NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
General
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“Arch Capital”) is a publicly listed Bermuda exempted company which provides insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. As used herein, the “Company” means Arch Capital and its subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation
The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normally recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of results on an interim basis. The results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year or any future periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted; however, management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. This report should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“2023 Form 10-K”), including the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes.
The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior year information to conform to the current presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s net income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity or cash flows. All amounts are in millions, except per share amounts, unless otherwise noted.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For information regarding additional accounting standards that the Company has not yet adopted, see note 3(t), “Significant Accounting Policies—Recent Accounting Pronouncements,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K.
2. Acquisitions
On August 1, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Allianz’s U.S Middle Market Property & Casualty Insurance and U.S. Entertainment Property and Casualty Insurance Business. This business is written by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, an affiliate of Allianz (“MCE”), and its subsidiaries (together with MCE, collectively, the “Business Entities”), in each case, relating to relevant policies with accident years 2016 and onwards (collectively, the “Business”), as well as certain assets of Allianz and its affiliates related to the Business. In connection with the acquisition of the Business, the Company also entered into certain reinsurance agreements relating to the Business and the Business Entities and other agreements providing for administration and other services for the Business Entities by the Company for the applicable policies being reinsured following the closing. The acquisition of the Business is an important part of the Company’s growth strategy, and provides a ballast to our existing insurance business.It further enhances the Company’s capabilities in the U.S. middle markets and represents an attractive way to enter a new niche entertainment insurance market.
Aggregate cash consideration for the transaction was $450 million. Direct costs related to the acquisition are immaterial, and were expensed as incurred. These include one-time costs that are directly attributable to third party consulting fees and other professional and legal fees related to the acquisition. Such costs are included within ‘corporate expenses’ in the consolidated statement of income. The Business acquired is included within the Company’s insurance segment beginning from the acquisition date, August 1, 2024.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes the Company’s allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values on August 1, 2024. The fair value of the assets and liabilities are preliminary and may change with offsetting adjustments to goodwill. The Company may make further adjustments to its purchase price allocation through the end of the permissible one-year measurement period.
Total
Useful Life
Purchase price
Cash paid (a)
$
450
Assets Acquired
Cash and investments, at fair value
$
2,332
Premiums receivable
290
Intangible asset -- distribution relationships
220
10 years
Intangible asset -- value of business acquired
163
1-2 years
Intangible asset -- other (1)
178
5-7 years
Other assets acquired
158
Total assets acquired
$
3,341
Liabilities Acquired
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
2,404
Unearned premiums
632
Other liabilities acquired
121
Total liabilities acquired
3,157
Identifiable net assets acquired (b)
$
184
Goodwill (a) - (b)
$
266
(1) Includes $128 million related to the net fair value adjustment to reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses on August 1, 2024.
The Company recognized goodwill of $266 million that is primarily attributed to the expanded presence and long-term growth opportunities in the insurance market provided by this strategic acquisition. Approximately $568 million of the acquired goodwill and intangibles is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. At the date of the acquisition, the Company established a net deferred tax asset of $23 million related to the estimated fair value of reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums.
Intangible assets resulting from the acquisition are amortized as part of ‘amortization of intangible assets’ in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The significant fair value adjustments and related future amortization are as follows:
Value of business acquired (“VOBA”)— which represents the present value of the expected underwriting profit within the unearned premium liability, less costs to service the related policies and a risk premium. The fair value of VOBA was determined after taking into consideration certain key assumptions, including the estimated cost of capital, investment yield, loss ratio and related expenses;
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses—to reflect a decrease related to the present value of the reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses based on the estimated payout patterns, partially offset by an increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses related to the estimated market based risk margin. The risk margin represents the estimated costs of capital required by a market participant to assume the losses and loss adjustment expenses. The fair value of the reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses was determined after taking into consideration certain key assumptions, including the estimated cost of capital, and investment yield.
Distribution relationships—the value of the distribution relationships was determined after taking into consideration certain key assumptions, including the estimated cost of capital, investment yield, retention rates, loss ratios, related expenses and effective tax rates that would impact the expected cash flows from Business policies written on a go forward basis.
The results of the acquired Business Entities have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements beginning as of their acquisition date. It is impracticable to provide historical supplemental pro forma financial information along with revenue and earnings subsequent to the acquisition due to a variety of factors, including access to historical information and the operations of acquirees being integrated within the Company shortly after closing and not operating as discrete operations within the Company’s organizational structure.
3. Share Transactions
Share Repurchases
The Board of Directors of Arch Capital has authorized the investment in Arch Capital’s common shares through a share repurchase program. At September 30, 2024, $1.0 billion of share repurchases were available under the program. Repurchases under the program may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 31, 2024. The timing and amount of the repurchase transactions under this program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions and corporate and regulatory considerations.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
4. Earnings Per Common Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Numerator:
Net income (loss) available to Arch
$
988
$
723
$
3,377
$
2,109
Preferred dividends
(10)
(10)
(30)
(30)
Net income (loss) available to Arch common shareholders
$
978
$
713
$
3,347
$
2,079
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding — basic
373.2
369.2
372.3
368.4
Effect of dilutive common share equivalents:
Nonvested restricted shares
2.0
2.6
1.8
2.4
Stock options (1)
7.1
7.6
7.2
7.5
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding — diluted
382.3
379.4
381.3
378.3
Earnings per common share:
Basic
$
2.62
$
1.93
$
8.99
$
5.64
Diluted
$
2.56
$
1.88
$
8.78
$
5.50
(1) Certain stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share where the exercise price of the stock options exceeded the average market price and would have been anti-dilutive or where, when applying the treasury stock method to in-the-money options, the sum of the proceeds, including unrecognized compensation, exceeded the average market price and would have been anti-dilutive. For the 2024 third quarter and 2023 third quarter, the number of stock options excluded were 0.2 million and 0.3 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the number of stock options excluded were 0.4 million and 0.5 million, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
5. Segment Information
The Company’s insurance, reinsurance and mortgage segments each have managers who are responsible for the overall profitability of their respective segments and who are directly accountable to the Company’s chief operating decision makers. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer are the Company’s chief operating decision makers. The Company’s chief operating decision makers do not assess performance, measure return on equity or make resource allocation decisions on a line of business basis. Management measures segment performance for its three reportable segments based on underwriting income or loss. The Company does not manage its assets by segment, with the exception of goodwill and intangible assets, and accordingly, investment income is not allocated to each segment.
The Company determined its segments using the management approach described in accounting guidance regarding disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Intersegment business is allocated to the segment accountable for the underwriting results.
The Company’s insurance segment primarily consists of commercial insurance lines of business, with a focus on specialty insurance products. These products are mainly offered in North America, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, continental Europe and Australia. Products offered in North America include: commercial automobile; commercial multi‐peril; other liability—claims made, which includes financial and professional lines; other liability—occurrence, which includes admitted and excess and surplus casualty lines; property and short-tail specialty; workers compensation; and other. Products offered across the Company’s International units include: property and short-tail specialty; and casualty and other.
The Company’s reinsurance segment offers reinsurance products on a worldwide basis. Product lines of business include: casualty; marine and aviation; other specialty; property catastrophe; property excluding property catastrophe; and other.
The Company’s mortgage segment consists of U.S. primary mortgage insurance business written predominantly on loans sold to the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), each a government sponsored entity ("GSE") and also through non GSE approved entities (combined “Arch MI U.S.”); reinsurance and underwriting services related to U.S. credit-risk transfer (“CRT”) business which are predominately with the GSEs and other U.S. mortgage reinsurance transactions; and international mortgage insurance and reinsurance business covering loans primarily in Australia and Europe.
The Company’s results also include net investment income, net realized gains or losses (which includes realized and unrealized changes in the fair value of equity securities and assets accounted for using the fair value option, realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and gains or losses realized from the acquisition or disposition of subsidiaries), equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, other income (loss), corporate expenses, transaction costs and other, amortization of intangible assets, interest expense, net foreign exchange gains or losses, income tax items, income or loss from operating affiliates and items related to the Company’s non-cumulative preferred shares.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following tables summarize the Company’s underwriting income or loss by segment, together with a reconciliation of underwriting income or loss to net income available to Arch common shareholders:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Insurance
Reinsurance
Mortgage
Total
Gross premiums written (1)
$
2,341
$
2,763
$
339
$
5,440
Premiums ceded (1)
(521)
(818)
(57)
(1,393)
Net premiums written
1,820
1,945
282
4,047
Change in unearned premiums
(55)
(53)
31
(77)
Net premiums earned
1,765
1,892
313
3,970
Other underwriting income (loss)
—
2
3
5
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(1,087)
(1,317)
1
(2,403)
Acquisition expenses
(308)
(374)
1
(681)
Other operating expenses
(250)
(54)
(49)
(353)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
120
$
149
$
269
538
Net investment income
399
Net realized gains (losses)
169
Equity in net income (loss) of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
171
Other income (loss)
8
Corporate expenses (2)
(19)
Transaction costs and other (2)
(30)
Amortization of intangible assets
(88)
Interest expense
(35)
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)
(63)
Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) from operating affiliates
1,050
Income tax (expense) benefit
(98)
Income (loss) from operating affiliates
36
Net income (loss) available to Arch
988
Preferred dividends
(10)
Net income (loss) available to Arch common shareholders
$
978
Underwriting Ratios
Loss ratio
61.6
%
69.6
%
(0.4)
%
60.5
%
Acquisition expense ratio
17.4
%
19.8
%
(0.4)
%
17.2
%
Other operating expense ratio
14.1
%
2.9
%
15.6
%
8.9
%
Combined ratio
93.1
%
92.3
%
14.8
%
86.6
%
Goodwill and intangible assets
$
1,025
$
113
$
348
$
1,486
(1) Certain assumed and ceded amounts related to intersegment transactions are included in individual segment results. Accordingly, the sum of such transactions for each segment does not agree to the total due to eliminations.
(2) Certain expenses have been excluded from ‘corporate expenses’ and reflected in ‘transaction costs and other.’
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Insurance
Reinsurance
Mortgage
Total
Gross premiums written (1)
$
2,043
$
2,138
$
347
$
4,527
Premiums ceded (1)
(521)
(576)
(76)
(1,172)
Net premiums written
1,522
1,562
271
3,355
Change in unearned premiums
(110)
(19)
22
(107)
Net premiums earned
1,412
1,543
293
3,248
Other underwriting income (loss)
—
2
3
5
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(812)
(870)
35
(1,647)
Acquisition expenses
(269)
(304)
(2)
(575)
Other operating expenses
(202)
(61)
(47)
(310)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
129
$
310
$
282
721
Net investment income
269
Net realized gains (losses)
(248)
Equity in net income (loss) of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
59
Other income (loss)
(4)
Corporate expenses (2)
(20)
Transaction costs and other (2)
—
Amortization of intangible assets
(24)
Interest expense
(34)
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)
22
Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) from operating affiliates
741
Income tax (expense) benefit
(72)
Income (loss) from operating affiliates
54
Net income (loss) available to Arch
723
Preferred dividends
(10)
Net income (loss) available to Arch common shareholders
$
713
Underwriting Ratios
Loss ratio
57.5
%
56.4
%
(12.1)
%
50.7
%
Acquisition expense ratio
19.1
%
19.7
%
0.6
%
17.7
%
Other operating expense ratio
14.3
%
3.9
%
16.2
%
9.5
%
Combined ratio
90.9
%
80.0
%
4.7
%
77.9
%
Goodwill and intangible assets
$
220
$
132
$
387
$
739
(1) Certain assumed and ceded amounts related to intersegment transactions are included in individual segment results. Accordingly, the sum of such transactions for each segment does not agree to the total due to eliminations.
(2) Certain expenses have been excluded from ‘corporate expenses’ and reflected in ‘transaction costs and other.’
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Insurance
Reinsurance
Mortgage
Total
Gross premiums written (1)
$
6,569
$
9,171
$
1,020
$
16,755
Premiums ceded (1)
(1,649)
(3,013)
(185)
(4,842)
Net premiums written
4,920
6,158
835
11,913
Change in unearned premiums
(226)
(820)
90
(956)
Net premiums earned
4,694
5,338
925
10,957
Other underwriting income (loss)
—
5
15
20
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(2,789)
(3,206)
37
(5,958)
Acquisition expenses
(872)
(1,050)
1
(1,921)
Other operating expenses
(718)
(193)
(151)
(1,062)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
315
$
894
$
827
2,036
Net investment income
1,090
Net realized gains (losses)
358
Equity in net income (loss) of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
437
Other income (loss)
30
Corporate expenses (2)
(88)
Transaction costs and other (2)
(55)
Amortization of intangible assets
(136)
Interest expense
(104)
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)
(31)
Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) from operating affiliates
3,537
Income tax (expense) benefit
(296)
Income (loss) from operating affiliates
136
Net income (loss) available to Arch
3,377
Preferred dividends
(30)
Net income (loss) available to Arch common shareholders
$
3,347
Underwriting Ratios
Loss ratio
59.4
%
60.1
%
(4.0)
%
54.4
%
Acquisition expense ratio
18.6
%
19.7
%
(0.1)
%
17.5
%
Other operating expense ratio
15.3
%
3.6
%
16.3
%
9.7
%
Combined ratio
93.3
%
83.4
%
12.2
%
81.6
%
(1) Certain assumed and ceded amounts related to intersegment transactions are included in individual segment results. Accordingly, the sum of such transactions for each segment does not agree to the total due to eliminations.
(2) Certain expenses have been excluded from ‘corporate expenses’ and reflected in ‘transaction costs and other.’
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Insurance
Reinsurance
Mortgage
Total
Gross premiums written (1)
$
5,977
$
7,142
$
1,037
$
14,152
Premiums ceded (1)
(1,564)
(2,145)
(240)
(3,945)
Net premiums written
4,413
4,997
797
10,207
Change in unearned premiums
(416)
(781)
86
(1,111)
Net premiums earned
3,997
4,216
883
9,096
Other underwriting income (loss)
—
9
12
21
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(2,276)
(2,379)
46
(4,609)
Acquisition expenses
(778)
(875)
(16)
(1,669)
Other operating expenses
(592)
(203)
(147)
(942)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
351
$
768
$
778
1,897
Net investment income
710
Net realized gains (losses)
(354)
Equity in net income (loss) of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
176
Other income (loss)
10
Corporate expenses (2)
(69)
Transaction costs and other (2)
(2)
Amortization of intangible assets
(71)
Interest expense
(99)
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)
(1)
Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) from operating affiliates
2,197
Income tax (expense) benefit
(203)
Income (loss) from operating affiliates
115
Net income (loss) available to Arch
2,109
Preferred dividends
(30)
Net income (loss) available to Arch common shareholders
$
2,079
Underwriting Ratios
Loss ratio
57.0
%
56.4
%
(5.3)
%
50.7
%
Acquisition expense ratio
19.5
%
20.7
%
1.8
%
18.3
%
Other operating expense ratio
14.8
%
4.8
%
16.7
%
10.4
%
Combined ratio
91.3
%
81.9
%
13.2
%
79.4
%
(1) Certain assumed and ceded amounts related to intersegment transactions are included in individual segment results. Accordingly, the sum of such transactions for each segment does not agree to the total due to eliminations.
(2) Certain expenses have been excluded from ‘corporate expenses’ and reflected in ‘transaction costs and other.’
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
6. Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The following table represents an analysis of losses and loss adjustment expenses and a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at beginning of period
$
24,466
$
21,268
$
22,752
$
20,032
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable
7,083
6,394
6,690
6,280
Net reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at beginning of period
17,383
14,874
16,062
13,752
Net incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses relating to losses occurring in:
Current year
2,524
1,793
6,324
5,012
Prior years
(121)
(146)
(366)
(403)
Total net incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
2,403
1,647
5,958
4,609
Net losses and loss adjustment expense reserves of acquired businesses (1)
2,413
—
2,463
—
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses and other
246
(123)
152
(24)
Net paid losses and loss adjustment expenses relating to losses occurring in:
Current year
(362)
(345)
(647)
(700)
Prior years
(967)
(713)
(2,872)
(2,297)
Total net paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
(1,329)
(1,058)
(3,519)
(2,997)
Net reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at end of period
21,116
15,340
21,116
15,340
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable
7,563
6,496
7,563
6,496
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at end of period
$
28,679
$
21,836
$
28,679
$
21,836
(1) Activity for the 2024 third quarter related to the acquisition of MCE (see note 2) and Watford Insurance Company (see note 16), while activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 also reflects the Company’s acquisition of RMIC Companies, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“RMIC”) that, together, comprise the run-off mortgage insurance business of Old Republic International Corporation.
Prior year development (“PYD”) arises from changes in loss estimates during the current period related to events occurring in prior calendar years. Long-tailed lines include lines of business that typically take many years for claims to settle such as third-party liability; short-tailed lines are those that settle more quickly such as property. The table below summarizes (favorable) and adverse net PYD by segment and tail length:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
2024 Third Quarter
The insurance segment’s short-tailed lines included $15 million of favorable development in property and marine, primarily from the 2012 and 2023 accident years (i.e., the year in which a loss occurred), and $11 million of favorable development in travel and accident, primarily from the 2023 accident year. Long tailed lines primarily included adverse development in programs, mainly from the 2023 accident year.
The reinsurance segment’s short-tailed lines included $35 million of favorable development from other specialty lines, primarily from the 2012 and subsequent underwriting years (i.e., all premiums and losses attributable to contracts having an inception or renewal date within the given 12 month period), and $20 million of favorable development from property other than property catastrophe, primarily from the 2022 and 2023 underwriting years. Long-tailed lines included $27 million of adverse development in casualty, primarily from the 2020 and 2022 underwriting years.
The mortgage segment’s favorable development was driven by reductions on reserves for delinquent loans associated with the U.S. first lien portfolio from the 2023 accident year. The Company’s credit risk transfer and international businesses also contributed to the favorable development.
2023 Third Quarter
The insurance segment’s short-tailed lines included $16 million of favorable development in property and marine, primarily from the 2021 and 2022 accident years. Long-tailed lines included $25 million of adverse development in professional liability, primarily from 2019 and 2020 accident years.
The reinsurance segment’s short-tailed lines included $29 million of favorable development in property other than property catastrophe, primarily from the 2020 to 2022 underwriting years, $22 million of favorable development in property catastrophe, primarily from the 2021 and 2022 underwriting years, and $19 million of favorable development in other specialty lines, primarily from the 2021 and prior underwriting years. Long-tailed lines included $21 million of adverse development in casualty, primarily from the 2016 to 2020 underwriting years.
The mortgage segment’s favorable development was driven by reserve releases associated with the U.S. first lien portfolio from the 2020 through 2022 accident years, with the credit risk transfer and international businesses also contributing.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
The insurance segment’s short-tailed lines included $31 million of favorable development in surety, primarily from the 2007 and 2022 accident years, and $29 million of favorable development in travel and accident, primarily from the 2023 accident year. Net adverse development in long-tailed lines primarily included adverse development in programs, mainly from the 2023 accident year.
The reinsurance segment’s short-tailed lines included $72 million of favorable development from other specialty lines, primarily from the 2015 and subsequent underwriting years and $71 million of favorable development from property other than property catastrophe, primarily from the 2022 and 2023 underwriting years. Long-tailed lines included $43 million of adverse development in casualty, primarily from the 2017 and 2020 underwriting years.
The mortgage segment’s favorable development was driven by reserve releases associated with the U.S. first lien portfolio from the 2022 and 2023 accident years. The Company’s credit risk transfer and international businesses also contributed to the favorable development.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
The insurance segment’s short-tailed lines included $44 million of favorable development in property and marine, primarily from the 2021 and 2022 accident years and $20 million of favorable development in warranty and lenders solutions, primarily from the 2022 accident year. Long-tailed lines included $48 million of adverse development in professional liability, primarily from the 2017 to 2020 accident years, partially offset by $24 million of favorable development in executive assurance, primarily from the 2019 and 2021 accident years.
The reinsurance segment’s short-tailed lines included $75 million of favorable development in property other than property catastrophe, primarily from the 2021 and 2022 underwriting years, $46 million in other specialty lines, primarily from the 2021 underwriting year, and $29 million of favorable development in property catastrophe, primarily from the 2019 and 2022 underwriting years. Long-tailed lines primarily included $39 million of adverse development in casualty, primarily from the 2014 to 2020 underwriting years.
The mortgage segment’s favorable development was driven by reserve releases associated with the U.S. first lien portfolio from the 2020 to 2022 accident years, with the credit risk transfer and international businesses also contributing.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
7. Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
Premiums Receivable
The following table provides a roll forward of the allowance for expected credit losses of the Company’s premium receivables:
Premium Receivables, Net of Allowance
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of period
$
6,268
$
36
Provision on business acquired (1)
16
Change for provision of expected credit losses (2)
—
Balance at end of period
$
6,364
$
52
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Balance at beginning of period
$
5,296
$
34
Change for provision of expected credit losses (2)
—
Balance at end of period
$
4,937
$
34
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of year
$
4,644
$
34
Provision on business acquired (1)
16
Change for provision of expected credit losses (2)
2
Balance at end of period
$
6,364
$
52
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Balance at beginning of year
$
3,625
$
35
Change for provision of expected credit losses (2)
(1)
Balance at end of period
$
4,937
$
34
(1)Represents MCE’s provision for current expected credit losses on premiums receivable. See note 2.
(2)Amounts deemed uncollectible are written-off in operating expenses. For the 2024 third quarter and 2023 third quarter, amounts written off were $1 million and nil, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 period, amounts written off were $1 million and $2 million, respectively.
Reinsurance Recoverables
The following table provides a roll forward of the allowance for expected credit losses of the Company’s reinsurance recoverables:
Reinsurance Recoverables, Net of Allowance
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of period
$
7,473
$
20
Change for provision of expected credit losses
(3)
Balance at end of period
$
7,948
$
17
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Balance at beginning of period
$
6,717
$
22
Change for provision of expected credit losses
1
Balance at end of period
$
6,821
$
23
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of year
$
7,064
$
21
Change for provision of expected credit losses
(4)
Balance at end of period
$
7,948
$
17
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Balance at beginning of year
$
6,564
$
22
Change for provision of expected credit losses
1
Balance at end of period
$
6,821
$
23
The following table summarizes the Company’s reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses (not including ceded unearned premiums):
September 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
7,948
$
7,064
% due from carriers with A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better
65.3
%
66.8
%
% due from all other rated carriers
0.0
%
0.1
%
% due from all other carriers with no A.M. Best rating (1)
34.7
%
33.1
%
Largest balance due from any one carrier as % of total shareholders’ equity
7.1
%
7.2
%
(1) At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 over 95% of such amount were collateralized through reinsurance trusts, funds withheld arrangements, letters of credit or other.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes, for all available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position, the fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has been in a continual unrealized loss position:
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Estimated Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
September 30, 2024
Fixed maturities:
Corporate bonds
$
1,903
$
(76)
$
3,316
$
(218)
$
5,219
$
(294)
U.S. government and government agencies
1,815
(10)
571
(38)
2,386
(48)
Non-U.S. government securities
614
(8)
743
(76)
1,357
(84)
Residential mortgage backed securities
213
(2)
485
(48)
698
(50)
Asset backed securities
199
(3)
442
(24)
641
(27)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
176
(1)
644
(16)
820
(17)
Municipal bonds
1
—
185
(11)
186
(11)
Total
4,921
(100)
6,386
(431)
11,307
(531)
Short-term investments
362
(2)
—
—
362
(2)
Total
$
5,283
$
(102)
$
6,386
$
(431)
$
11,669
$
(533)
December 31, 2023
Fixed maturities:
Corporate bonds
$
1,559
$
(45)
$
4,959
$
(419)
$
6,518
$
(464)
U.S. government and government agencies
1,066
(10)
941
(76)
2,007
(86)
Non-U.S. government securities
365
(4)
897
(96)
1,262
(100)
Residential mortgage backed securities
221
(3)
522
(63)
743
(66)
Asset backed securities
234
(1)
1,112
(54)
1,346
(55)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
100
(1)
909
(33)
1,009
(34)
Municipal bonds
20
(1)
215
(19)
235
(20)
Total
3,565
(65)
9,555
(760)
13,120
(825)
Short-term investments
302
(2)
—
—
302
(2)
Total
$
3,867
$
(67)
$
9,555
$
(760)
$
13,422
$
(827)
At September 30, 2024, on a lot level basis, approximately 6,710 security lots out of a total of approximately 19,840 security lots were in an unrealized loss position and the largest single unrealized loss from a single lot in the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was $4 million. At December 31, 2023, on a lot level basis, approximately 7,100 security lots out of a total of approximately 15,720 security lots were in an unrealized loss position and the largest single unrealized loss from a single lot in the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was $6 million.
The contractual maturities of the Company’s fixed maturities are shown in the following table. Expected maturities, which are management’s best estimates, will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Equity Securities, at Fair Value
At September 30, 2024, the Company held $1.6 billion of equity securities, at fair value, compared to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2023. Such holdings include publicly traded common stocks, primarily in the consumer cyclical and non-cyclical, technology, communication and financial sectors, and exchange-traded funds in fixed income, equity and other sectors.
Other Investments, at Fair Value
The following table summarizes the Company’s other investments:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Other investments
$
2,096
$
1,777
Fixed maturities
1,097
683
Short term investments
61
21
Equity securities
7
7
Total
$
3,261
$
2,488
The following table summarizes the Company’s other investments, as detailed in the previous table, by strategy:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Investment grade fixed income
$
957
$
754
Term loan investments
499
272
Lending
299
427
Private equity
212
182
Credit related funds
111
124
Energy
18
18
Total
$
2,096
$
1,777
Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income were derived from the following sources:
September 30,
2024
2023
Three Months Ended
Fixed maturities
$
340
$
243
Short term investments
38
19
Equity securities
9
5
Other (1)
35
22
Gross investment income
422
289
Investment expenses
(23)
(20)
Net investment income
$
399
$
269
Nine Months Ended
Fixed maturities
$
926
$
645
Short term investments
102
48
Equity securities
27
15
Other (1)
103
60
Gross investment income
1,158
768
Investment expenses
(68)
(58)
Net investment income
$
1,090
$
710
(1) Amounts include dividends and other distributions on investment funds, term loan investments, funds held balances, cash balances and other items.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Net Realized Gains (Losses)
Net realized gains (losses), which include changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and net impairment losses recognized in earnings were as follows:
September 30,
2024
2023
Three Months Ended
Available for sale securities:
Gross gains on investment sales
$
104
$
12
Gross losses on investment sales
(50)
(116)
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option:
Fixed maturities
25
(16)
Other investments
(120)
3
Equity securities, at fair value:
Net realized gains (losses) on sales during the period
15
14
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities still held at reporting date
58
(46)
Allowance for credit losses:
Investments related
6
—
Underwriting related
2
(1)
Derivative instruments (1)
125
(102)
Other
4
4
Net realized gains (losses)
$
169
$
(248)
Nine Months Ended
Available for sale securities:
Gross gains on investment sales
$
167
$
51
Gross losses on investment sales
(205)
(396)
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option:
Fixed maturities
23
(12)
Other investments
(150)
17
Equity securities
—
1
Equity securities, at fair value:
Net realized gains (losses) on sales during the period
31
50
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities still held at reporting date
147
17
Allowance for credit losses:
Investments related
4
(23)
Underwriting related
—
(2)
Derivative instruments (1)
116
(61)
Other (2)
225
4
Net realized gains (losses)
$
358
$
(354)
(1) See note 10 for information on the Company’s derivative instruments.
(2) Amounts include benefits from the sale of Castel Underwriting Agencies Limited and the acquisition of RMIC.
Investments Accounted For Using the Equity Method
The following table summarizes the Company’s investments accounted for using the equity method, by strategy:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Private equity
$
1,737
$
1,175
Credit related funds
1,366
1,258
Real estate
721
666
Lending
474
597
Fixed income
377
277
Infrastructure
323
320
Equities
177
178
Energy
69
95
Total
$
5,244
$
4,566
Certain of the Company’s other investments are in investment funds for which the Company has the option to redeem at agreed upon values as described in each investment fund’s subscription agreement. Depending on the terms of the various subscription agreements, investments in investment funds may be redeemed daily, monthly, quarterly or on other terms. Two common redemption restrictions which may impact the Company’s ability to redeem these investment funds are gates and lockups. A gate is a suspension of redemptions which may be implemented by the general partner or investment manager of the fund in order to defer, in whole or in part, the redemption request in the event the aggregate amount of redemption requests exceeds a predetermined percentage of the investment fund’s net assets which may otherwise hinder the general partner or investment manager’s ability to liquidate holdings in an orderly fashion in order to generate the cash necessary to fund extraordinarily large redemption payouts. A lockup period is the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to hold the security before having the ability to redeem. If the investment funds are eligible to be redeemed, the time to redeem such fund can take weeks or months following the notification.
Limited Partnership Interests
In the normal course of its activities, the Company invests in limited partnerships as part of its overall investment strategy. Such amounts are included in ‘investments accounted for using the equity method’ and ‘investments accounted for using the fair value option.’ The Company has determined that it is not required to consolidate these investments because it is not the primary beneficiary of the funds. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and any unfunded commitment.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes investments in limited partnership interests where the Company has a variable interest by balance sheet line item:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Investments accounted for using the equity method (1)
$
5,244
$
4,566
Investments accounted for using the fair value option (2)
83
114
Total
$
5,327
$
4,680
(1) Aggregate unfunded commitments were $4.3 billion at September 30, 2024, compared with $3.4 billion at December 31, 2023.
(2) Aggregate unfunded commitments were $21 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $32 million at December 31, 2023.
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Investment Funds Accounted for Using the Equity Method
Income from investment funds accounted for using the equity method for the 2024 third quarter was $171 million, compared to $59 million for the 2023 third quarter and an income of $437 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to income of $176 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. In applying the equity method, investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on the Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of the funds (which include changes in the market value of the underlying securities in the funds). Such investments are generally recorded on a one to three month lag based on the availability of reports from the investment funds.
Investments in Operating Affiliates
Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies are classified as ‘investments in operating affiliates’ on the Company’s balance sheets and are accounted for under the equity method. Such investments primarily include the Company’s investment in Coface SA (“Coface”), Greysbridge Holdings Ltd., (“Greysbridge”) and Premia Holdings Ltd. Investments in Coface and Premia Holdings Ltd. are generally recorded on a three month lag, while the Company’s investment in Greysbridge is not recorded on a lag.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company owned approximately 29.9% of the issued shares of Coface, or 30% excluding treasury shares, with a carrying value of $596 million, compared to $570 million at December 31, 2023.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company owned 40% of Greysbridge with a carrying value of $521 million, compared to $430 million at December 31, 2023.
Income from operating affiliates for the 2024 third quarter was $36 million, compared to $54 million for the 2023 third quarter and income of $136 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to income of $115 million for nine months ended September 30, 2023
See note 16 for information on Company’s transactions with related parties.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
The following table provides a roll forward of the allowance for expected credit losses of the Company’s securities classified as available for sale:
Structured Securities (1)
Corporate Bonds
Non-U.S. Government Securities
Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of period
$
10
$
16
$
1
$
27
Additions (reductions) for previously recognized expected credit losses
(3)
(3)
—
(6)
Reductions due to disposals
(1)
(1)
—
(2)
Balance at end of period
$
6
$
12
$
1
$
19
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Balance at beginning of period
$
8
$
50
$
3
$
61
Additions for current-period provision for expected credit losses
2
4
—
6
Additions (reductions) for previously recognized expected credit losses
—
(3)
—
(3)
Reductions due to disposals
(2)
(4)
(1)
(7)
Balance at end of period
$
8
$
47
$
2
$
57
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of year
$
7
$
20
$
1
$
28
Additions (reductions) for previously recognized expected credit losses
—
(4)
—
(4)
Reductions due to disposals
(1)
(4)
—
(5)
Balance at end of period
$
6
$
12
$
1
$
19
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Balance at beginning of year
$
9
$
30
$
2
$
41
Additions for current-period provision for expected credit losses
2
5
—
7
Additions (reductions) for previously recognized expected credit losses
(1)
18
1
18
Reductions due to disposals
(2)
(6)
(1)
(9)
Balance at end of period
$
8
$
47
$
2
$
57
(1) Includes asset backed securities, residential mortgage backed securities and commercial mortgage backed securities.
Restricted Assets
The Company is required to maintain assets on deposit, which primarily consist of fixed maturities, with various regulatory authorities to support its underwriting operations. The Company’s subsidiaries maintain assets in trust accounts as collateral for transactions with affiliated companies and also have investments in segregated portfolios primarily to provide collateral or guarantees for letters of credit to third parties. See note 18, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K.
The following table details the value of the Company’s restricted assets:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets used for collateral or guarantees:
Affiliated transactions
$
5,306
$
4,854
Third party agreements (1)
5,679
2,869
Deposits with U.S. regulatory authorities
883
833
Other (2)
1,453
1,376
Total restricted assets
$
13,321
$
9,932
(1) 2024 period includes amounts related to the MCE Acquisition.
(2) Primarily includes Funds at Lloyds, deposits with non-U.S. regulatory authorities and other restricted assets.
Reconciliation of Cash and Restricted Cash
The following table details reconciliation of cash and restricted cash within the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
9. Fair Value
Accounting guidance regarding fair value measurements addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, it establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for the disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement (Level 1 being the highest priority and Level 3 being the lowest priority).
The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
Level 2:
Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument
Level 3:
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for securities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such securities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. The Company reviews its securities measured at fair value and discusses the proper classification of such investments with investment advisers and others.
The Company determines the existence of an active market based on its judgment as to whether transactions for the financial instrument occur in such market with sufficient frequency and volume to provide reliable pricing information. The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. The Company uses quoted values and other data provided by nationally recognized independent pricing sources as inputs into its process for determining fair values of its fixed maturity investments. To validate the techniques or models used by pricing sources, the Company's review process includes, but
is not limited to: (i) quantitative analysis (e.g., comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target benchmark, with significant differences identified and investigated); (ii) a review of the average number of prices obtained in the pricing process and the range of resulting fair values; (iii) initial and ongoing evaluation of methodologies used by outside parties to calculate fair value; (iv) a comparison of the fair value estimates to the Company’s knowledge of the current market; (v) a comparison of the pricing services' fair values to other pricing services' fair values for the same investments; and (vi) periodic back-testing, which includes randomly selecting purchased or sold securities and comparing the executed prices to the fair value estimates from the pricing service. A price source hierarchy was maintained in order to determine which price source would be used (i.e., a price obtained from a pricing service with more seniority in the hierarchy will be used over a less senior one in all cases). The hierarchy prioritizes pricing services based on availability and reliability and assigns the highest priority to index providers. Based on the above review, the Company will challenge any prices for a security or portfolio which are considered not to be representative of fair value. The Company did not adjust any of the prices obtained from the independent pricing sources at September 30, 2024.
In certain circumstances, when fair values are unavailable from these independent pricing sources, quotes are obtained directly from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets. Such quotes are subject to the validation procedures noted above. Where quotes are unavailable, fair value is determined by the Investment Manager using quantitative and qualitative assessments such as internally modeled values. Of the $36.9 billion of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2024, approximately $146 million, or 0.4%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes or modeled valuations. Of the $29.6 billion of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2023, approximately $14 million, or 0.0%, were priced using non-binding broker-dealer quotes or modeled valuations.
Fixed maturities
The Company uses the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value of its fixed maturity securities, when possible. The market approach includes obtaining prices from independent pricing services, such as index providers and pricing vendors, as well as to a lesser extent quotes from broker-dealers. The independent pricing sources obtain market quotations and actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. Each source has its own proprietary method for determining the fair value of securities that are not actively traded. In general, these methods involve the use of “matrix pricing” in which the independent pricing source uses observable market inputs
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
including, but not limited to, investment yields, credit risks and spreads, benchmarking of like securities, broker-dealer quotes, reported trades and sector groupings to determine a reasonable fair value.
The following describes the significant inputs generally used to determine the fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities by asset class:
U.S. government and government agencies – valuations provided by independent pricing services, with all prices provided through index providers and pricing vendors. The Company determined that all U.S. Treasuries would be classified as Level 1 securities due to observed levels of trading activity, the high number of strongly correlated pricing quotes received on U.S. Treasuries and other factors. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are classified within Level 2.
Corporate bonds – valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through index providers and pricing vendors with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2. A small number of securities are included in Level 3 due to a low level of transparency on the inputs used in the pricing process.
Municipal bonds– valuations provided by independent pricing services, with all prices provided through index providers and pricing vendors. The fair values of these securities are generally determined using spreads obtained from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for municipal bonds are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
Residential mortgage-backed securities– valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through pricing vendors and index providers with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined through the use of pricing models (including Option Adjusted Spread) which use spreads to determine the expected average life of the securities. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. The pricing services also review
prepayment speeds and other indicators, when applicable. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for mortgage-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2. A small number of securities are included in Level 3 due to a low level of transparency on the inputs used in the pricing process.
Commercial mortgage-backed securities– valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through index providers and pricing vendors with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined through the use of pricing models which use spreads to determine the appropriate average life of the securities. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. The pricing services also review prepayment speeds and other indicators, when applicable. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for commercial mortgage-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
Non-U.S. government securities– valuations provided by independent pricing services, with all prices provided through index providers and pricing vendors. The fair values of these securities are generally based on international indices or valuation models which include daily observed yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads and country credit spreads. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for non-U.S. government securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
Asset-backed securities– valuations provided by independent pricing services, substantially all through index providers and pricing vendors with a small amount through broker-dealers. The fair values of these securities are generally determined through the use of pricing models (including Option Adjusted Spread) which use spreads to determine the appropriate average life of the securities. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and from broker-dealers who trade in the relevant security market. The pricing services also review prepayment speeds and other indicators, when applicable. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for asset-backed securities are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Equity securities
The Company determined that exchange-traded equity securities would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. Certain equity securities are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy as the significant inputs used in the pricing process for such securities are observable market inputs. Other equity securities are included in Level 3 due to the lack of an available independent price source for such securities. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are unobservable, the fair value of such securities are classified as Level 3.
Other investments
The Company’s other investments include term loan investments for which fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of term loan investments with similar characteristics, pricing models or matrix pricing. Such investments are generally classified within Level 2. The fair values for certain of the Company’s other investments are determined using net asset values as advised by external fund managers. The net asset value is based on the fund manager’s valuation of the underlying holdings in accordance with the fund’s governing documents. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. A small number of securities are included in Level 3 due to the lack of an available independent price source for such securities.
Derivative instruments
The Company’s futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and other derivatives trade in the over-the-counter derivative market. The Company uses the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value for these derivatives based on significant observable market inputs from third party pricing vendors, non-binding broker-dealer quotes and/or recent trading activity. As the significant inputs used in the pricing process for these derivative instruments are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
Short-term investments
The Company determined that certain of its short-term investments held in highly liquid money market-type funds, Treasury bills and commercial paper would be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets. The fair values of certain short-term investments are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve and are classified within Level 2. Other short-term investments are included in Level 3 due to the lack of an available independent price source for such securities. As the significant inputs used to price these short-term securities are unobservable, the fair value of such securities are classified as Level 3.
Residential mortgage loans
The Company’s residential mortgage loans (included in ‘other assets’ in the consolidated balance sheets) include amounts related to the Company’s whole mortgage loan purchase and sell program. Fair values of residential mortgage loans are generally determined based on market prices. As significant inputs used in pricing process for these residential mortgage loans are observable market inputs, the fair value of these securities are classified within Level 2.
Other liabilities
The Company’s other liabilities include contingent and deferred consideration liabilities related to the Company’s acquisitions. Contingent consideration liabilities are remeasured at fair value at each balance sheet date with changes in fair value recognized in ‘net realized gains (losses’). To determine the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, the Company estimates the future payments using an income approach based on modeled inputs which include a weighted average cost of capital. Deferred consideration liabilities are measured at fair value on the transaction date. The Company determined that contingent and deferred consideration liabilities would be included within Level 3.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at September 30, 2024:
Estimated Fair Value Measurements Using:
Estimated Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value:
Available for sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Corporate bonds
$
13,996
$
2
$
13,853
$
141
U.S. government and government agencies
5,863
5,850
13
—
Asset backed securities
2,989
—
2,989
—
Non-U.S. government securities
2,853
—
2,853
—
Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,146
—
1,146
—
Residential mortgage backed securities
1,313
—
1,313
—
Municipal bonds
274
—
274
—
Total
28,434
5,852
22,441
141
Short-term investments
3,341
3,081
163
97
Equity securities, at fair value
1,623
1,590
27
6
Derivative instruments (2)
147
—
147
—
Residential mortgage loans
13
—
13
—
Fair value option:
Corporate bonds
1,085
—
1,085
—
Non-U.S. government bonds
8
—
8
—
U.S. government and government agencies
4
4
—
—
Short-term investments
61
3
43
15
Equity securities
7
3
—
4
Other investments
703
—
413
290
Other investments measured at net asset value (1)
1,393
Total
3,261
10
1,549
309
Total assets measured at fair value
$
36,819
$
10,533
$
24,340
$
553
Liabilities measured at fair value:
Other liabilities
$
(43)
$
—
$
—
$
(43)
Derivative instruments (2)
(81)
—
(81)
—
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
(124)
$
—
$
(81)
$
(43)
(1) In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level at December 31, 2023:
Estimated Fair Value Measurements Using:
Estimated Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets measured at fair value:
Available for sale securities:
Fixed maturities:
Corporate bonds
$
10,855
$
—
$
10,708
$
147
U.S. government and government agencies
5,814
5,792
22
—
Asset backed securities
2,250
—
2,250
—
Non-U.S. government securities
2,062
—
2,062
—
Commercial mortgage backed securities
1,213
—
1,213
—
Residential mortgage backed securities
1,103
—
1,103
—
Municipal bonds
256
—
256
—
Total
23,553
5,792
17,614
147
Short-term investments
2,063
1,786
193
84
Equity securities, at fair value
1,186
1,151
30
5
Derivative instruments (2)
197
—
197
—
Residential mortgage loans
2
—
2
—
Fair value option:
Corporate bonds
662
—
662
—
Non-U.S. government bonds
6
—
6
—
Asset backed securities
2
—
2
—
U.S. government and government agencies
13
13
—
—
Short-term investments
21
—
11
10
Equity securities
7
3
—
4
Other investments
316
—
210
106
Other investments measured at net asset value (1)
1,461
Total
2,488
16
891
120
Total assets measured at fair value
$
29,489
$
8,745
$
18,927
$
356
Liabilities measured at fair value:
Other liabilities
$
(22)
$
—
$
—
$
(22)
Derivative instruments (2)
(119)
—
(119)
—
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
(141)
$
—
$
(119)
$
(22)
(1) In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs:
Assets
Liabilities
s
Available For Sale
Fair Value Option
Fair Value
Corporate Bonds
Short-term Investments
Other Investments
Short-term Investments
Equity Securities
Equity Securities
Other Liabilities
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of period
$
160
$
97
$
144
$
14
$
4
$
6
$
(35)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1)
Included in other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases
—
—
39
5
—
—
—
Issuances (2)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(9)
Sales
—
—
(2)
—
—
—
—
Settlements
(19)
—
(14)
(4)
—
—
2
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—
—
123
—
—
—
—
Balance at end of period
$
141
$
97
$
290
$
15
$
4
$
6
$
(43)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Balance at beginning of period
$
100
$
—
$
86
$
—
$
4
$
5
$
(19)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Included in other comprehensive income
(1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases
25
—
29
4
—
—
—
Issuances
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4)
Sales
—
—
(6)
—
—
—
—
Settlements
—
—
(9)
—
—
—
2
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balance at end of period
$
124
$
—
$
100
$
4
$
4
$
5
$
(21)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of year
$
147
$
84
$
106
$
10
$
4
$
5
$
(22)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (1)
—
—
(4)
—
—
—
(1)
Included in other comprehensive income
2
1
—
—
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases
98
12
99
15
—
1
—
Issuances (2)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(22)
Sales
—
—
(4)
—
—
—
—
Settlements
(106)
—
(30)
(10)
—
—
2
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—
—
123
—
—
—
—
Balance at end of period
$
141
$
97
$
290
$
15
$
4
$
6
$
(43)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Balance at beginning of year
$
121
$
—
$
33
$
—
$
4
$
4
$
(14)
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings (1)
1
—
(1)
—
—
—
—
Included in other comprehensive income
(1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements
Purchases
68
—
87
4
—
1
—
Issuances
—
—
—
—
—
—
(9)
Sales
—
—
(10)
—
—
—
—
Settlements
(65)
—
(9)
—
—
—
2
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balance at end of period
$
124
$
—
$
100
$
4
$
4
$
5
$
(21)
(1) Gains or losses were included in net realized gains (losses).
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, At Fair Value
The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The carrying values of cash, accrued investment income, receivable for securities sold, certain other assets, payable for securities purchased and certain other liabilities approximated their fair values at September 30, 2024, due to their respective short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their respective fair values are classified within Level 2.
At September 30, 2024, the Company’s senior notes were carried at their cost, net of debt issuance costs, of $2.7 billion and had a fair value of $2.6 billion. At December 31, 2023, the Company’s senior notes were carried at their cost, net of debt issuance costs, of $2.7 billion and had a fair value of $2.5 billion. The fair values of the senior notes were obtained from a third party pricing service and are based on observable market inputs. As such, the fair values of the senior notes are classified within Level 2.
10. Derivative Instruments
The Company’s investment strategy allows for the use of derivative instruments. The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company utilizes exchange traded U.S. Treasury note, Eurodollar and other futures contracts and commodity futures to manage portfolio duration or replicate investment positions in its portfolios and the Company routinely utilizes foreign currency forward contracts, currency options, index futures contracts and other derivatives as part of its total return objective. In addition, certain of the Company’s investments are managed in portfolios which incorporate the use of foreign currency forward contracts which are intended to provide an economic hedge against foreign currency movements.
From time to time, the Company purchases to-be-announced mortgage backed securities (“TBAs”) as part of its investment strategy. TBAs represent commitments to purchase a future issuance of agency mortgage backed securities. For the period between purchase of a TBA and issuance of the underlying security, the Company’s position is accounted for as a derivative. The Company purchases TBAs in both long and short positions to enhance investment performance and as part of its overall investment strategy.
The following table summarizes information on the fair values and notional values of the Company’s derivative instruments:
Estimated Fair Value
Asset Derivatives (1)
Liability Derivatives (1)
Notional Value (2)
September 30, 2024
Futures contracts
$
70
$
(6)
$
3,030
Foreign currency forward contracts
33
(38)
1,400
Other (3)
44
(37)
423
Total
$
147
$
(81)
December 31, 2023
Futures contracts
$
139
$
(61)
$
3,746
Foreign currency forward contracts
27
(32)
1,224
Other (3)
31
(26)
512
Total
$
197
$
(119)
(1) The fair value of asset derivatives are included in ‘other assets’ and the fair value of liability derivatives are included in ‘other liabilities.’
(2) Represents the absolute notional value of all outstanding contracts, consisting of long and short positions.
(3) Includes swaps, options and other derivatives contracts.
The Company did not hold any derivatives which were designated as hedging instruments at September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
The Company’s derivative instruments can be traded under master netting agreements, which establish terms that apply to all derivative transactions with a counterparty. In the event of a bankruptcy or other stipulated event of default, such agreements provide that the non-defaulting party may elect to terminate all outstanding derivative transactions, in which case all individual derivative positions (loss or gain) with a counterparty are closed out and netted and replaced with a single amount, usually referred to as the termination amount, which is expressed in a single currency. The resulting single net amount, where positive, is payable to the party “in-the-money” regardless of whether or not it is the defaulting party,
unless the parties have agreed that only the non-defaulting party is entitled to receive a termination payment where the net amount is positive and is in its favor. Contractual close-out netting reduces derivatives credit exposure from gross to net exposure.
At September 30, 2024, asset derivatives and liability derivatives of $147 million and $81 million, respectively, were subject to a master netting agreement, compared to $197 million and $119 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Realized and unrealized contract gains or losses on the Company’s derivative instruments are reflected in ‘net realized gains (losses)’ in the consolidated statements of income, as summarized in the following table:
Derivatives not designated as
September 30,
hedging instruments:
2024
2023
Three Months Ended
Net realized gains (losses):
Futures contracts
$
86
$
(87)
Foreign currency forward contracts
31
(20)
Other (1)
8
5
Total
$
125
$
(102)
Nine Months Ended
Net realized gains (losses):
Futures contracts
$
69
$
(73)
Foreign currency forward contracts
32
4
Other (1)
15
8
Total
$
116
$
(61)
(1) Includes realized gains or losses on swaps, options and other derivatives contracts.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Investment Commitments
The Company’s investment commitments, which are primarily related to agreements entered into by the Company to invest in funds and separately managed accounts when called upon, were approximately $4.5 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2023.
Interest Paid
Interest paid on the Company’s senior notes and other borrowings was $63 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, consistent with $63 million for the 2023 period.
12. Variable Interest Entities
Bellemeade Re
The Company has entered into aggregate excess of loss mortgage reinsurance agreements with various special purpose reinsurance companies domiciled in Bermuda (the “Bellemeade Agreements”). At the time the Bellemeade Agreements were entered into, the applicability of the accounting guidance that addresses VIEs was evaluated. As a result of the evaluation of the Bellemeade Agreements, the Company concluded that these entities are VIEs. However, given that the ceding insurers do not have the unilateral power to direct those activities that are significant to their economic performance, the Company does not consolidate such entities in its consolidated financial statements. The reinsurance premium paid in regard to the Bellemeade Agreements is calculated by multiplying the outstanding reinsurance coverage amount at the beginning of the period by the coupon rate, which is the SOFR plus a contractual risk margin, less the actual investment income collected during the preceding month on the assets included in the underlying reinsurance trusts. In the event the assets included in the underlying reinsurance trusts became severely impaired or worthless and the special purpose reinsurance companies were unable to meet their future obligations, the Company’s mortgage insurance subsidiaries would be liable to fulfill claim payments to policyholders. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss associated with these VIEs is determined as the amount of mortgage insurance claim payments on the insured policies, net of aggregate reinsurance payments previously received, up to the full aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverage amounts.
The following table summarizes the total assets of the Bellemeade entities:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Bellemeade Entities (Issue Date)
Total VIE Assets
Coverage Remaining from Reinsurers (1)
Total VIE Assets
2019-1 Ltd. (Mar-19)
$
—
$
—
$
71
2019-3 Ltd. (Jul-19)
—
—
99
2021-3 Ltd. (Sep-21)
378
101
429
2022-1 Ltd. (Jan-22)
216
17
256
2022-2 Ltd. (Sep-22)
190
120
201
2023-1 Ltd. (Oct-23)
186
47
186
2024-1 Ltd. (Aug-24)
163
41
—
Total
$
1,133
$
326
$
1,242
(1) Coverage from a separate panel of reinsurers remaining at September 30, 2024.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
13. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables present details about amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss):
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
Consolidated Statement of Income
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Details About
Line Item That Includes
September 30,
September 30,
AOCI Components
Reclassification
2024
2023
2024
2023
Unrealized appreciation (decline) on available-for-sale investments
Net realized gains (losses)
$
54
$
(104)
$
(38)
$
(345)
Provision for credit losses
6
—
4
(23)
Total before tax
60
(104)
(34)
(368)
Income tax (expense) benefit
—
8
12
24
Net of tax
$
60
$
(96)
$
(22)
$
(344)
Before Tax Amount
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net of Tax Amount
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
$
736
$
91
$
645
Less reclassification of net realized gains (losses) included in net income
60
—
60
Foreign currency translation adjustments
25
—
25
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
701
$
91
$
610
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
$
(208)
$
(18)
$
(190)
Less reclassification of net realized gains (losses) included in net income
(104)
(8)
(96)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(40)
—
(40)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(144)
$
(10)
$
(134)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
$
549
$
71
$
478
Less reclassification of net realized gains (losses) included in net income
(34)
(12)
(22)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(24)
—
(24)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
559
$
83
$
476
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Unrealized appreciation (decline) in value of investments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
$
(131)
$
(13)
$
(118)
Less reclassification of net realized gains (losses) included in net income
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
14. Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax provision on income before income taxes, including income (loss) from operating affiliates, resulted in an effective tax rate of 8.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 8.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s effective tax rate, which is based upon the expected annual effective tax rate, may fluctuate from period to period based on the relative mix of income or loss reported by jurisdiction and the varying tax rates in each jurisdiction.
The Company had a net deferred tax asset of $1.5 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to a net deferred tax asset of $1.6 billion at December 31, 2023. In addition, the Company paid $221 million of income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $127 million of income taxes paid for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
15. Legal Proceedings
The Company, in common with the insurance industry in general, is subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of its business. As of September 30, 2024, the Company was not a party to any litigation or arbitration which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.
16. Transactions with Related Parties
Premia Reinsurance Ltd. is a multi-line Bermuda reinsurance company (and its affiliates together with Premia Holdings Ltd., “Premia”). The Company has entered into certain reinsurance transactions with Premia. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded an immaterial amount of net premiums written and earned, compared to $80 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. At September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a funds held asset from Premia of $137 million, compared to $158 million at December 31, 2023.
Somers Group Holdings Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Somers”) are wholly owned by Greysbridge. The Company has entered into certain reinsurance transactions with Somers. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s net premiums written was reduced by $581 million, compared to $457 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. In addition, Somers paid certain acquisition costs and administrative fees to the Company. At September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses from Somers of $1.6 billion and a reinsurance balance payable to Somers of $546 million, compared to $1.3 billion and $475 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023.
Under the terms of the Greysbridge equity financing, beginning January 1, 2024, the Company has a call right (but not the obligation) and Warburg Pincus LLC (“Warburg”) and Kelso & Company (“Kelso”) each have a put right (but not the obligation) to buy/sell one third of their initial shares annually at the current year end tangible book value per share of Greysbridge. During the 2024 third quarter, Warburg and Kelso both delivered a put option notice to sell one third of their initial shares. The transaction is expected to occur in the first half of the 2025 calendar year, subject to any required regulatory approvals. In association with the put/call notice at September 30, 2024, the Company’s balance sheet reflected $261 million in both other assets and other liabilities.
During the third quarter, the Company completed the acquisition of Watford Insurance Company from Somers for a total consideration paid of $35 million.
17. Subsequent Events
Hurricane Milton
The Company estimates that its 2024 fourth quarter results will be negatively impacted by Hurricane Milton, which occurred in October 2024. The Company currently estimates that the losses will be in a range of $275 million to $375 million, net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums. This pre-tax preliminary loss estimate is based on industry insured losses ranging from $25 billion to $35 billion. The Company’s preliminary estimate for Hurricane Milton is based on currently available information derived from modeling techniques, industry assessments of exposure, preliminary claims information obtained from the Company’s clients and brokers to date and a review of in-force contracts. The Company’s actual losses from this event may vary materially from the estimates due to the inherent uncertainties in making such determinations.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Letter of Credit Facility Agreement
On October 30, 2024, Arch Reinsurance Ltd. (“Arch Re Bermuda”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arch Capital, entered into Amendment No. 4 to Letter of Credit Facility Agreement (“Amendment No. 4”), as the borrower with Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc, as Administrative Agent and L/C Agent, which amends the Letter of Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2020, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Letter of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of October 29, 2021, as further amended by Amendment No. 2 and Joinder to Letter of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of October 27, 2022, and as further amended by Amendment No. 3 and Joinder to Letter of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of October 25, 2023 (the “Existing L/C Agreement”).
The Existing L/C Agreement, as amended by Amendment No. 4, provides for a $700 million facility for letters of credit, the size of which was increased by $170 million, from $530 million. As of October 31, 2024 $700 million face amount of letters of credit had been issued under the facility.
Special Cash Dividend
On November 7, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.9 billion to common shareholders, representing $5.00 per outstanding common share payable on December 4, 2024 to common shareholders of record on November 18, 2024.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations. This should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this report and also our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“2023 Form 10-K”). In addition, readers should review “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A of Part I of our 2023 Form 10-K and “ITEM 1A—Risk Factors” of this Form 10-Q. All amounts are in millions, except per share amounts, unless otherwise noted.
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“Arch Capital” and, together with its subsidiaries, “Arch”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is a publicly listed Bermuda exempted company with approximately $25.0 billion in capital at September 30, 2024 and, through operations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, writes insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis.
As we near the end of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, our core objective to deliver long term value for our shareholders remains unchanged. We will continue to execute on the key pillars of our strategy which are: to build a diversified mix of businesses; actively manage the underwriting cycle; remain prudent stewards of the capital entrusted to us by our shareholders; and be dynamic managers of a data-driven enterprise with a culture that attracts best-in-class talent.
Overall, the property and casualty environment remains very favorable, despite increasing competition in many of our lines of business. This makes underwriting and risk mitigation increasingly important. Our underwriting strategies empower our businesses to respond quickly to their trading environment. This has been, and remains, a competitive advantage as we pursue those opportunities with the best risk-adjusted returns.
A high level of industry catastrophic losses through the third and fourth quarters should continue to support demand for property insurance and reinsurance. Notwithstanding this increased activity, we believe the property market remains attractive where disciplined underwriters can produce attractive returns. On the casualty side, we believe that rates are continuing to outpace loss cost trends, and have selectively increased casualty writings in both the insurance and reinsurance segments.
Our property and casualty underwriting teams continued to benefit from attractive market conditions, delivering a combined $269 million of underwriting income and over $5 billion of gross premiums written, up 22% from the 2023 third quarter.
Our reinsurance segment contributed $149 million of underwriting income in the 2024 third quarter, despite the higher frequency of catastrophic events. As noted last quarter, due to our view of heightened overall storm risk this year, we chose to not grow our property catastrophe writings at mid-year renewals. Growth was driven by property excluding property catastrophe, including our treaty and facultative businesses, casualty and other specialty lines.
Our insurance segment contributed $120 million of underwriting income in the 2024 third quarter. On August 1, 2024, we completed the MCE Acquisition as described in note2. As such, the insurance segment’s 2024 third quarter results include two months of activity related to the acquired business. This acquisition expands our capabilities for insureds in the middle markets and represents an important component of our growth story in insurance. Excluding the MCE Acquisition, insurance growth was in the mid-single digits and included attractive opportunities in casualty, programs and our London market specialty businesses.
Premium rates remained competitive in E&S property and professional lines.
Our mortgage segment continued to deliver a steady level of earnings for our shareholders, generating $269 million of underwriting income in the 2024 third quarter. While new originations remain tempered by relatively high mortgage interest rates, underlying fundamentals remained strong and our U.S. market share was stable as industry pricing discipline held. The persistency of our in force U.S. primary mortgage insurance portfolio remained a healthy 82.9% and the delinquency rate remained low.
FINANCIAL MEASURES
Management uses the following three key financial indicators in evaluating our performance and measuring the overall growth in value generated for Arch Capital’s common shareholders:
Book Value per Share
Book value per share represents total common shareholders’ equity available to Arch divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Management uses growth in book value per share as a key measure of the value generated for our common shareholders each period and believes that book value per share is the key driver of Arch Capital’s share price over time. Book value per share is impacted by, among other factors, our underwriting results, investment returns and share repurchase activity, which has an accretive or dilutive impact on book value per share depending on the purchase price. Book value per share was $57.00 at September 30, 2024, compared to $52.75 at June 30, 2024, and $38.62 at September 30, 2023. The 8.1% increase in book value per share for the 2024 third quarter reflected strong investment results.
Operating Return on Average Common Equity
Operating return on average common equity (“Operating ROAE”) represents annualized after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders divided by the average of beginning and ending common shareholders’ equity available to Arch during the period. After-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders, a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Regulation G, represents net income available to Arch common shareholders, excluding net realized gains or losses (which includes realized and unrealized changes in the fair value of equity securities and assets accounted for using the fair value option, realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and gains or losses realized from the acquisition or disposition of subsidiaries), equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses,
transaction costs and other and income taxes. Management uses Operating ROAE as a key measure of the return generated to common shareholders. See “Comment on Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Our annualized net income return on average common equity was 19.0% for the 2024 third quarter, compared to 20.2% for the 2023 third quarter, and 22.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 20.9% for the 2023 period. Our Operating ROAE was 14.8% for the 2024 third quarter, compared to 24.8% for the 2023 third quarter, and 18.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 22.7% for the 2023 period. Operating ROAE for the 2024 periods reflected strong underwriting results along with growth in net investment income.
Total Return on Investments
Total return on investments, a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Regulation G, includes investment income, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net realized gains or losses attributable to the investment portfolio and the change in unrealized gains or losses generated by Arch’s investment portfolio. Total return is calculated on a pre-tax basis and before investment expenses and reflects the effect of financial market conditions along with foreign currency fluctuations. In addition, total return incorporates the timing of investment returns during the periods. The following table summarizes our total return compared to the benchmark return against which we measured our portfolio during the periods. See “Comment on Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Arch Portfolio
Benchmark Return
Pre-tax total return (before investment expenses):
2024 Third Quarter
3.97
%
4.24
%
2023 Third Quarter
(0.40)
%
(0.36)
%
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
6.20
%
6.40
%
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
2.68
%
2.97
%
Total return for the 2024 periods primarily reflected the effects of sustained higher interest rates available in the market, along with growth in invested assets due in part to strong operating cash flows. We continue to maintain a relatively short duration on our portfolio of 2.68 years at September 30, 2024, with average credit ratings of “AA-” from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”) and “Aa3” from Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s).
The benchmark return index is a customized combination of indices intended to approximate a target portfolio by asset mix and average credit quality while also matching the approximate estimated duration and currency mix of our insurance and reinsurance liabilities. Although the estimated duration and average credit quality of this index will move as
the duration and rating of its constituent securities change, generally we do not adjust the composition of the benchmark return index except to incorporate changes to the mix of liability currencies and durations noted above. The benchmark return index should not be interpreted as expressing a preference for or aversion to any particular sector or sector weight. The index is intended solely to provide a relatively stable basket of investable indices, unlike many master indices that change based on the size of their constituent indices. At September 30, 2024, the benchmark return index had an estimated duration of 2.50 years and an average credit quality of “A1” by Moody’s.
The benchmark return index included weightings to the following indices:
%
ICE BofA 1-10 Year U.S. Corporate Index
27.70
Yield on 3-5 Year U.S. Treasury Index plus 6%
17.00
ICE BofA 1-10 Year U.S. Treasury Index
15.00
JPM CLOIE Investment Grade
6.00
ICE BofA U.S. High Yield Constrained Index
6.00
ICE BofA 1-5 Year U.K. Gilt Index
5.25
S&P 500 Total Return Index
4.75
ICE BofA U.S. ABS & CMBS Index
4.50
ICE BofA German Government 1-5 Year Index
3.25
ICE BofA German Government 5-7 Year Index
0.60
ICE BofA 0-3 Month U.S. Treasury Index
3.00
ICE BofA 1-5 Year Canada Government Index
2.55
ICE BofA 15+ Year Canada Government Index
0.30
ICE BofA 1-5 Year Australia Government Index
2.35
ICE BofA U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index
1.50
ICE BofA 1-5 Year Japan Government Index
0.25
Total
100.00
%
COMMENT ON NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Throughout this filing, we present our operations in the way that we believe will be the most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use our financial information in evaluating the performance of our company. This presentation includes the use of after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders, which is defined as net income available to Arch common shareholders, excluding net realized gains or losses (which includes realized and unrealized changes in the fair value of equity securities and assets accounted for using the fair value option, realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and gains or losses realized from the acquisition or disposition of subsidiaries), equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses, transaction costs and other, income taxes, and the use of
annualized operating return on average common equity. The presentation of after-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders and annualized operating return on average common equity are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measures to net income available to Arch common shareholders and annualized net income return on average common equity (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures) in accordance with Regulation G is included under “Results of Operations” below.
We believe that net realized gains or losses, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses, transaction costs and other in any particular period are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, our business. Although net realized gains or losses, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method and net foreign exchange gains or losses are an integral part of our operations, the decision to realize these items, are independent of the insurance underwriting process and result, in large part, from general economic and financial market conditions. Certain users of our financial information believe that, for many companies, the timing of the realization of investment gains or losses is largely opportunistic. In addition, changes in the allowance for credit losses and net impairment losses recognized in earnings on our investments represent other-than-temporary declines in expected recovery values on securities without actual realization. Furthermore, we exclude net realized gains or losses from the acquisition or disposition of subsidiaries, due to their non-recurring nature, such items are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, our business performance.
The use of the equity method on certain of our investments is driven by the ownership structure of such funds (either limited partnerships or limited liability companies). In applying the equity method, these investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on our proportionate share of the net income or loss of the funds (which include changes in the market value of the underlying securities in the funds). This method of accounting is different from the way that we account for our other investments and the timing of the recognition of equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method may differ from gains or losses in the future upon sale or maturity of such investments.
Transaction costs and other include integration, advisory, financing, legal, severance, incentive compensation and all other transaction costs directly related to acquisitions. We believe that transaction costs and other, due to their non-recurring nature, are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, our business performance.
We believe that showing net income available to Arch common shareholders exclusive of the items referred to
above reflects the underlying fundamentals of our business since we evaluate the performance of and manage our business to produce an underwriting profit. In addition to presenting the net income available to Arch common shareholders, we believe that this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze our performance in a manner similar to how management analyzes performance. We also believe that this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, allows the users of financial information to compare our performance with our industry peer group. We believe that the equity analysts and certain rating agencies which follow us and the insurance industry as a whole generally exclude these items from their analyses for the same reasons.
Our segment information includes the presentation of consolidated underwriting income or loss. Such measures represent the pre-tax profitability of our underwriting operations and include net premiums earned plus other underwriting income, less losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and other operating expenses. Other operating expenses include those operating expenses that are incremental and/or directly attributable to our individual underwriting operations. Underwriting income or loss does not include certain income and expense items which are included in corporate. While these measures are presented in note 5, “Segment Information,” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements, they are considered non-GAAP financial measures when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis. The reconciliations of underwriting income or loss to income before income taxes (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) on a consolidated basis, in accordance with Regulation G, is shown in note 5, “Segment Information” of the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements.
We measure segment performance for our three underwriting segments based on underwriting income or loss. We do not manage our assets by underwriting segment, with the exception of goodwill and intangibles and, accordingly, investment income and other non-underwriting related items are not allocated to each underwriting segment.
Our presentation of segment information includes the use of a current year loss ratio which excludes favorable or adverse development in prior year loss reserves. This ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measure to the loss ratio (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) in accordance with Regulation G is shown on the individual segment pages. Management utilizes the current year loss ratio in its analysis of the underwriting performance of each of our underwriting segments.
Total return on investments includes investment income, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net realized gains or losses
(excluding changes in the allowance for credit losses on non-investment related financial assets) and the change in unrealized gains or losses generated by Arch’s investment portfolio. Total return is calculated on a pre-tax basis and before investment expenses, and reflects the effect of financial market conditions along with foreign currency fluctuations. In addition, total return incorporates the timing of investment returns during the periods. There is no directly comparable GAAP financial measure for total return. Management uses total return on investments as a key measure of the return generated to Arch common shareholders, and compares the return generated by our investment portfolio against benchmark returns during the periods.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table summarizes our consolidated financial data, including a reconciliation of net income or loss available to Arch common shareholders to after-tax operating income or loss available to Arch common shareholders. See “Comment on Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income available to Arch common shareholders
$
978
$
713
$
3,347
$
2,079
Net realized (gains) losses (1)
(169)
248
(358)
354
Equity in net (income) loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method
(171)
(59)
(437)
(176)
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses
63
(22)
31
2
Transaction costs and other
30
1
55
2
Income tax expense (benefit) (2)
31
(5)
38
(5)
After-tax operating income available to Arch common shareholders
$
762
$
876
$
2,676
$
2,256
Beginning common shareholders’ equity
$
19,835
$
13,811
$
17,523
$
12,080
Ending common shareholders’ equity
21,444
14,409
21,444
14,409
Average common shareholders’ equity
$
20,640
$
14,110
$
19,484
$
13,245
Annualized net income return on average common equity %
19.0
20.2
22.9
20.9
Annualized operating return on average common equity %
14.8
24.8
18.3
22.7
(1) Net realized gains or losses include realized and unrealized changes in the fair value of equity securities and assets accounted for using the fair value option, realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and gains or losses realized from the acquisition or disposition of subsidiaries.
(2) Income tax expense on net realized gains or losses, equity in net income or loss of investment funds accounted for using the equity method, net foreign exchange gains or losses and transaction costs and other reflects the relative mix reported by jurisdiction and the varying tax rates in each jurisdiction.
Segment Information
We classify our businesses into three underwriting segments: insurance, reinsurance and mortgage. Our insurance, reinsurance and mortgage segments each have managers who are responsible for the overall profitability of their respective segments and who are directly accountable to our chief operating decision makers. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer are the Company’s chief operating decision makers. They do not assess performance, measure return on equity or make resource allocation decisions on a line of business basis. Management measures segment performance for our three underwriting segments based on underwriting income or loss. We do not manage our assets by underwriting segment, with the exception of goodwill and intangible assets, and accordingly, investment income is not allocated to each underwriting segment.
We determined our reportable segments using the management approach described in accounting guidance regarding disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used for the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Intersegment business is allocated to the segment accountable for the underwriting results.
Insurance Segment
The Company’s insurance segment primarily consists of commercial insurance lines of business, with a focus on specialty insurance products. These products are mainly offered in North America, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, continental Europe and Australia. Products offered in North America include: commercial automobile; commercial multi-peril; other liability—claims made, which includes financial and professional lines; other liability—occurrence, which includes admitted and excess and surplus casualty lines; property and short-tail specialty; workers compensation; and other. Products offered across the Company’s International units include: property and short-tail specialty; and casualty and other.
The following tables set forth our insurance segment’s underwriting results:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
2,341
$
2,043
14.6
Premiums ceded
(521)
(521)
Net premiums written
1,820
1,522
19.6
Change in unearned premiums
(55)
(110)
Net premiums earned
1,765
1,412
25.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(1,087)
(812)
Acquisition expenses
(308)
(269)
Other operating expenses
(250)
(202)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
120
$
129
(7.0)
Underwriting Ratios
% Point Change
Loss ratio
61.6
%
57.5
%
4.1
Acquisition expense ratio
17.4
%
19.1
%
(1.7)
Other operating expense ratio
14.1
%
14.3
%
(0.2)
Combined ratio
93.1
%
90.9
%
2.2
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
% Change
Gross premiums written
$
6,569
$
5,977
9.9
Premiums ceded
(1,649)
(1,564)
Net premiums written
4,920
4,413
11.5
Change in unearned premiums
(226)
(416)
Net premiums earned
4,694
3,997
17.4
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
(2,789)
(2,276)
Acquisition expenses
(872)
(778)
Other operating expenses
(718)
(592)
Underwriting income (loss)
$
315
$
351
(10.3)
Underwriting Ratios
% Point Change
Loss ratio
59.4
%
57.0
%
2.4
Acquisition expense ratio
18.6
%
19.5
%
(0.9)
Other operating expense ratio
15.3
%
14.8
%
0.5
Combined ratio
93.3
%
91.3
%
2.0
Premiums Written.
The following tables set forth our insurance segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
North America
Property and short-tail specialty
$
296
16.3
$
272
17.9
Other liability - occurrence
253
13.9
141
9.3
Other liability - claims made
228
12.5
240
15.8
Commercial multi-peril
163
9.0
67
4.4
Workers compensation
147
8.1
134
8.8
Commercial automobile
134
7.4
111
7.3
Other
81
4.5
81
5.3
Total North America
1,302
71.5
1,046
68.7
International
Property and short-tail specialty
$
277
15.2
$
263
17.3
Casualty and other
241
13.2
213
14.0
Total International
518
28.5
476
31.3
Total
$
1,820
100.0
$
1,522
100.0
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. Gross premiums written by the insurance segment in the 2024 third quarter were 14.6% higher than in the 2023 third quarter, while net premiums written were 19.6% higher than in the 2023 third quarter (5.8% excluding the MCE Acquisition). Growth in net premiums written included the impact of the MCE Acquisition and also reflected an increase in other liability—occurrence due, in part, to new business opportunities and rate changes.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 period. Gross premiums written by the insurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 9.9% higher than in the 2023 period, while net premiums written were 11.5% higher than in the 2023 period (6.8% excluding the MCE Acquisition). Growth in net premiums written reflected the impact of the MCE Acquisition along with an increases in most lines of business due in part to new business opportunities and rate changes.
Net Premiums Earned.
The following tables set forth our insurance segment’s net premiums earned by major line of business:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
North America
Property and short-tail specialty
$
306
17.3
$
247
17.5
Other liability - occurrence
265
15.0
152
10.8
Other liability - claims made
213
12.1
225
15.9
Commercial multi-peril
146
8.3
51
3.6
Workers compensation
135
7.6
127
9.0
Commercial automobile
122
6.9
97
6.9
Other
79
4.5
71
5.0
Total North America
1,266
71.7
970
68.7
International
Property and short-tail specialty
$
276
15.6
$
237
16.8
Casualty and other
223
12.6
205
14.5
Total International
499
28.3
442
31.3
Total
$
1,765
100.0
$
1,412
100.0
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
North America
Property and short-tail specialty
$
833
17.7
721
18.0
Other liability - occurrence
615
13.1
447
11.2
Other liability - claims made
633
13.5
645
16.1
Commercial multi-peril
246
5.2
144
3.6
Workers compensation
394
8.4
363
9.1
Commercial automobile
329
7.0
247
6.2
Other
235
5.0
214
5.4
Total North America
3,285
70.0
2,781
69.6
International
Property and short-tail specialty
$
762
16.2
640
16.0
Casualty and other
647
13.8
576
14.4
Total International
1,409
30.0
1,216
30.4
Total
$
4,694
100.0
$
3,997
100.0
Net premiums written are primarily earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies for all products, usually 12 months. Net premiums earned reflect changes in net premiums written over the previous five quarters. Net premiums earned for the 2024 third quarter were 25.0% higher than in the 2023 third quarter (8.8% excluding the MCE Acquisition) while net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 17.4% higher than in the 2023 period (11.7% excluding the MCE Acquisition).
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
The table below shows the components of the insurance segment’s loss ratio:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Current year
62.5
%
58.2
%
60.0
%
57.8
%
Prior period reserve development
(0.9)
%
(0.7)
%
(0.6)
%
(0.8)
%
Loss ratio
61.6
%
57.5
%
59.4
%
57.0
%
Current Year Loss Ratio.
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. The insurance segment’s current year loss ratio in the 2024 third quarter was 4.3 points higher than in the 2023 third quarter. The 2024 third quarter loss ratio reflected 4.9 points of current year catastrophic activity, primarily related to Hurricane Helene, compared to 2.6 points of catastrophic activity in the 2023 third quarter. The current year loss ratio for the 2024 third quarter also reflected the impact of rate increases and changes in mix of business.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 Period. The insurance segment’s current year loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 2.2 points higher than in the 2023 period and reflected 3.0 points of current year catastrophic activity, spread across series of global events, compared to 2.3 points in the 2023 period. The current year loss ratio for the 2024 period included activity related to the Baltimore bridge collapse and also reflected the impact of rate increases and changes in mix of business.
The insurance segment’s net favorable development was $16 million, or 0.9 points, for the 2024 third quarter, compared to $10 million, or 0.7 points, for the 2023 third quarter, and $31 million, or 0.6 points, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $34 million, or 0.8 points, for the 2023 period. See note 6, “Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses,” to our consolidated financial statements for information about the insurance segment’s prior year reserve development.
Underwriting Expenses.
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. The insurance segment’s underwriting expense ratio was 31.5% in the 2024 third quarter, compared to 33.4% in the 2023 third quarter. The impact of the MCE Acquisition lowered the underwriting expense ratio by approximately 2.5 points, primarily due to the effects of the fair value estimation of the assets acquired at closing, including the non-recognition of deferred acquisition costs. The value of policies in force at closing are considered within the value of business acquired which is amortized through ‘amortization of intangible assets.’ The underwriting expense ratio also benefited from an initial lower level of operating expenses in the acquired business.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 period. The insurance segment’s underwriting expense ratio was 33.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 34.3% for the 2023 period and reflected the impact of the MCE Acquisition mentioned above.
Reinsurance Segment
The Company’s reinsurance segment offers reinsurance products on a worldwide basis. Lines of business include: casualty; marine and aviation; other specialty; property catastrophe; property excluding property catastrophe; and other.
The following tables set forth our reinsurance segment’s underwriting results:
The following tables set forth our reinsurance segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
Other specialty
$
769
39.5
$
527
33.7
Property excluding property catastrophe
671
34.5
593
38.0
Casualty
339
17.4
273
17.5
Marine and aviation
69
3.5
54
3.5
Property catastrophe
52
2.7
76
4.9
Other
45
2.3
39
2.5
Total
$
1,945
100.0
$
1,562
100.0
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. Gross premiums written by the reinsurance segment in the 2024 third quarter were 29.2% higher than in the 2023 third quarter, while net premiums written were 24.5% higher. The growth in net premiums written reflected increases in most lines of business, due in part to rate increases, new business opportunities and growth in existing accounts.
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
Other specialty
$
2,148
34.9
$
1,625
32.5
Property excluding property catastrophe
1,823
29.6
1,496
29.9
Casualty
943
15.3
787
15.7
Marine and aviation
257
4.2
208
4.2
Property catastrophe
874
14.2
802
16.0
Other
113
1.8
79
1.6
Total
$
6,158
100.0
$
4,997
100.0
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 period. Gross premiums written by the reinsurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 28.4% higher than in the 2023 period, while net premiums written were 23.2% higher than in the 2023 period. The growth in net premiums written reflected increases in all lines of business due in part to rate increases, new business opportunities and growth in existing accounts.
Net Premiums Earned.
The following tables set forth our reinsurance segment’s net premiums earned by major line of business:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
Other specialty
$
688
36.4
$
505
32.7
Property excluding property catastrophe
540
28.5
449
29.1
Casualty
282
14.9
264
17.1
Marine and aviation
80
4.2
66
4.3
Property catastrophe
256
13.5
219
14.2
Other
46
2.4
40
2.6
Total
$
1,892
100.0
$
1,543
100.0
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
Other specialty
$
1,934
36.2
$
1,499
35.6
Property excluding property catastrophe
1,546
29.0
1,161
27.5
Casualty
798
14.9
775
18.4
Marine and aviation
214
4.0
173
4.1
Property catastrophe
736
13.8
527
12.5
Other
110
2.1
81
1.9
Total
$
5,338
100.0
$
4,216
100.0
Net premiums written, irrespective of the class of business, are generally earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies or reinsurance contracts. Net premiums earned reflect changes in net premiums written over the previous five quarters. Net premiums earned for the 2024 third quarter were 22.6% higher than in the 2023 third quarter, while net premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 26.6% higher than in the 2023 period.
Other Underwriting Income (Loss).
Other underwriting income for the 2024 third quarter was $2 million, consistent with $2 million for the 2023 third quarter, and $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $9 million for the 2023 period.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
The table below shows the components of the reinsurance segment’s loss ratio:
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. The reinsurance segment’s current year loss ratio in the 2024 third quarter was 12.6 points higher than in the 2023 third quarter. The 2024 third quarter loss ratio reflected 21.3 points of current year catastrophic activity, related to Hurricane Helene and a series of other global events, compared to 9.7 points of catastrophic activity in the 2023 third quarter. The current year loss ratio for the 2024 third quarter also reflected the impact of rate increases and changes in mix of business.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 Period. The reinsurance segment’s current year loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 2.9 points higher than in the 2023 period and reflected 11.5 points of current year catastrophic activity, compared to 7.4 points in the 2023 period. The current year loss ratio for the 2024 period included activity related to the Baltimore bridge collapse and also reflected the impact of rate increases and changes in mix of business.
Prior Period Reserve Development.
The reinsurance segment’s net favorable development was $41 million, or 2.2 points, for the 2024 third quarter, compared to $44 million, or 2.8 points, for the 2023 third quarter, and $115 million, or 2.2 points, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $126 million, or 3.0 points, for the 2023 period. See note 6, “Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses,” to our consolidated financial statements for information about the reinsurance segment’s prior year reserve development.
Underwriting Expenses.
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. The underwriting expense ratio for the reinsurance segment was 22.7% in the 2024 third quarter, compared to 23.6% in the 2023 third quarter. The decrease primarily reflected growth in net premiums earned.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 period. The underwriting expense ratio for the reinsurance segment was 23.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 25.5% for the 2023 period. The decrease primarily reflected growth in net premiums earned.
Mortgage Segment
The Company’s mortgage segment consists of U.S. primary mortgage insurance business written predominantly on loans sold to the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), each a government sponsored entity ("GSE") and also through non GSE approved entities (combined “Arch MI U.S.”); reinsurance and underwriting services related to U.S. credit-risk transfer (“CRT”) business which are predominately with the GSEs and other U.S. mortgage reinsurance transactions; and international mortgage insurance and reinsurance business covering loans primarily in Australia and Europe.
The following tables set forth our mortgage segment’s underwriting results:
The following tables set forth our mortgage segment’s net premiums written by major line of business:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
U.S. primary mortgage insurance
$
209
74.1
$
190
70.1
U.S. credit risk transfer (CRT) and other
54
19.1
57
21.0
International mortgage insurance/ reinsurance
19
6.7
24
8.9
Total
$
282
100.0
$
271
100.0
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. Gross premiums written by the mortgage segment in the 2024 third quarter were 2.3% lower than in the 2023 third quarter, while net premiums written were 4.1% higher. The increase in net premiums written in the 2024 third quarter primarily reflected a lower level of Bellemeade premiums ceded, due in part to the termination of certain Bellemeade agreements in the 2023 fourth quarter.
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
U.S. primary mortgage insurance
$
612
73.3
$
562
70.5
U.S. credit risk transfer (CRT) and other
161
19.3
164
20.6
International mortgage insurance/ reinsurance
62
7.4
71
8.9
Total
$
835
100.0
$
797
100.0
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 Period. Gross premiums written by the mortgage segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 1.6% lower than in the 2023 period, while net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 4.8% higher than in the 2023 period. The increase in net premiums written in the 2024 period primarily reflected a lower level of Bellemeade premiums ceded.
The persistency rate was 82.9% for the Arch MI U.S. portfolio of primary mortgage insurance policies at September 30, 2024, compared to 83.9% at September 30, 2023. The persistency rate represents the percentage of mortgage insurance in force at the beginning of a 12 month period that remains in force at the end of such period.
The following tables provide details on the new insurance written (“NIW”) generated by Arch MI U.S. NIW represents the original principal balance of all loans that received coverage during the period.
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
Total new insurance written (NIW) (1)
$
13,526
$
11,494
Credit quality (FICO):
>=740
$
9,438
69.8
$
7,646
66.5
680-739
3,584
26.5
3,520
30.6
620-679
502
3.7
326
2.8
<620
2
0.0
2
0.0
Total
$
13,526
100.0
$
11,494
100.0
Loan-to-value (LTV):
95.01% and above
$
1,089
8.1
$
880
7.7
90.01% to 95.00%
6,620
48.9
6,306
54.9
85.01% to 90.00%
4,293
31.7
3,126
27.2
85.00% and below
1,524
11.3
1,182
10.3
Total
$
13,526
100.0
$
11,494
100.0
Monthly vs. single:
Monthly
$
12,581
93.0
$
10,712
93.2
Single
945
7.0
782
6.8
Total
$
13,526
100.0
$
11,494
100.0
Purchase vs. refinance:
Purchase
$
13,177
97.4
$
11,334
98.6
Refinance
349
2.6
160
1.4
Total
$
13,526
100.0
$
11,494
100.0
(1)Represents the original principal balance of all loans that received coverage during the period.
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
Total new insurance written (NIW) (1)
$
36,661
$
34,180
Credit quality (FICO):
>=740
$
25,528
69.6
$
22,469
65.7
680-739
9,885
27.0
10,842
31.7
620-679
1,243
3.4
863
2.5
<620
5
0.0
6
0.0
Total
$
36,661
100.0
$
34,180
100.0
Loan-to-value (LTV):
95.01% and above
$
2,645
7.2
$
2,034
6.0
90.01% to 95.00%
19,094
52.1
19,204
56.2
85.01% to 90.00%
10,964
29.9
9,414
27.5
85.01% and below
3,958
10.8
3,528
10.3
Total
$
36,661
100.0
$
34,180
100.0
Monthly vs. single:
Monthly
$
34,261
93.5
$
32,688
95.6
Single
2,400
6.5
1,492
4.4
Total
$
36,661
100.0
$
34,180
100.0
Purchase vs. refinance:
Purchase
$
35,932
98.0
$
33,598
98.3
Refinance
729
2.0
582
1.7
Total
$
36,661
100.0
$
34,180
100.0
(1)Represents the original principal balance of all loans that received coverage during the period.
The following tables set forth our mortgage segment’s net premiums earned by major line of business:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
U.S. primary mortgage insurance
$
215
68.7
$
192
65.5
U.S. credit risk transfer (CRT) and other
55
17.6
58
19.8
International mortgage insurance/ reinsurance
43
13.7
43
14.7
Total
$
313
100.0
$
293
100.0
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. Net premiums earned for the 2024 third quarter were 6.8% higher than in the 2023 third quarter. The increase in net premiums earned in the 2024 third quarter primarily reflected a lower level of Bellemeade premiums ceded, due in part to the termination of certain Bellemeade agreements in the 2023 fourth quarter.
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
U.S. primary mortgage insurance
$
630
68.1
$
582
65.9
U.S. credit risk transfer (CRT) and other
162
17.5
165
18.7
International mortgage insurance/ reinsurance
133
14.4
136
15.4
Total
$
925
100.0
$
883
100.0
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 Period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net premiums earned were 4.8% higher than in the 2023 period. The increase in net premiums earned in the 2024 period primarily reflected a lower level of Bellemeade premiums ceded.
Other Underwriting Income (Loss).
Other underwriting income, which is primarily related to GSE credit risk-sharing transactions, was $3 million for the 2024 third quarter, consistent with $3 million for the 2023 third quarter.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses.
The table below shows the components of the mortgage segment’s loss ratio:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Current year
20.1
%
19.3
%
19.9
%
22.2
%
Prior period reserve development
(20.5)
%
(31.4)
%
(23.9)
%
(27.5)
%
Loss ratio
(0.4)
%
(12.1)
%
(4.0)
%
(5.3)
%
Current Year Loss Ratio.
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. The mortgage segment’s current year loss ratio was 0.8 points higher in the 2024 third quarter than in the 2023 third quarter. The 2024 third quarter loss ratio, excluding net favorable development, was slightly higher than in the 2023 third quarter, primarily due to higher new delinquencies in the period.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 Period. The mortgage segment’s current year loss ratio was 2.3 points lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 than for the 2023 period. The lower current year loss ratio for the 2024 period reflected a decrease in estimated claim rates, partially offset by slightly higher new delinquencies.
Prior Period Reserve Development.
The mortgage segment’s net favorable development was $64 million, or 20.5 points, for the 2024 third quarter, compared to $92 million, or 31.4 points, for the 2023 third quarter, and $220 million, or 23.9 points, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $243 million, or 27.5 points, for the 2023 period. See note 6, “Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses,” to our consolidated financial statements for information about the mortgage segment’s prior year reserve development.
Underwriting Expenses.
2024 Third Quarter versus 2023 Period. The underwriting expense ratio for the mortgage segment was 15.2% in the 2024 third quarter, compared to 16.8% in the 2023 third quarter. The decrease was primarily due to a higher level of ceding and profit commissions on U.S. primary business, along with a higher level of net premiums earned.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 versus 2023 period. The underwriting expense ratio for the mortgage segment was 16.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 18.5% for the 2023 period. The decrease was primarily due to a higher level of ceding and profit commissions on U.S. primary business, along with a higher level of net premiums earned.
The Company’s corporate results include net investment income, net realized gains or losses (which includes realized and unrealized changes in the fair value of equity securities and assets accounted for using the fair value option, realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and gains or losses realized from the acquisition or disposition of subsidiaries), equity in net income or loss of investments accounted for using the equity method, other income or loss, corporate expenses, transaction costs and other, amortization of intangible assets, interest expense, net foreign exchange gains or losses, income taxes, income from operating affiliates and items related to our non-cumulative preferred shares.
Net Investment Income.
The components of net investment income were derived from the following sources:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Fixed maturities
$
340
$
243
$
926
$
645
Short-term investments
38
19
102
48
Equity securities
9
5
27
15
Other (1)
35
22
103
60
Gross investment income
422
289
1,158
768
Investment expenses (2)
(23)
(20)
(68)
(58)
Net investment income
$
399
$
269
$
1,090
710
(1) Amounts include dividends and other distributions on investment funds, term loan investments, funds held balances, cash balances and other items.
(2) Investment expenses were approximately 0.29% of average invested assets for the 2024 third quarter, compared to 0.30% for the 2023 third quarter, and 0.27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 0.28% for the 2023 period.
The higher level of net investment income for the 2024 periods was primarily related to higher yields available in the financial market. The pre-tax investment income yield, calculated based on amortized cost and on an annualized basis, was 4.40% for the 2024 third quarter, compared to 3.68% for the 2023 third quarter, and 4.29% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 3.41% for the 2023 period. Net cash flow from operating activities contributed $5.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which has grown our invested asset base and contributed to the increase in net investment income.
Corporate Expenses.
Corporate expenses were $19 million for the 2024 third quarter, compared to $20 million for the 2023 third quarter, and $88 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $69 million for the 2023 period. Such amounts primarily represent certain holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide operations and costs associated with operating as a publicly traded company. The increase in corporate expenses was primarily due to higher incentive compensation costs.
Transaction Costs and Other.
Transaction costs and other for the 2024 third quarter was $30 million, compared to an immaterial amount for the 2023 third quarter, and $55 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2 million for the 2023 period. The 2024 period primarily includes direct costs related to the MCE Acquisition.
Other Income or Losses.
Other income for the 2024 third quarter was $8 million, compared to a loss of $4 million for the 2023 third quarter, and income of $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $10 million for the 2023 period. Amounts in both periods primarily reflect changes in the cash surrender value of our investment in corporate-owned life insurance.
Amortization of Intangible Assets.
Amortization of intangible assets for the 2024 third quarter was $88 million, compared to $24 million for the 2023 third quarter, and $136 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $71 million for the 2023 period. The increase in the 2024 periods was primarily related to the MCE Acquisition.
Interest Expense.
Interest expense was $35 million for the 2024 third quarter, compared to $34 million for the 2023 third quarter, and $104 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $99 million for the 2023 period. Interest expense primarily reflects amounts related to our outstanding senior notes.
Net realized gains for the 2024 third quarter were $169 million, compared to net realized losses of $248 million for the 2023 third quarter. Net realized gains were $358 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net realized losses of $354 million for the 2023 period. Amounts in all periods reflected sales of investments as well as the impact of financial market movements on the Company’s equity securities and investments accounted for under the fair value option method. Currently, our portfolio is actively managed to maximize total return within certain guidelines. The effect of financial market movements on the investment portfolio will directly impact net realized gains or losses as the portfolio is adjusted and rebalanced. Net realized gains or losses from the sale of fixed maturities primarily results from our decisions to reduce credit exposure, to change duration targets, to rebalance our portfolios or due to relative value determinations.
Net realized gains or losses also include realized and unrealized changes in the fair value of equity securities and assets accounted for using the fair value option, realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, changes in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets and gains or losses realized from the acquisition or disposition of subsidiaries See note 8, “Investment Information—Net Realized Gains (Losses)” and note 8, “Investment Information—Allowance for Expected Credit Losses,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Equity in Net Income or Losses of Investment Funds Accounted for Using the Equity Method.
Equity in net income of investment funds accounted for using the equity method was $171 million in the 2024 third quarter, compared to $59 million for the 2023 third quarter, and $437 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $176 million for the 2023 period. Such investments are generally recorded on a one to three month lag based on the availability of reports from the investment funds. Investment funds accounted for using the equity method totaled $5.2 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $4.6 billion at December 31, 2023. See note 8, “Investment Information—Investments Accounted For Using the Equity Method,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Net Foreign Exchange Gains or Losses.
Net foreign exchange losses for the 2024 third quarter were $63 million, compared to gains of $22 million for the 2023 third quarter. Net foreign exchange losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were $31 million, compared to losses of $1 million for the 2023 period. Amounts in both periods were primarily unrealized and resulted from the effects of revaluing our net insurance
liabilities required to be settled in foreign currencies at each balance sheet date.
Income Tax Expense.
Our income tax provision on income or loss before income taxes, including income or loss from operating affiliates, resulted in an expense of 9.0% for the 2024 third quarter, compared to an expense of 9.1% for the 2023 third quarter, and an expense of 8.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to an expense of 8.8% for the 2023 period. See note 14, “Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Income or Losses from Operating Affiliates.
Income from operating affiliates for 2024 third quarter was $36 million, compared to income of $54 million for the 2023 third quarter, and income of $136 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to income of $115 million for the 2023 period. See note 8, “Investment Information—Investments in Operating Affiliates,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES,
ESTIMATES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Critical accounting policies, estimates and recent accounting pronouncements are discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2023 Form 10-K, updated where applicable in the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements, including note 1, “Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements.”
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investable Assets Held by Arch
At September 30, 2024, approximately $27.3 billion, or 64%, of total investable assets held by Arch were internally managed, compared to $21.9 billion, or 63%, at December 31, 2023. See note 8, “Investment Information” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
September 30,
2024
December 31, 2023
Average effective duration (in years)
2.68
2.91
Average S&P/Moody’s credit ratings (1)
AA-/Aa3
AA-/Aa3
(1)Average credit ratings on our investment portfolio on securities with ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s.
The following table provides the credit quality distribution of our fixed maturities. For individual fixed maturities, S&P ratings are used. In the absence of an S&P rating, ratings from Moody’s are used, followed by ratings from Fitch Ratings.
Estimated Fair Value
% of Total
September 30, 2024
U.S. government and gov’t agencies (1)
$
6,725
22.8
AAA
4,876
16.5
AA
2,552
8.6
A
5,664
19.2
BBB
7,361
24.9
BB
1,097
3.7
B
534
1.8
Lower than B
37
0.1
Not rated
685
2.3
Total
$
29,531
100.0
December 31, 2023
U.S. government and gov’t agencies (1)
$
6,493
26.8
AAA
4,305
17.8
AA
2,165
8.9
A
4,629
19.1
BBB
5,058
20.9
BB
698
2.9
B
389
1.6
Lower than B
15
0.1
Not rated
484
2.0
Total
$
24,236
100.0
(1)Includes U.S. government-sponsored agency residential mortgage-backed securities and agency commercial mortgage-backed securities.
The following table provides information on the severity of the unrealized loss position as a percentage of amortized cost for all fixed maturities which were in an unrealized loss position:
Severity of gross unrealized losses:
Estimated Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
% of Total Gross Unrealized Losses
September 30, 2024
0-10%
$
10,013
$
(315)
59.3
10-20%
1,207
(185)
34.8
20-30%
77
(25)
4.7
Greater than 30%
10
(6)
1.1
Total
$
11,307
$
(531)
100.0
December 31, 2023
0-10%
$
10,696
$
(410)
49.7
10-20%
2,282
(367)
44.5
20-30%
116
(35)
4.2
Greater than 30%
26
(13)
1.6
Total
$
13,120
$
(825)
100.0
The following table summarizes our top ten exposures to fixed income corporate issuers by fair value at September 30, 2024, excluding guaranteed amounts and covered bonds:
Estimated Fair Value
Credit Rating (1)
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
$
412
A-/A1
Morgan Stanley
359
A-/A1
Bank of America Corporation
332
A-/A1
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
263
A-/A2
Citigroup Inc.
257
BBB+/A3
Blue Owl Capital Inc.
246
BBB-/Baa3
Hyundai Motor Company
211
A-/A3
Ford Motor Company
210
BBB-/Ba1
Blackstone Inc.
176
BBB-/Baa2
UBS Group AG
157
A-/A3
Total
$
2,623
(1)Average credit ratings as assigned by S&P and Moody’s, respectively.
The following table provides information on our structured securities, which includes residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”):
Agencies
Investment Grade
Below Investment Grade
Total
September 30, 2024
RMBS
$
852
$
421
$
40
$
1,313
CMBS
7
1,046
93
1,146
ABS
—
2,824
165
2,989
Total
$
859
$
4,291
$
298
$
5,448
December 31, 2023
RMBS
$
658
$
445
$
—
$
1,103
CMBS
7
1,126
80
1,213
ABS
—
2,143
107
2,250
Total
$
665
$
3,714
$
187
$
4,566
The following table summarizes our equity securities, which include investments in exchange traded funds:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Equities (1)
$
1,035
$
739
Exchange traded funds
Fixed income (2)
387
285
Equity and other (3)
208
169
Total
$
1,630
$
1,193
(1)Primarily in technology, consumer non-cyclical, communications, financial and industrial sectors at September 30, 2024.
(2)Primarily in corporate exposures at September 30, 2024.
(3)Primarily in financials, consumer staples, industrials and energy sectors at September 30, 2024.
Our investment strategy allows for the use of derivative instruments. We utilize various derivative instruments such as futures contracts to enhance investment performance, replicate investment positions or manage market exposures and duration risk that would be allowed under our investment guidelines if implemented in other ways. See note 10, “Derivative Instruments,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to derivatives.
Accounting guidance regarding fair value measurements addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. See note 9, “Fair Value,” to our consolidated financial statements for a summary of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value, segregated by level in the fair value hierarchy.
Reinsurance
The effects of reinsurance on written and earned premiums and losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) with unaffiliated reinsurers were as follows:
We have entered into aggregate excess of loss mortgage reinsurance agreements with various special purpose reinsurance companies domiciled in Bermuda (the “Bellemeade Agreements”). For the respective coverage periods, we will retain the first layer of the respective aggregate losses and the special purpose reinsurance companies will provide second layer coverage up to the outstanding coverage amount. We will then retain losses in excess of the outstanding coverage limit. The aggregate excess of loss reinsurance coverage generally decreases over a ten-year period as the underlying covered mortgages amortize, unless provisional call options embedded within certain of the Bellemeade Agreements are executed or if pre-defined delinquency triggering events occur.
The following table summarizes the respective coverages and retentions at September 30, 2024:
Bellemeade Entities (Issue Date)
Initial Coverage at Issuance
Current Coverage
Remaining Retention, Net
2021-3 Ltd. (1)
639
479
133
2022-1 Ltd. (2)
317
233
141
2022-2 Ltd. (3)
327
310
201
2023-1 Ltd. (4)
233
233
178
2024-1 Ltd. (5)
204
204
174
Total
$
1,720
$
1,459
$
827
(1) Issued in September 2021, covering in-force policies issued between April 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. $508 million was directly funded by Bellemeade Re 2021-3 Ltd. via insurance-linked notes, with an additional $131 million capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
(2) Issued in January 2022, covering in-force policies issued between July 1, 2021 and November 30, 2021. $284 million was directly funded by Bellemeade Re 2022-1 Ltd. via insurance-linked notes, with an additional $33 million capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
(3) Issued in September 2022, covering in-force policies issued between November 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. $201 million was directly funded by Bellemeade Re 2022-2 Ltd. via insurance-linked notes, with an additional $126 million capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
(4) Issued in October 2023, covering in-force policies issued between January 1, 2023 and September 30, 2023. $186 million was directly funded by Bellemeade Re 2023-1 Ltd. via insurance-linked notes, with an additional $47 million capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
(5) Issued in August 2024, covering in-force policies issued between September 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024. $163 million was directly funded by Bellemeade Re 2024-1 Ltd. via insurance-linked notes, with an additional $41 million capacity provided directly to Arch MI U.S. by a separate panel of reinsurers.
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
We establish reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“Loss Reserves”) which represent estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections, at a given point in time, of our expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of losses incurred. Estimating Loss Reserves is inherently difficult. We utilize actuarial models as well as available historical insurance industry loss ratio experience and loss development patterns to assist in the establishment of Loss Reserves. Actual losses and loss adjustment expenses paid will deviate, perhaps substantially, from the reserve estimates reflected in our financial statements.
At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our Loss Reserves, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, by type and by operating segment were as follows:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Insurance segment:
Case reserves
$
3,686
$
2,730
IBNR reserves
7,997
5,626
Total net reserves
11,683
8,356
Reinsurance segment:
Case reserves
2,722
2,447
Additional case reserves
818
484
IBNR reserves
5,385
4,260
Total net reserves
8,925
7,191
Mortgage segment:
Case reserves
332
323
IBNR reserves
176
192
Total net reserves
508
515
Total:
Case reserves
6,740
5,500
Additional case reserves
818
484
IBNR reserves
13,558
10,078
Total net reserves
$
21,116
$
16,062
At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the insurance segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Insurance segment:
Third party occurrence business
$
4,047
$
3,719
Multi-line and other specialty
3,968
1,350
Third party claims-made business
2,651
2,451
Property, energy, marine and aviation
1,017
836
Total net reserves
$
11,683
$
8,356
At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the reinsurance segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the mortgage segment’s Loss Reserves by major line of business, net of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, were as follows:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Mortgage segment:
U.S. primary mortgage insurance (1)
$
331
$
324
U.S. credit risk transfer (CRT) and other
94
100
International mortgage insurance/ reinsurance
83
91
Total net reserves
$
508
$
515
(1) At September 30, 2024, 37.1% of total net reserves represents policy years 2014 and prior and the remainder from later policy years. At December 31, 2023, 31.0% of total net reserves represent policy years 2014 and prior and the remainder from later policy years.
Mortgage Operations Supplemental Information
On June 3, 2024, we completed the acquisition of RMIC Companies, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“RMIC”) that, together, comprise the run-off mortgage insurance business of Old Republic International Corporation. The acquired business had been in runoff since 2011 and represented $3.6 billion of insurance in force at June 30, 2024.
The mortgage segment’s insurance in force (“IIF”) and risk in force (“RIF”) were as follows at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
Insurance In Force (IIF) (1):
U.S. primary mortgage insurance
$
292,313
57.2
$
290,764
57.1
U.S. credit risk transfer (CRT) and other
148,417
29.0
149,098
29.3
International mortgage insurance/reinsurance
70,380
13.8
69,473
13.6
Total
$
511,110
100.0
$
509,335
100.0
Risk In Force (RIF) (2):
U.S. primary mortgage insurance
$
76,448
84.6
$
75,527
84.6
U.S. credit risk transfer (CRT) and other
6,011
6.7
6,156
6.9
International mortgage insurance/reinsurance
7,887
8.7
7,562
8.5
Total
$
90,346
100.0
$
89,245
100.0
(1)Represents the aggregate dollar amount of each insured mortgage loan’s current principal balance. Such amounts are shown before external reinsurance.
(2)The aggregate dollar amount of each insured mortgage loan’s current principal balance multiplied by the insurance coverage percentage specified in the policy for insurance policies issued and after contract limits and/or loss ratio caps for risk-sharing or reinsurance. Such amounts are shown before external reinsurance.
The IIF and RIF for our U.S. primary mortgage insurance business by policy year were as follows at September 30, 2024:
IIF
RIF
Delinquency
Amount
%
Amount
%
Rate (1)
Policy year:
2014 and prior
$
15,482
5.3
$
3,938
5.2
6.69
%
2015
3,544
1.2
913
1.2
2.20
%
2016
6,075
2.1
1,614
2.1
2.73
%
2017
5,969
2.0
1,599
2.1
3.19
%
2018
7,457
2.6
1,939
2.5
4.09
%
2019
13,560
4.6
3,552
4.6
2.65
%
2020
41,836
14.3
11,307
14.8
1.33
%
2021
65,789
22.5
17,379
22.7
1.33
%
2022
59,085
20.2
15,577
20.4
1.27
%
2023
38,380
13.1
9,875
12.9
0.81
%
2024
35,136
12.0
8,755
11.5
0.16
%
Total
$
292,313
100.0
$
76,448
100.0
1.96
%
(1)Represents the ending percentage of loans in default.
The IIF and RIF for our U.S. primary mortgage insurance business by policy year were as follows at December 31, 2023:
IIF
RIF
Delinquency
Amount
%
Amount
%
Rate (1)
Policy year:
2014 and prior
$
13,301
4.6
$
3,387
4.5
6.01
%
2015
4,691
1.6
1,244
1.6
1.98
%
2016
7,525
2.6
2,025
2.7
2.50
%
2017
7,600
2.6
2,023
2.7
3.13
%
2018
8,512
2.9
2,207
2.9
4.04
%
2019
15,767
5.4
4,074
5.4
2.40
%
2020
51,349
17.7
13,357
17.7
1.17
%
2021
76,667
26.4
19,812
26.2
1.12
%
2022
63,899
22.0
16,755
22.2
0.89
%
2023
41,453
14.3
10,643
14.1
0.26
%
Total
$
290,764
100.0
$
75,527
100.0
1.74
%
(1)Represents the ending percentage of loans in default.
The following tables provide supplemental disclosures on risk in force for our U.S. primary mortgage insurance business at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
Credit quality (FICO):
>=740
$
47,414
62.0
$
46,796
62.0
680-739
24,974
32.7
24,990
33.1
620-679
3,701
4.8
3,497
4.6
<620
359
0.5
244
0.3
Total
$
76,448
100.0
$
75,527
100.0
Weighted average FICO score
748
748
Loan-to-value (LTV):
95.01% and above
$
7,415
9.7
$
7,067
9.4
90.01% to 95.00%
45,509
59.5
44,669
59.1
85.01% to 90.00%
20,746
27.1
20,490
27.1
85.00% and below
2,778
3.6
3,301
4.4
Total
$
76,448
100.0
$
75,527
100.0
Weighted average LTV
93.1
%
93.0
%
Total RIF, net of external reinsurance
$
60,421
$
58,146
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Amount
%
Amount
%
Total RIF by State:
California
$
6,052
7.9
$
6,162
8.2
Texas
5,699
7.5
5,972
7.9
North Carolina
3,353
4.4
3,248
4.3
Georgia
3,145
4.1
3,081
4.1
Minnesota
3,111
4.1
3,069
4.1
Illinois
3,085
4.0
2,986
4.0
Massachusetts
2,896
3.8
2,858
3.8
Florida
2,880
3.8
3,007
4.0
Michigan
2,876
3.8
2,773
3.7
Virginia
2,581
3.4
2,578
3.4
Other
40,770
53.3
39,793
52.7
Total
$
76,448
100.0
$
75,527
100.0
The following table provides supplemental disclosures for our U.S. primary mortgage insurance business related to insured loans and loss metrics:
(U.S. Dollars in thousands, except policy, loan and claim count)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2024
2023
Roll-forward of insured loans in default:
Beginning delinquent number of loans
19,457
20,567
New notices
33,047
28,642
Cures
(32,242)
(29,903)
Paid claims
(909)
(662)
Acquired delinquent loans (1)
2,525
—
Ending delinquent number of loans (2)
21,878
18,644
Ending number of policies in force (2)
1,114,251
1,129,351
Delinquency rate (2)
1.96
%
1.65
%
Losses:
Number of claims paid
909
662
Total paid claims
$
31,216
$
19,502
Average per claim
$
34.3
$
29.5
Severity (3)
69.5
%
68.8
%
Average case reserve per default (2)
$
15.9
$
21.2
(1)Represents delinquent loans related to the acquisition of RMIC.
(2)Includes first lien primary and pool policies.
(3)Represents total paid claims divided by RIF of loans for which claims were paid.
The risk to capital ratio, which represents total current (non-delinquent) risk in force, net of reinsurance, divided by total statutory capital, for Arch MI U.S. was approximately 7.3 to 1 at September 30, 2024, consistent with 7.3 to 1 at December 31, 2023.
Shareholders’ Equity and Book Value per Share
The following table presents the calculation of book value per share:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Total shareholders’ equity available to Arch
$
22,274
$
18,353
Less preferred shareholders’ equity
830
830
Common shareholders’ equity available to Arch
$
21,444
$
17,523
Common shares and common share equivalents outstanding, net of treasury shares (1)
376.2
373.3
Book value per share
$
57.00
$
46.94
(1)Excludes the effects of 10.7 million and 12.5 million stock options and 0.3 million and 0.4 million restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to access sufficient cash flows to meet the short-term and long-term cash requirements of our business operations.
Arch Capital is a holding company whose assets primarily consist of the shares in its subsidiaries. Generally, Arch Capital depends on its available cash resources, liquid investments and dividends or other distributions from its subsidiaries to make payments, including the payment of debt service obligations and operating expenses it may incur and any dividends or liquidation amounts with respect to our preferred and common shares.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Arch Capital received dividends of $569 million from Arch Re Bermuda, our Bermuda based reinsurer and insurer, which can pay approximately $4.2 billion to Arch Capital during the remainder of 2024 without providing an affidavit to the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
We expect that our liquidity needs, including our anticipated (re)insurance obligations and operating and capital expenditure needs, for the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future thereafter, will be met by funds generated from underwriting activities and investment income, as well as by our balance of cash, short-term investments, proceeds on the sale or maturity of our investments, and our credit facilities.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2024
2023
Total cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities
$
5,100
$
4,084
Investing activities
(4,881)
(3,936)
Financing activities
(35)
(52)
Effects of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash and restricted cash
30
(14)
Increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash
$
214
$
82
Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was higher than in the 2023 period. Activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily reflected a higher level of premiums collected than in the 2023 period.
Cash used for investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was higher than in the 2023 period. Activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 reflected higher net purchases than in the 2023 period due in part to the investment of operating cash flows. Activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 reflected $852 million of net cash received related to the MCE Acquisition.
Cash used for financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was lower than in the 2023 period, reflecting common share activity.
CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table provides an analysis of our capital structure:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Senior notes
$
2,727
$
2,726
Shareholders’ equity available to Arch:
Series F non-cumulative preferred shares
$
330
$
330
Series G non-cumulative preferred shares
500
500
Common shareholders’ equity
21,444
17,523
Total
$
22,274
$
18,353
Total capital available to Arch
$
25,001
$
21,079
Debt to total capital (%)
10.9
12.9
Preferred to total capital (%)
3.3
3.9
Debt and preferred to total capital (%)
14.2
16.9
Arch MI U.S. is required to maintain compliance with the GSEs requirements, known as the Private Mortgage Insurer Eligibility Requirements or “PMIERs.” The financial requirements require an eligible mortgage insurer’s available assets, which generally include only the most liquid assets of an insurer, to meet or exceed “minimum required assets” as of each quarter end. Minimum required assets are calculated from PMIERs tables with several risk dimensions (including origination year, original loan-to-value and original credit score of performing loans, and the delinquency status of non-performing loans) and are subject to a minimum amount. Arch MI U.S. satisfied the PMIERs’ financial requirements with an estimated PMIER sufficiency ratio of 205% at September 30, 2024, compared to 213% at December 31, 2023. On August 21, 2024, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (collectively the GSEs) each updated their Private Mortgage Insurer Eligibility Requirements (PMIERs) to incorporate new deductions to Available Assets for investment risk. This update will become effective March 31, 2025; but the impact will be phased in through September 30, 2026. If the GSEs had fully implemented this update to PMIERs as of September 30, 2024, the changes would have reduced Available Assets by 16% and resulted in a Pro-forma PMIERs Sufficiency Ratio of 173% compared with a reported PMIERs Sufficiency Ratio of 205%.
Arch Capital, through its subsidiaries, provides financial support to certain of its insurance subsidiaries and affiliates, through certain reinsurance arrangements beneficial to the ratings of such subsidiaries. Historically, our insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance subsidiaries have entered into separate reinsurance arrangements with Arch Re Bermuda covering individual lines of business.
The below table provides a description of our senior notes payable at September 30, 2024:
Interest
Principal
Carrying
Issuer/Due
(Fixed)
Amount
Amount
Arch Capital:
May 1, 2034
7.350
%
$
300
$
298
June 30, 2050
3.635
%
1,000
989
Arch-U.S.:
Nov. 1, 2043 (1)
5.144
%
500
495
Arch Finance:
Dec. 15, 2026 (1)
4.011
%
500
499
Dec. 15, 2046 (1)
5.031
%
450
446
Total
$
2,750
$
2,727
(1)Fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Arch Capital.
Our senior notes were issued by Arch Capital, Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc. (“Arch-U.S.”) and Arch Capital Finance LLC (“Arch Finance”). Arch-U.S. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arch Capital and Arch Finance is a wholly-owned finance subsidiary of Arch-U.S. Our 2034 senior notes and 2050 senior notes issued by Arch Capital are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Arch Capital and ranked equally with all of its existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The 2043 senior notes issued by Arch-U.S. are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Arch-U.S. and Arch Capital and rank equally and ratably with the other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Arch-U.S. and Arch Capital. The 2026 senior notes and 2046 senior notes issued by Arch Finance are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Arch Finance and Arch Capital and rank equally and ratably with the other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Arch Finance and Arch Capital.
Arch-U.S. and Arch Finance depend on their available cash resources, liquid investments and dividends or other distributions from their subsidiaries or affiliates to make payments, including the payment of debt service obligations and operating expenses they may incur.
The following tables present condensed financial information for Arch Capital (parent guarantor) and Arch-U.S. (subsidiary issuer):
Equity in net income (loss) of investments accounted for using the equity method
—
(4)
—
(2)
Total revenues
(2)
4
2
2
Expenses
Corporate expenses
87
6
93
9
Interest expense
44
19
59
26
Interest expense (intercompany)
—
38
—
51
Total expenses
131
63
152
86
Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) from operating affiliates
(133)
(59)
(150)
(84)
Income tax (expense) benefit
—
11
41
19
Income (loss) from operating affiliates
(1)
—
(1)
—
Net income available to Arch
(134)
(48)
(110)
(65)
Preferred dividends
(30)
—
(40)
—
Net income (loss) available to Arch common shareholders
$
(164)
$
(48)
$
(150)
$
(65)
CATASTROPHIC AND SEVERE ECONOMIC EVENTS
We have large aggregate exposures to natural and man-made catastrophic events, pandemic events like COVID-19 and severe economic events. Natural catastrophes can be caused by various events, including hurricanes, floods, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, tornadoes, explosions, severe winter weather, fires, droughts and other natural disasters. Man-made catastrophic events may include acts of war, acts of terrorism and political instability. Catastrophes can also cause losses in non-property business such as mortgage insurance, workers’ compensation or general liability. In addition to the nature of property business, we believe that economic and geographic trends affecting insured property, including inflation, property value appreciation and geographic concentration, tend to generally increase the size of losses from catastrophic events over time.
Our models employ both proprietary and vendor-based systems and include cross-line correlations for property, marine, offshore energy, aviation, workers compensation and personal accident. We seek to limit the probable maximum pre-tax loss to a specific level for severe catastrophic events. Currently, we seek to limit our 1-in-250 year return period net probable maximum loss from a severe catastrophic event in any geographic zone to approximately 25% of tangible shareholders’ equity available to Arch (total shareholders’
equity available to Arch less goodwill and intangible assets). We reserve the right to change this threshold at any time.
Based on in-force exposure estimated as of October 1, 2024, our modeled peak zone catastrophe exposure was a windstorm affecting the Florida Tri-County regions, with a net probable maximum pre-tax loss of $1.7 billion, or 8% of tangible shareholders’ equity available to Arch, followed by windstorms affecting the Northeastern U.S. regions and the Gulf of Mexico with net probable maximum pre-tax losses of $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively. Our exposures to other perils, such as U.S. earthquake and international events, were less than the exposures arising from U.S. windstorms and hurricanes. As of October 1, 2024, our modeled peak zone earthquake exposure (San Francisco earthquake) represented approximately 58% of our peak zone catastrophe exposure, and our modeled peak zone international exposure (Germany windstorm) was substantially less than both our peak zone windstorm and earthquake exposures.
We also have significant exposure to losses due to mortgage defaults resulting from severe economic events in the future. For our U.S. mortgage insurance business, we have developed a proprietary risk model (“Realistic Disaster Scenario” or “RDS”) that simulates the maximum loss resulting from a severe economic downturn impacting the housing market. The RDS models the collective impact of adverse conditions for key economic indicators, the most significant of which is a decline in home prices. The RDS model projects paths of future home prices, unemployment rates, income levels and interest rates and assumes correlation across states and geographic regions. The resulting future performance of our in-force portfolio is then estimated under the economic stress scenario, reflecting loan and borrower information.
Currently, we seek to limit our modeled RDS loss from a severe economic event to approximately 25% of tangible shareholders’ equity available to Arch. We reserve the right to change this threshold at any time. Based on in-force exposure estimated as of October 1, 2024, our modeled RDS loss was approximately $1.1 billion, or 5% of tangible shareholders’ equity available to Arch.
Net probable maximum loss estimates are net of expected reinsurance recoveries, before income tax and before excess reinsurance reinstatement premiums. RDS loss estimates are net of expected reinsurance recoveries and before income tax. Catastrophe loss estimates are reflective of the zone indicated and not the entire portfolio. Since hurricanes and windstorms can affect more than one zone and make multiple landfalls, our catastrophe loss estimates include clash estimates from other zones. Our catastrophe loss estimates and RDS loss estimates do not represent our maximum exposures and it is highly likely that our actual incurred losses would vary materially from the modeled estimates. There can be no assurances that we will not suffer pre-tax losses greater than
25% of our tangible shareholders’ equity from one or more catastrophic events or severe economic events due to several factors. These factors include the inherent uncertainties in estimating the frequency and severity of such events and the margin of error in making such determinations resulting from potential inaccuracies and inadequacies in the data provided by clients and brokers, the modeling techniques and the application of such techniques or as a result of a decision to change the percentage of shareholders' equity exposed to a single catastrophic event or severe economic event. In addition, actual losses may increase if our reinsurers fail to meet their obligations to us or the reinsurance protections purchased by us are exhausted or are otherwise unavailable. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Industry” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Catastrophic Events and Severe Economic Events” in our 2023 Form 10-K.
MARKET SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
In accordance with the SEC’s Financial Reporting Release No. 48, we performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the effects that market risk exposures could have on the future earnings, fair values or cash flows of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2024. Market risk represents the risk of changes in the fair value of a financial instrument and is comprised of several components, including liquidity, basis and price risks.
An analysis of material changes in market risk exposures at September 30, 2024 that affect the quantitative and qualitative disclosures presented in our 2023 Form 10-K (see section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management”) were as follows:
Investment Market Risk
Fixed Income Securities. We invest in interest rate sensitive securities, primarily debt securities. We consider the effect of interest rate movements on the fair value of our fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain of our other investments, equity securities and investment funds accounted for using the equity method which invest in fixed income securities (collectively, “Fixed Income Securities”) and the corresponding change in unrealized appreciation. As interest rates rise, the fair value of our Fixed Income Securities falls, and the converse is also true. Based on historical observations, there is a low probability that all interest rate yield curves would shift in the same direction at the same time. Furthermore, at times interest rate movements in certain credit sectors exhibit a much lower correlation to changes in U.S. Treasury yields. Accordingly, the actual effect of interest rate movements may differ materially from the amounts set forth in the following tables.
The following table summarizes the effect that an immediate, parallel shift in the interest rate yield curve would have had on our Fixed Income Securities:
(U.S. dollars in billions)
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
-100
-50
—
+50
+100
September 30, 2024
Total fair value
$
41.5
$
40.9
$
40.4
$
39.8
$
39.3
Change from base
2.7
%
1.3
%
(1.3)
%
(2.6)
%
Change in unrealized value
$
1.1
$
0.5
$
(0.5)
$
(1.0)
December 31, 2023
Total fair value
$
33.6
$
33.1
$
32.7
$
32.2
$
31.7
Change from base
3.0
%
1.5
%
(1.4)
%
(2.8)
%
Change in unrealized value
$
1.0
$
0.5
$
(0.5)
$
(0.9)
In addition, we consider the effect of credit spread movements on the market value of our Fixed Income Securities and the corresponding change in unrealized value. As credit spreads widen, the fair value of our Fixed Income Securities falls, and the converse is also true. In periods where the spreads on our Fixed Income Securities are much higher than their historical average due to short-term market dislocations, a parallel shift in credit spread levels would result in a much more pronounced change in unrealized value.
The following table summarizes the effect that an immediate, parallel shift in credit spreads in a static interest rate environment would have had on our Fixed Income Securities:
(U.S. dollars in billions)
Credit Spread Shift in Percentage Points
-100
-50
—
+50
+100
September 30, 2024
Total fair value
$
41.7
$
41.0
$
40.4
$
39.7
$
39.1
Change from base
3.2
%
1.6
%
(1.6)
%
(3.2)
%
Change in unrealized value
$
1.3
$
0.6
$
(0.6)
$
(1.3)
December 31, 2023
Total fair value
$
33.8
$
33.2
$
32.7
$
32.1
$
31.5
Change from base
3.4
%
1.7
%
(1.7)
%
(3.4)
%
Change in unrealized value
$
1.1
$
0.6
$
(0.6)
$
(1.1)
Another method that attempts to measure portfolio risk is Value-at-Risk (“VaR”). VaR measures the worst expected loss under normal market conditions over a specific time interval at a given confidence level. The 1-year 95th percentile parametric VaR reported herein estimates that 95% of the time, the portfolio loss in a one-year horizon would be less than or equal to the calculated number, stated as a percentage of the measured portfolio’s initial value. The VaR is a variance-covariance based estimate, based on linear sensitivities of a portfolio to a broad set of systematic market risk factors and idiosyncratic risk factors mapped to the portfolio exposures. The relationships between the risk factors are estimated using historical data, and the most recent data points are generally given more weight. As of September 30, 2024, our portfolio’s 95th percentile VaR was estimated to be 5.6%, compared to an estimated 7.8% at December 31, 2023. In periods where the volatility of the risk factors mapped to our portfolio’s exposures is higher due to market conditions, the resulting VaR is higher than in other periods.
Equity Securities. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair value of our investments in equity securities and certain investments accounted for using the equity method with underlying equity strategies totaled $1.4 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively. These investments are exposed to price risk, which is the potential loss arising from decreases in fair value. An immediate hypothetical 10% decline in the value of each position would reduce the fair value of such investments by approximately $135 million and $101 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and would have decreased book value per share by approximately $0.36 and $0.27, respectively. An immediate hypothetical 10% increase in the value of each position would increase the fair value of such investments by approximately $135 million and $101 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and would have increased book value per share by approximately $0.36 and $0.27, respectively.
Investment-Related Derivatives. At September 30, 2024, the notional value of all derivative instruments (excluding foreign currency forward contracts which are included in the foreign currency exchange risk analysis below) was $3.4 billion, compared to $4.2 billion at December 31, 2023. If the underlying exposure of each investment-related derivative held at September 30, 2024 depreciated by 100 basis points, it would have resulted in a reduction in net income of approximately $34 million, and a decrease in book value per share of approximately $0.09 per share, compared to $42 million and $0.11 per share, respectively, on investment-related derivatives held at December 31, 2023. If the underlying exposure of each investment-related derivative held at September 30, 2024 appreciated by 100 basis points, it would have resulted in an increase in net income of approximately $34 million, and an increase in book value per share of approximately $0.09 per share, compared to $42 million and $0.11 per share, respectively, on investment-related derivatives held at December 31, 2023. See note 10, “Derivative Instruments,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures concerning derivatives.
For further discussion on investment activity, please refer to “Financial Condition—Investable Assets.”
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Foreign currency rate risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Through our subsidiaries and branches located in various foreign countries, we conduct our insurance and reinsurance operations in a variety of local currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. We generally hold investments in foreign currencies which are intended to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in our net insurance liabilities. We may also utilize foreign currency forward contracts and currency options as part of our investment strategy. See note 10, “Derivative Instruments,” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
The following table provides a summary of our net foreign currency exchange exposures, as well as foreign currency derivatives in place to manage these exposures:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Net assets (liabilities), denominated in foreign currencies, excluding shareholders’ equity and derivatives
$
(496)
$
(300)
Shareholders’ equity denominated in foreign currencies (1)
1,190
1,158
Net foreign currency forward contracts outstanding (2)
215
246
Net exposures denominated in foreign currencies
$
909
$
1,104
Pre-tax impact of a hypothetical 10% appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies:
Shareholders’ equity
$
(91)
$
(110)
Book value per share
$
(0.24)
$
(0.30)
Pre-tax impact of a hypothetical 10% decline of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies:
Shareholders’ equity
$
91
$
110
Book value per share
$
0.24
$
0.30
(1) Represents capital contributions held in the foreign currencies of our operating units.
(2) Represents the net notional value of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts.
Although we generally attempt to match the currency of our projected liabilities with investments in the same currencies, from time to time we may elect to over or underweight one or more currencies, which could increase our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and increase the volatility of our shareholders’ equity. Historical observations indicate a low probability that all foreign currency exchange rates would shift against the U.S. Dollar in the same direction and at the same time and, accordingly, the actual effect of foreign currency rate movements may differ materially from the amounts set forth above. For further discussion on foreign exchange activity, please refer to “Results of Operations.”
Effects of Inflation
General economic inflation has increased in recent quarters and may continue to remain at elevated levels for an extended period of time. The potential also exists, after a catastrophe loss or pandemic events like COVID-19, for the development of inflationary pressures in a local economy. This may have a material effect on the adequacy of our reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, especially in longer-tailed lines of business, and on the market value of our investment portfolio through rising interest rates. The anticipated effects of inflation are considered in our pricing models, reserving processes and exposure management, across all lines of business and types of loss including natural catastrophe events. The actual effects of inflation on our results cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately settled and will
vary by the specific type of inflation affecting each line of business.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Reference is made to the information appearing above under the subheading “Market Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management” under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which information is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In connection with the filing of this Form 10-Q, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, for the purposes set forth in the applicable rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation and subject to the below, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
On August 1, 2024, we completed the MCE Acquisition, and we are currently integrating MCE into our internal control process. Consistent with guidance issued by the SEC, we are excluding the internal control over financial reporting of MCE from our evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. MCE represents 5% of total assets, and 2% of our total revenues as of and for the nine months ending September 30, 2024.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Other than the item noted above, there have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
We, in common with the insurance industry in general, are subject to litigation and arbitration in the normal course of our business. As of September 30, 2024, we were not a party to any litigation or arbitration which is expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and liquidity.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer’s Repurchases of Equity Securities
The following table summarizes our purchases of common shares for the 2024 third quarter:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs ($000’s) (2)
7/1/2024-7/31/2024
817
$
98.17
—
$
1,000,000
8/1/2024-8/31/2024
469
97.10
—
$
1,000,000
9/1/2024-9/30/2024
2,183
111.46
—
$
1,000,000
Total
3,469
$
106.39
—
(1)This column represents (in whole shares) open market share repurchases, including an aggregate of 817, 469 and 2,183 shares repurchased by Arch Capital during July, August and September, respectively, other than through publicly announced plans or programs. We repurchased these shares from employees in order to facilitate the payment of withholding taxes on restricted shares granted and the exercise of stock appreciation rights, in each case at their fair value as determined by reference to the closing price of our common shares on the day the restricted shares vested or the stock appreciation rights were exercised.
(2)This column represents the remaining approximate dollar amount available at the end of each applicable period under Arch Capital’s $1.0 billion share repurchase authorization, authorized by the Board of Directors of ACGL and announced on December 19, 2022. Repurchases may be effected from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions through December 31, 2024.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933).
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1) Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally to the SEC a copy of any omitted items upon request.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.