10-Q
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 September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
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 November 2, 2015, there were 297,759,367 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
ASSETS
Investments:
 

 
 

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015, $32,207,019; 2014, $27,728,771)
$
33,276,322

 
$
29,359,034

Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2015, $984,192; 2014, $763,833)
969,706

 
868,292

Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015, $545,979; 2014, $257,221)
546,020

 
256,727

Total investments available for sale
$
34,792,048

 
$
30,484,053

Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015, $933,872; 2014, $1,180)
$
914,337

 
$
1,171

Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015, $70,883; 2014, nil)
70,886

 

Total investments trading
$
985,223

 
$
1,171

Investments in affiliates
1,592,841

 
1,637,620

Other investments
1,676,140

 
1,248,439

Total investments
$
39,046,252

 
$
33,371,283

Cash and cash equivalents
3,340,070

 
2,521,814

Restricted cash
147,810

 

Accrued investment income
311,679

 
315,964

Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired
1,036,260

 
354,533

Ceded unearned premiums
2,088,569

 
952,525

Premiums receivable
5,257,588

 
2,473,736

Reinsurance balances receivable
425,521

 
131,519

Unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable
5,197,577

 
3,429,368

Receivable from investments sold
95,571

 
92,762

Goodwill and other intangible assets
2,213,688

 
447,952

Deferred tax asset
252,492

 
204,491

Other assets
1,003,446

 
750,872

Total assets
$
60,416,523

 
$
45,046,819

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
 

 
 

Unpaid losses and loss expenses
$
25,789,541

 
$
19,353,243

Deposit liabilities
1,194,815

 
1,245,367

Future policy benefit reserves
4,323,748

 
4,707,199

Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements (net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable: 2015, $3,886,297; 2014, $4,265,678)
930,834

 
1,155,016

Unearned premiums
7,840,331

 
3,973,132

Notes payable and debt
2,726,917

 
1,662,580

Reinsurance balances payable
2,295,890

 
493,230

Payable for investments purchased
154,342

 
42,291

Deferred tax liability
126,130

 
66,246

Other liabilities
1,133,467

 
912,749

Total liabilities
$
46,516,015

 
$
33,611,053

Commitments and Contingencies


 


Shareholders’ Equity:
 

 
 

Ordinary shares, 999,990,000 authorized, par value $0.01; issued and outstanding (2015, 299,317,344; 2014, 255,182,955)
$
2,993

 
$
2,552

Additional paid in capital
9,036,407

 
7,359,102

Accumulated other comprehensive income
955,082

 
1,484,458

Retained earnings
1,943,747

 
1,187,639

Shareholders’ equity attributable to XL Group plc
$
11,938,229

 
$
10,033,751

Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
1,962,279

 
1,402,015

Total shareholders’ equity
$
13,900,508

 
$
11,435,766

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
60,416,523

 
$
45,046,819

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

1




XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net premiums earned
$
2,423,552

 
$
1,473,412

 
$
5,839,605

 
$
4,458,845

Net investment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
178,560

 
169,956

 
512,994

 
616,753

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
46,586

 
56,474

 
143,869

 
75,639

Total net investment income
$
225,146

 
$
226,430

 
$
656,863

 
$
692,392

Net realized gains (losses) on investments, and net unrealized gains (losses) on investments trading securities ("Trading") - Life Funds Withheld Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
42,513

 
10,957

 
78,630

 
139,373

Other-than-temporary impairments ("OTTI") on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
(42,013
)
 
(752
)
 
(69,048
)
 
(27,390
)
OTTI on investments transferred to (from) other comprehensive income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
(701
)
 
(392
)
 
(830
)
 
(2,097
)
 Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - Life Funds Withheld Assets
53,780

 
2,022

 
174,555

 
2,646

OTTI on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(2,023
)
 
(7,494
)
 
(10,110
)
 
(16,265
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(149
)
 

 
(18,932
)
 

Total net realized gains (losses) on investments, and net unrealized gains (losses) on investments Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
51,407

 
$
4,341

 
$
154,265

 
$
96,267

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
(7,903
)
 
5,131

 
57,127

 
18,540

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(126,140
)
 
(201,264
)
 
(116,333
)
 
(218,810
)
Income (loss) from investment fund affiliates
(3,715
)
 
24,500

 
62,991

 
75,486

Fee income and other
7,355

 
10,782

 
23,095

 
31,942

Total revenues
$
2,569,702

 
$
1,543,332

 
$
6,677,613

 
$
5,154,662

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses and loss expenses incurred
$
1,464,285

 
$
859,588

 
$
3,385,307

 
$
2,518,973

Claims and policy benefits
22,579

 
20,101

 
64,047

 
218,987

Acquisition costs
409,173

 
182,882

 
904,486

 
566,915

Operating expenses
570,142

 
341,255

 
1,403,152

 
984,708

Foreign exchange (gains) losses
11,661

 
(23,348
)
 
49,425

 
8,234

Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary

 

 

 
666,423

Interest expense
51,929

 
42,851

 
153,034

 
99,877

Total expenses
$
2,529,769

 
$
1,423,329

 
$
5,959,451

 
$
5,064,117

Income (loss) before income tax and income (loss) from operating affiliates
$
39,933

 
$
120,003

 
$
718,162

 
$
90,545

Income (loss) from operating affiliates
8,196

 
20,021

 
40,326

 
94,044

Gain on sale of operating affiliate

 

 
340,407

 

Provision (benefit) for income tax
(37,042
)
 
30,057

 
20,135

 
58,724

Net income (loss)
$
85,171

 
$
109,967

 
$
1,078,760

 
$
125,865

Non-controlling interests
57,889

 
37,583

 
100,158

 
77,024

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
27,282

 
$
72,384

 
$
978,602

 
$
48,841

Weighted average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding, in thousands – basic
301,867

 
264,353

 
282,506

 
270,494

Weighted average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding, in thousands – diluted
306,954

 
269,140

 
287,473

 
274,912

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent – basic
$
0.09

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.46

 
$
0.18

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent – diluted
$
0.09

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.40

 
$
0.18

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

2



XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
27,282

 
$
72,384

 
$
978,602

 
$
48,841

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(97,658
)
 
(130,135
)
 
(356,248
)
 
371,945

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
40,681

 
51,286

 
127,365

 
(423,179
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(33,569
)
 
93,921

 
(317,500
)
 
106,218

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on affiliate and other investments, net of tax
(10,394
)
 
15,172

 
24,293

 
29,145

Change in OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax
2,137

 
5,963

 
13,570

 
10,895

Change in underfunded pension liability, net of tax
93

 
418

 
(261
)
 
379

Change in value of cash flow hedge
12

 
83

 
119

 
303

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
(22,394
)
 
(11,813
)
 
(20,714
)
 
(25,295
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(93,810
)
 
$
97,279

 
$
449,226

 
$
544,113

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


3



XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Ordinary Shares:
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
2,552

 
$
2,783

Issuance of ordinary shares
515

 
11

Buybacks of ordinary shares
(78
)
 
(196
)
Exercise of stock options
4

 
4

Balance - end of period
$
2,993

 
$
2,602

Additional Paid in Capital:
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
7,359,102

 
$
7,994,100

Issuance of ordinary shares
1,856,253

 
20

Buybacks of ordinary shares
(228,857
)
 
(560,007
)
Exercise of stock options
7,900

 
5,408

Share-based compensation
42,009

 
51,354

Balance - end of period
$
9,036,407

 
$
7,490,875

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
1,484,458

 
$
736,657

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(356,248
)
 
371,945

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
127,365

 
(423,179
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(317,500
)
 
106,218

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on affiliate and other investments, net of tax
24,293

 
29,145

Change in OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax
13,570

 
10,895

Change in underfunded pension liability, net of tax
(261
)
 
379

Change in value of cash flow hedge
119

 
303

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
(20,714
)
 
(25,295
)
Balance - end of period
$
955,082

 
$
1,231,929

Retained Earnings (Deficit):
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
1,187,639

 
$
1,264,093

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
978,602

 
48,841

Dividends on ordinary shares
(151,997
)
 
(130,714
)
Buybacks of ordinary shares
(63,334
)
 
(66,572
)
Share-based compensation
(7,163
)
 

Balance - end of period
$
1,943,747

 
$
1,115,648

Non-controlling Interest in Equity of Consolidated Subsidiaries:
 

 
 

Balance - beginning of year
$
1,402,015

 
$
1,351,665

Non-controlling interests - contributions
10,292

 
24,839

Non-controlling interests - distributions
(17,519
)
 

Non-controlling interests - acquired
562,285

 

Non-controlling interests
5,206

 
3,216

Balance - end of period
$
1,962,279

 
$
1,379,720

Total Shareholders’ Equity
$
13,900,508

 
$
11,220,774

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


4



XL GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
1,078,760

 
$
125,865

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Total net realized (gains) losses on investments and net unrealized (gains) losses on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(154,265
)
 
(96,267
)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments
(57,127
)
 
(18,540
)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
116,333

 
218,810

Amortization of premiums (discounts) on fixed maturities
143,118

 
118,021

(Income) loss from investment and operating affiliates
(72,802
)
 
(107,659
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary

 
666,423

Gain on sale of ARX Holding Corp.
(340,407
)
 

Share-based compensation
57,695

 
65,304

Depreciation
50,662

 
43,511

Accretion of deposit liabilities
32,098

 
3,136

Changes in:
 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
16,169

 
(128,919
)
Future policy benefit reserves
(208,286
)
 
(172,234
)
Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements, net
(213,749
)
 
2,968

Unearned premiums
225,785

 
524,393

Premiums receivable
(334,537
)
 
(262,435
)
Unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable
(346,847
)
 
(230,870
)
Ceded unearned premiums
(16,172
)
 
(251,985
)
Reinsurance balances receivable
(918
)
 
(49,462
)
Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired
(40,087
)
 
243,391

Reinsurance balances payable
389,494

 
264,994

Deferred tax asset - net
(38,619
)
 
(42,142
)
Derivatives
163,663

 
(6,262
)
Other assets
(30,670
)
 
(44,467
)
Other liabilities
39,841

 
(154,501
)
Other
50,368

 
16,952

Total adjustments
$
(569,260
)
 
$
602,160

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
509,500

 
$
728,025

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities and short-term investments
$
10,568,708

 
$
4,048,233

Proceeds from redemption of fixed maturities and short-term investments
2,787,870

 
2,681,001

Proceeds from sale of equity securities
443,941

 
370,189

Purchases of fixed maturities and short-term investments
(12,720,937
)
 
(5,616,992
)
Purchases of equity securities
(436,622
)
 
(326,319
)
Proceeds from sale of affiliates
163,830

 
231,902

Purchases of affiliates
(94,745
)
 
(293,974
)
Purchase of Catlin Group Limited, net of cash acquired
(1,020,015
)
 

Proceeds from sale of life reinsurance subsidiary

 
570,000

Proceeds from sale of ARX Holding Corp.
560,552

 

Change in restricted cash
(147,810
)
 

Other, net
(138,168
)
 
(158,250
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
$
(33,396
)
 
$
1,505,790

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares and exercise of stock options
$
7,904

 
$
5,411

Buybacks of ordinary shares
(292,269
)
 
(626,774
)
Dividends paid on ordinary shares
(149,030
)
 
(129,490
)
Distributions to non-controlling interests
(80,641
)
 
(41,463
)
Contributions from non-controlling interests
10,292

 
24,839

Proceeds from the issuance of debt
980,600

 

Repayment of debt

 
(600,000
)
Deposit liabilities
(79,944
)
 
(266,542
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
$
396,912

 
$
(1,634,019
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
(54,760
)
 
(46,894
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
818,256

 
$
552,902

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
2,521,814

 
1,800,832

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
3,340,070

 
$
2,353,734

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. On May 1, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Catlin Group Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Catlin"). Catlin, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, provided property, casualty and specialty insurance and reinsurance coverage on a worldwide basis. The Company's consolidated results of operations include those of Catlin from May 1, 2015. See Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition," for additional information with respect to the acquisition of Catlin.
These unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company 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, the disclosure about 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, 2014.
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) Restricted Cash
Restricted cash represents cash and cash equivalents that the Company is a) holding for the benefit of a third party and is legally or contractually restricted as to withdrawal or usage for general corporate purposes; and b) not replaceable by another type of asset other than cash or cash equivalents, under the terms of the Company's contractual arrangements with such third parties. Restricted cash includes cash and cash equivalents held pursuant to the terms of the Company's contractual obligations of the transaction described in Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary."
(b) Reinsurance
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded $20.0 million, net of tax, to premiums earned and associated tax accruals related to reinstatement premiums due under assumed reinsurance contracts arising from unpaid losses and loss expenses reported in a prior period. We evaluated the quantitative and qualitative aspects of this correction and concluded that the impact of recognizing it was not material to the consolidated financial statements, nor is it material to previously issued consolidated financial statements in prior periods.
(c) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update concerning consolidation of certain legal entities. Under this new guidance, all legal entities are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The guidance: (1) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs") or voting interest entities; (2) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (3) affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (4) provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for certain reporting entities. Upon adoption of the new guidance, differing requirements for performing a consolidation analysis under existing GAAP will be eliminated, and all reporting entities will now fall within the scope of the Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation-Overall, unless a specific exception applies. Under this Subtopic, there are only two primary models for determining whether consolidation is appropriate - a voting interest entity model, and a variable interest entity model. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim and annual periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

6



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update concerning the presentation of deferred debt issuance costs in an entity's balance sheet. Under this new guidance, which is part of the FASB's initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements, debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability must be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In addition, the guidance also requires that the amortization of such costs be reported as interest expense. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim and annual periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. This guidance will not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update concerning investments for which management estimates fair value using net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. Under the guidance, such investments will no longer be reported within the fair value hierarchy. Removing those investments from the fair value hierarchy not only eliminates the diversity in practice resulting from the way in which investments measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent) with future redemption dates are classified, but also ensures that all investments categorized in the fair value hierarchy are classified using a consistent approach. Investments that calculate net asset value per share (or its equivalent), but for which the practical expedient is not applied, will continue to be included in the fair value hierarchy. A reporting entity should continue to disclose information on investments for which fair value is measured at net asset value (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient to help users understand the nature and risks of the investments and whether the investments, if sold, are probable of being sold at amounts different from net asset value. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim and annual periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance, but it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update concerning the annual disclosure regarding the liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses for insurance entities. The guidance requires: (1) incurred and paid claims development information by accident year, on a net basis after reinsurance, for the number of years for which claims incurred typically remain outstanding, including the most recent reporting period, which need not exceed 10 years; (2) a reconciliation of incurred and paid claims development information to the aggregate carrying amount of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, with separate disclosure of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims for each period presented in the statement of financial position; (3) for each accident year for which incurred claims development information is presented, the total of incurred but not reported ("IBNR") liabilities plus expected development on reported claims included in the liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses, accompanied by a description of reserving methodologies; (4) for each accident year for which incurred claims development information is presented, quantitative information about claim frequency (unless it is impracticable to do so) accompanied by a qualitative description of methodologies used for determining claim frequency information; and (5) for all claims, the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age for the same number of accident years as the disclosure for IBNR. The guidance recommends that insurance entities aggregate or disaggregate those disclosures so that useful information is not obscured by either the inclusion of a large amount of insignificant detail or the aggregation of items that have significantly different characteristics. The amendments also require insurance entities to disclose information about significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, including reasons for the change and the effects on the financial statements. Additionally, the amendments require insurance entities to disclose for annual and interim reporting periods a rollforward of the liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses. Additional disclosures about liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses reported at present value include: (1) for each period presented in the statement of financial position, the aggregate amount of discount for the time value of money deducted to derive the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses; (2) for each period presented in the statement of income, the amount of interest accretion recognized; and (3) the line items in the statement of income in which interest accretion is classified. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within annual periods after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance, but it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In September 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update concerning the accounting for measurement period adjustments following the completion of a business combination. The measurement period ends as soon as the acquirer receives the information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learns that more information is not obtainable; however, it shall not exceed one year from the acquisition date. Currently under GAAP, during the measurement period the acquirer shall recognize such adjustments to the provisional amounts as if the accounting for the business combination had been completed at the acquisition date, with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill, in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The acquirer shall revise comparative information for prior periods presented in financial statements as needed as a result of the change to the provisional amounts calculated. Under the new guidance,

7



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

although such adjustments shall still be calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the business combination date, the acquirer should recognize in its current-period earnings the cumulative effect of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, by line item, related to the periods subsequent to the acquisition date as a result of the adjustments. In addition, entities must present separately on the face of the income statement, or alternatively in the notes to the financial statements, the portion of such current period adjustments that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods, if the adjustments had been recognized at the acquisition date. The guidance is effective for provisional adjustments made by public business entities in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 - irrespective of the date of the business combination to which they relate - including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not yet been made available for issuance. To the extent that the Company were to make material measurement period adjustments to provisional amounts recognized as part of the Catlin Acquisition, this could have a material impact on the Company's results of operations during the period in which such adjustments were made. The guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or cash flows.
3. Acquisitions and Disposals
(a)    Allied Acquisition
On August 11, 2015, the Company announced that X.L. America, Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of XL-Ireland ("XLA") had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Allied International Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Allied"). Allied, through its subsidiaries, provides property and casualty insurance coverage for the amusement and entertainment industry in the United States. The transaction is expected to close no later than the first quarter of 2016, and is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
(b)     New Energy Risk
On July 24, 2015, the Company purchased, at arm's length, an additional 63.63% interest in New Energy Risk Inc. ("New Energy"), a provider of insurance risk management solutions within the alternative energy sector. A substantial portion of the additional shares were purchased directly from the family trusts of a Company employee who is responsible for managing the business generated by New Energy. Prior to the additional purchase, the Company held a 31.16% ownership interest in New Energy, which was accounted for as an equity method investment. The subsequent purchase raised the Company's ownership stake to 94.79%, which is deemed a controlling financial interest, and hence, the Company now consolidates New Energy. Subsequent to the additional purchase, the family trusts of the employee contributed their remaining 5.21% ownership interest in New Energy to XL Innovate Fund, LP ("XL Innovate Fund"), the entity that holds the Company's New Energy shares, in partial satisfaction of the employee's aggregate 5.21% investment commitment to the Fund. See Note 11, "Related Party Transactions" for further details of these transactions.
The Company paid approximately $8.8 million to acquire the additional interest in New Energy, and realized a gain of approximately $2.5 million, included within income from operating affiliates, in order to the reflect the appropriate fair value adjustment to its existing investment previously accounted for under the equity method. The assets and liabilities of New Energy are now reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company based on their fair value as of the acquisition date, while Goodwill of approximately $13.4 million was recorded in conjunction with the transaction. See Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for a further discussion of the goodwill recorded in conjunction with the acquisition.
(c)    Catlin Acquisition
Overview
On May 1, 2015 (the "Acquisition Date"), the Company completed its acquisition (the "Catlin Acquisition") of the entire issued share capital of Catlin as contemplated by the Implementation Agreement, dated January 9, 2015 (the "Implementation Agreement"), by and among XL-Ireland, Green Holdings Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Green Holdings"), and Catlin.
Pursuant to the terms of the Implementation Agreement, the Catlin Acquisition was implemented by way of a scheme of arrangement (the "Scheme") under Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended (the "Companies Act"), and sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Bermuda (the "Court"). Immediately after such Court action, Catlin was merged with and into Green Holdings under Section 104H of the Companies Act, with Green Holdings as the surviving company, pursuant to the terms of that certain Merger Agreement, dated January 9, 2015 (the "Merger Agreement"), among XL-Ireland, Green Holdings and Catlin.
Pursuant to the terms of the Implementation Agreement, XL-Ireland acquired each ordinary share of Catlin, par value $0.01 per share ("Catlin Shares"), for consideration per Catlin Share (the "Acquisition Consideration") equal to 388 pence in cash and

8



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

0.130 of an XL-Ireland ordinary share, par value $0.01 per share ("XL Shares"), subject to the mix and match facility set forth in the Implementation Agreement. The newly-issued XL Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The XL Shares issued in connection with the Catlin Acquisition were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), provided by Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act.
XL-Ireland issued approximately 49.9 million XL Shares and paid approximately £1.49 billion in cash to the holders of Catlin Shares as Acquisition Consideration pursuant to the terms of the Scheme.
The foregoing description of the Implementation Agreement and the Merger Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Implementation Agreement and Merger Agreement, copies of which were filed on Form 8-K on January 9, 2015.
In connection with the Catlin Acquisition, on January 9, 2015, the Company announced that it was relying on £1.6 billion of debt to be provided under a bridge facility entered into by XLIT Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("XL-Cayman"), and arranged by Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA (the "Bridge Facility") for the purposes of discharging the cash component of the Acquisition Consideration. The Company subsequently terminated the commitments under the Bridge Facility as of April 8, 2015, due to a sufficient amount in escrow to discharge the cash portion of the Acquisition Consideration. Costs related to maintaining the Bridge Facility are discussed in "Transaction-related Costs" below.
In addition, on January 9, 2015, the Company entered into deal contingent deliverable foreign exchange forwards ("FX Forwards") with Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC and Goldman Sachs International. The purpose of the FX Forwards was to mitigate risk of foreign currency exposure related to the Catlin Acquisition. Following the closing of the Catlin Acquisition, the FX Forwards were settled.
Acquisition Consideration
The calculation of the consideration transferred to acquire Catlin Shares is as follows:
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Catlin Shares outstanding as of April 30, 2015 that received share consideration (including the dilutive effect of warrants)
384,118

Exchange ratio per the Implementation Agreement
0.130
XL Share issuance to Catlin shareholders
49,935

Closing price per XL share on April 30, 2015 (1)
$
37.08

XL Share issuance consideration
$
1,851,601

Catlin Shares outstanding as of April 30, 2015 that received cash consideration (including the dilutive effect of warrants)
384,118

Cash price component, per Catlin Share in GBP
£
3.88

Cash consideration, in GBP
£
1,490,377

Foreign exchange rate: GBP/USD on April 30, 2015
$
1.5349

Cash consideration
$
2,287,579

Total acquisition consideration
$
4,139,180

____________
(1)
The closing market price of XL Shares on the Acquisition Date represents the fair value of XL shares issued as part of the Acquisition Consideration.
The Company financed the $2.29 billion cash portion of the Acquisition Consideration by issuing $1.0 billion of subordinated debt, the proceeds (net of debt issuance costs) of which were $980.6 million, and the remaining $1.31 billion by using cash and cash equivalents on hand. See Note 10, "Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements," for further information on the debt issuance.
Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities of Catlin based on estimated fair values on the Acquisition Date. The Company recognized goodwill of $778.0 million which is primarily attributable to the synergies and economies of scale expected to result upon integration of Catlin into the Company's operations, including further diversification in geographic mix and product offerings and an increase in distribution strength. The Company has not completed the assignment of goodwill to reporting units for the reporting period ended September 30, 2015. The Company estimates that none of the goodwill that was recorded will be deductible for income tax purposes. The Company also recognized indefinite lived intangible assets of $673.0 million and other intangible assets of $315.0 million, which will be amortized over their estimated useful lives. See Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," for further information.

9



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The foregoing allocation of the purchase price is based on information that was available to management at the time the consolidated financial statements were prepared. The allocation may change as additional information becomes available within the measurement period, which cannot exceed 12 months from the Acquisition Date. The fair value recorded for these items may be subject to adjustments, which may impact the individual amounts recorded for assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the residual goodwill.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Acquisition Date:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
ASSETS
Fixed maturities, at fair value
$
6,266,489

Short-term investments, at fair value
634,599

Equity investments, at fair value
236,230

Investment in affiliates
216,843

Other investments
386,828

Total investments
$
7,740,989

Cash and cash equivalents (1)
1,267,565

Accrued investment income
35,063

Premiums receivable
2,545,188

Unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable
1,493,267

Reinsurance balances receivable
299,579

Ceded unearned premiums
1,143,852

Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired
679,259

Intangible assets
988,000

Receivable from investments sold
9,633

Other assets
314,168

Total assets
$
16,516,563

 
 
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss expenses
$
6,933,144

Unearned premiums
3,742,234

Reinsurance balances payable
1,441,749

Notes payable and debt
82,066

Payable for investments purchased
34,149

Deferred tax liability
94,071

Other liabilities
265,728

Total liabilities
$
12,593,141

Net assets acquired before non-controlling interest
$
3,923,422

Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries
562,285

Net assets acquired
$
3,361,137

Acquisition Consideration
$
4,139,180

Goodwill
$
778,043

____________
(1)    Includes Restricted Cash
An explanation of the significant adjustments to the components of fair value are as follows:
Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired - The adjustment consists of two components. The first adjustment is the elimination of Catlin's deferred acquisition costs asset. The second adjustment is the establishment of the value of business acquired asset, which represents the present value of the expected underwriting profit within the unearned premiums liability, net of reinsurance, less costs to service the related policies and a risk premium. This adjustment will be amortized to underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses over approximately two years, as the contracts for business in-force as of the Acquisition Date expire. The Company has included $140.4 million and $323.7 million, respectively, in acquisition expenses related to the amortization of the value of business acquired during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

10



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Intangible assets - Establish the estimated fair value of intangible assets related to Catlin. See Note 8, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," for further information.
Other assets - Establish the estimated fair value of Catlin's internally developed software.
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses acquired include an increase to adjust the carrying value of Catlin's historical unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of related reinsurance recoverable, to fair value as of the Acquisition Date. The estimated fair value consists of the present value of the expected net loss and loss adjustment expense payments plus a risk premium. This adjustment, plus the unamortized fair value adjustment included in Catlin's historical unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, will be amortized to losses and loss adjustment expenses over a weighted average period of approximately 20 years, based on the estimated payout pattern of net reserves as of the Acquisition Date.
Net deferred tax liabilities - The adjustment to deferred tax liabilities is related to the deferred tax impact of the adjustments to fair value as noted above. This net increase of deferred tax liabilities is explained further in "Income Taxes" below.
Non-controlling interest - The fair value was determined based on the last trade price of preferred shares issued by Catlin Insurance Company Limited ("Catlin-Bermuda"). See Note 9, "Share Capital," for further information.
Income Taxes
As part of the allocation of the purchase price, the Company recorded a total net deferred tax liability of $94.1 million. This is the combination of an excess of gross tax liabilities over gross tax assets by $22.1 million, and a valuation allowance of $72.0 million across several jurisdictions. The $94.1 million total net deferred tax liability is comprised of a deferred tax liability of $133.8 million related to the estimated fair value of the intangible assets recorded at the Acquisition Date, partially offset by deferred tax assets, net of associated valuation allowances, of $17.4 million related to loss carry forwards, $13.0 million related to fixed assets, and $8.8 million related to the fair value measurements of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, and deferred acquisition costs and the value of business acquired. The remaining $0.5 million of deferred tax assets relates primarily to differences between financial reporting and tax bases of the other acquired assets and liabilities as of the Acquisition Date.
As a result of the Catlin Acquisition, the Company's expected full year effective tax rate has been determined using a single rate approach taking into account the full year expected results, including the post-acquisition results of the acquired businesses.
In order to align all U.S. regulated entities under XLA, XLA purchased 100% of the stock of Catlin Inc. from Catlin North America Holdings, Ltd, a U.K. holding company, on September 28, 2015. The transaction resulted in a release of the $47.5 million valuation allowance previously held against the Catlin Inc. deferred tax asset. The Company incorporated $17.8 million of the associated tax benefit in its determination of the expected full year effective tax rate, with the remaining $29.7 million tax benefit reported as a discrete item in the period.
Transaction-related Costs
The Company incurred certain acquisition and financing costs associated with the Catlin Acquisition. The Company has recorded $63.0 million of these costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, of which $48.5 million has been included in Operating Expense and $14.5 million has been included in Interest Expense.
Transaction costs included in Operating Expense primarily consist of due diligence, legal, advisory and investment banking costs. Transaction costs included in Interest Expense related to the maintenance of the Bridge Facility. Pursuant to the terms of the Implementation Agreement, Catlin was required to pay its own costs and expenses in relation to the negotiation, preparation, execution and implementation of the Catlin Acquisition. Costs incurred by Catlin were recorded and paid by Catlin prior to the Acquisition Date and are not included within the Company's consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

11



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As a part of the ongoing integration of Catlin's operations, the Company incurs costs associated with restructuring the systems, processes and workforce. These costs include such items as severance, retention, facilities and consulting and other costs. The Company separately identifies such costs and includes these expenses within Corporate and Other:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Severance related costs
 
Retention and other compensation costs
 
Facilities-related costs
 
Consulting and other
Costs incurred in 2015
$
27,778

 
$
16,363

 
$
6,689

 
$
32,215

2015 payments
14,078

 
7,343

 
6,689

 
23,723

Liabilities at September 30, 2015
$
13,700

 
$
9,020

 
$

 
$
8,492

Financial Results
The following table summarizes the financial results of the acquired legal entity Catlin subsidiaries since the Acquisition Date that have been included within the Company's consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as required by ASC 805-10-50-2(h) based on legal entity reporting. These results are not used as a part of management analysis of the financial results and performance of the Company's business. These results are adjusted, where possible, for transaction and integration related costs. These results involve a significant amount of estimates and are not indicative of future results of the acquired Catlin subsidiaries, which will be further impacted by potential changes in targeted business mix, investment management strategies, and synergies recognized from changes in the combined entity's operating structure, as well as the impact of changes in other business and capital management strategies.
Since the Acquisition Date, a growing number of underlying policies have been underwritten onto different legal entities, staffing has been allocated to new divisions and activities, and reinsurance has been purchased to cover combined risks, only some of which would have been reflected in the underlying legacy Catlin infrastructure, systems and general ledgers of the acquired Catlin subsidiaries. In future quarters, the summary results of such subsidiaries will be increasingly impractical to produce and even less indicative of the results of the acquired Catlin operations given the significant estimates involved and the nature and pace of our integration activities which are intended to promote the operation of the consolidated group as a whole as quickly as possible.
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
May 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015
Total revenues - see comments above
$
1,770,886

Net income (loss) - see comments above
$
65,796

Supplemental Pro Forma Information
The results of the acquired Catlin operations have been included in the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements from the Acquisition Date to September 30, 2015. The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated information for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and assumes the Catlin Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2014. The pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the results that would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on January 1, 2014, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results. Significant adjustments used to determine pro forma results include amortization of intangible assets and amortization of fair value adjustments discussed above, and the corresponding income tax effects. Non-recurring transaction related costs noted above have been included in the unaudited pro forma results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
 
Unaudited Pro Forma
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except per share data)
2015
 
2014
Total revenues
$
7,997,602

 
$
8,391,849

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders
986,918

 
226,983

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent – basic
3.24

 
0.71

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent – diluted
3.19

 
0.70


12



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(d)    Sale of Strategic Operating Affiliate
On April 1, 2015, XL Re Ltd ("XL Re"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the previously announced sale of all of its shares in ARX Holding Corp. ("ARX") to The Progressive Corporation ("Progressive") pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement with Progressive. XL Re's shares in ARX represented approximately 40.6% of ARX's outstanding capital stock on a fully diluted basis at the time of the announcement. The carrying value of XL Re's shares in ARX was $220.2 million at the time of the sale.
XL Re received $560.6 million in proceeds from the transaction, which was based upon the consolidated tangible net book value of ARX and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014, and certain other factors. Thus, the Company recorded a gain of $340.4 million as a result of this transaction that is reflected in the unaudited consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
(e)    Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary
On May 1, 2014, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, 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 XLIB's wholly-owned subsidiary, XL Life Reinsurance (SAC) Ltd ("XLLR"), to GreyCastle for $570 million in cash (subsequent to the transaction, XLLR changed its name to GreyCastle Life Reinsurance (SAC) Ltd ("GCLR")). This transaction closed on May 30, 2014. As a result of the transaction, the Company ceded the majority of its life reinsurance business to GCLR via 100% quota share reinsurance (the "Life Retro Arrangements"). This transaction covered a substantial portion of our life reinsurance reserves. The Company ceased writing new life reinsurance contracts in 2009 and since that time has been managing the run-off of its life reinsurance operations ("Run-Off Life Operations"). The designated investments that support the Life Retro Arrangements on a funds withheld basis ("Life Funds Withheld Assets") are managed pursuant to agreed investment guidelines that meet the contractual commitments of the Company's ceding subsidiaries and applicable laws and regulations. All of the investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets ultimately accrue to GCLR.
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.
As of May 30, 2014, gross future policy benefit reserves relating to the Life operations were approximately $5.2 billion. Subsequent to the completion of the GreyCastle transaction, the Company retained approximately $0.4 billion of these reserves, and recorded a reinsurance recoverable from GCLR of $4.8 billion. Under the terms of the transaction, the Company continues to own, on a funds withheld basis, 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 GCLR 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 consolidated balance sheets. The transaction resulted in an overall after-tax GAAP net loss of $621.3 million that is reflected in the unaudited consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
As of September 30, 2015, gross future policy benefit reserves relating to the Run-Off Life Operations were approximately $4.3 billion, of which the Company retained approximately $0.4 billion, after consideration of its future policy benefit reserves recoverable from GCLR of approximately $3.9 billion. The net funds withheld liability included within "Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements, net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable," was $0.9 billion. The Company continued to own $4.8 billion of assets supporting the Life Retro Arrangements.

13



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The impact of the Life Retro Arrangements on the Company's results was as follows:
Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Underwriting profit (loss) (1)
$

 
$
3,711

 
$
603

 
$
3,711

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
46,586

 
56,474

 
143,869

 
75,639

Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - Life Funds Withheld Assets
53,780

 
2,022

 
174,555

 
2,646

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(149
)
 

 
(18,932
)
 

OTTI on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(2,023
)
 
(7,494
)
 
(10,110
)
 
(16,265
)
Exchange gains (losses)
8,754

 
2,062

 
(5,932
)
 
2,062

Other income and expenses
(121
)
 
124

 
2,354

 
105

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(126,140
)
 
(201,264
)
 
(116,333
)
 
(218,810
)
Net income (loss)
$
(19,313
)
 
$
(144,365
)
 
$
170,074

 
$
(150,912
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(33,569
)
 
93,921

 
(317,500
)
 
106,218

Change in adjustments related to future policy benefit reserves, net of tax
40,681

 
51,286

 
127,365

 
51,286

Change in cumulative translation adjustment - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
12,201

 
2,869

 
20,664

 
(2,881
)
Total changes to other comprehensive income as a result of Life Retro Arrangements
$
19,313

 
$
148,076

 
$
(169,471
)
 
$
154,623

Comprehensive income (loss)
$

 
$
3,711

 
$
603

 
$
3,711

____________
(1)
The underwriting profit of $0.6 million relates to a premium adjustment during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 relating to the Life Retro Arrangements transaction. Excluding this transaction, the impact to comprehensive income relating to the Life Retro Arrangements was nil for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
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 minimal 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.

14



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," under the Life Retro Arrangements, all of the investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets ultimately accrue to GCLR. 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 separately report the Life Funds Withheld Assets from the rest of the Company's investments.
For further information about the Company's fair value measurements, 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, 2014.
(a) Fair Value Summary
The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by level within the fair value hierarchy:
September 30, 2015
(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
September 30, 2015
Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
$
4,298,723

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,298,723

Corporate - Financials

 
3,062,530

 
10,000

 

 
3,072,530

Corporate - Non Financials (1)

 
6,850,318

 
5,272

 

 
6,855,590


15



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Residential mortgage-backed securities – Agency ("RMBS - Agency")

 
3,920,607

 
2,882

 

 
3,923,489

Residential mortgage-backed securities – Non-Agency ("RMBS - Non-Agency")

 
362,965

 

 

 
362,965

Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")

 
850,084

 

 

 
850,084

Collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs")

 
2,500

 
407,663

 

 
410,163

Other asset-backed securities (1)

 
2,059,478

 
36,120

 

 
2,095,598

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 
2,648,670

 

 

 
2,648,670

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

 
5,120,149

 

 

 
5,120,149

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

 
$
29,176,024

 
$
461,937

 
$

 
$
29,637,961

Equity securities, at fair value
478,815

 
490,891

 

 

 
969,706

Short-term investments, at fair value (1)(2)

 
546,020

 

 

 
546,020

Total investments AFS - Excluding Funds Withheld Assets
$
478,815

 
$
30,212,935

 
$
461,937

 
$

 
$
31,153,687

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

 
$
13,412

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,412

Corporate - Financials

 
669,788

 

 

 
669,788

Corporate - Non Financials

 
1,480,112

 

 

 
1,480,112

RMBS – Agency

 
814

 

 

 
814

RMBS – Non-Agency

 
28,833

 

 

 
28,833

CMBS

 
141,166

 

 

 
141,166

Other asset-backed securities

 
162,871

 

 

 
162,871

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

 
1,141,365

 

 

 
1,141,365

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

 
$
3,638,361

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,638,361

Total investments - AFS, at fair value
$
478,815

 
$
33,851,296

 
$
461,937

 
$

 
$
34,792,048

Fixed maturities - trading securities ("Trading")


 


 


 


 


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

 
$
4,610

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,610

Corporate - Financials

 
219,767

 

 

 
219,767

Corporate - Non Financials

 
393,246

 

 

 
393,246

CMBS

 
4,982

 

 

 
4,982

Other asset-backed securities

 
19,872

 

 

 
19,872

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

 
342,746

 

 

 
342,746

Total fixed maturities - Trading, at fair value
$

 
$
985,223

 
$

 
$

 
$
985,223

Cash equivalents (3)
940,303

 
455,699

 

 

 
1,396,002

Cash equivalents - Life Funds Withheld Assets (3)
1,440

 
86,840

 

 

 
88,280

Other investments (4)

 
1,051,558

 
278,222

 

 
1,329,780

Other assets (5)

 
59,231

 
14,884

 
(3,900
)
 
70,215

Total assets accounted for at fair value
$
1,420,558

 
$
36,489,847

 
$
755,043

 
$
(3,900
)
 
$
38,661,548

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements (net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable) (6)
$

 
$
468,187

 
$

 
$

 
$
468,187

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (7)
1,588

 
693

 

 

 
2,281

Other liabilities (5)

 
25,142

 
24,568

 
(3,900
)
 
45,810

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value
$
1,588

 
$
494,022

 
$
24,568

 
$
(3,900
)
 
$
516,278


16



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 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
December 31,
2014
Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

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

 
$
2,171,953

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,171,953

Corporate - Financials

 
2,761,916

 

 

 
$
2,761,916

Corporate - Non Financials (1)

 
6,010,563

 
5,894

 

 
$
6,016,457

Residential mortgage-backed securities – RMBS - Agency

 
3,726,666

 
1,910

 

 
$
3,728,576

Residential mortgage-backed securities – RMBS - Non-Agency

 
427,351

 

 

 
$
427,351

CMBS

 
1,052,544

 

 

 
$
1,052,544

CDOs

 
4,076

 
687,958

 

 
$
692,034

Other asset-backed securities (1)

 
1,060,005

 
5,288

 

 
$
1,065,293

U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States

 
2,021,272

 

 

 
$
2,021,272

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

 
4,240,073

 

 

 
$
4,240,073

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

 
$
23,476,419

 
$
701,050

 
$

 
$
24,177,469

Equity securities, at fair value
502,284

 
366,008

 

 

 
868,292

Short-term investments, at fair value (1)(2)

 
256,727

 

 

 
256,727

Total investments AFS - Excluding Funds Withheld Assets
$
502,284

 
$
24,099,154

 
$
701,050

 
$

 
$
25,302,488

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

 
$
18,724

 
$

 
$

 
$
18,724

Corporate - Financials

 
801,019

 

 

 
$
801,019

Corporate - Non Financials

 
2,016,961

 

 

 
$
2,016,961

RMBS – Agency

 
3,782

 

 

 
$
3,782

RMBS – Non-Agency

 
85,335

 

 

 
$
85,335

CMBS

 
193,167

 

 

 
$
193,167

Other asset-backed securities

 
273,541

 

 

 
$
273,541

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

 
1,789,036

 

 

 
$
1,789,036

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

 
$
5,181,565

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,181,565

Total investments - AFS, at fair value
$
502,284

 
$
29,280,719

 
$
701,050

 
$

 
$
30,484,053

Fixed maturities - Trading
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate - Non Financials

 
1,171

 

 

 
$
1,171

Total fixed maturities - Trading, at fair value
$

 
$
1,171

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,171

Cash equivalents (3)
1,103,877

 
397,955

 

 

 
$
1,501,832

Cash equivalents - Life Funds Withheld Assets (3)
460

 
132,738

 

 

 
$
133,198

Other investments (4)

 
708,974

 
185,083

 

 
$
894,057

Other assets (5)

 
122,996

 
13,663

 
(696
)
 
$
135,963

Total assets accounted for at fair value
$
1,606,621

 
$
30,644,553

 
$
899,796

 
$
(696
)
 
$
33,150,274

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements (net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable) (6)
$

 
$
450,831

 
$

 
$

 
$
450,831

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (7)
4,737

 
25,669

 

 

 
$
30,406

Other liabilities (5)

 
7,757

 
23,427

 
(696
)
 
$
30,488

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value
$
4,737

 
$
484,257

 
$
23,427

 
$
(696
)
 
$
511,725

____________
(1)
Included 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 $74.3 million and $79.9 million and an amortized cost of $64.6 million and $68.4 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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)
Short-term investments consist primarily of Corporate securities and U.S. and Non-U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported securities.

17



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(3)
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.
(4)
The Other investments balance excludes certain structured transactions including certain investments in project finance transactions, and 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 $346.4 million as of September 30, 2015 and $354.4 million as of December 31, 2014, are carried at amortized cost. For further information, see Item 8, Note 8, "Other Investments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(5)
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.
(6)
Funds withheld on life retrocession arrangements (net of future policy benefit reserves recoverable) include balances related to the life retrocession embedded derivative, under which all investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets related to the Life Retro Arrangements described in Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," accrue to the benefit of GCLR.
(7)
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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at September 30, 2015 and 2014, 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 September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Gains and losses for assets and liabilities classified within Level 3 in the table below may include changes in 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 or other valuations sourced from brokers that are considered Level 3.
There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

18



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Corporate - Financials
 
Corporate - Non-Financials
 
RMBS - Agency
 
RMBS - Non
Agency
Balance, beginning of period
$
10,000

 
$
5,554

 
$
3,038

 
$

Realized gains (losses)

 
(45
)
 

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 

Purchases and issuances (1)

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

Settlements

 
(236
)
 
(154
)
 

Transfers into Level 3


 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
10,000

 
$
5,272

 
$
2,882

 
$

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

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
CMBS
 
CDO
 
Other asset-
backed
securities
 
Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported
Balance, beginning of period
$

 
$
484,171

 
$
42,745

 
$

Realized gains (losses)

 
(8,469
)
 
553

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 
8,994

 
(976
)
 

Purchases and issuances (1)

 
2,101

 
3,334

 

Sales

 
(56,576
)
 

 

Settlements

 
(22,558
)
 
(3,087
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 
(6,449
)
 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$

 
$
407,663

 
$
36,120

 
$

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

 
$
164

 
$
(5
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
Short-term
investments
 
Other investments
 
Derivative Contracts
- Net
Balance, beginning of period
 
 
$

 
$
255,672

 
$
(9,753
)
Realized gains (losses)
 
 

 
9,185

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
 
 

 
(5,567
)
 
69

Purchases and issuances (1)
 
 

 
30,519

 

Sales
 
 

 
(1,417
)
 
 
Settlements
 
 

 
(10,170
)
 

Transfers into Level 3
 
 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change
 
 

 

 

Balance, end of period
 
 
$

 
$
278,222

 
$
(9,684
)
Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
 
 
$

 
$
3,618

 
$
69

____________
(1)    Includes assets acquired as result of the transaction described in Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition."

19



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Corporate - Financials
 
Corporate - Non-Financials
 
RMBS - Agency
 
RMBS - Non
Agency
Balance, beginning of period
$

 
$
3,933

 
$
6,896

 
$
11

Realized gains (losses)

 
3

 
(1
)
 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 
24

 
(7
)
 
(1
)
Purchases and issuances (1)

 
2,316

 
120

 

Sales

 

 

 

Settlements

 

 
(526
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 
766

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$

 
$
7,042

 
$
6,482

 
$
10

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

 
$
27

 
$
(8
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
CMBS
 
CDO
 
Other asset-
backed
securities
 
Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported
Balance, beginning of period
$
1,945

 
$
732,824

 
$
11,704

 
$

Realized gains (losses)

 
707

 
3

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 
1,591

 
(113
)
 

Purchases and issuances (1)

 
82,695

 
2,182

 

Sales

 
(7,489
)
 

 

Settlements
(569
)
 
(67,845
)
 
(1,726
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(1,376
)
 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$

 
$
742,483

 
$
12,050

 
$

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

 
$
2,297

 
$
(110
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
Short-term
investments
 
Other investments
 
Derivative Contracts
- Net
Balance, beginning of period
 
 
$

 
$
124,475

 
$
(18,910
)
Realized gains (losses)
 
 

 
1,850

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
 
 

 
2,790

 
710

Purchases and issuances (1)
 
 

 
22,308

 

Sales
 
 

 

 

Settlements
 
 

 
(4,888
)
 

Transfers into Level 3
 
 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change
 
 

 

 

Balance, end of period
 
 
$

 
$
146,535

 
$
(18,200
)
Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
 
 
$

 
$
4,639

 
$
710

____________
(1)    Includes assets acquired as result of the transaction described in Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition."


20



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Corporate - Financials
 
Corporate - Non-Financials
 
RMBS - Agency
 
RMBS - Non
Agency
Balance, beginning of period
$

 
$
5,894

 
$
1,910

 
$

Realized gains (losses)

 
(186
)
 

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 
3

 
(4
)
 

Purchases and issuances (1)
10,000

 
(123
)
 
1,297

 

Sales

 

 

 

Settlements

 
(316
)
 
(321
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
10,000

 
$
5,272

 
$
2,882

 
$

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

 
$
(137
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
CMBS
 
CDO
 
Other asset-
backed
securities
 
Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported
Balance, beginning of period
$

 
$
687,958

 
$
5,288

 
$

Realized gains (losses)

 
(8,209
)
 
644

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 
16,994

 
(966
)
 

Purchases and issuances (1)

 
14,042

 
43,962

 

Sales

 
(211,661
)
 

 

Settlements

 
(91,461
)
 
(6,359
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 
(6,449
)
 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$

 
$
407,663

 
$
36,120

 
$

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

 
$
4,889

 
$
95

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
Short-term
investments
 
Other investments
 
Derivative Contracts
- Net
Balance, beginning of period
 
 
$

 
$
185,083

 
$
(9,764
)
Realized gains (losses)
 
 

 
11,778

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
 
 

 
(7,533
)
 
80

Purchases and issuances (1)
 
 

 
103,822

 

Sales
 
 

 
(1,417
)
 

Settlements
 
 

 
(13,511
)
 

Transfers into Level 3
 
 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change
 
 

 

 

Balance, end of period
 
 
$

 
$
278,222

 
$
(9,684
)
Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
 
 
$

 
$
4,246

 
$
80

____________
(1)    Includes assets acquired as result of the transaction described in Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition"


21



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Corporate - Financials
 
Corporate - Non-Financials
 
RMBS - Agency
 
RMBS - Non
Agency
Balance, beginning of period
$

 
$
31,573

 
$
10,473

 
$
9

Realized gains (losses)

 
158

 
5

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)

 
(72
)
 
(20
)
 
1

Purchases and issuances (1)

 
3,759

 
120

 

Sales

 

 

 

Settlements

 
(5,513
)
 
(3,124
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 
766

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 
(23,629
)
 
(972
)
 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$

 
$
7,042

 
$
6,482

 
$
10

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

 
$
117

 
$
(14
)
 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
CMBS
 
CDO
 
Other asset-
backed
securities
 
Non-US Sovereign
Government,
Provincial,
Supranational and
Government
Related/Supported
Balance, beginning of period
$
12,533

 
$
710,253

 
$
11,877

 
$

Realized gains (losses)
3

 
3,163

 
(17
)
 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
(3
)
 
13,604

 
93

 

Purchases and issuances (1)
1,376

 
185,710

 
5,182

 

Sales

 
(48,313
)
 

 

Settlements
(12,533
)
 
(121,934
)
 
(5,085
)
 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(1,376
)
 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$

 
$
742,483

 
$
12,050

 
$

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

 
$
15,513

 
$
76

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
Short-term
investments
 
Other investments
 
Derivative Contracts
- Net
Balance, beginning of period
 
 
$
2,015

 
$
113,472

 
$
(29,110
)
Realized gains (losses)
 
 

 
10,541

 

Movement in unrealized gains (losses)
 
 
(15
)
 
2,508

 
10,910

Purchases and issuances (1)
 
 

 
43,394

 

Sales
 
 

 

 

Settlements
 
 
(2,000
)
 
(23,380
)
 

Transfers into Level 3
 
 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
 
 

 

 

Fixed maturities to short-term investments classification change
 
 

 

 

Balance, end of period
 
 
$

 
$
146,535

 
$
(18,200
)
Movement in total gains (losses) above relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
 
 
$

 
$
13,048

 
$
10,910

____________
(1)    Includes assets acquired as result of the transaction described in Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition".


22



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(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.
(d) Other investments
Included within the Other investments component of the Company’s Level 3 valuations are private investments and certain hedge 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. For further details regarding the nature of Other investments and related features see Item 8, Note 8, "Other Investments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(e) Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments recorded within Other liabilities and classified within Level 3 include credit derivatives 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 interest income and 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 "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 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. All of these fair value estimates are considered Level 2 fair value measurements.

23



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Financial Assets - Other investments, structured transactions
$
346,359

 
$
363,251

 
$
354,382

 
$
371,625

Deposit liabilities
$
1,194,815

 
$
1,471,562

 
$
1,245,367

 
$
1,543,761

Notes payable and debt
2,726,917

 
2,919,907

 
1,662,580

 
1,897,854

Financial Liabilities
$
3,921,732

 
$
4,391,469

 
$
2,907,947

 
$
3,441,615

The Company historically participated in structured transactions. Remaining structured transactions include cash loans supporting project finance transactions, a 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 50.5 basis points and 29.5 basis points as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 described in Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition," the underwriting results of the acquired businesses from the Acquisition Date through September 30, 2015 are included in the Company's Insurance or Reinsurance segment, as appropriate.
The Company’s general investment and financing operations are reflected in "Corporate and Other." Subsequent to the transaction described in Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," GCLR reinsures the majority of the Company's life reinsurance business through the Life Retro Arrangements. The results of the Run-Off Life Operations not subject to the Life Retro Arrangements are also reported within Corporate and Other.
The Company evaluates the performance of both the Insurance and Reinsurance segments based on underwriting profit. Other items of revenues and expenditures 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 or in Corporate and Other. The following tables summarize the segment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:


24



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total P&C
 
Corporate
and Other (1)
 
Total
Gross premiums written
$
2,200,196

 
$
458,946

 
$
2,659,142

 
$
80,208

 
$
2,739,350

Net premiums written
1,664,562

 
408,654

 
2,073,216

 
17,812

 
2,091,028

Net premiums earned
1,632,988

 
772,752

 
2,405,740

 
17,812

 
2,423,552

Net losses and loss expenses (2)
1,037,727

 
426,558

 
1,464,285

 
22,579

 
1,486,864

Acquisition costs (2)
214,773

 
189,671

 
404,444

 
4,729

 
409,173

Operating expenses (3)
334,211

 
88,682

 
422,893

 
(26
)
 
422,867

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
46,277

 
$
67,841

 
$
114,118

 
$
(9,470
)
 
$
104,648

Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets (4)
 
 
 
 
152,738

 
10,254

 
162,992

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
46,586

 
46,586

Net results from structured products (5)
3,328

 
1,109

 
4,437

 

 
4,437

Net fee income and other (6)
(5,207
)
 
533

 
(4,674
)
 
254

 
(4,420
)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
(197
)
 
(4
)
 
(201
)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments and net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 
51,608

 
51,608

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
 

 
 

 

 
(7,903
)
 
(7,903
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 
(126,140
)
 
(126,140
)
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (7)
 

 
 

 

 
4,481

 
4,481

Exchange (gains) losses
 

 
 

 

 
11,661

 
11,661

Corporate operating expenses
 

 
 

 

 
135,500

 
135,500

Contribution from P&C and Corporate and Other
 

 
 

 
266,422

 
(177,495
)
 
88,927

Interest expense (8)
 

 
 

 
 

 
40,798

 
40,798

Non-controlling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
57,889

 
57,889

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
(37,042
)
 
(37,042
)
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
$
27,282

Ratios – P&C operations: (9)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense ratio
63.5
%
 
55.2
%
 
60.9
%
 
 

 
 

Underwriting expense ratio
33.7
%
 
36.0
%
 
34.4
%
 
 

 
 

Combined ratio
97.2
%
 
91.2
%
 
95.3
%
 
 

 
 

____________
(1)
Corporate and Other includes other items of our revenues and expenditures that are not evaluated at the segment level for reporting purposes, as well as the Company's Run-Off Life Operations.
(2)
The Company has reflected the amortization of certain fair value adjustments recorded in conjunction with the Catlin Acquisition within the respective segments.
(3)
Operating expenses of the segments exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.
(4)
Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets does not include net investment income related to the net results from structured products.
(5)
The net results from P&C structured products include net investment income and interest expense of $15.6 million and $11.1 million, respectively.
(6)
Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company's loss prevention consulting services business.
(7)
The Company generally records the income related to the hedge fund affiliates and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.
(8)
Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
(9)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

25



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total P&C
 
Corporate
and Other (1)
 
Total
Gross premiums written
$
1,324,418

 
$
276,284

 
$
1,600,702

 
$
83,496

 
$
1,684,198

Net premiums written
956,185

 
258,061

 
1,214,246

 
19,739

 
1,233,985

Net premiums earned
1,018,416

 
435,257

 
1,453,673

 
19,739

 
1,473,412

Net losses and loss expenses
650,256

 
209,332

 
859,588

 
20,101

 
879,689

Acquisition costs
95,992

 
84,800

 
180,792

 
2,090

 
182,882

Operating expenses (2)
218,281

 
50,637

 
268,918

 
2,785

 
271,703

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
53,887

 
$
90,488

 
$
144,375

 
$
(5,237
)
 
$
139,138

Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets (3)
 
 
 
 
141,575

 
11,552

 
153,127

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
56,474

 
56,474

Net results from structured products (4)
3,571

 
1,720

 
5,291

 

 
5,291

Net fee income and other (5)
(3,826
)
 
601

 
(3,225
)
 
167

 
(3,058
)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
9,418

 
395

 
9,813

Net realized gains (losses) on investments and net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 
(5,472
)
 
(5,472
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
 

 
 

 

 
5,131

 
5,131

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 
(201,264
)
 
(201,264
)
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (6)
 

 
 

 

 
44,521

 
44,521

Exchange (gains) losses
 

 
 

 

 
(23,348
)
 
(23,348
)
Corporate operating expenses
 

 
 

 

 
55,322

 
55,322

Contribution from P&C and Corporate and Other
 

 
 

 
297,434

 
(125,707
)
 
171,727

Interest expense (7)
 

 
 

 
 

 
31,703

 
31,703

Non-controlling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
37,583

 
37,583

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
30,057

 
30,057

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
$
72,384

Ratios – P&C operations: (8)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense ratio
63.8
%
 
48.1
%
 
59.1
%
 
 

 


Underwriting expense ratio
30.9
%
 
31.1
%
 
31.0
%
 
 

 
 

Combined ratio
94.7
%
 
79.2
%
 
90.1
%
 
 

 
 

____________
(1)
Corporate and Other includes other items of our revenue and expenditures that are not evaluated at the segment level for reporting purposes, as well as the Company's Run-Off Life Operations.
(2)
Operating expenses of the segments exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.
(3)
Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets does not include net investment income related to the net results from structured products.
(4)
The net results from P&C structured products include net investment income and interest credit of $16.8 million and $11.1 million, respectively.
(5)
Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company's loss prevention consulting services business.
(6)
The Company generally records the income related to the hedge fund affiliates and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.
(7)
Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
(8)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

26



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total P&C
 
Corporate
and Other (1)
 
Total
Gross premiums written
$
6,074,387

 
$
2,066,856

 
$
8,141,243

 
$
234,602

 
$
8,375,845

Net premiums written
4,155,442

 
1,854,590

 
6,010,032

 
50,576

 
6,060,608

Net premiums earned
4,008,200

 
1,780,829

 
5,789,029

 
50,576

 
5,839,605

Net losses and loss expenses (2)
2,551,044

 
834,263

 
3,385,307

 
64,047

 
3,449,354

Acquisition costs (2)
476,876

 
419,380

 
896,256

 
8,230

 
904,486

Operating expenses (3)
834,829

 
202,904

 
1,037,733

 
846

 
1,038,579

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
145,451

 
$
324,282

 
$
469,733

 
$
(22,547
)
 
$
447,186

Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets (4)
 
 
 
 
435,007

 
31,295

 
466,302

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
143,869

 
143,869

Net results from structured products (5)
9,634

 
5,085

 
14,719

 

 
14,719

Net fee income and other (6)
(14,705
)
 
1,981

 
(12,724
)
 
432

 
(12,292
)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
9,833

 
(1,081
)
 
8,752

Net realized gains (losses) on investments and net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 

 
145,513

 
145,513

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
 

 
 

 

 
57,127

 
57,127

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 
(116,333
)
 
(116,333
)
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (7)
 

 
 

 

 
103,317

 
103,317

Gain on sale of operating affiliate
 
 
 
 


 
340,407

 
340,407

Exchange (gains) losses
 

 
 

 

 
49,425

 
49,425

Corporate operating expenses
 

 
 

 

 
328,930

 
328,930

Contribution from P&C and Corporate and Other
 

 
 

 
916,568

 
303,644

 
1,220,212

Interest expense (8)
 

 
 

 
 

 
121,317

 
121,317

Non-controlling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
100,158

 
100,158

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
20,135

 
20,135

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
$
978,602

Ratios – P&C operations: (9)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense ratio
63.6
%
 
46.8
%
 
58.5
%
 
 

 
 

Underwriting expense ratio
32.8
%
 
35.0
%
 
33.4
%
 
 

 
 

Combined ratio
96.4
%
 
81.8
%
 
91.9
%
 
 

 
 

____________
(1)
Corporate and Other includes other items of our revenue and expenditures that are not evaluated at the segment level for reporting purposes, as well as the Company's Run-Off Life Operations.
(2)
The Company has reflected the amortization of certain fair value adjustments recorded in conjunction with the Catlin Acquisition within the respective segments.
(3)
Operating expenses of the segments exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.
(4)
Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets does not include net investment income related to the net results from structured products.
(5)
The net results from P&C structured products include net investment income and interest expense of $46.7 million and $31.7 million, respectively.
(6)
Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company's loss prevention consulting services business.
(7)
The Company generally records the income related to the hedge fund affiliates and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.
(8)
Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
(9)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.

27



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Total P&C
 
Corporate
and Other (1)
 
Total
Gross premiums written
$
4,513,749

 
$
1,627,121

 
$
6,140,870

 
$
254,503

 
$
6,395,373

Net premiums written
3,080,432

 
1,486,680

 
4,567,112

 
154,568

 
4,721,680

Net premiums earned
3,014,846

 
1,289,431

 
4,304,277

 
154,568

 
4,458,845

Net losses and loss expenses
1,917,076

 
601,897

 
2,518,973

 
218,987

 
2,737,960

Acquisition costs
300,855

 
252,909

 
553,764

 
13,151

 
566,915

Operating expenses (2)
635,264

 
139,080

 
774,344

 
8,182

 
782,526

Underwriting profit (loss)
$
161,651

 
$
295,545

 
$
457,196

 
$
(85,752
)
 
$
371,444

Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets (3)
 
 
 
 
429,657

 
134,562

 
564,219

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
75,639

 
75,639

Net results from structured products (4)
40,106

 
8,023

 
48,129

 

 
48,129

Net fee income and other (5)
(8,605
)
 
1,938

 
(6,667
)
 
257

 
(6,410
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary
 
 
 
 

 
666,423

 
666,423

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

 
 

 
105,589

 
4,297

 
109,886

Net realized gains (losses) on investments and net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 

 
(13,619
)
 
(13,619
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
 

 
 

 

 
18,540

 
18,540

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 

 
(218,810
)
 
(218,810
)
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates and operating affiliates (6)
 

 
 

 

 
169,530

 
169,530

Exchange (gains) losses
 

 
 

 

 
8,234

 
8,234

Corporate operating expenses
 

 
 

 

 
163,155

 
163,155

Contribution from P&C and Corporate and Other
 

 
 

 
1,033,904

 
(753,168
)
 
280,736

Interest expense (7)
 

 
 

 
 

 
96,147

 
96,147

Non-controlling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
77,024

 
77,024

Income tax expense
 

 
 

 
 

 
58,724

 
58,724

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
$
48,841

Ratios – P&C operations: (8)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loss and loss expense ratio
63.6
%
 
46.7
%
 
58.5
%
 
 

 
 

Underwriting expense ratio
31.0
%
 
30.4
%
 
30.9
%
 
 

 
 

Combined ratio
94.6
%
 
77.1
%
 
89.4
%
 
 

 
 

____________
(1)
Corporate and Other includes other items of our revenue and expenditures that are not evaluated at the segment level for reporting purposes, as well as the Company's Run-Off Life Operations.
(2)
Operating expenses of the segments exclude Corporate operating expenses, shown separately.
(3)
Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets does not include net investment income related to the net results from structured products.
(4)
The net results from P&C structured products include net investment income and interest credit of $52.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively.
(5)
Net fee income and other includes operating expenses from the Company's loss prevention consulting services business.
(6)
The Company generally records the income related to the hedge fund affiliates and to the private investment and operating fund affiliates on a one-month and three-month lag, respectively.
(7)
Interest expense excludes interest expense related to deposit liabilities recorded in the Insurance and Reinsurance segments.
(8)
Ratios are based on net premiums earned from P&C operations.


28



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 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
P&C Operations:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Professional
$
299,639

 
$
46,877

 
$

 
$
346,516

Casualty
473,777

 
141,135

 

 
614,912

Property catastrophe

 
205,337

 

 
205,337

Property
320,878

 
271,297

 

 
592,175

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 
36,345

 

 
36,345

Specialty
462,029

 

 

 
462,029

Other (1)
76,665

 
71,761

 

 
148,426

Total P&C Operations
$
1,632,988

 
$
772,752

 
$

 
$
2,405,740

Corporate and Other:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Run-off Life operations - Annuity
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Run-off Life operations - Other Life

 

 
17,812

 
17,812

Total Corporate and Other
$

 
$

 
$
17,812

 
$
17,812

Total
$
1,632,988

 
$
772,752

 
$
17,812

 
$
2,423,552

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
P&C Operations:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Professional
$
269,275

 
$
45,221

 
$

 
$
314,496

Casualty
358,505

 
66,638

 

 
425,143

Property catastrophe

 
103,813

 

 
103,813

Property
139,663

 
155,415

 

 
295,078

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 
30,511

 

 
30,511

Specialty
186,360

 

 

 
186,360

Other (1)
64,613

 
33,659

 

 
98,272

Total P&C Operations
$
1,018,416

 
$
435,257

 
$

 
$
1,453,673

Corporate and Other:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Run-off Life operations - Annuity
$

 
$

 
$
2

 
$
2

Run-off Life operations - Other Life

 

 
19,737

 
19,737

Total Corporate and Other
$

 
$

 
$
19,739

 
$
19,739

Total
$
1,018,416

 
$
435,257

 
$
19,739

 
$
1,473,412

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

29



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
P&C Operations:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Professional
$
852,398

 
$
125,110

 
$

 
$
977,508

Casualty
1,203,584

 
325,130

 

 
1,528,714

Property catastrophe

 
462,862

 

 
462,862

Property
708,275

 
634,419

 

 
1,342,694

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 
86,969

 

 
86,969

Specialty
1,014,147

 

 

 
1,014,147

Other (1)
229,796

 
146,339

 

 
376,135

Total P&C Operations
$
4,008,200

 
$
1,780,829

 
$

 
$
5,789,029

Corporate and Other:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Run-off Life operations - Annuity
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Run-off Life operations - Other Life

 

 
50,576

 
50,576

Total Corporate and Other
$

 
$

 
$
50,576

 
$
50,576

Total
$
4,008,200

 
$
1,780,829

 
$
50,576

 
$
5,839,605

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Corporate
and Other
 
Total
P&C Operations:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Professional
$
812,211

 
$
139,564

 
$

 
$
951,775

Casualty
1,061,499

 
226,288

 

 
1,287,787

Property catastrophe

 
324,812

 

 
324,812

Property
422,270

 
432,991

 

 
855,261

Marine, energy, aviation and satellite

 
75,090

 

 
75,090

Specialty
543,217

 

 

 
543,217

Other (1)
175,649

 
90,686

 

 
266,335

Total P&C Operations
$
3,014,846

 
$
1,289,431

 
$

 
$
4,304,277

Corporate and Other:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Run-off Life operations - Annuity
$

 
$

 
$
53,363

 
$
53,363

Run-off Life operations - Other Life

 

 
101,205

 
101,205

Total Corporate and Other
$

 
$

 
$
154,568

 
$
154,568

Total
$
3,014,846

 
$
1,289,431

 
$
154,568

 
$
4,458,845

____________
(1)
Other within the Insurance segment includes: excess and surplus, programs, surety, structured indemnity and certain discontinued lines. Other within the Reinsurance segment includes: whole account contracts, accident and health and other lines.
6. Investments
(a) Fixed Maturities, Short-Term Investments and Equity Securities
Classification of Fixed Income Securities
During the second quarter of 2014, fixed maturities with a carrying value of $2.8 billion were reclassified from held to maturity ("HTM") to AFS in conjunction with the sale of XLLR, discussed in Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary." As a result, the Company no longer holds HTM securities. 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 (Loss)," 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 relating to the sale of XLLR. 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

30



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

to GCLR. 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 non-credit related OTTI recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), of the Company’s AFS investments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, were as follows:
September 30, 2015
(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
$
4,241,444

 
$
72,193

 
$
(14,914
)
 
$
4,298,723

 
$

Corporate - Financials
3,029,683

 
60,655

 
(17,808
)
 
3,072,530

 

Corporate - Non Financials (2)
6,735,784

 
191,026

 
(71,220
)
 
6,855,590

 
(3,309
)
RMBS – Agency
3,831,823

 
100,257

 
(8,591
)
 
3,923,489

 

RMBS – Non-Agency
351,793

 
27,528

 
(16,356
)
 
362,965

 
(55,474
)
CMBS
837,416

 
17,642

 
(4,974
)
 
850,084

 
(1,210
)
CDOs
419,019

 
1,486

 
(10,342
)
 
410,163

 
(1,460
)
Other asset-backed securities (2)
2,072,017

 
34,317

 
(10,736
)
 
2,095,598

 
(1,351
)
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
2,536,974

 
118,345

 
(6,649
)
 
2,648,670

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
5,088,447

 
113,073

 
(81,371
)
 
5,120,149

 

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
29,144,400

 
$
736,522

 
$
(242,961
)
 
$
29,637,961

 
$
(62,804
)
Total short-term investments - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
545,979

 
$
1,589

 
$
(1,548
)
 
$
546,020

 
$

Total equity securities - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
984,192

 
$
66,786

 
$
(81,272
)
 
$
969,706

 
$

Total investments - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
30,674,571

 
$
804,897

 
$
(325,781
)
 
$
31,153,687

 
$
(62,804
)
Fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported
$
10,998

 
$
2,414

 
$

 
$
13,412

 
$

Corporate - Financials
596,259

 
73,529

 

 
669,788

 

Corporate - Non Financials
1,273,946

 
206,166

 

 
1,480,112

 

RMBS – Agency
652

 
162

 

 
814

 

RMBS – Non-Agency
25,341

 
3,492

 

 
28,833

 

CMBS
121,266

 
19,900

 

 
141,166

 

Other asset-backed securities
141,774

 
21,097

 

 
162,871

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
892,383

 
248,982

 

 
1,141,365

 

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
3,062,619

 
$
575,742

 
$

 
$
3,638,361

 
$

Total investments - AFS
$
33,737,190

 
$
1,380,639

 
$
(325,781
)
 
$
34,792,048

 
$
(62,804
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities - Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,614

 
$
4,610

Corporate - Financials
 
 
 
 
 
 
228,026

 
219,767

Corporate - Non Financials
 
 
 
 
 
 
409,745

 
393,246

CMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,002

 
4,982

Other asset-backed securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
20,119

 
19,872

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
 
 
 
 
 
 
337,249

 
342,746

Total investments - Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,004,755

 
$
985,223

___________
(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)
Included 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 $74.3 million and an amortized cost of $64.6 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 value of these notes.

31



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 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
$
2,100,851

 
$
77,889

 
$
(6,787
)
 
$
2,171,953

 
$

Corporate - Financials
2,687,797

 
87,058

 
(12,939
)
 
2,761,916

 

Corporate - Non Financials (2)
5,774,333

 
278,747

 
(36,623
)
 
6,016,457

 
(3,309
)
RMBS – Agency
3,625,171

 
114,188

 
(10,783
)
 
3,728,576

 

RMBS – Non-Agency
404,398

 
41,108

 
(18,155
)
 
427,351

 
(67,918
)
CMBS
1,033,819

 
23,987

 
(5,262
)
 
1,052,544

 
(2,033
)
CDOs
717,544

 
1,659

 
(27,169
)
 
692,034

 
(1,663
)
Other asset-backed securities (2)
1,028,528

 
42,810

 
(6,045
)
 
1,065,293

 
(1,797
)
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
1,892,566

 
129,910

 
(1,204
)
 
2,021,272

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
4,162,425

 
139,484

 
(61,836
)
 
4,240,073

 

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
23,427,432

 
$
936,840

 
$
(186,803
)
 
$
24,177,469

 
$
(76,720
)
Total short-term investments - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
257,221

 
$
49

 
$
(543
)
 
$
256,727

 
$

Total equity securities - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
763,833

 
$
130,689

 
$
(26,230
)
 
$
868,292

 
$

Total investments - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
24,448,486

 
$
1,067,578

 
$
(213,576
)
 
$
25,302,488

 
$
(76,720
)
Fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported
$
14,866

 
$
3,858

 
$

 
$
18,724

 
$

Corporate - Financials
701,587

 
99,432

 

 
801,019

 

Corporate - Non Financials
1,706,262

 
310,699

 

 
2,016,961

 

RMBS – Agency
3,301

 
481

 

 
3,782

 

RMBS – Non-Agency
71,075

 
14,260

 

 
85,335

 

CMBS
168,886

 
24,281

 

 
193,167

 

Other asset-backed securities
238,168

 
35,373

 

 
273,541

 

Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
1,397,194

 
391,842

 

 
1,789,036

 

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
4,301,339

 
$
880,226

 
$

 
$
5,181,565

 
$

Total investments - AFS
$
28,749,825

 
$
1,947,804

 
$
(213,576
)
 
$
30,484,053

 
$
(76,720
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities - Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Corporate - Non Financials
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,180

 
$
1,171

Total investments - Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,180

 
$
1,171

____________
(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)
Included 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 $79.9 million and an amortized cost of $68.4 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 value of these notes.
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximately 2.1% and 3.0%, 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 15.9% and 24.9% of the gross unrealized losses in the Company's fixed income investment portfolio, excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, related to securities that were below investment grade or not rated.

32



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Contractual Maturities Summary
The contractual maturities of AFS fixed income securities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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.

September 30, 2015

December 31, 2014
(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
$
2,235,684

 
$
2,240,138

 
$
1,972,224

 
$
1,980,429

Due after 1 through 5 years
12,528,098

 
12,699,855

 
8,919,037

 
9,113,651

Due after 5 through 10 years
5,429,115

 
5,518,600

 
4,232,396

 
4,412,569

Due after 10 years
1,439,435

 
1,537,069

 
1,494,315

 
1,705,022

 
$
21,632,332

 
$
21,995,662

 
$
16,617,972

 
$
17,211,671

RMBS – Agency
3,831,823

 
3,923,489

 
3,625,171

 
3,728,576

RMBS – Non-Agency
351,793

 
362,965

 
404,398

 
427,351

CMBS
837,416

 
850,084

 
1,033,819

 
1,052,544

CDOs
419,019

 
410,163

 
717,544

 
692,034

Other asset-backed securities
2,072,017

 
2,095,598

 
1,028,528

 
1,065,293

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
$
7,512,068

 
$
7,642,299

 
$
6,809,460

 
$
6,965,798

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
29,144,400

 
$
29,637,961

 
$
23,427,432

 
$
24,177,469

Fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Due less than one year
$
93,671

 
$
104,481

 
$
117,048

 
$
125,326

Due after 1 through 5 years
441,114

 
472,560

 
638,526

 
685,787

Due after 5 through 10 years
585,388

 
671,738

 
1,004,698

 
1,165,348

Due after 10 years
1,653,413

 
2,055,898

 
2,059,637

 
2,649,279

 
$
2,773,586

 
$
3,304,677

 
$
3,819,909

 
$
4,625,740

RMBS – Agency
652

 
814

 
3,301

 
3,782

RMBS – Non-Agency
25,341

 
28,833

 
71,075

 
85,335

CMBS
121,266

 
141,166

 
168,886

 
193,167

Other asset-backed securities
141,774

 
162,871

 
238,168

 
273,541

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
$
289,033

 
$
333,684

 
$
481,430

 
$
555,825

Total fixed maturities - AFS - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
3,062,619

 
$
3,638,361

 
$
4,301,339

 
$
5,181,565

Total fixed maturities - AFS
$
32,207,019

 
$
33,276,322

 
$
27,728,771

 
$
29,359,034

Fixed maturities - Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Due less than one year
$
71,135

 
$
71,139

 
$

 
$

Due after 1 through 5 years
239,984

 
233,244

 

 

Due after 5 through 10 years
178,020

 
176,077

 
1,180

 
1,171

Due after 10 years
490,495

 
479,909

 

 

 
$
979,634

 
$
960,369

 
$
1,180

 
$
1,171

CMBS
5,002

 
4,982

 

 

Other asset-backed securities
20,119

 
19,872

 

 

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
$
25,121

 
$
24,854

 
$

 
$

Total fixed maturities - Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
1,004,755

 
$
985,223

 
$
1,180

 
$
1,171

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

33



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 included are Life Funds Withheld Assets as noted in Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary." Additionally, certain deposit liabilities and annuity contracts require the use of pledged assets. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $18.8 billion and $15.2 billion in pledged assets, respectively.
(b) Gross Unrealized Losses
The following is an analysis of how long the AFS securities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 had been in a continual unrealized loss position:
 
Less than 12 months
 
Equal to or greater
than 12 months
September 30, 2015
(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
$
1,257,855

 
$
(10,402
)
 
$
89,971

 
$
(4,524
)
Corporate – Financials
862,043

 
(10,486
)
 
83,008

 
(7,327
)
Corporate – Non Financials
2,181,253

 
(51,087
)
 
218,856

 
(21,219
)
RMBS – Agency
590,089

 
(3,386
)
 
237,798

 
(5,205
)
RMBS – Non-Agency
28,054

 
(1,022
)
 
206,549

 
(15,334
)
CMBS
250,635

 
(2,361
)
 
87,257

 
(2,613
)
CDOs
118,002

 
(286
)
 
194,633

 
(10,056
)
Other asset-backed securities
639,048

 
(4,403
)
 
57,445

 
(6,342
)
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
444,195

 
(5,520
)
 
17,840

 
(1,131
)
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
1,379,798

 
(47,122
)
 
454,537

 
(34,683
)
Total fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS
$
7,750,972

 
$
(136,075
)
 
$
1,647,894

 
$
(108,434
)
Total equity securities
$
524,692

 
$
(81,272
)
 
$

 
$



34



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Less than 12 months
 
Equal to or greater
than 12 months
December 31, 2014
(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
$
251,091

 
$
(1,196
)
 
$
342,890

 
$
(5,603
)
Corporate – Financials
387,619

 
(5,858
)
 
105,155

 
(7,097
)
Corporate – Non Financials
949,851

 
(28,023
)
 
319,066

 
(8,657
)
RMBS – Agency
134,535

 
(220
)
 
512,652

 
(10,563
)
RMBS – Non-Agency
45,378

 
(1,358
)
 
202,700

 
(16,797
)
CMBS
78,356

 
(385
)
 
169,065

 
(4,877
)
CDOs
249,803

 
(2,666
)
 
414,516

 
(24,503
)
Other asset-backed securities
143,044

 
(2,813
)
 
57,544

 
(3,232
)
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
32,187

 
(210
)
 
63,695

 
(994
)
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
624,346

 
(19,043
)
 
558,422

 
(43,251
)
Total fixed maturities and short-term investments - AFS
$
2,896,210

 
$
(61,772
)
 
$
2,745,705

 
$
(125,574
)
Total equity securities
$
191,193

 
$
(26,230
)
 
$

 
$

The Company had gross unrealized losses totaling $325.8 million on 2,644 securities out of a total of 8,804 held as of September 30, 2015 in its AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets portfolio, which either 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. As of September 30, 2015, the AFS - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets portfolio included structured credit securities with gross unrealized losses of $0.2 million, which had a fair value of $0.03 million, and a cumulative fair value decline of greater than 50% of amortized cost. All of these securities are mortgage and asset-backed securities.
(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 September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net realized gains (losses) on investments - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross realized gains
$
88,224

 
$
37,875

 
$
199,070

 
$
208,035

Gross realized losses on investments sold
(45,711
)
 
(26,918
)
 
(120,440
)
 
(68,662
)
OTTI on investments, net of amounts transferred to other comprehensive income
(42,714
)
 
(1,144
)
 
(69,878
)
 
(29,487
)
 
$
(201
)
 
$
9,813

 
$
8,752

 
$
109,886

Net realized gains (losses) on investments and net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross realized gains
$
60,643

 
$
4,511

 
$
198,412

 
$
5,135

Gross realized losses on investments sold
(6,863
)
 
(2,489
)
 
(23,857
)
 
(2,489
)
OTTI on investments, net of amounts transferred to other comprehensive income
(2,023
)
 
(7,494
)
 
(10,110
)
 
(16,265
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities
$
(149
)
 
$

 
$
(18,932
)
 
$

 
$
51,608

 
$
(5,472
)
 
$
145,513

 
$
(13,619
)
Total net realized gains (losses) on investments
$
51,407

 
$
4,341

 
$
154,265

 
$
96,267


35



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The significant components of the net impairment charges of $42.7 million for investments excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets for the three months ended September 30, 2015 were:
$8.0 million for structured securities, principally CDOs that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover their fair value to amortized cost.
$4.4 million related to certain equities that were in a loss position for more than 11 months.
$3.3 million related to certain equities that were in a loss position greater than 50% of their amortized cost.
$3.2 million related to certain high yield securities that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover their fair value to amortized cost.
$2.2 million related to certain Other Investments that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover their fair value to amortized cost.
$2.0 million related to certain quasi-government securities that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover their fair value to amortized cost.
$19.6 million related to foreign exchange losses.
The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed income securities for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI, held by the Company as of the dates or for the periods indicated and the corresponding changes in such amounts.
Credit Loss Impairments
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Opening balance as of beginning of indicated period
$
94,219

 
$
165,876

 
$
131,942

 
$
174,805

Credit loss impairment recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired
2,004

 
93

 
9,565

 
134

Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities that matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period
(1,531
)
 
(1,840
)
 
(38,564
)
 
(10,042
)
Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period

 

 
(2,629
)
 

Additional credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired
945

 
729

 
1,331

 
3,882

Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected
(2,165
)
 
(2,471
)
 
(8,173
)
 
(6,392
)
Balance as of September 30,
$
93,472

 
$
162,387

 
$
93,472

 
$
162,387

During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the $1.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities that matured, or were paid down, prepaid or sold, included $1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of non-Agency RMBS.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the $38.6 million and $10.0 million, respectively, credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities that matured, or were paid down, prepaid or sold, included $30.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively, of non-Agency RMBS.
7. Derivative Instruments
The Company enters into derivative instruments for both risk management and efficient portfolio management. 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 on 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, 2014.

36



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table summarizes information on the location and gross amounts of derivative fair values contained in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(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
$
1,391,228

 
$
48,774

 
$
870,480

 
$
20,415

 
$
2,300,609

 
$
121,862

 
$
302,211

 
$
2,936

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
$
1,391,228

 
$
48,774

 
$
870,480

 
$
20,415

 
$
2,300,609

 
$
121,862

 
$
302,211

 
$
2,936

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment Related Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate exposure
$
21,166

 
$
201

 
$
3,222

 
$
74

 
$
394,597

 
$
206

 
$
20,782

 
$
51

Foreign exchange exposure
377,256

 
4,767

 
68,578

 
872

 
7,385

 
403

 
207,182

 
4,442

Credit exposure
34,273

 
729

 
46,304

 
12,196

 
2,408

 
165

 
14,270

 
9,836

Financial market exposure
32,340

 
3,827

 
40,898

 
1,410

 
46,145

 
360

 
33,670

 
34

Other Non-Investment Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
72,634

 
933

 

 

 

 

 
81,194

 
282

Credit exposure
30,075

 
141

 

 

 
31,060

 
60

 

 

Guaranteed minimum income benefit contract
48,558

 
14,743

 
48,558

 
14,743

 
46,249

 
13,603

 
46,249

 
13,603

Modified coinsurance funds withheld contracts (2)
60,792

 

 
4,798,271

 

 
64,947

 

 
5,401,278

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
$
677,094

 
$
25,341

 
$
5,005,831

 
$
29,295

 
$
592,791

 
$
14,797

 
$
5,804,625

 
$
28,248

____________
(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 intention to settle the contracts on a net basis.
(2)
The fair value movements in derivative assets and liabilities relating to modified coinsurance funds withheld contracts are included within 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 as of September 30, 2015 is the cumulative net realized and unrealized loss on life retrocession embedded derivative of $468.2 million.
The following table summarizes information on the gross and net amounts of derivative fair values and associated collateral received related to derivative assets, or collateral provided related to derivative liabilities, reported in other assets and or other liabilities within our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheets
 
 
September 30, 2015
(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
$
74,115

 
$
3,900

 
$
70,215

 
$

 
$
24,000

 
$
46,215

Derivative Liabilities
$
49,710

 
$
3,900

 
$
45,810

 
$

 
$

 
$
45,810

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets
$
136,659

 
$
696

 
$
135,963

 
$

 
$
78,580

 
$
57,383

Derivative Liabilities
$
31,184

 
$
696

 
$
30,488

 
$

 
$

 
$
30,488

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

37



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

are covered under netting agreements. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company held cash collateral related to foreign currency derivative positions and certain other derivative positions of $24.0 million and $78.6 million, respectively. The assets and liabilities related to the net collateral paid or held were recorded as Other assets and Other liabilities 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 derivatives 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 use foreign exchange contracts to hedge the fair value of certain fixed income securities as well as to hedge certain net investments in foreign operations. In connection with the Catlin Acquisition and the FX Forwards, certain foreign exchange contracts utilized to hedge the fair value of certain net investments in foreign operations were de-designated as hedging instruments up until the time that the Catlin Acquisition was completed. Thereafter, these foreign exchange contracts were re-designated as hedging instruments. For the nine months ending September 30, 2015, there is no exposure to fair value hedges.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2014:
 
 
Hedged Items - Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income Attributable to Risk
 
Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges:
Nine Months Ended September 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
(15,663
)
 
 

 
 

Total
$
(15,663
)
 
$
15,407

 
$
(256
)
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.
Settlement of Fair Value Hedges
A summary of the fair value hedges that have been settled and their impact on results during the indicated periods as well as the remaining balance of fair value hedges and average years remaining to maturity as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 are shown below:
Settlement of Fair Value Hedges - Summary
Fair Value Hedges - Notes
Payable and Debt
September 30,
 
Fair Value Hedges -
Deposit Liabilities
September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Cumulative reduction to interest expense
$

 
$
21,624

 
$
101,461

 
$
93,042

Remaining balance
$

 
$

 
$
131,734

 
$
140,153

Weighted average years remaining to maturity
0.0

 
0.0

 
22.0

 
23.6

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. 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.

38



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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges of the
Net Investment in a Foreign Operation - Summary
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Weighted average of U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign denominated net assets
$
2,299,875

 
$
2,052,469

 
$
1,581,470

 
$
2,336,671

Derivative gains (losses) (1)
$
29,943

 
$
64,593

 
$
66,215

 
$
63,383

____________
(1)
Derivative gains (losses) from derivative instruments designated as hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account within AOCI for each period.    
(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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Investment Related Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate exposure
$
(5,120
)
 
$
3,987

 
$
(2,046
)
 
$
13,313

Foreign exchange exposure
(146
)
 
(576
)
 
(1,026
)
 
1,222

Credit exposure
1,684

 
384

 
1,380

 
391

Financial market exposure
(4,309
)
 
(912
)
 
(2,913
)
 
2,467

Financial Operations Derivatives:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Credit exposure

 
915

 

 
(3,438
)
Other Non-Investment Derivatives:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
4,063

 

 
61,494

 

Credit exposure
(327
)
 

 
1,151

 

Guaranteed minimum income benefit contract

 

 

 
2,257

Modified coinsurance funds withheld contract
(3,748
)
 
1,333

 
(913
)
 
2,584

Total gain (loss) recognized in income from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
$
(7,903
)
 
$
5,131

 
$
57,127

 
$
18,796

Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income from ineffective
portion of fair value hedges

 

 

 
(256
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
$
(7,903
)
 
$
5,131

 
$
57,127

 
$
18,540

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
(126,140
)
 
$
(201,264
)
 
$
(116,333
)
 
$
(218,810
)
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, total return swaps, 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 efficient portfolio management. 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

39



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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.
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 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, basket or index credit default swaps and swaptions, 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 securities of 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
During the fourth quarter of 2014, the remaining financial operations 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, was terminated. The Company has no continuing financial operations derivative credit exposures.
(d)(iii) Other Non-Investment Derivatives
Foreign Exchange Contracts
On January 9, 2015, the Company entered into the FX Forwards with Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC and Goldman Sachs International. The purpose of the FX Forwards was to mitigate risk of foreign currency exposure related to the Catlin Acquisition. Following the closing of the Catlin Acquisition, the FX Forwards were settled.
In connection with the Catlin Acquisition and the FX Forwards, during the year, certain foreign exchange contracts utilized to hedge the fair value of certain net investments in foreign operations were de-designated as hedging instruments.
Credit Exposure
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company entered into a non-investment related credit derivative relating to a number of reference pool mortgage tranches associated with actual mortgage loans that were securitized into agency mortgage-backed securities and sold as Structured Agency Credit Risk Notes. As of September 30, 2015, there was no reported event of default on this obligation. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the notional amount outstanding related to the derivative was $30.1 million and $31.1 million, respectively, and the Company had recorded a derivative asset of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded Net realized and unrealized gains of $0.1 million relating to this credit derivative. The credit derivative is recorded at fair value based upon models developed by the Company. Significant unobservable inputs considered in the valuation include the impact of changes in interest rates, future default, delinquency and prepayment rates, credit spreads, changes in credit quality, and other market factors.

40



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Contract
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.
Modified Coinsurance and Funds Withheld Contracts
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.
Modified Coinsurance Funds Withheld Reinsurance Agreements - Life Retrocession Embedded Derivative
In addition, the Company has entered into Life Retro Arrangements, as described in Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - 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 and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets.
The change in 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 and Derivative Instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets:
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Interest income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
(48,809
)
 
(59,424
)
 
(147,678
)
 
(79,368
)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(38,161
)
 
(113,916
)
 
130,047

 
(112,023
)
Other
121

 
1,263

 
276

 
1,768

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative
$
(86,849
)
 
$
(172,077
)
 
$
(17,355
)
 
$
(189,623
)
Net adjustments related to future policy benefit reserves, net of tax
$
(40,668
)
 
$
(18,376
)
 
$
(88,551
)
 
$
(18,376
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
1,377

 
$
(10,811
)
 
$
(10,427
)
 
$
(10,811
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
(126,140
)
 
$
(201,264
)
 
$
(116,333
)
 
$
(218,810
)
(e) Contingent Credit Features
Certain derivative agreements entered into by the Company or its subsidiaries contain credit rating downgrade provisions that permit early termination of the agreements 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 terminate such agreements early due to a credit 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
Contingent Credit Features - Summary:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Aggregate fair value of derivative agreements with downgrade provisions in a net liability position
$
15,755

 
$
5,770

Collateral posted to counterparty
$

 
$


41



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company has goodwill and intangible assets of $2.2 billion and $448.0 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
In the third quarter of 2015, as a result of the transaction described in Note 3(b), "Acquisitions and Disposals - New Energy Risk," the Company recognized additional goodwill of approximately $13.4 million. The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method under which the Company recorded the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values, and recorded as goodwill the excess of the sum of a) over b) - in which a) represents the aggregate of: i) the consideration transferred, ii) the fair value of noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, and iii) the acquisition-date fair value of the Company's previously held equity interest in the acquiree; and b) represents the net assets acquired in the transaction.
In the second quarter of 2015, as a result of the transaction described in Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition," the Company recognized additional intangible assets. The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method under which the Company recorded the identifiable assets acquired, including indefinite-lived and definite-lived intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, at their Acquisition Date fair values, and recorded the excess of consideration transferred over the net assets acquired as goodwill.
During the first quarter of 2014, goodwill and intangible assets increased as a result of the completion of an acquisition. The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method under which the Company recorded the identifiable assets acquired - including definite-lived intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, at their acquisition date fair values, and recorded the excess of consideration transferred over the net assets acquired as goodwill.
The following table presents an analysis of intangible assets broken down between goodwill, intangible assets with an indefinite life and intangible assets with a definite life for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Goodwill
 
Intangible
assets with an
indefinite life
 
Intangible
assets with a
definite life
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
415,936

 
$
15,366

 
$
16,650

 
$
447,952

Additions
791,433

 
673,000

 
315,000

 
1,779,433

Amortization

 

 
(9,922
)
 
(9,922
)
Foreign Currency Translation
(3,775
)
 

 

 
(3,775
)
Balance at September 30, 2015
$
1,203,594

 
$
688,366

 
$
321,728

 
$
2,213,688

The following table summarizes the intangible assets and their related useful lives recorded in connection with the Catlin Acquisition as of the Acquisition Date:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Amount
Estimated Useful Life
Lloyd's - Syndicate capacity
$
660,000

Indefinite
Insurance licenses
13,000

Indefinite
Total identified indefinite life intangible assets
$
673,000

 
Lloyd's - Managing agent contracts
15,000

15 years
Distribution network
290,000

20 years
Trademarks / Trade names
10,000

2 years
Total identified definite life intangible assets
$
315,000

 
Total identified intangible assets
$
988,000

 
An explanation of the intangible assets is as follows:
Lloyd's - Syndicate capacity - The syndicate capacity of two Lloyd's syndicates, which will allow the Company to write insurance business in the Lloyd's market globally and realize the profits from that business. The value of the syndicate capacity includes the reputational value of participation in the Lloyd's market, and the value of trade names and licenses associated with syndicate ownership.
Insurance licenses - U.S. State insurance licenses owned by Catlin at the time of the Catlin Acquisition.
Lloyds - Managing agent contracts - As the managing agent for certain Lloyd's syndicates, the Company has contracts with the syndicate members to provide underwriting services, for which it earns managing agent fees and a profit commission.

42



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Distribution network - A network of hundreds of retail and wholesale brokers worldwide, including specialty and regional brokerages, which allow the Company to form closer relationships with clients and brokers worldwide and aids business retention.
Trademarks / Trade names - The Catlin trademarks / trade names are utilized to attract customers for the turnkey solutions provided under the Company's managing agent contracts, and to generate premiums from the non-Lloyd's platform underwriting products for which the Catlin brand is known.
9. Share Capital
(a) Authorized and Issued
Ordinary Shares
In connection with the Catlin Acquisition described in Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition," the Company issued 49.9 million ordinary shares to Catlin shareholders, which had an aggregate value as of the Acquisition Date of $1.85 billion.
The following table is a summary of ordinary shares issued and outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014:
(in thousands)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Balance – beginning of period
255,183

 
278,253

Exercise of options
374

 
424

Net issuance of restricted shares
1,567

 
1,246

Share buybacks (1)
(7,742
)
 
(24,740
)
Issue of shares
49,935

 

Balance – end of period
299,317

 
255,183

____________
(1)
Includes share buybacks associated with authorized share buyback programs as well as purchases related to satisfying tax withholding obligations of employees in connection with the vesting of restricted shares granted under the Company's equity compensation programs.
Buybacks of Ordinary Shares
On February 21, 2014, XL-Ireland announced that its Board of Directors approved an increase to the Share Buyback Program (the "February 2014 Program"), authorizing the purchase of up to $1.0 billion of ordinary shares, which included the amounts that remained under the previous Share Buyback Program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company purchased and canceled 1.6 million and 4.5 million ordinary shares, respectively, under the February 2014 Program for $60.0 million and $170.0 million, respectively. On August 6, 2015, XL-Ireland announced that its Board of Directors approved a new share buyback program, authorizing the purchase of up to $1.0 billion of ordinary shares (the "August 2015 Program"). This authorization also canceled approximately $97.6 million remaining under the February 2014 Program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company purchased and canceled 3.2 million ordinary shares under the August 2015 Program for $120.0 million. As of September 30, 2015, $880.0 million remained available for purchase under the August 2015 Program.
Acquisition of Non-controlling Preferred Shares
In connection with the Catlin Acquisition described in Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition," the Company acquired 0.6 million non-cumulative perpetual preferred shares issued by Catlin-Bermuda, par value of $0.01 per share, with liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus declared and unpaid dividends ("CICL Prefs"). Dividends at a rate of 7.249 percent on the liquidation preference are payable semi-annually on January 19 and July 19 in arrears as and when declared up to but not including January 2017. Thereafter, if the CICL-Prefs have not yet been redeemed, dividends will be payable quarterly at a rate equal to 2.975 percent plus the three-month LIBOR rate of the liquidation preference. The fair value of the outstanding CICL-Prefs on the date of the Catlin Acquisition was $562.3 million, which was based on the last trading price of such securities prior to the Catlin Acquisition.
(b) Stock Plans
The Company's performance incentive programs provide for grants of stock options, restricted stock, equity-classed restricted stock units, liability-classed 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,

43



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 20, "Share Capital," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for further information on the Company's performance incentive programs and associated accounting.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted approximately 2.0 million stock options with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $6.51 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
2.00
%
Risk free interest rate
1.70
%
Volatility
21.6
%
Expected lives
6.0 years

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted approximately 43,457 restricted stock awards to certain employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $1.6 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted approximately 1.5 million equity-classed restricted stock units to certain employees with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $55.5 million. Each equity-classed 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 anniversaries of the date of grant. Equity-classed 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted approximately 2.6 million liability-classed stock units to certain employees with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $94.5 million. Each liability-classed restricted stock unit represents the Company's obligation to deliver to the holder a cash payment equivalent to the value of one ordinary share. The grants may vest either in three equal installments upon the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant; or in two equal installments upon the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant. Liability-classed restricted stock units are granted at the closing market price on the day of grant and entitle the holder to receive dividends declared and are paid in cash contingent upon vesting.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted approximately 0.8 million performance units (representing a potential maximum share payout of approximately 1.6 million ordinary shares) to certain employees with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $28.1 million. The performance units issued in 2015 vest after approximately three years, subject to the achievement of stated market metrics, and entitle the holder to ordinary shares of the Company. 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 the achievement of stated market metrics along with each employee's continued service through the vesting date. Performance units issued prior to 2015 have a similar vesting schedule and range of a target number of shares, but vesting and payout are dependent upon the achievement of stated relative and absolute financial performance metrics along with each employee's continued service through the vesting date. Furthermore, performance units granted in the current year 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. There are no dividend rights associated with performance units issued prior to 2015.

44



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10. Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements
As of September 30, 2015, the Company's financing structure, which includes senior and subordinated notes, and bank and loan facilities available from a variety of sources, including commercial banks, is as follows:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Commitment/
Debt (1)
 
In Use/
Outstanding (2)
 
Commitment/
Debt (1)
 
In Use/
Outstanding (2)
Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2.30% Senior Notes due 2018
300,000

 
297,847

 
300,000

 
297,344

 5.75% Senior Notes due 2021
400,000

 
397,415

 
400,000

 
397,092

 6.375% Senior Notes due 2024
350,000

 
349,002

 
350,000

 
348,920

 4.45% Subordinated Notes due 2025
500,000

 
492,318

 

 

 6.25% Senior Notes due 2027
325,000

 
323,179

 
325,000

 
323,062

 Variable Rate Note, face amount €7m, due 2035
7,823

 
7,336

 

 

 Variable Rate Note, face amount $27m, due 2036
27,000

 
25,280

 

 

 Variable Rate Note, face amount $31m, due 2036
31,300

 
29,305

 

 

 Variable Rate Note, face amount $10m, due 2036
9,800

 
9,175

 

 

 Variable Rate Note, face amount €11m, due 2036
12,294

 
11,528

 

 

 5.25% Senior Notes due 2043
300,000

 
296,261

 
300,000

 
296,162

 5.5% Subordinated Notes due 2045
500,000

 
488,271

 

 

Total debt carrying value
$
2,763,217

 
$
2,726,917

 
$
1,675,000

 
$
1,662,580

_______________
(1)
Excluded from the table are revolving credit facilities of $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $455.9 million and $606.1 million, respectively, were utilized under these facilities to issue letters of credit, leaving $1.0 billion and $968.9 million, respectively, available for use under the revolving credit facilities.
(2)    "In Use/Outstanding" data represent September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 accreted values.
(a) Notes Payable and Debt
With the exception of the debt acquired as part of the Catlin Acquisition, as described below, all outstanding debt of the Company as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was issued by XL-Cayman, a 100% owned subsidiary of XL-Ireland. 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, including 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 25, "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, 2014.
On March 30, 2015, XL-Cayman issued $500 million of subordinated notes due March 2025, with a fixed coupon of 4.45%, that are guaranteed by XL-Ireland. The notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The notes were issued at 99.633% of the face amount and net proceeds were $492.2 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to approximately $5.9 million. These costs were deferred and will be amortized over the term of the subordinated notes.
On March 30, 2015, XL-Cayman issued $500 million of subordinated notes due March 2045, with a fixed coupon of 5.5%, that are guaranteed by XL-Ireland. The notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The notes were issued at 99.115% of the face amount and net proceeds were $488.4 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to approximately $7.2 million. These costs were deferred and will be amortized over the term of the subordinated notes.
As a result of the Catlin Acquisition, the Company assumed the following liabilities of Catlin:
Variable rate unsecured subordinated notes in the amounts of €7 million and $27 million due March 2035 and March 2036, respectively, issued by Catlin Underwriting (formerly Wellington Underwriting plc) in May 2006. The notes are subordinated to the claims of all senior creditors, as defined in the agreement governing the notes. The notes pay interest at a floating rate based on the rate on three-month deposits in U.S. dollars plus a margin of 295 basis points and 317 basis points, respectively. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. The notes are redeemable at the discretion of the issuer.

45



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Variable rate unsecured subordinated notes in the amounts of $31 million, $10 million and €11 million due September 2036, issued by Catlin Underwriting, in July 2006. The notes are subordinated to the claims of all senior creditors, as defined in the agreement governing the notes. The notes pay interest at a floating rate based on the rate on three-month deposits in U.S. dollars plus a margin of 310 basis points, 300 basis points and 300 basis points, respectively. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. The notes are redeemable at the discretion of the issuer.
XL-Cayman and the Company were in compliance with all covenants by significant margins as of September 30, 2015, and XL-Cayman and the Company currently remain in compliance with all covenants.
(b) Letter of Credit Facilities and Other Sources of Collateral
The Company has 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 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
Letter of Credit Summary:
(U.S. dollars in thousands except percentages)
September 30, 2015 (1)
 
December 31, 2014 (1)
Revolving credit facilities (2) (3)
$
1,039,100

 
$
968,900

Available letter of credit facilities - commitments (4)
$
4,850,000

 
$
3,575,000

Available letter of credit facilities - in use
$
2,538,499

 
$
1,790,561

Collateralized by certain assets of the Company’s investment portfolio
49.9
%
 
66.2
%
____________
(1)
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were eighteen and eight available letter of credit facilities, respectively.
(2)
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $976.1 million and $968.9 million, respectively, of revolving credit was available under the Company's syndicated unsecured credit agreement, which currently provides for up to $1 billion of revolving credit loans. The Company has the option to increase the size of the facilities under the syndicated secured and unsecured credit agreements by an additional $500 million across both facilities. Two bilateral facilities assumed as a result of the Catlin Acquisition with commitments totaling $150.0 million also provide for revolving credit loans. As of September 30, 2015, $63.0 million of revolving credit was available to draw under these facilities.
(3)
The credit agreements with Citicorp USA, Inc. currently provide for the issuance of letters of credit and revolving credit loans up to an aggregate amount of $345.0 million, compared to $575.0 million available under the credit agreements with Citicorp USA, Inc. as of December 31, 2014. As of September 30, 2015, $345.0 million of letters of credit were issued under these agreements, and therefore no amounts are included in this line as available to draw under these facilities. The Company also has the option to increase the maximum amount of the letters of credit and revolving credit loans available under its credit agreements with Citicorp USA, Inc. with the lender's and issuing lender's consent.
(4)
The available letter of credit facilities include approximately $1 billion that is also included in the "revolving credit facilities" line in this table.
As a result of the Catlin Acquisition, the Company has assumed the following letter of credit facilities:
A $450 million unsecured multi-bank facility available for utilization by certain subsidiaries and guaranteed by Green Holdings. The facility has a termination date of December 31, 2016.
A bilateral facility available for utilization by Catlin-Bermuda, collateralized by pledged financial assets. As of September 30, 2015, $136 million of letters of credit were issued under this facility.
A bilateral facility available for utilization by Catlin Re Switzerland Ltd, collateralized by pledged financial assets. As of September 30, 2015, $49 million of letters of credit were issued under this facility.
Four unsecured bilateral facilities available for utilization by Catlin-Bermuda and guaranteed by Green Holdings for Funds at Lloyd's purposes, amounting to a total of $375 million. One of the facilities has an expiration date of December 31, 2017, while the other three have expiration dates of December 31, 2018.
An unsecured bilateral facility valued in Australian dollars at A$50 million, available for utilization by certain subsidiaries of Catlin and guaranteed by Green Holdings, for the purpose of providing collateral to Australian beneficiaries.
Two unsecured bilateral revolving credit and letter of credit facilities, available for utilization by certain subsidiaries of Catlin and guaranteed by Green Holdings amounting to $150 million.
A facility managed by Lloyd's, acting for Catlin Syndicate 2003. As of September 30, 2015, $10 million of letters of credit were issued under this facility.
Catlin, Inc. has letters of credit amounting to $1 million issued for the benefit of various parties.

46



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

On September 8, 2015, XL-Cayman entered into a new credit agreement with Goldman Sachs Mortgage Company, as administrative agent and issuing lender, and a continuing agreement for standby letters of credit with Goldman Sachs Bank USA. On September 9, 14, and 16, 2015, XL-Cayman entered into first, second and third amendments, respectively, to such credit agreement (as amended, the Goldman Credit Agreement”). XL-Cayman entered into the Goldman Credit Agreement to replace the letter of credit capacity under a credit agreement with Citicorp USA, Inc. initially entered into on August 6, 2013 that expired by its terms on September 20, 2015.
The Goldman Credit Agreement and the continuing agreement for standby letters of credit provide for issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $200 million. XL-Cayman has the option to increase the maximum amount of letters of credit available under the Goldman Credit Agreement with the lender's and issuing lender's consent.
The commitments under the Goldman Credit Agreement expire on, and such credit facility is available until, the earlier of (i) September 20, 2017 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.
For details regarding the remaining facilities, see Item 8, Note 15(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, 2014.
11. Related Party Transactions
(a)    Investment Manager Affiliates
As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company owned minority stakes in six 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 7, "Investments in Affiliates," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(b)    Assumed Reinsurance Contracts
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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, these contracts resulted in net premiums written, net claims incurred and acquisition costs as summarized below:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net premiums written
$
5,075

 
$
31,981

 
$
36,596

 
$
68,172

Net losses and loss expenses incurred
$
1,402

 
$
12,738

 
$
10,567

 
$
27,038

Acquisition costs
$
1,874

 
$
10,969

 
$
12,269

 
$
26,522

Results through April 1, 2015 include amounts under an assumed reinsurance contract with a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARX, an insurance operating affiliate of the Company to that date. The Company disposed of its investment in ARX on April 1, 2015, and thus, after that date, all amounts under this contract are no longer reported as related party transactions. See Note 3(d), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Strategic Operating Affiliate."
(c)    New Ocean
Commencing in 2014, several of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries retrocede assumed reinsurance business to special purpose reinsurers that receive capital from funds managed by the Company's subsidiary, New Ocean Capital Management Limited, a Bermuda based company, ("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 nine months ended September 30, 2015, 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.

47



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(d)    New Energy
On July 24, 2015, as described in Note 3(b), "Acquisitions and Disposals - New Energy Risk," the Company completed its acquisition of 63.63% of the additional shares of New Energy for approximately $8.8 million, increasing its majority ownership of the entity to 94.79%. These shares are held within the XL Innovate Fund. A substantial portion of the additional shares were purchased at arm's length directly from the family trusts of a Company employee, based on a market valuation of New Energy performed by an independent 3rd party provider. The remaining 5.21% of equity shares of New Energy held by the family trusts of the employee were then contributed in-kind to XL Innovate Fund based on the share price implied by the independent valuation. Such contribution was made in partial satisfaction of the employee's aggregate 5.21% investment commitment to the Fund and resulted in XL Innovate Fund owning 100% of the net equity of New Energy, and the family trusts of the employee owning a 5.21% non-controlling equity interest in XL Innovate Fund. The employee serves as a member of the board of directors of both New Energy and XL Innovate Fund, and maintains responsibility over the business generated by New Energy. There were no other material transactions between the Company and this employee for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.
12. Variable Interest Entities
At times, the Company has utilized VIEs both indirectly and directly in the ordinary course of the Company's business.
During the third quarter of 2013, the Company, along with other investors, formed New Ocean 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 were material to the Company during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. 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 $0.4 million and $0.2 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
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 second quarter of 2014, the Company formed another new Bermuda-based investment company, New Ocean Market Value Cat Fund, Ltd. ("New Ocean MVCFL"), which is also considered a VIE under GAAP. New Ocean MVCFL primarily invests in insurance-linked securities, with a current focus on catastrophe bonds.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, New Ocean FCFL invested in a special purpose Bermuda 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. During the first quarter of 2015, New Ocean MVCFL also invested in Vector Re. Most of Vector Re’s current underwriting activity relates to reinsurance business assumed from the Company's subsidiaries. Underwriting administration and claims services are provided to Vector Re by the Company 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 New Ocean MVCFL, and by extension, Vector Re. Accordingly, included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company are the total net assets of New Ocean FCFL, New Ocean MVCFL and Vector Re of $141.5 million and $139.9 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company’s shares of revenue and net income in these VIEs were not material to the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. All inter-company transactions between the Company's entities have been eliminated in consolidation. The equity interest attributable to third party investors in New Ocean FCFL, New Ocean MVCFL and Vector Re recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries" was $55.8 million and $58.4 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

48



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13. Computation of Earnings Per Ordinary Share and Ordinary Share Equivalent
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding:
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
27,282

 
$
72,384

 
$
978,602

 
$
48,841

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, in thousands - basic
301,867

 
264,353

 
282,506

 
270,494

Basic earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding
$
0.09

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.46

 
$
0.18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding:
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, in thousands - basic
301,867

 
264,353

 
282,506

 
270,494

Impact of share-based compensation and certain conversion features, in thousands
5,087

 
4,787

 
4,967

 
4,418

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, in thousands - diluted
306,954

 
269,140

 
287,473

 
274,912

Diluted earnings per ordinary share & ordinary share equivalents outstanding
$
0.09

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.40

 
$
0.18

Dividends per ordinary share
$
0.20

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.52

 
$
0.48

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, ordinary shares available for issuance under share-based compensation plans of 2.6 million and 4.7 million, respectively, and 2.4 million and 5.5 million, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share because the assumed exercise or issuance of such shares would be anti-dilutive.
14. Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Financial Guarantee Exposures
The Company's outstanding financial guarantee contracts as of September 30, 2015 provide credit support for a variety of collateral types with the exposures comprised of an aggregate amount of $80.8 million notional financial guarantee on two notes backed by zero coupon long dated bonds and bank perpetual securities, including some issued by European financial institutions. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total gross claim liability recorded was nil and the contracts had a weighted average contractual term to maturity of 24.5 years and 25.2 years, respectively.
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. As of September 30, 2015, 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,

49



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

both individually and in the aggregate, will not result in losses having a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or liquidity as of September 30, 2015.
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 as of September 30, 2015, no such disclosures were considered necessary.
15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The changes in AOCI, net of tax, by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
Three months ended September 30, 2015
(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
$
1,168,964

 
$
(64,614
)
 
$
(9,508
)
 
$
(21,143
)
 
$
2,475

 
$
1,076,174

OCI before reclassifications
(4,334
)
 

 
(24,267
)
 
93

 

 
(28,508
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(94,393
)
 
2,318

 

 

 
12

 
(92,063
)
Tax benefit (expense)
(2,213
)
 
(181
)
 
1,873

 

 

 
(521
)
Net current period OCI - net of tax
(100,940
)
 
2,137

 
(22,394
)
 
93

 
12

 
(121,092
)
Balance, end of period, net of tax
$
1,068,024

 
$
(62,477
)
 
$
(31,902
)
 
$
(21,050
)
 
$
2,487

 
$
955,082

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax
$
1,301,178

 
$
(84,258
)
 
$
1,059

 
$
(13,278
)
 
$
2,333

 
$
1,207,034

OCI before reclassifications
51,133

 

 
(14,167
)
 
418

 

 
37,384

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(28,795
)
 
6,078

 
87

 

 
83

 
(22,547
)
Tax benefit (expense)
7,906

 
(115
)
 
2,267

 

 

 
10,058

Net current period OCI - net of tax
30,244

 
5,963

 
(11,813
)
 
418

 
83

 
24,895

Balance, end of period, net of tax
$
1,331,422

 
$
(78,295
)
 
$
(10,754
)
 
$
(12,860
)
 
$
2,416

 
$
1,231,929

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period, net of tax
$
1,590,114

 
$
(76,047
)
 
$
(11,188
)
 
$
(20,789
)
 
$
2,368

 
$
1,484,458

OCI before reclassifications
(294,341
)
 

 
(28,225
)
 
(261
)
 

 
(322,827
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(256,731
)
 
13,916

 

 

 
119

 
(242,696
)
Tax benefit (expense)
28,982

 
(346
)
 
7,511

 

 

 
36,147

Net current period OCI - net of tax
(522,090
)
 
13,570

 
(20,714
)
 
(261
)
 
119

 
(529,376
)
Balance, end of period, net of tax
$
1,068,024

 
$
(62,477
)
 
$
(31,902
)
 
$
(21,050
)
 
$
2,487

 
$
955,082

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 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
679,732

 

 
(23,688
)
 
379

 

 
656,423

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(125,770
)
 
11,127

 
87

 

 
303

 
(114,253
)
Tax benefit (expense)
(44,972
)
 
(232
)
 
(1,694
)
 

 

 
(46,898
)
Net current period OCI - net of tax
508,990

 
10,895

 
(25,295
)
 
379

 
303

 
495,272

Balance, end of period, net of tax
$
1,331,422

 
$
(78,295
)
 
$
(10,754
)
 
$
(12,860
)
 
$
2,416

 
$
1,231,929

____________
(1)
Included in these amounts is the impact of Shadow Adjustments as defined in Note 6, "Investments.". As of December 31, 2014 the cumulative impact of the Shadow Adjustments was $445.1 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net movements of $(127.4) million were recorded, resulting in a total cumulative net impact of Shadow Adjustments on future policy benefit reserves of $317.7 million as of September 30, 2015.

50



XL GROUP PLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
Gross Amount Reclassified From AOCI
Details About AOCI Components
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Three months ended September 30, 2015
 
Three months ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(97,761
)
 
$
(18,665
)
 
$
(247,339
)
 
$
(151,049
)
 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold and net unrealized gains (losses) on investments Trading
 
44,036

 
8,246

 
79,158

 
43,655

 
OTTI on investments
 
$
(40,668
)
 
$
(18,376
)
 
$
(88,550
)
 
$
(18,376
)
 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
 
$
(94,393
)
 
$
(28,795
)
 
$
(256,731
)
 
$
(125,770
)
 
Total before tax
 
1,253

 
956

 
5,034

 
5,108

 
Provision (benefit) for income tax
 
$
(93,140
)
 
$
(27,839
)
 
$
(251,697
)
 
$
(120,662
)
 
Net of tax
OTTI losses recognized in OCI:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,617

 
$
5,686

 
$
13,086

 
$
9,030

 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold
 
701

 
392

 
830

 
2,097

 
OTTI on investments transferred to (from) OCI
 
$
2,318

 
$
6,078

 
$
13,916

 
$
11,127

 
Total before tax
 
(10
)
 
(3
)
 
(25
)
 
(120
)
 
Provision (benefit) for income tax
 
$
2,308

 
$
6,075

 
$
13,891

 
$
11,007

 
Net of tax
Foreign currency translation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange relating to affiliate investments
$

 
$
87

 
$

 
$
87

 
Exchange gains (losses) - before tax
 

 

 

 

 
Provision (benefit) for income tax
 
$

 
$
87

 
$

 
$
87

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
$
12

 
$
83

 
$
119

 
$
303

 
Interest Expense
 

 

 

 

 
Provision (benefit) for income tax
 
$
12

 
$
83

 
$
119

 
$
303

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period, gross of tax
$
(92,063
)
 
$
(22,547
)
 
$
(242,696
)
 
$
(114,253
)
 
 
Tax benefit (expense)
1,243

 
953

 
5,009

 
4,988

 
 
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
$
(90,820
)
 
$
(21,594
)
 
$
(237,687
)
 
$
(109,265
)
 
 


51



ITEM 2.
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The following is a discussion of our financial condition, 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, 2014.
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 reported in Items 7 and 8, respectively, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
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 general, and to the insurance and reinsurance sectors in particular (both as to underwriting and investment matters). Statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "may," "could," or "would" 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, in particular those related to the mid-August 2015 Tianjin, China port explosion;
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 the projected amount of ceded reinsurance recoverables and the credit ratings and creditworthiness of reinsurers;
actual loss experience from insured or reinsured events and the timing of claims payments being faster or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being slower than we anticipated;
increased competition on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors, such as the increased inflow of third party capital into reinsurance markets, 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;
the impact of changes in the global financial markets, such as the effects of inflation on our business, including on pricing and reserving, increased government involvement or intervention in the financial services industry, changes in interest rates, credit spreads and 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, future financing activities and access to such markets or general financial condition;

52



our ability to successfully implement our business strategy;
our ability to successfully attract and raise additional third party capital for existing or new investment vehicles;
the potential impact on us from government-mandated insurance coverage for acts of terrorism and other regulation;
changes in credit ratings or rating agency policies or practices;
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;
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 fixed maturity 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 our wholly-owned subsidiaries XLIT Ltd. ("XL-Cayman"), XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd ("XLIB") and Catlin Insurance Company Ltd ("Catlin-Bermuda");
the potential effect of legislative or regulatory developments applicable to us or our subsidiaries, brokers or customers in the jurisdictions in which we operate, such as those that could impact the financial markets or increase our business costs and required capital levels, 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 business disruption, economic contraction or economic sanctions due to global political and social conditions such as war, terrorism or other hostilities, or pandemics;
the actual amount of new and renewal business and acceptance of our products and services, including new products and services and the materialization of risks related to such products and services;
changes in the availability, cost or quality of ceded reinsurance;
changes in the distribution or placement of risks due to increased consolidation of insurance and reinsurance brokers and bankruptcies or other financial concerns of companies insofar as they affect property and casualty insurance and reinsurance coverages or claims that we may have as a counterparty;
inability to retain key personnel, including in connection with the integration of Catlin Group Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Catlin");
changes in accounting standards, policies or practices or the application thereof;
the effects of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including our ability to modify our internal control over financial reporting as a result of any of such transactions, changes to our risk appetite as a result of such transactions and our ability to realize the value or benefits expected as a result of such transactions, including the life retrocession arrangements and the acquisition of Catlin;
changes in general economic conditions, including new or continued sovereign debt concerns in Euro-Zone countries or downgrades of U.S. securities by credit rating agencies, which could affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows;
changes in applicable tax laws, tax treaties or tax regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof;
judicial decisions and rulings, new theories of liability or emerging claims coverage issues, legal tactics and settlement terms;
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, 2014 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 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Executive Overview" included in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2014. That discussion is updated with the disclosures set forth below.

53



On May 1, 2015 (the "Acquisition Date"), we completed our acquisition (the "Catlin Acquisition") of the entire issued share capital of Catlin for $4.1 billion in cash and ordinary shares of XL-Ireland, as contemplated by that certain Implementation Agreement, dated January 9, 2015 (the "Implementation Agreement"), by and among XL-Ireland, Green Holdings Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Green Holdings"), and Catlin, pursuant to which Catlin was merged with and into Green Holdings. Prior to the closing of the Catlin Acquisition, Catlin was a publicly traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange and headquartered in Bermuda. Catlin, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, provided property, casualty and specialty insurance and reinsurance coverage on a worldwide basis. Our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 include the results of operations of Catlin for the period from May 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015. See Item 1, Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information with respect to the Catlin Acquisition.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
27,282

 
$
72,384

 
$
978,602

 
$
48,841

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share – basic
$
0.09

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.46

 
$
0.18

Earnings (loss) per ordinary share – diluted
$
0.09

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.40

 
$
0.18

Weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents, in thousands – basic
301,867

 
264,353

 
282,506

 
270,494

Weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents, in thousands – diluted
306,954

 
269,140

 
287,473

 
274,912

Key Financial Measures
The following are some of the financial measures management considers important in evaluating our operating performance:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios and per share amounts)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Underwriting profit (loss) - P&C operations
$
114,118

 
$
144,375

 
(21.0
)%
 
$
469,733

 
$
457,196

 
2.7
 %
Combined ratio - P&C operations
95.3
%
 
90.1
%
 
5.2pts

 
91.9
%
 
89.4
%
 
2.5pts

Net investment income - P&C operations (1)
$
168,306

 
$
158,404

 
6.3
 %
 
$
481,699

 
$
482,191

 
(0.1
)%
Operating net income (2)
$
70,792

 
$
187,088

 
(62.2
)%
 
$
510,965

 
$
705,314

 
(27.6
)%
Operating net income per ordinary share (2)
$
0.23

 
$
0.70

 
$
(0.47
)
 
$
1.78

 
$
2.57

 
$
(0.79
)
Annualized return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity (2)
0.9
%
 
2.9
%
 
(2.0)pts

 
11.9
%
 
0.7
%
 
11.2pts

Annualized operating return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity (2)
2.3
%
 
7.5
%
 
(5.2)pts

 
6.2
%
 
9.5
%
 
(3.3)pts

Annualized operating return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity excluding unrealized gains and losses on investments (2)
2.6
%
 
8.6
%
 
(6.0)pts

 
7.0
%
 
10.5
%
 
(3.5)pts

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
(U.S. dollars)
September 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2015
 
Change
(Three Months)
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
(Nine Months)
Book value per ordinary share (2)
$
39.88

 
$
40.30

 
$
(0.42
)
 
$
39.88

 
$
39.31

 
$
0.57

Fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share (2)
$
31.95

 
$
32.53

 
$
(0.58
)
 
$
31.95

 
$
36.79

 
$
(4.84
)
____________
(1)
Net investment income - P&C operations includes net investment income related to the net results from structured products and excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, as defined below.
(2)
Represents a non-GAAP financial measure as discussed further below.

54



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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was consistent with the combined ratio, discussed below.
Combined ratio – P&C operations
The following table presents the ratios for our P&C operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Loss and loss expense ("loss") ratio
60.9
%
 
59.1
%
 
1.8

 
58.5
%
 
58.5
%
 

Acquisition expense ratio
16.8
%
 
12.4
%
 
4.4

 
15.5
%
 
12.9
%
 
2.6

Operating expense ratio
17.6
%
 
18.6
%
 
(1.0
)
 
17.9
%
 
18.0
%
 
(0.1
)
Underwriting expense ratio
34.4
%
 
31.0
%
 
3.4

 
33.4
%
 
30.9
%
 
2.5

Combined ratio
95.3
%
 
90.1
%
 
5.2

 
91.9
%
 
89.4
%
 
2.5

Three months ended September 30, 2015 vs. 2014: The 5.2 percentage point increase in our combined ratio was the result of a underwriting expense ratio increase of 3.4 percentage points, which was mainly driven by an increase in commissions expense in both segments as a result of the Catlin Acquisition, plus an increase in the loss ratio of 1.8 percentage points, mostly attributable to losses in our Reinsurance segment related to the Tianjin port explosion.
Nine months ended September 30, 2015 vs. 2014: The 2.5 percentage point increase in our combined ratio was the result of the acquisition expense ratio increase of 2.6 percentage points, which was mainly driven by increases in commissions expense in the Insurance segment. Increased net favorable prior year loss development in the Reinsurance segment is offset by the losses related to the Tianjin port explosion.
For further information on our combined ratio, see "Income Statement Analysis" below.
Net investment income - Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
This measure excludes income from assets held to support the transaction outlined in Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary" ("Life Funds Withheld Assets"), 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, and 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

55



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 nine months ended September 30, 2015.
Operating net income and Operating net income per ordinary 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 - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax, (2) our net realized gains and losses on investments sold - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax, (3) our net realized gains and losses on investments sold - Life Funds Withheld Assets, other than temporary impairments ("OTTI") - Life Funds Withheld Assets, and net unrealized gains and losses on investments, trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets, (4) our net realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives, net of tax, (5) our net realized and unrealized gains and losses on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax, (6) our share of items (2) and (4) for our insurance company affiliates for the periods presented, (7) our loss on the sale of the life reinsurance subsidiary, net of tax, (8) our foreign exchange gains and losses, net of tax, (9) our expenses related to the Catlin Acquisition, net of tax and (10) our gain on the sale of our operating affiliate. 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.
Operating net income per ordinary 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2014 to 2013
ROE
0.9
%
 
2.9
%
 
(2.0)pts

 
11.9
%
 
0.7
%
 
11.2pts
Three months ended September 30, 2015 vs. 2014: The decrease in our ROE for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 was mostly due to a decrease in our net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, a result of our increased loss ratio as noted above, as well as increased corporate operating expenses, which include relevant integration expenses.
Nine months ended September 30, 2015 vs. 2014: The increase in our ROE for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 was due to an increase in our net income attributable to ordinary shareholders during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. This impact primarily reflects the gain on the sale of our operating affiliate, ARX Holding Corp ("ARX") during the second quarter of 2015, offset slightly by a decrease in operating net income attributable to the factors discussed in Operating ROE below. In addition, the prior year was impacted by a loss on the sale of our life reinsurance subsidiary.
For more information on the Catlin Acquisition, the gain on the sale of our operating affiliate, and the sale of our life reinsurance subsidiary, see Item 1, Note 3, "Acquisitions and Disposals," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

56



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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Operating ROE
2.3
%
 
7.5
%
 
(5.2)pts

 
6.2
%
 
9.5
%
 
(3.3)pts

Three months ended September 30, 2015 vs. 2014: The decrease in our Operating ROE for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was the result of lower underwriting income, due to the increased combined ratio as noted above, and increased corporate operating expenses, including relevant integration costs, as compared to the same periods of 2014. In addition, Operating ROE was adversely impacted by an increase in equity due to the additional shares issued as a result of the Catlin Acquisition. A detailed discussion of our individual segment operating results is included below under "Income Statement Analysis".
Nine months ended September 30, 2015 vs. 2014: The decrease in our our Operating ROE for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was a result of increased corporate operating expenses, including relevant integration costs, and interest expense due to a new debt issuance plus decreases in net investment income and net income from affiliates, partially offset by increased underwriting income produced by the additional premium generated subsequent to the Catlin Acquisition. In addition, Operating ROE was adversely impacted by an increase in equity due to the additional shares issued as a result of the Catlin Acquisition.
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' 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Operating ROE ex-UGL
2.6
%
 
8.6
%
 
(6.0)pts

 
7.0
%
 
10.5
%
 
(3.5)pts

Three and nine months ended 2015 vs. 2014: The decrease in our Operating ROE ex-UGL was mainly the result of the drivers 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

57



shareholders' equity was $11.9 billion and $10.0 billion, and the number of ordinary shares outstanding was 299.4 million and 255.2 million, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Ordinary shares outstanding include all ordinary shares 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 as of the dates indicated below:
(U.S. dollars)
September 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2015
 
Change
(Three Months)
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
(Nine Months)
Book value per ordinary share
$
39.88

 
$
40.30

 
$
(0.42
)
 
$
39.88

 
$
39.31

 
$
0.57

Three months ended September 30, 2015: The decrease in our book value per ordinary share was primarily as a result of unrealized losses experienced during the third quarter, plus to a lesser degree, the effect of adverse foreign exchange on accumulated other comprehensive income.
Nine months ended September 30, 2015: The increase in our book value per ordinary share was a result of an increase in our net income attributable to ordinary shareholders primarily as a result of the gain on sale of our operating affiliate, ARX, partially offset by the increase in outstanding shares as a result of the Catlin Acquisition, as well as additional net unrealized losses in our investment portfolio during 2015.
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 as of the dates indicated below:
(U.S. dollars)
September 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2015
 
Change
(Three Months)
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
(Nine Months)
Fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share
$
31.95

 
$
32.53

 
$
(0.58
)
 
$
31.95

 
$
36.79

 
$
(4.84
)
Three months ended September 30, 2015: The decrease in our fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share was a result of the decrease of our book value per ordinary share as discussed above.
Nine months ended September 30, 2015: The decrease in our fully diluted tangible book value per ordinary share was primarily the result of increased goodwill and intangible assets acquired as part of the Catlin Acquisition in exchange for cash and equity consideration.



58



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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except ratios and per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
27,282

 
$
72,384

 
$
978,602

 
$
48,841

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets (1)
126,140

 
201,264

 
116,333

 
218,810

Net realized (gains) losses on investments and net unrealized (gains) losses on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(51,608
)
 
5,472

 
(145,513
)
 
13,619

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(46,586
)
 
(56,474
)
 
(143,869
)
 
(75,639
)
Foreign exchange revaluation (gains) losses on and other income and expense items related to Life Funds Withheld Assets
(8,633
)
 
(2,186
)
 
3,578

 
(2,167
)
Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary, net of tax

 

 

 
621,323

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding Contribution from Life Retrocession Arrangements
46,595

 
220,460

 
809,131

 
824,787

Net realized (gains) losses on investments sold - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
1,444

 
(8,860
)
 
(3,743
)
 
(104,898
)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives
8,158

 
(5,131
)
 
(57,030
)
 
(18,537
)
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments and derivatives related to the Company's insurance company affiliates, net of tax
(14
)
 
8

 
1,239

 
(2,728
)
Exchange (gains) losses, net of tax
13,364

 
(19,389
)
 
38,727

 
6,690

Expenses related to Catlin acquisition, net of tax
1,245

 

 
63,048

 

Gain on sale of operating affiliate

 

 
(340,407
)
 

Operating net income (loss)
$
70,792

 
$
187,088

 
$
510,965

 
$
705,314

Per ordinary share results:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
$
0.09

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.40

 
$
0.18

Operating net income (loss)
$
0.23

 
$
0.70

 
$
1.78

 
$
2.57

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
301,867

 
264,353

 
282,506

 
270,494

Diluted - Net income
306,954

 
269,140

 
287,473

 
274,912

Diluted - Operating net income
306,954

 
269,140

 
287,473

 
274,912

Return on ordinary shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Closing ordinary shareholders' equity (at period end)
$
11,938,229

 
$
9,841,054

 
$
11,938,229

 
$
9,841,054

Unrealized (gain) loss on investments, net of tax
$
(1,005,547
)
 
$
(1,253,127
)
 
$
(1,005,547
)
 
$
(1,253,127
)
Average ordinary shareholders' equity for the period excluding unrealized gains and losses on investments
$
11,037,815

 
$
8,702,648

 
$
9,726,183

 
$
8,926,159

Average ordinary shareholders' equity for the period
$
12,092,764

 
$
9,937,672

 
$
10,985,990

 
$
9,919,344

Operating net income (loss)
$
70,792

 
$
187,088

 
$
510,965

 
$
705,314

Annualized operating net income (loss)
$
283,168

 
$
748,352

 
$
681,287

 
$
940,419

Annualized return on ordinary shareholders' equity - operating net income
2.3
%
 
7.5
%
 
6.2
%
 
9.5
%
Annualized return on ordinary shareholders' equity excluding unrealized gains and losses on investments - operating net income
2.6
%
 
8.6
%
 
7.0
%
 
10.5
%
____________
(1)
Investment results for the Life Funds Withheld 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. Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative associated with these Life Retrocession Arrangements are grouped within "Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets" in the reconciliation above.

59



SIGNIFICANT ITEMS AFFECTING THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our net income and other financial measures as shown above for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 have been affected by, among other things, the following significant items:
1)    The Catlin Acquisition
2)    The Tianjin, China port explosion
3)    The sale of our interest in our operating affiliate, ARX
4)    The current underwriting environment; and
5)    Market movement impacts on our investment portfolio.
1)     Catlin Acquisition
On May 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Catlin for $4.1 billion, as contemplated by the Implementation Agreement by and among XL-Ireland, Green Holdings and Catlin.
Pursuant to the terms of the Implementation Agreement, the Catlin Acquisition was implemented by way of a scheme of arrangement (the "Scheme") under Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended (the "Companies Act"), and sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Bermuda (the "Court"). Immediately after such Court action, Catlin was merged with and into Green Holdings under Section 104H of the Companies Act, with Green Holdings as the surviving company, pursuant to the terms of that certain Merger Agreement, dated January 9, 2015 (the "Merger Agreement"), among XL-Ireland, Green Holdings and Catlin.
Pursuant to the terms of the Implementation Agreement, XL-Ireland acquired each ordinary share of Catlin, par value $0.01 per share ("Catlin Shares"), for consideration per Catlin Share (the "Acquisition Consideration") equal to 388 pence in cash and 0.130 of an XL-Ireland ordinary share, par value $0.01 per share ("XL Shares"), subject to the mix and match facility set forth in the Implementation Agreement. The newly-issued XL Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The XL Shares issued in connection with the Catlin Acquisition were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") provided by Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act.
XL-Ireland issued approximately 49.9 million XL Shares and paid approximately £1.49 billion in cash to the holders of Catlin Shares as Acquisition Consideration pursuant to the terms of the Scheme.
Transaction-related Costs
We incurred certain acquisition and financing costs associated with the transaction. We have recorded $63.0 million of these costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, of which $48.5 million has been included in Operating Expense and $14.5 million has been included in Interest Expense.
Transaction costs included in Operating Expense primarily consist of due diligence, legal, advisory and investment banking costs. Pursuant to the terms of the Implementation Agreement, Catlin was required to pay its own costs and expenses in relation to the negotiation, preparation, execution and implementation of the Catlin Acquisition. Costs incurred by Catlin were recorded and paid by Catlin prior to the Acquisition Date and are not included within our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
As a part of the ongoing integration of Catlin's operations, the Company incurs costs associated with restructuring the systems, processes and workforce. These costs include such items as severance, retention, facilities and consulting and other costs. The Company separately identifies such costs and includes these expenses within Corporate and Other:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Severance related costs
 
Retention and other compensation costs
 
Facilities-related costs
 
Consulting and other
Costs incurred in 2015
$
27,778

 
$
16,363

 
$
6,689

 
$
32,215

2015 payments
14,078

 
7,343

 
6,689

 
23,723

Liabilities at September 30, 2015
$
13,700

 
$
9,020

 
$

 
$
8,492


60



2)     Tianjin Port Explosion
In August 2015, a large loss event occurred in Tianjin, China. Our preliminary estimated losses related to the port explosion are $95.7 million, of which 26% is attributable to the Insurance segment and 74% to the Reinsurance segment.
Our preliminary loss estimates are based upon our review of individual treaties and policies expected to be impacted and client data received to date and has taken into account current total insured market loss estimates, from both published sources and our internal analyses. Given there is currently a wide range of estimates for the extent of total economic and insured industry losses for these events, our loss estimates involve the exercise of considerable judgment and are accordingly subject to revision as additional information becomes available. Actual losses may differ materially from these preliminary estimates.
3)     Sale of Operating Affiliate
On April 1, 2015, XL Re Ltd ("XL Re"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of XL-Ireland, completed the previously announced sale of all of its shares in ARX to The Progressive Corporation ("Progressive") pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement with Progressive. XL Re's shares in ARX represented approximately 40.6% of ARX's outstanding capital stock on a fully diluted basis at the time of the announcement. The carrying value of XL Re's shares in ARX was $220.2 million at the time of the sale.
XL Re received $560.6 million in proceeds from the transaction, which was based upon the consolidated tangible net book value of ARX and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014, and certain other factors. Thus, the Company recorded a gain of $340.4 million as a result of this transaction, which is reflected in the unaudited consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
4)     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
Overall rates were down 2 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2015, driven particularly by shorter-tail lines, such as property, energy and aerospace. During the quarter, our Casualty and Professional divisions were down 1% with only cybertech and North American environmental businesses achieving material rate increases. Our Specialty division was down 2%, largely reflecting continued competitive conditions in the aviation lines. Our Energy, Property and Construction division was most severely impacted, with pricing down in the mid-single digits, led by reductions in the energy book driven largely by the recent fall in oil prices.
Growth in gross premiums written across the Insurance segment was strong across all of our underwriting divisions, driven largely by the Catlin Acquisition. While our year-to-date results only reflect activity of the acquired Catlin business since the Acquisition Date, when we evaluate both legacy organizations over the quarter and year and normalize for foreign exchange, our growth is roughly 1% for the quarter and 3% for the year to date. While this is a decrease compared to prior quarters, it is consistent with market conditions.
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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we continued to experience deteriorating rates across most lines and regions. On a year to date basis, global property catastrophe rates fell roughly 7.5%, other excess of loss covers fell 5% and ceding commissions on pro rata treaties grew 1 to 1.5 points. The Reinsurance segment continues its disciplined underwriting approach during these very challenging market conditions, and we are encouraged to see signs that rate decreases are decelerating across the reinsurance marketplace.

61



5)     Market Movement Impacts on Our Investment Portfolio (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the negative mark to market change of $91.1 million on our available for sale ("AFS") investments was primarily driven by a fall in value of the equity portfolio largely in line with the negative equity market performance. This represents an approximately 0.2% depreciation in the average fair market value of assets for the three months ended September 30, 2015.
The following table provides further detail regarding the movements in relevant credit and equity markets, as well as in government interest rates, using selected market indices during the three months ended September 30, 2015:
 
Interest Rate Movement for the three months
ended September 30, 2015 (1)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents increases / decreases
in interest rates)
 
Credit Spread Movement for the three months
ended September 30, 2015 (2)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents widening / tightening
of credit spreads)
 
Equity Indices Price Movement for the three months
ended September 30, 2015 (1)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents increases / decreases
in the equity index price)
United States
-29 basis points (5 year Treasury)
 
+30 basis points (US Corporate A rated)
 
-9.9% (MSCI All Countries World Index)
 
 
 
+5 basis points (US Mortgage Master Index)
 
-6.9% (S&P500 Index)
 
 
 
+2 basis points (US CMBS, AAA rated)
 
 
United Kingdom
-26 basis points (10 year Gilt)
 
+27 basis points (UK Corporate, AA rated)
 
 
Euro-zone
-8 basis points (5 year Bund)
 
+24 basis points (Europe Corporate, A rated)
 
 
____________
(1)
Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.
(2)
Source: Merrill Lynch Global Indices.
Net realized losses on investments in the three months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $0.2 million, including net realized gains of $42.5 million from sales of fixed maturities offset by net realized losses of approximately $42.7 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.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the negative mark to market change of $366.1 million on our AFS investments was primarily driven by credit spread widening and a reduction in unrealized gains in the equity portfolio. This represents an approximately 0.8% depreciation in the average fair market value of assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
The following table provides further detail regarding the movements in relevant credit and equity markets, as well as in government interest rates, using selected market indices during the nine months ended September 30, 2015:
 
Interest Rate Movement for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (1)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents increases / decreases
in interest rates)
 
Credit Spread Movement for the nine months
ended September 30, 2015 (2)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents widening / tightening
of credit spreads)
 
Equity Indices Price Movement for the nine months
ended September 30, 2015 (1)
(‘+’/‘-’ represents increases / decreases
in the equity index price)
United States
-30 basis points (5 year Treasury)
 
+34 basis points (US Corporate A rated)
 
-8.5% (MSCI All Countries World Index)
 
 
 
+13 basis points (US Mortgage Master Index)
 
-6.7% (S&P500 Index)
 
 
 
+11 basis points (US CMBS, AAA rated)
 
 
United Kingdom
+1 basis points (10 year Gilt)
 
+24 basis points (UK Corporate, AA rated)
 
 
Euro-zone
-2 basis points (5 year Bund)
 
+46 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $8.8 million, including net realized gains of $78.6 million from sales of fixed maturities partially offset by net realized losses of approximately $69.9 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.

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OTHER KEY FOCUSES OF MANAGEMENT
We remain focused on, among other things, managing capital, enhancing enterprise risk management capabilities and monitoring regulatory change.  In addition, in connection with the closing of our acquisition of Catlin, we are focused on both successfully integrating our respective businesses, including culture, products, internal controls, procedures and systems, as well as capitalizing on the respective strengths and talents of both organizations.
Catlin Integration
We announced the closing of the Catlin Acquisition on May 1, 2015. Management is highly focused on successfully integrating Catlin and realizing the anticipated synergies associated with this recent significant acquisition. Following the initial announcement of the proposed Catlin Acquisition, management developed a comprehensive integration plan that identifies key areas of focus and action plans in anticipation of closing. Examples of this include the development of proposed operating models and leadership structures, talent management and system and process integration roadmaps for structural and organizational design changes. These efforts have been further broken down into multiple work streams led by an integration steering committee and a project management team that includes colleagues from both organizations. Management, the integration steering committee and the project management team have continued to implement this integration plan since the closing of the Catlin Acquisition.
Capital Management
The management of our capital is fundamental to our business model and our ability to underwrite business.
Buybacks of Ordinary Shares
On February 21, 2014, XL-Ireland announced that its Board of Directors approved an increase to our share buyback program (the "Share Buyback Program"), authorizing the purchase of up to $1.0 billion of our ordinary shares, which included the amounts that remained available for purchase under the previous Share Buyback Program.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company purchased and canceled 1.6 million and 4.5 million ordinary shares, respectively, under the February 2014 Program for $60.0 million and $170.0 million, respectively.
On August 6, 2015, XL-Ireland announced that its Board of Directors approved a new share buyback program, authorizing the purchase of up to $1.0 billion of ordinary shares (the "August 2015 Program"). This authorization replaced the approximately $97.6 million remaining under the February 2014 Program.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company purchased and canceled 3.2 million ordinary shares under the August 2015 Program for $120.0 million. As of September 30, 2015, $880.0 million remained available for purchase under the August 2015 Program.
All share buybacks were carried out by way of redemption in accordance with Irish law and our constitutional documents. All shares so redeemed were canceled upon redemption.
Issuance of the 4.45% Subordinated Debt due March 2025
On March 30, 2015, XL-Cayman issued $500 million of subordinated notes due March 2025, with a fixed coupon of 4.45%, that are guaranteed by XL-Ireland. The securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The notes were issued at 99.633% of the face amount and net proceeds were $492.2 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $5.9 million. These costs were deferred and will be amortized over the term of the subordinated notes.
Issuance of the 5.5% Subordinated Debt due March 2045
On March 30, 2015, XL-Cayman issued $500 million of subordinated notes due March 2045, with a fixed coupon of 5.5%, that are guaranteed by XL-Ireland. The securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The notes were issued at 99.115% of the face amount and net proceeds were $488.4 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $7.2 million. These costs were deferred and will be amortized over the term of the subordinated notes.
Catlin Acquisition - Bridge Facility
We engaged in capital management activity in support of the Catlin Acquisition. XL-Cayman, as borrower, XL-Ireland, X.L. America, Inc., XLIB, XL Re Ltd, and XL Life Ltd, as guarantors, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto entered into a senior unsecured 364-Day Bridge Loan Agreement providing for a £1.6 billion Bridge Facility (the "Bridge Facility"). On April 8, 2015, we had deposited a sufficient amount of cash, cash equivalents and U.S. government securities in escrow to discharge the cash portion of the Catlin Acquisition. Accordingly, and pursuant to the terms of the Bridge Facility, on that date we terminated the commitments under the Bridge Facility.

63



Risk Management
Our risk appetite framework guides our strategies relating to, among other things, capital preservation, earnings volatility, capital at risk, operational loss, liquidity standards, claims paying rating and capital structure. This framework also addresses our tolerance to risks from material individual events (e.g., natural or man- made catastrophes such as terrorism), our investment portfolio and realistic disaster scenarios that cross multiple lines of business (and risks related to some or all of the above that may occur concurrently).
In relation to event risk management, we establish net underwriting limits for individual large events as follows:
1.
We impose limits for each natural catastrophe peril region at a 1% tail value at risk (“TVaR”) probability. This statistic indicates the average amount of net loss expected to be incurred if a loss above the 1% exceedance probability level has occurred.
2.
For each event type other than natural catastrophes, we impose limits at a 1% exceedance probability. If we were to deploy the full limit, for any given event type, there would be a 1% probability that an event would occur during the next year that would result in a net underwriting loss in excess of the limit.
3.
We also impose limits for certain other event types at a 0.4% exceedance probability as described in further detail below. If we were to deploy the full limit, for any such given event type, there would be a 0.4% probability that an event would occur during the next year that would result in a net underwriting loss in excess of the limit.
For planning purposes and to calibrate 2015 risk tolerances, we set our underwriting limits as a percent of June 30, 2015 Adjusted Tangible Capital (“Adjusted Tangible Capital”). Adjusted Tangible Capital is defined as Total Shareholders’ Equity plus (i) outstanding subordinated notes due 2025 and 2045, less (ii) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, less (iii) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") (excluding certain net balances associated with Life Funds Withheld Assets). These limits may be recalibrated, from time to time, to reflect material changes in Total Shareholders’ Equity that may occur, at the discretion of management and as overseen by the Board.
Tiered risk tolerances are set for natural catastrophes, terrorism, other realistic disaster scenarios, credit risk, country risk, longevity risk and mortality risk. In setting our risk tolerances we consider such factors as:
Anticipated risk adjusted returns;
Strategic risk preferences;
Relativity to peers;
Shareholder expectations;
Robustness of exposure assessment methodology; and
Projected enterprise loss potential.
Per event 1% TVaR underwriting limits for North Atlantic Windstorm are set at a level not to exceed approximately 25% of Adjusted Tangible Capital. Per event 1% TVaR underwriting limits for North American Earthquake are set at a level not to exceed approximately 20% of Adjusted Tangible Capital. Per event 1% TVaR underwriting limits for all other natural catastrophe peril regions are set below the per event 1% TVaR limits described above.
The largest per event 1% exceedance probability underwriting limit for terrorism and other realistic disaster scenarios is set at a level not to exceed approximately 13.5% of Adjusted Tangible Capital; limits at the per event 1% exceedance probability for the remaining terrorism and realistic disaster scenarios are set below this level.
The largest per event 1% exceedance probability underwriting limit for country risk is set at a level not to exceed approximately 7% of Adjusted Tangible Capital.
The largest per event 1% exceedance probability underwriting limit for mortality risk is set at a level not to exceed approximately 6.1% of Adjusted Tangible Capital.
The largest per event 1% exceedance probability underwriting limit for longevity risk is set at a level not to exceed approximately 1.5% of Adjusted Tangible Capital.
The largest per event 0.4% exceedance probability underwriting limit for certain terrorism events is set at a level not to exceed approximately 18% of Adjusted Tangible Capital; limits at the per event 0.4% exceedance probability for the remaining terrorism event scenarios are set below this level.

64



The largest per event 0.4% exceedance probability underwriting limit for mortality risk is set at a level not to exceed approximately 8.1% of Adjusted Tangible Capital.
The largest per event 0.4% exceedance probability underwriting limit for longevity risk is set at a level not to exceed approximately 2.0% of Adjusted Tangible Capital.
In all instances, the above referenced underwriting limits reflect pre-tax losses net of reinsurance and include inwards and outwards reinstatement premiums related to the specific events being measured. The limits do not contemplate underwriting profits expected to be generated in the absence of catastrophic loss activity.
In setting underwriting limits, we also consider such factors as:
Correlation of underwriting risk with other risks (e.g., asset/investment risk, operational risk, etc.);
Model risk and robustness of data;
Geographical concentrations;
Exposures at lower return periods;
Expected payback period associated with losses;
Projected share of industry loss; and
Annual aggregate losses for natural catastrophes at various return periods including a 1% exceedance probability and a 1% TVaR level on both a peril region basis and a portfolio basis.
Also see Item 3, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Credit Risk (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)" for a discussion of our credit risk framework which establishes a credit clash limit to manage the direct and indirect credit exposures arising from underwriting and non-underwriting activities that could potentially be impacted in various degrees by a systemic credit event.
Loss exposure estimates for all event risks are derived from a combination of commercially available and internally developed models together with the judgment of management, as overseen by the XL-Ireland Board. Actual incurred losses may vary materially from our estimates. Factors that can cause a deviation between estimated and actual incurred losses may include:
Inaccurate assumptions of event frequency and severity;
Inaccurate or incomplete data;
Changing climate conditions that may add to the unpredictability of frequency and severity of natural catastrophes in certain parts of the world and create additional uncertainty as to future trends and exposures;
Future possible increases in property values and the effects of inflation that may increase the severity of catastrophic events to levels above the modeled levels;
Natural catastrophe models that incorporate and are critically dependent on meteorological, seismological and other earth science assumptions and related statistical relationships that may not be representative of prevailing conditions and risks, and may therefore misstate how particular events actually materialize, causing a material deviation between forecasted and actual damages associated with such events; and
A change in the judicial climate.
For the above and other reasons, the incidence, timing and severity of catastrophes and other event types are inherently unpredictable and it is difficult to estimate the amount of loss any given occurrence will generate. As a consequence, there is material uncertainty around our ability to measure exposures associated with individual events and combinations of events. This uncertainty can cause actual exposures and losses to deviate from those amounts estimated, which in turn can create a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and may result in substantial liquidation of investments, possibly at a loss, and outflows of cash as losses are paid. For this reason, we carry capital in addition to that required by the specific limits described even if it is in excess of rating agency and regulatory required capital.

65



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.
 
 
 
 
 
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
Capital at
September 30, 2015 (3)
 
Probable
Maximum
Loss (2)
 
Percentage of
Adjusted Tangible
Capital at
September 30, 2015 (3)
North Atlantic
Windstorm
 
July 1, 2015
 
$
1,858

 
15.5
%
 
$
2,667

 
22.3
%
North America
Earthquake
 
July 1, 2015
 
1,049

 
8.8
%
 
1,699

 
14.2
%
Europe
Windstorm
 
July 1, 2015
 
748

 
6.2
%
 
993

 
8.3
%
Japan
Earthquake
 
July 1, 2015
 
402

 
3.4
%
 
511

 
4.3
%
Japan
Windstorm
 
July 1, 2015
 
325

 
2.7
%
 
392

 
3.3
%
____________
(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 Capital is defined as Total Shareholders’ Equity plus (i) outstanding subordinated notes due 2025 and 2045 less (ii) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and less (iii) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (excluding certain 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 has issued proposed interim guidelines and the Prudential Regulation Authority has issued a supervisory statement on applying the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority ("EIOPA") guidelines for authorized firms to ensure their eventual readiness for Solvency II. See "Business - Regulation," included in Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
See the discussion of our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates," included in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND OTHER OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
See the discussion of our variable interest entities and other off-balance sheet arrangements in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") and Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements," included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and Item 1, Note 12, "Variable Interest Entities," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

66



SEGMENTS
We are organized into two operating segments: Insurance and Reinsurance. Subsequent to our acquisition of Catlin described in Item 1, Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition" to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, the underwriting results of Catlin from the Acquisition Date through September 30, 2015 are included in the Company's Insurance and Reinsurance segments. Our general investment and financing operations are reflected in "Corporate and Other."
Subsequent to our life reinsurance subsidiary transaction described in Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, GreyCastle Life Reinsurance (SAC) Ltd ("GCLR") reinsures the majority of our life reinsurance business through 100% quota share reinsurance (the "Life Retro Arrangements"). The results of the life run-off business ("Run-Off Life Operations") are also reported within Corporate and Other.
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.
INCOME STATEMENT ANALYSIS
Segment Results for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014
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, cybertech, accident and health 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. As a result of the Catlin Acquisition, Insurance lines of business are now divided into the following underwriting divisions: Professional Lines ("Professional"), which we previously referred to as Global Professional Lines; Casualty, which includes the casualty business previously included under International Property and Casualty, and North America Property and Casualty; Energy, Property & Construction ("EPC"), which includes the property business previously reported under International Property and Casualty, North America Property and Casualty, and Specialty; and Specialty Lines ("Specialty").
The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Insurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Gross premiums written
$
2,200,196

 
$
1,324,418

 
66.1
 %
Net premiums written
1,664,562

 
956,185

 
74.1
 %
Net premiums earned
1,632,988

 
1,018,416

 
60.3
 %
Net losses and loss expenses
1,037,727

 
650,256

 
59.6
 %
Acquisition costs
214,773

 
95,992

 
123.7
 %
Operating expenses
334,211

 
218,281

 
53.1
 %
Underwriting profit (loss)
$
46,277

 
$
53,887

 
(14.1
)%
Net results – structured products
3,328

 
3,571

 
(6.8
)%
Net fee income and other (expense)
(5,207
)
 
(3,826
)
 
36.1
 %

67



Gross Premiums Written
The following table summarizes our gross premiums written by underwriting division for the Insurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Professional
$
444,889

 
$
356,490

 
24.8
%
Casualty
803,058

 
581,333

 
38.1
%
EPC
391,133

 
144,214

 
N/M

Specialty
561,116

 
242,381

 
N/M

Total
$
2,200,196

 
$
1,324,418

 
66.1
%
Gross premiums written increased by 66.1%, primarily due to the Catlin Acquisition. The acquired businesses' portfolio experienced some reductions in renewals in Professional and EPC where premium rates did not support our target returns. The businesses most severely impacted were Energy and U.S. Professional. However, retention of business continued to be strong where premium rates were deemed to be adequate.
When evaluated in local currency, our gross premiums written increased by 72.1%. The unfavorable foreign exchange on our gross premiums written was mainly due to the weakening of the Euro against the U.S. dollar, impacting businesses written in these currencies.
Overall, excluding the impacts of the Catlin Acquisition and foreign exchange, our gross premiums written increased by 6.0%.
The following is a summary of the premium movements by underwriting division:
Professional - increase of 24.8% is mainly driven by the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the division experienced an increase of 11.2% due to increases in renewals and new business in international financial lines and cybertech, partially offset by decreases in retention rate in select professional and unfavorable renewal pricing in North American professional.
Casualty - increase of 38.1% is attributable to the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the division experienced a decrease of 2.3% which is largely attributable to the effect of adverse foreign exchange on international casualty business as well as decreases in renewals in excess casualty, partially offset by increased new business in North American construction.
EPC - significant increase is due to the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the division experienced a decrease of 3.5% which is mainly attributable to a decreases in renewals in energy lines and North American property, along with the effect of adverse foreign exchange on international property and international construction. These decreases are partially offset by increases in new business in international construction and North American property.
Specialty - significant increase is mainly attributable to the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the division experienced an increase of 3.1% due to increases in new business in political risk and trade credit as well as fine arts and specie. These increases are partially offset by decreases in new business in marine and decreases in renewals in aerospace.
Net Premiums Written
The increase of 74.1% largely resulted from the increase in gross written premiums due to the Catlin Acquisition, plus an additional increase mainly due to a decrease in ceded premiums resulting from favorable pricing and the non-renewal of certain reinsurance programs, particularly in Casualty.
Net Premiums Earned
The increase of 60.3% is attributable to the increase in net premiums written as noted above, partially offset by the effect of adverse foreign exchange in the earn-through of the legacy portfolio.

68



Net Losses and Loss Expenses
Combined Ratio
The following table presents the ratios for the Insurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Point Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Loss and loss expense ratio
63.5
%
 
63.8
%
 
(0.3
)
Acquisition expense ratio
13.2
%
 
9.4
%
 
3.8

Operating expense ratio
20.5
%
 
21.5
%
 
(1.0
)
Underwriting expense ratio
33.7
%
 
30.9
%
 
2.8

Combined ratio
97.2
%
 
94.7
%
 
2.5

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 September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Point Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Loss and loss expense ratio
63.5
 %
 
63.8
%
 
(0.3
)
Prior year reserve development
(0.4
)%
 
2.0
%
 
(2.4
)
Loss ratio excluding prior year development
63.1
 %
 
65.8
%
 
(2.7
)
Loss Ratio - excluding prior year development
The 2.7 percentage point decrease in the loss ratio excluding prior year development is due to a lower level of catastrophe losses, the incorporation of the acquired businesses at a lower loss ratio and the amortization of fair value adjustments made as a result of the Catlin Acquisition for the three months ended September 30, 2015 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 September 30, 2015 were $11.0 million lower than in the same period of 2014. Excluding prior year development, net natural catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both quarters, the loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 decreased by 1.3 percentage points to 62.7%.
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 September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Professional
$
6,434

 
$
(1,370
)
Casualty
(4,264
)
 
(2,061
)
EPC
12,771

 
(13,710
)
Specialty
(4,400
)
 
(2,529
)
Other (1)
(3,477
)
 
(106
)
Total
$
7,064

 
$
(19,776
)
____________
(1)
Other includes programs, excess and surplus, surety, structured indemnity, certain discontinued lines and the amortization of fair value adjustments made as a result of the Catlin Acquisition.
Net unfavorable prior year reserve development of $7.1 million was attributable to the following:
For EPC lines, net prior year development was $12.8 million unfavorable driven by worse than expected loss experience reported for the non-catastrophe exposures in the International construction and North America portfolios, predominantly in the 2010 and 2014 accident years. These deteriorations were partially offset by a reduction in the International energy book to reflect better than expected attritional loss experience predominantly in the 2011 to 2013 accident years.

69



For other lines, net prior year development was $3.5 million favorable driven by a $10.1 million reduction in the structured indemnity book due to the favorable settlement of a large claim. This was partially offset by a strengthening of $8.0 million in the surety book relating to two large claims impacting the 2012 to 2014 accident years.
The remainder of the movements were largely due to a reallocation of unallocated loss adjustment expenses and reinsurance bad debt recoveries between lines of business.
Underwriting Expense Ratio
The increase of 2.8 percentage points was due to an increase in the acquisition expense ratio of 3.8 percentage points, partially offset by a decrease in the operating expense ratio of 1.0 percentage points, as follows:
Acquisition expense ratio - increase mainly attributable to the EPC business acquired from Catlin, whose acquisition ratio was higher than the ratio in our legacy business mix.
Operating expense ratio - decreased as a result of initial synergies realized from the Catlin Acquisition.
Net Results - Structured Products
Net results from structured insurance products decreased 6.8% to $3.3 million from the prior year quarter result of $3.6 million. The results include net investment income of $8.2 million and $8.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and interest expense of $4.9 million and $5.0 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in the net results was mainly due to a reduction of investment income resulting from a lower asset base, reflecting the run-off nature of this business.
For further information about our structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts, see Item 8, Note 12, "Deposit Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Net Fee Income and Other
The decrease compared to the same period of 2014 in net fee income and other was driven by Specialty discontinued business lines.
Reinsurance
The Reinsurance segment provides casualty, property risk, property catastrophe, marine, aviation, credit 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. As a result of the acquisition of Catlin, our reinsurance operations are structured into five geographical regions: Bermuda; North America; London; Europe, Middle East & Africa ("EMEA"); and Latin America, Asia Pacific & Credit ("LAC"). Prior to the Catlin Acquisition, London, EMEA and LAC were reported together as International.
The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Gross premiums written
$
458,946

 
$
276,284

 
66.1
 %
Net premiums written
408,654

 
258,061

 
58.4
 %
Net premiums earned
772,752

 
435,257

 
77.5
 %
Net losses and loss expenses
426,558

 
209,332

 
103.8
 %
Acquisition costs
189,671

 
84,800

 
123.7
 %
Operating expenses
88,682

 
50,637

 
75.1
 %
Underwriting profit (loss)
$
67,841

 
$
90,488

 
(25.0
)%
Net results – structured products
1,109

 
1,720

 
(35.5
)%
Net fee income and other
533

 
601

 
(11.3
)%

70



Gross Premiums Written
The following table summarizes our gross premiums written by region for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Bermuda
$
83,608

 
$
36,006

 
N/M

North America
113,111

 
121,748

 
(7.1
)%
London
78,182

 
20,066

 
N/M

EMEA
50,175

 
50,362

 
(0.4
)%
LAC
133,870

 
48,102

 
N/M

Total
$
458,946

 
$
276,284

 
66.1
 %
Gross premiums written increased by 66.1%, primarily driven by the Catlin Acquisition. This was offset by lower renewals in North America due to a competitive pricing environment with respect to property and casualty treaty business. In addition, the prior year included favorable premium adjustments that did not repeat in the current year.
When evaluated in local currency, our gross premiums written increased by 70.2%. The unfavorable foreign exchange on our gross premiums written was mainly due to the weakening of the Euro against the US dollar, impacting European business written in this currency.
Overall, excluding the impacts of the Catlin Acquisition and foreign exchange, our gross premiums written decreased by 21.1%.
The following is a summary of the premium movements by region:
Bermuda - significant increase due entirely to the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the region performed largely in line with the prior year.
North America - decrease of 7.1% largely attributable to lower renewals due to the competitive pricing environment for Property and Casualty treaty business. In addition, there were unfavorable premium adjustments on prior incepting policies in the current year quarter. The decrease has been offset largely by the increase in premiums due to the Catlin Acquisition.
London - significant increase is entirely a result of the Catlin Acquisition.
EMEA - decrease of 0.4% is mainly attributable to the prior year, which included favorable premium adjustments that did not repeat in the current year quarter.
LAC - significant increase due to the Catlin Acquisition. This was offset by lower renewals resulting from the competitive pricing environment for Property lines of business.
Net Premiums Written
The increase of 58.4% resulted from the gross written premium increases, primarily as a result of the Catlin Acquisition, as outlined above.
Net Premiums Earned
The increase of 77.5% is mainly attributable to the increase in net premiums written, primarily as a result of the Catlin Acquisition, as outlined above.

71



Net Losses and Loss Expenses
Combined Ratio
The following table presents the ratios for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Point Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Loss and loss expense ratio
55.2
%
 
48.1
%
 
7.1

Acquisition expense ratio
24.5
%
 
19.5
%
 
5.0

Operating expense ratio
11.5
%
 
11.6
%
 
(0.1
)
Underwriting expense ratio
36.0
%
 
31.1
%
 
4.9

Combined ratio
91.2
%
 
79.2
%
 
12.0

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 September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Point Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Loss and loss expense ratio
55.2
%
 
48.1
%
 
7.1
Prior year reserve development
4.6
%
 
3.5
%
 
1.1
Loss ratio excluding prior year development
59.8
%
 
51.6
%
 
8.2
Loss Ratio - excluding prior year development
The 8.2 percentage point increase in the loss ratio excluding prior year development was mainly due to the impact of the Tianjin port explosion in the three months ended September 30, 2015 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 September 30, 2015 were $12.0 million higher than in the same period of 2014. Excluding favorable prior year development, net natural catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both quarters, the loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 increased by 7.8 percentage points to 56.7%.
Prior Year Development
The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year development by line of business relating to the Reinsurance segment for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Property and other short-tail lines
$
(34,080
)
 
$
(9,986
)
Casualty and other long-tail lines
(1,102
)
 
(5,370
)
Total
$
(35,182
)
 
$
(15,356
)
Net favorable prior year reserve development of $35.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was mainly attributable to the following:
Net favorable prior year development for the short-tail lines totaled $34.1 million. Details of the significant components are as follows:
For property catastrophe and property other lines, net prior year development was $19.9 million favorable due to better than expected development on attritional losses and releases from catastrophe loss events.
For marine and aviation lines, net prior year development was $14.2 favorable due to better than expected development on attritional losses mainly in Europe, London and North America along with a reduction on a 2010 large loss.
Net favorable prior year development for the long-tail lines totaled $1.1 million.

72



Underwriting Expense Ratio
The increase of 4.9 percentage points was driven by an increase in acquisition expenses due to the amortization of fair value adjustments recognized as a result of the Catlin Acquisition. Additionally, this acquired business carried a different business mix with a higher average commission than that of the Company prior to the Catlin Acquisition.
Net Results - Structured Products
Net results from structured reinsurance products decreased 35.5% to $1.1 million from the prior year quarter result of $1.7 million. The results include net investment income of $7.4 million and $8.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and interest expense of $6.3 million and $6.2 million and operating expenses of $0.4 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The decrease in the net results was mainly due to a reduction of investment income resulting from a lower asset base, reflecting the run-off nature of this business.
For further information about our structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts see Item 8, Note 12, "Deposit Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Corporate and Other (including Run-Off Life operations)
Our general investment and financing operations are reflected in Corporate and Other. In addition, results of our Run-Off Life Operations are reported within Corporate and Other. We ceased writing new life reinsurance contracts in 2009 and since that time have been managing the run-off of our life reinsurance operations.
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 XLIB's life reinsurance subsidiary, XLLR. As a result, we have ceded the majority of our life reinsurance business to GCLR through the Life Retro Arrangements. This transaction covers a substantial portion of our life reinsurance reserves.
Subsequent to the transaction, we no longer consider our Life operations to be a separate operating segment, and the results of the Run-Off Life Operations are reported within Corporate and Other. For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
Subsequent to the completion of the sale of our life reinsurance subsidiary, XLLR, as described in Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, the impact of the Life Retro Arrangements on the Company's results for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was as follows:
Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
Three months ended September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Underwriting profit (loss)
$

 
$
3,711

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
46,586

 
56,474

Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - Life Funds Withheld Assets
53,780

 
2,022

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(149
)
 

OTTI on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(2,023
)
 
(7,494
)
Exchange (gains) losses
8,754

 
2,062

Other income and expenses
(121
)
 
124

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(126,140
)
 
(201,264
)
Net income (loss)
$
(19,313
)
 
$
(144,365
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(33,569
)
 
93,921

Change in adjustments related to future policy benefit reserves, net of tax
40,681

 
51,286

Change in cumulative translation adjustment - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
12,201

 
2,869

Total changes to other comprehensive income as a result of Life Retro Arrangements
$
19,313

 
$
148,076

Comprehensive income (loss)
$

 
$
3,711

As shown in the table above, although our net income (loss) is subject to variability related to the Life Retro Arrangements, there is minimal net impact on the Company's comprehensive income in any period. For further information on the life

73



retrocession embedded derivative, see Item 1, Note 7(d)(iii), "Derivative Instruments - Other Non-Investment Derivatives - Credit Exposure," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Run-Off Life Operations - not subject to Life Retro Arrangements
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, our net underwriting result from our Run-Off Life Operations not subject to Life Retro Arrangements ("Run-Off Life Operations - not subject to Life Retro Arrangements") was a loss of $9.5 million and our net investment result relating to our Run-Off Life Operations - not subject to Life Retro Arrangements, including net realized gains and losses, was $10.3 million, producing a net income of $0.8 million.
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, net income from investment affiliates, realized gains (losses) and the change in unrealized gains (losses) over the period by the average market value of the portfolio, for each of our fixed income and non-fixed income portfolios, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Total Return on Investments (1)
0.3
 %
 
0.5
 %
 
 
 
 
Other Portfolios (2)
 
 
 
Hedge fund portfolio (3)
(0.7
)%
 
1.1
 %
Equity portfolio
(10.2
)%
 
(2.2
)%
___________
(1)
The performance of investment portfolios is measured on a local currency basis and is not annualized. For the 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 the P&C operations and Run-Off Life Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
(2)
Performance on Other Portfolios is included in the Total Return on Investments.
(3)
Performance on the hedge fund portfolio reflects the three months ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively for both equity and non-equity hedge funds.
Investment Activities (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
The following table illustrates net investment income, net income from investment fund affiliates, net realized gains (losses) on investments and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets (1)
$
178,560

 
$
169,956

 
5.1
%
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates (2)
(3,715
)
 
24,500

 
 N/M

Net realized gains (losses) on investments
(201
)
 
9,813

 
 N/M

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
(7,903
)
 
5,131

 
 N/M

____________
(1)
Includes net investment income related to the net results from structured products.
(2)
We generally record the income related to hedge 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 increase of 5.1% compared to the prior year was primarily due to the addition of assets as a result of the Catlin Acquisition, partially offset by a reduction in investment yields as a result of lower reinvestment rates. For further information, see Item 1, Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
We estimate that approximately $4.2 billion of assets with an average gross book yield of 2.4% will mature and pay down over the next 12 months compared to the average new money rate in the three months ended September 30, 2015 on our portfolio of 1.7%.

74



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 September 30, 2015 was moderately negative, reflecting poor results in our hedge fund investments, which more than offset the solid contributions of our private equity and private credit affiliate funds. In particular, hedge funds pursuing event driven and emerging markets strategies were challenged during the quarter, while the results for the private equity and private credit funds, which are lagged by three months, were generally in line with the prior year's quarterly results.
Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments
Net realized losses of $0.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 included the following:
Net realized gains of $42.5 million resulted primarily from sales of U.S. Government and Government Related fixed maturities and equities, partially offset by losses in corporate securities.
Realized losses of approximately $42.7 million related to the OTTI write-down of certain of our available for sale ("AFS") investments. The main components of the net impairment charges were:
$8.0 million for structured securities, principally CDOs that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover their fair value to amortized cost.
$4.4 million related to certain equities that were in a loss position for more than 11 months.
$3.3 million related to certain equities that were in a loss position greater than 50% of their amortized cost.
$3.2 million related to certain high yield securities which we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover their fair value to amortized cost.
$2.2 million related to certain Other Investments that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover their fair value to amortized cost.
$2.0 million related to certain quasi-government securities that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover their fair value to amortized cost.
$19.6 million related to foreign exchange losses.
Net realized gains on investments of $9.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014 included realized losses of $1.1 million related to the write-down of certain of our structured securities and medium term notes 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 $11.0 million.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments
Net realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments of $7.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 resulted from our investment strategy to manage interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and credit risk, and to replicate permitted investments and other hedging activities. For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 7, "Derivative Instruments," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

75



Other Revenues and Expenses
The following table sets forth our other revenues and expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Net income (loss) from operating affiliates (1)
$
8,196

 
$
20,021

 
(59.1
)%
Exchange (gains) losses
11,661

 
(23,348
)
 
 N/M

Corporate operating expenses
135,500

 
55,322

 
 N/M

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(126,140
)
 
(201,264
)
 
N/M

Interest expense (2)
40,798

 
31,703

 
28.7
 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
(37,042
)
 
30,057

 
 N/M

____________
(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 September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Net income (loss) from investment manager affiliates
$
5,943

 
$
15,900

 
(62.6
)%
Net income (loss) from strategic operating affiliates
2,253

 
4,121

 
(45.3
)%
Net income (loss) from operating affiliates
$
8,196

 
$
20,021

 
(59.1
)%
Net Income from Investment Manager Affiliates
The decrease of 62.6% principally reflects a significant decline in incentive fees generated in the second quarter of 2015 by several investment manager affiliates, which contrasts with the prior year quarter, during which incentive fees for the managers were strong.
Net Income from Strategic Operating Affiliates
The decrease of 45.3% was largely due to the removal of an insurance affiliate that writes direct U.S. homeowners insurance as a result of the sale of ARX, as noted in Item 1, Note 3(d), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Strategic Operating Affiliate."
Exchange Gains and Losses
The foreign exchange losses of $11.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 were a result of an overall strengthening of the U.S. dollar against many of our major currency exposures, most notably Canadian and Australian dollars. In the three months ended September 30, 2014, foreign exchange gains of $23.3 million were a result of an overall strengthening 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.
Corporate Operating Expenses
The significant increase was primarily due to costs associated with the Catlin Acquisition as noted in Item 1, Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition" and "Significant Items Affecting the Results of Operations."

76



Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Life Retrocession Embedded Derivative and Derivative Instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
The Company has entered into Life Retro Arrangements, as described in Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - 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 and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets." 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 28.7% was a result of the overall increase in our debt due to the issuance of subordinated notes in March 2015 and the liabilities assumed as a part of the Catlin Acquisition. For further information about our debt financing, see Item 8, Note 15, "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, 2014 and Item 1, Note 10, "Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Income Tax Expense
A tax benefit of $37.0 million and a tax charge of $30.1 million were incurred in the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The tax benefit/charge recognized in these periods reflect the combination of our expected full year effective tax rate applicable to each of the years applied to our pre-tax operating net income in the respective periods, the tax calculated on items excluded from operating net income and discrete tax adjustments which are not part of the effective tax rate. The tax on items excluded from operating net income is calculated at the applicable jurisdictional tax rate.
As a result of the Catlin Acquisition, the expected full year effective tax rate applicable to current year to date pre-tax operating net income has been determined using a single rate approach taking into account the full year expected results, including the post-acquisition results of the acquired businesses. The tax benefit recorded in the current quarter results primarily from projected changes in mix of income between high and low tax jurisdictions and the release of the valuation allowance related to the restructuring of acquired U.S. entities partially offset by an additional expense for uncertain tax positions related to transfer pricing.
Segment Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014
Insurance
The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Insurance segment:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Gross premiums written
$
6,074,387

 
$
4,513,749

 
34.6
 %
Net premiums written
4,155,442

 
3,080,432

 
34.9
 %
Net premiums earned
4,008,200

 
3,014,846

 
32.9
 %
Net losses and loss expenses
2,551,044

 
1,917,076

 
33.1
 %
Acquisition costs
476,876

 
300,855

 
58.5
 %
Operating expenses
834,829

 
635,264

 
31.4
 %
Underwriting profit (loss)
$
145,451

 
$
161,651

 
(10.0
)%
Net results – structured products
9,634

 
40,106

 
(76.0
)%
Net fee income and other (expense)
(14,705
)
 
(8,605
)
 
70.9
 %

77



Gross Premiums Written
The following table summarizes our gross premiums written by underwriting division for the Insurance segment:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Professional
$
1,248,735

 
$
1,095,808

 
14.0
%
Casualty
2,361,320

 
1,972,297

 
19.7
%
EPC
1,181,012

 
700,939

 
68.5
%
Specialty
1,283,320

 
744,705

 
72.3
%
Total
$
6,074,387

 
$
4,513,749

 
34.6
%
Gross premiums written increased by 34.6%, primarily due to the Catlin Acquisition. The acquired businesses' portfolio experienced some reductions in renewals in Professional and EPC where premium rates did not support our target returns. The businesses most severely impacted were Energy and U.S. Professional. However, retention of business continued to be strong where premium rates were deemed to be adequate.
When evaluated in local currency, our gross premiums written increased by 41.3%. The unfavorable foreign exchange on our gross premiums written was mainly due to the weakening of the Euro against the U.S. dollar, impacting businesses written in these currencies.
Overall, excluding the impacts of the Catlin Acquisition and foreign exchange, our gross premiums written increased by 5.9%.
The following is a summary of the premium movements by underwriting division:
Professional - increase of 14.0% driven mainly by the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the division experienced an increase of 5.1% due to new business in cybertech and international financial lines, as well as increased pricing and renewals in cybertech, partially offset by decreases in pricing in North America. The acquired Catlin business also experienced decreases in premium during the current year, mainly due to decreases in renewals in international financial lines.
Casualty - increase of 19.7% largely driven by the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the division experienced an increase of 1.4% which is largely attributable to new business and increases in renewals in global risk management, North American construction casualty, and casualty excess and surplus, partially offset by adverse foreign exchange in international casualty as noted above.
EPC - increase of 68.5% attributable to the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the division experienced a decrease of 10.0% which is mainly attributable to adverse foreign exchange affecting international property and international construction as noted above. Additionally contributing to the adverse variance are decreases in pricing in energy, international property and North American property. The acquired Catlin business also experienced a decrease in premiums during the current year as a result of decreases in renewal premiums in energy business, mainly due to decreases in pricing.
Specialty - increase of 72.3% due to the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired businesses, the division experienced an increase of 4.5% mainly due to new business in marine, partially offset by a decrease in renewals in aerospace.
Net Premiums Written
The increase of 34.9% largely resulted from the increase in gross premiums written due to the Catlin Acquisition and other factors as noted above.
Net Premiums Earned
The increase of 32.9% is mainly attributable to the increase in net premiums written due to the Catlin Acquisition as noted above.

78



Net Losses and Loss Expenses
Combined Ratio
The following table presents the ratios for the Insurance segment:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Loss and loss expense ratio
63.6
%
 
63.6
%
 

Acquisition expense ratio
11.9
%
 
10.0
%
 
1.9

Operating expense ratio
20.9
%
 
21.0
%
 
(0.1
)
Underwriting expense ratio
32.8
%
 
31.0
%
 
1.8

Combined ratio
96.4
%
 
94.6
%
 
1.8

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 nine months ended September 30, 2015:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Loss and loss expense ratio
63.6
%
 
63.6
%
 

Prior year reserve development
1.0
%
 
2.1
%
 
(1.1
)
Loss ratio excluding prior year development
64.6
%
 
65.7
%
 
(1.1
)
Loss Ratio - excluding prior year development
The 1.1% percentage point decrease in the loss ratio excluding prior year development was primarily as a result of the incorporation of the acquired businesses at a lower loss ratio as well as the amortization of fair value adjustments made as a result of the Catlin Acquisition in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the prior year period, partially offset by the increase in losses related to natural catastrophe events. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were $31.4 million higher than in the same period in 2014. Excluding favorable prior year development, net natural catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums in both quarters, the loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 decreased by 1.6 percentage points to 62.5%.
Prior Year Development
The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year reserve development by line of business relating to the Insurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Professional
$
13,434

 
$
250

Casualty
(19,183
)
 
37,213

EPC
10,733

 
(39,677
)
Specialty
(45,107
)
 
(42,092
)
Other (1)
3,055

 
(20,797
)
Total
$
(37,068
)
 
$
(65,103
)
____________
(1)
Other includes programs, excess and surplus, surety, structured indemnity, certain discontinued lines and the amortization of fair value adjustments made as a result of the Catlin Acquisition.
Net favorable prior year development of $37.1 million was mainly attributable to the following:
For professional lines, net prior year development was $13.4 million unfavorable primarily as a result of worse than expected loss experience reported in the core U.S. and select businesses that drove deteriorations of $40.6 million and $15.5 million, respectively. This was partially offset by reductions of $34.8 million in the core Bermuda book and

79



$15.6 million in the design book due mainly to better than expected loss experience reported on the 2008 and 2010 report years respectively.
For casualty lines, net prior year development was $19.2 million favorable. This was driven by a release of $17.2 million in the Bermuda excess casualty lines mainly as a result of the better than expected loss experience reported across most accident years, as well as a reduction relating to movements in loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance bad debt and whole account quota shares. These reductions were partially offset by a deterioration of $10.0 million in the global risk management lines driven by worse than expected loss experience primarily on the 2011 to 2013 accident years.
For EPC lines, net prior year development was $10.7 million unfavorable driven by worse than expected loss experience reported for the non-catastrophe exposures in the International construction and North America portfolios, predominantly in the 2010 and 2014 accident years. These deteriorations were partially offset by a reduction in the International energy book to reflect better than expected attritional loss experience.
For specialty lines, net prior year development was $45.1 million favorable driven by a release of $18.8 million in the discontinued Bermuda political risk portfolio arising predominantly from the favorable settlement of a loss on the 2009 accident year and the lapse of the exposure for this account. There were further reductions of $12.7 million in the marine book and $5.7 million in fine art and specie to reflect better than expected loss experience reported across the 2009 to 2013 and 2014 accident years respectively, and a release of $8.2 million in aerospace.
For other lines, net prior year development was $3.1 million unfavorable due primarily to a $5.0 million deterioration in the discontinued surety book relating to reinsurance bad debt as well as a strengthening of $8.0 million in the surety book relating to two large claims impacting the 2012 to 2014 accident years. This was partially offset by a $10.1 million reduction in the structured indemnity book due to the favorable settlement of a large claim.
Underwriting Expense Ratio
The increase of 1.8 percentage point was due to increases in the acquisition expense ratio of 1.9 percentage points and in the operating expense ratio of 0.1 percentage points, as follows:
Acquisition expense ratio - increased as a result of increased acquisition costs mainly attributable to the EPC business acquired from Catlin, which was a result of new business, partially offset by the favorable impact of the modification of our reinsurance structure mentioned above and a change in the mix of business.
Operating expense ratio - increased 0.1 percentage points due to business expansion in the prior year, offset by initial synergies realized from the Catlin Acquisition.
Net Results - Structured Products
Net results from structured insurance products decreased 76.0% to $9.6 million from the prior year result of $40.1 million. The results include net investment income of $23.9 million and $26.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and net interest expense (credit), respectively, of $14.3 million and $(13.6) million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in the net results from the prior year period was mainly from the negotiated termination of one of our larger structured indemnity contracts in the prior year. 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 12, "Deposit Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Net Fee Income and Other
The decrease compared to the same period of 2014 in net fee income and other expenses was driven by Specialty discontinued lines.

80



Reinsurance
The following table summarizes the underwriting profit (loss) for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Gross premiums written
$
2,066,856

 
$
1,627,121

 
27.0
 %
Net premiums written
1,854,590

 
1,486,680

 
24.7
 %
Net premiums earned
1,780,829

 
1,289,431

 
38.1
 %
Net losses and loss expenses
834,263

 
601,897

 
38.6
 %
Acquisition costs
419,380

 
252,909

 
65.8
 %
Operating expenses
202,904

 
139,080

 
45.9
 %
Underwriting profit (loss)
$
324,282

 
$
295,545

 
9.7
 %
Net results – structured products
5,085

 
8,023

 
(36.6
)%
Net fee income and other
1,981

 
1,938

 
2.2
 %
Gross Premiums Written
The following table summarizes our gross premiums written by region for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Bermuda
$
747,854

 
$
576,712

 
29.7
 %
North America
466,097

 
358,952

 
29.8
 %
London
235,341

 
124,670

 
88.8
 %
EMEA
336,243

 
394,412

 
(14.7
)%
LAC
281,321

 
172,375

 
63.2
 %
Total
$
2,066,856

 
$
1,627,121

 
27.0
 %
Gross premiums written increased by 27.0%, primarily driven by the Catlin Acquisition. The acquired businesses' portfolio experienced a reduction from the prior year due to rate and share reductions and also due to significant multi-year contracts written in the prior year which did not repeat in the current year.
When evaluated in local currency, our gross premiums written increased by 31.5%. The unfavorable foreign exchange on our gross premiums written was mainly due to the weakening of the Euro against the U.S. dollar, impacting European business written in this currency.
Overall, excluding the impacts of the Catlin Acquisition and foreign exchange, our gross premiums written decreased by 2.7%.
The following is a summary of the premium movements by region:
Bermuda - increase of 29.7% due to the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the region experienced a decrease of 3.1% due to reduced rates and cancellations on property catastrophe business plus the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.
North America - increase of 29.8% largely attributable to the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the region saw no significant difference, as increases in our agricultural business were offset by reductions due to the competitive pricing environment.
London - increase of 88.8% is a result of the Catlin Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the acquired business, the region experienced a decrease of 9.0% mainly driven by unfavorable foreign exchange rates particularly on the casualty lines of business plus a decrease in reinstatement premiums due to a non-recurring favorable adjustment in the prior period.
EMEA - decrease of 14.7% is mainly attributable to unfavorable foreign exchange rates particularly on the property and casualty lines of business, as well as a decrease in reinstatement premiums due to a non-recurring favorable adjustment in the prior period, partially offset by the increase of premiums due to the Catlin Acquisition.
LAC - increase of 63.2% due to the Catlin Acquisition. This was partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

81



Net Premiums Written
The increase of 24.7% resulted from the gross written premium increases as noted above.
Net Premiums Earned
The increase of 38.1% is mainly attributable to the increase in gross premiums written noted above.
Net Losses and Loss Expenses
Combined Ratio
The following table presents the ratios for the Reinsurance segment:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Loss and loss expense ratio
46.8
%
 
46.7
%
 
0.1
Acquisition expense ratio
23.5
%
 
19.6
%
 
3.9
Operating expense ratio
11.5
%
 
10.8
%
 
0.7
Underwriting expense ratio
35.0
%
 
30.4
%
 
4.6
Combined ratio
81.8
%
 
77.1
%
 
4.7
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 Reinsurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Loss and loss expense ratio
46.8
%
 
46.7
%
 
0.1
Prior year reserve development
8.4
%
 
7.2
%
 
1.2
Loss ratio excluding prior year development
55.2
%
 
53.9
%
 
1.3
Loss Ratio - excluding prior year development
The 1.3 percentage point increase in the loss ratio excluding prior year development was primarily as a result of losses due to the Tianjian, China port explosion partially offset by lower levels of natural catastrophe losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the prior year period. Losses net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums related to natural catastrophe events for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were $7.7 million lower than in the same period in 2014. Excluding favorable prior year development, net natural catastrophe losses and related reinstatement premiums, the loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 increased by 2.4 percentage points to 53.8% due to factors noted above and a deterioration in rate levels in our legacy businesses.
Prior Year Development
The following table summarizes the net (favorable) adverse prior year reserve development by line of business relating to the Reinsurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Property and other short-tail lines
$
(120,376
)
 
$
(55,624
)
Casualty and other long-tail lines
(28,032
)
 
(37,684
)
Total
$
(148,408
)
 
$
(93,308
)

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Net favorable prior year reserve development of $148.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was mainly attributable to the following:
Net favorable prior year development for the short-tail lines totaled $120.4 million. Details of the significant components are as follows:
For property catastrophe lines, net prior year development was $23.4 million favorable due to reductions on 2012 and 2013 catastrophe losses and better than expected development on attritional losses mainly in Europe and Asia Pacific being partially offset by worse than expected development on attritional losses mainly in London.
For property other lines, net prior year development was $74.3 million favorable primarily due to better than expected attritional loss development across all books with a small offset due to strengthening on a 2012 catastrophe loss and a 2008 large loss.
For marine and aviation lines, net prior year development was $22.7 million favorable due to better than expected attritional loss development mainly in Europe, London, North America and reductions on a 2005 hurricane and 2010 large loss.
Net favorable prior year development for the long-tail lines totaled $28.0 million. Details of the significant components are as follows:
For casualty lines, net prior year development was $10.1 million favorable due to better than expected attritional loss development across all books and reductions on 2001 and 2009 large losses being partially offset by strengthening on a 2008 large loss.
For other long-tail lines, net prior year development was $17.9 million favorable due to better than expected development on attritional losses mainly in Bermuda and North America.
Underwriting Expense Ratio
The increase of 4.6 percentage points was due to an increase in the acquisition expense ratio of 3.9 percentage points, plus an increase in the operating expense ratio of 0.7 percentage points.
The acquisition expense ratio increase was due to the amortization of fair value adjustments recognized as a result of the Catlin Acquisition. Additionally, this acquired business carried a different business mix with a higher average commission.
Net Results - Structured Products
Net results from structured reinsurance products decreased 36.6% to $5.1 million from the prior year period result of $8.0 million. The results include net investment income of $22.8 million and $26.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, interest expense of $17.4 million and $17.3 million, and operating expenses of $0.3 million and $0.7 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in the net results from the prior year period was mainly due to a reduction in investment income resulting from a lower asset base, reflecting the run-off nature of this business.
For further information about our structured indemnity contracts that are accounted for as deposit contracts, see Item 8, Note 12, "Deposit Liabilities," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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Corporate and Other (including run-off Life Operations)
As stated above, XLIB sold 100% of the common shares of XLLR. As a result, GCLR 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.
Subsequent to the transaction, we no longer consider our Life operations to be a separate operating segment, and the results of the Run-Off Life Operations are reported within Corporate and Other. For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
Subsequent to the completion of the sale of our life reinsurance subsidiary XLLR, as described in Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, the impact of the Life Retro Arrangements on the Company's results for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
Impact of Life Retro Arrangements
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Underwriting profit (loss) (1)
$
603

 
$
3,711

Net investment income - Life Funds Withheld Assets
143,869

 
75,639

Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold - Life Funds Withheld Assets
174,555

 
2,646

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, Trading - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(18,932
)
 

OTTI on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(10,110
)
 
(16,265
)
Exchange (gains) losses
(5,932
)
 
2,062

Other income and expenses
2,354

 
105

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(116,333
)
 
(218,810
)
Net income (loss)
$
170,074

 
$
(150,912
)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
(317,500
)
 
106,218

Change in adjustments related to future policy benefit reserves, net of tax
127,365

 
51,286

Change in cumulative translation adjustment - Life Funds Withheld Assets, net of tax
20,664

 
(2,881
)
Total changes to other comprehensive income as a result of Life Retro Arrangements
$
(169,471
)
 
$
154,623

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
603

 
$
3,711

____________
(1)
The underwriting profit of $0.6 million relates to a premium adjustment during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 relating to the Life Retro Arrangements transaction which was completed on May 30, 2014.
As shown in the table above, although our net income (loss) is subject to variability related to the Life Retro Arrangements, there is minimal impact on our comprehensive income in any period. For further information on the life retrocession embedded derivative, see Item 1, Note 7(d)(iii), "Derivative Instruments - Other Non-Investment Derivatives - Credit Exposure," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Run-Off Life Operations - not subject to Life Retro Arrangements
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, our net underwriting result from our Run-Off Life Operations - not subject to Life Retro Arrangements was a loss of $23.1 million and our net investment result relating to our Run-Off Life Operations - not subject to Life Retro Arrangements, including net realized gains and losses, was $30.4 million, producing a net income of $7.2 million.

84



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, net income from investment affiliates, realized gains (losses) and change in unrealized gains (losses) over the period by the average market value of the portfolio, for each of our fixed income and non-fixed income portfolios, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Total Return on Investments (1)
1.2
 %
 
4.3
%
 
 
 
 
Other Portfolios (2)
 
 
 
Hedge fund portfolio (3)
3.9
 %
 
5.2
%
Equity portfolio
(8.5
)%
 
4.7
%
___________
(1)
The performance of investment portfolios is measured on a local currency basis and is not annualized. For the 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 the P&C operations and Run-Off Life Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
(2)
Performance on Other Portfolios is included in the Total Return on Investments.
(3)
Performance on the hedge fund portfolio reflects the nine months ended August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for both equity and non-equity hedge 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 and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Net investment income - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets (1)
$
512,994

 
$
616,753

 
(16.8
)%
Net income (loss) from investment fund affiliates (2)
62,991

 
75,486

 
(16.6
)%
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
8,752

 
109,886

 
(92.0
)%
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
57,127

 
18,540

 
 N/M

____________
(1)
Includes net investment income related to the net results from structured products.
(2)
We generally record the income related to hedge 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 16.8% was primarily due to the impact of the Life Retro Arrangements since all of the investment results associated with the Life Funds Withheld Assets ultimately accrue to GCLR. For further information on the Life Retro Arrangements see Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. This was partially offset by income on the addition of assets to our portfolio as a result of the Catlin Acquisition. See Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition," for further information.
In addition, a reduction in investment yields as a result of lower reinvestment rates contributed to the net investment income decrease. We estimate that approximately $4.2 billion of assets with an average gross book yield of 2.4% will mature and pay down over the next 12 months compared to the average new money rate in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 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.

85



Performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was strong but lagged behind very strong results from the same period of 2014. Hedge fund returns were solid in the first nine months of this year and generally diversified across strategies, while very strong equity market returns and moderate volatility during the same period last year were highly supportive of hedge fund returns, in particular for market directional strategies. Private equity fund returns were very strong for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, exceeding the prior year period's results.
Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments
Net realized gains on investments of $8.8 million included the following:
Net realized gains of $78.6 million resulted primarily from sales of U.S. Government and Government Related fixed maturities and equities, partially offset by losses in corporate securities and other investments.
Realized losses of approximately $69.9 million related to the OTTI write-down of certain of our AFS investments. The main components of the net impairment charges were:
$15.6 million related to certain high yield securities which we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover fair value to amortized cost.
$8.7 million related to Other Investments that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover fair value to amortized cost.
$8.3 million for structured securities, principally CDOs that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover fair value to amortized cost.
$5.0 million related to certain equities that were in a loss position for more than 11 months.
$4.0 million related to certain hedge funds that were in a loss position for more than 11 months.
$3.3 million related to certain equities that were in a loss position greater than 50% of their amortized cost.
$2.0 million related to certain quasi-government securities that we no longer intend to hold for a period sufficient to recover their fair value to amortized cost.
$23.0 million related to foreign exchange losses.
Net realized gains on investments of $109.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included realized losses of $29.5 million related to the write-down of certain of our structured securities and medium term notes and currency losses 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 $139.4 million.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments
Net realized and unrealized gains on derivatives of $57.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 resulted from our investment strategy to manage interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and credit risk, and to replicate permitted investments. As part of our strategy to manage discrete foreign exchange risk associated with the Catlin Acquisition, certain foreign exchange contracts were entered into and other hedging strategies were modified. Upon the closing of the Catlin Acquisition, these contacts were settled and the hedging strategies terminated. Net realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 include $54.7 million from the Catlin Acquisition-related foreign exchange contracts and hedging strategies. For a further discussion, see Item 1, Note 7, "Derivative Instruments," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

86



Other Revenues and Expenses
The following table sets forth our other revenues and expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Net income (loss) from operating affiliates (1)
$
40,326

 
$
94,044

 
(57.1
)%
Gain on sale of operating affiliate
340,407

 

 
N/M

Exchange (gains) losses
49,425

 
8,234

 
 N/M

Corporate operating expenses
328,930

 
163,155

 
 N/M

Loss on sale of life reinsurance subsidiary

 
666,423

 
N/M

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on life retrocession embedded derivative and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
(116,333
)
 
(218,810
)
 
(46.8
)%
Interest expense (2)
121,317

 
96,147

 
26.2
 %
Income tax expense
20,135

 
58,724

 
(65.7
)%
____________
(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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Percentage
 
September 30,
 
Change
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015 to 2014
Net income (loss) from investment manager affiliates
$
18,206

 
$
56,030

 
(67.5
)%
Net income (loss) from strategic operating affiliates
22,120

 
38,014

 
(41.8
)%
Net income (loss) from operating affiliates
$
40,326

 
$
94,044

 
(57.1
)%
Net Income from Investment Manager Affiliates
The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 reflect a significant decline in the amount of incentive fees generated by an investment manager affiliate relative to the prior year period, where incentive fees for the manager were strong. Other investment manager affiliate results for the nine months were generally consistent with the prior year period.
Net Income from Strategic Operating Affiliates
The decrease of 41.8% was largely due to the sale of our interest of ARX, which was an insurance affiliate that writes direct U.S. homeowners insurance, as noted in Item 1, Note 3(d), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Strategic Operating Affiliate."
Exchange Gains and Losses
The foreign exchange losses of $49.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were a result of an overall strengthening of the U.S. dollar against many of our major currency exposures, particularly the Euro and the Canadian dollar. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, foreign exchange losses of $8.2 million were a result of an overall weakening of the value of the U.S. dollar against our major currency exposures, particularly the Canadian dollar, and the Euro, partially offset by a weakening in the U.K. sterling.
Corporate Operating Expenses
The significant increase was primarily due to costs associated with the Catlin Acquisition as noted in Item 1, Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition" and "Significant Items Affecting the Results of Operations."
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(e),

87



"Acquisitions and Disposals - 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 and Derivative Instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets
The Company has entered into Life Retro Arrangements, as described in Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - 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 and derivative instruments - Life Funds Withheld Assets." 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 26.2% was a result of the overall increase in our debt due to the issuance of subordinated notes in March 2015 and the liabilities assumed as part of the Catlin Acquisition, as well as expenses related to the Bridge Facility, as outlined in Item 1, Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition." For further information about our debt financing, see Item 8, Note 15, "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, 2014 and Item 1, Note 10, "Notes Payable and Debt and Financing Arrangements," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Income Tax Expense
Tax charges of $20.1 million and $58.7 million were incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The tax charges recognized in these periods reflect the combination of our expected full year effective tax rate applicable to each of the years applied to pre-tax operating net income in the respective periods, the tax calculated on items excluded from operating net income, and discrete tax adjustments which are not part of the effective tax rate. The tax on items excluded from operating net income is calculated at the applicable jurisdictional tax rate.
As a result of the Catlin Acquisition, the expected full year effective tax rate applicable to current year to date pre-tax operating net income has been determined using a single rate approach taking into account the full year expected results, including the post-acquisition results of the acquired businesses. The current year to date tax charge, which is lower than 2014, reflects a tax benefit related to the release of the valuation allowance related to the restructuring of acquired U.S. businesses partially offset by additional expense for uncertain tax positions related to transfer pricing.
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(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - 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 for the sale of our life reinsurance subsidiary. The Life Funds Withheld Assets are managed pursuant to agreed upon 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 GCLR. Because we no longer share in the risks and rewards of the underlying performance of the supporting invested assets, our Consolidated Statements of Income and disclosures within the financial statement notes included herein, and in the table below, separately report the Life Funds Withheld Assets from the rest of our investments. The remaining disclosures in this section exclude the Life Funds Withheld Assets.

88



As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, total investments and cash and cash equivalents, including accrued investment income and net receivable/(payable) for investments sold/(purchased) but excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, were approximately $38.0 billion and $30.8 billion, respectively. The following table summarizes the composition of our invested assets, excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Carrying
Value (1)
 
Percent
of Total
 
Carrying
Value (1)
 
Percent
of Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,322,300

 
8.8
 %
 
$
2,327,160

 
7.6
%
Restricted cash
44,326

 
0.1
 %
 

 
%
Net receivable/ (payable) for investments sold/ (purchased)
(58,771
)
 
(0.2
)%
 
50,471

 
0.2
%
Accrued investment income
229,410

 
0.6
 %
 
226,721

 
0.7
%
Short-term investments
546,020

 
1.4
 %
 
256,727

 
0.8
%
Fixed maturities - AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and Government-Related/Supported
4,298,723

 
11.3
 %
 
2,171,953

 
7.1
%
Corporate - Financials
3,072,530

 
8.1
 %
 
2,761,916

 
9.0
%
Corporate - Non Financials (2)
6,855,590

 
18.1
 %
 
6,016,457

 
19.4
%
RMBS – Agency
3,923,489

 
10.3
 %
 
3,728,576

 
12.1
%
RMBS – Non-Agency
362,965

 
1.0
 %
 
427,351

 
1.4
%
CMBS
850,084

 
2.2
 %
 
1,052,544

 
3.4
%
CDOs
410,163

 
1.1
 %
 
692,034

 
2.2
%
Other asset-backed securities (2)
2,095,598

 
5.5
 %
 
1,065,293

 
3.5
%
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
2,648,670

 
7.0
 %
 
2,021,272

 
6.6
%
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Provincial, Supranational and Government-Related/Supported
5,120,149

 
13.5
 %
 
4,240,073

 
13.8
%
Total fixed maturities - AFS
$
29,637,961

 
78.1
 %
 
$
24,177,469

 
78.5
%
Equity securities
969,706

 
2.6
 %
 
868,292

 
2.8
%
Investments in affiliates
1,592,841

 
4.2
 %
 
1,637,620

 
5.3
%
Other investments
1,676,140

 
4.4
 %
 
1,248,439

 
4.1
%
Total investments and cash and cash equivalents - excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets
$
37,959,933

 
100.0
 %
 
$
30,792,899

 
100.0
%
____________
(1)
Carrying value represents the fair value of AFS fixed maturities.
(2)
Includes 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 $74.3 million and $79.9 million and an amortized cost of $64.6 million and $68.4 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. These securities have been allocated ratings based on 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.

89



We review our corporate debt investments on a regular basis to consider their concentration, credit quality and compliance with established guidelines. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the average credit quality of our total fixed income portfolio (consisting of U.S. and Non-U.S. government related and supported debt, corporate debt, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, having fixed maturities and including short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and net receivable/(payable) for investments 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 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Investments by Credit Rating (1)
(U.S. dollars in millions)
Carrying
Value (2)
 
Percent
of Total
 
Carrying
Value (2)
 
Percent
of Total
AAA
$
14,873

 
46.6
%
 
$
11,509

 
44.0
%
AA
7,130

 
22.3
%
 
5,334

 
20.4
%
A
6,835

 
21.4
%
 
6,158

 
23.6
%
BBB
2,401

 
7.6
%
 
2,321

 
8.9
%
BB and below
596

 
1.9
%
 
793

 
3.0
%
Not rated
74

 
0.2
%
 
15

 
0.1
%
Total
$
31,909

 
100.0
%
 
$
26,130

 
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 $325.8 million on 2,644 securities out of a total of 8,804 held as of September 30, 2015 in our AFS portfolio (excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets) that we consider 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 $96.7 million related to Government and Government Related holdings. Securities in a gross unrealized loss position had a fair value of $3.2 billion as of September 30, 2015.
gross unrealized losses of $90.1 million related to the Corporate holdings. Securities in a gross unrealized loss position had a fair value of $3.3 billion as of September 30, 2015.
gross unrealized losses of $16.3 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 $234.5 million as of September 30, 2015. 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 September 30, 2015 on these asset classes.

90



The following table details the security type and length of time that AFS securities were in a continual gross unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2015:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015
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
$
(92,603
)
 
$
6,659,890

At least 6 months but less than 12 months
(43,472
)
 
1,091,082

At least 12 months but less than 2 years
(47,820
)
 
452,506

2 years and over
(60,614
)
 
1,195,388

Total
$
(244,509
)
 
$
9,398,866

Equities
 

 
 

Less than 6 months
$
(62,978
)
 
$
461,018

At least 6 months but less than 12 months
(18,294
)
 
63,674

Total
$
(81,272
)
 
524,692

____________
(1)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.
The following is the maturity profile of the AFS fixed income securities that were in a continual gross unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2015:
 
September 30, 2015
(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
$
(14,789
)
 
$
827,692

At least 1 year but less than 5 years remaining (2)
(78,795
)
 
3,736,538

At least 5 years but less than 10 years remaining (2)
(60,038
)
 
1,944,865

At least 10 years but less than 20 years remaining (2)
(11,580
)
 
191,422

At least 20 years or more remaining (2)
(28,299
)
 
288,839

RMBS - Agency
(8,591
)
 
827,887

RMBS - Non-Agency
(16,356
)
 
234,603

CMBS
(4,974
)
 
337,892

CDOs
(10,342
)
 
312,635

Other asset-backed securities
(10,745
)
 
696,493

Total
$
(244,509
)
 
$
9,398,866

____________
(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, 2014, 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

91



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.
As of September 30, 2015, we had structured securities with gross unrealized losses of $16.3 million on non-Agency RMBS, $10.3 million on core CDOs and $5.0 million on CMBS holdings. Within these security classifications are mortgage and asset-backed securities that had a fair value of $0.03 million, gross unrealized losses of $0.2 million and a cumulative fair value decline of greater than 50% of amortized cost in each case as of September 30, 2015. 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 the global recession, several key nations within the European Union (the "E.U.") - particularly Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain (the "European Periphery Nations") - have carried particularly high levels of 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 that currently have a fair value of $64.7 million as of September 30, 2015. 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 hedge funds, private investment funds and medium term notes that from time to time may invest in securities or investments related to the European Periphery Nations. In general, such funds and medium term notes 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 hedge fund and private fund managers have increased their exposure to these countries. We estimate that, as of September 30, 2015, our aggregate exposure to European Periphery Nations via our fund investments and medium term notes did not exceed $150 million on a net basis. The exposure was diversified across issues 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 10, "Reinsurance," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. 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.

92



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 an 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, comparisons 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 values.
Valuation Methodology of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
See 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. As of September 30, 2015, 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 as of September 30, 2015.

93



Fair Value of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities (Excluding Life Funds Withheld Assets)
As of September 30, 2015, the fair value of total assets and liabilities carried at fair value, the fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities and the percentage of Level 3 assets to our total assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value were as follows:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Total Assets
and Liabilities
Carried at
Fair Value at
September 30, 2015
 
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
$
4,298,723

 
$

 
%
Corporate - Financials
3,072,530

 
10,000

 
0.3
%
Corporate - Non-Financials
6,855,590

 
5,272

 
0.1
%
RMBS – Agency
3,923,489

 
2,882

 
0.1
%
RMBS – Non-Agency
362,965

 

 
%
CMBS
850,084

 

 
%
CDOs
410,163

 
407,663

 
99.4
%
Other asset-backed securities
2,095,598

 
36,120

 
1.7
%
U.S. States and political subdivisions of the States
2,648,670

 

 
%
Non-U.S. Sovereign Government, Supranational and Government-Related
5,120,149

 

 
%
Total Fixed maturities, at fair value
$
29,637,961

 
$
461,937

 
1.6
%
Equity securities, at fair value
969,706

 

 
%
Short-term investments, at fair value
546,020

 

 
%
Total investments available for sale
$
31,153,687

 
$
461,937

 
1.5
%
Cash equivalents (1)
1,396,002

 

 
%
Other investments (2)
1,329,780

 
278,222

 
20.9
%
Other assets (3)
70,215

 
14,884

 
21.2
%
Total assets carried at fair value
$
33,949,684

 
$
755,043

 
2.2
%
Liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (4)
$
2,281

 
$

 
%
Other liabilities (5)
45,810

 
24,568

 
53.6
%
Total liabilities carried at fair value
$
48,091

 
$
24,568

 
51.1
%
____________
(1)
Cash equivalents balances subject to fair value measurements include certificates of deposit and money market funds.
(2)
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 8, "Other Investments," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014) 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 $346.4 million at September 30, 2015.
(3)
Other assets include derivative instruments, reported on a gross basis.
(4)
Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, are included within "Payable for investments purchased" on the balance sheets.
(5)
Other liabilities include derivative instruments, reported on a gross basis.
As of September 30, 2015, our Level 3 assets represented approximately 2.2% of our assets that are measured at fair value and represented approximately 1% of total assets. Our Level 3 liabilities represented approximately 51.1% of liabilities that are measured at fair value but less than 1% of total liabilities at September 30, 2015.
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.

94



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 reflect our judgment concerning sound financial practice and do not represent any admission of liability with respect to any claims made against us.
Gross unpaid losses and loss expenses totaled $25.8 billion and $19.4 billion as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The table below represents a reconciliation of our P&C unpaid losses and loss expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:
(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, 2014
$
19,353,243

 
$
(3,411,526
)
 
$
15,941,717

Losses and loss expenses incurred
4,585,212

 
(1,199,905
)
 
3,385,307

Losses and loss expenses (paid) / recovered
(4,559,638
)
 
833,064

 
(3,726,574
)
Loss reserves acquired
6,933,143

 
(1,493,267
)
 
5,439,876

Foreign exchange and other
(522,419
)
 
88,287

 
(434,132
)
Balance at September 30, 2015
$
25,789,541

 
$
(5,183,347
)
 
$
20,606,194

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 "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 Note 11, "Losses and Loss Expenses," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Items 7 and 8, respectively, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
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.
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)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Reinsurance balances receivable
$
447,728

 
$
153,613

Reinsurance recoverable on future policy benefits (excluding balances related to the Life Retro Arrangements)
14,228

 
17,840

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses
5,233,389

 
3,453,873

Bad debt reserve on unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable
(72,247
)
 
(64,439
)
Net paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses recoverable and reinsurance balances receivable
$
5,623,098

 
$
3,560,887


95



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 claims, including large or multiple 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; the 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 when there is illiquidity in financial markets, 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 that would otherwise support holding company operations and dividend payments, 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, 2014.
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, acquisition activity, 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. Except for the debt securities assumed as part of the Catlin Acquisition as noted below, all of our outstanding debt securities were issued by XL-Cayman.
XL-Ireland'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 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 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 25, "Statutory Financial Data," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 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, 2014. No assurance can be given that our subsidiaries will pay dividends in the future to XL-Ireland and XL-Cayman.

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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. As of September 30, 2015, XL-Ireland had $2.7 billion in distributable reserves.
As of September 30, 2015, XL-Ireland and XL-Cayman held cash and investments, net of liabilities associated with cash sweeping arrangements, of $3.6 million and $0.6 billion, respectively, compared to $22.4 million and $0.9 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
Excluding the debt acquired as a result of the Catlin Acquisition, all of our outstanding debt as of September 30, 2015 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 25, "Statutory Financial Data," included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. See also the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 1, Financial Statements included herein.
Impact of Catlin Acquisition on Liquidity and Capital Resources
On May 1, 2015, we completed the Catlin Acquisition. Refer to Item 1, Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition" to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information related to the acquisition.
The aggregate consideration for the transaction was $4.1 billion, comprised of $2.29 billion cash consideration and the issuance of 49.9 million ordinary shares valued at $1.85 billion. As discussed in "Capital Resources" above, we had a short term bridge facility available to fund the cash consideration. On March 30, 2015, we issued $1.0 billion of subordinated notes, from which we received proceeds of $980.6 million, and subsequently terminated the bridge facility. The remaining $1.31 billion of cash consideration was funded through cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Following the closing of the Catlin Acquisition and the execution of the actions noted above, we believe that we have adequate capital resources in the aggregate, and that our subsidiaries have the ability to produce sufficient cash flows, to meet expected claims payments and operational expenses and to provide dividend payments to XL-Cayman and XL-Ireland. In turn, we anticipate that we will have adequate capital resources, or the access to capital resources, to meet our obligations, including but not limited to dividend payments to our shareholders, interest payments on our senior and subordinated notes and other liabilities as they come due.
Sources of Liquidity
As of September 30, 2015, on a consolidated basis we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.3 billion as compared to approximately $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2014. We have three main sources of cash flows - those provided (used) by operating activities, investing activities and financing activities:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
Operating activities
$
509,500

 
$
728,025

Investing activities
$
(33,396
)
 
$
1,505,790

Financing activities
$
396,912

 
$
(1,634,019
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
$
(54,760
)
 
$
(46,894
)
Operating Cash Flows
Historically, cash receipts from operations that are typically 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 have generally 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 and XL-Cayman. 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 the casualty business, may take a much longer time before they are reported and ultimately settled, requiring the establishment of reserves

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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 nine months ended September 30, 2015, net cash flows provided by operating activities was $509.5 million compared to net cash flows provided by operating activities of $728.0 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease was driven by lower operating income due to increases in losses and the increases in expenses as a result of the Catlin Acquisition during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.
Investing Cash Flows
Generally, positive cash flow from operations and financing activities is invested in our investment portfolio, including affiliates, or the acquisition of subsidiaries.
Net cash used in investing activities was $33.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to net cash provided of $1,505.8 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease in cash flow is mainly attributable to the $2.29 billion cash consideration paid to Catlin shareholders for the Catlin Acquisition, offset by cash acquired of $1.27 billion for a net cash outflow of $1.02 billion, partially offset by additional inflows recorded in the current year due to the additional proceeds from the sale of ARX plus sales of securities to align the investment portfolios of the acquired and legacy businesses.
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 included are Life Funds Withheld Assets as noted in Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Sale of Life Reinsurance Subsidiary." Additionally, certain deposit liabilities and annuity contracts require the use of pledged assets. As further outlined in Item 1, Note 6, "Investments," to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, certain assets of the investment portfolio are pledged as collateral under our letter of credit facilities. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $18.8 billion and $15.2 billion in pledged assets, respectively. Of these pledged assets, we have determined in accordance with the accounting policy outlined in Item 1, Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies," that cash in the amount of $147.8 million as of September 30, 2015 is restricted and has been disclosed as such in our consolidated balance sheet.
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, the issue or repayment of debt and deposit liability transactions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net cash flows provided by financing activities was $396.9 million, mainly due to the issuance of debt, partially offset by share buybacks and preferred dividends paid, compared to net cash used of $1,634.0 million for the same period in 2014, which was predominantly impacted by share buybacks. See "Other Key Focuses of Management - Capital Management" for information regarding the issuance of debt and share buyback activity.
In addition, the Company maintains credit facilities that provide liquidity. Details of these facilities are described below in "Capital Resources."
Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had total shareholders' equity of $13.9 billion and $11.4 billion, respectively. In addition to ordinary share capital, we depend on external sources of financing to support our underwriting activities in the form of:
debt;
XL-Cayman and Catlin-Bermuda preference shares;
letter of credit facilities and other sources of collateral; and
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

98



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.
Consolidation within the banking industry may result in the reduction of the aggregate amount of credit provided to us . 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 - We may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available to us on satisfactory terms, on a timely basis or at all," included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
The following table summarizes the components of our current capital resources as follows:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Non-controlling interests - Series D preference ordinary shares of XL-Cayman
$
345,000

 
$
345,000

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

 
999,500

Non-controlling interests - non-controlling preference shares of Catlin Insurance Company Ltd. ("Catlin-Bermuda")
562,285

 

Non-controlling interests - Other
55,494

 
57,515

Ordinary share capital
11,938,229

 
10,033,751

Total ordinary shares and non-controlling interests
$
13,900,508

 
$
11,435,766

Notes payable and debt
2,726,917

 
1,662,580

Total
$
16,627,425

 
$
13,098,346

Ordinary Share Capital
The following table reconciles the opening and closing ordinary share capital positions as follows:
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Ordinary shareholders’ equity – beginning of period
$
10,033,751

 
$
9,997,633

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
978,602

 
188,340

Share buybacks
(292,269
)
 
(801,953
)
Share issuances
1,864,672

 
6,406

Ordinary share dividends
(151,997
)
 
(172,080
)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income
(529,376
)
 
747,801

Share-based compensation and other
34,846

 
67,604

Ordinary shareholders’ equity – end of period
$
11,938,229

 
$
10,033,751

Preferred Shares - 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. As a result of the Catlin Acquisition, we also acquired the non-controlling preference shares issued by Catlin-Bermuda. Accordingly, these instruments represent non-controlling interests in our consolidated financial statements and are presented as non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries. As of both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the face values of the outstanding Series D and Series E preference ordinary shares were $345.0 million and $999.5 million, respectively. The value of the non-controlling preference shares issued by Catlin-Bermuda as of September 30, 2015 was $562.3 million.

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Debt
The following tables present our debt under outstanding securities and lenders' commitments as of September 30, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Commitment/
Debt (1)
 
In Use/
Outstanding (2)
 
Year of
Expiry
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1 to 3
Years
 
3 to 5
Years
 
After 5
Years
2.30% Senior Notes
300,000

 
297,847

 
2018
 

 

 
300,000

 

5.75% Senior Notes
400,000

 
397,415

 
2021
 

 

 

 
400,000

6.375% Senior Notes
350,000

 
349,002

 
2024
 

 

 

 
350,000

4.45% Subordinated Notes
500,000

 
492,318

 
2025
 

 

 

 
500,000

6.25% Senior Notes
325,000

 
323,179

 
2027
 

 

 

 
325,000

Variable Rate Subordinated Notes, face amount €7m
7,823

 
7,336

 
2035
 

 

 

 
7,823

Variable Rate Subordinated Notes, face amount $27m
27,000

 
25,280

 
2036
 

 

 

 
27,000

Variable Rate Subordinated Notes, face amount $31m
31,300

 
29,305

 
2036
 

 

 

 
31,300

Variable Rate Subordinated Notes, face amount $10m
9,800

 
9,175

 
2036
 

 

 

 
9,800

Variable Rate Subordinated Notes, face amount €11m
12,294

 
11,528

 
2036
 

 

 

 
12,294

5.25% Senior Notes
300,000

 
296,261

 
2043
 

 

 

 
300,000

5.5% Subordinated Notes
500,000

 
488,271

 
2045
 

 

 

 
500,000

 
$
2,763,217

 
$
2,726,917

 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$
300,000

 
$
2,463,217

_______________
(1)    Excluded from the table are revolving credit facilities of $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $455.9 million and $606.1 million, respectively, were utilized under these facilities as letters of credit, leaving $1.0 billion and $968.9 million, respectively, available for use under the revolving credit facilities.
(2)    "In Use/Outstanding" data represent September 30, 2015 accreted values. "Payments Due by Period" data represents ultimate redemption values.
In addition, see Item 8, Note 15, "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, 2014 for further information.
As of September 30, 2015, we had outstanding debt held by investors and debt capacity with banks as follows:
available revolving credit capacity of approximately $1.0 billion; and
senior and subordinated unsecured notes of approximately $2.6 billion issued by XL-Cayman. These notes require XL-Cayman to pay a fixed rate of interest during their terms. As of September 30, 2015, the outstanding issues of unsecured notes are as follows:
$300 million senior notes due December 2018, with a fixed coupon of 2.30%. The notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The notes were issued at 99.69% of the face amount 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 notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The notes were issued at 100.0% of the face amount 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 notes are publicly traded. The notes were issued at 100.0% of the face amount and net proceeds were $347.8 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $2.2 million.
$500 million subordinated notes due March 2025, with a fixed coupon of 4.45%. The notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The notes were issued at 99.633% of the face amount and net proceeds were $492.2 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $5.9 million.
$325 million senior notes due May 2027, with a fixed coupon of 6.25%. The notes are publicly traded. The notes were issued at 99.805% of the face amount 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 notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The notes were issued at 99.77% of the face amount and net proceeds were $296.0 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $3.3 million.
$500 million subordinated notes due March 2045, with a fixed coupon of 5.5%. The notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The notes were issued at 99.115% of the face amount and net proceeds were $488.4 million. Related expenses of the offering amounted to $7.2 million.

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subordinated unsecured notes of approximately $82.6 million issued by Catlin Underwriting (formerly Wellington Underwriting plc). These notes, for which we intend to exercise our early redemption option on the next respective interest payment dates, require Catlin Underwriting to pay a variable rate of interest based on the rate on three-month deposits in U.S. dollars plus a margin of basis points. As of September 30, 2015, the outstanding subordinated unsecured notes are as follows:
€7 million subordinated notes due March 2035, with the variable rate based on the three-month deposits in U.S. dollars plus a margin of 295 basis points. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. The notes are redeemable at the discretion of the issuer.
$27 million subordinated notes due March 2036, with the variable rate based on the three-month deposits in U.S. dollars plus a margin of 317 basis points. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. The notes are redeemable at the discretion of the issuer.
$31 million subordinated notes due September 2036, with the variable rate based on the three-month deposits in U.S. dollars plus a margin of 310 basis points. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. The notes are redeemable at the discretion of the issuer.
$10 million subordinated notes due September 2036, with the variable rate based on the three-month deposits in U.S. dollars plus a margin of 300 basis points. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. The notes are redeemable at the discretion of the issuer.
€11 million subordinated notes due September 2036, with the variable rate based on the three-month deposits in U.S. dollars plus a margin of 300 basis points. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. The notes are redeemable at the discretion of the issuer.
Letter of Credit Facilities and other sources of collateral
As of September 30, 2015, we had eighteen letter of credit ("LOC") facilities in place with total availability of $4.9 billion, of which $2.5 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

 
$
23,921

 
2018
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,000,000

 
$

LOC Facility (2)
1,000,000

 
685,932

 
2018
 

 

 
1,000,000

 

LOC Facility
600,000

 
140,549

 
Continuous
 

 

 

 
600,000

LOC Facility
250,000

 
131,928

 
Continuous
 

 

 

 
250,000

LOC Facility (3)
245,000

 
245,000

 
2016
 

 
245,000

 

 

LOC Facility
200,000

 
200,000

 
2017
 

 
200,000

 

 

LOC Facility
100,000

 
100,000

 
2017
 

 
100,000

 

 

LOC Facility
150,000

 
122,000

 
Continuous
 

 

 

 
150,000

LOC Facility
450,000

 
204,305

 
2016
 

 
450,000

 

 

LOC Facility
100,000

 
100,000

 
2018
 

 

 
100,000

 

LOC Facility
100,000

 
100,000

 
2018
 

 

 
100,000

 

LOC Facility
100,000

 
100,000

 
2018
 

 

 
100,000

 

LOC Facility
75,000

 
75,000

 
2018
 

 

 
75,000

 

LOC Facility (4)
75,000

 
45,000

 
2016
 

 
75,000

 

 

LOC Facility
50,000

 
28,018

 
2017
 

 
50,000

 

 

LOC Facility (4)
75,000

 
42,028

 
2016
 

 
75,000

 

 

LOC Facility
230,000

 
136,318

 
 Continuous
 

 

 

 
230,000

LOC Facility
50,000

 
48,887

 
Continuous
 

 

 

 
50,000

LOC Facility

 
9,613

 
2015
 
9,613

 

 

 

Total LOC facilities
$
4,850,000

 
$
2,538,499

 
 
 
$
9,613

 
$
1,195,000

 
$
2,375,000

 
$
1,280,000

____________
(1)
The unused portion of this credit facility of $976.1 million is available as revolving credit capacity as noted within our discussion of Debt above. See also 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 (defined below) and the maximum amount of letters of credit available under the Goldman Credit Agreement (defined below), in each case with the lender's and issuing lender's consent.
(4)
The unused portions of these credit facilities of $63.0 million is available as revolving credit capacity as noted within our discussion of Debt above.

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In November 2013, we (i) entered into two credit agreements (together, the "Syndicated Credit Agreements"), which provide 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 of up to $3 billion.
The Syndicated Credit Agreements consist of (i) a secured credit agreement, which provides for the issuance of up to $1 billion of letters of credit, and (ii) an unsecured credit agreement, which provides for the issuance of up to $1 billion of letters of credit and revolving credit loans. 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 December 30, 2014, we reduced the commitments available under a continuous letter of credit facility between XLIB and Citibank Europe plc from $750 million to $600 million simultaneous with XLIB entering into a continuous $150 million letter of credit facility with ING Bank N.V., London Branch.
On May 7, 2013, XL-Cayman entered into a 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, May 15, 2013, May 19, 2015, June 1, 2015 and June 10, 2015, XL-Cayman entered into a first, second, third, fourth and fifth amendment, respectively, to such credit agreement (as amended, the "May 2013 Credit Agreement").
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, 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 $345.0 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, 2017 (with respect to the May 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.
On September 8, 2015, XL-Cayman entered into a new credit agreement with Goldman Sachs Mortgage Company, as administrative agent and issuing lender, and a continuing agreement for standby letters of credit with Goldman Sachs Bank USA. On September 9, 14, and 16, 2015, XL-Cayman entered into first, second and third amendments, respectively, to such credit agreement (as amended, the Goldman Credit Agreement”). XL-Cayman entered into the Goldman Credit Agreement to replace the letter of credit capacity under a credit agreement with Citicorp USA, Inc. initially entered into on August 6, 2013 that expired by its terms on September 20, 2015.
The Goldman Credit Agreement and the continuing agreement for standby letters of credit provide for issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $200 million. XL-Cayman has the option to increase the maximum amount of letters of credit available under the Goldman Credit Agreement with the lender's and issuing lender's consent.
The commitments under the Goldman Credit Agreement expire on, and such credit facility is available until, the earlier of (i) September 20, 2017 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.


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As a result of the Catlin Acquisition, the Company has the following credit facilities that Catlin had previously entered into:
A $450 million unsecured multi-bank facility available for utilization by certain subsidiaries of the Company and guaranteed by Green Holdings. The facility has a termination date of December 31, 2016.
A bilateral facility available for utilization by Catlin-Bermuda, collateralized by pledged financial assets. As of September 30, 2015, $136 million of letters of credit were issued under this facility.
A bilateral facility available for utilization by Catlin Re Switzerland Ltd, collateralized by pledged financial assets. As of September 30, 2015, $49 million of letters of credit were issued under this facility.
Four unsecured bilateral facilities available for utilization by Catlin-Bermuda and guaranteed by Green Holdings for Funds at Lloyd's purposes, amounting to a total of $375 million. One of the facilities has an expiration date of December 31, 2017, while the other three have expiration dates of December 31, 2018.
An unsecured bilateral facility valued in Australian dollars at A$50 million, available for utilization by certain subsidiaries of Catlin and guaranteed by Green Holdings, for the purpose of providing collateral to Australian beneficiaries.
Two unsecured bilateral revolving credit and letter of credit facilities, available for utilization by certain subsidiaries of Catlin and guaranteed by Green Holdings amounting to $150 million.
A facility managed by Lloyd's, acting for Catlin Syndicate 2003. As of September 30, 2015, $10 million of letters of credit were issued under this facility.
Catlin, Inc. has letters of credit amounting to $1 million issued for the benefit of various parties.
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.

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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, 2014.
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, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - General - Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."
As described in Item 1, Note 3(e), "Acquisitions and Disposals - 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 between XLIB and GreyCastle. The Life Funds Withheld Assets are managed pursuant to agreed upon 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 GCLR. Because we no longer share in the risks and rewards of the underlying performance of the supporting invested assets, 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, hedge fund 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, total return swaps, credit default swaps and swaptions, 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. 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.
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 a SAA benchmark 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. We may utilize derivative instruments via an interest rate overlay strategy to manage or optimize our duration and curve exposures.

104



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.
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, bond index futures outstanding had net long positions of $21.4 million and $410.2 million, respectively, and stock index futures outstanding had a net short position of $(22.7) million and a net long position of $3.8 million, respectively. We may reduce our exposure to these futures through offsetting transactions, including options and forwards.
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 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
(Foreign currency in millions)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Euro
30.8

 
129.7

U.K. Sterling
166.3

 
139.4

Swiss Franc
61.4

 
155.7

Canadian Dollar
340.6

 
190.4

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 Risk Committee, a 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 (multiple losses from multiple risk sources) 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.

105



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. 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.
Our credit risk framework establishes a 1% exceedance credit clash limit at a level not to exceed approximately 25% of Adjusted Tangible Capital in order to manage the direct and indirect credit exposures arising from underwriting and non-underwriting activities that could potentially be impacted in various degrees by a systemic credit event (e.g. our investment portfolio, credit sensitive underwriting activities, unsecured exposures arising from reinsurance recoverable counterparties, brokers and other obligor counterparties). If we were to deploy the full limit, there would be a 1% probability that an event would occur during the next year that would result in a net credit clash related loss in excess of the limit. See "Other Key Focuses of Management - Risk Management" for factors we consider in setting the credit clash risk tolerance as well as for factors that could cause a deviation between estimated and actual incurred losses.
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 3.2 years as of September 30, 2015.
We manage credit risk in the investment portfolio, including fixed income, alternative and short-term investments, through the credit research performed by investment management service providers and our internal portfolio management staff. 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 strategic asset allocation benchmark, 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 or 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)) as of September 30, 2015:
 
Percentage of
Aggregated Fixed
Income Portfolio (1)(2)
AAA
46.6
%
AA
22.3
%
A
21.4
%
BBB
7.6
%
BB or Below
1.9
%
NR
0.2
%
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.
(2)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.

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As of September 30, 2015, the average credit quality of our aggregate fixed income investment portfolio was "Aa2 (AA)." Our $14.0 billion portfolio of government and government related, agency, sovereign and cash holdings was rated "AA+," our $10.2 billion portfolio of corporates was rated "A," and our $7.6 billion structured securities portfolio was rated "AA+."
We are closely monitoring our corporate financial bond holdings given the events of the global financial crisis. 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 as of September 30, 2015, representing both amortized cost and net unrealized gains (losses):
 
September 30, 2015
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+
 
$
178.3

 
$
3.6

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC.
A-
 
162.4

 
3.4

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
AA+
 
156.4

 
1.0

JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
A
 
156.0

 
3.4

BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
A-
 
134.0

 
0.5

CITIGROUP INC.
A-
 
132.6

 
3.6

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
AA+
 
132.0

 
0.1

WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION
AA+
 
129.3

 
2.6

COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA
AA+
 
122.9

 
1.6

UBS GROUP AG
AA-
 
122.5

 
2.3

RABOBANK NEDERLAND
AA-
 
116.4

 
3.2

NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LIMITED
AA
 
108.9

 
1.5

HSBC HOLDINGS PLC
A+
 
101.1

 
1.7

LLOYDS BANKING GROUP PLC
AA+
 
99.9

 
2.6

SVENSKA HANDELSBANKEN AB
AA
 
94.0

 
0.6

THE TORONTO-DOMINION BANK
AA+
 
93.0

 
0.1

THE PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
A
 
92.7

 
1.0

BB&T CORPORATION
A
 
75.0

 
0.7

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
A
 
70.7

 
1.2

BNP PARIBAS
A+
 
70.5

 
0.6

MORGAN STANLEY
A-
 
70.4

 
(1.0
)
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
AA+
 
69.7

 
0.7

CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG
A
 
68.3

 
1.5

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED
AA+
 
67.0

 
1.4

U.S. BANCORP
A+
 
65.8

 
0.5

BANK OF MONTREAL
AA
 
59.9

 
0.7

ING GROEP N.V.
AA-
 
59.0

 
1.3

MITSUBISHI UFJ FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
A
 
54.0

 
0.6

____________
(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

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As of September 30, 2015, the top 10 corporate financial holdings, which exclude government guaranteed and government sponsored enterprises, represented approximately 4.5% of the aggregate fixed income portfolio and approximately 14% 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
 
0.6%
THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC.
 
0.5%
JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
 
0.5%
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
 
0.5%
CITIGROUP INC.
 
0.4%
BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
 
0.4%
WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION
 
0.4%
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
0.4%
UBS GROUP AG
 
0.4%
COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA
 
0.4%
____________
(1)
Corporate issuers include Covered Bonds.
(2)
Excludes Life Funds Withheld Assets.
As of September 30, 2015, the top 5 corporate sector exposures listed below represented 23.9% of the aggregate fixed income investment portfolio and 74.8% of all corporate holdings.
Top 5 Sector Exposures (1)
(U.S. dollars in millions)
 
Carrying Value
 
Percentage of
Aggregate
Fixed Income
Portfolio
Financials (2)
 
$
3,112.2

 
9.8
%
Consumer, non-Cyclical
 
1,832.5

 
5.7
%
Industrial
 
937.0

 
2.9
%
Consumer, Cyclical
 
922.1

 
2.9
%
Utilities
 
814.1

 
2.6
%
Total
 
$
7,617.9

 
23.9
%
____________
(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 $7.6 billion structured securities portfolio, of which 89.2% is AAA rated:
(U.S. dollars in millions)
Carrying Value (1)
 
Percentage of
Structured Portfolio
Agency RMBS
$
3,923.5

 
51.3
%
Non-Agency RMBS
363.0

 
4.7
%
CMBS
850.1

 
11.2
%
Core CDOs (non-ABS CDOs and CLOs)
410.2

 
5.4
%
Other ABS (2)
2,095.6

 
27.4
%
Total
$
7,642.4

 
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. From time to time, we may purchase credit default swaps to hedge an 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.

108



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. As of September 30, 2015, our equity portfolio was approximately $968.8 million as compared to $789.1 million at December 31, 2014. This excludes fixed income fund investments of $0.9 million and $79.2 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, that generally do not have the risk characteristics of equity investments but are treated as equity investments under U.S. GAAP. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our direct allocation to equity securities was 2.6% and 2.4%, 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 hedge fund 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. As of September 30, 2015, our exposure to private investments, excluding unfunded commitments, was $525.7 million, representing 1.4% of the total investment portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net payable for investments purchased) compared to $325.2 million as of December 31, 2014.
Our hedge fund investment portfolio, which is exposed to equity and credit risk as well as certain other market risks, had a total exposure of $1.7 billion representing approximately 4.6% of the total investment portfolio (including cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income and net payable for investments purchased) as of September 30, 2015, as compared to December 31, 2014 when we had a total exposure of $1.7 billion representing approximately 5.6% of the total investment portfolio.
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.
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 as of September 30, 2015 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 as of September 30, 2015, excluding foreign exchange. The interest rate, spread risk, and VaR shown in the table below exclude Life Funds Withheld Assets.
The table below also 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.

109



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)
$
(1,122.6
)
 
$
(259.5
)
 
$
(1,052.8
)
 
$
(88.2
)
 
$
969.2

(I) Fixed Income Portfolio
(1,117.9
)
 

 
(1,011.6
)
 
(81.7
)
 
948.9

(a) Cash & Short Term Investments
(12.0
)
 

 
(5.9
)
 
(0.3
)
 
5.2

(b) Total Government Related
(506.7
)
 

 
(311.7
)
 
(11.8
)
 
397.5

(c) Total Corporate Credit
(354.3
)
 

 
(387.5
)
 
(48.1
)
 
349.8

(d) Total Structured Credit
(244.9
)
 

 
(306.5
)
 
(21.5
)
 
217.5

(II) Non-Fixed Income Portfolio

 
(259.5
)
 

 

 
512.6

(e) Equity Portfolio

 
(102.4
)
 

 

 
312.2

(f) Hedge Fund Portfolio

 
(76.1
)
 

 

 
161.3

(g) Private Investments

 
(80.9
)
 

 

 
78.9

____________
(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 hedge fund investments and private equity investments. This includes our estimate of equity risk embedded in the hedge fund and private investment portfolios 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 hedge fund 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 hedge fund 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 as of September 30, 2015 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 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.

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Life Funds Withheld Assets
The table below shows the Life Funds Withheld Assets by credit rating in percentage terms as of September 30, 2015:
 
Percentage of
Aggregated Fixed
Income Portfolio (1)
AAA
12.5
%
AA
32.2
%
A
30.2
%
BBB
24.2
%
BB or Below
0.9
%
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.
As of September 30, 2015, the average credit quality of the Life Funds Withheld Assets was "A+".
As of September 30, 2015, the top 5 corporate sector exposures listed below represented 40.6% 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)
 
$
669.6

 
13.9
%
Utilities
 
547.5

 
11.3
%
Consumer, non-Cyclical
 
324.1

 
6.7
%
Industrial
 
226.5

 
4.7
%
Communications
 
194.8

 
4.0
%
Total
 
$
1,962.5

 
40.6
%
____________
(1)
Government-guaranteed securities and Covered Bonds have been excluded from the above figures.

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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, except as noted below, 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.
On May 1, 2015, the Company completed the Catlin Acquisition described in Item 1, Note 3(c), "Acquisitions and Disposals - Catlin Acquisition" to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. Catlin's assets constituted approximately 28.4% of the Company's consolidated assets as of September 30, 2015 and revenue constituted approximately 40.0% of the Company's revenues for the three month period ended September 30, 2015. At this time, we are in the process of evaluating internal control over financial reporting for the Catlin businesses acquired, and accordingly, in reliance upon SEC interpretive guidance related to recent acquisitions, we did not consider the Catlin businesses when we evaluated our internal control over financial reporting for purposes of our evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
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.

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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, 2014. There have been no material developments to such proceedings during the three months ended September 30, 2015.
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 as of September 30, 2015, 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, 2014 for further information.

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 September 30, 2015 of its ordinary shares:
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number
 of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (1) (2)
July 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015
1,585,798

 
$
37.88

 
1,583,821

 
$
97.6
 million
August 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015
1,301,499

 
$
38.85

 
1,299,618

 
$
949.5
 million
September 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015
1,872,347

 
$
37.12

 
1,872,229

 
$
880.0
 million
Total
4,759,644

 
$
37.85

 
4,755,668

 
$
880.0
 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.
(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 - Capital Management - Buybacks of Ordinary Shares," included herein.

113



ITEM 6.
 
EXHIBITS
 
 
 
The following exhibits are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report:
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.1
 
Amendment, dated August 7, 2015, to the Letter of Assignment, dated May 27, 2015, between XL Group plc, XL Services (Bermuda) Ltd and Stephen Catlin, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (No. 1-10804) for the quarter ended June 30, 2015.
 
 
 
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.

114



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:
November 5, 2015
 
 
 
XL Group plc
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
/s/ MICHAEL S. MCGAVICK
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name: Michael S. McGavick
 
 
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
 
XL Group plc
 
 
 
Date:
November 5, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ PETER R. PORRINO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name: Peter R. Porrino
 
 
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
XL Group plc


115