Validus Announces Quarterly Net Operating Income of $98.3 Million, or $1.13 Per Diluted Common Share

Year to Date Annualized Return on Average Equity of 13.0%

Book Value Per Diluted Common Share of $41.43 at June 30, 2015

PEMBROKE, Bermuda--()--Validus Holdings, Ltd. (“Validus” or the “Company”) (NYSE:VR) today reported net income available to Validus of $64.0 million, or $0.73 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $153.4 million, or $1.61 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Net income available to Validus was $237.4 million, or $2.72 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $315.8 million, or $3.27 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Net operating income available to Validus was $98.3 million, or $1.13 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $132.2 million, or $1.39 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Net operating income available to Validus was $231.2 million, or $2.64 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $272.5 million, or $2.82 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Book value per diluted common share at June 30, 2015 was $41.43, reflecting quarterly growth of 1.2% inclusive of dividends.

Commenting on the financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2015, Validus' Chairman and CEO Ed Noonan stated:

“During a quarter with meaningful loss activity in our core classes of business, Validus delivered a 10.7% annualized operating return on average equity, a strong result in the current market.

Our diversified business model with a focus on short tail lines continues to provide a strong platform for a thoughtful expansion into new classes of business and markets. The foundation of our success is our world class staff and an outstanding set of proprietary analytical tools that benefit both our own results and those of our clients.

Above all, we remain committed to underwriting profitability and will continue to adjust our portfolio to maximize results in the current market conditions.”

Net income and net operating income available to Validus, net earnings and net operating earnings per diluted common share available to Validus, by segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were as follows:

       
Net Income Available to Validus   Net Operating Income Available to Validus
(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share information)
Validus Re $ 76.1 $ 90.3
Talbot 18.6 27.3
PaCRe, Ltd. 1.7
Other AlphaCat Companies

4.3

4.9

AlphaCat subtotal 6.0 4.9
Western World (1.7 ) 9.0
Corporate & Eliminations (35.0 ) (33.2 )
Total $ 64.0   $ 98.3  
Net earnings per diluted common share available to Validus $ 0.73
Net operating earnings per diluted common share available to Validus $ 1.13
 

Net operating income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net income (loss) excluding net realized and change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, income (loss) from investment affiliate, foreign exchange gains (losses), other income (loss) and non-recurring items. Net operating income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus is defined as above, but excludes income (loss) available (attributable) to noncontrolling interest. Reconciliations of these measures to net income (loss) and net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus, the most directly comparable GAAP measures, are presented at the end of this release.

Second Quarter 2015 Results

Highlights for the second quarter are as follows:

  • Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $727.0 million compared to $655.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $71.3 million, or 10.9%. The increase was primarily due to the contribution from Western World and an increase in AlphaCat gross written premium. This increase was offset by decreases at both Validus Re and Talbot.
  • Net premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $573.6 million compared to $466.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $107.6 million, or 23.1%.
  • Underwriting income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $110.8 million compared to $146.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $35.3 million, or 24.2%.
  • Combined ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was 80.7% which included $70.7 million of favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years, benefiting the loss ratio by 12.3 percentage points compared to a combined ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2014 of 68.6% which included $72.7 million of favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years, benefiting the loss ratio by 15.6 percentage points. The favorable loss reserve development was primarily due to lower than expected development on attritional losses.
  • Net operating income available to Validus for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $98.3 million compared to $132.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $33.8 million, or 25.6%.
  • Net income available to Validus for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $64.0 million compared to $153.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $89.4 million, or 58.3%.
  • Annualized return on average equity of 7.0% and annualized net operating return on average equity of 10.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to 16.5% and 14.2%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Notable and Non-Notable Loss Events

During the three months ended June 30, 2015, the Company incurred a notable loss event, defined as consolidated losses which aggregate to a threshold greater than or equal to $30.0 million. The event, Pemex, resulted in an estimated loss to the Company of $48.1 million, or 8.4 percentage points of the loss ratio. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company did not incur any notable loss events.

           
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
Second Quarter 2015 Notable Loss Event (a) Validus Re Talbot Total
Description     Net Losses and Loss Expenses (b) ` % of NPE (c) Net Losses and Loss Expenses (b) % of NPE (c) Net Losses and Loss Expenses (b) % of NPE (c)
Pemex Explosion $ 35,189   13.3 % $ 12,885   6.3 % $ 48,074   8.4 %
Total $ 35,189   13.3 % $ 12,885   6.3 % $ 48,074   8.4 %
 

(a) The notable loss event amounts were based on management's estimates following a review of the Company's potential exposure and discussions with certain clients and brokers. Given the magnitude of this event, and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from this event and the Company's actual ultimate net losses from this event may vary materially from this estimate. Only those segments that incurred a loss on this event are shown above.

(b) Net of reinsurance but not net of reinstatement premiums. Total Pemex reinstatement premiums were $(0.4) million for the three months ended June 30, 2015.

(c) NPE = net premiums earned.

During the three months ended June 30, 2015, the Company did not incur a non-notable loss event, defined as consolidated losses which aggregate to a threshold greater than $15.0 million, but less than $30.0 million. The Company's loss ratio, excluding prior year development, notable loss events, and non-notable loss events for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was 52.9% and 45.0%, respectively.

Highlights for the year to date include the following:

  • Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $1,846.5 million compared to $1,667.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $178.8 million, or 10.7%.
  • Net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $1,151.3 million compared to $949.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $202.4 million, or 21.3%.
  • Underwriting income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $254.9 million compared to $299.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $44.3 million, or 14.8%.
  • Combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 77.9% which included $154.3 million of favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years, benefiting the loss ratio by 13.4 percentage points compared to a combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2014 of 68.5% which included $112.1 million of favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years, benefiting the loss ratio by 11.8 percentage points.
  • Net operating income available to Validus for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $231.2 million compared to $272.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $41.3 million, or 15.2%.
  • Net income available to Validus for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $237.4 million compared to $315.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $78.3 million, or 24.8%.
  • Annualized return on average equity of 13.0% and annualized net operating return on average equity of 12.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to 17.0% and 14.7%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Validus Re Segment - Second Quarter 2015 Results

Highlights for the second quarter include the following:

  • Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $296.9 million compared to $301.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $4.4 million, or 1.5%. Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2015 included $246.1 million of property premiums, $6.5 million of marine premiums and $44.3 million of specialty premiums, compared to $266.8 million of property premiums, $(0.2) million of marine premiums and $34.7 million of specialty premiums for the three months ended June 30, 2014.
  • Net premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $264.6 million compared to $221.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $42.8 million, or 19.3%.
  • The combined ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was 71.2% compared to 57.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of 13.4 percentage points.
  • The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was 46.6% compared to 35.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of 11.6 percentage points. The increase was primarily due to losses arising from the Pemex explosion. The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $30.9 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 11.7 percentage points. The favorable loss reserve development was primarily due to lower than expected development on attritional losses. The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2014 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $26.7 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 12.0 percentage points.
  • General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $18.8 million compared to $17.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $1.7 million, or 10.2%.
  • Net operating income available to Validus Re for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $90.3 million compared to $106.2 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $15.9 million, or 15.0%.
  • Net income available to Validus Re for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $76.1 million compared to $124.3 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $48.1 million, or 38.7%.

Highlights for the year to date include the following:

  • Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $1,008.1 million compared to $967.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $40.7 million, or 4.2%. Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included $465.4 million of property premiums, $139.9 million of marine premiums and $402.7 million of specialty premiums, compared to $528.5 million of property premiums, $152.7 million of marine premiums and $286.2 million of specialty premiums for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
  • Net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $517.6 million compared to $460.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $57.5 million, or 12.5%.
  • The combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 70.7% compared to 55.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of 15.1 percentage points.
  • The loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 45.7% compared to 31.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of 14.0 percentage points. The loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $55.6 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 10.7 percentage points. The loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2014 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $36.7 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 8.0 percentage points.
  • General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $38.3 million compared to $35.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $3.1 million, or 8.7%.
  • Net operating income available to Validus Re for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $182.7 million compared to $232.8 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $50.1 million, or 21.5%.
  • Net income available to Validus Re for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $186.9 million compared to $265.5 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $78.6 million, or 29.6%.

Talbot Segment - Second Quarter 2015 Results

Highlights for the second quarter include the following:

  • Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $293.0 million compared to $317.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $24.9 million, or 7.8%. Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2015 included $108.8 million of property premiums, $89.7 million of marine premiums and $94.5 million of specialty premiums compared to $116.0 million of property premiums, $109.4 million of marine premiums and $92.6 million of specialty premiums for the three months ended June 30, 2014.
  • Net premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $205.4 million compared to $211.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $6.4 million, or 3.0%.
  • The combined ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was 88.7% compared to 78.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of 10.0 percentage points.
  • The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was 46.7% compared to 39.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of 7.0 percentage points. The increase was primarily due to losses arising from the Pemex explosion. The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $35.6 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 17.3 percentage points. The favorable loss reserve development was primarily due to lower than expected development on attritional losses. The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2014 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $42.2 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 19.9 percentage points.
  • General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $35.6 million compared to $34.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $1.4 million, or 4.0%.
  • Net operating income available to Talbot for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $27.3 million compared to $48.6 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $21.3 million, or 43.8%.
  • Net income available to Talbot for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $18.6 million compared to $52.7 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $34.1 million, or 64.7%.

Highlights for the year to date include the following:

  • Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $563.1 million compared to $608.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $45.5 million, or 7.5%. Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included $180.5 million of property premiums, $200.1 million of marine premiums and $182.6 million of specialty premiums compared to $194.1 million of property premiums, $229.0 million of marine premiums and $185.6 million of specialty premiums for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
  • Net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $428.0 million compared to $425.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $2.3 million, or 0.5%.
  • The combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 81.5% compared to 82.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points.
  • The loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 40.7% compared to 43.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of 3.1 percentage points. The loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $87.3 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 20.4 percentage points. The loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2014 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $63.8 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 15.0 percentage points.
  • General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $72.0 million compared to $69.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $2.7 million, or 3.9%.
  • Net operating income available to Talbot for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $88.6 million compared to $82.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $6.4 million, or 7.7%.
  • Net income available to Talbot for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $88.2 million compared to $88.9 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 0.8%.

AlphaCat Segment - Second Quarter 2015 Results(1)

Highlights for the second quarter include the following:

  • AlphaCat's assets under management were $2,079.3 million as at July 1, 2015, compared to $1,879.6 million as at April 1, 2015. Third party assets under management were $1,724.3 million as at July 1, 2015, compared to $1,525.0 million as at April 1, 2015. During the three months ended June 30, 2015, a total of $224.0 million of capital was raised, of which $213.9 million was raised from third parties. During the three months ended June 30, 2015, $52.4 million was returned to investors, of which $19.3 million was returned to third party investors.
  • Net operating income available to AlphaCat for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $4.9 million. Validus' share of AlphaCat net operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $3.1 million, compared to $9.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $6.2 million.
  • Net income available to AlphaCat for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $6.0 million. Validus' share of AlphaCat net income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $4.9 million, compared to $13.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $8.2 million.
  • Management fees earned from third parties were $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014.
  • The AlphaCat sidecars and ILS funds contributed $5.6 million of income for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $8.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $2.5 million.
  • Total expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $5.0 million, compared to $3.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $1.9 million. Included within the expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $2.5 million of finance expenses relating to the raising of third party capital.
  • For the three months ended June 30, 2015, there was an accounting loss of $1.8 million on the deconsolidation of one of the ILS funds.
  • Validus' share of PaCRe's net realized and unrealized investment gains for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $1.7 million, compared to $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $2.0 million.

Highlights for the year to date include the following:

  • Management fees earned from third parties for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $8.9 million, compared to $10.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $1.2 million.
  • The AlphaCat sidecars and ILS funds contributed $10.7 million of income for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $14.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $4.1 million.
  • Total expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $12.0 million, compared to $6.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $5.9 million.
  • PaCRe contributed $0.1 million of net operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $0.2 million.
  • For the six months ended June 30, 2015, there was an accounting loss of $1.8 million on the deconsolidation of one of the ILS funds compared to an accounting gain on another of the ILS funds of $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
  • Validus' share of AlphaCat net operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $5.8 million, compared to $20.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $14.6 million.
  • Validus' share of PaCRe's net realized and unrealized investment gains for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $5.6 million, compared to $8.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $2.7 million.
  • Validus' share of AlphaCat net income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $11.4 million, compared to $28.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $17.3 million.

(1) Please refer to pages 36 to 40 of the Investor Financial Supplement for further details on the AlphaCat segment.

Western World Segment - Second Quarter 2015 Results

The acquisition of Western World closed on October 2, 2014 and the segment was included in the Company results for the first time in Q4 2014. As such, there are no comparatives for the three or six months ended June 30, 2014.

Highlights for the second quarter include the following:

  • Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $79.6 million. Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2015 included $15.9 million of property premiums and $63.7 million of liability premiums.
  • Net premiums earned for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $65.1 million.
  • The combined ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was 101.1%.
  • The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was 71.8%. The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2015 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $4.3 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 6.5 percentage points. Of this, $2.9 million or 4.4 percentage points arose from the amortization of the risk premium adjustment booked at acquisition.
  • Policy acquisition costs for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $9.6 million. Amortization of the fair value adjustment booked at acquisition favorably impacted policy acquisition costs by approximately $6.6 million or 10.1 percentage points.
  • General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $8.9 million.
  • Net operating income available to Western World for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $9.0 million.
  • Net loss attributable to Western World for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $1.7 million.

Highlights for the year to date include the following:

  • Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $136.5 million. Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included $25.3 million of property premiums and $111.2 million of liability premiums.
  • Net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $133.0 million.
  • The combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 99.0%.
  • The loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 73.1%. The loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $10.6 million, benefiting the loss ratio by 8.0 percentage points. Of this, $6.1 million or 4.6 percentage points arose from the amortization of the risk premium adjustment booked at acquisition.
  • Policy acquisition costs for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $13.9 million. Amortization of the fair value adjustment booked at acquisition favorably impacted policy acquisition costs by approximately $17.0 million or 12.8 percentage points.
  • General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $19.6 million.
  • Net operating income available to Western World for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $12.9 million.
  • Net income available to Western World for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $11.6 million.

Corporate Results

Corporate results include executive and board expenses, internal and external audit expenses, interest and costs incurred in connection with the Company's senior notes and junior subordinated deferrable debentures and other costs relating to the Company as a whole.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015, net of operating segment eliminations, were $16.2 million compared to $18.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $2.7 million or 14.2%. Share compensation expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015, net of operating segment eliminations were $3.2 million compared to $3.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $0.2 million or 6.6%.

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015, net of operating segment eliminations, were $30.6 million compared to $35.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $5.2 million, or 14.7%. Share compensation expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015, net of operating segment eliminations, were $6.1 million compared to $5.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $0.7 million, or 13.5%.

Investments

Net investment income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $33.6 million compared to $21.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $12.3 million, or 57.9%.

Net realized gains on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $2.2 million compared to $7.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $5.6 million, or 71.4%.

The change in net unrealized losses on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $(17.5) million compared to gains of $45.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $63.0 million, or 138.6%. The change in net unrealized losses on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2015 included $17.1 million in unrealized gains relating to PaCRe. The amount of PaCRe's net unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interest was ($15.4) million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, leaving a net impact to the Company of $1.7 million.

The change in net unrealized gains on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was driven by $31.3 million in unrealized gains relating to PaCRe. The amount of PaCRe's net unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interest was ($28.1) million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, leaving a net impact to the Company of $3.1 million.

Net investment income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $64.6 million compared to $44.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, an increase of $20.0 million, or 44.8%.

Net realized gains on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $6.4 million compared to $11.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $5.2 million, or 44.7%.

The change in net unrealized gains on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $54.7 million compared to $101.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of $46.4 million, or 45.9%. The change in net unrealized gains on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was driven by $56.1 million in unrealized gains relating to PaCRe. The amount of PaCRe's net unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interest was ($50.5) million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, leaving a net impact to the Company of $5.6 million.

The change in net unrealized gains on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was driven by $77.9 million in unrealized gains relating to PaCRe. The amount of PaCRe's net unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interest was ($70.1) million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, leaving a net impact to the Company of $7.8 million.

Shareholders' Equity and Capitalization

As at June 30, 2015, total shareholders' equity was $4.2 billion including $510.1 million of noncontrolling interest. Shareholders' equity available to Validus was $3.7 billion as at June 30, 2015. Book value per diluted common share was $41.43 at June 30, 2015, compared to $41.27 at March 31, 2015. Book value per diluted common share is a non-GAAP financial measure. A reconciliation of this measure to book value per common share is presented at the end of this release.

Total capitalization at June 30, 2015 was $5.0 billion, including $538.0 million of junior subordinated deferrable debentures and $247.4 million of senior notes. Total capitalization available to Validus at June 30, 2015 was $4.4 billion, excluding $510.1 million of noncontrolling interest.

Share Repurchases

For the three months ended June 30, 2015, the number of shares repurchased by the Company was 2.0 million. A summary of the share repurchases made to date under the Company’s previously announced share repurchase program is as follows:

   
Share Repurchase Activity
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share information)
As at March 31, 2015         Quarter ended
Effect of share repurchases: (cumulative) April May June June 30, 2015
Aggregate purchase price (a) $ 2,289,409 $ $ 37,296 $ 47,819 $ 85,115
Shares repurchased 71,475,993 873,120 1,095,722 1,968,842
Average price (a) $ 32.03   $   $ 42.72   $ 43.64   $ 43.23
 
Estimated cumulative net accretive (dilutive) impact on:
Book value per diluted common share (b) 4.09
 
    Share Repurchase Activity

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share information)

Effect of share repurchases: As at June 30, 2015   As at July 27, 2015   Cumulative to Date Effect
Aggregate purchase price (a) $ 2,374,524 $ 19,335 $ 2,393,859
Shares repurchased 73,444,835 429,050 73,873,885
Average price (a) $ 32.33   $ 45.06   $ 32.40
 

(a) Share transactions are on a trade date basis through July 27, 2015 and are inclusive of commissions. Average share price is rounded to two decimal places.

(b) As the average price per share repurchased during certain periods between 2009 and 2015 was lower than the book value per common share, the repurchase of shares increased the Company's period ending book value per share.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call for analysts and investors on July 29, 2015 at 10:00 AM (Eastern) to discuss the second quarter 2015 financial results and related matters. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-888-771-4371 (toll-free U.S.) or 1-847-585-4405 (international) and entering the passcode 3986 7298. Those who intend to participate in the conference call should register at least ten minutes in advance to ensure access to the call. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available through August 12, 2015, by dialing 1-888-843-7419 (toll-free U.S.) or 1-630-652-3042 (international) and entering the passcode 3986 7298.

This conference call will also be available through a live audio webcast accessible through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website located at www.validusholdings.com. A replay of the webcast will be available at the Investor Relations section of the Company's website through August 12, 2015. In addition, a financial supplement relating to the Company's financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 is available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website.

About Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Validus Holdings, Ltd. is a holding company for reinsurance and insurance operating companies and investment advisors including Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Validus Re”), Talbot Holdings Ltd. (“Talbot”), Western World Insurance Group, Inc. (“Western World”) and AlphaCat Managers, Ltd. (“AlphaCat”).

The results of Western World are consolidated from the October 2, 2014 date of acquisition.

Validus Re is a Bermuda based reinsurer focused on short-tail lines of reinsurance. Talbot is the Bermuda parent of the specialty insurance group primarily operating within the Lloyd's insurance market through Syndicate 1183. Western World is a U.S. specialty lines insurance company focused on excess and surplus lines. AlphaCat is a Bermuda based investment adviser managing capital for third parties and the Group in insurance linked securities and other property catastrophe reinsurance investments.

 

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

     
June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014
 
Assets
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015—$5,462,612; 2014—$5,534,494) $ 5,459,304 $ 5,532,731
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015—$1,337,914; 2014—$1,051,222) 1,338,051 1,051,074
Other investments, at fair value (cost: 2015—$901,581; 2014—$879,176) 893,707 813,011
Cash and cash equivalents 433,710 577,240
Restricted cash 140,019   173,003  
Total investments and cash 8,264,791 8,147,059
Investments in affiliates 374,121 261,483
Premiums receivable 1,276,020 707,647
Deferred acquisition costs 253,225 161,295
Prepaid reinsurance premiums 161,516 81,983
Securities lending collateral 7,021 470
Loss reserves recoverable 376,665 377,466
Paid losses recoverable 40,198 38,078
Income taxes recoverable 13,787
Deferred tax asset 23,079 23,821
Receivable for investments sold 29,131 18,318
Intangible assets 124,092 126,924
Goodwill 196,758 195,897
Accrued investment income 23,894 24,865
Other assets   260,998     164,633  
Total assets $ 11,425,296   $ 10,329,939  
 
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss expenses $ 3,187,177 $ 3,234,394
Unearned premiums 1,519,491 990,564
Reinsurance balances payable 95,705 127,128
Securities lending payable 7,487 936
Deferred tax liability 8,063 5,541
Payable for investments purchased 105,871 68,574
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 167,776 318,245
Notes payable to operating affiliates 1,381,313 671,465
Senior notes payable 247,360 247,306
Debentures payable   538,032     539,277  
Total liabilities   7,258,275     6,203,430  
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Redeemable noncontrolling interest 79,956
 
Shareholders' equity

Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2015—158,379,505; 2014—
155,554,224; Outstanding: 2015—83,295,795; 2014—83,869,845)

27,716 27,222
Treasury shares (2015—75,083,710; 2014—71,684,379) (13,140 ) (12,545 )
Additional paid-in-capital 1,097,527 1,207,493
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (9,066 ) (8,556 )
Retained earnings   2,553,894     2,374,344  
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus   3,656,931     3,587,958  
 
Noncontrolling interest 510,090 458,595
       
Total shareholders' equity   4,167,021     4,046,553  
 
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity $ 11,425,296   $ 10,329,939  
 
 

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

       
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2015   2014 2015   2014
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written $ 726,968 $ 655,674 $ 1,846,466 $ 1,667,665
Reinsurance premiums ceded   (54,896 )   (50,565 )   (245,736 )   (245,473 )
Net premiums written 672,072 605,109 1,600,730 1,422,192
Change in unearned premiums   (98,490 )   (139,106 )   (449,394 )   (473,232 )
Net premiums earned   573,582     466,003     1,151,336     948,960  
 
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses 266,146 158,745 507,075 321,416
Policy acquisition costs 104,425 78,953 203,061 164,602
General and administrative expenses 82,963 73,842 167,991 148,287
Share compensation expenses   9,242     8,341     18,296     15,488  
Total underwriting deductions   462,776     319,881     896,423     649,793  
 
Underwriting income $ 110,806 $ 146,122 $ 254,913 $ 299,167
 
Net investment income 33,608 21,286 64,629 44,648
Other insurance related income 3,148 4,811 7,980 12,848
Finance expenses   (17,735 )   (16,126 )   (37,587 )   (32,026 )

Operating income before taxes, income from operating affiliates
and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

$ 129,827 $ 156,093 $ 289,935 $ 324,637
Tax (expense) (2,549 ) (1,391 ) (5,114 ) (1,351 )
Income from operating affiliates 4,104 4,892 6,557 9,819
(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors   (30,879 )   (25,316 )   (54,085 )   (57,026 )
Net operating income $ 100,503 $ 134,278 $ 237,293 $ 276,079
 
Net realized gains on investments 2,244 7,858 6,413 11,598
Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on investments (17,530 ) 45,427 54,674 101,120
Income from investment affiliate 284 779 3,060 6,127
Foreign exchange (losses) gains (3,236 ) 3,158 (6,787 ) (3,320 )
Other (loss) income (608 ) 424 (608 ) 6,217
Transaction expenses (a)         (3,252 )           (3,252 )
Net income $ 81,657 $ 188,672 $ 294,045 $ 394,569
 
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest (17,644 ) (35,305 ) (56,621 ) (78,814 )
               
Net income available to Validus $ 64,013   $ 153,367   $ 237,424   $ 315,755  
 
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written 92.4 % 92.3 % 86.7 % 85.3 %
 
Losses and loss expenses 46.4 % 34.1 % 44.0 % 33.9 %
 
Policy acquisition costs 18.2 % 16.9 % 17.7 % 17.3 %
General and administrative expenses (a)   16.1 %   17.6 %   16.2 %   17.3 %
Expense ratio   34.3 %   34.5 %   33.9 %   34.6 %
 
Combined ratio   80.7 %   68.6 %   77.9 %   68.5 %
 

(a) The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

 

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Consolidated Segment Operating Income (Loss)

For the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

     
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Validus Re   AlphaCat   Talbot   Western World   Corporate and Eliminations   Total Validus Re (b)   AlphaCat   Talbot   Corporate and Eliminations (b)   Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written 296,895 64,117 293,046 79,554 (6,644 ) 726,968 301,273 43,790 317,944 (7,333 ) 655,674
Reinsurance premiums ceded (18,853 )   (37,246 ) (5,441 ) 6,644   (54,896 ) (21,522 )   (36,376 ) 7,333   (50,565 )
Net premiums written 278,042 64,117 255,800 74,113 672,072 279,751 43,790 281,568 605,109
Change in unearned premiums (13,492 ) (25,641 ) (50,362 ) (8,995 )   (98,490 ) (58,023 ) (11,330 ) (69,753 )   (139,106 )
Net premiums earned 264,550   38,476   205,438   65,118     573,582   221,728   32,460   211,815     466,003  
 
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses 123,405 95,970 46,771 266,146 77,688 (3,033 ) 84,090 158,745
Policy acquisition costs 43,826 3,844 47,659 9,617 (521 ) 104,425 31,125 3,056 45,593 (821 ) 78,953
General and administrative expenses 18,781 3,526 35,555 8,923 16,178 82,963 17,040 3,780 34,173 18,849 73,842
Share compensation expenses 2,396   150   3,024   494   3,178   9,242   2,336   161   2,862   2,982   8,341  
Total underwriting deductions 188,408   7,520   182,208   65,805   18,835   462,776   128,189   3,964   166,718   21,010   319,881  
 
Underwriting income (loss) 76,142 30,956 23,230 (687 ) (18,835 ) 110,806 93,539 28,496 45,097 (21,010 ) 146,122
 
Net investment income 20,080 1,754 6,406 5,723 (355 ) 33,608 16,265 829 4,671 (479 ) 21,286
Other insurance related

income (loss)

434 3,755 40 276 (1,357 ) 3,148 545 6,005 258 (1,997 ) 4,811
Finance expenses (3,573 ) (2,591 ) (87 )   (11,484 ) (17,735 ) (3,670 ) (971 ) (68 ) (11,417 ) (16,126 )
Operating income (loss) before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors 93,083 33,874 29,589 5,312 (32,031 ) 129,827 106,679 34,359 49,958 (34,903 ) 156,093
Tax (expense) benefit (2,745 ) (2,262 ) 3,734 (1,276 ) (2,549 ) (460 ) (1,364 ) 433 (1,391 )
Income from operating affiliates 4,104 4,104 4,892 4,892
(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors   (30,879 )       (30,879 )   (25,316 )     (25,316 )
Net operating income (loss) (a) 90,338 7,099 27,327 9,046 (33,307 ) 100,503 106,219 13,935 48,594 (34,470 ) 134,278
Net operating (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest   (2,156 )       (2,156 )   (2,094 )     (2,094 )
Net operating income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus 90,338   4,943   27,327   9,046   (33,307 ) 98,347   106,219   11,841   48,594   (34,470 ) 132,184  
                     
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus 76,113   5,992   18,604   (1,689 ) (35,007 ) 64,013   124,255   14,968   52,732   (38,588 ) 153,367  
 

Notes:

(a) Net operating income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net income (loss) excluding net realized and change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, foreign exchange gains (losses), other income (loss), income (loss) from investment affiliate and non-recurring items. This measure focuses on the underlying fundamentals of our operations without the influence of gains (losses) from the sale of investments, translation of non-U.S.$ currencies and non-recurring items. Gains (losses) from the sale of investments are driven by the timing of the disposition of investments, not by our operating performance. Gains (losses) arising from translation of non-U.S.$ denominated balances are unrelated to our underlying business. Net operating income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus is defined as above and includes income (loss) from noncontrolling interests.

(b) During the first quarter of 2015, certain intercompany reinsurance transactions were presented on a net basis for segmental reporting purposes. As a result, gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded for the Validus Re segment and Corporate & Eliminations were reduced by $9,013 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 for comparative purposes. There was no impact to total gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded on a consolidated basis.

 

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Consolidated Segment Operating Income (Loss)

For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

     
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Validus Re   AlphaCat   Talbot   Western World   Corporate and Eliminations   Total Validus Re   AlphaCat   Talbot   Corporate and Eliminations (b)   Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written 1,008,107 166,681 563,123 136,501 (27,946 ) 1,846,466 967,436 128,137 608,639 (36,547 ) 1,667,665
Reinsurance premiums ceded (132,149 ) (4,538 ) (128,321 ) (8,674 ) 27,946   (245,736 ) (151,339 ) (3,700 ) (126,981 ) 36,547   (245,473 )
Net premiums written 875,958 162,143 434,802 127,827 1,600,730 816,097 124,437 481,658 1,422,192
Change in unearned premiums (358,320 ) (89,472 ) (6,775 ) 5,173     (449,394 ) (355,983 ) (61,294 ) (55,955 )   (473,232 )
Net premiums earned 517,638   72,671   428,027   133,000     1,151,336   460,114   63,143   425,703     948,960  
 
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses 236,533 (844 ) 174,098 97,288 507,075 145,843 (10,893 ) 186,466 321,416
Policy acquisition costs 85,920 7,504 96,763 13,896 (1,022 ) 203,061 70,370 6,036 90,521 (2,325 ) 164,602
General and administrative expenses 38,290 7,528 72,049 19,550 30,574 167,991 35,235 7,908 69,322 35,822 148,287
Share compensation expenses 4,974   299   5,981   971   6,071   18,296   4,544   151   5,444   5,349   15,488  
Total underwriting deductions 365,717   14,487   348,891   131,705   35,623   896,423   255,992   3,202   351,753   38,846   649,793  
 
Underwriting income (loss) 151,921 58,184 79,136 1,295 (35,623 ) 254,913 204,122 59,941 73,950 (38,846 ) 299,167
 
Net investment income 38,332 3,339 12,711 11,026 (779 ) 64,629 34,540 1,709 9,357 (958 ) 44,648
Other insurance related

income (loss)

749 9,526 94 539 (2,928 ) 7,980 1,522 15,502 275 (4,451 ) 12,848
Finance expenses (7,444 ) (7,107 ) (174 )   (22,862 ) (37,587 ) (7,509 ) (1,654 ) (94 ) (22,769 ) (32,026 )
Operating income (loss) before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors 183,558 63,942 91,767 12,860 (62,192 ) 289,935 232,675 75,498 83,488 (67,024 ) 324,637
Tax (expense) benefit (865 ) (3,145 ) 11 (1,115 ) (5,114 ) 118 (1,234 ) (235 ) (1,351 )
Income from operating affiliates 6,557 6,557 9,819 9,819
(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors   (54,085 )       (54,085 )   (57,026 )     (57,026 )
Net operating income (loss) (a) 182,693 16,414 88,622 12,871 (63,307 ) 237,293 232,793 28,291 82,254 (67,259 ) 276,079
Net operating (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest   (6,110 )       (6,110 )   (3,598 )     (3,598 )
Net operating income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus 182,693   10,304   88,622   12,871   (63,307 ) 231,183   232,793   24,693   82,254   (67,259 ) 272,481  
                     
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus 186,879   13,759   88,196   11,617   (63,027 ) 237,424   265,484   32,950   88,888   (71,567 ) 315,755  
 

Notes:

(a) Net operating income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net income (loss) excluding net realized and change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, foreign exchange gains (losses), other income (loss), income (loss) from investment affiliate and non-recurring items. This measure focuses on the underlying fundamentals of our operations without the influence of gains (losses) from the sale of investments, translation of non-U.S.$ currencies, and non-recurring items. Gains (losses) from the sale of investments are driven by the timing of the disposition of investments, not by our operating performance. Gains (losses) arising from translation of non-U.S.$ denominated balances are unrelated to our underlying business. Net operating income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus is defined as above and includes income (loss) from noncontrolling interests.

(b) During the first quarter of 2015, certain intercompany reinsurance transactions were presented on a net basis for segmental reporting purposes. As a result, gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded for the Validus Re segment and Corporate & Eliminations were reduced by $21,836 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 for comparative purposes. There was no impact to total gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded on a consolidated basis.

 

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation

Net Operating Income available to Validus, Net Operating Income per share available to Validus and Annualized Net Operating
Return on Average Equity

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

     
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30,   June 30, June 30,   June 30,
  2015   2014   2015   2014
 
Net income available to Validus $ 64,013 $ 153,367 $ 237,424 $ 315,755
Adjustments for:
Net realized (gains) on investments (2,244 ) (7,858 ) (6,413 ) (11,598 )
Change in net unrealized losses (gains) on investments 17,530 (45,427 ) (54,674 ) (101,120 )
(Income) from investment affiliate (284 ) (779 ) (3,060 ) (6,127 )
Foreign exchange losses (gains) 3,236 (3,158 ) 6,787 3,320
Other loss (income) 608 (424 ) 608 (6,217 )
Transaction expenses (a) 3,252 3,252
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 15,488   33,211   50,511   75,216  
Net operating income available to Validus 98,347 132,184 231,183 272,481
Less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants   (1,081 )   (1,552 )   (2,486 )   (3,104 )
Net operating income available to Validus, adjusted $ 97,266   $ 130,632   $ 228,697   $ 269,377  
 
Net income per share available to Validus - diluted $ 0.73 $ 1.61 $ 2.72 $ 3.27
Adjustments for:
Net realized (gains) on investments (0.03 ) (0.08 ) (0.07 ) (0.12 )
Change in net unrealized losses (gains) on investments 0.20 (0.48 ) (0.63 ) (1.05 )
(Income) from investment affiliate (0.01 ) (0.04 ) (0.06 )
Foreign exchange losses (gains) 0.04 (0.03 ) 0.08 0.04
Other loss (income) 0.01 (0.07 )
Transaction expenses (a) 0.03 0.03
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   0.18     0.35     0.58     0.78  
Net operating income per share available to Validus - diluted $ 1.13   $ 1.39   $ 2.64   $ 2.82  
 
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents 87,313,154 95,276,836 87,448,142 96,538,178
 
Average shareholders' equity available to Validus $ 3,670,020 $ 3,713,085 $ 3,642,666 $ 3,710,088
 
Annualized net operating return on average equity   10.7 %   14.2 %   12.7 %   14.7 %
 
 

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation

Book Value per Common Share, Book Value per Diluted Common Share and Book Value per Diluted Common Share plus
Accumulated Dividends

As at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

   
As at June 30, 2015
Equity Amount   Shares   Exercise Price   Book Value Per Share
Book value per common share  
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus $ 3,656,931 83,295,795 $ 43.90
 
Tangible book value per common share 40.05
 
Book value per diluted common share
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus 3,656,931 83,295,795
Assumed exercise of outstanding warrants 59,506 3,377,320 $ 17.62
Assumed exercise of outstanding stock options 3,040 119,377 $ 25.46
Unvested restricted shares       2,980,925  
Book value per diluted common share $ 3,719,477     89,773,417   $ 41.43
Adjustment for accumulated dividends 9.52
Book value per diluted common share plus accumulated dividends $ 50.95
 
Tangible book value per diluted common share 37.86
 
As at December 31, 2014
Equity Amount Shares Exercise Price Book Value Per Share
Book value per common share
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus $ 3,587,958 83,869,845 $ 42.78
 
Tangible book value per common share 38.93
 
Book value per diluted common share
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus 3,587,958 83,869,845
Assumed exercise of outstanding warrants 90,950 5,174,114 $ 17.58
Assumed exercise of outstanding stock options 20,581 1,160,057 $ 17.74
Unvested restricted shares       3,068,564  
Book value per diluted common share $ 3,699,489     93,272,580   $ 39.66
Adjustment for accumulated dividends 8.88
Book value per diluted common share plus accumulated dividends $ 48.54
 
Tangible book value per diluted common share 36.20
 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include forward-looking statements, both with respect to the Company and its industry, that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Statements that include the words "expect", "intend", "plan", "believe", "project", "anticipate", "will", "may" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events; 2) rating agency actions; 3) adequacy of Validus' risk management and loss limitation methods; 4) cyclicality of demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets; 5) statutory or regulatory developments including tax policy, reinsurance and other regulatory matters; 6) Validus' ability to implement its business strategy during "soft" as well as "hard" markets; 7) adequacy of Validus' loss reserves; 8) continued availability of capital and financing; 9) retention of key personnel; 10) competition; 11) potential loss of business from one or more major insurance or reinsurance brokers; 12) Validus' ability to implement, successfully and on a timely basis, complex infrastructure, distribution capabilities, systems, procedures and internal controls, and to develop accurate actuarial data to support the business and regulatory and reporting requirements; 13) general economic and market conditions (including inflation, volatility in the credit and capital markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates); 14) the integration of businesses Validus may acquire or new business ventures Validus may start; 15) the effect on Validus' investment portfolios of changing financial market conditions including inflation, interest rates, liquidity and other factors; 16) acts of terrorism or outbreak of war; and 17) availability of reinsurance and retrocessional coverage, as well as management's response to any of the aforementioned factors.

The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in Validus' most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and other documents of the Company on file with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Any forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by Validus will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Validus or its business or operations. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In presenting the Company's results, management has included and discussed certain schedules containing net operating income (loss), net operating income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus, net operating income (loss) per share, underwriting income (loss), annualized net operating return on average equity, book value per diluted common share and book value per diluted common share plus accumulated dividends that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of net operating income (loss) to net income (loss), the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section above entitled “Net Operating Income available to Validus, Net Operating Income per share available to Validus and Annualized Net Operating Return on Average Equity”. A reconciliation of underwriting income and operating income to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the “Consolidated Statements of Operations” above.

Underwriting income indicates the performance of the Company's core underwriting function, excluding revenues and expenses such as net investment income (loss), other insurance related income (loss), finance expenses, net realized and change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, foreign exchange gains (losses), other income (loss) and transaction expenses. The Company believes the reporting of underwriting income enhances the understanding of our results by highlighting the underlying profitability of the Company's core insurance and reinsurance business. Underwriting profitability is influenced significantly by earned premium growth, adequacy of the Company's pricing and loss frequency and severity.

Underwriting profitability over time is also influenced by the Company's underwriting discipline, which seeks to manage exposure to loss through favorable risk selection and diversification, its management of claims, its use of reinsurance and its ability to manage its expense ratio, which it accomplishes through its management of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. The Company believes that underwriting income provides investors with a valuable measure of profitability derived from underwriting activities.

Annualized net operating return on average equity is presented in the section above entitled “Net Operating Income available to Validus, Net Operating Income per share available to Validus and Annualized Net Operating Return on Average Equity.” A reconciliation of book value per diluted common share and book value per diluted common share plus accumulated dividends to book value per common share, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section above entitled “Book Value per Common Share, Book Value per Diluted Common Share and Book Value per Diluted Common Share plus Accumulated Dividends.” Net operating income (loss) is calculated based on net income (loss) excluding net realized gains (losses) on investments, change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, foreign exchange gains (losses), other income (loss), income (loss) from investment affiliates and non-recurring items. Realized gains (losses) from the sale of investments are driven by the timing of the disposition of investments, not by our operating performance. Gains (losses) arising from translation of non-US$ denominated balances are unrelated to our underlying business. Net operating income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus is defined as net operating income (loss) as defined above, but excluding income (loss) available (attributable) to noncontrolling interest.

Contacts

Investors:
Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Investor.Relations@validusholdings.com
+1-441-278-9000
or
Media:
Brunswick Group
Radina Russell / Josh Gerth
+1-212-333-3810

Contacts

Investors:
Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Investor.Relations@validusholdings.com
+1-441-278-9000
or
Media:
Brunswick Group
Radina Russell / Josh Gerth
+1-212-333-3810