Income tax expense. Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $26.3 million. Our consolidated tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was 24.5%, compared to the tax rate of 27.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The higher rate for the three months ended June 30, 2003 reflected the fact that the Bermudian operations, which are not subject to tax, were in their set up phase and were not making a significant contribution at that time. We consider that the tax rate reported for the three months ended June 30, 2004 is more representative of future performance.
Net income. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $80.9 million, equivalent to $1.17 earnings per basic share and $1.13 fully diluted earnings per share on the basis of the weighted average number of shares in issue during the three months ended June 30, 2004. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2003 was $49.9 million.
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003
The following is a discussion and analysis of the Company's consolidated results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.
Gross premiums written. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, gross premiums written were $1,020.6 million, a 23.0% increase over the $830.0 million written for the six months ended June 30, 2003. This was due to our increase in the casualty reinsurance book, which has expanded by 50% from $206.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 to $309.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, and the development of our U.K. insurance division which has increased by 64% over the corresponding period in 2003. In the quarter ended June 30, 2004 property reinsurance premiums, which increased by 152% over the quarter ended June 30, 2003, have enhanced our gross premiums written.
Reinsurance ceded. Reinsurance premiums ceded for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $147.6 million compared to $164.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 as a result of a reduction in quota share arrangements. In addition the retention on our 2004 program is higher than 2003 thereby reducing the premiums payable.
Net premiums written. Net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $873.0 million. This represents a 31% increase over the equivalent period in 2003 and is a consequence of the increase in gross premiums and reduced reinsurance spend.
Net premiums earned. Net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $632.8 million, an increase of 90.4% over the comparative period. The increase is due to the earn-out of 2003 premiums in 2004 whereas in 2003 the level of premiums earned from 2002 policies was significantly lower because the Company wrote a significantly lower amount of business in 2002.
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses. Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $263.5 million, which was an increase of $97.6 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. This increase was due to the requirement to reserve for the new business written which was offset by the cumulative effect of a $23.1 million release from prior year reserves.
Policy acquisition and administrative expenses. Policy acquisition expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $168.4 million representing 26.6% of net premiums earned. This is relatively consistent with acquisition expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2003 which were $85.6 million representing 25.8% of net premiums earned.
Net investment income. Net investment income of $26.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 represents an increase of 151% over the $10.7million earned in the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was due to favourable movements in interest rates, but more significantly a 107% increase in the value of cash and investments held by the group.
54
Income before tax. Income before tax for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $222.3 million, compared to $91.5 million for the six months to June 30, 2003. The $130.8 million increase is consistent with the increase in business written in the period.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $56.4 million. Our consolidated tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was 25.3%, compared to 28.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The higher rate for the six months ended June 30, 2003 reflected the fact that the Bermudian operations, which are not subject to tax, were not contributing materially to the overall results.
Net income. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $165.9 million, equivalent to $2.40 earnings per basic share and $2.31 fully diluted earnings per share on the basis of the weighted average number of shares in issue during the six months ended June 30, 2004.
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003
Aspen Holdings was formed on May 23, 2002 but did not commence operations until June 21, 2002. The condensed consolidated statement of operations for the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 therefore reflects the results of our business operations for only twenty-eight weeks, comparisons with the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 may not be meaningful and therefore, the two periods are generally not compared below.
Gross premiums written. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 gross premiums written were $1,306.8 million, including $78.4 million under the 2003 quota share arrangement with Syndicate 2020.
Reinsurance ceded. Reinsurance premiums ceded for the period were $214.0 million.
Net premiums written. Net premiums written for the period were $1,092.8 million.
Gross premiums earned. Gross premiums earned for the period were $987.8 million which represents 75.6% of gross premiums written.
Net premiums earned. Net premiums earned for the period were $812.3 million, representing 74.3% of net premiums written.
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses. Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses for the period were $428.4 million including paid claims of $53.9 million. Of the total gross reserves for unpaid losses of $525.8 million at the balance sheet date a total of $341.0 million represented IBNR claims.
Policy acquisition expenses. Policy acquisition expenses for the period were $152.3 million, representing 18.7% of net premiums earned.
Operating and administrative expenses. Operating and administrative expenses for the period were $53.3 million, including provisions for fixed and performance-related staff compensation.
Net investment income. Net investment income for the period was $29.6 million.
Income before tax. Income before tax for the period was $206.6 million, including underwriting income of $178.3 million, investment returns of $27.2 million and interest on loans of $0.4 million.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense for the period was $54.5 million. Our consolidated effective tax rate for 2003 was 26.4%, whereas in 2002 it was 18.5%. The lower rate for the year ended December 31, 2002 reflected the inclusion in pre-tax income of a non-taxable currency gain of $12.7 million. We consider that the tax rate reported for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 is more representative of future performance although it may decline to some degree in the future if the contribution of Aspen Bermuda to total pre-tax earnings increases. This is because the operations of Aspen Bermuda are not subject to income taxes.
55
Net income. Net income for the period was $152.1 million, equivalent to $2.63 earnings per basic share and $2.56 fully diluted earnings per share on the basis of the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.
Period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002
Gross premiums written. For the period, gross premiums written were $374.8 million. This was derived in part from our own business and in part from the Wellington 2002 quota share arrangements. Our own business accounted for $158.4 million and the Wellington 2002 quota share arrangements for $216.4 million.
Reinsurance ceded. Reinsurance ceded for the period was $62.2 million which includes $49.9 million in respect of reinsurance contracts placed by WUAL for the benefit of its syndicates and their quota share reinsurers.
Net premiums written. Net premiums written for the period were $312.6 million of which $166.3 million were derived from the Wellington 2002 quota share arrangements and the balance from our own business.
Gross premiums earned. Gross premiums earned for the period were $163.8 million which represents 43.7% of gross premiums written. We expect gross earned premiums to continue to lag significantly behind gross premiums written while our operations are in their initial growth phase. The amount of gross earned premiums derived from the Wellington 2002 quota share arrangements was $111.6 million.
Net premiums earned. Net premiums earned for the period were $120.3 million, representing 38.5% of net premiums written and including $74.3 million in respect of the Wellington 2002 quota share arrangements.
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses. Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses for the period were $76.9 million, including paid claims of $3.7 million. The only material claims incurred and reported during the period arose from the European floods ($3 million) and an explosion in a United States grain store ($1.8 million). Of the reserves of $93.9 million, at the balance sheet date, a total of $83.6 million represents IBNR claims. The expense for the period is stated after crediting reinsurance recoveries of $10.1 million which mainly relate to estimated recoveries against IBNR claims.
Policy acquisition expenses. Policy acquisition expenses for the period were $21.1 million including $14.1 million of ceding commissions and other acquisition expenses in respect of the Wellington 2002 quota share arrangements, the balance comprising brokerage in respect of our own business.
Operating and administrative expenses. Operating and administrative expenses for the period were $8.7 million, including provisions for fixed and performance-related staff compensation.
Net investment income. Net investment income of $8.5 million for the period was mainly derived from bank deposits and holdings of money market funds.
Other revenues. Other revenues mainly consist of a realized exchange gain of $12.7 million arising from the sale of currency in an amount equal to approximately 54% of the paid in capital of the Company to U.S. Dollars from British Pounds at a date by which the value of British Pounds had risen relative to U.S. Dollars since the date on which the capital was committed. This forward exchange contract was undertaken so as to match the currency mix of the company's capital base to the approximate currency mix of the exposures we expected to assume.
Income before tax. Income before tax for the period was $35.1 million, including underwriting income of $13.6 million, investment returns of $8.4 million and other revenues of $13.1 million.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense for the period was $6.5 million, which was mainly driven by the current rate of U.K. corporation tax of 30%.
56
Net income. Net income for the period was $28.6 million, equivalent to $0.89 earnings per basic and fully diluted share on the basis of the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.
Underwriting Results by Operating Segments
Our business segments are based on how we monitor the performance of our underwriting operations. Management measures segment results on the basis of the combined ratio, which is obtained by dividing the sum of the losses and loss expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned. As a newly formed company, our historical combined ratio may not be indicative of future underwriting performance. We do not manage our assets by segment; accordingly, investment income and total assets are not allocated to the individual segments. General and administrative expenses are allocated to segments based on each segment's proportional share of gross premiums written.
The following table summarizes gross and net written premium, underwriting results, and combined ratios and reserves for each of our two business segments for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended
June 30, 2004 | | Three Months Ended
June 30, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Reinsurance | | Insurance | | Total | | Reinsurance | | Insurance | | Total |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 292.5 | | | $ | 87.9 | | | $ | 380.4 | | | $ | 194.1 | | | $ | 58.2 | | | $ | 252.3 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 281.8 | | | | 81.8 | | | | 363.6 | | | | 200.4 | | | | 56.5 | | | | 256.9 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 287.1 | | | | 87.0 | | | | 374.1 | | | | 188.6 | | | | 56.4 | | | | 245.0 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 250.2 | | | | 76.8 | | | | 327.0 | | | | 158.1 | | | | 52.6 | | | | 210.7 | |
| Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Losses and loss expenses | | | (97.4 | ) | | | (42.0 | ) | | | (139.4 | ) | | | (62.8 | ) | | | (32.4 | ) | | | (95.2 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and administrative expenses | | | (72.3 | ) | | | (19.0 | ) | | | (91.3 | ) | | | (43.2 | ) | | | (8.7 | ) | | | (51.9 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | | 80.5 | | | | 15.8 | | | | 96.3 | | | | 52.1 | | | | 11.5 | | | | 63.6 | |
| Investment income | | | | | | | | | | | 14.9 | | | | | | | | | | | | 5.8 | |
| Other net income/(expense) | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | (0.2 | ) |
| Net realized gains/(losses) | | | | | | | | | | | (4.0 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | — | |
| Income before income tax | | | | | | | | | | | 107.2 | | | | | | | | | | | | 69.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses | | $ | 461.4 | | | $ | 231.4 | | | $ | 692.8 | | | $ | 167.2 | | | $ | 67.3 | | | $ | 234.5 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 39 | % | | | 54 | % | | | 43 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 45 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 29 | | | | 25 | | | | 28 | | | | 27 | | | | 16 | | | | 25 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 68 | % | | | 79 | % | | | 71 | % | | | 67 | % | | | 78 | % | | | 70 | % |
|
57
The following table summarizes gross and net written premium, underwriting results, and combined ratios and reserves for each of our two business segments for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2004 | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions, except percentages) |
| | | Reinsurance | | Insurance | | Total | | Reinsurance | | Insurance | | Total |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 851.4 | | | $ | 169.2 | | | $ | 1,020.6 | | | $ | 727.0 | | | $ | 103.0 | | | $ | 830.0 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 736.7 | | | | 136.3 | | | | 873.0 | | | | 576.1 | | | | 89.9 | | | | 666.0 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 554.1 | | | | 178.0 | | | | 732.1 | | | | 320.3 | | | | 86.1 | | | | 406.4 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 479.6 | | | | 153.2 | | | | 632.8 | | | | 251.8 | | | | 80.5 | | | | 332.3 | |
| Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Losses and loss expenses | | | (179.0 | ) | | | (84.5 | ) | | | (263.5 | ) | | | (116.6 | ) | | | (49.3 | ) | | | (165.9 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and administrative expenses | | | (130.1 | ) | | | (38.3 | ) | | | (168.4 | ) | | | (72.4 | ) | | | (13.2 | ) | | | (85.6 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | | 170.5 | | | | 30.4 | | | | 200.9 | | | | 62.8 | | | | 18.0 | | | | 80.8 | |
| Investment income | | | | | | | | | | | 26.9 | | | | | | | | | | | | 10.7 | |
| Other net income/(expense) | | | | | | | | | | | (0.5 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | 0.0 | |
| Net realized gains / (losses) | | | | | | | | | | | (5.0 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | 0.0 | |
| Income before income tax | | | | | | | | | | | 222.3 | | | | | | | | | | | | 91.5 | |
| Net reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses | | $ | 461.4 | | | $ | 231.4 | | | $ | 692.8 | | | $ | 167.2 | | | $ | 67.3 | | | $ | 234.5 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 37 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 46 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 50 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 27 | | | | 25 | | | | 26 | | | | 29 | | | | 17 | | | | 26 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 64 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 68 | % | | | 75 | % | | | 78 | % | | | 76 | % |
|
58
The following table summarizes gross and net written premium, underwriting results, and combined ratios and reserves for each of our two business segments for the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. Aspen Holdings was formed on May 23, 2002 but did not commence operations until June 21, 2002. The condensed consolidated statement of operations for the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 therefore reflects the results of our business operations for only twenty-eight weeks and comparisons with the corresponding period in 2003 may not be meaningful.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period From May 23, 2002 to
Decmeber 31, 2002 |
| | | Reinsurance | | Insurance | | Total | | Reinsurance | | Insurance | | Total |
| | | ($ in millions, except for percentages) |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 1,001.9 | | | $ | 304.9 | | | $ | 1,306.8 | | | $ | 288.2 | | | $ | 86.6 | | | $ | 374.8 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 821.0 | | | | 271.8 | | | | 1,092.8 | | | | 233.9 | | | | 78.7 | | | | 312.6 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 747.2 | | | | 240.6 | | | | 987.8 | | | | 135.8 | | | | 28.0 | | | | 163.8 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 596.6 | | | | 215.7 | | | | 812.3 | | | | 96.9 | | | | 23.4 | | | | 120.3 | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | (303.0 | ) | | | (125.4 | ) | | | (428.4 | ) | | | (60.9 | ) | | | (16.0 | ) | | | (76.9 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and administrative expenses | | | (165.6 | ) | | | (40.0 | ) | | | (205.6 | ) | | | (24.4 | ) | | | (5.4 | ) | | | (29.8 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | $ | 128.0 | | | $ | 50.3 | | | $ | 178.3 | | | $ | 11.6 | | | $ | 2.0 | | | $ | 13.6 | |
| Investment return | | | | | | | | | | | 29.6 | | | | | | | | | | | | 8.5 | |
| Other income | | | | | | | | | | | (0.4 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | 0.4 | |
| Operating income before income tax(1) | | | | | | | | | | $ | 207.5 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 22.5 | |
Net reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses as at December 31, 2003 and
December 31, 2002 | | $ | 314.9 | | | $ | 167.3 | | | $ | 482.2 | | | $ | 64.9 | | | $ | 16.5 | | | $ | 81.4 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 51 | % | | | 58 | % | | | 53 | % | | | 63 | % | | | 68 | % | | | 64 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 28 | | | | 19 | | | | 25 | | | | 25 | | | | 23 | | | | 25 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 79 | % | | | 77 | % | | | 78 | % | | | 88 | % | | | 91 | % | | | 89 | % |
|
| |
| (1) | Operating income excludes realized investment and exchange gains and losses. |
Reinsurance
We write reinsurance for both property and casualty risks. In 2004 our property reinsurance line of business is all written on a treaty basis. The property treaty reinsurance we write includes catastrophe, risk excess and pro rata, including retrocession. In 2003 we also wrote a limited amount of property facultative reinsurance.
In 2004 our casualty reinsurance line of business is written mainly on a treaty basis with a small proportion of facultative risks. The casualty treaty reinsurance is primarily on an excess of loss basis and includes coverage for claims arising from automobile accidents, employers' liability, professional indemnity and other third party liabilities. It is written in respect of cedents located mainly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia. The casualty facultative business covers United States umbrella, workers' compensation and general liability business.
Our specialty reinsurance line of business includes aviation and marine reinsurance. In 2003 we also included under this heading our quota share reinsurances of Syndicates 2020 and 3030 in respect of the lines of business that we did not write under our own name, including marine, energy, accident and health and aviation risks. Our quota share reinsurance of Syndicate 2020 did not continue into 2004 and the quota share of Syndicate 3030 did not continue after 2002.
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For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003
Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2004 were $292.5 million, an increase of 50.7% over the equivalent period in 2003. This increase in gross premiums written was driven by a $117.9 million increase in property reinsurance premiums. This increase was derived from a number of different factors:
| | |
| • | new business lines written through Aspen Re America in 2004; |
| | |
| • | an increase in the business written in Bermuda; |
| | |
| • | the growth in premiums incepting in the period under our pro-rata contracts; and |
| | |
| • | timing differences due to some clients bringing forward their renewal dates compared to 2003. |
Losses and loss adjustment expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses were $97.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, representing 38.9% of net earned premiums for the three months ended June 30, 2004. The improvement in loss ratio from the 39.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2003 was due to the absence of any major catastrophe losses in the period and a $5.6 million prior year release in the three months ended June 30, 2004. During the three months ended June 30, 2003 there was a series of tornadoes in the mid-west of the United States that resulted in reported incurred property reinsurance claims of $9.8 million.
Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses. Total expenses were $72.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, an increase of 67.4% as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2003. This increase reflected the growth in premiums in the period and the subsequent increase in the operational resources of the Company to service this growth.
The following table summarizes gross and net written premiums and underwriting results for each of the lines of business within our reinsurance segment for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended
June 30, 2004 | | Three Months Ended
June 30, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Property | | Casualty | | Specialty | | Total | | Property | | Casualty | | Specialty | | Total |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 195.2 | | | $ | 74.1 | | | $ | 23.2 | | | $ | 292.5 | | | $ | 77.3 | | | $ | 59.9 | | | $ | 56.9 | | | $ | 194.1 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 183.7 | | | | 74.3 | | | | 23.8 | | | | 281.8 | | | | 93.5 | | | | 59.3 | | | | 47.6 | | | | 200.4 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 167.4 | | | | 87.9 | | | | 31.8 | | | | 287.1 | | | | 111.9 | | | | 41.6 | | | | 35.1 | | | | 188.6 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 132.7 | | | | 86.2 | | | | 31.3 | | | | 250.2 | | | | 88.1 | | | | 39.0 | | | | 31.0 | | | | 158.1 | |
| Losses and loss expenses | | | (26.1 | ) | | | (59.8 | ) | | | (11.5 | ) | | | (97.4 | ) | | | (17.6 | ) | | | (26.1 | ) | | | (19.1 | ) | | | (62.8 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses | | | (46.4 | ) | | | (19.0 | ) | | | (6.9 | ) | | | (72.3 | ) | | | (26.8 | ) | | | (7.8 | ) | | | (8.6 | ) | | | (43.2 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | $ | 60.2 | | | $ | 7.4 | | | $ | 12.9 | | | $ | 80.5 | | | $ | 43.7 | | | $ | 5.1 | | | $ | 3.3 | | | $ | 52.1 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 20 | % | | | 69 | % | | | 37 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 20 | % | | | 67 | % | | | 62 | % | | | 40 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 34 | | | | 22 | | | | 22 | | | | 29 | | | | 30 | | | | 20 | | | | 27 | | | | 27 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 54 | % | | | 91 | % | | | 59 | % | | | 68 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 87 | % | | | 89 | % | | | 67 | % |
|
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For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003
Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $851.4 million, an increase of 17.1% over the equivalent period in 2003. In accordance with our strategy, gross premiums written for our casualty reinsurance line of business increased by 49.7% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003. The decrease in premiums from the specialty class is due to the non renewal of the 2003 quota share contract with Syndicate 2020.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses were $179.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing 37.3% of net earned premiums. The reduction in a 46.3% loss ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2003 to a loss ratio of 37.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 is a result of the relatively low level of claims experienced in 2004 and the release of $14.6 million of prior year reserves in relation to the reinsurance classes.
Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses. Total expenses were $130.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, equivalent to 27.1% of net earned premiums. The increase from $72.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 was due to the additional operational resources required by the Company to service the growth in premiums.
The following table summarizes gross and net written premiums and underwriting results for each of the lines of business within our reinsurance segment for the six months ended June 30, 2004:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2004 | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Property | | Casualty | | Specialty | | Total | | Property | | Casualty | | Specialty | | Total |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 479.3 | | | $ | 309.6 | | | $ | 62.5 | | | $ | 851.4 | | | $ | 388.1 | | | $ | 206.8 | | | $ | 132.1 | | | $ | 727.0 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 373.9 | | | | 301.3 | | | | 61.5 | | | | 736.7 | | | | 263.9 | | | | 196.2 | | | | 116.0 | | | | 576.1 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 324.4 | | | | 163.3 | | | | 66.4 | | | | 554.1 | | | | 183.2 | | | | 63.8 | | | | 73.3 | | | | 320.3 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 255.3 | | | | 160.4 | | | | 63.9 | | | | 479.6 | | | | 126.6 | | | | 59.2 | | | | 66.0 | | | | 251.8 | |
| Losses and loss expenses | | | (43.3 | ) | | | (109.7 | ) | | | (26.0 | ) | | | (179.0 | ) | | | (36.8 | ) | | | (41.0 | ) | | | (38.8 | ) | | | (116.6 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses | | | (82.9 | ) | | | (35.1 | ) | | | (12.1 | ) | | | (130.1 | ) | | | (43.3 | ) | | | (12.9 | ) | | | (16.2 | ) | | | (72.4 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | $ | 129.1 | | | $ | 15.6 | | | $ | 25.8 | | | $ | 170.5 | | | $ | 46.5 | | | $ | 5.3 | | | $ | 11.0 | | | $ | 62.8 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 17 | % | | | 68 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 37 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 69 | % | | | 59 | % | | | 46 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 32 | | | | 22 | | | | 19 | | | | 27 | | | | 34 | | | | 22 | | | | 24 | | | | 29 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 49 | % | | | 90 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 64 | % | | | 63 | % | | | 91 | % | | | 83 | % | | | 75 | % |
|
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003
Gross Premium Written. Gross premiums written for the period were $1,001.9 million, comprising $558.2 million property, $292.3 million casualty and $151.4 million specialty.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses were $303.0 million for the period, representing 50.8% of net earned premiums for the period. The only material claims incurred during the period arose from a series of tornadoes in the mid-west of the United States between May 2, 2003 and May 11, 2003 ($6.3 million), Hurricanes Fabian and Isabel ($5.6 million and $7.2 million, respectively), brush fires in the United States ($15.3 million) and a Philips factory loss in Normandy, France ($16.2 million).
Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses. Total expenses were $165.6 million for the period, equivalent to 22.2% of gross earned premiums.
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The following table summarizes gross and net written premiums and underwriting results for each of the lines of business within our reinsurance segment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 |
| | | Property | | Casualty | | Specialty | | Total |
| | | ($ in millions, except percentages) |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 558.2 | | | $ | 292.3 | | | $ | 151.4 | | | $ | 1,001.9 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 400.0 | | | | 280.3 | | | | 140.7 | | | | 821.0 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 437.2 | | | | 168.0 | | | | 142.0 | | | | 747.2 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 309.1 | | | | 158.8 | | | | 128.7 | | | | 596.6 | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | (106.7 | ) | | | (115.8 | ) | | | (80.5 | ) | | | (303.0 | ) |
Policy acquisition, operating and administration
expenses | | | (110.3 | ) | | | (31.9 | ) | | | (23.4 | ) | | | (165.6 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | $ | 92.1 | | | $ | 11.1 | | | $ | 24.8 | | | $ | 128.0 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 35 | % | | | 73 | % | | | 63 | % | | | 51 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 35 | | | | 20 | | | | 18 | | | | 28 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 70 | % | | | 93 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 79 | % |
|
Period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002
Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written for the period were $288.2 million, comprising $117.6 million property, $27.8 million casualty and $142.8 million specialty. The specialty premium for this period comprises entirely that part of the business assumed under the 2002 Wellington quota share arrangements that is not included under any other heading.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses. The year 2002 developed well with relatively few major property losses. The catastrophe account was impacted by the European floods which have produced in excess of $3 million of claims. The only material loss on the risk excess account was a $1.8 million loss at a U.S. grain store. No material casualty reinsurance claims were reported in the period, reflecting the long tail nature of the casualty reinsurance business written. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses were $60.9 million representing 63% of net premiums earned.
Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses. Total expenses were $24.4 million for the period, equivalent to 18.0% of gross earned premiums. This is lower than we expect to experience in the future because the premiums written under the Wellington 2002 quota share arrangements are ceded to us net of the brokerage payable by the Syndicates on the original business.
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The following table summarizes gross and net written premiums and underwriting results for each of the lines of business within our reinsurance segment for the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 |
| | | Property | | Casualty | | Specialty | | Total |
| | | ($ in millions except percentages) |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 117.6 | | | $ | 27.8 | | | $ | 142.8 | | | $ | 288.2 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 95.5 | | | | 26.5 | | | | 111.9 | | | | 233.9 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 61.7 | | | | 11.2 | | | | 62.9 | | | | 135.8 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 44.4 | | | | 10.4 | | | | 42.1 | | | | 96.9 | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | (18.5 | ) | | | (8.2 | ) | | | (34.2 | ) | | | (60.9 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses | | | (12.2 | ) | | | (2.4 | ) | | | (9.8 | ) | | | (24.4 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | $ | 13.7 | | | $ | (0.2 | ) | | $ | (1.9 | ) | | $ | 11.6 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 42 | % | | | 79 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 63 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 27 | | | | 23 | | | | 23 | | | | 25 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 69 | % | | | 102 | % | | | 104 | % | | | 88 | % |
|
Insurance
We write both commercial property and commercial liability insurance. Our commercial property line of business is primarily composed of U.K. commercial property insurance. No major claims have been notified in respect of this business. Commercial property also includes our U.S. excess and surplus lines property business written through Aspen Specialty.
The commercial liability line of business consists of U.K. employers' and public liability insurance. We have not received notice of any individually material claims with respect to this business but this is normally the case for this class of business at this early stage in its development and it may take many years before all claims are reported, assessed and paid.
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003
Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2004 were $87.9 million, a 51.0% increase from the three months ended June 30, 2003. The growth in the property segment reflected the contribution from our worldwide property insurance team which commenced underwriting at the end of 2003 as well as a contribution from Aspen Specialty. Premiums in our UK commercial property account remained stable. The increase in the liability segment reflected a contribution from Aspen Specialty which commenced operations late in 2003 together with an increase in the UK liability account.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses were $42.0 million and are predominately IBNR provisions. The reduction in the commercial property loss ratio is due to a $2.3 million favourable development on prior year reserves.
Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses. Total expenses were $19 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004. The increase over the comparative period is due to the set up costs associated with the establishment of our U.S. insurance operations, Aspen Specialty, and the relatively low contribution to earned premiums from these operations during this early stage of development. Additionally, the worldwide property team's costs are recorded in the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Neither of these divisions had costs in the comparative figures.
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The following table summarizes gross and net written premiums and underwriting results for each of the lines of business within our insurance segment for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended
June 30, 2004 | | Three Months Ended
June 30, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Commercial
Property | | Commercial
Liability | | Total | | Commercial
Property | | Commercial
Liability | | Total |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 31.8 | | | $ | 56.1 | | | $ | 87.9 | | | $ | 21.3 | | | $ | 36.9 | | | $ | 58.2 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 31.0 | | | | 50.8 | | | | 81.8 | | | | 22.7 | | | | 33.8 | | | | 56.5 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 24.5 | | | | 62.5 | | | | 87.0 | | | | 11.2 | | | | 45.2 | | | | 56.4 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 20.6 | | | | 56.2 | | | | 76.8 | | | | 10.5 | | | | 42.1 | | | | 52.6 | |
| Losses and loss expenses | | | (8.2 | ) | | | (33.8 | ) | | | (42.0 | ) | | | (4.9 | ) | | | (27.5 | ) | | | (32.4 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses | | | (6.2 | ) | | | (12.8 | ) | | | (19.0 | ) | | | (2.3 | ) | | | (6.4 | ) | | | (8.7 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | $ | 6.2 | | | $ | 9.6 | | | $ | 15.8 | | | $ | 3.3 | | | $ | 8.2 | | | $ | 11.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 40 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 54 | % | | | 47 | % | | | 65 | % | | | 62 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 30 | | | | 23 | | | | 25 | | | | 22 | | | | 16 | | | | 16 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 70 | % | | | 83 | % | | | 79 | % | | | 69 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 78 | % |
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003
Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $169.2 million, a 64.3% increase from the six months ended June 30, 2003. This increase was due to the commencement of underwriting in Aspen Specialty and increases in our worldwide property account in the property segment and to the acceleration of business written in the UK liability account whilst rates remain very strong.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses were $84.5 million and are predominately IBNR provisions. The reduction in selected loss ratios for 2004 business is a result of the relatively low level of claims experienced in 2004 and the release of $8.5 million of prior year reserves, which are attributed almost equally to property and liability insurance.
Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses. Total expenses were $38.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, equivalent to 25.0% of net earned premiums. This increase from $13.2 million for the six months ended June 30 2003 was due to the additional operational resources required by the company to service the growth in premiums, the costs of establishing the infrastructure of Aspen Specialty, and a levy raised in 2004 on all United Kingdom insurance operations which, for the Company, has been assessed at $1.2 million.
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The following table summarizes gross and net written premiums and underwriting results for each of the lines of business within our insurance segment for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2004 | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Commercial
Property | | Commercial
Liability | | Total | | Commercial
Property | | Commercial
Liability | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 55.7 | | | $ | 113.5 | | | $ | 169.2 | | | $ | 36.7 | | | $ | 66.3 | | | $ | 103.0 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 37.0 | | | | 99.3 | | | | 136.3 | | | | 34.7 | | | | 55.2 | | | | 89.9 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 45.6 | | | | 132.4 | | | | 178.0 | | | | 17.5 | | | | 68.6 | | | | 86.1 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 34.9 | | | | 118.3 | | | | 153.2 | | | | 16.1 | | | | 64.4 | | | | 80.5 | |
| Losses and loss expenses | | | (17.4 | ) | | | (67.1 | ) | | | (84.5 | ) | | | (8.8 | ) | | | (40.5 | ) | | | (49.3 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses | | | (10.3 | ) | | | (28.0 | ) | | | (38.3 | ) | | | (3.6 | ) | | | (9.6 | ) | | | (13.2 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | $ | 7.2 | | | $ | 23.2 | | | $ | 30.4 | | | $ | 3.7 | | | $ | 14.3 | | | $ | 18.0 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 50 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 55 | % | | | 63 | % | | | 61 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 29 | | | | 23 | | | | 25 | | | | 22 | | | | 15 | | | | 17 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 79 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 77 | % | | | 78 | % | | | 78 | % |
|
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003
Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written for the period were $304.9 million, comprising $81.7 million property and $223.2 million liability.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses were $125.4 million for the period, representing 58.1% of net earned premiums for the period.
Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses. Total expenses were $40.0 million for the period, equivalent to 16.6% of gross earned premiums.
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The following table summarizes gross and net written premiums and underwriting results for each of the lines of business within our insurance segment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 |
| | | Commercial
Property | | Commercial
Liability | | Total |
| | | ($ in millions, except percentages) |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 81.7 | | | $ | 223.2 | | | $ | 304.9 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 75.7 | | | | 196.1 | | | | 271.8 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 72.0 | | | | 168.6 | | | | 240.6 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 61.9 | | | | 153.8 | | | | 215.7 | |
| Losses and loss expenses | | | (26.8 | ) | | | (98.6 | ) | | | (125.4 | ) |
Policy acquisition, operating and administration
expenses | | | (15.7 | ) | | | (24.3 | ) | | | (40.0 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | $ | 19.4 | | | $ | 30.9 | | | $ | 50.3 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 43 | % | | | 64 | % | | | 58 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 26 | | | | 16 | | | | 19 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 69 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 77 | % |
|
Period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002
Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written for the period were $86.6 million, comprising $10.9 million property and $75.7 million liability.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses. Total loss and loss adjustment expenses were $16.0 million, representing 68.4% of net premiums earned.
Policy acquisition, operating and administration expenses. Total expenses were $5.4 million for the period, equivalent to 19.3% of gross earned premiums.
The following table summarizes gross and net written premiums and underwriting results for each of the lines of business within our insurance segment for the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 |
| | | Commercial
Property | | Commercial
Liability | | Total |
| | | ($ in millions, except percentages) |
| Gross premiums written | | $ | 10.9 | | | $ | 75.7 | | | $ | 86.6 | |
| Net premiums written | | | 7.8 | | | | 70.9 | | | | 78.7 | |
| Gross premiums earned | | | 4.5 | | | | 23.5 | | | | 28.0 | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 2.6 | | | | 20.8 | | | | 23.4 | |
| Losses and loss expenses | | | (2.3 | ) | | | (13.7 | ) | | | (16.0 | ) |
Policy acquisition, operating and administration
expenses | | | (0.2 | ) | | | (5.2 | ) | | | (5.4 | ) |
| Underwriting profit before investment income | | $ | 0.1 | | | $ | 1.9 | | | $ | 2.0 | |
| Ratios: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss ratio | | | 88 | % | | | 66 | % | | | 68 | % |
| Expense ratio | | | 8 | | | | 25 | | | | 23 | |
| Combined ratio | | | 96 | % | | | 91 | % | | | 91 | % |
|
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
At June 30, 2004, Aspen Holdings had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $11.0 million that are available to pay its operating expenses and liabilities.
We did not pay any dividends to shareholders in 2003 but our board of directors has a policy whereby it intends to authorize, subject to its discretion, a quarterly dividend payment of $0.03 per ordinary share per fiscal quarter starting in 2004. The first such dividend was payable on March 31, 2004. We also declared our dividend in the second and third quarters of 2004.
As of January 1, 2003, the maximum amount of distributions that our Insurance Subsidiaries could have paid to us under applicable laws and regulations without prior regulatory approval was approximately $30.0 million. This amount increased to approximately $89 million as of June 30, 2004.
The ability of Aspen Bermuda to pay dividends is dependent on its ability to meet the requirements of applicable Bermuda law and regulations. Under Bermuda law, Aspen Bermuda may not declare or pay a dividend if there are reasonable grounds for believing that Aspen Bermuda is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or the realizable value of Aspen Bermuda's assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts. Further, Aspen Bermuda, as a regulated insurance company in Bermuda, is subject to additional regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends or distributions. As of June 30, 2004, Aspen Bermuda could pay a dividend or make a distribution out of contributed surplus totalling approximately $50 million without prior regulatory approval based upon the Bermuda Insurance Act and the Bermuda Companies Act regulations.
Aspen Re and Aspen Specialty are also subject to regulatory restrictions limiting their ability to pay dividends. As of June 30, 2004, Aspen Re could pay a dividend totalling approximately $36 million without prior regulatory approval based upon the FSA and the Companies Act regulations. Aspen Specialty could pay a dividend without regulatory approval of approximately $3 million. For a discussion of the various restrictions on our ability and our Insurance Subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends, see "Regulatory Matters" elsewhere in this prospectus.
On July 31, 2003 Aspen Re agreed to pay an interim dividend of $5.0 million to the Company and it was paid on August 11, 2003. An additional dividend of $5.0 million was paid on September 5, 2003 and $10.0 million was paid on December 17, 2003. On July 20, 2004, Aspen Re agreed to pay the Company a dividend of $15 million.
Management monitors the liquidity of Aspen Holdings and of each of its Insurance Subsidiaries. In relation to Aspen Holdings, we monitor its ability to service debt, to finance dividend payments to shareholders and to provide financial support to the Insurance Subsidiaries. During 2003, the cash position of Aspen Holdings was significantly enhanced by the payment of $20.0 million in dividends by Aspen Re to Aspen Holdings and by the retention within Aspen Holdings of part of the proceeds from our initial public offering. As at December 31, 2003, Aspen Holdings held $52.7 million in cash and fixed interest securities and $12.6 million in short-term investments which management considers sufficient to provide us liquidity at this time.
As of June 30, 2004, the Insurance Subsidiaries held approximately $742.2 million in cash and short-term investments that are readily realizable securities. Operating cash flow, borrowing and the issuance of additional ordinary shares for cash increased the total cash and cash equivalents held by the Company by $221.2 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. Management monitors the value, currency and duration of the cash and investments held by its Insurance Subsidiaries to ensure that they are able to meet their insurance and other liabilities as they become due and was satisfied that there was a comfortable margin of liquidity as at December 31, 2003 and for the foreseeable future.
Our aggregate invested assets as of June 30, 2004 totalled $2.05 billion compared to aggregate invested assets of $1.62 billion as of December 31, 2003. The increase in invested assets since December 31, 2003 resulted from collections of premiums on insurance policies and reinsurance
67
contracts and investment income, offset by policy acquisition expenses paid, reinsurance premiums paid, operating and administrative expenses paid.
Cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2004. Total net cash flow from operations from December 31, 2003 through June 30, 2004 was approximately $437 million, an increase from approximately $279 million from the prior year period. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, our cash flows from operations provided us with sufficient liquidity to meet our operating requirements. We declared our cash dividend of $0.03 per share to shareholders of record in our first, second and third quarters of 2004.
Cash flows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 we generated net cash from operating activities of $636.6 million, primarily relating to premiums and investment income received offset by reinsurance premiums payable. We paid claims of $53.9 million in the period. We made net investments in the amount of $696.4 million in market securities during the period. Cash and cash equivalents increased from $9.6 million at the beginning of the period to $230.8 million at the end of the period.
Cash flows for the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002. In the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002, we received $836.9 million in cash from a private placement of our ordinary shares, net of equity raising costs of $28.1 million. During this period, we generated an operating net cash inflow of $78.1 million, primarily relating to net premiums received by Aspen Re. We did not make any significant capital expenditures during the period from inception to December 31, 2002. We made net investments of $899.7 million in market securities in the period, and had a cash balance of $9.6 million at December 31, 2002.
Aspen Holdings was formed on May 23, 2002 but did not commence operations until June 21, 2002. The condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 therefore reflects the results for only twenty-eight weeks and comparisons with the year ended December 31, 2003 may not be meaningful.
Liquidity. Our liquidity depends on operating, investing and financing cash flows, described as follows. On an ongoing basis, our Insurance Subsidiaries' sources of funds primarily consist of premiums written, investment income and proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments.
Cash is used primarily to pay reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses, brokerage commissions, general and administrative expenses and taxes and to purchase new investments. We may also use cash to pay for any authorized share repurchases and dividends.
Our cash flows from operations represent the difference between premiums collected and the losses and loss adjustment expenses paid, underwriting and other expenses paid. The potential for a large claim under one of our reinsurance contracts means that substantial and unpredictable payments may need to be made within relatively short periods of time.
We intend to manage these risks by maintaining a substantial proportion of our invested assets in securities having durations less than the durations of our liabilities even though this may over time reduce the yield on our investments below that which might be obtained if our asset durations were perfectly matched to our liability durations. Notwithstanding this policy, if our calculations with respect to these liabilities are incorrect, we could be forced to liquidate investments prior to maturity, potentially at a significant loss.
Aspen Bermuda is subject to the solvency requirements of the Insurance Act (as defined in "Regulatory Matters — Bermuda Regulation"). See "Regulatory Matters — Bermuda Regulation" elsewhere in this prospectus. Aspen Bermuda's fully paid up share capital was $1.0 million and statutory capital and surplus was $357.5 million at December 31, 2003.
Aspen Re is regulated by the FSA and is subject to the FSA's Handbook of Rules and Guidance with respect to solvency requirements. See "Regulatory Matters — U.K. Regulation" elsewhere in this prospectus. Aspen Re has maintained the required margin of solvency throughout 2003 and the value of its shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2003 was $754.0 million.
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Aspen Specialty is regulated by the North Dakota insurance laws and is subject to risk-based capital regulations. See "Regulatory Matters — U.S. Regulation — North Dakota State Risk-Based Capital Regulations" elsewhere in this prospectus.
We are obliged by the terms of our contractual obligations to U.S policyholders and by undertakings to certain U.S. regulatory authorities to facilitate the issue of letters of credit or maintain certain balances in trust funds for the benefit of policyholders. Our current arrangements with our bankers for the issue of letters of credit require us to provide cash collateral for the full amount of all undrawn letters of credit that are outstanding. We monitor the proportion of our otherwise liquid assets that are committed to trust funds or to the collateralization of letters of credit. As at December 31, 2003 these funds amounted to 10% of the $1.8 billion of cash and investments held by the Company. We do not consider that this unduly restricts our liquidity at this time.
For these purposes, we have specifically established a facility for the issuance of letters of credit in the amount of $50 million with Citibank, N.A. As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, letters of credit totaling $56.9 million and $24.5 million, respectively, had been issued by Citibank. In addition, Barclays Bank plc has issued letters of credit totaling £47.4 million to policyholders of the Company. The Company has provided collateral to Citibank and Barclays Bank plc for the full value of the letters of credit issued on its behalf. On June 23, 2003 we established a trust fund at the Bank of New York which will be used as an alternative to letters of credit to satisfy our obligations to provide security to certain U.S.-domiciled cedents. As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 the balance on this fund was $191.3 million and $45.6 million, respectively. On July 16, 2003 we established an additional trust fund at the Bank of New York, with a balance of $5.4 million, which will serve a similar purpose with respect to certain U.S. insurance clients of Aspen Re for whom we provide surplus lines insurance.
Aspen Re has established a Canadian trust fund with a Canadian bank to secure a Canadian insurance license. The initial minimum trust fund amount and balance at June 30, 2004 was Can$25.0 million. In addition, Aspen Specialty has a total of $4.7 million on deposit with seven U.S. States in order to satisfy state regulations for writing business there.
Capital Resources. On August 29, 2003, the Company entered into a 364-day revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $50 million and a three-year revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $150 million (together, the "Credit Facilities") to provide additional liquidity for our operations. Barclays Bank plc is the administrative agent under both Credit Facilities. The terms and conditions of the Credit Facilities are substantially identical.
The terms of the credit agreements entered into in connection with the Credit Facilities (as amended to the date of this prospectus, the "Credit Agreements") provide for customary covenants, as well as covenants which require the Company to (i) maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated debt plus consolidated tangible net worth of no greater than 30% as at the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company; (ii) maintain consolidated tangible net worth at all times of no less than the sum of (a) $700 million, (b) 100% of the first $200 million of net cash proceeds of the issuance by the Company of ordinary shares after the closing date of the Credit Facilities and (c) 50% of the net cash proceeds of all other issuances by the Company of ordinary shares after the closing date; and (iii) maintain a solvency ratio for each of the Company and any insurance subsidiary which is a Material Subsidiary (as defined below) on the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of no more than 135%. A subsidiary is a Material Subsidiary if (i) the total consolidated assets or total consolidated revenues of it and its subsidiaries exceed 10% of the total assets or gross revenues of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at the end of or for, respectively, the most recently completed fiscal quarter of the Company for which financial statements should have been delivered to the lenders pursuant to the Credit Agreements, or (ii) if the net assets of such subsidiary exceed $100 million at the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of the Company for which financial statements should have been delivered to the lenders pursuant to the Credit Agreements. Accordingly, Aspen Re, Aspen Bermuda and Aspen Specialty are currently Material Subsidiaries.
69
Other covenants include restrictions on the types and amounts of indebtedness the Company and any subsidiary may create or incur, prohibitions on the disposition of property by the Company and any subsidiary and restrictions on investments, loans and advances by the Company and any subsidiary. The Company and its subsidiaries are also prohibited from paying any dividends or making any payments on account of a sinking or other analogous fund for the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of any share capital or capital stock of the Company or any subsidiary; provided, however, that any such payments may be made by any subsidiary to the Company or another subsidiary (other than an insurance subsidiary) and so long as no default or event of default exists under the Credit Agreements or would result from such payment, the Company may during any fiscal year pay cash dividends in an aggregate amount not to exceed 50% of its consolidated net income for such fiscal year.
The terms of the Credit Agreements provide for customary events of default, as well as an event of default if the rating of any Relevant Subsidiary (as defined below) falls below an A.M. Best financial strength rating of B++ and/or an S&P financial strength rating of A-. A subsidiary is a "Relevant Subsidiary" if the total consolidated assets or total consolidated revenues of it and its subsidiaries exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets or gross consolidated revenues, respectively, of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at the end or for the most recently completed fiscal quarter of the Company for which financial statements should have been delivered to the lenders pursuant to the Credit Agreements. Accordingly, Aspen Re and Aspen Bermuda are currently Relevant Subsidiaries.
On October 15, 2003 we made a drawdown of $90 million on the three-year credit facility. Of this borrowing, $83.9 million was used to provide part of the initial capital to Aspen Specialty and the balance was used to provide working capital to Aspen Holdings. The interest rate is three-month LIBOR plus 42.5 basis points. A facility fee, currently calculated at a rate of 17.5 basis points on the average daily amount of the commitment of each lender, is paid to each lender quarterly in arrears. On December 15, 2003, $50 million of the loan was repaid following receipt of funds from our initial public offering. The $40 million balance is due and payable by August 29, 2006. We intend to repay $40 million in principal amount due with a portion of the net proceeds from the offering of our Senior Notes at the end of the current interest period with respect to such borrowing.
The amounts outstanding under our credit facilities were the only material debt that we had outstanding at June 30, 2004. Management monitors the ratio of debt to total capital, with total capital being defined as shareholders' equity plus outstanding debt. At December 31, 2003 this ratio was 3% (2002 – Nil). Management considers this to be well under the level at which it would expect rating agencies or customers to be concerned about excessive financial leverage. On August 16, 2004, we completed our offering of $250,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes due 2014.
We do not currently have any material commitments for any capital expenditures over the next twelve months.
Our contractual obligations other than our obligations to our policyholders and employees consist mainly of amounts outstanding under our Credit Facilities and operating leases. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2004:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Payments due by period |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Contractual obligations | | Total | | Less than
1 year | | 1-3 years | | 3-5 years | | More than
5 years | |
| Long-Term Debt Obligations | | $ | 40.0 | | | | — | | | $ | 40.0 | | | | — | | | | — | | |
| Operating Lease Obligations | | | 11.0 | | | | 5.5 | | | | 1.4 | | | | 1.7 | | | | 2.4 | | |
|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not party to any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party that management believes is reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
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Contingent Liabilities
Taxation Funding Facility Agreement. On June 21, 2002, we entered into the taxation funding facility agreement with the Names' Trustee, as trustee of the Names' Trust. Under that agreement, we agreed to make available cash advances to the Names' Trust to enable the Names' Trustee to make sub-advances to the Unaligned Members to fund payment of taxation payable (i) on the value of the rights granted to the Unaligned Members in respect of options granted to them and (ii) in respect of contingent payments received pursuant to the profit commission agreement. The value of these rights is the amount agreed in principle by us with the U.K. Inland Revenue prior to December 31, 2003, or, if no such agreement has been reached by then, the amount estimated by us in good faith, with provisions for upward adjustment in the event that the amount subsequently agreed with the U.K. Inland Revenue is higher. Any taxation payable by the Unaligned Members on these rights, which we may have to advance, will be based on such determination date. If no value is realized by the Unaligned Members, or to the extent that the value realized (after tax) is less than the advance, we have agreed to waive repayment. We expect that it is most likely that we will not incur any liability under the Taxation Funding Facility Agreement prior to 2006.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We believe that we are principally exposed to three types of market risk: interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and credit risk.
Interest rate risk. Our investment portfolio consists of fixed income securities. Accordingly, our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. As interest rates rise, the market value of our fixed-income portfolio falls, and the converse is also true. We expect to manage interest rate risk by selecting investments with characteristics such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity taking into account the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of Aspen Re's, Aspen Bermuda's and Aspen Specialty's insurance and reinsurance liabilities.
Our strategy for managing interest rate risk also includes maintaining a high quality portfolio with a relatively short duration to reduce the effect of interest rate changes on book value. A significant portion of the investment portfolio matures each year, allowing for reinvestment at current market rates. The portfolio is actively managed and trades are made to balance our exposure to interest rates.
As at June 30, 2004 our portfolio had an approximate duration of 1.9 years, excluding cash and money market funds. The table below depicts interest rate change scenarios and the effect on our interest-rate sensitive invested assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of changes in interest rates on portfolio given a parallel shift in the yield curve
($ in millions, except percentages) |
| Movement in rates in basis points | | –100 | | –50 | | 0 | | 50 | | 100 |
| Market Value | | $ | 1,660.6 | | | $ | 1,643.6 | | | $ | 1,626.6 | | | $ | 1,609.1 | | | $ | 1,591.8 | |
| Gain/(loss) | | | 34.3 | | | | 17.2 | | | | — | | | | (17.3 | ) | | | (34.6 | ) |
| Percentage of Portfolio | | | 2.11 | % | | | 1.06 | % | | | 0 | % | | | (1.06 | )% | | | (2.12 | )% |
|
Foreign currency risk. Our reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar. The functional currencies of our reinsurance and insurance segments are U.S. Dollars and British Pounds. As of June 30, 2004 approximately 74.4% of our invested assets are held in U.S. Dollars, approximately 19.9% are in British Pounds and approximately 5.7% are in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar and the British Pound. Other foreign currency amounts are remeasured to the appropriate functional currency and the resulting foreign exchange gains or losses are reflected in the statement of operations. Functional currency amounts of assets and liabilities are then translated into U.S. Dollars. The unrealized gain or loss from this translation, net of tax, is recorded as part of ordinary shareholders' equity. The change in unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss during the year, net of tax, is a component of comprehensive income. Both the remeasurement and translation are calculated using current exchange rates for the balance sheets and average exchange rates for the statement of operations. Management estimates that a 10% change in the exchange rate between British Pounds and U.S. Dollars as at
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June 30, 2004 would have impacted reported net comprehensive income by approximately $15.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, 10.3% of our gross premiums were written in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar and the British Pound and we expect a slight increased proportion to be written in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar and the British Pound in 2004. During the same period, 9.9% of our loss reserves and 6.9% of our cash and investments were also in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar and the British Pound. As a result, we may experience exchange losses to the extent our foreign currency exposure is not properly managed or otherwise hedged, which in turn would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We will attempt to manage our foreign currency risk by seeking to match our liabilities under insurance and reinsurance policies that are payable in foreign currencies with investments that are denominated in these currencies. During 2002, we entered into a significant forward exchange contract for the sale of British Pounds into U.S. dollars in anticipation of the receipt in November 2002 of the second tranche of our initial capital. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specified currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Foreign currency exchange contracts will not eliminate fluctuations in the value of our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies but rather allow us to establish a rate of exchange for a future point in time. We do not expect going forward that we will enter into these contracts with respect to a material amount of our assets. All realized gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in the statement of operations. There were no outstanding forward contracts as at June 30, 2004.
Credit risk. We have exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed income securities. Our risk management strategy and investment policy is to invest in debt instruments of high credit quality issuers and to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to particular ratings categories and any one issuer. No more than 5% of the fixed-income securities in our investment portfolio may be rated below "A–". As at June 30, 2004, the average rate of fixed income securities in our investment portfolio was "AAA". In addition, we are exposed to the credit risk of our insurance and reinsurance brokers to whom we make claims payments for insureds and our reinsureds, as well as to the credit risk of our reinsurers and retrocessionaires who assume business from us. The substantial majority of our reinsurers have a rating of "A" (Excellent), the third highest of fifteen rating levels, or better by A.M. Best and the minimum rating of any of our reinsurers is "B++" (Very Good), the fifth highest of fifteen rating levels, by A.M. Best.
Effects of Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, except insofar as inflation may affect interest rates. The potential exists, after a catastrophe loss, for the development of inflationary pressures in a local economy as the demand for services such as construction typically surges. Our calculation of reserves for losses and loss expenses includes assumptions about future payments for settlement of claims and claims-handling expenses, such as medical treatments and litigation costs. We write liability business in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, where claims inflation has grown particularly strong in recent years. To the extent inflation causes these costs to increase above reserves established for these claims, we will be required to increase our loss reserves with a corresponding reduction in retained earnings. The actual effects of inflation on our results cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately settled.
In addition to general price inflation we are exposed to a persisting long-term upwards trend in the cost of judicial awards for damages. We take this into account in our pricing and reserving of casualty business.
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BUSINESS
Overview
We are a Bermuda holding company that provides property and casualty reinsurance in the global market, property and liability insurance principally in the United Kingdom and surplus lines insurance in the United States through our wholly-owned subsidiaries located in London, Bermuda and the United States. For the year ended December 31, 2003, we wrote $1,306.8 million in gross premiums, of which $1,001.9 million related to reinsurance and $304.9 million related to insurance. As of December 31, 2003, approximately 48.0% of our reinsurance gross premiums written covered risks located in the United States and Canada, approximately 21.7% covered risks located in the United Kingdom and the balance covered worldwide risks and risks located in Western Europe, Japan and Australia. Our insurance business covers commercial risks predominantly located in the United Kingdom and the United States, with a small portion in Ireland.
Our senior management and many of our underwriters worked as a team at Lloyd's Syndicate 2020 and its predecessors. Syndicate 2020 is an underwriting operation in the London Market and is managed by WUAL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of one of our largest shareholders, Wellington. When we commenced operations on June 21, 2002, we secured from Wellington and WUAL the opportunity to underwrite a substantial portion of the portfolio of risks that had been developed over many years by the team of underwriters that joined us from Syndicate 2020. Since the formation of the Company, Syndicate 2020 has continued to operate within the operating and regulatory structure of the Lloyd's market. Aspen Re, our principal U.K. operating subsidiary, is an insurance company directly regulated by the FSA and, as such, is not a member of Lloyd's or part of the Lloyd's market.
When we commenced operations on June 21, 2002, Wellington and WUAL agreed to facilitate the transfer to us of our senior management team at that time and all of the Syndicate 2020 underwriters that specialize in the lines of business that we underwrite. As part of this agreement, Wellington agreed to provide us with some administrative services for a transition period, to offer us a quota share of Syndicate 2020's business and not to compete initially with us. We have chosen to continue to outsource support for our information technology systems to Wellington, but have not received any other significant services from WUAL since the end of 2003. On December 19, 2003, WUAL gave notice to terminate this agreement with effect 18 months after such date. We also received cash from Wellington upon its exercise of rights to purchase our ordinary shares.
The portion of the portfolio of risks we secured from Wellington and WUAL comprises certain of our Initial Lines of Business. We believe this established book of business and the operational continuity we enjoy gave us a competitive advantage over other companies that started in the insurance and reinsurance sectors after the World Trade Center tragedy. As of December 31, 2003, 79% of our business consisted of the Initial Lines of Business.
We manage our operations around two business segments: reinsurance and insurance. These two business segments and their respective lines of business may, at times, have different business cycles, allowing us to manage our business by emphasizing one segment over the other, or one line of business within a particular segment over another, depending on market conditions.
In our reinsurance segment, we strive to differentiate ourselves by providing our customers with innovative and customized solutions to complex risks by utilizing our intellectual capital and our underwriters' extensive experience in the marketplace. By focusing on our customers' most difficult reinsurance needs, our underwriting team has established strong and long-standing relationships with a variety of insureds and brokers. These needs are where our clients experience genuine uncertainty regarding the likelihood of a loss occurring and, if such a loss event occurs, how much the ultimate costs may be. Large infrequent losses such as earthquakes and windstorms require considerable technical expertise to be able to be understood and priced correctly.
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Our reinsurance segment includes the following business lines:
| |
| • | property reinsurance; |
| |
| • | casualty reinsurance; and |
| |
| • | specialty reinsurance. |
We operate in three major jurisdictions: London, Bermuda and the United States. Our reinsurance operations are primarily centered in London, one of the major reinsurance markets in the world. The London Market attracts customers from all over the world seeking flexible and innovative solutions for a wide variety of property, casualty and specialty risks. The London Market is also known for its high concentration of brokers and insurers, and for its highly developed infrastructure. Our operational base in London allows our management and underwriters to continue to access their long-standing broker and client relationships in this important market. We believe that our presence in the London Market also gives us the advantage of convenient access to extensive resources of underwriting and other professional services, such as actuarial analysis, claims adjustment and consulting services.
In addition to being a well-established reinsurer in the London Market, we have expanded our reinsurance operations to the Bermuda market by establishing Aspen Bermuda. Bermuda is an important and growing reinsurance market, and we believe that Aspen Bermuda will allow us to continue to diversify our business and to take advantage of the favorable regulatory and operating environment that Bermuda provides.
Aspen Re America, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aspen U.S. Holdings, functions as a reinsurance intermediary with offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. Aspen Re America has obtained a corporate New Jersey resident reinsurance intermediary license and a corporate Connecticut non-resident reinsurance intermediary license. Aspen Re America's New Jersey office focuses on casualty facultative reinsurance and its Connecticut office focuses on property reinsurance, in each case, written on behalf of Aspen Re.
In our insurance segment, we currently focus on U.K.-based commercial risks placed through our established contacts with the London and broader U.K. broker community, as well as U.S. surplus lines insurance. Our insurance segment includes the following business lines:
| |
| • | commercial property insurance; |
| |
| • | commercial liability insurance; and |
| |
| • | U.S. surplus lines. |
Our insurance operations are primarily conducted in London and, most recently, in the United States. In the United Kingdom and Ireland we underwrite property and liability lines for small and medium-sized commercial customers. We believe that we are able to underwrite these risks successfully because of the specialized knowledge of our dedicated underwriting team and our underwriters' credibility and relationships in the London Market and throughout the U.K. regional markets. Generally, these lines of insurance have experienced a considerable shortage of capacity since 2001 as a result of, among other things, the exit from the market of a large U.K. insurance provider and events affecting the insurance industry generally.
We have acquired Dakota Specialty, which was renamed as Aspen Specialty. Aspen Specialty is a wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in North Dakota eligible to write certain lines of insurance on a surplus lines basis in the majority of states in which we intend to write business. Aspen Specialty, which is based in Boston, Massachusetts, writes property and casualty insurance, predominantly through the U.S. wholesale surplus lines broker network.
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Company History and Organization
Aspen Holdings was incorporated in Bermuda under the name of Exali Reinsurance Holdings Limited ("Exali") on May 23, 2002 under the Companies Act. Exali subsequently changed its name to Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited on November 20, 2002. We were initially capitalized with $836.9 million from our founding shareholders which included affiliates of Blackstone, Wellington, Candover, CSFB Private Equity, Montpelier Re, 3i, Olympus and Phoenix. At June 30, 2004, we had $1,453.5 million in shareholders' equity.
On June 21, 2002, Aspen Holdings acquired the entire issued share capital of City Fire, which is authorized by the FSA and which was renamed Wellington Re and subsequently renamed Aspen Insurance UK Limited, which we refer to as Aspen Re. The total consideration paid for City Fire including costs was £16.1 million in cash, which at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction was equal to US$24.2 million, with no additional consideration payable. Aspen Re was capitalized with $610 million and commenced underwriting activities on June 21, 2002, after it secured the opportunity to underwrite a substantial part of an established portfolio of reinsurance and insurance risks that had been developed by Syndicate 2020 and its predecessors. The insurance portfolio purchased from City Fire is in run-off administered by Aspen Re.
On November 6, 2002, Aspen Holdings established a wholly-owned Bermudian insurance subsidiary. Originally incorporated as Exali Insurance Limited, the subsidiary changed its name to Aspen Insurance Limited, which we refer to as Aspen Bermuda, on November 22, 2002. Aspen Bermuda was capitalized with $200 million. A further capital contribution of $150 million was made to Aspen Bermuda on December 15, 2003.
On September 5, 2003, Aspen U.S. Holdings acquired Dakota Specialty, which we refer to as Aspen Specialty and has been renamed Aspen Specialty Insurance Company upon completion of the acquisition. The total consideration paid for Dakota Specialty including costs was $20.9 million in cash, with no additional consideration payable. Aspen Specialty is a wholly-owned surplus lines subsidiary incorporated in North Dakota eligible to write certain lines of insurance on a surplus lines basis in the majority of states in which it intends to write business. Aspen Specialty was subsequently capitalized with approximately $101 million, derived from our existing funds and the funds available from our credit facilities.
On November 18, 2003, Aspen Re America, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aspen U.S. Holdings, was incorporated in Delaware. Aspen Re America functions as a reinsurance intermediary and has been granted binding authority from Aspen Re to underwrite reinsurance business protecting American cedents/buyers. Aspen Re America has offices in New Jersey and Connecticut and has obtained a corporate New Jersey resident reinsurance intermediary license and a corporate Connecticut non-resident reinsurance intermediary license.
On December 4, 2003, Aspen Holdings completed its initial public offering and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The proceeds of the initial public offering, including the proceeds from our underwriters' exercise of their over-allotment option, net of expenses, was $244.0 million.
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Set forth below is a chart of our corporate organization and wholly-owned subsidiaries as of September 1, 2004:
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe we distinguish ourselves from both well-established global players and recent new market participants as follows:
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| • | Continuity of Business and Unencumbered Balance Sheet. From our formation, we have underwritten a portfolio of reinsurance and insurance risks which had previously been underwritten by Syndicate 2020, a well-established participant in the marketplace. These risks are managed and underwritten at our Company by many of the same professionals who built and managed the business at Syndicate 2020. In our Initial Lines of Business, for instance, 74% and 60% of our property reinsurance premiums in force at September 30, 2003 were derived from clients we have had relationships with for over five and ten years, respectively, and 66% and 43% of our casualty reinsurance premiums in force at September 30, 2003 were derived from clients we have had relationships with for over five and ten years, respectively. This continuity distinguishes us from most other new entrants in the marketplace. Like other new Bermuda entrants, however, we benefit from an unencumbered balance sheet. We do not have legacy exposure to any pre-2002 liabilities, except for a small portfolio of insurance obligations assumed by us as a result of our acquisition of Aspen Re, previously called City Fire, in 2002, and a small portfolio of insurance obligations assumed by us as a result of our acquisition of Aspen Specialty, previously called Dakota Specialty, in 2003. For such obligations assumed by us as a result of our acquisitions, we had net reserves of approximately $12 million as of June 30, 2004. We believe these amounts to be adequate to pay all claims related to the City Fire and Dakota Specialty books of businesses. |
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| • | Experienced Management and Underwriting Teams with Proven Execution. Our management and underwriting teams have extensive experience operating a large insurance and reinsurance franchise successfully through underwriting cycles. Our Chief Executive Officer Christopher O'Kane and Chief Financial Officer Julian Cusack lead a team of over 50 underwriting and risk management professionals, many of whom have worked together as a team since 1996 in the insurance and reinsurance industry. Our underwriting teams apply sophisticated quantitative approaches to pricing and risk selection. For the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, the combined ratios for the Initial Lines of Business that they wrote at Syndicate 2020 were |
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| |
| | 78%, 71%, 174% (including 103 percentage points due to September 11th-related claims) and 93%, respectively, compared with average combined ratios (weighted by net premiums written) of 112%, 112%, 128% and 107%, respectively, for the Standard & Poor's Top 25 Reinsurance Groups Ranked by Net Reinsurance Premiums Written for the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. |
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| • | Strong Franchise with Ability to Influence Terms and Conditions. As a result of our strong franchise and recognized expertise, we believe that we have greater access to business opportunities than many of our competitors and that we are able to play a leading role in establishing the terms and conditions with respect to the business that we underwrite. In our reinsurance segment for 2003, for instance, we lead approximately 75% of the business we wrote which gave us the ability to influence terms and conditions. |
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| • | Financial Strength. We believe our shareholders' equity capital base of $1,453.5 million as of June 30, 2004 has provided a high degree of financial strength to support our operations. A.M. Best assigned an "A" (Excellent) financial strength rating, the third highest of fifteen rating levels, to Aspen Re and an "A–" (Excellent) rating, the fourth highest of fifteen rating levels, to Aspen Bermuda and to Aspen Specialty. S&P assigned a rating of "A" (Strong), the sixth highest of twenty-one rating levels to both Aspen Re and Aspen Bermuda. Moody's assigned a rating of "A2" (Good), the sixth highest of twenty-one rating levels, to Aspen Re, which we believe was the first post-September 11th new insurer/reinsurer to obtain a rating from Moody's. These ratings reflect A.M. Best's, S&P's and Moody's respective opinions of our financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders and are not applicable to the ordinary shares offered by this prospectus. |
Our Business Strategy
The key aspects of our business strategy are to:
Diversify Our Business Portfolio. We plan to continue to diversify our insurance and reinsurance operations by expanding into different lines of business, by offering new products within our existing lines of business, by selectively increasing our exposure in parts of the world where we are currently under-represented and by increasing the amount of insurance business that we underwrite. For example, in 2003 we began writing aviation and marine reinsurance business, have further expanded our U.K. liability insurance business and began to write U.S. surplus lines business. We intend to accomplish this diversification by building on our established underwriting expertise and analytical skills. As we expand the scope of our business, we intend to remain focused on the same type of high value-added underwriting for which we enjoy a strong reputation.
Build on Our Presence in the London, Bermuda and U.S. Markets. We believe that the London and Bermuda markets offer complementary business opportunities. Our presence in both markets allows us to serve more of our clients' needs by offering a wider range of products. In addition to maintaining a strong presence in the United Kingdom, we began to expand our underwriting capacity in Bermuda and the United States in 2003. By developing operating centers in the London Market and in Bermuda, as well as expanding in the U.S. surplus lines and property reinsurance market, we seek to increase our business opportunities and to gain access to the different types of risks offered in such markets.
Deploy Our Capital Effectively. We strive to maintain an optimal level of capital relative to our business plan. To do this, we employ rigorous statistical modeling techniques to assess the risk of loss to our capital base based upon the portfolio of risks we underwrite. We intend to manage our capital prudently relative to our risk exposure to maximize profitability and long-term growth in shareholder value. We believe that our capital base provides a high degree of financial strength to support our operations and to meet our clients' needs. See "Ratings" below.
Anticipate and Adapt to Changing Market Conditions. By anticipating changing market conditions, we seek to access different lines of business with complementary risk/return characteristics
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and to deploy capital appropriately. We monitor relative and absolute rate adequacy and movements and we adjust the composition of our risk portfolio based on market conditions and underwriting opportunities. At the current time, we have increased the amount of insurance that we underwrite relative to the amount of reinsurance. We believe this will improve the balance of our business. We also have increased the amount of casualty lines we underwrite relative to the amount of property lines because of attractive market trends. We are prepared to adjust our underwriting and capital management objectives in order to respond in a timely manner to the changing market environment for all or some of our lines of business. This may include reducing our gross premiums written for a business line, or for our overall writings, should conditions warrant.
Manage Risk Retention through the Purchase of Reinsurance. While we seek to write business which is profitable on a gross basis, we manage our net exposure to catastrophic losses and large individual risk losses by selectively purchasing reinsurance. We seek the optimal protection for the individual and aggregate exposures that we assume under our reinsurance contracts and insurance policies, with a view to reducing the volatility of our underwriting results on a long-term basis. We continue to use many of the same reinsurers with whom our management had built relationships while at Syndicate 2020. The substantial majority of reinsurers that we currently use have a rating of "A" (Excellent), or better by A.M. Best, the top three of fifteen rating levels.
Employ a Conservative Investment Policy. We protect our capital by employing, among other things, a conservative investment policy that focuses on highly rated fixed income securities. We will manage the duration of our fixed income investments having regard to the nature of our reinsurance and insurance risks and wider market and economic conditions. We currently do not invest in equity securities and we do not expect that investments in equity securities will compose a significant portion of our investment portfolio for the foreseeable future.
Business Segments
We have two business segments: reinsurance and insurance. Our business segments and the related gross premiums written, set forth by business segment, are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Gross Premiums Written |
| | | For the Twelve Months ended
December 31, 2003 | | For the Period from Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) | | % of Total | | ($ in millions) | | % of Total |
| Business Segment | |
| Reinsurance | | $ | 1,001.9 | | | | 76.7 | % | | $ | 288.2 | | | | 76.9 | % |
| Insurance | | | 304.9 | | | | 23.3 | % | | | 86.6 | | | | 23.1 | % |
| Total | | $ | 1,306.8 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 374.8 | | | | 100.0 | % |
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Reinsurance
Our reinsurance segment consists of the following lines of business: property reinsurance, casualty reinsurance and specialty reinsurance.
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The reinsurance business we write (including the quota share business) can be analyzed by geographic region as follows for the period from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months ended
December 31, 2003 |
| | | Gross Premiums Written | | % of Total |
| | | ($ in millions) | | |
| Australia/Asia | | $ | 74.8 | | | | 7.5 | % |
| Caribbean | | | 7.6 | | | | 0.8 | % |
| Europe | | | 61.7 | | | | 6.2 | % |
| United Kingdom | | | 217.9 | | | | 21.7 | % |
| United States and Canada (1) | | | 481.2 | | | | 48.0 | % |
| Worldwide excluding United States (2) | | | 25.4 | | | | 2.5 | % |
| Worldwide including United States (3) | | | 125.4 | | | | 12.5 | % |
| Others | | | 7.9 | | | | 0.8 | % |
| Total | | $ | 1,001.9 | | | | 100.0 | % |
|
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| (1) | "United States and Canada" comprise individual policies that insure risks specifically in the United States and/or Canada, but not elsewhere. |
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| (2) | "Worldwide excluding the United States" comprise individual policies that insure risks wherever they may be across the world but specifically exclude the United States. |
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| (3) | "Worldwide including the United States" comprise individual policies that insure risks wherever they may be across the world but specifically include the United States. |
Property Reinsurance. Our property reinsurance line of business is written on both a treaty and a facultative basis. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, property treaty and facultative reinsurance accounted for, respectively, $516.9 million and $41.3 million of our gross premiums written. Property treaty and facultative reinsurance accounted for, respectively, $112.9 million and $4.7 million of our gross premiums written during the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002. The property treaty reinsurance we write includes catastrophe, risk excess and pro rata, as well as retrocession. Treaty reinsurance contracts provide for automatic coverage of a type or category of risk underwritten by our ceding clients. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, our mix of property treaty reinsurance business, as measured by gross premiums written, was approximately 44.5% catastrophe, 43.8% risk excess and 11.7% pro rata. Our mix of property treaty reinsurance business, as measured by gross premiums written during the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002, was approximately 36.8% catastrophe, 54.1% risk excess and 9.1% pro rata. As at December 31, 2003, approximately 55.3% of the gross premiums written in our property reinsurance line of business are in the United States and Canada. The balance of our business is sourced from territories throughout the world, including the United Kingdom and Europe. An element of this business is classified as "worldwide" exposure and this may include additional exposure in the United States.
In January 2004, we expanded our U.S. property reinsurance underwriting through the establishment of our reinsurance intermediary, Aspen Re America, which focuses on underwriting treaty pro rata and treaty risk excess reinsurance.
Treaty Catastrophe. Treaty catastrophe reinsurance contracts are typically "all risk" in nature, providing protection against losses from earthquakes and hurricanes, as well as other natural and man-made catastrophes such as floods, tornadoes, fires and storms. Coverage for other perils may be negotiated on a given treaty. The predominant exposures covered are losses stemming from property damage and business interruption resulting from a covered peril. Coverage can also be more limited by extending to only specified perils such as windstorm.
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Property catastrophe reinsurance is generally written on an excess of loss basis. Excess of loss reinsurance provides coverage to primary insurance companies when aggregate claims and claim expenses from a single occurrence from a covered peril exceed a certain amount specified in a particular contract. Under these contracts, we provide protection to an insurer for a portion of the total losses in excess of a specified loss amount, up to a maximum amount per loss specified in the contract. In the event of a loss, most contracts provide for coverage of a second occurrence following the payment of a premium to reinstate the coverage under the contract, which is referred to as a reinstatement premium. A loss from a single occurrence is limited to the initial policy limit and would not include the policy limit available following the payment of a reinstatement premium. The coverage provided for under excess of loss reinsurance contracts may be on a worldwide basis or limited in scope to selected regions or geographical areas.
Treaty Risk Excess. We also write risk excess of loss property treaty reinsurance. This type of reinsurance provides coverage to a reinsured where it experiences a loss in excess of its retention level on a single "risk" basis, rather than to aggregate losses for all covered risks, as does catastrophe reinsurance. A "risk" in this context might mean the insurance coverage on one building or a group of buildings due to fire or explosion or the insurance coverage under a single policy which the reinsured treats as a single risk. This line of business is generally less exposed to accumulations of exposures and losses but can still be impacted by natural catastrophes, particularly earthquakes.
Treaty Pro Rata. Our treaty pro rata reinsurance product provides coverage based on the original risks written by the ceding client, rather than the loss incurred by that client. Under our pro rata reinsurance treaties, we share risks in the same proportion as our share of premium and policy amounts. Pro rata contracts can be particularly prone to accumulations of exposure and losses due to catastrophic events. We write pro rata contracts where we believe historical results and the quality of information provided by the reinsured justify the writing of such coverage.
We also provide retrocessional property coverage, which is reinsurance protection to other reinsurers or retrocedents. Approximately 1.4% of the reinsurance protection that we provided was retrocessional coverage, based on the written premiums for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. Our retrocessional coverage is focused on catastrophe protections of U.K. and non-U.S. treaty accounts and London Market direct and facultative accounts. We believe, based on the historical experience of management, the most opportune time to write retrocessional coverage follows major catastrophes. Retrocessional coverage typically carries a higher degree of volatility versus reinsurance as it covers the concentration of catastrophe exposure written by retrocedents, which in turn may have an aggregation of losses from a single catastrophic event. In addition, the information available in pricing retrocessional coverage can be less precise than the information received directly from the primary companies.
A very high percentage of the reinsurance contracts that we write exclude coverage for losses arising from the peril of terrorism involving nuclear, biological or chemical attack outside the U.S. Within the U.S. our reinsurance contracts generally exclude acts that are certified as "acts of terrorism" by the U.S. Treasury Department under the Terrorism Act. With respect to personal lines risks, losses arising from the peril of terrorism that do not involve nuclear, biological or chemical attack are sometimes covered by our reinsurance contracts. Such losses relating to commercial lines risks are generally covered on a limited basis; for example, where the covered risks fall below a stated insured value or into classes or categories we deem less likely to be targets of terrorism than others. We have written a limited number of reinsurance contracts, both on a pro rata and risk excess basis, covering solely the peril of terrorism. We have done so only in instances where we believe we are able to obtain pricing that is commensurate with our exposure. These contracts typically exclude coverage protecting against nuclear, biological or chemical attack.
Facultative Property. Our facultative property reinsurance line of business was underwritten by WU Inc., a managing general agency owned by Wellington with six offices in the United States. The business was written on an excess of loss basis for U.S. primary insurance policyholders both in the United States and for their overseas interests. In facultative reinsurance, the reinsurer assumes all
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or part of a risk under a single insurance contract. Facultative reinsurance is negotiated separately for each contract. Facultative reinsurance is normally purchased by insurers where individual risks are not covered by their reinsurance treaties, for amounts in excess of the dollar limits of their reinsurance treaties or for unusual risks. There is typically a different type of underwriting expertise required in facultative underwriting as compared to treaty underwriting. WU Inc. underwrote this business and had authority to bind us on reinsurance policies within the defined limits we agreed. This binding authority agreement ended at year end 2003. A limited amount of facultative property risks may be written on a worldwide basis by Aspen Re, but will in future be classified with direct property insurance risk written by the same business unit.
Casualty Reinsurance. Our casualty reinsurance line of business is written on both a treaty and a facultative basis. The casualty treaty reinsurance we write includes excess of loss and pro rata reinsurance. We also write U.S. casualty facultative reinsurance. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, our mix of casualty reinsurance business as measured by gross premiums written was approximately 36.8% U.S. treaty, 49.7% non-U.S. treaty and 13.5% casualty facultative. Our mix of casualty reinsurance business as measured by gross premiums written during the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 was approximately 17.6% U.S. treaty, 72.5% non-U.S. treaty and 9.9% casualty facultative. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, 86.9% of premiums were derived from the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States, with the remainder representing risks in the rest of the world. Our excess of loss positions come most commonly from layered reinsurance structures with underlying ceding company retentions. We also write pro rata reinsurance contracts that are applied to portfolios of excess of loss insurance policies.
U.S. Treaty. Our U.S. casualty reinsurance business is composed of long tail treaty contracts protecting U.S. cedents mostly on an excess of loss basis. We reinsure exposures with respect to automobile liability, workers' compensation, medical malpractice, and professional liability for lawyers, regional accountants, architects and engineers. As of the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, our U.S. casualty reinsurance business comprised 42.5% of our total casualty treaty business as measured by gross written premiums. Our U.S. casualty reinsurance business was one of our smaller lines in terms of premiums written in 2002 due to the fact that we did not have a dedicated U.S. underwriting team. Our U.S. casualty reinsurance increased significantly in 2003 due to the addition of our U.S. underwriting team and we expect an additional increase in this line of business in 2004.
Non-U.S. Treaty. Our non-U.S. casualty reinsurance business is composed of long tail treaty contracts. Approximately 90% of the non-U.S. casualty reinsurance business is written on an excess of loss basis and the remaining 10% is written on a pro rata basis. The exposures that we cover in the non-U.S. casualty business include automobile liability, workers' compensation, employers' liability, public and product liability, fidelity business and professional indemnity. We focus on business that is exposed to severe losses but not expected to produce high levels of claims frequency.
Casualty facultative. Our casualty facultative reinsurance line of business consists of umbrella, general liability and workers' compensation reinsurance, which in 2003 was written for us by WU Inc. In addition, until the end of 2003, we also wrote automobile liability reinsurance for U.S. clients through WU Inc., focusing primarily on short haul trucking clients, rather than long distance or interstate trucking. Currently, approximately all exposures reinsured in this line of business are located in the United States. This is facultative reinsurance written on an excess of loss basis. The binding authority agreement authorizing WU Inc. to bind us on automobile reinsurance policies ended at year end 2003 and we are no longer writing automobile reinsurance of this type. The umbrella, general liability and workers' compensation binding authority, together with the team that wrote this business for us at WU Inc., was transferred to Aspen Re America on February 1, 2004.
Specialty Reinsurance. Our specialty reinsurance line of business is composed of specialty risks such as those covered by aviation and marine reinsurance, including exposure to catastrophes in these lines. This line also includes quota share reinsurance to Syndicate 2020 for various specialty lines including energy, property and aviation. We also provide contingency reinsurance, such as event cancellation risks. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, our mix of specialty reinsurance
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business as measured by gross premiums written was approximately 51.8% quota share reinsurance from Syndicate 2020, 21.3% contingency reinsurance and 26.9% aviation and marine reinsurance. Our mix of specialty reinsurance business as measured by gross premiums written during the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 was approximately 96.6% quota share reinsurance from Syndicate 2020 and 3.4% contingency reinsurance. The coverage provided for under our specialty reinsurance line of business may be on a worldwide basis.
For 2002, we acquired certain of our specialty lines business by reinsuring through quota share reinsurance approximately 13% of the business written by Syndicate 2020 and 70% of the business written by Syndicate 3030. Under the framework agreement between WUAL and Aspen Re entered into at our formation, WUAL agreed to offer to Aspen Re a quota share of up to 20% of the business written by Syndicate 2020 and Aspen Re agreed to offer Syndicate 2020 a quota share of up to 20% of its business in each calendar year. For 2003, we elected to take a 7.5% quota share of the Syndicate 2020 lines, whereas Syndicate 2020 elected not to take a quota share of any of our lines because of capacity constraints. We have agreed with Wellington that WUAL would waive its right to take a portion of the quota share of the business written by Aspen Re for 2004 only. We also did not take a quota share of the Syndicate 2020 lines of business for 2004. Our quota share reinsurance of Syndicate 3030 was for 2002 only. Syndicate 3030 did not continue into 2003 or beyond. Aspen Re's participation in these arrangements with the Syndicates constituted approximately 58% of our gross premiums written from our formation through December 31, 2002 and approximately 6% of our gross premiums written for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003.
Insurance
Our insurance segment consists of the following lines of business: commercial property insurance, commercial liability insurance and U.S. surplus lines commercial property and commercial liability insurance.
The insurance business we write can be analyzed by geographic region as follows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 |
| | | Gross Premiums Written | | % of Total |
| | | ($ in millions) | | |
| Europe (other than U.K.) | | $ | 13.7 | | | | 4.5 | % |
| United Kingdom | | | 291.2 | | | | 95.5 | % |
| Total | | $ | 304.9 | | | | 100.0 | % |
|
Commercial Property Insurance. Our commercial property insurance line of business consists of U.K. commercial property insurance and worldwide property insurance. The U.K. commercial property insurance focuses on providing insurance coverage with respect to losses to a business' premises, inventory and equipment as a result of weather, fire, theft and other causes. Our client base is predominantly U.K. middle market corporate and public sector clients and property owners. Our maximum limit for coverage under each policy is £60 million Estimated Maximum Loss per location. Our worldwide property insurance focuses on providing physical damage and business interruption coverage to major commercial and industrial companies on a global basis.
Commercial Liability Insurance. Our commercial liability insurance line of business focuses on providing employers' liability coverage and public liability coverage for insureds domiciled in both the United Kingdom and Ireland. The maximum coverage is £10 million for employers' liability and £5 million for public liability.
In the United Kingdom, all employers must maintain employers' liability insurance. This insurance covers employers' liability for bodily injury or disease sustained by employees, and arising out of and in the course of employment. In the United Kingdom, employees are required to show breach of statute or tort prior to being entitled to any compensation. As opposed to the United States, there is no set scale of compensation in the United Kingdom, as claims are settled in accordance with legal precedent and official damages guidelines. Most claims are settled out of court; however, most employees engage legal representation that increases claim costs but in a predictable
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way. Insurance cover is written on an "occurrence" basis, that is, the monetary limits of the insurance apply to all claims relating to any one occurrence, with the minimum legal requirement being £5 million for any one occurrence. However, the usual limit for employers' coverage is £10 million for any one occurrence.
Public liability insurance covers businesses for claims made against them by members of the public or other businesses, but not for claims by employees or shareholders of such businesses. Public liability insurance is generally not required by regulation.
U.S. Surplus Lines. Through our acquisition of Aspen Specialty we intend to write both property and casualty insurance business. We currently expect this book of business to consist of approximately 50% property risks and 50% casualty risks for 2004. Aspen Specialty was acquired on September 5, 2003. The property account will consist predominantly of mercantile, manufacturing and commercial real estate business. The casualty account will consist of primarily general liability, umbrella liability and certain errors and omissions insurance. The casualty focus will be on premises risks, low to moderate hazard products and selected classes of contracting risks.
We have also formed Aspen Management, a licensed surplus lines brokerage company based in Boston, Massachusetts to facilitate the placement of business into Aspen Specialty.
Underwriting and Risk Management
Our objective is to create a balanced portfolio of insurance and reinsurance risks, diversified across classes, products, geographic areas of coverage, cedents and sources. We undertake a detailed risk analysis in our risk management program which identifies the risks we are exposed to, and rates the impact of each risk on our business. We analyze projected catastrophe exposures and attempt to limit the amount of potential loss that may arise from a single catastrophic event. We also manage our exposure by reference to the correlation between the risk characteristics of our business portfolios.
Our underwriting team is led by our Chief Executive Officer, Christopher O'Kane. We underwrite according to specific disciplines, with the aim of maintaining the following principles:
| |
| • | operate within prescribed maximum underwriting authority limits; |
| |
| • | make consistent use of peer review—all risks underwritten are subject to peer review by at least one qualified peer reviewer; |
| |
| • | use independent reviewers; |
| |
| • | use risk assessment models such as RMS, EQE and AIR to assist in the treaty underwriting process and use RMS to quantify our aggregate catastrophe exposures; |
| |
| • | employ dedicated personnel who monitor the aggregation of our risks; and |
| |
| • | prepare monthly aggregation reports for review by our senior management. |
We delegate underwriting authority to our underwriters in accordance with an understanding of each individual's capabilities. We issue detailed letters of underwriting authority to each of our underwriters, which contain authority limits tailored to the classes of business written by the particular underwriter. The underwriting authority limits are regularly reviewed by management and are reviewed by the boards of directors of our Insurance Subsidiaries annually.
Our reinsurance and insurance segments have different risk acceptance guidelines, authority limits and accumulations. For most risks in our reinsurance segment, prior to quoting a price for a risk, the underwriter must seek at least one qualified peer review. In our insurance segment, review is required for all risks although this does not necessarily take place before acceptance. These peer reviews are in place to ensure high standards of underwriting discipline and consistency.
With respect to our U.S. facultative property and casualty reinsurance lines of business prior to the end of 2003, WU Inc. wrote reinsurance under explicit authority limits in accordance with binding authority agreements. These agreements, two of which expired on December 31, 2003 and one of
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which expired on January 31, 2004, contained our operating guidelines, commissions, claims settlement authority limits, limits per risk coverage and aggregate premium limits. In addition, WU Inc. imposed authority limits on its individual underwriters. For risks falling outside an underwriter's authority, the underwriter consulted the relevant branch manager, senior or specialist underwriter, and ultimately the chief underwriting officer of WU Inc., as needed. The WU Inc. team that recently joined Aspen Re America reports to our Chief Casualty Underwriter.
Marketing
With respect to our reinsurance segment, our business is produced principally through brokers and reinsurance intermediaries and, in most cases, it is produced through the London Market broker communities. The brokerage distribution channel provides us with access to an efficient, variable cost and global distribution system without the significant time and expense which would be incurred in creating wholly-owned distribution networks. The brokers and reinsurance intermediaries typically act in the interest of ceding clients or insurers; however, they are instrumental to our continued relationship with our clients.
The following table shows our gross reinsurance premiums written by broker as of the twelve months ended December 31, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Reinsurance |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) | | % of Total |
| Aon | | $ | 279.8 | | | | 27.9 | % |
| Marsh | | | 171.6 | | | | 17.1 | |
| Benfield | | | 124.2 | | | | 12.4 | |
| Willis | | | 123.9 | | | | 12.4 | |
| Ballantyne | | | 43.1 | | | | 4.3 | |
| Others | | | 259.3 | | | | 25.9 | |
| Total | | $ | 1,001.9 | | | | 100.0 | % |
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Our commercial lines of business are mostly produced through the U.K. regional and London broker network. Our U.S. property and casualty products are marketed through a select number of appointed wholesale brokers with the appropriate surplus lines licenses. The following table shows our gross insurance premiums written by brokers as of the twelve months ended December 31, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Insurance |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 | | |
| | | ($ in millions) | | % of Total |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Aon | | $ | 65.5 | | | | 21.5 | % |
| SBJ Limited | | | 33.2 | | | | 10.9 | |
| Willis | | | 22.6 | | | | 7.4 | |
| Marsh | | | 22.5 | | | | 7.4 | |
| R.L. Davison | | | 19.3 | | | | 6.3 | |
| Others | | | 141.8 | | | | 46.5 | |
| Total | | $ | 304.9 | | | | 100.0 | % |
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Claims Management
As a relatively new company, we have not experienced a high volume of claims. Notwithstanding the lack of significant claims activity to date, we have a well-developed process in place for identifying, tracking and settling potential claims based in part on our management's and staff's experience at Syndicate 2020. We have a staff of claims adjustors that will expand as needed to service our clients
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and to ensure claims handling consistency. The responsibilities of the claims department include reviewing loss reports, monitoring claims handling activities of clients, requesting additional information where appropriate, establishing case reserves and approving payment of individual claims. We have established authority levels for all individuals involved in the reserving and settlement of claims. Our underwriters do not make the final decisions regarding the ultimate determination of reserves and settlement of claims; rather this is a function separately determined by our claims department. In addition, we regularly report to our board of directors on the status of our reserves and settlement of claims. We recognize that fair interpretation of our reinsurance agreements and insurance policies with our customers and timely payment of covered claims are a valuable service to our clients and enhance our reputation.
We have outsourced our handling of claims for the U.K. commercial property and liability lines of business to third-party specialist service providers. One provider has authority to handle claims up to £25,000 for property claims and £10,000 for liability claims. Another provider has authority to handle liability claims of up to £100,000. Claims above this level must be referred to our internal claim adjustors for all decisions. Our Chief Operating Officer oversees these outsourcing agreements. We manage, review and audit those claims handled under our outsourcing arrangements.
With respect to our U.S. property and automobile liability facultative reinsurance written during 2003, WU Inc. has claims settlement authority for up to $250,000 per claim beyond which all claims settlements require our approval. WU Inc. is handling the run-off of the claims on our U.S. property and automobile reinsurance that it had written on our behalf. Aspen Re America is handling the run-off of the claims on our U.S. casualty facultative reinsurance that was written by WU Inc. until January 31, 2004.
Our U.S. property and casualty claims written by Aspen Specialty will be handled by a staff of claims adjustors that will expand as needed to service our clients. They supervise individual claims, assign tasks to independent adjustors and attorneys, and monitor their activity. We will establish appropriate levels of authority for each claims adjustor as well as the senior claims executive for reserving and settlement of claims. We may also utilize the services of third-party specialist service providers similar to the U.K. insurance operation with similar controls. Reserving or settlement above $250,000 requires review and agreement by a member of the senior executive staff as well as the senior claims executive. In addition, we regularly report to our board of directors on the status of our reserves and settlement of claims. Aspen Specialty currently oversees the run-off of claims on insurance policies written by Dakota Specialty.
Reinsurance
We purchase retrocession and reinsurance to limit and diversify our own risk exposure and to increase our own insurance underwriting capacity. These agreements provide for recovery of a portion of losses and loss expenses from reinsurers.
A significant portion of our business accumulates property exposures in catastrophe exposed zones throughout the world. At levels of likelihood up to 1 in 250 years, we consider Florida windstorms and California earthquakes to be our peak natural catastrophe exposures. In order to mitigate those and other exposures, we purchase, through several contracts, reinsurance to limit our losses in the event of a large catastrophic event. For example, we purchased a catastrophe retrocession program that covers us for a single catastrophic loss in excess of $80 million up to $300 million arising from our property catastrophe class of business and a separate program that protects us against catastrophe or individual risk losses (e.g., a large fire or explosion) in excess of $40 million up to $225 million arising from our property facultative, property pro rata treaty and property risk excess classes of business.
Many of the reinsurance contracts which we underwrite and which we purchase include terms under which additional payments, known as reinstatement premiums, are payable if claims are made. We take these terms into account when assessing our overall exposure to catastrophic events, together
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with exposures arising from parts of our business, such as the property retrocession business that we write, but are excluded from our reinsurance cover.
In 2004, we also have two proportional reinsurance contracts with Montpelier Reinsurance Limited, one of our largest shareholders as described under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions."
As is the case with most reinsurance treaties, we remain liable to the extent that reinsurers do not meet their obligations under these agreements, and therefore we evaluate the financial condition of our reinsurers and monitor concentrations of credit risk. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of our reinsurance limits is provided by reinsurers who have been assigned a rating of "A" (Excellent; the third highest of fifteen rating levels) or better by A.M. Best or "A–" (Strong; the seventh highest of twenty-one rating levels) or better by S&P. As of December 31, 2003, we have no exposure to reinsurers rated by A.M. Best below "B++" (Very Good; the fifth highest of fifteen rating levels), except for approximately $600,000 of recoveries against which we have established a provision of approximately $200,000.
We are also a member of Pool Reinsurance Company Limited, commonly known as Pool Re, which is authorized to write reinsurance relating to terrorist risks on commercial property insurance in the United Kingdom. Pool Re reinsures its liabilities with the U.K. government, to which it pays a reinsurance premium and from which it will recover any claims that exceed its resources. Pool Re provides an indemnity in respect of Aspen Re's ultimate net loss, in excess of our retention, relating to damage to commercial property in the United Kingdom caused by an act of terrorism. Our retention is calculated by reference to our market share of this type of coverage and for 2003 was £100,000 per event. For 2004, our retention is £240,000 per event with an annual aggregate of £480,000.
Reserves
In establishing the reserves set by the Company, the Company's actuary employs a number of techniques to establish a "range of estimates." The insurance reserves are established for the total unpaid cost of claims and loss adjustment expenses, which cover events that have occurred before the balance sheet date. These reserves reflect the Company's estimates of the total cost of IBNR claims. Estimated amounts recoverable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are calculated to arrive at a net claims reserve.
For reported claims, reserves are established on a case by case basis within the parameters of coverage provided in the insurance policy or reinsurance agreement. In estimating the cost of these claims, we consider circumstances related to the claims as reported, any information available from loss adjustors and information on the cost of settling claims with similar characteristics in previous periods. For IBNR claims, reserves are estimated using established actuarial methods. Both case and IBNR reserve estimates consider such variables as past loss experience, changes in legislative conditions, changes in judicial interpretation of legal liability policy coverages and inflation.
For classes of business which are not related to catastrophe, and where early claims experience may not provide a sound statistical basis to estimate the loss reserves, our approach is to establish an initial expected loss and loss expense ratio. This initial expected loss and loss expense ratio is then modified in light of the actual experience to date measured against the expected experience. Loss reserves for known catastrophic events are based upon a detailed analysis of our reported losses and potential exposures conducted in conjunction with our underwriters.
In selecting our estimates of the reserves for each line of business we take into account all of the factors set out above, and in particular the quality of the historical information the Company has on which to establish its reserves and the degree of estimation where information is received from cedents on an underwriting year basis and needs to be converted to an accident year basis. In addition, consideration is given to the point estimate produced by our independent consulting actuaries.
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Loss and loss adjustment reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time, of an insurer's or reinsurer's expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of claims incurred, and it is likely that the ultimate liability may exceed or be less than such estimates, perhaps even significantly. These estimates are not precise in that, among other things, they are based on predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends in loss severity and frequency and other variable factors such as inflation. During the loss settlement period, it often becomes necessary to refine and adjust the estimates of liability on a claim either upward or downward. Even after such adjustments, ultimate liability may exceed or be less than the revised estimates. To assist us in establishing appropriate loss and loss adjustment reserves, we have access to commercially available databases showing historical catastrophe losses. In addition, when reviewing a proposed reinsurance contract, we typically receive loss experience information with respect to the insured on such contract. However, reserve estimates by new reinsurers may be inherently less reliable than the reserve estimates of a reinsurer with a stable volume of business and an established claim history.
The following table shows an analysis of consolidated loss and loss expense reserve development net and gross of reinsurance recoverables as at December 31, 2003 and 2002:
Analysis of Consolidated Loss and Loss Expense Reserve Development
Net of Reinsurance Recoverables
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at
December 31, 2002 | | As at
December 31, 2003 |
| ($ in millions) | |
| Estimated liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables | | $ | 81.4 | | | $ | 482.2 | |
Liability re-estimate as of:
One year later | | | 71.8 | | | | | |
| Cumulative redundancy (deficiency) | | | 9.6 | | | | | |
| Cumulative paid losses, net of reinsurance recoveries, as of: | | | | | | | | |
| One year later | | | 9.0 | | | | | |
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Analysis of Consolidated Loss and Loss Expense Reserve Development
Gross of Reinsurance Recoverables
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at
December 31, 2002 | | As at
December 31, 2003 |
| ($ in millions) | |
| Estimated gross liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses | | | 93.9 | | | | 525.8 | |
| Liability re-estimate of: | | | | | | | | |
| One year later | | | 88.4 | | | | | |
| Cumulative redundancy (deficiency) | | | 5.5 | | | | | |
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All our reserves relate to reinsurance or insurance policies incepting on or after January 1, 2002 except for the following amounts assumed as a result of acquisitions:
| | | | | | |
| | | Net reserves as at
December 31, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Aspen Re (formerly City Fire) | | $ | 6.0 | |
| Aspen Specialty (formerly Dakota Specialty) | | | 6.6 | |
| | | $ | 12.6 | |
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Investments
Our Investment Committee establishes investment guidelines and supervises our investment activity. The Investment Committee regularly monitors our overall investment results and reviews compliance with our investment objectives and guidelines. These guidelines specify minimum criteria
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on the overall credit quality and liquidity characteristics of the portfolio. They include limitations on the size of certain holdings as well as restrictions on purchasing certain types of securities or investing in certain industries.
We follow a conservative investment strategy designed to emphasize the preservation of invested assets and provide sufficient liquidity for the prompt payment of claims. The composition of the investments is a diversified portfolio of highly rated, liquid, fixed income securities of one to five years duration. We do not expect that investments in equity securities will be a significant component of our investment portfolio for the foreseeable future. We do not plan to invest in alternative asset classes, such as hedge funds or private equity funds.
We utilize several third party investment managers to manage our assets. We agree to separate investment guidelines with each investment manager. These investment guidelines cover, among other things, limits on investments in the securities of any one issuer, credit quality, and limits on investments in any one sector. We expect our investment managers to adhere to strict overall portfolio credit and duration limits and a minimum "AA–" portfolio credit rating for the portion of the assets they manage.
The following presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of investments in fixed maturities and other investments as at June 30, 2004:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at June 30, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Investments (excluding cash) | | Amortized
Cost | | Gross
Gains | | Gross
Losses | | Fair Market
Value |
| Fixed Income Investments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. Government and Agency Securities | | $ | 582.2 | | | | 0.2 | | | | (2.8 | ) | | $ | 579.6 | |
| Corporate Securities | | | 381.7 | | | | 0.2 | | | | (4.0 | ) | | | 377.9 | |
| Foreign Government | | | 174.6 | | | | — | | | | (1.3 | ) | | | 173.3 | |
| Municipals | | | 2.0 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2.0 | |
| Asset-backed securities | | | 216.3 | | | | — | | | | (1.9 | ) | | | 214.4 | |
| Mortgage-backed securities | | | 169.5 | | | | 0.7 | | | | (2.4 | ) | | | 167.8 | |
| Total Fixed Income | | | 1,526.3 | | | | 1.1 | | | | (12.4 | ) | | | 1,515.0 | |
| Short-term Investments | | | 536.3 | | | | — | | | | 0.8 | | | | 535.5 | |
| Total | | $ | 2,062.6 | | | | 1.1 | | | | (13.2 | ) | | $ | 2,050.5 | |
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U.S. Government and Agency Securities. U.S. government and agency securities are composed of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and Government Sponsored Enterprises such as FNMA, FHLMC, FHLB and FFCB.
Corporate Securities. Corporate securities are composed of both short-term and medium-term debt issued by corporations.
Foreign Government. Foreign government securities are composed of bonds issued by the U.K. government.
Municipals. Municipal securities are composed of bonds issued by U.S. municipalities.
Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities are securities backed by notes or receivables against assets other than real estate.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. Mortgage-backed securities are securities that represent ownership in a pool of mortgages. Both principal and income are backed by the group of mortgages in the pool.
Short-term investments. Short-term investments are both units in a U.S. dollar denominated bond fund operated by Wellington Management Company and money market funds. The bond fund is rated "AA+" by S&P. The fund invests in government securities, corporate securities, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, commercial paper and U.S. Treasury obligations. The money market funds are rated "AAA" by S&P and Moody's and invest in a variety of short-term instruments such as commercial paper, certificates of deposit, floating rate notes and medium term notes.
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The maturity distribution and ratings for fixed income securities held as of June 30, 2004 was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Market
Value | | Average Ratings
by Maturity |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Maturity and Ratings (excluding cash) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Due in one year or less | | $ | 207.0 | | | $ | 206.3 | | | | AAA | |
| Due after one year through five years | | | 862.9 | | | | 856.4 | | | | AA+ | |
| Due after five years through ten years | | | 70.6 | | | | 70.1 | | | | AAA | |
| Subtotal | | | 1,140.5 | | | | 1,132.8 | | |
| Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities | | | 385.8 | | | | 382.2 | | | | AAA | |
| Short-Term Investments | | | 536.3 | | | | 535.5 | | | | AAA | |
| Total | | $ | 2,062.6 | | | $ | 2,050.5 | | |
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The securities with a maturity over one year consist of U.S. and U.K. Government securities, supra-national securities as well as high grade corporate bonds, mortgage- and asset-backed securities.
For 2004, we engaged BlackRock Financial Management, Weiss, Peck & Greer LLC, Wellington Management Company (not an affiliate of Wellington), Alliance Capital Management L.P. and Credit Agricole to provide investment advisory and management services for our portfolio of assets. As of June 30, 2004, we had approximately $1,515.0 million of fixed income investments and $167.4 million of cash under management by outside firms. We have agreed to pay investment management fees based on the average market values of total assets held under management at the end of each calendar quarter. These agreements may be terminated generally by either party on short notice without penalty.
The total return of our portfolio of fixed income investments, cash and cash equivalents for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was 0.54%, as compared with the total return of (0.09)% of the Lehman Brothers 1-3 Year Treasury Index for the same period. Total return is calculated based on total net investment return, including interest on cash equivalents, divided by the average market value of our investments and cash balances during the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Competition
The insurance and reinsurance industries are highly competitive. We compete with major U.S., U.K., Bermuda and other international insurers and reinsurers and underwriting syndicates, some of which have greater financial, marketing and management resources than we do. In particular, we generally compete with insurers that provide property-based lines of insurance and reinsurance, such as ACE, Aviva, Converium, Everest Re, General Re, Hannover Re, IPC, Lloyd's of London, Munich Re, PartnerRe, Platinum Underwriters, PXRE, Renaissance Re, Swiss Re and XL Re. In addition, there are other new Bermuda reinsurers competing in similar lines, such as Allied World, Arch, AXIS, Endurance Specialty and Montpelier Re. In our insurance lines of business, we compete with Affiliated FM, Allianz, AIG, Amlin, AXA, QBE, Liberty Mutual, Mitsui, Norwich Union, Royal & SunAlliance and Zurich as well as surplus lines insurance carriers in the United States such as Lexington, RLI, First State Management, Crum & Forster, Scottsdale and Admiral.
In addition, since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, established competitors have completed or may be planning to complete additional capital raising transactions. Competition in the types of business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including:
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| • | the experience of the management in the line of insurance or reinsurance to be written; |
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| • | financial ratings assigned by independent rating agencies and actual and perceived financial strength; |
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| • | responsiveness to clients, including speed of claims payment; |
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| • | services provided, products offered and scope of business (both by size and geographic location); |
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| • | relationships with brokers; |
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| • | premiums charged and other terms and conditions offered; and |
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| • | reputation. |
Increased competition could result in fewer submissions, lower premium rates, and less favorable policy terms, which could adversely impact our growth and profitability. In addition, capital market participants have recently created alternative products that are intended to compete with reinsurance products. We are unable to predict the extent to which these new, proposed or potential initiatives may affect the demand for our products or the risks that may be available for us to consider underwriting.
Ratings
Ratings by independent agencies are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance and reinsurance companies and are important to our ability to market and sell our products. Rating organizations continually review the financial positions of insurers, including us. Aspen Re currently has a financial strength rating of "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the third highest of fifteen rating levels, "A" (Strong) by S&P, the sixth highest of twenty-one rating levels, and "A2" (Good) by Moody's, the sixth highest of twenty-one rating levels. Aspen Bermuda currently has a financial strength rating of "A–" (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the fourth highest of fifteen rating levels, and "A" (Strong) by S&P. Aspen Specialty is currently rated "A–" (Excellent) by A.M. Best, which is the fourth highest of fifteen rating levels. These ratings reflect A.M. Best's, S&P's and Moody's respective opinions of Aspen Re's, Aspen Specialty's and Aspen Bermuda's ability to pay claims and are not evaluations directed to investors in our ordinary shares and are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold our ordinary shares. A.M. Best maintains a letter scale rating system ranging from "A++" (Superior) to "F" (in liquidation). S&P maintains a letter scale rating system ranging from "AAA" (Extremely Strong) to "R" (under regulatory supervision). Moody's maintains a letter scale rating system ranging from "Aaa" (Exceptional) to "C" (Lowest). These ratings are subject to periodic review by, and may be revised downward or revoked at the sole discretion of, A.M. Best, Moody's and S&P.
Properties
We currently rent office space in Hamilton, Bermuda for our holding company and Bermuda operations. For our U.K.-based reinsurance and insurance operations, in June 2003 we entered into a sublease with ACE Global Markets Ltd. to occupy space within their offices at 100 Leadenhall Street, London. The lease covers one and a half floors of the building (up to 14,000 square feet in total) and is for a three-year period with an option to terminate upon 6 months' notice at any time after 18 months. We also license office space within the Lloyd's building on the basis of a renewable twelve-month lease. In addition, as of June 30, 2004 we leased office space in Boston, Massachusetts, Marlton, New Jersey and Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
Employees
As of December 31, 2002 and 2003, we employed 57 and 142 employees, respectively. As of June 30, 2004, we employed 195 persons through the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Aspen Bermuda, Aspen U.K. Services and Aspen U.S. Services, none of whom was represented by a labor union. As of June 30, 2004, the significant majority of such employees are based in the United Kingdom, except for 11 employees who are based in Bermuda and 55 employees who are based in the United States.
Legal Proceedings
Similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, we are subject to litigation and arbitration in the ordinary course of business. While any proceeding contains an element of uncertainty, we do not believe that the eventual outcome of any litigation or arbitration proceeding to which we are presently a party will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or business. Our subsidiaries are regularly engaged in the investigation and the defense of claims arising out of their business. Pursuant to our insurance and reinsurance arrangements, disputes are generally required to be finally settled by arbitration.
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REGULATORY MATTERS
General
The business of insurance and reinsurance is regulated in most countries, although the degree and type of regulation varies significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Reinsurers are generally subject to less direct regulation than primary insurers.
The discussion below summarizes the material laws and regulations applicable to the Company's Insurance Subsidiaries. We do not believe that any of our Insurance Subsidiaries is in violation of any such laws and regulations. In addition, our Insurance Subsidiaries have met and exceeded the solvency margins and ratios applicable to them.
Bermuda Regulation
The Insurance Act 1978 of Bermuda and related regulations, as amended (the "Insurance Act"), regulates insurance and reinsurance business and provides that no person may carry on any insurance business in or from within Bermuda unless registered as an insurer by the BMA under the Insurance Act; the day-to-day supervision of insurers is the responsibility of the BMA. Accordingly, the Insurance Act regulates the insurance business of Aspen Bermuda which has been registered as a Class 4 insurer by the BMA; however, as a holding company, Aspen Holdings is not subject to Bermuda insurance regulations. The BMA, in deciding whether to grant registration, has broad discretion to act as it thinks fit in the public interest. The BMA is required by the Insurance Act to determine whether the applicant is a fit and proper body to be engaged in the insurance business and, in particular, whether it has, or has available to it, adequate knowledge and expertise to operate an insurance business. The continued registration of an applicant as an insurer is subject to it complying with the terms of its registration and such other conditions as the BMA may impose from time to time. An Insurance Advisory Committee appointed by the Bermuda Minister of Finance advises the BMA on matters connected with the discharge of the BMA's functions. Sub-committees of the Insurance Advisory Committee supervise and review the law and practice of insurance in Bermuda, including reviews of accounting and administrative procedures. The Insurance Act also imposes on Bermuda insurance companies solvency and liquidity standards and auditing and reporting requirements and grants the BMA powers to supervise, investigate, require information and the production of documents and intervene in the affairs of insurance companies. Certain significant aspects of the Bermuda insurance regulatory framework are set forth below.
Classification of Insurers. The Insurance Act distinguishes between insurers carrying on long-term business and insurers carrying on general business. There are four classifications of insurers carrying on general business, with Class 4 insurers subject to the strictest regulation. Aspen Bermuda, which is incorporated to carry on general insurance and reinsurance business, is registered as a Class 4 insurer in Bermuda and is regulated as such under the Insurance Act. Aspen Bermuda is not licensed to carry on long-term business.
Cancellation of Insurer's Registration. An insurer's registration may be cancelled by the Supervisor of Insurance of the BMA on certain grounds specified in the Insurance Act, including failure of the insurer to comply with its obligations under the Insurance Act or if, in the opinion of the BMA after consultation with the Insurance Advisory Committee, the insurer has not been carrying on business in accordance with sound insurance principles.
Principal Representative. An insurer is required to maintain a principal office in Bermuda and to appoint and maintain a principal representative in Bermuda. For the purpose of the Insurance Act, Aspen Bermuda's principal office is Victoria Hall, 11 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda, and Aspen Bermuda's principal representative is Marsh Management Services (Bermuda) Limited. Without a reason acceptable to the BMA, an insurer may not terminate the appointment of its principal representative, and the principal representative may not cease to act as such, unless 30 days' notice in writing to BMA is given of the intention to do so. It is the duty of the principal representative, within 30 days of reaching the view that there is a likelihood that the insurer will
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become insolvent or that a reportable "event" has, to the principal representative's knowledge, occurred or is believed to have occurred, to make a report in writing to the BMA setting forth all the particulars of the case that are available to the principal representative. For example, the failure by the insurer to comply substantially with a condition imposed upon the insurer by the BMA relating to a solvency margin or a liquidity or other ratio would be a reportable "event."
Independent Approved Auditor. Every registered insurer must appoint an independent auditor who will audit and report annually on the statutory financial statements and the statutory financial return of the insurer, both of which, in the case of Aspen Bermuda, are required to be filed annually with the BMA. Aspen Bermuda's independent auditor must be approved by the BMA and may be the same person or firm that audits Aspen Holdings' consolidated financial statements and reports for presentation to its shareholders. Aspen Bermuda's independent auditor is KPMG.
Loss Reserve Specialist. As a registered Class 4 insurer, Aspen Bermuda is required to submit an opinion of its approved loss reserve specialist with its statutory financial return in respect of its losses and loss expenses provisions. The loss reserve specialist, who will normally be a qualified casualty actuary, must be approved by the BMA. Mr. David Hindley of Deloitte, a member of the General Insurance Board of the Institute of Actuaries, has been approved to act as Aspen Bermuda's loss reserve specialist.
Statutory Financial Statements. An insurer must prepare annual statutory financial statements. The Insurance Act prescribes rules for the preparation and substance of these statutory financial statements (which include, in statutory form, a balance sheet, an income statement, a statement of capital and surplus and notes thereto). The insurer is required to give detailed information and analyses regarding premiums, claims, reinsurance and investments. The statutory financial statements are not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are distinct from the financial statements prepared for presentation to the insurer's shareholders under the Companies Act, which financial statements, in the case of the Company, will be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a general business insurer, Aspen Bermuda is required to submit the annual statutory financial statements as part of the annual statutory financial return. The statutory financial statements and the statutory financial return do not form part of the public records maintained by the BMA. Aspen Bermuda's first official insurance filing with the Bermuda insurance regulators was for the period beginning November 6, 2002 and ending December 31, 2002.
Annual Statutory Financial Return. Aspen Bermuda is required to file with the BMA a statutory financial return no later than four months after its financial year end (unless specifically extended upon application to the BMA). The statutory financial return for a Class 4 insurer includes, among other matters, a report of the approved independent auditor on the statutory financial statements of the insurer, solvency certificates, the statutory financial statements, the opinion of the loss reserve specialist and a schedule of reinsurance ceded. The solvency certificates must be signed by the principal representative and at least two directors of the insurer certifying that the minimum solvency margin has been met and whether the insurer complied with the conditions attached to its certificate of registration. The independent approved auditor is required to state whether, in its opinion, it was reasonable for the directors to make these certifications. If an insurer's accounts have been audited for any purpose other than compliance with the Insurance Act, a statement to that effect must be filed with the statutory financial return.
Minimum Solvency Margin and Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions. Under the Insurance Act, the value of the general business assets of a Class 4 insurer, such as Aspen Bermuda, must exceed the amount of its general business liabilities by an amount greater than the prescribed minimum solvency margin. Aspen Bermuda:
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| (1) | is required, with respect to its general business, to maintain a minimum solvency margin equal to the greatest of: |
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| (A) | $100,000,000; |
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| (B) | 50% of net premiums written (being gross premiums written less any premiums ceded by Aspen Bermuda, but Aspen Bermuda may not deduct more than 25% of gross premiums when computing net premiums written); or |
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| (C) | 15% of net losses and loss expense reserves; |
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| (2) | is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends during any financial year if it is in breach of its minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio or if the declaration or payment of such dividends would cause it to fail to meet such margin or ratio (and if it has failed to meet its minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio on the last day of any financial year, Aspen Bermuda will be prohibited, without the approval of the BMA, from declaring or paying any dividends during the next financial year); |
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| (3) | is prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year's statutory balance sheet) unless it files with the BMA (at least 7 days before payment of such dividends) an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet the required margins; |
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| (4) | is prohibited, without the approval of the BMA, from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital as set out in its previous year's financial statements, and any application for such approval must include an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet the required margins; and |
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| (5) | is required, at any time it fails to meet its solvency margin, within 30 days (45 days where total statutory capital and surplus falls to $75 million or less) after becoming aware of that failure or having reason to believe that such failure has occurred, to file with the BMA a written report containing certain information. |
Additionally, under the Companies Act, Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda may only declare or pay a dividend if Aspen Holdings or Aspen Bermuda, as the case may be, has no reasonable grounds for believing that it is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or if the realizable value of its assets would not be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts.
While generally neither the Companies Act nor the Insurance Act restricts Aspen Bermuda's ability to provide loans or advances to Aspen Holdings, any such loans or advances will be subject to the principle that any action taken by a company (e.g., Aspen Bermuda) must have a corporate benefit for that company.
Minimum Liquidity Ratio. The Insurance Act provides a minimum liquidity ratio for general business insurers, like Aspen Bermuda. An insurer engaged in general business is required to maintain the value of its relevant assets at not less than 75% of the amount of its relevant liabilities. Relevant assets include, but are not limited to, cash and time deposits, quoted investments, unquoted bonds and debentures, first liens on real estate, investment income due and accrued, accounts and premiums receivable and reinsurance balances receivable. There are certain categories of assets which, unless specifically permitted by the BMA, do not automatically qualify as relevant assets, such as unquoted equity securities, investments in and advances to affiliates and real estate and collateral loans. The relevant liabilities are total general business insurance reserves and total other liabilities less deferred income tax and sundry liabilities (by interpretation, those not specifically defined).
Supervision, Investigation and Intervention. The BMA may appoint an inspector with extensive powers to investigate the affairs of Aspen Bermuda if the BMA believes that such an investigation is in the best interests of its policyholders or persons who may become policyholders. In order to verify or supplement information otherwise provided to the BMA, the BMA may direct Aspen Bermuda to produce documents or information relating to matters connected with its business. In addition, the BMA has the power to require the production of documents from any person who appears to be in possession of such documents. Further, the BMA has the power, in respect of a person registered under the Insurance Act, to appoint a professional person to prepare a report on any aspect of any
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matter about which the BMA has required or could require information. If it appears to the BMA to be desirable in the interests of the clients of a person registered under the Insurance Act, the BMA may also exercise these powers in relation to any company which is or has at any relevant time been (a) a parent company, subsidiary company or related company of that registered person, (b) a subsidiary company of a parent company of that registered person, (c) a parent company of a subsidiary company of that registered person or (d) a company in the case of which a shareholder controller of that registered person, either alone or with any associate or associates, holds 50 percent or more of the shares or is entitled to exercise, or control the exercise, of more than 50 percent of the voting power at a general meeting. If it appears to the BMA that there is a risk of Aspen Bermuda becoming insolvent, or that Aspen Bermuda is in breach of the Insurance Act or any conditions imposed upon its registration, the BMA may, among other things, direct Aspen Bermuda (i) not to take on any new insurance business, (ii) not to vary any insurance contract if the effect would be to increase its liabilities, (iii) not to make certain investments, (iv) to liquidate certain investments, (v) to maintain in, or transfer to the custody of a specified bank, certain assets, (vi) not to declare or pay any dividends or other distributions or to restrict the making of such payments and/or (vii) to limit Aspen Bermuda's premium income. The BMA intends to meet with each Class 4 insurance company on a voluntary basis, every two years.
Disclosure of Information. In addition to powers under the Insurance Act to investigate the affairs of an insurer, the BMA may require certain information from an insurer (or certain other persons) to be produced to them. Further, the BMA has been given powers to assist other regulatory authorities, including foreign insurance regulatory authorities, with their investigations involving insurance and reinsurance companies in Bermuda but subject to restrictions. For example, the BMA must be satisfied that the assistance being requested is in connection with the discharge of regulatory responsibilities of the foreign regulatory authority. Further, the BMA must consider whether cooperation is in the public interest. The grounds for disclosure are limited and the Insurance Act provides sanctions for breach of the statutory duty of confidentiality.
Under the Companies Act, the Minister of Finance (the "Minister") has been given powers to assist a foreign regulatory authority which has requested assistance in connection with enquiries being carried out by it in the performance of its regulatory functions. The Minister's powers include requiring a person to furnish him with information, to produce documents to him, to attend and answer questions and to give assistance in connection with enquiries. The Minister must be satisfied that the assistance requested by the foreign regulatory authority is for the purpose of its regulatory functions and that the request is in relation to information in Bermuda which a person has in his possession or under his control. The Minister must consider, among other things, whether it is in the public interest to give the information sought.
Certain Other Bermuda Law Considerations
Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda will each also need to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act regulating the payment of dividends and making of distributions from contributed surplus. A company is prohibited from declaring or paying a dividend, or making a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that: (a) the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due; or (b) the realizable value of the company's assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts.
Although Aspen Bermuda and Aspen Holdings are incorporated in Bermuda, both are classified as non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes by the BMA. Pursuant to their non-resident status, Aspen Bermuda and Aspen Holdings may engage in transactions in currencies other than Bermuda dollars and there are no restrictions on their ability to transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States residents who are holders of their ordinary shares.
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Under Bermuda law, exempted companies are companies formed for the purpose of conducting business outside Bermuda from a principal place of business in Bermuda. As "exempted" companies, Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda may not, without the express authorization of the Bermuda legislature or under a license or consent granted by the Minister of Finance, participate in certain business transactions, including: (1) the acquisition or holding of land in Bermuda (except that held by way of lease or tenancy agreement which is required for its business and held for a term not exceeding 50 years, or which is used to provide accommodation or recreational facilities for its officers and employees and held with the consent of the Bermuda Minister of Finance, for a term not exceeding 21 years); (2) the taking of mortgages on land in Bermuda to secure an amount in excess of $50,000; or (3) the carrying on of business of any kind for which it is not licensed in Bermuda, except in certain limited circumstances such as doing business with another exempted undertaking in furtherance of Aspen Holdings' business or Aspen Bermuda's business (as the case may be) carried on outside Bermuda. Aspen Bermuda is a licensed insurer in Bermuda, and so may carry on activities from Bermuda that are related to and in support of its insurance business.
Ordinary shares may be offered or sold in Bermuda only in compliance with the provisions of the Investment Business Act of 2003 of Bermuda which regulates the sale of securities in Bermuda. In addition, the BMA must approve all issuances and transfers of shares of a Bermuda exempted company. We have obtained from the BMA their permission for the issue and free transferability of the ordinary shares in the Company that were offered in our initial public offering, as well as the ordinary shares being offered pursuant to this prospectus, as long as the shares are listed on the NYSE or other appointed stock exchange, to and among persons who are non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes and of up to 20% of the ordinary shares to and among persons who are residents in Bermuda for exchange control purposes. The BMA and the Registrar of Companies accept no responsibility for the financial soundness of any proposal or for the correctness of any of the statements made or opinions expressed in this prospectus.
The Bermuda government actively encourages foreign investment in "exempted" entities like Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda that are based in Bermuda, but do not operate in competition with local businesses. As well as having no restrictions on the degree of foreign ownership, Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda are not currently subject to taxes computed on profits or income or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax or to any foreign exchange controls in Bermuda.
Under Bermuda law, non-Bermudians (other than spouses of Bermudians) may not engage in any gainful occupation in Bermuda without an appropriate governmental work permit. Work permits may be granted or extended by the Bermuda government upon showing that, after proper public advertisement in most cases, no Bermudian (or spouse of a Bermudian) is available who meets the minimum standard requirements for the advertised position. The Bermuda government recently announced a new policy limiting the duration of work permits to six years, with certain exemptions for key employees. All of our Bermuda-based professional employees who require work permits have been granted permits by the Bermuda government. The terms of these permits range from three to five years depending on the individual.
U.K. Regulation
General. On December 1, 2001, the FSA assumed its full powers and responsibilities as the single statutory regulator responsible for regulating the financial services industry in respect of the carrying on of "regulated activities" (including deposit taking, insurance, investment management and most other financial services business by way of business in the U.K.), with the objective of maintaining confidence in the U.K. financial system, providing public understanding of the system, securing a proper degree of protection for consumers and helping to reduce financial crime. It is a criminal offense for any person to carry on a regulated activity in the U.K. unless that person is authorized by the FSA and has been granted permission to carry on that regulated activity or falls under an exemption.
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Insurance business (which includes reinsurance business) is authorized and supervised by the FSA. Insurance business in the United Kingdom is divided between two main categories: long-term insurance (which is primarily investment-related) and general insurance. It is no longer possible for an insurance company to become authorized in both long-term and general insurance business. These two categories are both divided into "classes" (for example: permanent health and pension fund management are two classes of long-term insurance; damage to property and motor vehicle liability are two classes of general insurance). Under FSMA, effecting or carrying out contracts of insurance, within a class of general or long-term insurance, by way of business in the United Kingdom, constitutes a regulated activity requiring individual authorization. An authorized insurance company must have permission for each class of insurance business it intends to write.
Aspen Re has received authorization from the FSA to effect and carry out in the United Kingdom contracts of insurance in all classes of general business except credit and assistance business. As an authorized insurer in the United Kingdom, Aspen Re would be able to operate throughout the E.U., subject to certain regulatory requirements of the FSA and in some cases, certain local regulatory requirements. An insurance company with FSA authorization to write insurance business in the United Kingdom may provide cross-border services in other member states of the E.U. subject to notifying the FSA prior to commencement of the provision of services and to the FSA not having good reason to refuse consent. As an alternative, such insurance company may establish a branch office within another member state subject to notifying the FSA prior to the establishment of the branch and the FSA not having good reason to refuse consent; in both cases the FSA will also notify the local regulatory body that may advise additional requirements specific to its jurisdiction that applies to the operation of the proposed classes of business.
As an FSA authorized insurer, the insurance and reinsurance businesses of Aspen Re will be subject to close supervision by the FSA. The FSA is currently seeking to strengthen its requirements for senior management arrangements, systems and controls of insurance and reinsurance companies under its jurisdiction and intends to place an increased emphasis on risk identification and management in relation to the prudential regulation of insurance and reinsurance business in the United Kingdom. There are a number of proposed and forthcoming changes to the FSA's rules that will affect insurance and reinsurance companies authorized in the U.K. For example, the FSA is currently in consultation on a number of proposals, including changes to capital adequacy requirements as described below and proposals aimed at ensuring adequate diversification of an insurer's or reinsurer's exposures to any credit risks of its reinsurers. In addition, when the Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers is replaced by the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook (expected on December 31, 2004), new evidential provisions relating to credit exposure to reinsurers will need to be addressed. The Integrated Prudential Sourcebook also introduces new requirements in respect of prudential risk management and associated systems and controls. A key element of this is that high level risk policies for each of insurance, credit, market, liquidity, operational and group risk are required to be set by the authorized insurer's governing body. A number of the conduct of business rules, that are being introduced by the FSA to coincide with the regulation of the sale and administration of general insurance falling under its ambit with effect from January 14, 2005, may also have an impact upon authorized insurers. Changes in the scope of the FSA's regulation may have an adverse impact on the business of Aspen Re.
Supervision. The FSA carries out the prudential supervision of insurance companies through a variety of methods, including the collection of information from statistical returns, review of accountants' reports, visits to insurance companies and regular formal interviews.
The FSA has adopted a risk-based approach to the supervision of insurance companies. Under this approach the FSA performs a formal risk assessment of insurance companies or groups carrying on business in the U.K. periodically, which varies in length according to the risk profile of the insurer. The FSA performs the risk assessment by analyzing information which it receives during the normal course of its supervision, such as regular prudential returns on the financial position of the insurance company, or which it acquires through a series of meetings with senior management of the insurance company. After each risk assessment, the FSA will inform the insurer of its views on the insurer's risk
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profile. This will include details of any remedial action that the FSA requires and the likely consequences if this action is not taken.
The FSA carried out a risk assessment visit to Aspen Re during October and November of 2002. The results were received in January 2003. The only obligations arising from the assessment required Aspen Re to:
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| • | no later than July 1, 2003, provide the FSA with a summary of its governance, structure, operation, staffing, succession plans and control responsibility; and |
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| • | at quarterly intervals commencing in March 2003, meet FSA representatives to provide a review and progress report covering its underwriting business plan and related issues including business development, reinsurance, underwriting controls and claims. |
The deadline for the first item was met and the quarterly meetings are being held as required.
Solvency Requirements. The Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers requires that insurance companies maintain a margin of solvency at all times in respect of any general insurance undertaken by the insurance company, the calculation of which in any particular case depends on the type and amount of insurance business a company writes. The method of calculation of the solvency margin is set out in the Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers, and for these purposes, all the insurer's assets and liabilities are subject to specific valuation rules. Failure to maintain the required solvency margin is one of the grounds on which wide powers of intervention conferred upon the FSA may be exercised. For financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2004, the calculation of the required margin of solvency has been amended as a result of the implementation of the EU Solvency I Directives. In respect of liability business accepted, 150% of the actual premiums written and claims incurred must be included in the calculation, which will have the effect of increasing the required minimum margin of solvency and possibly the amount of capital required for Aspen Re.
Each insurance company writing property, credit insurance business, aviation, marine, business interruption or nuclear insurance or reinsurance business is required by the Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers to maintain an equalization reserve in respect of business written in the financial years ending on or after December 23, 1996 calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers where the amount of premiums for such classes exceed the minimum threshold set forth in the provisions.
When the Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers is replaced by the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook, insurers will be required to calculate an ECR in addition to their required minimum solvency margin. This represents a more risk-based calculation than the existing solvency margin requirements. There will also be a requirement for insurers to maintain financial resources that are adequate, both as to amount and quality, to ensure that there is no significant risk that its liabilities cannot be met as they come due. In order to carry out the assessment as to the necessary financial resources that are required, insurers will be required to identify the major sources of risk to its ability to meet its liabilities as they come due, and to carry out stress and scenario tests to identify an appropriate range of realistic adverse scenarios in which the risk crystallizes and to estimate the financial resources needed in each of the circumstances and events identified. In addition, the FSA is proposing to give guidance regularly to insurers and reinsurers under "individual capital assessments", which may result in guidance that an insurer should hold capital in excess of the ECR.
In addition, an insurer (other than a pure reinsurer) that is part of a group, is required to perform and submit to the FSA a solvency margin calculation return in respect of its ultimate parent undertaking, in accordance with the FSA's rules. This return is not part of an insurer's own solvency return and hence will not be publicly available. Although there is no requirement at present for the parent undertaking solvency calculation to show a positive result, the FSA is required to take action where it considers that the solvency of the insurance company is or may be jeopardized due to the group solvency position. At December 31, 2003, Aspen Re exceeded such requirements. However, the FSA has published proposals for the implementation of the European Union's Financial Groups Directive which include a requirement for insurance groups to hold an amount of capital indicated in
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the calculation of the parent company's solvency margin at the ultimate European Economic Area parent undertaking level for financial years beginning in 2005. The purpose of these proposals is to prevent leveraging of capital arising from involvements in other group insurance firms. The FSA has recently stated that it will be considering this proposed requirement further and will announce its position in future. Given the current structure of the Company and the current status of the proposal, this proposed regulatory obligation would not apply to Aspen Re's parent, because it is incorporated in Bermuda. Further, an insurer is required to report in its annual returns to the FSA all material related party transactions (e.g., intra group reinsurance, whose value is more than 5% of the insurer's general insurance business amount).
Aspen Re is required to maintain a minimum margin of solvency equal to the greater of (1) the sum of 18% of the first €50 million and 16% of the excess over €50 million of gross premiums (for these purposes premiums relating to certain categories of liability are uplifted by 50%) for the previous financial year (but where a financial year does not have 12 months the gross premium is adjusted to arrive at a figure that is proportionate to a 12-month financial year) less an allowance for anticipated reinsurance recoveries; and (2) the sum of 26% of the average claims (for these purposes claims relating to certain categories of liability business are increased by 50%) paid for the first €35 million of claims and 23% of the average claims paid for claims comprising the excess over €35 million, as measured over a 36-month period less an allowance for anticipated reinsurance recoveries. The margin of solvency is subject to an absolute minimum of €400,000.
Restrictions on Dividend Payments. U.K. company law prohibits Aspen Re from declaring a dividend to its shareholders unless it has "profits available for distribution." The determination of whether a company has profits available for distribution is based on its accumulated realized profits less its accumulated realized losses. While the U.K. insurance regulatory laws impose no statutory restrictions on a general insurer's ability to declare a dividend, the FSA strictly controls the maintenance of each insurance company's solvency margin within its jurisdiction.
In connection with the application to the FSA for consent to the change of control of City Fire, a scheme of operations was submitted to the FSA showing, among other things, a forecast profit and loss account (including forecast dividend payments) for the three financial periods 2003 to 2005 inclusive. Aspen Re is required to submit quarterly financial returns for this period including a summary profit and loss account and must identify and explain significant differences between actual results and forecasts submitted in the scheme of operations. Further, there is an obligation to notify the FSA of any matter that is likely to happen which represents a significant departure from the scheme of operations. Aspen Re is also under separate obligations to maintain its margin of solvency and to notify the FSA of any proposed significant dividend payment. Thus, while Aspen Re's scheme of operations forecasts dividends being paid in each of 2003, 2004 and 2005, if the fortunes of Aspen Re were to change such that a dividend payment would affect its ability to maintain its solvency margin, or if a greater dividend is proposed it would be obliged to notify the FSA. In such circumstances, depending on the financial condition of Aspen Re, the FSA could use its own initiative powers to impose requirements on Aspen Re, including restrictions on dividend payments.
Reporting Requirements. U.K. insurance companies must prepare their financial statements under the Companies Act of 1985 (as amended), which requires the filing with Companies House of audited financial statements and related reports. In addition, U.K. insurance companies are required to file with the FSA regulatory returns, which include a revenue account, a profit and loss account and a balance sheet in prescribed forms. Under the Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers, audited regulatory returns must be filed with the FSA within two months and 15 days (or three months where the delivery of the return is made electronically) after year-end.
Supervision of Management. The FSA closely supervises the management of insurance companies through the approved persons regime, by which any appointment of persons to perform certain specified "controlled functions" within a regulated entity, must be approved by the FSA.
Change of Control. The FSA regulates the acquisition of "control" of any U.K. insurance company authorized under FSMA. Any company or individual that (together with its or his
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associates) directly or indirectly acquires 10% or more of the shares in a U.K. authorized insurance company or its parent company, or is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of 10% or more of the voting power in such authorized insurance company or its parent company, would be considered to have acquired "control" for the purposes of the relevant legislation, as would a person who had significant influence over the management of such authorized insurance company or its parent company by virtue of his shareholding or voting power in either. A purchaser of 10% or more of the ordinary shares would therefore be considered to have acquired "control" of Aspen Re.
Under FSMA, any person proposing to acquire "control" over a U.K. authorized insurance company must give prior notification to the FSA of his intention to do so. The FSA would then have three months to consider that person's application to acquire "control." In considering whether to approve such application, the FSA must be satisfied that both the acquirer is a fit and proper person to have such "control" and that the interests of consumers would not be threatened by such acquisition of "control." Failure to make the relevant prior application could result in action being taken against Aspen Re by the FSA.
Intervention and Enforcement. The FSA has extensive powers to intervene in the affairs of an authorized person, culminating in the ultimate sanction of the removal of authorization to carry on a regulated activity. FSMA imposes on the FSA statutory obligations to monitor compliance with the requirements imposed by FSMA, and to enforce the provisions of FSMA related rules made by the FSA. The FSA has power, among other things, to enforce and take disciplinary measures in respect of breaches of both the Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Insurers and breaches of the conduct of business rules generally applicable to authorized persons.
The FSA also has the power to institute proceedings for criminal offenses arising under FSMA, and to institute proceedings for the offense of insider dealing under Part V of the Criminal Justice Act of 1993, and breaches of money laundering regulations. The FSA's stated policy is to pursue criminal prosecution in all appropriate cases.
Fees and Levies. As an authorized insurer in the United Kingdom, Aspen Re is subject to FSA fees and levies based on Aspen Re's gross written premiums. The fees and levies charged by the FSA to Aspen Re are not material to the Company. Our fees paid to the FSA were £0.1 million for 2003. The FSA also requires authorized insurers to participate in an investors' protection fund, known as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (the "FSCS"). The FSCS was established to compensate consumers of financial services, including the buyers of insurance, against failures in the financial services industry. Individual policyholders and small businesses may be compensated by the FSCS when an authorized insurer is unable, or likely to be unable, to satisfy policyholder claims. Aspen Re writes a small amount of insurance business that is protected by the FSCS. The levy charged to Aspen Re in connection with the FSCS is calculated on the amount of insurance business written by Aspen Re and covered by the FSCS.
Since the formation of the Company and the transfer of senior management and underwriters from Syndicate 2020, Syndicate 2020 has continued to operate within the operating and regulatory structure of the Lloyd's market under the management of WUAL. Aspen Re is an insurance company directly regulated by the FSA and, as such, is not a member of Lloyd's or part of the Lloyd's market. Aspen Re is not therefore subject to the various fees and levies (which may be several percentage points of premiums) that are incurred by members of Lloyd's in relation to the operation of the Lloyd's market and the maintenance of the Lloyd's Central Fund. The Lloyd's Central Fund acts as a policyholders' protection fund to make payments where other Lloyd's members have failed to pay valid claims.
U.S. Regulation
Aspen Specialty is licensed and domiciled in North Dakota and is eligible to write certain lines of insurance business on an approved, non-admitted basis in the majority of states in which it intends to write business. Aspen Management is a licensed surplus lines brokerage company based in Boston, Massachusetts. It has resident licenses to transact business as a licensed insurance producer and
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surplus lines broker. Aspen Re America is incorporated in Delaware and functions as a reinsurance intermediary with offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. It has obtained a corporate New Jersey resident reinsurance intermediary license and a corporate Connecticut non-resident reinsurance intermediary license.
U.S. Insurance Holding Company Regulation of Aspen Holdings. Aspen Holdings, as the indirect parent of Aspen Specialty, Aspen U.S. Holdings, as the direct parent of Aspen Specialty, and Aspen Management, are subject to the insurance holding company laws of North Dakota, where Aspen Specialty is organized and domiciled. These laws generally require the insurance holding company and each insurance company directly or indirectly owned by the holding company to register with the North Dakota Department of Insurance and to furnish annually financial and other information about the operations of companies within the holding company system. Generally, all material transactions among companies in the holding company system affecting Aspen Specialty, including sales, loans, reinsurance agreements, service agreements and dividend payments, must be fair and, if material or of a specified category, require prior notice and approval or non-disapproval by the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance.
Acquisition of Control of a North Dakota Domiciled Insurance Company. North Dakota law requires that before a person can acquire control of any North Dakota domiciled insurance company, such as Aspen Specialty, the acquisition of control must be approved by the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance. Prior to granting approval of an application to acquire control of a North Dakota domiciled insurer, the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance is required by law to consider various factors, including, but not limited to, the financial strength of the applicant, the integrity and management experience of the applicant's board of directors and executive officers, the applicant's plans for the future operations of the insurer and any possible anti-competitive results in North Dakota that may arise from the proposed acquisition of control. North Dakota law provides that control over a North Dakota domiciled insurer is presumed to exist if any person directly or indirectly owns, controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds proxies representing 10% or more of the voting securities of a North Dakota insurer. Our bye-laws limit the voting power of any shareholder to less than 9.5%; nevertheless, because a person controlling 10% or more of our ordinary shares would indirectly control the same percentage of the share capital of Aspen Specialty, there can be no assurance that the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance would not apply these restrictions on acquisition of control to any proposed acquisition of 10% or more of our ordinary shares.
These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change of control of Aspen Holdings, including through transactions, and in particular unsolicited transactions, that some or all of the shareholders of Aspen Holdings might consider to be desirable.
Legislative Changes. On November 26, 2002, the Terrorism Act was enacted to ensure the availability of insurance coverage for terrorist acts in the United States. This law requires insurers writing certain lines of property and casualty insurance to offer coverage against certain acts of terrorism causing damage within the United States or to U.S. flagged vessels or aircraft. In return, the law requires the federal government to indemnify such insurers for 90% of insured losses resulting from covered acts of terrorism, subject to a premium-based deductible. Any existing policy exclusions for such coverage were immediately nullified by the law, although such exclusions may be reinstated if either the insured consents to reinstatement or fails to pay any applicable increase in premium resulting from the additional coverage within 30 days of being notified of such. It should be noted that "act of terrorism" as defined by the law excludes purely domestic terrorism. For an act of terrorism to have occurred, the U.S. Treasury Secretary must make several findings, including that the act was committed on behalf of a foreign person or foreign interest. The Terrorism Act does not require coverage under our reinsurance contracts covering U.S. risks. The law expires automatically at the end of 2005, although competing bills to extend the Terrorism Act through 2007 or 2008 have recently been introduced in the U.S. Congress.
State Insurance Regulation of Aspen Specialty, Aspen Management and Aspen Re America. State insurance authorities have broad regulatory powers with respect to various aspects of the surplus lines
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insurance business, including licensing to transact business, admittance of assets to statutory surplus, regulating unfair trade and claims practices, establishing reserve requirements and solvency standards and regulating investments and dividends. State insurance laws and regulations require Aspen Specialty to file financial statements with insurance departments in every state where it will be licensed or authorized or accredited or eligible to conduct insurance business; and the operations of Aspen Specialty are subject to examination by those departments at any time. Aspen Specialty will prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with Statutory Accounting Practices and procedures prescribed or permitted by these departments. State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the books and records, financial reporting, policy filings and market conduct of insurance companies domiciled in their states, generally once every three to five years. Examinations are generally carried out in cooperation with the insurance departments of other states under guidelines promulgated by the NAIC. Aspen Management which transacts business as a surplus lines brokerage company must also maintain appropriate licenses to transact such business.
Aspen Re America is incorporated in Delaware and has offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. Aspen Re America has obtained a corporate New Jersey resident reinsurance intermediary broker's license and Connecticut non-resident reinsurance intermediary broker's license. As a result, Aspen Re America is subject to Delaware law and will be regulated by the New Jersey and Connecticut departments of insurance.
North Dakota State Dividend Limitations. Under North Dakota insurance law, Aspen Specialty may not pay dividends to shareholders that exceed the greater of 10% of Aspen Specialty's statutory surplus as shown on its latest annual financial statement on file with the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance, or 100% of Aspen Specialty's net income, not including realized capital gains, for the most recent calendar year, without the prior approval of the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance unless 30 days have passed after receipt by the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance of notice of Aspen Specialty's declaration of such payment without the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance having disapproved of such payment. In addition, Aspen Specialty may not pay a dividend, except out of earned, as distinguished from contributed, surplus, nor when its surplus is less than the surplus required by law for the kind or kinds of business the company is authorized to transact, nor when the payment of a dividend would reduce its surplus to less than such amount. Aspen Specialty is required by North Dakota law to report to the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance all dividends and other distributions to shareholders within five business days following the declaration thereof and no less than ten business days prior to payment thereof.
North Dakota State Risk-Based Capital Regulations. North Dakota requires that North Dakota domiciled insurers report their risk-based capital based on a formula calculated by applying factors to various asset, premium and reserve items. The formula takes into account the risk characteristics of the insurer, including asset risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk and business risk. The North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance uses the formula as an early warning regulatory tool to identify possibly inadequately capitalized insurers for the purposes of initiating regulatory action, and not as a means to rank insurers generally. North Dakota insurance law imposes broad confidentiality requirements on those engaged in any manner in the insurance business and on the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance as to the use and publication of risk-based capital data. The North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance has explicit regulatory authority to require various actions by, or to take various actions against, insurers whose total adjusted capital does not exceed certain risk-based capital levels.
Statutory Accounting Principles. Statutory accounting, or "SAP," is a basis of accounting developed to assist insurance regulators in monitoring and regulating the solvency of insurance companies. It is primarily concerned with measuring an insurer's surplus to policyholders. Accordingly, statutory accounting focuses on valuing assets and liabilities of insurers at financial reporting dates in accordance with appropriate insurance law and regulatory provisions applicable in each insurer's domiciliary state.
U.S. GAAP is concerned with a company's solvency, but it is also concerned with other financial measurements, such as income and cash flows. Accordingly, U.S. GAAP gives more consideration to
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appropriate matching of revenue and expenses and accounting for management's stewardship of assets than does SAP. As a direct result, different assets and liabilities and different amounts of assets and liabilities will be reflected in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP as opposed to SAP.
Statutory accounting practices established by the NAIC and adopted, in part, by the North Dakota Department of Insurance, determine, among other things, the amount of statutory surplus and statutory net income of our U.S. insurance subsidiary and thus determine, in part, the amount of funds they have available to pay as dividends to us.
Guaranty Associations and Similar Arrangements. Some of the jurisdictions in which Aspen Specialty is surplus lines eligible require property and casualty insurers doing business within the jurisdiction to participate in guaranty associations, which are organized to pay contractual benefits owed pursuant to insurance policies issued by impaired, insolvent or failed insurers. These associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in a particular state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer is engaged. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets.
Operations of Aspen Re and Aspen Bermuda. Aspen Re and Aspen Bermuda are not admitted to do business in the United States. The insurance laws of each state of the United States and of many other countries regulate or prohibit the sale of insurance and reinsurance within their jurisdictions by non-domestic insurers and reinsurers, such as Aspen Re and Aspen Bermuda, which are not admitted to do business within such jurisdictions. We do not intend that Aspen Bermuda or Aspen Re maintain an office or solicit, advertise, settle claims or conduct other insurance activities in any jurisdiction other than Bermuda—or, in the case of Aspen Re, the United Kingdom—where the conduct of such activities would require Aspen Re and Aspen Bermuda to be so admitted.
In addition to the regulatory requirements imposed by the jurisdictions in which they are licensed, reinsurers' business operations are affected by regulatory requirements in various states of the United States governing "credit for reinsurance" which are imposed on their ceding companies. In general, a ceding company which obtains reinsurance from a reinsurer that is licensed, accredited or approved by the jurisdiction or state in which the reinsurer files statutory financial statements is permitted to reflect in its statutory financial statements a credit in an aggregate amount equal to the liability for unearned premiums (which are that portion of premiums written which applies to the unexpired portion of the policy period) and loss reserves and loss adjustment expense reserves ceded to the reinsurer. Aspen Bermuda is not licensed, accredited or approved in any state in the United States. The great majority of states, however, permit a credit to statutory surplus resulting from reinsurance obtained from a non-licensed or non-accredited reinsurer to the extent that the reinsurer provides a letter of credit or other acceptable security arrangement. A few states do not allow credit for reinsurance ceded to non-licensed reinsurers except in certain limited circumstances and others impose additional requirements that make it difficult to become accredited. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources."
For its U.S. reinsurance activities, Aspen Re has established and must retain a multi-beneficiary U.S. trust fund for the benefit of its U.S. cedents so that they are able to take financial statement credit without the need to post cedent-specific security. The minimum trust fund amount is $20 million plus an amount equal to 100% of Aspen Re's U.S. reinsurance liabilities, which was $25.6 million at December 31, 2003. Aspen Re intends to apply for "trusteed reinsurer" approvals in states where U.S. cedents are domiciled.
Aspen Re is also writing surplus lines business in certain states of the United States where it has obtained the applicable approvals or eligibilities. In certain U.S. jurisdictions, in order to obtain surplus lines approvals and eligibilities, a company must first be included on the Quarterly Listing of Alien Insurers ("Quarterly Listing") that is maintained by the International Insurers Department ("IID") of the National Association of Insurance Commissoners ("NAIC").
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Pursuant to the IID requirements, Aspen Re has established a U.S. surplus lines trust fund with a U.S. bank to secure U.S. surplus lines policies. The initial minimum trust fund amount is $5.4 million. In subsequent years, Aspen Re must add an amount equal to 30% of its U.S. surplus lines liabilities, as at year end and certified by an actuary, subject to the current maximum of $60 million. The NAIC's IID Plan of Operation Working Group is currently in the early stages of considering proposals to increase both the trust fund maximum amount and the variable percentage amount.
Applications for state surplus lines approvals and eligibilities will be required in certain jurisdictions. As with the IID, certain jurisdictions require annual requalification filings. Such filings customarily include financial and related information, updated national and state-specific business plans, descriptions of reinsurance programs, updated officers and directors biographical affidavits and similar information.
Apart from the financial and related filings required to maintain Aspen Re's place on the Quarterly Listing and its jurisdiction-specific approvals and eligibilities, Aspen Re generally will not be subject to regulation by U.S. jurisdictions. Specifically, rate and form regulations otherwise applicable to authorized insurers will generally not apply to Aspen Re's surplus lines transactions.
Similarly, U.S. solvency regulation tools—including risk-based capital standards, investment limitations, credit for reinsurance and holding company filing requirements—otherwise applicable to authorized insurers do not generally apply to alien surplus lines insurers such as Aspen Re.
We do not believe that Aspen Re or Aspen Bermuda are in violation of insurance laws of any jurisdiction in the United States. We cannot assure you, however, that inquiries or challenges to Aspen Re's or Aspen Bermuda's insurance or reinsurance activities will not be raised in the future.
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MANAGEMENT
Directors
Pursuant to provisions that were in our bye-laws and a shareholders' agreement by and among us and certain shareholders prior to our public offering, certain of our shareholders had the right to appoint or nominate and remove directors to serve on our board of directors. Mr. Melwani was appointed, and Mr. Rosenthal was nominated, as directors by Blackstone. Mr. Cormack was appointed director by Candover. Mr. Avery was appointed director by Wellington. Mr. Salame was nominated director by CSFB Private Equity. After our initial public offering, no specific shareholder has the right to appoint or nominate or remove one or more directors pursuant to an explicit provision in our bye-laws or otherwise.
Our bye-laws provide for a classified Board, divided into three classes of directors, with each class elected to serve a term of three years. Our incumbent Class I Directors are scheduled to serve until our 2005 Annual General Meeting, our incumbent Class II Directors are scheduled to serve until our 2006 Annual General Meeting and our incumbent Class III Directors are scheduled to serve until our 2007 Annual General Meeting.
Anthony Taylor was initially appointed as a director by Montpelier Re and was a Class I Director commencing on June 21, 2002. He has since resigned from the Company's board of directors on January 21, 2004 because as CEO of Montpelier Re, he believed it was difficult for him to contribute fully to the Company from both an operational and governance perspective. Bret Pearlman was initially appointed as a director by Blackstone and was a Class III Director commencing on June 21, 2002. He resigned from the Company's board of directors on July 29, 2004 because he accepted a position with Elevation Partners.
The Company has initiated a directors' search for possible replacement directors and is considering potential candidates who would meet the independence and other requirements.
As of July 30, 2004, we had the following directors on our board of directors:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Age | | Position | | Director
Since |
| Class I Directors: | |
| Christopher O'Kane | | 49 | | Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Aspen Re and Chairman of Aspen Bermuda | | 2002 |
| Heidi Hutter (1)(2)(3) | | 46 | | Director | | 2002 |
| Class II Directors: | | | | | | |
| Paul Myners (2)(3)(4) | | 56 | | Chairman of the Company and Aspen Re | | 2002 |
| Julian Cusack (3) | | 53 | | Chief Financial Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Bermuda | | 2002 |
| Norman L. Rosenthal (1)(4) | | 53 | | Director | | 2002 |
| Class III Directors: | | | | | | |
| Julian Avery | | 58 | | Director | | 2003 |
| Ian Cormack (1) | | 56 | | Director | | 2003 |
| Prakash Melwani (2)(3)(4) | | 46 | | Director | | 2003 |
| Kamil M. Salame (2)(3) | | 35 | | Director | | 2002 |
|
| |
| (1) | Member of the Audit Committee |
| |
| (2) | Member of the Compensation Committee |
| |
| (3) | Member of the Investment Committee |
| |
| (4) | Member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee |
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Paul Myners. Mr. Myners has been our Chairman and a director since June 21, 2002. He is also currently the Chairman of Aspen Re, a position he has held since June 2002, of the Guardian Media Group, a position held since March 2000 and of Marks and Spencer, a position held since May 2004. Mr. Myners is a non-executive director of The Bank of New York. He completed a review of Institutional Investment for Her Majesty's Treasury in 2001 and was a member of the Financial Reporting Council, the body responsible for overseeing the process for setting U.K. accounting standards. From August 1, 1987 until November 2001, he held the position of Chairman of Gartmore Investment Management and previously served as an executive director of National Westminster Bank, Coutts & Co., and as an independent director of the Investment Management Regulatory Organization, the Lloyd's Market Board, Celltech Group, the Scottish National Trust, PowerGen plc and Orange plc.
Christopher O'Kane. Mr. O'Kane has been our Chief Executive Officer and a director since June 21, 2002. He is also currently the Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Re and Chairman of Aspen Bermuda. Prior to the creation of Aspen Holdings, from November 2000 until June 2002, Mr. O'Kane served as a director of Wellington and Chief Underwriting Officer of Lloyd's Syndicate 2020 where he built his specialist knowledge in the fields of property insurance and reinsurance, together with active underwriting experience in a range of other insurance disciplines. From September 1998 until November 2000, Mr. O'Kane served as one of the underwriting partners for Syndicate 2020. Prior to joining Syndicate 2020, Mr. O'Kane served as deputy underwriter for Syndicate 51 from January 1993 to September 1998. Mr. O'Kane has over 16 years of specialty insurance and reinsurance underwriting experience, beginning his career as a Lloyd's broker.
Julian Cusack, Ph.D. Mr. Cusack has been our Chief Financial Officer and a director since June 21, 2002. He is also currently the Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Bermuda since 2002. From 2002 until March 31, 2004, he was also Finance Director of Aspen Re. Mr. Cusack previously worked with Wellington where he was Managing Director of WUAL from 1992 to 1996, and in 1994 joined the board of directors of Wellington Underwriting Holdings Limited. He was Group Finance Director of Wellington from 1996 to 2002.
Julian Avery. Mr. Avery has been a director since April 9, 2003. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Wellington since 2000 until September 20, 2004. Prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Avery had been Managing Director of Wellington since 1996. He has also been a director of WUAL since 1996 and its Chairman since 2001. Mr. Avery is also a solicitor and was elected to the Council of Lloyd's in December 2000. He is Deputy Chairman of the Lloyd's Market Association Services Limited, a director of Premium Underwriting Limited and a non-executive director of East Surrey Holdings plc.
Ian Cormack. Mr. Cormack has been a director since September 22, 2003 and has served also as a non-executive director of Aspen Re. Mr. Cormack is a Senior Partner in Cormack Tansey Partners, a strategic consulting firm that he established in 2002. From 2000 to 2002, he was Chief Executive Officer of AIG Inc.'s insurance financial services and asset management in Europe. From 1997 to 2000, he was Chairman of Citibank International plc and Co-head of the Global Financial Institutions Client Group at Citigroup. He was also Country Head of Citicorp in the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996. Mr. Cormack also serves as a member of Millennium Associates AG's Global Advisory Board and Chairman of Hologram Insurance Services Ltd., U.K. and previously served as Chairman of CHAPS, the high value clearing system in the United Kingdom, and a Member of the Board of Clearstream (Luxembourg). Mr. Cormack is also a non-executive chairman of Aberdeen Growth Opportunities Venture Capital Trust 2 plc and a non-executive director of MphasiS BFL Ltd. (India). He was a member of the U.K. Chancellor's City Advisory Panel from 1993 to 1998.
Heidi Hutter. Ms. Hutter has been a director since June 21, 2002 and has served as a non-executive director of Aspen Re since June 2002. She has served as Chief Executive Officer of Black Diamond Group, LLC since 2001 and has over twenty years of experience in property/casualty reinsurance. Ms. Hutter began her career in 1979 with Swiss Reinsurance Company in New York, where she specialized in the then new field of finite reinsurance. From 1993 to 1995, she was Project Director for the Equitas Project at Lloyd's of London, which became the largest run-off reinsurer in
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the world. From 1996 to 1999, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Re America and was a member of the Executive Board of Swiss Re in Zurich. Ms. Hutter also serves as a director of Aquila, Inc. and Talbot Underwriting Ltd. and its corporate affiliates.
Prakash Melwani. Mr. Melwani has been a director since July 21, 2003. In May 2003, Mr. Melwani joined Blackstone as a Senior Managing Director in its Private Equity Group. He is also a member of the firm's Private Equity Investment Committee. Prior to joining Blackstone, Mr. Melwani was a founder, in 1988, of Vestar Capital Partners and served as its Chief Investment Officer. Prior to that, Mr. Melwani was with the management buyout group at The First Boston Corporation and with N.M. Rothschild & Sons in Hong Kong and London.
Norman L. Rosenthal, Ph.D. Dr. Rosenthal has been a director since June 21, 2002. He is also currently President of Norman L. Rosenthal & Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm which specializes in the property casualty insurance industry. Previously, Dr. Rosenthal was a managing director and senior equity research analyst at Morgan Stanley & Co. following the property casualty insurance industry. He joined Morgan Stanley's equity research department covering the insurance sector in 1981 and remained there until 1996. Dr. Rosenthal also currently serves on the board of directors of The Plymouth Rock Company, Palisades Safety and Insurance Management Corporation and the Highpoint Group of Insurance Companies. Dr. Rosenthal previously served on the board of directors of Mutual Risk Management Ltd. from 1997 to 2002, and Vesta Insurance Group from 1996 to 1999.
Kamil M. Salame. Mr. Salame has been a director since June 21, 2002. He has been a partner of DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, the primary private equity funds of Credit Suisse First Boston Private Equity since June 2004 and, prior to then, a principal. Mr. Salame joined Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette's Merchant Banking Group, a predecessor to Credit Suisse First Boston Private Equity, in 1997. Previously he was a member of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette's Leveraged Finance Group. Mr. Salame is a director of Montpelier Re and US Express Leasing, Inc.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Audit Committee: Messrs. Cormack and Rosenthal and Ms. Hutter. The Audit Committee has general responsibility for the oversight and surveillance of our accounting, reporting and financial control practices. The Audit Committee annually reviews the qualifications of the independent auditors, makes recommendations to the board of directors, as to their selection and reviews the plan, fees and results of their audit. Mr. Cormack is Chairman of the Audit Committee.
The members of the audit committee have substantial experience in assessing the performance of companies, gained as members of our board of directors and audit committee, as well as by serving on the boards of directors of other companies. Our audit committee is comprised of seasoned business professionals, whereby one member has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, another member has over 20 years of experience in the property and casualty reinsurance business, and another member has over 15 years of experience as an equity research analyst following the insurance industry. As a result, they each have an understanding of U.S. GAAP financial statements. However, none of them has acquired the attributes of a financial expert through the specific means permitted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Accordingly, the board of directors does not consider any of them to be a "financial expert" as defined in the applicable regulations. Nevertheless, our board of directors believes that they competently perform the functions required of them as members of the audit committee and, given their background and understanding of the Company, it would not be in the best interest of the Company at this time to replace any of them with another person to qualify a member of the audit committee as a financial expert.
Compensation Committee: Messrs. Myners, Melwani and Salame and Ms. Hutter. The Compensation Committee, oversees our compensation and benefit policies and programs, including administration of our annual bonus awards and long-term incentive plans. Mr. Myners is Chairman of the Compensation Committee.
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Investment Committee: Messrs. Myners, Cusack, Melwani and Salame and Ms. Hutter. The Investment Committee is an advisory committee to the board of directors which formulates our investment policy and oversees all of our significant investing activities. Mr. Myners is Chairman of the Investment Committee.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee: Messrs. Myners, Melwani and Rosenthal. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, among other things, establishes the board of directors' criteria for selecting new directors and oversees the evaluation of the board of directors and management. Mr. Myners is Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
John Barton, non-executive chairman of Wellington, was previously on our board of directors and our compensation committee from November 2002 through April 2003. Wellington is one of our shareholders with which the Company has entered into various agreements. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Transactions and Relationships with Initial Investors." We have also granted to Wellington the Wellington Options as discussed elsewhere in this prospectus. Such options are exercisable or lapse upon the earlier occurrence of several events and the non-voting shares so acquired will automatically convert into ordinary shares at a one-to-one ratio once exercised. Our executive officers Messrs. O'Kane and Cusack served as directors of Wellington until June 21, 2002, and Ms. Davies and Mr. May served as directors of WUAL until June 21, 2002. None of Messrs. O'Kane, Cusack or May or Ms. Davies served as members of the compensation committee of Wellington or WUAL at any time.
Mr. Salame is a partner of DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, the primary private equity funds of CSFB Private Equity, one of our shareholders. Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, one of the underwriters in our initial public offering, is an affiliate of DLJ Merchant Banking Partners. Credit Suisse First Boston (acting through its Cayman Islands branch), an affiliate of both CSFB Private Equity and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, participates as a lender in the syndicate of our credit facilities.
Heidi Hutter, one of our directors, is also a shareholder and director of Talbot Holdings Ltd, Talbot Underwriting Holding Ltd and Talbot Underwriting Ltd. Ms. Hutter is not an executive officer of either Aspen Holdings or Talbot. We have entered into reinsurance agreements with Talbot through which we reinsure some of their risks and have received approximately $928,000 of premium income for 2003. Talbot also reinsures some of our risks for which they have received approximately $239,000 of premium income for 2003. We believe that the amount of premium income we have received from Talbot and our level of exposure with respect to the risks we have reinsured is not material to our business.
Director Compensation
For service in 2003, each director other than Messrs. O'Kane, Cusack (who are also our executive officers) and Myners received cash in the amount of £20,000 (or $32,802 based on the exchange rate of $1.6401 to £1) plus VAT (where applicable), pro-rated for the time served on our board of directors during 2003. Our directors and officers who serve on the board of directors of our subsidiaries may also receive separate fees for their services. As Chairman of our board of directors, Mr. Myners received an annual salary of £120,000 and a bonus of £80,000. In addition, options were granted to Messrs. Myners, Cormack and Rosenthal and Ms. Hutter under our share option plan. See "— Share Incentive Plan" below and "Principal and Selling Shareholder." None of our non-executive directors receive compensation benefits upon termination of their employment or appointment as members of our board of directors. For compensation benefits of our executive directors, see "— Executive Compensation" and "Employment-Related Agreements."
The compensation of non-executive directors is benchmarked against comparable companies, taking into account complexity, time commitment and committee duties. Effective in 2004, the annual compensation for the members of our board of directors who are not otherwise affiliated with the
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Company as employees or officers will be $45,000. The chairman of each committee of our board of directors other than the audit committee will receive an additional $5,000 per annum. Mr. Cormack, the chairman of the audit committee of our board of directors, will receive an additional $25,000 per annum. Members of our board of directors who are also members of the board of directors of Aspen Re, such as Ms. Hutter and Mr. Cormack, will receive an additional $10,000 per annum. Mr. Cormack, the chairman of the audit committee of the board of directors of Aspen Re, will receive an additional $10,000 per annum. Mr. Myners will continue to receive an annual salary of £120,000 for 2004 and will be entitled to receive a bonus for serving as Chairman of our board of directors.
Executive Officers
The table below sets forth certain information concerning our executive officers as of July 30, 2004:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Age | | Position |
| Christopher O'Kane (1) | | | 49 | | | Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Holdings and Aspen Re and Chairman of Aspen Bermuda |
| Julian Cusack (1) | | | 53 | | | Chief Financial Officer of Aspen Holdings and
Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Bermuda |
| Sarah Davies | | | 40 | | | Chief Operating Officer |
| David May | | | 57 | | | Chief Casualty Underwriter |
| Peter Coghlan | | | 54 | | | President and Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Specialty |
| David Curtin | | | 46 | | | General Counsel of Aspen Re |
|
| |
| (1) | Biography available above under "—Directors" above. |
Sarah Davies. Since June 21, 2002, Ms. Davies has served as our Chief Operating Officer. From 1999 to 2002 she served as WUAL's Operations Director. Ms. Davies initially joined Wellington in 1993 from Munich Re U.K. as a property reinsurance underwriter. Starting in 1995, she served as Market Research Manager of WUAL.
David May. Since June 21, 2002, Mr. May has served as our Chief Casualty Underwriter. In 1995, he joined Wellington and served as manager in the casualty reinsurance division for Lloyd's Syndicate 51. From 1986 to 1995, he was a senior manager at Munich Re U.K. in charge of casualty underwriting.
Peter Coghlan. Since June 21, 2003, Mr. Coghlan has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Specialty. Prior to joining Aspen Specialty, he was President of First State Management Group from 2000. Mr. Coghlan joined First State Management Group in 1984 as its Chief Property Underwriter and became Chief Underwriting Officer in 1992. His insurance career began in 1975 with George F. Brown in Boston as a Property Supervisor. He later joined Mission Re Management in 1977 as an underwriter, becoming Branch Manager in 1979.
David Curtin. Since September 2, 2003, Mr. Curtin has served as General Counsel of Aspen Re. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Curtin served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of ICO Global Communications Limited from January 2001 until October 2002. He joined ICO as Chief Banking and Financial Counsel in November 1998 and became Deputy General Counsel in March 2000. From 1988 to 1998 he was with Jones, Day, Reavis and Pogue in New York and London and from 1985 to 1988 he was with Bingham, Dana & Gould in Boston.
Management Compensation and Incentive Plans
The Compensation Committee oversees our compensation and benefit policies, including administration of annual bonus awards and long-term incentive plans. Our compensation policies are designed with the goal of maximizing shareholder value over the long term. We believe that this goal
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is best realized by utilizing a compensation program which serves to attract and retain superior executive talent by providing management with performance-based incentives and closely aligning the financial interests of management with those of our shareholders.
The Company's compensation program combines four components: base salary, annual bonuses, benefits and perquisites and long-term compensation in the form of options and share ownership. The level of compensation is based on numerous factors, including achievement of underwriting results and financial objectives established by our Compensation Committee and our board of directors. Salary, target bonuses and incentive compensation award opportunities are reviewed regularly for competitiveness and are determined in large part by reference to compensation levels for comparable positions at comparable companies based in Bermuda, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Company intends to reward individuals appropriately taking into account the relevant local or global talent pool comparables, as well as both company and individual performance against prescribed goals.
Our current executive officers are compensated according to the terms of their respective service agreements, which are described below under the heading "—Employment-Related Agreements."
Executive Compensation
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth, for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, the compensation for services in all capacities earned by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and its next four most highly compensated executive officers. These individuals are referred to as the "named executive officers."
Summary Compensation Table
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Long-Term Compensation | |
| | | | | Annual Compensation(1) | | Awards | | Payouts | |
Name and
Principal Position | | Year | | Salary($) | | Bonus($) | | Other Annual
Compensation
($)(2) | | Restricted
Stock
Awards | | Securities
Underlying
Options/SARs | | LTIP
Payouts | | All Other
Compensation
($)(3) |
| Christopher O'Kane | | | 2003 | | | $ | 493,397 | | | $ | 820,050 | | | $ | 1,654 | | | | — | | | | 991,830 | | | | — | | | $ | 78,943 | |
| Chief Executive Officer | | | 2002 | | | | 232,634 | | | | 170,126 | | | | 4,392 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 37,222 | |
| Julian Cusack | | | 2003 | | | | 361,203 | | | | 510,150 | | | | 206,280 | | | | — | | | | 338,180 | | | | — | | | | 70,908 | |
| Chief Financial Officer | | | 2002 | | | | 183,659 | | | | 108,262 | | | | 5,337 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 33,059 | |
| Sarah Davies | | | 2003 | | | | 270,616 | | | | 303,419 | | | | 858 | | | | — | | | | 316,940 | | | | — | | | | 32,473 | |
| Chief Operating Officer | | | 2002 | | | | 132,965 | | | | 108,262 | | | | 465 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 15,956 | |
| David May | | | 2003 | | | | 311,619 | | | | 246,015 | | | | 2,405 | | | | — | | | | 155,000 | | | | — | | | | 62,324 | |
| Chief Casualty Underwriter | | | 2002 | | | | 146,927 | | | | 61,864 | | | | 3,887 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 29,385 | |
| Peter Coghlan | | | 2003 | | | | 211,507 | | | | 60,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 80,000 | | | | — | | | | 7,426 | |
President and
Chief Executive Officer
of Aspen Specialty (4) | |
|
| |
| (1) | The compensation reported for the named executive officers for 2002 reflects the period beginning upon their commencement of employment with us and ending on December 31, 2002. All compensation payments in 2002 were made in British Pounds and have been translated into U.S. Dollars at the average exchange rate for the period May 23, 2002 through December 31, 2002, which was $1.5466 to £1. Except as indicated, compensation payments for 2003 were made in British Pounds and have been translated into U.S. Dollars at the average exchange rate for the period January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003 which was $1.6401 to £1. For 2003, bonus payments made to Julian Cusack and Peter Coghlan were paid in U.S. Dollars. |
| |
| (2) | Other annual compensation includes benefits-in-kind and, in the case of Mr. Cusack, a housing allowance in Bermuda of $180,000 per year beginning in 2003 and a payroll tax reimbursement in an amount of $14,988 in 2003. |
| |
| (3) | The amounts listed under "All other compensation" reflect the Company's contribution to the pension plan (a defined contribution plan). |
| |
| (4) | Mr. Coghlan was not employed by us at the end of fiscal year 2002. His compensation for 2003 was paid in U.S. Dollars and reflects the period beginning upon his commencement of employment with us on June 21, 2003 and ending on December 31, 2003. |
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The following table sets forth information concerning grants of options to purchase ordinary shares during the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 to the named executive officers.
Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Individual Grants(1) | | Grant Date Value |
| Name | | Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options/SARs
Granted | | Percent of
Total
Options/SARs
Granted to
Employees in
Fiscal Year | | Exercise or
Base Price
($/Share) (2) | | Expiration
Date | | Grant Date
Present Value(3) |
| Christopher O'Kane | | | 991,830 | | | | 25.50 | % | | $ | 16.20 | | | August 19, 2013 | | $5.27 million |
| Julian Cusack | | | 338,180 | | | | 8.70 | % | | | 16.20 | | | August 19, 2013 | | 1.80 million |
| Sarah Davies | | | 316,940 | | | | 8.20 | % | | | 16.20 | | | August 19, 2013 | | 1.69 million |
| David May | | | 155,000 | | | | 4.00 | % | | | 16.20 | | | August 19, 2013 | | 0.82 million |
| Peter Coghlan | | | 80,000 | | | | 2.00 | % | | | 16.20 | | | August 19, 2013 | | 0.42 million |
|
| |
| (1) | As discussed further below under "—Share Incentive Plan," all options were granted pursuant to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan, 65% of the options granted are subject to time-based vesting with 20% vesting upon grant and 20% vesting on each December 31 of the calendar years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The remaining 35% of the options granted are subject to performance-based vesting determined by achievement of return on equity targets, and subject to achieving a threshold combined ratio target, in each case, over the applicable one or two year performance period. Any unvested and outstanding performance-based options will automatically vest on December 31, 2009. Vesting may be accelerated upon a change in control. For the performance-based options, vesting is accelerated upon attainment of certain performance goals. |
| |
| (2) | On the date of grant, the exercise price was calculated at £10.70 per ordinary share. The option award agreement at the time of grant provided that the exercise price was to be converted into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate of $1.5144558, the exchange rate used to convert shareholders' equity from British Pounds to U.S. Dollars on August 20, 2003. |
| |
| (3) | There was no public market for our ordinary shares on the date the options were granted. The fair value of each option has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model is based on the following assumptions: risk free interest rate of 4.7%; expected life of 7 years; a dividend yield of 0.6%; share price volatility of zero (as the minimum value method was utilized because the Company was not listed on the date that the options were issued); and foreign currency volatility of 9.4% (as the exercise price was in British Pounds and the share price of the Company is in U.S. Dollars). Although the exercise price was denominated in British Pounds, the grant date present value is shown in U.S. Dollars based on the exchange rate on August 20, 2003, the date of grant, at £1 to $1.5924. |
The following table sets forth information concerning the exercise of options to purchase ordinary shares by the named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2003, as well as the number and potential value of unexercised options (both options which are presently exercisable and options which are not presently exercisable) as of December 31, 2003.
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Fiscal Year 2003 and Year-End Option/SAR Values
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Shares
Acquired
on Exercise | | Value
Realized | | Number of Securities
Underlying
Options/SARs at
Fiscal Year-End | | Value of
Unexercised
In-the-Money
Options/SARs
at Fiscal Year-End(1) |
| Exercisable | | Unexercisable | | Exercisable | | Unexercisable | |
| Christopher O'Kane | | | — | | | | — | | | | 362,018 | | | | 629,812 | | | $ | 3,116,975 | | | $ | 5,422,681 | |
| Julian Cusack | | | — | | | | — | | | | 123,436 | | | | 214,744 | | | | 1,062,784 | | | | 1,848,945 | |
| Sarah Davies | | | — | | | | — | | | | 115,683 | | | | 201,257 | | | | 996,031 | | | | 1,732,823 | |
| David May | | | — | | | | — | | | | 56,575 | | | | 98,425 | | | | 487,111 | | | | 847,439 | |
| Peter Coghlan | | | — | | | | — | | | | 29,200 | | | | 50,800 | | | | 251,412 | | | | 437,388 | |
|
| |
| (1) | Calculated based upon a price of $24.81 per share of the Company's ordinary shares at
December 31, 2003, less the option exercise price. |
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Employment-Related Agreements
The following information summarizes the new service agreements for Messrs. O'Kane and Cusack and Ms. Davies, all of which commenced on September 24, 2004. The agreement with Mr. May commenced on June 21, 2002 and the agreement with Mr. Coghlan commenced on June 21, 2003. In respect of each of the agreements with Messrs. O'Kane and Cusack and Ms. Davies:
| |
| (i) | employment terminates automatically when the employee reaches 65 years of age. |
| |
| (ii) | employment may be terminated for cause if: |
| | |
| • | the employee becomes bankrupt, is convicted of a serious criminal offence, commits serious misconduct or other conduct bringing the executive or Aspen Holdings or any of its subsidiaries into disrepute; |
| | |
| • | the employee materially breaches any provisions of the service agreement or conducts himself/herself in a manner prejudicial to the business; |
| | |
| • | the employee is disqualified from being a director; |
| | |
| • | the employee breaches any code of conduct or ceases to be registered by any regulatory body; or |
| | |
| • | the employee materially breaches any provision of the shareholder's agreement with Aspen Holdings. |
| |
| (iii) | employment may be terminated by the employee without notice for good reason if: |
| | |
| • | the employee's annual salary or bonus opportunity is reduced; |
| | |
| • | there is a material diminution in the employee's duties, authority, responsibilities or title, or the employee is assigned duties materially inconsistent with his/her positions; |
| | |
| • | the employee is removed from any of his/her positions or is not elected or reelected to such positions; |
| | |
| • | an adverse change in the employee's reporting relationship occurs; or |
| | |
| • | the employee is required to relocate more than 50 miles from the employee's current office; |
provided that, in each case, the default has not been cured within 30 days of receipt of a written notice from the employee.
| |
| (iv) | if the employee is terminated without cause or resigns with good reason (as defined in the agreement), the employee is entitled to receive accrued salary and benefits, and an amount equal to two times the sum of the employee's highest salary during the term of the agreement and the average annual bonus paid to the executive in the previous three years (or lesser period if employed less than three years). 50% of this severance payment is paid to the employee within 14 days of the execution by the employee of a valid release and the remaining 50% is paid in four equal installments during the 12 months following the first anniversary of the date of termination, conditional on the employee complying with the non-solicitation provisions applying during that period; |
| |
| (v) | if the employee is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason in the six months prior to a change of control or the two-year period following a change of control, in addition to the benefits discussed above, all share options and other equity-based awards granted to the executive during the course of the agreement shall immediately vest and remain exercisable in accordance with their terms. In addition, the employee may be entitled to excise tax gross-up payments; |
| |
| (vi) | the agreement contains provisions relating to reimbursement of expenses, confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation; and |
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| |
| (vii) | the employees have for the benefit of their respective beneficiaries life cover of four times their basic salary which is fully insured by the Company and there are no key man insurance policies in place. |
Christopher O'Kane. Mr. O'Kane has entered into a service agreement with Aspen Insurance UK Services Limited and Aspen Holdings under which he has agreed to serve as Chief Executive Officer and director of both companies, terminable upon 12 months' notice by either party. The agreement provides that Mr. O'Kane shall be paid an annual salary of £346,830, subject to annual review. Mr. O'Kane's service agreement also entitles him to participate in all management incentive plans and other employee benefits and fringe benefit plans made available to other senior executives or employees generally, including continued membership in Aspen's pension scheme and to medical insurance, permanent health insurance, personal accident insurance and life insurance. The service agreement also provides for a discretionary bonus to be awarded annually as the Compensation Committee of our board may determine.
Julian Cusack. Mr. Cusack has entered into a service agreement with Aspen Holdings under which he has agreed to serve as Executive Vice President, Group Chief Financial Officer and director of Aspen Holdings, terminable upon 12 months' notice by either party. The agreement provides that Mr. Cusack shall be paid an annual salary of US$342,000 and £30,000, both subject to annual review. Mr. Cusack is also entitled to reimbursement of housing costs in Bermuda, up to a maximum of US$180,000 per annum, two return airfares per annum for him and his family from Bermuda to the U.K. as well as reimbursement of reasonable relocation expenses. Mr. Cusack's service agreement also entitles him to participate in all management incentive plans and other employee benefits and fringe benefit plans made available to other senior executives or employees generally, including continued membership in Aspen's pension scheme and to medical insurance, permanent health insurance, personal accident insurance and life insurance. The service agreement also provides for a discretionary bonus to be awarded annually as the Compensation Committee of our board may determine.
Sarah Davies. Ms Davies has entered into a service agreement with Aspen Insurance UK Services Limited and Aspen Holdings under which she has agreed to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of both companies and as a director of Aspen Insurance UK Services Limited, terminable upon 12 months' notice by either party. The agreement provides that Ms. Davies shall be paid an annual salary of £180,000, subject to annual review. Ms. Davies' service agreement also entitles her to participate in all management incentive plans and other employee benefits and fringe benefit plans made available to other senior executives or employees generally, including continued membership in Aspen's pension scheme and to medical insurance, permanent health insurance, personal accident insurance and life insurance. The service agreement also provides for a discretionary bonus to be awarded annually as the Compensation Committee of our board may determine.
David May. Aspen U.K. Services has entered into a management services contract with Mr. May under which he has agreed to serve as our Chief Casualty Underwriter, terminable upon 12 months' notice by either party. The agreement provides that Mr. May will be paid an annual salary which is subject to review from time to time. Mr. May's management services contract also entitles him to participate in any pension scheme which is established by our board, and to private medical insurance, permanent health insurance, personal accident insurance and life assurance. The management services contract also provides for a discretionary bonus to be awarded at such times and at such level as the Compensation Committee of our board may determine. Mr. May's employment terminates automatically if employment terminates automatically when he reaches 65 years of age, if he is a director of the Company and ceases to be a director, if he becomes bankrupt, is convicted of a serious criminal offence, or serious misconduct or if he is disqualified from being a director or ceases to be registered by any regulatory body. Mr. May for the benefit of his beneficiaries has life cover of four times his basic salary which is fully insured by the Company.
Peter Coghlan. Aspen U.S. Services has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Coghlan, effective as of June 21, 2003, under which he has agreed to serve as the President and Chief
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Executive Officer of Aspen Specialty. The initial term of the agreement will expire on June 21, 2005, subject to automatic one-year extensions beginning on the first anniversary of the effective date unless either party provides at least 12 months' prior notice. The agreement provides that Mr. Coghlan will receive (i) an annual salary of $400,000, subject to periodic review for increases (but which may not be decreased below $400,000), (ii) an annual bonus with a target payout of 5.2% of the profits of Aspen Specialty (based on achievement of a 20% return on equity), and (iii) a grant of 80,000 share options pursuant to the Company's 2003 Share Incentive Plan (as defined under "—Share Incentive Plan"). Mr. Coghlan's employment agreement also entitles him to participate in any fringe benefit or other employee benefit plan provided to other senior officers of Aspen U.S. Services, and his dependents are entitled to coverage under Aspen U.S. Services' health and welfare benefit plans.
If Mr. Coghlan's employment terminates as a result of his death or disability (as defined in the agreement), then he would be entitled to (i) payment of accrued but unpaid salary, earned but unpaid bonuses for the prior year, accrued but unused vacation days, and unreimbursed business expenses (the "Accrued Obligations") and (ii) a prorated annual bonus for the year of termination. If Mr. Coghlan's employment is terminated by Aspen U.S. Services for cause (as defined in the agreement), then he would be entitled to payment of the Accrued Obligations. If Mr. Coghlan's employment is terminated by Aspen U.S. Services for other than cause, death or disability, or by Mr. Coghlan with good reason (as defined in the agreement), then he would be entitled to receive, in addition to the severance benefits to which he would be entitled if his employment were terminated on account of his death or disability, a lump sum payment equal to his annual salary in effect at the time of termination (disregarding any reduction that would constitute good reason under the agreement). Except in the case of Mr. Coghlan's death, Aspen U.S. Services' obligation to pay severance benefits under the agreement is conditioned upon Mr. Coghlan's release of Aspen U.S. Services and its affiliates from all claims (in which case Aspen U.S. Services will execute a reciprocal release).
Mr. Coghlan's employment agreement provides for a one-year non-solicitation covenant following termination of employment along with an ongoing confidentiality requirement. In addition, Mr. Coghlan's employment agreement provides for a one-year non-competition covenant following termination of employment if his employment is terminated by Aspen U.S. Services for cause or by him without good reason.
Mr. Coghlan's employment agreement entitles him to participation in an unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). Under the SERP, effective January 1, 2004, Aspen U.S. Services will credit, subject to satisfactory performance of Aspen Specialty, Mr. Coghlan's SERP account with a $119,500 annual contribution. Aspen U.S. Services has the discretion to credit Mr. Coghlan's account with additional contributions. Interest will be credited on the account balance at an annual rate of 6%. Annual contributions and interest credited thereon are 100% vested at all times. Discretionary contributions and interest credited thereon vest as provided by Aspen U.S. Services, provided that Mr. Coghlan will become 100% vested in his discretionary contributions (and interest credited thereon) upon his death or upon his termination of employment after reaching age 60. The present value of the projected benefit payments to Mr. Coghlan at age 60, under the SERP, will be approximately $1.25 million.
If Mr. Coghlan's employment is terminated following his attainment of age 60, his benefits will be distributed as soon as administratively practicable after termination of employment in the manner specified in his distribution election or, if he fails to make a distribution election, in 23 annual instalments. If Mr. Coghlan's employment is terminated prior to his attainment of 60, his benefits will be distributed as soon as administratively practicable after termination of employment in the manner specified in his distribution election or, if he fails to make a distribution election, in 10 annual instalments. If Mr. Coghlan's employment is terminated by reason of his death prior to commencement of benefits, his benefits will be distributed to his designated beneficiary as soon as practicable after his death.
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Aspen U.S. Services has purchased a corporate-owned life insurance policy to provide a source of funds for it to satisfy its obligations under the SERP. The annual premium for the policy is $206,953 and Aspen U.S. Services will make five premium payments under the policy beginning in 2003.
Annual Bonus Plan
On March 12, 2004, bonus payments were approved for our officers based on the final terms of the bonus scheme and the performance of the Company for fiscal year ending 2003. Each year, officers that participate in the annual bonus plan will be eligible to receive a bonus based upon the officer's achievement of annual performance targets that have been established by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors. The Compensation Committee will establish a bonus pool at the end of each year, with the amount of such pool determined based upon our year-end results. The pool will then be allocated to officers based upon their individual performance with respect to their performance targets.
Share Incentive Plan
We have adopted the Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited 2003 Share Incentive Plan ("2003 Share Incentive Plan") to aid us in recruiting and retaining key employees and directors and to motivate such employees and directors.
The plan provides for the grant to selected employees and non-employee directors of share options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares and other share-based awards. The shares subject to initial grant of options (the "initial grant options") will represent an aggregate of 5.75% of our ordinary shares on a fully diluted basis (3,884,030 shares), assuming the exercise of all outstanding options issued to Wellington and the Names' Trustee. In addition, an aggregate of 2.5% of our ordinary shares on a fully diluted basis (1,840,540 shares), are reserved for additional grant or issuance of share options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares and/or other share-based awards as and when determined in the sole discretion of our board of directors or the Compensation Committee. No award may be granted under the plan after the tenth anniversary of its effective date. The plan provides for equitable adjustment of affected terms of the plan and outstanding awards in the event of any change in the outstanding ordinary shares by reason of any share dividend or split, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, combination or transaction or exchange of shares or other corporate exchange, or any distribution to shareholders of shares other than regular cash dividends or any similar transaction. In the event of a change in control (as defined in the plan), our board of directors or the Compensation Committee may accelerate, vest or cause the restrictions to lapse with respect to, all or any portion of an award (except that shares subject to the initial grant options shall vest); or cancel awards for fair value; or provide for the issuance of substitute awards that substantially preserve the terms of any affected awards; or provide that for a period of at least 15 days prior to the change in control share options will be exercisable and that upon the occurrence of the change in control, such options shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.
The initial grant options have a term of ten years and an exercise price of $16.20 per share, which price was calculated based on 109% of the calculated fair market value of our ordinary shares as of May 29, 2003 and was determined by an independent consultant. Sixty-five percent of the initial grant options are subject to time-based vesting with 20% vesting upon grant and 20% vesting on each December 31 of calendar years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The remaining 35% of the initial grant options are subject to performance-based vesting determined by achievement of return on equity targets, and subject to achieving a threshold combined ratio target, in each case, over the applicable one or two-year performance period. Initial grant options that do not vest based on the applicable performance targets may vest in later years to the extent performance in such years exceeds 100% of the applicable targets, and in any event, any unvested and outstanding performance-based initial grant options will become vested on December 31, 2009. Upon termination of a participant's employment, any unvested options shall be forfeited, except that if the termination is due to death or disability (as defined in the option agreement), the time-based portion of the initial grant options shall vest to the extent such option would have otherwise become vested within 12 months immediately succeeding
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such termination due to death or disability. Upon termination of employment, vested initial grant options will be exercisable, subject to expiration of the options, until (i) the first anniversary of termination due to death or disability or, for nine members of senior management, without cause or for good reason (as those terms are defined in the option agreement), (ii) six months following termination without cause or for good reason for all other participants, (iii) three months following termination by the participant for any reason other than those stated in (i) or (ii) above or (iv) the date of termination for cause. As provided in the plan, in the event of a change in control unvested and outstanding initial grant options shall immediately become fully vested.
The initial grant options may be exercised by payment in cash or its equivalent, in ordinary shares, in a combination of cash and ordinary shares, or by broker-assisted cashless exercise. The initial grant options are not transferable by a participant during his or her lifetime other than to family members, family trusts, and family partnerships.
On March 12, 2004, our board of directors approved, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the grant of 37,665 restricted share units under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan to six employees of a subsidiary of the Company. Subject to the participants' continued employment, the units will vest in tranches with one-third of the units vesting on each of December 31, 2004, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006. Vesting of a participant's units may be accelerated, however, if the participant's employment with the Company and its subsidiaries is terminated without cause (as defined in such participant's award agreement), on account of the participant's death or disability (as defined in such participant's award agreement), or, with respect to one of the participants, by the participant with good reason (as defined in such participant's award agreement). Participants will be paid one ordinary share for each unit that vests as soon as practicable following the vesting date.
Recipients of the restricted share units generally will not be entitled to any rights of a holder of ordinary shares, including the right to vote, unless and until their units vest and ordinary shares are issued; provided, however, that participants will be entitled to receive dividend equivalents with respect to their units. Dividend equivalents will be denominated in cash and paid in cash if and when the underlying units vest. Participants may, however, elect to defer the receipt of any ordinary shares upon the vesting of units, in which case payment will not be made until such time or times as the participant may elect. Payment of deferred share units would be in ordinary shares with any cash dividend equivalents credited with respect to such deferred share units paid in cash.
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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDER
The following table sets forth information as of September 1, 2004 (including, in this table only, options that would be exercisable by October 31, 2004 (namely, within 60 days after September 1, 2004)) regarding beneficial ownership of ordinary shares and the applicable voting rights attached to such share ownership in accordance with our bye-laws by:
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| • | the Names' Trustee as the selling shareholder; |
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| • | each person known by us to beneficially own approximately 5% or more of our outstanding ordinary shares; |
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| • | each of our directors; |
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| • | each of our named executive officers; and |
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| • | all of our named executive officers and directors as a group. |
As of September 1, 2004, 69,174,303 ordinary shares were outstanding.
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| | | Beneficial Ownership of
Principal Shareholders
Prior to the Offering (2) | | Number of
Ordinary
Shares
Offered | | Beneficial Ownership of
Principal Shareholders
After the Offering (2)(3) |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) | | Number | | Percentage | | Number | | Percentage | |
| Harrington Trust Limited | | | 3,511,969 | (4) | | | 4.90 | % | | | 229,437 | (5) | | | 2,579,051 | (5) | | | 3.72 | %(6) |
(Appleby Trust (Bermuda) Limited as of October 1, 2004)
Argyle House
41a Cedar Avenue
Hamilton HM 12
Bermuda
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| The Blackstone Group(7) | | | 18,000,000 | | | | 26.02 | % | | | — | | | | 18,000,000 | | | | 25.96 | % |
345 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10154 | |
| Wellington Underwriting plc(8) | | | 15,043,580 | | | | 20.62 | % | | | — | | | | 15,043,580 | | | | 21.70 | % |
88 Leadenhall Street
London EC3A 3BA
United Kingdom
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| Credit Suisse First Boston Private Equity(9) | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 10.12 | % | | | — | | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 10.10 | % |
11 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10010
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| Candover Investments plc, its subsidiaries and funds under management(10) | | | 6,980,700 | | | | 10.09 | % | | | — | | | | 6,980,700 | | | | 10.07 | % |
20 Old Bailey
London EC4M 7LN
United Kingdom
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| Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd.(11) | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 5.78 | % | | | — | | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 5.77 | % |
Mintflower Place
8 Par-La-Ville Road
Hamilton HM08
Bermuda | |
| Paul Myners(12) | | | 214,650 | | | | | * | | | — | | | | 214,650 | | | | | * |
| Christopher O'Kane(13) | | | 392,448 | | | | | * | | | — | | | | 392,448 | | | | | * |
| Julian Cusack(14) | | | 136,476 | | | | | * | | | — | | | | 136,476 | | | | | * |
| Sarah Davies(15) | | | 128,723 | | | | | * | | | — | | | | 128,723 | | | | | * |
| David May(16) | | | 63,095 | | | | | * | | | — | | | | 63,095 | | | | | * |
| Peter Coghlan(17) | | | 29,200 | | | | | * | | | — | | | | 29,200 | | | | | * |
| Julian Avery(18) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | | | | — | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Beneficial Ownership of
Principal Shareholders
Prior to the Offering (2) | | Number of
Ordinary
Shares
Offered | | Beneficial Ownership of
Principal Shareholders
After the Offering (2)(3) |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) | | Number | | Percentage | | Number | | Percentage | |
| Ian Cormack(19) | | | 17,040 | | | | | * | | | — | | | | 17,040 | | | | | * |
| Heidi Hutter(20) | | | 34,084 | | | | | * | | | — | | | | 34,084 | | | | | * |
| Prakash Melwani(21) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| Norman Rosenthal(22) | | | 21,720 | | | | | * | | | — | | | | 21,720 | | | | | * |
| Kamil M. Salame(23) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
| All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons) | | | 1,037,436 | | | | 1.48 | % | | | — | | | | 1,037,436 | | | | 1.48 | % |
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| * | Less than 1% |
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| (1) | Unless otherwise stated, the address for each director and officer is c/o Aspen Insurance UK Limited, 100 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 3DD, United Kingdom. The address for Mr. Cusack is c/o Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Victoria Hall, 11 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. |
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| (2) | Includes the outstanding ordinary shares and, with respect to Wellington and the Names' Trustee, assumes the exercise of all outstanding options on a cash basis by Wellington or the Names' Trustee, as the case may be, to purchase non-voting shares, which non-voting shares so acquired will automatically convert into ordinary shares upon issuance. We note that both the Names' Trustee and Wellington have the ability to exercise their options on a cashless basis, which would impact the number of ordinary shares issued upon exercise. However, we are unable at this time to calculate the number of ordinary shares issued upon a cashless exercise of the outstanding options not exercised in connection with this offering, because the calculation involves average market price of the ordinary shares over a period of time prior to the exercise date, we have assumed for purposes of this table that the options are exercised on a cash basis. Ordinary shares issued upon the exercise of options on a cashless basis will be issued as a bonus issue of shares in accordance with section 40(2)(a) of the Companies Act. This section provides that the share premium account of a company may be applied in paying up shares issued to shareholders as fully paid shares. |
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| With respect to the named executive officers and directors, includes any vested options as applicable. |
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| Our bye-laws generally provide for voting adjustments in certain circumstances. |
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| (3) | Includes 151,788 ordinary shares issued to the Names' Trustee in connection with the exercise of the Names' Options. |
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| (4) | Includes 945,353 ordinary shares and options to purchase 2,566,616 non-voting shares. Options held by the Names' Trustee for the benefit of the Unaligned Members become exercisable or lapse upon the occurrence of several events as further described in "Description of Share Capital — Investor Options," and which non-voting shares will automatically convert into ordinary shares at a one-to-one ratio upon issuance. The Names' Trustee, as the successor trustee of the Names' Trust, is the holder of ordinary shares and options in the Company for the benefit of the Unaligned Members effective November 2003. |
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| (5) | The number of ordinary shares offered in this prospectus consist of 145,239 ordinary shares issued upon exercise of the Names' Options and 84,198 shares previously held by the Names' Trustee. In connection with this offering, the selling shareholder has delivered a notice to the Company on September 17, 2004 that it will exercise 855,269 (with 1,711,347 Names' Options remaining outstanding) Names' Options, with 5,068 being exercised on a cash basis at an exercise price of £11.09 assuming an exercise date of September 30, 2004 and 850,201 Names' Options being exercised on a cashless basis, resulting in 146,720 ordinary shares being issued assuming an exercise date of September 30, 2004. As a result of the exercise of Names' Options, a total of 151,788 ordinary shares will be issued. The number of ordinary shares issued upon exercise of the Names' Options may vary as the exercise date is dependent on the date of effectiveness of this registration statement. |
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| (6) | Because the offering contemplated by this prospectus is not being underwritten, no estimate can be given as to the actual number of ordinary shares that will ultimately be sold in this offering. For purposes of this table, we have assumed that all ordinary shares offered by the selling shareholder will be sold. |
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| (7) | Includes 13,730,800 ordinary shares held by BCP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, 1,042,220 ordinary shares held by BFIP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, 629,720 ordinary shares held by BGE Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited and 2,597,260 ordinary shares held by BOCP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited. Blackstone FI2 Capital Partners (Cayman) L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership ("BCP III"), Blackstone FI Offshore Capital Partners (Cayman) L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership ("BOCP III") and Blackstone Family Investment Partnership (Cayman) III L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership ("BFIP III"), are the sole members of BCP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, BOCP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, and BFIP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, respectively. As the sole general partner of each of BCP III and BFIP III, and the sole investment general partner of BOCP III, Blackstone Management Associates III L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company ("BMA III"), may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 17,370,280 ordinary shares. As the sole member of BGE Excalibur II Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted limited company, which itself is the sole director and sole voting member of BGE Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted limited company ("BGE"), Blackstone LR Associates (Cayman) III LDC, a Cayman Islands limited duration company ("BLR III") may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 629,720 ordinary shares. Messrs. Peter G. Peterson and Stephen A. Schwarzman are the founding members of each of BMA III and BLR III (the "Blackstone Founding Members") and have the shared power to vote or to direct the vote of, and to dispose or to direct the disposition of, the shares of the identified class of securities that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by BMA III or BLR III. As a result, the Blackstone Founding Members may be deemed to beneficially own the ordinary shares that BMA III or BLR III may be deemed to beneficially own, but they disclaim any such beneficial ownership except to the extent of their individual pecuniary interest in such ordinary shares. |
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| (8) | Includes 11,262,460 ordinary shares and options to purchase 3,781,120 non-voting shares, which options have become exercisable or lapse upon the occurrence of several events as further described in "Description of Share Capital — Investor Options," and which non-voting shares will automatically convert into ordinary shares at a one-to-one ratio upon issuance. We have been notified by Wellington that it has entered into a loan agreement with Barclays Bank plc and a syndicate of banks. Wellington has pledged its ordinary shares in Aspen Holdings to Barclays Bank plc and the syndicate under the loan facility. If Wellington defaults under the loan agreement, it is possible that Barclays and the syndicate would become shareholders in Aspen Holdings. |
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| (9) | Includes 968,080 ordinary shares held by MBP III Plan Investors, L.P., 9,330 ordinary shares held by Millennium Partners II, L.P., 46,300 ordinary shares held by DLJ MB Partners III GmbH & Co. KG, 69,780 ordinary shares held by DLJ Offshore Partners III-2, C.V., 97,970 ordinary shares held by DLJ Offshore Partners III-1, C.V., 379,060 ordinary shares held by DLJ Offshore Partners III, C.V., and 5,429,480 ordinary shares held by DLJMB Overseas Partners III, C.V., which, along with all of the shareholders named in this footnote are referred to collectively as the "DLJ Related Entities." Credit Suisse First Boston, a Swiss bank, owns all the voting stock of Credit Suisse First Boston (USA), Inc. (formerly Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc.) ("CSFB-USA"). The DLJ Related Entities are direct and indirect subsidiaries of CSFB-USA and merchant banking funds advised by subsidiaries of CSFB USA. Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, one of the underwriters in our initial public offering, is a direct subsidiary of CSFB-USA and itself does not hold any ownership interest in either CSFB Private Equity or any of the DLJ Related Entities. Affiliates of DLJ Related Entities own an approximately 9.1% interest in Montpelier Re, which is also a beneficial owner of the ordinary shares of the Company. See footnote (7) below. |
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| (10) | Includes 783,050 ordinary shares held by Candover Investments plc, 35,620 ordinary shares held by Candover (Trustees) Limited, 153,790 ordinary shares held by Candover 2001 GmbH & Co. KG, 466,630 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 5 Limited Partnership, 111,680 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 4 Limited Partnership, 394,250 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 3 Limited Partnership, 699,290 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 2 Limited Partnership, 1,109,410 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 1 Limited Partnership, 634,880 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 6 Limited Partnership, 81,490 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 5 Limited Partnership, 115,670 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 4 Limited Partnership, 1,170,400 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 3 Limited Partnership, 365,420 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 2 Limited Partnership and 859,120 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 1 Limited Partnership, but excludes 19,300 ordinary shares held by Mourant & Co. Trustees Limited ("Mourant") as trustee of The Candover 2001 Employee Benefit Trust. |
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| (11) | 4,000,000 ordinary shares are held by Montpelier Reinsurance Ltd., a direct subsidiary of Montpelier Re. |
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| (12) | Includes 100,000 ordinary shares and 114,650 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Mr. Myners. |
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| (13) | Includes 30,430 ordinary shares and 362,018 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Mr. O'Kane. |
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| (14) | Includes and 13,040 ordinary shares and 123,436 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Mr. Cusack. |
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| (15) | Includes 13,040 ordinary shares and 115,683 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Ms. Davies. |
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| (16) | The 6,520 ordinary shares held by Mr. May include 300 ordinary shares held by Mr. May's son Aaron Nicholas May, 300 ordinary shares held by his son Jacob Marcus May, 300 ordinary shares held by his daughter Kendra Bethany May and 300 ordinary shares held by his son Toby Sebastian May. Also includes 56,575 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Mr. May. |
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| (17) | Represents 29,200 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Mr. Coghlan. |
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| (18) | Mr. Avery, one of our directors, is Chief Executive Officer of Wellington. As Chief Executive Officer and a director of Wellington, Mr. Avery has the ability to influence voting and investment decisions over the securities beneficially owned by Wellington. The business address of Mr. Avery is c/o Wellington Underwriting plc, 88 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 3BA, United Kingdom. |
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| (19) | Includes 2,170 ordinary shares and 14,870 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Mr. Cormack. |
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| (20) | Ms. Hutter, one of our directors, is the beneficial owner of 870 ordinary shares. As Chief Executive Officer of The Black Diamond Group, LLC, Ms. Hutter has shared voting and investment power over the 3,470 ordinary shares beneficially owned by The Black Diamond Group, LLC. The business address of Ms. Hutter is c/o Black Diamond Group, 780 Third Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10017. Ms. Hutter also holds vested options exercisable for 29,744 ordinary shares. |
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| (21) | Mr. Melwani, one of our directors, is a Senior Managing Director in the Private Equity Group of Blackstone. Mr. Melwani disclaims beneficial ownership of any of the ordinary shares or options held by Blackstone. The business address of Mr. Melwani is c/o The Blackstone Group L.P., 345 Park Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10154. |
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| (22) | Includes 6,850 ordinary shares and 14,870 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Mr. Rosenthal. Mr. Rosenthal, one of our directors, was nominated by Blackstone and appointed by the board of directors. Mr. Rosenthal disclaims beneficial ownership of any of the ordinary shares held by Blackstone. The business address of Mr. Rosenthal is c/o Norman L. Rosenthal & Associates, Inc., 415 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. |
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| (23) | Mr. Salame, one of our directors, is a Director in the Private Equity Group of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, of which the DLJ Related Entities are a part. Mr. Salame disclaims beneficial ownership of any of the ordinary shares owned by the DLJ Related Entities. The business address of Mr. Salame is c/o DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, Credit Suisse First Boston Private Equity, Eleven Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10010. |
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
We describe below some of the transactions we have entered into with parties that are related to our Company.
Transactions and Relationships with Initial Investors
Certain of our founding shareholders, including Blackstone, CSFB Private Equity, Olympus, Candover, Mourant & Co. Trustees Limited ("Mourant"), 3i, Phoenix, Montpelier Re and The Lexicon Partnership LLP ("Lexicon"), received $10.0 million (applying the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate at $1.5000 to £6.7 million) in the aggregate for assistance with Aspen Holdings' initial funding completed on June 21, 2002 and second funding completed on November 29, 2002.
Aspen Holdings and Aspen Re have entered into a number of arrangements with Wellington and some of its affiliates. Wellington is a holder of 16.28% of our ordinary shares as of March 1, 2004. These arrangements are as follows:
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| • | Quota Share Agreements. Aspen Re obtained some of its 2002 business through reinsuring National Indemnity Company ("NICO") and Syndicate 3030. Syndicate 2020, managed by WUAL, placed a qualifying quota share contract with NICO, a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies under which it ceded 35.7% of all Syndicate 2020's business, excluding U.S. surplus lines business, effective between January 1, 2002 and May 31, 2002, plus all surplus lines business written between June 1, 2002 and June 30, 2002. WUAL established a consortium Syndicate 3030, with the backing of the Berkshire Hathaway group companies, with which it placed a 35.7% share of all business effective between June 1, 2002 and December 31, 2002, excluding U.S. surplus lines business written between June 1, 2002 and June 30, 2002. With respect to the qualifying quota share contract with NICO, Aspen Re entered into a quota share contract under which it has reinsured 34% of NICO's liabilities under the qualifying quota share agreement with Syndicate 2020. Aspen Re also entered into a quota share agreement with Syndicate 3030 for 2002 only in respect of 70% of its portfolio, whose single corporate member is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group. Of Aspen Re's gross written premiums of $374.8 million for the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002, $98.2 million was written as retrocession of the Syndicate 2020 qualifying quota share and $118.0 million as a quota share of Syndicate 3030. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, gross premiums written under the 2003 quota share agreement with Syndicate 2020 were $78.4 million. |
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| • | Option to Purchase Retrocession Agreement. Under this agreement entered into on May 28, 2002, Wellington and Aspen Holdings agreed to pay NICO $2.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively, to procure (i) the retrocession to a subsidiary of Aspen Holdings of the NICO qualifying quota share of Syndicate 2020 and (ii) the reinsurance of Syndicate 3030. On June 21, 2002, the amount of $2.5 million was repaid to Wellington by Aspen Holdings (reimbursed by Aspen Re on the same day) together with a fee of $275,000 for bearing the risk from May 28, 2002. |
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| • | Framework Agreement. Under the framework agreement entered into by and among Aspen Holdings, Aspen U.K. Services, Wellington, WUAL, WUSL and WU Inc. on May 28, 2002, Aspen Holdings agreed to cause Aspen Re to offer Syndicate 2020, for 2003 and each subsequent year of account, a 20% quota share of Aspen Re's business (comprising the lines of business previously underwritten by Syndicate 2020) during such year. WUAL agreed, on behalf of Syndicate 2020, to offer to Aspen Re for 2003 and each subsequent year of account, a 20% quota share of all business (other than Aspen Re lines) allocated to that year of account of Syndicate 2020's business. For 2003, Aspen Re elected to take up a 7.5% quota share of Syndicate 2020 lines, and WUAL, on behalf of Syndicate 2020, has elected not to accept any quota share reinsurance of Aspen Re. Neither Aspen Re nor WUAL on behalf of Syndicate 2020 will be obligated to offer a quota share to the other after the 2005 year of account. Under the framework agreement, Wellington, WUAL, WUSL and WU Inc. initially |
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| | agreed, until March 31, 2004, not to, subject to exceptions, compete with Aspen Re or engage in activities that will directly or indirectly foster competition with Aspen Re in the property reinsurance, U.S. and non-U.S. casualty reinsurance and U.K. commercial insurance lines of business that were previously written by Syndicate 2020 and currently written by Aspen Re. However, we have agreed with Wellington to terminate such non-competition obligations with effect from December 9, 2003. As part of that agreement, WUAL has waived its right to take a quota share of the business written by Aspen Re for 2004 only. For 2004 only we have also waived our right to take a quota share of business written by Syndicate 2020. |
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| • | Binding Authority Letters. Aspen Re had entered into three binding authority letters with WU Inc. to underwrite and market our U.S. facultative property and casualty products effective January 1, 2003, two of which expired on December 31, 2003. The remaining binding authority relating to casualty facultative reinsurance has been transferred from WU Inc. to Aspen Re America, together with the team that wrote this business at WU Inc. See "Business — Underwriting and Risk Management." |
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| • | Administrative Services Agreement. At formation, Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries entered into an administrative services agreement as of June 21, 2002, for the provision of services that include accounting, actuarial, operations, risk management and technical support by a subsidiary of Wellington. The agreement may be terminated by either party upon the occurrence of certain specified circumstances, such as the inability to pay debts, and after an initial period of 3 years may be terminated by either party on 18 months' prior notice. We may also terminate individual services under the agreement on six months' notice provided they are not contracted to a third party. The provision of these services is priced on an actual cost basis. For the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002, we paid $2.6 million to Wellington and its affiliates under the administrative services agreement. During 2003 we have progressively reduced our reliance on the services provided under this agreement by developing our own in-house resources. We have chosen to continue to outsource support for our information technology systems to Wellington, but we have not received any other significant services from WUAL since the end of 2003. We paid approximately $8.4 million for services under this agreement in 2003. On December 19, 2003, WUAL gave notice of termination, effective 18 months after such date. |
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| • | IT Services Agreement. Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services have entered into an IT services agreement with WUSL, Wellington and WUAL as of January 9, 2004 for the provision of information technology services by WUSL. The agreement is for an indefinite period but may be terminated by either party upon the occurrence of certain specified circumstances, such as the other party's inability to pay debts, and may be terminated by either party on 12 months' prior notice. This agreement replaces the administrative services agreement described above in relation to information technology services. |
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| • | Run-Off Services Agreement. Aspen U.K. Services has entered into a run-off services agreement with WUAL as of May 20, 2003 to handle the run-off of the claims for Syndicate 2020, Syndicate 3030 and their predecessors for the lines of business that were assumed by the Company. Under the agreement, Aspen Holdings acts as guarantor of the services to be performed by Aspen U.K. Services. The commencement period was as of June 21, 2002, and the agreement may be terminated by either party on 3 months' notice. Under certain circumstances, including regulatory requirements and change of control, the agreement may be terminated immediately by either party. Services are charged on an at-cost basis. Aspen U.K. Services is in the process of replacing this agreement with a similar one for reduced services. |
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| • | Indemnification Agreement. In connection with the preparation of the Syndicate 2020 and 3030 Financial Information included in the prospectus relating to our initial public offering, we agreed with WUAL and Wellington, in their capacity as the providers of such information, to jointly represent to KPMG as to certain facts and circumstances surrounding the |
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| | preparation of the financial information of the Syndicates. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify Wellington, WUAL and their respective directors for any liability or loss incurred as a result of investigating, disputing or settling any claim arising out of provision of the representation to KPMG, the content of the financial information of the Syndicates as presented in the filings with the SEC or the public filings of such information with the SEC, other than the liabilities or losses found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct of Wellington, WUAL or their respective directors. |
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| • | Option Instrument. In connection with our formation and initial funding, Wellington and the Names' Trustee received options to purchase, respectively, 3,781,120 and 3,006,760 non-voting shares exercisable or lapsing upon the earlier occurrence of several events, which non-voting shares will automatically convert into ordinary shares at a one-to-one ratio upon issuance. |
We have agreed with the Names' Trustee, a holder of 945,353 ordinary shares and the holder of 2,566,616 Names' Options as of September 1, 2004, the following:
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| • | Taxation Funding Facility Agreement. On June 21, 2002, we entered into the taxation funding facility agreement with the Names' Trustee, as trustee of the Names' Trust. Under that agreement, we agreed to make available cash advances to the Names' Trust to enable the Names' Trustee to make sub-advances to the Unaligned Members to fund payment of taxation payable on the value of rights granted to the Unaligned Members in respect of options granted to them and taxation payable in respect of contingent payments received under the profit commission agreement. The value of the rights is the amount agreed in principle by Aspen Holdings with the U.K. Inland Revenue prior to December 31, 2003, or, if no such agreement has been reached by then, the amount estimated by us in good faith, with provisions for upward adjustment in the event that the amount subsequently agreed with the U.K. Inland Revenue is higher. Any taxation payable by the Unaligned Members on these rights, which we may have to advance, will be based on such determination of value. If no value is realized by the Unaligned Members, or to the extent that the value realized (after tax) is less than the advance, we have agreed to waive repayment. We expect that it is most likely that we will not incur any liability under the Taxation Funding Facility Agreement prior to 2006. |
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| • | Deed of Retirement, Appointment and Amendment. In connection with the appointment of the Names' Trustee as successor trustee to the Names' Trust, Aspen Holdings has entered into a deed of retirement, appointment and amendment with the Names' Trustee as successor trustee, the Names' Trustees Limited (the "Predecessor Trustee"), as initial trustee, and WUSL, whereby the Names' Trustee's liability is limited under the various agreements which it administers for the benefit of the Unaligned Members under the Names' Trust. We have agreed to indemnify the Predecessor Trustee and its directors and officers with respect to any present or future liabilities arising out of or as a result of its trusteeship, except for any liabilities that may arise out of any breach of trust, fraud or willful misconduct. We have also agreed to indemnify the Names' Trustee and its officers, directors and employees for any liabilities arising out of any act or omission with respect to the formation and enforcement of the agreements which it administers for the benefit of the Unaligned Members under the Names' Trust, except for any liabilities arising out of the Names' Trustee's breach of trust, fraud, willful misconduct or negligence. We have further agreed to indemnify the Names' Trustee for any liabilities, subject to limitations, that may arise under agreements with underwriters in connection with a sale of ordinary shares by the Names' Trustee in a secondary underwritten offering in the United States, except where the Names' Trustee does not hold good title to the ordinary shares or if it created any encumbrances on the ordinary shares to be sold in such offering. |
Aspen Re had been a party to four quota share reinsurance arrangements with Montpelier Reinsurance Ltd., an affiliate of Montpelier Re and one of our founding shareholders. These contracts
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related to our property risk excess of loss reinsurance line, the automobile liability facultative reinsurance and property facultative reinsurance lines written by WU Inc. on our behalf under binding authority agreements and our U.K. liability insurance line of business. Anthony Taylor, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Montpelier Re, was one of our directors from June 2002 until January 2004. Three of the contracts were meant to run for three years commencing January 1, 2003, but with the termination of our binding authority agreements with WU Inc. at the end of 2003, the two Montpelier contracts relating to the facultative lines written by WU Inc. are no longer effective. The contract relating to our property risk excess of loss reinsurance line has a capping mechanism designed to limit the amount ceded in the aggregate to $29.9 million in the first year, $59.8 million in the first two years and $89.7 million over three years. The cap applies to gross written premiums ceded before deductions and brokerage and profit commissions. This contract will have the benefit of the reinsurance protections placed by Aspen Re. Aspen Re will receive an over-riding commission of 7.5% of net premiums and profit commission of 15% of the reinsurer's net profit from the contracts. With respect to our U.K. liability insurance line of business, Aspen Re has entered into a 10% quota share treaty effective from January 1, 2003 with Montpelier Reinsurance Ltd. and continuing annually unless cancelled with respect to its U.K. and Irish employers' liability and public liability business. Aspen Re will receive an over-riding commission of 5% of premiums (after deductions except reinsurance premiums) and a profit commission of 20% of the reinsurer's net profit from the treaty. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, the reinsurance premiums ceded under such quota share arrangements with Montpelier Re were $66.0 million.
Under letter agreements dated June 21, 2002, January 22, 2003 and June 2, 2003, respectively, Aspen Holdings agreed with Montpelier Re that:
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| • | after December 20, 2003, Aspen Holdings shall not take any steps to establish a Class IV Reinsurance Company in Bermuda without first advising Montpelier Re in writing of such intention (prior to such date Aspen Holdings was prohibited from establishing a Class IV Reinsurance Company in Bermuda, other than a Captive (the "Captive") and Aspen Bermuda was permitted to provide property and casualty reinsurance risks to third parties in an amount not greater than $25 million of gross written premium); and |
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| • | in the event Aspen Holdings does establish a Captive wholly-owned by Aspen Holdings whose sole business shall be the reinsurance of risks underwritten by Aspen, it shall enter into negotiations with Montpelier Re in good faith with a view to appointing Montpelier Reinsurance Ltd. as manager in preference to any other party. |
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MATERIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary of our taxation, and the taxation of our shareholders is based upon current law and does not purport to be a comprehensive discussion of all the tax consideration that may be relevant to a decision to purchase ordinary shares. Legislative, judicial or administrative changes may be forthcoming that could be retroactive and could affect this summary.
The following legal discussion (including and subject to the matters and qualifications set forth in such summary) of the material tax considerations under (i) "Taxation of Aspen Holdings and Subsidiaries — Bermuda" and "Taxation of Shareholders — Bermuda Taxation" is based upon the advice of Appleby Spurling Hunter, (ii) "Taxation of Aspen Holdings and Subsidiaries — United Kingdom" is based upon the advice of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae London, England and (iii) "Taxation of Aspen Holdings and Subsidiaries — United States" and "Taxation of Shareholders — United States Taxation" is based upon the advice of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., New York, New York. Each of these firms has reviewed the relevant portion of this discussion (as set forth above) and believes that such portion of the discussion constitutes, in all material respects, a fair and accurate summary of the relevant income tax considerations relating to Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries and the ownership of Aspen Holdings' ordinary shares by investors that are U.S. Persons (as defined below) who acquire such shares in the offering. The advice of such firms does not include any factual or accounting matters, determinations or conclusions such as insurance accounting determinations or RPII, amounts and computations and amounts or components thereof (for example, amounts or computations of income or expense items or reserves entering into RPII computations) or facts relating to the business, income, reserves or activities of Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries. The advice of these firms relies upon and is premised on the accuracy of factual statements and representations made by Aspen Holdings concerning the business and properties, ownership, organization, source of income and manner of operation of Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries. The discussion is based upon current law. Legislative, judicial or administrative changes or interpretations may be forthcoming that could be retroactive and could affect the tax consequence to holders of ordinary shares. The tax treatment of a holder of ordinary shares, or of a person treated as a holder of ordinary shares for U.S. federal income, state, local or non-U.S. tax purposes, may vary depending on the holder's particular tax situation. Statements contained herein as to the beliefs, expectations and conditions of Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries as to the application of such tax laws or facts represent the view of management as to the application of such laws and do not represent the opinions of counsel. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING ORDINARY SHARES UNDER THE LAWS OF THEIR COUNTRIES OF CITIZENSHIP, RESIDENCE, ORDINARY RESIDENCE OR DOMICILE.
Taxation of Aspen Holdings and Subsidiaries
Bermuda.
The following is a summary of certain Bermuda tax considerations under current law and is based upon the advice of Appleby Spurling Hunter, our Bermuda counsel. Under current Bermuda law, there is no income, corporate or profits tax or withholding tax, capital gains tax or capital transfer tax, estate or inheritance tax payable by us or our shareholders, other than shareholders ordinarily resident in Bermuda, if any. Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda have each obtained from the Minister of Finance under The Exempted Undertaking Tax Protection Act 1966, as amended, an assurance that, in the event that Bermuda enacts legislation imposing tax computed on profits, income, any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance, then the imposition of any such tax shall not be applicable to Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda or to any of their operations or their shares, debentures or other obligations, until March 28, 2016. Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda could be subject to taxes in Bermuda after that date. This assurance is subject to the proviso that it is not to be construed so as to prevent the application of any tax or duty to such persons as are ordinarily resident in Bermuda or to prevent the application of any tax payable in accordance with the provisions of the Land Tax Act 1967 or otherwise payable in relation to any
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property leased to Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda. Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda each pay annual Bermuda government fees, and Aspen Bermuda pays annual insurance license fees. In addition, all entities employing individuals in Bermuda are required to pay a payroll tax and there are other sundry taxes payable, directly or indirectly, to the Bermuda government.
United Kingdom.
Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services are companies incorporated and managed in the United Kingdom and are, therefore, resident in the United Kingdom for United Kingdom corporation tax purposes and will be subject to the United Kingdom corporation tax on their worldwide profits (including revenue profits and capital gains), whether or not such profits are remitted to the United Kingdom. The maximum rate of United Kingdom corporation tax is currently 30% on profits of whatever description. Currently, no United Kingdom withholding tax applies to dividends paid by Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services.
None of us except for Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services are incorporated in the United Kingdom. Accordingly, except for Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services, we should not be treated as being resident in the United Kingdom unless our central management and control is exercised in the United Kingdom. The concept of central management and control is indicative of the highest level of control of a company, which is wholly a question of fact. The directors of each of us, other than Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services, intend to manage our affairs so that none of us, other than Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services, are resident in the United Kingdom for tax purposes.
A company not resident in the United Kingdom for corporation tax purposes can nevertheless be subject to U.K. corporation tax if it carries on a trade through a permanent establishment in the United Kingdom but the charge to U.K. corporation tax is limited to profits (including revenue profits and capital gains) attributable directly or indirectly to such permanent establishment.
The directors of each of us, other than Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services (which should be treated as resident in the United Kingdom by virtue of being incorporated and managed there), intend that we will operate in such a manner so that none of us, other than Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services, carry on a trade through a permanent establishment in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, because neither case law nor U.K. statute definitively defines the activities that constitute trading in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment, the U.K. Inland Revenue might contend that any of us, other than Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services, are/is trading in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment in the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom has no income tax treaty with Bermuda. There are circumstances in which companies that are neither resident in the United Kingdom nor entitled to the protection afforded by a double tax treaty between the United Kingdom and the jurisdiction in which they are resident may be exposed to income tax in the United Kingdom (other than by deduction or withholding) on the profits of a trade carried on there even if that trade is not carried on through a permanent establishment but the directors of each of us intend that we will operate in such a manner that none of us will fall within the charge to income tax in the United Kingdom (other than by deduction or withholding) in this respect.
If any of us, other than Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services, were treated as being resident in the United Kingdom for U.K. corporation tax purposes, or if any of us were to be treated as carrying on a trade in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment, our results of operations and your investment could be materially adversely affected.
United States.
The following discussion is a summary of all material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to our operations. A foreign corporation that is engaged in the conduct of a U.S. trade or business will be subject to U.S. tax as described below, unless entitled to the benefits of an applicable tax treaty. Whether business is being conducted in the United States is an inherently factual
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determination. Because the Code, regulations and court decisions fail to identify definitively activities that constitute being engaged in a trade or business in the United States, we cannot be certain that the IRS will not contend successfully that Aspen Holdings and/or its foreign subsidiaries are or will be engaged in a trade or business in the United States based on activities in addition to the binding authorities discussed below. A foreign corporation deemed to be so engaged would be subject to U.S. income tax at regular corporate rates, as well as the branch profits tax, on its income which is treated as effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business unless the corporation is entitled to relief under the permanent establishment provision of an applicable tax treaty, as discussed below. Such income tax, if imposed, would be based on effectively connected income computed in a manner generally analogous to that applied to the income of a U.S. corporation, except that a foreign corporation is generally entitled to deductions and credits only if it timely files a U.S. federal income tax return. Aspen Bermuda intends to file protective U.S. federal income tax returns on a timely basis in order to preserve the right to claim income tax deductions and credits if it is ever determined that it is subject to U.S. federal income tax. The highest marginal federal income tax rates currently are 35% for a corporation's effectively connected income and 30% for the additional "branch profits" tax.
If Aspen Bermuda is entitled to the benefits under the income tax treaty between Bermuda and the United States (the "Bermuda Treaty"), Aspen Bermuda would not be subject to U.S. income tax on any income found to be effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business unless that trade or business is conducted through a permanent establishment in the United States. No regulations interpreting the Bermuda Treaty have been issued. Aspen Bermuda currently intends to conduct its activities so that it does not have a permanent establishment in the United States, although we cannot be certain that we will achieve this result.
An insurance enterprise resident in Bermuda generally will be entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda Treaty if (i) more than 50% of its shares are owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, by individual residents of the United States or Bermuda or U.S. citizens and (ii) its income is not used in substantial part, directly or indirectly, to make disproportionate distributions to, or to meet certain liabilities of, persons who are neither residents of either the United States or Bermuda nor U.S. citizens. We cannot be certain that Aspen Bermuda will be eligible for Bermuda Treaty benefits immediately following the offering or in the future because of factual and legal uncertainties regarding the residency and citizenship of Aspen Holdings' shareholders. Aspen Holdings would not be eligible for treaty benefits because it is not an insurance company. Accordingly, Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda have conducted and intend to conduct substantially all of their foreign operations outside the United States and to limit their U.S. contacts so that neither Aspen Holdings nor Aspen Bermuda should be treated as engaged in the conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
Foreign insurance companies carrying on an insurance business within the United States have a certain minimum amount of effectively connected net investment income, determined in accordance with a formula that depends, in part, on the amount of U.S. risk insured or reinsured by such companies. If Aspen Bermuda is considered to be engaged in the conduct of an insurance business in the United States and it is not entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda Treaty in general (because it fails to satisfy one of the limitations on treaty benefits discussed above), the Code could subject a significant portion of Aspen Bermuda's investment income to U.S. income tax. In addition, while the Bermuda Treaty clearly applies to premium income, it is uncertain whether the Bermuda Treaty applies to other income such as investment income. If Aspen Bermuda is considered engaged in the conduct of an insurance business in the United States and is entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda Treaty in general, but the Bermuda Treaty is interpreted to not apply to investment income, a significant portion of Aspen Bermuda's investment income could be subject to U.S. income tax.
Under the income tax treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States, a U.K. company is entitled to the benefits of the U.K. Treaty (the "U.K. Treaty") if, among other things, (i) during at least half of the days during the relevant taxable period, at least 50% of Aspen U.K. Holdings', Aspen Re's and Aspen U.K. Services' stock is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by citizens or residents of the United States and the United Kingdom, and less than 50% of each of Aspen U.K. Holdings', Aspen Re's and Aspen U.K. Services' gross income for the relevant taxable
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period is paid or accrued, directly or indirectly, to persons who are not U.S. or U.K. residents in the form of payments that are deductible for purposes of U.K. taxation, (ii) with respect to specific items of income, profit or gain derived from the United States, if such income, profit or gain is considered to be derived in connection with, or incidental to each of Aspen U.K. Holdings', Aspen Re's and Aspen U.K. Services' business conducted in the United Kingdom or (iii) at least 50% of the aggregate vote and value of their shares is owned directly or indirectly by five or fewer companies the principal class of shares of which is listed and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchange. Although we cannot be certain that Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services will be eligible for treaty benefits under the U.K. Treaty because of factual and legal uncertainties regarding (i) the residency and citizenship of Aspen Holdings' shareholders, and (ii) the interpretation of what constitutes income incidental to or connected with a trade or business in the United Kingdom, we will endeavor to so qualify. As a result, Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re and Aspen U.K. Services should be subject to U.S. federal income tax on their income found to be effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business only if such income is attributable to the conduct of a trade or business carried on through a permanent establishment in the United States and the branch profits tax will not apply. Aspen U.K. Holdings and Aspen U.K. Services each have conducted and intend to conduct their activities in a manner so that each of them should not have a permanent establishment in the United States, although we cannot be certain that we will achieve this result. Because of the binding authorities granted by Aspen Re to Aspen Re America and Aspen Management it is likely that Aspen Re would be characterized as having a permanent establishment in the United States and the IRS may be able to successfully assert that Aspen Re has a permanent establishment in the United States as a result of the WU Inc. binding authorities. However, we believe that such characterization and successful assertion by the IRS should not materially adversely affect our results of operations or your investment.
Under the U.K. Treaty, the additional U.S. branch profits tax may be imposed at a rate of up to 5% absent an applicable exception to the extent Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen Re or Aspen U.K. Services has a permanent establishment in the United States.
Foreign corporations not engaged in a trade or business in the United States are nonetheless subject to U.S. income tax imposed by withholding on certain "fixed or determinable annual or periodic gains, profits and income" derived from sources within the United States (such as dividends and certain interest on investments), subject to exemption under the Code or reduction by applicable treaties. Generally under the U.K. Treaty the withholding rate on dividends from less than 10% owned corporations is reduced to 15% and on interest is reduced to 0%. The Bermuda Treaty does not reduce the U.S. withholding rate on U.S.-sourced investment income.
The United States also imposes an excise tax on insurance and reinsurance premiums paid to foreign insurers or reinsurers with respect to risks located in the United States. The rates of tax applicable to premiums paid to Aspen Bermuda are 4% for casualty insurance premiums and 1% for reinsurance premiums. The excise tax does not apply to premiums paid to Aspen Re if (i) it is entitled to the benefits of the U.K. Treaty and (ii) the policies are not entered into as part of a conduit arrangement.
Aspen U.S. Holdings, Aspen Re America and Aspen U.S. Services are Delaware corporations, Aspen Specialty is a North Dakota corporation and Aspen Management is a Massachusetts corporation and as such each is subject to taxation in the United States at regular corporate rates. Additionally dividends paid by Aspen U.S. Holdings will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax subject to reduction under the income tax treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom to 5%.
Personal Holding Companies. Aspen Holdings and/or any of its subsidiaries could be subject to U.S. tax on a portion of its income if any of them are considered to be a PHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A corporation generally will be classified as a PHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a given taxable year if (i) at any time during the last half of such taxable year, five or fewer individuals (without regard to their citizenship or residency) own or are deemed to own (pursuant to
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certain constructive ownership rules) more than 50% of the stock of the corporation by value and (ii) at least 60% of the corporation's gross income, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for such taxable year consists of "PHC income." PHC income includes, among other things, dividends, interest, royalties, annuities and, under certain circumstances, rents. Under the constructive ownership rules, among other things, a partner will be treated as owning a proportionate amount of the stock owned by the partnership and a partner who is an individual will be treated as owning the stock owned by his partners. For example, all of the ordinary shares owned by a partnership will be attributed to each of its partners, if any, who are individuals. Also, stock treated as owned by such partner proportionately through such partnership will be treated as owned by the partner for purposes of reapplying the constructive ownership rules. Additionally, certain entities (such as tax-exempt organizations and pension funds) will be treated as individuals. The PHC rules contain an exception for foreign corporations that are classified as foreign personal holding companies (as discussed below).
If Aspen Holdings or any subsidiary were a PHC in a given taxable year, such corporation would be subject to a 15% PHC tax on its "undistributed PHC income" (which, in the case of foreign entities, would exclude PHC income that is from non-U.S. sources, except to the extent that such income is effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States). For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008, the PHC tax rate would be the highest marginal rate on ordinary income applicable to individuals. Thus, the PHC income of Aspen Holdings and its foreign subsidiaries would not include underwriting income or investment income derived from non-U.S. sources and should not include dividends received by Aspen Holdings from its foreign subsidiaries (as long as such foreign subsidiaries are not engaged in the trade or business in the United States).
We believe based upon the information made available to us regarding our existing shareholder base that neither Aspen Holdings nor any of its subsidiaries should be considered a PHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any prior years of operations or immediately following the offering. Additionally, we intend to manage our business to minimize the possibility that we will meet the 60% income threshold so that neither Aspen Holdings nor any of its subsidiaries should be considered a PHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
We cannot be certain, however, that Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries will not become PHCs in the future because of factors including legal and factual uncertainties regarding the application of the constructive ownership rules, the makeup of Aspen Holdings' shareholder base, the gross income of Aspen Holdings or any of its subsidiaries and other circumstances that could change the application of the PHC rules to Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries. In addition, if Aspen Holdings or any of its subsidiaries were to become PHCs we cannot be certain that the amount of PHC income will be immaterial.
Taxation of Shareholders
Bermuda Taxation.
Currently, there is no Bermuda withholding or other tax payable on principal, interests or dividends paid to the holders of the ordinary shares.
United States Taxation.
The following summary sets forth the material United States federal income tax considerations related to the purchase, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares. Unless otherwise stated, this summary deals only with shareholders that are U.S. Persons (as defined below) who purchase their ordinary shares in this offering and who hold their ordinary shares as capital assets within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code. The following discussion is only a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax matters as described herein and does not purport to address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular shareholder in light of such shareholder's specific circumstances. In addition, the following summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to special classes of shareholders, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, financial asset securitization investment trusts, dealers or traders in securities, tax exempt
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organizations, expatriates, investors in pass through entities, persons who are considered with respect to any of us as "United States shareholders" for purposes of the CFC rules of the Code (generally, a U.S. Person, as defined below, who owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of Aspen Holdings or the stock of any of our foreign subsidiaries entitled to vote (i.e., 10% U.S. Shareholders)), or persons who hold the ordinary shares as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or as part of a short-sale or straddle, who may be subject to special rules or treatment under the Code. This discussion is based upon the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and any relevant administrative rulings or pronouncements or judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date hereof and as currently interpreted, and does not take into account possible changes in such tax laws or interpretations thereof, which may apply retroactively. This discussion does not include any description of the tax laws of any state or local governments within the United States or of any foreign government. Persons considering making an investment in the ordinary shares should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of the U.S. federal tax laws to their particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction prior to making such investment.
For purposes of this discussion, the term "U.S. Person" means: (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a partnership or corporation, or entity treated as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, or any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, (iv) a trust if either (x) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. Persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust or (y) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. Person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (v) any other person or entity that is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if it were one of the foregoing.
Taxation of Dividends. Subject to the discussions below relating to the potential application of the CFC, RPII, FPHC and PFIC rules, cash distributions, if any, made with respect to the ordinary shares will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits of Aspen Holdings (as computed using U.S. tax principles). Under new legislation, we believe dividends paid by us before 2009 should be eligible for reduced rates of tax because we believe our ordinary shares should be treated as readily tradeable on an established securities market in the United States. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction. To the extent such distributions exceed Aspen Holdings' earnings and profits, they will be treated first as a return of the shareholder's basis in the ordinary shares to the extent thereof, and then as gain from the sale of a capital asset.
Classification of Aspen Holdings or Its Foreign Subsidiaries as Controlled Foreign Corporations. Each 10% U.S. Shareholder (as defined below) of a foreign corporation that is a CFC for an uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during a taxable year, and who owns shares in the CFC, directly or indirectly through foreign entities, on the last day of the CFC's taxable year, must include in its gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes its pro rata share of the CFC's "subpart F income," even if the subpart F income is not distributed. A foreign corporation is considered a CFC if 10% U.S. Shareholders own (directly, indirectly through foreign entities or by attribution by application of the constructive ownership rules of section 958(b) of the Code (i.e., "constructively")) more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of voting stock of such foreign corporation, or more than 50% of the total value of all stock of such corporation. For purposes of taking into account insurance income, a CFC also includes a foreign insurance company in which more than 25% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or more than 25% of the total value of all stock is owned by 10% U.S. Shareholders on any day of the taxable year of such corporation, if the gross amount of premiums or other consideration for the reinsurance or the issuing of insurance or annuity contracts exceeds 75% of the gross amount of all premiums or other consideration in respect of all risks. A "10% U.S. Shareholder" is a U.S. Person who owns (directly, indirectly through foreign entities or constructively) at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote of the foreign corporation. We believe that because of the
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anticipated dispersion of our share ownership, provisions in our organizational documents that limit voting power (these provisions are described in "Description of Share Capital") and other factors, no U.S. Person who owns shares of Aspen Holdings directly or indirectly through one or more foreign entities should be treated as owning (directly, indirectly through foreign entities, or constructively) 10% or more of the total voting power of all classes of shares of Aspen Holdings or any of its foreign subsidiaries. It is possible, however, that the IRS could challenge the effectiveness of these provisions and that a court could sustain such a challenge.
The RPII CFC Provisions. The following discussion generally is applicable only if the RPII of a foreign Insurance Subsidiary, determined on a gross basis, is 20% or more of such company's gross insurance income for the taxable year and the 20% Ownership Exception (as defined below) is not met. The following discussion generally would not apply for any fiscal year in which such company's RPII falls below the 20% threshold or the 20% Ownership Exception is met. Although we cannot be certain, Aspen Holdings believes that each of the foreign Insurance Subsidiaries met the 20% Ownership Exception in prior years of operation and that the gross RPII of each of the foreign Insurance Subsidiaries as a percentage of its gross insurance income will be below the 20% threshold for each tax year for the foreseeable future. Additionally, as Aspen Holdings is not licensed as an insurance company we do not anticipate that Aspen Holdings will have insurance income, including RPII.
RPII is any "insurance income" (as defined below) attributable to policies of insurance or reinsurance with respect to which the person (directly or indirectly) insured is a "RPII shareholder" (as defined below) or a "related person" (as defined below) to such RPII shareholder. In general, and subject to certain limitations, "insurance income" is income (including premium and investment income) attributable to the issuing of any insurance or reinsurance contract which would be taxed under the portions of the Code relating to insurance companies if the income were the income of a domestic insurance company. For purposes of inclusion of the RPII of a foreign Insurance Subsidiary in the income of RPII shareholders, unless an exception applies, the term "RPII shareholder" means any U.S. Person who owns (directly or indirectly through foreign entities) any amount of Aspen Holdings' ordinary shares. Generally, the term "related person" for this purpose means someone who controls or is controlled by the RPII shareholder or someone who is controlled by the same person or persons which control the RPII shareholder. Control is measured by either more than 50% in value or more than 50% in voting power of stock applying certain constructive ownership principles. A corporation's pension plan is ordinarily not a "related person" with respect to the corporation unless the pension plan owns, directly or indirectly through the application of certain constructive ownership rules, more than 50% measured by vote or value, of the stock of the corporation. Each foreign Insurance Subsidiary will be treated as a CFC under the RPII provisions if RPII shareholders are treated as owning (directly, indirectly through foreign entities or constructively) 25% or more of the shares of Aspen Holdings by vote or value.
RPII Exceptions. The special RPII rules do not apply to a foreign Insurance Subsidiary if (i) direct and indirect insureds and persons related to such insureds, whether or not U.S. Persons, are treated as owning (directly or indirectly through entities) less than 20% of the voting power and less than 20% of the value of the shares of Aspen Holdings (the "20% Ownership Exception"), (ii) RPII, determined on a gross basis, is less than 20% of the gross insurance income of the foreign Insurance Subsidiary for the taxable year (the "20% Gross Income Exception"), (iii) the foreign Insurance Subsidiary elects to be taxed on its RPII as if the RPII were effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, and to waive all treaty benefits with respect to RPII and meet certain other requirements or (iv) the foreign Insurance Subsidiary elects to be treated as a U.S. corporation and waives all treaty benefits and meets certain other requirements. Where none of these exceptions applies to a foreign Insurance Subsidiary, each U.S. Person owning or treated as owning any shares in Aspen Holdings (and therefore, indirectly, in each foreign Insurance Subsidiary) on the last day of Aspen Holdings' taxable year will be required to include in its gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes its share of the RPII of the company or companies, as the case may be, that failed to qualify for the exception for the portion of the taxable year during which the foreign Insurance
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Subsidiary was a CFC under the RPII provisions, determined as if all such RPII were distributed proportionately only to such U.S. Persons at that date, but limited by each such U.S. Person's share of such company's current-year earnings and profits as reduced by the U.S. Person's share, if any, of certain prior-year deficits in earnings and profits. Our foreign Insurance Subsidiaries intend to operate in a manner that is intended to ensure that each qualifies for the 20% Gross Income Exception. Although we do not expect that the gross RPII of either foreign Insurance Subsidiary will equal or exceed 20% of such company's gross insurance income in the foreseeable future, it is possible that we will not be successful in qualifying under this exception.
Computation of RPII. In order to determine how much RPII a foreign Insurance Subsidiary has earned in each taxable year, our foreign Insurance Subsidiaries may obtain and rely upon information from their insureds and reinsureds to determine whether any of the insureds, reinsureds or persons related thereto own (directly or indirectly through foreign entities) shares of Aspen Holdings and are U.S. Persons. Aspen Holdings may not be able to determine whether any of the underlying direct or indirect insureds to which our foreign Insurance Subsidiaries provide insurance or reinsurance are shareholders or related persons to such shareholders. Consequently, Aspen Holdings may not be able to determine accurately the gross amount of RPII earned by each of our foreign Insurance Subsidiaries in a given taxable year. For any year in which gross RPII of a foreign Insurance Subsidiary is 20% or more of its gross insurance income for the year and the 20% Ownership Exception does not apply, Aspen Holdings may also seek information from its shareholders as to whether beneficial owners of ordinary shares at the end of the year are U.S. Persons so that the RPII may be determined and apportioned among such persons; to the extent Aspen Holdings is unable to determine whether a beneficial owner of ordinary shares is a U.S. Person, Aspen Holdings may assume that such owner is not a U.S. Person, thereby increasing the per share RPII amount for all known RPII shareholders.
If, as expected, the RPII of each foreign Insurance Subsidiary is less than 20% of its gross insurance income, RPII shareholders will not be required to include RPII in their taxable income. The amount of RPII includable in the income of a RPII shareholder is based upon the net RPII income for the year after deducting related expenses such as losses, loss reserves and operating expenses.
Apportionment of RPII to U.S. Holders. Every RPII shareholder who owns ordinary shares on the last day of any fiscal year of Aspen Holdings in which the 20% Ownership Exception does not apply to a foreign Insurance Subsidiary and the gross insurance income constituting RPII for that year equals or exceeds 20% of such company's gross insurance income should expect that for such year it will be required to include in gross income its share of such company's RPII for the portion of the taxable year during which such company was a CFC under the RPII provisions, whether or not distributed, even though it may not have owned the shares throughout such period. A RPII shareholder who owns ordinary shares during such taxable year but not on the last day of the taxable year is not required to include in gross income any part of company's RPII.
Basis Adjustments. A RPII shareholder's tax basis in its ordinary shares will be increased by the amount of any RPII that the shareholder includes in income. The RPII shareholder may exclude from income the amount of any distributions by Aspen Holdings out of previously taxed RPII income. The RPII shareholder's tax basis in its ordinary shares will be reduced by the amount of such distributions that are excluded from income.
Uncertainty as to Application of RPII. The RPII provisions have never been interpreted by the courts or the Treasury Department in final regulations, and regulations interpreting the RPII provisions of the Code exist only in proposed form. It is not certain whether these regulations will be adopted in their proposed form or what changes or clarifications might ultimately be made thereto or whether any such changes, as well as any interpretation or application of RPII by the IRS, the courts or otherwise, might have retroactive effect. These provisions include the grant of authority to the Treasury Department to prescribe "such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection including . . . regulations preventing the avoidance of this subsection through cross insurance arrangements or otherwise." Accordingly, the meaning of the RPII provisions and the
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application thereof to our foreign Insurance Subsidiaries is uncertain. In addition, we cannot be certain that the amount of RPII or the amounts of the RPII inclusions for any particular RPII shareholder, if any, will not be subject to adjustment based upon subsequent IRS examination. Any prospective investors considering an investment in ordinary shares should consult his tax advisor as to the effects of these uncertainties.
Information Reporting. Under certain circumstances, U.S. Persons owning stock in a foreign corporation are required to file IRS Form 5471 with their U.S. federal income tax returns. Generally, information reporting on IRS Form 5471 is required by (i) a person who is treated as a RPII shareholder, (ii) a 10% U.S. Shareholder of a foreign corporation that is a CFC for an uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during any tax year of the foreign corporation, and who owned the stock on the last day of that year and (iii) under certain circumstances, a U.S. Person who acquires stock in a foreign corporation and as a result thereof owns 10% or more of the voting power or value of such foreign corporation, whether or not such foreign corporation is a CFC. For any taxable year in which Aspen Holdings determines that gross RPII constitutes 20% or more of the gross insurance income of a foreign Insurance Subsidiary and the 20% Ownership Exception does not apply, Aspen Holdings will provide to all U.S. Persons registered as shareholders of its ordinary shares a completed IRS Form 5471 or the relevant information necessary to complete the form. Failure to file IRS Form 5471 may result in penalties.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders. Tax-exempt entities will be required to treat certain subpart F insurance income, including RPII, that is includible in income by the tax-exempt entity as unrelated business taxable income. Prospective investors that are tax exempt entities are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the potential impact of the unrelated business taxable income provisions of the Code. A tax-exempt organization that is treated as a 10% U.S. Shareholder or a RPII Shareholder also must file IRS Form 5471 in the circumstances described above.
Dispositions of Ordinary Shares. Subject to the discussions below relating to the potential application of the Code section 1248, PFIC and FPHC rules, U.S. holders of ordinary shares generally should recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares in the same manner as on the sale, exchange or other disposition of any other shares held as capital assets. If the holding period for these ordinary shares exceeds one year, any gain will be subject to tax at a current maximum marginal tax rate of 15% for individuals and 35% for corporations. Moreover, gain, if any, generally will be a U.S. source gain and generally will constitute "passive income" for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
Code section 1248 provides that if a U.S. Person sells or exchanges stock in a foreign corporation and such person owned, directly, indirectly through certain foreign entities or constructively, 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of disposition when the corporation was a CFC, any gain from the sale or exchange of the shares will be treated as a dividend to the extent of the CFC's earnings and profits (determined under U.S. federal income tax principles) during the period that the shareholder held the shares and while the corporation was a CFC (with certain adjustments). We believe that because of the anticipated dispersion of our share ownership, provisions in our organizational documents that limit voting power and other factors, that no U.S. shareholder of Aspen Holdings should be treated as owning (directly, indirectly through foreign entities or constructively) 10% or more of the total voting power of Aspen Holdings; to the extent this is the case, the application of Code Section 1248 under the regular CFC rules should not apply to dispositions of our ordinary shares. It is possible, however, that the IRS could challenge the effectiveness of these provisions and that a court could sustain such a challenge. A 10% U.S. Shareholder may in certain circumstances be required to report a disposition of shares of a CFC by attaching IRS Form 5471 to the U.S. federal income tax or information return that it would normally file for the taxable year in which the disposition occurs. In the event this is determined necessary, Aspen Holdings will provide a completed IRS Form 5471 or the relevant information necessary to complete the Form.
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Code section 1248 also applies to the sale or exchange of shares in a foreign corporation if the foreign corporation would be treated as a CFC for RPII purposes regardless of whether the shareholder is a 10% U.S. Shareholder or whether RPII constitutes 20% or more of the corporation's gross insurance income or the 20% Ownership Exception applies. Existing proposed regulations do not address whether Code section 1248 would apply if a foreign corporation is not a CFC but the foreign corporation has a subsidiary that is a CFC and that would be taxed as an insurance company if it were a domestic corporation. We believe, however, that this application of Code section 1248 under the RPII rules should not apply to dispositions of ordinary shares because Aspen Holdings will not be directly engaged in the insurance business. We cannot be certain, however, that the IRS will not interpret the proposed regulations in a contrary manner or that the Treasury Department will not amend the proposed regulations to provide that these rules will apply to dispositions of ordinary shares. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the effects of these rules on a disposition of ordinary shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies. In general, a foreign corporation will be a PFIC during a given year if (i) 75% or more of its gross income constitutes "passive income" (the "75% test") or (ii) 50% or more of its assets produce passive income (the "50% test").
If Aspen Holdings were characterized as a PFIC during a given year, U.S. Persons holding ordinary shares would be subject to a penalty tax at the time of the sale at a gain of, or receipt of an "excess distribution" with respect to, their shares, unless such persons made a "qualified electing fund election" or "mark-to-market" election. It is uncertain that Aspen Holdings would be able to provide its shareholders with the information necessary for a U.S. Person to make these elections. In addition, if Aspen Holdings were considered a PFIC, upon the death of any U.S. individual owning ordinary shares, such individual's heirs or estate would not be entitled to a "step-up" in the basis of the ordinary shares that might otherwise be available under U.S. federal income tax laws. In general, a shareholder receives an "excess distribution" if the amount of the distribution is more than 125% of the average distribution with respect to the shares during the three preceding taxable years (or shorter period during which the taxpayer held the shares). In general, the penalty tax is equivalent to an interest charge on taxes that are deemed due during the period the shareholder owned the shares, computed by assuming that the excess distribution or gain (in the case of a sale) with respect to the shares was taken in equal portion at the highest applicable tax rate on ordinary income throughout the shareholder's period of ownership. The interest charge is equal to the applicable rate imposed on underpayments of U.S. federal income tax for such period. In addition, a distribution paid by Aspen Holdings to U.S. shareholders that is characterized as a dividend and is not characterized as an excess distribution would not be eligible for a reduced rate of tax under new legislation with respect to dividends paid before 2009.
For the above purposes, passive income generally includes interest, dividends, annuities and other investment income. The PFIC rules provide that income "derived in the active conduct of an insurance business by a corporation which is predominantly engaged in an insurance business . . . is not treated as passive income." The PFIC provisions also contain a look-through rule under which a foreign corporation shall be treated as if it "received directly its proportionate share of the income . .. ." and as if it "held its proportionate share of the assets . . ." of any other corporation in which it owns at least 25% of the value of the stock.
The insurance income exception is intended to ensure that income derived by a bona fide insurance company is not treated as passive income, except to the extent such income is attributable to financial reserves in excess of the reasonable needs of the insurance business. We expect, for purposes of the PFIC rules, that each of our Insurance Subsidiaries will be predominantly engaged in an insurance business and is unlikely to have financial reserves in excess of the reasonable needs of its insurance business in each year of operations. Accordingly, none of the income or assets of our Insurance Subsidiaries should be treated as passive. Additionally, we expect that in each year of operations the passive income and assets of Aspen U.K. Holdings, Aspen U.K. Services will not meet the 75% test or the 50% test because they should have sufficient non-passive income and assets. Finally, we expect that the passive income and assets of Aspen U.S. Holdings, Aspen U.S. Services
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and Aspen Management will be de minimis in each year of operations with respect to the overall income and assets of Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries. Under the look-through rule Aspen Holdings should be deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets and to have received its proportionate share of the income of its direct and indirect subsidiaries for purposes of the 75% test and the 50% test. As a result, we believe that Aspen Holdings was not and should not be treated as a PFIC. We cannot be certain, however, as there are currently no regulations regarding the application of the PFIC provisions to an insurance company and new regulations or pronouncements interpreting or clarifying these rules may be forthcoming, that the IRS will not challenge this position and that a court will not sustain such challenge. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisor as to the effects of the PFIC rules.
Foreign Personal Holding Companies. A foreign corporation will be classified as an FPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes if (i) at any time during the taxable year at issue, five or fewer individuals who are U.S. citizens or residents own or are deemed to own (pursuant to certain constructive ownership rules) more than 50% of all classes of the corporation's stock measured by voting power or value and (ii) at least 60% of its gross income for the year is "FPHC income." Under these constructive ownership rules, among other things, a partner will be treated as owning a proportionate amount of the stock owned by the partnership and a partner who is an individual will be treated as owning the stock owned by his partners. For example, all of the ordinary shares owned by a partnership will be attributed to each of its partners, if any, who are individuals. Also, stock treated as owned by such partner proportionately through such partnership will be treated as owned by the partner for purposes of reapplying the constructive ownership rules. If Aspen Holdings or any of its foreign subsidiaries were to become FPHCs, a portion of the "undistributed foreign personal holding company income" (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of each such FPHC would be imputed to all of Aspen Holdings' shareholders who are U.S. Persons. Such income would be taxable as a dividend and should not be eligible for a reduced rate of tax under recently enacted legislation, even if no cash dividend were actually paid. In such event, subsequent cash distributions will first be treated as a tax-free return of any previously taxed and undistributed amounts. In addition, a distribution paid by Aspen Holdings to a U.S. shareholder that is not treated as a tax-free return of any previously taxed and undistributed amount and is characterized as a dividend would not be eligible for a reduced rate of tax under new legislation with respect to dividends paid before 2009. Further, in such case, upon the death of any U.S. individual owning ordinary shares, such individual's heirs or estate would not be entitled to a "step-up" in the basis of the ordinary shares which might otherwise be available under U.S. federal income tax laws. Moreover, each shareholder who owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the value of an FPHC is required to file IRS Form 5471.
We believe based upon information made available to us regarding our existing shareholder base that neither Aspen Holdings nor any of its foreign subsidiaries should be considered an FPHC for any prior year of operations or immediately following the offering. Additionally, we intend to manage our business to minimize the possibility that we will meet the 60% income threshold so that neither Aspen Holdings nor any of its foreign subsidiaries should be considered an FPHC. We cannot be certain, however, that Aspen Holdings and/or any of its foreign subsidiaries will not be considered an FPHC, because of factors including legal and factual uncertainties regarding the application of the constructive ownership rules, the makeup of Aspen Holdings' shareholder base, the gross income of Aspen Holdings and/or any of its foreign subsidiaries and other circumstances that could change the application of the FPHC rules to Aspen Holdings and its foreign subsidiaries. In addition, if Aspen Holdings or any of its foreign subsidiaries were to become an FPHC, we cannot be certain that the amount of FPHC income will be immaterial.
Foreign tax credit. Because it is anticipated that U.S. Persons will own a majority of our shares, only a portion of the current income inclusions, if any, under the CFC, RPII and PFIC rules and of dividends paid by us (including any gain from the sale of ordinary shares that is treated as a dividend under section 1248 of the Code) will be treated as foreign source income for purposes of computing a shareholder's U.S. foreign tax credit limitations. We will consider providing shareholders with information regarding the portion of such amounts constituting foreign source income to the extent
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such information is reasonably available. It is also likely that substantially all of the "subpart F income," RPII and dividends that are foreign source income will constitute either "passive" or "financial services" income for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Thus, it may not be possible for most shareholders to utilize excess foreign tax credits to reduce U.S. tax on such income.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding on Distributions and Disposition Proceeds. Information returns may be filed with the IRS in connection with distributions on the ordinary shares and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares unless the holder of the ordinary shares establishes an exemption from the information reporting rules. A holder of ordinary shares that does not establish such an exemption may be subject to U.S. backup withholding tax on these payments if the holder is not a corporation or non-U.S. Person or fails to provide its taxpayer identification number or otherwise comply with the backup withholding rules. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Person will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Person's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. Person to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Proposed U.S. Tax Legislation. Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress intended to eliminate certain perceived tax advantages of companies (including insurance companies) that have legal domiciles outside the United States but have certain U.S. connections. In this regard, legislation has been introduced that includes a provision which permits the IRS to reallocate or recharacterize items of income, deduction or certain other items related to a reinsurance agreement between related parties to reflect the proper source, character and amount for each item (in contrast to current law, which only refers to source and character). While there are no currently pending legislative proposals which, if enacted, would have a material adverse effect on us or our shareholders, it is possible that broader-based legislative proposals could emerge in the future that could have an adverse impact on us or our shareholders.
Additionally, the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations regarding whether a company is engaged in a trade or business within the United States or is a PFIC, or whether U.S. Persons would be required to include in their gross income the "subpart F income" or the RPII of a CFC, are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. There are currently no regulations regarding the application of the PFIC rules to insurance companies and the regulations regarding RPII are still in proposed form. New regulations or pronouncements interpreting or clarifying such rules may be forthcoming. We cannot be certain if, when or in what form such regulations or pronouncements may be provided and whether such guidance will have a retroactive effect.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
The following summary of our bye-laws is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of such bye-laws, a copy of which has been incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this registration statement. As of January 1, 2003, we had 56,876, 360 ordinary shares outstanding. On February 11, 2003 and August 11, 2003, we issued 43,420 and 4,340 ordinary shares, respectively, to our employees. On December 4, 2003, pursuant to our initial public offering we issued a total of 12,102,600 ordinary shares (including the over-allottment option). On December 9, 2003, and December 17, 2003, we issued 126,706 and 25,877 ordinary shares, respectively, to the Names' Trustee in accordance with the Option Instrument, as discussed elsewhere in this prospectus. For a further description of the history of our share capital, see Part II, Item 7 of this registration statement. As of December 31, 2003, there were 69,179,303 ordinary shares outstanding. During the first quarter of 2004, we repurchased 5,000 ordinary shares from one of our previous employees. As of September 1, 2004, there were 69,174,303 ordinary shares outstanding, 6,347,736 options granted that will be exercisable for shares or lapse upon the earlier occurrence of several events as further described in "— Investor Options" below, 3,884,020 options to purchase shares and 37,665 restricted share units granted to employees as described under "Management — Share Incentive Plan." Our board of directors approved the issuance of all ordinary shares, and regulatory approval was sought where necessary.
Aspen Holdings has authorized share capital of $1,630,185.83 divided into 1,076,416,910 shares of par value 0.15144558¢per share, of which 969,629,030 are ordinary shares, 6,787,880 are non-voting shares which automatically convert into ordinary shares upon issuance and 100,000,000 are preference shares. The following summary of our share capital is qualified in its entirety by reference to our memorandum of association and by our bye-laws, the shareholders' agreement, the registration rights agreement and the option instrument, have been incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this registration statement.
Ordinary Shares
In general, subject to the adjustments regarding voting set forth in "— Voting Adjustments" below, holders of our ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held by them and are entitled to vote, on a non-cumulative basis, at all meetings of shareholders. Holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as may be lawfully declared from time to time by our board of directors. Holders of our ordinary shares have no redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to share equally and ratably in our assets, if any remain after the payment of all our debts and liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares.
Non-Voting Shares
Holders of our non-voting shares have the same rights as the holders of ordinary shares, except that (unless otherwise granted a vote pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act) they have no right to vote on any matters put before the shareholders of Aspen Holdings. After the completion of our initial public offering, each non-voting share will automatically convert, immediately upon issue, into one ordinary share carrying rights to vote. See "— Investor Options" for a description of the rights of certain optionholders to purchase non-voting shares.
Preference Shares
As of the date of this prospectus, there were no preference shares in issue. Subject to certain limitations contained in our bye-laws and any limitations prescribed by applicable law, our board of directors is authorized to issue preference shares in one or more series and to fix the rights, privileges, principles and restrictions of such shares, including but not limited to dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption prices and liquidation preferences, and the number of shares constituting and the designation of any such series, without further vote or action by our shareholders.
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Investor Options
The following table shows the number of Investor Options outstanding to purchase shares as of September 1, 2004 and after completion of this offering:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Option Holder | | Options to Acquire
Shares as of
September 1, 2004 | | Options to
Acquire shares
After this
Offering(1) | | Percentage of
Ordinary Shares(2) | | Exercise Price
at September 30, 2004(3) | | Expiration(4) |
| Wellington | | | 3,781,120 | | | | 3,781,120 | | | | 5.05 | % | | £ | 11.09 | | | June 21, 2012 |
| Names' Trustee(5) | | | 2,566,616 | | | | 1,711,347 | | | | 2.29 | % | | £ | 11.09 | | | June 21, 2012 |
| Total | | | 6,347,736 | | | | 5,492,467 | | | | 7.34 | % | |
|
| |
| (1) | Wellington did not exercise any of its options. In connection with this offering, the selling shareholder has delivered a notice to the Company on September 17, 2004, that it will exercise 855,269 Names' Options with 5,068 Names' Option being exercised on a cash basis at an exercise price of £11.09 assuming an exercise date of September 30, 2004 and 850,201 Names' Options being exercised on a cashless basis assuming an exercise date of September 30, 2004, resulting in 146,720 ordinary shares being issued assuming an exercise date of September 30, 2004. As a result of the exercise of the Names' Options, a total of 151,788 ordinary shares will be issued, 145,239 of which are being offered in this offering. The number of ordinary shares issued upon exercise of the Names' Options may vary as the exercise date is dependent on the date of effectiveness of this registration statement. |
| |
| (2) | Percentages are based upon 69,174,303 ordinary shares outstanding as of September 1, 2004 ordinary shares plus 151,788 ordinary shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options held by the Names' Trustee plus 5,492,467 shares issuable upon cash exercise of outstanding investor options. |
| |
| (3) | The initial exercise price for the Investor Options is £10 to be increased by 5% per annum from June 21, 2002 (the date of grant) to date of exercise, less the amount of any prior dividend or distribution per share. |
| |
| (4) | The Investor Options originally had a five-year term, which has been extended to ten years upon the completion of our initial public offering. |
| |
| (5) | The Names' Trustee holds the options solely as trustee of the Names' Trust, the beneficiaries of which are the Unaligned Members. |
Prior to this offering, the Names' Trustee held 2,566,616 Names' Options and in connection with this offering it has exercised 855,269 Names' Options. The rights of the holders of the Investor Options are governed by an amended and restated option instrument dated December 2, 2003 (the "Option Instrument"). A portion of the Names' Options is held by WUSL (as sub-trustee) for certain Unaligned Members and may be exercised on a cashless basis only. All non-voting shares issued or to be issued upon the exercise of the Investor Options will automatically convert into ordinary shares at a one-to-one ratio upon issuance.
The term of the Investor Options expires on June 21, 2012. The Investor Options may be exercised in whole or in part.
Under the Option Instrument, the Wellington Options are exercisable at any time subject to a minimum number of options to be exercised. The Names' Options are exercisable without regard to a minimum number of options to be exercised, at a Sale and at the end of an annual 45-day window period (expiring June 21, 2012 unless earlier lapsed) starting in 2005 during which the Unaligned Members may notify the Names' Trustee of their elections to exercise the Names' Options. The annual 45-day window period begins on the day following the day on which Aspen Holdings' annual report is published. In addition to the annual 45-day window period, the Names' Options also are exercisable at the time of the first underwritten secondary offering following our initial public offering or at the time of a non-underwritten direct resale registration if the first underwritten offering does
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not occur by August 5, 2004, as further described under "—Registration Rights Agreement" below. The Names' Trustee has exercised a portion of the Names' Options in this offering in connection with the Names' Trustee's right under the Registration Rights Agreement to initiate a non-underwritten registration for direct resale of ordinary shares it holds on behalf of the Names.
The Investor Options will lapse on the earlier occurrence of (i) the end of the term of the Investor Options, (ii) the liquidation of the Company (other than a liquidation in connection with a reconstruction or amalgamation) and (iii) the completion of a Sale (if such options are not exercised in connection with such Sale).
The exercise price payable for each option share is £10, together with interest accruing at 5% per annum (less any dividends or other distributions) from the date of issue of the Investor Options (June 21, 2002) until the date of exercise of the Investor Options. Each optionholder may exercise its options on a cashless basis, subject to relevant requirements of the Companies Act. A cashless exercise allows the optionholders to realize, through the receipt of ordinary shares, the economic benefit of the difference between the subscription price under the Investor Options and the then-prevailing market prices without having to pay the subscription price for any such ordinary shares. Thus, the optionholder receives fewer shares upon exercise.
For any exercise of the Investor Options on a cashless basis, the number of ordinary shares to be issued would be based on the difference between the exercise price on the date of exercise and the then-prevailing market price of the ordinary shares, calculated using the average closing price for five preceding trading days. The number of ordinary shares to be issued would be based on the difference between the exercise price on the date of exercise and in the case of a non-underwritten direct resale such as this offering, based on an average closing price for five preceding trading days.
Following the issuance of the Investor Options, there are a range of anti-dilution protections for the optionholders if any issuance or reclassification of our shares or similar matters are effected below fair market value, subject to certain exceptions. Under these circumstances, an adjustment to the subscription rights of the optionholders or the subscription price of the Investor Options shall be made by our board of directors. If optionholders holding 75% or more of the rights to subscribe for non-voting shares under the Investor Options so request, any adjustment proposed by our board of directors may be referred to independent financial advisors for their determination.
Employee Options
As of June 30, 2004, an aggregate of 3,884,030 options to purchase our ordinary shares and 37,665 restricted share units have been granted to our employees and non-employee directors under our 2003 Share Incentive Plan. See "Management — Share Incentive Plan" and "— Share Options Granted."
Voting Adjustments
In general, and except as provided below, shareholders have one vote for each ordinary share held by them and are entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders. However, if, and so long as, the ordinary shares of a shareholder in the Company are treated as "controlled shares" (as determined pursuant to section 958 of the Code) of any U.S. Person and such controlled shares constitute 9.5% or more of the votes conferred by the issued shares of Aspen Holdings, the voting rights with respect to the controlled shares owned by such U.S. Person shall be limited, in the aggregate, to a voting power of less than 9.5%, under a formula specified in our bye-laws. The formula is applied repeatedly until the voting power of all 9.5% U.S. Shareholders has been reduced to less than 9.5%. In addition, our board of directors may limit a shareholder's voting rights when it deems it appropriate to do so to (i) avoid the existence of any 9.5% U.S. Shareholder; and (ii) avoid certain material adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any shareholder or its affiliates. "Controlled shares" includes, among other things, all shares of the Company that such U.S. Person is deemed to own directly, indirectly or constructively (within the meaning of section 958 of the Code).
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Under these provisions, certain shareholders may have their voting rights limited to less than one vote per share, while other shareholders may have voting rights in excess of one vote per share. Moreover, these provisions could have the effect of reducing the votes of certain shareholders who would not otherwise be subject to the 9.5% limitation by virtue of their direct share ownership. Our bye-laws provide that shareholders will be notified of their voting interests prior to any vote to be taken by them.
We are authorized to require any shareholder to provide information as to that shareholder's beneficial share ownership, the names of persons having beneficial ownership of the shareholder's shares, relationships with other shareholders or any other facts the directors may deem relevant to a determination of the number of ordinary shares attributable to any person. If any holder fails to respond to this request or submits incomplete or inaccurate information, we may, in our sole discretion, eliminate the shareholder's voting rights. All information provided by the shareholder shall be treated by the Company as confidential information and shall be used by the Company solely for the purpose of establishing whether any 9.5% U.S. Shareholder exists (except as otherwise required by applicable law or regulation).
Acquisition of Ordinary Shares by the Company
Under our bye-laws and subject to Bermuda law, we have the option, but not the obligation, to require a shareholder to sell to us or a third party at fair market value, as determined in the good faith discretion of our board of directors, the minimum number of ordinary shares which is necessary to avoid or cure any material adverse tax consequences to us, our subsidiaries or our shareholders or affiliates if our board of directors unanimously determines that failure to exercise such option would result in such material adverse tax consequences.
Issuance of Shares
In accordance with our bye-laws, our board of directors has the power to issue any unissued shares of the Company, except that our board of directors may not issue preference shares having voting rights or powers (other than any mandatory voting rights or powers required under the Companies Act) unless a resolution authorizing such issuance is approved by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the Company's shareholders.
Shareholders' Agreement
The Company has entered into an amended and restated shareholders' agreement dated as of September 30, 2003 with Blackstone, Wellington, Candover, Mourant, CSFB Private Equity, Montpelier Re, the Names' Trustee, 3i, Phoenix, Olympus and Lexicon and, for limited purposes, Mr. Myners, Mr. O'Kane, Mr. Cusack, Ms. Davies and Mr. May.
The shareholders' agreement defines certain rights and obligations of the shareholders parties to the shareholders' agreement with respect to the transfer of shares and other matters. Pursuant to the terms of the shareholders' agreement, generally if any existing shareholder party thereto (or group of existing shareholder parties thereto) proposes to transfer 20% or more of our outstanding shares, then the other shareholders party to the shareholders' agreement have a right to participate proportionally in the transfer.
If a change of control (as defined in the shareholders' agreement) is approved by the board of directors and by investors (as defined in the shareholders' agreement) holding not less than 60% of the voting power of shares held by the investors (in each case, after taking into account voting power adjustments under the bye-laws), Wellington, certain entities affiliated with Wellington and the Names' Trustee undertake to:
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| • | exercise their respective voting rights as shareholders to approve the change of control; and |
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| • | tender their respective shares for sale in relation to the change of control on terms no less favorable than those on which the investors sell their shares. |
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Each shareholder party to the shareholders' agreement consented to the bonus issue of shares pursuant to a cashless exercise (as defined and described in the Option Instrument). Each shareholder party to the shareholders' agreement agreed to vote its shares and otherwise take all reasonable action within its power to give effect to the foregoing and the cashless exercise provision of the Investor Options.
Each shareholder party has agreed to require any transferee of the ordinary shares beneficially owned by such shareholder within 36 months after our initial public offering to sign a deed of adherence to the shareholders' agreement, except if such transfer is pursuant to a registered public offering, sale pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act or certain other circumstances. In addition, until twelve months after our initial public offering, a shareholder party may not make transfers to its shareholders, members, partners or beneficiaries by way of a dividend, distribution or otherwise.
Generally, the shareholders' agreement may only be amended if the amendment is in writing and signed by or on behalf of the Company (acting with the approval of the board of directors) and the shareholder parties holding 75% of the voting power of the shares held by the shareholder parties, provided that any amendment or variation of the shareholders' agreement that would adversely affect a shareholder party thereto in a disproportionate manner relative to the other shareholder parties thereto may not be effected without the consent of such disproportionately affected shareholder.
Directors, officers and employees of the Company who currently hold ordinary shares are deemed third party beneficiaries of some of the provisions of the shareholders' agreement. However, these directors, officers and employees are not entitled to vote in connection with any amendment or variation of the shareholders' agreement, unless such amendment or variation adversely affects only them or adversely affects them in a disproportionate manner relative to the other shareholder parties thereto, in which case the consent of a majority of voting power of ordinary shares held by these directors, officers and employees is required.
We have agreed to pay the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the shareholders parties to the shareholders' agreement in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of the shareholders' agreement, the registration rights agreement, the management shareholders' agreements (and all other documents relating to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan) and all other matters in connection with our initial public offering prior to the completion date of our initial public offering.
In addition, we have agreed to pay the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by all of our management shareholders, taken together, in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of the shareholders' agreement, the registration rights agreement, the management shareholders' agreements (and all other documents relating to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan) and all other matters in connection with our initial public offering prior to the completion date of our initial public offering and the management service contracts; provided that, we shall only reimburse our management shareholders for any such legal fees and expenses incurred for the services of one firm of legal counsel.
We have agreed to pay each year the reasonable costs of administration of the Names' Trust incurred by the Names' Trustee and will bear the reasonable or pre-approved costs of Names' Trustee incurred in connection with the transmission of notices received by the Names' Trustee (in its capacity as trustee for the Names' Trust) to the Unaligned Members and any other communications with the Unaligned Members which are made to or by the Names' Trustee on behalf of the Unaligned Members.
Registration Rights Agreement
We have entered into an amended and restated registration rights agreement, dated November 14, 2003, with Blackstone, Wellington, Candover, Mourant, CSFB Private Equity, Montpelier Re, the Names' Trustee, 3i, Phoenix, Olympus and Lexicon, pursuant to which we may be required to register our ordinary shares held by such parties under the Securities Act. At any time any such shareholder party or group of shareholders (other than directors, officers or employees of the Company) that
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holds in the aggregate $50 million of our shares has the right to request registration for a public offering of all or a portion of its shares, subject to the limitations and restrictions provided in the agreement.
Because no other shareholder has requested the registration of its ordinary shares by August 5, 2004, the Names' Trustee has the right to demand the registration of ordinary shares it holds on behalf of the Unaligned Members, subject to a registration of a minimum number of ordinary shares, for a non-underwritten direct resale of such ordinary shares between August 5, 2004 and September 19, 2004. This offering of the ordinary shares held by the Names' Trustee is a result of the Names' Trustee's demand on September 17, 2004 to register the ordinary shares it holds on behalf of the Unaligned Members for a non-underwritten direct resale of the registered ordinary shares.
In addition, under certain circumstances, if we propose to register the sale of any of our securities under the Securities Act (other than a registration on Form S-8 or F-4), such parties holding our ordinary shares or other securities convertible into, exercisable for or exchangeable for our ordinary shares, will have the right to participate proportionately in such sale.
Parties to the registration rights agreement who wish to register their ordinary shares must notify us within 10 days of receipt of our notice that a registration statement will be filed, though a 20 business day period will apply for the Names' Trustee to allow it additional time to coordinate with the Names' Trust beneficiaries. If the registration requested would not be delayed by the extended period provided to the Names' Trustee, then the Names' Trustee will participate in the underwritten offering. If a delay would occur as a result of the extended period to the Names' Trustee, then the Names' Trustee would be entitled to request the registration of ordinary shares it holds on behalf of the Unaligned Members, for a non-underwritten direct resale of such shares under a separate registration statement to be filed by us.
Generally, the registration rights agreement may only be amended if the amendment is in writing and signed by or on behalf of shareholders party to the registration rights agreement holding 75% of the number of ordinary shares (or securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into ordinary shares) that are considered registrable under the registration rights agreement ("Registrable Securities"), provided that any amendment or variation of the registration rights agreement that would adversely affect a shareholder party thereto in a disproportionate manner relative to the other shareholders parties thereto may not be effected without the consent of such disproportionately affected shareholder.
Directors, officers and employees of the Company who currently hold ordinary shares and options are deemed third party beneficiaries of some of the provisions of the registration rights agreement. However, these directors, officers and employees are not entitled to vote in connection with any amendment or variation of the registration rights agreement, unless such amendment or variation adversely affects only them or adversely affects them in a disproportionate manner relative to the other shareholders parties thereto, in which case the consent of a majority of the number of Registrable Securities held by these directors, officers and employees is required.
Bye-laws
In addition to the provisions of our bye-laws described elsewhere in this prospectus, the following provisions are a summary of some of the other important provisions of our bye-laws.
Our Board and Corporate Action. Our bye-laws provide that the board shall consist of not less than six and not more than 15 directors. Subject to our bye-laws and Bermuda law, the directors shall be elected or appointed by holders of ordinary shares. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III and is elected by the shareholders as follows. Each director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the third annual general meeting of shareholders next following the annual general meeting at which such director was elected, provided that (i) Directors initially designated as Class I Directors shall serve for an initial term ending on the date of the third annual general meeting of Shareholders following June 21, 2002, (ii) directors initially
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designated as Class II Directors shall serve for an initial term ending on the fourth annual general meeting following June 21, 2002, and (iii) directors initially designated as Class III Directors shall serve for an initial term ending on the fifth annual general meeting following June 21, 2002. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each director shall hold office until such director's successor shall have been duly elected or until such director is removed from office or such office is otherwise vacated. In the event of any change in the number of directors, the board of directors shall apportion any newly created directorships among, or reduce the number of directorships in, such class or classes as shall equalize, as nearly as possible, the number of directors in each class. In no event will a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director.
Generally, the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be required to authorize corporate action. Corporate action may also be taken by a unanimous written resolution of the board without a meeting and with no need to give notice, except in the case of removal of auditors or directors. The quorum necessary for the transaction of business of the board of directors may be fixed by the board of directors and, unless so fixed at any other number, shall be a majority of directors in office from time to time and in no event less than two directors, provided, that the majority of the directors present does not consist of persons residing in the United Kingdom for U.K. tax purposes.
Shareholder Action. Except as otherwise required by the Companies Act and our bye-laws, any question proposed for the consideration of the shareholders at any general meeting shall be decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of votes cast at such meeting (in each case, after taking into account voting power adjustments under the bye-laws).
The following actions shall be approved by the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the voting power of shares entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders (in each case, after taking into account voting power adjustments under the bye-laws): any amendment to Bye-Laws 13 (first sentence - Modification of Rights); 24 (Transfer of Shares); 49 (Voting); 63, 64, 65 and 66 (Adjustment of Voting Power); 67 (Other Adjustments of Voting Power), 76 (Purchase of Shares), 84 or 85 (Certain Subsidiaries); provided, however, that in the case of any amendments to Bye-Laws 24, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 or 76, such amendment shall only be subject to this voting requirement if the board determines in its sole discretion that such amendment could adversely affect any shareholder in any non-de minimis respect. The following actions shall be approved by the affirmative vote of at least sixty-six percent (66%) of the voting power of shares entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders (in each case, after taking into account voting power adjustments under the bye-laws): (i) a merger or amalgamation with, or a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to, a third party, where any shareholder does not have the same right to receive the same consideration as all other shareholders in such transaction; or (ii) discontinuance of the Company out of Bermuda to another jurisdiction.
Amendment. Our bye-laws may be revoked or amended by a majority of the board of directors, but no revocation or amendment shall be operative unless and until it is approved at a subsequent general meeting of the Company by the shareholders by resolution passed by a majority of the voting power of votes cast at such meeting (in each case, after taking into account voting power adjustments under the bye-laws) or such greater majority as required by our bye-laws.
Voting of Non-U.S. Subsidiary Shares. If we are required or entitled to vote at a general meeting of any of Aspen Re, Aspen Bermuda, Aspen U.K. Holdings or Aspen U.K. Services or any other directly held non-U.S. subsidiary of ours (together, the "Non-U.S. Subsidiaries"), our directors shall refer the subject matter of the vote to our shareholders and seek direction from such shareholders as to how they should vote on the resolution proposed by the Non-U.S. Subsidiary. Substantially similar provisions are or will be contained in the bye-laws (or equivalent governing documents) of the Non-U.S. Subsidiaries.
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Differences in Corporate Law
You should be aware that the Companies Act, which applies to us, differs in certain material respects from laws generally applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. In order to highlight these differences, set forth below is a summary of certain significant provisions of the Companies Act (including modifications adopted pursuant to our bye-laws) applicable to us which differ in certain respects from provisions of the State of Delaware corporate law. Because the following statements are summaries, they do not address all aspects of Bermuda law that may be relevant to us and our shareholders.
Duties of Directors. Under Bermuda law, at common law, members of a board of directors owe a fiduciary duty to the company to act in good faith in their dealings with or on behalf of the company and exercise their powers and fulfill the duties of their office honestly. This duty has the following essential elements:
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| • | a duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the company; |
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| • | a duty not to make a personal profit from opportunities that arise from the office of director; |
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| • | a duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and |
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| • | a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. |
The Companies Act imposes a duty on directors and officers of a Bermuda company:
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| • | to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company; and |
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| • | to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. |
In addition, the Companies Act imposes various duties on officers of a company with respect to certain matters of management and administration of the company.
The Companies Act provides that in any proceedings for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust against any officer, if it appears to a court that such officer is or may be liable in respect of negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, but that he has acted honestly and reasonably, and that, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including those connected with his appointment, he ought fairly to be excused for the negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, that court may relieve him, either wholly or partly, from any liability on such terms as the court may think fit. This provision has been interpreted to apply only to actions brought by or on behalf of the company against such officers. Our bye-laws, however, provide that shareholders waive all claims or rights of action that they might have, individually or in the right of the Company, against any director or officer of Aspen Holdings for any act or failure to act in the performance of such director's or officer's duties, except this waiver does not extend to any claims or rights of action that arise out of fraud on the part of such director or officer or with respect to the recovery of any gain, personal profit or advantage to which the officer or director is not legally entitled.
Under Delaware law, the business and affairs of a corporation are managed by or under the direction of its board of directors. In exercising their powers, directors are charged with a fiduciary duty of care to protect the interests of the corporation and a fiduciary duty of loyalty to act in the best interests of its stockholders.
The duty of care requires that directors act in an informed and deliberative manner and inform themselves, prior to making a business decision, of all material information reasonably available to them. The duty of care also requires that directors exercise care in overseeing and investigating the conduct of corporate employees. The duty of loyalty may be summarized as the duty to act in good faith, not out of self-interest, and in a manner which the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the stockholders.
A party challenging the propriety of a decision of a board of directors bears the burden of rebutting the applicability of the presumptions afforded to directors by the "business judgment rule."
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If the presumption is not rebutted, the business judgment rule attaches to protect the directors and their decisions, and their business judgments will not be second guessed. Where, however, the presumption is rebutted, the directors bear the burden of demonstrating the entire fairness of the relevant transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delaware courts subject directors' conduct to enhanced scrutiny in respect of defensive actions taken in response to a threat to corporate control and approval of a transaction resulting in a sale of control of the corporation.
Interested Directors. Under Bermuda law and our bye-laws, any transaction entered into by us in which a director has an interest is not voidable by us nor can such director be accountable to us for any benefit realized under that transaction provided the nature of the interest is disclosed at the first opportunity at a meeting of directors, or in writing to the directors. In addition, our bye-laws allow a director to be taken into account in determining whether a quorum is present and to vote on a transaction in which he has an interest unless the majority of the disinterested directors determine otherwise. Under Delaware law, such transaction would not be voidable if (1) the material facts as to such interested director's relationship or interests are disclosed or are known to the board of directors and the board in good faith authorizes the transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, (2) such material facts are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote on such transaction and the transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the majority of shares entitled to vote thereon or (3) the transaction is fair as to the corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified. Under Delaware law, such interested director could be held liable for a transaction in which such director derived an improper personal benefit.
Voting Rights and Quorum Requirements. Under Bermuda law, the voting rights of our shareholders are regulated by our bye-laws and, in certain circumstances, the Companies Act. Under our bye-laws, at any general meeting, shareholders holding at least 50% of our shareholders' aggregate voting power in the ordinary shares shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In general, except for the removal of the Company's auditors or directors, any action that we may take by resolution in a general meeting may, without a meeting, be taken by a resolution in writing signed by all of the shareholders entitled to attend such meeting and vote on the resolution. In general, any question proposed for the consideration of the shareholders at any general meeting shall be decided by the affirmative votes of a majority of the votes cast in accordance with the bye-laws.
Any individual who is a shareholder of Aspen Holdings and who is present at a meeting may vote in person, as may any corporate shareholder which is present by a duly authorized representative. Our bye-laws also permit votes by proxy, provided the instrument appointing the proxy, together with evidence of its due execution, is satisfactory to our board of directors.
In general, and except as provided below, shareholders have one vote for each ordinary share held by them and are entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders. If, and so long as, the ordinary shares of a shareholder in the Company are treated as "controlled shares" (as determined pursuant to section 958 of the Code) of any U.S. Person and such controlled shares constitute 9.5% or more of the votes conferred by the issued ordinary shares, the voting rights with respect to the controlled shares owned by such 9.5% U.S. Shareholder shall be limited, in the aggregate, to a voting power of less than 9.5%, under a formula specified in our bye-laws. The formula is applied repeatedly until the voting power of all 9.5% U.S. Shareholders has been reduced to less than 9.5%. In addition, our board of directors may limit a shareholder's voting rights where it deems it appropriate to do so to (1) avoid the existence of any 9.5% U.S. Shareholder; and (2) avoid material adverse tax, legal or regulatory consequences to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any shareholder or its affiliates. "Controlled shares" includes, among other things, all ordinary shares of the Company that such U.S. Person is deemed to beneficially own directly, indirectly or constructively (within the meaning of section 958 of the Code).
We are authorized to require any shareholder to provide information as to that shareholder's beneficial share ownership, the names of persons having beneficial ownership of the shareholder's shares, relationships with other shareholders or any other facts the directors may deem relevant to a determination of the number of ordinary shares attributable to any person. If any holder fails to
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respond to such a request or submits incomplete or inaccurate information, we may in our sole discretion, eliminate the shareholder's voting rights. All information provided by the shareholder shall be treated by the Company as confidential information and shall be used by the Company solely for the purpose of establishing whether any 9.5% U.S. Shareholder exists or assisting the Company in determining whether any U.S. Person that is a shareholder directly or indirectly through foreign entities would have "related person insurance" inclusions under Section 953(c) of the Code (except as otherwise required by applicable law or regulation). The amount of any reduction of votes that occurs by operation of the above limitations will generally be reallocated proportionately among all other shareholders of Aspen Holdings whose shares were not "controlled shares" of the 9.5% U.S. Shareholder so long as such: (i) reallocation does not cause any person to become a 9.5% U.S. Shareholder; (ii) no portion of such reallocation shall apply to the shares held by Wellington or the Names' Trustee, except where the failure to apply such increase would result in any person becoming a 9.5% shareholder, and (iii) reallocation shall be limited in the case of existing shareholders 3i, Phoenix and Montpelier Re so that none of their voting rights exceed 10%.
Under these provisions, certain shareholders may have their voting rights limited to less than one vote per share, while other shareholders may have voting rights in excess of one vote per share. Moreover, these provisions could have the effect of reducing the votes of certain shareholders who would not otherwise be subject to the 9.5% limitation by virtue of their direct share ownership. The bye-laws of Aspen Holdings also provide that shareholders will be notified of their voting interests prior to any vote to be taken by the shareholders. See "— Voting Adjustments."
Dividends. Bermuda law does not permit payment of dividends or distributions of contributed surplus by a company if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company, after the payment is made, would be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due, or the realizable value of the company's assets would be less, as a result of the payment, than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts. The excess of the consideration paid on issue of shares over the aggregate par value of such shares must (except in certain limited circumstances) be credited to a share premium account. Share premium may be distributed in certain limited circumstances, for example to pay up for unissued shares which may be distributed to shareholders in proportion to their holdings, but is otherwise subject to limitation. In addition, Aspen Bermuda's ability to pay dividends is subject to Bermuda insurance laws and regulatory constraints. See "Regulatory Matters — Bermuda Regulation — Minimum Solvency Margin and Restrictions on Dividends and Distributions."
Under Delaware law, subject to any restrictions contained in the company's certificate of incorporation, a company may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and for the preceding fiscal year. Delaware law also provides that dividends may not be paid out of net profits if, after the payment of the dividend, capital is less than the capital represented by the outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets.
Amalgamations, Mergers and Similar Arrangements. We may acquire the business of another Bermuda exempted company or a company incorporated outside Bermuda when conducting such business would benefit the Company and would be conducive to attaining our objectives contained within our memorandum of association. Under our bye-laws, we may, except in certain circumstances, with the approval of at least a majority of the voting power of votes cast (after taking account of any voting power adjustments under the bye-laws) at a general meeting of our shareholders at which a quorum is present, amalgamate with another Bermuda company or with a body incorporated outside Bermuda. In the case of an amalgamation, a shareholder may apply to a Bermuda court for a proper valuation of such shareholder's shares if such shareholder is not satisfied that fair market value has been paid for such shares. The court ordinarily would not disapprove the transaction on that ground absent evidence of fraud or bad faith.
Under Delaware law, with certain exceptions, a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all the assets of a corporation must be approved by the board of directors and a majority
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of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon. Under Delaware law, a shareholder of a corporation participating in certain major corporate transactions may, under certain circumstances, be entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to which such shareholder may receive payment in the amount of the fair market value of the shares held by such shareholder (as determined by a court) in lieu of the consideration such shareholder would otherwise receive in the transaction.
Takeovers. Bermuda law provides that where an offer is made for shares of a company and, within four months of the offer, the holders of not less than 90% of the shares which are the subject of the offer accept, the offeror may by notice require the non-tendering shareholders to transfer their shares on the terms of the offer. Dissenting shareholders may apply to the court within one month of the notice objecting to the transfer. The burden is on the dissenting shareholders to show that the court should exercise its discretion to enjoin the required transfer, which the court will be unlikely to do unless there is evidence of fraud or bad faith or collusion between the offeror and the holders of the shares who have accepted the offer as a means of unfairly forcing out minority shareholders. Delaware law provides that a parent corporation, by resolution of its board of directors and without any stockholder vote, may merge with any subsidiary of which it owns at least 90% of each class of capital stock. Upon any merger, dissenting stockholders of the subsidiary would have appraisal rights.
Certain Transactions with Significant Shareholders. As a Bermuda company, we may enter into certain business transactions with our significant shareholders, including asset sales, in which a significant shareholder receives, or could receive, a financial benefit that is greater than that received, or to be received, by other shareholders with prior approval from our board of directors but without obtaining prior approval from our shareholders. Amalgamations require the approval of the board of directors and, except for certain amalgamations, a resolution of shareholders approved by a majority of at least a majority of the votes cast (after taking account of any voting power adjustments under the bye-laws). If we were a Delaware corporation, we would need, subject to certain exceptions, prior approval from shareholders holding at least two-thirds of our outstanding ordinary shares not owned by such interested shareholder to enter into a business combination (which, for this purpose, includes asset sales of greater than 10% of our assets that would otherwise be considered transactions in the ordinary course of business) with an interested shareholder for a period of three years from the time the person became an interested shareholder, unless we opted out of the relevant Delaware statute.
Shareholders' Suits. The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law are not as extensive as the rights of shareholders under legislation or judicial precedent in many U.S. jurisdictions. Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under the laws of Bermuda. However, the Bermuda courts ordinarily would be expected to follow English case law precedent, which would permit a shareholder to commence an action in our name to remedy a wrong done to us where the act complained of is alleged to be beyond our corporate power or is illegal or would result in the violation of our memorandum of association or bye-laws. Furthermore, consideration would be given by the court to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or where an act requires the approval of a greater percentage of our shareholders than actually approved it. The winning party in such an action generally would be able to recover a portion of attorneys' fees incurred in connection with such action. Our bye-laws provide that shareholders waive all claims or rights of action that they might have, individually or in the right of the Company, against any director or officer for any action or failure to act in the performance of such director's or officer's duties, except such waiver shall not extend to claims or rights of action that arise out of any fraud of such director or officer or with respect to the recovery of any gain, personal profit or advantage to which the officer or director is not legally entitled. Class actions and derivative actions generally are available to shareholders under Delaware law for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and actions not taken in accordance with applicable law. In such actions, the court generally has discretion to permit the winning party to recover attorneys' fees incurred in connection with such action.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Under Bermuda law and our bye-laws, we may indemnify our directors, officers or any other person appointed to a committee of the board of directors and any resident representative (and their respective heirs, executors or administrators)
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against all liabilities, loss, damage or expense to the full extent permitted by law, incurred or suffered by this person by reason of any act done, conceived in or omitted in the conduct of our business or in the discharge of his/her duties; provided that such indemnification shall not extend to any matter which would render it void under the Companies Act. Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify a director or officer of the corporation against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in defense of an action, suit or proceeding by reason of such position if (1) that director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (2) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such director or officer had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
Inspection of Corporate Records. Members of the general public have the right to inspect our public documents available at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda and our registered office in Bermuda, which will include our memorandum of association (including its objects and powers) and any alteration to our memorandum of association and documents relating to any increase or reduction of authorized capital. Our shareholders have the additional right to inspect our bye-laws, minutes of general meetings and financial statements, which must be presented to the annual general meeting of shareholders. The register of our shareholders is also open to inspection by shareholders without charge, and to members of the public for a fee. We are required to maintain our share register in Bermuda but may establish a branch register outside of Bermuda. We are required to keep at our registered office a register of our directors and officers which is open for inspection by members of the public without charge. Bermuda law does not, however, provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records. Delaware law permits any shareholder to inspect or obtain copies of a corporation's shareholder list and its other books and records for any purpose reasonably related to such person's interest as a shareholder.
Shareholder Proposals. Under Bermuda law, the Companies Act provides that shareholders may, as set forth below and at their own expense (unless a company otherwise resolves), require a company to give notice of any resolution that the shareholders can properly propose at the next annual general meeting and/or to circulate a statement prepared by the requesting shareholders in respect of any matter referred to in a proposed resolution or any business to be conducted at a general meeting. The number of shareholders necessary for such a requisition is either that number of shareholders representing at least 5% of the total voting rights of all shareholders having a right to vote at the meeting to which the requisition relates or not less than 100 shareholders. Delaware law does not include a provision restricting the manner in which nominations for directors may be made by shareholders or the manner in which business may be brought before a meeting.
Calling of Special Shareholders Meetings. Under Bermuda law a special meeting may also be called by the shareholders when requisitioned by the holders of at least 10% of the paid up voting share capital of Aspen Holdings as provided by the Companies Act. Delaware law permits the board of directors or any person who is authorized under a corporation's certificate of incorporation or bye-laws to call a special meeting of shareholders.
Staggered Board of Directors. Bermuda law does not contain statutory provisions specifically requiring staggered board of directors arrangements for a Bermuda exempted company. These provisions, however, may validly be provided for in the bye-laws governing the affairs of a company and our bye-laws do so provide. Similarly, Delaware law permits corporations to have a staggered board of directors.
Approval of Corporate Matters by Written Consent. Under Bermuda law, the Companies Act provides that shareholders may take action by written consent with 100% shareholders consent required. Delaware law permits shareholders to take action by the consent in writing by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting of stockholders at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.
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Amendment of Memorandum of Association. Bermuda law provides that the memorandum of association of a company may be amended by a resolution passed at a general meeting of shareholders of which due notice has been given. An amendment to the memorandum of association that alters the company's business objects may require approval of the Bermuda Minister of Finance, who may grant or withhold approval at his or her discretion.
Under Bermuda law, the holders of an aggregate of not less than 20% in par value of a company's issued share capital have the right to apply to the Bermuda courts for an annulment of any amendment of the memorandum of association adopted by shareholders at any general meeting, other than an amendment which alters or reduces a company's share capital as provided in the Companies Act. Where such an application is made, the amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda court. An application for an annulment of an amendment of the memorandum of association must be made within 21 days after the date on which the resolution altering the company's memorandum of association is passed and may be made on behalf of persons entitled to make the application by one or more of their designees as such holders may appoint in writing for such purpose. No application may be made by the shareholders voting in favor of the amendment.
Under Delaware law, amendment of the certificate of incorporation, which is the equivalent of a memorandum of association, of a company must be made by a resolution of the board of directors setting forth the amendment, declaring its advisability, and either calling a special meeting of the shareholders entitled to vote or directing that the amendment proposed be considered at the next annual meeting of the shareholders. Delaware law requires that, unless a different percentage is provided for in the certificate of incorporation, a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon is required to approve the amendment of the certificate of incorporation at the shareholders meeting. If the amendment would alter the number of authorized shares or par value or otherwise adversely affect the rights or preference of any class of a company's stock, the holders of the outstanding shares of such affected class, regardless of whether such holders are entitled to vote by the certificate of incorporation, should be entitled to vote as a class upon the proposed amendment. However, the number of authorized shares of any class may be increased or decreased, to the extent not falling below the number of shares then outstanding, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock entitled to vote, if so provided in the company's certificate of incorporation or any amendment that created such class or was adopted prior to the issuance of such class or that was authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of such class or classes of stock.
Amendment of Bye-laws. Our bye-laws may be revoked or amended by the board of directors, which may from time to time revoke or amend them in any way by a resolution of the board of directors passed by a majority of the directors then in office and eligible to vote on the resolution, but no revocation or amendment shall be operative unless and until it is approved at a subsequent general meeting of the Company by the shareholders by resolution passed by a majority of the voting power of votes cast at such meeting (in each case, after taking into account voting power adjustments under the bye-laws) or such greater majority as required by bye-laws.
Under Delaware law, holders of a majority of the voting power of a corporation and, if so provided in the certificate of incorporation, the directors of the corporation, have the power to adopt, amend and repeal the bylaws of a corporation.
Listing
Our ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol "AHL."
Transfer Agent, Registrar and Dividend Disbursing Agent
The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the ordinary shares is Mellon Investor Services LLC.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
As of September 1, 2004, we had a total of 69,174,303 ordinary shares outstanding. All of the 229,437 shares sold in the offering will be, and 12,102,600 shares sold in our initial public offering in 2003 are, freely tradeable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act by persons other than "affiliates." Under the Securities Act, an "affiliate" of a company is a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with that company. Any shares purchased by our affiliates, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, may generally only be sold in compliance with the limitations of Rule 144 described below. Substantially all of our remaining ordinary shares may not be sold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is available, including the exemptions contained in Rule 144.
Under Rule 144(k), a person who is not our affiliate, and who has not been our affiliate at any time during the 90 days preceding any sale, is entitled to sell the shares without regard to the foregoing limitations, provided that at least two years have elapsed since the shares were acquired from us or any affiliate of ours. A large percentage of our initial investors have held a portion of our ordinary shares for at least two years, although some of those investors may be deemed our affiliates. In general, under Rule 144, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated), including any person who may be deemed our affiliate, is entitled to sell within any three-month period, a number of unregistered securities that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding ordinary shares or the average weekly trading volume of the ordinary shares on the NYSE during the four calendar weeks preceding each such sale, provided that at least one year has elapsed since these shares were acquired from us or any affiliate of ours and certain manner of sale, notice requirements and requirements as to availability of current public information about us are satisfied. Any person who is deemed to be our affiliate must comply with the provisions of Rule 144 (other than the one-year holding period requirement) in order to sell ordinary shares which are not restricted securities (such as shares acquired by affiliates either in the offering or through purchases in the open market following the offering).
Under the registration rights agreement, each of Blackstone, Candover (including Mourant), CSFB Private Equity and Wellington, individually, and 3i, Phoenix, Olympus, Montpelier Re, The Lexicon Partnership LLP and the Names' Trustee, collectively, have demand registration rights which will continue to apply to all of their shares after this offering. At any time, any of these shareholders may request that we file a registration statement under the Securities Act covering their shares, subject to certain minimum offering size requirements and certain exceptions. Upon receipt of each request, we generally will be required to use reasonable best efforts to effect the registration. Each such shareholder may only demand a specific number of registrations. In addition, we are not required to effect any registration requested by any such shareholders if we have effected any registration (other than on Form F-3 or any successor form relating to secondary offerings) within six months prior to the request. We are generally obligated to bear the expenses, excluding underwriting fees, discounts and sales commissions, of all registrations.
Under the registration rights agreement, holders of our ordinary shares or other securities convertible into, exercisable for or exchangeable for our ordinary shares also have certain "piggyback" registration rights with respect to our ordinary shares. Accordingly, if we propose to register any of our securities, either for our own account or for the account of other shareholders, with certain exceptions, we are required to notify these shareholders and to include in the registration all the ordinary shares requested to be included by them, subject to reduction of the number of shares that may be included in the offering under certain circumstances by an underwriter.
No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of ordinary shares, or the availability of ordinary shares for future sales, will have on the market price of our ordinary shares prevailing from time to time. The sale of substantial amounts of our ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could harm the prevailing market price of our ordinary shares.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are registering 229,437 ordinary shares on behalf of the selling shareholder. The shares covered by this prospectus may be offered and sold from time to time by the selling shareholder. The selling shareholder will act independently of us in making decisions with respect to the timing, manner and size of each sale. Such sales may be made directly to purchasers or through broker-dealers or agents, who may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling shareholder. This offering is not being underwritten. These discounts, concessions or commissions as to any particular broker-dealer or agent may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved.
Our ordinary shares may be sold in one or more transactions through public or private transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at privately negotiated prices. The selling shareholder may sell some or all of its ordinary shares through:
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| • | a block trade in which a broker-dealer may resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to facilitate the transaction; |
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| • | purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by such broker-dealer for its own account; |
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| • | any national securities exchange or U.S. inter-dealer system of a registered national securities association on which our ordinary shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale; |
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| • | in the over-the-counter market; |
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| • | in transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or systems or in the over-the-counter market, including negotiated sales; or |
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| • | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers. |
In connection with the sale of shares of our ordinary shares, the selling shareholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of our ordinary shares in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling shareholder may also sell our ordinary shares short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge our ordinary shares to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these ordinary shares. The selling shareholder may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of ordinary shares offered by this prospectus, which ordinary shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction. The selling shareholder may also pledge or hypothecate ordinary shares to a broker-dealer or other financial institution, and, upon a default, such broker-dealer or other financial institution may effect sales of the pledged ordinary shares pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction. In effecting sales, broker-dealers or agents engaged by the selling shareholder may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate.
The aggregate proceeds to the selling shareholder from the sale of our ordinary shares offered by it will be the purchase price of our ordinary shares less discounts or commissions, if any. The selling shareholder reserves the right to accept and, together with its agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of ordinary shares to be made directly or through agents.
In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, our ordinary shares may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states our ordinary shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption form registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
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The selling shareholder and any broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of our ordinary shares or interests herein may be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act. Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the ordinary shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Where the selling shareholder is an "underwriter" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, it will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.
We have advised the selling shareholder that the anti-manipulation rules of Regulation M under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of ordinary shares in the market and to the activities of the selling shareholder and its affiliates. In addition, we will make copies of this prospectus, as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time, available to the selling shareholder for the purpose of satisfying the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. The selling shareholder may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the ordinary shares against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
In addition, any ordinary shares covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this prospectus.
To the extent required, our ordinary shares to be sold, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any agent or dealer and any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement which includes this prospectus.
We have agreed to indemnify the selling shareholder against liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and state securities laws, relating to the registration of the ordinary shares offered by this prospectus.
We have agreed with the selling shareholder under the registration rights agreement to keep the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, effective for not less than 30 days from the date of effectiveness.
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EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION
Unless this prospectus provides a different rate, the translations of British Pounds into U.S. Dollars have been made at the rate of £1 to $1.7902, which was the closing exchange rate on December 31, 2003 for the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate as displayed on the Bloomberg Service under USD—GBP "Currencies" HP screen. Using this rate does not mean that British Pound amounts actually represent those U.S. Dollars amounts or could be converted into U.S. Dollars at that rate.
The following table sets forth the history of the exchange rates of one British Pound to U.S. Dollars for the periods indicated.
BRITISH POUND/U.S. DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE HISTORY(1)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Last(2) | | High | | Low | | Average(3) |
| Month Ended August 31, 2004 | | | 1.8024 | | | | 1.8470 | | | | 1.7855 | | | | 1.8197 | |
| Month Ended July 31, 2004 | | | 1.8199 | | | | 1.8771 | | | | 1.8084 | | | | 1.8431 | |
| Month Ended June 30, 2004 | | | 1.8135 | | | | 1.8205 | | | | 1.8013 | | | | 1.8074 | |
| Month Ended May 31, 2004 | | | 1.8334 | | | | 1.8372 | | | | 1.8301 | | | | 1.8324 | |
| Month Ended April 30, 2004 | | | 1.7734 | | | | 1.7809 | | | | 1.7663 | | | | 1.7720 | |
| Month Ended March 31, 2004 | | | 1.8454 | | | | 1.8463 | | | | 1.8250 | | | | 1.8281 | |
| | |
| Year Ended December 31, 2003 | | | 1.7902 | | | | 1.7902 | | | | 1.5500 | | | | 1.6450 | |
| Year Ended December 31, 2002 | | | 1.6099 | | | | 1.6099 | | | | 1.4088 | | | | 1.5033 | |
| Year Ended December 31, 2001 | | | 1.4554 | | | | 1.5049 | | | | 1.3727 | | | | 1.4398 | |
| Year Ended December 31, 2000 | | | 1.4938 | | | | 1.6522 | | | | 1.4016 | | | | 1.5159 | |
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| (1) | Data obtained from FactSet/Bloomberg. |
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| (2) | "Last" is the closing exchange rate on the last business day of each of the periods indicated. |
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| (3) | "Average" for the monthly exchange rates is the average daily exchange rate during the periods indicated. "Average" for the year ended periods is calculated using the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period. |
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters as to U.S. law in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., a limited liability partnership including professional corporations, New York, New York. Certain matters as to Bermuda law in connection with the offering of the ordinary shares will be passed upon for us by Appleby Spurling Hunter, Hamilton, Bermuda.
EXPERTS
The consolidated balance sheet of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, comprehensive income and cash flows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002, the combined balance sheets of the Syndicates as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related combined statements of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), members deficits and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2002 and the financial statement schedules for Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and the Syndicates included in this prospectus have been audited by KPMG Audit Plc, independent registered accountants, as set forth in their reports appearing herein. These financial statements and financial statement schedules, referred to above are included in reliance upon such reports of KPMG Audit Plc, given upon authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC, a registration statement on Form F-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the ordinary shares offered in this prospectus. This prospectus, filed as part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules, portions of which have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information about us and our ordinary shares, we refer you to the registration statement and to its exhibits and schedules. Statements in this prospectus about the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, we refer you to the copy of such contract, agreement or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, with each such statement being qualified in all respects by reference to the document to which it refers. Anyone may inspect the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules without charge at the public reference facilities that the SEC maintains at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain copies of all or any part of these materials from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the SEC. You may obtain further information about the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also inspect these reports and other information without charge at a web site maintained by the SEC. The address of this site is http://www.sec.gov.
The Company will be subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. As a foreign private issuer (as defined in rules under the Exchange Act), the Company is not required to comply with the periodic reporting requirements imposed upon a U.S. domestic private issuer of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act, and is exempt from the provisions of, the Exchange Act prescribing the content and filing of proxy statements and the solicitation of proxies and the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act relating to the reporting of securities transactions by certain persons and the recovery of "short-swing" profits from the purchase or sale of securities. Pursuant to a provision in our bye-laws, we have and will continue to file with the SEC all annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports with respect to specified events on Form 8-K, as would be required of a U.S. domestic private issuer subject to those particular requirements of the Exchange Act (including the informational and timing requirements for filing such reports ). The audited financial statements contained in such annual reports and unaudited quarterly financial information contained in such quarterly reports have been and will be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and will include "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for the relevant periods. You will be able to inspect and copy these reports and other information at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at the address noted above. You also will be able to obtain copies of this material from the Public Reference Room of the SEC as described above, or inspect them without charge at the SEC's web site. We intend to furnish our shareholders with annual reports containing consolidated financial statements audited by an independent registered accounting firm.
ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES UNDER
UNITED STATES FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND OTHER MATTERS
We are organized under the laws of Bermuda. In addition, some of our directors and officers reside outside the United States, and all or a substantial portion of their assets and our assets are or may be located in jurisdictions outside the United States. Therefore, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon our non-U.S. directors and officers or to recover against our company, or our non-U.S. directors and officers on judgments of U.S. courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. However, we may be served with process in the United States with respect to actions against us arising out of or in connection with violations of U.S. federal securities laws relating to offers and sales of ordinary shares made hereby by serving CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011, our U.S. agent irrevocably appointed for that purpose.
We have been advised by Appleby Spurling Hunter, our Bermuda counsel, that there is doubt as to whether the Courts of Bermuda would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against
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us or our directors and officers, as well as the experts named herein, predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws or original actions brought in Bermuda against us or such persons predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws. Further, we have been advised by Appleby Spurling Hunter that there is no treaty in force between the United States and Bermuda providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. As a result, whether a U.S. judgment would be enforceable in Bermuda against us or our directors and officers depends on whether the U.S. court that entered the judgment is recognized by the Bermuda court as having jurisdiction over us or our directors and officers, as determined by reference to Bermuda conflict of law rules. A judgment debt from a U.S. court that is final and for a sum certain based on U.S. federal securities laws will not be enforceable in Bermuda unless the judgment debtor had submitted to the jurisdiction of the U.S. court, and the issue of submission and jurisdiction is a matter of Bermuda (not U.S.) law.
In addition, and irrespective of jurisdictional issues, the Bermuda courts will not enforce a U.S. federal securities law that is either penal or contrary to public policy. It is the advice of Appleby Spurling Hunter that an action brought pursuant to a public or penal law, the purpose of which is the enforcement of a sanction, power or right at the instance of the state in its sovereign capacity, will not be entertained by a Bermuda Court. Some remedies available under the laws of U.S. jurisdictions, including some remedies under U.S. federal securities laws, would not be available under Bermuda law or enforceable in a Bermuda court as they would be contrary to Bermuda public policy. Further, no claim may be brought in Bermuda against us or our directors and officers in the first instance for violation of U.S. federal securities laws because these laws have no extraterritorial jurisdiction under Bermuda law and do not have force of law in Bermuda. A Bermuda court may, however, impose civil liability on us or our directors and officers if the facts alleged in a complaint constitute or give rise to a cause of action under Bermuda law.
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ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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| | | Page |
| Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 and for the Period from Incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 | | | | |
| Independent Auditor's Report | | | F-2 | |
| Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Twelve Months ended December 31, 2003 and for the Period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002. | | | F-3 | |
| Consolidated Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2003 and 2002 | | | F-4 | |
| Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Twelve Months ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 | | | F-5 | |
| Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Twelve Months ended December 31, 2003 and for the Period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 | | | F-6 | |
| Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Twelve Months ended December 31, 2003 and for the Period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 | | | F-7 | |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the Twelve Months ended December 31, 2003 and for the Period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 | | | F-8 | |
| Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 | |
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 | | | F-32 | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 | | | F-33 | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Change in Shareholders' Equity for the three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 | | | F-34 | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 | | | F-35 | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 | | | F-36 | |
| Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 | | | F-37 | |
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F-1
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ KPMG Audit Plc
Chartered Accountants
London, United Kingdom
March 26, 2004
F-2
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For The Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Notes | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | | | ($ in millions, except per share amounts) |
| Revenues | | | |
| Net premiums earned (includes $126.1 million in 2003 and $74.3 million in 2002) from related parties) | | 15 | | $ | 812.3 | | | $ | 120.3 | |
| Net investment income (includes $3.5 million in 2003 and $0.0 million in 2002) from related parties) | | 5 | | | 29.6 | | | | 8.5 | |
| Realized investment (losses) | | | | | (2.4 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) |
| Realized exchange gain | | 6 | | | 1.5 | | | | 12.7 | |
| Other | | | | | — | | | | 0.4 | |
| Total Revenues | | | | | 841.0 | | | | 141.8 | |
| Expenses | | | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses (includes $86.6 million in 2003 and $51.7 million in 2002 from related parties) | | 7, 15 | | | (428.4 | ) | | | (76.9 | ) |
| Policy acquisition expenses (includes $24.4 million in 2003 and $14.1 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | | | (152.3 | ) | | | (21.1 | ) |
| Operating and administration expenses (includes $6.6 million in 2003 and $2.6 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | | | (53.3 | ) | | | (8.7 | ) |
| Interest on long term loans | | | | | (0.4 | ) | | | — | |
| Total expenses | | | | | (634.4 | ) | | | (106.7 | ) |
| Income from operations before income tax | | | | | 206.6 | | | | 35.1 | |
| Income tax expense | | 8 | | | (54.5 | ) | | | (6.5 | ) |
| Net Income | | | | $ | 152.1 | | | $ | 28.6 | |
| Per share data | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average number of ordinary share and share equivalents | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | | | 57,751,852 | | | | 32,424,100 | |
| Diluted | | | | | 59,491,760 | | | | 32,424,100 | |
| Basic earnings per ordinary share | | 3 | | $ | 2.63 | | | $ | 0.89 | |
| Diluted earnings per ordinary share | | 3 | | $ | 2.56 | | | $ | 0.89 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-3
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As at December 31, 2003 and 2002
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Notes | | As at
December 31,
2003 | | As at
December 31,
2002 |
| | | | | ($ in millions, except share amounts) |
| ASSETS | | | |
| Investments | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Maturities | | | | $ | 1,048.1 | | | $ | 87.3 | |
| Short-term investments | | | | | 568.2 | | | | 835.1 | |
| Total Investments | | 4 | | | 1,616.3 | | | | 922.4 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | 230.8 | | | | 9.6 | |
| Reinsurance Recoverables | | | | | | | | | | |
| Unpaid losses (includes $26.9 million in 2003 and $10.4 million in 2002 from related parties) | | 7 | | | 43.6 | | | | 12.5 | |
| Ceded unearned premiums (includes $36.1 million in 2003 and $12.8 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | | | 48.9 | | | | 18.9 | |
| Receivables | | | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting premiums (includes $221.9 million in 2003 and $151.4 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | | | 496.5 | | | | 214.5 | |
| Other (includes $18.8 million in 2003 and $0.0 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | | | 40.8 | | | | 0.8 | |
| Deferred policy acquisition costs (includes $11.8 million in 2003 and $13.9 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | | | 94.6 | | | | 31.0 | |
| Office properties and equipment | | | | | 0.4 | | | | 0.1 | |
| Intangible assets | | 13 | | | 6.6 | | | | 2.0 | |
| Total Assets | | | | $ | 2,578.5 | | | $ | 1,211.8 | |
| LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance Reserves | | | | | | | | | | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses (includes $146.3 million in 2003 and $62.2 million in 2002) from related parties) | | 7 | | $ | 525.8 | | | $ | 93.9 | |
| Unearned premiums (includes $74.7 million in 2003 and $104.6 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | | | 572.4 | | | | 215.7 | |
| Total insurance reserves | | | | | 1,098.2 | | | | 309.6 | |
| Payables | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance premiums (includes $49.3 million in 2003 and $0.0 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | | | 59.9 | | | | 2.1 | |
| Deferred income taxes | | 8 | | | 17.0 | | | | 4.6 | |
| Accrued expenses and other payables (includes $12.0 million in 2003 and $1.5 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | | | 64.7 | | | | 17.4 | |
| Long term loan | | | | | 40.0 | | | | — | |
| Total liabilities | | | | $ | 1,279.8 | | | $ | 333.7 | |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ordinary Shares—69,179,303 ordinary shares of 0.15144558¢ each (2002—56,876,360) | | 9 | | | 1,090.8 | | | | 836.9 | |
| Retained earnings | | | | | 180.7 | | | | 28.6 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes | | | | | | | | | | |
| Unrealized (depreciation)/appreciation on investments | | 17 | | | (0.6 | ) | | | 0.6 | |
| Gains on foreign currency translation | | 17 | | | 27.8 | | | | 12.0 | |
| Total ordinary shareholders' equity | | | | | 1,298.7 | | | | 878.1 | |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | | | | $ | 2,578.5 | | | $ | 1,211.8 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-4
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For The Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Notes | | Twelve Months
Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | | | ($ in millions) |
| Shareholders' Equity | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ordinary Shares: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | | | | $ | 836.9 | | | $ | — | |
| Shares issued: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| New shares issued | | | | | | | 246.4 | | | | 836.9 | |
| Share-based compensation | | | | | | | 7.5 | | | | — | |
| End of Period | | | 9 | | | | 1,090.8 | | | | 836.9 | |
| Retained earnings: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | | | | | 28.6 | | | | — | |
| Net income for the period | | | | | | | 152.1 | | | | 28.6 | |
| End of Period | | | | | | | 180.7 | | | | 28.6 | |
| Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | | | | | 12.0 | | | | — | |
| Change for the period | | | | | | | 15.8 | | | | 12.0 | |
| End of Period | | | 17 | | | | 27.8 | | | | 12.0 | |
| Unrealized appreciation on investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | | | | | 0.6 | | | | — | |
| Change for the period | | | | | | | (1.2 | ) | | | 0.6 | |
| End of Period | | | 17 | | | | (0.6 | ) | | | 0.6 | |
| Total accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | 27.2 | | | | 12.6 | |
| Total Shareholders' Equity | | | | | | $ | 1,298.7 | | | $ | 878.1 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-5
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For The Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from Incorporation
on May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Net income | | $ | 152.1 | | | $ | 28.6 | |
| Other comprehensive income, net of taxes | | | | | | | | |
| Change in unrealized gains/(losses) on investments | | | (1.2 | ) | | | 0.6 | |
| Change in gains on foreign currency translation | | | 15.8 | | | | 12.0 | |
| Other comprehensive income | | | 14.6 | | | | 12.6 | |
| Comprehensive income | | $ | 166.7 | | | $ | 41.2 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-6
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For The Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31,
2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Operating Activities: | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 152.1 | | | $ | 28.6 | |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | | | |
| Amortisation of premium or discount on investments | | | 5.0 | | | | — | |
| Share-based compensation expense | | | 7.5 | | | | — | |
| Changes in insurance reserves: | | | | | | | | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses (includes $84.1 million in 2003 and $62.2 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | 443.8 | | | | 86.0 | |
| Unearned premiums (includes $(29.9) million in 2003 and $104.6 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | 319.0 | | | | 210.6 | |
| Changes in reinsurance balances: | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance recoverables (includes $16.5 million in 2003 and $10.4 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | (15.4 | ) | | | (10.5 | ) |
| Ceded unearned premiums (includes $23.3 million in 2003 and $12.8 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | (38.5 | ) | | | (18.4 | ) |
| Changes in accrued investment income and other receivables | | | (40.0 | ) | | | (0.8 | ) |
| Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs (includes $(2.1) million in 2003 and $13.9 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | (50.7 | ) | | | (30.0 | ) |
| Changes in reinsurance premiums payable | | | 56.1 | | | | 2.1 | |
| Changes in premiums receivable (includes $70.5 million in 2003 and $151.4 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | (261.2 | ) | | | (209.7 | ) |
| Changes in accrued expenses and other payable (includes $10.5 million in 2003 and $1.5 million in 2002 from related parties) | | | 58.9 | | | | 16.4 | |
| Other | | | — | | | | 3.8 | |
| Net Cash from Operating Activities | | | 636.6 | | | | 78.1 | |
| Investing Activities: | | | | | | | | |
| Purchases of fixed maturities | | | (1,903.3 | ) | | | (129.1 | ) |
| Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities | | | 943.5 | | | | 63.5 | |
| Net (purchases)/sales of short-term investments | | | 263.4 | | | | (834.1 | ) |
| Purchase of equipment | | | (0.3 | ) | | | — | |
| Payments for acquisition net of cash acquired | | | (6.6 | ) | | | (17.7 | ) |
| Net cash used investing activities | | | (703.3 | ) | | | (917.4 | ) |
| Financing Activities: | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from the issuance of Ordinary Shares, net of issuance costs | | | 246.4 | | | | 836.9 | |
| Proceeds from long term loan | | | 90.0 | | | | — | |
| Repayment of long term loan.. | | | (50.0 | ) | | | — | |
| Net cash from financing activities | | | 286.4 | | | | 836.9 | |
| Effect of exchange rate movements on cash and cash equivalents | | | 1.5 | | | | 12.0 | |
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | 221.2 | | | | 9.6 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 9.6 | | | | — | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | | 230.8 | | | | 9.6 | |
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | | |
| Cash paid during the period for income taxes | | | 24.8 | | | | 3.2 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-7
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation. Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited ("Aspen Holdings") was incorporated under the name of Exali Reinsurance Holdings Limited ("Exali") on May 23, 2002 to hold the subsidiaries that provide insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis. Exali subsequently changed its name to Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited on November 20, 2002. On June 21, 2002, Aspen Holdings acquired the entire issued share capital of The City Fire Insurance Company Limited ("City Fire"). City Fire was renamed Wellington Reinsurance Limited ("Wellington Re") and commenced underwriting on June 23, 2002. On March 4, 2003, Wellington Re was renamed Aspen Insurance UK Limited ("Aspen Re"). Aspen Insurance Limited ("Aspen Bermuda") was established on November 6, 2002 as Exali Insurance Limited and changed its name to Aspen Insurance Limited on November 22, 2002. Aspen Insurance UK Services Limited ("Aspen U.K. Services") provides services to Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") in its capacity as the employer of the directors and staff of Aspen Re. On September 5, 2003, Aspen US Holdings acquired Dakota Specialty Insurance Company ("Dakota"). Dakota was renamed Aspen Specialty Insurance Company on September 25, 2003.
The Consolidated Financial Statements of Aspen Holdings are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("U.S. GAAP"). The financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis including the transactions of all operating subsidiaries. Transactions between Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries are eliminated within the consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates. Estimates and assumptions are made by the directors that have an effect on the amount reported within these consolidated financial statements. The most significant estimates relate to the reserves for property and liability losses. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjustments made as necessary, but actual results could turn out significantly different from those expected when the estimates were made.
Accounting for Underwriting Operations
Premiums Earned. Assumed premiums are recognized as revenues proportionately over the coverage period. Premiums earned are recorded in the statement of operations, net of the cost of purchased reinsurance. Premiums not yet recognized as revenue are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as unearned premiums, gross of any ceded unearned premiums. Written and earned premiums, and the related costs, which have not yet been reported to the Company are estimated and accrued. Due to the time lag inherent in reporting of premiums by cedents, such estimated premiums written and earned, as well as related costs, may be significant. Differences between such estimates and actual amounts will be recorded in the period in which the actual amounts are determined.
Premiums on proportional treaty type contracts are generally not reported to the Company until after the reinsurance coverage is in force and the syndicates are at risk. As a result, an estimate of these "pipeline" premiums is recorded. The Company estimates pipeline premiums based on estimates of ultimate premium, calculated unearned premium and premiums reported from ceding companies. The Company estimates commissions, losses and loss adjustment expenses on these premiums.
Reinstatement premiums and additional premiums are accrued as provided for in the provisions of assumed reinsurance contracts, based on experience under such contracts. Reinstatement premiums are the premiums charged for the restoration of the reinsurance limit of an excess of loss contract to its full amount after payment by the reinsurer of losses as a result of an occurrence. These premiums relate to the future coverage obtained during the remainder of the initial policy term and are earned
F-8
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
over the remaining policy term. Additional premiums are premiums charged after coverage has expired, related to experience during the policy term, which are earned immediately. An allowance for uncollectible premiums is established for possible non-payment of such amounts due, as deemed necessary.
Outward reinsurance premiums are accounted for in the same accounting period as the premiums for the related direct insurance or inwards reinsurance business. Reinsurance contracts that operate on a "losses occurring during" basis are accounted for in full over the period of coverage whilst "risk attaching during" policies are expensed using the same ratio as the underlying premiums on a daily pro rata basis.
Insurance Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Losses represent the amount paid or expected to be paid to claimants in respect of events that have occurred on or before the balance sheet date. The costs of investigating, resolving and processing these claims are known as loss adjustment expenses ("LAE"). The statement of operations records these losses net of reinsurance, meaning that gross losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred are reduced by the amounts recovered or expected to be recovered under reinsurance contracts.
Reinsurance. Written premiums earned and incurred claims and LAE all reflect the net effect of assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions. Assumed reinsurance refers to the Company's acceptance of certain insurance risks that other insurance companies have underwritten. Ceded reinsurance means other insurance companies have agreed to share certain risks with this Company.
Reinsurance accounting is followed when risk transfer requirements have been met.
Reinsurance does not isolate the Company from its obligations to policyholders. In the event a reinsurer fails to meet their obligations the Company's obligations remain.
The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors the concentration of credit risk to minimize its exposure to financial loss from reinsurers' insolvency. Where it is considered required, appropriate provision is made for balances deemed irrecoverable from reinsurers.
Insurance Reserves. Insurance reserves are established for the total unpaid cost of claims and LAE, which cover events that have occurred by the balance sheet date. These reserves reflect the Company's estimates of the total cost of claims incurred but not yet reported to it ("IBNR"). Claim reserves are reduced for estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation recoveries. Estimated amounts recoverable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and LAE are reflected as assets.
For reported claims, reserves are established on a case-by-case basis within the parameters of coverage provided in the insurance policy or reinsurance agreement. For IBNR claims, reserves are estimated using established actuarial methods. Both case and IBNR reserve estimates consider such variables as past loss experience, changes in legislative conditions, changes in judicial interpretation of legal liability policy coverages, and inflation.
Because many of the coverages underwritten involve claims that may not be ultimately settled for many years after they are incurred, subjective judgments as to the ultimate exposure to losses are an integral and necessary component of the loss reserving process. Reserves are established by the selection of a best estimate' from within a range of estimates. The Company continually reviews its reserves, using a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to analyze current claims costs,
F-9
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
frequency and severity data, and prevailing economic, social and legal factors. Reserves established in prior periods are adjusted as claim experience develops and new information becomes available.
Adjustments to previously estimated reserves are reflected in the financial results of the period in which the adjustments are made.
Whilst the reported reserves make a reasonable provision for unpaid claim and LAE obligations, it should be noted that the process of estimating required reserves does, by its very nature, involve uncertainty. The level of uncertainty can be influenced by factors such as the existence of coverage with long duration payment patterns and changes in claims handling practices, as well as the factors noted above. Ultimate actual payments for claims and LAE could turn out to be significantly different from our estimates.
Policy Acquisition Expenses. The costs directly related to writing an insurance policy are referred to as policy acquisition expenses and consist of commissions, premium taxes and other direct underwriting expenses, primarily underwriters' salaries. Although these expenses are incurred when a policy is issued they are deferred and amortized over the same period as the corresponding premiums are recorded as revenues.
On a regular basis a recoverability analysis is performed of the deferred policy acquisition costs in relation to the expected recognition of revenues, including anticipated investment income, and reflect adjustments, if any, as period costs. Should the analysis indicate that the acquisition costs are unrecoverable, further analyses are performed to determine if a reserve is required to provide for losses which may exceed the related unearned premium.
Accounting for Investments
Fixed Maturities. The fixed maturity portfolio is composed primarily of high-quality, U.S. and U.K. government securities. The entire fixed maturity investment portfolio is classified as available for sale. Accordingly, that portfolio is carried on the consolidated balance sheet at estimated fair value. Fair values are based on quoted market prices from a third party pricing service.
Short-term Investments. Short-term investments include highly liquid debt instruments and commercial paper and are held as part of the investment portfolio of the Company.
Realized Investment Gains and Losses. The cost of each individual investment is recorded so that when an investment is sold the resulting gain or loss can be identified and recorded in the statement of operations.
The difference between the cost and the estimated fair market value of all investments is monitored. If we determine that any investment has experienced a decline in value that is believed to be other than temporary, we consider the current facts and circumstances, including the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security, and make a decision to either record a write-down in the carrying value of the security or sell the security; in either case a realized loss is recorded in the statement of operations.
Unrealized Gains or Losses on Investments. For investments carried at estimated fair value, the difference between amortized cost and fair value, net of deferred taxes, is recorded as part of shareholders' equity. This difference is referred to as unrealized gains or losses on investments. The change in unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, during the year is a component of other comprehensive income.
F-10
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Investment Income. Investment income is recognized when earned and includes income together with amortization of premium and accretion of discount on fixed maturity investments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and with banks.
Derivative Financial Instruments
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," all derivatives are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for the gain or loss due to the changes in the fair value of these instruments is dependent on whether the derivative qualifies as a hedge. If the derivative does not qualify as a hedge, the gains or losses are reported in earnings when they occur. If the derivative does qualify as a hedge, the accounting varies based on the type of risk being hedged. The Company has not entered into any derivative contracts qualifying as hedges during the reporting period.
Intangible Assets
Acquired insurance licenses are held in the consolidated balance sheet at cost. This intangible asset is not currently being amortized as the directors believe that these will have an indefinite life. The directors test for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
Office Properties and Equipment
Office equipment is carried at depreciated cost. These assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets of four years.
Foreign Currency Translation
The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. Dollar. The functional currencies of the Company's operations are U.S. Dollars for the reinsurance operations segment and British Pounds for the U.K. insurance operations segment. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of an operations segment are measured in the functional currency of that operations segment at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies are remeasured at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Any resulting foreign exchange gains or losses are reflected in the statement of operations.
Assets and liabilities of the Company's British Pound functional currency operations segment are then translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses of this operations segment are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. The unrealized gain or loss from this translation, net of tax, is recorded as part of shareholders' equity. The change in unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss during the year, net of tax, is a component of other comprehensive income.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing income/loss available to shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the effect on earnings and average number of shares outstanding associated with dilutive securities.
Income Tax
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the
F-11
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Stock Based Employee Compensation
In 2003 the Company launched an employee stock compensation plan. The Company has adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" for all awards granted to its employees. The cost of the options, based on their fair value at date of grant, is recognized over the period that the options vest.
Related Party Transactions
The following summarizes the related party transactions of the Company.
Wellington Underwriting plc
Wellington Underwriting plc ("Wellington") holds 16.2% of the ordinary shares of Aspen Holdings and is represented on the board of directors of Aspen Holdings. In addition, Wellington holds 3,781,120 options to subscribe for ordinary shares of Aspen Holdings, as noted below and in note 12.
The principal operating subsidiary of the Company, Aspen Re, has a number of arrangements with Wellington. These arrangements can be summarized as follows:
Quota Share Arrangements. For 2002, Wellington's managed Syndicate 2020 ("Syndicate 2020") has placed a qualifying quota share contract with a Berkshire Hathaway group company, National Indemnity Corporation of Omaha ("NICO"), and established a consortium Syndicate 3030 with another Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. Aspen Re has accessed certain of its business through these arrangements.
On July 9, 2002, Aspen Re wrote two quota share contracts. Under the first, Aspen Re assumed a 34% share of NICO's qualifying quota share reinsurance of Syndicate 2020, subject to an overall premium limit of £63.8 million. Under the second, Aspen Re assumed a 70% reinsurance quota share of Syndicate 3030. Of the gross written premiums of $374.8 million for the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002, $98.2 million related to the Syndicate 2020 qualifying quota share and $118.0 million to the quota share of Syndicate 3030.
These arrangements were undertaken on a funds withheld basis whereby the premiums due to Aspen Re will be paid net of claims and expenses, along with interest due on the funds withheld, calculated at rates specified in the quota share agreements. For 2003, the Company has entered into a 7.5% quota share agreement directly with Syndicate 2020.The written premiums for 2003 under this contract were $78.4 milllion. The Company had an option, but no contractual obligation, to assume up to a 20% quota share of Syndicate 2020's business for subsequent years, while Syndicate 2020 had an option, but no contractual obligation, to assume up to a 20% quota share of Aspen Re's business for subsequent years.These options were not exercised in 2004. At December 31, 2003 the net amounts receivable from NICO, Syndicate 2020 and Syndicate 3030 under these contracts were $10.1 million, $4.8 million and $4.0 million respectively.
At December 31, 2002 the net amounts receivable from NICO and Syndicate 3030 under these contracts were $7.4 million and $0.4 million respectively.
F-12
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Option to Purchase Retrocession Agreement. The quota share arrangements for 2002 described above were entered into pursuant to an option agreement entered into on May 28, 2002, whereby Wellington and Aspen Holdings agreed to pay NICO $2.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively, to procure (i) the retrocession to a subsidiary of Aspen Holdings of the NICO qualifying quota share of Syndicate 2020 and (ii) the reinsurance of Syndicate 3030. On June 21, 2002, Aspen Holdings repaid Wellington $2.5 million for the amount that Wellington paid to NICO for the option, together with a fee of $275,000 for the risk borne by Wellington during the period from May 28, 2002 to June 21, 2002. Subsequently Aspen Holdings recharged the cost of the option to Aspen Re. The cost of these option agreements has been treated as a policy acquisition cost and is charged to the income statement in proportion to the premiums recognized under the contracts. At December 31, 2003 the cost has been fully charged to income.
Provision of Services. In 2002 the Company entered into a contract for the provision of services by a subsidiary company of Wellington to the Company.
These services include accounting, actuarial, operations, risk management and technical support. This agreement was perpetual but could be terminated by either party upon the occurrence of certain circumstances, such as the inability to pay debts or upon an Initial Public Offering, and, after an initial period of 3 years, may be terminated by either party upon 18 months' prior notice. The Company can also terminate specific services if it undertakes those services itself and does not contract those services to a third party. During 2003 the company took over responsibility for accounting, actuarial, operations and risk management services. The provision of services under the service agreement has therefore reduced to purely IT technical support for 2004. The provision of these services is covered by a detailed service level agreement and is priced on an actual cost basis. The cost of these services in 2003 was $6.6 million, and the amount due to Wellington at December 31, 2003 was $6.9 million.
Wellington Options. As disclosed in note 12, the Company granted options to subscribe to its shares to Wellington and to a trust established for the benefit of the unaligned members of Syndicate 2020 in consideration for the transfer of an underwriting team from Wellington, the right to seek to renew certain business written by Syndicate 2020, an agreement in which Wellington agrees not to compete with Aspen Re through March 31, 2004, the use of the Wellington name and logo and the provision of certain outsourced services to the Company. These options have been recorded at a value of nil, equal to the transferor's historical cost basis of the assets transferred to the Company.
Shares Issued to Employees. Shares in Aspen Holdings have been issued to the employees of Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries in the period. These amounts and the consideration received by the Company are disclosed in note 9.
Montpelier Re Holdings Limited
A subsidiary operation of Aspen Holdings entered into four proportional reinsurance contracts with effect from January 1, 2003 with a subsidiary of Montpelier Re Holdings Limited ("Montpelier Re"). Reinsurance premiums ceded under the contracts in the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 were $66.0 million. The amount payable by the Company in respect of these transactions as at December 31, 2003 was $49.3 million.
Montpelier Re owns approximately 6% of the issued share capital of Aspen Holdings.
F-13
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
2. Acquisition of Dakota Specialty Insurance Company
On September 5, 2003, Aspen U.S. Holdings acquired Dakota Specialty Insurance Company for cash consideration of $20.9 million. The name of Dakota Specialty was subsequently changed to Aspen Specialty Insurance Company. The directors of Aspen Holdings have assessed the fair value of the net tangible and financial assets acquired at $16.3 million. An amount of $4.6 million is the estimated fair value of that company's insurance licenses that are treated as an intangible asset.
3. Earnings Per Ordinary Share
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Earnings | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | | | | | | |
Net income as reported and available to ordinary
shareholders | | $ | 152.1 | | | $ | 28.6 | |
| Diluted | | | | | | | | |
Net income as reported and available to ordinary
shareholders | | | 152.1 | | | | 28.6 | |
| Ordinary shares | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares | | | 57,751,852 | | | | 32,424,100 | |
| Diluted | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares | | | 57,751,852 | | | | 32,424,100 | |
| Weighted average effect of dilutive securities | | | 1,739,908 | | | | — | |
| Total | | | 59,491,760 | | | | 32,424,100 | |
| Earnings per ordinary share | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | $ | 2.63 | | | $ | 0.89 | |
| Diluted | | $ | 2.56 | | | $ | 0.89 | |
|
F-14
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
4. Investments
The following presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of investments in fixed maturities and other investments:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Cost or
Amortized Cost | | Gross
Unrealized Gains | | Gross
Unrealized Losses | | Estimated
Fair Value |
| Investments (excluding cash) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| US government and agencies | | $ | 636.9 | | | $ | 1.1 | | | $ | (0.1 | ) | | $ | 637.9 | |
| Corporate securities | | | 71.2 | | | | 0.2 | | | | (0.1 | ) | | | 71.3 | |
| Foreign government | | | 136.3 | | | | — | | | | (2.0 | ) | | | 134.3 | |
| Municipals | | | 2.0 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2.0 | |
| Asset backed securities | | | 135.9 | | | | 0.1 | | | | (0.6 | ) | | | 135.4 | |
| Mortgage backed securities | | | 66.5 | | | | 0.8 | | | | (0.1 | ) | | | 67.2 | |
| Total fixed maturities | | | 1,048.8 | | | | 2.2 | | | | (2.9 | ) | | | 1,048.1 | |
| Short-term investments | | | 568.1 | | | | 0.1 | | | | — | | | | 568.2 | |
| Total | | $ | 1,616.9 | | | $ | 2.3 | | | $ | (2.9 | ) | | $ | 1,616.3 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Cost or
Amortized Cost | | Gross
Unrealized Gains | | Gross
Unrealized Losses | | Estimated
Fair Value |
| Investments | | | | | | | | | | �� | | | | | | |
| Corporate securities | | $ | 30.6 | | | | 0.2 | | | | (0.1 | ) | | $ | 30.7 | |
| Foreign government | | | 56.9 | | | | 1.1 | | | | (1.4 | ) | | | 56.6 | |
| Total fixed maturities | | | 87.5 | | | | 1.3 | | | | (1.5 | ) | | | 87.3 | |
| Short-term investments | | | 834.1 | | | | 1.7 | | | | (0.7 | ) | | | 835.1 | |
| Total | | $ | 921.6 | | | | 3.0 | | | | (2.2 | ) | | $ | 922.4 | |
|
F-15
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
The following table presents the breakdown of investment maturities by year to stated maturity. Actual maturities may differ from those stated as a result of calls and prepayments:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2003 | | As at December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Market Value | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Market Value |
| Maturity and Ratings (excluding cash) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Due in one year or less | | $ | 103.4 | | | $ | 103.1 | | | $ | 30.6 | | | $ | 30.7 | |
Due after one year through five
years | | | 738.7 | | | | 738.1 | | | | 56.9 | | | | 56.6 | |
Due after five years through ten
years | | | 4.3 | | | | 4.3 | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal | | | 846.4 | | | | 845.5 | | | | 87.5 | | | | 87.3 | |
| Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities | | | 202.4 | | | | 202.6 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| Short-Term Investments | | | 568.1 | | | | 568.2 | | | | 834.1 | | | | 835.1 | |
| Total | | $ | 1,616.9 | | | $ | 1,616.3 | | | $ | 921.6 | | | $ | 922.4 | |
|
5. Investment Transactions
The following table sets out an analysis of investment purchases sales and maturities:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Purchases of Fixed Maturity Investments | | $ | 1,903.3 | | | $ | 129.1 | |
| Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments | | | (943.5 | ) | | | (63.5 | ) |
| Net purchases/(sales) of short-term investments | | | (263.4 | ) | | | 834.1 | |
| Net purchases | | $ | 696.4 | | | $ | 899.7 | |
|
The following is a summary of investment income:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Fixed Maturities | | $ | 16.7 | | | $ | 1.5 | |
| Short-term investments | | | 12.9 | | | | 7.0 | |
| Net investment income | | $ | 29.6 | | | $ | 8.5 | |
|
F-16
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
The following table summarizes the pretax realized investment gains and losses, and the change in unrealized gains of investments recorded in shareholders' equity and in comprehensive income.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Pretax realized investment gains and losses | | | | | | | | |
| Short-term investments and fixed maturities | | | | | | | | |
| Gross realized gains | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | 0.1 | |
| Gross realized losses | | | (3.0 | ) | | | (0.2 | ) |
| Total pretax realized investment gains and losses | | | (2.4 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) |
| Change in unrealized gains | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed maturities | | | (0.5 | ) | | | (0.2 | ) |
| Short-term investments | | | (0.9 | ) | | | 1.0 | |
| Total change in pretax unrealized gains | | | (1.4 | ) | | | 0.8 | |
| Change in taxes | | | (0.2 | ) | | | (0.2 | ) |
| Total change in unrealized gains, net of tax | | $ | (1.2 | ) | | $ | 0.6 | |
|
6. Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments include futures, forward, swap and option contracts and other financial instruments with similar characteristics. The Company has very limited involvement with these instruments, primarily for the purpose of protecting against fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company has not had any instruments that qualify as hedges under SFAS 133 during the reporting period. There were no derivatives outstanding at the end of the period.
Non-Hedge Derivatives – During the period ended December 31, 2002, the Company sold forward, under a contract which matured before December 31, 2002, £230 million at a fixed exchange rate. A gain of $12.7 million was realized under the contract.
F-17
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
7. Reserves for Losses and Adjustment Expenses
The following table represents a reconciliation of beginning and ending consolidated loss and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") reserves:
Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at
December 31,
2003 | | As at
December 31,
2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Provision for losses and LAE at start of year/date of incorporation | | $ | 93.9 | | | $ | — | |
| Less reinsurance recoverable | | | (12.5 | ) | | | — | |
| Net loss and LAE at start of year | | | 81.4 | | | | — | |
| Loss and LAE reserves of subsidiary at date of acquisition | | | 22.4 | | | | 6.1 | |
| Less reinsurance recoverable | | | (15.9 | ) | | | (1.6 | ) |
| Net loss and LAE reserves of subsidiary at date of acquisition | | | 6.5 | | | | 4.5 | |
| Provision for losses and LAE for claims incurred | | | | | | | | |
| Current year | | | 438.0 | | | | 76.2 | |
| Prior years | | | (9.6 | ) | | | 0.7 | |
| Total incurred | | | 428.4 | | | | 76.9 | |
| Losses and LAE payments for claims incurred | | | | | | | | |
| Current year | | | (44.9 | ) | | | (0.7 | ) |
| Prior years | | | (9.0 | ) | | | (3.0 | ) |
| Total paid | | | (53.9 | ) | | | (3.7 | ) |
| Foreign exchange | | | 19.8 | | | | 3.7 | |
| Net losses and LAE reserves at year end | | | 482.2 | | | | 81.4 | |
| Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at end of year | | | 43.6 | | | | 12.5 | |
| Loss and LAE reserves at December 31, 2003 | | $ | 525.8 | | | $ | 93.9 | |
|
8. Income Taxes
Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. Under current Bermudan law, they are not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains taxes and they have received an undertaking from the Bermuda Minister of Finance that, in the event of any Bermuda income or capital gains being imposed, they will be exempt from those taxes until 2016. The Company's U.S. operating companies are subject to United States corporate tax at a rate of the 34 percent. Under current United Kingdom law, Aspen Re is taxed at the U.K. corporate tax rate of 30 percent.
F-18
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Total income tax for the twelve months to December 31, 2003 and for the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 is allocated as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| Income from operations | | $ | 54.5 | | | $ | 6.5 | |
| Other comprehensive income | | | 3.3 | | | | 0.2 | |
| Total income tax | | $ | 57.8 | | | $ | 6.7 | |
|
Income from operations before tax and income tax expense attributable to that income consists of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 |
| | | Income
before tax | | Current
income
taxes | | Deferred
income
taxes | | Total
income
taxes |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| U.S. | | $ | (2.1 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | (0.7 | ) | | $ | (0.7 | ) |
| Non U.S. | | | 208.7 | | | | 42.8 | | | | 12.4 | | | | 55.2 | |
| Total | | $ | 206.6 | | | $ | 42.8 | | | $ | 11.7 | | | $ | 54.5 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Period from Incorporation on May 23, 2002
to December 31, 2002 |
| | | Income
before tax | | Current
income
taxes | | Deferred
income
taxes | | Total
income
taxes |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| U.S. | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Non U.S. | | | 35.1 | | | | 2.5 | | | | 4.0 | | | | 6.5 | |
| Total | | $ | 35.1 | | | $ | 2.5 | | | $ | 4.0 | | | $ | 6.5 | |
|
F-19
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
The weighted average expected tax provision has been calculated using the pre-tax accounting income/loss in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction's applicable statutory tax rate. The reconciliation between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax at the weighted average rate provision is provided below:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Income Tax Reconcilation | |
| Expected tax provision at weighted average rate | | $ | 56.5 | | | $ | 10.2 | |
| Effect of exchange gains exempt from U.K. taxation | | | — | | | | (3.6 | ) |
| Prior year adjustment | | | (0.3 | ) | | | — | |
| Other | | | (1.7 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) |
| Total income tax expense | | $ | 54.5 | | | $ | 6.5 | |
|
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented in the following table:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at
December 31, 2003 | | As at
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| Insurance reserves | | | 16.4 | | | | 4.0 | |
| Intangible assets | | | 0.6 | | | | 0.6 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | | $ | 17.0 | | | $ | 4.6 | |
| Deferred tax assets | | | | | | | | |
| Operating loss carryforward | | | 0.7 | | | | — | |
| Deferred tax assets | | $ | 0.7 | | | | — | |
|
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to fully realize the deferred tax asset, the Company will need to generate future taxable income of approximately $2.0 million prior to the expiration of the $0.7 million of net operating loss carryforwards. Based upon projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances at December 31, 2003. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.
F-20
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
9. Capital Structure
Aspen Holdings was formed on May 23, 2002 with the issue of 120,000 nil paid shares with a par value of $0.1 to members of management of the Company. On June 18, 2002 the denomination of the share capital was changed to British Pounds and the par value of the shares changed to £0.001. On August 20, 2003, the denomination of the share capital was changed from British Pounds to U.S. Dollars and the par value of the shares changed to 0.15144558¢. Following the funding of Aspen Holdings by the accredited investors on June 21, 2002 the nil paid shares were purchased by Aspen Holdings and made available for reissue, extinguishing the liability of the original shareholders for the amounts unpaid on those shares.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Number | | U.S. $000 |
| Authorized Share Capital | | | | | | | | |
| Ordinary Shares 0.15144558¢ per share | | | 969,629,030 | | | | 1,469 | |
| Non-Voting Shares 0.15144558¢ per share | | | 6,787,880 | | | | 10 | |
| Preference Shares 0.15144558¢ per share | | | 100,000,000 | | | | 152 | |
| Issued Ordinary Shares of 0.15144558¢ per share | | | 69,179,303 | | | | 105 | |
| Share Premium account | | | — | | | | 1,083,153 | |
| Issued Ordinary Shares | | | 69,179,303 | | | | 1,083,258 | |
| Share Based Compensation | | | | | | | 7,500 | |
| | | | | | | | 1,090,758 | |
|
During 2003, the Company issued 12,302,943 ordinary shares. On February 11, 2003, 43,420 ordinary shares were issued to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries for a total consideration of $707,746.
On August 13, 2003, the Company issued 4,340 ordinary shares to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries for a total consideration of $67,461.
On December 9 and 17, 2003, the Company issued 126,706 and 25,877 ordinary shares respectively to Harrington Trust Limited in connection with the exercise of share options. The total consideration for these shares was $1,622,591.
On December 12, 2003, the Company completed an initial public offering of 12,102,600 ordinary shares for an aggregate consideration of $244.0 million, net of $28.3 million issuing expenses. The net proceeds of the offering were used to provide initial or additional capital to our subsidiaries and to repay a portion of our revolving credit facility.
10. Statutory Requirements and Dividends Restrictions
As a holding company, Aspen Holdings relies on dividends from its insurance subsidiaries to provide cash flow to meet ongoing cash requirements, including any future debt service payments and other expenses, and to pay dividends, if any, to our shareholders. The Company's insurance subsidiaries are subject to insurance laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, including Bermuda, the United Kingdom and the United States, and are subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting their ability to declare and pay dividends.
F-21
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Aspen Bermuda's ability to pay dividends and make capital distributions is subject to certain regulatory restrictions based principally on the amount of Aspen Bermuda's premiums written and net reserves for losses and loss expenses.
Under the jurisdiction of the Financial Services Authority ("FSA"), Aspen Re must maintain a margin of solvency at all times, which is determined based on the type and amount of insurance business written. The U.K. regulatory requirements impose no explicit restrictions on Aspen Re's ability to pay a dividend, but Aspen Re would have to notify the FSA 28 days prior to any proposed dividend payment.
Aspen Specialty is subject to regulation by the State of North Dakota Insurance Department regarding payment of dividends and capital distributions.
Statutory capital and surplus as reported to the relevant regulatory authorities for the principal operating subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2003 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | U.S. | | Bermuda | | U.K. |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Required statutory capital and surplus | | $ | 1.4 | | | $ | 100.0 | | | $ | 192.3 | |
| Actual statutory capital and surplus | | $ | 101.4 | | | $ | 357.5 | | | $ | 754.0 | |
|
As of December 31, 2003, there are no statutory restrictions on the payment of dividends from retained earnings by the Company as the minimum statutory capital and surplus requirements are satisfied by the share capital and additional paid-in capital of the Company in all jurisdictions.
11. Retirement Plans
The Company operates a defined contribution retirement plan for the majority of its employees at varying rates of their salaries, up to a maximum of 20%. Total contributions by the Company to the retirement plan were $1.4 million in the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 and $0.3 million in the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002.
12. Share Options
The Company has issued options under two schemes: investor options and employee options. The investor options were issued on June 21, 2002 in consideration for the transfer of an underwriting team from Wellington, the right to seek to renew certain business written by Syndicate 2020, an agreement in which Wellington agrees not to compete with Aspen Re through March 31, 2004, the use of the Wellington name and logo and the provision of certain outsourced services to the Company, and confer the option to subscribe for up to 6,787,880 ordinary shares of Aspen Holdings to Wellington and the members of Syndicate 2020 who are not corporate members of Wellington. The subscription price payable under the options is initially £10 and increases by 5% per annum, less any dividends paid. Option holders are not entitled to participate in any dividends prior to exercise and would not rank as a creditor in the event of liquidation. The options were exercisable on the initial public offering of the ordinary shares in the United States or the first listing of the ordinary shares on a stock exchange (a "Listing") or a sale of all or substantially all of the business, assets or undertakings of Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries or a sale of 50% or more of the ordinary shares of Aspen Holdings (a "Sale") or, if no Listing or Sale had occurred prior to June 21, 2007, at any time within the five business days following June 21, 2007. If not exercised, the options will expire after a period of ten years.
F-22
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
In connection with our initial public offering, the Names' Trustee exercised 440,144 Names' Options on both a cash and cashless basis, pursuant to which 152,583 ordinary shares were issued. The Names' Trustee currently holds 2,566,616 Names' Options.
The following table summarizes information about investor options outstanding at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 to purchase ordinary shares:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from Incorporation on
May 23, 2002
to December 31, 2002 | |
| | | Options | | Options | |
| Option Holder | | Outstanding | | Exercisable | | Outstanding | | Exercisable | | Exercise
Price(1) | | Expirations |
| Wellington Underwriting plc | | | 3,781,120 | | | | 3,781,120 | | | | 3,781,120 | | | | — | | | £ | 10 | | | | June 21, 2012 | |
| Names' Trustee (Harrington Trust Limited) | | | 2,566,616 | | | | 2,566,616 | | | | 3,006,760 | | | | — | | | £ | 10 | | | | June 21, 2012 | |
| | | | 6,347,736 | | | | 6,347,736 | | | | 6,787,880 | | | | — | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
| (1) | To be increased by 5% per annum from June 21, 2002 to date of exercise, less the amount of any prior dividend or distribution per share. |
On August 20, 2003 the Company granted 3,884,030 options to employees under the Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited 2003 Share Incentive Plan. The initial grant options have a term of ten years and an exercise price of $16.20 per share. Sixty-five percent of the initial grant options are subject to time-based vesting with 20% vesting upon grant and 20% vesting on each December 31 of the calendar years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The remaining 35% of the initial grant options are subject to performance-based vesting. In addition to the initial grant of 3,884,030 options, 1,840,540 options are reserved for additional grants following the completion of the Company's initial public offering.
The following table summarizes information about employee options outstanding to purchase ordinary shares at December 31, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Options | | | | Weighted Average
Fair Value at
Grant Date |
| Option Holder | | Outstanding | | Exercisable | | Exercise Price | |
| Employees | | | 3,884,030 | | | | 1,417,670 | | | $ | 16.20 | | | $ | 5.31 | |
|
The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which establishes a fair value-based method of accounting for share-based compensation plans.
Compensation cost charged against income was $7.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. The per share weighted average fair value at grant date of the share options granted under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan is $5.31. This amount was estimated on the date of the grant using a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model under the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 4.70%; dividend yield of 0.6%; expected life of 7 years; share price volatility of zero (as the minimum value method was utilized because the Company was unlisted on the date that the options were issued); and foreign currency volatility of 9.40% (as the exercise price was in British Pounds and the share price of the Company is in U.S. Dollars).
F-23
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
13. Intangible Assets
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Intangible Assets | | As at December 31,
2003 | | As at December 31,
2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Insurance Licenses | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | $ | 2.0 | | | $ | — | |
| Cost in period | | | 4.6 | | | | 2.0 | |
| End of period | | | 6.6 | | | | 2.0 | |
| Impairments | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | — | | | | — | |
| Charge in period | | | — | | | | — | |
| End of period | | | — | | | | — | |
| Net book value | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | 2.0 | | | | — | |
| Movement in period | | | 4.6 | | | | 2.0 | |
| End of period | | $ | 6.6 | | | $ | 2.0 | |
|
14. Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, letters of credit are issued as collateral on behalf of the business, as required within our reinsurance operations. As of December 31, 2003 and as of December 31, 2002, letters of credit with an aggregate amount of $24.6 million and £47.4 million were outstanding respectively. As of December 31, 2003 the Company had funds on deposit of $30.0 million as collateral for the letters of credit.
For its U.S. reinsurance activities, Aspen Re has established and must retain a multi-beneficiary U.S. trust fund for the benefit of its U.S. cedents so that they are able to take financial statement credit without the need to post cedent-specific security. The minimum trust fund amount is $20 million plus an amount equal to 100% of Aspen Re's U.S. reinsurance liabilities, which was $25.6 million at December 31, 2003. Aspen Re has established a U.S. surplus lines trust fund with a U.S. bank to secure U.S. surplus lines policies. The initial minimum trust fund amount is $5.4 million. The balance held in the trust at December 31, 2003 was $5.4 million. Aspen Re has established a Canadian trust fund with a Canadian bank to secure a Canadian insurance license. The initial minimum trust fund amount and balance at December 31, 2003 was Can$25.0 million. Aspen Specialty has a total of $4.7 million on deposit with seven U.S. States in order to satisfy state regulations for writing business there.
Amounts outstanding under operating leases as of December 31, 2003 were:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Due in |
| | | Less than 1 year | | 1-2 years | | 3-4 years | | 4 years | | 5 years |
| Operating Lease Obligation | | | 6.0 | | | | 1.0 | | | | 0.7 | | | | 0.6 | | | | 0.6 | |
|
F-24
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
15. Reinsurance Ceded
The primary purpose of the ceded reinsurance program is to protect the Company from potential losses in excess of what the Company is prepared to accept. It is expected that the companies to which reinsurance has been ceded will honor their obligations. In the event that these companies are unable to honor their obligations to the Company, the Company will pay these amounts. Appropriate provision is made for possible non-payment of amounts due to the Company.
Balances pertaining to reinsurance transactions are reported "gross" on the consolidated balance sheet, meaning that reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and ceded unearned premiums are not deducted from insurance reserves but are recorded as assets.
The largest concentration of reinsurance recoverables and ceded unearned premiums as at December 31, 2003, excluding related party quota share arrangements, was with Munchener Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Germany, which is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, the second highest of fifteen rating levels, and A+ by Standard & Poor's, the fifth highest of twenty-one rating levels for its financial strength. Balances with Munchener Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft represented 3.6% of reinsurance recoverables and 8.0% of ceded unearned premiums. As at December 31, 2002 the largest concentration of reinsurance recoverables excluding related party quota share arrangements, was with XL Re Limited (Bermuda), which is rated A+ by A.M. Best and AA by Standard & Poor's for its financial strength. The largest concentration of ceded unearned premiums as at December 31, 2002, excluding related party quota share arrangements, was with Everest Re (Bermuda) Limited, which is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, the second highest of fifteen rating levels, and AA– (Very Strong) by Standard & Poor's, the third highest of twenty-one rating levels for its financial strength. Balances with XL Re represented 29.3% of reinsurance recoverables and balances with Everest Re represented 23.6% of ceded unearned premiums.
F-25
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
The effect of assumed and ceded reinsurance on premiums written, premiums earned and insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months
Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Premiums written: | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 304.9 | | | $ | 86.6 | |
| Assumed | | | 1,001.9 | | | | 288.2 | |
| Ceded | | | (214.0 | ) | | | (62.2 | ) |
| Net premiums written | | | 1,092.8 | | | | 312.6 | |
| Premiums earned: | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 240.6 | | | $ | 28.0 | |
| Assumed | | | 747.2 | | | | 135.8 | |
| Ceded | | | (175.5 | ) | | | (43.5 | ) |
| Net premiums earned | | | 812.3 | | | | 120.3 | |
| Insurance Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses: | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 126.1 | | | $ | 17.2 | |
| Assumed | | | 317.7 | | | | 69.8 | |
| Ceded | | | (15.4 | ) | | | (10.1 | ) |
| Net insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses | | $ | 428.4 | | | $ | 76.9 | |
|
16. Segment Information
The Company has two reportable segments, reinsurance operations and insurance operations. The directors have determined these segments by reference to the organization structure of the business and the different services provided by the segments.
The accounting policies of both segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Results are analyzed separately for each of our property-liability segments. Property-liability underwriting assets are reviewed in total by the directors for the purpose of decision-making.
Geographical Areas — The following summary presents financial data of the Company's operations based on their location.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months
Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Net Earned Premium | | | | | | | | |
| U.K. | | $ | 316.5 | | | $ | 32.2 | |
| U.S. | | | 299.1 | | | | 77.0 | |
| Non-U.S. or Non-U.K. | | | 196.7 | | | | 11.1 | |
| Net premiums earned | | $ | 812.3 | | | $ | 120.3 | |
|
F-26
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Segment — Information - The summary below presents revenues and pre-tax income from operations for the reportable segments.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2003 | | Period from
Incorporation on
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Revenues: | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting | | | | | | | | |
| Total primary insurance operations | | $ | 215.7 | | | $ | 23.4 | |
| Total reinsurance operations | | | 596.6 | | | | 96.9 | |
| Total underwriting | | | 812.3 | | | | 120.3 | |
| Investment operations | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | 29.6 | | | | 8.5 | |
| Realised investment gains/(losses) | | | (2.4 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) |
| Total investment operations | | | 27.2 | | | | 8.4 | |
| Exchange gains and other | | | 1.5 | | | | 13.1 | |
| Total Revenues | | | 841.0 | | | | 141.8 | |
| Expenses: | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting — Claims and expenses | | | | | | | | |
| Total primary insurance operations | | $ | (165.4 | ) | | $ | (21.4 | ) |
| Total reinsurance operations | | | (468.3 | ) | | | (85.2 | ) |
| Total underwriting — claims and expenses | | | (633.7 | ) | | | (106.6 | ) |
| Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
| Investment and investment management expenses | | | (0.3 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) |
| Interest expense | | | (0.4 | ) | | | — | |
| Total Expenses | | $ | (634.4 | ) | | $ | (106.7 | ) |
| Income from operations before income taxes: | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting | | | | | | | | |
| Total primary insurance operations | | $ | 50.3 | | | $ | 2.0 | |
| Total reinsurance operations | | | 128.0 | | | | 11.6 | |
| Total underwriting | | | 178.3 | | | | 13.6 | |
| Interest expense | | | (0.4 | ) | | | — | |
| Investment operations | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | 29.6 | | | | 8.5 | |
| Realized investment gains/(losses) | | | (2.4 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) |
| Total investment operations | | | 27.2 | | | | 8.4 | |
| Other income | | | 1.5 | | | | 13.1 | |
| Total Income before income taxes | | $ | 206.6 | | | $ | 35.1 | |
|
F-27
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
17. Other Comprehensive Income
Other comprehensive income is defined as any change in the Company's equity from transactions and other events originating from non-owner sources. These changes are comprised of our reported net income, changes in unrealized gains and losses on investments and changes in currency adjustments, net of taxes. The following table sets out the components of the Company's other comprehensive income, other than net income.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 |
| | | Pre-tax | | Income tax effect | | After tax |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Unrealized gains on investments | | $ | 2.3 | | | $ | (0.8 | ) | | $ | 1.5 | |
| Unrealized losses on investments | | | (2.9 | ) | | | 0.8 | | | | (2.1 | ) |
| Change in currency translation | | | 31.3 | | | | (3.5 | ) | | | 27.8 | |
| Total other comprehensive income | | $ | 30.7 | | | $ | (3.5 | ) | | $ | 27.2 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Period from Incorporation on May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | Pre-tax | | Income tax effect | | After tax |
| | | | | ($ in millions) | |
| Other Comprehensive Income | |
| Unrealized gains on investments | | $ | 3.0 | | | $ | (1.0 | ) | | $ | 2.0 | |
| Unrealized losses on investments | | | (2.2 | ) | | | 0.8 | | | | (1.4 | ) |
| Net change in currency translation | | | 12.0 | | | | — | | | | 12.0 | |
| Total other comprehensive income | | $ | 12.8 | | | $ | (0.2 | ) | | $ | 12.6 | |
|
18. Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Non-Cash Investing And Financing Activities
On September 5, 2003 the Company purchased all of the capital stock of Dakota Specialty Insurance Company for $20.9 million. In conjunction with the acquisition, liabilities were assumed as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Fair value of assets acquired, including cash of $14.3 million | | $ | 43.1 | |
| Cash paid for the capital stock | | | (20.9 | ) |
| Liabilities assumed | | $ | 22.2 | |
|
On June 21, 2002 the Company purchased all of the capital stock of City Fire Insurance Company Ltd for $24.2 million. In conjunction with the acquisition, liabilities were assumed as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Fair value of assets acquired, including cash of $6.5 million | | $ | 33.0 | |
| Cash paid for the capital stock | | | (24.2 | ) |
| Liabilities assumed | | $ | 8.8 | |
|
F-28
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
19. Loan Facility
The Company has entered into a credit facility with a syndicate of commercial banks under which it may, subject to the terms of the credit agreements, borrow up to $150 million for periods of up to three years and a further $50 million for periods of up to one year. Credit Suisse First Boston, an affiliate of Credit Suisse First Boston Private Equity, which is a shareholder of the Company, is a member of the syndicate on terms and conditions similar to other syndicate members.
On October 15, 2003, we drew down $90 million on the three-year credit facility. Of these borrowings, $83.9 million was used to provide part of the initial capital to Aspen U.S. and the balance was used to provide working capital to Aspen Holdings. The initial interest rate is three-month LIBOR plus 42.5 basis points. A facility fee, currently calculated at a rate of 17.5 basis points on the average daily amount of the commitment of each lender, is paid to each lender quarterly in arrears. On December 15, 2003, $50 million of the outstanding loan was repaid following receipt of funds from the initial public offering. The $40 million balance is due and payable by August 29, 2006. The collateral for the loan is "the capital stock of material subsidiaries now owned or hereafter acquired". The terms of the loan restrict the payment of cash dividends during any fiscal year to 50% of consolidated net income.
F-29
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
20. Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
The following is a summary of the quarterly financial data for twelve months ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 |
| | | Quarter Ended
March 31, 2003 | | Quarter Ended
June 30, 2003 | | Quarter Ended
September 30,
2003 | | Quarter Ended
December 31,
2003 | | Full Year |
| Gross written premium | | $ | 577.7 | | | $ | 252.3 | | | $ | 331.7 | | | $ | 145.1 | | | $ | 1,306.8 | |
| Gross earned premium | | | 161.4 | | | | 245.0 | | | | 260.5 | | | | 320.9 | | | | 987.8 | |
| Net earned premium | | | 121.6 | | | | 210.7 | | | | 206.7 | | | | 273.3 | | | | 812.3 | |
Losses and loss
adjustment expenses | | | (70.7 | ) | | | (95.2 | ) | | | (110.5 | ) | | | (152.0 | ) | | | (428.4 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and admin expenses | | | (33.7 | ) | | | (51.9 | ) | | | (55.2 | ) | | | (64.8 | ) | | | (205.6 | ) |
| Underwriting income | | $ | 17.2 | | | $ | 63.6 | | | $ | 41.0 | | | $ | 56.5 | | | $ | 178.3 | |
| Net investment income | | $ | 4.9 | | | $ | 5.8 | | | $ | 6.0 | | | $ | 12.9 | | | $ | 29.6 | |
| Interest expense | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (0.4 | ) | | | (0.4 | ) |
| Other income/(expense) | | | 0.2 | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | 0.1 | | | | (0.1 | ) | | | — | |
| Total other operating revenue | | $ | 5.1 | | | $ | 5.6 | | | $ | 6.1 | | | $ | 12.4 | | | $ | 29.2 | |
| Operating income before tax | | $ | 22.3 | | | $ | 69.2 | | | $ | 47.1 | | | $ | 68.9 | | | $ | 207.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net exchange gains/(losses) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1.5 | | | | 1.5 | |
| Net realized investment gains/(losses) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (1.8 | ) | | | (0.6 | ) | | | (2.4 | ) |
| Income before tax | | | 22.3 | | | | 69.2 | | | | 45.3 | | | | 69.8 | | | | 206.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income tax/credits | | | (7.1 | ) | | | (19.3 | ) | | | (12.8 | ) | | | (15.3 | ) | | | (54.5 | ) |
| Net income after tax | | $ | 15.2 | | | $ | 49.9 | | | $ | 32.5 | | | $ | 54.5 | | | $ | 152.1 | |
| Ordinary Shares | | | | | | �� | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares | | | 56,919,780 | | | | 56,919,780 | | | | 56,992,022 | | | | 60,410,838 | | | | 57,751,852 | |
| Diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares | | | 56,919,780 | | | | 56,919,780 | | | | 56,922,022 | | | | 60,410,838 | | | | 57,751,852 | |
| Weighted average effect of dilutive securities | | | — | | | | — | | | | 358,680 | | | | 1,640,010 | | | | 1,739,908 | |
| Total | | | 56,919,780 | | | | 56,919,780 | | | | 57,280,701 | | | | 62,050,848 | | | | 59,491,760 | |
| Earnings per ordinary shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | 0.27 | | | | 0.88 | | | | 0.57 | | | | 0.90 | | | | 2.63 | |
| Diluted | | | 0.27 | | | | 0.88 | | | | 0.57 | | | | 0.88 | | | | 2.56 | |
|
F-30
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2003 And
For The Period From Incorporation On May 23, 2002 To December 31, 2002
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Period Ended December 31, 2002 |
| | | Quarter Ended
September 30,
2002 | | Quarter Ended
December 31,
2002 | | Full Year |
| Gross written premium | | $ | 297.8 | | | $ | 77.0 | | | $ | 374.8 | |
| Gross earned premium | | | 75.7 | | | | 88.1 | | | | 163.8 | |
| Net earned premium | | | 51.7 | | | | 68.6 | | | | 120.3 | |
Losses and loss
adjustment expenses | | | (35.5 | ) | | | (41.4 | ) | | | (76.9 | ) |
| Policy acquisition, operating and admin expenses | | | (9.9 | ) | | | (19.9 | ) | | | (29.8 | ) |
| Underwriting income | | $ | 6.3 | | | $ | 7.3 | | | $ | 13.6 | |
| Net investment income | | $ | 3.2 | | | $ | 5.3 | | | $ | 8.5 | |
| Other income/(expense) | | | — | | | | 0.4 | | | | 0.4 | |
| Total other operating revenue | | $ | 3.2 | | | $ | 5.7 | | | $ | 8.9 | |
| Operating income before tax | | $ | 9.5 | | | $ | 13.0 | | | $ | 22.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net exchange gains/(losses) | | | 12.9 | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | 12.7 | |
| Net realized investment gains/(losses) | | | (0.2 | ) | | | 0.1 | | | | (0.1 | ) |
| Income before tax | | $ | 22.2 | | | $ | 12.9 | | | $ | 35.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income tax/credits | | | (6.7 | ) | | | 0.2 | | | | (6.5 | ) |
| Net income after tax | | $ | 15.5 | | | $ | 13.1 | | | $ | 28.6 | |
| Ordinary Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares | | | 24,859,590 | | | | 38,886,645 | | | | 32,424,100 | |
| Diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares | | | 24,859,590 | | | | 38,886,645 | | | | 32,424,100 | |
| Weighted average effect of dilutive securities | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| Total | | | 24,859,590 | | | | 38,886,645 | | | | 32,424,100 | |
| Earnings per ordinary shares | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | 0.62 | | | | 0.34 | | | | 0.89 | |
| Diluted | | | 0.62 | | | | 0.34 | | | | 0.89 | |
|
F-31
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Notes | | As at
June 30,
2004 | | As at
December 31,
2003 |
| | | | | (Unaudited) | | |
| ASSETS | | | | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Maturities | | | | | | $ | 1,515.0 | | | $ | 1,048.1 | |
| Short term investments | | | | | | | 535.5 | | | | 568.2 | |
| Total Investments | | | 8 | | | | 2,050.5 | | | | 1,616.3 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | 217.7 | | | | 230.8 | |
| Reinsurance Recoverables | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Unpaid losses | | | 2 | | | | 63.1 | | | | 43.6 | |
| Ceded unearned premiums | | | | | | | 93.7 | | | | 48.9 | |
| Receivables | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting premiums | | | | | | | 754.8 | | | | 496.5 | |
| Other | | | | | | | 21.4 | | | | 40.8 | |
| Deferred policy acquisition costs | | | | | | | 146.6 | | | | 94.6 | |
| Office properties and equipment | | | | | | | 1.2 | | | | 0.4 | |
| Intangible assets | | | | | | | 6.6 | | | | 6.6 | |
| Total Assets | | | | | | $ | 3,355.6 | | | $ | 2,578.5 | |
| LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance Reserves | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | 2 | | | $ | 755.9 | | | $ | 525.8 | |
| Unearned premiums | | | | | | | 864.3 | | | | 572.4 | |
| Total insurance reserves | | | | | | | 1,620.2 | | | | 1,098.2 | |
| Payables | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance premiums | | | | | | | 99.3 | | | | 59.9 | |
| Accrued expenses and other payables | | | | | | | 142.6 | | | | 81.7 | |
| Long term loan | | | | | | | 40.0 | | | | 40.0 | |
| Total Liabilities | | | | | | $ | 1,902.1 | | | $ | 1,279.8 | |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary Shares 69,174,303 ordinary shares of 0.15144558 cents each
(2003 69,179,303) | | | | | | $ | 1,092.7 | | | $ | 1,090.8 | |
| Retained earnings | | | | | | | 342.4 | | | | 180.7 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes | | | | | | | 18.4 | | | | 27.2 | |
| Total shareholders' equity | | | | | | | 1,453.5 | | | | 1,298.7 | |
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | | | | | | $ | 3,355.6 | | | $ | 2,578.5 | |
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-32
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
($ in millions, except shares and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Three Months Ended
June 30, | | Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| | | Notes | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2004 | | 2003 |
| Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net premiums earned | | | 6 | | | $ | 327.0 | | | $ | 210.7 | | | $ | 632.8 | | | $ | 332.3 | |
| Net investment income | | | | | | | 14.9 | | | | 5.8 | | | | 26.9 | | | | 10.7 | |
| Realized investment losses | | | | | | | (4.0 | ) | | | 0.0 | | | | (4.3 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Other | | | | | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | 0.0 | | | | 0.0 | |
| Total Revenues | | | | | | | 337.9 | | | | 216.3 | | | | 655.4 | | | | 343.0 | |
| Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | | | | | (139.4 | ) | | | (95.2 | ) | | | (263.5 | ) | | | (165.9 | ) |
| Policy acquisition expenses | | | | | | | (65.2 | ) | | | (44.8 | ) | | | (124.2 | ) | | | (71.1 | ) |
| Operating and administration expenses | | | | | | | (26.1 | ) | | | (7.1 | ) | | | (44.2 | ) | | | (14.5 | ) |
| Interest on long term loans | | | | | | | (0.1 | ) | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.5 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Realized exchange gains / losses | | | | | | | 0.1 | | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.7 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Total expenses | | | | | | | (230.7 | ) | | | (147.1 | ) | | | (433.1 | ) | | | (251.5 | ) |
| Income from operations before income tax | | | | | | | 107.2 | | | | 69.2 | | | | 222.3 | | | | 91.5 | |
| Income tax expense | | | | | | | (26.3 | ) | | | (19.3 | ) | | | (56.4 | ) | | | (26.4 | ) |
| Net Income | | | | | | $ | 80.9 | | | $ | 49.9 | | | $ | 165.9 | | | $ | 65.1 | |
| Per share data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average number of ordinary share and share equivalents | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | | | | | 69,174,303 | | | | 56,919,780 | | | | 69,176,253 | | | | 56,919,780 | |
| Diluted | | | | | | | 71,929,628 | | | | 56,919,780 | | | | 71,916,678 | | | | 56,919,780 | |
| Basic earnings per ordinary share | | | | | | $ | 1.17 | | | $ | 0.88 | | | $ | 2.40 | | | $ | 1.14 | |
| Diluted earnings per ordinary share | | | | | | $ | 1.13 | | | $ | 0.88 | | | $ | 2.31 | | | $ | 1.14 | |
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-33
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
($ in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended
June 30, | | Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2004 | | 2003 |
| Shareholders' Equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ordinary shares: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | $ | 1,091.8 | | | $ | 836.6 | | | $ | 1,090.8 | | | $ | 836.9 | |
| Shares issued: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| New shares issued | | | — | | | | 1.0 | | | | — | | | | 0.7 | |
| Share-based compensation | | | 0.9 | | | | — | | | | 1.9 | | | | — | |
| End of period | | $ | 1,092.7 | | | $ | 837.6 | | | $ | 1,092.7 | | | $ | 837.6 | |
| Retained earnings: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | 263.6 | | | | 43.8 | | | | 180.7 | | | | 28.6 | |
| Net income for the period | | | 80.9 | | | | 49.9 | | | | 165.9 | | | | 65.1 | |
| Payment of Dividend | | | (2.1 | ) | | | — | | | | (4.2 | ) | | | — | |
| End of period | | $ | 342.4 | | | $ | 93.7 | | | $ | 342.4 | | | $ | 93.7 | |
| Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation net of taxes: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | 33.4 | | | | 9.2 | | | | 27.8 | | | | 12.0 | |
| Change for the period | | | (5.3 | ) | | | 6.8 | | | | 0.3 | | | | 4.0 | |
| End of period | | $ | 28.1 | | | $ | 16.0 | | | $ | 28.1 | | | $ | 16.0 | |
| Unrealized appreciation on investments, net of taxes: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | 4.0 | | | | 1.0 | | | | (0.6 | ) | | | 0.6 | |
| Change for the period | | | (13.7 | ) | | | 0.2 | | | | (9.1 | ) | | | 0.6 | |
| End of period | | $ | (9.7 | ) | | $ | 1.2 | | | $ | (9.7 | ) | | $ | 1.2 | |
| Total accumulated other comprehensive income | | $ | 18.4 | | | $ | 17.2 | | | $ | 18.4 | | | $ | 17.2 | |
| Total Shareholders' Equity | | $ | 1,453.5 | | | $ | 948.5 | | | $ | 1,453.5 | | | $ | 948.5 | |
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-34
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
($ in millions)
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended
June 30, | | Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2004 | | 2003 |
| Net income | | $ | 80.9 | | | $ | 49.9 | | | $ | 165.9 | | | $ | 65.1 | |
| Other comprehensive income, net of taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in unrealized gains on investments | | | (13.7 | ) | | | 0.2 | | | | (9.1 | ) | | | 0.6 | |
| Change in gains / (losses) on foreign currency translation | | | (5.3 | ) | | | 6.8 | | | | 0.3 | | | | 4.0 | |
| Other comprehensive income / (loss) | | | (19.0 | ) | | | 7.0 | | | | (8.8 | ) | | | 4.6 | |
| Comprehensive income | | $ | 61.9 | | | $ | 56.9 | | | $ | 157.1 | | | $ | 69.7 | |
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-35
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
($ in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended
June 30, | | Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2004 | | 2003 |
| Operating Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 80.9 | | | $ | 49.9 | | | $ | 165.9 | | | $ | 65.1 | |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and Amortisation of premium or discount on investments | | | 1.5 | | | | 1.5 | | | | 3.0 | | | | 3.0 | |
| Share-based compensation expense | | | 0.9 | | | | 0 | | | | 1.9 | | | | 0 | |
| Changes in insurance reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | 96.5 | | | | 84.1 | | | | 228.9 | | | | 158.8 | |
| Unearned premiums | | | 6.3 | | | | 8.4 | | | | 288.5 | | | | 396.9 | |
| Changes in reinsurance balances: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance recoverables | | | (8.9 | ) | | | (1.8 | ) | | | (17.2 | ) | | | (8.1 | ) |
| Ceded unearned premiums | | | 30.3 | | | | 45.4 | | | | (48.3 | ) | | | (82.8 | ) |
| Changes in accrued investment income and other receivables | | | 16.0 | | | | (45.5 | ) | | | 19.3 | | | | (45.5 | ) |
| Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs | | | (4.1 | ) | | | (1.3 | ) | | | (51.8 | ) | | | (47.6 | ) |
| Changes in reinsurance premiums payable | | | (13.4 | ) | | | (34.4 | ) | | | 39.4 | | | | 49.3 | |
| Changes in premiums receivable | | | (33.0 | ) | | | (46.3 | ) | | | (255.7 | ) | | | (386.9 | ) |
| Changes in accrued expenses and other payable | | | 55.7 | | | | 35.7 | | | | 63.4 | | | | 56.3 | |
| Net Cash from Operating Activities | | | 228.7 | | | | 95.7 | | | | 437.3 | | | | 158.5 | |
| Investing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Purchases of fixed maturities | | | (2,161.1 | ) | | | (349.7 | ) | | | (2,743.3 | ) | | | (659.7 | ) |
| Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities | | | 1,840.2 | | | | 456.0 | | | | 2,262.4 | | | | 230.1 | |
| Net (purchases)/sales of short-term investments | | | 126.2 | | | | (267.9 | ) | | | 32.7 | | | | 366.0 | |
| Purchase of equipment | | | (0.3 | ) | | | 0 | | | | (0.8 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Net cash used in/generated by investing activities | | | (195.0 | ) | | | (161.6 | ) | | | (449.0 | ) | | | (63.6 | ) |
| Financing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from the issuance of Ordinary Shares, net of issuance costs | | | 0 | | | | 1.0 | | | | 0 | | | | 0.7 | |
| Dividends paid | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | | (2.1 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Net cash from financing activities | | | 0 | | | | 1.0 | | | | (2.1 | ) | | | 0.7 | |
| Effect of exchange rate movements on cash and cash equivalents | | | (1.8 | ) | | | 2.9 | | | | 0.7 | | | | 0.1 | |
| (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | 31.9 | | | | (62.0 | ) | | | (13.1 | ) | | | 95.7 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 185.8 | | | | 167.3 | | | | 230.8 | | | | 9.6 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 217.7 | | | $ | 105.3 | | | $ | 217.7 | | | $ | 105.3 | |
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for income tax | | $ | 11.8 | | | | | | | $ | 21.6 | | | | | |
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-36
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| |
| 1. | General |
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited ("Aspen", "Aspen Holdings" or the "Company"), is a Bermuda holding company. Aspen provides, through its principal operating subsidiaries, property and liability reinsurance in the global markets and property and liability insurance principally in the United Kingdom and the United States. The principal operating subsidiaries are Aspen Insurance UK Limited ("Aspen Re"), located in London, Aspen Insurance Limited ("Aspen Bermuda") located in Bermuda and Aspen Specialty Insurance Company Inc ("Aspen Specialty") located in Boston.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the six months ended June 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2004. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aspen and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are collectively referred to herein as the "Company". All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Among other matters, significant estimates and assumptions are used to record premiums and to record reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses. Estimates and assumptions are periodically reviewed and the effects of revisions are recorded in the consolidated financial statements in the period that they are determined to be necessary.
The balance sheet at December 31, 2003 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2003 contained herein and in Aspen's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 001 - 31909).
F-37
| |
| 2. | Reserves for Losses and Adjustment Expenses |
The following table represents a reconciliation of beginning and ending consolidated loss and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") reserves:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at June 30,
2004 | | As at
December 31,
2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Provision for losses and LAE at start of year | | $ | 525.8 | | | $ | 93.9 | |
| Less reinsurance recoverable | | | (43.6 | ) | | | (12.5 | ) |
| Net loss and LAE at start of year | | $ | 482.2 | | | $ | 81.4 | |
| Loss and LAE reserves of subsidiary at date of acquisition | | | — | | | | 22.4 | |
| Less reinsurance recoverable | | | — | | | | (15.9 | ) |
| Net loss and LAE reserves of subsidiary at date of acquisition | | | — | | | $ | 6.5 | |
| Provision for losses and LAE for claims incurred | | | | | | | | |
| Current year | | | 286.6. | | | | 438.0 | |
| Prior years | | | (23.1 | ) | | | (9.6 | ) |
| Total incurred | | $ | 263.5 | | | $ | 428.4 | |
| Losses and LAE payments for claims incurred | | | (51.8 | ) | | | (53.9 | ) |
| Foreign exchange | | | (1.1 | ) | | | 19.8 | |
| Net losses and LAE reserves at period end | | | 692.8 | | | | 482.2 | |
| Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at end of period | | | 63.1 | | | | 43.6 | |
| Loss and LAE reserves at June 30, 2004 & December 31, 2003 | | $ | 755.9 | | | $ | 525.8 | |
|
For the six months ended June 30, 2004, there was a reduction of our estimate of the ultimate claims to be paid in respect of the 2002 accident year of $9.0 million and $14.1 million in respect of the 2003 accident year. An analysis of this reduction by line of business is provided in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", contained elsewhere in this prospectus.
| |
| 3. | Debt and financing arrangements |
During 2003 the Company entered into a credit facility with a syndicate of commercial banks under which it may, subject to the terms of the credit agreements, borrow up to $150 million for periods of up to three years and a further $50 million for periods of up to one year. Credit Suisse First Boston, an affiliate of Credit Suisse First Boston Private Equity, which is a shareholder of the Company, is a member of the syndicate on terms and conditions similar to other syndicate members.
On October 15, 2003, the Company drew down $90 million on the facility at an initial interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus 42.5 basis points. A facility fee, currently calculated at a rate of 17.5 basis points on the average daily amount of the commitment of each lender, is paid to each lender quarterly in arrears. The interest rate at June 30, 2004 was 1.565%. On December 15, 2003, $50 million of the outstanding loan was repaid following receipt of funds from the initial public offering. The $40 million balance outstanding as at June 30, 2004 is due and payable by August 29, 2006. The terms of the loan restrict the payment of cash dividends during any fiscal year to 50% of consolidated net income.
| |
| 4. | Earnings per ordinary share |
Basic earnings per ordinary share are calculated by dividing net income available to holders of Aspen's ordinary shares by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per ordinary share are based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary shares outstanding during the period of calculation using the treasury stock method.
F-38
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 respectively:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended
June 30, | | Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2004 | | 2003 |
| Basic earnings per share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | $1.17 | | $0.88 | | $2.40 | | $1.14 |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Diluted earnings per share | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | 1.13 | | 0.88 | | 2.31 | | 1.14 |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding | | 69,174,303 | | 56,919,780 | | 69,176,253 | | 56,919,780 |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding and dilutive potential ordinary shares | | 71,929,628 | | 56,919,780 | | 71,916,678 | | 56,919,780 |
|
| |
| 5. | Stock-based compensation plans |
The Company has issued options under three schemes: investor options, employee options and restricted share units.
Investor options. The investor options were issued on June 21, 2002 in consideration for the transfer of an underwriting team from Wellington Underwriting plc ("Wellington"), the right to seek to renew certain business written by Syndicate 2020, an agreement in which Wellington agreed not to compete with Aspen Re through March 31, 2004, the use of the Wellington name and logo and the provision of certain outsourced services to the Company, and confer the option to subscribe for up to 6,787,880 ordinary shares of Aspen to Wellington and Harrington Trust Limited (the "Names' Trustee") on behalf of the members of Syndicate 2020 who are not corporate members of Wellington. The subscription price payable under the options is initially £10 and increases by 5% per annum, less any dividends paid. Option holders are not entitled to participate in any dividends prior to exercise and would not rank as a creditor in the event of liquidation. The options became exercisable on the initial public offering of our ordinary shares. As a result of our initial public offering, the options will expire on June 21, 2012.
In connection with our initial public offering, the Names' Trustee exercised 440,144 investor options on both a cash and cashless basis, pursuant to which 152,583 ordinary shares were issued. The Names' Trustee currently holds 2,566,616 options.
Employee options. On August 20, 2003 the Company granted 3,884,030 options to employees under the Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited 2003 Share Incentive Plan. The initial grant options have a term of ten years and an exercise price of $16.20 per share. Sixty-five percent of the initial grant options are subject to time-based vesting with 20% vesting upon grant and 20% vesting on each December 31 of the calendar years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The remaining 35% of the initial grant options are subject to performance-based vesting. In addition to the initial grant of 3,884,030 options, 1,840,540 options are reserved for additional grants following the completion of the Company's initial public offering.
The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which establishes a fair value-based method of accounting for share-based compensation plans.
Compensation cost charged against income was $7.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 and $1.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. The per share weighted average fair value at grant date of the share options granted under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan is $5.31. This amount was estimated on the date of the grant using a modified Black-Scholes option
F-39
pricing model under the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 4.70%; dividend yield of 0.6%; expected life of 7 years; share price volatility of zero (as the minimum value method was utilized because the Company was unlisted on the date that the options were issued); and foreign currency volatility of 9.40% (as the initial exercise price was in British Pounds and the share price of the Company is in U.S. Dollars).
Restricted share units. On March 12, 2004, the Board approved, the grant of 37,665 restricted share units under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan to six employees of a subsidiary of the Company. Subject to the participants' continued employment, the units will vest in tranches with one-third of the units vesting on each of December 31, 2004, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006. Vesting of a participant's units may be accelerated, however, if the participant's employment with the Company and its subsidiaries is terminated without cause (as defined in such participants' award agreement), on account of the participant's death or disability (as defined in such participants' award agreement), or, with respect to one of the participants, by the participant with good reason (as defined in such participants' award agreement). Compensation cost charged against income was $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Participants generally will not be entitled to any rights of a holder of ordinary shares, including the right to vote, unless and until their units vest and ordinary shares are issued; provided, however, that participants will be entitled to receive dividend equivalents with respect to their units. Dividend equivalents will be denominated in cash and paid in cash if and when the underlying units vest. Participants will be paid one ordinary share for each unit that vests as soon as practicable following the vesting date. Participants may, however, elect to defer the receipt of any ordinary shares upon the vesting of units, in which case payment will not be made until such time or times as the participant may elect. Payment of deferred share units would be in ordinary shares with any cash dividend equivalents credited with respect to such deferred share units paid in cash.
| |
| 6. | Segment reporting |
The Company has two reportable segments, reinsurance operations and insurance operations. The directors have determined these segments by reference to the organization structure of the business and the different services provided by the segments.
F-40
The following table provides a summary of the segment revenues and results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2004 and, 2003 and the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses as of June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended
June 30, | | Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2004 | | 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total primary insurance operations | | $ | 76.8 | | | $ | 52.6 | | | $ | 153.2 | | | $ | 80.5 | |
| Total reinsurance operations | | | 250.2 | | | | 158.1 | | | | 479.6 | | | | 251.8 | |
| Total underwriting | | | 327.0 | | | | 210.7 | | | | 632.8 | | | | 332.3 | |
| Investment operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | 14.9 | | | | 5.8 | | | | 26.9 | | | | 10.7 | |
| Realised investment gains/(losses) | | | (4.0 | ) | | | 0.0 | | | | (4.3 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Total investment operations | | | 10.9 | | | | 5.8 | | | | 22.6 | | | | 10.7 | |
| Exchange gains/(losses) and other | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | (1.2 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Total Revenues | | $ | 337.9 | | | $ | 216.3 | | | $ | 654.2 | | | $ | 343.0 | |
| Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting Claims and expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total primary insurance operations | | $ | (60.9 | ) | | $ | (41.1 | ) | | $ | (122.5 | ) | | $ | (62.5 | ) |
| Total reinsurance operations | | | (169.6 | ) | | | (106.0 | ) | | | (308.9 | ) | | | (189.0 | ) |
| Total underwriting claims and expenses | | | (230.5 | ) | | | (147.1 | ) | | | (431.4 | ) | | | (251.5 | ) |
| Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investment and investment management expenses | | | (0.2 | ) | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.5 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Total Expenses | | $ | (230.7 | ) | | $ | (147.1 | ) | | $ | (431.9 | ) | | $ | (251.5 | ) |
| Income from operations before income taxes: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total primary insurance operations | | $ | 15.9 | | | $ | 11.5 | | | $ | 30.6 | | | $ | 18.0 | |
| Total reinsurance operations | | | 80.6 | | | | 52.1 | | | | 170.8 | | | | 62.8 | |
| Total underwriting | | | 96.5 | | | | 63.6 | | | | 201.4 | | | | 80.8 | |
| Interest expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 0.0 | |
| Investment operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | 14.9 | | | | 5.8 | | | | 26.9 | | | | 10.7 | |
| Realized investments gains/(losses) | | | (4.0 | ) | | | 0.0 | | | | (4.3 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Investment and investing management expenses | | | (0.2 | ) | | | (0.0 | ) | | | (0.5 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Total investment operations | | | 10.7 | | | | 5.8 | | | | 22.1 | | | | 10.7 | |
| Exchange gains/(losses) and other | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | (1.2 | ) | | | 0.0 | |
| Total Income before income taxes | | $ | 107.2 | | | $ | 69.2 | | | $ | 222.3 | | | $ | 91.5 | |
|
| |
| 7. | Commitments and contingencies |
In the normal course of business, letters of credit are issued as collateral on behalf of the business, as required within our reinsurance operations. As of June 30, 2004, letters of credit with an aggregate amount of $56.9 million (December 31, 2003 – $24.6 million) and £47.4 million (December 31, 2003 – £47.4 million) were outstanding respectively. As of June 30, 2004 the Company had funds on deposit of $57.9 million and £50.9 million (December 31, 2003 – $30 million and £47.4 million respectively) as collateral for the letters of credit.
F-41
For its U.S. reinsurance activities, Aspen Re has established and must retain a multi-beneficiary U.S. trust fund for the benefit of its U.S. cedents so that they are able to take financial statement credit without the need to post cedent-specific security. The minimum trust fund amount is $20 million plus an amount equal to 100% of Aspen Re's U.S. reinsurance liabilities, which was $191.3 million at June 30, 2004 (December 31, 2003 – $25.6 million). Aspen Re has established a U.S. surplus lines trust fund with a U.S. bank to secure U.S. surplus lines policies. The initial minimum trust fund amount is $5.4 million. The balance held in the trust at June 30, 2004 was $5.4 million. Aspen Re has established a Canadian trust fund with a Canadian bank to secure a Canadian insurance license. The initial minimum trust fund amount and balance at June 30, 2004 was Can$25.0 million. Aspen Specialty has a total of $4.9 million on deposit with seven U.S. States in order to satisfy state regulations for writing business there.
Amounts outstanding under operating leases as of June 30, 2004 were:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Due in |
| | | Less than
1 year | | 1-2 years | | 3-4 years | | 4 years | | 5 years |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Operating Lease Obligations | | | 5.5 | | | | 1.4 | | | | 0.6 | | | | 0.6 | | | | 0.6 | |
|
| |
| 8. | Investments |
The following table presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of investments in fixed maturities and other investments:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at June 30, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Cost or
Amortized Cost | | Gross
Unrealized Gains | | Gross
Unrealized Losses | | Estimated
Fair Value |
| Investments (excluding cash) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| US government and agencies | | $ | 582.2 | | | $ | 0.2 | | | $ | (2.8 | ) | | $ | 579.6 | |
| Corporate securities | | | 381.7 | | | | 0.2 | | | | (4.0 | ) | | | 377.9 | |
| Foreign government | | | 174.6 | | | | 0.0 | | | | (1.3 | ) | | | 173.3 | |
| Municipals | | | 2.0 | | | | 0.0 | | | | 0.0 | | | | 2.0 | |
| Asset backed securities | | | 216.3 | | | | 0.0 | | | | (1.9 | ) | | | 214.4 | |
| Mortgage backed securities | | | 169.5 | | | | 0.7 | | | | (2.4 | ) | | | 167.8 | |
| Total fixed maturities | | | 1,526.3 | | | | 1.1 | | | | (12.4 | ) | | | 1,515.0 | |
| Short – term investments | | | 536.3 | | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.8 | ) | | | 535.5 | |
| Total | | $ | 2,062.6 | | | $ | 1.1 | | | $ | (13.2 | ) | | $ | 2,050.5 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2003 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Cost or
Amortized Cost | | Gross
Unrealized Gains | | Gross
Unrealized Losses | | Estimated
Fair Value |
| Investments (excluding cash) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| US government and agencies | | $ | 636.9 | | | $ | 1.1 | | | $ | (0.1 | ) | | $ | 637.9 | |
| Corporate securities | | | 71.2 | | | | 0.2 | | | | (0.1 | ) | | | 71.3 | |
| Foreign government | | | 136.3 | | | | 0.0 | | | | (2.0 | ) | | | 134.3 | |
| Municipals | | | 2.0 | | | | 0.0 | | | | 0.0 | | | | 2.0 | |
| Asset backed securities | | | 135.9 | | | | 0.1 | | | | (0.6 | ) | | | 135.4 | |
| Mortgage backed securities | | | 66.5 | | | | 0.8 | | | | (0.1 | ) | | | 67.2 | |
| Total fixed maturities | | | 1,048.8 | | | | 2.2 | | | | (2.9 | ) | | | 1,048.1 | |
| Short – term investments | | | 568.1 | | | | 0.1 | | | | — | | | | 568.2 | |
| Total | | $ | 1,616.9 | | | $ | 2.3 | | | $ | (2.9 | ) | | $ | 1,616.3 | |
|
F-42
INDEX TO SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| | | | | | |
| | | Page |
| Independent Auditor's Report | | | P-2 | |
| Combined Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 | | | P-3 | |
| Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 | | | P-3 | |
| Combined Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2002 and 2001 | | | P-4 | |
| Combined Statements of Members' Deficit for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 | | | P-5 | |
| Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 | | | P-6 | |
| Notes to Syndicates Financial Statements | | | P-7 | |
|
P-1
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Board of Directors of Wellington Underwriting Agencies Limited:
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Syndicates 2020 and 3030 as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related combined statements of operations and comprehensive income/(loss), members' deficit, and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2002. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of Wellington Underwriting Agencies Limited. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined balance sheets of Syndicates 2020 and 3030 as of December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ KPMG Audit Plc
London, United Kingdom
September 15, 2003
P-2
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Revenues | |
| Net premiums earned | | $ | 863 | | | $ | 562 | | | $ | 466 | |
| Net investment income | | | 31 | | | | 35 | | | | 35 | |
| Realized investment gains | | | 4 | | | | 17 | | | | 1 | |
| Foreign exchange gains/(losses) | | | (14 | ) | | | (10 | ) | | | 9 | |
| Total Revenues | | | 884 | | | | 604 | | | | 511 | |
| Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | (523 | ) | | | (605 | ) | | | (275 | ) |
| Policy acquisition expenses | | | (254 | ) | | | (189 | ) | | | (146 | ) |
| Operating and administration expenses | | | (36 | ) | | | (27 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
| Total Expenses | | | (813 | ) | | | (821 | ) | | | (447 | ) |
| Net income/(loss) | | $ | 71 | | | $ | (217 | ) | | $ | 64 | |
|
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Net income/(loss) | | $ | 71 | | | $ | (217 | ) | | $ | 64 | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Change in unrealized gains/(losses) on investments | | | 9 | | | | 3 | | | | 8 | |
| Comprehensive income/(loss) | | $ | 80 | | | $ | (214 | ) | | $ | 72 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the Syndicates financial statements
P-3
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended
December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Assets | |
| Investments, at fair value | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Maturities (amortized cost: 2002-$735 million, 2001-$710 million) | | $ | 747 | | | $ | 714 | |
| Short-term investments (amortized cost: 2002-$346 million, 2001-$103 million) | | | 348 | | | | 104 | |
| Total Investments | | | 1,095 | | | | 818 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents, at fair value | | | 104 | | | | 16 | |
| Overseas regulatory deposits — restricted cash | | | 114 | | | | 91 | |
| Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses (Including bad debt provision of 2002-$50 million; 2001-$32 million) | | | 1,224 | | | | 1,501 | |
| Reinsurance recoverables on paid losses | | | 404 | | | | 251 | |
| Ceded unearned premiums | | | 282 | | | | 154 | |
| Receivables | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting premiums | | | 676 | | | | 285 | |
| Other | | | 72 | | | | 182 | |
| Deferred policy acquisition costs | | | 144 | | | | 118 | |
| Total Assets | | $ | 4,115 | | | $ | 3,416 | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance Reserves | | | | | | | | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | $ | 2,555 | | | $ | 2,509 | |
| Unearned premiums | | | 821 | | | | 576 | |
| Total insurance reserves | | | 3,376 | | | | 3,085 | |
| Payables: | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance premiums | | | 689 | | | | 376 | |
| Accrued expenses and other payables | | | 145 | | | | 123 | |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 7) | | | — | | | | — | |
| Total Liabilities | | $ | 4,210 | | | $ | 3,584 | |
| Members' Deficit | | | | | | | | |
| Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) | | $ | (64 | ) | | $ | (135 | ) |
| Net amounts paid to Syndicate members | | | (46 | ) | | | (39 | ) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | |
| Unrealized gains on investments | | | 15 | | | | 6 | |
| Total Members' Deficit | | $ | (95 | ) | | $ | (168 | ) |
| Total Liabilities And Members' Deficit | | $ | 4,115 | | | $ | 3,416 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the Syndicates financial statements
P-4
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' DEFICIT
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Members' Deficit | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Retained earnings (accumulated deficit): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Start of year | | $ | (135 | ) | | $ | 82 | | | $ | 18 | |
| Net income/(loss) for the year | | | 71 | | | | (217 | ) | | | 64 | |
| End of year | | | (64 | ) | | | (135 | ) | | | 82 | |
| Net amounts paid to Syndicate members: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Start of year | | | (39 | ) | | | (88 | ) | | | (31 | ) |
| Amounts received from Syndicate members | | | — | | | | 74 | | | | — | |
| Amounts paid to Syndicate members | | | (7 | ) | | | (25 | ) | | | (57 | ) |
| End of year | | | (46 | ) | | | (39 | ) | | | (88 | ) |
| Unrealized gains/(losses) on investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Start of year | | | 6 | | | | 3 | | | | (5 | ) |
| Change for the year | | | 9 | | | | 3 | | | | 8 | |
| End of year | | | 15 | | | | 6 | | | | 3 | |
| Total Members' Deficit | | $ | (95 | ) | | $ | (168 | ) | | $ | (3 | ) |
|
See accompanying notes to the Syndicates financial statements
P-5
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Operating Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income/(loss) | | $ | 71 | | | $ | (217 | ) | | $ | 64 | |
| Adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in property-liability insurance reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | (2 | ) | | | 993 | | | | 252 | |
| Unearned premiums | | | 230 | | | | 204 | | | | 25 | |
| Change in reinsurance balances: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance recoverables on paid losses | | | 300 | | | | (712 | ) | | | (211 | ) |
| Ceded unearned premiums | | | (122 | ) | | | (56 | ) | | | (7 | ) |
| Change in deferred policy acquisition costs | | | (23 | ) | | | (51 | ) | | | (3 | ) |
| Change in reinsurance premiums payable | | | 301 | | | | 205 | | | | 63 | |
| Change in reinsurance recoverables on paid losses | | | (153 | ) | | | (130 | ) | | | (110 | ) |
| Change in accounts receivable | | | (259 | ) | | | (91 | ) | | | 59 | |
| Change in accrued expenses and other payables | | | 19 | | | | 106 | | | | (114 | ) |
| Other | | | 4 | | | | (15 | ) | | | 2 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 366 | | | | 236 | | | | 20 | |
| Investing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Overseas regulatory deposits placed | | | (23 | ) | | | (9 | ) | | | (46 | ) |
| Purchase of investments | | | (2,996 | ) | | | (2,008 | ) | | | (752 | ) |
| Proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments | | | 2,730 | | | | 1,704 | | | | 812 | |
| Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Investing Activities | | | (289 | ) | | | (313 | ) | | | 14 | |
| Financing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amounts distributed to Syndicate members | | | (7 | ) | | | (25 | ) | | | (57 | ) |
| Amounts received from Syndicate members | | | — | | | | 74 | | | | — | |
| Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities | | | (7 | ) | | | 49 | | | | (57 | ) |
| Effects Of Exchange Rate Movements On Cash And Cash Equivalents | | | 18 | | | | 7 | | | | (34 | ) |
| Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents | | | 88 | | | | (21 | ) | | | (57 | ) |
| Cash at beginning of the year | | | 16 | | | | 37 | | | | 94 | |
| Cash at end of the year | | $ | 104 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 37 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the Syndicates financial statements
P-6
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
Status of Syndicate 2020 and Syndicate 3030 as Predecessor to the Company.
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited ("Aspen Holdings") was formed in May 2002. The management of Aspen Holdings largely comprises the management team for the lines of business which were underwritten by Aspen Holdings' insurance subsidiaries after being developed by Syndicate 2020 and Syndicate 3030.
As a result, the predecessor to Aspen Holdings comprises the combined businesses of Syndicate 2020, and for the period that it conducted business, Syndicate 3030 (the "Syndicates"). The method by which Aspen Holdings assumed this business is described in detail in Note 10.
Constitution of the Syndicates
The Syndicates operate within Lloyd's which has a unique operating structure allowing individuals and corporations ("Members") to participate in the underwriting of insurance risks. Members of Lloyd's join together on an annual basis to form syndicates. These Members may be either individuals or corporate members.
As Lloyd's syndicates, the Syndicates operate as annual joint ventures between their Members that are fully accounted for and settled at the end of a 36-month period. The declared results are distributed to (or collected from) the Members who are responsible at an individual level for any of the tax liabilities thereon. The Members of these Syndicates pledge capital to support the syndicates for each underwriting year of account and a proportion of the capital pledged is deposited at Lloyd's. The Syndicates are allowed to underwrite up to a premium capacity based on the level of capital committed for each underwriting year of account.
Each Lloyd's syndicate is managed by a managing agent. Wellington Underwriting Agencies Limited ("WUAL") is the managing agent of the Syndicates. WUAL appoints and employs the staff of the Syndicates, including the Chief Underwriting Officer and, also provides the business infrastructure and support services. WUAL recharges the Syndicates for the cost of services provided and also charges fees and profit commission based on the Syndicates' capacity and profits respectively.
WUAL maintains the Syndicates' accounting records and prepares their annual reports in accordance with the Lloyd's Syndicate Accounting Bye-Law, which uses the Lloyd's three year funded basis of accounting. These annual reports include the results of underwriting, Syndicate operating expenses and investment income earned on insurance funds, but do not include details of the capital deposited by Members, the investment income earned thereon and the members' liability for tax on the results of the syndicate. This is because the capital supporting these Syndicates, investment income earned thereon and tax on Syndicates' results are the responsibility of the members of the Syndicates and not of the Syndicates themselves.
The financial statements of the Syndicates have been prepared for the purpose of the prospectus relating to our initial public offering in accordance with United States generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("U.S. GAAP"). The financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 include the transactions of Syndicate 3030 which commenced business on June 1, 2002 and underwrote on a co-insurance basis with Syndicate 2020 for that year only. Transactions between Syndicate 2020 and Syndicate 3030 have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
Estimates and assumptions are made by the directors of WUAL that have an effect on the amounts reported within these combined financial statements. The most significant estimates relate to the reserves for property and liability losses. These estimates are continually reviewed and
P-7
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
adjustments made as necessary, but actual results could turn out significantly different from those expected when the estimates were made.
Accounting For Underwriting Operations
Premiums Earned
Assumed premiums are recognized as revenues proportionately over the coverage period. Premiums earned are recorded in the statement of operations, net of the cost of purchased reinsurance. Premiums not yet recognized as revenue are recorded in the balance sheet as unearned premiums, gross of any ceded unearned premiums. Written and earned premiums, and the related costs, which have not yet been reported to the Syndicates are estimated and accrued. Due to the time lag inherent in reporting of premiums by cedents, such estimated premiums written and earned, as well as related costs, may be significant. Differences between such estimates and actual amounts will be recorded in the period in which the actual amounts are determined.
Premiums on proportional treaty contracts are generally not reported to the Syndicates until after the reinsurance coverage is in force and the Syndicates are at risk. As a result an estimate of these "pipeline" premiums is recorded. The directors of WUAL estimate pipeline premiums based on estimates reported from ceding companies. The directors of WUAL estimate commissions, losses and loss adjustment expenses on these premiums.
Reinstatement premiums and additional premiums are accrued as provided for in the provisions of assumed reinsurance contracts, based on experience under such contracts. Reinstatement premiums are the premiums charged for the restoration of the reinsurance limit of a catastrophe contract to its full amount after payment by the reinsurer of losses as a result of an occurrence. These premiums relate to the future coverage obtained during the remainder of the initial policy term and are earned over the remaining policy term. Additional premiums are premiums charged after coverage has expired, related to experience during the policy term, which are earned immediately. An allowance for uncollectible premiums is established for possible non-payment of such amounts due, as deemed necessary.
Outward reinsurance premiums are accounted for in the same accounting period as the premiums for the related direct insurance or inwards reinsurance business. Reinsurance contracts that operate on a "losses occurring during" basis are accounted for in full over the period of coverage whilst "risks attaching during" policies are expensed using the same ratio as the underlying premiums on a daily pro rata basis.
Insurance Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Losses represent the amount paid or expected to be paid to claimants in respect of events that have occurred on or before the balance sheet date. The costs of investigating, resolving and processing these claims are known as loss adjustment expenses ("LAE"). The statement of operations records these losses net of reinsurance, meaning that gross losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred are reduced by the amounts recovered or expected to be recovered under reinsurance contracts.
Reinsurance
Written premiums earned and incurred claims and LAE all reflect the net effect of assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions in the income statement. Assumed reinsurance refers to the Syndicates' acceptance of certain insurance risks that other insurance companies have underwritten. Ceded reinsurance means other insurance companies have agreed to share certain risks with the Syndicates. Reinsurance accounting is followed when risk transfer requirements have been met.
P-8
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
WUAL regularly evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors the concentration of credit risk to minimize the Syndicates' exposure to financial loss from reinsurers' insolvency. Where it is considered required, appropriate provision is made for balances deemed irrecoverable from reinsurers.
Insurance Reserves
Insurance reserves are established for the total unpaid cost of claims and LAE, which cover events that have occurred by the balance sheet date. These reserves reflect estimates by the directors of WUAL of the total cost of claims incurred but not yet reported to it ("IBNR"). Claim reserves are reduced for estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation recoveries. Estimated amounts recoverable from reinsurers on unpaid losses and LAE are reflected as assets.
For reported claims, reserves are established on a case-by-case basis within the parameters of coverage provided in the insurance policy or reinsurance agreement. For IBNR claims, reserves are estimated using established actuarial methods. Both case and IBNR reserve estimates consider such variables as past loss experience, changes in legislative conditions, changes in judicial interpretation of legal liability policy coverages, and inflation.
Because many of the coverages underwritten involve claims that may not be ultimately settled for many years after they are incurred, subjective judgments as to the ultimate exposure to losses are an integral and necessary component of the loss reserving process. Reserves are established by the selection of a "best estimate" from within a range of estimates. The directors of WUAL continually review the Syndicates' reserves, using a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to analyze current claims costs, frequency and severity data, and prevailing economic, social and legal factors. Reserves established in prior periods are adjusted as claim experience develops and new information becomes available. Adjustments to previously estimated reserves are reflected in the financial results of the period in which the adjustments are made.
While the directors of WUAL believe that the reported reserves make a reasonable provision for unpaid claim and LAE obligations, it should be noted that the process of estimating required reserves does, by its very nature, involve uncertainty. The level of uncertainty can be influenced by factors such as the existence of coverage with long duration payment patterns and changes in claims handling practices, as well as the factors noted above. Ultimate actual payments for claims and LAE could turn out to be significantly different from estimates made.
Policy Acquisition Expenses
The costs directly related to writing an insurance policy are referred to as policy acquisition expenses and consist of commissions, premium taxes and other direct underwriting expenses. Although these expenses are incurred when a policy is issued they are deferred and amortized over the same period as the corresponding premiums are recorded as revenues.
On a regular basis a recoverability analysis is performed of the deferred policy acquisition costs in relation to the expected recognition of revenues, including anticipated investment income, and reflects adjustments, if any, as period costs. Should the analysis indicate that the acquisition costs are unrecoverable, further analyses are performed to determine if a reserve is required to provide for losses which may exceed the related unearned premium.
Accounting For Investments
Fixed Maturities
The fixed maturity portfolio is composed primarily of high quality, U.S. and U.K. government securities. The entire fixed maturity investment portfolio is classified as available for sale. Accordingly,
P-9
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
that portfolio is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value. Fair values are based on quoted market prices from a third party pricing service.
Short-term investments
Short-term investments include highly liquid debt instruments and commercial paper. The investments are classified as available for sale and are therefore carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value.
Overseas Regulatory Deposits
Overseas Regulatory Deposits are restricted in use as they are required to enable the Syndicates to write business in the relevant territories.
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
When an investment is sold the resulting gain or loss is recorded in the combined statement of operations.
If the Directors of WUAL determine that any investment has experienced a decline in value that is believed to be other than temporary, the directors of WUAL will consider the current facts and circumstances, including the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security, and make a decision to either record a write-down in the carrying value of the security to its fair value, thereby establishing a new cost basis for the security, or sell the security; in either case a realized loss is recorded in the statement of operations.
Unrealized Gains or Losses on Investments
For investments carried at estimated fair value, the difference between amortized cost and fair value is recorded as part of members' interests. This difference is referred to as unrealized gains or losses on investments. The change in unrealized gains or losses, during the year is a component of other comprehensive income.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and that are so near maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.
Derivative Financial Instruments
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", all derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for the gain or loss due to the changes in the fair value of these instruments is dependent on whether the derivative qualifies as a hedge. If the derivative does not qualify as a hedge, the gains or losses are reported in earnings when they occur. If the derivative does qualify as a hedge, the accounting varies based on the type of risk being hedged.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional and reporting currency of the Syndicates' operations is U.S. Dollars. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are measured at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies are re-measured at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Any resulting foreign exchange gains or losses are reflected in the combined statement of operations.
P-10
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
2. Investments
The following presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of investments in fixed maturities and other investments:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As of December 31, 2002 |
| | | Cost or
Amortized
Cost | | Gross
Unrealized
Gains | | Gross
Unrealized
Losses | | Estimated
Fair Value |
| | | ($ in millions) | | |
| Fixed maturities | |
| Foreign Governments | | $ | 235 | | | $ | 3 | | | | — | | | $ | 238 | |
| Corporate Securities | | | 500 | | | | 9 | | | | — | | | | 509 | |
| Total Fixed maturities | | | 735 | | | | 12 | | | | — | | | | 747 | |
| Short-Term Investments | | | 346 | | | | 2 | | | | — | | | | 348 | |
| Total | | $ | 1,081 | | | $ | 14 | | | | — | | | $ | 1,095 | |
| | | As of December 31, 2001 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Fixed maturities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign Governments | | $ | 353 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (1 | ) | | $ | 353 | |
| Corporate Securities | | | 357 | | | | 4 | | | | — | | | | 361 | |
| Total Fixed maturities | | | 710 | | | | 5 | | | | (1 | ) | | | 714 | |
| Short-Term Investments | | | 103 | | | | 1 | | | | — | | | | 104 | |
| Total | | $ | 813 | | | $ | 6 | | | $ | (1 | ) | | $ | 818 | |
|
The following table presents the breakdown of investments as at December 31, 2002 to stated maturity. Actual maturities may differ from those stated as a result of calls and prepayments:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As of December 31, 2002 |
| | | Amortized
Cost | | Estimated
Fair Value |
| | | ($ in millions) | | |
| Fixed maturities: | | | | | | | | |
| One year or less | | $ | 314 | | | $ | 317 | |
| Over one year through five years | | | 365 | | | | 377 | |
| Over five years | | | 56 | | | | 53 | |
| | | | 735 | | | | 747 | |
| Short-term investments: | | | | | | | | |
| One year or less | | | 346 | | | | 348 | |
| Over one year through five years | | | — | | | | — | |
| Over five years | | | — | | | | — | |
| Total | | $ | 1,081 | | | $ | 1,095 | |
|
P-11
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
3. Investment Transactions
The following is a summary of investment income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Fixed maturities: | | $ | 24 | | | $ | 32 | | | $ | 21 | |
| Short-term Investments | | | 10 | | | | 5 | | | | 16 | |
| Investment Expenses | | | (3 | ) | | | (2 | ) | | | (2 | ) |
| Net investment income | | $ | 31 | | | $ | 35 | | | $ | 35 | |
|
The following table summarizes the realized investment gains and losses, and the change in unrealized gains on investments recorded in shareholders' equity and in comprehensive income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Short-term investments | |
| Realized investment gains | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 10 | | | | — | |
| Fixed maturities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross realized gains | | | 5 | | | | 9 | | | | 3 | |
| Gross realized losses | | | (2 | ) | | | (2 | ) | | | (2 | ) |
| Realized investment gains/(losses) | | | 3 | | | | 7 | | | | 1 | |
| Total realized investment gains/(losses) | | | 4 | | | | 17 | | | | 1 | |
| Change in unrealized gains | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed maturities | | | 8 | | | | (1 | ) | | | 13 | |
| Short-term investments | | | 1 | | | | 4 | | | | (5 | ) |
| Total change in unrealized gains | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 8 | |
|
P-12
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
4. September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attack
The estimates of the ultimate gross and net losses at December 31, 2002 and 2001 arising from the terrorist attacks in the United States of America on September 11, 2001 are set out below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As of
December 31,
2002 | | Movement
for the year
ended
December 31,
2002 | | As of
December 31,
2001 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Total estimated gross loss | | $ | 886 | | | $ | (32 | ) | | $ | 918 | |
| Estimated reinstatement premiums receivable | | | (32 | ) | | | 1 | | | | (33 | ) |
| Estimated reinsurance recoverable* | | | (719 | ) | | | 27 | | | | (746 | ) |
| Estimated reinstatement premiums payable | | | 98 | | | | (2 | ) | | | 100 | |
| Total estimated net loss | | $ | 233 | | | $ | (6 | ) | | $ | 239 | |
|
| |
| * | net of provision for bad debts of $11.3 million |
A loss of $239 million was recorded in the Income Statement for the twelve months ended December 31, 2001. A profit of $6 million has been recognized in the Income Statement for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002.
Movements of the individual components and the resulting balances at December 31, 2002 comprise the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Paid | | Outstanding
and IBNR
Claims Reserve | | Reinstatements | | Estimated
Ultimate Net
Loss |
| January 1, 2002 | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 170 | | | $ | 67 | | | $ | 239 | |
| Movement | | | 12 | | | | (17 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (6 | ) |
| December 31, 2002 | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 153 | | | $ | 66 | | | $ | 233 | |
|
The method used in assessing the ultimate losses at December 31, 2002 is consistent with the approach taken at December 31, 2001. Specific provisions have been made based on notification of losses incurred received from policyholders, intermediaries and loss adjustors and in the light of other information available. Amongst other things, these specific provisions are sensitive to assumptions about the quantum of property damage. Additionally, estimates for business interruption claims, for which notifications are based upon policyholders' computation of their own losses will change as forensic claims investigations determine a more realistic amount of loss. Additional provisions (incurred but not reported reserves) continue to be held at December 31, 2002 to provide for additional claims which have been incurred but not reported, or increases in the estimates already reported by policyholders. Independent actuaries have reviewed such estimates.
Uncertainties continue to exist as to whether the destruction of the twin towers of the World Trade Center ("WTC") constitutes one event or two for the purposes of aggregation of losses under insurance and reinsurance policies. Based on legal advice, the directors of WUAL continue to
P-13
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
consider that a one event basis is the correct interpretation of the policies, which is a matter in current litigation among insurers (including Syndicate 2020) and those holding property interests in the WTC. If a two event loss basis were to be applied, it is estimated that the loss to the Syndicates from direct and reinsurance policies would increase by approximately $141 million gross and $13 million net of reinsurance. Estimated reinsurance recoveries on ultimate losses (net of provisions for bad debt) total $719 million of which $277 million had been received at December 31, 2002. A further $326 million is supported by outstanding claims advances or letters of credit received from reinsurers as security for the amount which will become due and payable when the underlying claims are settled. Of the uncollateralized amount, 98.2% is associated with reinsurers with a rating of A or better.
The directors of WUAL consider that the WTC loss estimate continues to be the best estimate that can be made on the basis of information currently available. The directors are, however, aware that this estimate is subject to uncertainties, the outcome of which could have a positive or a negative impact on such an estimate. As further information becomes available and as claims in dispute are eventually resolved, the estimate of ultimate losses will be revised. It may take some time to resolve such uncertainties.
5. Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments include futures, forward, swap and option contracts and other financial instruments with similar characteristics. The Syndicates have no involvement with these instruments, other than with respect to certain forward contracts entered into primarily for the purpose of protecting against fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and which did not qualify as hedges under SFAS No. 133 during the reporting period.
Non-hedge Derivatives — During the twelve months ended December 31, 2002, the Syndicates entered into foreign exchange contracts which matured after the year end for the purchase of £37.9 million at a fixed exchange rate. Similar contracts were outstanding at the end of 2001 and 2000 for the purchase of £51.4 million and £23.7 million, respectively. A gain of $7.1 million (2001: loss of $2.1 million); (2000: gain of $0.3 million) was realized under these contracts. These contracts were taken out to protect the Syndicates from exchange rate fluctuations.
P-14
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
6. Reserves For Losses And Loss Adjustment Expenses
The following table represents a reconciliation of beginning and ending property — liability insurance loss and LAE reserves.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Provision for losses and LAE at start of year | | $ | 2,509 | | | $ | 1,501 | | | $ | 1,289 | |
| Less reinsurance recoverable | | | (1,501 | ) | | | (781 | ) | | | (590 | ) |
| Net loss and LAE reserves at start of year | | | 1,008 | | | | 720 | | | | 699 | |
| Provision for losses and LAE for claims incurred | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Current year | | | 570 | | | | 579 | | | | 260 | |
| Prior years | | | (47 | ) | | | 26 | | | | 15 | |
| Total incurred | | | 523 | | | | 605 | | | | 275 | |
| Losses and LAE payments for claims incurred | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Current year | | | (81 | ) | | | (116 | ) | | | (80 | ) |
| Prior years | | | (151 | ) | | | (196 | ) | | | (167 | ) |
| Total paid | | | (232 | ) | | | (312 | ) | | | (247 | ) |
| Foreign Exchange gains/(losses) | | | 32 | | | | (5 | ) | | | (7 | ) |
| Net loss and LAE reserves at year end | | | 1,331 | | | | 1,008 | | | | 720 | |
| Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at end of year | | | 1,224 | | | | 1,501 | | | | 781 | |
| Loss and LAE reserves at end of year | | $ | 2,555 | | | $ | 2,509 | | | $ | 1,501 | |
|
The Syndicates have no material exposures to environmental or asbestos liabilities. There are no exposures arising on policies incepting before January 1, 1993 as all policies for that period have been reinsured into Equitas, the run-off reinsurer established by Lloyd's of London. Policies since then were normally written with specific exclusions for asbestos and environmental liabilities.
The $47 million prior year reduction in the provision for losses and LAE for claims incurred recognized in the 2002 calendar year represents a redundancy on the opening reserves of approximately 5%. The redundancy arises from the business written in 2001 where the reserves established were primarily based upon historical trends due to the delay in claims being reported. Subsequent to the year end, the level of claims development was below historical trends which has resulted in a reassessment of the reserves held at December 31, 2001 and the reported redundancy.
7. Commitments And Contingencies
In the normal course of business letters of credit are issued as collateral on behalf of the business, as required within our reinsurance operations. As of December 31, 2002, letters of credit with an aggregate amount of $114 million were outstanding (December 31, 2001: $91 million; December 31, 2000: $82 million). No amounts have been drawn down on these letters of credit.
Legal matters
In the ordinary courses of conducting business, the Syndicates have been named as defendants in various lawsuits. Some of these lawsuits attempt to establish liability under reinsurance contracts
P-15
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
issued by the Syndicates' underwriting operations. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits are asking for money damages or to have the court direct the activities of the Syndicates' operations in certain ways. It is possible that the settlement of these lawsuits may be material to the Syndicates' results of operations and liquidity in the period in which they occur. However, the Directors of WUAL believe the total amounts that the Syndicates will ultimately have to pay in these matters will have no material effect on the Syndicates' overall financial position.
Citibank, N.A.
Certain members of Lloyd's ("Names") have commenced legal proceedings against Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank"), as trustee of the Lloyd's American Trust Funds ("LATFs"), regarding the operation of the LATFs. Lloyd's is not a party to the proceedings. This action was brought prior to the completion of Reconstruction And Renewal. The Names in these proceedings allege that Citibank breached its duties as the trustee of the LATFs by, inter alia: (1) engaging in a pattern of transferring money from the trust funds of solvent Names to trust funds of insolvent Names in order to meet the latter's obligations; (2) engaging in unauthorized commingling of the assets from the different trust funds; and (3) failing to maintain appropriate and necessary records with respect to each trust fund. The Court has certified the proceedings as a class action, the class being of all those names who have not settled with Citibank through the 1996 Reconstruction & Renewal settlement offer or otherwise.
At the beginning of 1997, on the application of Citibank, the U.S. District Court dismissed a number of the Names' claims. The Court held, however, that the plaintiffs may continue to bring their claim for damages for breach of fiduciary duty by Citibank in U.S. courts. These initial findings were on preliminary motion, and are not findings on the merits of the claims.
Citibank strongly denies the allegations made by the Names and will vigorously defend the proceedings if pursued. Under the terms of the Lloyd's American Trust Deed ("LATD"), Citibank has a right to reimbursement from the LATFs of expenses (including legal fees) properly incurred by Citibank in its capacity as trustee and in certain circumstances a preferred lien for up to 1% of the LATFs' principal and income in order to cover reimbursable expenses and liabilities. At this time Citibank is not seeking to recover its fees and expenses from the LATFs.
E.C. Aviation Inquiry
The E.C. competition directorate is currently investigating certain agreements in the market for aviation and hull war insurance within the European Community which followed the events of September 11, 2001.
We believe that the industry response to the events in question was the least restrictive means of ensuring the continued availability of insurance cover to airlines. We are advised, however, that there is a risk that the European Commission may consider imposing fines should they establish an infringement of Article 81(1) of the E.C. Treaty (which prohibits any arrangement which restricts competition in a market and which affects E.U. trade).
8. Reinsurance Ceded
The primary purpose of the ceded reinsurance program is to protect the Syndicates from potential losses in excess of what the Syndicates are prepared to accept. It is expected that the companies to which reinsurance has been ceded will honor their obligations. In the event that these companies are unable to honor their obligations to the Syndicates, the Syndicates will pay these amounts. Appropriate provision is made for possible non-payment of amounts due to the Syndicates.
Balances pertaining to reinsurance transactions are reported "gross" on the combined balance sheet, meaning that reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and ceded unearned premiums are not deducted from insurance reserves but are recorded as assets.
P-16
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Excluding related party quota share arrangements, there was no exposure with any reinsurer of more than 10% of unearned premiums. The largest concentration of reinsurance recoverables as at December 31, 2002, excluding related party quota share arrangements, was with Munich Re which represented 12% of total recoverables.
The effect of assumed and ceded reinsurance on premiums written, premiums earned and insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Premiums Written | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 1,091 | | | $ | 518 | | | $ | 372 | |
| Assumed | | | 758 | | | | 744 | | | | 385 | |
| Ceded | | | (865 | ) | | | (574 | ) | | | (262 | ) |
| Net premiums written | | | 984 | | | | 688 | | | | 495 | |
| Premiums Earned | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | | 926 | | | | 430 | | | | 359 | |
| Assumed | | | 687 | | | | 618 | | | | 370 | |
| Ceded | | | (750 | ) | | | (486 | ) | | | (263 | ) |
| Net premiums earned | | | 863 | | | | 562 | | | | 466 | |
| Insurance Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | | 483 | | | | 663 | | | | 535 | |
| Assumed | | | 359 | | | | 951 | | | | 553 | |
| Ceded | | | (319 | ) | | | (1,009 | ) | | | (813 | ) |
| Total net insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses | | $ | 523 | | | $ | 605 | | | $ | 275 | |
|
9. Other Comprehensive Income
Other comprehensive income is defined as any change in the Syndicates members' interests from transactions and other events originating from non-member sources. These changes are comprised of the Syndicates' reported net income and changes in unrealized gains and losses on investments. The following table sets out the components of the Syndicates' comprehensive income, other than net income.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Unrealized gains on investments | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 13 | |
| Unrealized losses on investments | | | — | | | | (1 | ) | | | (5 | ) |
| Total other comprehensive income | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 8 | |
|
P-17
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
10. Related Party Transactions
The following summarizes the related party transactions of the Syndicates:
WELLINGTON UNDERWRITING PLC ("Wellington")
Wellington is the holding company of WUAL and of certain corporate Members of Lloyd's which are Members of Syndicate 2020.
Management fees paid to WUAL in respect of the Syndicates in 2002 were $6.0 million (2001: $4.3 million; 2000: $3.1 million). There were no payments outstanding at the year end (2001: nil; 2000: nil).
WELLINGTON SYNDICATE SERVICES LIMITED ("WSS")
WSS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellington.
Activities
WSS introduces terrorism, cargo, political risk, commercial lines, accident and health, hull, and war marine liability business to Syndicate 2020 and commercial lines business to Syndicate 3030. All business is introduced by WSS to the participating Syndicates by means of registered binding authorities.
Premium Income
The percentage of total net written premium income introduced by WSS to Syndicate 2020 during 2002 was 10% (2001 and 2000 — 3.3%). The percentage of total net written premium income introduced to Syndicate 3030 was 4.5% for 2002. WSS does not charge income or commission to Syndicate 2020 or Syndicate 3030.
WELLINGTON UNDERWRITING INC ("WU Inc.")
WU Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellington.
Activities
WU Inc., which is a company incorporated in Delaware in the USA, introduces US property and casualty facultative reinsurance business to Syndicate 2020 by way of a registered binding authority.
Premium Income
All premium income introduced by WU Inc. to WUAL in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 was underwritten by Syndicate 2020. The percentage to total net premium income introduced to WU Inc. to Syndicate 2020 during 2002 was 10.7% (2001 — 5.6%; 2000 — 1.4%). WU Inc. charged binder commission of $18.2 million (2001: $10.5 million; 2000: $6.5 million) in respect of business introduced to Syndicate 2020.
WU Inc. also charged Syndicate 2020 a profit commission of $0.9 million (2001: $0.5 million; 2000: $0.6 million).
SWISS RE
Syndicate 2020 has entered into various reinsurance contracts with Swiss Re which currently owns 9.5% of the share capital of Wellington. Prior to July 17, 2001, it owned more than 10.0% of the share capital of Wellington. The terms of these contracts are similar to those that are available to non-related cedents. Premium payable under these contracts amount to approximately 1.6% of the reinsurance premiums payable for 2002 (2001: 23%; 2000: 3%).
P-18
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
ASPEN HOLDINGS AND ASPEN INSURANCE UK LIMITED ("Aspen Re")
Aspen Re is an insurance company based in London which is authorized by the FSA. Following approval by the underwriting members of Syndicate 2020, on June 20, 2002 Lloyd's granted all necessary consents for WUAL to transfer the Casualty and Property Reinsurance, UK Liability and UK Commercial Lines business written by Syndicate 2020 to Aspen Re. Aspen Re is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aspen Holdings.
The management of Aspen Holdings comprise the management which were previously involved in the management of Syndicate 2020. Between October 16, 2002 and November 29, 2002, following FSA approval, Wellington acquired a total of 12,055,230 shares in Aspen Holdings, the holding company of Aspen Re. This holding was subsequently reduced in January 2003, to 11,262,680 (19.8%) following a sale of shares to non-aligned Members of Syndicate 2020.
Aspen Holdings issued options to subscribe for up to 6,787,880 of its ordinary shares of £0.01 each to Wellington Holdings (3,781,120 options) and the non-aligned Members of Syndicate 2020 (3,006,760 options). The subscription price payable under the options is initially £10 and increases by 5% per annum, less any dividends paid. Option holders are not entitled to participate in any dividends and would not rank as creditors in the event of liquidation. The options are exercisable on the first registered public offering of the ordinary shares in the United States or the first listing of the ordinary shares on a stock exchange (a "Listing") or a sale of all or substantially all of the business, assets or undertakings of Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries or a sale of 50% or more of the ordinary shares of Aspen Holdings (a "Sale") or, if no Listing or Sale has occurred prior to June 21, 2007, at any time within the five business days following June 21, 2007. If not exercised, the options will expire after five years but if a Listing occurs within those five years the term is automatically extended to a period of ten years.
REINSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN SYNDICATE 2020 AND SYNDICATE 3030 AND ASPEN RE
Prior to the formation of Aspen Holdings in May 2002, Syndicate 2020 entered into two arrangements with Berkshire Hathaway Inc. group companies that increased the premium income capacity of Syndicate 2020 for the 2002 year of account, to enable Syndicate 2020 to meet its premium income target for the year. Those arrangements comprised:
| |
| • | A quota share reinsurance contract with National Indemnity Corporation of Omaha ("NICO"), a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. group company, under which Syndicate 2020 ceded 35.7% of all business, other than U.S. Surplus Lines Business, incepting between January 1, 2002 and May 31, 2002, plus all U.S. Surplus Lines business written between June 1, 2002 and June 30, 2002. NICO subsequently ceded 34% of these risks to Aspen Re. |
| |
| • | A consortium underwriting arrangement with Syndicate 3030. Syndicate 3030 was formed in May 2002 and, like Syndicate 2020, is managed by WUAL. All of its capital is provided by Tonicstar Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Under the terms of the consortium agreement, Syndicates 2020 and 3030 shared all business written by Syndicate 2020 between June 1, 2002 and December 31, 2002, other than US Surplus Lines Business written between June 1 and June 30, 2002 in the proportion of 64.3% to Syndicate 2020 and 35.7% to Syndicate 3030. The consortium arrangement was Syndicate 3030's sole source of income in 2002. Syndicate 3030 entered into a quota share reinsurance contract to cede 70% of these risks to Aspen Re. |
P-19
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
These arrangements were undertaken on a funds withheld basis whereby the premiums due to Aspen Re will be paid net of claims and expenses, along with interest due on the funds withheld, and calculated at rates recified in the quota share arrangements.
The total net earned premium ceded by the Syndicates to Aspen Re under the quota share arrangements outlined above was $74.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002. Policy acquisition expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 included $14.1 million of ceded commissions received from Aspen Re in respect of the quota share arrangements.
At December 31, 2002 the net amounts receivable from NICO and payable to Aspen Re under these contracts were $22.0 million and $1.0 million respectively analyzed as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | NICO | | Aspen Re | | Total |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance recoverable | | $ | 19 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 23 | |
| Ceded unearned premiums | | | 7 | | | | 10 | | | | 17 | |
| Underwriting premium receivables | | | 289 | | | | 118 | | | | 407 | |
| Other receivables | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| Total Assets | | | 315 | | | | 132 | | | | 447 | |
| Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | (110 | ) | | | (25 | ) | | | (135 | ) |
| Unearned premiums | | | (88 | ) | | | (75 | ) | | | (163 | ) |
| Reinsurance premiums payables | | | (72 | ) | | | (26 | ) | | | (98 | ) |
| Accrued expenses and other payables | | | (23 | ) | | | (7 | ) | | | (30 | ) |
| Total Liabilities | | | (293 | ) | | | (133 | ) | | | (426 | ) |
| | | $ | 22 | | | $ | (1 | ) | | $ | 21 | |
|
ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN ASPEN HOLDINGS AND WELLINGTON
Under the framework agreement entered into by and among Aspen Holdings, Aspen Insurance U.K. Services Limited ("Aspen U.K. Services"), Wellington, WUAL, WUSL and WU Inc. on May 28, 2002, Aspen Holdings agreed to cause Aspen Re to offer Syndicate 2020, for 2003 and each subsequent year of account, a 20% quota share of Aspen Re's business (comprising the lines of business previously underwritten by Syndicate 2020) during such year. WUAL agreed, on behalf of Syndicate 2020, to offer to Aspen Re for 2003 and each subsequent year of account, a 20% quota share of all business (other than Aspen Re lines) allocated to that year of account of Syndicate 2020's business. For 2003, Aspen Re has elected to take up a 7.5% quota share of Syndicate 2020 lines, and WUAL, on behalf of Syndicate 2020, has elected not to accept any quota share reinsurance of Aspen Re. Neither Aspen Re nor WUAL on behalf of Syndicate 2020 will be obligated to offer a quota share to the other after the 2005 year of account should an initial public offering by Aspen Holdings be completed prior to December 21, 2005.
Under the framework agreement, Wellington, WUAL, WUSL and WU Inc. also agree, until March 31, 2004, not to, subject to exceptions, compete with Aspen Re or engage in activities that will directly or indirectly foster competition with Aspen Re in the property reinsurance, U.S. and non-U.S. casualty reinsurance and U.K. commercial insurance lines of business that were previously written by Syndicate 2020 and currently written by Aspen Re.
P-20
SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
NOTES TO SYNDICATES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Aspen U.K. Services has entered into a run-off services agreement with WUAL as of May 20, 2003 to handle the run-off of the claims for Syndicate 2020, Syndicate 3030 and their predecessors for the lines of business that were written by Aspen Holdings. Under the agreement, Aspen Holdings acts as guarantor of the services to be performed by Aspen U.K. Services. The commencement period is as of June 21, 2002, and the agreement may be terminated by either party on 3 months' notice. Under certain circumstances, including regulatory requirements and change of control, the agreement may be terminated immediately by either party. Services are charged on an at-cost basis.
Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") entered into a contract for the provision of services by a subsidiary company of Wellington. These services include accounting, actuarial, operations and technical support. This agreement is for an indefinite period but may be terminated by either party upon the occurrence of certain specified circumstances, such as the inability to pay debts, on an initial public offering, and, after an initial period of 3 years, may be terminated by either party on 18 months' prior notice. The Company may also terminate specific services if it undertakes those services itself and does not contract those services to a third party. The provision of these services is covered by a detailed service level agreement and is priced on an actual cost basis. The cost of these services in 2002 was $2.6 million, and the amount due to Wellington at December 31, 2002 was $1.5 million.
P-21
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND UNDERWRITING RESULTS OF SYNDICATES 2020 AND 3030
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited Syndicates Financial Statements and accompanying notes which appear elsewhere in this prospectus.
For the purpose of this prospectus, we have prepared the audited financial statements of Syndicate 2020 and Syndicate 3030 (the "Syndicates") due to the following:
| |
| • | the reinsurance and commercial lines teams of Syndicate 2020 joined the Company between June 21, 2002 and December 31, 2002; |
| |
| • | the Company participated by way of quota share arrangements in the business written by Syndicate 2020 during 2002, continues to participate as quota share reinsurer, to a much lesser extent, during 2003; |
| |
| • | although the Company did not acquire the renewal rights to any of the business written by Syndicate 2020, it has since January 1, 2003 been able to renew the majority of the risks within those classes of business that Syndicate 2020 had agreed would be underwritten by the Company; and |
| |
| • | Wellington agreed that it would not compete with the Company in respect of those classes from January 1, 2003 through March 31, 2004 and that in the period from June 21, 2002 through December 31, 2002 it would only seek to write risks within those classes to the extent needed to complete its 2002 business plan. By mutual agreement, this non-compete arrangement came to an end in December 2003. |
The Company's management believes that the financial results of our business will be materially different from financial results of the Syndicates for the following reasons:
| |
| • | The following discussion and analysis relate to the results of Syndicate 2020 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. The financial statements of Syndicate 2020 for 2002 include the transactions of Syndicate 3030 which wrote on a co-insurance basis with Syndicate 2020 for that year only; and |
| |
| • | The Company did not acquire any rights to the assets of the Syndicates or assume any obligations in respect of the liabilities of the Syndicates and consequently is not exposed to any risks relating to any diminution in value of the assets of the Syndicates or increases in their liabilities and would not benefit from any increases in value of these assets or decreases in these liabilities. |
In addition, the Company does not control the Syndicates and is not in a position to obtain audited U.S. GAAP Financial Statements for the Syndicates for periods after December 31, 2002. Accordingly, we have not updated the Syndicates Financial Statements, or this discussion, for 2003 or any period thereafter.
Basis Of Preparation
We have prepared the financial statements of the Syndicates from the Annual Accounting Returns of the Syndicates and made such adjustments as were required to present the financial statements on a U.S. GAAP basis. The Annual Accounting Returns are financial statements in a prescribed form filed with Lloyd's by WUAL as managing agent of the Syndicates and which are used by Lloyd's to prepare consolidated financial statements for the Lloyd's market as if it were a single insurance operation. They include insurance and reinsurance transactions reported under U.K. GAAP except that there is no requirement for the establishment of equalization reserves (a normal requirement of U.K. GAAP for general insurers). The basis on which insurance reserves are assessed and premiums reported within these returns is similar to the basis required under U.S. GAAP.
M-1
The principal adjustments required to restate the financial statements under U.S. GAAP are the conversion of transactions and balances in British Pounds into U.S. dollars and the transfer of unrealized gains and losses on investments from operating income to other comprehensive income.
The financial statements do not deal with the capital underlying the business or with taxation for the reasons set out in the "Basis of Preparation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" beginning on page P-7.
Critical Accounting Policies
We consider that the critical accounting policies relevant to the Syndicate Financial Statements are those related to premium recognition and the establishment of loss reserves as set out in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of the Company's results discussed elsewhere in this prospectus. This should be read in conjunction with the "Basis of Preparation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" beginning on page P-7.
Results Of Operations
The following is a discussion and analysis of the underwriting results of the Syndicates for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Overview.
This period was a time of major change in the property and casualty market following a period of very poor results at the end of the 1990s. Rates were beginning to improve from their low point in 1999 during 2000 and the first part of 2001. The industry then suffered a massive upheaval following the events of September 11, 2001 and the pace of rate hardening accelerated rapidly. During this period the capacity of Syndicate 2020 was increased from $641 million (£430 million) in 2000 to $730 million (£500 million) in 2001 and $1,006 million (£625 million) in 2002. In accordance with the regulatory arrangements at Lloyd's each $1 million of capacity was supported by approximately $0.5 million of capital pledged by members of the Syndicates. Consistent with this relatively high level of operating leverage it was the practice of the management of Syndicate 2020 to purchase significant levels of reinsurance protection. This proved materially beneficial during 2001 although it was not sufficient to avoid an overall underwriting loss for that year.
Provisions net of reinsurance totaling $239 million for claims arising from the destruction of the World Trade Center and related losses were established at the end of 2001 and maintained at around that level (subject to reductions for payments) through 2002. Uncertainties continue to exist as to the final amounts payable by Syndicate 2020 (and many other insurers and reinsurers) and the estimate of ultimate losses will be revised as more information becomes available. Our company does not have any exposure to claims arising from business written before January 1, 2002 and will therefore not be affected by any change in the ultimate cost to Syndicate 2020 of these events.
The combined ratios for the three years 2000, 2001 and 2002 for the Syndicates were 96%, 146% and 94% respectively. These combined ratios include those lines of business that are not currently written by the Company. Excluding the World Trade Center and related claims, the combined ratio for 2001 would have been 104% and the simple average for the three years would have been 98%.
Year Ended December 31, 2002 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2001
Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written increased by 46.5% from $1,262 million to $1,849 million. This increase was mainly attributable to increases in premium rates which were estimated by Wellington Underwriting plc to have increased by an average of 42%. Capital support for the increase came from an increase in capacity and capital pledged by the Members of Syndicate 2020, a quota share reinsurance of Syndicate 2020 by the National Indemnity Company (a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway) and the establishment of Syndicate 3030 to write in parallel with Syndicate 2020 with capital provided by another subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.
M-2
Reinsurance ceded. Premiums payable to reinsurers increased by 50.7% from $574 million to $865 million. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, placing reinsurance proved extremely difficult and this was reflected in rising reinsurance costs. The management of the Syndicates considered that the most prudent move was to complete a full reinsurance program, with financially sound reinsurers, notwithstanding significant rate increases.
Gross premiums earned. Gross premiums earned were 87% and 83% of gross premiums written for 2002 and 2001, respectively. This is higher than for our initial trading period because there was relatively little change in business volumes between 2001 and 2002 whereas our business volume is increasing rapidly as it becomes established.
Net premiums earned. Net premiums earned increased by 53.6% from $562 million to $863 million.
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses. Loss and loss adjustment expenses dropped from 107.7% of "Net premiums earned" to 60.6% of "Net premiums earned", the ratio for 2001 being stated inclusive of the impact of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Calendar year 2002 benefited from a low level of major catastrophe and property risk losses.
Policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs increased from $189 million to $254 million but fell as a percentage of gross earned premiums from 18% to 15%.
Operating and administrative expenses. Operating and administration expenses increased from $27 million to $36 million which, together with policy acquisition costs and the increase in earned premiums, resulted in a fall in the expense ratio (based on net earned premiums) from 38.4% to 33.6%.
Year Ended December 31, 2001 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2000
Gross premiums written. Gross premiums written increased by 66.7% from $757 million to $1,262 million. This very significant increase includes the impact of rate increases (estimated at 31% overall). Capital support for the increase in business came from a 16% increase in the capacity of Syndicate 2020 and a quota share with a premium limit of £100 million placed by Syndicate 2020 with a subsidiary of Swiss Re.
Reinsurance ceded. Reinsurance ceded increased from $262 million (34.6% of gross premiums written) to $574 million (45.5% of gross premiums written). Most of the increase in the ceded percentage is attributable to the quota share referred to above. The amount reported for 2001 also includes $100 million in respect of reinstatement premiums payable following the losses of September 11, 2001.
Net premiums earned. Net premiums earned increased by 20.6% from $466 million to $562 million. This is lower than the reported 39.0% increase in net premiums written which reflects a disproportionate increase in the unearned premium reserve which is attributable mainly to the quickening pace of rate increases and new business written in the fourth quarter of 2001.
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses of $605 million for 2001 increased 120% from loss and loss adjustment expense of $275 million for 2000. Loss and loss adjustment expenses for 2001 include $172 million, net of reinsurance, arising from the events of September 11, 2001. Excluding these claims, the increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses from 2000 to 2001 would have been 57.5%. The Syndicates also reported net losses of $8.0 million in 2001 from Tropical Storm Allison whereas in 2000 there were no individually significant impacts from catastrophe losses. The loss ratio (based on net earned premiums) was 59% in 2000 and 108% in 2001. Excluding the impact of the World Trade Center loss the claims ratio in 2001 would have been 68.8%. Both years were adversely affected by losses in the non-marine energy and professional indemnity classes of business written by Syndicate 2020 including reserve strengthening in respect of prior years exposures in these classes. The losses in the non-marine energy account arose from an increase in the frequency of fire and explosion losses in power plants and other on-shore energy installations
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combined with a poor underwriting environment. In the case of professional indemnity, a significant proportion of the losses arose from an unanticipated frequency and severity of claims from U.S. law firms.
Policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition expenses, mainly comprising brokerage, increased by 29.5% from $146 million to $189 million, representing a reduction from 20% of gross earned premiums in 2000 to 18% of gross earned premiums in 2001 as a result of changes in the mix of business towards lines of business such as treaty reinsurance, which carries lower levels of broker commission.
Operating and administrative expenses. Operating and administrative expenses increased marginally from $26 million to $27 million, which, taken together with the increase in policy acquisition costs, resulted in an increase in the expense ratio (based on net earned premiums) from 36.9% to 38.4%. Syndicate 2020 was able to support the increased level of business in 2001 compared to 2000 because although volumes of business had been reduced in 1999 and 2000 compared to previous years as the market softened, the Syndicate had not reduced its staffing levels and was therefore able to respond to the improving market opportunities in 2001 without needing to significantly increase operating expenditure.
Material Cash Flow Movements
Losses and loss adjustment expenses. The change in loss adjustment expenses between 2000 and 2001 was a direct result of the events of September 11. The losses from the terrorist attacks contributed $918 million during 2001 to the overall figure of $993 million. The reduction in loss provisions in 2002 resulted from the favorable underwriting conditions in 2002 giving rise to new incurred claims at a similar level to the value of claims paid in the year.
Unearned premiums. The movement in the unearned premium reserves in 2002 and 2001 was a direct result of the 46.5% and 66.7% increase in gross written premiums reported in 2002 and 2001 respectively. The small movement in 2000 was consistent with the 7.8% increase in syndicate capacity between 1999 and 2000.
Reinsurance recoverables. The movement in reinsurance recoverables between the 2001 and 2000 years was due to the $679 million of additional recoveries due following the events of September 11. The reduction in recoverables recorded in 2002 was due to the receipt of recoveries associated with September 11 losses.
Ceded unearned premium. The movement in ceded unearned premium reserves was consistent with increases in reinsurance premiums ceded following the growth in the Syndicates and due to increased reinsurance rates.
Changes in accrued expenses and other payables. The significant increase in accrued expenses in 2001 was due to the recognition of $96 million on account payments which were made by the Syndicate 2020's reinsurers to assist in meeting U.S. funding requirements post September 11.
Reserves For Losses And Loss Adjustment Expenses For The Syndicates Business
Historically the Syndicates prepared their financial statements in accordance with the requirements of Lloyd's of London under which the financial statements are required to include separate underwriting accounts for each successive underwriting year of account until such time (normally at the end of three years) when the account is closed and the profit or loss for that year of account determined. This reporting arrangement had the following implications for the setting of reserves:
| |
| • | Reserves for a new year of account were not included in the audited financial statements until the end of three years (for example at December 31, 2000 in respect of the 1998 year of account); |
| |
| • | At that point, the reserves set related to all outstanding claims and LAE (including IBNR) attributable to business incepting in the year of account irrespective of the date of occurrence |
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| |
| | of the events giving rise to claims (such reserves together with paid claims referred to as "ultimate claims"). Thus, for example, the ultimate claims at December 31 2000 in respect of the 1998 year of account would have included unpaid claims in respect of business incepting in 1998 including claims arising from events in calendar years 1998, 1999 and 2000; |
| |
| • | It was the practice of management to issue regular forecasts of the results of each year of account between the end of that year and the date two years later when it was closed. This led to management deploying its actuarial resources to estimate ultimate claims for each year of account as at the end of each calendar year. For example, management estimated the ultimate claims for the 1998 year of account at the end of 1998 and again at the end of 1999 even though those estimates were not included in the audited financial statements of Syndicate 2020; |
| |
| • | Management monitored the effectiveness of the reserving process by comparing successive estimates of ultimate claims for each year of account; |
| |
| • | The outstanding liabilities of each year of account were normally assumed by the following year of account at the point at which the account was closed. Thus at December 31, 2000 the outstanding liabilities of the 1998 account were assumed by the 1999 year of account; |
| |
| • | Any change in the assessment of the ultimate claims for a year of account after it was closed was included in the financial statements of the following year of account; management continued to monitor the ultimate claims for each original year of account until run-off or reinsured to a third party; |
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| • | Although the reserves at the end of the first and second year of each year of account were not included in the audited financial statements of Syndicate 2020, they were reflected, subject to statutory adjustments, in the solvency returns made to the regulator and in this context, the reserves were subject to audit; |
| |
| • | As a result of these arrangements, reserves at the end of each year could be analyzed by year of account but would normally include estimates in respect of future claims arising from unexpired policies at that date irrespective of whether a deficit or surplus was projected in respect of unearned premium. This is in contrast to a calendar year-basis in which no provision is made for future claims unless such estimates exceed the unearned premium reserves; and |
| |
| • | Reserves have been established by the selection of a "best estimate" from within a range of estimates. |
The loss and LAE reserve development table in Table 1 illustrates the change over time of the loss and LAE reserves of Syndicate 2020 at the end of the years indicated. The reserves represent the estimated amount of gross loss and LAE for claims arising in the current and all prior accident years that are unpaid at the balance sheet date, including IBNR. Since Wellington Underwriting plc adopted annual accounting for the results of Syndicate 2020 in 1999, historical loss development data is available on an annual basis of accounting for the four years from 1999 to 2002 only.
The first section of each table shows gross reserves for loss and LAE as initially established at the end of each stated year. The second section, reading down, shows the cumulative amounts paid, gross, as of the end of the successive years with respect to the reserve initially established. The third section shows the retroactive re-estimation of the initially established gross reserves for loss and LAE as of the end of each successive year, which results primarily from expanded awareness of additional facts and circumstances that pertain to open claims. The last section compares the latest re-estimated gross reserves for loss and LAE to the gross reserves as initially established and indicates the cumulative development of the liability established gross reserves through December 31, 2002. For instance, the surplus (deficiency) shown in the table for each year represents the aggregate amount by which the
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original estimates of reserves at that year-end have changed in subsequent years. Accordingly, the cumulative surplus/(deficiency) for a year-end relates only to reserves at that year-end and such amounts are not additive.
Caution should be exercised in evaluating the information shown on Table 2, as each amount includes the effects of all changes in amounts for prior periods. Conditions and trends that have affected development of liability in the past may or may not necessarily indicative of development of such liability in the future.
In view of the fact that Aspen Holdings is unable to present a loss development table on an accident year basis for years prior to 1999, a supplementary underwriting year loss development table has been prepared. Table 2 shows the loss development table for Syndicate 2020 on an underwriting year basis. This table has been prepared for the 1993 to 2002 underwriting years of account. Loss reserves presented on an "underwriting year" basis represent claims related to all policies incepting in a given year. In contrast, "accident year" loss reserves represent claims for events that occurred during a given calendar year, regardless of when the policy was written. Loss reserves on an underwriting year basis may include claims from different accident years. For example, a policy written during 1999 may have losses in accident year 1999 and in accident year 2000. Therefore, underwriting year data as of a particular evaluation date is less mature than accident year data.
The first section of each table shows gross reserves for loss and LAE for each underwriting year as initially estimated at the end of each stated underwriting year. The second section, reading down, shows the cumulative amounts paid, gross, as of the end of the successive years with respect to the reserve initially estimated. The third section shows the retroactive re-estimation of the initially estimated gross reserves for loss and LAE as of the end of each successive year, which results primarily from expanded awareness of additional facts and circumstances that pertain to open claims. The last section compares the latest re-estimated gross reserves for loss and LAE to the gross reserves as initially estimated and indicates the cumulative development of the liability established for gross reserves through December 31, 2002. For instance, the surplus/(deficiency) shown in the table for each underwriting year represents the aggregate amount by which the original estimates of reserves for each underwriting year have changed in subsequent years. Accordingly, the cumulative surplus/(deficiency) for each underwriting year relates only to reserves for that underwriting year.
It should be noted that WUAL purchased reinsurance protection consisting of quota shares, excess of loss and facultative reinsurance during the years from 1993 through 2002. During softer market conditions in the late 1990s, WUAL actively managed the Syndicates' retentions to take advantage of lower reinsurance pricing and to protect its members from poor pricing conditions. Therefore, the results shown on a gross basis do not represent the ultimate net losses or gains the members of the Syndicates would have incurred during those years. Moreover, the net effect of the reinsurance protection was to cover entirely the cumulative deficiency for the 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 underwriting years.
Caution should be exercised in evaluating the information shown on Table 2, as each amount includes the effects of all changes in amounts for prior periods. Conditions and trends that have affected development of liability in the past may or may not necessarily be indicative of development of such liability in the future.
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As the establishment of reserves for the Syndicates Business is not within the Company's control, we are not in a position to monitor its reserve development on any basis after 2002. Accordingly, the tables below reflect claims development through 2002.
Table 1: FOUR YEAR CLAIMS DEVELOPMENT TABLE ON CALENDAR YEAR BASIS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 1999 and
Prior | | 2000 | | 2001 | | 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Gross liability for unpaid claims and claims expenses | | | 1,289 | | | | 1,501 | | | | 2,509 | | | | 2,555 | |
| Gross re-estimated liability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| One year later | | | 1,359 | | | | 1,521 | | | | 2,557 | | | | | |
| Two years later | | | 1,346 | | | | 1,527 | | | | | | | | | |
| Three years later | | | 1,348 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross cumulative surplus/(deficiency) | | | (59 | ) | | | (26 | ) | | | (48 | ) | | | | |
| Gross cumulative surplus/(deficiency) – excluding foreign exchange | | | (69 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | 3 | | | | | |
| Cumulative amount of gross liability paid: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| One year later | | | 351 | | | | 396 | | | | 656 | | | | | |
| Two years later | | | 592 | | | | 641 | | | | | | | | | |
| Three years later | | | 763 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Table 2: TEN-YEAR CLAIMS DEVELOPMENT TABLE ON UNDERWRITING YEAR BASIS(1)(2)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 1993 | | 1994 | | 1995 | | 1996 | | 1997 | | 1998(3) | | 1999(4) | | 2000(5) | | 2001(6) | | 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Gross liability for unpaid claims and claims expenses | | | 428 | | | | 600 | | | | 596 | | | | 538 | | | | 407 | | | | 418 | | | | 654 | | | | 616 | | | | 1,524 | | | | 714 | |
| Gross re-estimated liability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| One year later | | | 345 | | | | 486 | | | | 517 | | | | 403 | | | | 443 | | | | 576 | | | | 747 | | | | 704 | | | | 1,568 | | | | | |
| Two years later | | | 307 | | | | 448 | | | | 480 | | | | 390 | | | | 467 | | | | 616 | | | | 815 | | | | 755 | | | | | | | | | |
| Three years later | | | 303 | | | | 449 | | | | 471 | | | | 383 | | | | 456 | | | | 655 | | | | 844 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Four years later | | | 292 | | | | 435 | | | | 454 | | | | 378 | | | | 401 | | | | 660 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Five years later | | | 277 | | | | 417 | | | | 433 | | | | 389 | | | | 411 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six years later | | | 272 | | | | 399 | | | | 430 | | | | 386 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Seven years later | | | 269 | | | | 386 | | | | 425 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Eight years later | | | 263 | | | | 384 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine years later | | | 260 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross cumulative surplus/(deficiency) | | | 168 | | | | 216 | | | | 171 | | | | 152 | | | | (4 | ) | | | (242 | ) | | | (190 | ) | | | (139 | ) | | | (44 | ) | | | | |
| Gross cumulative surplus/(deficiency) — excluding foreign exchange | | | 175 | | | | 220 | | | | 171 | | | | 147 | | | | (6 | ) | | | (246 | ) | | | (199 | ) | | | (132 | ) | | | (20 | ) | | | | |
| Cumulative amount of gross liability paid: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| One year later | | | 96 | | | | 167 | | | | 181 | | | | 124 | | | | 156 | | | | 218 | | | | 283 | | | | 201 | | | | 540 | | | | | |
| Two years later | | | 138 | | | | 223 | | | | 257 | | | | 188 | | | | 253 | | | | 358 | | | | 449 | | | | 341 | | | | | | | | | |
| Three years later | | | 169 | | | | 264 | | | | 285 | | | | 226 | | | | 307 | | | | 456 | | | | 548 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Four years later | | | 189 | | | | 290 | | | | 317 | | | | 254 | | | | 304 | | | | 513 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Five years later | | | 202 | | | | 309 | | | | 331 | | | | 286 | | | | 320 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six years later | | | 218 | | | | 321 | | | | 350 | | | | 317 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Seven years later | | | 229 | | | | 333 | | | | 360 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Eight years later | | | 235 | | | | 343 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine years later | | | 237 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
| (1) | Table 2 has been prepared for the 1993 to 2002 underwriting years of account. Loss reserves presented on an "underwriting year" basis represent claims related to all policies incepting in a |
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| given year. In contrast, "calendar year" loss reserves represent claims for events that occurred during a given calendar year, regardless of when the policy was written. Loss reserves on an underwriting year basis may include claims from different calendar years. For example, a policy written during 1999 may have losses in 1999 and 2000. Therefore, underwriting year data as of a particular evaluation date is less mature than calendar year data. |
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| (2) | The net effect of the reinsurance protections was to cover entirely the gross deterioration for the 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 underwriting years. |
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| (3) | The 1998 underwriting year was protected by reinsurance consisting of quota share, excess of loss and facultative reinsurance. In addition Syndicate 2020 purchased two stop loss policies which provided cover for 80% of applicable losses in excess of a 92.5% loss ratio and 100% of applicable losses in excess of a 90% loss ratio. Cumulative recoveries under the stop loss policies were: |
| |
| December 31, 1998 $Nil |
| |
| December 31, 1999 $5.6 million |
| |
| December 31, 2000 $16.3 million |
| |
| (4) | The 1999 underwriting year was protected by an extensive reinsurance program. In addition to specific protections, the year was protected by a whole account excess of loss program, excess $10 million, which provided significant recoveries. The final element of the reinsurance program was a whole account stop loss, the first layer of which provided cover for losses in excess of a 78% loss ratio and the second layer, for losses above an 80% loss ratio. Cumulative recoveries under the stop loss police were: |
| |
| December 31, 1999 $37.0 million |
| |
| December 31, 2000 $96.7 million |
| |
| December 31, 2001 $98.6 million |
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| December 31, 2002 $90.4 million |
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| (5) | The 2000 underwriting year was protected by a similar program to that used in 1999. Specific protections were purchased and the whole account excess of loss program, excess $10 million, which was purchased in 1999 was renewed. The 1999 account stop loss was also renewed on the same terms and provided cumulative recoveries of: |
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| December 31, 2000 $60.7 million |
| |
| December 31, 2001 $75.6 million |
| |
| December 31, 2002 $93.2 million |
| |
| (6) | The 2001 underwriting year was protected by a similar program to the 1999 and 2000 years, including a large non-marine surplus treaty, two whole account excess of loss program and a variety of specific protections. Additionally, a qualifying quota share with a premium limit of £100 million was placed which absorbed a significant proportion of the gross deterioration. |
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OPERATING DATA
We have prepared our unaudited pro forma combined statement of underwriting results for the year ended December 31, 2002 to describe the underwriting results for the year ended December 31, 2002 as if Aspen Holdings had itself commenced its operations on January 1, 2002.
We have based our presentation on Aspen Holdings' statement of operations for the period ended December 31, 2002 and the Syndicates' combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002. We have then adjusted these historical results to remove the amounts in respect of Syndicate 2020's business other than the Initial Lines of Business. The pro forma financial information shows what the underwriting results of Aspen Holdings might have been had it itself written the Initial Lines of Business from January 1, 2002 and also assumed responsibility for the Initial Lines of Business lines written by Syndicate 2020 prior to January 1, 2002. The pro forma financial information includes the results for the year ended December 31, 2002 of business written by each of the Syndicates and Aspen Holdings in 2002 and also the results, including premium and loss development, of business written by Syndicate 2020 in 2001 and prior years. The pro forma financial information is net of the amounts retained by National Indemnity Company, a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, under its quota share reinsurance of Syndicate 2020.
We have included a reconciliation of the underwriting results of each of Aspen Holdings and the Syndicates to the net income included in their respective audited financial statements for the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 and year ended December 31, 2002.
The following table sets forth our unaudited pro forma combined statement of underwriting results to represent our business as if we had commenced our operations as of January 1, 2002 and had underwritten for the entire period. We have based our presentation on the actual underwriting results of the Syndicates for the period presented.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Aspen
Holdings
Historical | | Syndicates
Historical | | Adjustments | | Aspen
Holdings
pro forma |
| | | ($ in millions, except percentages) |
| Net premiums earned | | $ | 120.3 | | | $ | 863.0 | | | $ | (497.4 | ) | | $ | 485.9 | |
| Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | (76.9 | ) | | | (523.0 | ) | | | 299.7 | | | | (300.2 | ) |
| Policy acquisition expenses | | | (21.1 | ) | | | (254.0 | ) | | | 137.6 | | | | (137.5 | ) |
| Operating and administration expenses | | | (8.7 | ) | | | (36.0 | ) | | | 33.8 | | | | (10.9 | ) |
| Underwriting result | | $ | 13.6 | | | $ | 50.0 | | | $ | (26.3 | ) | | $ | 37.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss Ratio (on net premiums earned) | | | 64 | % | | | 61 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 62 | % |
| Expense Ratio (on net premiums earned) | | | 25 | | | | 34 | | | | 35 | | | | 31 | |
| Combined Ratio (on net premiums earned) | | | 89 | % | | | 95 | % | | | 95 | % | | | 93 | % |
|
The "Adjustments" column presents amounts included in the Syndicates' underwriting results on lines of business that Aspen Holdings will not write and that Syndicate 2020 will continue to write.
Investment income and realized gains and losses have been excluded from the pro forma financial information during the period from January 1, 2002 to the date we commenced our operations because the Syndicates do not operate with any paid-up capital. As such, it would be inappropriate to make assumptions on investment income related to hypothetical capital and it would be confusing to include investment income on only reserves and not capital. Additionally, we have not included realized gains or losses because this would provide an incomplete assessment of the investment portfolio.
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The underwriting result of Aspen Holdings shown above can be reconciled to the net income included in Aspen Holdings' Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period from May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | | Period from
May 23, 2002 to
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Net income | | $ | 28.6 | |
| Income tax | | | 6.5 | |
| Net investment income | | | (8.5 | ) |
| Realized investment losses | | | 0.1 | |
| Foreign exchange gain | | | (12.7 | ) |
| Other | | | (0.4 | ) |
| Underwriting result | | $ | 13.6 | |
|
The underwriting result of the Syndicates shown above can be reconciled to the net income included in the Syndicates' Combined Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2002 as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended
December 31, 2002 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| Net income | | $ | 71.0 | |
| Net investment income | | | (31.0 | ) |
| Realized investment losses | | | (4.0 | ) |
| Foreign exchange losses | | | 14.0 | |
| Underwriting result | | $ | 50.0 | |
|
We have assumed that from January 1, 2002, we wrote the Initial Lines of Business directly, rather than assuming them by way of quota share arrangements, together with the business we have bound directly since our formation and our quota share reinsurance of the Syndicate 2020 and 3030 business that are not part of the Initial Lines of Business.
Our senior management team and the majority of the underwriters responsible for our reinsurance and U.K. commercial property and liability insurance business joined Aspen Holdings from WUAL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellington and the managing agent of the Syndicates. Aspen Holdings did not acquire and does not have the right to renew any business previously written by the Syndicates, but Wellington has agreed not to compete with Aspen Holdings until after March 31, 2004 in the Initial Lines of Business previously written by the Syndicates. Aspen Holdings started to write renewals of the Initial Lines of Business in the third and fourth quarters of 2002. Aspen Holdings has not assumed responsibility for any business written by the Syndicates prior to January 1, 2002 and has participated in business written by the Syndicates after January 1, 2002 by way of quota share arrangements. These agreements are described under "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Transactions and Relationships with Initial Investors."
We caution that the Aspen Holdings pro forma statement of underwriting results presented herein is not indicative of the future underwriting results that we will achieve. Many factors may cause our actual underwriting results to differ materially from the pro forma results, including, but not limited to, the following:
| |
| • | Our unaudited pro forma statement of underwriting results includes premium and loss development on Initial Lines of Business lines entered into by Syndicate 2020 prior to January 1, 2002. Given the non-compete and other arrangements with Wellington as more specifically described under "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Transactions and Relationships with Initial Investors"; we are assuming no premium or loss development on Initial Lines of Business written by Syndicate 2020 prior to January 1, 2002. Therefore, our reported premiums written and |
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| |
| | earned and reported losses and loss adjustment expenses in our initial years of operation could be lower than as presented in our unaudited pro forma statement of underwriting results. |
| |
| • | We have made no adjustments to illustrate the impact of Aspen Holdings' reinsurance program other than the Syndicates' reinsurance program on the unaudited pro forma statement of underwriting results, as it is not practicable to do so. |
| |
| • | Our future results of operations will depend in part on the amount of our investment income, which cannot be predicted and which will fluctuate depending upon the types of investments we select, our underwriting results and market factors. |
| |
| • | Actual tax expense in future periods will be based on underwriting results plus investment income and other income and expense items not reflected in the unaudited pro forma statement of underwriting results. |
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GLOSSARY OF SELECTED REINSURANCE, INSURANCE, INVESTMENT AND OTHER TERMS
| | | | | | |
| Acquisition expenses | | The aggregate of policy acquisition expenses, including commissions and the portion of administrative, general and other expenses attributable to underwriting operations. |
| Broker | | An intermediary who negotiates contracts of insurance or reinsurance on behalf of an insured party, receiving a commission from the insurer or reinsurer for placement and other services rendered. |
| Capacity | | The percentage of surplus, or the dollar amount of exposure, that an insurer or reinsurer is willing or able to place at risk. Capacity may apply to a single risk, a program, a line of business or an entire book of business. Capacity may be constrained by legal restrictions, corporate restrictions or indirect restrictions. |
| Captive | | Insurance company formed to insure the risks of its parent entity or entities. |
| Case reserves | | Loss reserves, established with respect to specific, individual reported claims. |
Casualty insurance or
reinsurance | |
Insurance or reinsurance which is primarily concerned with the losses caused by injuries to third persons, i.e., not the insured, or to property owned by third persons and the legal liability imposed on the insured resulting therefrom. It includes, but is not limited to, employers' liability, workers' compensation, public liability, automobile liability, personal liability and aviation liability insurance. It excludes certain types of losses that by law or custom are considered as being exclusively within the scope of other types of insurance or reinsurance, such as fire or marine. |
| Catastrophe | | A severe loss, typically involving multiple claimants. Common perils include earthquakes, hurricanes, hailstorms, severe winter weather, floods, fires, tornadoes, explosions and other natural or man-made disasters. Catastrophe losses may also arise from acts of war, acts of terrorism and political instability. |
| Catastrophe loss | | Loss and directly identified loss adjustment expenses from catastrophes. |
| Catastrophe reinsurance | | A form of excess of loss reinsurance which, subject to a specified limit, indemnifies the ceding company for the amount of loss in excess of a specified retention with respect to an accumulation of losses resulting from a catastrophic event. The actual reinsurance document is called a "catastrophe cover." These reinsurance contracts are typically designed to cover property insurance losses but can be written to cover other types of insurance losses such as from workers' compensation policies. |
| Cedent; ceding company | | When an insurer reinsures some or all of its liability with another insurer, it "cedes" business and is referred to as the "ceding company." |
| Claim | | Request by an insured or reinsured for indemnification by an insurance company or a reinsurance company for loss incurred from an insured peril or event. |
|
G-1
| | | | | | |
| Combined ratio | | The sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss. |
| Contingency reinsurance | | Reinsurance of a contract of contingency insurance, such as insurance that covers loss due to the cancellation of an event. |
| Correlation | | The degree to which events or financial results tend to correspond to each other. |
| Direct insurance | | Insurance sold by an insurer that contracts with the insured, as distinguished from reinsurance. |
| Distributable reserves | | Under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, a company may declare or pay a dividend out of contributed surplus only if it has reasonable grounds for believing that it is, and would after the payment be, able to pay its liabilities as they become due and if the realizable value of its assets would thereby not be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and issued share capital and share premium accounts. Such amounts permissible for distribution under the Companies Act are called "distributable reserves." |
Earned premiums or premiums
earned | |
That portion of property and casualty premiums written that applies to the expired portion of the policy term. Earned premiums are recognized as revenues under U.S. GAAP. |
| Employers' liability | | Insurance of employers pursuant to their obligations under the U.K.'s Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 to obtain insurance in respect of their liability to their employees for bodily injury or disease arising out of and in the course of their employment. |
| European Economic Area | | The European Economic Area comprises each of the countries of the E.U. (being, as at January 2003, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and The United Kingdom) and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. |
| Excess of loss | | Reinsurance or insurance that indemnifies the reinsured or insured against all or a specified portion of losses over a specified currency amount or "retention." |
| Exclusions | | Provisions in an insurance or reinsurance policy excluding certain risks or otherwise limiting the scope of coverage. |
| Expense Ratio | | Financial ratio calculated by dividing acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned. |
| Exposure | | The possibility of loss. A unit of measure of the amount of risk a company assumes. |
| Facultative reinsurance | | The reinsurance of all or a portion of the insurance provided by a single policy. Each policy reinsured is separately negotiated. |
| Fidelity business | | A type of insurance in which an employer is insured against loss arising from the dishonest acts of his employees. |
| Frequency | | The number of claims occurring during a given coverage period. |
| Gross premiums earned | | The portion of gross premiums written during or prior to a given period that was actually recognized as income during such period. |
|
G-2
| | | | | | |
| Gross premiums written | | Total premiums for insurance written and reinsurance assumed during a given period. See also "Premiums." |
| Incurred but not reported ("IBNR") reserves | |
Reserves for estimated losses and loss expenses that have been incurred but not yet reported to the insurer or reinsurers. |
| Lead | | In an insurance market, the brokers find takers for insurance risks on the market and establish the policy terms with a leading underwriter, who also takes on a substantial share of the risk. The broker then looks for further cover providers, known as following underwriters, who accede to the terms established and accept a share of the risk. When a leading underwriter establishes the policy terms, it is called to "lead." |
| Liability insurance | | Term commonly used in the United Kingdom for casualty insurance. |
| Limits | | The maximum amounts that an insurer or reinsurer will insure or reinsure in a given area of coverage. The term also refers to the maximum amount of benefit payable for a given situation or occurrence. |
| Long tail | | A term used to describe certain types of third-party liability exposures (e.g., malpractice, products, errors and omissions) where the incidence of loss and the determination of damages are frequently subject to delays which extend beyond the term the insurance or reinsurance was in force. An example would be asbestos liability, where the manifestation of the disease and determination of liability does not occur until years later. |
| Loss; losses | | An occurrence that is the basis for submission and/or payment of a claim. Losses may be covered, limited or excluded from coverage, depending on the terms of the policy. |
Losses and loss adjustment
expenses | |
The expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and the portion of general expenses allocated to claim settlement costs. |
| Loss ratio | | Financial ratio calculated by dividing net losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned. |
| Loss reserves | | Liabilities established by insurers and reinsurers to reflect the estimated cost of claims incurred that the insurer or reinsurer will ultimately be required to pay in respect of insurance or reinsurance it has written. Reserves are established for losses and for loss expenses, and consist of case reserves and IBNR reserves. As the term is used in this offering prospectus, "loss reserves" is meant to include reserves for both losses and for loss expenses. |
| Net premiums earned | | The portion of net premiums written during or prior to a given period that was actually recognized as income during such period. |
| Net premiums written | | Direct written premiums plus assumed reinsurance premiums less premiums ceded to reinsurers. |
| Occurrence | | An event that results in bodily injury and/or property damage to a third party and triggers coverage under an insurance policy. |
| Per occurrence limitations | | The maximum amount recoverable under an insurance or reinsurance policy as a result of any one event, regardless of the number of claims. |
| Premiums | | The amount charged during the term on policies and contracts issued, renewed or reinsured by an insurance company or reinsurance company. |
|
G-3
| | | | | | |
| Premiums ceded | | When an insurer reinsures some or all of its liability with another reinsurer, the premiums that it "cedes" or pays to the reinsurer is called the premiums ceded. |
| Product liability | | Coverage of a manufacturer's or seller's liability for losses or injuries to a buyer, user or bystander caused by a defect or malfunction of the product. When it is part of a commercial general liability policy, the coverage is often called products-completed operations insurance. |
Professional indemnity or
professional liability | |
Coverage of a person or organization for injury or loss to third parties arising from negligence or malfeasance in rendering professional services. Professional negligence is the failure to exercise the degree of care, knowledge or skill of the average person in good professional standing under circumstances similar to those in which the injury occurred. The term malpractice insurance means professional liability coverage of medical malpractice. Professional liability insurance is also sometimes used instead of errors and omissions insurance. |
Property insurance or
reinsurance | |
Insurance or reinsurance that provides coverage to a person with an insurable interest in tangible property for that person's property loss, damage or loss of use. |
Proportional or pro rata
reinsurance | |
Reinsurance whereby the reinsurer shares losses in the same proportion as its shares of premiums and policy amounts. |
| Public Liability | | The insurance of liability for accidental bodily injury or for damage to the property of third parties. |
| Qualifying quota share | | A reinsurance arrangement under which premiums paid by a Lloyd's syndicate to a reinsurer qualify under the Lloyd's Bye-laws to be set-off against the syndicate's aggregate premiums received, thereby increasing the syndicate's underwriting capacity. |
| Quota share | | Reinsurance arrangement in which the insurer, or cedent, automatically transfers, and the reinsurer accepts, a stated proportion of every risk within a defined type of business written by the insurer. For this, the reinsurer receives an equal proportion of the premiums. The ceding insurer receives a commission, based on the amount of the premiums ceded, which is intended to reimburse the insurer for the costs of writing and administering the business. The reinsurer is dependent on the ceding company's ability in underwriting, pricing and claims administration. |
| Rate | | Amount charged per unit of insurance and reinsurance. |
| Reconstruction and Renewal | | Plan through which Lloyd's created Equitas Reinsurance Company which reinsures all policies written during 1992 and prior underwriting years. |
| Reinstatement | | A ceding company's right and, typically, obligation to reinstate the portion of coverage exhausted by prior claims. Reinstatement provisions typically limit the amount of aggregate coverage for all claims during the contract period and often require additional premium payments. |
|
G-4
| | | | | | |
| Reinsurance | | The practice whereby one insurer, called the reinsurer, in consideration of a premium paid to that reinsurer, agrees to indemnify another insurer, called the ceding company, for part or all of the liability of the ceding company under one or more policies or contracts of insurance which it has issued. |
| Reinsurance agreement | | A contract specifying the terms of a reinsurance transaction. |
| Reserves | | Liabilities established by insurers and reinsurers to reflect the estimated costs of claim payments and the related expenses that the insurer or reinsurer will ultimately be required to pay in respect of insurance or reinsurance it has written. Reserves are established for losses, for loss adjustment expenses and for unearned premiums. Loss reserves consist of "case reserves," or reserves established with respect to individual reported claims, and "IBNR reserves." Unearned premium reserves constitute the portion of premium paid in advance for insurance or reinsurance that has not yet been provided. See also "Loss Reserves." |
| Retention | | The amount of exposure a policyholder retains on any one risk or group of risks. The term may apply to an insurance policy, where the policyholder is an individual, family or business, or a reinsurance policy, where the policyholder is an insurance company. |
| Retrocedent | | When a reinsurer reinsures some or all of its liability with another reinsurer, the retrocessionaire, it is referred to as the "retrocedent." |
| Retrocessional coverage | | A transaction whereby a reinsurer cedes to another reinsurer, the retrocessionaire, all or part of the reinsurance that the first reinsurer has assumed. Retrocessional coverage does not legally discharge the ceding reinsurer from its liability with respect to its obligations to the reinsured. Reinsurance companies cede risks to retrocessionaires for reasons similar to those that cause primary insurers to purchase reinsurance: to reduce net liability on individual risks, to protect against catastrophic losses, to stabilize financial ratios and to obtain additional underwriting capacity. |
| Risk excess of loss property treaty reinsurance | |
Reinsurance on a treaty basis of individual property risks insured by a ceding company. |
| Sale | | A sale of all or substantially all of the business, assets or undertakings of Aspen Holdings and its subsidiaries or a sale of 50% or more of the ordinary shares of Aspen Holdings. |
| Solvency ratio | | One of many financial ratios, expressed as a percentage, used to gauge a company's ability to meet its long-term obligations. Specifically, with respect to the Company on a consolidated basis, it is calculated on the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (or, if there are less than four full quarters in a fiscal year, the number of full fiscal quarters subsequent to the closing date of the Credit Facilities) as net premiums written of all Insurance Subsidiaries during such period, divided by the consolidated shareholders' equity of the Company less its consolidated intangible assets on such day. With respect to any Insurance Subsidiary which is a Material Subsidiary, net premiums written of such Insurance Subsidiary during such period, divided by consolidated shareholders' equity of such Insurance Subsidiary and its subsidiaries less their consolidated intangible assets of such Insurance Subsidiary on such day. |
|
G-5
| | | | | | |
| Submission | | An unprocessed application for (i) insurance coverage forwarded to a primary insurer by a prospective policyholder or by a broker on behalf of such prospective policyholder, (ii) reinsurance coverage forwarded to a reinsurer by a prospective ceding insurer or (iii) retrocessional coverage forwarded to a retrocessionaire by a prospective ceding reinsurer or by a broker or intermediary on behalf of such prospective ceding reinsurer. |
| Surplus or statutory surplus | | As determined under the statutory or regulatory accounting practice required by the relevant jurisdictions, the amount remaining after all liabilities, including loss reserves, are subtracted from all admitted assets. Admitted assets are assets of an insurer prescribed or permitted by the respective regulators to be recognized on the statutory balance sheet or regulatory returns for purposes of calculating solvency margins and statutory ratios, as applicable. Statutory surplus is also referred to as "surplus" or "surplus as regards policyholders" for statutory accounting purposes. |
| Treaty or treaty reinsurance | | The reinsurance of a specified type or category of risks defined in a reinsurance agreement (a "treaty") between a primary insurer or other reinsured and a reinsurer. Typically, in treaty reinsurance, the primary insurer or reinsured is obligated to offer and the reinsurer is obligated to accept a specified portion of all of that type or category of risks originally written by the primary insurer or reinsured. |
| U.S. GAAP | | United States generally accepted accounting principles as defined by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or statements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. U.S. GAAP is the method of accounting to be used by the Company for reporting to shareholders. |
| Underwriter | | An employee of an insurance or reinsurance company who examines, accepts or rejects risks and classifies accepted risks in order to charge an appropriate premium for each accepted risk. The underwriter is expected to select business that will produce an average risk of loss no greater than that anticipated for the class of business. |
| Underwriting | | The insurer's or reinsurer's process of reviewing applications for insurance coverage, and the decision whether to accept all or part of the coverage and determination of the applicable premiums; also refers to the acceptance of that coverage. |
| Unearned premium | | The portion of premiums written that is allocable to the unexpired portion of the policy term. |
| Workers' compensation | | A system (established under state and federal laws) under which employers provide insurance for benefit payments to their employees for work-related injuries, deaths and diseases, regardless of fault. |
|
G-6
229,437 Shares
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Ordinary Shares
PROSPECTUS
, 2004
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the expenses payable by the Registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the ordinary shares being registered hereby. All of such expenses are estimates, other than the filing and quotation fees payable to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") and the New York Stock Exchange.
| | | | | | |
| Securities and Exchange Commission Filing Fee | | $ | 1,000 | |
| New York Stock Exchange Listing Fee | | | 4,000 | |
| Fees and Expenses of Company and Shareholders' Counsels | | $ | 200,000 | |
| Printing Expenses | | | 1,000 | |
| Fees and Expenses of Accountants | | | 13,500 | |
| Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees | | | 5,000 | |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | | $ | 5,000 | |
| Total | | $ | 229,500 | |
|
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Bye-Law 145 of the Registrant's bye-laws provides, among other things, that, subject to certain provisos, the Registrant's directors, officers or any other person appointed to a committee of the board of directors and any resident representative (and their respective heirs, executors or administrators; collectively, the "Indemnified Persons") shall be indemnified and held harmless out of the assets of the Registrant against all liabilities, loss, damage or expense (including but not limited to liabilities under contract, tort and statute or any applicable foreign law or regulation and all reasonable legal and other costs and expenses properly payable) incurred or suffered by him by or by reason of any act done, conceived in or omitted in the conduct of the Registrant's business or in the discharge of his duties and the indemnity contained in Bye-Law 145 shall extend to the Indemnified Persons of the Registrant acting in any office or trust in the reasonable belief that he has been appointed or elected to such office or trust notwithstanding any defect in such appointment or election provided always that the indemnity contained in this Bye-Law 145 shall not extend to any matter which would render it void under the Companies Acts.
Bye-Law 149 of the Registrant's bye-laws provides that each shareholder and the Registrant agree to waive any claim or right of action he or it may at any time have, whether individually or by or in the right of the Registrant, against any director or officer of the Registrant on account of any action taken by such director or officer or the failure of such director or officer to take any action in the performance of his duties with or for the Registrant, provided, however, that such waiver shall not apply to any claims or rights of action arising out of the fraud of such director or officer or to recover any gain, personal profit or advantage to which such director or officer is not legally entitled.
The Companies Act provides that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors in respect of any loss arising or liability attaching to them as a result of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which they may be guilty. However, the Companies Act also provides that any provision, whether contained in the Company's bye-laws or in a contract or arrangement between the Company and the director, indemnifying such director against any liability which would attach to him in respect of his fraud or dishonesty will be void.
The Registrant has purchased directors and officers liability insurance policies. Such insurance will be available to the Registrant's directors and officers in accordance with its terms. In addition, certain directors may be covered by directors and officers liability insurance policies purchased by their respective employers, subject to the limitation of the policy terms.
II-1
Reference is made to the Registration Rights Agreement for provisions providing that the selling shareholder is obligated, under certain circumstances, to indemnify the directors, certain officers and the controlling persons of the Registrant against certain liabilities under the Securities Act.
ITEM 7. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
Since its formation, the Registrant has issued unregistered securities as described below. None of the transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering and the Registrant believes that each transaction, if deemed to be a sale of a security, was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, Regulation D promulgated thereunder, Rule 701 pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701 or Regulation S for offerings of securities outside of the United States. The recipients of securities in each such transaction represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof, such securities were restricted as to transfers and appropriate legends were affixed to the share certificates and instruments issued in such transactions.
| • | On June 21, 2002, the Registrant sold 24,859,590 ordinary shares to certain accredited investors and members of management of the Registrant for an aggregate price of $372,893,850 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on such date at £1 to $1.5000). The sale of ordinary shares was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. |
| • | On October 16, 2002, the Registrant sold 4,625,070 ordinary shares to Wellington for an aggregate price of $73,052,040 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on such date at £1 to $1.5543). The sale of ordinary shares was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. |
| • | On November 19, 2002, the Registrant sold 4,874,930 ordinary shares to Wellington for an aggregate price of $79,044,003 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on such date at £1 to $1.5884). The sale of ordinary shares was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. |
| • | On November 29, 2002, the Registrant sold 2,555,230 ordinary shares to Wellington for an aggregate price of $40,497,797 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on such date at £1 to $1.5523). The sale of ordinary shares was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. |
| • | On November 29, 2002, the Registrant sold 19,951,320 ordinary shares to certain accredited investors and members of management of the Registrant for an aggregate price of $299,269,800 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on June 21, 2002 at £1 to $1.5000 since this subscription was the second part of the June 21, 2002 subscription). The sale of ordinary shares was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. |
| • | The Registrant issued 10,220 ordinary shares to employees and directors of the Registrant and its subsidiaries during the period of May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002 for a total consideration of $164,542 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate at £1 to $1.6100). The sale of ordinary shares was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. |
| • | On February 11, 2003, the Registrant issued 43,420 ordinary shares to employees of the Registrant and its subsidiaries for a total consideration of $707,746 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on such date at £1 to $1.6300). The sale of ordinary shares was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. |
II-2
| • | On August 13, 2003, the Registrant issued 4,340 ordinary shares to employees of the Registrant and its subsidiaries for a total consideration of $67,461 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on such date at £1 to $1.5544). The sale of ordinary shares was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. |
| • | On December 9, 2003, the Company issued 126,706 ordinary shares to Harrington Trust Limited (the Names' Trustee) in connection with their exercise of options under the Option Instrument under both a cash and cashless basis for a total consideration price of $1,152,815 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on such date of £1 to $1.7430). The exercise of options for ordinary shares was made in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. |
| • | On December 17, 2003, the Company issued 25,877 ordinary shares to Harrington Trust Limited (the Names' Trustee) in connection with their exercise of the options under the Option Instrument for a total consideration price $489,098 (based on the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on such date of £1 to $1.7615). The exercise of options for ordinary shares was made in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. |
| • | In connection with this offering, the Company received a notice on September 17, 2004 from Harrington Trust Limited to exercise a portion of the options it holds. Upon the effectiveness of this registration statement we will issue ordinary shares, some of which will be restricted shares and will not be registered. The exercise of options for ordinary shares was made in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. |
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Exhibits
| | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | Description of Document |
| 3.1 | | Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association (1) |
| 3.2 | | Amended and Restated Bye-laws (1) |
| 4.1 | | Specimen Ordinary Share Certificate (1) |
| 4.2 | | Amended and Restated Instrument Constituting Options to Subscribe for Shares in Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (1) |
| 5.1 | | Opinion of Appleby Spurling Hunter* |
| 10.1 | | Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003 among the Company and each of the persons listed on Schedule A thereto (1) |
| 10.2 | | Third Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 14, 2003 among the Company and each of the persons listed on Schedule 1 thereto (1) |
| 10.3 | | Service Agreement dated September 24, 2004 among Christopher O'Kane, Aspen Insurance U.K. Services Limited and the Company (2) |
| 10.4 | | Service Agreement dated September 24, 2004 between Julian Cusack and the Company (2) |
| 10.5 | | Service Agreement dated September 24, 2004 among Sarah Davies, Aspen Insurance U.K. Services Limited and the Company (2) |
| 10.6 | | Service Agreement dated June 21, 2002 between David May and Aspen Insurance UK Services Limited (1) |
| 10.7 | | Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited 2003 Share Incentive Plan (1) |
|
II-3
| | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | Description of Document |
| 10.8 | | Three-Year Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2003 among the Company, Barclays Bank plc and the Lenders named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)), as amended by the First Amendment dated January 22, 2004, the Second Amendment dated May 17, 2004, the Third Amendment dated August 2, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 10.8a, 10.8b and 10.8c to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004) and the Fourth Amendment dated August 9, 2004. |
| 10.9 | | 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2003 among the Company, Barclays Bank plc and the Lenders named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)), as amended by First Amendment dated January 22, 2004, the Second Amendment dated May 17, 2004, the Third Amendment dated August 2, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 10.9a, 10.9b and 10.9c to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004), the Fourth Amendment dated August 9, 2004 and the Fifth Amendment dated August 25, 2004 (filed herewith as Exhibits 10.9A and 10.9B) |
| 10.10 | | Quota Share Agreement between Syndicate 3030 and Aspen Insurance UK Limited, dated October 21, 2003 reflecting the slip agreement entered into on June 12, 2002 therein (1) |
| 10.11 | | Slip agreement for quota share entered into June 6, 2002 between National Indemnity Company and Aspen Insurance UK Limited (1) |
| 10.12 | | Qualifying Quota Share Agreement between Wellington Underwriting, Syndicate 2020 and Aspen Insurance UK Limited dated April 15, 2003 (1) |
| 10.13 | | Slip Agreement for Property Risk Excess of Loss Reinsurance Quota Share Treaty between Aspen Insurance UK Limited and Montpelier Reinsurance Ltd., dated June 20, 2002 (1) |
| 10.14 | | Slip Agreement for Quota Share Treaty of Wellington Underwriting Inc. Property Business between Aspen Insurance UK Limited and Montpelier Reinsurance Ltd., dated June 20, 2002 (1) |
| 10.15 | | Slip Agreement for Quota Share Treaty of Wellington Underwriting Inc. Auto Liability Business between Aspen Insurance UK Limited and Montpelier Reinsurance Ltd., dated June 20, 2002 (1) |
| 10.16 | | Employment Agreement dated June 21, 2003 between Peter Coghlan and Aspen Insurance U.S. Services Inc.(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003) |
| 10.17 | | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan prepared for Aspen Insurance U.S. Services, Inc., dated August 25, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 31, 2004) |
| 21.1 | | Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003) |
| 23.1 | | Consent of KPMG Audit Plc |
| 23.2 | | Consent of Appleby, Spurling Hunter* |
|
II-4
| | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | Description of Document |
| 23.3 | | Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.* |
| 24.1 | | Power of Attorney (included as part of the signature page of this registration statement) |
| 99.1 | | Form F-N |
|
| |
| (1) | Incorporated herein by reference to similarly numbered exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435). |
| |
| (2) | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 24, 2004. |
| |
| * | To be filed by amendment. |
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
(1) Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Report of Independent Auditors on Financial Statement Schedules
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Schedule II | | — | | Condensed Financial Information of Registrant |
| Schedule III | | — | | Supplementary Insurance Information |
| Schedule IV | | — | | Reinsurance |
| Schedule V | | — | | Valuation and Qualifying Accounts |
|
(2) Syndicates 2020 and 3030
Report of Independent Auditors on Financial Statement Schedules
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Schedule IV | | — | | Reinsurance |
| Schedule V | | — | | Valuation and Qualifying Accounts |
|
II-5
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited:
Under date of March 26, 2004, we reported on the consolidated balance sheet of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the period from incorporation on May 23, 2002 to December 31, 2002, which are included in this registration statement. In connection with our audit of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related consolidated financial statement schedules appearing on pages II-7 through II-12 of this registration statement. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statement schedules based on our audit.
In our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ KPMG Audit Plc
Chartered Accountants
London, United Kingdom
March 26, 2004
II-6
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
SCHEDULE II – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEET
As at December 31, 2003 and 2002
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