 
$
20,481,065

Deposit liabilities
1,288,376

 
1,509,243

Future policy benefit reserves
5,273,549

 
4,803,816

Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements (net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable: 2014, $4,823,680; 2013, nil)
842,753

 

Unearned premiums
4,704,993

 
3,846,526

Notes payable and debt
2,262,452

 
2,263,203

Reinsurance balances payable
779,914

 
302,399

Payable for investments purchased
169,222

 
60,162

Deferred tax liability
72,527

 
86,330

Other liabilities
764,618

 
950,845

Total liabilities
$
36,440,338

 
$
34,303,589

Commitments and Contingencies


 


Shareholders’ Equity:
 

 
 

Ordinary shares, 999,990,000 authorized, par value $0.01; issued and outstanding (2014, 268,307,061; 2013, 278,253,308)
$
2,683

 
$
2,783

Additional paid in capital
7,700,377

 
7,994,100

Accumulated other comprehensive income
1,207,034

 
736,657

Retained earnings
1,124,195

 
1,264,093

Shareholders’ equity attributable to XL Group plc
$
10,034,289

 
$
9,997,633

Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
1,374,288

 
1,351,665

Total shareholders’ equity
$
11,408,577

 
$
11,349,298

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
47,848,915

 
$
45,652,887

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

1


XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net premiums earned
$
1,496,594

 
$
1,562,393

 
$
2,985,433

 
$
3,092,084

Net investment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
213,608

 
232,546

 
446,797

 
479,014

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
19,165

 

 
19,165

 

Total net investment income
$
232,773

 
$
232,546

 
$
465,962

 
$
479,014

Realized investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
105,460

 
43,357

 
128,416

 
84,504

Other-than-temporary impairments ("OTTI") on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
(24,362
)
 
(1,561
)
 
(26,638
)
 
(5,288
)
OTTI on investments transferred to (from) other comprehensive income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
(254
)
 
(828
)
 
(1,705
)
 
(1,739
)
 Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - Life Funds Withheld Assets
624

 

 
624

 

OTTI on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(8,771
)
 

 
(8,771
)
 

Total net realized gains (losses) on investments
$
72,697

 
$
40,968

 
$
91,926

 
$
77,477

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
11,599

 
(5,105
)
 
13,409

 
2,780

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
(17,546
)
 

 
(17,546
)
 

Income (loss) from investment fund affiliates
17,683

 
46,543

 
50,986

 
78,764

Fee income and other
9,706

 
10,871

 
21,160

 
20,503

Total revenues
$
1,823,506

 
$
1,888,216

 
$
3,611,330

 
$
3,750,622

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses incurred
$
827,880

 
$
937,606

 
$
1,659,385

 
$
1,780,690

Claims and policy benefits
85,299

 
116,767

 
198,886

 
227,720

Acquisition costs
184,619

 
231,886

 
384,033

 
452,145

Operating expenses
333,030

 
303,159

 
643,454

 
586,991

Exchange (gains) losses
21,141

 
(11,331
)
 
31,582

 
(44,766
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
666,423

 

 
666,423

 

Interest expense
14,085

 
38,204

 
57,026

 
76,904

Total expenses
$
2,132,477

 
$
1,616,291

 
$
3,640,789

 
$
3,079,684

Income (loss) before income tax and income (loss) from operating affiliates
$
(308,971
)
 
$
271,925

 
$
(29,459
)
 
$
670,938

Income (loss) from operating affiliates
27,738

 
32,825

 
74,023

 
63,823

Provision (benefit) for income tax
(5,654
)
 
28,872

 
28,667

 
72,351

Net income (loss)
$
(275,579
)
 
$
275,878

 
$
15,897

 
$
662,410

Non-controlling interests
3,682

 
3,180

 
39,441

 
38,922

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
(279,261
)
 
$
272,698

 
$
(23,544
)
 
$
623,488

Weighted average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding, in thousands – basic
270,924

 
289,513

 
273,616

 
292,277

Weighted average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding, in thousands – diluted
270,924

 
294,333

 
273,616

 
297,044

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent – basic
$
(1.03
)
 
$
0.94

 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
2.13

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent – diluted
$
(1.03
)
 
$
0.93

 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
2.10

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

2


XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
(279,261
)
 
$
272,698

 
$
(23,544
)
 
$
623,488

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
260,690

 
(682,278
)
 
502,076

 
(794,501
)
Unrealized gains on held to maturity investment portfolio at time of transfer to available for sale, net of tax
424,861

 

 
424,861

 

Change in adjustments related to future policy benefit reserves, net of tax
(440,461
)
 
(32,900
)
 
(474,461
)
 
(32,900
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
12,297

 

 
12,297

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on affiliate and other investments, net of tax
10,850

 
30,076

 
13,973

 
25,642

Change in OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax
1,636

 
14,438

 
4,932

 
19,620

Change in underfunded pension liability, net of tax
(8
)
 
(91
)
 
(39
)
 
295

Change in value of cash flow hedge
110

 
110

 
220

 
220

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
(9,602
)
 
(23,718
)
 
(13,482
)
 
(27,637
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(18,888
)
 
$
(421,665
)
 
$
446,833

 
$
(185,773
)
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


3


XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Ordinary Shares:
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
2,783

 
$
2,987

Issuance of ordinary shares
11

 
11

Buybacks of ordinary shares
(113
)
 
(129
)
Exercise of stock options
2

 
5

Balance - end of period
$
2,683

 
$
2,874

Additional Paid in Capital:
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
7,994,100

 
$
8,584,752

Issuance of ordinary shares
14

 
13

Buybacks of ordinary shares
(323,455
)
 
(360,201
)
Exercise of stock options
3,055

 
8,380

Share-based compensation expense
26,663

 
17,620

Balance - end of period
$
7,700,377

 
$
8,250,564

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
736,657

 
$
1,520,020

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
502,076

 
(794,501
)
Unrealized gains on held to maturity investment portfolio at time of transfer to available for sale, net of tax
424,861

 

Change in adjustments related to future policy benefit reserves, net of tax
(474,461
)
 
(32,900
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
12,297

 

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on affiliate and other investments, net of tax
13,973

 
25,642

Change in OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax
4,932

 
19,620

Change in underfunded pension liability, net of tax
(39
)
 
295

Change in value of cash flow hedge
220

 
220

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
(13,482
)
 
(27,637
)
Balance - end of period
$
1,207,034

 
$
710,759

Retained Earnings (Deficit):
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
1,264,093

 
$
402,318

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
(23,544
)
 
623,488

Dividends on ordinary shares
(88,269
)
 
(82,336
)
Buybacks of ordinary shares
(28,085
)
 
(15,092
)
Balance - end of period
$
1,124,195

 
$
928,378

Non-controlling Interest in Equity of Consolidated Subsidiaries:
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
1,351,665

 
$
1,346,325

Non-controlling interests - contributions
21,494

 

Non-controlling interests - distributions

 
(37
)
Non-controlling interests
1,129

 
82

Non-controlling interest share in change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
(29
)
Non-controlling interests - deconsolidation

 
(1,841
)
Balance - end of period
$
1,374,288

 
$
1,344,500

Total Shareholders’ Equity
$
11,408,577

 
$
11,237,075

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


4


XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
15,897

 
$
662,410

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Net realized (gains) losses on investments
(91,926
)
 
(77,477
)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments
(13,409
)
 
(2,780
)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on life retrocession embedded derivative
17,546

 

Amortization of premiums (discounts) on fixed maturities
76,846

 
84,095

(Income) loss from investment and operating affiliates
(68,292
)
 
(142,587
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
666,423

 

Share-based compensation
40,563

 
28,400

Depreciation
29,107

 
23,693

Accretion of deposit liabilities
(7,762
)
 
25,467

Changes in:
 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
(264,804
)
 
(293,927
)
Future policy benefit reserves
(93,202
)
 
(90,147
)
Funds withheld on life retrocession agreements, net
(52,104
)
 

Unearned premiums
848,937

 
751,455

Premiums receivable
(792,588
)
 
(779,737
)
Unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable
136,758

 
95,046

Ceded unearned premiums
(338,855
)
 
(222,467
)
Reinsurance balances receivable
(28,270
)
 
(48,420
)
Deferred acquisition costs
216,453

 
(74,886
)
Reinsurance balances payable
420,902

 
478,012

Deferred tax asset - net
(51,571
)
 
(9,476
)
Derivatives
(45,306
)
 
68,445

Other assets
(15,478
)
 
(58,729
)
Other liabilities
(286,737
)
 
(60,531
)
Other
34,501

 
3,794

Total adjustments
$
337,732

 
$
(302,757
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
353,629

 
$
359,653

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities and short-term investments
$
3,043,659

 
$
2,110,114

Proceeds from redemption of fixed maturities and short-term investments
1,837,319

 
2,266,692

Proceeds from sale of equity securities
295,448

 
74,310

Purchases of fixed maturities and short-term investments
(3,801,109
)
 
(4,108,180
)
Purchases of equity securities
(239,680
)
 
(331,865
)
Proceeds from sale of affiliates
156,481

 
95,988

Purchases of affiliates
(196,487
)
 
(259,630
)
Proceeds from sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
570,000

 

Other, net
(96,222
)
 
110,133

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
$
1,569,409

 
$
(42,438
)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares and exercise of stock options
$
3,057

 
$
8,385

Buybacks of ordinary shares
(351,654
)
 
(375,423
)
Dividends paid on ordinary shares
(87,056
)
 
(41,975
)
Distributions to non-controlling interests
(38,502
)
 
(39,020
)
Contributions from non-controlling interests
21,494

 

Deposit liabilities
(213,869
)
 
(44,117
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
$
(666,530
)
 
$
(492,150
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
13,799

 
(23,361
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
1,270,307

 
$
(198,296
)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
1,800,832

 
2,618,378

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
3,071,139

 
$
2,420,082

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

5


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Preparation and Consolidation
Unless the context otherwise indicates, references herein to the “Company” include XL Group plc, an Irish public limited company ("XL-Ireland"), and its consolidated subsidiaries.
These unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In addition, the year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In the opinion of management, these unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations at the end of and for the periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. 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 materially from these estimates. For further information, see Item 8, Note 2(a), “Significant Accounting Policies – Basis of Preparation and Consolidation,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
To facilitate period-to-period comparisons, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period consolidated financial statement amounts to conform to current period presentation.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Investments Related to Life Retrocession Agreements written on a Funds Withheld Basis
The designated investments that support certain life retrocession agreements written on a funds withheld basis ("Life Funds Withheld Assets") are included within "Total investments available for sale". Investment results for these assets - including interest income, unrealized gains and losses, and gains and losses from sales - are passed directly to the reinsurer pursuant to a contractual arrangement which is accounted for as a derivative. See Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary", for information regarding the reinsurance arrangement.
Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative associated with these life retrocession agreements are recorded in “Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative” on the consolidated statements of income. The fair value of the embedded derivative is included within “Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements, net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable” on the consolidated balance sheets.
(b) Reinsurance
The Company enters into reinsurance agreements with other companies in the normal course of business. All balances related to reinsurance agreements are reported on a gross basis on our consolidated balance sheets as an asset for amounts recoverable from reinsurers or as a component of other liabilities for amounts, such as premiums, owed to the reinsurers, with the exception of the life retrocession agreements written on a funds withheld basis. The future policy benefit reserves recoverable related to these retrocession agreements are netted against the funds withheld liability owing to the counterparty on the consolidated balance sheets due to the right of offset.
(c) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standards update concerning the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The objective of the guidance is to improve the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance seeks to reduce the diversity in practice by providing guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits to better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle, at the reporting date, any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. The guidance was effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with both early adoption and retrospective application permitted. This guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update intended to improve financial reporting by changing key criteria used to evaluate whether disposal transactions meet the definition of discontinued operations. Under the guidance

6


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

only those disposals of components of an entity - either by sale or otherwise - which represent strategic shifts that have, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results would qualify for reporting as discontinued operations. Disposals that are considered to be routine in nature can no longer be reported as discontinued operations. However, a disposal may now qualify for discontinued operations reporting even if the disposed component's operations and cash flows are not eliminated from on-going operations of the disposing entity, or if post-disposal, the disposing entity still has significant continuing involvement in the component’s operations. The standard also establishes both additional disclosure requirements and expanded disclosures regarding on-going involvement an entity may have with a discontinued operation after its disposal. The guidance is effective prospectively for all public company disposals (or component reclassifications to held-for-sale) that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or component reclassifications to held-for-sale) that have not been reported in financial statements issued or available for issuance prior to the effective date. This guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
3. Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary
On May 1, 2014, XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd (“XLIB”) entered into a sale and purchase agreement with GreyCastle Holdings Ltd. (“GreyCastle”) providing for the sale of 100% of the common shares of XL Life Reinsurance (SAC) Ltd (“XLLR”) (subsequent to the transaction XLLR changed its name to GreyCastle Life Reinsurance (SAC) Ltd), a wholly-owned subsidiary of XLIB, to GreyCastle for $570 million in cash. This transaction was completed on May 30, 2014. As a result of the transaction, XLLR reinsures the majority of the Company's life reinsurance business via 100% quota share reinsurance (the "Life Retro Arrangements"). This transaction covers a substantial portion of the Company’s life reinsurance reserves. The Company announced the run-off of its life reinsurance business in 2009.
The run-off life reinsurance business, including the business subject to the transaction, was previously reported within the Company’s Life operations segment. Subsequent to the transaction, the Company no longer considers the Life Operations to be a separate operating segment and the results of the life run-off business are reported within “Corporate and Other.” See Note 5, "Segment Information" for further information. In addition, certain securities within fixed maturities were reclassified from held to maturity to available for sale in conjunction with this transaction. See Note 6, "Investments" for further information.
All of the reclassified securities are included within Life Funds Withheld Assets, along with certain other available for sale securities as defined in the sale and purchase agreement. The Life Funds Withheld Assets are managed pursuant to agreed investment guidelines that meet the contractual commitments of the XL ceding companies and applicable laws and regulations. All of the investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets ultimately accrue to GreyCastle. Because the Company no longer shares in the risks and rewards of the underlying performance of the supporting invested assets, disclosures within the financial statement notes included herein separate the Life Funds Withheld Assets from the rest of the Company's investments.
At May 30, 2014, gross future policy benefit reserves relating to the Life operations were approximately $5.2 billion. Subsequent to the completion of this transaction the Company has retained approximately $0.4 billion of these reserves, and has recorded a reinsurance recoverable from XLLR of $4.8 billion. Under the terms of the transaction, the Company continues to own, on a funds withheld basis, $5.7 billion of assets supporting the Life Retro Arrangements consisting of cash, fixed maturity securities and accrued interest. Based upon the right of offset, the funds withheld liability owing to GreyCastle is recorded net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable, and is included within “Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements, net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable" on the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.
The transaction resulted in an overall after-tax U.S. GAAP net loss of $621.3 million. The changes in this amount from the previous estimate provided by the Company were primarily the result of movements in the mark-to-market value of the Life Funds Withheld Assets, additional underwriting profits earned on the business subject to the Life Retro Arrangements and foreign exchange rate movements from March 31, 2014 through completion of the transaction.
The impact of the Life Retro Arrangements on the Company's results from the completion of the transaction on May 30, 2014 through June 30, 2014 were as follows:

7


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
May 30 to June 30
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
Underwriting profit (loss)
$

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
19,165

Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - Life Funds Withheld Assets
624

OTTI on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(8,771
)
Other income and expenses
(19
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
(17,546
)
Net income (loss)
$
(6,547
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
12,297

Change in cumulative translation adjustment - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(5,750
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$

As shown in the table above, although the Company's net income (loss) is subject to variability related to the Life Retro Arrangements, there is no net impact on the company's comprehensive income in any period. The life retrocession embedded derivative value includes the interest income, unrealized gains and losses, and realized gains and losses from sales on the Life Funds Withheld Assets subsequent to May 30, 2014.

4. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price), in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. Applicable accounting guidance provides an established hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. Assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values for available for sale investments are generally sourced from third parties. The fair value of fixed income securities is based upon quoted market values where available, “evaluated bid” prices provided by third party pricing services (“pricing services”) where quoted market values are not available, or by reference to broker quotes where pricing services do not provide coverage for a particular security. While the Company receives values for the majority of the investment securities it holds from pricing services, it is ultimately management’s responsibility to determine whether the values received and recorded in the financial statements are representative of appropriate fair value measurements.
The Company performs regular reviews of the prices received from its third party valuation sources to assess if the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. This process is completed by investment and accounting personnel who are independent of those responsible for obtaining the valuations. The approaches taken by the Company include, but are not limited to, annual reviews of the controls of the external parties responsible for sourcing valuations, which are subjected to automated tolerance checks, quarterly reviews of the valuation sources and dates, and monthly reconciliations between the valuations provided by our external parties and valuations provided by our third party investment managers at a portfolio level.
Where broker quotes are the primary source of the valuations, sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the brokers is generally not available to support a Level 2 classification. The Company obtains the majority of broker quoted values from third party investment managers who perform independent verifications of these valuations using pricing matrices based upon information gathered by market traders. In addition, for the majority of these securities, the Company compares the broker quotes to independent valuations obtained from third party pricing vendors, which may also consist of broker quotes, to assess if the prices received represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value.
As discussed in Note 2(a), “Significant Accounting Policies - Investments Related to Life Retrocession Agreements written on a Funds Withheld Basis,” under the Life Retro Arrangements, all of the investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets ultimately accrue to GreyCastle. Because the Company no longer shares in the risks and rewards of the underlying performance of the Life Funds Withheld Assets, the financial statements and accompanying notes included herein separate the Life Funds Withheld Assets from the rest of the Company's investments.

8


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For further information, see Item 8, Note 2(b), “Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Measurements,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
(a) Fair Value Summary
The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by level within the fair value hierarchy:
June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Collateral
and
Counterparty
Netting
 
Balance at
June 30, 2014
Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities - Available for Sale ("AFS") - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported
$

 
$
2,084,294

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,084,294

Corporate (1)

 
9,723,691

 
3,933

 

 
9,727,624

Residential mortgage-backed securities – Agency (“RMBS - Agency”)

 
3,296,150

 
6,896

 

 
3,303,046

Residential mortgage-backed securities – Non-Agency (“RMBS - Non-Agency”)

 
415,492

 
11

 

 
415,503

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)

 
1,122,342

 
1,945

 

 
1,124,287

Collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”)

 
5,249

 
732,824

 

 
738,073

Other asset-backed securities (2)

 
1,298,568

 
11,704

 

 
1,310,272

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 
1,939,590

 

 

 
1,939,590

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 
4,355,861

 

 

 
4,355,861

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Excluding Funds Withheld Assets, at fair value
$

 
$
24,241,237

 
$
757,313

 
$

 
$
24,998,550

Equity securities, at fair value (3)
603,993

 
384,717

 

 

 
988,710

Short-term investments, at fair value (1)(4)

 
347,674

 

 

 
347,674

Total investments AFS - Excluding Funds Withheld Assets
$
603,993

 
$
24,973,628

 
$
757,313

 
$

 
$
26,334,934

Fixed maturities - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported
$

 
$
18,225

 
$

 
$

 
$
18,225

Corporate

 
3,017,446

 

 

 
3,017,446

RMBS – Agency

 
4,023

 

 

 
4,023

RMBS – Non-Agency

 
88,104

 

 

 
88,104

CMBS

 
216,844

 

 

 
216,844

CDO

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities

 
293,617

 

 

 
293,617

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

 

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 
1,806,112

 

 

 
1,806,112

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets, at fair value
$

 
$
5,444,371

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,444,371

Total investments - AFS, at fair value
$
603,993

 
$
30,417,999

 
$
757,313

 
$

 
$
31,779,305

Cash equivalents (5)
1,792,096

 
464,544

 

 

 
2,256,640

Cash equivalents - Life Funds Withheld Assets
646

 
122,393

 

 

 
123,039

Other investments (6)

 
804,268

 
124,475

 

 
928,743

Other assets (7)

 
48,117

 
12,453

 
(1,240
)
 
59,330

Total assets accounted for at fair value
$
2,396,735

 
$
31,857,321

 
$
894,241

 
$
(1,240
)
 
$
35,147,057

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (8)
$
1,854

 
$
29,296

 
$

 
$

 
$
31,150

Other liabilities (7)

 
38,277

 
31,363

 
(1,240
)
 
68,400

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value
$
1,854

 
$
67,573

 
$
31,363

 
$
(1,240
)
 
$
99,550


9


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Collateral
and
Counterparty
Netting
 
Balance at
December 31,
2013
Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and Government - Related/Supported
$

 
$
2,501,851

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,501,851

Corporate (1)

 
11,094,257

 
31,573

 

 
11,125,830

RMBS – Agency

 
3,535,649

 
10,473

 

 
3,546,122

RMBS – Non-Agency

 
398,759

 
9

 

 
398,768

CMBS

 
1,234,262

 
12,533

 

 
1,246,795

CDO

 
7,060

 
710,253

 

 
717,313

Other asset-backed securities (2)

 
1,230,227

 
11,877

 

 
1,242,104

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 
1,845,812

 

 

 
1,845,812

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 
4,875,541

 

 

 
4,875,541

Total fixed maturities, at fair value
$

 
$
26,723,418

 
$
776,718

 
$

 
$
27,500,136

Equity securities, at fair value (3)
540,331

 
499,906

 

 

 
1,040,237

Short-term investments, at fair value (1)(4)

 
454,273

 
2,015

 

 
456,288

Total investments available for sale
$
540,331

 
$
27,677,597

 
$
778,733

 
$

 
$
28,996,661

Cash equivalents (5)
834,514

 
226,636

 

 

 
1,061,150

Other investments (6)

 
757,110

 
113,472

 

 
870,582

Other assets (7)

 
27,487

 

 
(1,342
)
 
26,145

Total assets accounted for at fair value
$
1,374,845

 
$
28,688,830

 
$
892,205

 
$
(1,342
)
 
$
30,954,538

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (8)
$

 
$
28,861

 
$

 
$

 
$
28,861

Other liabilities (7)

 
76,375

 
29,110

 
(1,342
)
 
104,143

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value
$

 
$
105,236

 
$
29,110

 
$
(1,342
)
 
$
133,004

____________
(1)
Included within Corporate are certain medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes had a fair value of $155.9 million and $154.6 million and an amortized cost of $143.6 million and $147.7 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.
(2)
The Company invests in covered bonds (“Covered Bonds”). Covered Bonds are senior secured debt instruments issued by financial institutions and backed by over-collateralized pools of public sector or mortgage loans. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Covered Bonds with a fair value of $763.6 million and $553.1 million, respectively, are included within Other asset-backed securities.
(3)
Included within Equity securities are investments in fixed income funds with a fair value of $92.1 million and $87.4 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
(4)
Short-term investments consist primarily of Corporate securities and U.S. and Non-U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported securities.
(5)
Cash equivalents balances subject to fair value measurement include certificates of deposit and money market funds. Operating cash balances are not subject to recurring fair value measurement guidance.
(6)
The Other investments balance excludes certain structured transactions including certain investments in project finance transactions, a payment obligation and liquidity financing provided to a structured credit vehicle as a part of a third party medium term note facility. These investments, which totaled $275.8 million at June 30, 2014 and $294.0 million at December 31, 2013, are carried at amortized cost. For further information, see Item 8, Note 7, “Other Investments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
(7)
Other assets and other liabilities include derivative instruments. The derivative balances included in each category are reported on a gross basis by level with a netting adjustment presented separately in the Collateral and Counterparty Netting column. The fair values of the individual derivative contracts are reported gross in their respective levels based on the fair value hierarchy. For further details regarding derivative fair values and associated collateral received or paid see Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
(8)
Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, represent “short sales” and are included within “Payable for investments purchased” on the balance sheets.
(b) Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
The tables below present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which Level 3 inputs were utilized to determine fair value. The tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The tables do not include gains or losses that were reported in Level 3 in prior periods for assets that were transferred out of Level 3 prior to June 30, 2014 and 2013. Gains and losses for assets and liabilities classified within Level 3 in the table below may include changes in

10


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Further, it should be noted that the following tables do not take into consideration the effect of offsetting Level 1 and 2 financial instruments entered into by the Company that are either economically hedged by certain exposures to the Level 3 positions or that hedge the exposures in Level 3 positions.
In general, Level 3 assets include securities for which values were obtained from brokers where either significant inputs were utilized in determining the values that were difficult to corroborate with observable market data, or sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the broker was not available to support a Level 2 classification. Transfers into or out of Level 3 primarily arise as a result of the valuations utilized by the Company changing between either those provided by independent pricing services that do not contain significant unobservable inputs and other valuations sourced from brokers that are considered Level 3.
There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities -Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Corporate
 
RMBS - Agency
 
RMBS - Non
Agency
 
CMBS
 
CDO
Balance, beginning of period
$
4,382

 
$
8,928

 
$
11

 
$
5,926

 
$
718,827

Realized gains (losses)
35

 
6

 

 
2

 
875

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
(93
)
 
(13
)
 

 
(1
)
 
8,331

Purchases and issuances
8

 

 

 
1,376

 
75,201

Sales

 

 

 

 
(30,892
)
Settlements
(399
)
 
(2,025
)
 

 
(5,358
)
 
(39,518
)
Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
3,933

 
$
6,896

 
$
11

 
$
1,945

 
$
732,824

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
$
(58
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
8,247

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities -Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Other asset-
backed
securities
 
Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported
 
Short-term
investments
 
Other investments
 
Derivative Contracts
- Net
Balance, beginning of period
$
10,673

 
$

 
$

 
$
116,418

 
$
(32,496
)
Realized gains (losses)
(5
)
 

 

 
5,127

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
144

 

 

 
(1,779
)
 
13,586

Purchases and issuances
3,000

 

 

 
9,997

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

Settlements
(2,108
)
 

 

 
(5,288
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
11,704

 
$

 
$

 
$
124,475

 
$
(18,910
)
Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
$
140

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,348

 
$
13,586


11


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities -Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Corporate
 
RMBS - Agency
 
RMBS - Non
Agency
 
CMBS
 
CDO
Balance, beginning of period
$
40,815

 
$
19,107

 
$
103

 
$
25,012

 
$
702,904

Realized gains (losses)
(69
)
 
(2
)
 

 

 
(55
)
Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
426

 
(19
)
 

 
(19
)
 
14,491

Purchases and issuances

 

 
3,326

 

 
5,362

Sales

 

 

 

 

Settlements
(7,139
)
 
(872
)
 
(18
)
 
(570
)
 
(16,689
)
Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(1,860
)
 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
32,173

 
$
18,214

 
$
3,411

 
$
24,423

 
$
706,013

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
$
424

 
$
(22
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(19
)
 
$
13,804

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities -Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Other asset-
backed
securities
 
Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported
 
Short-term
investments
 
Other investments
 
Derivative Contracts
- Net
Balance, beginning of period
$
35,887

 
$

 
$
2,017

 
$
113,322

 
$
(32,550
)
Realized gains (losses)
(13
)
 

 
(10
)
 
2,872

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
(512
)
 

 
(8
)
 
932

 
3,176

Purchases and issuances

 

 

 
1,002

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

Settlements
(1,317
)
 

 

 
(14,284
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(6,506
)
 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
27,539

 
$

 
$
1,999

 
$
103,844

 
$
(29,374
)
Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
$
(525
)
 
$

 
$
(18
)
 
$
3,812

 
$
3,176




12


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Corporate
 
RMBS - Agency
 
RMBS - Non
Agency
 
CMBS
 
CDO
Balance, beginning of period
$
31,573

 
$
10,473

 
$
9

 
$
12,533

 
$
710,253

Realized gains (losses)
155

 
6

 

 
3

 
2,456

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
(96
)
 
(13
)
 
2

 
(3
)
 
12,013

Purchases and issuances
1,443

 

 

 
1,376

 
103,015

Sales

 

 

 

 
(40,824
)
Settlements
(5,513
)
 
(2,598
)
 

 
(11,964
)
 
(54,089
)
Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(23,629
)
 
(972
)
 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
3,933

 
$
6,896

 
$
11

 
$
1,945

 
$
732,824

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
$
90

 
$
(6
)
 
$
2

 
$

 
$
13,216

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Other asset-
backed
securities
 
Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported
 
Short-term
investments
 
Other investments
 
Derivative Contracts
- Net
Balance, beginning of period
$
11,877

 
$

 
$
2,015

 
$
113,472

 
$
(29,110
)
Realized gains (losses)
(20
)
 

 

 
8,691

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
206

 

 
(15
)
 
(282
)
 
10,200

Purchases and issuances
3,000

 

 

 
21,086

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

Settlements
(3,359
)
 

 
(2,000
)
 
(18,492
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 


 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
11,704

 
$

 
$

 
$
124,475

 
$
(18,910
)
Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
$
186

 
$

 
$

 
$
8,409

 
$
10,200


13


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Corporate
 
RMBS - Agency
 
RMBS - Non
Agency
 
CMBS
 
CDO
Balance, beginning of period
$
30,098

 
$
32,005

 
$
116

 
$
25,347

 
$
701,736

Realized gains (losses)
(71
)
 
11

 

 

 
301

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
630

 
(37
)
 

 
(18
)
 
35,746

Purchases and issuances
10,621

 

 
3,326

 

 
5,362

Sales

 
(535
)
 

 

 

Settlements
(7,245
)
 
(1,765
)
 
(31
)
 
(906
)
 
(37,132
)
Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(1,860
)
 
(11,465
)
 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
32,173

 
$
18,214

 
$
3,411

 
$
24,423

 
$
706,013

Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
$
627

 
$
(40
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
34,278

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Other asset-
backed
securities
 
Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported
 
Short-term
investments
 
Other investments
 
Derivative Contracts
- Net
Balance, beginning of period
$
18,128

 
$

 
$

 
$
115,272

 
$
(36,247
)
Realized gains (losses)
38

 

 
(10
)
 
5,787

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
963

 

 
(8
)
 
(970
)
 
6,873

Purchases and issuances
21,686

 

 
2,017

 
2,907

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

Settlements
(6,770
)
 

 

 
(19,152
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(6,506
)
 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
27,539

 
$

 
$
1,999

 
$
103,844

 
$
(29,374
)
Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
$
(516
)
 
$

 
$
(18
)
 
$
4,808

 
$
6,873

(c) Fixed maturities and short-term investments
The Company’s Level 3 assets consist primarily of CDOs, for which non-binding broker quotes are the primary source of the valuations. Sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the brokers was not available to support a Level 2 classification. The Company obtains the majority of broker quotes for these CDOs from third party investment managers who perform independent verifications of these valuations using pricing matrices based upon information gathered by market traders. In addition, for the majority of these securities, the Company compares the broker quotes to independent valuations obtained from third party pricing vendors, which may also consist of broker quotes, to assess if the prices received represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. Although the Company does not have access to the specific unobservable inputs that may have been used in the fair value measurements of the CDO securities provided by brokers, we would expect that the significant inputs considered are prepayment rates, probability of default, loss severity in the event of default, recovery rates, liquidity premium and reinvestment rates. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly different fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.
The remainder of the Level 3 assets relate primarily to private investment funds and certain derivative positions as described below.

14


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(d) Other investments
Included within the Other investments component of the Company’s Level 3 valuations are private investments and alternative fund investments where the Company is not deemed to have significant influence over the investee. The fair value of these investments is based upon net asset values received from the investment manager or general partner of the respective entity. The nature of the underlying investments held by the investee that form the basis of the net asset value include assets such as private business ventures and are such that significant Level 3 inputs are utilized in the determination of the individual underlying holding values and, accordingly, the fair value of the Company’s investment in each entity is classified within Level 3. The Company has not adjusted the net asset values received; however, management incorporates factors such as the most recent financial information received, annual audited financial statements and the values at which capital transactions with the investee take place when applying judgment regarding whether any adjustments should be made to the net asset value in recording the fair value of each position. Investments in alternative funds included in Other investments utilize strategies including arbitrage, directional, event driven and multi-style. These funds potentially have lockup and gate provisions which may limit redemption liquidity. For further details regarding the nature of Other investments and related features see Item 8, Note 7, “Other Investments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
(e) Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments recorded within Other liabilities and classified within Level 3 include credit derivatives sold providing protection on senior tranches of structured finance transactions where the value is obtained directly from the investment bank counterparty and sufficient information regarding the inputs utilized in such valuation was not obtained to support a Level 2 classification and guaranteed minimum income benefits embedded within one reinsurance contract. The majority of inputs utilized in the valuations of these types of derivative contracts are considered Level 1 or Level 2; however, each valuation includes at least one Level 3 input that was significant to the valuation and, accordingly, the values are disclosed within Level 3.
The calculation of the change in fair value of the embedded derivative associated with the Life Retro Arrangements includes the interest income, realized and unrealized gains and losses on Life Funds Withheld Assets and certain related expenses related to the Life Funds Withheld Assets. The fair value of the embedded derivative is included in the “Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements, net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable” on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the embedded derivative is considered a Level 2 valuation.
(f) Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
Authoritative guidance over disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments requires additional disclosure of fair value information for financial instruments not carried at fair value in both interim and annual reporting periods. Certain financial instruments, particularly insurance contracts, are excluded from these fair value disclosure requirements. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, net receivable from investments sold, other assets, net payable for investments purchased, other liabilities and other financial instruments not included below approximated their fair values. The following table includes financial instruments for which the carrying value differs from the estimated fair values at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. All of these fair value estimates are considered Level 2 fair value measurements. The fair values for fixed maturities held to maturity are provided by third party pricing vendors and significant valuation inputs for all other items included were based upon market data obtained from sources independent of the Company, and are subject to the same control environment previously described.
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Fixed maturities, held to maturity
$

 
$

 
$
2,858,695

 
$
3,131,235

Other investments - structured transactions
275,821

 
299,661

 
294,048

 
296,799

Financial Assets
$
275,821

 
$
299,661

 
$
3,152,743

 
$
3,428,034

Deposit liabilities
$
1,288,376

 
$
1,520,108

 
$
1,509,243

 
$
1,718,394

Notes payable and debt
2,262,452

 
2,511,270

 
2,263,203

 
2,429,412

Financial Liabilities
$
3,550,828

 
$
4,031,378

 
$
3,772,446

 
$
4,147,806

As described in Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," certain fixed maturities were reclassified from held to maturity to available for sale. See also Note 6, "Investments" for further information.

15


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company historically participated in structured transactions. Remaining structured transactions include cash loans supporting project finance transactions, liquidity facility financing provided to structured project deals and an investment in a payment obligation with an insurance company. These transactions are carried at amortized cost. The fair value of these investments held by the Company is determined through use of internal models utilizing reported trades, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data.
Deposit liabilities include obligations under structured insurance and reinsurance transactions. For purposes of fair value disclosures, the Company determined the estimated fair value of the deposit liabilities by assuming a discount rate equal to the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate plus 45.5 basis points and 56.7 basis points at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The discount rate incorporates the Company’s own credit risk into the determination of estimated fair value.
The fair values of the Company’s notes payable and debt outstanding were determined based on quoted market prices.
There are no significant concentrations of credit risk within the Company’s financial instruments as defined in the authoritative guidance over disclosures of fair value of financial instruments not carried at fair value, which excludes certain financial instruments, particularly insurance contracts.
5. Segment Information
The Company is organized into two operating segments: Insurance and Reinsurance. Subsequent to the transaction as described in Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary", XLLR reinsures the majority of the Company's life reinsurance business through the Life Retro Arrangements. The Company no longer considers the Life Operations to be a separate operating segment and the results of the life run-off business are reported within “Corporate and Other.” The Company’s general investment and financing operations are also reflected in Corporate and Other. The run-off business subject to the Life Retro Arrangements was previously reported within the Company’s Life operations segment. Prior period information has been re-presented to reflect the current presentation.
The Company evaluates the performance of both the Insurance and Reinsurance segments based on underwriting profit. Other items of revenue and expenditure of the Company are not evaluated at the segment level. In addition, the Company does not allocate investment assets used to support its Property and Casualty (“P&C”) operations to the individual segments, except as noted below. Investment assets related to the Company’s run-off life operations and certain structured products included in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments are held in separately identified portfolios. As such, net investment income from these assets is included in the contribution from the applicable segment. The following tables summarize the segment results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:


16


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total P&C
 
Corporate
and Other (1)
 
Total
Gross premiums written
$
1,618,405

 
$
493,124

 
$
2,111,529

 
$
86,710

 
$
2,198,239

Net premiums written
996,880

 
436,446

 
1,433,326

 
58,518

 
1,491,844

Net premiums earned
1,003,990

 
434,086

 
1,438,076

 
58,518

 
1,496,594

Net losses and loss expenses
627,627

 
200,253

 
827,880

 
85,299

 
913,179

Acquisition costs
99,863

 
80,874

 
180,737

 
3,882

 
184,619

Operating expenses (2)
213,931

 
47,582

 
261,513

 
2,209

 
263,722

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
62,569

 
$
105,377

 
$
167,946

 
$
(32,872
)
 
$
135,074

Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
144,555

 
52,118

 
196,673

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,165

 
19,165

Net results from structured products (3)
31,645

 
3,240

 
34,885

 

 
34,885

Net fee income and other (4)
(3,567
)
 
664

 
(2,903
)
 
45

 
(2,858
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
 
 
 
 

 
666,423

 
666,423

Net realized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
78,505

 
2,339

 
80,844

Net realized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 
(8,147
)
 
(8,147
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
 

 
 

 

 
11,599

 
11,599

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
 
 
 
 

 
(17,546
)
 
(17,546
)
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (5)
 

 
 

 

 
45,421

 
45,421

Exchange (gains) losses
 

 
 

 

 
21,141

 
21,141

Corporate operating expenses
 

 
 

 

 
56,495

 
56,495

Contribution from P&C and Corporate and Other
 

 
 

 
422,988

 
(671,937
)
 
(248,949
)
Interest expense (6)
 

 
 

 
 

 
32,284

 
32,284

Non-controlling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
3,682

 
3,682

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
(5,654
)
 
(5,654
)
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
$
(279,261
)
Ratios – P&C operations: (7)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense ratio
62.5
%
 
46.1
%
 
57.6
%
 
 

 
 

Underwriting expense ratio
31.3
%
 
29.6
%
 
30.7
%
 
 

 
 

Combined ratio
93.8
%
 
75.7
%
 
88.3
%
 
 

 
 

____________
(1)
Corporate and Other includes the Company's run-off life operations.
(2)
Operating expenses exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.
(3)
The net results from structured products include net investment income and interest expense (credit) of $16.9 million and $(18.2) million, respectively. Net results from structured products includes a benefit of $28.7 million from a negotiated termination of one of the Company's larger structured indemnity contracts during the second quarter of 2014, producing a net interest expense credit.
(4)
Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company's loss prevention consulting services business.
(5)
The Company records the income related to the alternative funds and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.
(6)
Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
(7)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

17


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total P&C
 
Corporate
and Other (1)
 
Total
Gross premiums written
$
1,472,388

 
$
471,782

 
$
1,944,170

 
$
81,302

 
$
2,025,472

Net premiums written
1,049,163

 
410,809

 
1,459,972

 
73,896

 
1,533,868

Net premiums earned
1,058,542

 
429,955

 
1,488,497

 
73,896

 
1,562,393

Net losses and loss expenses
721,323

 
216,283

 
937,606

 
116,767

 
1,054,373

Acquisition costs
138,032

 
86,599

 
224,631

 
7,255

 
231,886

Operating expenses (2)
194,514

 
39,622

 
234,136

 
2,206

 
236,342

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
4,673

 
$
87,451

 
$
92,124

 
$
(52,332
)
 
$
39,792

Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
143,818

 
70,592

 
214,410

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Net results from structured products (3)
3,532

 
2,521

 
6,053

 

 
6,053

Net fee income and other (4)
(1,355
)
 
520

 
(835
)
 
44

 
(791
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
 
 
 
 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
29,369

 
11,599

 
40,968

Net realized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
 

 
 

 

 
(5,105
)
 
(5,105
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
 
 
 
 

 

 

Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (5)
 

 
 

 

 
79,368

 
79,368

Exchange (gains) losses
 

 
 

 

 
(11,331
)
 
(11,331
)
Corporate operating expenses
 

 
 

 

 
55,155

 
55,155

Contribution from P&C and Corporate and Other
 

 
 

 
270,529

 
60,342

 
330,871

Interest expense (6)
 

 
 

 
 

 
26,121

 
26,121

Non-controlling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
3,180

 
3,180

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
28,872

 
28,872

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
$
272,698

Ratios – P&C operations: (7)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense ratio
68.1
%
 
50.3
%
 
63.0
%
 
 

 


Underwriting expense ratio
31.5
%
 
29.4
%
 
30.8
%
 
 

 
 

Combined ratio
99.6
%
 
79.7
%
 
93.8
%
 
 

 
 

____________
(1)
Corporate and Other includes the Company's run-off life operations.
(2)
Operating expenses exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.
(3)
The net results from structured products include net investment income and interest expense of $18.1 million and $12.1 million, respectively.
(4)
Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company's loss prevention consulting services business.
(5)
The Company records the income related to the alternative funds and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.
(6)
Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
(7)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

18


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total P&C
 
Corporate
and Other (1)
 
Total
Gross premiums written
$
3,189,331

 
$
1,350,837

 
$
4,540,168

 
$
171,007

 
$
4,711,175

Net premiums written
2,124,247

 
1,228,619

 
3,352,866

 
134,829

 
3,487,695

Net premiums earned
1,996,430

 
854,174

 
2,850,604

 
134,829

 
2,985,433

Net losses and loss expenses
1,266,820

 
392,565

 
1,659,385

 
198,886

 
1,858,271

Acquisition costs
204,863

 
168,109

 
372,972

 
11,061

 
384,033

Operating expenses (2)
416,984

 
88,443

 
505,427

 
5,397

 
510,824

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
107,763

 
$
205,057

 
$
312,820

 
$
(80,515
)
 
$
232,305

Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
288,082

 
123,010

 
411,092

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,165

 
19,165

Net results from structured products (3)
36,535

 
6,303

 
42,838

 

 
42,838

Net fee income and other (4)
(4,779
)
 
1,337

 
(3,442
)
 
90

 
(3,352
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
 
 
 
 

 
666,423

 
666,423

Net realized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
96,171

 
3,902

 
100,073

Net realized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 
(8,147
)
 
(8,147
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
 

 
 

 

 
13,409

 
13,409

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
 
 
 
 

 
(17,546
)
 
(17,546
)
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (5)
 

 
 

 

 
125,009

 
125,009

Exchange (gains) losses
 

 
 

 

 
31,582

 
31,582

Corporate operating expenses
 

 
 

 

 
107,833

 
107,833

Contribution from P&C and Corporate and Other
 

 
 

 
$
736,469

 
$
(627,461
)
 
$
109,008

Interest expense (6)
 

 
 

 
 

 
64,444

 
64,444

Non-controlling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
39,441

 
39,441

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
28,667

 
28,667

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
$
(23,544
)
Ratios – P&C operations: (7)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense ratio
63.5
%
 
46.0
%
 
58.2
%
 
 

 
 

Underwriting expense ratio
31.1
%
 
30.0
%
 
30.8
%
 
 

 
 

Combined ratio
94.6
%
 
76.0
%
 
89.0
%
 
 

 
 

____________
(1)
Corporate and Other includes the Company's run-off life operations.
(2)
Operating expenses exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.
(3)
The net results from structured products include net investment income and net interest expense (credit) of $35.7 million and $(7.4) million, respectively. Net results from structured products includes a benefit of $28.7 million from a negotiated termination of one of the Company's larger structured indemnity contracts during the second quarter of 2014, producing a net interest expense credit.
(4)
Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company's loss prevention consulting services business.
(5)
The Company records the income related to the alternative funds and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.
(6)
Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
(7)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

19


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total P&C
 
Corporate
and Other (1)
 
Total
Gross premiums written
$
2,970,175

 
$
1,378,911

 
$
4,349,086

 
$
154,272

 
$
4,503,358

Net premiums written
2,238,351

 
1,263,830

 
3,502,181

 
139,341

 
3,641,522

Net premiums earned
2,097,634

 
855,109

 
2,952,743

 
139,341

 
3,092,084

Net losses and loss expenses
1,371,840

 
408,850

 
1,780,690

 
227,720

 
2,008,410

Acquisition costs
268,654

 
172,133

 
440,787

 
11,358

 
452,145

Operating expenses (2)
378,511

 
80,043

 
458,554

 
4,801

 
463,355

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
78,629

 
$
194,083

 
$
272,712

 
$
(104,538
)
 
$
168,174

Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
300,857

 
142,280

 
443,137

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Net results from structured products (3)
7,717

 
3,512

 
11,229

 

 
11,229

Net fee income and other (4)
(3,294
)
 
1,152

 
(2,142
)
 
1,087

 
(1,055
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
 
 
 
 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
74,947

 
2,530

 
77,477

Net realized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
 

 
 

 

 
2,780

 
2,780

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
 
 
 
 

 

 

Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (5)
 

 
 

 

 
142,587

 
142,587

Exchange (gains) losses
 

 
 

 

 
(44,766
)
 
(44,766
)
Corporate operating expenses
 

 
 

 

 
102,077

 
102,077

Contribution from P&C and Corporate and Other
 

 
 

 
$
657,603

 
$
129,415

 
$
787,018

Interest expense (6)
 

 
 

 
 

 
52,257

 
52,257

Non-controlling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
38,922

 
38,922

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
72,351

 
72,351

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
$
623,488

Ratios – P&C operations: (7)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense ratio
65.4
%
 
47.8
%
 
60.3
%
 
 

 
 

Underwriting expense ratio
30.9
%
 
29.5
%
 
30.5
%
 
 

 
 

Combined ratio
96.3
%
 
77.3
%
 
90.8
%
 
 

 
 

____________
(1)
Corporate and Other includes the Company's run-off life operations.
(2)
Operating expenses exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.
(3)
The net results from structured products include net investment income and interest expense of $35.9 million and $24.6 million, respectively.
(4)
Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company's loss prevention consulting services business.
(5)
The Company records the income related to the alternative funds and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.
(6)
Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
(7)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.


20


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables summarize the Company’s net premiums earned by line of business for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
P&C Operations:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Professional
$
267,509

 
$
44,239

 
$

 
$
311,748

Casualty
358,990

 
82,929

 

 
441,919

Property catastrophe

 
112,562

 

 
112,562

Property
142,874

 
142,337

 

 
285,211

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 
21,065

 

 
21,065

Specialty
179,948

 

 

 
179,948

Other (1)
54,669

 
30,954

 

 
85,623

Total P&C Operations
$
1,003,990

 
$
434,086

 
$

 
$
1,438,076

Corporate and Other:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Run-off Life operations - Annuity
$

 
$

 
$
21,565

 
$
21,565

Run-off Life operations - Other Life

 

 
36,953

 
36,953

Total Corporate and Other
$

 
$

 
$
58,518

 
$
58,518

Total
$
1,003,990

 
$
434,086

 
$
58,518

 
$
1,496,594

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
P&C Operations:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Professional
$
349,812

 
$
50,978

 
$

 
$
400,790

Casualty
338,437

 
76,544

 

 
414,981

Property catastrophe

 
129,361

 

 
129,361

Property
135,089

 
132,501

 

 
267,590

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 
24,588

 

 
24,588

Specialty
181,131

 

 

 
181,131

Other (1)
54,073

 
15,983

 

 
70,056

Total P&C Operations
$
1,058,542

 
$
429,955

 
$

 
$
1,488,497

Corporate and Other:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Run-off Life operations - Annuity
$

 
$

 
$
30,087

 
$
30,087

Run-off Life operations - Other Life

 

 
43,809

 
43,809

Total Corporate and Other
$

 
$

 
$
73,896

 
$
73,896

Total
$
1,058,542

 
$
429,955

 
$
73,896

 
$
1,562,393

____________
(1)
Other within the Insurance segment includes: excess and surplus, programs, surety, structured indemnity and certain other discontinued lines. Other within the Reinsurance segment includes: whole account contracts, accident and health and other lines.

21


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables summarize the Company’s net premiums earned by line of business for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
P&C Operations:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Professional
$
542,936

 
$
94,343

 
$

 
$
637,279

Casualty
702,994

 
159,650

 

 
862,644

Property catastrophe

 
220,999

 

 
220,999

Property
282,607

 
277,576

 

 
560,183

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 
44,579

 

 
44,579

Specialty
356,857

 

 

 
356,857

Other (1)
111,036

 
57,027

 

 
168,063

Total P&C Operations
$
1,996,430

 
$
854,174

 
$

 
$
2,850,604

Corporate and Other:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Run-off Life operations - Annuity
$

 
$

 
$
53,362

 
$
53,362

Run-off Life operations - Other Life

 

 
81,467

 
81,467

Total Corporate and Other
$

 
$

 
$
134,829

 
$
134,829

Total
$
1,996,430

 
$
854,174

 
$
134,829

 
$
2,985,433

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
P&C Operations:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Professional
$
700,650

 
$
96,414

 
$

 
$
797,064

Casualty
665,855

 
153,525

 

 
819,380

Property catastrophe

 
243,003

 

 
243,003

Property
259,539

 
273,770

 

 
533,309

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 
52,428

 

 
52,428

Specialty
364,096

 

 

 
364,096

Other (1)
107,494

 
35,969

 

 
143,463

Total P&C Operations
$
2,097,634

 
$
855,109

 
$

 
$
2,952,743

Corporate and Other:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Run-off Life operations - Annuity
$

 
$

 
$
59,771

 
$
59,771

Run-off Life operations - Other Life

 

 
79,570

 
79,570

Total Corporate and Other
$

 
$

 
$
139,341

 
$
139,341

Total
$
2,097,634

 
$
855,109

 
$
139,341

 
$
3,092,084

____________
(1)
Other within the Insurance segment includes: excess and surplus, programs, surety, structured indemnity and certain other discontinued lines. Other within the Reinsurance segment includes: whole account contracts, accident and health and other lines.


22


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Investments
(a) Fixed Maturities, Short-Term Investments and Equity Securities
Classification of Fixed Income Securities
During the three months ended June 30, 2014 fixed maturities with a carrying value of $2.8 billion were reclassified from held to maturity to available for sale in conjunction with the sale of XLLR as discussed in Note 3, “Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary.” Gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses, net of tax, of $424.9 million and nil, respectively, related to these securities were recognized in other comprehensive income on the date of transfer. For certain annuity contracts that are subject to the Life Retro Arrangements, policy benefit reserves were historically increased for the impact of changes in unrealized gains on investments supporting such contracts as if the gains had been realized, with a corresponding entry to other comprehensive income ("Shadow Adjustments"). In conjunction with the sale of XLLR and the related reclassification of securities from HTM to AFS, the Company recorded an additional gross charge of $440.5 million , net of tax, as a reduction of comprehensive income for such Shadow Adjustments on the date of the transfer. See Note 15, "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" for further information.
All of the reclassified securities are included within the Life Funds Withheld Assets, along with certain other available for sale securities as defined in the sale and purchase agreement. The Life Funds Withheld Assets are managed pursuant to agreed investment guidelines that meet the contractual commitments of the XL ceding companies and applicable laws and regulations. All of the investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets ultimately accrue to GreyCastle. Because the Company no longer shares in the risks and rewards of the underlying performance of the Life Funds Withheld Assets, disclosures within the financial statements and accompanying notes included herein separate the Life Funds Withheld Assets from the rest of the Company's investments.
Amortized Cost and Fair Value Summary
The cost (amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments), fair value, gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized (losses), including other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) of the Company’s AFS investments, the Life Funds Withheld Assets designated as AFS, and HTM investments at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were as follows:


23


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Non-credit Related OTTI (1)
Fixed maturities - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (2)
$
2,033,152

 
$
60,408

 
$
(9,266
)
 
$
2,084,294

 
$

Corporate (3) (4)
9,345,654

 
425,093

 
(43,123
)
 
9,727,624

 
(4,758
)
RMBS – Agency
3,218,551

 
104,874

 
(20,379
)
 
3,303,046

 

RMBS – Non-Agency
395,629

 
41,054

 
(21,180
)
 
415,503

 
(70,645
)
CMBS
1,098,149

 
33,562

 
(7,424
)
 
1,124,287

 
(2,561
)
CDO
763,146

 
3,656

 
(28,729
)
 
738,073

 
(1,812
)
Other asset-backed securities (5)
1,271,201

 
42,158

 
(3,087
)
 
1,310,272

 
(2,058
)
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
1,836,889

 
109,258

 
(6,557
)
 
1,939,590

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (2)
4,264,089

 
117,877

 
(26,105
)
 
4,355,861

 

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
24,226,460

 
$
937,940

 
$
(165,850
)
 
$
24,998,550

 
$
(81,834
)
Total short-term investments (2)
$
347,473

 
$
972

 
$
(771
)
 
$
347,674

 
$

Total equity securities (6)
$
839,716

 
$
151,618

 
$
(2,624
)
 
$
988,710

 
$

Total investments - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
25,413,649

 
$
1,090,530

 
$
(169,245
)
 
$
26,334,934

 
$
(81,834
)
Fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported
$
16,356

 
$
1,869

 
$

 
$
18,225

 
$

Corporate
2,722,907

 
294,539

 

 
3,017,446

 

RMBS – Agency
3,990

 
33

 

 
4,023

 

RMBS – Non-Agency
78,804

 
9,300

 

 
88,104

 

CMBS
198,576

 
18,268

 

 
216,844

 

CDO

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities
271,691

 
21,926

 

 
293,617

 

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 

 

 

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
1,546,747

 
259,365

 

 
1,806,112

 

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
4,839,071

 
$
605,300

 
$

 
$
5,444,371

 
$

Total investments - AFS
$
30,252,720

 
$
1,695,830

 
$
(169,245
)
 
$
31,779,305

 
$
(81,834
)
Total fixed maturities - HTM
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

___________
(1)
Represents the non-credit component of OTTI losses, adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the date an impairment was recorded.
(2)
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported, Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincials, Supranationals and Government-Related/Supported and Total short-term investments includes government-related securities with an amortized cost of $1,679.1 million and fair value of $1,721.8 million and U.S. Agencies with an amortized cost of $230.2 million and fair value of $256.8 million.
(3)
Included within Corporate are certain medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes have a fair value of $155.9 million and an amortized cost of $143.6 million. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.
(4)
Included within Corporate are Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments, which are senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions. These securities have a fair value of $28.1 million and an amortized cost of $32.6 million.
(5)
Covered Bonds with an amortized cost of $737.0 million and a fair value of $763.6 million are included within Other asset-backed securities to align the Company's classification to market indices.
(6)
Included within Total equity securities are investments in fixed income funds with a fair value of $92.1 million and an amortized cost of $92.1 million.

24


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Non-credit Related OTTI (1)
Fixed maturities - AFS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (2)
$
2,484,193

 
$
51,701

 
$
(34,043
)
 
$
2,501,851

 
$

Corporate (3) (4)
10,802,332

 
433,097

 
(109,599
)
 
11,125,830

 
(4,758
)
RMBS – Agency
3,540,101

 
68,098

 
(62,077
)
 
3,546,122

 

RMBS – Non-Agency
396,798

 
33,096

 
(31,126
)
 
398,768

 
(74,528
)
CMBS
1,223,313

 
39,255

 
(15,773
)
 
1,246,795

 
(2,753
)
CDO
754,414

 
5,833

 
(42,934
)
 
717,313

 
(2,036
)
Other asset-backed securities (5)
1,210,384

 
40,560

 
(8,840
)
 
1,242,104

 
(2,807
)
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
1,821,499

 
55,083

 
(30,770
)
 
1,845,812

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (2)
4,878,840

 
80,961

 
(84,260
)
 
4,875,541

 

Total fixed maturities - AFS
$
27,111,874

 
$
807,684

 
$
(419,422
)
 
$
27,500,136

 
$
(86,882
)
Total short-term investments (2)
$
455,470

 
$
962

 
$
(144
)
 
$
456,288

 
$

Total equity securities (6)
$
903,201

 
$
154,506

 
$
(17,470
)
 
$
1,040,237

 
$

Total investments - AFS
$
28,470,545

 
$
963,152

 
$
(437,036
)
 
$
28,996,661

 
$
(86,882
)
Fixed maturities - HTM
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (2)
$
10,993

 
$
629

 
$

 
$
11,622

 
$

Corporate
1,386,863

 
113,179

 
(968
)
 
1,499,074

 

RMBS – Non-Agency
66,987

 
4,985

 

 
71,972

 

CMBS
144,924

 
11,864

 

 
156,788

 

Other asset-backed securities (5)
106,540

 
6,908

 

 
113,448

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (2)
1,142,388

 
136,585

 
(642
)
 
1,278,331

 

Total fixed maturities - HTM
$
2,858,695

 
$
274,150

 
$
(1,610
)
 
$
3,131,235

 
$

____________
(1)
Represents the non-credit component of OTTI losses, adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the date an impairment was recorded.
(2)
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported, Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincials, Supranationals and Government-Related/Supported and Total short-term investments includes government-related securities with an amortized cost of $2,241.5 million and fair value of $2,275.6 million and U.S. Agencies with an amortized cost of $267.0 million and fair value of $284.3 million.
(3)
Included within Corporate are certain medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes have a fair value of $154.6 million and an amortized cost of $147.7 million. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.
(4)
Included within Corporate are Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments, which are senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions. These securities have a fair value of $282.2 million and an amortized cost of $286.2 million.
(5)
Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities - AFS with an amortized cost of $526.4 million and a fair value of $553.1 million and Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities - HTM with an amortized cost of $8.6 million and a fair value of $8.7 million are included within Other asset-backed securities to align the Company's classification to market indices.
(6)
Included within Total equity securities are investments in fixed income funds with a fair value of $87.4 million and an amortized cost of $100.0 million.
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately 2.8% and 2.6%, respectively, of the Company's fixed income investment portfolio at fair value, excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, was invested in securities that were below investment grade or not rated. Approximately 22.0% and 12.4% of the gross unrealized losses in the Company's fixed income securities portfolio, excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to securities that were below investment grade or not rated. There were no unrealized losses within the Life Funds Withheld Assets at June 30, 2014.

25


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Contractual Maturities Summary
The contractual maturities of AFS and HTM fixed income securities at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

June 30, 2014 (1)

December 31, 2013 (1)
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Amortized
Cost

Fair
Value

Amortized
Cost

Fair
Value
Fixed maturities - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 


 


 


 

Due less than one year
$
2,069,219

 
$
2,088,394

 
$
2,052,251

 
$
2,060,365

Due after 1 through 5 years
9,384,790

 
9,657,635

 
10,075,087

 
10,305,986

Due after 5 through 10 years
4,518,798

 
4,693,075

 
5,474,120

 
5,507,450

Due after 10 years
1,506,977

 
1,668,265

 
2,385,406

 
2,475,233

 
$
17,479,784

 
$
18,107,369

 
$
19,986,864

 
$
20,349,034

RMBS – Agency
3,218,551

 
3,303,046

 
3,540,101

 
3,546,122

RMBS – Non-Agency
395,629

 
415,503

 
396,798

 
398,768

CMBS
1,098,149

 
1,124,287

 
1,223,313

 
1,246,795

CDO
763,146

 
738,073

 
754,414

 
717,313

Other asset-backed securities
1,271,201

 
1,310,272

 
1,210,384

 
1,242,104

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
$
6,746,676

 
$
6,891,181

 
$
7,125,010

 
$
7,151,102

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
24,226,460

 
$
24,998,550

 
$
27,111,874

 
$
27,500,136

Fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Due less than one year
$
138,250

 
$
144,169

 
$

 
$

Due after 1 through 5 years
680,192

 
725,237

 

 

Due after 5 through 10 years
1,159,277

 
1,297,027

 

 

Due after 10 years
2,308,291

 
2,675,350

 

 

 
$
4,286,010

 
$
4,841,783

 
$

 
$

RMBS – Agency
3,990

 
4,023

 

 

RMBS – Non-Agency
78,804

 
88,104

 

 

CMBS
198,576

 
216,844

 

 

CDO

 

 

 

Other asset-backed securities
271,691

 
293,617

 

 

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
$
553,061

 
$
602,588

 
$

 
$

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
4,839,071

 
$
5,444,371

 
$

 
$

Total fixed maturities - AFS
$
29,065,531

 
$
30,442,921

 
$
27,111,874

 
$
27,500,136

Fixed maturities - HTM
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Due less than one year
$

 
$

 
$
65,651

 
$
66,766

Due after 1 through 5 years

 

 
240,802

 
255,322

Due after 5 through 10 years

 

 
455,633

 
492,095

Due after 10 years

 

 
1,778,158

 
1,974,844

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,540,244

 
$
2,789,027

RMBS – Non-Agency

 

 
66,987

 
71,972

CMBS

 

 
144,924

 
156,788

Other asset-backed securities

 

 
106,540

 
113,448

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
$

 
$

 
$
318,451

 
$
342,208

Total fixed maturities - HTM
$

 
$

 
$
2,858,695

 
$
3,131,235

____________
(1)
Included in the table above within Fixed Maturities - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, are Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments, which are senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions, at their fair values of $28.1 million and $282.2 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These securities are reflected in the table based on their call date and have net unrealized losses of $4.5 million and $4.0 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

26


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTTI Considerations
Under final authoritative accounting guidance, a debt security for which amortized cost exceeds fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired if it meets either of the following conditions: (a) the Company intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, the security before a recovery in value, or (b) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Other than in a situation in which the Company has the intent to sell a debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell a debt security, the amount of the OTTI related to a credit loss on the security is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the OTTI related to other factors (e.g., interest rates, market conditions, etc.) is recorded as a component of OCI. The net amount recognized in earnings (“credit loss impairment”) represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment (“NPV”). The remaining difference between the security's NPV and its fair value is recognized in OCI. Subsequent changes in the fair value of these securities are included in OCI unless a further impairment is deemed to have occurred.
In the scenario where the Company has the intent to sell a security in which its amortized cost exceeds its fair value, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell such a security, the entire difference between the security's amortized cost and its fair value is recognized in earnings.
The determination of credit loss impairment is based on detailed analyses of underlying cash flows and other considerations. Such analyses require the use of certain assumptions to develop the estimated performance of underlying collateral. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, items such as RMBS default rates based on collateral duration in arrears, severity of losses on default by collateral class, collateral reinvestment rates and expected future general corporate default rates.
Factors considered for all securities on a quarterly basis in determining that a gross unrealized loss is not other-than-temporarily impaired include management's consideration of current and near term liquidity needs and other available sources of funds, an evaluation of the factors and time necessary for recovery and an assessment of whether the Company has the intention to sell or considers it more likely than not that it will be forced to sell a security.
Pledged Assets
Certain of the Company's invested assets are held in trust and pledged in support of insurance and reinsurance liabilities as well as credit facilities. Such pledges are largely required by the Company's operating subsidiaries that are “non-admitted” under U.S. state insurance regulations, in order for the U.S. cedant to receive statutory credit for reinsurance. Also, certain deposit liabilities and annuity contracts require the use of pledged assets. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $16.1 billion and $15.5 billion in pledged assets, respectively.

27


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(b) Gross Unrealized Losses
The following is an analysis of how long the AFS and HTM securities at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 had been in a continual unrealized loss position:
 
Less than 12 months
 
Equal to or greater
than 12 months
June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported
$
155,192

 
$
(1,345
)
 
$
455,830

 
$
(7,926
)
Corporate
510,313

 
(4,910
)
 
820,499

 
(38,302
)
RMBS – Agency
28,954

 
(123
)
 
652,745

 
(20,256
)
RMBS – Non-Agency
26,501

 
(374
)
 
216,406

 
(20,806
)
CMBS
65,205

 
(197
)
 
202,685

 
(7,227
)
CDO
69,479

 
(268
)
 
492,272

 
(28,461
)
Other asset-backed securities
60,338

 
(130
)
 
79,464

 
(2,957
)
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
32,636

 
(260
)
 
222,479

 
(6,297
)
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
548,628

 
(6,517
)
 
515,159

 
(20,265
)
Total fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
1,497,246

 
$
(14,124
)
 
$
3,657,539

 
$
(152,497
)
Total fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Total fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS
$
1,497,246

 
$
(14,124
)
 
$
3,657,539

 
$
(152,497
)
Total equity securities
$
46,158

 
$
(2,624
)
 
$

 
$

Total fixed maturities - HTM
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


 
Less than 12 months
 
Equal to or greater
than 12 months
December 31, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported
$
1,333,704

 
$
(30,474
)
 
$
44,158

 
$
(3,614
)
Corporate
2,756,235

 
(59,497
)
 
513,106

 
(50,160
)
RMBS – Agency
1,485,261

 
(50,362
)
 
169,704

 
(11,715
)
RMBS – Non-Agency
14,204

 
(604
)
 
240,946

 
(30,522
)
CMBS
432,820

 
(6,816
)
 
107,192

 
(8,957
)
CDO
58,239

 
(217
)
 
574,613

 
(42,717
)
Other asset-backed securities
196,639

 
(2,149
)
 
96,528

 
(6,691
)
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
463,974

 
(23,124
)
 
64,324

 
(7,646
)
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
2,130,792

 
(56,866
)
 
306,873

 
(27,435
)
Total fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS
$
8,871,868

 
$
(230,109
)
 
$
2,117,444

 
$
(189,457
)
Total equity securities
$
155,453

 
$
(17,470
)
 
$

 
$

Fixed maturities - HTM
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate
$
46,034

 
$
(941
)
 
$
642

 
$
(27
)
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported

 

 
11,894

 
(642
)
Total fixed maturities - HTM
$
46,034

 
$
(941
)
 
$
12,536

 
$
(669
)

28


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company had gross unrealized losses totaling $169.2 million on 1,385 securities out of a total of 7,668 held at June 30, 2014 in its AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets portfolio, which it considers to be temporarily impaired or with respect to which it reflects non-credit losses on other-than-temporarily impaired assets. Individual security positions comprising this balance have been evaluated by management to determine the severity of these impairments and whether they should be considered other-than-temporary. Management believes it is more likely than not that the issuer will be able to fund sufficient principal and interest payments to support the current amortized cost.
Management, in its assessment of whether securities in a gross unrealized loss position are temporarily impaired, as described above, considers the significance of the impairments. At June 30, 2014, the AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets portfolio included structured credit securities with gross unrealized losses of $10.6 million, which had a fair value of $4.6 million, and a cumulative fair value decline of greater than 50% of amortized cost. All of these securities are mortgage and asset-backed securities. These greater than 50% impaired securities include gross unrealized losses of $10.4 million on CDOs and $0.2 million on non-Agency RMBS.
(c) Net Realized Gains (Losses)
The following represents an analysis of net realized gains (losses) on investments:
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net realized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross realized gains
$
118,947

 
$
64,865

 
$
170,160

 
$
138,038

Gross realized losses on investments sold
(13,487
)
 
(21,508
)
 
(41,744
)
 
(53,534
)
OTTI on investments, net of amounts transferred to other comprehensive income
(24,616
)
 
(2,389
)
 
(28,343
)
 
(7,027
)
 
$
80,844

 
$
40,968

 
$
100,073

 
$
77,477

Net realized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross realized gains
$
624

 
$

 
$
624

 
$

Gross realized losses on investments sold

 

 

 

OTTI on investments, net of amounts transferred to other comprehensive income
(8,771
)
 

 
(8,771
)
 

 
$
(8,147
)
 
$

 
$
(8,147
)
 
$

Total net realized gains (losses) on investments
$
72,697

 
$
40,968

 
$
91,926

 
$
77,477

The main components of the net impairment charges of $24.6 million for investments excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets for the three months ended June 30, 2014 were:
$10.3 million related to certain equities as the holdings were in a loss position for more than 11 months.
$12.5 million related to Other Investments.
The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed income securities held by the Company as of the dates or the periods indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts.
Credit Loss Impairments
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Opening balance at beginning of indicated period
$
171,382

 
$
260,066

 
$
174,805

 
$
268,707

Credit loss impairment recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired
30

 
27

 
41

 
527

Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period
(3,322
)
 
(55,144
)
 
(7,571
)
 
(61,619
)
Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period

 

 

 

Additional credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired
892

 
1,996

 
3,153

 
4,300

Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected
(3,105
)
 
(4,083
)
 
(4,551
)
 
(9,053
)
Balance at June 30,
$
165,877

 
$
202,862

 
$
165,877

 
$
202,862


29


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

During the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the $3.3 million and $55.1 million, respectively, of credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities that matured, or were paid down, prepaid or sold, includes $2.5 million and $54.4 million, respectively, of non-Agency RMBS.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the $7.6 million and $61.6 million, respectively, of credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities that matured, or were paid down, prepaid or sold, includes $5.2 million and $60.2 million, respectively, of non-Agency RMBS.

7. Derivative Instruments
The Company enters into derivative instruments for both risk management and investment purposes. The Company is exposed to potential loss from various market risks, and manages its market risks based on guidelines established by management and the Risk and Finance Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheets and measures those instruments at fair value, with the changes in fair value of derivatives shown in the consolidated statement of income as “Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments” unless the derivatives are designated as hedging instruments. The accounting for derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments is described in Item 8, Note 2(h), “Significant Accounting Policies - Derivative Instruments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following table summarizes information on the location and gross amounts of derivative fair values contained in the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Asset
Derivative
Notional
Amount
 
Asset
Derivative
Fair Value
(1)
 
Liability
Derivative
Notional
Amount
 
Liability
Derivative
Fair Value
(1)
 
Asset
Derivative
Notional
Amount
 
Asset
Derivative
Fair Value
(1)
 
Liability
Derivative
Notional
Amount
 
Liability
Derivative
Fair Value
(1)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
$
891,217

 
$
45,597

 
$
1,315,385

 
$
35,265

 
$
1,005,610

 
$
26,098

 
$
2,572,227

 
$
70,462

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment Related Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate exposure
$
1,295,267

 
$
259

 
$
28,090

 
$

 
$
30,702

 
$
266

 
$
10,259

 
$
8

Foreign exchange exposure
190,870

 
1,914

 
105,797

 
3,004

 
17,497

 
12

 
50,614

 
680

Credit exposure
4,566

 
3

 
14,270

 
9,988

 

 

 
340,020

 
15,128

Financial market exposure
46,645

 
344

 
43,468

 

 
58,232

 
1,111

 
14,821

 
77

Financial Operations Derivatives: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit exposure

 

 
41,346

 
8,930

 

 

 
44,234

 
4,190

Other Non-Investment Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed minimum income benefit contract
50,802

 
12,453

 
50,802

 
12,453

 

 

 
53,564

 
14,940

Modified coinsurance funds withheld contracts (3)
65,721

 

 
5,659,644

 

 
66,369

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
$
1,653,871

 
$
14,973

 
$
5,943,417

 
$
34,375

 
$
172,800

 
$
1,389

 
$
513,512

 
$
35,023

____________
(1)
Derivative instruments in an asset or liability position are included within Other assets or Other liabilities, respectively, in the balance sheets on a net basis where the Company has both a legal right of offset and the intentions to settle the contracts on a net basis.
(2)
Financial operations derivatives represent interests in variable interest entities as described in Note 12, “Variable Interest Entities".
(3)
The fair value movements in derivative assets and liabilities relating to modified coinsurance funds withheld contracts are included within the the associated asset or liability at each period end on the face of the balance sheets. Notional amounts associated with reinsurance agreements under which the Company assumes reinsurance risk are recorded as asset derivative notional amounts. Notional amounts associated with the Life Retro Arrangements under which the Company cedes reinsurance risk are recorded as liability derivative notional amounts. Included in the liability derivative notional amount at June 30, 2014 is the current period net realized and unrealized loss on life retrocession embedded derivative of $17.5 million.


30


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table summarizes information on the gross and net amounts of derivative fair values and associated collateral received related to derivative assets or paid relating to derivative liabilities contained in the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheets
 
 
June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Gross Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheets
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets
 
Net Amounts in the Balance Sheets
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral
 
Net Amounts
Derivative Assets
$
60,570

 
$
1,240

 
$
59,330

 
$

 
$
3,160

 
$
56,170

Derivative Liabilities
$
69,640

 
$
1,240

 
$
68,400

 
$

 
$

 
$
68,400

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets
$
27,487

 
$
1,342

 
$
26,145

 
$

 
$

 
$
26,145

Derivative Liabilities
$
105,485

 
$
1,342

 
$
104,143

 
$

 
$
19,847

 
$
84,296

Derivative instruments in an asset or liability position are included within Other assets or Other liabilities, respectively, in the balance sheets on a net basis where the Company has both a legal right of offset and the intention to settle the contracts on a net basis. The Company often enters into different types of derivative contracts with a single counterparty and these contracts are covered under netting agreements. At June 30, 2014 the Company held cash collateral related to foreign currency derivative positions and certain other derivative positions of $3.2 million and at December 31, 2013, the Company paid cash collateral related to foreign currency derivative positions and certain other derivative positions of $19.8 million. The assets related to the net collateral paid were recorded as Other assets within the balance sheets as the collateral and derivative positions are not intended to be settled on a net basis.
(a) Derivative Instruments Designated as Fair Value Hedges
The Company designates certain of its derivative instruments as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges and formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items and links the hedging derivative to specific assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge both at inception and on an on-going basis, and determines whether the hedge is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the linked hedged item.
The Company may hedge portions of its liabilities against changes in the applicable designated benchmark interest rate. Interest rate swaps may also be used to hedge the changes in fair value of certain fixed rate liabilities and fixed income securities due to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate. In addition, the Company utilizes foreign exchange contracts to hedge the fair value of certain fixed income securities as well as to hedge certain net investments in foreign operations.

31


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table provides the total impact on earnings relating to derivative instruments formally designated as fair value hedges along with the impacts of the related hedged items for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
Hedged Items - Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income Attributable to Risk
 
Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Gain/(Loss)
Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
 
Fixed Maturity
Investments
 
Ineffective
Portion of
Hedging
Relationship -
Gain/(Loss)
Interest rate exposure
$

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange exposure
(9,132
)
 
 

 
 

Total
$
(9,132
)
 
$
7,082

 
$
(2,050
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate exposure
$

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange exposure
(5,002
)
 
 

 
 

Total
$
(5,002
)
 
$
4,496

 
$
(506
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate exposure
$

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange exposure
(15,663
)
 
 

 
 

Total
$
(15,663
)
 
$
15,407

 
$
(256
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate exposure
$

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange exposure
25,243

 
 

 
 

Total
$
25,243

 
$
(24,274
)
 
$
969

The gains (losses) recorded on both the derivative instruments and specific items designated as being hedged as part of the fair value hedging relationships outlined above along with any associated ineffectiveness in the relationships are recorded through Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the income statement. In addition, the periodic coupon settlements relating to the interest rate swaps are recorded as adjustments to net investment income for the hedges of fixed maturity investments.
Settlement of Fair Value Hedges
A summary of the fair value hedges that have been settled and their impact on results during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, as well as the remaining balance of fair value hedges and average years remaining to maturity are shown below:
Settlement of Fair Value Hedges - Summary
Fair Value Hedges - Notes
Payable and Debt
June 30,
 
Fair Value Hedges - Deposit
Liabilities
June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except years)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Cumulative reduction to interest expense
$
20,810

 
$
16,903

 
$
90,615

 
$
29,257

Remaining balance
$
814

 
$
4,721

 
$
142,580

 
$
203,938

Weighted average years remaining to maturity
0.2

 
1.2

 
24.0

 
24.2


During the second quarter of 2014, the Company negotiated the termination of one of its larger structured indemnity contracts. This contract had previously been designated as a fair value hedge that was settled as noted above. The remaining fair value adjustment of $47.0 million that was being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining term of the contract was recorded as an adjustment to interest expense at the termination date. As a result of the termination, a net decrease of $28.7 million was recorded to interest expense reflecting the realization of the remaining balance of the fair value hedge adjustment, partially offset by an accretion rate adjustment due to changes in cash flows.

32


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(b) Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges of the Net Investment in a Foreign Operation
The Company utilizes foreign exchange contracts to hedge the fair value of certain net investments in foreign operations. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company entered into foreign exchange contracts that were formally designated as hedges of investments in foreign subsidiaries, the majority of which have functional currencies of either U.K. sterling or the Euro. There was no ineffectiveness in these transactions.
The following table provides the weighted average U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign denominated net assets that were hedged and the resulting derivative gain (loss) that was recorded in the Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax, account within AOCI for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges of the
Net Investment in a Foreign Operation - Summary
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Weighted average of U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign denominated net assets
$
2,270,090

 
$
2,588,385

 
$
2,478,772

 
$
2,556,103

Derivative gains (losses)
$
(2,170
)
 
$
(6,135
)
 
$
(1,210
)
 
$
54,479

(c) Derivative Instruments Not Formally Designated As Hedging Instruments
The following table provides the total impact on earnings relating to derivative instruments not formally designated as hedging instruments under authoritative accounting guidance and from the ineffective portion of fair value hedges. The impacts are all recorded through Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives in the income statement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Investment Related Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate exposure
$
8,978

 
$
288

 
$
9,326

 
$
489

Foreign exchange exposure
(1,490
)
 
(2,690
)
 
1,798

 
(4,288
)
Credit exposure
411

 
(1,178
)
 
7

 
(1,994
)
Financial market exposure
2,508

 
(2,736
)
 
3,378

 
2,616

Financial Operations Derivatives:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Credit exposure
447

 
1,087

 
(4,353
)
 
1,329

Other Non-Investment Derivatives:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Guaranteed minimum income benefit contract
633

 
2,306

 
2,257

 
6,002

Modified coinsurance funds withheld contract
2,162

 
(1,676
)
 
1,252

 
(2,343
)
Total gain (loss) recognized in income from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
$
13,649

 
$
(4,599
)
 
$
13,665

 
$
1,811

Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income from ineffective
portion of fair value hedges
(2,050
)
 
(506
)
 
(256
)
 
969

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
$
11,599

 
$
(5,105
)
 
$
13,409

 
$
2,780

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
$
(17,546
)
 
$

 
$
(17,546
)
 
$

The Company’s objectives in using these derivatives are explained below.
(d)(i) Investment Related Derivatives
The Company, either directly or through its investment managers, may use derivative instruments within its investment portfolio, including interest rate swaps, inflation swaps, commodity contracts, credit derivatives (single name and index credit default swaps), options, forward contracts and financial futures (foreign exchange, bond and stock index futures), primarily as a means of economically hedging exposures to interest rate, credit spread, equity price changes and foreign currency risk or, in limited instances, for investment purposes. When using cleared (exchange-traded) derivatives, the Company is exposed to the credit risk of the applicable clearing house and of the Company's future commissions merchant. When using uncleared (over-the-counter) derivatives, the Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparties under any derivative contracts, although the Company generally seeks to use credit support arrangements with counterparties to help manage this risk.

33


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Investment Related Derivatives – Interest Rate Exposure
The Company utilizes risk management and overlay strategies that incorporate the use of derivative financial instruments, primarily to manage its fixed income portfolio duration and net economic exposure to interest rate risks. The Company may also use interest rate swaps to convert certain liabilities from a fixed rate to a variable rate of interest or use them to convert a variable rate of interest from one basis to another.
Investment Related Derivatives – Foreign Exchange Exposure
The Company has exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through its operations and in its investment portfolio. The Company uses foreign exchange contracts to manage its exposure to the effects of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of certain of its foreign currency fixed maturities. These contracts are not designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes and, therefore, realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in income in the period in which they occur. These contracts generally have maturities of twelve months or less.
In addition, certain of the Company's investment managers may, subject to investment guidelines, enter into forward contracts.
Investment Related Derivatives – Credit Exposure
Credit derivatives may be purchased within the Company's investment portfolio in the form of single name and basket credit default swaps, which are used to mitigate credit exposure through a reduction in credit spread duration (i.e., macro credit strategies rather than single-name credit hedging) or exposure to selected issuers, including issuers that are not held in the underlying fixed income portfolio.
Investment Related Derivatives - Financial Market Exposure
Stock index futures may be purchased within the Company's investment portfolio in order to create synthetic equity exposure and to add value to the portfolio with overlay strategies where market inefficiencies are believed to exist. From time to time, the Company may enter into other financial market exposure derivative contracts on various indices including, but not limited to, inflation and commodity contracts.
(d)(ii) Financial Operations Derivatives - Credit Exposure
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held one credit derivative exposure, which was written as part of the Company's previous financial lines business and is outside of the Company's investment portfolio. This is a European project finance loan participation that benefits from a deficiency guarantee from the German state and federal governments, in the current amount of 68% of the outstanding exposure at June 30, 2014, following the scheduled expiry of a portion of this guarantee. An aggregate summary of the credit derivative exposure at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
Financial Operations Derivatives - Credit Exposure Summary:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Principal outstanding
$
39,748

 
$
42,080

Interest outstanding
1,598

 
2,154

Aggregate outstanding exposure
$
41,346

 
$
44,234

Total liability recorded
$
8,930

 
$
4,190

Weighted average contractual term to maturity
3.3 years

 
3.7 years

Underlying obligations credit rating
CC

 
CC

At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was no reported event of default on this obligation. However, the liability shown in the above table has been recorded due to the combination of the reduction in the deficiency guarantee percentage and a deterioration of the credit quality of the underlying obligations. Credit derivatives are recorded at fair value based upon prices received from the investment bank counterparty, or by using models developed by the Company. Although the Company does not have access to the specific unobservable inputs that may be used in the determination of fair value, it expects that the significant inputs considered would include changes in interest rates, future default rates, credit spreads, changes in credit quality, future expected recovery rates and other market factors. The change resulting from movements in credit and credit quality spreads is unrealized as the credit derivative is not traded to realize this resultant value.

34


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(d)(iii) Other Non-Investment Derivatives
The Company also has derivatives embedded in certain reinsurance contracts. For a certain life reinsurance contract, the Company pays the ceding company a fixed amount equal to the estimated present value of the excess of the guaranteed benefit over the account balance upon the policyholder's election to take the income benefit. The fair value of this derivative is determined based on the present value of expected cash flows. In addition, the Company has modified coinsurance and funds withheld reinsurance agreements that provide for a return to be paid to the Company based on a portfolio of fixed income securities. As such, the agreements contain an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the funds withheld balance and recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings through Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments.
In addition, the Company has entered into Life Retro Arrangements as described in Notes 2, "Significant Accounting Policies - (a) Investments Related to Life Retrocession Agreements written on a Funds Withheld Basis" and " - (b) Reinsurance" and Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary." The embedded derivative related to the Life Retro Arrangements is recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings through net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative.
The value of the life retrocession embedded derivative includes the interest income, realized and unrealized gains and losses on Life Funds Withheld Assets and certain related expenses subsequent to May 30, 2014 as follows:
Components of Life Retrocession Embedded Derivative:
May 30 to June 30
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
Interest income
$
(19,944
)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Life Funds Withheld Assets
1,893

Other
505

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
$
(17,546
)
(e) Contingent Credit Features
Certain derivative agreements entered into by the Company or its subsidiaries contain rating downgrade provisions that permit early termination of the agreement by the counterparty if collateral is not posted following failure to maintain certain credit ratings from one or more of the principal credit rating agencies. If the Company were required to early terminate such agreements due to a rating downgrade, it could potentially be in a net liability position at the time of settlement of such agreements. The aggregate fair value of all derivative agreements containing such rating downgrade provisions that were in a liability position and any collateral posted under these agreements as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
Contingent Credit Features - Summary:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Aggregate fair value of derivative agreements with downgrade provisions in a net liability position
$
6,728

 
$
47,703

Collateral posted to counterparty
$

 
$
13,260

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
During the first quarter of 2014, goodwill and intangible assets increased as a result of the completion of an acquisition and the impact of foreign currency translation. The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method under which the Company recorded the identifiable assets and liabilities at their acquisition date fair values, and recorded the excess of consideration transferred over the net assets acquired as goodwill and intangible assets. The fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, as well as amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated results since the acquisition date, are not material. The Company’s goodwill and intangible assets of $455.1 million at June 30, 2014 related to the Reinsurance segment.

35


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. Share Capital
(a) Authorized and Issued
Buybacks of Ordinary Shares
On February 22, 2013, XL-Ireland announced that its Board of Directors approved a new share buyback program, authorizing the purchase of up to $850 million of its ordinary shares (the “Share Buyback Program”). At December 31, 2013, $275 million remained available for purchase under the Share Buyback Program. On February 21, 2014, XL-Ireland announced that its Board of Directors approved an increase to the Share Buyback Program, authorizing the purchase of up to $1.0 billion of our ordinary shares. This authorization includes the approximately $200.0 million that remained under the Share Buyback Program prior to the increase. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company purchased and canceled 5.5 million and 11.3 million ordinary shares under the Share Buyback Program for $175.0 million and $350.0 million, respectively. At June 30, 2014, $717.6 million remained available for purchase under the Share Buyback Program.
All share buybacks were carried out by way of redemption in accordance with Irish law and the Company's constitutional documents. All shares so redeemed were canceled upon redemption.
(b) Stock Plans
The Company's performance incentive programs provide for grants of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units and stock appreciation rights. Share-based compensation granted by the Company generally contains a vesting period of three or four years, and certain awards also contain performance conditions. The Company records compensation expense related to each award over its vesting period, incorporating the best estimate of the expected outcome of performance conditions where applicable. Compensation expense is generally recorded on a straight line basis over the vesting period of an award. See Item 8, Note 18, “Share Capital,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further information on the Company's performance incentive programs and associated accounting.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company granted approximately 1.0 million stock options with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $8.60 per option. The fair value of the options issued was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:
Dividend yield
1.99
%
Risk free interest rate
1.80
%
Volatility
33.8
%
Expected lives
6.0 years

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company granted 42,444 restricted stock awards to certain employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $1.4 million. The award recipients generally have the rights and privileges of a shareholder as to the restricted stock, including the right to receive dividends contingent upon the vesting of the restricted stock and the right to vote such restricted stock. The recipients are not entitled to receive delivery of a stock certificate prior to vesting nor may any restricted stock be sold, transferred, pledged, or otherwise disposed of prior to the satisfaction of all vesting requirements.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company granted approximately 1.8 million restricted stock units to certain employees of the Company and its subsidiaries with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $54.3 million. Each restricted stock unit represents the Company's obligation to deliver to the holder one ordinary share, and grants vest in three equal installments upon the first, second and third anniversary of the date of grant. Restricted stock units are granted at the closing market price on the day of grant and entitle the holder to receive dividends declared and paid in the form of additional ordinary shares contingent upon vesting.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company granted approximately 0.6 million performance units (representing a potential maximum share payout of approximately 1.1 million ordinary shares) to certain employees with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $16.3 million. The performance units vest after three years, subject to the achievement of stated performance metrics, and entitle the holder to ordinary shares of the Company. There are no dividend rights associated with the performance units. Each grant of performance units has a target number of shares, with final payouts ranging from 0% to 200% of the grant amount depending upon a combination of corporate and business segment performance along with each employee's continued service through the vesting date. Performance targets are based on relative and absolute financial performance metrics.

36


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10. Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements
(a) Notes Payable and Debt
All outstanding debt of the Company at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was issued by XLIT Ltd. (“XL-Cayman”), a 100% owned subsidiary of XL-Ireland and the only direct subsidiary thereof. XL-Ireland does not have significant assets or operations independent of XL-Cayman. XL-Cayman's outstanding debt is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by XL-Ireland. The ability of XL-Cayman, like that of the Company, to obtain funds from its subsidiaries to satisfy any of its obligations under guarantees is subject to certain contractual restrictions, applicable laws and statutory requirements of the various countries in which the subsidiaries operate, including, among others, Bermuda, the United States, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. For details of the required statutory capital and surplus for the principal operating subsidiaries of the Company, see Item 8, Note 23, “Statutory Financial Data,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The Company was in compliance with all covenants by significant margins at June 30, 2014, and the Company currently remains in compliance with all covenants.
(b) Letter of Credit Facilities and Other Sources of Collateral
The Company has several letter of credit facilities provided on both syndicated and bilateral bases from commercial banks. These facilities are utilized primarily to support non-admitted insurance and reinsurance operations in the U.S. and capital requirements at Lloyd’s. The Company’s letter of credit facilities and revolving credit facilities at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
Letter of Credit Summary:
(U.S. dollars in thousands except percentages)
June 30, 2014 (1)
 
December 31, 2013 (1)
Revolving credit facility (2)
$
1,000,000

 
$
1,000,000

Available letter of credit facilities - commitments (3)
$
3,575,000

 
$
3,575,000

Available letter of credit facilities - in use
$
1,870,818

 
$
1,895,425

Collateralized by certain assets of the Company’s investment portfolio
67.2
%
 
67.6
%
____________
(1)
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were seven available letter of credit facilities.
(2)
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013,the revolving credit available under the November 2013 unsecured credit agreement, which provides for issuance of letters of credit and revolving credit loans up to $1 billion, was unutilized. The credit agreements entered into with Citicorp USA, Inc. in May through November 2013 (the "Citi Agreements") provide for issuance of letters of credit and revolving credit loans up to an aggregate amount of $575.0 million. At June 30, 2014, $575.0 million of letters of credit were issued under these agreements and therefore such amount is not included in the table.
(3)
The Company has the option to increase the size of the facilities under the Syndicated Credit Agreements by an additional $500 million across such facilities. The Company also has the option to increase the maximum amount of the letters of credit and revolving credit loans available under the 2013 Citi Agreements with the lender's and issuing lender's consent.
For details regarding these facilities see Item 8, Note 13(b), “Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements - Letter of Credit Facilities and Other Sources of Collateral,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

37


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11. Related Party Transactions
At each of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company owned minority stakes in five independent investment management companies (“Investment Manager Affiliates”) that are actively managing client capital and seeking growth opportunities. The Company seeks to develop relationships with specialty investment management organizations, generally acquiring an equity interest in the business. The Company also invests in certain of the funds and limited partnerships and other legal entities managed by these affiliates, and through these funds and partnerships, pays management and performance fees to the Company's Investment Manager Affiliates. See Item 8, Note 6, “Investments in Affiliates,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into assumed reinsurance contracts with certain of its other strategic affiliates, or their subsidiaries. Management believes that these transactions are conducted at market rates consistent with negotiated arm's-length contracts. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, these contracts resulted in reported net premiums written, net reported claims and reported acquisition costs as summarized below.
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Reported net premiums written
$
18,025

 
$
11,415

 
$
36,191

 
$
24,155

Net losses and loss expenses incurred
$
7,692

 
$
6,117

 
$
14,301

 
$
11,766

Reported acquisition costs
$
6,994

 
$
5,355

 
$
15,553

 
$
10,707

Several of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries retrocede assumed reinsurance business to special purpose reinsurers that receive capital from funds managed by New Ocean Capital Management Limited (“New Ocean”), as discussed in Note 12, “Variable Interest Entities”. Underwriting administration services are provided to the special purpose reinsurers by other subsidiaries of the Company under service fee agreements negotiated at arm's-length, while investment advisory services are provided by New Ocean.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, ceded premiums earned, ceded losses and loss expenses incurred, ceding commission income, and other fee income related to these retrocessional contracts were not material to the Company. Management believes that these transactions are conducted at market rates consistent with negotiated arm's-length contracts.
12. Variable Interest Entities
At times, the Company has utilized variable interest entities (“VIEs”) both indirectly and directly in the ordinary course of the Company's business.
The Company invests in CDOs and other investment vehicles that are issued through VIEs as part of the Company's investment portfolio. The activities of these VIEs are generally limited to holding the underlying collateral used to service investments therein. The Company's involvement in these entities is passive in nature and we are not the arranger of these entities. In addition, the Company has not been involved in establishing these entities and is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs as contemplated in current authoritative accounting guidance.
The Company has a limited number of remaining outstanding credit enhancement exposures, including written financial guarantee and credit default swap contracts. The obligations related to these transactions are often securitized through VIEs. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs as contemplated in current authoritative accounting guidance on the basis that management does not believe that the Company has the power to direct the activities, such as asset selection and collateral management, which most significantly impact each entity's economic performance. For further details on the nature of the obligations and the size of the Company's maximum exposure, see Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” and Note 14 (a), “Commitments and Contingencies - Financial Guarantee Exposures.”
During the third quarter of 2013, the Company, along with other investors, formed New Ocean, a new Bermuda-based company, to act as an investment manager focused on providing third-party investors access to insurance-linked securities and other insurance and reinsurance capital markets products. The Company holds a majority voting interest in New Ocean through its ownership of common shares and, accordingly, the financial statements of New Ocean have been included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. None of the assets, liabilities, revenues or net income of New Ocean was material to the Company during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. The equity interest attributable to third party investors in New Ocean recorded in the Company’s Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries" was $0.2 million and $0.3 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

38


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company, along with other investors, invested in a new Bermuda-based company, New Ocean Focus Cat Fund Ltd. ("New Ocean FCFL"), which is considered a VIE under GAAP. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, New Ocean FCFL invested in a special purpose reinsurer, Vector Reinsurance Ltd (“Vector Re”), formed for the purpose of underwriting collateralized excess of loss reinsurance with a focus on global property catastrophe risks. Most of Vector Re’s current underwriting activity relates to reinsurance business assumed from XL subsidiaries. Underwriting administration and claims services are provided to Vector Re by XL under service fee contracts which management believes were negotiated at arm's-length, while investment advisory services are provided by New Ocean.
The Company currently holds majority equity interests, which are considered to be the controlling financial interests, in New Ocean FCFL and Vector Re. Accordingly, included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company are New Ocean FCFL's and Vector Re's total net assets of $89.3 million and $46.5 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company’s share of revenue and net income in these VIEs was not material to the Company for three and six months ended June 30, 2014. All inter-company transactions between XL entities have been eliminated in consolidation. The equity interest attributable to third party investors in New Ocean FCFL and Vector Re recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries" was $29.6 million and $6.9 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
13. Computation of Earnings Per Ordinary Share and Ordinary Share Equivalent
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding:
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
(279,261
)
 
$
272,698

 
$
(23,544
)
 
$
623,488

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, in thousands - basic
270,924

 
289,513

 
273,616

 
292,277

Basic earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding
$
(1.03
)
 
$
0.94

 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
2.13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding:
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, in thousands - basic
270,924

 
289,513

 
273,616

 
292,277

Impact of share-based compensation and certain conversion features, in thousands

 
4,820

 

 
4,767

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, in thousands - diluted
270,924

 
294,333

 
273,616

 
297,044

Diluted earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding
$
(1.03
)
 
$
0.93

 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
2.10

Dividends per ordinary share
$
0.16

 
$
0.14

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.28

For the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, ordinary shares available for issuance under share-based compensation plans of 16.8 million and 6.0 million, and 16.6 million and 6.3 million, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the assumed exercise or issuance of such shares would be anti-dilutive.

39


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14. Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Financial Guarantee Exposures
A summary of the Company's outstanding financial guarantee exposures at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
Financial Guarantee Exposure Summary
(U.S. dollars in thousands except number of contracts and term to maturity)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Opening number of financial guarantee contracts
3

 
4

Number of financial guarantee contracts matured, prepaid or commuted during the period

 
(1
)
Closing number of financial guarantee contracts
3

 
3

Principal outstanding
$
108,255

 
$
108,255

Interest outstanding
$

 
$

Aggregate exposure outstanding
$
108,255

 
$
108,255

Total gross claim liability recorded
$

 
$

Total unearned premiums and fees recorded
$
61

 
$
134

Weighted average contractual term to maturity in years
25.6

 
26.0

The Company's outstanding financial guarantee contracts at June 30, 2014 provide credit support for a variety of collateral types with the exposures comprised of an aggregate $108.3 million notional financial guarantee on three notes backed by zero coupon long dated bonds and bank perpetual securities, including some issued by European financials.
Surveillance procedures to track and monitor credit deteriorations in the insured financial obligations are performed by the primary obligors for each transaction on the Company's behalf. Information regarding the performance status and updated exposure values is provided to the Company on a quarterly basis and evaluated by management in recording claims reserves. At June 30, 2014, there were no reported events of default on these obligations.
(b) Litigation
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of business. These lawsuits and arbitrations principally involve claims on policies of insurance and contracts of reinsurance and are typical for the Company and for the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry in general. Such claims proceedings are considered in connection with the Company's loss and loss expense reserves. Reserves in varying amounts may or may not be established in respect of particular claims proceedings based on many factors, including the legal merits thereof. In addition to litigation relating to insurance and reinsurance claims, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on insurance or reinsurance policies. This category of business litigation typically involves, among other things, allegations of underwriting errors or misconduct, employment claims, regulatory activity, shareholder disputes or disputes arising from business ventures. The status of these legal actions is actively monitored by management.
Legal actions are subject to inherent uncertainties, and future events could change management's assessment of the probability or estimated amount of potential losses from pending or threatened legal actions. Based on available information, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending or threatened legal actions other than claims proceedings, both individually and in the aggregate, will not result in losses having a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or liquidity at June 30, 2014.
If management believes that, based on available information, it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss (or additional material loss in excess of any accrual) will be incurred in connection with any legal actions, the Company discloses an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, either individually or in the aggregate, as appropriate, if such an estimate can be made, or discloses that an estimate cannot be made. Based on the Company's assessment at June 30, 2014, no such disclosures were considered necessary.

40


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The changes in AOCI, net of tax, by component for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
Three months ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments (1)
 
OTTI Losses Recognized in AOCI
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Underfunded Pension Liability
 
Cash Flow Hedge
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax
$
1,032,941

 
$
(85,894
)
 
$
10,661

 
$
(13,270
)
 
$
2,223

 
$
946,661

OCI before reclassifications
363,348

 

 
(3,621
)
 
(8
)
 

 
359,719

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(74,337
)
 
1,640

 

 

 
110

 
(72,587
)
Tax benefit (expense)
(20,774
)
 
(4
)
 
(5,981
)
 

 

 
(26,759
)
Net current period OCI - net of tax
268,237

 
1,636

 
(9,602
)
 
(8
)
 
110

 
260,373

Balance, end of period, net of tax
$
1,301,178

 
$
(84,258
)
 
$
1,059

 
$
(13,278
)
 
$
2,333

 
$
1,207,034

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax
$
1,474,553

 
$
(116,189
)
 
$
65,480

 
$
(20,506
)
 
$
1,784

 
$
1,405,122

OCI before reclassifications
(701,365
)
 

 
(25,524
)
 
(91
)
 

 
(726,980
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(55,408
)
 
14,440

 

 

 
110

 
(40,858
)
Tax benefit (expense)
71,671

 
(2
)
 
1,806

 

 

 
73,475

Net current period OCI - net of tax
(685,102
)
 
14,438

 
(23,718
)
 
(91
)
 
110

 
(694,363
)
Balance, end of period, net of tax
$
789,451

 
$
(101,751
)
 
$
41,762

 
$
(20,597
)
 
$
1,894

 
$
710,759

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax
$
822,432

 
$
(89,190
)
 
$
14,541

 
$
(13,239
)
 
$
2,113

 
$
736,657

OCI before reclassifications
628,599

 

 
(9,521
)
 
(39
)
 

 
619,039

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(96,975
)
 
5,049

 

 

 
220

 
(91,706
)
Tax benefit (expense)
(52,878
)
 
(117
)
 
(3,961
)
 

 

 
(56,956
)
Net current period OCI - net of tax
478,746

 
4,932

 
(13,482
)
 
(39
)
 
220

 
470,377

Balance, end of period, net of tax
$
1,301,178

 
$
(84,258
)
 
$
1,059

 
$
(13,278
)
 
$
2,333

 
$
1,207,034

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended June 30, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax
$
1,591,210

 
$
(121,371
)
 
$
69,399

 
$
(20,892
)
 
$
1,674

 
$
1,520,020

OCI before reclassifications
(789,054
)
 

 
(30,576
)
 
295

 

 
(819,335
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(97,102
)
 
19,625

 

 

 
220

 
(77,257
)
Tax benefit (expense)
84,397

 
(5
)
 
2,939

 

 

 
87,331

Net current period OCI - net of tax
(801,759
)
 
19,620

 
(27,637
)
 
295

 
220

 
(809,261
)
Balance, end of period, net of tax
$
789,451

 
$
(101,751
)
 
$
41,762

 
$
(20,597
)
 
$
1,894

 
$
710,759

____________
(1)
Included in these amounts are the impact of Shadow Adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the initial impact of $44.7 million was recorded. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, additional impacts of $474.5 million were recorded, resulting in a total cumulative impact of shadow adjustments on future policy benefit reserves of $519.2 million at June 30, 2014.
The reclassifications out of AOCI along with the associated income statement line items affected by component, and the total related tax (expense) benefit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

41


XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Gross Amount Reclassified From AOCI
Details About AOCI Components
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2014
 
Three months ended June 30, 2013
 
Six months ended June 30, 2014
 
Six months ended June 30, 2013
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(107,470
)
 
$
(56,969
)
 
$
(132,384
)
 
$
(102,391
)
 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold
 
33,133

 
1,561

 
35,409

 
5,289

 
OTTI on investments
 
$
(74,337
)
 
$
(55,408
)
 
$
(96,975
)
 
$
(97,102
)
 
Total before tax
 
1,477

 
(3,560
)
 
1,930

 
(3,286
)
 
Provision (benefit) for income tax
 
$
(72,860
)
 
$
(58,968
)
 
$
(95,045
)
 
$
(100,388
)
 
Net of tax
OTTI losses recognized in OCI:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,386

 
$
13,612

 
$
3,344

 
$
17,887

 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold
 
254

 
828

 
1,705

 
1,738

 
OTTI on investments transferred to (from) OCI
 
$
1,640

 
$
14,440

 
$
5,049

 
$
19,625

 
Total before tax
 
(4
)
 
(2
)
 
(117
)
 
(5
)
 
Provision (benefit) for income tax
 
$
1,636

 
$
14,438

 
$
4,932

 
$
19,620

 
Net of tax
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Interest rate contracts
$
110

 
$
110

 
$
220

 
$
220

 
Interest Expense
 

 

 

 

 
Provision (benefit) for income tax
 
$
110

 
$
110

 
$
220

 
$
220

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period, gross of tax
$
(72,587
)
 
$
(40,858
)
 
$
(91,706
)
 
$
(77,257
)
 
 
Tax benefit (expense)
1,473

 
(3,562
)
 
1,813

 
(3,291
)
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
$
(71,114
)
 
$
(44,420
)
 
$
(89,893
)
 
$
(80,548
)
 
 


42


ITEM 2.
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL
The following is a discussion of our financial condition and liquidity and results of operations. Certain aspects of our business have loss experience characterized as low frequency and high severity. This may result in volatility from period to period in both the Company's and an individual segment's results of operations and financial condition. Unless the context otherwise indicates, references herein to “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” are to XL Group plc, an Irish public limited company (“XL-Ireland”), and its consolidated subsidiaries.
This “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements and, therefore, undue reliance should not be placed on them. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a list of additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, as well as Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, presented under Item 7 and Item 8, respectively, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Any prospectus, prospectus supplement, Annual Report to ordinary shareholders, proxy statement, Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K or any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such statements include forward-looking statements both with respect to us in particular, and to the insurance and reinsurance sectors in general (both as to underwriting and investment matters). Statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate,” “may” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise.
All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
changes in the size of our claims relating to natural or man-made catastrophe losses due to the preliminary nature of some reports and estimates of loss and damage to date;
trends in rates for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance;
the timely and full recoverability of reinsurance placed by us with third parties, or other amounts due to us;
changes in ratings or rating agency policies or practices;
changes in the projected amount of ceded reinsurance recoverables and the ratings and creditworthiness of reinsurers;
the timing of claims payments being faster or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being slower than we anticipated;
our ability to successfully implement our business strategy;
our ability to realize the value or benefits expected as a result of the Life Retro Arrangements, as defined herein;
increased competition on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors, which could harm our ability to maintain or increase our business volumes or profitability;
greater frequency or severity of claims and loss activity than our underwriting, reserving or investment practices anticipate based on historical experience or industry data;
changes in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation on our business, including on pricing and reserving, and changes in interest rates, credit spreads, foreign currency exchange rates and future volatility in the world's credit, financial and capital markets that adversely affect the performance and valuation of our investments or access to such markets;
developments, including uncertainties related to the future of the Euro-zone, the ability of Euro-zone countries to service existing debt obligations and the strength of the Euro as a currency and to the financial condition of counterparties, reinsurers and other companies that are at risk of bankruptcy;
the potential impact on us from government-mandated insurance coverage for acts of terrorism;
the potential for changes to methodologies, estimations and assumptions that underlie the valuation of our financial instruments that could result in changes to investment valuations;

43


changes to our assessment as to whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, or have the intent to sell, available for sale debt securities before their anticipated recovery;
the availability of borrowings and letters of credit under our credit facilities;
the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to XL-Ireland and XLIT Ltd., an exempted company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands ("XL-Cayman");
the potential effect of regulatory developments in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including those which could impact the financial markets or increase our business costs and required capital levels;
changes in regulations or laws applicable to us or our subsidiaries, brokers or customers;
acceptance of our products and services, including new products and services;
changes in the availability, cost or quality of reinsurance;
changes in the distribution or placement of risks due to increased consolidation of insurance and reinsurance brokers;
loss of key personnel;
changes in accounting standards, policies or practices or the application thereof;
legislative or regulatory developments including, but not limited to, changes in regulatory capital balances that must be maintained by our operating subsidiaries and governmental actions for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets;
the effects of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures;
developments related to bankruptcies of companies insofar as they affect property and casualty insurance and reinsurance coverages or claims that we may have as a counterparty;
changes in applicable tax laws, tax treaties or tax regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof;
the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to war, terrorism or other hostilities; and
the other factors set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and our other documents on file with the SEC.
The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by the federal securities laws.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
See Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Executive Overview,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. That discussion is updated with the disclosures set forth below.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND KEY FINANCIAL MEASURES
Results of Operations
The following table presents an analysis of our net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders and other financial measures (described below) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
June 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
(279,261
)
 
$
272,698

 
$
(23,544
)
 
$
623,488

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share – basic
$
(1.03
)
 
$
0.94

 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
2.13

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share – diluted
$
(1.03
)
 
$
0.93

 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
2.10

Weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents, in thousands – basic
270,924

 
289,513

 
273,616

 
292,277

Weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents, in thousands – diluted
270,924

 
294,333

 
273,616

 
297,044

Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary
Our net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders and other financial measures as shown above for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 have been affected primarily by the sale of our life reinsurance subsidiary that was completed during the second quarter of 2014. For further information on this transaction and its impact on our net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders and other financial measures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 see “Significant Items Affecting the Results of Operations" below and Item 1, Note 3, “Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

44


Key Financial Measures
The following are some of the financial measures management considers important in evaluating our operating performance:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios and per share amounts)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Underwriting profit (loss) - P&C operations
$
167,946

 
$
92,124

 
82.3
 %
 
$
312,820

 
$
272,712

 
14.7
 %
Combined ratio - P&C operations
88.3
 %
 
93.8
%
 
(5.5)pts

 
89.0
 %
 
90.8
%
 
(1.8)pts

Net investment income (1)
$
213,608

 
$
232,546

 
(8.1
)%
 
$
446,797

 
$
479,014

 
(6.7
)%
Operating net income (2)
$
279,576

 
$
221,591

 
26.2
 %
 
$
518,225

 
$
501,459

 
3.3
 %
Operating net income per share (2)
$
1.02

 
$
0.75

 
$
0.27

 
$
1.86

 
$
1.69

 
$
0.17

Annualized return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity (2)
(11.0
)%
 
10.7
%
 
(21.7)pts

 
(0.5
)%
 
12.2
%
 
(12.7)pts

Annualized operating return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity (2)
11.0
 %
 
8.7
%
 
2.3pts

 
10.3
 %
 
9.8
%
 
0.5pts

Annualized operating return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity excluding unrealized gains and losses on investments (2)
12.3
 %
 
9.7
%
 
2.6pts

 
11.5
 %
 
11.0
%
 
0.5pts

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
(U.S. dollars)
June 30, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
Change
(Three Months)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
(Six Months)
Book value per ordinary share (2)
$
37.39

 
$
37.45

 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
37.39

 
$
35.92

 
$
1.47

Fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share (2)
$
35.09

 
$
35.30

 
$
(0.21
)
 
$
35.09

 
$
33.86

 
$
1.23

____________
(1)
Represents Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets.
(2)
Represents a non-GAAP financial measure as discussed further below.
The following are descriptions of these key financial measures and a brief discussion of the factors influencing them:
Underwriting profit – property and casualty insurance and reinsurance (“P&C”) operations
One way that we evaluate the performance of our P&C operations is by underwriting profit or loss. We do not measure performance based on the amount of gross premiums written. Underwriting profit or loss is calculated from premiums earned less net losses incurred and expenses related to underwriting activities.
In the following discussion as well as in the “Income Statement Analysis” section, the following ratios are used to explain the underwriting profit (loss) from our P&C operations:
The combined ratio related to the P&C operations is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100% represents an underwriting profit and over 100% represents an underwriting loss. In the P&C industry, the combined ratio is a widely used measure of underwriting profitability.
The loss and loss expense ratio related to the P&C operations is calculated by dividing the losses and loss expenses incurred by the net premiums earned for the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
The underwriting expense ratio related to the P&C operations is the sum of acquisition costs and operating expenses for the Insurance and Reinsurance segments divided by net premiums earned for the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
The acquisition expense ratio related to the P&C operations is calculated by dividing the acquisition costs incurred by the net premiums earned for the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
The operating expense ratio related to the P&C operations is calculated by dividing the operating expenses incurred by the net premiums earned for the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
Our underwriting profit (loss) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was consistent with the combined ratio, discussed below.

45


Combined ratio – P&C operations
The following table presents the ratios for our P&C operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Loss and loss expense ratio
57.6
%
 
63.0
%
 
(5.4
)
 
58.2
%
 
60.3
%
 
(2.1
)
Acquisition expense ratio
12.6
%
 
15.1
%
 
(2.5
)
 
13.1
%
 
14.9
%
 
(1.8
)
Operating expense ratio
18.1
%
 
15.7
%
 
2.4

 
17.7
%
 
15.6
%
 
2.1

Underwriting expense ratio
30.7
%
 
30.8
%
 
(0.1
)
 
30.8
%
 
30.5
%
 
0.3

Combined ratio
88.3
%
 
93.8
%
 
(5.5
)
 
89.0
%
 
90.8
%
 
(1.8
)

Three months ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013: The combined ratio decrease was the result of a lower loss ratio mainly due to lower levels of natural catastrophe losses in 2014, partially offset by lower favorable prior year reserve development in 2014 compared to 2013. The underwriting expense ratio decrease was mainly driven by a decrease in acquisition expenses due to a change in the reinsurance structure in the Professional business group in our Insurance segment, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses as a result of higher compensation costs from increased headcount as a result of business expansion.
Six months ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013: The combined ratio decrease was the result of a lower loss ratio mainly due to lower levels of natural catastrophe losses in 2014, partially offset by lower favorable prior year reserve development in 2014 compared to 2013. The underwriting expense ratio increase was driven by an increase in operating expenses primarily due to higher compensation costs from increased headcount as a result of business expansion, partially offset by a decrease in acquisition expenses due to a change in the reinsurance structure in the Professional business group in our Insurance segment and lower profit commissions within the Reinsurance segment in 2014.
For further information on our combined ratio, see “Income Statement Analysis” below.
Net investment income
Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, which includes interest and dividend income together with the amortization of premium and discount on fixed maturities and short-term investments, net of related investment expenses, is an important measure that affects our overall profitability. Our largest liability relates to our unpaid loss reserves, and our investment portfolio provides liquidity for claims settlements of these reserves as they become due. As a result, a significant part of the investment portfolio is invested in fixed income securities. Net investment income is influenced by a number of factors, including the amounts and timing of inward and outward cash flows, the level of interest rates and credit spreads, foreign exchange rates and changes in overall asset allocation. See the segment results under “Investment Activities” below for a discussion of our net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.
Operating net income and Operating net income per share
Operating net income is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding: (1) our net investment income attributable to the Life Retro Arrangements, (2) our net realized gains and losses on investments, net of tax, (3) our net realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives, net of tax, (4) our net realized and unrealized gains and losses on life retrocession embedded derivative, net of tax, (5) our share of items (2) and (3) for our insurance company affiliates for the periods presented, (6) our loss on the sale of the life reinsurance subsidiary, XLLR, net of tax, and (7) our foreign exchange gains and losses, net of tax. We evaluate the performance of and manage our business to produce an underwriting profit. In addition to presenting net income (loss), we believe that showing operating net income (loss) enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze our performance in a manner similar to how we analyze our performance. In this regard, we believe that providing only a GAAP presentation of net income (loss) would make it more difficult for users of our financial information to evaluate our underlying business. We also believe that equity analysts and certain rating agencies that follow us (and the insurance industry as a whole) exclude these items from their analyses for the same reasons, and they request that we provide this non-GAAP financial information on a regular basis. A reconciliation of our net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders to operating net income (loss) is provided at “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” below.

46


Operating net income per share is calculated by dividing non-GAAP operating net income by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding for each period combined with the impact from dilution of share-based compensation and certain conversion features where dilutive.
Annualized return on average ordinary shareholders' equity (“ROE”)
ROE is another non-GAAP financial measure that we consider important in evaluating our operating performance and view as a key measure of return generated for ordinary shareholders. ROE is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders for any period by the average of the opening and closing Shareholders' equity attributable to XL-Ireland. We establish minimum target ROEs for our total operations, segments and lines of business. If our minimum ROE targets over the longer term are not met with respect to any line of business, we seek to modify and/or exit this line. In addition, among other factors, compensation of our senior officers is dependent on the achievement of our performance goals to enhance ordinary shareholder value as measured by ROE (adjusted for certain items considered to be “non-operating” in nature).
The following table presents our ROE for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
ROE
(11.0
)%
 
10.7
%
 
(21.7)pts

 
(0.5
)%
 
12.2
%
 
(12.7)pts

Three and six months ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013: The decrease in our ROE for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 was primarily due to the after-tax net loss on sale of our life reinsurance subsidiary, XLLR, of $621.3 million. In addition, foreign exchange losses were recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the foreign exchange gains recorded during the comparative periods of 2013. These items were offset by the favorable impact of the improvement in our P&C operations' combined ratio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.
Annualized operating return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity (“Operating ROE”)
Operating ROE is another non-GAAP financial measure that we consider important in evaluating our operating performance. Operating ROE is derived by dividing non-GAAP operating net income for any period by the average of the opening and closing ordinary shareholders' equity.
The following table presents our Operating ROE for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Operating ROE
11.0
%
 
8.7
%
 
2.3pts
 
10.3
%
 
9.8
%
 
0.5pts
Three and six months ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013: The increase in our Operating ROE was the result of higher operating net income in 2014 due to the favorable impact of the improvement in our P&C combined ratio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. A detailed discussion of our individual segment operating results is included below under "Income Statement Analysis".
A reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders to operating net income (loss) is provided under “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” below.
Annualized operating return on average ordinary shareholders' equity excluding unrealized gains and losses on investments (“Operating ROE ex-UGL”)
Operating ROE ex-UGL is an additional measure of our profitability that eliminates the impacts of mark to market fluctuations on our investment portfolio that have not been realized through sales, which we believe provides a consistent measure of our performance. Operating ROE ex-UGL is derived from the non-GAAP operating net income measure by dividing non-GAAP operating net income for any period by the average of the opening and closing ordinary shareholders'

47


equity excluding unrealized gains and losses on investments. A reconciliation of the opening and closing ordinary shareholders' equity to the opening and closing ordinary shareholders' equity excluding unrealized gains and losses on investments is provided under "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" below.
The following table presents our Operating ROE ex-UGL for the three months ending June 30:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Operating ROE ex-UGL
12.3
%
 
9.7
%
 
2.6pts
 
11.5
%
 
11.0
%
 
0.5pts
Three and six months ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013: The increase in our Operating ROE ex-UGL was the result of the higher operating net income in 2014 due to the factors discussed above as part of Operating ROE.
Book value per ordinary share
We view the change in our book value per ordinary share as an additional measure of our performance, representing the value generated for our ordinary shareholders each period, and we believe that this measure (along with the diluted measures described below) is a key driver of our share price over time. Book value per ordinary share, a non-GAAP financial measure, is calculated by dividing ordinary shareholders' equity (total shareholders' equity less non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries) by the number of outstanding ordinary shares at the applicable period end. Book value per ordinary share is affected primarily by net income (loss), by any changes in the net unrealized gains and losses on our investment portfolio, by currency translation adjustments and by the impact of any share buyback or issuance activity. Ordinary shareholders' equity was $10.0 billion and $10.0 billion and the number of ordinary shares outstanding was 268.4 million and 278.3 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Ordinary shares outstanding include all ordinary shares legally issued and outstanding (as disclosed on the face of the balance sheets) as well as all director share units outstanding.
The following table presents our book value per ordinary share at June 30, 2014, March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(U.S. dollars)
June 30, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
Change
(Three Months)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
(Six Months)
Book value per ordinary share
$
37.39

 
$
37.45

 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
37.39

 
$
35.92

 
$
1.47

Three months ended June 30, 2014: Book value per ordinary share at June 30, 2014 marginally decreased in the quarter. The decrease reflects the after-tax net loss on sale of our life reinsurance subsidiary of $621.3 million, partially offset by the benefit of a $268.2 million increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of tax, and by underwriting income generated from our P&C operations. Further detail regarding the impact of the life reinsurance transaction is included at "Significant Items Affecting Results of Operations" below, and at Item 1, Note 3, “Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Six months ended June 30, 2014: The increase in our book value per ordinary share was primarily due to increases in net unrealized gains on investments and underwriting income generated by our P&C operations, combined with the benefit of share buyback activity, partially offset by the after-tax net loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary and payment of dividends.
Fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share
Fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing ordinary shareholders' equity excluding intangible assets (as disclosed on the face of the balance sheets) by the number of outstanding ordinary shares at the applicable period end combined with the impact from dilution of share-based compensation and certain conversion features where dilutive.
The following table presents our fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share at June 30, 2014, March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

48


(U.S. dollars)
June 30, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
Change
(Three Months)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Change
(Six Months)
Fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share
$
35.09

 
$
35.30

 
$
(0.21
)
 
$
35.09

 
$
33.86

 
$
1.23

Three months ended June 30, 2014: The marginal decrease in our fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share was a result of the factors noted above as part of book value per ordinary share.
Six months ended June 30, 2014: The increase in our fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share was a result of the factors noted above as part of book value per ordinary share.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders to operating net income (loss) and also includes the calculation of Operating ROE and Operating ROE ex-UGL for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios and per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
June 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
(279,261
)
 
$
272,698

 
$
(23,544
)
 
$
623,488

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(19,165
)
 

 
(19,165
)
 

Net realized (gains) losses on investments, net of tax
(69,002
)
 
(44,530
)
 
(87,891
)
 
(80,768
)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, net of tax
(11,596
)
 
5,105

 
(13,406
)
 
(2,780
)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on life retrocession embedded derivative
17,546

 

 
17,546

 

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments and derivatives related to the Company's insurance company affiliates
1,222

 
(75
)
 
(2,736
)
 
(255
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary, net of tax
621,323

 

 
621,323

 

Foreign exchange (gains) losses, net of tax
18,509

 
(11,607
)
 
26,098

 
(38,226
)
Operating net income (loss)
$
279,576

 
$
221,591

 
$
518,225

 
$
501,459

Per ordinary share results:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders - diluted
$
(1.03
)
 
$
0.93

 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
2.10

Operating net income (loss) - diluted
$
1.02

 
$
0.75

 
$
1.86

 
$
1.69

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, in thousands:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
270,924

 
289,513

 
273,616

 
292,277

Diluted
270,924

 
294,333

 
273,616

 
297,044

Diluted - Operating net income
275,200

 
294,333

 
277,918

 
297,044

Return on ordinary shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Closing ordinary shareholders' equity (at period end)
$
10,034,289

 
$
9,892,575

 
$
10,034,289

 
$
9,892,575

Unrealized (gain) loss on investments, net of tax (at period end)
$
(1,216,920
)
 
$
(687,700
)
 
$
(1,216,920
)
 
$
(687,700
)
Average ordinary shareholders' equity for the period excluding unrealized gains and losses on investments
$
9,057,642

 
$
9,166,933

 
$
9,040,880

 
$
9,122,556

Average ordinary shareholders' equity for the period
$
10,139,626

 
$
10,189,965

 
$
10,015,961

 
$
10,201,326

Operating net income (loss)
$
279,576

 
$
221,591

 
$
518,225

 
$
501,459

Annualized operating net income (loss)
$
1,118,304

 
$
886,364

 
$
1,036,450

 
$
1,002,918

Annualized operating ROE
11.0
%
 
8.7
%
 
10.3
%
 
9.8
%
Annualized operating ROE ex-UGL
12.3
%
 
9.7
%
 
11.5
%
 
11.0
%

49


SIGNIFICANT ITEMS AFFECTING THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company’s net income and other financial measures as shown above for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 have been affected by, among other things, the following significant items:
1)    The sale of our life reinsurance subsidiary;
2)    The current underwriting environment; and
3)    Market movement impacts on our investment portfolio.
1) Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary
On May 1, 2014, XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd (“XLIB”) entered into a sale and purchase agreement with GreyCastle Holdings Ltd. (“GreyCastle”) providing for the sale of 100% of the common shares of XL Life Reinsurance (SAC) Ltd (“XLLR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of XLIB, to GreyCastle for $570 million in cash. This transaction was completed on May 30, 2014. As a result of the transaction, XLLR reinsures the majority of our life reinsurance business via 100% quota share reinsurance (the "Life Retro Arrangements"). This transaction covers a substantial portion of the our life reinsurance reserves. We announced the run-off of our life reinsurance business in 2009.
The run-off life reinsurance business, including the business subject to the transaction, was previously reported within the Company’s Life operations segment. Subsequent to the transaction, we no longer consider the Life operations to be a separate operating segment and the results of the life run-off business are reported within “Corporate and Other.” See Note 5, "Segment Information" for further information. In addition, the designated investments that support certain life retrocession agreements on a funds withheld basis ("Life Funds Withheld Assets") within fixed maturities were reclassified from held to maturity to available for sale in conjunction with this transaction. See Note 6, "Investments" for further information.
All of the reclassified securities are included within Life Funds Withheld Assets, along with certain other available for sale securities as defined in the sale and purchase agreement. The Life Funds Withheld Assets are managed pursuant to agreed investment guidelines that meet the contractual commitments of the XL ceding companies and applicable laws and regulations. All of the investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets ultimately accrue to GreyCastle. Because we no longer share in the risks and rewards of the underlying performance of the supporting invested assets, disclosures within the financial statement notes included herein separate the Life Funds Withheld Assets from the rest of the Company's investments.
At May 30, 2014, gross future policy benefit reserves relating to the Life operations were approximately $5.2 billion. Subsequent to the completion of this transaction we have retained approximately $0.4 billion of these reserves, and have recorded a reinsurance recoverable from XLLR of $4.8 billion. Under the terms of the transaction, we continue to own, on a funds withheld basis, $5.7 billion of assets supporting the Life Retro Arrangements consisting of cash, fixed maturity securities and accrued interest. Based upon the right of offset, the funds withheld liability owing to GreyCastle is recorded net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable, and is included within “Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements, net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable" on the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.
The transaction resulted in an overall after-tax U.S. GAAP net loss of $621.3 million. The changes in this amount from the previous estimate we provided were primarily the result of movements in the mark-to-market value of the Life Funds Withheld Assets, additional underwriting profits earned on the business subject to the Life Retro Arrangements and foreign exchange rate movements from March 31, 2014 through completion of the transaction.
2) The Current Underwriting Environment
There can be no assurance that the following (re)insurance rate conditions or growth opportunities will be sustained or further materialize, or lead to improvements in our books of business. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Insurance
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 we achieved an overall rate increase of 1.0% for the quarter and 1.5% for the year-to-date. Momentum slowed as pricing has slipped below loss trend in several lines and as markets, particularly the shorter-tail lines, continue to deteriorate. Nonetheless, half of our premium volume did achieve pricing in excess of loss trend for the second quarter, and for the year-to-date, 16 of our 23 businesses are still showing positive rate increases for the year to date. Our North America businesses delivered a 2% increase with nearly all businesses showing rate improvements in the 3-7% range, partially offset by a 4% reduction in property. Our International P&C and Global Professional businesses achieved rate increases in the 1 to 2% range, adversely impacted by property and high excess D&O

50


business, respectively. Our Specialty businesses were most severely impacted with an overall rate decrease of nearly 2%, reflecting ongoing competitive aviation markets.
Growth was strong in all of our business groups. Our construction and excess casualty businesses contributed to growth in North America. New business in primary casualty led to strong growth in International P&C. New and renewal business in our International financial lines business contributed to solid growth in Global Professional and new business in our Political Risk and Crisis Management businesses contributed to strong growth in Specialty.
The trading environment for our core lines of insurance business remains competitive and we continue to focus on those lines of business that we believe provide the best return on capital, including the writing of selective new business, and remain committed to taking the underwriting actions necessary to improve our margins.
Reinsurance
For the six months ended June 30, 2014 gross premiums written decreased by 2.0%, reflecting the highly competitive environment across the reinsurance market. Our mid-year renewals, specifically in our U.S. property catastrophe book, saw risk adjusted pricing down 15% from the mid-year renewals of 2013 as well as increased pressure on terms and conditions. There was also downward pricing pressure in our International businesses, with our Australian and U.K. businesses showing price reductions of up to 10% to 20% on the prior year renewals. In addition, we were impacted by high levels of competition on proportional placements in both short and long-term markets with intense pressure on terms and conditions, particularly ceding commissions. As a result, we have reduced or withdrawn our capacity in certain instances.
The Reinsurance segment continues its disciplined underwriting approach during these very challenging market conditions.
3) Market Movement Impacts on Our Investment Portfolio (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the positive mark to market change of $793.0 million on our available for sale ("AFS") investments was primarily driven the benefit of a $424.9 million unrealized gain when our held to maturity assets were reclassified to available for sale investments, as well a decrease in interest rates and tightening credit spreads. This represents an approximately 1.8% appreciation in average assets for the three months ended June 30, 2014.
The following table provides further detail regarding the movements in relevant credit markets, as well as in government interest rates using selected market indices during the three months ended June 30, 2014:
 
Interest Rate Movement for the three months
ended June 30, 2014 (1)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents increases / decreases
in interest rates)
 
Credit Spread Movement for the three months
ended June 30, 2014 (2)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents widening / tightening
of credit spreads)
United States
-9 basis points (5 year Treasury)
 
-12 basis points (US Corporate A rated)
 
 
 
-17 basis points (US Mortgage Master Index)
 
 
 
-6 basis points (US CMBS, AAA rated)
United Kingdom
-6 basis points (10 year Gilt)
 
-9 basis points (UK Corporate, AA rated)
Euro-zone
-29 basis points (5 year Bund)
 
-12 basis points (Europe Corporate, A rated)
____________
(1)
Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.
(2)
Source: Merrill Lynch Global Indices.
Net realized gains on investments in the three months ended June 30, 2014 totaled $80.8 million, including net realized losses of approximately $24.6 million related to other than temporary impairments ("OTTI") charges on certain of the Company’s fixed income investments. For further analysis of this, see “Income Statement Analysis - Investment Activities” below.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the positive mark to market change of $1.1 billion on our AFS investments was primarily driven by the benefit of a $424.9 million unrealized gain when our held to maturity assets were reclassified to available for sale investments, as well as a decrease in interest rates and tightening credit spreads. This represents an approximately 2.5% appreciation in average assets for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

51


The following table provides further detail regarding the movements in relevant credit markets, as well as in government interest rates using selected market indices during the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
Interest Rate Movement for the six months
ended June 30, 2014 (1)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents increases / decreases
in interest rates)
 
Credit Spread Movement for the six months
ended June 30, 2014 (2)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents widening / tightening
of credit spreads)
United States
-11 basis points (5 year Treasury)
 
-24 basis points (US Corporate A rated)
 
 
 
-10 basis points (US Mortgage Master Index)
 
 
 
-21 basis points (US CMBS, AAA rated)
United Kingdom
-35 basis points (10 year Gilt)
 
-1 basis points (UK Corporate, AA rated)
Euro-zone
-58 basis points (5 year Bund)
 
-15 basis points (Europe Corporate, A rated)
____________
(1)
Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.
(2)
Source: Merrill Lynch Global Indices.
Net realized gains on investments in the six months ended June 30, 2014 totaled $100.1 million, including net realized losses of approximately $28.3 million related to OTTI charges on certain of the Company’s fixed income investments. For further analysis of this, see “Income Statement Analysis - Investment Activities” below.

OTHER KEY FOCUSES OF MANAGEMENT
We remain focused on, among other things, managing capital, enhancing enterprise risk management capabilities and monitoring regulatory change. Details of these initiatives are outlined below.
Capital Management
Fundamental to supporting our business model is our ability to underwrite business, which is largely dependent upon the quality of our claims paying and financial strength ratings as evaluated by independent rating agencies. As a result, in the event that we are downgraded, our ability to write business, as well as our financial condition and/or results of operations, could be adversely affected.
Buybacks of Ordinary Shares
On February 22, 2013, we announced that the XL-Ireland Board of Directors approved a new share buyback program, authorizing the purchase of up to $850 million of our ordinary shares (the “Share Buyback Program”). At December 31, 2013, $275 million remained available for purchase under the Share Buyback Program. On February 21, 2014, we announced that the XL-Ireland Board of Directors approved an increase to the Share Buyback Program, authorizing the purchase of up to $1.0 billion of our ordinary shares. This authorization includes the approximately $200.0 million that remained under the Share Buyback Program prior to the increase. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we purchased and canceled 5.5 million and 11.3 million ordinary shares under the Share Buyback Program for $175.0 million and $350.0 million, respectively. At June 30, 2014, $717.6 million remained available for purchase under share buyback program.
All share buybacks were carried out by way of redemption in accordance with Irish law and the Company's constitutional documents. All shares so redeemed were canceled upon redemption.
Risk Management
Our risk management and risk appetite framework is detailed in Item 1, “Business - Enterprise Risk Management,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The table below shows our estimated per event net 1% and 0.4% exceedance probability exposures for certain peak natural catastrophe peril regions. These estimates assume that amounts due from reinsurance and retrocession purchases are 100% collectible. There may be credit or other disputes associated with these potential receivables.

52


 
 
 
 
 
1-in-100 Event
 
1-in-250 Event
Geographical Zone
(U.S. dollars in millions)
Peril
 
Measurement
Date
of In-Force
Exposures
(1)
 
Probable
Maximum
Loss (2)
 
Percentage of
Adjusted Tangible
Shareholders’
Equity at
June 30, 2014 (3)
 
Probable
Maximum
Loss (2)
 
Percentage of
Adjusted Tangible
Shareholders’
Equity at
June 30, 2014 (3)
North Atlantic
Windstorm
 
April 1, 2014
 
$
1,306

 
13.3
%
 
$
1,826

 
18.6
%
North America
Earthquake
 
April 1, 2014
 
873

 
8.9
%
 
1,526

 
15.5
%
Europe
Windstorm
 
April 1, 2014
 
568

 
5.8
%
 
788

 
8.0
%
Japan
Earthquake
 
April 1, 2014
 
232

 
2.4
%
 
293

 
3.0
%
Japan
Windstorm
 
April 1, 2014
 
150

 
1.5
%
 
204

 
2.1
%
____________
(1)
Detailed analyses of aggregated in-force exposures and maximum loss levels are done periodically. The measurement dates represent the date of the last completed detailed analysis by geographical zone.
(2)
Probable maximum losses, which include secondary uncertainty that incorporates variability around the expected probable maximum loss for each event, do not represent our maximum potential exposures and are pre-tax.
(3)
Adjusted Tangible Shareholders’ Equity is defined as Total Shareholders’ Equity less (i) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and (ii) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (excluding net balances associated with Life Funds Withheld Assets).
Regulatory Change
As part of our operational efficiency, management continues to actively monitor and assess the various regulatory initiatives and legislation that impact us or in the future could impact us. For example, management has been focused on Solvency II, which was adopted by the European Parliament in April 2009. This is a European Union directive covering the capital adequacy and risk management of, and regulatory reporting for, European-based (re)insurers, as well as providing for a new supervisory regime for the insurance industry. The Omnibus II directive which was agreed to by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers sets a Solvency II implementation date of January 1, 2016. The Central Bank of Ireland and Prudential Regulation Authority have issued proposed interim guidelines on applying the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (“EIOPA”) guidelines for authorized firms to ensure their eventual readiness for Solvency II. Management continues to prepare for the implementation of Solvency II. See Item 1, “Business - Regulation,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
See the discussion of our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND OTHER OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
See the discussion of our variable interest entities and other off-balance sheet arrangements in Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) and Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and Item 1, Note 12, “Variable Interest Entities,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
SEGMENTS
We are organized into two operating segments: Insurance and Reinsurance. Subsequent to the transaction as described in Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, we no longer consider our Life operations to be a separate operating segment and the results of the life run-off business are reported within “Corporate and Other.” Subsequent to the completion of the transaction, XLLR reinsures the majority of our life reinsurance business through the Life Retro Arrangements. Our general investment and financing operations are reflected in Corporate and Other. The run-off business subject to the Life Retro Arrangements was previously reported within our Life operations segment. Prior period information has been re-presented to reflect the current presentation.
We evaluate the performance of both the Insurance and Reinsurance segments based on underwriting profit. Other items of our revenue and expenditure are not evaluated at the segment level for reporting purposes. In addition, we do not allocate investment assets by segment for our P&C operations. Investment assets related to our run-off life operations and certain structured products included in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments are held in separately identified portfolios. As such, net investment income from these assets is included in the contribution from the applicable segment. See Item 1, Note 5, “Segment Information,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for a reconciliation of segment data to our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

53


INCOME STATEMENT ANALYSIS
Segment Results for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2013
Insurance
Our Insurance operations provide commercial property, casualty and specialty insurance products on a global basis. Products generally provide tailored coverages for complex corporate risks and include the following lines of business: property, casualty, professional liability, environmental liability, aviation and satellite, marine and offshore energy, equine, fine art and specie, surplus lines, political risk and trade credit, crisis management, surety and other insurance coverages, including those mentioned above, through our programs, middle market and construction businesses. We focus on those lines of business within our Insurance operations that we believe provide the best return on capital over time. These lines of business are divided into the following business groups: International Property and Casualty (“IPC”), North America Property and Casualty (“NAPC”), Global Professional Lines (“Professional”) and Global Specialty Lines (“Specialty”).
The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Insurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Gross premiums written
$
1,618,405

 
$
1,472,388

 
9.9
 %
Net premiums written
996,880

 
1,049,163

 
(5.0
)%
Net premiums earned
1,003,990

 
1,058,542

 
(5.2
)%
Net losses and loss expenses
627,627

 
721,323

 
(13.0
)%
Acquisition costs
99,863

 
138,032

 
(27.7
)%
Operating expenses
213,931

 
194,514

 
10.0
 %
Underwriting profit (loss)
$
62,569

 
$
4,673

 
N/M

Net results – structured products
31,645

 
3,532

 
N/M

Net fee income and other (expense)
(3,567
)
 
(1,355
)
 
N/M

____________
*
N/M - Not Meaningful
Gross Premiums Written
The following table summarizes our gross premiums written by business group for the Insurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
IPC
$
378,178

 
$
330,798

 
14.3
%
NAPC
590,523

 
548,895

 
7.6
%
Professional
406,164

 
370,836

 
9.5
%
Specialty
243,540

 
221,859

 
9.8
%
Total
$
1,618,405

 
$
1,472,388

 
9.9
%
Gross premiums written increased by 9.9%. The following is a summary of the premium movements by business group:
IPC - increase of 14.3% driven by new business in primary casualty and middle market business lines.
NAPC - increase of 7.6% largely attributable to higher renewal premiums in excess casualty, surplus lines, programs and construction business lines, partially offset by a decrease in new business in global risk management.
Professional - increase of 9.5% mainly attributable to the international financial lines business due to new business and higher renewed premiums.
Specialty - increase of 9.8% due to new business in crisis management and political risk business lines, partially offset by lower renewed premiums in marine and aviation lines.
Foreign exchange rate movements also impacted our gross premiums written. When evaluated in local currency, our gross premiums written increased by 8.5%, compared to the 9.9% shown above.

54


Net Premiums Written
The decrease of 5.0% resulted from an increase in ceded premiums written partially offset by the gross premiums written increases outlined above. The increase in ceded premiums is largely attributable to a modification in our reinsurance structure within our Professional group to one that utilizes proportional reinsurance in order to take advantage of favorable market terms. In addition, an increase in cessions within NAPC contributed to the higher ceded premiums written.
Net Premiums Earned
The decrease of 5.2% is attributable to higher ceded premiums written and earned in the Professional business group due to the modification in the reinsurance structure mentioned above. Partially offsetting this was growth in net premiums from IPC property and primary casualty business lines and NAPC surplus lines and construction business lines and Specialty political risk and crisis management business.
Net Losses and Loss Expenses
Combined Ratio
The following table presents the ratios for the Insurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Point Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Loss and loss expense ratio
62.5
%
 
68.1
%
 
(5.6
)
Acquisition expense ratio
9.9
%
 
13.0
%
 
(3.1
)
Operating expense ratio
21.4
%
 
18.5
%
 
2.9

Underwriting expense ratio
31.3
%
 
31.5
%
 
(0.2
)
Combined ratio
93.8
%
 
99.6
%
 
(5.8
)
The loss and loss expense ratio includes net losses incurred for both the reported year and any favorable or adverse prior year development of loss and loss expense reserves held at the beginning of the year. The following table summarizes these components of the loss ratio for the Insurance segment for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Point Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Loss and loss expense ratio
62.5
%
 
68.1
%
 
(5.6
)
Prior year reserve development
3.7
%
 
4.6
%
 
(0.9
)
Loss ratio excluding prior year development
66.2
%
 
72.7
%
 
(6.5
)
Loss Ratio - excluding prior year development
The 6.5 percentage point decrease in the loss ratio excluding prior year development was primarily as a result of lower levels of natural catastrophe losses in the three months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year period. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events for the three months ended June 30, 2014 were $61.0 million lower than in the same period of 2013. Excluding favorable prior year development, net natural catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both quarters, the loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 decreased by 0.8 percentage points to 64.7%.

55


Prior Year Development
The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year development by line of business relating to the Insurance segment for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Property
$
(10,288
)
 
$
(1,406
)
Casualty
37,572

 
(5,181
)
Professional
2,847

 
16,493

Specialty
(44,536
)
 
(75,471
)
Other (1)
(22,587
)
 
17,175

Total
$
(36,992
)
 
$
(48,390
)
____________
(1)    Other includes programs, excess and surplus, surety, structured indemnity and certain discontinued lines.
Net favorable prior year reserve development of $37.0 million was mainly attributable to the following:
For property lines, net prior year development was $10.3 million favorable. This was driven by a reduction of $5.6 million in prior year catastrophe losses primarily in the 2011 accident year and by better than expected loss experience reported for the non-catastrophe exposures predominantly in the 2012 accident year.
For casualty lines, net prior year development was $37.6 million unfavorable. This was driven by deterioration in pollution site claims principally in the 2010 and 2013 accident years that led to a strengthening of $37.8 million in environmental.
For professional lines, net prior year development was $2.8 million unfavorable due mainly to a deterioration in unallocated loss adjustment expenses for the U.S. Select portfolio.
For specialty lines, net prior year development was $44.5 million favorable. This was driven by better than expected loss experience reported for the non-catastrophe exposures principally in the 2008 to 2012 accident years that led to releases of $31.6 million in aerospace and $8.0 million in marine. It was also driven by a reduction of $5.3 million in prior year catastrophe losses related primarily to Hurricane Rita in marine.
For other lines, net prior year development was $22.6 million favorable driven by the favorable settlement of a 2003 claim in one of our discontinued lines.
Acquisition Costs and Operating Expenses
Underwriting Expense Ratio
The decrease of 0.2 percentage points was due to a decrease in the acquisition expense ratio of 3.1 percentage points partially offset by an increase in the operating expense ratio of 2.9 percentage points, as follows:
Acquisition expense ratio - decreased largely due to the favorable impact of our modified reinsurance structure mentioned above.
Operating expense ratio - increased 2.9 percentage points largely due to the unfavorable impact of our modified reinsurance structure mentioned above as well as an increase in expenses associated with business expansion, including higher compensation expense and higher professional fees for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013.
Net Results - Structured Products
Net results from structured insurance products, which increased from the prior year, includes net investment income of $7.9 million and $9.0 million and net interest (income)/expense of $(23.8) million and $5.5 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the net results from the prior year quarter was from the negotiated termination of one of our larger structured indemnity contracts. This contract had previously been designated as part of a fair value hedge with a remaining fair value adjustment of $47.0 million that was being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining term of the contract. As a result of the termination, a net decrease of $28.7 million was recorded to interest expense reflecting the accretion rate adjustment due to changes in cash flows and the realization of the full remaining balance of the fair value hedge adjustment, resulting in a net credit to interest expense.

56


For further information about our structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts, see Item 8, Note 11, “Deposit Liabilities,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Net Fee Income and Other
The decrease compared to the same period of 2013 in net fee income and other was driven by the IPC Lloyd's business related to the run-off of certain Syndicates.
Reinsurance
The Reinsurance segment provides casualty, property risk, property catastrophe, marine, aviation and other specialty reinsurance on a global basis, with business being written on both a proportional and non-proportional treaty basis and also on a facultative basis. Our reinsurance operations are structured into three geographical business groups: Bermuda, North America and International. During the second quarter of 2013, the business groups were realigned to include Latin America within the International business group.
The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Gross premiums written
$
493,124

 
$
471,782

 
4.5
 %
Net premiums written
436,446

 
410,809

 
6.2
 %
Net premiums earned
434,086

 
429,955

 
1.0
 %
Net losses and loss expenses
200,253

 
216,283

 
(7.4
)%
Acquisition costs
80,874

 
86,599

 
(6.6
)%
Operating expenses
47,582

 
39,622

 
20.1
 %
Underwriting profit (loss)
$
105,377

 
$
87,451

 
20.5
 %
Net results – structured products
3,240

 
2,521

 
28.5
 %
Net fee income and other
664

 
520

 
27.7
 %

Gross Premiums Written
The following table summarizes our gross premiums written by business group for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Bermuda
$
268,586

 
$
270,727

 
(0.8
)%
North America
96,156

 
89,407

 
7.5
 %
International
128,382

 
111,648

 
15.0
 %
Total
$
493,124

 
$
471,782

 
4.5
 %

Gross premiums written increased by 4.5%. The following is a summary of the premium movements by business group:
Bermuda - decrease of 0.8% due to favorable prior year quarter premium adjustments which did not repeat in the current quarter and timing on whole accounts, partially offset by favorable renewals on property treaty business.
North America - increase of 7.5% was due to timing of casualty treaty renewals and increased agricultural premiums within our property treaty business, partially offset by the non-renewal of a property facultative deal.
International - increase of 15.0%, mainly driven by increased aviation premiums and increased premium estimates on treaties written in prior years in Latin America, partially offset by higher catastrophe related reinstatement premiums in the prior year quarter.
Foreign exchange rate movements also impacted our gross premiums written. When evaluated in local currency, our gross premiums written increased by 4.2%, compared to the 4.5% shown above.

57


Net Premiums Written
The increase of 6.2% resulted from the gross written premium increases outlined above together with a 7.0% decrease in ceded written premiums, mainly related to whole account business in Bermuda.
Net Premiums Earned
The increase of 1.0% is attributable to the overall earn through of higher current quarter net premiums, and the impact of decreased ceded premiums related to whole account business in Bermuda.
Net Losses and Loss Expenses
Combined Ratio
The following table presents the ratios for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Point Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Loss and loss expense ratio
46.1
%
 
50.3
%
 
(4.2
)
Acquisition expense ratio
18.6
%
 
20.1
%
 
(1.5
)
Operating expense ratio
11.0
%
 
9.3
%
 
1.7

Underwriting expense ratio
29.6
%
 
29.4
%
 
0.2

Combined ratio
75.7
%
 
79.7
%
 
(4.0
)
The loss and loss expense ratio includes net losses incurred for both the reported year and any favorable or adverse prior year development of loss and loss expense reserves held at the beginning of the year. The following table summarizes these components of the loss ratio for the Reinsurance segment for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Point Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Loss and loss expense ratio
46.1
%
 
50.3
%
 
(4.2
)
Prior year reserve development
11.0
%
 
16.3
%
 
(5.3
)
Loss ratio excluding prior year development
57.1
%
 
66.6
%
 
(9.5
)
Loss Ratio - excluding prior year development
The 9.5 percentage point decrease in the loss ratio excluding prior year development was primarily as a result of lower levels of natural catastrophe losses in the three months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year period. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events for the three months ended June 30, 2014 were $38.5 million lower than in the same period in 2013. Excluding favorable prior year development, net natural catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both quarters, the loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 marginally increased by 0.3 percentage points to 52.3%.
Prior Year Development
The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year development by business group relating to the Reinsurance segment for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Property and other short-tail lines
$
(20,088
)
 
$
(24,739
)
Casualty and other long-tail lines
(27,368
)
 
(45,513
)
Total
$
(47,456
)
 
$
(70,252
)
Net favorable prior year reserve development of $47.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was mainly attributable to the following:
Net favorable prior year development for the short-tailed lines totaled $20.1 million. Details of the significant components are as follows:

58


For property catastrophe lines, net prior year development was $9.4 million unfavorable comprised of $10.9 million unfavorable development on major catastrophe losses partially offset by $1.5 million better than expected development on attritional losses. The $10.9 million unfavorable development on major catastrophe losses is comprised of $12.8 million unfavorable development on 2013 catastrophe losses and $4.1 million unfavorable development on 2010 catastrophe losses partially offset by a $6.0 million favorable development on other catastrophe losses.
For property other lines, net prior year development was $12.3 million favorable comprised of $12.7 million better than expected development on attritional losses, mainly in North America, partially offset by $0.4 million unfavorable development on catastrophe and large losses and .
For marine and aviation lines, net prior year development was $17.2 million favorable comprised of $5.3 million favorable development on catastrophe and large losses and $11.9 million favorable driven by better than expected development on attritional losses, mainly in Europe.
Net favorable prior year development for the long-tailed lines totaled $27.4 million. Details of the significant components are as follows:
For casualty lines, net prior year development was $17.4 million favorable due to better than expected development on attritional losses mainly in the Europe and North America books.
For other lines, net prior year development was $9.9 million favorable due to better than expected development on attritional losses comprised of $5.0 million from the whole accounts book in Bermuda and the remainder spread across the rest of the segment portfolio.
Underwriting Expense Ratio
The increase of 0.2 percentage points was due to an increase in the operating expense ratio of 1.7 percentage points partially offset by a decrease in the acquisition expense ratio of 1.5 percentage points, as follows:
Operating expense ratio - increased 1.7 percentage points due to higher compensation costs associated with the expansion of agriculture business in North America and capital markets business in Bermuda in 2014.
Acquisition expense ratio - decreased due to changes to the structure of our agriculture business in North America, lower profit commissions in International, and the impact of ceded premiums related to whole account business written in Bermuda.
Net Results - Structured Products
Net results from structured reinsurance products, which increased 28.5% from the prior year quarter, includes net investment income of $9.1 million and $9.1 million, interest expense of $5.6 million and $6.6 million and operating expenses of $0.2 million and nil, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the net results from the prior year quarter was mainly due to a reduction in interest expense resulting from changes in the expected cash flows and payout patterns on one of the larger structured indemnity contracts.
For further information about our structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts see Item 8, Note 11, “Deposit Liabilities,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

59


Corporate and Other (including run-off Life operations)
On May 1, 2014, XLIB entered into a sale and purchase agreement with GreyCastle providing for the sale of 100% of the common shares of XLLR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of XLIB, to GreyCastle for $570 million in cash. This transaction was completed on May 30, 2014. As a result, XLLR reinsures the majority of our life reinsurance business through the Life Retro Arrangements. This transaction covers a substantial portion of our life reinsurance reserves. We announced the run-off of our life reinsurance business in 2009.
The run-off business subject to the Life Retro Arrangements was previously reported within the Life operations segment. Subsequent to the transaction, we no longer consider the Life Operations to be a separate operating segment and the results of the life run-off business are reported within “Corporate and Other." For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 3, “Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
Subsequent to the completion of the life transaction as described in Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, the net contribution from the Company's life reinsurance business subject to Life Retrocession Arrangements is nil. The underwriting results from this retroceded business from January 1, 2014 through May 30, 2014 are included within the Company's contribution from life operations. The impact of the Life Retro Arrangements (primarily relating to the Life Funds Withheld Assets) on the Company's results from the completion of the transaction on May 30, 2014 through June 30, 2014 were as follows:
Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
May 30 to June 30
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
Underwriting profit (loss)
$

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
19,165

Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - Life Funds Withheld Assets
624

OTTI on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(8,771
)
Other income and expenses
(19
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
(17,546
)
Net income (loss)
$
(6,547
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
12,297

Change in cumulative translation adjustment - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(5,750
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$

As shown in the table above, although our net income (loss) is subject to variability related to the Life Retro Arrangements, there is no net impact on our comprehensive income in any period. The life retrocession embedded derivative value includes the interest income, unrealized gains and losses, and realized gains and losses from sales of the Life Funds Withheld Assets subsequent to May 30, 2014. For a further information on the life retrocession embedded derivative, see Item 1, Note 7(d)(iii), “Derivative Instruments - Other Non-Investment Derivatives,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

60


Investment Performance (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
We manage our fixed income portfolio in accordance with investment guidelines approved by the Risk and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of XL-Ireland. The following is a summary of the investment portfolio returns, which are calculated by dividing the sum of gross investment income or net income from investment affiliates, realized gains (losses) and unrealized gains (losses) by the average market value of the portfolio, for each of our fixed income and non-fixed income portfolios, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Total Return on Investments (1)
1.9
%
 
(1.6
)%
 
 
 
 
Other Portfolios (2)
 
 
 
Alternative portfolio (3)
1.5
%
 
3.9
 %
Equity portfolio
5.6
%
 
(0.6
)%
___________
(1)
The performance of investment portfolios is measured on a local currency basis and is not annualized. For aggregate performance calculation, respective local currency balances are translated to U.S. dollars using quarter end exchange rates to calculate composite portfolio results. Performance represents P&C operations and two months of Life operations.
(2)
Performance on Other Portfolios is included in the Total Return on Investments.
(3)
Performance on the alternative portfolio reflects the three months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively for both equity and non-equity alternative funds.
Investment Activities (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
The following table illustrates net investment income, net income from investment fund affiliates, net realized (losses) gains on investments, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Net investment income (1)
$
213,608

 
$
232,546

 
(8.1
)%
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates (2)
17,683

 
46,543

 
(62.0
)%
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
80,843

 
40,968

 
97.3
 %
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
11,599

 
(5,105
)
 
N/M

____________
(1)
Net investment income includes: Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets and net investment income related to the net results from structured products.
(2)
We generally record the income related to alternative fund affiliates on a one-month lag and the private investment fund affiliates on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the information provided by the investees.
*
N/M - Not Meaningful
Net Investment Income
The decrease of 8.1% was primarily due to a reduction in investment yields as a result of lower reinvestment rates and the impact of the Life Retro Arrangements for the month of June 2014. We estimate that approximately $3.1 billion of assets with an average gross book yield of 2.9% will mature and pay down over the next 12 months compared to the average new money rate in the three months ended June 30, 2014 on our portfolio of 1.7%.
Net Income (Loss) from Investment Fund Affiliates
Net income from investment fund affiliates includes earnings from our investments in closed-end investment funds and partnerships and similar vehicles that are accounted for under the equity method.
Performance for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was significantly lower than the same period of 2013. Alternative investment fund returns were solid in the quarter but were considerably behind the prior year quarter’s very strong results, when event driven and equity long/short managers in particular posted large gains. Private investment fund returns were also solid in the quarter but also down considerably from the prior year quarter's very strong results.

61


Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments
Net realized gains of $80.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2014 included the following:
Net realized gains of $105.5 million resulted primarily from sales of equities and other investments.
Realized losses of approximately $24.6 million related to the OTTI write-down of certain of our AFS investments. The main components of the net impairment charges were:
$10.3 million related to certain equities as the holdings were in a loss position for more than 11 months.
$12.5 million related to Other Investments.
Net realized gains on investments of $41.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2013 included realized losses of $2.4 million related to the write-down of certain of our fixed income and equity investments with respect to which we determined that there was an other-than-temporary decline in the value of those investments, as well as net realized gains of $43.4 million.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments
Net realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments of $11.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2014 resulted from our investment strategy to manage interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and credit risk, and to replicate permitted investments. For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Other Revenues and Expenses
The following table sets forth our other revenues and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Net income (loss) from operating affiliates (1)
$
27,738

 
$
32,825

 
(15.5
)%
Exchange (gains) losses
21,141

 
(11,331
)
 
N/M

Corporate operating expenses
56,495

 
55,155

 
2.4
 %
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
666,423

 

 
N/M

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
(17,546
)
 

 
N/M

Interest expense (2)
32,284

 
26,121

 
23.6
 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
(5,654
)
 
28,872

 
(119.6
)%
____________
(1)
The Company generally records the income related to certain operating affiliates on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the information provided by the investees.
(2)
Interest expense includes costs related to our debt and collateral facilities and does not include deposit liability accretion, which is included in Net investment results - structured products.
*
N/M - Not Meaningful
Net Income (Loss) from Operating Affiliates
The following table sets forth the net income (loss) from operating affiliates for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Net income (loss) from investment manager affiliates
$
13,147

 
$
27,068

 
(51.4
)%
Net income (loss) from strategic operating affiliates
14,591

 
5,757

 
153.4
 %
Net income (loss) from operating affiliates
$
27,738

 
$
32,825

 
(15.5
)%
Net Income from Investment Manager Affiliates
The decrease of 51.4% principally reflects the exceptional first quarter of 2013 investment performance for several investment manager affiliates, leading to strong incentive fees for the managers. Positive investment performance leads to strong incentive fees for the managers, which are reported on a one quarter-lag basis in our results.

62


Net Income from Strategic Operating Affiliates
The increase of 153.4% was largely due to higher current period income related to an insurance affiliate that writes direct U.S. homeowners insurance.
Exchange Gains and Losses
The foreign exchange losses of $21.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2014 were a result of an overall weakening of the value of the U.S. dollar against most of our major currency exposures, particularly the U.K. sterling, and the Canadian dollar. In the three months ended June 30, 2013, foreign exchange gains of $11.3 million were produced as a result of an overall strengthening of the value of the U.S. dollar against our major currency exposures, principally the U.K. sterling, the Euro and the Swiss franc.
Corporate Operating Expenses
The increase of 2.4% was a result of increased compensation costs and professional fees, partially offset by decreases in office expenses and information technology costs.
Loss on Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary
The loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary was due to the sale of 100% of the common shares of XLLR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of XLIB, to GreyCastle for $570 million in cash. For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 3, “Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Life Retrocession Embedded Derivative
The Company has entered into Life Retro Arrangements as described in Notes 2, "Significant Accounting Policies - (a) Investments Related to Life Retrocession Agreements written on a Funds Withheld Basis (“Life Retro Arrangements”) and (b) Reinsurance" and Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. The embedded derivative is recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings through "Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative." For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein and "Impact of Life Retro Arrangements" above.
Interest Expense
The increase of 23.6% was a result of the overall increase in our debt following the issuance of XL-Cayman's 2.30% Senior Notes due 2018 and its 5.25% Senior Notes due 2043 during the fourth quarter of 2013. For further information about our debt financing, see Item 8, Note 13, “Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Income Tax Expense
A tax benefit of $5.7 million and charge of $28.9 million were incurred in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The tax charges recognized in these periods reflect our expected full year effective tax rate applicable to each of the years, applied to our ordinary income in the respective periods.

63


Segment Results for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013
Insurance
The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Insurance segment:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Gross premiums written
$
3,189,331

 
$
2,970,175

 
7.4
 %
Net premiums written
2,124,247

 
2,238,351

 
(5.1
)%
Net premiums earned
1,996,430

 
2,097,634

 
(4.8
)%
Net losses and loss expenses
1,266,820

 
1,371,840

 
(7.7
)%
Acquisition costs
204,863

 
268,654

 
(23.7
)%
Operating expenses
416,984

 
378,511

 
10.2
 %
Underwriting profit (loss)
$
107,763

 
$
78,629

 
37.1
 %
Net results – structured products
36,535

 
7,717

 
N/M

Net fee income and other (expense)
(4,779
)
 
(3,294
)
 
45.1
 %
____________
*
N/M - Not Meaningful
Gross Premiums Written
The following table summarizes our gross premiums written by business group for the Insurance segment:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
IPC
$
961,126

 
$
915,921

 
4.9
%
NAPC
986,563

 
907,313

 
8.7
%
Professional
739,318

 
674,278

 
9.6
%
Specialty
502,324

 
472,663

 
6.3
%
Total
$
3,189,331

 
$
2,970,175

 
7.4
%
Gross premiums written increased by 7.4%. The following is a summary of the premium movements by business group:
IPC - increase of 4.9% driven mainly by new business in primary casualty and increased renewal premiums within primary casualty and middle market business lines, partially offset by lower renewed premiums in the construction business line.
NAPC - increase of 8.7% largely driven by higher renewed premiums in the excess casualty, surplus lines, programs and construction business lines, partially offset by a lower level of new business in global risk management.
Professional - increase of 9.6% largely attributable to the international professional line of business due to higher renewed premiums and increases in new business.
Specialty - increase of 6.3% due to new business in crisis management and political risk business lines, partially offset by lower new business and unfavorable renewed premiums in marine lines and weaker pricing in aviation.
Foreign exchange rate movements also impacted our gross premiums written. When evaluated in local currency, our gross premiums written increased by 6.1%, compared to the 7.4% shown above.
Net Premiums Written
The decrease of 5.1% resulted from an increase in ceded premiums written partially offset by the gross premiums written increases outlined above. The increase in ceded premiums primarily relates to a modification in our reinsurance structure to one that utilizes proportional reinsurance in our Professional business group in order to take advantage of favorable market terms. In addition, an increase in global property and construction writings that involve cessions to co-insurers and/or the captive insurance operations of our insureds and higher cessions within NAPC contributed to the higher ceded premiums written.

64


Net Premiums Earned
The decrease of 4.8% is attributable to the increase in ceded premiums written and earned in the Professional business group due to the modification in the reinsurance structure and increased reinsurance participation in the NAPC property and construction business as mentioned above. Partially offsetting this was growth in net premiums from Professional international financial and select professional business lines, Specialty political risk and crisis management business and NAPC surplus lines and construction business lines.
Net Losses and Loss Expenses
Combined Ratio
The following table presents the ratios for the Insurance segment:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Loss and loss expense ratio
63.5
%
 
65.4
%
 
(1.9
)
Acquisition expense ratio
10.3
%
 
12.8
%
 
(2.5
)
Operating expense ratio
20.8
%
 
18.1
%
 
2.7

Underwriting expense ratio
31.1
%
 
30.9
%
 
0.2

Combined ratio
94.6
%
 
96.3
%
 
(1.7
)
The loss and loss expense ratio includes net losses incurred for both the reported year and any favorable or adverse prior year development of loss and loss expense reserves held at the beginning of the year. The following table summarizes these components of the loss ratio for the Insurance segment for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Loss and loss expense ratio
63.5
%
 
65.4
%
 
(1.9
)
Prior year reserve development
2.2
%
 
2.8
%
 
(0.6
)
Loss ratio excluding prior year development
65.7
%
 
68.2
%
 
(2.5
)
Loss Ratio - excluding prior year development
The 2.5% percentage point decrease in the loss ratio excluding prior year development was primarily as a result of lower levels of natural catastrophe losses in the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year period. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were $47.7 million lower than in the same period in 2013. Excluding favorable prior year development, net natural catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both quarters, the loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 64.1%.
Prior Year Development
The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year development by line of business relating to the Insurance segment for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Property
$
(25,967
)
 
$
(20,178
)
Casualty
39,274

 
(3,380
)
Professional
1,614

 
16,618

Specialty
(39,563
)
 
(70,706
)
Other (1)
(20,691
)
 
19,064

Total
$
(45,333
)
 
$
(58,582
)
____________
(1)    Other includes programs, excess and surplus, surety, structured indemnity and certain discontinued lines.
Net favorable prior year reserve development of $45.3 million was mainly attributable to the following:

65


For property lines, net prior year development was $26.0 million favorable. This was driven by better than expected loss experience reported for the non-catastrophe exposures predominantly in the 2011 to 2013 accident years. It was also driven by a reduction of $5.6 million in prior year catastrophe losses primarily in the 2011 accident year.
For casualty lines, net prior year development was $39.3 million unfavorable. This was driven by deterioration in pollution site claims principally in the 2010 and 2013 accident years that led to a strengthening of $37.8 million in environmental.
For professional lines, net prior year development was $1.6 million unfavorable due mainly to a deterioration in unallocated loss adjustment expenses for the U.S. Select portfolio.
For specialty lines, net prior year development was $39.6 million favorable. This was driven by better than expected loss experience reported for the non-catastrophe exposures principally in the 2008 to 2012 accident years that led to a release of $31.8 million in aerospace. It was also driven by a reduction of $5.3 million in prior year catastrophe losses related primarily to Hurricane Rita in marine.
For other lines, net prior year development was $20.7 million favorable driven by the favorable settlement of a 2003 claim in one of our discontinued lines.
Acquisition Costs and Operating Expenses
Underwriting Expense Ratio
The increase of 0.2 percentage points was due to an increase in the operating expense ratio of 2.7 percentage points partially offset by a decrease in the acquisition expense ratio of 2.5 percentage points, as follows:
Operating expense ratio - increased 2.7 percentage points largely due to the unfavorable impact of the modification of our reinsurance structure mentioned above as well as increased compensation expenses from business expansion and higher professional fees for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013.
Acquisition expense ratio - decreased largely due to the favorable impact of the modification of our reinsurance structure mentioned above and a change in the mix of business.
Net Results - Structured Products
Net results from structured insurance products, which increased from the prior year, includes net investment income of $18.0 million and $18.6 million and net interest (income)/expense of $(18.6) million and $10.9 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the net results from the prior year period was from the negotiated termination of one of our larger structured indemnity contracts. This contract had previously been designated as part of a fair value hedge with a remaining fair value adjustment of $47.0 million that was being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining term of the contract. As a result of the termination, a net decrease of $28.7 million was recorded to interest expense reflecting the accretion rate adjustment due to changes in cash flows and the realization of the full remaining balance of the fair value hedge adjustment, resulting in a net credit to interest expense.
For further information about our structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts, see Item 8, Note 11, “Deposit Liabilities,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Net Fee Income and Other
The decrease compared to the same period of 2013 in net fee income and other expenses was driven by increased costs in our risk engineering services business.

66


Reinsurance
The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Gross premiums written
$
1,350,837

 
$
1,378,911

 
(2.0
)%
Net premiums written
1,228,619

 
1,263,830

 
(2.8
)%
Net premiums earned
854,174

 
855,109

 
(0.1
)%
Net losses and loss expenses
392,565

 
408,850

 
(4.0
)%
Acquisition costs
168,109

 
172,133

 
(2.3
)%
Operating expenses
88,443

 
80,043

 
10.5
 %
Underwriting profit (loss)
$
205,057

 
$
194,083

 
5.7
 %
Net results – structured products
6,303

 
3,512

 
79.5
 %
Net fee income and other
1,337

 
1,152

 
16.1
 %

Gross Premiums Written
The following table summarizes our gross premiums written by business group for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Bermuda
$
540,706

 
$
515,901

 
4.8
 %
North America
237,204

 
230,905

 
2.7
 %
International
572,927

 
632,064

 
(9.4
)%
Other (1)

 
41

 
(100.0
)%
Total
$
1,350,837

 
$
1,378,911

 
(2.0
)%
____________
(1)
Other relates to discontinued structured indemnity.
Gross premiums written decreased by 2.0%. The following is a summary of the premium movements by business group:
Bermuda - increase of 4.8% due to new business and favorable renewals on whole account and property treaty businesses.
North America - increase of 2.7% largely due to increased agricultural premiums within our property treaty business, partially offset by the non-renewal of a property facultative deal.
International - decrease of 9.4%, mainly driven by lower casualty and property treaty renewals due to decreases in shares and competitive market conditions in Europe, including the non-renewal of a U.K. motor business quota share, partially offset by increased premium estimates on treaties written in prior years in Latin America and unfavorable adjustments in the prior year on a casualty treaty that did not repeat in the current year.
Foreign exchange rate movements also impacted our gross premiums written. When evaluated in local currency, our gross premiums written decreased by 1.6%, compared to the 2.0% shown above.
Net Premiums Written
The decrease of 2.8% resulted from the gross written premium decreases outlined above together with an increase in ceded written premiums, largely driven by a new agricultural program in North America.
Net Premiums Earned
The decrease of 0.1% is mainly attributable to lower casualty and property written premiums in Europe due to competitive market conditions and the overall earn through of higher whole account premiums in Bermuda.

67


Net Losses and Loss Expenses
Combined Ratio
The following table presents the ratios for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Loss and loss expense ratio
46.0
%
 
47.8
%
 
(1.8
)
Acquisition expense ratio
19.7
%
 
20.1
%
 
(0.4
)
Operating expense ratio
10.3
%
 
9.4
%
 
0.9

Underwriting expense ratio
30.0
%
 
29.5
%
 
0.5

Combined ratio
76.0
%
 
77.3
%
 
(1.3
)
The loss and loss expense ratio includes net losses incurred for both the reported year and any favorable or adverse prior year development of loss and loss expense reserves held at the beginning of the year. The following table summarizes these components of the loss ratio for the Reinsurance segment for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Loss and loss expense ratio
46.0
%
 
47.8
%
 
(1.8
)
Prior year reserve development
9.1
%
 
10.7
%
 
(1.6
)
Loss ratio excluding prior year development
55.1
%
 
58.5
%
 
(3.4
)
Loss Ratio - excluding prior year development
The 3.4 percentage point decrease in the loss ratio excluding prior year development was primarily as a result of lower levels of natural catastrophe losses in the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year period. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were $38.5 million lower than in the same period in 2013. Excluding favorable prior year development, net natural catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both quarters, the loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 increased by 1.6 percentage points to 52.7% due to changes in the mix of business in Bermuda and competitive market conditions.
Prior Year Development
The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year development by business group relating to the Reinsurance segment for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Property and other short-tail lines
$
(45,638
)
 
$
(46,517
)
Casualty and other long-tail lines
(32,314
)
 
(44,765
)
Total
$
(77,952
)
 
$
(91,282
)
Net favorable prior year reserve development of $78.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was mainly attributable to the following:
Net favorable prior year development for the short-tailed lines totaled $45.6 million. Details of the significant components are as follows:
For property catastrophe lines, net prior year development was $10.4 million unfavorable comprising of $16.3 million unfavorable development on major catastrophe losses and $5.9 million better than expected development on attritional losses. The $16.3 million unfavorable development on major catastrophe losses was due to $22.3 million unfavorable development on the 2013 catastrophe losses and $6.6 million unfavorable development on the 2010 catastrophe losses partially offset by $12.6 million favorable development on other catastrophe losses.

68


For property other lines, net prior year development was $23.8 million favorable comprised of $2.4 million favorable development on catastrophe losses and $26.2 million better than expected development on attritional losses.
For marine and aviation lines, net prior year development was $32.2 million favorable comprised of $9.1 million favorable development on catastrophe and large losses and $23.1 million favorable development driven by better than expected attritional loss development mainly in Europe.
Net favorable prior year development for the long-tailed lines totaled $32.3 million. Details of the significant components are as follows:
For casualty lines, net prior year development was $22.3 million favorable due to better than expected development on attritional losses mainly in Europe and North America.
For other lines, net prior year development was $10.1 million favorable due to better than expected development on attritional losses comprised of $6.4 million from the whole accounts book in Bermuda and the remainder spread across the rest of the segment portfolio.
Underwriting Expense Ratio
The increase of 0.5 percentage points was due to an increase in the operating expense ratio of 0.9 percentage points, partially offset by a decrease in the acquisition expense ratio of 0.4 percentage points, as follows:
Operating expense ratio - increased in the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 due to higher compensation costs associated with the expansion of agriculture business in North America and capital markets in Bermuda in 2014 .
Acquisition expense ratio - decreased due to changes to the structure of our agricultural business in North America and lower profit commissions in International, partially offset by a state assessment relating to prior year premiums received in the current year in North America.
Net Results - Structured Products
Net results from structured reinsurance products, which increased 79.5% from the prior year period, includes net investment income of $17.7 million and $17.2 million, interest expense of $11.2 million and $13.7 million and operating expenses of $0.3 million and nil, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the net results from the prior year period was mainly due to a reduction in interest expense resulting from changes in the expected cash flows and payout patterns on one of the larger structured indemnity contracts.
For further information about our structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts see Item 8, Note 11, “Deposit Liabilities,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Corporate and Other (including run-off Life Operations)
As stated above, XLIB entered into a sale and purchase agreement with GreyCastle providing for the sale of 100% of the common shares of XLLR. As a result, XLLR reinsures the majority of our life reinsurance business through the Life Retro Arrangements. This transaction covers a substantial portion of our life reinsurance reserves. We announced the run-off of its life reinsurance business in 2009.
The run-off business subject to the Life Retro Arrangements was previously reported within the Life operations segment. Subsequent to the transaction, we no longer consider the life operations to be a separate operating segment and the results of the life run-off business are reported within "Corporate and Other". For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

69


Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
Subsequent to the completion of the life transaction as described in Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, the net contribution from U.K. and European life reinsurance business subject to Life Retrocession Arrangements is nil. The underwriting results from this retroceded business from January 1, 2014 through May 30, 2014 are included within the contribution from life operations. The impact of the Life Funds Withheld Assets on our results from the completion of the transaction on May 30, 2014 through June 30, 2014 were as follows:
Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
May 30 to June 30
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
Underwriting profit (loss)
$

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
19,165

Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - Life Funds Withheld Assets
624

OTTI on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(8,771
)
Other income and expenses
(19
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
(17,546
)
Net income (loss)
$
(6,547
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
12,297

Change in cumulative translation adjustment - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(5,750
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$

As shown in the table above, although our net income (loss) is subject to variability related to the Life Retro Arrangements, there is no net impact on our comprehensive income in any period. The life retrocession embedded derivative value includes the interest income, unrealized gains and losses, and realized gains and losses from sales of the Life Funds Withheld Assets subsequent to May 30, 2014. For a further information on the life retrocession embedded derivative, see Item 1, Note 7(d)(iii), “Derivative Instruments - Other Non-Investment Derivatives,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Investment Performance (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
We manage our fixed income portfolio in accordance with investment guidelines approved by the Risk and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of XL-Ireland. The following is a summary of the investment portfolio returns, which are calculated by dividing the sum of gross investment income or net income from investment affiliates, realized gains (losses) and unrealized gains (losses) by the average market value of the portfolio, for each of our fixed income and non-fixed income portfolios, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Total Return on Investments (1)
3.8
%
 
(0.8
)%
 
 
 
 
Other Portfolios (2)
 
 
 
Alternative portfolio (3)
4.0
%
 
8.1
 %
Equity portfolio
7.1
%
 
5.4
 %
___________
(1)
The performance of investment portfolios is measured on a local currency basis and is not annualized. For aggregate performance calculation, respective local currency balances are translated to U.S. dollars using quarter end exchange rates to calculate composite portfolio results. Performance represents P&C operations and five months of Life operations.
(2)
Performance on Other Portfolios is included in the Total Return on Investments.
(3)
Performance on the alternative portfolio reflects the six months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for both equity and non-equity alternative funds.

70


Investment Activities (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
The following table illustrates net investment income, net income from investment fund affiliates, net realized (losses) gains on investments and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Net investment income (1)
$
446,797

 
$
479,014

 
(6.7
)%
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates (2)
50,986

 
78,764

 
(35.3
)%
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
100,072

 
77,477

 
29.2
 %
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
13,409

 
2,780

 
N/M

____________
(1)
Net investment income includes: Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets and net investment income related to the net results from structured products.
(2)
We generally record the income related to alternative fund affiliates on a one-month lag and the private investment fund affiliates on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the information provided by the investees.
*
N/M - Not Meaningful
Net Investment Income
The decrease of 6.7% was primarily due to a reduction in investment yields as a result of lower reinvestment rates and the impact of the Life Retro Arrangements for the month of June 2014. We estimate that approximately $3.1 billion of assets with an average gross book yield of 2.9% will mature and pay down over the next 12 months compared to the average new money rate in the six months ended June 30, 2014 on our portfolio of 1.8%.
Net Income (Loss) from Investment Fund Affiliates
Net income from investment fund affiliates includes earnings from our investments in closed-end investment funds and partnerships and similar vehicles that are accounted for under the equity method.
Performance for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was strong but lagging behind exceptional results from the same period of 2013. Alternative investment fund returns were strong in the first half of this year, but very strong equity returns and moderate volatility last year were highly supportive of fund returns, in particular for market-directional strategies. Private investment fund returns were also strong for the first half of the year but down from the prior year's results for the first half of the year.
Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments
Net realized gains on investments of $100.1 million included the following:
Net realized gains of $128.4 million resulted primarily from sales of equities and other investments.
Realized losses of approximately $28.3 million related to the OTTI write-down of certain of our AFS investments. The main components of the net impairment charges were:
$10.3 million related to certain equities as the holdings were in a loss position for more than 11 months.
$12.5 million related to Other Investments.
$0.9 million for structured securities, principally non-Agency RMBS, where we determined that the likely recovery on these securities was below the carrying value and, accordingly, recorded an impairment of the securities to the discounted value of the cash flows expected to be received on these securities.
$2.5 million related to foreign exchange losses.
Net realized gains on investments of $77.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2013 included realized losses of $7.0 million related to the write-down of certain of our fixed income and equity investments with respect to which we determined that there was an other-than-temporary decline in the value of those investments, as well as net realized gains of $84.5 million.

71


Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments
Net realized and unrealized gains on derivatives of $13.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014 resulted from our investment strategy to manage interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and credit risk, and to replicate permitted investments. For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Other Revenues and Expenses
The following table sets forth our other revenues and expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Net income (loss) from operating affiliates (1)
$
74,023

 
$
63,823

 
16.0
 %
Exchange (gains) losses
31,582

 
(44,766
)
 
N/M

Corporate operating expenses
107,833

 
102,077

 
5.6
 %
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
666,423

 

 
N/M

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
(17,546
)
 

 
N/M

Interest expense (2)
64,444

 
52,257

 
23.3
 %
Income tax expense
28,667

 
72,351

 
(60.4
)%
____________
(1)
The Company generally records the income related to certain operating affiliates on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the information provided by the investees.
(2)
Interest expense includes costs related to our debt and collateral facilities and does not include deposit liability accretion, which is included in Net investment results - structured products.
*
N/M - Not Meaningful
Net Income (Loss) from Operating Affiliates
The following table sets forth the net income (loss) from operating affiliates for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Six Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
June 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014 to 2013
Net income (loss) from investment manager affiliates
$
40,130

 
$
45,524

 
(11.8
)%
Net income (loss) from strategic operating affiliates
33,893

 
18,299

 
85.2
 %
Net income (loss) from operating affiliates
$
74,023

 
$
63,823

 
16.0
 %

Net Income from Investment Manager Affiliates
The decrease of 11.8% principally reflects the strong first quarter of 2013 investment performance for several investment manager affiliates, leading to strong incentive fees for the managers. Positive investment performance leads to incentive fees for the managers, which are reported on a one quarter-lag basis in our results.
Net Income from Strategic Operating Affiliates
The increase of 85.2% was largely due to higher current period income related to an insurance affiliate that writes direct U.S. homeowners insurance, with more modest favorable variances from several other operating affiliates.
Exchange Gains and Losses
The foreign exchange losses of $31.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014 were a result of an overall weakening of the value of the U.S. dollar against most of our major currency exposures, particularly the U.K. sterling, the Euro, and the Swiss franc. In the six months ended June 30, 2013, foreign exchange gains of $44.8 million were a result of an overall strengthening of the value of the U.S. dollar against our major currency exposures, particularly the U.K. sterling, the Euro, the Canadian dollar and the Swiss franc.
Corporate Operating Expenses
The increase of 5.6% was a result of increased compensation costs as well as an increase in information technology costs and other expenses associated with infrastructure and organizational initiatives.

72


Loss on Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary
The loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary was due to the sale of 100% of the common shares of XLLR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of XLIB, to GreyCastle for $570 million in cash. For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 3, “Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Life Retrocession Embedded Derivative
The Company has entered into Life Retro Arrangements as described in Notes 2, "Significant Accounting Policies - (a) Investments Related to Life Retrocession Agreements written on a Funds Withheld Basis and (b) Reinsurance" and Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. The embedded derivative is recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings through "Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative." For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein and "Impact of Life Retro Arrangements" above.
Interest Expense
The increase of 23.3% was a result of the overall increase in our debt following the issuance of the 2.30% Senior Notes due 2018 and the 5.25% Senior Notes due 2043 during the fourth quarter of 2013. For further information about our debt financing, see Item 8, Note 13, “Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Income Tax Expense
Tax charges of $28.7 million and $72.4 million were incurred in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The tax charges recognized in these periods reflect our expected full year effective tax rate applicable to each of the years, applied to our ordinary income in the respective periods.

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS
Investments (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
We seek to generate growth in book value and net investment income through our investment activities. Our investment strategy strives to balance investment returns against market and credit risk. Our overall investment portfolio is structured to take into account a number of variables including liability profile, local regulatory requirements, business needs, collateral management and risk tolerance.
As described in Item 1, Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary" and Note 6, “Investments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, in connection to the Life Retro Arrangements certain fixed maturities were reclassified from held to maturity to available for sale. All of the reclassified securities are included within the Life Funds Withheld Assets, along with certain other available for sale securities as defined in the sale and purchase agreement. The Life Funds Withheld Assets are managed pursuant to agreed investment guidelines that meet the contractual commitments of the XL ceding companies and applicable laws and regulations. All of the investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets ultimately accrue to GreyCastle. Because we no longer share in the risks and rewards of the underlying performance of the supporting invested assets, disclosures within the financial statement notes included herein, and in the table below, separate the Life Funds Withheld Assets from the rest of our investments. The remaining disclosures in this section exclude the Life Funds Withheld Assets.

73


At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, total investments, cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net receivable/(payable) for investments sold/(purchased) were approximately $32.3 billion and $36.6 billion, respectively. The following table summarizes the composition of our invested assets, excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Carrying
Value (1)
 
Percent
of Total
 
Carrying
Value (1)
 
Percent
of Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,071,139

 
9.5
 %
 
$
1,800,832

 
4.9
%
Net receivable/ (payable) for investments sold/ (purchased)
(109,753
)
 
(0.3
)%
 
84,603

 
0.2
%
Accrued investment income
322,100

 
1.0
 %
 
346,809

 
0.9
%
Short-term investments
347,674

 
1.1
 %
 
456,288

 
1.2
%
Fixed maturities - AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (2)
2,084,294

 
6.4
 %
 
2,501,851

 
6.8
%
Corporate - Financials (3) (4)
3,040,610

 
9.4
 %
 
3,481,991

 
9.5
%
Corporate - Non Financials (4)
6,687,014

 
20.7
 %
 
7,643,839

 
20.9
%
RMBS – Agency
3,303,046

 
10.2
 %
 
3,546,122

 
9.7
%
RMBS – Non-Agency
415,503

 
1.3
 %
 
398,768

 
1.1
%
CMBS
1,124,287

 
3.5
 %
 
1,246,795

 
3.4
%
CDO
738,073

 
2.3
 %
 
717,313

 
2.0
%
Other asset-backed securities (5)
1,310,272

 
4.1
 %
 
1,242,104

 
3.4
%
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
1,939,590

 
6.0
 %
 
1,845,812

 
5.0
%
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (2)
4,355,861

 
13.5
 %
 
4,875,541

 
13.3
%
Total fixed maturities - AFS
$
24,998,550

 
77.4
 %
 
$
27,500,136

 
75.1
%
Fixed maturities - held to maturity ("HTM"):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported (2)

 
 %
 
10,993

 
%
Corporate - Financials (3) (4)

 
 %
 
269,547

 
0.7
%
Corporate - Non Financials (4)

 
 %
 
1,117,316

 
3.1
%
RMBS – Non-Agency

 
 %
 
66,987

 
0.2
%
CMBS

 
 %
 
144,924

 
0.4
%
Other asset-backed securities (5)

 
 %
 
106,540

 
0.3
%
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported (2)

 
 %
 
1,142,388

 
3.1
%
Total fixed maturities - HTM
$

 
 %
 
$
2,858,695

 
7.8
%
Equity securities (6)
988,710

 
3.1
 %
 
1,040,237

 
2.8
%
Investments in affiliates
1,500,548

 
4.6
 %
 
1,370,943

 
3.8
%
Other investments
1,204,564

 
3.6
 %
 
1,164,630

 
3.3
%
Total investments and cash and cash equivalents - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
32,323,532

 
100.0
 %
 
$
36,623,173

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Maturities - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
5,444,371

 
100.0
 %
 
$

 
%
____________
(1)
Carrying values represents the fair value for AFS fixed maturities and amortized cost for HTM securities.
(2)
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported and Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported include government-related securities with an amortized cost of $1,679.1 million and $2,241.5 million and carrying value of $1,721.8 million and $2,275.6 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and U.S. Agencies with an amortized cost of $230.2 million and $267.0 million and carrying value of $256.8 million and $284.3 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
(3)
Included in Corporate - Financials are gross unrealized losses of $4.9 million and $12.7 million on Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities of financial institutions with a carrying value of $21.8 million and $114.7 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as well as gross unrealized losses of $6.9 million and $9.3 million on subordinated debt (including lower Tier Two securities) with a carrying value of $66.0 million and $86.6 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
(4)
Included within Corporate are certain floating rate medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage. The notes have a carrying value of $155.9 million and $154.6 million and an amortized cost of $143.6 million and $147.7 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These securities have been allocated ratings of the underlying pool of securities. These notes allow the investor to participate in cash flows of the underlying bonds including certain residual values, which could serve to either decrease or increase the ultimate values of these notes.
(5)
Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities - AFS with a carrying value of $763.6 million and $553.1 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and Covered Bonds within Fixed maturities - HTM with a carrying value of $8.6 million at December 31, 2013, are included within Other asset-backed securities to align our classification to market indices.
(6)
Included within Equity securities are investments in fixed income funds with a carrying value of $92.1 million and $87.4 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

74


We review our corporate debt investments on a regular basis to consider their concentration, credit quality and compliance with established guidelines. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the average credit quality of our total fixed income portfolio (consisting of corporate debt and U.S. Agency debt and related mortgage-backed securities having and including fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and net receivable/(payable) for investment sold/(purchased)) was “Aa2(AA)” and "Aa3/AA-", respectively. Included in the table below are the credit ratings of the fixed income portfolio excluding operating cash at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Investments by Credit Rating (1)
(U.S. dollars in millions)
Carrying
Value (2)
 
Percent
of Total
 
Carrying
Value
 
Percent
of Total
AAA
$
12,285

 
44.3
%
 
$
12,957

 
40.6
%
AA
5,525

 
19.9
%
 
6,738

 
21.1
%
A
6,727

 
24.3
%
 
7,761

 
24.3
%
BBB
2,408

 
8.7
%
 
3,654

 
11.4
%
BB and below
755

 
2.7
%
 
792

 
2.5
%
Not rated
33

 
0.1
%
 
18

 
0.1
%
Total
$
27,733

 
100.0
%
 
$
31,920

 
100.0
%
____________
(1)
The credit rating for each asset reflected above was principally determined based on the weighted average rating of the individual securities from Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings (when available). U.S. Agency debt and related mortgage-backed securities, whether with implicit or explicit government support, reflect the credit quality rating of the U.S. government for the purpose of these calculations.
(2)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.
Gross and Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
We had gross unrealized losses totaling $169.2 million on 1,385 securities out of a total of 7,668 held at June 30, 2014 in our AFS portfolio. We consider these securities to be temporarily impaired. Individual security positions comprising this balance have been evaluated by management, in conjunction with our investment managers, to determine the severity of these impairments and whether they should be considered other-than-temporary.
Gross unrealized losses can be attributed to the following significant drivers:
gross unrealized losses of $43.5 million related to Government and Government-Related holdings. Securities in a gross unrealized loss position had a fair value of $1.9 billion at June 30, 2014.
gross unrealized losses of $28.7 million related to Core CDO holdings (defined by the Company as investments in non-subprime CDOs), which consisted primarily of collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”). Securities in a gross unrealized loss position had a fair value of $561.8 million at June 30, 2014.
gross unrealized losses of $21.2 million related to Non-Agency RMBS securities (which consists of our holdings of sub-prime Non-Agency RMBS, second liens, asset backed securities collateralized debt obligations ("ABS CDOs") with sub-prime collateral, Alt-A and Prime RMBS). Securities in an unrealized loss position had a fair value of $248.7 million at June 30, 2014. The Company has incurred realized losses, consisting of charges for OTTI and realized losses from sales, of approximately $1.4 billion since the beginning of 2007 through June 30, 2014 on these asset classes.
gross unrealized losses of $43.2 million related to the Corporate holdings. Securities in a gross unrealized loss position had a fair value of $1.3 billion at June 30, 2014. Of the gross unrealized losses, $17.5 million relate to financial institutions.

75


The following table details the security type and length of time that AFS securities were in a continual gross unrealized loss position at June 30, 2014:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
Security Type and Length of Time in a Continual Unrealized Loss Position (1)
Amount of
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
of Securities in
an Unrealized
Loss Position
Fixed Maturities and Short-Term Investments
 

 
 

Less than 6 months
$
(5,790
)
 
$
956,486

At least 6 months but less than 12 months
(8,334
)
 
540,760

At least 12 months but less than 2 years
(68,672
)
 
2,659,740

2 years and over
(83,825
)
 
997,799

Total
$
(166,621
)
 
$
5,154,785

Equities
 

 
 

Less than 6 months
$
(1,148
)
 
$
25,515

At least 6 months but less than 12 months
(1,476
)
 
20,643

Total
$
(2,624
)
 
46,158

____________
(1)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.

The following is the maturity profile of the available for sale fixed income securities that were in a continual gross unrealized loss position at June 30, 2014:
 
June 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Amount of
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
of Securities in
an Unrealized
Loss Position
Maturity profile in years of AFS fixed income securities in a gross unrealized loss position (1)
 
Less than 1 year remaining
$
(11,987
)
 
$
308,626

At least 1 year but less than 5 years remaining (2)
(33,576
)
 
1,852,910

At least 5 years but less than 10 years remaining (2)
(21,242
)
 
786,494

At least 10 years but less than 20 years remaining (2)
(11,514
)
 
162,121

At least 20 years or more remaining (2)
(7,503
)
 
150,585

RMBS - Agency
(20,379
)
 
681,699

RMBS - Non-Agency
(21,180
)
 
242,907

CMBS
(7,424
)
 
267,890

CDO
(28,729
)
 
561,751

Other asset-backed securities
(3,087
)
 
139,802

Total
$
(166,621
)
 
$
5,154,785

____________
(1)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.
(2)
Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities, representing committed term debt and hybrid instruments senior to the common and preferred equities of the financial institutions, are allocated based on the call date unless such security is not called on such date, in which case it is allocated the final or longest expected maturity. Medium term notes supported primarily by pools of European investment grade credit with varying degrees of leverage are allocated based on contractual maturity.
Factors considered in determining that additional OTTI charges were not warranted include management's consideration of current and near term liquidity needs along with other available sources of liquidity, and in certain instances an evaluation of the factors and time necessary for recovery. For further information, see Item 1, Note 6, “Investments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
As noted in Item 8, Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, the determination of the amount of OTTI varies by investment type and is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. We consider a wide range of factors about the securities and use our best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in our evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. We update our evaluations regularly and reflect additional impairments in net income as determinations are made. Our determination of the amount of the impairment taken on investments is highly subjective and could adversely impact our results

76


of operations. There can be no assurance that we have accurately assessed the level of OTTI taken and reflected in our financial statements. Furthermore, additional impairments may need to be taken in the future. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments.
Levels of write down or OTTI are also impacted by our assessment of the intent to sell securities that have declined in value prior to recovery. If, due to changes in circumstances, we determine to reposition or realign portions of the portfolio and we determine not to hold certain securities in an unrealized loss position to recovery, we will incur OTTI charges, which could be significant. In addition, in our assessment of whether securities in a gross unrealized loss position are temporarily impaired, we consider the significance of the impairments.
At June 30, 2014, we had structured securities with gross unrealized losses of $21.2 million on non-Agency RMBS, $28.7 million on Core CDOs and $7.4 million on CMBS holdings. Included in these securities are mortgage and asset-backed securities that had a fair value of $4.6 million, gross unrealized losses of $10.6 million and a cumulative fair value decline of greater than 50% of amortized cost. We have evaluated each of these securities in conjunction with our investment manager service providers and believe it is more likely than not that the issuer will be able to fund sufficient principal and interest payments to support the current amortized cost.
Refer to “Significant Items Affecting the Results of Operations” above for further discussion surrounding the impact of credit market movements on our investment portfolio.
European Sovereign Debt Crisis (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
As developed markets emerged from recession globally, several key nations within the European Union (the "EU") - particularly Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain (the “European Periphery Nations") - have carried particularly high debt and have been slower to return to positive economic growth due to austerity measures implemented to lower such countries' debt levels, and a general lack of competitiveness. The European Central Bank has taken various measures and has asserted its willingness to take any measures deemed necessary to protect these sovereigns' ability to continue to fund their debt. As a result, we believe market risks associated with the European Sovereign Debt crisis have been greatly reduced.
Our exposure to this European sovereign debt crisis is from direct investment in fixed maturity securities issued by national and local governments of the European Periphery Nations, as well as from fixed maturity securities issued by certain financial and non-financial corporate entities operating within the European Periphery Nations which currently have a fair value of $100.6 million at June 30, 2014. We continue to monitor our financial exposure to this crisis, and continually assess the impact of a potential default by any of the European Periphery Nations on their respective debt issuances, including the associated impact on non-sovereign entities in these five nations in the event of such a default.
We currently have no unfunded investment exposures or commitments to either sovereign or non-sovereign entities within the European Periphery Nations. We do invest in various alternative and private investment funds that from time to time may invest in securities or investments related to the European Periphery Nations. In general, such funds will invest in debt and/or equity securities of individual corporate issuers, securitized debt instruments and/or fixed maturity instruments issued by national governments of the European Periphery Nations. As market volatility in the European Periphery Nations has declined, we have observed that our alternative and private fund managers have increased their exposure to these countries. We estimate that, as of June 30, 2014, our aggregate exposure to European Periphery Nations via our fund investments did not exceed $150 million on a net basis. The exposure was diversified across issuers and instruments and across the five European Periphery Nations.
In addition to the direct investment portfolio considerations discussed above, as an international (re)insurance company, European credit exposures may exist for us within unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable. For further details on these balances, including the names of our most significant reinsurance counterparties, see Item 8, Note 9, “Reinsurance,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Other sources of potential exposure to European credit issues may exist within certain lines of insurance or reinsurance business written (including, but not limited to lines such as surety, business interruption, and political risk), or within underlying investments held in securitized financial instruments or in structured transactions in which we have an interest. We consider these potential exposures as part of our ongoing enterprise risk management processes.

77


Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities
As described in Item 1, Note 4, “Fair Value Measurements,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, we have provided required disclosures by level within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value. As defined in the hierarchy, those assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3 have valuations determined using unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs may include the entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions, applied to a modeled valuation; however, this is not the case with respect to the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities. The vast majority of the assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 are made up of those securities for which the values were obtained from brokers where either significant inputs were utilized in determining the values that were difficult to corroborate with observable market data or sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the broker was not obtained to support a Level 2 classification.
Controls over Valuation of Financial Instruments
We perform regular reviews of the prices received from our third party valuation sources to assess whether the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. This process is completed by investment and accounting personnel who are independent of those responsible for obtaining the valuations. The approaches we take include, but are not limited to, annual reviews of the controls of the external parties responsible for sourcing valuations that are subjected to automated tolerance checks, quarterly reviews of the valuation sources and dates, comparison of executed sales prices to prior valuations, regular deep dives on a sample of securities across our major asset classes and monthly reconciliations between the valuations provided by our external parties and valuations provided by our third party investment managers at a portfolio level.
In addition, we assess the effectiveness of valuation controls performed by external parties responsible for sourcing appropriate valuations from third parties on our behalf. The approaches taken by these external parties to gain comfort include, but are not limited to, comparing valuations between external sources, completing recurring reviews of third party pricing services' methodologies and reviewing controls of the third party service providers to support the completeness and accuracy of the prices received. Where broker quotes are the primary source of the valuations, sufficient information regarding the specific inputs utilized by the brokers is generally not available to support a Level 2 classification. We obtain the majority of broker quoted values from third party investment managers who perform independent verifications of these valuations using pricing matrices based upon information gathered by market traders. In addition, for the majority of these securities, we compare the broker quotes to independent valuations obtained from third party pricing vendors, which may also consist of broker quotes, to assess if the prices received represent reasonable estimates of the fair value.
Valuation Methodology of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
Refer to Item 1, Note 4, “Fair Value Measurements,” of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, for a description of the valuation methodology utilized to value Level 3 assets and liabilities, how the valuation methodology is validated as well as further details associated with various assets classified as Level 3. At June 30, 2014, we did not have any liabilities that were carried at fair value based on Level 3 inputs other than derivative instruments in a liability position at June 30, 2014.

78


Fair Value of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
At June 30, 2014, the fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities as a percentage of our total assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value was as follows:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Total Assets
and Liabilities
Carried at
Fair Value at
June 30, 2014
 
Fair Value
of Level 3
Assets and
Liabilities
 
Level 3 Assets
and Liabilities
as a Percentage
of Total Assets
and Liabilities
Carried at Fair
Value, by Class
Assets
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturities, at fair value
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government and Government Agency-Related/Supported
$
2,084,294

 
$

 
%
Corporate
9,727,624

 
3,933

 
%
RMBS – Agency
3,303,046

 
6,896

 
0.2
%
RMBS – Non-Agency
415,503

 
11

 
%
CMBS
1,124,287

 
1,945

 
0.2
%
CDO
738,073

 
732,824

 
99.3
%
Other asset-backed securities (1)
1,310,272

 
11,704

 
0.9
%
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
1,939,590

 

 
%
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Supranational and Government-Related
4,355,861

 

 
%
Total Fixed maturities, at fair value
$
24,998,550

 
$
757,313

 
3.0
%
Equity securities, at fair value
988,710

 

 
%
Short-term investments, at fair value
347,674

 

 
%
Total investments available for sale
$
26,334,934

 
$
757,313

 
2.9
%
Cash equivalents (2)
2,256,640

 

 
%
Other investments (3)
928,743

 
124,475

 
13.4
%
Other assets (4)
59,330

 
12,453

 
21.0
%
Total assets carried at fair value
$
29,579,647

 
$
894,241

 
3.0
%
Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (5)
$
31,150

 
$

 
%
Other liabilities (6)
68,400

 
31,363

 
45.9
%
Total liabilities carried at fair value
$
99,550

 
$
31,363

 
31.5
%
____________
(1)
Covered Bonds with a fair value of $763.6 million are included within Other asset-backed securities.
(2)
Cash equivalents balances subject to fair value measurements include certificates of deposit and money market funds.
(3)
The Other investments balances exclude certain structured transactions including certain investments in project finance transactions and a payment obligation (for further information, see Item 8, Note 7, “Other Investments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013) that has provided liquidity financing to a structured credit vehicle as a part of a third party medium term note facility. These Other investments are carried at amortized cost, which totaled $275.8 million at June 30, 2014.
(4)
Other assets include derivative instruments, reported on a gross basis.
(5)
Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, are included within “Payable for investments purchased” on the balance sheets.
(6)
Other liabilities include derivative instruments, reported on a gross basis.
At June 30, 2014, our Level 3 assets represented approximately 3.0% of assets that are measured at fair value and represented approximately 2% of total assets. Our Level 3 liabilities represented approximately 31.5% of liabilities that are measured at fair value but less than 1% of total liabilities at June 30, 2014.
Changes in the Fair Value of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
See Item 1, Note 4, “Fair Value Measurements,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, for an analysis of the change in fair value of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities.
Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
We establish reserves to provide for estimated claims, the general expenses of administering the claims adjustment process and losses incurred but not reported. These reserves are calculated using actuarial and other reserving techniques to project the estimated ultimate net liability for losses and loss expenses. Our reserving practices and the establishment of any particular reserve reflects our judgment concerning sound financial practice and do not represent any admission of liability with respect to any claims made against us.

79


Gross unpaid losses and loss expenses totaled $20.3 billion and $20.5 billion at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The table below represents a reconciliation of our P&C unpaid losses and loss expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Gross unpaid
losses and
loss
expenses
 
Unpaid
losses and
loss
expenses
recoverable
 
Net
unpaid losses
and loss
expenses
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
20,481,065

 
$
(3,414,735
)
 
$
17,066,330

Losses and loss expenses incurred
1,905,658

 
(246,273
)
 
1,659,385

Losses and loss expenses (paid) / recovered
(2,147,530
)
 
332,189

 
(1,815,341
)
Foreign exchange and other
42,741

 
(5,036
)
 
37,705

Balance at June 30, 2014
$
20,281,934

 
$
(3,333,855
)
 
$
16,948,079

While we regularly review the adequacy of established reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses, no assurance can be given that actual claims made and payments related thereto will not be in excess of the amounts reserved. In the future, if such reserves develop adversely, such deficiency would have a negative impact on future results of operations. For further discussion, see Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - 1) Unpaid Loss and Loss Expenses and Unpaid Loss and Loss Expenses Recoverable,” and Item 8, Note 10, “Losses and Loss Expenses,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses Recoverable and Reinsurance Balances Receivable
In the normal course of business, we seek to reduce the potential amount of loss arising from claims events by reinsuring certain levels of risk assumed in various areas of exposure with other insurers or reinsurers. While reinsurance agreements are designed to limit our losses from large exposures and permit recovery of a portion of direct unpaid losses, reinsurance does not relieve our ultimate liability to the insureds. Accordingly, the losses and loss expense reserves on the balance sheets represent our total unpaid gross losses. Unpaid losses and loss expense recoverable relates to estimated reinsurance recoveries on the unpaid loss and loss expense reserves.
Net reinsurance recoverables were $3.4 billion at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, net reinsurance balances receivable were $150.0 million and $118.9 million, respectively. The table below presents our net paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable as follows:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Reinsurance balances receivable
$
182,314

 
$
163,066

Reinsurance recoverable on future policy benefits (excluding balances related to the Life Retro Arrangements)
20,415

 
20,493

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses
3,380,648

 
3,456,088

Bad debt reserve on unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable
(79,109
)
 
(85,532
)
Net paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable
$
3,504,268

 
$
3,554,115


80


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the short and long-term cash requirements of our business operations. As a global insurance and reinsurance company, one of our principal responsibilities to clients is to ensure that we have ready access to funds with which to settle large unforeseen claims. We would generally expect that positive cash flow from operations (underwriting activities and investment income) will be sufficient to cover cash outflows under most future loss scenarios. However, there is a possibility that unforeseen demands could be placed on us due to extraordinary events and, as such, our liquidity needs may change. Such events include, among other things: several significant catastrophes occurring in a relatively short period of time resulting in material incurred losses; rating agency downgrades of our core insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries that would require posting of collateral in connection with our letter of credit and revolving credit facilities; return of unearned premiums and/or the settlement of derivative transactions and large scale uncollectible reinsurance recoverables on paid losses (as a result of coverage disputes, reinsurers' credit problems or decreases in the value of collateral supporting reinsurance recoverables). Any one or a combination of such events may cause a liquidity strain for us. In addition, a liquidity strain could also occur in an illiquid market, such as that which was experienced in 2008. Investments that may be used to meet liquidity needs in the event of a liquidity strain may not be liquid due to inactive markets, or may have to be sold at a significant loss as a result of depressed prices. Because each subsidiary focuses on a more limited number of specific product lines than is collectively available from the consolidated group of companies, the mix of business tends to be less diverse at the subsidiary level. As a result, the probability of a liquidity strain, as described above, may be greater for individual subsidiaries than when liquidity is assessed on a consolidated basis. If such a liquidity strain were to occur in a subsidiary, XL-Ireland may be required to contribute capital to the particular subsidiary and/or curtail dividends from the subsidiary to support holding company operations, which may be difficult given that XL-Ireland is a holding company and has limited liquidity.
A downgrade below “A-” of our principal insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries by either S&P or A.M. Best, which is three notches below the current S&P financial strength rating of “A+” (Stable) and two notches below the A.M. Best financial strength rating of “A” (Stable) of these subsidiaries, may trigger cancelation provisions in a significant amount of our assumed reinsurance agreements and may potentially require us to return unearned premiums to cedants. In addition, due to collateral posting requirements under our letter of credit and revolving credit facilities, such a downgrade may require the posting of cash collateral in support of certain “in use” portions of these facilities. Specifically, a downgrade below “A-” by A.M. Best would constitute an event of default under our two largest credit facilities and may trigger such collateral requirements. In certain limited instances, such downgrades may require that we return cash or assets to counterparties or to settle derivative and/or other transactions with the respective counterparties. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Holding Company Liquidity
As holding companies, XL-Ireland and XL-Cayman have no operations of their own and their assets consist primarily of investments in subsidiaries. XL-Ireland's principal uses of liquidity are ordinary share-related transactions, including dividend payments to holders of its ordinary shares as well as share buybacks, capital investments in its subsidiaries and certain corporate operating expenses. XL-Cayman's principal uses of liquidity are preference share related transactions, including dividend payments to its preference shareholders as well as preference share buybacks from time to time, interest and principal payments on debt, dividends to XL-Ireland and certain corporate operating expenses. All outstanding debt securities are issued by XL-Cayman.
XL-Ireland's and XL-Cayman's future cash flows largely depend on the availability of dividends or other permissible payments from subsidiaries to make principal and interest payments on debt, to pay operating expenses and ordinary and preferred shareholder dividends, to make capital investments in subsidiaries and to pay other obligations that may arise from time to time. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us or return capital from shareholders' equity is limited by applicable laws and regulations of the various jurisdictions in which we operate, certain additional required regulatory approvals and financial covenants contained in our letters of credit and revolving credit facilities. The payment of dividends to the holding companies by our principal operating subsidiaries is regulated under the laws of various jurisdictions including Bermuda, the U.K., Ireland and Switzerland, certain insurance statutes of various states in the United States in which the principal operating subsidiaries are licensed to transact business, the other jurisdictions where we have regulated subsidiaries and regulations of the Society of Lloyd's. See Item 8, Note 23, “Statutory Financial Data,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further discussion and details regarding the dividend capacity of our major operating subsidiaries. See also Item 1A, “Risk Factors - Our holding company structure and certain regulatory and other constraints affect our ability to pay dividends, make payments on our debt securities and make other payments,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. No assurance can be given that our subsidiaries will pay dividends in the future to XL-Ireland and XL-Cayman.

81


Under Irish law, share premium was required to be converted to “distributable reserves” for XL-Ireland to pay cash dividends and redeem and buyback shares following the redomestication transaction in which all of the ordinary shares of XL-Cayman were exchanged for all of the ordinary shares of XL-Ireland. On July 23, 2010, the Irish High Court approved XL-Ireland's conversion of share premium to $5.0 billion of distributable reserves, subject to the completion of certain formalities under Irish Company law. These formalities were completed in early August 2010. At June 30, 2014, XL-Ireland had $3.3 billion in distributable reserves.
At June 30, 2014, XL-Ireland and XL-Cayman held cash and investments, net of liabilities associated with cash sweeping arrangements, of $17.6 million and $1.4 billion, respectively, compared to $12.7 million and $1.6 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2013.
All of our outstanding debt at June 30, 2014 was issued by XL-Cayman. The ability of XL-Cayman, like that of XL-Ireland, to obtain funds from its subsidiaries to satisfy any of its debts, including obligations under guarantees, is subject to certain contractual restrictions, applicable laws and statutory requirements of the various countries in which we operate, including, among others, Bermuda, the United States, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. For details of the required statutory capital and surplus for our principal operating subsidiaries, see Item 8, Note 23, “Statutory Financial Data,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
See also the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 1, Financial Statements included herein.
Sources of Liquidity
At June 30, 2014, on a consolidated basis we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.1 billion as compared to approximately $1.8 billion at December 31, 2013. We have three main sources of cash flows - those provided by operations, investing activities and financing activities:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2013
Operating activities
$
353,629

 
$
359,653

Investing activities
$
1,569,409

 
$
(42,438
)
Financing activities
$
(666,530
)
 
$
(492,150
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
$
13,799

 
$
(23,361
)
Operating Cash Flows
Historically, cash receipts from operations, consisting of premiums and investment income, generally have provided sufficient funds to pay losses as well as operating expenses of our subsidiaries and to fund dividends payable by our subsidiaries to XL-Ireland. Cash receipts from operations are generally derived from the receipt of investment income on our investment portfolio as well as the net receipt of premiums less claims and expenses related to our underwriting activities in our P&C and life run-off operations. Our operating subsidiaries provide liquidity in that premiums are generally received months or even years before losses are paid under the policies related to such premiums. Premiums and acquisition expenses are settled based on terms of trade as stipulated by an underwriting contract, and generally are received within the first year of inception of a policy when the premium is written, but can be up to three years on certain reinsurance business assumed. Operating expenses are generally paid within a year of being incurred. Claims, especially for casualty business, may take a much longer time before they are reported and ultimately settled, requiring the establishment of reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses. Therefore, the amount of claims paid in any one year is not necessarily related to the amount of net losses incurred, as reported in the consolidated statement of income.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash flows provided by operating activities were $353.6 million compared to net cash flows provided by operating activities of $359.7 million for the same period in 2013. Although net income was lower during the six months ended June 30, 2014, that decrease was more than offset by increases in other components of non-cash working capital, primarily, the loss on sale of subsidiary, resulting in similar levels of net cash flows from operating activities compared to the same period of 2013.
Investing Cash Flows
Generally, positive cash flow from operations and financing activities is invested in our investment portfolio, including investments in our affiliates, or the acquisition of subsidiaries.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $1,569.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to net cash used of $42.4 million for the same period in 2013. These cash flows were associated with the normal purchase and sale of portfolio investments. As further outlined in Item 1, Note 3, “Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary,” to the Unaudited

82


Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, the company received sale proceeds of $570 million in cash during the six months ended June 30, 2014.
Certain of our invested assets are held in trust and pledged in support of insurance and reinsurance liabilities as well as credit facilities. Such pledges are largely required by our operating subsidiaries that are “non-admitted” under U.S. state insurance regulations, in order for the U.S. cedant to receive statutory credit for reinsurance. Also, certain deposit liabilities and annuity contracts require the use of pledged assets. As further outlined in Item 1, Note 6, “Investments - Pledged Assets,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, certain assets of the investment portfolio are pledged as collateral under our letter of credit facilities. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $16.1 billion and $15.5 billion in pledged assets, respectively.
Financing Cash Flows
Cash flows related to financing activities include ordinary share-related transactions, the payment of dividends, the issue or repayment of preference ordinary shares and deposit liability transactions. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash flows used in financing activities was $666.5 million compared to net cash used of $492.2 million for the same period in 2013. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, financing cash flows were predominantly impacted by share buybacks and the repayment of deposit liabilities. For information regarding share buyback activity, see "Other Key Focuses of Management - Buybacks of Ordinary Shares" included herein.
In addition, the Company maintains credit facilities that provide liquidity. Details of these facilities are described below in “Capital Resources.”
Capital Resources
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had total shareholders' equity of $11.4 billion and $11.3 billion, respectively. In addition to ordinary share capital, we depend on external sources of financing to support our underwriting activities in the form of:
a.
debt;
b.
preference shares;
c.
letter of credit facilities and other sources of collateral; and
d.
revolving credit facilities.
In particular, we require, among other things:
sufficient capital to maintain our financial strength and credit ratings, as issued by several ratings agencies, at levels considered necessary by management to enable our key operating subsidiaries to compete;
sufficient capital to enable our regulated subsidiaries to meet the regulatory capital levels required in the United States, the U.K., Bermuda, Ireland, Switzerland and other key markets;
letters of credit and other forms of collateral that are required to be posted or deposited, as the case may be, by our operating subsidiaries that are “non-admitted” under U.S. state insurance regulations in order for the U.S. cedant to receive statutory credit for reinsurance. We also use letters of credit to support our operations at Lloyd's; and
revolving credit facilities to meet short-term liquidity needs.
The following risks are associated with our requirement to renew or obtain new credit facilities:
the credit available from banks may be reduced due to market conditions resulting in our need to pledge our investment portfolio to customers, which could result in a lower investment yield;
we may be downgraded by one or more rating agencies, which could materially and negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity; and
the volume of business that our subsidiaries that are not admitted in the United States are able to transact could be reduced if we are unable to obtain letter of credit facilities at an appropriate amount.

83


Consolidation within the banking industry may result in the aggregate amount of credit provided to us being reduced. We attempt to mitigate this risk by identifying and/or selecting additional banks that can participate in the credit facilities upon renewal. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following table summarizes the components of our current capital resources as follows:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Non-controlling interests - Series D preference ordinary shares
$
345,000

 
$
345,000

Non-controlling interests - Series E preference ordinary shares
999,500

 
999,500

Non-controlling interests - Other
29,788

 
7,165

Ordinary share capital
10,034,289

 
9,997,633

Total ordinary shares and non-controlling interests
$
11,408,577

 
$
11,349,298

Notes payable and debt
2,261,638

 
2,260,436

Total
$
13,670,215

 
$
13,609,734

Ordinary Share Capital
The following table reconciles the opening and closing ordinary share capital positions as follows:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Ordinary shareholders’ equity – beginning of period
$
9,997,633

 
$
10,510,077

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
(23,544
)
 
1,059,916

Share buybacks
(351,653
)
 
(675,616
)
Share issues
3,082

 
12,665

Ordinary share dividends
(88,269
)
 
(162,043
)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income
470,377

 
(783,363
)
Share-based compensation and other
26,663

 
35,997

Ordinary shareholders’ equity – end of period
$
10,034,289

 
$
9,997,633

Debt
The following table presents our debt under outstanding securities and lenders' commitments at June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Commitment/
Debt
 
In Use/
Outstanding
 
Year of
Expiry
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1 to 3
Years
 
3 to 5
Years
 
After 5
Years
5-year revolver
$
1,000,000

 
$

 
2018
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

5.25% Senior Notes
600,000

 
599,808

 
2014
 
600,000

 

 

 

2.30% Senior Notes
300,000

 
297,010

 
2018
 

 

 
300,000

 

5.75% Senior Notes
400,000

 
396,876

 
2021
 

 

 

 
400,000

6.375% Senior Notes
350,000

 
348,865

 
2024
 

 

 

 
350,000

6.25% Senior Notes
325,000

 
322,983

 
2027
 

 

 

 
325,000

5.25% Senior Notes
300,000

 
296,096

 
2043
 

 

 

 
300,000

 
$
3,275,000

 
$
2,261,638

 
 
 
$
600,000

 
$

 
$
300,000

 
$
1,375,000

Adjustment to carrying value - impact of fair value hedges
 
 
$
814

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total
$
3,275,000

 
$
2,262,452

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

“In Use/Outstanding” data represent June 30, 2014 accreted values. “Payments Due by Period” data represents ultimate redemption values.
In addition, see Item 8, Note 13, “Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further information.
At June 30, 2014, banks and investors provided us with $3.3 billion of debt capacity, of which $2.3 billion was utilized. This debt capacity consists of:

84


a revolving credit facility of $1.0 billion; and
senior unsecured notes of approximately $2.3 billion issued by XL-Cayman. These notes require XL-Cayman to pay a fixed rate of interest during their terms. At June 30, 2014, there were six outstanding issues of senior unsecured notes:
$600 million senior notes due September 2014, with a fixed coupon of 5.25%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued in two tranches of $300 million aggregate principal amount each - one tranche at 99.432% and the other at 98.419% with aggregate net proceeds of $590.9 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $2.7 million.
$300 million senior notes due December 2018, with a fixed coupon of 2.30%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued at 99.69% and net proceeds were $296.6 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $2.5 million.
$400 million senior notes due October 2021, with a fixed coupon of 5.75%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued at 100.0% and net proceeds were $395.7 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $4.3 million.
$350 million senior notes due November 2024, with a fixed coupon of 6.375%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued at 100.0% and net proceeds were $347.8 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $2.2 million.
$325 million of senior notes due May 2027, with a fixed coupon of 6.25%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued at 99.805% and net proceeds were $321.9 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $2.5 million.
$300 million senior notes due December 2043, with a fixed coupon of 5.25%. The security is publicly traded. The notes were issued at 99.77% and net proceeds were $296.0 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $3.3 million.
At June 30, 2014, $575 million of letters of credit were issued under the 2013 Citi Agreements (as defined below) and therefore this facility is not available for revolving credit loans.
Preferred Shares and Non-controlling Interest in Equity of Consolidated Subsidiaries
The Series D preference ordinary shares and the Series E preference ordinary shares were issued by XL-Cayman. Accordingly, these instruments represent non-controlling interests in our consolidated financial statements and are presented as non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries. At both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the face values of the outstanding Series D and Series E preference ordinary shares were $345.0 million and $999.5 million, respectively.
Letter of Credit Facilities and other sources of collateral
At June 30, 2014, we had seven letter of credit (“LOC”) facilities in place with total availability of $3.6 billion, of which $1.9 billion was utilized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Commitment/
Debt
 
In Use/
Outstanding
 
Year of
Expiry
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1 to 3
Years
 
3 to 5
Years
 
After 5
Years
LOC Facility (1) (2)
$
1,000,000

 
$
38,346

 
2018
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,000,000

 
$

LOC Facility (2)
1,000,000

 
813,890

 
2018
 

 

 
1,000,000

 

LOC Facility
750,000

 
305,756

 
Continuous
 

 

 

 
750,000

LOC Facility
250,000

 
137,826

 
Continuous
 

 

 

 
250,000

LOC Facility (3)
275,000

 
275,000

 
2015
 

 
275,000

 

 

LOC Facility (3)
200,000

 
200,000

 
2015
 

 
200,000

 

 

LOC Facility (3)
100,000

 
100,000

 
2016
 

 
100,000

 

 

Total LOC facilities
$
3,575,000

 
$
1,870,818

 
 
 
$

 
$
575,000

 
$
2,000,000

 
$
1,000,000

____________
(1)
This letter of credit facility includes $1.0 billion that is also included in the “5-year revolver” listed under Debt. See the discussion regarding the Syndicated Credit Agreements (defined below).
(2)
We have the option to increase the size of the facilities under the Syndicated Credit Agreements by an additional $500 million across both such facilities.
(3)
We have the option to increase the maximum amount of letters of credit and revolving credit loans available under the 2013 Citi Agreements, with the lender's and issuing lender's consent.

85


In November 2013 we (i) entered into two new credit agreements (together, the "Syndicated Credit Agreements"), which provided for an aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit and revolving credit loans of up to $2 billion, subject to certain options to increase the size of the facilities, and (ii) terminated the secured credit agreements dated March 25, 2011 and December 9, 2011, and the unsecured credit agreement dated December 9, 2011, which had provided for an aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit and revolving credit loans up to $3 billion.
The Syndicated Credit Agreements consist of (i) a secured credit agreement, which provides for issuance of letters of credit up to $1 billion and (ii) an unsecured credit agreement, which provides for issuance of letters of credit and revolving credit loans up to $1 billion. We have the option to increase the maximum amount of letters of credit available by an additional $500 million across the facilities under the Syndicated Credit Agreements.
The commitments under the Syndicated Credit Agreements expire on, and such credit facilities are available until, the earlier of (i) November 22, 2018 and (ii) the date of termination in whole of the commitments upon an optional termination or reduction of the commitments by the account parties or upon the occurrence of certain events of default.
The availability of letters of credit under the secured portion of the Syndicated Credit Agreements is subject to a borrowing base requirement, determined on the basis of specified percentages of the face value of eligible categories of assets varying by type of collateral. In the event that such credit support is insufficient, we could be required to provide alternative security to cedants. This could take the form of insurance trusts supported by our investment portfolio or funds withheld (amounts retained by ceding companies to collateralize loss or premium reserves) using our cash resources or combinations thereof. The face amount of letters of credit required is driven by, among other things, loss development of existing reserves, the payment pattern of such reserves, the expansion of business written by us and the loss experience of such business.
On May 7, 2013, XL-Cayman entered into a new credit agreement with Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and issuing lender, and the lenders party thereto, and a continuing agreement for standby letters of credit with Citibank, N.A. On May 13, 2013 and May 15, 2013, XL-Cayman entered into a credit agreement first amendment and credit agreement second amendment, respectively, to such credit agreement (as amended, the “May 2013 Credit Agreement”).
On August 6, 2013, XL-Cayman entered into a new credit agreement with Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and issuing lender, and the lenders party thereto and a continuing agreement for standby letters of credit with Citibank, N.A. On September 12, 2013, XL-Cayman entered into a credit agreement first amendment to such credit agreement (as amended, the “August 2013 Credit Agreement”).
Additionally, on November 4, 2013, XL-Cayman entered into a new credit agreement with Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and issuing lender, and the lenders party thereto and a continuing agreement for standby letters of credit with Citibank, N.A. (the "November 2013 Credit Agreement" and, together with the May 2013 Credit Agreement and the August 2013 Credit Agreement, the "2013 Citi Agreements").
Collectively, the 2013 Citi Agreements and the continuing agreements for standby letters of credit provide for issuance of letters of credit and revolving credit loans in an aggregate amount of up to $575 million. XL-Cayman has the option to increase the maximum amount of letters of credit and revolving credit loans available under the 2013 Citi Agreements with the lender's and issuing lender's consent.
The commitments under the 2013 Citi Agreements expire on, and such credit facilities are available until, the earlier of (i) June 20, 2015 (with respect to the May 2013 Credit Agreement), September 20, 2015 (with respect to the August 2013 Credit Agreement) and December 20, 2016 (with respect to the November 2013 Credit Agreement) and (ii) the date of termination in whole of the commitments upon an optional termination or reduction of the commitments by the account parties or upon the occurrence of certain events of default.
In addition to letters of credit, we have established insurance trusts in the United States that provide cedants with statutory credit for reinsurance under state insurance regulation in the United States.
We review current and projected collateral requirements on a regular basis, as well as new sources of collateral. Our objective is to maintain an excess amount of collateral sources over expected uses. We also review our liquidity needs on a regular basis.
Other
For information regarding cross-default and certain other provisions in the Company’s debt and convertible securities documents, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Cross-Default and Other Provisions in Debt Instruments,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
See Part II, Item 2, “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds,” below.

86


ITEM 3.
 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
General
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” presented under Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
As described in Item 1, Note 3, "Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary" and Note 6, “Investments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, in connection with the Life Retro Arrangements, certain fixed maturities were reclassified from held to maturity to available for sale. All of the reclassified securities are included within the Life Funds Withheld Assets, along with certain other available for sale securities as defined in the sale and purchase agreement. The Life Funds Withheld Assets are managed pursuant to agreed investment guidelines that meet the contractual commitments of the XL ceding companies and applicable laws and regulations. All of the investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets ultimately accrue to GreyCastle. Because we no longer share in the risks and rewards of the underlying performance of the supporting invested assets, disclosures within the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk exclude the Life Funds Withheld Assets.
Market risk represents the potential for loss due to adverse changes in the fair value of financial and other instruments. We are principally exposed to the following market risks: interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, credit risk, equity price risk and other related market risks.
The majority of our market risk arises from the investment portfolio, which consists of fixed income securities, alternative investments, public equities, private investments, derivatives, other investments and cash, denominated in both U.S. and foreign currencies, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and other related market risks. Our fixed income and equity securities are generally classified as available for sale, and, as such, changes in interest rates, credit spreads on corporate and structured securities, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates or other related market instruments will have an immediate effect on comprehensive income and shareholders' equity but will not ordinarily have an immediate effect on net income. Nevertheless, changes in interest rates, credit spreads and defaults, equity prices and other related market instruments affect consolidated net income when, and if, a security is sold or impaired.
We may enter into derivatives to reduce risk or enhance portfolio efficiency. For example, we may use derivatives to hedge foreign exchange and interest rate risk related to our consolidated net exposures or to efficiently gain exposure to investments that are eligible under our Investment Policy. From time to time, we may also use instruments such as futures, options, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and foreign currency forward contracts to manage the risk of interest rate changes, credit deterioration, foreign currency exposures, and other market related exposures as well as to obtain exposure to a particular financial market. Historically, we entered into credit derivatives outside of the investment portfolio in conjunction with the legacy financial guarantee and financial products operations. We seek to manage the risks associated with the use of derivatives through our comprehensive framework of investment decision authorities (“Authorities Framework”). Derivative instruments are carried at fair value with the resulting changes in fair value recognized in income in the period in which they occur. For further information, see Item 1, Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
This risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the sensitivity and VaR analyses presented in this document are forward-looking statements of market risk assuming certain adverse market conditions occur. Actual results in the future may differ materially from these estimated results due to, among other things, actual developments in the global financial markets and changes in the composition of our investment portfolio. The results of analysis used by us to assess and mitigate risk should not be considered projections of future events of losses. See Item 2, “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Interest Rate Risk (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
Interest rate risk is the price sensitivity of a fixed income security to changes in interest rates. Our fixed income portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Our liabilities are accrued at a static rate from an accounting standpoint. However, management considers the liabilities to have an economic exposure to interest rate risk and manages the net economic exposure to interest rate risk considering both assets and liabilities. Interest rate risk is managed within the context of our Strategic Asset Allocation ("SAA") process by specifying SAA benchmarks relative to the estimated duration of our liabilities and managing the fixed income portfolio relative to the benchmarks such that the overall economic effect of interest rate risk is within management's risk tolerance. Nevertheless, we remain exposed to interest rate risk with respect to our overall net asset position and more generally from an accounting standpoint since the assets are carried at fair value, while liabilities are accrued at a static rate. From time to time we may utilize derivative instruments to manage or optimize our duration and curve exposures.

87


In addition, while our debt is not carried at fair value and not adjusted for market changes, changes in market interest rates could have an impact on debt values at the time of any refinancing.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
Many of our non-U.S. subsidiaries maintain both assets and liabilities in local currencies; therefore, foreign exchange risk is generally limited to net assets denominated in foreign currencies.
Foreign currency exchange rate gains and losses in our consolidated Statements of Income arise for accounting purposes when net assets or liabilities are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the functional currency of those subsidiaries. While unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on underwriting balances are reported in earnings, the offsetting unrealized gains and losses on invested assets are recorded as a separate component of shareholders' equity, to the extent that the asset currency does not match that entity's functional currency. This results in an accounting mismatch that will result in foreign exchange gains or losses in the consolidated statements of income depending on the movement in certain currencies. We have formed several branches with Euro and U.K. sterling functional currencies and continue to focus on attempting to limit exposure to foreign exchange risk.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk in general is reviewed as part of our risk management framework. Within the asset liability framework for the investment portfolio, we pursue a general policy of holding the assets and liabilities in the same currency and, as such, we are not generally exposed to the risks associated with foreign exchange movements within the investment portfolio, as currency impacts on the assets are generally matched by corresponding impacts on the related liabilities. However, locally-required capital levels are invested in local currencies in order to satisfy regulatory requirements and to support local insurance operations and are not matched by related liabilities. Foreign exchange contracts within the investment portfolio may be utilized to manage individual portfolio foreign exchange exposures, subject to investment management service providers' guidelines established by management. Where these contracts are not designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes, we record realized and unrealized gains and losses in income in the period in which they occur. These contracts generally have maturities of three months or less. We may also attempt to manage the foreign exchange volatility arising on certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. These include, but are not limited to, premiums receivable, reinsurance contracts, claims payable and investments in subsidiaries.
The principal currencies creating our foreign exchange risk are the U.K. sterling, the Euro, the Swiss franc and the Canadian dollar. The following table provides more information on our net exposures to these principal foreign currencies at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(Foreign currency in millions)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Euro
331.7

 
88.7

U.K. Sterling
300.0

 
47.3

Swiss Franc
112.1

 
107.9

Canadian Dollar
161.9

 
133.8

Credit Risk (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
Credit risk relates to the uncertainty of an obligor's continued ability to make timely payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the instrument or contract. We are exposed to direct credit risk within our investment portfolio, through general counterparties, including customers and reinsurers, and through certain underwriting activities that include, but are not limited to, surety, workers' compensation, environmental and political risk and trade credit.
We have an established credit risk governance process delegated to the Credit Subcommittee of the Enterprise Risk Management Committee. The governance process is designed to ensure that transactions and activities, individually and in the aggregate, are carried out within established risk tolerances. This process also recognizes the potential for clash event risk(which covers a number of substantially similar claims against multiple policyholders) that could arise from credit events owing to the identified credit risk embedded in certain underwriting businesses, as well as our investment activities and reinsurance relationships. In particular, certain of our underwriting activities expose us to indirect credit risk in that profitability of certain strategies can correlate with credit events at the issuer, industry or country level. We manage these risks through established underwriting policies that operate in accordance with established limit and escalation frameworks.
To manage our exposure to credit risk, we have established a credit risk framework that establishes tolerances for credit risk at various levels of granularity (counterparty, industry, country and underwriting business) and tolerances for credit risk arising from certain clash events. Credit risk capacity is allocated across our businesses and functional areas and regular reporting and aggregation activities are carried out to ensure compliance with our credit risk framework and related tolerances.

88


Credit risk arising from credit sensitive underwriting activities is also managed via our underwriting limit framework. We manage credit risk within the investment portfolio through our Authorities Framework and established investment credit policies, which address the quality of obligors and counterparties, industry limits, and diversification requirements. Our exposure to market credit spreads primarily relates to market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in credit spreads.
Credit Risk – Investment Portfolio (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
Credit risk in the investment portfolio is the exposure to adverse changes in the creditworthiness of individual investment holdings, issuers, groups of issuers, industries and countries. A widening of credit spreads will increase the net unrealized loss position, will increase losses associated with credit-based derivatives where we assume credit exposure, and, if issuer credit spreads increase significantly for an extended period of time or it is a period of increasing defaults, will also likely result in higher OTTI charges. All else held equal, credit spread tightening will reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed maturities. In addition, market volatility can make it difficult to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent. As such, valuations may include assumptions or estimates that may have significant period to period changes that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition. The credit spread duration in our fixed income portfolio was 3.4 years at June 30, 2014.
We manage credit risk in the investment portfolio, including fixed income, alternative and short-term investments, through the credit research performed primarily by the investment management service providers. The management of credit risk in the investment portfolio is integrated in our credit risk management governance framework and the management of credit exposures and concentrations within the investment portfolio is carried out in accordance with our risk policies, philosophies, appetites, limits and risk concentrations related to the investment portfolio. In the investment portfolio, we review on a regular basis our asset concentration, credit quality and adherence to our credit limit guidelines. Any issuer over its credit limits or experiencing financial difficulties, material credit quality deterioration or potentially subject to forthcoming credit quality deterioration is placed on a watch list for closer monitoring. Where appropriate, exposures are reduced or prevented from increasing.
The table below shows our aggregate fixed income portfolio by credit rating in percentage terms of our aggregate fixed income portfolio (consisting of corporate debt and U.S. Agency debt and related mortgage-backed securities having and including fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and net receivable/(payable) for investment sold/(purchased)) at June 30, 2014:
 
Percentage of
Aggregated Fixed
Income Portfolio (1)(2)
AAA
44.3
%
AA
19.9
%
A
24.3
%
BBB
8.7
%
BB or Below
2.7
%
NR
0.1
%
Total
100.0
%
____________
(1)
The credit ratings above were principally determined based on the weighted average rating of the individual securities from Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings (where available). The credit ratings for U.S. Agency debt and related mortgage-backed securities, whether with implicit or explicit government support, reflects the credit quality rating of the U.S. government for the purpose of these calculations.
(2)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.
At June 30, 2014, the average credit quality of our aggregate fixed income investment portfolio was “Aa2(AA)". Our $10.8 billion portfolio of government and government related, agency, sovereign and cash holdings was rated "AA+", our $9.9 billion portfolio of corporates was rated “A", and our $6.9 billion structured securities portfolio was rated "AA+".
We are closely monitoring our corporate financial bond holdings given the events of the past six years. The table below summarizes our significant exposures (defined as bonds issued by financial institutions with an amortized cost in excess of $50.0 million) to corporate bonds of financial issuers including Covered Bonds held within our investment portfolio at June 30, 2014, representing both amortized cost and net unrealized gains (losses):

89


 
June 30, 2014
Issuer (by Global Ultimate Parent) (1)(2)
(U.S. dollars in millions)
Weighted
Average
Credit Quality (3)
 
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gain/
(Loss)
WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
A+
 
$
185.8

 
$
4.6

JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
A
 
178.6

 
1.7

CITIGROUP INC.
A-
 
163.7

 
6.0

RABOBANK NEDERLAND NV
AA-
 
156.5

 
7.9

BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
BBB+
 
145.8

 
4.3

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC.
A-
 
116.7

 
6.5

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
AA
 
109.5

 
1.3

NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LIMITED
AA
 
107.3

 
2.8

UBS AG
AA
 
104.3

 
3.0

WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION
AA
 
94.0

 
3.2

THE PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
A
 
85.8

 
2.1

LLOYDS BANKING GROUP PLC
AA+
 
84.2

 
5.0

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA
AA+
 
82.9

 
2.7

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
AA-
 
81.9

 
2.6

MORGAN STANLEY
A-
 
77.9

 
3.4

U.S. BANCORP
A+
 
76.1

 
0.7

BANK OF MONTREAL
AA
 
75.0

 
1.0

ING GROEP N.V.
AA-
 
72.4

 
3.3

HSBC HOLDINGS PLC
A+
 
71.9

 
0.8

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
A
 
71.5

 
1.9

BNP PARIBAS
A+
 
67.9

 
2.1

BB&T CORPORATION
A
 
66.0

 
0.6

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
AA
 
64.7

 
1.0

GOVERNMENT OF NETHERLANDS (ABN AMRO)
AAA
 
62.0

 
5.6

____________
(1)
Includes Covered Bonds.
(2)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.
(3)
The credit rating for each asset reflected above was principally determined based on the weighted average rating of the individual securities from Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings (where available). U.S. Agency debt and related mortgage-backed securities, whether with implicit or explicit government support, reflect the credit quality rating of the U.S. government for the purpose of these calculations
Within our corporate financial bond holdings, we are further monitoring exposures to hybrid securities, representing Tier One and Upper Tier Two securities of various financial institutions. The following table summarizes our top ten exposures to hybrid securities:
 
June 30, 2014
Issuer (by Global Ultimate Parent) (1)
(U.S. dollars in millions)
Tier One
 Amortized Cost
 
Upper Tier Two
Amortized Cost
 
Total
Amortized Cost
 
Net Unrealized
(Loss)
JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
$
19.6

 
$

 
$
19.6

 
$
(3.7
)
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL, INC.
5.3

 

 
5.3

 
(1.0
)
WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
3.2

 

 
3.2

 

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
1.0

 

 
1.0

 
0.1

AVIVA PLC
0.9

 

 
0.9

 

STANDARD CHARTERED PLC

 
0.8

 
0.8

 
0.1

USB REALTY CORPORATION
0.5

 

 
0.5

 
0.1

STATE STREET CORPORATION
0.4

 

 
0.4

 
(0.1
)
METLIFE, INC.
0.3

 

 
0.3

 
0.1

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

Total
$
31.4

 
$
0.8

 
$
32.2

 
$
(4.4
)
____________
(1)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.

90


At June 30, 2014, the top 10 corporate financial holdings, which exclude government guaranteed and government sponsored enterprises, represented approximately 5.0% of the aggregate fixed income portfolio and approximately 13.7% of all corporate holdings. The top 10 corporate bond holdings listed below represent the direct exposure to the corporations listed below, including their subsidiaries, and exclude any securitized, credit enhanced and collateralized asset or mortgage-backed securities, cash and cash equivalents, pooled notes and any over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative counterparty exposures, if applicable, but does include Covered Bonds:
Top 10 Corporate Financial Holdings (1)(2)
 
Percentage of Aggregate
Fixed Income Portfolio
WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
 
0.7%
JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
 
0.6%
CITIGROUP INC.
 
0.6%
RABOBANK NEDERLAND NV
 
0.6%
BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
 
0.5%
THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC.
 
0.4%
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
0.4%
NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LIMITED
 
0.4%
UBS AG
 
0.4%
WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION
 
0.3%
____________
(1)
Corporate issuers include Covered Bonds.
(2)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.
At June 30, 2014, the top 5 corporate sector exposures listed below represented 27.2% of the aggregate fixed income investment portfolio and 75.2% of all corporate holdings.
Top 5 Sector Exposures (1)
(U.S. dollars in millions)
 
Carrying Value
 
Percentage of
Aggregate
Fixed Income
Portfolio
Financials (2)
 
$
3,078.7

 
11.2
%
Consumer, non-Cyclical
 
1,829.5

 
6.7
%
Consumer, Cyclical
 
947.7

 
3.4
%
Industrial
 
874.3

 
3.2
%
Utilities
 
731.5

 
2.7
%
Total
 
$
7,461.7

 
27.2
%
____________
(1)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.
(2)
Government-guaranteed securities and Covered Bonds have been excluded from the above figures.
We also have exposure to credit risk associated with our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The table below shows the breakdown of the $6.9 billion structured securities portfolio, of which 84.0% is AAA rated:
(U.S. dollars in millions)
Carrying Value (1)
 
Percentage of
Structured Portfolio
Agency RMBS
$
3,303.0

 
44.2
%
Other ABS (2)
1,310.3

 
21.4
%
CMBS
1,124.3

 
17.9
%
Core CDO (non-ABS CDOs and CLOs)
738.1

 
9.8
%
Non-Agency RMBS
415.5

 
6.7
%
Total
$
6,891.2

 
100.0
%
____________
(1)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.
(2)
Includes Covered Bonds.
Credit Risk – Other (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
Credit derivatives are purchased within our investment portfolio and were sold through a limited number of contracts written as part of our previous financial lines business. From time to time, we may purchase credit default swaps to hedge an

91


existing position or concentration of holdings. The credit derivatives are recorded at fair value. For further details with respect to our exposure to credit derivatives, see Item 1, Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, alternatives and other investment funds and other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty. In addition, with respect to secured transactions, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be sold or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure that is due. We also have exposure to financial institutions in the form of unsecured debt instruments, derivative transactions, revolving credit facility and letter of credit commitments and equity investments. There can be no assurance that any such losses or impairments to the carrying value of these assets would not materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
With regard to unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable, we have credit risk should any of our reinsurers be unable or unwilling to settle amounts due to us; however, these exposures are not marked to market. For further information relating to reinsurer credit risk, see Item 2, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses Recoverable and Reinsurance Balances Receivable.”
We are exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the other parties to our derivative instruments in general; however, we do not anticipate non-performance. The difference between the notional principal amounts and the associated market value is our maximum credit exposure.
Equity Price Risk (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
Equity price risk is the potential loss arising from changes in the market value of equities. Our equity investment portfolio is exposed to equity price risk. At June 30, 2014, our equity portfolio was approximately $896.6 million as compared to $952.8 million at December 31, 2013. This excludes fixed income fund investments of $92.1 million and $87.4 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, that generally do not have the risk characteristics of equity investments but are treated as equity investments under U.S. GAAP. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our direct allocation to equity securities was 2.9% and 2.6%, respectively, of the total investment portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net payable for investments purchased). We also estimate the equity risk embedded in certain alternative and private investments. Such estimates are derived from market exposures provided to us by certain individual fund investments and/or internal statistical analyses.
Other Market Risks (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
Our private investment portfolio is invested in limited partnerships and other entities that are not publicly traded. In addition to normal market risks, these positions may also be exposed to liquidity risk, risks related to distressed investments and risks specific to startup or small companies. At June 30, 2014, our exposure to private investments, excluding unfunded commitments, was $279.3 million, representing 0.9% of the total investment portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net payable for investments purchased) compared to $268.7 million at December 31, 2013.
Our alternative investment portfolio, which is exposed to equity and credit risk as well as certain other market risks, had a total exposure of $1.6 billion representing approximately 5.2% of the total investment portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net payable for investments purchased) at June 30, 2014, as compared to December 31, 2013 when we had a total exposure of $1.5 billion representing approximately 4.2% of the fixed income investment portfolio.
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, bond index futures outstanding had a net short position of $719.3 million and a net long position of $8.5 million, respectively, and stock index futures outstanding had net long positions of $20.8 million and $27.3 million, respectively. We may reduce our exposure to these futures through offsetting transactions, including options and forwards.
As noted above, we also invest in certain derivative positions that can be impacted by market value movements. For further details on derivative instruments, see Item 1, Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

92


Sensitivity and Value-at-Risk Analysis (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
The table below summarizes our assessment of the estimated impact on the value of our investment portfolio at June 30, 2014 associated with an immediate and hypothetical: +100bps increase in interest rates, a -10% decline in equity markets, a +100bps widening in spreads and a +10% widening in spreads. The table also reports the 95%, 1-year VaRs for our investment portfolios at June 30, 2014, excluding foreign exchange. The interest rate, spread risk, and VaR shown in the table below exclude Life Funds Withheld Assets.
The table below excludes the impact of foreign exchange rate risk on our investment portfolio. Our investment strategy incorporates asset-liability management, and, accordingly, any foreign exchange movements impact the assets and liabilities approximately equally. See “Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk” for further details. We consider the investment portfolio VaR estimated results excluding foreign exchange rate risk to be the more relevant and appropriate metric to consider when assessing the actual risk of the investment portfolio.
The estimated results below also do not include any risk contributions from our various operating affiliates (strategic, investment manager or financial operating affiliates) or certain other investments that are carried at amortized cost.
(U.S. dollars in millions)
Interest
Rate
Risk (1)
 
Equity
Risk
(2)
 
Absolute
Spread
Risk (3)
 
Relative
Spread
Risk (4)
 
VaR
(5) (6)
Total Investment Portfolio (7)
$
(981.7
)
 
$
(181.2
)
 
$
(977.4
)
 
$
(68.2
)
 
$
645.6

(I) Fixed Income Portfolio
(975.8
)
 

 
(945.6
)
 
(64.7
)
 
641.4

(a) Cash & Short Term Investments
(13.2
)
 

 
(12.3
)
 
(0.3
)
 
25.6

(b) Total Government Related
(397.6
)
 

 
(269.3
)
 
(11.0
)
 
245.1

(c) Total Corporate Credit
(360.2
)
 

 
(392.3
)
 
(32.2
)
 
262.0

(d) Total Structured Credit
(204.7
)
 

 
(271.6
)
 
(21.2
)
 
142.1

(II) Non-Fixed Income Portfolio

 
(181.2
)
 

 

 
194.6

(e) Equity Portfolio

 
(98.6
)
 

 

 
100.2

(f) Alternative Portfolio

 
(54.4
)
 

 

 
96.7

(g) Private Investments

 
(28.2
)
 

 

 
23.4

(h) Other

 

 

 

 
3.8

____________
(1)
The estimated impact on the fair value of our fixed income portfolio of an immediate hypothetical +100 bps adverse parallel shift in global bond curves.
(2)
The estimated impact on the fair value of our investment portfolio of an immediate hypothetical -10% change in the value of equity exposures in our equity portfolio, certain equity-sensitive alternative investments and private equity investments. This includes our estimate of equity risk embedded in the alternatives and private investment portfolio with such estimates utilizing market exposures provided to us by certain individual fund investments, internal statistical analyses, and/or various assumptions regarding illiquidity and concentrations.
(3)
The estimated impact on the fair value of our fixed income portfolio of an immediate hypothetical +100 basis point increase in all global government related, corporate and structured security spreads to which our fixed income portfolio is exposed. This excludes exposure to credit spreads in our alternative investments, private investments and counterparty exposure.
(4)
The estimated impact on the fair value of our fixed income portfolio of an immediate hypothetical +10% increase in all global government related, corporate and structured security spreads to which our fixed income portfolio is exposed. This excludes exposure to credit spreads in our alternative investments, private investments and counterparty exposure.
(5)
The VaR results are based on a 95% confidence interval, with a one-year holding period, excluding foreign exchange rate risk. Our investment portfolio VaR at June 30, 2014 is not necessarily indicative of future VaR levels as these are based on statistical estimates of possible price changes and, therefore, exclude other sources of investment return such as coupon and dividend income.
(6)
The VaR results are the standalone VaRs, based on the prescribed methodology, for each component of our Total Investment Portfolio. The standalone VaRs of the individual components are non-additive, with the difference between the summation of the individual component VaRs and their respective aggregations being due to diversification benefits across the individual components. In the case of the VaR results for our Total Investment Portfolio, the results also include the impact associated with our Business and Other investments.
(7)
Our Total Investment Portfolio also includes our Business and Other investments that do not form part of our Fixed Income Portfolio or Non-Fixed Income Portfolio. The individual results reported in the above table for our Total Investment Portfolio therefore represent the aggregate impact on our Fixed Income Portfolio, Non-Fixed Income Portfolio and the majority of our Other investments.
Stress Testing (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
VaR does not provide the means to estimate the magnitude of the loss in the 5% of occurrences when we expect the VaR level to be exceeded. To complement the VaR analysis based on normal market environments, we consider the impact on the investment portfolio in several different stress scenarios to analyze the effect of unusual market conditions. We establish certain stress scenarios that are applied to the actual investment portfolio. As these stress scenarios and estimated gains and losses are based on scenarios established by us, they will not necessarily reflect future stress events or gains and losses from such events. The results of the stress scenarios are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they are appropriate, based on current

93


shareholders' equity, market conditions and our total risk tolerance. It is important to note that, when assessing the risk of our investment portfolio, we do not take into account either the value or risk associated with the liabilities arising from our operations.
Life Funds Withheld Assets
The table below shows the Life Funds Withheld Assets by credit rating in percentage terms at June 30, 2014:
 
Percentage of
Aggregated Fixed
Income Portfolio (1)
AAA
16.5
%
AA
27.7
%
A
31.7
%
BBB
23.7
%
BB or Below
0.4
%
NR
—%

Total
100.0
%
____________
(1)
The credit ratings above were principally determined based on the weighted average rating of the individual securities from Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings (where available). The credit ratings for U.S. Agency debt and related mortgage-backed securities, whether with implicit or explicit government support, reflect the credit quality rating of the U.S. government for the purpose of these calculations.
At June 30, 2014, the average credit quality of the Life Funds Withheld Assets was “A1/A+".
At June 30, 2014, the top 5 corporate sector exposures listed below represented 48.6% of the Life Funds Withheld Assets.
Top 5 Sector Exposures
(U.S. dollars in millions)
 
Carrying Value
 
Percentage of
Aggregate
Fixed Income
Portfolio
Financials (1)
 
$
884.5

 
15.6
%
Utilities
 
713.3

 
12.6
%
Consumer, non-Cyclical
 
482.7

 
8.5
%
Communications
 
397.1

 
7.0
%
Industrial
 
275.4

 
4.9
%
Total
 
$
2,753.0

 
48.6
%
____________
(1)
Government-guaranteed securities and Covered Bonds have been excluded from the above figures.


94


ITEM 4.
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures 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 our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, were effective and provided reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with our evaluation required pursuant to Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are subject to legal proceedings as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no material developments to such proceedings during the three months ended June 30, 2014.
We are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of our business. These lawsuits and arbitrations principally involve claims on policies of insurance and contracts of reinsurance and are typical for us and for the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry in general. Such claims proceedings are considered in connection with our loss and loss expense reserves. Reserves in varying amounts may or may not be established in respect of particular claims proceedings based on many factors, including the legal merits thereof. In addition to litigation relating to insurance and reinsurance claims, we are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on insurance or reinsurance policies. These types of actions typically involve, among other things, allegations of underwriting errors or misconduct, employment disputes, actions brought by or on behalf of shareholders or disputes arising from business ventures. The status of these legal actions is actively monitored by management.
Legal actions are subject to inherent uncertainties, and future events could change management's assessment of the probability or estimated amount of potential losses from pending or threatened legal actions. If management believes that, based on available information, it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss (or additional material loss in excess of any accrual) will be incurred in connection with any legal actions, we disclose an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, either individually or in the aggregate, as appropriate, if such an estimate can be made, or disclose that an estimate cannot be made. Based on our assessment at June 30, 2014, no such disclosures are considered necessary.
ITEM 1A.
 
RISK FACTORS
Refer to Item 1A., "Risk Factors," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further information.


95


ITEM 2.
 
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliate Purchasers
The following table provides information about purchases by the Company during the three months ended June 30, 2014 of its ordinary shares:
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
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 Plans or
Programs (1) (2)
April 1, 2014 to April 30, 2014
1,846,953

 
$
31.06

 
1,845,411

 
835.3 million
May 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014
1,743,441

 
$
32.00

 
1,743,441

 
779.5 million
June 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014
1,887,151

 
$
32.79

 
1,887,151

 
717.6 million
Total
5,477,545

 
$
31.96

 
5,476,003

 
717.6 million
____________
(1)
Shares purchased in connection with the vesting of restricted shares granted under our restricted stock plan do not represent shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs. All such purchases were made in connection with satisfying tax withholding obligations of those employees. These shares were not purchased as part of our share buyback program.
(2)
For information regarding our share buyback activity see Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Other Key Focuses of Management - Buybacks of Ordinary Shares," included herein.
ITEM 6.
 
EXHIBITS
 
 
 
The following exhibits are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report:
 
 
 
3.1*
 
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation of XL Group plc
 
 
 
10.1*
 
Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between GreyCastle Holdings Ltd. and XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd
 
 
 
10.2*
 
Retrocession Agreement, dated May 30, 2014, between XL Re Ltd and XL Life Reinsurance (SAC) Ltd. (for itself and acting in respect of its segregated account XL-1)
 
 
 
10.3*
 
Retrocession Agreement, dated May 30, 2014, between XL Re Europe SE and XL Life Reinsurance (SAC) Ltd. (for itself and acting in respect of its segregated account XL-1)
 
 
 
10.4*
 
Retrocession Agreement, dated May 30, 2014, between XL Re Ltd (UK Branch) and XL Life Reinsurance (SAC) Ltd. (for itself and acting in respect of its segregated account XL-1)
 
 
 
12*
 
Statements regarding computation of ratios
 
 
 
31*
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
 
 
 
32*
 
Section 1350 Certification
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*
Filed herewith.

96


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date:
August 7, 2014
 
 
 
XL Group plc
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name: Michael S. McGavick
 
 
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
 
XL Group plc
 
 
 
Date:
August 7, 2014
 
 
 
/s/ PETER R. PORRINO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name: Peter R. Porrino
 
 
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
XL Group plc


97