Royal Bank of Scotland, including CEO of Tesco Personal Finance. In addition to his recent work experience, Mr. Sinclair has held a number of management consultancy roles at firms based in the United States, including Mercer Management Consulting. He was also an International Economist, lecturing at the University of Reading and advising the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry.
Audit Committee: Messrs. Cormack, Kelso and Rosenthal and Ms. Hutter. The Audit Committee has general responsibility for the oversight and supervision 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 Audit Committee held four meetings during 2006. The board of directors considers David Kelso to be our ‘‘audit committee financial expert’’ as defined in the applicable regulations. The board of directors has made the determination that Mr. Kelso is independent.
Compensation Committee: Messrs. Avery, Jones, Melwani and Salame. The Compensation Committee oversees our compensation and benefit policies and programs, including administration of our annual bonus awards and long-term incentive plans. It determines compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, executive directors and key employees. Mr. Melwani is Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Ms. Hutter was a member of the Compensation Committee until December 6, 2006. Mr. Jones was appointed to the Compensation Committee on December 6, 2006. The Compensation Committee held four meetings during 2006.
Investment Committee: Messrs. Myners, Cavoores, Cusack, Jones, Kelso, Melwani and Salame. 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. The Investment Committee held five meetings during 2006.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee: Messrs. Myners, Avery, 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. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee held six meetings during 2006. On February 28, 2006, Dr. Rosenthal resigned as Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Myners was elected as member and Chairman of this committee.
Risk Committee: Messrs. Cavoores, Cormack, Cusack, Kelso and Salame and Ms. Hutter. The board of directors approved the formation of this new committee of our board of directors in 2006. The Risk Committee’s responsibilities include the establishment of our risk management strategy, approval of our risk management framework, methodologies and policies, and review of our approach for determining and measuring our risk tolerances. Ms. Hutter is the Chairman of the Risk Committee. The Risk Committee held four meetings during 2006.
The table below sets forth certain information concerning our executive officers as of February 15, 2007:
Brian Boornazian. Mr. Boornazian was appointed Head of Reinsurance in May 2006. Since October 2005, Mr. Boornazian has also served as President of Aspen Re America. From January 2004 to October 2005, he was president of Aspen Re America, Property Reinsurance. Prior to joining us, from 1999 to January 2004, Mr. Boornazian was at XL Re America, where during his tenure there he acted in several capacities and was Senior Vice President, Chief Property Officer, responsible for property facultative and treaty, as well as marine, and Chief Marketing Officer.
Ian Campbell. Mr. Campbell was appointed as our principal accounting officer in May 2006 and is our Head of Group Finance. He also has been the Chief Financial Officer of Aspen Re since March 31, 2004. He joined us in November 2002 where he served as Assistant Finance Director of Aspen Re from 2002 until March 2004. Mr. Campbell previously worked for Cox Insurance Holdings plc, a Lloyd’s managing agency where he was the Group Financial Controller from 1998 to 2002. Prior to this he was a senior consultant within the Insurance Consulting practice of KPMG. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
David Curtin. Since September 2, 2003, Mr. Curtin has served as General Counsel. 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.
James Few. Mr. Few has been our Head of Property Reinsurance since June 1, 2004 and Aspen Bermuda’s Chief Underwriting Officer since November 1, 2004. Before joining Aspen Bermuda, he had been an underwriter at Aspen Re since June 21, 2002. Mr. Few previously worked as an underwriter with Wellington from 1999 until 2002 and from 1993 until 1999 was an underwriter and client development manager at Royal & Sun Alliance.
Karen Green. Ms. Green joined us in March 2005 as Head of Strategy. From 2001 until 2005, Ms. Green was a Principal with MMC Capital Inc. (now Stone Point Capital), a global private equity firm (formerly owned by Marsh and McLennan Companies Inc.). Prior to MMC Capital, Ms. Green was a director at GE Capital in London from 1997 to 2001, where she co-ran the Business Development team (responsible for mergers and acquisitions for GE Capital in Europe).
Oliver Peterken. Mr. Peterken has served as our Chief Risk Officer since May 9, 2005. Prior to joining us, Mr. Peterken led Willis Re’s international catastrophe risk modelling and actuarial services from 1995, during which time he was Managing Director of Willis Consulting Limited from 1998 to 2005. From 1987 to 1994 he held various management roles in finance and strategy at the Prudential Corporation Plc.
Kate Vacher. Ms. Vacher is our Underwriting Director. Previously, she was our Head of Group Planning from April 2003 to May 2006 and Property Reinsurance Underwriter since joining Aspen Re on September 1, 2002. Ms. Vacher joined Aspen Bermuda on December 1, 2004. Ms. Vacher previously worked as an underwriter with Wellington Syndicate 2020 from 1999 until 2002 and from 1995 until 1999 was an assistant underwriter at Syndicate 51.
Chris Woodman. Since July 2005, Mr. Woodman has served as Head of Human Resources. Prior to joining us, he was employed by Fidelity International from March 1995 to March 2005. He joined them as a Human Resources Manager, and was subsequently Human Resources Director, Research and Trading on secondment to Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, MA. He then returned to the United Kingdom as Director, Human Resources for the Investment and Institutional business at Fidelity International. Most recently, he was Managing Director, Human Resources, COLT Telecom from January 2003 to February 2005 on secondment from Fidelity International.
Non-Management Directors
The board of directors has adopted a policy of regularly scheduled executive sessions where non-management directors meet independent of management. The non-management directors include all our independent directors and Mr. Myners, our Chairman. The non-management directors held four executive sessions during 2006. Mr. Myners, our Chairman, presided at each executive session. Shareholders of the Company and other interested parties may communicate their concerns to the non-management directors by sending written communications by mail to Mr. Myners, c/o Company Secretary, Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Maxwell Roberts Building, 1 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda, or by fax to 1-441-295-1829. In 2006, we held one executive session comprised solely of independent directors.
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Attendance at Meetings by Directors
The board of directors conducts its business through its meetings and meetings of the committees. Each director is expected to attend each of our regularly scheduled meeting of the board of directors and its constituent committees on which that director serves and our Annual General Meeting of shareholders. All except one of our directors attended the Annual General Meeting of shareholders in 2006. Seven meetings of the board of directors were held in 2006. All of the directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the board of directors and meetings of all committees on which they serve, except for Prakash Melwani who attended 58% of such meetings.
Code of Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Committee Charters
We adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our employees including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. We have also adopted corporate governance guidelines. We have posted the Company’s code of ethics and corporate governance guidelines on the Investor Relations page of the Company’s website at www.aspen.bm.
The charters for each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are also posted on the Investor Relations page of our website at www.aspen.bm. Shareholders may also request printed copies of our code of business conduct and ethics, the corporate governance guidelines and the committee charters at no charge by writing to Company Secretary, Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Maxwell Roberts Building, 1 Church Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM11.
Differences between NYSE Corporate Governance Rules and the Company’s Corporate Governance Practices
The Company currently qualifies as a foreign private issuer, and as such is not required to meet all of the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards. The following discusses the differences between the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and the Company’s corporate governance practices.
The NYSE Corporate Governance Standards require that all members of compensation committees and nominating and corporate governance committees be independent. As of the date of this report, all members of the Compensation Committee are independent and all but one member of our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are independent. As described above, Mr. Myners, our Chairman, a member and Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, is not deemed to be an independent director due to his greater level of involvement in the management of the Company and his greater compensation as Chairman of the Company which is different from the standard director compensation.
The NYSE Corporate Governance Standards require chief executive officers of U.S. domestic issuers to certify to the NYSE that he or she is not aware of any violation by the company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards. Because as a foreign private issuer we are not subject to the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, the Company need not make such certification.
Policy on Shareholder Proposals for Director Candidates and Evaluation of Director Candidates
Our board of directors has adopted policies and procedures relating to director nominations and shareholder proposals, and evaluations of director candidates.
Submission of Shareholder Proposals. Shareholder recommendations of director nominees to be included in the Company’s proxy materials will be considered only if received no later than the 120th calendar day before the first anniversary of the date of the Company’s proxy statement in connection with the previous year’s Annual General Meeting. The Company may in its discretion exclude such shareholder recommendations even if received in a timely manner. Accordingly, this policy is not intended to waive the Company’s right to exclude shareholder proposals from its proxy statement.
If shareholders wish to nominate their own candidates for director on their own separate slate (as opposed to recommending candidates to be nominated by the Company in the Company’s proxy), shareholder nominations for directors at the annual general meeting of shareholders must be submitted at least 90 calendar days before the annual general meeting of shareholders.
A shareholder who wishes to recommend a person or persons for consideration as a Company nominee for election to the board of directors should send a written notice by mail, c/o Company
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Secretary, Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Maxwell Roberts Building, 1 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda, or by fax to 1-441-295-1829 and include the following information:
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| • | the name of each person recommended by the shareholder(s) to be considered as a nominee; |
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| • | the name(s) and address(es) of the shareholder(s) making the nomination, the number of ordinary shares which are owned beneficially and of record by such shareholder(s) and the period for which such common shares have been held; |
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| • | a description of the relationship between the nominating shareholder(s) and each nominee; |
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| • | biographical information regarding such nominee, including the person’s employment and other relevant experience and a statement as to the qualifications of the nominee; |
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| • | a business address and telephone number for each nominee (an e-mail address may also be included); and |
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| • | the written consent to nomination and to serving as a director, if elected, of the recommended nominee. |
In connection with the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s evaluation of director nominees, the Company may request that the nominee complete a Directors and Officers Questionnaire regarding such nominee’s independence, related parties transactions, and other relevant information required to be disclosed by the Company.
Minimum Qualifications for Director Nominees. A nominee recommended for a position on the Company’s board of directors must meet the following minimum qualifications:
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| • | he or she must have the highest standards of personal and professional integrity; |
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| • | he or she must have exhibited mature judgment through significant accomplishments in their chosen field of expertise; |
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| • | he or she must have a well-developed career history with specializations and skills that are relevant to understanding and benefiting the Company; |
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| • | he or she must be able to allocate sufficient time and energy to director duties, including preparation for meetings and attendance at meetings; |
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| • | he or she must be able to read and understand basic financial statements; and |
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| • | he or she must be familiar with, and willing to assume, the duties of a director on the board of directors of a public company. |
Process for Evaluation of Director Nominees. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has the authority and responsibility to lead the search for individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors to the extent necessary to fill vacancies on the board of directors or as otherwise desired by the board of directors. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will identify, evaluate and recommend that the board of directors select director nominees for shareholder approval at the applicable annual meetings based on minimum qualifications and additional criteria that the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee deems necessary, as well as the diversity and other needs of the board of directors.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may in its discretion engage a third-party search firm and other advisors to identify potential nominees for director. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may also identify potential director nominees through director and management recommendations, business, insurance industry and other contacts, as well as through shareholder nominations.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may determine that members of the board of directors should have diverse experiences, skills and perspectives as well as knowledge in the areas of the Company’s activities.
Certain additional criteria for consideration as director nominee may include, but not be limited to, the following as the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee sees fit:
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| • | the nominee’s qualifications and accomplishments and whether they complement the board of directors’ existing strengths; |
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| • | the nominee’s leadership, strategic, or policy setting experience; |
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| • | the nominee’s experience and expertise relevant to the Company’s insurance and reinsurance business, including any actuarial or underwriting expertise, or other specialized skills; |
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| • | the nominee’s independence qualifications, as defined by NYSE listing standards; |
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| • | the nominee’s actual or potential conflict of interest, or the appearance of any conflict of interest, with the best interests of the Company and its shareholders; |
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| • | the nominee’s ability to represent the interests of all shareholders of the Company; and |
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| • | the nominee’s financial literacy, accounting or related financial management expertise as defined by NYSE listing standards, or qualifications as an audit committee financial expert, as defined by SEC rules and regulations. |
Shareholder Communications to the Board of Directors
The board of directors provides a process for shareholders to send communications to the board of directors or any of the directors. Shareholders may send written communications to the board of directors or any one or more of the individual directors by mail, c/o Company Secretary, Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Maxwell Roberts Building, 1 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda, or by fax to 1-441-295-1829. All communications will be compiled and summarized by the Secretary of the Company. Copies of all communications addressed to a specific director will be sent to that director. The chairman of the board of directors will receive copies of all communications that are not addressed to a particular director. Shareholders may also send e-mails to any of our directors via our website at www.aspen.bm.
Board of Directors Policy on Directors’ Attendance at AGMs
Directors are expected to attend the Company’s annual general meeting of shareholders.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
The Company, as a foreign private issuer, is not required to comply with 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.
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Overview
This section provides information regarding the compensation program for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the three other most highly-compensated executive officers (‘‘NEOs’’) for 2006. We have also included information on a senior executive who left the company and who would have been included otherwise as one of the three most highly-compensated executive officers. This section describes the overall objectives of our compensation program and each element of compensation.
The Company has achieved considerable growth since its inception in 2002 and our compensation programs and plans have been designed to reward executives who contribute to the continuing success of the Company.
The Compensation Committee of our board of directors (the ‘‘Compensation Committee’’) has responsibility for approving the compensation program for our NEOs. The Compensation Committee consists of four independent directors: Prakash Melwani (Chair), Julian Avery, Glyn Jones and Kamil Salame.
Our compensation policies are designed with the goal of maximizing shareholder value creation over the long term. The basic objectives of our executive compensation program are to:
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| • | attract and retain highly skilled executives; |
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| • | link compensation to achievement of the Company’s financial and strategic goals by having a significant portion of compensation be performance-based; |
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| • | create commonality of interest between management and shareholders by tying substantial elements of compensation directly to changes in shareholder value; |
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| • | maximize the financial efficiency of the overall program from a tax, accounting, and cash flow perspective; |
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| • | ensure compliance with the highest standards of corporate governance; and |
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| • | encourage executives to work hard for the success of the business and work effectively with clients and colleagues for the benefit of the business as a whole. |
We encourage a performance-based culture throughout the Company and at senior levels we have developed an approach to compensation which aligns the performance and contribution of the executive to the results of the Company. Fixed pay such as salary is balanced by variable compensation, such as bonuses and equity-based awards. All employees including senior executives are set challenging goals and targets both at an individual and team level, which they are expected to achieve, taking into account the dynamics which occur within the market and business environment. Equity awards encourage risk-sharing with shareholders and align executive pay with the value created for shareholders.
Executive Compensation Program
The Company’s compensation program consists of the following five elements:
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| • | long-term incentive awards; |
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| • | benefits and perquisites. |
The Committee seeks to consider all elements that contribute to the total compensation of NEOs rather than consider each element in isolation. We actively seek market intelligence on all aspects of pay and benefits.
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Market Intelligence. We believe that shareholders are best served when the compensation packages of senior executives are competitive but fair. The Committee seeks to create a package that delivers total compensation packages for NEOs at the upper quartile of the total compensation delivered by certain peer companies for exceeding performance against competitors and the Company’s internal business targets.
We seek external market data to ensure that our compensation levels are competitive. Our sources of information include:
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| • | research of peer company annual reports on Form 10-K and similar filings for companies in our sector in the markets in which we operate; |
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| • | publicly available salary surveys from reputable survey providers; |
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| • | advice and tailored research from compensation consultants; and |
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| • | experience from recruiting senior positions in the market place. |
To assist in making competitive comparisons, the Committee engaged PwC Consulting to provide information regarding the compensation practices of all peer group (as defined below) and other additional companies against which we compete. The peer group includes Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd., Arch Capital Group Ltd., Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., PartnerRe Ltd., Axis Capital Holdings Limited, Max Re Capital Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd., RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., Everest Re Group, Ltd., IPC Holdings, Ltd. and Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. Additional companies researched for compensation and benefit information include ACE Limited, XL Capital Ltd, Catlin Group Limited, Brit Insurance Holdings PLC, Wellington Underwriting plc, Amlin plc, Hiscox Ltd, Kiln plc, Beazley Group plc and Chaucer Holdings PLC.
In 2006, the Compensation Committee retained Frederic W Cook & Co. and New Bridge Street Consulting as independent advisors following a rigorous selection process.
Cash Compensation
Base Salary. Base salaries are determined taking into account the relative importance of the position, the competitive market place, and the individual executive officer’s experience, skills, knowledge and responsibilities in their roles. Salaries are reviewed annually. The Committee reviews the compensation, including base salary, of the top 20 employees in the Company, including the NEOs.
When reviewing base salaries, the Compensation Committee and management considered a range of factors including:
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| • | the performance of the business; |
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| • | the performance of the executives in their roles over the previous year; |
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| • | the historical context of the executives compensation awards; |
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| • | the responsibilities of the role; |
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| • | the experience brought to the role by the executive; |
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| • | the function undertaken by the role; and |
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| • | analysis of the market data from competitors and more general market data from labour markets in which we operate. |
Executive officers have employment agreements with the Company that specify their base salary. They are entitled to a review on an annual basis, with any changes effective as of April 1st of the relevant year. Even though we conduct an annual review of base salaries, we are not legally obligated to increase salaries. We are not contractually able to decrease salaries either. Otherwise, the Committee is free to set NEO salaries at the level that it deems appropriate. The Compensation Committee is generally mindful of its overall goal to pay base salaries at the median percentile against the peer group of companies and against the market for similar roles in the market in which the NEO is employed. The Compensation Committee does not apply this principle mechanically but takes into account the factors outlined above and the total compensation picture for each individual.
Annual Cash Bonuses. The Company operates a discretionary bonus plan. Annual cash bonuses are intended to reward executives for their achievements and contributions to the success of the
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business over the previous fiscal year. The Compensation Committee determines the bonus pool available to employees based on the Company’s net income after tax and specifically approves the bonuses for the top 30 employees in the Company, including the NEOs.
In 2006 we reviewed the bonus program. We benchmarked our bonus payouts with our competitive peer group and other market data to establish our position in the market. We used this information to assist us in developing a methodology for establishing the size of the bonus pool required for the Company as a whole and to establish individual bonus potentials for all employees, including the NEOs. The bonus potentials are indicative and do not set a maximum limit. For example, in a loss-making year, employees may not get any bonuses. Conversely, in profitable years, employees may receive bonuses in excess of their bonus potentials.
Once the bonus pool is established, teams are allocated portions of the bonus pool based on their team performance. Individuals, including the NEOs, are allocated on their individual contribution to the business. An individual’s contribution is assessed based on his or her accomplishment of set objectives established at their annual performance review, such as enhanced efficiencies and expense reductions, and any other material achievements. In the case of the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee assesses his performance against the Company’s business plan and other objectives established by the board of directors.
For 2006, the Compensation Committee established bonus potentials in the range of 115% to 135% of base salary for our NEOs other than our Chief Executive Officer, for whom a bonus potential was not established.
Equity Compensation
The Compensation Committee believes that a substantial portion of each NEOs compensation should be in the form of equity awards and that such awards serve to align the interests of NEOs and our shareholders. Equity awards to our NEOs are made pursuant to the Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited 2003 Share Incentive Plan, as amended (‘‘2003 Share Incentive Plan’’). The 2003 Share Incentive Plan was last amended at our annual general meeting in 2005 to increase the number of shares that can be issued under the plan. The total number of ordinary shares that may be issued under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan is 9,476,553. As of December 31, 2006, 5,437,417 options and equity awards (including restricted share units) were outstanding under our 2003 Share Incentive Plan.
Long-Term Incentive Awards. The Company operates an annual Long Term Incentive Plan (‘‘LTIP’’) for key employees under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. The LTIP grant consists of performance shares and options. The mix of shares and options varies with seniority. For senior executives, including all NEOs, the distribution between performance shares and options granted is 25% and 75%, respectively. For this purpose, we use the grant date fair value of the options. We award a greater proportion in the form of options to senior executives to align the economic interests of senior executives with increased shareholder value. In 2006, we granted options and performance share awards to 129 employees.
All performance shares and options granted in 2006 have performance conditions. The performance conditions are identical for both shares and options and all are subject to a three-year vesting period. The material terms for the 2006 options and share awards are summarized as follows:
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| • | one-third of the grants are earned based on achievement of a one-year Return on Equity (‘‘ROE’’) performance target in accordance with the Company’s 2006 business plan, which in 2006 was set at approximately 15%; |
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| • | two-thirds of the grants become eligible for vesting if a performance condition, based on the average three-year ROE performance for 2006, 2007 and 2008, is met. Average ROE performance is measured against the ROE targets set for each of the three years; |
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| • | there is a reduction in the number of performance shares and options which vest based on a sliding scale if the performance of the Company falls below (i) the performance target ROE for one-third of the grant, and (ii) the average ROE performance, for two-thirds of the grant; |
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| • | no performance shares or options vest if the Company’s average annual ROE for 2006, 2007 and 2008 falls below 10% ROE; |
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| • | the number of earned options and performance shares vest at the end of the three-year period, subject to continued employment; and |
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| • | in respect of options, the options expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. |
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With respect to the 2006 performance shares and options, one-third of the initial grant is available for vesting as the ROE target was achieved. With respect to the 2004 performance shares, of which one-third of the grant is earned based on the achievement of the 2004 ROE target and two-thirds have a performance condition based on an average three-year (2004-2006) ROE, 17.16% of the total grant of 2004 performance shares have vested. The remainder of the 2004 performance share grants is forfeited due to the non-achievement of performance targets.
The number of performance shares and options available for grant each year are determined by the Committee. The Compensation Committee takes into account the number of available shares remaining under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan, the number of employees who will be participating in the plan, market data from competitors in respect of the percentage of outstanding shares made available for annual grants to employees and the need to retain and motivate key employees. In 2006, 1,532,602 options and performance shares were granted.
The Compensation Committee has generally followed a practice of making all option grants to its executive officers on a single date each year, except for new hires. For the last two years, the Committee has granted these annual awards at its regularly-scheduled meeting in February. The February meeting date has historically occurred at the same time as the release of our earnings for the previous fiscal year.
Beginning in 2007, we have adopted a policy whereby the Compensation Committee will continue to approve annual grants at a regularly scheduled meeting. However, if such meeting takes place while the Company is in a close period (i.e. prior to the release of our earnings), the grant date will be the day on which our close period ends, and the exercise price will be based on the average of the high and low price of our shares on such date, in accordance with our 2003 Share Incentive Plan.
While the bulk of our option awards to NEOs have historically been made pursuant to our annual grant program, the Committee retains the discretion to make additional awards at other times, in connection with the initial hiring of a new officer, for retention purposes or otherwise. We refer to such grants as ‘‘ad hoc’’ awards. In 2006, the only ad hoc grant was made to Mr. Sinclair, one of our NEOs, in connection with his hiring. If ad hoc grants are made while not in a close period, then the grant date will be the later of the date on which the Compensation Committee approves the grant or the effective date of employment of a new hire.
All option awards made to our NEOs, or any of our other employees or directors, are made pursuant to our 2003 Share Incentive Plan. As noted above, all options under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our ordinary shares on the date of grant, being not less than the average of the high and low share price on the date of grant.
Other Stock Grants. The company awards time-vesting restricted share units (‘‘RSUs’’) selectively to employees under certain circumstances. RSUs vest solely based on continued service and are not subject to performance conditions. Typically, RSUs have been used to compensate newly hired executives for loss of stock value from awards that were forfeited when they left their previous company. The RSUs granted vest in one-third tranches over three years.
Benefits and Perquisites
Perquisites. Our NEOs receive various perquisites provided by or paid by the Company. These perquisites include housing allowances, club memberships and return flights to home country for executives and family for those working outside of their home country.
Many of these perquisites relate to those NEOs who transferred to our Bermuda operation and are typical of perquisites provided to expatriate employees located in Bermuda. Similar perquisites are provided by our competitors for employees in a similar set of circumstances and have been necessary for recruitment and retention purposes. These are:
Housing Allowance. Non-Bermudians are prevented by law from owning property in Bermuda. This has lead to a housing market that is largely based on renting to expatriates who work on the island. Housing allowances are a near universal practice for expatriates and also, increasingly, for local Bermudians in key positions. We base our housing allowances on market information available through local benefits surveys and from information available from the housing market. The allowance is based on the level of the position compared with market data.
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Club Membership. This is common practice in the Bermudan market place and enables the expatriate to settle into the community. It also has the benefit of enabling our NEOs to establish social networks with clients and executives in our industry in furtherance of our business.
Home Leave. This is common practice for expatriates who are working outside of their home country. We believe that this helps the expatriate and his/her family keep in touch with the home country in respect of both business and social networks. Such a benefit is provided by other companies within our peer group, is necessary for both recruitment and retention purposes and is important for the success of the overseas assignment.
Change in Control and Severance Benefits
In General. We provide the opportunity for certain of our NEOs to be protected under the severance and change in control provisions contained in their employment agreements. We provide this opportunity to attract and retain an appropriate caliber of talent for the position. Our severance and change in control provisions for the named executive officers are summarized in ‘‘—Employment Agreements’’ and ‘‘—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.’’
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth, for the year ended December 31, 2006, the compensation for services in all capacities earned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, its next three most highly compensated executive officers, and an executive officer who no longer served as an executive officer as at the end of December 31, 2006. These individuals are referred to as the ‘‘named executive officers.’’
Summary Compensation Table (1)
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Name and Principal Position | | | Year | | | Salary ($) (2) | | | Bonus ($) (3) | | | Stock Awards ($) (4) | | | Option Awards ($) (5) | | | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | Total ($) |
Christopher O’Kane, Chief Executive Officer (6) | | | | | 2006 | | | | | $ | 724,053 | | | | | $ | 1,106,100 | | | | | $ | 53,854 | | | | | $ | 1,137,658 | | | | — | | | | $ | 115,739 | | | | | $ | 3,137,404 | |
Julian Cusack, Chief Financial Officer (7) | | | | | 2006 | | | | | $ | 444,801 | | | | | $ | 450,000 | | | | | $ | 34,442 | | | | | $ | 473,204 | | | | — | | | | $ | 295,045 | | | | | $ | 1,697,492 | |
Stuart Sinclair, President & Chief Operating Officer (8) | | | | | 2006 | | | | | $ | 194,098 | | | | | $ | 387,135 | | | | | $ | 190,765 | | | | | $ | 208,972 | | | | — | | | | $ | 148,181 | | | | | $ | 1,129,151 | |
Brian Boornazian, Head of Reinsurance (9) | | | | | 2006 | | | | | $ | 404,544 | | | | | $ | 725,000 | | | | | $ | 57,283 | | | | | $ | 146,127 | | | | — | | | | $ | 14,110 | | | | | $ | 1,347,064 | |
James Few, Head of Property Reinsurance (10) | | | | | 2006 | | | | | $ | 417,500 | | | | | $ | 675,000 | | | | | $ | 52,977 | | | | | $ | 314,007 | | | | — | | | | $ | 268,078 | | | | | $ | 1,727,562 | |
Sarah Davies, Director of Research and Development and Business Change (11) | | | | | 2006 | | | | | $ | 353,122 | | | | | $ | 46,088 | | | | | $ | 4,070 | | | | | $ | 305,377 | | | | — | | | | $ | 1,357,602 | | | | | $ | 2,066,259 | |
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(1) | Compensation payments for 2006 made in British Pounds have been translated into U.S. Dollars at the average exchange rate for 2006 which was $1.8435 to £1. |
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(2) | The salaries provided represent earned salaries. |
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(3) | For a description of our bonus plan, see ‘‘Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Cash Compensation—Annual Cash Bonuses’’ above. |
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(4) | Consists of performance share awards and/or restricted share units, as applicable. Valuation is based on the FAS 123(R) cost of all outstanding awards as recognized in Note 14 of our financial statements, without regard to forfeiture assumptions. |
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(5) | Consists of stock options. Valuation is based on the FAS 123(R) cost of all outstanding options as recognized in Note 14 of our financial statements, without regard to forfeiture assumptions. |
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(6) | Mr. O’Kane’s compensation was paid in British Pounds. With respect to ‘‘All Other Compensation,’’ this consists of the Company’s contribution to the pension plan of $115,739. |
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(7) | Mr. Cusack’s compensation was paid in U.S. Dollars, except for £30,000. With respect to ‘‘All Other Compensation,’’ this includes (i) a housing allowance in Bermuda of $180,000, (ii) travel expenses for Mr. Cusack’s family of $8,880, (iii) a payroll tax contribution in an amount of $11,049, (iv) club membership fees of $3,000 and (v) the Company’s contribution to the pension plan of $92,116. |
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(8) | Mr. Sinclair’s compensation was paid in British Pounds. The salary paid reflects Mr. Sinclair’s pro rated annual salary from his commencement date on September 20, 2006. Bonus amounts reflect a guaranteed bonus of £210,000 to be paid in March 2007. With respect to ‘‘All Other Compensation,’’ this includes (i) £30,000 in relocation costs to the United Kingdom, (ii) a payment of £31,428 to buy out the option value of Mr. Sinclair’s options from his previous employer and (iii) the Company’s contribution to the pension plan of $34,938. |
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(9) | Mr. Boornazian’s compensation was paid in U.S. Dollars. With respect to ‘‘All Other Compensation,’’ this consists of the Company’s contribution to the 401(K) plan of $8,800 and additional premium paid of $5,310 for additional life insurance and disability benefits. |
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(10) | Mr. Few’s compensation was paid in U.S. Dollars. With respect to ‘‘All Other Compensation,’’ this includes (i) a housing allowance in Bermuda of $180,000, (ii) travel expenses for Mr. Few’s family of $23,942, (iii) a payroll tax contribution in an amount of $11,049, (iv) club membership fees of $4,500, and (v) the Company’s contribution to the pension plan of $48,587. |
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(11) | Ms. Davies was the Director of Research and Development and Business Change until December 31, 2006. Formerly, she was our Chief Operating Officer until May 31, 2006. With respect to ‘‘All Other Compensation,’’ this includes (i) a payment of £250,000 in connection with Ms. Davies’ new role as Director of Research and Development and Business Change, of which £182,190 was directly paid into the pension plan in accordance with her Compromise Agreement, (ii) termination/severance payment of £455,409 (this termination amount is net of Ms. Davies’ 2005 bonus and the payment of £250,000 described above, pursuant to the agreement with Ms. Davies) and (iii) the Company’s contribution to the pension plan of $57,180. |
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Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth information concerning grants of options to purchase ordinary shares and other awards granted during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 to the named executive officers:
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| | | | | | | | | Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | | Grant Date | | | Approval Date | | | Threshold (#) | | | Target (#) | | | Maximum (#) | | | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) (3) | | | Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) (4) | | | Closing Price on Date of Grant ($) | | | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards (#) (5) | | | Grant Date Fair Value of Options (#) (6) |
Christopher O’Kane | | | | | 02/16/2006 | | | | | | 02/16/2006 | | | | | | 0(1 | | | | | | 6,342(1 | | | | | | 6,342(1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 138,573 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 0(2 | | | | | | 95,140(2 | | | | | | 95,140(2 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | | $ | 22.32 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 665,029 | |
Julian Cusack | | | 02/16/2006 | | | 02/16/2006 | | | | | 0(1 | | | | | | 4,268(1 | | | | | | 4,268(1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 93,256 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 0(2 | | | | | | 64,027(2 | | | | | | 64,027(2 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | | $ | 22.32 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 447,549 | |
Stuart Sinclair (7) | | | 08/04/2006 | | | 07/25/2006 | | | | | 0(1 | | | | | | 1,042(1 | | | | | | 1,042(1 | | | | | | 23,903 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 572,296 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 0(2 | | | | | | 142,158(2 | | | | | | 142,158(2 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 23.19 | | | | | $ | 23.01 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 626,917 | |
Brian Boornazian | | | 02/16/2006 | | | 02/16/2006 | | | | | 0(1 | | | | | | 3,750(1 | | | | | | 3,750(1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 81,938 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 0(2 | | | | | | 56,250(2 | | | | | | 56,250(2 | | | | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | | $ | 22.32 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 393,188 | |
James Few | | | 02/16/2006 | | | 02/16/2006 | | | | | 0(1 | | | | | | 5,596(1 | | | | | | 5,596(1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 122,273 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 0(2 | | | | | | 68,773(2 | | | | | | 68,773(2 | | | | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | | $ | 22.32 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 480,723 | |
Sarah Davies (8) | | | 02/16/2006 | | | 02/16/2006 | | | | | 0(1 | | | | | | 2,500(1 | | | | | | 2,500(1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 54,625 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 0(2 | | | | | | 37,500(2 | | | | | | 37,500(2 | | | | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | | $ | 22.32 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 262,125 | |
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(1) | Under the terms of the 2006 performance share awards, if the ROEs achieved exceed the target ROEs, the recipients will receive the amount initially granted and will not be entitled to any additional shares because of outperformance. Conversely, if the ROEs achieved are less than 66.67% of the target ROEs, then the recipients will receive no shares. For a more detailed description of our performance share awards granted in 2006, refer to ‘‘Narrative Description of Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards—Share Incentive Plan—2006 Performance Share Awards’’ below. |
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(2) | Under the terms of the 2006 options, if the ROEs achieved exceed the target ROEs, the options initially granted will be available for vesting, and the recipients will not be granted additional options for outperformance. Conversely, if the ROEs are less than 66.67% of the target ROEs, then the options will be forfeited. For a more detailed description of our options granted in 2006, refer to ‘‘Narrative Description of Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards—Share Incentive Plan—2006 Options’’ below. |
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(3) | For a description of our restricted share units, refer to ‘‘Narrative Description of Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards—Share Incentive Plan—Restricted Share Units’’ below. |
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(4) | Under our Share Incentive Plan, the exercise price is based on not less than the average of the high and low of the share price on the date of grant. With respect to the options granted on February 16, 2006, the exercise price was based on the average of the high and low on February 17, 2006, which was greater than the average of the high and low of $22.42 on February 16, 2006, the date of grant. |
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(5) | Valuation is based on the dollar amount of performance share awards and restricted share unit grants recognized for financial statement purposes pursuant to FAS 123(R). For performance share awards, the FAS 123(R) value is $21.85 for the performance shares granted February 16, 2006 and $21.39 for the performance shares granted on August 4, 2006. For restricted share units, |
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| the FAS 123(R) value is the closing price of $23.01 on August 4, 2006, the date of grant. Refer to Note 14 of our financial statements with respect to our performance share awards and restricted share units. |
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(6) | Valuation is based on the dollar amount of option grants recognized for financial statement purposes pursuant to FAS 123(R). The FAS 123(R) is determined based on the Black-Scholes value on the date of grant. Refer to Note 14 of our financial statements with respect to our performance share awards and restricted share units. |
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(7) | The Compensation Committee approved grants to Mr. Sinclair on July 25, 2006, to be effective the date of his execution of his employment agreement which was August 4, 2006. |
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(8) | As Ms. Davies’ employment with the Company was terminated on December 31, 2006, all grants made in 2006 to her are forfeited. |
Narrative Description of Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards
Share Incentive Plan
We have adopted the Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited 2003 Share Incentive Plan, as amended (‘‘2003 Share Incentive Plan’’) to aid us in recruiting and retaining key employees and directors and to motivate such employees and directors. The 2003 Share Incentive Plan was amended at our annual general meeting in 2005 to increase the number of shares that can be issued under the plan. The total number of ordinary shares that may be issued under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan is 9,476,553.
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’’) represented 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), were 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.
Initial Options. 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 such termination due to death or disability. Upon termination of employment, vested initial
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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. As at December 31, 2006, 82.23% of the initial options vested. The remaining outstanding amount of the initial options will vest on December 31, 2009.
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.
2004 Options. In 2004, we granted a total of 500,113 nonqualified stock options to various officers of the Company. Each nonqualified stock option represents the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement evidencing the grant, ordinary shares of the Company, par value 0.15144558 cent per share. The exercise price of the shares subject to the option is $24.44 per share, which as determined by the 2003 Share Incentive Plan is based on the arithmetic mean of the high and low prices of the ordinary shares on the grant date as reported by the NYSE.
The options will vest over a multi-year period, with one-third ( 1/3) of the shares underlying the options vesting upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its return on equity (‘‘ROE’’) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, or (ii) the date such ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof (the ‘‘Initial Vesting’’), but only if the Company achieves its ROE target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (i.e., the fiscal year in which the options are granted). If the Company fails to reach the ROE target for the 2004 fiscal year, but its actual ROE for such year is not less than 66.67% of the target ROE, then a reduced number of shares underlying options will vest over such multi-year period based on the percentage of target ROE achieved, for example, with 10% vesting at 66.67% (the ‘‘Reduced Percentage’’). A further one-third ( 1/3) of the shares (or one-third of the Reduced Percentage, as applicable) underlying the options will vest upon each of the first and second anniversaries of the Initial Vesting based on the achievement of the ROE target for the 2004 fiscal year consistent with the terms of the Initial Vesting described above. However, no options will vest if the ROE for the 2004 fiscal year is less than (i) 66.67% of the target ROE for such year or (ii) 10% in absolute terms. Of the total grant of 2004 options, 51.48% have vested as at December 31, 2006. The remaining amounts have been forfeited due to the performance targets not being met.
If an optionee’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Company will cancel the unvested portion of the option without consideration and the vested portion will remain exercisable for the period described in the following paragraph; provided that if an optionee’s employment is terminated by the Company for cause (as defined in the option agreement), the vested portion of the option will immediately be cancelled without consideration.
Optionees may exercise all or any part of the vested portion of their option at any time prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the tenth anniversary of the date of grant, (ii) the first anniversary of the optionee’s termination of employment (x) due to death or disability (as defined in the option agreement), (y) by the Company without cause, or (z) by the optionee with good reason (as defined in the option agreement), (iii) three months following the date of the optionee’s termination of employment by the optionee without good reason, or (iv) the date of the optionee’s termination of employment by the Company for cause. Options are exercised by providing written notice specifying the number of shares for which the option is being exercised and the method of payment of the exercise price. Payment of the exercise price may be made in cash (or cash equivalent), in shares, in a combination of cash and shares, or by broker-assisted cashless exercise. The optionee may be required to pay to the Company, and the Company will have the right to withhold, any applicable withholding taxes in respect of the option, its exercise or any payment or transfer under or with respect to the option.
2005 Options. On March 3, 2005, we granted an aggregate of 512,172 nonqualified stock options. The exercise price of the shares subject to the option is $25.88 per share, which as determined by the
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plan is based on the arithmetic mean of the high and low prices of the ordinary shares on the grant date as reported by the NYSE. We also granted an additional 13,709 nonqualified stock options during 2005, the exercise price of those shares varied from $25.28 to $26.46. The ROE target was not met in 2005, and as a result, all granted options have been forfeited.
2006 Options. On February 16, 2006, we granted an aggregate of 1,079,437 nonqualified stock options. The exercise price of the shares subject to the option is $23.65 per share, which as determined by the plan is based on the arithmetic mean of the high and low prices of the ordinary shares on February 17, 2006 as reported by the NYSE. We granted an additional 142,158 options on August 4, 2006, for an exercise price of $23.19.
One-third ( 1/3) of the shares underlying the options will become eligible for vesting upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, or (ii) the date such ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, but only if the Company achieves its ROE target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the ‘‘2006 Option Award’’). If the Company fails to reach the ROE target for the 2006 fiscal year, but its actual ROE for such year is not less than 66.67% of the target ROE, then a reduced number of options will become eligible for vesting based on the percentage of target ROE achieved, for example, with 10% vesting at 66.67%. However, no options will become eligible for vesting for the 2006 Option Award if the ROE for the 2006 fiscal year is less than (i) 66.67% of the target ROE for such year or (ii) 10% in absolute terms. As the ROE target was achieved in 2006, one-third of the options granted are eligible for vesting.
Two-thirds ( 2/3) of the options will become eligible for vesting upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, or (ii) the date such ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, but only if the Company’s actual average annual ROE for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 fiscal years meets or exceeds the average annual ROE target for such period (the ‘‘2006-2008 Option Award’’). If the Company fails to achieve the average annual ROE target for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 fiscal years, but its actual average ROE for such period is not less than 66.67% of the average annual ROE target, then a reduced number of options will become eligible for vesting based on the percentage of the average annual ROE target achieved, for example, with 10% being eligible for vesting at 66.67%. However, no options will be eligible for vesting for the 2006-2008 Option Award if the actual average annual ROE for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 fiscal years is less than (i) 66.67% of the average annual ROE target for such period or (ii) 10% in absolute terms.
Options which are eligible for vesting, as described above, as part of the 2006 Option Award and the 2006-2008 Option Award will vest and become exercisable upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, or (ii) the date such 2008 ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, subject to the optionee’s continued employment (and lack of notice of resignation or termination) until such date.
Once the options are exercisable, as described above, the optionee may exercise all or any part of the vested portion of their option at any time prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the tenth anniversary of the date of grant, (ii) the first anniversary of the optionee’s termination of employment (x) due to death or disability (as defined in the option agreement), (y) by the Company without cause (as defined in the option agreement), or (z) by the optionee with good reason (as defined in the option agreement), (iii) three months following the date of the optionee’s termination of employment by the optionee without good reason, or (iv) the date of the optionee’s termination of employment by the Company for cause.
Options are exercised by providing written notice specifying the number of shares for which the option is being exercised and the method of payment of the exercise price. Payment of the exercise price may be made in cash (or cash equivalent), in shares, in a combination of cash and shares, or by broker-assisted cashless exercise. The optionee may be required to pay to the Company, and the Company will have the right to withhold, any applicable withholding taxes in respect of the option, its exercise or any payment or transfer under or with respect to the option. Options may not be assigned, sold or otherwise transferred by the optionee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
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Restricted Share Units. In 2004, we granted 95,850 restricted share units to various employees of the Company and its subsidiaries which vest in one-third tranches over three years. In 2005, we granted 48,913 restricted shares units which vest in one-third tranches over three years. In 2006, we granted 164,932 restricted shares units which vest in one-third tranches over three years. 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 some 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, be permitted by the Company to 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.
2004 Performance Share Awards. On December 22, 2004, we granted an aggregate of 150,074 performance share awards to various officers of the Company. Each performance share award represents the right to receive, on the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement evidencing the award, a specified number of ordinary shares of the Company, par value 0.15144558 cent per share. Payment of performance shares is contingent upon the achievement of specified ROE targets.
One-third ( 1/3) of the performance shares will become vested upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, or (ii) the date such ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, but only if the Company achieves its ROE target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (the ‘‘2004 Award’’). If the Company fails to reach the ROE target for the 2004 fiscal year, but its actual ROE for such year is not less than 66.67% of the target ROE, then a reduced number of performance shares will vest based on the percentage of target ROE achieved, for example, with 10% vesting at 66.67%. However, no performance shares will vest for the 2004 Award if the ROE for the 2004 fiscal year is less than (i) 66.67% of the target ROE for such year or (ii) 10% in absolute terms.
Two-thirds ( 2/3) of the performance shares will become vested and payable upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, or (ii) the date such ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, but only if the Company’s actual average annual ROE for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 fiscal years meets or exceeds the average annual ROE target for such period (the ‘‘2004-2006 Award’’). If the Company fails to achieve the average annual ROE target for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 fiscal years, but its actual average ROE for such period is not less than 66.67% of the average annual ROE target, then a reduced number of performance shares will be paid to the participants based on the percentage of the average annual ROE target achieved, for example, with 10% awarded at 66.67%. With respect to the 2004 performance share awards, 17.16% of the total grant has vested. However, no performance shares will vest for the 2004-2006 Award if the actual average annual ROE for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 fiscal years is less than (i) 66.67% of the average annual ROE target for such period or (ii) 10% in absolute terms. The remainder of the 2004 performance share grants is forfeited due to the non-achievement of performance targets. Of the total grant of 2004 performance share awards, 17.16% will vest and be issuable in the first quarter of 2007. The remaining amounts of the grant have been forfeited due to the performance targets not being met.
Payment of vested performance shares as part of the 2004 Award shall be paid at the same time as the performance shares part of the 2004-2006 Award are paid (or would have been paid had all or a portion of the 2004-2006 Award vested), subject to the participant’s continued employment (and lack of notice of resignation or termination) until such payment date. Payment of vested performance shares as part of the 2004-2006 Award generally will occur as soon as practicable after the date the performance shares become vested, subject to the participant’s continued employment (and lack of
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notice of resignation or termination) until such payment date. Participants may be required to pay to the Company, and the Company will have the right to withhold, any applicable withholding taxes in respect of the performance shares. Performance shares may not be assigned, sold or otherwise transferred by participants other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
2005 Performance Share Awards. On March 3, 2005, we granted an aggregate of 123,002 performance share awards to various officers and other employees pursuant to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan, and an additional 8,225 performance share awards were granted in 2005. Each performance share award represents the right to receive, on the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement evidencing the award, a specified number of ordinary shares of the Company, par value 0.15144558 cent per share. Payment of performance shares is contingent upon the achievement of specified ROE targets.
One-third ( 1/3) of the performance shares will become vested upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, or (ii) the date such ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, but only if the Company achieves its ROE target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (the ‘‘2005 Award’’). If the Company fails to reach the ROE target for the 2005 fiscal year, but its actual ROE for such year is not less than 66.67% of the target ROE, then a reduced number of performance shares will vest based on the percentage of target ROE achieved, for example, with 10% vesting at 66.67%. However, no performance shares will vest for the 2005 Award if the ROE for the 2005 fiscal year is less than (i) 66.67% of the target ROE for such year or (ii) 10% in absolute terms. The 2005 ROE target was not met, therefore one-third of the grant has been forfeited.
Two-thirds ( 2/3) of the performance shares will become vested and payable upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, or (ii) the date such ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, but only if the Company’s actual average annual ROE for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 fiscal years meets or exceeds the average annual ROE target for such period (the ‘‘2005-2007 Award’’). If the Company fails to achieve the average annual ROE target for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 fiscal years, but its actual average ROE for such period is not less than 66.67% of the average annual ROE target, then a reduced number of performance shares will be paid to the participants based on the percentage of the average annual ROE target achieved, for example, with 10% awarded at 66.67%. However, no performance shares will vest for the 2005-2007 Award if the actual average annual ROE for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 fiscal years is less than (i) 66.67% of the average annual ROE target for such period or (ii) 10% in absolute terms. It is unlikely that the remaining two-thirds of the grant of the 2005 performance share awards will be eligible for vesting due to our losses in 2005.
Payment of vested performance shares as part of the 2005 Award shall be paid at the same time as the performance shares part of the 2005-2007 Award are paid (or would have been paid had all or a portion of the 2005-2007 Award vested), subject to the participant’s continued employment (and lack of notice of resignation or termination) until such payment date. Payment of vested performance shares as part of the 2005-2007 Award generally will occur as soon as practicable after the date the performance shares become vested, subject to the participant’s continued employment (and lack of notice of resignation or termination) until such payment date. Participants may be required to pay to the Company, and the Company will have the right to withhold, any applicable withholding taxes in respect of the performance shares. Performance shares may not be assigned, sold or otherwise transferred by participants other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
2006 Performance Share Awards. On February 16, 2006, we granted an aggregate of 324,465 performance share awards to various officers and other employees pursuant to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. We granted an additional 1,042 performance share awards on August 4, 2006. Each performance share award represents the right to receive, on the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement evidencing the award, a specified number of ordinary shares of the Company, par value 0.15144558 cent per share. Payment of performance shares is contingent upon the achievement of specified ROE targets.
One-third ( 1/3) of the performance shares will become eligible for vesting upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31,
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2006, or (ii) the date such ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, but only if the Company achieves its ROE target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the ‘‘2006 Performance Award’’). If the Company fails to reach the ROE target for the 2006 fiscal year, but its actual ROE for such year is not less than 66.67% of the target ROE, then a reduced number of performance shares will become eligible for vesting based on the percentage of target ROE achieved, for example, with 10% becoming eligible for vesting at 66.67%. However, no performance shares will become eligible for vesting for the 2006 Performance Award if the ROE for the 2006 fiscal year is less than (i) 66.67% of the target ROE for such year or (ii) 10% in absolute terms. One-third of the grant based on the ROE target for 2006 is available for vesting as the 2006 ROE target was achieved.
Two-thirds ( 2/3) of the performance shares will become eligible for vesting and payable upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, or (ii) the date such ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, but only if the Company’s actual average annual ROE for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 fiscal years meets or exceeds the average annual ROE target for such period (the ‘‘2006-2008 Performance Award’’). If the Company fails to achieve the average annual ROE target for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 fiscal years, but its actual average ROE for such period is not less than 66.67% of the average annual ROE target, then a reduced number of performance shares will become eligible for vesting based on the percentage of the average annual ROE target achieved, for example, with 10% becoming eligible for vesting at 66.67%. However, no performance shares will be eligible for vesting for the 2006-2008 Performance Award if the actual average annual ROE for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 fiscal years is less than (i) 66.67% of the average annual ROE target for such period or (ii) 10% in absolute terms.
Performance shares which are eligible for vesting, as described above, as part of the 2006 Performance Award and the 2006-2008 Performance Award will vest upon the later of (i) the date the Company’s outside auditors complete the audit of the Company’s financial statements containing the information necessary to compute its ROE for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, or (ii) the date such 2008 ROE is approved by the board of directors or an authorized committee thereof, subject to the participant’s continued employment (and lack of notice of resignation or termination) until such date.
Payment of vested performance shares will occur as soon as practicable after the date the performance shares become vested. Participants may be required to pay to the Company, and the Company will have the right to withhold, any applicable withholding taxes in respect of the performance shares. Performance shares may not be assigned, sold or otherwise transferred by participants other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Employment-Related Agreements
The following information summarizes the (i) service agreements for Messrs. O’Kane and Cusack, which commenced on September 24, 2004, (ii) amended and restated service agreement for Julian Cusack that will become effective when a successor Chief Financial Officer is in place, (iii) service agreement for Mr. Sinclair dated August 4, 2006, (iv) employment agreement for Mr. Boornazian which commenced on January 12, 2004, (v) service agreement for Mr. Few which commenced on March 10, 2005 and (vi) the service agreement for Ms. Davies which commenced on May 19, 2006 and the compromise agreement dated May 19, 2006. In respect of each of the agreements with Messrs. O’Kane, Cusack, Sinclair, Few and Boornazian and Ms. Davies:
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| (i) | in the case of Messrs. O’Kane, Cusack and Sinclair and Ms. Davies, employment terminates automatically when the employee reaches 65 years of age, but in the case of Mr. Few employment will terminate automatically when the employee reaches 60 years of age; |
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| (ii) | in the case of Messrs. O’Kane, Cusack, Sinclair and Few and Ms. Davies, employment may be terminated for cause if: |
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| • | the employee becomes bankrupt, is convicted of a criminal offence, commits serious misconduct or other conduct bringing the employee or Aspen Holdings or any of its subsidiaries into disrepute; |
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| • | the employee materially breaches any provisions of the service agreement or conducts himself in a manner prejudicial to the business; |
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| • | the employee is disqualified from being a director in the case of Messrs. O’Kane and Cusack and Ms. Davies; |
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| • | the employee breaches any code of conduct or ceases to be registered by any regulatory body; or |
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| • | the employee materially breaches any provision of the shareholder’s agreement with Aspen Holdings; |
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| (iii) | in the case of Mr. Boornazian employment may be terminated for cause if: |
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| • | the employee’s willful misconduct is materially injurious to Aspen Re America or its affiliates; |
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| • | the employee intentionally fails to act in accordance with the direction of the Chief Executive Officer or board of directors; |
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| • | the employee is convicted of a felony; |
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| • | the employee violates a law, rule or regulation that governs Aspen Re America’s business, has a material adverse effect on Aspen Re America’s business, or disqualifies him from employment; or |
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| • | the employee intentionally breaches a non-compete or non-disclosure agreement; |
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| (iv) | in the case of Messrs. O’Kane, Cusack, Sinclair and Few and Ms. Davies, employment may be terminated by the employee without notice for good reason if: |
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| • | the employee’s annual salary or bonus opportunity is reduced; |
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| • | there is a material diminution in the employee’s duties, authority, responsibilities or title, or the employee is assigned duties materially inconsistent with his position; |
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| • | the employee is removed from any of his positions or is not elected or reelected to such positions; |
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| • | an adverse change in the employee’s reporting relationship occurs in the case of Messrs. O’Kane, Cusack (under his current service agreement) and Few and Ms. Davies; or |
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| • | the employee is required to relocate more than 50 miles from the employee’s current office; |
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| • | provided that, in each case, the default has not been cured within 30 days of receipt of a written notice from the employee; |
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| (v) | in the case of Mr. Boornazian, employment may be terminated by the employee for good reason upon 90 days’ notice if: |
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| • | there is a material diminution in the employee’s duties, authority, responsibilities or title; |
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| • | the employee’s annual salary is reduced; or |
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| • | there is a material breach by the company of the employment agreement; |
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| (vi) | in the case of Messrs. O’Kane and Cusack (under his current service agreement), 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). Fifty percent 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; |
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| (vii) | in the case of Messrs. Cusack (under his future service agreement), Few and Sinclair, if the employee is terminated without cause or resigns with good reason (as defined in the agreement), the employee is entitled to (a) salary at his salary rate through the date in |
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| | which his termination occurs; (b) the lesser of (x) the target annual incentive award for the year in which the employee’s termination occurs, and (y) the average of the annual incentive awards received by the employee in the prior three years (or, number of years employed if fewer), multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days that the employee was employed during the applicable year and the denominator of which is 365; (c) a severance payment of the sum of (x) the employee’s highest salary rate during the term of the agreement and (y) the average bonus under the Company’s annual incentive plan actually earned by the employee during the three years (or number of complete years employed, if fewer) immediately prior to the year of termination, and (d) the unpaid balance of all previously earned cash bonus and other incentive awards with respect to performance periods which have been completed, but which have not yet been paid, all of which amounts shall be payable in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after termination. In the event that the employee is paid in lieu of notice under the agreement (including if the Company exercises its right to enforce garden leave under the agreement) the severance payment will be inclusive of that payment; |
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| (viii) | in the case of Mr. Cusack (under his future service agreement), if he is terminated without cause or resigns with good reason (as defined in the agreement) within 12 months of his becoming Chairman of Aspen Bermuda, the entitlements in (vii) above will be multiplied by two; |
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| (ix) | in the case of Ms. Davies, if the employee is terminated without cause or resigns with good reason (as defined in the agreement), the employee is entitled to (a) salary at his salary rate through the date in which his termination occurs; (b) the lesser of (x) the target annual incentive award for the year in which the employee’s termination occurs, and (y) the average of the annual incentive awards received by the employee in the prior three years (or, number of years employed if fewer), multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days that the employee was employed during the applicable year and the denominator of which is 365; (c) a severance payment of the sum of two times (x) the employee’s highest salary rate during the term of the agreement and (y) the average bonus under the Company’s annual incentive plan actually earned by the employee during the three years (or number of complete years employed, if fewer) immediately prior to the year of termination, and (d) the unpaid balance of all previously earned cash bonus and other incentive awards with respect to performance periods which have been completed, but which have not yet been paid, all of which amounts shall be payable in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after termination. In the event that the employee is paid in lieu of notice under the agreement (including if the Company exercises its right to enforce garden leave under the agreement) the severance payment will be inclusive of that payment; |
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| (x) | in the case of Messrs O’Kane, Cusack, Sinclair and Few, 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; |
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| (xi) | the agreements contains provisions relating to reimbursement of expenses, confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation; and |
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| (xii) | in the case of Messrs. O’Kane, Cusack, Sinclair and Few, 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 entered into a service agreement with Aspen U.K. Services 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 originally provided 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, medical insurance, permanent health insurance, personal accident insurance and life insurance. The service agreement
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also provides for a discretionary bonus to be awarded annually as the Compensation Committee of our board of directors may determine. Effective April 1, 2007, Mr. O’Kane’s salary will be £416,000.
Julian Cusack. Mr. Cusack 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 originally provided that Mr. Cusack shall be paid an annual salary of $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 $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 of directors may determine. Effective April 1, 2007, Mr. Cusack’s salary will be $412,000 plus £30,000.
Mr. Cusack has agreed an amended and restated service agreement with Aspen Holdings under which he has agreed to serve as Chairman of Aspen Bermuda. This new agreement will become effective when a successor Chief Financial Officer is in place. The terms of the future agreement are substantially similar to those of the current agreement, except that Mr. Cusack will be paid an annual salary of $300,000 and the reimbursement of housing costs in Bermuda will be limited to $144,000 per annum.
Brian Boornazian. Mr. Boornazian entered into an employment agreement with Aspen U.S. Services under which he has agreed to serve as President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Property Reinsurance, of Aspen Re America for a three-year term, with annual extensions thereafter. The agreement originally provided that Mr. Boornazian will be paid an annual salary of $330,000, subject to review from time to time, as well as a discretionary bonus, and shall be eligible to participate in all incentive compensation, retirement and deferred compensation plans available generally to senior officers. Effective April 1, 2007, Mr. Boornazian’s salary will be $440,000.
James Few. Mr. Few entered into a service agreement with Aspen Bermuda under which he has agreed to serve as Head of Property Reinsurance and Chief Underwriting Officer of Aspen Bermuda. The agreement may be terminated upon 12 months’ notice by either party. The agreement originally provided that Mr. Few will be paid an annual salary of $400,000 which is subject to review from time to time. Mr. Few is also provided with an annual housing allowance of $180,000, two return airfares between Bermuda and the U.K. per annum for himself and his family and reasonable relocation costs. The agreement also entitles him to private medical insurance, permanent health insurance, personal accident insurance and life assurance. Under the agreement Mr. Few remains a member of the Aspen U.K. Services pension scheme. The service agreement also provides for a discretionary bonus to be awarded at such times and at such level as the Compensation Committee of our board of directors may determine. Effective April 1, 2007, Mr. Few’s salary will be $440,000.
Sarah Davies. Ms. Davies entered into a service agreement in her new role as Director of Research and Development and Business Change on May 19, 2006. In connection with her change in role, she also entered into a compromise agreement on the same date. The service agreement provided that for the first 12 months following Ms. Davies assuming the position of Director of Research and Development and Business Change, Ms. Davies was paid a base salary of £193,000 per year. Ms. Davies also received a payment of £250,000 by the Company for co-operation in moving to a new role as Director of Research and Development and Business Change, of which £182,190 was paid directly into the Aspen UK pension plan on her behalf. Because Ms. Davies’ employment was terminated, Ms. Davies was entitled to receive severance in accordance with the terms of her existing service agreement, reduced by (a) £250,000 referred to above and (b) the amount of her 2005 bonus. 50% of this severance payment is paid to Ms. Davies within 14 days of the execution by Ms. Davies of a valid release. Because her employment was terminated, Ms. Davies’ non-compete will prohibit her only from working for a Bermuda-headquartered, property or casualty insurance or reinsurance company whose shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ.
Stuart Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair entered into a service agreement with Aspen Insurance UK Services Limited under which he has agreed to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer, terminable upon 12 months’ notice by either party. The agreement originally provided that Mr. Sinclair shall be
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paid an annual salary of £375,000, subject to review from time to time. Mr. Sinclair’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. The service agreement also provides for a discretionary bonus, based on a bonus potential of 125% which may be exceeded, to be awarded annually as the Compensation Committee of our board of directors may determine. Effective April 1, 2007, Mr. Sinclair’s salary will be £390,000.
Retirement Benefits
We do not have a defined benefit plan. Generally, retirement benefits are provided to our named executive officers according to their home country.
United Kingdom. In the U.K. we have a defined contribution plan which was established in 2005 for our U.K. employees. All permanent and fixed term employees are eligible to join the plan. Messrs. O’Kane, Cusack, Sinclair and Few and Ms. Davies were all participants in the plan during 2006. The employee contributes 3% of their base salary into the plan. The employer contributions made to the pension plan are based on a percentage of base salary based on the age of the employee. There are two scales, a standard scale for all U.K. participants and a directors’ scale which applies to certain key senior employees who were founders of the Company or who are executive directors of our board of directors. Messrs O’Kane, Cusack and Sinclair and Ms. Davies were paid employer contributions based on the directors’ scale.
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Scale | | | Employee Contribution— Percentage of Salary | | | Age of Employee | | | Company Contribution— Percentage of Employee’s Salary |
Standard Scale | | | 3% | | | 18 – 19 | | | 5% |
| | | 3% | | | 20 – 24 | | | 7% |
| | | 3% | | | 25 – 29 | | | 8% |
| | | 3% | | | 30 – 34 | | | 9.5% |
| | | 3% | | | 35 – 39 | | | 10.5% |
| | | 3% | | | 40 – 44 | | | 12% |
| | | 3% | | | 45 – 49 | | | 13.5% |
| | | 3% | | | 50 – 54 | | | 14.5% |
| | | 3% | | | 55 plus | | | 15.5% |
Director Scale | | | 3% | | | 20 – 24 | | | 7% |
| | | 3% | | | 25 – 29 | | | 8% |
| | | 3% | | | 30 – 34 | | | 9.5% |
| | | 3% | | | 35 – 39 | | | 12% |
| | | 3% | | | 40 – 44 | | | 14% |
| | | 3% | | | 45 – 49 | | | 16% |
| | | 3% | | | 50 – 54 | | | 18% |
| | | 3% | | | 55 plus | | | 20% |
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The employee and employer contributions are paid to individual investment accounts set up in the name of the employee. Employees may choose from a selection of investment funds although the day-to-day management of the investments are undertaken by professional investment managers. At retirement this fund is then used to purchase retirement benefits.
If an employee leaves the Company before retirement all contributions to the account will cease. If an employee has at least two years of qualifying service, the employee has the option of (i) keeping his or her account, in which case the full value in the pension will continue to be invested until retirement age, or (ii) transferring the value of the account either to another employer’s approved pension plan or to an approved personal pension plan. Where an employee leaves the Company with less than two years of service, such employee will receive a refund equal to the part of their account which represents their own contributions only. This refund is subject to U.K. tax and social security.
In the event of death in service before retirement, the pension plan provides a lump sum death benefit equal to four times the employee’s basic salary, plus, where applicable, a dependent’s pension equal to 30% of the employee’s basic salary and a children’s pension equal to 15% of the employee’s basic salary for one child and up to 30% of the employee’s basic salary for two or more children. Under U.K. legislation, these benefits are subject to notional earnings limits (currently £105,600 for
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2005/2006). Where an employee’s basic salary is greater than the notional earnings maximum, an additional benefit is provided through a separate cover outside the pension plan.
United States. In the U.S. we operate a 401(k) plan. Employees of Aspen U.S. Services are eligible to participate in this plan. Mr. Boornazian participates in this plan.
Participants may elect a salary reduction contribution into the 401(k) plan. Their taxable income is then reduced by the amount contributed into the plan. This lets participants reduce their current federal and most state income taxes. The 401(k) safe harbor plan allows employees to contribute a percentage of their salaries (up to the maximum deferral limit set forth in the plan). We make a qualified matching contribution of 100% of the employees’ salary reduction contribution up to 3% of their salary, plus a matching contribution of 50% of the employees’ salary reduction contribution from 3% to 5% of their salary for each payroll period. The employer’s matching contribution is subject to limits based on the employees’ earnings as set by the IRS annually. Participants are always fully vested in their 401(k) plan with respect to their contributions and the employer’s matching contributions.
Discretionary profit sharing contributions are made annually to all employees by Aspen U.S. Services and are based on the following formula:
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Age of Employee | | | Contribution by the Company as a Percentage of Employee’s Salary |
20 – 29 | | | | | 3 | |
30 – 39 | | | | | 4 | |
40 – 49 | | | | | 5 | |
50 and older | | | | | 6 | |
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Profit sharing contributions are paid in the first quarter of each year in respect the previous fiscal year. The profit sharing contributions are subject to a limit based on the employees’ earnings as set by the IRS annually. The profit sharing contributions are subject to the following vesting schedule:
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Years of Vesting Service | | | Vesting Percentage |
Less than 3 years | | | | | 0 | |
3 years | | | | | 100 | |
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Once the employee has three years of service their profit sharing contributions are fully vested and all future contributions are vested.
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding options to purchase ordinary shares and other stock awards by the named executive officers during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006:
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| | | | | | Option Awards | | | Stock Awards |
Name | | | Year of Grant | | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable (1) | | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) (1) | | | Option Exercise Price ($) | | | Option Expiration Date | | | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) (1) | | | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) (2) | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (1) | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market Value or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) (2) |
Christopher O’Kane | | | | | 2003 | | | | | | 815,582 | | | | | | 141,534 | | | | | | 34,714 | | | | | $ | 16.20 | | | | 08/20/2013 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — |
| | | | | 2004 | | | | | | 23,603 | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 24.44 | | | | 12/23/2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 640 | | | | $16,870 |
| | | | | 2005 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 25.88 | | | | 03/03/2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,668 | | | | $70,328 |
| | | | | 2006 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | 95,140 | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | 02/16/2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 6,342 | | | | $167,175 |
Julian Cusack | | | | | 2003 | | | | | | 278,085 | | | | | | 48,259 | | | | | | 11,836 | | | | | $ | 16.20 | | | | 08/20/2013 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — |
| | | | | 2004 | | | | | | 14,162 | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 24.44 | | | | 12/23/2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 384 | | | | $10,122 |
| | | | | 2005 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 25.88 | | | | 03/03/2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,065 | | | | $54,433 |
| | | | | 2006 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | 64,027 | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | 02/16/2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 4,268 | | | | $112,504 |
Stuart Sinclair | | | | | 2006 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | 142,158 | | | | | $ | 23.19 | | | | 08/04/2016 | | | | | 15,935 | | | | | $ | 420,047 | | | | | | 1,042 | | | | $27,467 |
Brian Boornazian | | | | | 2004 | | | | | | 7,868 | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 24.44 | | | | 12/23/2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,920 | | | | $50,611 |
| | | | | 2005 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 25.88 | | | | 03/03/2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5,395 | | | | $142,212 |
| | | | | 2006 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | 56,250 | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | 02/16/2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,750 | | | | $98,850 |
James Few | | | | | 2003 | | | | | | 80,528 | | | | | | 13,974 | | | | | | 3,428 | | | | | $ | 16.20 | | | | 08/20/2013 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — |
| | | | | 2004 | | | | | | 35,404 | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 24.44 | | | | 12/23/2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 960 | | | | $25,306 |
| | | | | 2005 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 25.88 | | | | 03/03/2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,733 | | | | $98,402 |
| | | | | 2006 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | 68,773 | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | 02/16/2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5,596 | | | | $147,511 |
Sarah Davies (7) | | | | | 2003 | | | | | | 260,620 | | | | | | 45,227 | | | | | | 11,093 | | | | | $ | 16.20 | | | | 08/20/2013 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — |
| | | | | 2004 | | | | | | 14,162 | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 24.44 | | | | 12/23/2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — |
| | | | | 2005 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 25.88 | | | | 03/03/2015 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — |
| | | | | 2006 | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | 37,500 | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | 02/16/2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — |
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(1) | For a description of the terms of the grants and the related vesting schedule, see ‘‘Narrative Description of Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards—Share Incentive Plan’’ above. |
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(2) | Calculated based upon the closing price of $26.36 per share of the Company’s ordinary shares at December 29, 2006, less the option exercise price. |
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(3) | As the performance targets for the 2004 options were not fully met based on the 2004 ROE achieved, 51.48% of the grant vested and the remaining portion of the grant was forfeited. |
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(4) | With respect to the 2004 performance shares, of which one-third of the grant is earned based on the achievement of the 2004 ROE target and two-thirds have a performance condition based on an average three-year (2004-2006) ROE, the amount represents 17.16% of the total grant of 2004 performance shares which will vest in the first quarter of 2007. The remainder of the 2004 performance share grants is forfeited due to the non-achievement of performance targets. |
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(5) | As the performance targets have not been met, the 2005 options were forfeited. |
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(6) | With respect to the 2005 performance shares, of which one-third of the grant is earned based on the achievement of the 2005 ROE target and two-thirds have a performance condition based on an average three-year (2005-2007) ROE, one-third of the grants has been forfeited as the 2005 ROE target has not been met. The amounts presented in the table assume that the performance conditions of the remaining two-thirds of the grant will be met. It is unlikely that the 2005 performance share awards will be eligible for vesting due to our losses in 2005. |
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(7) | As Ms. Davies’s employment with the Company was terminated as of December 31, 2006, all performance shares have been forfeited as such performance shares are only issuable upon vesting subject to the employee’s continued employment at the time of vesting. |
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Option Exercised and Stock Vested
The following table summarizes stock option exercises and share issuances by our named executive officers during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006:
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| | | Option Awards | | | Stock Awards |
Name | | | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | | | Value Realized on Exercise ($) | | | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) | | | Value Realized on Vesting ($) (1) |
Christopher O’Kane | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Julian Cusack | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Stuart Sinclair | | | — | | | — | | | 7,968 | | | $212,506.56 |
Brian Boornazian | | | — | | | — | | | 8,160 | | | $217,627.20 |
James Few | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Sarah Davies | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
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(1) | The restricted share units for Messrs. Sinclair and Boornazian vested on December 31, 2006. The market value was calculated based on the closing price of $26.67 on January 3, 2007, the next trading date on the NYSE. |
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Assuming the employment of our named executive officers were to be terminated without cause or for good reason, each as of December 31, 2006, the following individuals would be entitled to payments and to accelerated vesting of their outstanding equity awards, as described in the below table:
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| | | Christopher O’Kane | | | Julian Cusack | | | Stuart Sinclair |
| | | Total Cash Payout | | | Value of Accelerated Equity Awards | | | Total Cash Payout | | | Value of Accelerated Equity Awards | | | Total Cash Payout | | | Value of Accelerated Equity Awards |
Termination without Cause (or other than for Cause) or for Good Reason (1) | | | | $ | 2,949,600 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 1,606,109 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 1,078,448 | | | | | | — | |
Death (2) | | | | $ | 1,106,100 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 523,601 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 864,141 | | | | | | — | |
Disability (3) | | | | $ | 368,700 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 227,653 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 345,656 | | | | | | — | |
Change in Control (4) | | | | $ | 2,949,600 | | | | | $ | 2,263,035 | | | | | $ | 1,606,109 | | | | | $ | 906,705 | | | | | $ | 1,078,448 | | | | | $ | 898,155 | |
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(1) | For a description of termination provisions, see ‘‘Narrative Description of Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards—Employment-Related Agreements’’ above. |
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(2) | In respect of death, the executives are entitled to the prorated annual bonus based on the actual bonus earned for the year in which the date of termination occurs. This amount represents 100% of the bonus potential for 2006. |
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(3) | In respect of disability, the executive would be entitled to six months’ salary after which he would be entitled to long-term disability benefits under our health insurance coverage. |
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(4) | The total cash payout and the acceleration of vesting are provided only if the employment of the above named executive is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the executive with Good Reason within the six-month period prior to a change in control or within a two-year period after a change in control. The occurrence of any of the following events constitutes a ‘‘Change in Control’’: |
(A) the sale or disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all, of the assets of the Company to any person or group (other than (x) any subsidiary of the Company or (y) any entity that is a holding company of the Company (other than any holding company which became a holding company in a transaction that resulted in a Change in Control) or any subsidiary of such holding company);
(B) any person or group is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 30% of the combined voting power of the voting shares of the Company (or any entity which is the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting
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shares of the Company), including by way of merger, consolidation, tender or exchange offer or otherwise; excluding, however, the following: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or (iv) any acquisition by a person or group if immediately after such acquisition a person or group who is a shareholder of the Company on the effective date of our Share Incentive Plan continues to own voting power of the voting shares of the Company that is greater than the voting power owned by such acquiring person or group;
(C) the consummation of any transaction or series of transactions resulting in a merger, consolidation or amalgamation, in which the Company is involved, other than a merger, consolidation or amalgamation which would result in the shareholders of the Company immediately prior thereto continuing to own (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity), in the same proportion as immediately prior to the transaction(s), more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting shares of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or amalgamation; or
(D) a change in the composition of the Board such that the individuals who, as of the effective date of the Share Incentive Plan, constitute the board of directors (such board of directors shall be referred to for purposes of this section only as the ‘‘Incumbent Board’’) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that for purposes of this definition, any individual who becomes a member of the board of directors subsequent to the Effective Date, whose election, or nomination for election, by a majority of those individuals who are members of the board of directors and who were also members of the Incumbent Board (or deemed to be such pursuant to this proviso) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board; and, provided further, however, that any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as the result of or in connection with either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 or Regulation 14A of the Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of an entity other than the board of directors shall not be so considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.
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(5) | Represents the lesser of the target annual incentive for the year in which termination occurs and the average of the bonus received by Mr. O’Kane for the previous three years ($491,600) plus twice the sum of the highest salary paid during the term of the agreement ($737,400) and the average bonus actually earned during three years immediately prior to termination ($491,600). Mr. O’Kane’s agreement includes provisions with respect the treatment of ‘‘parachute payments’’ under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. As Mr. O’Kane is currently not a U.S. taxpayer, the above amounts do not reflect the impact of such provisions. |
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(6) | Represents the acceleration of vesting of the unearned portion of the 2003 options, the 2004 performance shares and the entire grant of the 2006 options and 2006 performance shares. With respect to options, the value is based on the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of our shares on December 29, 2006 of $26.36. With respect to performance shares, the value is based on the closing price of our shares on December 29, 2006. The amounts do not include the (i) 2005 options, as the performance targets were not met and the options were forfeited, (ii) 2005 performance share awards, as one-third of the grant based on a one-year 2005 ROE target has not been met and was therefore forfeited, and it is unlikely that two-thirds of the grant based on an average 2005-2007 ROE will be met and (iii) 2004 options, as the unearned portion vested as at December 31, 2006, and any remaining unearned portions of the grant were forfeited due to non-achievement of performance targets. |
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(7) | Represents the lesser of the target annual incentive for the year in which termination occurs and the average of the bonus received by Mr. Cusack for the previous three years ($231,833) plus twice the sum of the highest salary paid during the term of the agreement ($455,305) and the average bonus actually earned during three years immediately prior to termination ($231,833). Mr. Cusack’s agreement includes provisions with respect the treatment of ‘‘parachute payments’’ under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. As Mr. Cusack is currently not a U.S. taxpayer, the above amounts do not reflect the impact of such provisions. |
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(8) | Represents the acceleration of vesting of the unearned portion of the 2003 options and the entire grant of 2006 options and 2006 performance shares. With respect to options, the value is based on the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of our shares on December 29, 2006 of $26.36. With respect to performance shares, the value is based on the closing price of our shares on December 29, 2006. The amounts do not include the (i) 2005 options, as the performance targets were not met and the options were forfeited, (ii) 2005 performance share awards, as one-third of the grant based on a one-year 2005 ROE target has not been met and was therefore forfeited, and it is unlikely that two-thirds of the grant based on an average 2005-2007 ROE will be met and (iii) 2004 options, as the unearned portion vested as at December 31, 2006, and any remaining unearned portions of the grant were forfeited due to non-achievement of performance targets. |
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(9) | Represents Mr. Sinclair’s guaranteed 2006 bonus ($387,135), as Mr. Sinclair was hired in 2006 and therefore an average bonus over a three-year period is not applicable, plus the sum of the highest salary paid during the term of the agreement ($691,313). |
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(10) | Represents the acceleration of vesting of the unearned portion of Mr. Sinclair’s restricted share units granted in 2006 and the entire grant of 2006 options and 2006 performance shares. With respect to options, the value is based on the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of our shares on December 29, 2006 of $26.36. With respect to the restricted share units and performance shares, the value is based on the closing price of our shares on December 29, 2006. |
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| | | Brian Boornazian | | | James Few |
| | | Total Cash Payout | | | Value of Accelerated Equity Awards | | | Total Cash Payout | | | Value of Accelerated Equity Awards |
Termination without Cause (or other than for Cause) or for Good Reason (1) | | | | $ | 786,250 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 948,232 | | | | | | — | |
Death | | | | $ | 573,750 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 483,000 | | | | | | — | |
Disability | | | | $ | 573,750 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 210,000 | | | | | | — | |
Change in Control | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 948,232 | | | | | $ | 515,675 | |
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(1) | For a description of termination provisions, see ‘‘Narrative Description of Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards—Employment-Related Agreements’’ above. |
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(2) | Represents 100% of the bonus potential for 2006 and 50% of annual base salary. |
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(3) | Mr. Boornazian would be entitled to the prorated annual bonus based on the actual bonus earned for the year in which the date of termination occurs. This amount represents 100% of the bonus potential for 2006. |
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(4) | Mr. Boornazian’s employment agreement does not contain provisions relating to change in control. |
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(5) | Represents the lesser of the target annual incentive for the year in which termination occurs and the average of the bonus received by Mr. Few for the previous three years ($264,116) plus the sum of the highest salary paid during the term of the agreement ($420,000) and the average bonus actually earned during three years immediately prior to termination ($264,116). |
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(6) | In respect of death, Mr. Few would be entitled to the prorated annual bonus based on the actual bonus earned for the year in which the date of termination occurs. This amount represents 100% of bonus potential for 2006. |
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(7) | In respect of disability, Mr. Few would be entitled to six months’ salary after which he would be entitled to long-term disability benefits under our health insurance coverage. |
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(8) | Same as Footnote 4 in the table above. |
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(9) | Represents the acceleration of vesting of the unearned portion of the 2003 options and the entire grant of 2006 options and 2006 performance shares. With respect to options, the value is based on the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of our shares on December 29, 2006 of $26.36. With respect to performance shares, the value is based on the closing price of our shares on December 29, 2006. The amounts do not include the (i) 2005 |
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| options, as the performance targets were not met and the options were forfeited, (ii) 2005 performance share awards, as one-third of the grant based on a one-year 2005 ROE target has not been met and was therefore forfeited, and it is unlikely that two-thirds of the grant based on an average 2005-2007 ROE will be met and (iii) 2004 options, as the unearned portion vested as at December 31, 2006, and any remaining unearned portions of the grant were forfeited due to non-achievement of performance targets. |
We are not obligated to make any cash payments to these executives if their employment is terminated by us for cause or by the executive not for good reason. A change in control does not affect the amount or timing of these cash severance payments.
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Non-Employee Director Compensation
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Name | | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | | Bonus | | | Stock Awards ($)(1) | | | Option Awards ($) (2) | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | Total ($) | | | Grant Date Fair Value of 2006 Stock Awards (#) (3) | | | Grant Date Fair Value of 2006 Options (#) (4) |
Julian Avery (5) | | | | $ | 70,000 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,778 | | | | | | | | $ | 73,778 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 18,804 | |
John Cavoores (6) | | | | $ | 11,667 | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | $ | 11,667 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Ian Cormack (7) | | | | $ | 95,000 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 39,546 | | | | | | | | $ | 134,546 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 18,804 | |
Heidi Hutter (8) | | | | $ | 84,375 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 75,323 | | | | | | | | $ | 159,698 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 18,804 | |
Glyn Jones (9) | | | | $ | 11,667 | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | $ | 11,667 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
David Kelso (10) | | | | $ | 80,000 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,778 | | | | | | | | $ | 83,778 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 18,804 | |
Prakash Melwani (11) | | | | $ | 75,000 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,778 | | | | | | | | $ | 78,778 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 18,804 | |
Paul Myners (12) | | | | $ | 232,281 | | | | $276,525 | | | $(2,140) | | | | $ | 305,333 | | | | | | | | $ | 811,999 | | | | | $ | 18,485 | | | | | $ | 88,661 | |
Norman Rosenthal (13) | | | | $ | 80,625 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 39,546 | | | | | | | | $ | 120,171 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 18,804 | |
Kamil Salame (14) | | | | $ | 70,000 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,778 | | | | | | | | $ | 73,778 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 18,804 | |
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(1) | Consists of performance share awards. Valuation is based on the FAS 123(R) cost of all outstanding awards as recognized in Note 14 of our financial statements, without regard to forfeiture assumptions. |
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(2) | Consists of stock options. Valuation is based on the FAS 123(R) cost of all outstanding options as recognized in Note 14 of our financial statements, without regard to forfeiture assumptions. |
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(3) | Valuation is based on the dollar amount of performance share awards granted in 2006 recognized for financial statement purposes pursuant to FAS 123(R). For performance share awards on February 16, 2006, the FAS 123(R) value is $21.85. Refer to Note 14 of our financial statements with respect to our performance share awards. |
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(4) | Valuation is based on the dollar amount of option grants in 2006 recognized for financial statement purposes pursuant to FAS 123(R). The FAS 123(R) is determined based on the Black-Scholes value on the date of grant. Refer to Note 14 of our financial statements with respect to our performance share awards and restricted share units. |
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(5) | Annual fee of $70,000 is paid to non-executive directors. Mr. Avery holds 4,435 outstanding unvested options as at December 31, 2006. |
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(6) | Represents the pro rata amount of the annual fee, as Mr. Cavoores joined our board of directors on October 30, 2006. |
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(7) | Annual fee of $70,000 and $25,000 fee for serving as the Audit Committee Chairman. Mr. Cormack holds a total of 45,175 options as at December 31, 2006, of which 33,501 options have vested. |
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(8) | Annual fee of $70,000, $10,000 for serving as a member of the Audit Committee and the pro rated amount of $5,000 for serving as the Chair of the Risk Committee as of February 16, 2006. Eighty percent of the total compensation is paid to The Black Diamond Group LLC, of which Ms. Hutter is the Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Hutter holds a total of 85,925 options as at December 31, 2006, of which 67,009 options have vested. |
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(9) | Represents the pro rata amount of the annual fee, as Mr. Jones joined our board of directors on October 30, 2006. |
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(10) | Annual fee of $70,000 and $10,000 for serving as a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Kelso holds 4,435 outstanding unvested options as at December 31, 2006. |
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(11) | Annual fee of $70,000 and $5,000 fee for serving as the Compensation Committee Chairman. Mr. Melwani holds 4,435 outstanding unvested options as at December 31, 2006. All compensation due to Mr. Melwani is paid directly to Blackstone, Mr. Melwani’s employer. |
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(12) | Represents an annual salary of £126,000 and a bonus of £150,000 (converted at £1:$1.8435). Mr. Myners was granted stock options and performance share awards under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan on February 16, 2006. As at December 31, 2006, Mr. Myners holds a total of 326,794 options, of which 258,293 options have vested, and 846 performance share awards. |
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(13) | Annual fee of $70,000, $10,000 for serving as a member of the Audit Committee and the pro rated amount of $5,000 for serving as the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee until February 28, 2006. Mr. Rosenthal holds a total of 45,175 options as at December 31, 2006, of which 33,501 options have vested. |
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(14) | Annual fee of $70,000. Mr. Salame holds 4,435 outstanding unvested options as at December 31, 2006. All compensation due to Mr. Salame is paid directly to CSFB Private Equity, Mr. Salame’s employer. |
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation
Annual Fees. The compensation of non-executive directors is benchmarked against comparable companies, taking into account complexity, time commitment and committee duties. With effect from July 1, 2005, members of our board of directors who are not otherwise affiliated with the Company as employees or officers were paid an annual fee of $70,000. The chairman of each committee of our board of directors other than the Audit Committee received an additional $5,000 per annum and the Audit Committee chairman received an additional $25,000 per annum. Other members of the Audit Committee also will receive an additional $10,000 per annum for service on that Committee. Mr. Myners received an annual salary of £126,000 and a bonus of £150,000 for 2006 for serving as Chairman of our board of directors. Mr. Myners’ annual salary for 2007 will be £150,000.
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan. At our annual general meeting of shareholders held on May 25, 2006, our shareholders approved the 2006 Stock Option Plan for non-employee directors of the Company (‘‘2006 Stock Option Plan’’) under which a total of 400,000 ordinary shares may be issued in relation to options granted under the 2006 Stock Option Plan.
Following the annual general meeting of our shareholders, on May 25, 2006, our board of directors approved the grant of 4,435 options under the 2006 Stock Option Plan for each of the non-employee directors, other than Mr. Myners, our Chairman. With respect to the options granted to Mr. Melwani and Mr. Salame, the options were issued in the name of Blackstone and Credit Suisse, respectively, their employers, and through which they were originally appointed to the board of directors. Eighty percent of the options granted to Ms. Hutter were issued to The Black Diamond Group LLC, of which she is the Chief Executive Officer. Messrs. Cavoores and Jones were not members of the board of directors at the time of grant, and therefore did not receive any options. The exercise price is $21.96, the average of the high and low prices of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of grant (May 25, 2006). Subject to the grantee’s continued service as a director, the options will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Mr. Melwani is a member of our Compensation Committee. During 2006, we invested approximately $75 million of our assets in funds of hedge funds with an affiliate of Blackstone, one of our principal shareholders. Mr. Melwani, a non-executive director of the Company, is a Senior Managing Director of Blackstone’s Private Equity Group. Mr. Melwani has no financial interest in the investment. In 2007, we made further investments in funds of hedge funds affiliated with Blackstone in the amount of $150 million. The investment was approved by the Investment Committee without the participation of Mr. Melwani.
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Compensation Committee Report
The following report is not deemed to be ‘‘soliciting material’’ or to be ‘‘filed’’ with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and the report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any prior or subsequent filing by the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Our Compensation Committee has reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act with management.
Based on the review and discussions with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| Compensation Committee Prakash Melwani (Chair) Julian Avery Glyn Jones Kamil Salame |
February 22, 2007
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Audit Committee Report
The following report is not deemed to be ‘‘soliciting material’’ or to be ‘‘filed’’ with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and the report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any prior or subsequent filing by the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
This report is furnished by the Audit Committee of the board of directors with respect to the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006. The Audit Committee held five meetings in 2006.
The Audit Committee has established a Charter which outlines its primary duties and responsibilities. The Audit Committee Charter, which has been approved by the Board, is reviewed at least annually and is updated as necessary.
Company management is responsible for the preparation and presentation of complete and accurate financial statements. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG Audit Plc, is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s financial statements in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and for issuing a report on their audit.
In performing its oversight role in connection with the audit of the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, the Audit Committee has: (1) reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management; (2) reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61; and (3) reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required by Independence Standards Board Statement No. 1. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee has determined its independent registered public accounting firm to be independent and has recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’) and for presentation to the shareholders at the 2007 Annual General Meeting.
| Audit Committee Ian Cormack (Chair) Heidi Hutter David Kelso Norman L. Rosenthal |
February 22, 2007
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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth information as of February 1, 2007 (including, in this table only, options that would be exercisable by March 3, 2007) 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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| • | each person known by us to beneficially own approximately 5% or more of our outstanding ordinary shares; |
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| • | each of our named executive officers; and |
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| • | all of our executive officers and directors as a group. |
As of February 1, 2007, 87,815,157 ordinary shares were outstanding.
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) | | | Number of Ordinary Shares (2) | | | Percentage of Ordinary Shares Outstanding (2) |
The Blackstone Group (3) | | | 11,415,248 | | | | | 13.00 | |
345 Park Avenue, 31st Floor New York, NY 10154 | | | | | | | | | |
FMR Corp (4) | | | 9,149,972 | | | | | 10.42 | |
82 Devonshire Street Boston, MA 02109 | | | | | | | | | |
Candover Investments plc, its subsidiaries and funds under management (5) | | | 6,074,493 | | | | | 6.92 | |
20 Old Bailey London EC4M 7LN United Kingdom | | | | | | | | | |
Snow Capital Management, L.P. (6) | | | 5,490,197 | | | | | 6.25 | |
2100 Georgetowne Drive, Suite 400 Sewickley, PA 15143 | | | | | | | | | |
Credit Suisse (7) | | | 4,446,233 | | | | | 5.06 | |
11 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, NY 10010 | | | | | | | | | |
Paul Myners (8) | | | 350,702 | | | | | | |
Christopher O’Kane (9) | | | 870,355 | | | | | 1.00 | |
Julian Cusack (10) | | | 305,671 | | | | | | |
Stuart Sinclair | | | 7,968 | | | | | | |
Brian Boornazian (11) | | | 31,237 | | | | | | |
James Few (12) | | | 120,222 | | | | | | |
Julian Avery | | | — | | | | | | |
John Cavoores | | | — | | | | | | |
Ian Cormack (13) | | | 35,671 | | | | | | |
Heidi Hutter (14) | | | 71,349 | | | | | | |
Glyn Jones | | | — | | | | | | |
David Kelso | | | 2,000 | | | | | | |
Prakash Melwani (15) | | | — | | | | | | |
Norman Rosenthal (16) | | | 40,351 | | | | | | |
Kamil M. Salame (17) | | | — | | | | | | |
All directors and executive officers as a group (21 persons) | | | 1,988,076 | | | | | 2.22 | |
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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, 30 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BD, United Kingdom. The address for Messrs. Cusack and Few is c/o Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Maxwell Roberts Building, 1 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. |
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(2) | Represents the outstanding ordinary shares. With respect to the directors and officers, includes the vested options exercisable for ordinary shares. |
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| | Our bye-laws generally provide for voting adjustments in certain circumstances. |
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(3) | Includes 8,707,805 ordinary shares held by BCP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, 660,956 ordinary shares held by BFIP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, 399,356 ordinary shares held by BGE Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited and 1,647,131 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. Blackstone Management Associates (Cayman) III L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership (‘‘BMA III’’) is the sole general partner of each of BCP III and BFIP III, and the sole investment general partner of BOCP III. As the sole general partner of BMA III and 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 11,415,248 ordinary shares. Messrs. Peter G. Peterson and Stephen A. Schwarzman are the founding members of 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 BLR III. As a result, the Blackstone Founding Members may be deemed to beneficially own the ordinary shares that 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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(4) | As filed with the SEC on Schedule 13G by FMR Corp. on February 14, 2007, Fidelity Management & Research Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR Corp. and an investment adviser registered under the Investment Adviser Act of 1940, is the beneficial owner of 7,463,272 ordinary shares, as a result of acting as investment adviser to various investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Fidelity Management Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR Corp. is the beneficial owner of 27,700 ordinary shares. Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC, 53 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR Corp., is the beneficial owner of 147,400 ordinary shares. Pyramis Global Advisors Trust Company, 53 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR Corp., is the beneficial owner of 687,100 ordinary shares. Fidelity International Limited, Pembroke Hall, 42 Crow Lane, Hamilton, Bermuda, and various foreign-based is the beneficial owner of 824,500 ordinary shares. |
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(5) | Includes 681,398 ordinary shares held by Candover Investments plc, 30,996 ordinary shares held by Candover (Trustees) Limited, 133,826 ordinary shares held by Candover 2001 GmbH & Co. KG, 406,054 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 5 Limited Partnership, 97,182 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 4 Limited Partnership, 343,070 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 3 Limited Partnership, 608,511 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 2 Limited Partnership, 965,390 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund US No. 1 Limited Partnership, 552,463 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 6 Limited Partnership, 70,911 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 5 Limited Partnership, 100,654 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general |
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| partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 4 Limited Partnership, 1,018,463 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 3 Limited Partnership, 317,982 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 2 Limited Partnership and 747,593 ordinary shares held by Candover Partners Limited as general partner of Candover 2001 Fund UK No. 1 Limited Partnership, but excludes 16,794 ordinary shares held by Mourant & Co. Trustees Limited (‘‘Mourant’’) as trustee of The Candover 2001 Employee Benefit Trust. |
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(6) | As filed with the SEC on Schedule 13G by Snow Capital Management, L.P. on February 5, 2007. |
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(7) | Includes 524,596 ordinary shares held by MBP III Plan Investors, L.P., 19,958 ordinary shares held by Millennium Partners II, L.P., 29,363 ordinary shares held by DLJ MB Partners III GmbH & Co. KG, 44,253 ordinary shares held by DLJ Offshore Partners III-2, C.V., 62,132 ordinary shares held by DLJ Offshore Partners III-1, C.V., 242,096 ordinary shares held by DLJ Offshore Partners III, C.V., and 3,516,935 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.’’ Also includes 6,900 ordinary shares held by Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and certain of its affiliates other than the DLJ Related Entities. Credit Suisse, a Swiss bank, owns all the voting stock of Credit Suisse Holdings (USA), Inc. (formerly Credit Suisse First Boston (USA), Inc.) (‘‘CS-USA’’). The DLJ Related Entities are direct and indirect subsidiaries of CS-USA and merchant banking funds advised by subsidiaries of CS-USA. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, one of the underwriters in our initial public offering and senior notes offering, is a direct subsidiary of CS-USA and itself does not hold any ownership interest in either CSFB Private Equity or any of the DLJ Related Entities. Kamil Salame, one of our directors, is a partner of DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, the leveraged corporate private equity funds of Credit Suisse’s asset management business. Mr. Salame disclaims beneficial ownership of any of the ordinary shares owned by the DLJ Related Entities. |
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(8) | Includes 92,409 ordinary shares and 258,293 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Mr. Myners. |
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(9) | Includes 30,530 ordinary shares, 839,185 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options and 640 issuable performance shares, held by Mr. O’Kane. |
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(10) | Includes 13,040 ordinary shares, 292,247 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options and 384 issuable performance shares, held by Mr. Cusack. |
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(11) | Includes 21,449 ordinary shares, 7,868 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options and 1,920 issuable performance shares, held by Mr. Boornazian. |
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(12) | Includes 3,330 ordinary shares, 115,932 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options and 960 issuable performance shares, held by Mr. Few. |
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(13) | Includes 2,170 ordinary shares and 33,501 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Mr. Cormack. |
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(14) | 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, 515 Congress Avenue, Suite 2220, Austin, Texas 78701. Ms. Hutter also holds vested options exercisable for 67,009 ordinary shares. |
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(15) | 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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(16) | Includes 6,850 ordinary shares and 33,501 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of vested options held by Dr. Rosenthal. Dr. Rosenthal, one of our directors, was nominated by Blackstone and appointed by the board of directors. Dr. Rosenthal disclaims beneficial |
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| ownership of any of the ordinary shares held by Blackstone. The business address of Dr. Rosenthal is c/o Norman L. Rosenthal & Associates, Inc., 415 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. |
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(17) | Mr. Salame, one of our directors, is a Managing Director in the asset management business of Credit Suisse, 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 and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and its affiliates. 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. |
The table below includes securities to be issued upon exercise of options granted pursuant to the Company’s 2003 Share Incentive Plan and the 2006 Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2006. The 2003 Share Incentive Plan, as amended, and the 2006 Stock Option Plan were approved by shareholders at our annual general meetings.
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | A | | | B | | | C |
Plan Category | | | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | | Weighted-average exercise of price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column a) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | | | 4,961,840 | | | $16.78 | | | 4,514,713 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Total | | | 4,961,840 | | | $16.78 | | | 4,514,713 |
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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
We describe below some of the transactions we have entered into with parties that are related to our Company. The review and approval of any direct or indirect transactions between Aspen and related persons is governed by the Company’s Code of Conduct, which provides guidelines for any transaction which may create a conflict of interest between us and our employees, officers or directors and members of their immediate family. Pursuant to the Code of Conduct, we will review personal benefits received, personal financial interest in a transaction and certain business relationships in evaluating whether a conflict of interest exists. The Audit Committee is responsible for applying the Company’s policy and approving certain individual transactions.
Transactions with Related Persons
Hedge Fund Investment. During 2006, we invested approximately $75 million of our assets in funds of hedge funds with an affiliate of Blackstone, one of our principal shareholders. Mr. Melwani, a non-executive director of the Company, is a Senior Managing Director of Blackstone’s Private Equity Group. Mr. Melwani has no financial interest in the investment. In 2007, we made further investments in funds of hedge funds affiliated with Blackstone in the amount of $150 million. The investment was approved by the Investment Committee without the participation of Mr. Melwani.
Director Independence
Under the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers a majority of the board of directors (and each member of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees) must be independent. The Company currently qualifies as a foreign private issuer, and as such is not required to meet all of the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards. The board of directors may determine a director to be independent if the director has no disqualifying relationship as enumerated in the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and if the board of directors has affirmatively determined that the director has no direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. Independence determinations are made on an annual basis at the time the board of directors approves director nominees for inclusion in the annual proxy statement and, if a director joins the board of directors between annual meetings, at such time.
Our board of directors reviews various transactions, relationships and arrangements of individual directors in determining whether they are independent. With respect to Ms. Hutter, the board of directors considered the Company’s 2006 and 2007 reinsurance transactions with Talbot Underwriting plc, as well as the insurance-related investments of Capital Partners I, L.P., of which she is a manager. With respect to Mr. Salame, the board of directors evaluated the fees paid by the Company to Credit Suisse pursuant to the credit facilities. In connection with Dr. Rosenthal’s independence, the board of directors reviewed reinsurance arrangements between the Company and affiliates of The Plymouth Rock Company. The board of directors also discussed Mr. Cavoores’ consulting arrangement with Blackstone. In addition, the board of directors considered Mr. Cormack’s role as a non-executive director of Pearl Assurance Group Ltd., Pearl Assurance, London Life Assurance, National Provident Assurance and Aberdeen Growth Opportunities VCT2 plc, and the current status of Mr. Avery’s prior relationship with Wellington.
The board of directors has made the determination that Messrs. Avery, Cavoores, Cormack, Jones, Kelso, Melwani and Salame, Dr. Rosenthal and Ms. Hutter are independent and have no material relationships with the Company.
The board of directors has determined that the Audit Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors, in accordance with the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards. In addition, the board of directors has determined that as of the date of this report all members of the Compensation Committee are independent.
Effective February 28, 2006, Mr. Myners was elected member and chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. As he is not deemed independent under the NYSE standards, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is not composed of solely independent directors.
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Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The following table represents aggregate fees billed to the Company for fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 by KPMG Audit plc (‘‘KPMG’’), the Company’s principal accounting firm.
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| | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2006 | | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2005 |
| | | ($ in thousands) |
Audit Fees (a) | | | $1,978.9 | | | $1,791.8 |
Audit-Related Fees (b) | | | $268.8 | | | 760.3 |
Tax Fees (c) | | | — | | | — |
All Other Fees (d) | | | — | | | — |
Total Fees | | | $2,247.7 | | | $2,552.1 |
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(a) | Audit fees related to the audit of the Company’s financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, the review of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during 2006 and 2005 and for services that are normally provided by KPMG in connection with statutory and regulatory filings for the relevant fiscal years. |
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(b) | Audit-related fees are fees related to assurance and related services for the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements (other than the audit fees disclosed above). |
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(c) | Tax fees are fees related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning services. |
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(d) | All other fees relate to fees billed to the Company by KPMG for all other non-audit services rendered to the Company. |
The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by KPMG is compatible with maintaining KPMG’s independence with respect to the Company and has determined that the provision of the specified non-audit services is consistent with and compatible with KPMG maintaining its independence. The Audit Committee approved all services that were provided by KPMG.
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits
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1. | Financial Statements: The Consolidated Financial Statements of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and related Notes thereto are listed in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Reports on page F-1 and are filed as part of this Report. |
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2. | Financial Statement Schedules: The Schedules to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited are listed in the accompanying Index to Schedules to Consolidated Financial Statements on page S-1 and are filed as part of this Report. |
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3. | Exhibits: |
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Exhibit Number | | | Description |
| 3 | .1 | | | | Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 3 | .2 | | | | Amended and Restated Bye-laws (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 27, 2005 and Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2006, filed on August 8, 2006) |
| 4 | .1 | | | | Specimen Ordinary Share Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 4 | .2 | | | | Amended and Restated Instrument Constituting Options to Subscribe for Shares in Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, dated September 30, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 30, 2005) |
| 4 | .3 | | | | Indenture between Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee dated as of August 16, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s 2004 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-119-314)) |
| 4 | .4 | | | | First Supplemental Indenture by and between Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, as issuer and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee dated as of August 16, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s 2004 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-119-314)) |
| 4 | .5 | | | | Certificate of Designations of the Company’s Perpetual PIERS, dated December 12, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2005) |
| 4 | .6 | | | | Specimen Certificate for the Company’s Perpetual PIERS (incorporated herein by reference to the form of which is in exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2005) |
| 4 | .7 | | | | Certificate of Designations of the Company’s Preference Shares, dated December 12, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2005) |
| 4 | .8 | | | | Specimen Certificate for the Company’s Preference Shares (incorporated herein by reference to the form of which is in exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2005) |
| 4 | .9 | | | | Form of Certificate of Designations of the Company’s Perpetual Preference Shares, dated November 15, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2006) |
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Exhibit Number | | | Description |
| 4 | .10 | | | | Specimen Certificate for the Company’s Perpetual Preference Shares, (incorporated herein by reference to the form of which is in exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2006) |
| 4 | .11 | | | | Form of Replacement Capital Covenant, dated November 15, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2006) |
| 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 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 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 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 10 | .3 | | | | Service Agreement dated September 24, 2004 among Christopher O’Kane, Aspen Insurance U.K. Services Limited and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 24, 2004) * |
| 10 | .4 | | | | Service Agreement dated September 24, 2004 between Julian Cusack and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 24, 2004), to be amended and restated as of the Effective Date (as defined therein) (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2006) * |
| 10 | .5 | | | | Service Agreement dated March 10, 2005 between James Few and Aspen Insurance Limited (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 14, 2005) * |
| 10 | .6 | | | | Service Agreement dated May 19, 2006 among Sarah Ann Davies, Aspen Insurance UK Services Limited and Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2006) * |
| 10 | .7 | | | | Compromise Agreement dated May 19, 2006 among Sarah Ann Davies, Aspen Insurance UK Services Limited and Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2006)* |
| 10 | .8 | | | | Letter to Sarah Ann Davies dated May 19, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, May 22, 2006) * |
| 10 | .9 | | | | Employment Agreement dated January 12, 2004 between Brian Boornazian and Aspen Insurance U.S. Services Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed on March 6, 2006) * |
| 10 | .10 | | | | Services Agreement dated August 4, 2006 between Stuart Sinclair and Aspen Insurance UK Services Limited (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 10, 2006) * |
| 10 | .11 | | | | Letter to Stuart Sinclair dated August 3, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 10, 2006) * |
| 10 | .12 | | | | Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited 2003 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 27, 2005) * |
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Exhibit Number | | | Description |
| 10 | .13 | | | | Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of August 2, 2005, by and among the Company, certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto, Barclays Bank plc, as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer, Bank of America, N.A. and Calyon, New York Branch, as co-syndication agents, Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as co-documentation agents, The Bank of New York, as collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2005) |
| 10 | .14 | | | | Amendment, dated as of April 13, 2006, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 2, 2005, among the Company, certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto, Barclays Bank plc, as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A. and Calyon, New York Branch, as co-syndication agents, Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as co-documentation agents, and The Bank of New York, as collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 18, 2006) |
| 10 | .15 | | | | Commitment Increase Supplement, dated September 1, 2006, to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 2, 2005, among the Company, certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto, Barclays Bank plc, as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A. and Calyon, New York Branch, as co-syndication agents, Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as co-documentation agents, and The Bank of New York, as collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2006) |
| 10 | .16 | | | | 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 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 10 | .17 | | | | Slip agreement for quota share entered into June 6, 2002 between National Indemnity Company and Aspen Insurance UK Limited (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 10 | .18 | | | | Qualifying Quota Share Agreement between Wellington Underwriting, Syndicate 2020 and Aspen Insurance UK Limited dated April 15, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 10 | .19 | | | | 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 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 10 | .20 | | | | 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 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 10 | .21 | | | | 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 (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s 2003 Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-110435)) |
| 10 | .22 | | | | Form of Shareholder’s Agreement between the Company and certain employee and/or director shareholders and/or optionholders (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 4.11 to the Company’s 2005 Registration Statement on Form F-3 (Registration No. 333-122571)) * |
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Exhibit Number | | | Description |
| 10 | .23 | | | | Form of Option Agreement relating to initial option grants under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 14, 2005) * |
| 10 | .24 | | | | Form of Option Agreement relating to options granted in 2004 under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 14, 2005) * |
| 10 | .25 | | | | Form of Performance Share Award Agreement relating to grants in 2004 under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 14, 2005) * |
| 10 | .26 | | | | Form of Option Agreement relating to options granted in 2005 under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 14, 2005) * |
| 10 | .27 | | | | Form of Performance Share Award Agreement relating to grants in 2005 under the Share Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 14, 2005) * |
| 10 | .28 | | | | Form of letter amendment to the Option Agreements relating to options granted in 2004 and 2005 and Performance Share Award Agreements relating to grants in 2004 and 2005 to certain Bermudian employees including James Few (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for nine months ended September 30, 2005, filed on November 9, 2005) * |
| 10 | .29 | | | | Form of Option Agreement relating to options granted in 2006 under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed on March 6, 2006) * |
| 10 | .30 | | | | Form of Performance Share Award Agreement relating to grants in 2006 under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed on March 6, 2006) * |
| 10 | .32 | | | | 2006 Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 26, 2006) * |
| 10 | .33 | | | | Form of Non-Employee Director Nonqualified Share Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 26, 2006) * |
| 10 | .34 | | | | Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2006, between the Company and MBP IIII Plan Investors, L.P., Millennium Partners II, L.P., DLJ MB Partners III GmbH & Co. KG, DLJ Offshore Partners III-2, C.V., DLJ Offshore Partners III-1, C.V., DLJ Offshore Partners III C.V. and DLJMB Overseas Partners III, C.V. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 6, 2006) |
| 10 | .35 | | | | Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2006, between the Company and BCP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, BFIP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited, BGE Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited and BOCP Excalibur Holdco (Cayman) Limited (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 6, 2006) |
| 10 | .36 | | | | Master Confirmation, dated as of December 21, 2006, between the Company and Goldman, Sachs & Co. relating to the accelerated share purchase program, filed with this report |
| 10 | .37 | | | | Supplemental Confirmation, dated as of December 21, 2006, between the Company and Goldman, Sachs & Co. relating to the Master Confirmation, filed with this report |
|
151
| | | | | | |
Exhibit Number | | | Description |
| 10 | .38 | | | | Trade Notification, dated January 17, 2007, relating to the Master Confirmation, filed with this report |
| 10 | .39 | | | | Committed Letter of Credit Facility dated October 11, 2006 between Aspen Insurance Limited and Citibank Ireland Financial Services plc. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 13, 2006) |
| 10 | .40 | | | | Insurance Letters of Credit—Master Agreement dated December 15, 2003 between Aspen Insurance Limited and Citibank Ireland Financial Services plc. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 13, 2006) |
| 10 | .41 | | | | Pledge Agreement dated January 17, 2006 between Aspen Insurance Limited and Citibank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 13, 2006) |
| 10 | .42 | | | | Side Letter relating to the Pledge Agreement, dated January 27, 2006 between Aspen Insurance Limited and Citibank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 13, 2006) |
| 10 | .43 | | | | Assignment Agreement dated October 11, 2006 among Aspen Insurance Limited, Citibank, N.A., Citibank Ireland Financial Services plc and The Bank of New York (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 13, 2006) |
| 10 | .44 | | | | Letter Agreement dated October 11, 2006 between Aspen Insurance Limited and Citibank Ireland Financial Services plc. (incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 13, 2006) |
| 21 | .1 | | | | Subsidiaries of the Company, filed with this report |
| 23 | .1 | | | | Consent of KPMG Audit Plc, filed with this report |
| 24 | .1 | | | | Power of Attorney for officers and directors of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (included on the signature page of this report) |
| 31 | .1 | | | | Officer Certification of Christopher O’Kane, Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed with this report |
| 31 | .2 | | | | Officer Certification of Julian Cusack, Chief Financial Officer of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed with this report |
| 32 | .1 | | | | Officer Certification of Christopher O’Kane, Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, and Julian Cusack, Chief Financial Officer of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, submitted with this report |
|
| |
* | This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
152
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION
Unless this report provides a different rate, the translations of British Pounds into U.S. Dollars have been made at the rate of £1 to $1.9589, which was the closing exchange rate on December 29, 2006 for the British Pound/U.S. Dollar exchange rate as displayed on Bloomberg. 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 January 31, 2007 | | | | | 1.9655 | | | | | | 1.9813 | | | | | | 1.9292 | | | | | | 1.9589 | |
Month Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | 1.9589 | | | | | | 1.9815 | | | | | | 1.9478 | | | | | | 1.9630 | |
Month Ended November 30, 2006 | | | | | 1.9661 | | | | | | 1.9661 | | | | | | 1.8886 | | | | | | 1.9125 | |
Month Ended October 31, 2006 | | | | | 1.9074 | | | | | | 1.9074 | | | | | | 1.8536 | | | | | | 1.8766 | |
Month Ended September 30, 2006 | | | | | 1.8723 | | | | | | 1.9070 | | | | | | 1.8653 | | | | | | 1.8859 | |
Month Ended August 31, 2006 | | | | | 1.9046 | | | | | | 1.9080 | | | | | | 1.8763 | | | | | | 1.8932 | |
Year Ended December 31, 2006 | | | | | 1.9589 | | | | | | 1.9815 | | | | | | 1.7199 | | | | | | 1.8436 | |
Year Ended December 31, 2005 | | | | | 1.7230 | | | | | | 1.9291 | | | | | | 1.7142 | | | | | | 1.8196 | |
Year Ended December 31, 2004 | | | | | 1.9183 | | | | | | 1.9467 | | | | | | 1.7663 | | | | | | 1.8323 | |
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 | |
|
| |
(1) | Data obtained from Bloomberg LP. |
| |
(2) | ‘‘Last’’ is the closing exchange rate on the last business day of each of the periods indicated. |
| |
(3) | ‘‘Average’’ for the monthly exchange rates is the average of the daily closing exchange rates during the periods indicated. ‘‘Average’’ for the year ended periods is also calculated using daily closing exchange rate during those periods. |
153
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED |
Date: February 22, 2007
| | | | | | |
By: | | | /s/ Christopher O’Kane | | | |
| | | Name: Christopher O’Kane | | | |
| | | Title: Chief Executive Officer | | | |
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know all men by these presents, that the undersigned directors and officers of the Company, a Bermuda limited liability company, which is filing a Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549 under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934 hereby constitute and appoint Christopher O’Kane and Julian Cusack, and each of them, the individual’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the person and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign such Form 10-K therewith and any and all amendments thereto to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact as agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 22nd day of February, 2007.
| | | |
Signature | | | Title |
/s/ Paul Myners | | | |
Paul Myners | | | Chairman and Director |
/s/ Christopher O’Kane | | | |
Christopher O’Kane | | | Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
/s/ Julian Cusack | | | |
Julian Cusack | | | Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial Officer) |
/s/ Ian Campbell | | | |
Ian Campbell | | | Principal Accounting Officer |
/s/ Julian Avery | | | |
Julian Avery | | | Director |
/s/ John Cavoores | | | |
John Cavoores | | | Director |
/s/ Ian Cormack | | | |
Ian Cormack | | | Director |
|
154
| | | |
Signature | | | Title |
/s/ Heidi Hutter Heidi Hutter | | | Director |
/s/ Glyn Jones Glyn Jones | | | Director |
/s/ David Kelso David Kelso | | | Director |
/s/ Prakash Melwani Prakash Melwani | | | Director |
/s/ Norman L. Rosenthal Norman L. Rosenthal | | | Director |
/s/ Kamil M. Salame Kamil M. Salame | | | Director |
/s/ Stuart Sinclair Stuart Sinclair | | | Director |
|
155
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
| | | | | | |
| | | | | Page | |
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting | | | | | F-2 | |
Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | | | | F-3 | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | | | | F-4 | |
Consolidated Financial Statements for the Twelve Months ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004 | | | | | | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 | | | | | F-5 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 | | | | | F-6 | |
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 | | | | | F-8 | |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 | | | | | F-9 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 | | | | | F-10 | |
Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 | | | | | F-12 | |
|
F-1
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and as contemplated by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. These limitations include the possibility that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of error or mistake. Therefore, any internal control system can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect all misstatements or omissions. In addition, our evaluation of effectiveness is as of a particular point in time and there can be no assurance that any system will succeed in achieving its goals under all future conditions.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment in accordance with the criteria, we believe that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2006.
Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 has been audited by KPMG Audit Plc, an independent registered public accounting firm, who also audited our consolidated financial statements. KPMG Audit Plc’s attestation report on management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting appears on page F-3.
F-2
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
ATTESTATION REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited:
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and subsidiaries (the ‘‘Company’’) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006 and our report dated February 22, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG Audit Plc
KPMG Audit Plc
London, United Kingdom
February 22, 2007
F-3
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and subsidiaries (the ‘Company’) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006. 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 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 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 audits provide 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 subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (‘COSO’), and our report dated February 22, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG Audit Plc
KPMG Audit Plc
London, United Kingdom
February 22, 2007
F-4
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For The Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 |
Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net premiums earned | | | | $ | 1,676.2 | | | | | $ | 1,508.4 | | | | | $ | 1,232.8 | |
Net investment income | | | | | 204.4 | | | | | | 121.3 | | | | | | 68.3 | |
Realized investment losses | | | | | (8.0 | | | | | | (4.4 | | | | | | (3.5 | |
Change in fair value of derivatives | | | | | (13.1 | | | | | | 19.4 | | | | | | (4.0 | |
Total Revenues | | | | | 1,859.5 | | | | | | 1,644.7 | | | | | | 1,293.6 | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | | | (889.9 | | | | | | (1,358.5 | | | | | | (723.6 | |
Policy acquisition expenses | | | | | (322.8 | | | | | | (283.2 | | | | | | (212.0 | |
Operating and administration expenses | | | | | (167.9 | | | | | | (125.9 | | | | | | (93.0 | |
Interest on long term debt | | | | | (16.9 | | | | | | (16.2 | | | | | | (6.9 | |
Realized exchange gains/(losses) | | | | | 9.5 | | | | | | (18.2 | | | | | | 5.1 | |
Other expenses | | | | | (1.1 | | | | | | (3.1 | | | | | | — | |
Total Expenses | | | | | (1,389.1 | | | | | | (1,805.1 | | | | | | (1,030.4 | |
Income/(loss) from operations before income tax | | | | | 470.4 | | | | | | (160.4 | | | | | | 263.2 | |
Income tax expense | | | | | (92.3 | | | | | | (17.4 | | | | | | (68.1 | |
Net Income/(Loss) | | | | $ | 378.1 | | | | | $ | (177.8 | | | | | $ | 195.1 | |
Per share data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of ordinary share and share equivalents | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | 94,802,413 | | | | | | 74,020,302 | | | | | | 69,204,658 | |
Diluted | | | | | 96,734,315 | | | | | | 74,020,302 | | | | | | 71,121,568 | |
Basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share | | | | $ | 3.82 | | | | | $ | (2.40 | | | | | $ | 2.82 | |
Diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share | | | | $ | 3.75 | | | | | $ | (2.40 | | | | | $ | 2.74 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As at December 31, 2006 and 2005
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed income maturities available for sale at fair value | | | | $ | 3,828.7 | | | | | $ | 3,046.1 | |
Other investments at fair value | | | | | 156.9 | | | | | | — | |
Short-term investments available for sale at fair value | | | | | 695.5 | | | | | | 643.0 | |
Total investments | | | | | 4,681.1 | | | | | | 3,689.1 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | 495.0 | | | | | | 748.3 | |
Reinsurance recoverables | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unpaid losses | | | | | 468.3 | | | | | | 1,192.7 | |
Ceded unearned premiums | | | | | 29.8 | | | | | | 72.7 | |
Receivables | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Underwriting premiums | | | | | 688.1 | | | | | | 541.4 | |
Other | | | | | 62.2 | | | | | | 55.7 | |
Deferred policy acquisition costs | | | | | 141.4 | | | | | | 156.2 | |
Derivatives at fair value | | | | | 33.8 | | | | | | 40.5 | |
Office properties and equipment | | | | | 24.6 | | | | | | 22.8 | |
Other assets | | | | | 7.6 | | | | | | 10.2 | |
Intangible assets | | | | | 8.2 | | | | | | 8.2 | |
Total Assets | | | | $ | 6,640.1 | | | | | $ | 6,537.8 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-6
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As at December 31, 2006 and 2005
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insurance reserves | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | | $ | 2,820.0 | | | | | $ | 3,041.6 | |
Unearned premiums | | | | | 841.3 | | | | | | 868.0 | |
Total insurance reserves | | | | | 3,661.3 | | | | | | 3,909.6 | |
Payables | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reinsurance premiums | | | | | 62.4 | | | | | | 155.0 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | | | 34.1 | | | | | | 32.7 | |
Current income taxes | | | | | 27.7 | | | | | | — | |
Accrued expenses and other payables | | | | | 186.2 | | | | | | 139.4 | |
Liabilities under derivative contracts | | | | | 29.7 | | | | | | 12.0 | |
Total Payables | | | | | 340.1 | | | | | | 339.1 | |
Long term debt | | | | | 249.4 | | | | | | 249.3 | |
Total Liabilities | | | | $ | 4,250.8 | | | | | $ | 4,498.0 | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary shares: 87,788,375 shares of 0.15144558¢ each (2005—95,209,008) | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Preference shares: 4,600,000 5.625% shares of par value 0.15144558¢ each (2005—4,000,000) | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
—8,000,000 7.401% shares of par value 0.15144558¢ each (2005—nil) | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Additional Paid-in Capital | | | | | 1,921.7 | | | | | | 1,887.0 | |
Retained earnings | | | | | 450.5 | | | | | | 144.2 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes | | | | | 17.0 | | | | | | 8.5 | |
Total Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | 2,389.3 | | | | | | 2,039.8 | |
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | | | | $ | 6,640.1 | | | | | $ | 6,537.8 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-7
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For The Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 |
Ordinary shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | | $ | 0.1 | | | | | $ | 0.1 | | | | | $ | 0.1 | |
New shares issued | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
End of year | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Preference shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
5.625% Preference shares issued | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
7.401% Preference shares issued | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
End of year | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | | | 1,887.0 | | | | | | 1,096.0 | | | | | | 1,090.7 | |
New ordinary shares issued | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | 596.4 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Ordinary shares repurchased | | | | | (200.8 | | | | | | (1.9 | | | | | | — | |
New ordinary share issue costs | | | | | — | | | | | | (0.7 | | | | | | — | |
New preference shares issued | | | | | 229.1 | | | | | | 194.5 | | | | | | — | |
New preference share issue costs | | | | | (3.7 | | | | | | (0.7 | | | | | | — | |
Share-based compensation | | | | | 10.0 | | | | | | 3.4 | | | | | | 5.2 | |
End of year | | | | | 1,921.7 | | | | | | 1,887.0 | | | | | | 1,096.0 | |
Retained earnings | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | | | 144.2 | | | | | | 367.5 | | | | | | 180.7 | |
Net income (loss) for the year | | | | | 378.1 | | | | | | (177.8 | | | | | | 195.1 | |
Dividends paid on ordinary and preference shares | | | | | (71.8 | | | | | | (45.5 | | | | | | (8.3 | |
End of year | | | | | 450.5 | | | | | | 144.2 | | | | | | 367.5 | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments net of taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | | | 42.8 | | | | | | 27.9 | | | | | | 27.8 | |
Change for the year | | | | | 16.3 | | | | | | 14.9 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
End of year | | | | | 59.1 | | | | | | 42.8 | | | | | | 27.9 | |
Loss on derivatives | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | | | (2.0 | | | | | | (2.2 | | | | | | — | |
Change for the year | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2.3 | |
Reclassification to interest expense | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
End of year | | | | | (1.8 | | | | | | (2.0 | | | | | | (2.2 | |
Unrealized depreciation on investments, net of taxes: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | | | (32.3 | | | | | | (7.8 | | | | | | (0.6 | |
Change for the year | | | | | (8.0 | | | | | | (24.5 | | | | | | (7.2 | |
End of year | | | | | (40.3 | | | | | | (32.3 | | | | | | (7.8 | |
Total accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | 17.0 | | | | | | 8.5 | | | | | | 17.9 | |
Total Shareholders’ Equity | | | | $ | 2,389.3 | | | | | $ | 2,039.8 | | | | | $ | 1,481.5 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-8
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For The Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 |
Net income/(loss) | | | | $ | 378.1 | | | | | $ | (177.8 | | | | | $ | 195.1 | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in gains on foreign currency translation | | | | | 16.3 | | | | | | 14.9 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Loss on derivatives | | | | | -— | | | | | | -— | | | | | | (2.3 | |
Loss on derivatives reclassified to interest expense | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Reclassification adjustment for net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gains/(losses) included in net income/(loss) | | | | | 6.5 | | | | | | 4.0 | | | | | | 2.4 | |
Change in unrealized losses on investments | | | | | (14.5 | | | | | | (28.5 | | | | | | (9.6 | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) | | | | | 8.5 | | | | | | (9.4 | | | | | | (9.3 | |
Comprehensive income/(loss) | | | | $ | 386.6 | | | | | $ | (187.2 | | | | | $ | 185.8 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-9
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 |
Operating Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) | | | | $ | 378.1 | | | | | $ | (177.8 | | | | | $ | 195.1 | |
Adjustments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization of premium or discount on investments | | | | | 17.1 | | | | | | 15.5 | | | | | | 12.2 | |
Share-based compensation expense | | | | | 10.0 | | | | | | 3.4 | | | | | | 5.2 | |
Changes in insurance reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | | | (314.2 | | | | | | 1,842.9 | | | | | | 709.7 | |
Unearned premiums | | | | | (52.9 | | | | | | 174.1 | | | | | | 116.8 | |
Changes in reinsurance balances: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reinsurance recoverables | | | | | 742.1 | | | | | | (1,011.5 | | | | | | (150.4 | |
Ceded unearned premiums | | | | | 41.2 | | | | | | (31.7 | | | | | | 9.6 | |
Changes in accrued investment income and other receivables | | | | | (1.2 | | | | | | (7.7 | | | | | | 2.2 | |
Changes in deferred policy acquisition costs | | | | | 17.9 | | | | | | (47.5 | | | | | | (17.3 | |
Changes in reinsurance premiums payable | | | | | (92.6 | | | | | | 100.8 | | | | | | (6.8 | |
Changes in premiums receivable | | | | | (124.0 | | | | | | (54.6 | | | | | | 23.2 | |
Changes in accrued expenses and other payable | | | | | 76.0 | | | | | | 12.3 | | | | | | 61.8 | |
Change in fair value of derivatives and settlement of liabilities under derivatives | | | | | 24.4 | | | | | | (29.1 | | | | | | — | |
Change in fair value of other investments | | | | | (6.9 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Net cash generated by operating activities | | | | | 715.0 | | | | | | 789.1 | | | | | | 961.3 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-10
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 |
Investing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of fixed maturities | | | | $ | (2,129.0 | | | | | $ | (3,292.2 | | | | | $ | (5,220.4 | |
Purchases of other investments | | | | | (150.0 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities | | | | | 1,387.5 | | | | | | 2,364.6 | | | | | | 4,060.6 | |
Net (purchases)/sales of short-term investments | | | | | (43.0 | | | | | | (114.2 | | | | | | 55.5 | |
Purchase of intangible assets | | | | | — | | | | | | (1.6 | | | | | | (4.6 | |
Purchase of equipment | | | | | (1.8 | | | | | | (17.8 | | | | | | — | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | | | (936.3 | | | | | | (1,061.2 | | | | | | (1,108.9 | |
Financing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from the issuance of Ordinary Shares, net of issuance costs | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | 595.7 | | | | | | 0.2 | |
Ordinary Shares repurchased | | | | | (200.8 | | | | | | (1.9 | | | | | | (0.1 | |
Proceeds from the issuance of Preference Shares of $50 each, net of issuance costs | | | | | 29.1 | | | | | | 193.8 | | | | | | — | |
Proceeds from the issuance of Preference Shares of $25 each, net of issuance costs | | | | | 196.3 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Dividends paid on Ordinary Shares | | | | | (56.2 | | | | | | (45.5 | | | | | | (8.3 | |
Dividends paid on Preference Shares | | | | | (15.6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Gain/(loss) on derivatives | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2.3 | |
Proceeds from long-term debt | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 249.3 | |
Repayment of long-term debt | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (40.0 | |
Net cash (used in)/generated by financing activities | | | | | (46.9 | | | | | | 742.1 | | | | | | 198.8 | |
Effect of exchange rate movements on cash and cash equivalents | | | | | 14.9 | | | | | | (6.6 | | | | | | 2.9 | |
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | | | (253.3 | | | | | | 463.4 | | | | | | 54.1 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | | | | | 748.3 | | | | | | 284.9 | | | | | | 230.8 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | | | | $ | 495.0 | | | | | $ | 748.3 | | | | | $ | 284.9 | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the year for income tax | | | | | 37.4 | | | | | | 56.1 | | | | | | 47.9 | |
Cash paid during the year for interest | | | | | 15.4 | | | | | | 11.1 | | | | | | 0.2 | |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-11
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| |
1. | History and organization |
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (‘‘Aspen Holdings’’) was incorporated on May 23, 2002 and holds subsidiaries that provide insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis. Its principal operating subsidiaries are Aspen Insurance UK Limited (‘‘Aspen Re’’), Aspen Insurance Limited (‘‘Aspen Bermuda’’) and Aspen Specialty Insurance Company (‘‘Aspen Specialty’’).
| |
2. | Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies |
The consolidated financial statements of Aspen Holdings are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (‘‘U.S. GAAP’’) and 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.
(a) Use of Estimates
Assumptions and estimates made by the directors have a significant effect on the amounts reported within the consolidated financial statements. The most significant of these relate to the reserves for property and liability losses, premiums receivable in respect of assumed reinsurance and the fair value of derivatives. All material assumptions and estimates are regularly reviewed and adjustments made as necessary, but actual results could turn out significantly different from those expected when the assumptions or estimates were made.
(b) Accounting for Insurance and Reinsurance Operations
Premiums Earned. 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.
We exercise judgment in determining the adjustment premiums, which represent a small portion of total premiums receivable. The proportion of adjustable premiums included in the premium estimates varies between business lines with the largest adjustment premiums being in property reinsurance and the smallest in property and casualty insurance.
Premiums on proportional treaty contracts are generally not reported to the Company until after the reinsurance coverage is in force. 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 related to these premiums.
Reinstatement premiums and additional premiums on excess of loss contracts are provided for 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. Additional premiums are premiums charged after coverage has expired, related to experience during the policy term. An allowance for uncollectible premiums is established for possible non-payment of such amounts due, as deemed necessary.
F-12
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
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 premiums, incurred claims and LAE and policy acquisition costs 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 arises from contracts under which other insurance companies agreed to share certain risks with this Company.
Reinsurance accounting is followed when risk transfer requirements have been met and significant insurance risk is transferred.
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 also 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 coverage’s 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 regularly reviews its 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.
Whilst the reported reserves make a reasonable provision for unpaid claims and LAE obligations, it should be noted that the process of estimating required reserves does, by its very nature, involve considerable 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.
F-13
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
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 profit commissions. With the exception of profit commission, these expenses are incurred when a policy is issued and 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 adjustments, if any, are reflected 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.
(c) Accounting for Investments
Fixed Income Maturities. The fixed maturity portfolio comprises high-quality, corporate bonds and U.S., U.K. and other 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.
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities. The mortgage- and asset-backed security 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.
Other investments. Other investments represent investments in investment funds of hedge funds and are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value based on valuations provided by the fund managers. Changes in the fair value are reported in the Statement of Operations as net investment income/loss.
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.
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits held on call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments which are subject to insignificant risk of change in fair value.
Realized Investment Gains and Losses. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized when the related trades are executed and are determined on the basis of the specific identification method. The resulting gain or loss is recorded in the statement of operations.
Unrealized Gains or Losses on Investments. For fixed interest 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.
Other than temporary impairment of investments. The difference between the cost and the estimated fair market value of all investments is monitored to determine whether any investment has experienced a decline in value that is believed to be other than temporary. This assessment considers factors such as the period during which there has been a decline in value, the type of investment, the period over which the investment will be held and the potential for the investment value to recover. If the Company determines that the impairment is other than temporary, the value of the investment is written down and the loss is recorded in the statement of operations as a realized investment loss.
F-14
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ 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 and the change in estimated fair value of investments in funds of funds.
(d) Accounting for 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 treatment varies based on the type of risk being hedged (as described in Note 7).
(e) Intangible Assets
Acquired insurance licenses are held in the consolidated balance sheet at cost. Intangible assets are not currently being amortized as the directors believe that these will have an indefinite life.
On April 5, 2005 we acquired a license to use the ‘‘Aspen’’ trademark in the U.K. The consideration paid of approximately $1.6 million has been capitalized and recognized as an intangible asset in the Company’s accounts and will be amortized on a straight line basis over the useful economic life of the trademark which is considered to be 99 years.
The directors test for impairment of intangible assets annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
(f) 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. Computer equipment and software is depreciated over three years with depreciation for software commencing on the date the software is brought into use. Leasehold improvements, furniture and fittings are depreciated over four years.
(g) 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 U.S. and Bermudian companies and U.S. Dollars and British Pounds for Aspen Re. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of a company are measured in the functional currency of that operation 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.
Monetary assets and liabilities of Aspen Re British Pound functional currency operations are then translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses of this operation are translated at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. 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.
F-15
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Realized exchange gains and losses from non-functional currencies arise from the settlement of transactions at rates of exchange that differ from those prevailing when the transaction was originally recorded.
Realized exchange gains and losses from functional currencies arise from the settlement of transactions between functional currencies.
(h) Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing income/loss available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the effect on earnings of the average number of shares outstanding associated with dilutive securities.
(i) Accounting for 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 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. When the Company does not believe that, on the basis of available information, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be recovered, it recognizes a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. 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.
(j) Preference Shares
The Company has issued two classes of perpetual preference shares which are only redeemable at our option. We have no obligation to pay interest on these securities but they do carry entitlements to dividends payable at the discretion of the board of directors. In the event of non-payment of dividends for six consecutive periods, holders of preference shares have director appointment rights. They are therefore accounted for as equity instruments and included within total shareholders’ equity.
(k) Stock Based Employee Compensation
The Company operates a share and option-based employee compensation plan, the terms and conditions of which are described in note 14. The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS 123R, ‘‘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 and included in total shareholders’ equity. The Company has assessed the impact of adopting SFAS 123R, and has determined that it does not have a material impact on the Company.
(l) New Accounting Policies
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides detailed guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, ‘‘Accounting for Income Taxes.’’ FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 although earlier application of the provisions of this interpretation is encouraged if the enterprise has not yet issued financial statements, including interim financial statements, in the period this interpretation is adopted. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of this interpretation will be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for that fiscal year. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of FIN 48 on its financial statements when adopted but does not consider that there will be any material changes to the reported results when adopted.
F-16
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS 157, Fair Value Measurement. This statement provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The statement emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, this Statement establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). FAS 157 also requires tabular disclosures of the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy. It is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years although early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of FAS 157 on its financial statements when adopted.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS 158, Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). This statement requires an entity to recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and the disclosure requirements are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. The Company does not operate defined benefit pension plans and therefore the adoption of FAS 158 is unlikely to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements when adopted.
In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached on EITF Issue No. 06-03, ‘‘How Sales Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (that is, Gross Versus Net Presentation)’’ (‘‘EITF 06-03’’). The EITF reached a consensus that the presentation of taxes on either a gross or net basis is an accounting policy decision that requires disclosure. EITF 06-03 is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2007. Sales tax amounts collected from customers have been recorded on a net basis. The adoption of EITF 06-03 will not have any effect on our financial position or results of operations.
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, ‘‘Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments’’ (‘‘FAS 155’’), which amends SFAS No. 133, ‘‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities’’ (‘‘FAS 133’’) and SFAS No. 140, ‘‘Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities’’ (‘‘FAS 140’’). FAS 155 provides guidance to simplify the accounting for certain hybrid instruments by permitting fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative, as well as, clarifies that beneficial interests in securitized financial assets are subject to FAS 133. In addition, FAS 155 eliminates a restriction on the passive derivative instruments that a qualifying special-purpose entity may hold under FAS 140. FAS 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to a new basis occurring after the start of our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2007. We believe that the adoption of this statement will not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, ‘‘Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143’’ (‘‘FIN 47’’). FIN 47 requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value can be reasonably estimated. A conditional asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing or method of settlement are conditional upon a future event that may or may not be within control of the entity. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of EITF 00-19-2, ‘‘Registration Payment Arrangements’’, which is effective from January 1, 2007.
F-17
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| |
3. | Related Party Transactions |
The following summarizes the related party transactions of the Company.
(a) Wellington Underwriting plc (‘‘Wellington’’)
Wellington Investment Holdings (Jersey) Limited (‘‘Wellington Investment’’), an affiliate of Wellington, held at December 31, 2006 3,781,120 options to subscribe for ordinary shares of Aspen Holdings, as noted below and in note 14. On December 18, 2006, Wellington was acquired by Catlin Group Limited.
During the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2006, Aspen Re had a number of arrangements with Wellington. These arrangements can be summarized as follows:
Quota Share Arrangements. For 2003, the Company entered into a 7.5% quota share agreement directly with Syndicate 2020, which is managed by Wellington. The written premiums for 2003 under this contract were $78.4 million. 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 or 2005 and have now lapsed. During the period under review quota share arrangements with Wellington syndicates entered into in 2002 also continued to run off.
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 included accounting, actuarial, operations, risk management and IT technical support. During 2003 the Company took over responsibility for accounting, actuarial, operations and risk management services. The provision of services under the agreement therefore was reduced to IT technical support for 2004, 2005 and 2006. The provision of these services was covered by a detailed service level agreement and was priced on an actual cost basis. The cost of these services in 2006 was $2.7 million (2005: $5.2 million, 2004: $7.1 million), and the amount due to Wellington at December 31, 2006 was $nil (2005: $2.3 million). By the end of 2006 all significant services, including IT technical support under the contract had been terminated.
Wellington Options. As disclosed in note 14, 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 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. 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.
(b) Montpelier Re Holdings Limited
Montpelier Re Holdings Limited (‘‘Montpelier Re’’) was a founding shareholder of Aspen Holdings and owned approximately 6% of the issued share capital of Aspen Holdings as of December 31, 2004. It sold all its shares in Aspen Holdings during 2005.
A subsidiary of Aspen Holdings entered into multi-year proportional reinsurance contracts with effect from January 1, 2003 with a subsidiary of Montpelier Re. In addition, Montpelier Re participated in a number of layers in our 2005 outward reinsurance program. Reinsurance premiums ceded under these contracts in the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 were $37.9 million and $36.9 million respectively. The net amount payable by the Company in respect of these transactions was $66.6 million as at December 31, 2005 (2004—$41.2 million)
F-18
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| |
4. | Earnings Per Ordinary Share |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
Earnings | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) as reported | | | | $ | 378.1 | | | | | $ | (177.8 | | | | | $ | 195.1 | |
Preference dividends paid | | | | | (15.6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Net income/(loss) available to ordinary shareholders | | | | | 362.5 | | | | | | (177.8 | | | | | | 195.1 | |
Diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) available to ordinary shareholders | | | | | 362.5 | | | | | | (177.8 | | | | | | 195.1 | |
Ordinary shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average ordinary shares | | | | | 94,802,413 | | | | | | 74,020,302 | | | | | | 69,204,658 | |
Diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average ordinary shares | | | | | 94,802,413 | | | | | | 74,020,302 | | | | | | 69,204,658 | |
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities | | | | | 1,931,902 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,916,910 | |
Total | | | | | 96,734,315 | | | | | | 74,020,302 | | | | | | 71,121,568 | |
Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | $ | 3.82 | | | | | $ | (2.40 | | | | | $ | 2.82 | |
Diluted | | | | $ | 3.75 | | | | | $ | (2.40 | | | | | $ | 2.74 | |
|
Dilutive securities are comprised of options in issue over the Company’s ordinary shares.
The basic and diluted earnings per share for 2005 are the same, as the inclusion of dilutive securities in a loss making year would be anti-dilutive.
F-19
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| |
5. | 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, 2006 |
| | | Cost or Amortized Cost | | | Gross Unrealized Gains | | | Gross Unrealized Losses | | | Estimated Fair Value |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Investments (excluding cash) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed income investments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government Securities | | | | $ | 1,035.4 | | | | | $ | 0.8 | | | | | $ | (21.9 | | | | | $ | 1,014.3 | |
U.S. Government Agency Securities | | | | | 330.7 | | | | | | 0.3 | | | | | | (3.7 | | | | | | 327.3 | |
Corporate Securities | | | | | 1,088.1 | | | | | | 2.4 | | | | | | (13.4 | | | | | | 1,077.1 | |
Foreign Government | | | | | 449.7 | | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | (7.8 | | | | | | 442.1 | |
Municipals | | | | | 1.6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1.6 | |
Asset-backed securities | | | | | 293.8 | | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | (2.2 | | | | | | 291.8 | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | 677.9 | | | | | | 4.0 | | | | | | (7.4 | | | | | | 674.5 | |
Total fixed income | | | | | 3,877.2 | | | | | | 7.9 | | | | | | (56.4 | | | | | | 3,828.7 | |
Other investments | | | | | 156.9 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 156.9 | |
Short-term investments | | | | | 695.9 | | | | | | 0.4 | | | | | | (0.8 | | | | | | 695.5 | |
Total | | | | $ | 4,730.0 | | | | | $ | 8.3 | | | | | $ | (57.2 | | | | | $ | 4,681.1 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2005 |
| | | Cost or Amortized Cost | | | Gross Unrealized Gains | | | Gross Unrealized Losses | | | Estimated Fair Value |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Investments (excluding cash) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed Income Investments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government Securities | | | | $ | 1,249.0 | | | | | $ | 0.7 | | | | | $ | (21.7 | | | | | $ | 1,228.0 | |
U.S. Government Agency Securities | | | | | 138.0 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2.2 | | | | | | 135.8 | |
Corporate Securities | | | | | 861.4 | | | | | | 1.0 | | | | | | (10.1 | | | | | | 852.3 | |
Foreign Government | | | | | 268.8 | | | | | | 2.0 | | | | | | (0.3 | | | | | | 270.5 | |
Municipals | | | | | 3.6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3.6 | |
Asset-backed securities | | | | | 208.2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (4.0 | | | | | | 204.2 | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | | | 356.7 | | | | | | 0.3 | | | | | | (5.3 | | | | | | 351.7 | |
Total fixed income | | | | | 3,085.7 | | | | | | 4.0 | | | | | | (43.6 | | | | | | 3,046.1 | |
Other investments | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Short-term investments | | | | | 643.5 | | | | | | 1.0 | | | | | | (1.5 | | | | | | 643.0 | |
Total | | | | $ | 3,729.2 | | | | | $ | 5.0 | | | | | $ | (45.1 | | | | | $ | 3,689.1 | |
|
F-20
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
The following tables summarize as at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, by type of security the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As at December 31, 2006 | | | 0-12 months | | | Over 12 months | | | Total |
| | | Fair value | | | Gross unrealized loss | | | Fair value | | | Gross unrealized loss | | | Fair value | | | Gross unrealized loss |
U.S. Government and Agency Securities | | | | $ | 181.7 | | | | | $ | (1.0 | | | | | $ | 1,059.3 | | | | | $ | (24.6 | | | | | $ | 1,241.0 | | | | | $ | (25.6 | |
Corporate Securities | | | | | 130.8 | | | | | | (1.7 | | | | | | 906.2 | | | | | | (12.5 | | | | | | 1,037.0 | | | | | | (14.2 | |
Mortgage and asset-backed securities | | | | | 103.7 | | | | | | (0.6 | | | | | | 663.8 | | | | | | (9.0 | | | | | | 767.5 | | | | | | (9.6 | |
Foreign Government | | | | | 58.6 | | | | | | (0.1 | | | | | | 384.9 | | | | | | (7.7 | | | | | | 443.5 | | | | | | (7.8 | |
| | | | $ | 474.8 | | | | | $ | (3.4 | | | | | $ | 3,014.2 | | | | | $ | (53.8 | | | | | $ | 3,489.0 | | | | | $ | (57.2 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As at December 31, 2005 | | | 0-12 months | | | Over 12 months | | | Total |
| | | Fair value | | | Gross unrealized loss | | | Fair value | | | Gross unrealized loss | | | Fair value | | | Gross unrealized loss |
U.S. Government and Agency Securities | | | | $ | 252.1 | | | | | $ | (4.4 | | | | | $ | 916.8 | | | | | $ | (19.6 | | | | | $ | 1,168.9 | | | | | $ | (24.0 | |
Corporate Securities | | | | | 475.5 | | | | | | (3.1 | | | | | | 626.2 | | | | | | (8.4 | | | | | | 1,101.7 | | | | | | (11.5 | |
Mortgage and asset-backed securities | | | | | 218.3 | | | | | | (3.6 | | | | | | 299.9 | | | | | | (5.6 | | | | | | 518.2 | | | | | | (9.2 | |
Foreign Government | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 273.7 | | | | | | (0.4 | | | | | | 273.7 | | | | | | (0.4 | |
| | | | $ | 945.9 | | | | | $ | (11.1 | | | | | $ | 2,116.6 | | | | | $ | (34.0 | | | | | $ | 3,062.5 | | | | | $ | (45.1 | |
|
The Company believes that the gross unrealized losses are the result of interest rate movements and intends to hold such investments until the carrying value is recovered. As a result the Company has not recorded any other-than-temporary impairments in 2006 and 2005. The unrealized losses from those securities was not as a result of structural, credit or collateral issues.
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, 2006 | | | As at December 31, 2005 |
| | | Amortized Cost | | | Fair Market Value | | | Average Ratings by Maturity | | | Amortized Cost | | | Fair Market Value | | | Average Ratings by Maturity |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Maturity and Ratings (excluding cash) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Due in one year or less | | | | $ | 270.2 | | | | | $ | 268.8 | | | | AA− | | | | $ | 121.3 | | | | | $ | 121.0 | | | | AA− |
Due after one year through five years | | | | | 1,801.7 | | | | | | 1,770.8 | | | | AAA | | | | | 1,843.9 | | | | | | 1,818.4 | | | | AAA |
Due after five years through ten years | | | | | 833.6 | | | | | | 822.8 | | | | AA+ | | | | | 555.6 | | | | | | 550.8 | | | | AA+ |
Subtotal | | | | | 2,905.5 | | | | | | 2,862.4 | | | | | | | | | 2,520.8 | | | | | | 2,490.2 | | | | |
Mortgage and asset-backed securities | | | | | 971.7 | | | | | | 966.3 | | | | AAA | | | | | 564.9 | | | | | | 555.9 | | | | AAA |
Other investments | | | | | 156.9 | | | | | | 156.9 | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | |
Short-term investments | | | | | 695.9 | | | | | | 695.5 | | | | AAA | | | | | 643.5 | | | | | | 643.0 | | | | AAA |
Total | | | | $ | 4,730.0 | | | | | $ | 4,681.1 | | | | | | | | $ | 3,729.2 | | | | | $ | 3,689.1 | | | | |
|
Other investments. During 2006 the Company expanded its investment strategy to include investments in hedge funds. These investments have been made in the form of participations in investment funds which are invested in multiple underlying hedge funds employing a diverse range of investment strategies.
F-21
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| |
6. | Investment Transactions |
The following table sets out an analysis of investment purchases/sales and maturities:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Purchase of fixed maturity investments | | | | $ | 2,129.0 | | | | | $ | 3,292.2 | | | | | $ | 5,220.4 | |
Purchase of other investments | | | | | 156.9 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments | | | | | (1,387.5 | | | | | | (2,364.6 | | | | | | (4,060.6 | |
Net purchases/(sales) of short-term investments | | | | | 43.0 | | | | | | 114.2 | | | | | | (55.5 | |
Net purchases | | | | $ | 941.4 | | | | | $ | 1,041.8 | | | | | $ | 1,104.3 | |
|
The following is a summary of investment income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Fixed income maturities | | | | $ | 162.3 | | | | | $ | 96.2 | | | | | $ | 46.0 | |
Other investments | | | | | 6.9 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Short-term investments | | | | | 35.2 | | | | | | 25.1 | | | | | | 22.3 | |
Net investment income | | | | $ | 204.4 | | | | | $ | 121.3 | | | | | $ | 68.3 | |
|
Included in net investment income are investment management fees of $4.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, $3.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 and $1.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004.
The following table summarizes the pre-tax realized investment gains and losses, and the change in unrealized gains and losses on investments recorded in shareholders’ equity and in comprehensive income.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Pre-tax realized investment gains and losses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Short-term investments & fixed maturities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross realized gains | | | | $ | 1.8 | | | | | $ | 4.5 | | | | | $ | 2.8 | |
Gross realized losses | | | | | (9.8 | | | | | | (8.9 | | | | | | (6.3 | |
Total pre-tax realized investment gains & losses | | | | | (8.0 | | | | | | (4.4 | | | | | | (3.5 | |
Change in unrealized gains and losses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed maturities | | | | | (8.9 | | | | | | (30.5 | | | | | | (8.4 | |
Short-term and other investments | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | (0.7 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Total change in pre-tax unrealized gains & losses | | | | | (8.8 | | | | | | (31.2 | | | | | | (8.3 | |
Change in taxes | | | | | 0.8 | | | | | | 6.7 | | | | | | 1.1 | |
Total change in unrealized gains, net of tax | | | | $ | (8.0 | | | | | $ | (24.5 | | | | | $ | (7.2 | |
|
F-22
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| |
7. | Derivative Financial Instruments |
Derivative financial instruments include futures, forwards, swap and option contracts and other financial instruments with similar characteristics.
Catastrophe Swap. On August 17, 2004, Aspen Bermuda entered into a risk transfer swap (‘‘cat swap’’) with a non-insurance counterparty. The cat swap is for a 3-year term during which Aspen Bermuda has and will make quarterly payments on an initial notional amount ($100 million). In return Aspen Bermuda will receive payments of up to $100 million in total if there are hurricanes making landfall in Florida and causing damage in excess of $39 billion or earthquakes in California causing insured damage in excess of $23 billion.
This cat swap falls within the scope of SFAS 133 ‘‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities’’, as amended (‘‘SFAS 133’’) and is therefore measured in the balance sheet at fair value with any changes in the fair value shown on the consolidated statement of operations.
The determination of whether or not we are entitled to a recovery depends on estimates of insured damage published by Property Claims Services (‘‘PCS’’). The amount of any recovery due increases on a linear basis from $0 to $100 million depending on the PCS estimate with the full amount of $100 million receivable at or above $47 billion for a hurricane event or $29 billion for an earthquake event. If a recovery becomes due then the future payments under the contract may be reduced. As we provided in full for these future payments when the contract commenced, any actual or projected change in this liability is also reflected as a gain or loss in the consolidated statement of operations. The impact of this contract on group net income in 2006 is a net charge of $12.3 million.
The latest estimate of the insured loss arising from Hurricane Katrina published by PCS on December 8, 2006 was $40.679 billion which entitles the Company to a recovery of approximately $21 million of which $19.7 million was paid to us during 2006. Based on the record of increasing PCS estimates following previous natural catastrophe losses in the United States, we expect that future estimates by PCS of this loss will increase. We have taken this and the illiquid nature of the catastrophe risk transfer swap market into account in our valuation of this contract as at December 31, 2006. As there is no quoted market value available for this derivative, the fair value is determined by management using internal models taking into account changes in the market for catastrophe reinsurance contracts with similar economic characteristics and the potential for recoveries from events preceding the valuation date. The amount recognized could be materially different from the amount realized in actual payments to us made under the contract.
Interest Rate Swap. On July 7, 2004 the Company entered into a forward starting interest rate swap (‘‘swap’’). The swap was designated as a cash flow hedge of a forecast transaction as it was intended to hedge against the variability of the Company’s interest payments under the Company’s then proposed debt issuance which was completed in August 2004.
The swap falls within the scope of SFAS 133 and was measured at fair value with changes to fair value being included in other comprehensive income as hedge accounting was appropriate and there was no ineffective portion.
The swap was unwound as the Company issued the 10-year notes in August 2004. The realized loss of $2.3 million recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income is being reclassified to earnings as interest expense using the level yield method over the term of the debt. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, $0.2 million was reclassified to earnings (2005 $0.2 million).
F-23
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Credit insurance contract—On 28 November, 2006 the Company entered into a credit insurance contract which, subject to its terms, insures the Company against losses due to the inability of one or more of our reinsurance counterparties to meet their financial obligations to the Company.
The Company considers that under SFAS 133 this contract is a financial guarantee insurance contract that does not qualify for exemption from treatment for accounting purposes as a derivative. This is because it provides for the final settlement, expected to take place two years after expiry of cover, to include an amount attributable to outstanding and IBNR claims which may not at that point of time be due and payable to Aspen.
As a result of the application of derivative accounting rules under SFAS 133, the contract is treated as an asset and measured at the directors’ estimate of its fair value. Changes in the estimated fair value from time to time will be included in the consolidated statement of operations.
The contract is for a maximum of five years and provides 90% cover for a named panel of reinsurers up to individual defined sub-limits. The contract does allow, subject to certain conditions, for substitution and replacement of panel members if the Company’s panel of reinsurers changes. Payments are made on a quarterly basis throughout the period of the contract based on the aggregate limit, which was set initially at $477 million but is subject to adjustment.
| |
8. | Reserves For Losses And Adjustment Expenses |
The following table represents a reconciliation of beginning and ending consolidated loss and loss adjustment expenses (‘‘LAE’’) reserves:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 | | | As at December 31, 2005 | | | As at December 31, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Provision for losses and LAE at start of year | | | | $ | 3,041.6 | | | | | $ | 1,277.9 | | | | | $ | 525.8 | |
Less reinsurance recoverable | | | | | (1,192.7 | | | | | | (197.7 | | | | | | (43.6 | |
Net loss and LAE at start of year | | | | | 1,848.9 | | | | | | 1,080.2 | | | | | | 482.2 | |
Loss reserve portfolio transfer | | | | | 0.7 | | | | | | 26.2 | | | | | | — | |
Provision for losses and LAE for claims incurred: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current year | | | | | 941.2 | | | | | | 1,409.1 | | | | | | 785.6 | |
Prior years | | | | | (51.3 | | | | | | (50.6 | | | | | | (62.0 | |
Total incurred | | | | | 889.9 | | | | | | 1,358.5 | | | | | | 723.6 | |
Losses and LAE payments for claims incurred: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current year | | | | | (137.3 | | | | | | (152.2 | | | | | | (76.6 | |
Prior years | | | | | (332.4 | | | | | | (399.7 | | | | | | (88.0 | |
Total paid | | | | | (469.7 | | | | | | (551.9 | | | | | | (164.6 | |
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses | | | | | 81.9 | | | | | | (64.1 | | | | | | 39.0 | |
Net losses and LAE reserves at year end | | | | | 2,351.7 | | | | | | 1,848.9 | | | | | | 1,080.2 | |
Plus reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at end of year | | | | | 468.3 | | | | | | 1,192.7 | | | | | | 197.7 | |
Loss and LAE reserves at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. | | | | $ | 2,820.0 | | | | | $ | 3,041.6 | | | | | $ | 1,277.9 | |
|
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, there was a reduction of $51.3 million in our estimate of the ultimate claims to be paid in respect of prior accident years. This comprised of significant releases from the reserves of our U.S. casualty, international casualty and employers’ and public liability accounts and smaller releases from our aviation reinsurance account and a quota share written in 2002 and 2003. These releases have been possible because the claims experience to date
F-24
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
compared with our starting loss ratios and expected settlement patterns has been better than expected. Offsetting these releases have been significant deteriorations in the reserves for our 2005 hurricane losses within our property reinsurance, specialty insurance and reinsurance and property and casualty insurance segments.
The loss reserve portfolio transfer in 2005 represents loss reserves assumed from Wellington Underwriting Agencies Limited’s Syndicate 2020 through a quota share arrangement relating to the proportion of an account which did not already cede to us in previous quota shares. The portfolio transfer represents the provisions maintained by Syndicate 2020 for U.K. employers’ liability and public liability business written into the 2002 underwriting year by the liability insurance underwriters who joined the Company prior to the establishment of Aspen Re.
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. As at December 31, 2005 we relied significantly on estimates to project our total retained and gross losses from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma as we had received a limited number of actual reported claims. Although a substantial number of claims have now been reported, our estimates remain uncertain because of the extremely complex and unique causation and coverage issues associated with the unprecedented nature of these events, including the attribution of losses to wind or flood damage or other perils such as fire, business interruption or riot and civil commotion. In addition, these estimates may vary due to potential legal and regulatory developments related to allocation of losses, as well as inflation in repair costs due to the limited availability of labor and materials due in part to the size and proximity in time and distance of the three hurricanes. Some of these issues are, or are expected to be, the subject of litigation and may not be resolved for a considerable period of time.
| |
9. | Income Taxes |
Aspen Holdings and Aspen Bermuda are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. Under current Bermudian 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 35%. Under the current laws of England and Wales, Aspen Re is taxed at the U.K. corporate tax rate of 30%.
Total income tax for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 is allocated as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
Income tax on income/(loss) | | | | $ | 92.3 | | | | | $ | 17.4 | | | | | $ | 68.1 | |
Income tax on other comprehensive income/(loss) | | | | | 3.6 | | | | | | (6.7 | | | | | | (4.6 | |
Total income tax | | | | $ | 95.9 | | | | | $ | 10.7 | | | | | $ | 63.5 | |
|
F-25
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Income/(loss) before tax and income tax expense/(benefit) attributable to that income consists of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 |
| | | Income before tax | | | Current income taxes | | | Deferred income taxes | | | Total income taxes |
| | | ($ in millions) |
U.S. | | | | $ | (16.9 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | |
Non-U.S. | | | | | 487.3 | | | | | | 90.3 | | | | | | 2.0 | | | | | | 92.3 | |
Total | | | | $ | 470.4 | | | | | $ | 90.3 | | | | | $ | 2.0 | | | | | $ | 92.3 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 |
| | | Income before tax | | | Current income taxes | | | Deferred income taxes | | | Total income taxes |
| | | ($ in millions) |
U.S. | | | | $ | 5.1 | | | | | $ | (1.1 | | | | | $ | 2.0 | | | | | $ | 0.9 | |
Non-U.S. | | | | | (165.5 | | | | | | 12.3 | | | | | | 4.2 | | | | | | 16.5 | |
Total | | | | $ | (160.4 | | | | | $ | 11.2 | | | | | $ | 6.2 | | | | | $ | 17.4 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | Income before tax | | | Current income taxes | | | Deferred income taxes | | | Total income taxes |
| | | | | | ($ in millions) | | | |
U.S. | | | | $ | (5.9 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | (1.3 | | | | | $ | (1.3 | |
Non-U.S. | | | | | 269.1 | | | | | | 61.6 | | | | | | 7.8 | | | | | | 69.4 | |
Total | | | | $ | 263.2 | | | | | $ | 61.6 | | | | | $ | 6.5 | | | | | $ | 68.1 | |
|
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, 2006 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Income Tax Reconciliation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expected tax provision at weighted average rate | | | | $ | 85.5 | | | | | $ | 9.7 | | | | | $ | 62.6 | |
Prior year adjustment | | | | | (3.0 | | | | | | 8.2 | | | | | | 3.6 | |
Valuation provision on U.S. deferred tax assets | | | | | 6.5 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Other | | | | | 3.3 | | | | | | (0.5 | | | | | | 1.9 | |
Total income tax expense | | | | $ | 92.3 | | | | | $ | 17.4 | | | | | $ | 68.1 | |
|
F-26
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
The prior year tax charge in 2005 resulted from additional tax payable following the closure of the 2002 and 2003 Aspen Re tax computations and primarily as a result of adjustments to the 2004 intra-group commission charged between Aspen Bermuda and Aspen Re.
| |
10. | Deferred Taxation |
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, 2006 | | | As at December 31, 2005 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share options | | | | $ | 5.5 | | | | | $ | 3.4 | |
Operating loss carry forwards | | | | | 3.1 | | | | | | — | |
Unrealised losses on investments | | | | | 7.3 | | | | | | 1.2 | |
Insurance reserves | | | | | 9.5 | | | | | | 5.3 | |
Other temporary differences | | | | | 0.9 | | | | | | — | |
Total gross deferred tax assets | | | | | 26.3 | | | | | | 9.9 | |
Less valuation allowance | | | | | (6.5 | | | | | | — | |
Net deferred tax assets | | | | $ | 19.8 | | | | | $ | 9.9 | |
Deferred tax liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insurance reserves | | | | $ | (49.5 | | | | | $ | (36.2 | |
Intangible assets | | | | | (0.6 | | | | | | (0.6 | |
Deferred policy acquisition costs | | | | | (3.8 | | | | | | (3.3 | |
Total gross deferred liabilities | | | | | (53.9 | | | | | | (40.1 | |
Net deferred tax asset/(liability) | | | | $ | (34.1 | | | | | $ | (30.2 | |
|
Disclosed as:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 | | | As at December 31, 2005 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Other receivables | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 2.5 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | | | (34.1 | | | | | | (32.7 | |
Net deferred tax liability | | | | $ | (34.1 | | | | | $ | (30.2 | |
|
Deferred tax liabilities and assets represent the tax effect of temporary differences between the value of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and such values as measured by U.K. and U.S. tax laws and regulations. Deferred tax assets and liabilities from the same tax jurisdiction have been netted off resulting in assets and liabilities being recorded under the other receivable and deferred income taxes captions on the balance sheet.
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 and operating losses become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. At December 31, 2006, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. Federal income tax purposes of $8.9 million which are available to offset future U.S. Federal taxable income, if any, and expire in the year 2026.
A valuation allowance of $6.5 million has been established against U.S. deferred tax assets.
F-27
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| |
11. | Capital Structure |
The Company’s authorized and issued share capital at December 31, 2006 is set out below.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 | | | As at December 31, 2005 |
| | | Number | | | U.S. $000 | | | Number | | | U.S. $000 |
Authorized Share Capital | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary Shares 0.15144558¢ per share | | | | | 969,629,030 | | | | | | 1,469 | | | | | | 969,629,030 | | | | | | 1,469 | |
Non-Voting Shares 0.15144558¢ per share | | | | | 6,787,880 | | | | | | 10 | | | | | | 6,787,880 | | | | | | 10 | |
Preference Shares 0.15144558¢ per share | | | | | 100,000,000 | | | | | | 152 | | | | | | 100,000,000 | | | | | | 152 | |
Issued Share Capital | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issued ordinary shares of 0.15144558¢ per share | | | | | 87,788,375 | | | | | | 133 | | | | | | 95,209,008 | | | | | | 144 | |
Issued preference shares of 0.15144558¢ each with a liquidation preference of $50 per share | | | | | 4,600,000 | | | | | | 7 | | | | | | 4,000,000 | | | | | | 6 | |
Issued preference shares of 0.15144558¢ each with a liquidation preference of $25 per share | | | | | 8,000,000 | | | | | | 12 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Total issued share capital | | | | | | | | 152 | | | | | | | | | 150 | |
Additional paid in capital ($ in millions) | | | | | | | | 1,921.7 | | | | | | | | | 1,887.0 | |
|
Additional paid in capital includes the aggregate liquidation preferences of our preference shares of $430 million (2005—$200 million) less issue costs of $10.8 million (2005—$6.2 million).
The 2005 preference shares issued have been re-presented to reflect the nominal value and the difference between the nominal value and liquidation value is included in additional paid-in capital.
F-28
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Ordinary Shares. The following table summarizes transactions in our ordinary shares during the three-year period ended December 31, 2006.
| | | | | | |
| | | Number of Shares |
Shares in issue at December 31, 2003 | | | | | 69,179,303 | |
Share transactions in 2004: | | | | | | |
Shares issued to the Names’ Trust upon the exercise of investor options | | | | | 135,321 | |
Shares issued to employees under the share incentive plan | | | | | 5,475 | |
Repurchase of shares from a former employee | | | | | (5,000 | |
Shares in issue at December 31, 2004 | | | | | 69,315,099 | |
Share transactions in 2005: | | | | | | |
Shares issued to the Names’ Trust upon the exercise of investor options | | | | | 56,982 | |
Shares issued to employees under the share incentive plan | | | | | 27,841 | |
Shares issued through registered public offerings | | | | | 25,884,891 | |
Repurchase of shares from the Names’ Trust | | | | | (75,805 | |
Shares in issue at December 31, 2005 | | | | | 95,209,008 | |
Share transactions in 2006: | | | | | | |
Shares issued to the Names’ Trust upon the exercise of investor options | | | | | 3,757 | |
Shares issued to employees under the share incentive plan | | | | | 57,556 | |
Repurchase of shares from the Names’ Trust | | | | | (16,425 | |
Repurchase of shares from shareholders (1) | | | | | (7,465,521 | |
Shares in issue at December 31, 2006 | | | | | 87,788,375 | |
|
| |
(1) | includes 1,565,751 shares acquired and cancelled in January 2007 in accordance with the accelerated share repurchase program described below. |
Accelerated Share Repurchase. On December 21, 2006, we entered into a contract with Goldman Sachs & Co. for the purchase of ordinary shares to the fixed value of $44 million. Under this arrangement we acquired and cancelled 1,565,751 shares on January 22, 2007. When the contract expires on or before April 17, 2007, we may receive and subsequently cancel up to a further 143,793 shares, with the actual number being determined by the volume weighted average price of our shares over the period between January 17, 2007 and the date of termination, less a discount of 15 cents per share. The date of termination can be any date on or after February 20, 2007 and is at the option of the counterparty. Apart from a payment of $44 million by the Company on December 27, 2006, the Company will make no further payments or transfer shares under this contract in any circumstances.
Preference Shares. During 2005, the Company issued 4,000,000 Perpetual Preferred Income Equity Replacement Securities (‘‘Perpetual PIERS’’). Each Perpetual PIERS has a liquidation preference of $50 and will receive dividends on a non-cumulative basis only when declared by our board of directors at an annual rate of 5.625% of the $50 Liquidation Preference of each Perpetual PIERS. Each Perpetual PIERS is convertible at the holder’s option at any time, initially based on a conversion rate of 1.7077 ordinary shares per share, into one Perpetual Preference Share and a number of ordinary shares based on the average of twenty daily share prices of the ordinary shares adjusted by the conversion rate. We raised proceeds of $193.8 million net of total costs of $6.2 million.
In January 2006 an additional 600,000 Perpetual PIERS were issued following the exercise of an over-allotment option by the underwriters of the initial Perpetual PIERS issue and we received net proceeds of $29.1 million.
On November 15, 2006 the Company issued 8,000,000 preference shares with a liquidation preference of $25 for an aggregate amount of $200 million (the ‘‘Perpetual Preference Shares’’). Each share will receive dividends on a non-cumulative basis only when declared by our board of directors initially at an annual rate of 7.401%. Starting on January 1, 2017, the dividend rate will be paid at a floating annual rate, reset quarterly, equal to 3 month LIBOR plus 3.28%. These shares have no stated
F-29
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
maturity but are callable at the option of the Company on or after the 10th anniversary of the date of issuance. We raised net proceeds of $196.3 million from this issuance.
In the event of liquidation of the Company, the holders of outstanding preference shares would have preference over the ordinary shareholders and would receive a distribution equal to the liquidation preference per share, subject to availability of funds. In connection with the issuance of the Perpetual Preference Shares, the Company entered into a Replacement Capital Covenant (the ‘‘Replacement Capital Covenant’’) with respect to the Perpetual Preference Shares initially for the benefit of persons that hold the Company’s senior notes, that the Company will not redeem or repurchase the Perpetual Preference Shares on or before November 15, 2046, unless, during the six months prior to the date of that redemption or repurchase the Company receives a specified amount of proceeds from the sale of ordinary shares.
| |
12. | Statutory Requirements and Dividends Restrictions |
As a holding company, Aspen Holdings relies on dividends and other distributions 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 preference and ordinary shareholders.
The ability of our Insurance Subsidiaries to pay us dividends or other distributions is subject to the laws and regulations applicable to each jurisdiction, as well as the Insurance Subsidiaries’ need to maintain capital requirements adequate to maintain their insurance and reinsurance operations and their financial strength ratings issued by independent rating agencies. There were no significant restrictions on the ability of Aspen Re and Aspen Bermuda to pay dividends funded from their respective accumulated balances of retained income as at December 31, 2006 of approximately $150 million and $30 million respectively. Aspen Specialty could pay a dividend without regulatory approval of approximately $11 million.
As of December 31, 2006, there were no restrictions under Bermuda law or the law of any other jurisidiction on the payment of dividends from retained earnings by Aspen Holdings.
Actual and required statutory capital and surplus for the principal operating subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2006 is approximately:
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | U.S. | | | Bermuda | | | U.K. |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Required statutory capital and surplus | | | 15.0 | | | 280.0 | | | 300.0 |
Statutory capital and surplus | | | 105.0 | | | 1,170.0 | | | 980.0 |
|
| |
13. | Retirement Plans |
The Company operates defined contribution retirement plans 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 $5.6 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, $3.4 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 and $2.2 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2004.
| |
14. | Share Options and Other Equity Incentives |
The Company has issued options and other equity incentives under three arrangements: investor options, employee options and non-employee director options. When options are exercised or other equity awards have vested, new shares are issued as the Company does not hold treasury shares.
(a) Investor Options
The investor options were issued on June 21, 2002 in consideration for the transfer of an underwriting team from Wellington, the right to seek to renew certain business written by Syndicate
F-30
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
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, the Company conferred the option to subscribe for up to 6,787,880 ordinary shares of Aspen Holdings to Wellington and members of Syndicate 2020 who were not corporate members of Wellington. The options conferred to the members of Syndicate 2020 are held for their benefit by The Appleby Trust (Bermuda) Limited (‘‘Names’ Trustee’’). 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. If not exercised, the options will expire after a period of ten years.
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. In 2006 the Names’ Trustee exercised 34,155 (2005—303,321, 2004—856,218) Names’ Options on both a cash and cashless basis pursuant to which 3,757 (2005—56,982, 2004—135,321) ordinary shares were issued. At December 31, 2006 the Names’ Trustee held 1,372,922 (2005—1,407,077) Names’ Options. Wellington Investment has not exercised any of its options.
The following table summarizes information about investor options outstanding at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 to purchase ordinary shares:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 | | | For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 | | | | | | |
| | | Options | | | Options | | | Options | | | | | | |
Option Holder | | | Outstanding | | | Exercisable | | | Outstanding | | | Exercisable | | | Outstanding | | | Exercisable | | | Exercise Price (1) | | | Expirations |
Wellington Underwriting plc | | | | | 3,781,120 | | | | | | 3,781,120 | | | | | | 3,781,120 | | | | | | 3,781,120 | | | | | | 3,781,120 | | | | | | 3,781,120 | | | | £10 | | | June 21, 2012 |
Names’ Trustee (Appleby Trust (Bermuda) Limited) | | | | | 1,372,922 | | | | | | 1,372,922 | | | | | | 1,407,077 | | | | | | 1,407,077 | | | | | | 1,710,398 | | | | | | 1,710,398 | | | | £10 | | | June 21, 2012 |
| | | | | 5,154,042 | | | | | | 5,154,042 | | | | | | 5,188,197 | | | | | | 5,188,197 | | | | | | 5,491,518 | | | | | | 5,491,518 | | | | | | | |
|
| |
(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. |
(b) Employee equity incentives
Employee options and other awards are granted under the Aspen 2003 Share Incentive Plan, as amended (the ‘‘Share Incentive Plan’’). The Company follows SFAS No. 123R, ‘‘Accounting for Stock Based Compensation,’’ which sets out the method of accounting for share-based compensation plans.
F-31
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Options. The following table summarizes information about employee options outstanding to purchase ordinary shares at December 31, 2006.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Options | | | Exercise Price | | | Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date | | | Remaining contractual time |
Option Holder | | | Outstanding | | | Exercisable | | | | | | | | | |
2003 Options | | | | | 3,584,285 | | | | | | 2,996,727 | | | | | $ | 16.20 | | | | | $ | 5.31 | | | | 6 yrs 8 mths |
2004 Option grants | | | | | 256,341 | | | | | | 256,341 | | | | | $ | 24.44 | | | | | $ | 5.74 | | | | 8 yrs 0 mths |
2006 Option grants February 16. | | | | | 946,865 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 23.65 | | | | | $ | 6.99 | | | | 9 yrs 2 mths |
2006 Option grants August 4 | | | | | 142,158 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 23.19 | | | | | $ | 4.41 | | | | 9 yrs 8 mths |
|
With respect to the 2003 options, sixty-five percent of the 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. When options are converted new shares are issued as the Company does not hold treasury shares.
The 2004 options vest over a three-year period with vesting subject to the achievement of Company performance targets. The options lapse if the criteria are not met. As at December 31, 2004 not all performance targets were met and 242,626 options were cancelled. The 525,881 employee options granted in 2005 were cancelled because the applicable performance targets were not met.
The 2006 options vest at the end of a three-year period with vesting subject to the achievement of one-year and three-year performance targets. The options lapse if the criteria are not met. As at December 31, 2006, the performance targets for one-third of the options were met.
The table below shows the number of options exercised and forfeited by each type of option grant as at December 31, 2006:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Options |
Option Holder | | | Exercised | | | Forfeited |
2003 Options | | | | | 50,604 | | | | | | 249,141 | |
2004 Options | | | | | — | | | | | | 243,772 | |
2005 Option Grants | | | | | — | | | | | | 525,881 | |
2006 Option Grants | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
|
The intrinsic value of options exercised in 2006 was $0.1 million.
The following table shows the compensation costs by each type of option granted as at December 31, 2006.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 | | | As at December 31, 2005 | | | As at December 31, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
2003 Options | | | | $ | 3.2 | | | | | $ | 2.5 | | | | | $ | 3.2 | |
2004 Options | | | | $ | 0.5 | | | | | $ | 0.5 | | | | | $ | 0.5 | |
2005 Options | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
2006 Options | | | | $ | 2.1 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
|
Compensation cost charged against income for the 2005 option grants was $nil million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, as performance targets were not met. Compensation costs relating to unvested awards are $7.5 million as of December 31, 2006.
F-32
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
The following table shows the per share weighted average fair value and the related underlying assumptions using a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model by date of grant:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Grant date |
| | | August 4, 2006 | | | February 16, 2006 | | | December 23, 2004 | | | August 20, 2003 (1) |
Per share weighted average fair value | | | | $ | 4.41 | | | | | $ | 6.99 | | | | | $ | 5.74 | | | | | $ | 5.31 | |
Risk free interest rate | | | | | 5.06 | | | | | | 4.66 | | | | | | 3.57 | | | | | | 4.70 | |
Dividend yield | | | | | 2.6 | | | | | | 2.7 | | | | | | 0.5 | | | | | | 0.6 | |
Expected life | | | 5 years | | | 5 years | | | 5 years | | | 7 years |
Share price volatility | | | | | 19.33 | | | | | | 35.12 | | | | | | 19.68 | | | | | | 0 | |
Foreign currency volatility | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 9.40 | |
|
| |
(1) | The 2003 options share had a 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 initially in British Pounds and the share price of the Company is in U.S. Dollars. |
The above table does not show the per share weighted average fair value and the related underlying assumptions for the 2005 option as the performance targets were not met.
The total tax benefit recognized by the Company in relation to employee options in the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 was $1.1 million. (2005—$0.3 million; 2004-$ 0.8 million).
Restricted Share Units. Restricted share units vest over a three-year period, with one-third of the grant vesting each year, subject to the participants continued employment. Some of the grants vest at year-end, while some other grants vest on the anniversary of the date of grant over a three-year period.
The following table summarizes information about restricted share units by year of grant as at December 31, 2006
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 |
| | | Restricted Share Units |
| | | Amount Granted | | | Amount Vested | | | Amount Outstanding |
2004 | | | | | 95,850 | | | | | | 76,454 | | | | | | 19,396 | |
2005 | | | | | 48,913 | | | | | | 34,787 | | | | | | 14,128 | |
2006 | | | | | 184,356 | | | | | | 10,712 | | | | | | 173,644 | |
|
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.
The fair value of the restricted share units is based on the closing price on the date of the grant.
Compensation cost charged against income was $3.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 (2005—$1.2 million; 2004—$0.5 million).
F-33
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Performance Shares. The following table summarizes information about performance shares by year of grant as at December 31, 2006
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 |
| | | Performance Share Awards |
| | | Amount Granted | | | Amount Earned | | | Amount Forfeited | | | Amount Outstanding |
2004 | | | | | 150,074 | | | | 25,187 | | | 124,887 | | | — |
2005 | | | | | 131,227 | | | | — | | | 43,742 | | | 87,485 |
2006 | | | | | 317,954 | | | | 105,985 | | | — | | | 211,969 |
|
The vesting of one-third of the performance share awards is based on the achievement of one-year performance targets on the year of grant, and two-thirds is based on the achievement of an average performance target over a three-year period. Performance share awards are not entitled to dividends before they vest. Performance shares that vest will only be issued following the approval of the board of directors of the final performance target in the three-year period, and subject to the participant’s continued employment.
Of the 150,074 performance share awards granted in 2004, as at December 31, 2004, all targets had not been met with respect to the one-third portion of the grant and therefore 24,267 share grants were cancelled. The remaining two-thirds of the 2004 grant have also been cancelled.
With respect to the performance share awards granted in 2005, of the 131,227 performance shares, one-third of the grant was cancelled as the performance targets for the one-third portion of the grant was not met.
With respect to the performance share awards granted in 2006, one-third of the grant was fully earned as the performance targets for the one-third portion of the grant were fully met but do not vest until the ROE for 2008 has been approved by the board of directors.
The fair value of the performance share awards is based on the value of the average of the high and the low of the share price on the date of the grant less a deduction for expected dividends which would not accrue during the vesting period.
Compensation cost charged against income was $1.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 (2005—$0.7 million; 2004—$1.0 million).
(c) Non-employee director options
Non-employee director options are granted under the Aspen 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the ‘‘Director Stock Option Plan’’). The following table summarizes information about non-employee director options outstanding to purchase ordinary shares at December 31, 2006.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Option Holder | | | Options | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Outstanding | | | Exercisable | | | Exercise Price | | | Fair Value at Grant Date | | | Remaining Contractual Time |
Non-Employee Directors—2006 Option grants (May 25) | | | | | 31,045 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 21.96 | | | | | $ | 4.24 | | | | 9 yrs 5 months |
|
The amounts for the 2006 non-employee director options granted on May 25, 2006 were estimated on the dates of the grant using a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model under the following assumptions:
F-34
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | |
| | | Grant date |
| | | May 25, 2006 |
Risk-free interest rate | | | | | 4.85 | |
Dividend yield | | | | | 2.7 | |
Expected life | | | 5 years |
Share price volatility | | | | | 20.05 | |
|
Summary of option activity. A summary of option activity under the Company’s investor options, Share Incentive Plan and Director Stock Option Plan as at December 31, 2006 is presented below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 |
| | | Number of Options | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Outstanding, beginning of period | | | | | 9,163,711 | | | | | $ | 18.09 | |
Granted | | | | | 1,120,068 | | | | | $ | 23.54 | |
Exercised | | | | | (64,452 | | | | | $ | 18.95 | |
Forfeited or expired | | | | | (104,591 | | | | | $ | 16.20 | |
Outstanding, end of period | | | | | 10,114,736 | | | | | $ | 19.84 | |
Exercisable, end of period | | | | | 8,407,110 | | | | | $ | 20.49 | |
|
| |
15. | Intangible Assets |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 | | | As at December 31, 2005 | | | As at December 31, 2004 |
Intangible Assets | | | ($ in millions) |
Cost and net book value | | | Trade Mark | | | Insurance Licenses | | | Trade Mark | | | Insurance Licenses | | | Trade Mark | | | Insurance Licenses |
Beginning of year | | | | $ | 1.6 | | | | | $ | 6.6 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 6.6 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 6.6 | |
Cost in year | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1.6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
End of year | | | | $ | 1.6 | | | | | $ | 6.6 | | | | | $ | 1.6 | | | | | $ | 6.6 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 6.6 | |
|
License to use the ‘‘Aspen’’ Trademark. On April 5, 2005, Aspen entered into an agreement with Aspen (Actuaries and Pension Consultants) Plc to acquire the right to use the Aspen trademark for a period of 99 years in the United Kingdom. The consideration paid was approximately $1.6 million. The consideration paid has been capitalized and recognized as an intangible asset on the Company’s balance sheet and will be amortized on a straight line basis over the useful economic life of the trademark which is considered to be 99 years.
| |
16. | Commitments and Contingencies |
(a) Restricted assets
We are obliged by the terms of our contractual obligations to U.S. policyholders and by undertakings to certain regulatory authorities to facilitate the issue of letters of credit or maintain certain balances in trust funds for the benefit of policyholders.
F-35
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
The following table shows the forms of collateral or other security provided to policyholders as at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 | | | As at December 31, 2005 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Assets held in multi-beneficiary trusts | | | | $ | 1,280.1 | | | | | $ | 1,143.3 | |
Assets held in single beneficiary trusts | | | | | 51.4 | | | | | | 48.3 | |
Letters of credit issued under our revolving credit facilities (1) | | | | | 231.7 | | | | | | 309.4 | |
Secured letters of credit (2) | | | | | 233.6 | | | | | | 211.6 | |
Total | | | | $ | 1,796.8 | | | | | $ | 1,712.6 | |
Total as % of cash and invested assets | | | | | 34.7 | | | | | | 38.6 | |
|
| |
(1) | These letters of credit are not secured by cash or securities, though they are secured by a pledge of the shares of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries under a pledge agreement. |
| |
(2) | As of December 31, 2006, the Company had funds on deposit of $171.2 million and £50.2 million (December 31, 2005—$121.3 million and £65.1 million) as collateral for the secured letters of credit. |
Letters of credit. 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 secured and 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, 2006 and 2005, these funds amounted to approximately 30% of the $5.2 billion and approximately 32% of the $4.4 billion of cash and investments held by the Company, respectively. We do not consider that this unduly restricts our liquidity at this time.
In the normal course of business, letters of credit are issued as collateral on behalf of the business, as required within our reinsurance operations. A $400.0 million credit facility was established in 2005 to enable the Company to issue unsecured letters of credit and meet short-term funding requirements. This was increased to $450.0 million with effect from September 1, 2006. The credit agreement is discussed in more detail in Note 21.
U.S. reinsurance trust fund. 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 a minimum amount equal to 100% of Aspen Re’s U.S. reinsurance liabilities, which were $811.3 million at December 31, 2006 and $954.9 million at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2006 the total value of assets held in the trust was $1,101.7 million (2005: $1,041.9 million).
U.S. surplus lines trust fund. Aspen Re has also established a U.S. surplus lines trust fund with a U.S. bank to secure liabilities under U.S. surplus lines policies. The balance held in the trust at December 31, 2006 was $70.6 million (2005: $8.1 million).
U.S. regulatory deposits. As at December 31, 2006 Aspen Specialty had a total of $6.8 million (2005—$7.4 million) on deposit with seven U.S. states in order to satisfy state regulations for writing business in those states.
Canadian trust fund. Aspen Re has established a Canadian trust fund with a Canadian bank to secure a Canadian insurance license. As at December 31, 2006 the balance held in trust was 117.7 million Canadian dollars (2005—Can$55 million).
F-36
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
(b) Operating leases
Amounts outstanding under operating leases as of December 31, 2006 were:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2010 | | | 2011 | | | Later years | | | Total |
Operating Lease Obligations | | | | | 3.2 | | | | | | 7.9 | | | | | | 7.6 | | | | | | 7.7 | | | | | | 7.3 | | | | | | 46.8 | | | | | | 80.5 | |
|
We currently rent office space in Hamilton, Bermuda for our holding company and Bermuda operations. The term of the rental lease agreement is six years, and we have agreed to pay approximately $1 million per year in rent for the three floors for the first three years and services charges of approximately $180,000 are payable per annum. We moved into these new premises on January 30, 2006.
For our U.K.-based reinsurance and insurance operations, on October 19, 2004, Aspen Re entered into a heads of terms agreement for leases (and on April 1, 2005, Aspen Re signed an agreement for under leases) with B.L.C.T. (29038) Limited (the landlord), Tamagon Limited and Cleartest Limited in connection with leasing office space in London of approximately a total of 49,500 square feet covering three floors. The lease for each floor runs for 15 years. Service charges of approximately £0.5 million per annum are payable from this date, and are subject to increase. We will begin paying the yearly basic rent of approximately £2.7 million per annum in November 2007. The basic annual rent for each of the leases will each be subject to 5-yearly upwards-only rent reviews. There are no contractual provisions in any of the leases allowing us to terminate any of the leases prior to expiration of the 15-year contractual terms. We moved into our new premises in July 2005. We terminated our sublease for our prior premises with ACE Global Markets Ltd. effective July 31, 2005.
We also license office space within the Lloyd’s building on the basis of a renewable twelve-month lease.
In addition, we lease office space in Boston, Massachusetts, Marlton, New Jersey and Rocky Hill, Connecticut and other states in the United States in connection with our U.S. operations as well as Paris, France, the branch office of Aspen Re.
In 2006, we have moved offices in Boston and entered into a new lease for office space totalling approximately 28,715 square feet covering two floors of the Federal Reserve Bank Building in Boston, Massachusetts. The commencement date of the lease was September 1, 2006. The lease term is for ten years, with the annual rent for the first five years being approximately $1.0 million and for the remainder of the term being approximately $1.1 million.
Total rental expense for 2006 was $6.4 million (2005—$4.9 million).
For all leases, all rent incentives, including reduced-rent and rent-free periods, are spread on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
We believe that our office space is sufficient for us to conduct our operations for the foreseeable future.
| |
17. | Reinsurance Ceded |
The primary purpose of the ceded reinsurance program is to protect the Company from potential losses in excess of what the Company is prepared to accept. It is expected that the companies to which reinsurance has been ceded will honor their obligations. In the event that these companies are unable to honor their obligations to the Company, the Company will pay these amounts. Appropriate provision is made for possible non-payment of amounts due to the Company.
Balances pertaining to reinsurance transactions are reported ‘‘gross’’ on the consolidated balance sheet, meaning that reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and ceded unearned premiums are not deducted from insurance reserves but are recorded as assets.
F-37
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ 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, 2006 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | | | | ($ in millions) | | | |
Premiums written: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Direct | | | | $ | 760.2 | | | | | $ | 649.6 | | | | | $ | 408.5 | |
Assumed | | | | | 1,185.3 | | | | | | 1,443.0 | | | | | | 1,177.7 | |
Ceded | | | | | (281.9 | | | | | | (441.0 | | | | | | (228.6 | |
Net premiums written | | | | $ | 1,663.6 | | | | | $ | 1,651.6 | | | | | $ | 1,357.6 | |
Premiums earned: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Direct | | | | $ | 749.6 | | | | | $ | 569.6 | | | | | $ | 358.4 | |
Assumed | | | | | 1,251.3 | | | | | | 1,363.0 | | | | | | 1,110.6 | |
Ceded | | | | | (324.7 | | | | | | (424.2 | | | | | | (236.2 | |
Net premiums earned | | | | $ | 1,676.2 | | | | | $ | 1,508.4 | | | | | $ | 1,232.8 | |
Insurance Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Direct | | | | $ | 476.0 | | | | | $ | 650.0 | | | | | $ | 197.8 | |
Assumed | | | | | 510.6 | | | | | | 1,779.6 | | | | | | 677.2 | |
Ceded | | | | | (96.7 | | | | | | (1,071.1 | | | | | | (151.4 | |
Net insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | | $ | 889.9 | | | | | $ | 1,358.5 | | | | | $ | 723.6 | |
|
| |
18. | Concentrations of credit risk |
The Company is potentially exposed to concentrations of credit risk in respect of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, investments and cash and cash equivalents and insurance and reinsurance balances owed by the brokers with whom the Company transacts business.
The Company’s Investment Steering Group and Reinsurance Security Committee define credit risk tolerances in line with the risk appetite set by our Board and they, together with the group’s risk management function, monitor exposures to individual counterparties. Any exceptions are reported to senior management and our Board’s Risk Committee.
Reinsurance recoverables
The total amount recoverable by the Company from reinsurers at December 31, 2006 is $468.3 million (2005: $1,192.7 million, 2004: $197.7 million).
Of the balance at December 31, 2006 31.6% is with Lloyd’s of London Syndicates which is rated A by A.M. Best and A by Standard and Poor’s and 16.5% is with National Indemnity Corporation which is rated AAA by A.M. Best and A++ by Standard and Poor’s. These are the Company’s largest exposures to individual reinsurers.
In 2006, Aspen transferred some of its counterparty credit risk through the purchase of an innovative policy that will protect a portfolio of our reinsurance contracts against the risk of credit default.
Of the reinsurance recoverable balance at December 31, 2005, excluding related party quota share arrangements, 13.6% was with Montpelier Re which was rated A−(Excellent) by A.M. Best and A−(Strong) by Standard and Poor’s and 13.4% was with National Indemnity which was rated A ++ (Superior) by A.M. Best and AAA (Extremely Strong) by Standard and Poor’s. These were the Company’s largest exposures to individual reinsurers.
F-38
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
As at December 31, 2005, we also had reinsurance recoverables due from PX Re of $72.5 million. PX Re was downgraded to B + by A.M. Best in February 2006. This balance has reduced to $nil during 2006 as a result of collections from the counterparty and a commutation agreement under which we received a final payment of $19.4 million in full and final settlement of all obligations under most of the outstanding policies with PX Re.
The largest concentration of reinsurance recoverables as at December 31, 2004, excluding related party quota share arrangements, was with Renaissance Re which was rated A + (Superior) by A.M. Best and A + by Standard and Poor’s. The balance with Renaissance Re represented 9.6% of reinsurance recoverables.
Investments and cash and cash equivalents
The Company’s investment policies include specific provisions that limit the allowable holdings of a single issue and issuer. At December 31, 2006 there were no investments in any single entity, other than the U.S. government and U.S. government agencies (Government National Mortgage Association) and U.S. government sponsored enterprises, in excess of 2.5% of shareholders’ equity.
Balances owed by the brokers
The Company underwrites a significant amount of its business through brokers and a credit risk exists should any of these brokers be unable to fulfil their contractual obligations in respect of insurance or reinsurance balances due to the Company. The following table shows the largest brokers that the Company transacted business with in the three years ended December 31, 2006 and the proportion of gross premiums written from each of those brokers.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broker | | | Gross premiums written in the twelve months ended December 31, |
| | | 2006 % | | | 2005 % | | | 2004 % |
Aon Corporation | | | | | 16.2 | | | | | | 18.1 | | | | | | 20.4 | |
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. | | | | | 13.8 | | | | | | 17.7 | | | | | | 16.4 | |
Benfield Group plc | | | | | 9.5 | | | | | | 11.7 | | | | | | 10.9 | |
Willis Group Holdings, Ltd. | | | | | 14.0 | | | | | | 17.4 | | | | | | 10.3 | |
Others (1) | | | | | 46.5 | | | | | | 35.1 | | | | | | 42.0 | |
Total | | | | | 100.0 | | | | | | 100.0 | | | | | | 100.0 | |
Gross premiums written ($ million) | | | | $ | 1,945.5 | | | | | $ | 2,092.5 | | | | | $ | 1,586.2 | |
|
| |
(1) | No other, individual broker accounted for more than 10% of gross premiums written. |
| |
19. | Segment Information |
The Company has four reportable, or operating, segments: property reinsurance, casualty reinsurance, specialty insurance and reinsurance and property and casualty insurance. The directors have determined these segments by reference to the organization and operating structure of the business and the different services provided by the segments.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Results are analyzed separately for each of our segments. Underwriting assets are reviewed in total by the directors for the purpose of decision-making.
F-39
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Geographical Areas—The following summary presents financial data of the Company’s operations based on the location of our policyholders.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | | | | ($ in millions) | | | |
Net Earned Premium | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.K. | | | | $ | 196.8 | | | | | $ | 299.6 | | | | | $ | 368.6 | |
U.S. | | | | | 756.7 | | | | | | 761.4 | | | | | | 498.1 | |
Other geographical areas | | | | | 722.7 | | | | | | 447.4 | | | | | | 366.1 | |
Net premiums earned | | | | $ | 1,676.2 | | | | | $ | 1,508.4 | | | | | $ | 1,232.8 | |
|
Segment Information—The summary below presents revenues and pre-tax income from operations for the reportable segments.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 |
| | | Property Reinsurance | | | Casualty Reinsurance | | | Specialty Insurance & Reinsurance | | | Property & Casualty Insurance | | | Unallocated | | | Total |
| | | | | | ($ in millions, except percentages) | | | | | | |
Gross premiums written | | | | $ | 609.2 | | | | | $ | 485.5 | | | | | $ | 511.1 | | | | | $ | 339.7 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,945.5 | |
Net premiums written | | | | | 466.1 | | | | | | 474.0 | | | | | | 455.3 | | | | | | 268.2 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,663.6 | |
Gross premiums earned | | | | | 662.4 | | | | | | 502.7 | | | | | | 468.0 | | | | | | 367.8 | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,000.9 | |
Net premiums earned | | | | | 491.3 | | | | | | 489.9 | | | | | | 408.0 | | | | | | 287.0 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,676.2 | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 204.4 | | | | | | 204.4 | |
Realized investment gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (8.0 | | | | | | (8.0 | |
Other income—fair value of derivatives | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (13.1 | | | | | | (13.1 | |
Total Revenues | | | | | 491.3 | | | | | | 489.9 | | | | | | 408.0 | | | | | | 287.0 | | | | | | 183.3 | | | | | | 1,859.5 | |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Losses and loss expenses | | | | | (209.8 | | | | | | (285.6 | | | | | | (206.8 | | | | | | (187.7 | | | | | | | | | | | | (889.9 | |
Policy acquisition expenses | | | | | (122.7 | | | | | | (81.4 | | | | | | (76.4 | | | | | | (42.3 | | | | | | | | | | | | (322.8 | |
Operating and administrative expenses | | | | | (53.4 | | | | | | (41.6 | | | | | | (35.7 | | | | | | (37.2 | | | | | | | | | | | | (167.9 | |
Interest on long term debt | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (16.9 | | | | | | (16.9 | |
Realized exchange gains/(losses) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 9.5 | | | | | | 9.5 | |
Other expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1.1 | | | | | | (1.1 | |
Total Expenses | | | | | (385.9 | | | | | | (408.6 | | | | | | (318.9 | | | | | | (267.2 | | | | | | (8.5 | | | | | | (1,389.1 | |
Net income before tax | | | | $ | 105.4 | | | | | $ | 81.3 | | | | | $ | 89.1 | | | | | $ | 19.8 | | | | | $ | 174.8 | | | | | $ | 470.4 | |
Net reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses | | | | $ | 549.5 | | | | | $ | 961.8 | | | | | $ | 353.8 | | | | | $ | 486.6 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,351.7 | |
Ratios | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss ratio | | | | | 42.7 | | | | | | 58.3 | | | | | | 50.7 | | | | | | 65.4 | | | | | | | | | | | | 53.1 | |
Policy acquisition expense ratio | | | | | 25.0 | | | | | | 16.6 | | | | | | 18.7 | | | | | | 14.7 | | | | | | | | | | | | 19.3 | |
Operating and administration expense ratio | | | | | 10.8 | | | | | | 8.5 | | | | | | 8.8 | | | | | | 13.0 | | | | | | | | | | | | 10.0 | |
Expense ratio | | | | | 35.8 | | | | | | 25.1 | | | | | | 27.5 | | | | | | 27.7 | | | | | | | | | | | | 29.3 | |
Combined ratio | | | | | 78.5 | | | | | | 83.4 | | | | | | 78.2 | | | | | | 93.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | 82.4 | |
|
F-40
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 |
| | | Property Reinsurance | | | Casualty Reinsurance | | | Specialty Insurance & Reinsurance | | | Property & Casualty Insurance | | | Unallocated | | | Total |
| | | | | | ($ in millions, except percentages) | | | | | | |
Gross premiums written | | | | $ | 813.2 | | | | | $ | 526.7 | | | | | $ | 368.3 | | | | | $ | 384.3 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,092.5 | |
Net premiums written | | | | | 523.4 | | | | | | 508.9 | | | | | | 317.7 | | | | | | 301.6 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,651.6 | |
Gross premiums earned | | | | | 763.2 | | | | | | 488.1 | | | | | | 278.8 | | | | | | 402.5 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,932.6 | |
Net premiums earned | | | | | 497.3 | | | | | | 470.6 | | | | | | 232.9 | | | | | | 307.6 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,508.4 | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 121.3 | | | | | | 121.3 | |
Realized investment gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (4.4 | | | | | | (4.4 | |
Other income—fair value of derivatives | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 19.4 | | | | | | 19.4 | |
Total Revenues | | | | | 497.3 | | | | | | 470.6 | | | | | | 232.9 | | | | | | 307.6 | | | | | | 136.3 | | | | | | 1,644.7 | |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Losses and loss expenses | | | | | (700.8 | | | | | | (328.3 | | | | | | (148.5 | | | | | | (180.9 | | | | | | | | | | | | (1,358.5 | |
Policy acquisition expenses | | | | | (123.5 | | | | | | (70.2 | | | | | | (39.8 | | | | | | (49.7 | | | | | | | | | | | | (283.2 | |
Operating and administrative expenses | | | | | (31.2 | | | | | | (42.6 | | | | | | (20.8 | | | | | | (31.3 | | | | | | | | | | | | (125.9 | |
Interest on long term debt | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (16.2 | | | | | | (16.2 | |
Realized exchange gains / (losses) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (18.2 | | | | | | (18.2 | |
Other expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3.1 | | | | | | (3.1 | |
Total Expenses | | | | | (855.5 | | | | | | (441.1 | | | | | | (209.1 | | | | | | (261.9 | | | | | | (37.5 | | | | | | (1,805.1 | |
Net income (loss) before tax | | | | $ | (358.2 | | | | | $ | 29.5 | | | | | $ | 23.8 | | | | | $ | 45.7 | | | | | $ | 98.8 | | | | | $ | (160.4 | |
Net reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses | | | | $ | 599.8 | | | | | $ | 674.8 | | | | | $ | 207.2 | | | | | $ | 367.1 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,848.9 | |
Ratios | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss ratio | | | | | 140.9 | | | | | | 69.7 | | | | | | 63.8 | | | | | | 58.8 | | | | | | | | | | | | 90.1 | |
Policy acquisition expense ratio | | | | | 24.8 | | | | | | 14.9 | | | | | | 17.1 | | | | | | 16.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | 18.8 | |
Operating and administration expense ratio | | | | | 6.3 | | | | | | 9.1 | | | | | | 8.9 | | | | | | 10.2 | | | | | | | | | | | | 8.3 | |
Expense ratio | | | | | 31.1 | | | | | | 24.0 | | | | | | 26.0 | | | | | | 26.3 | | | | | | | | | | | | 27.1 | |
Combined ratio | | | | | 172.0 | | | | | | 93.7 | | | | | | 89.8 | | | | | | 85.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | 117.2 | |
|
F-41
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | Property Reinsurance | | | Casualty Reinsurance | | | Specialty Insurance & Reinsurance | | | Property & Casualty Insurance | | | Unallocated | | | Total |
| | | | | | ($ in millions, except percentages) | | | | | | |
Gross premiums written | | | | $ | 649.3 | | | | | $ | 446.7 | | | | | $ | 125.3 | | | | | $ | 364.9 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,586.2 | |
Net premiums written | | | | | 499.9 | | | | | | 436.7 | | | | | | 109.0 | | | | | | 312.0 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,357.6 | |
Gross premiums earned | | | | | 630.1 | | | | | | 363.3 | | | | | | 128.0 | | | | | | 347.6 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,469.0 | |
Net premiums earned | | | | | 469.6 | | | | | | 353.1 | | | | | | 113.6 | | | | | | 296.5 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,232.8 | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 68.3 | | | | | | 68.3 | |
Realized investment gains (losses) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3.5 | | | | | | (3.5 | |
Other income—fair value of derivatives | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (4.0 | | | | | | (4.0 | |
Total Revenues | | | | | 469.6 | | | | | | 353.1 | | | | | | 113.6 | | | | | | 296.5 | | | | | | 60.8 | | | | | | 1,293.6 | |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Losses and loss expenses | | | | | (262.5 | | | | | | (252.2 | | | | | | (45.5 | | | | | | (163.4 | | | | | | | | | | | | (723.6 | |
Policy acquisition expenses | | | | | (104.0 | | | | | | (57.2 | | | | | | (18.3 | | | | | | (32.5 | | | | | | | | | | | | (212.0 | |
Operating and administrative expenses | | | | | (38.2 | | | | | | (13.7 | | | | | | (4.0 | | | | | | (37.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | (93.0 | |
Interest on long term debt | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (6.9 | | | | | | (6.9 | |
Realized exchange gains/(losses) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5.1 | | | | | | 5.1 | |
Total Expenses | | | | | (404.7 | | | | | | (323.1 | | | | | | (67.8 | | | | | | (233.0 | | | | | | (1.8 | | | | | | (1,030.4 | |
Net income before tax | | | | $ | 64.9 | | | | | $ | 30.0 | | | | | $ | 45.8 | | | | | $ | 63.5 | | | | | $ | 59.0 | | | | | $ | 263.2 | |
Net reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses | | | | $ | 222.9 | | | | | $ | 373.2 | | | | | $ | 157.9 | | | | | $ | 326.2 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,080.2 | |
Ratios | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss ratio | | | | | 55.9 | | | | | | 71.4 | | | | | | 40.1 | | | | | | 55.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | 58.7 | |
Policy acquisition expense ratio | | | | | 22.2 | | | | | | 16.2 | | | | | | 16.1 | | | | | | 11.0 | | | | | | | | | | | | 17.2 | |
Operating and administration expense ratio | | | | | 8.1 | | | | | | 3.9 | | | | | | 3.5 | | | | | | 12.5 | | | | | | | | | | | | 7.5 | |
Expense ratio | | | | | 30.3 | | | | | | 20.1 | | | | | | 19.6 | | | | | | 23.5 | | | | | | | | | | | | 24.7 | |
Combined ratio | | | | | 86.2 | | | | | | 91.5 | | | | | | 59.7 | | | | | | 78.6 | | | | | | | | | | | | 83.4 | |
|
| |
20. | 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 comprise our reported adjustments, net of taxes.
The following table sets out the components of the Company’s other comprehensive income, for the following periods:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 |
| | | Pre-tax | | | Income tax effect | | | After tax |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized gains on investments | | | | $ | 10.0 | | | | | $ | 1.2 | | | | | $ | 11.2 | |
Unrealized losses on investments | | | | | (14.4 | | | | | | (4.8 | | | | | | (19.2 | |
Loss on derivatives | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 0.2 | |
Change in currency translation | | | | | 16.3 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 16.3 | |
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) | | | | $ | 12.1 | | | | | $ | (3.6 | | | | | $ | 8.5 | |
|
F-42
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 |
| | | Pre-tax | | | Income tax effect | | | After tax |
| | | | | | ($ in millions) | | | |
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized gains on investments | | | | $ | 1.2 | | | | | $ | (0.7 | | | | | $ | 0.5 | |
Unrealized losses on investments | | | | | (32.4 | | | | | | 7.4 | | | | | | (25.0 | |
Loss on derivatives | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 0.2 | |
Change in currency translation | | | | | 14.9 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 14.9 | |
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) | | | | $ | (16.1 | | | | | $ | 6.7 | | | | | $ | (9.4 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | Pre-tax | | | Income tax effect | | | After tax |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized gains on investments | | | | $ | 1.5 | | | | | $ | 0.3 | | | | | $ | 1.8 | |
Unrealized losses on investments | | | | | (9.8 | | | | | | 0.8 | | | | | | (9.0 | |
Loss on derivatives | | | | | (2.2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2.2 | |
Change in currency translation | | | | | (3.4 | | | | | | 3.5 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) | | | | $ | (13.9 | | | | | $ | 4.6 | | | | | $ | (9.3 | |
|
| |
21. | Credit Facility and Senior Notes |
On August 2, 2005, the Company entered into a five-year revolving credit facility with a syndicate of commercial banks under which it may, subject to the terms of the credit agreements, borrow up to $400 million or issue letters of credit with an aggregate value of up to $400 million. The facility will be used by any of the Borrowers (as defined in the agreement) to provide funding for the insurance subsidiaries of the Company, to finance the working capital needs of the Company and its subsidiaries and for general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. The revolving credit facility provides for a $250 million sub-facility for collateralized letters of credit or up to $400 million of unsecured letters of credit. On September 1, 2006 the aggregate limit available under the credit facility was increased to $450 million. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, letters of credit totaling $231.6 million and $309.4 million respectively, were issued under this facility. The facility will expire on August 2, 2010.
Under the agreement, the Company must maintain at all times a consolidated tangible net worth of not less than approximately $1.1 billion plus 50% of consolidated net income and 50% of aggregate net cash proceeds from the issuance by the Company of its capital stock, each as accrued from January 1, 2005. On April 13, 2006, the agreement was amended to remove any downward adjustment on maintaining the Company’s consolidated tangible net worth in the event of a net loss. The Company must also not permit its consolidated leverage ratio of total consolidated debt to consolidated tangible net worth to exceed 35%. In addition, the agreement contains other customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as certain customary events of default, including with respect to a change in control. Under our credit facilities, we would be in default if Aspen Re’s or Aspen Bermuda’s insurer financial strength ratings fall below ‘‘B++’’ by A.M. Best or ‘‘A−’’ by S&P.
The agreement replaces the Company’s $150 million three-year credit agreement dated August 26, 2003, which would have expired on August 29, 2006, and the $50 million 364-day credit agreement, dated as of August 26, 2003, both of which were terminated as of August 2, 2005 upon the effectiveness of the agreement. 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 Specialty and the balance was used to provide working capital to Aspen Holdings. The initial interest rate was three-month LIBOR plus 42.5 basis points. A facility fee, calculated at a rate of 17.5 basis points on the average daily amount of the commitment of each lender, was paid to each lender quarterly in arrears. On December 15, 2003, $50 million of the outstanding loan was repaid following
F-43
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
receipt of funds from the initial public offering. We repaid the $40 million outstanding balance on October 12, 2004 from the proceeds of our issuance on August 16, 2004 of $250 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Notes due 2014.
On August 16, 2004, we closed our offering of $250 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Notes due 2014 (the ‘‘Senior Notes’’) under Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We also have granted and agreed certain customary exchange and shelf registration rights (the ‘‘Notes Registration Rights Agreement’’) to note holders under the terms of the Senior Notes. The net proceeds from the Senior Notes offering were $249.3 million. The remainder of the net proceeds has been contributed to Aspen Bermuda in order to increase its capital and surplus, and consequently, their respective underwriting capacity.
Subject to certain exceptions, so long as any of the Senior Notes remain outstanding, we have agreed that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will (i) create a lien on any shares of capital stock of any designated subsidiary (currently Aspen Re and Aspen Bermuda, as defined in the Indenture), or (ii) issue, sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of capital stock of any designated subsidiary. Certain events will constitute an event of default under the Indenture, including default in payment at maturity of any of our other indebtedness in excess of $50 million.
Under the Notes Registration Rights Agreement, we agreed to file a registration statement for the Senior Notes within 150 days after the issue date of the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes were registered on January 13, 2005.
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations under long term debts as of December 31, 2006.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Payments due by period |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Contractual Basis | | | Total | | | Less than 1 year | | | 1-3 years | | | 3-5 years | | | More than 5 years |
Long-Term Debt Obligations | | | | | 250.0 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 250.0 | |
|
The long term debt obligation disclosed above does not include the $15 million annual interest payable on the Senior Notes.
F-44
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| |
22. | Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data |
The following is a summary of the quarterly financial data for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 |
| | | | | | ($ in millions) | | | |
| | | Quarter Ended March 31, 2006 | | | Quarter Ended June 30, 2006 | | | Quarter Ended September 30, 2006 | | | Quarter Ended December 31, 2006 | | | Full Year |
Gross written premium | | | | $ | 678.7 | | | | | $ | 522.4 | | | | | $ | 457.5 | | | | | $ | 286.9 | | | | | $ | 1,945.5 | |
Gross earned premium | | | | | 493.5 | | | | | | 508.3 | | | | | | 513.5 | | | | | | 485.6 | | | | | | 2,000.9 | |
Net earned premium | | | | | 402.6 | | | | | | 429.0 | | | | | | 429.3 | | | | | | 415.3 | | | | | | 1,676.2 | |
Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | | | (232.4 | | | | | | (223.8 | | | | | | (232.0 | | | | | | (201.7 | | | | | | (889.9 | |
Policy acquisition, operating and admin expenses | | | | | (131.5 | | | | | | (126.2 | | | | | | (115.7 | | | | | | (117.3 | | | | | | (490.7 | |
Underwriting Income | | | | $ | 38.7 | | | | | $ | 79.0 | | | | | $ | 81.6 | | | | | $ | 96.3 | | | | | $ | 295.6 | |
Net investment income | | | | | 44.5 | | | | | | 49.9 | | | | | | 47.3 | | | | | | 62.7 | | | | | | 204.4 | |
Interest expense | | | | | (3.9 | | | | | | (4.0 | | | | | | (4.6 | | | | | | (4.4 | | | | | | (16.9 | |
Other expense | | | | | (1.9 | | | | | | (0.6 | | | | | | (7.1 | | | | | | (4.6 | | | | | | (14.2 | |
Total other operating revenue | | | | $ | 38.7 | | | | | $ | 45.3 | | | | | $ | 35.6 | | | | | $ | 53.7 | | | | | $ | 173.3 | |
Operating income before tax | | | | $ | 77.4 | | | | | $ | 124.3 | | | | | $ | 117.2 | | | | | $ | 150.0 | | | | | $ | 468.9 | |
Net exchange gains/(losses) | | | | | 1.3 | | | | | | 6.6 | | | | | | 2.5 | | | | | | (0.9 | | | | | | 9.5 | |
Net realized investment losses | | | | | (1.4 | | | | | | (3.7 | | | | | | (1.0 | | | | | | (1.9 | | | | | | (8.0 | |
Income before tax | | | | $ | 77.3 | | | | | $ | 127.2 | | | | | $ | 118.7 | | | | | $ | 147.2 | | | | | $ | 470.4 | |
Income taxes | | | | | (15.5 | | | | | | (25.4 | | | | | | (23.7 | | | | | | (27.7 | | | | | | (92.3 | |
Net income after tax | | | | $ | 61.8 | | | | | $ | 101.8 | | | | | $ | 95.0 | | | | | $ | 119.5 | | | | | $ | 378.1 | |
Ordinary Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average ordinary shares | | | | | 95,243,750 | | | | | | 95,250,409 | | | | | | 95,253,714 | | | | | | 93,457,487 | | | | | | 94,802,413 | |
Diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average ordinary shares | | | | | 95,243,750 | | | | | | 95,250,409 | | | | | | 95,253,714 | | | | | | 93,457,487 | | | | | | 94,802,413 | |
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities | | | | | 2,269,975 | | | | | | 2,082,507 | | | | | | 2,067,423 | | | | | | 2,044,126 | | | | | | 1,931,902 | |
Total | | | | | 97,513,725 | | | | | | 97,332,916 | | | | | | 97,321,137 | | | | | | 95,501,613 | | | | | | 96,734,315 | |
Earnings per ordinary shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | 0.61 | | | | | | 1.04 | | | | | | 0.96 | | | | | | 1.22 | | | | | | 3.82 | |
Diluted | | | | | 0.59 | | | | | | 1.01 | | | | | | 0.94 | | | | | | 1.20 | | | | | | 3.75 | |
|
F-45
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Quarter Ended March 31, 2005 | | | Quarter Ended June 30, 2005 | | | Quarter Ended September 30, 2005 | | | Quarter Ended December 31, 2005 | | | Full Year |
Gross written premium | | | | $ | 804.1 | | | | | $ | 549.4 | | | | | $ | 494.0 | | | | | $ | 245.0 | | | | | $ | 2,092.5 | |
Gross earned premium | | | | | 433.7 | | | | | | 458.3 | | | | | | 524.6 | | | | | | 516.0 | | | | | | 1,932.6 | |
Net earned premium | | | | | 378.7 | | | | | | 395.0 | | | | | | 379.4 | | | | | | 355.3 | | | | | | 1,508.4 | |
Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | | | (207.4 | | | | | | (195.9 | | | | | | (683.0 | | | | | | (272.2 | | | | | | (1,358.5 | |
Policy acquisition, operating and admin expenses | | | | | (99.6 | | | | | | (106.8 | | | | | | (102.6 | | | | | | (100.1 | | | | | | (409.1 | |
Underwriting Income/(Loss) | | | | $ | 71.7 | | | | | $ | 92.3 | | | | | $ | (406.2 | | | | | $ | (17.0 | | | | | $ | (259.2 | |
Net investment income | | | | | 25.5 | | | | | | 27.1 | | | | | | 29.4 | | | | | | 39.3 | | | | | | 121.3 | |
Interest expense | | | | | (4.0 | | | | | | (3.9 | | | | | | (4.3 | | | | | | (4.0 | | | | | | (16.2 | |
Other (expense)/income | | | | | (1.1 | | | | | | (3.3 | | | | | | (4.8 | | | | | | 25.5 | | | | | | 16.3 | |
Total other operating revenue | | | | $ | 20.4 | | | | | $ | 19.9 | | | | | $ | 20.3 | | | | | $ | 60.8 | | | | | $ | 121.4 | |
Operating income/(loss) before tax | | | | $ | 92.1 | | | | | $ | 112.2 | | | | | $ | (385.9 | | | | | $ | 43.8 | | | | | $ | (137.8 | |
Net exchange losses | | | | | (1.3 | | | | | | (3.5 | | | | | | (3.9 | | | | | | (9.5 | | | | | | (18.2 | |
Net realized investment gains/(losses) | | | | | (0.9 | | | | | | 0.9 | | | | | | (1.4 | | | | | | (3.0 | | | | | | (4.4 | |
Income/(loss) before tax | | | | $ | 89.9 | | | | | $ | 109.6 | | | | | $ | (391.2 | | | | | $ | 31.3 | | | | | $ | (160.4 | |
Income tax/credits | | | | | (19.8 | | | | | | (25.8 | | | | | | 29.2 | | | | | | (1.0 | | | | | | (17.4 | |
Net income/(loss) after tax | | | | $ | 70.1 | | | | | $ | 83.8 | | | | | $ | (362.0 | | | | | $ | 30.3 | | | | | $ | (177.8 | |
Ordinary Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average ordinary shares | | | | | 69,330,495 | | | | | | 69,342,486 | | | | | | 69,343,435 | | | | | | 87,755,442 | | | | | | 74,020,302 | |
Diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average ordinary shares | | | | | 69,330,495 | | | | | | 69,342,486 | | | | | | 69,343,435 | | | | | | 87,755,442 | | | | | | 74,020,302 | |
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities | | | | | 2,378,513 | | | | | | 2,834,092 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,917,038 | | | | | | — | |
Total | | | | | 71,709,008 | | | | | | 72,176,578 | | | | | | 69,343,435 | | | | | | 90,672,480 | | | | | | 74,020,302 | |
Earnings per ordinary shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | 1.01 | | | | | | 1.21 | | | | | | (5.22 | | | | | | 0.34 | | | | | | (2.40 | |
Diluted | | | | | 0.98 | | | | | | 1.16 | | | | | | (5.22 | | | | | | 0.33 | | | | | | (2.40 | |
|
F-46
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — continued
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
| | | Quarter Ended March 31, 2004 | | | Quarter Ended June 30, 2004 | | | Quarter Ended September 30, 2004 | | | Quarter Ended December 31, 2004 | | | Full Year |
Gross written premium | | | | $ | 640.2 | | | | | $ | 380.4 | | | | | $ | 349.4 | | | | | $ | 216.2 | | | | | $ | 1,586.2 | |
Gross earned premium | | | | | 358.0 | | | | | | 374.1 | | | | | | 361.1 | | | | | | 375.8 | | | | | | 1,469.0 | |
Net earned premium | | | | | 305.8 | | | | | | 327.0 | | | | | | 293.4 | | | | | | 306.6 | | | | | | 1,232.8 | |
Losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | | | (124.1 | | | | | | (139.4 | | | | | | (303.2 | | | | | | (156.9 | | | | | | (723.6 | |
Policy acquisition, operating and admin expenses | | | | | (77.1 | | | | | | (91.3 | | | | | | (66.5 | | | | | | (70.1 | | | | | | (305.0 | |
Underwriting Income/(Loss) | | | | $ | 104.6 | | | | | $ | 96.3 | | | | | $ | (76.3 | | | | | $ | 79.6 | | | | | $ | 204.2 | |
Net investment income | | | | | 12.0 | | | | | | 14.9 | | | | | | 19.4 | | | | | | 22.0 | | | | | | 68.3 | |
Interest expense | | | | | (0.4 | | | | | | (0.1 | | | | | | (2.7 | | | | | | (3.7 | | | | | | (6.9 | |
Other expense | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2.1 | | | | | | (1.9 | | | | | | (4.0 | |
Total other operating revenue | | | | $ | 11.6 | | | | | $ | 14.8 | | | | | $ | 14.6 | | | | | $ | 16.4 | | | | | $ | 57.4 | |
Operating income/(loss) before tax | | | | $ | 116.2 | | | | | $ | 111.1 | | | | | $ | (61.7 | | | | | $ | 96.0 | | | | | $ | 261.6 | |
Net exchange (losses)/gains | | | | | (0.8 | | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | 1.4 | | | | | | 4.4 | | | | | | 5.1 | |
Net realized investment (losses)/gains | | | | | (0.3 | | | | | | (4.0 | | | | | | 1.9 | | | | | | (1.1 | | | | | | (3.5 | |
Income/(loss) before tax | | | | $ | 115.1 | | | | | $ | 107.2 | | | | | $ | (58.4 | | | | | $ | 99.3 | | | | | $ | 263.2 | |
Income tax/credits | | | | | (30.1 | | | | | | (26.3 | | | | | | 15.4 | | | | | | (27.1 | | | | | | (68.1 | |
Net income/(loss) after tax | | | | $ | 85.0 | | | | | $ | 80.9 | | | | | $ | (43.0 | | | | | $ | 72.2 | | | | | $ | 195.1 | |
Ordinary Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average ordinary shares | | | | | 69,178,203 | | | | | | 69,174,303 | | | | | | 69,174,303 | | | | | | 69,291,191 | | | | | | 69,204,658 | |
Diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average ordinary shares | | | | | 69,178,203 | | | | | | 69,174,303 | | | | | | 69,174,303 | | | | | | 69,291,191 | | | | | | 69,204,658 | |
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities | | | | | 2,842,475 | | | | | | 2,755,325 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,954,553 | | | | | | 1,916,910 | |
Total | | | | | 72,020,678 | | | | | | 71,929,628 | | | | | | 69,174,303 | | | | | | 71,245,744 | | | | | | 71,121,568 | |
Earnings per ordinary shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | 1.23 | | | | | | 1.17 | | | | | | (0.62 | | | | | | 1.04 | | | | | | 2.82 | |
Diluted | | | | | 1.18 | | | | | | 1.13 | | | | | | (0.62 | | | | | | 1.01 | | | | | | 2.74 | |
|
F-47
INDEX OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
| | | |
| | | Page |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | | S-2 |
Schedule II — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant | | | S-3 |
Schedule III — Supplementary Insurance Information | | | S-6 |
Schedule IV — Reinsurance | | | S-7 |
Schedule V — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | | | S-8 |
|
S-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited:
Under date of February 22, 2007, we reported on the consolidated balance sheet of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006, which are included in the Form 10-K. In connection with our audit of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related consolidated financial statement schedules appearing on pages S-3 through S-8 of the Form 10-K. 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 audits.
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
KPMG Audit Plc
London, United Kingdom
February 22, 2007
S-2
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
SCHEDULE II—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
BALANCE SHEETS
As at December 31, 2006 and 2005
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | As at December 31, 2006 | | | As at December 31, 2005 |
| | | ($ in millions, except per share amounts) |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | $ | 46.0 | | | | | $ | 203.7 | |
Investments in subsidiaries | | | | | 2,027.8 | | | | | | 1,671.6 | |
Eurobond issued by subsidiary | | | | | 400.0 | | | | | | 400.0 | |
Intercompany funds due from affiliates | | | | | 169.2 | | | | | | 14.8 | |
Other assets | | | | | 36.5 | | | | | | 6.7 | |
Total Assets | | | | $ | 2,679.5 | | | | | $ | 2,296.8 | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued expenses and other payables | | | | | 40.8 | | | | | | 7.7 | |
Long-Term Debt | | | | | 249.4 | | | | | | 249.3 | |
Total Liabilities | | | | $ | 290.2 | | | | | $ | 257.0 | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary shares: 87,788,375 ordinary shares of 0.15144558¢ each (2005—95,209,008) | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Preference Shares: 4,600,000 5.625% shares of par value 0.15144558¢ each (2005—4,000,000) | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
8,000,000 7.401% shares of par value 0.15144558¢ each | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Additional paid in capital | | | | | 1,921.7 | | | | | | 1,887.0 | |
Retained earnings | | | | | 450.5 | | | | | | 144.2 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized gains on investments | | | | | (40.3 | | | | | | (32.3 | |
Loss on derivatives | | | | | (1.8 | | | | | | (2.0 | |
Gains on foreign currency translation | | | | | 59.1 | | | | | | 42.8 | |
Total accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | 17.0 | | | | | | 8.5 | |
Total Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | 2,389.3 | | | | | | 2,039.8 | |
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | | | | $ | 2,679.5 | | | | | $ | 2,296.8 | |
|
The 2005 comparatives have been re-presented to reflect the inclusion of the net proceeds from the preference shares issued within additional paid in capital.
S-3
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
SCHEDULE II—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (cont’d)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2006 | | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | ($ in millions) |
Operating Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries | | | | $ | 347.8 | | | | | $ | (189.2 | | | | | $ | 179.2 | |
Net investment income | | | | | 4.5 | | | | | | 1.5 | | | | | | 1.2 | |
Dividend income | | | | | 35.0 | | | | | | 17.0 | | | | | | 35.0 | |
Interest on Eurobond | | | | | 26.0 | | | | | | 26.0 | | | | | | — | |
Realized foreign exchange losses | | | | | — | | | | | | (0.1 | | | | | | (0.1 | |
Total Revenues | | | | | 413.3 | | | | | | (144.8 | | | | | | 215.3 | |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating and Administrative expenses | | | | | (19.1 | | | | | | (16.3 | | | | | | (12.8 | |
Interest expense | | | | | (16.1 | | | | | | (16.7 | | | | | | (7.4 | |
Income from operations before income tax | | | | | 378.1 | | | | | | (177.8 | | | | | | 195.1 | |
Income tax | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Net Income/(Loss) | | | | | 378.1 | | | | | | (177.8 | | | | | | 195.1 | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes Change in unrealized losses on investments | | | | | (8.0 | | | | | | (24.5 | | | | | | (7.2 | |
Loss on derivatives reclassified to interest expense | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | 0.1 | |
Change in unrealized gains on foreign currency translation | | | | | 16.3 | | | | | | 14.9 | | | | | | (2.2 | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) | | | | | 8.5 | | | | | | (9.4 | | | | | | (9.3 | |
Comprehensive income/(loss) | | | | $ | 386.6 | | | | | $ | (187.2 | | | | | $ | 185.8 | |
|
S-4
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
SCHEDULE II—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (cont’d)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2006 | | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2005 | | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2004 |
| | | | | | ($ in millions) | | | |
Operating Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (Parent only) | | | | $ | 30.3 | | | | | $ | 11.4 | | | | | $ | 15.9 | |
Adjustments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share based compensation expenses | | | | | 10.0 | | | | | | 3.4 | | | | | | 5.2 | |
Net amortization on fixed income securities | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 0.2 | |
Change in accrued interest | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 5.8 | |
Change in other assets | | | | | (29.8 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (1.5 | |
Change in accrued expenses and other payables | | | | | 33.1 | | | | | | (0.8 | | | | | | (2.3 | |
Change in intercompany activities | | | | | (154.4 | | | | | | (288.8 | | | | | | 273.9 | |
Net cash (used in)/generated by operating activities | | | | | (110.8 | | | | | | (274.8 | | | | | | 297.2 | |
Investing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment in subsidiaries | | | | | — | | | | | | (282.1 | | | | | | (250.0 | |
Investment in Eurobond issued by subsidiary | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (400.0 | |
Advance to Aspen US Holdings | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 108.8 | |
Purchase of fixed income securities | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (71.5 | |
Proceeds from the sale of fixed income securities | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 100.0 | |
Proceeds from redemptions and maturities of fixed income securities | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 3.3 | |
Net sales of short-term investments | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 12.6 | |
Purchase of intangible asset | | | | | — | | | | | | (1.6 | | | | | | — | |
Net cash used for investing activities | | | | | — | | | | | | (283.7 | | | | | | (496.8 | |
Financing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from the issuance of Ordinary Shares, net of issuance costs | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | 595.7 | | | | | | 0.2 | |
Ordinary share repurchase | | | | | (200.8 | | | | | | (1.9 | | | | | | (0.1 | |
Proceeds from the issuance of Preference Shares, net of issuance costs | | | | | 225.4 | | | | | | 193.8 | | | | | | — | |
Loss on derivative reclassified to interest expense | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | 0.2 | | | | | | (2.2 | |
Dividends paid | | | | | (71.8 | | | | | | (45.5 | | | | | | (8.3 | |
Repayment of bank loan | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (40.0 | |
Proceeds from long term loan | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 249.3 | |
Net cash (used in)/generated by financing activities | | | | | (46.9 | | | | | | 742.3 | | | | | | 198.9 | |
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | | | (157.7 | | | | | | 183.8 | | | | | | (0.7 | |
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period | | | | | 203.7 | | | | | | 19.9 | | | | | | 20.6 | |
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period | | | | $ | 46.0 | | | | | $ | 203.7 | | | | | $ | 19.9 | |
|
S-5
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
SCHEDULE III—SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
Premiums Written:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Direct | | | Assumed | | | Ceded | | | Net Amount |
| | | | | | ($ in millions) | | | |
2006 | | | | $ | 760.2 | | | | | $ | 1,185.3 | | | | | $ | (281.9 | | | | | $ | 1,663.6 | |
2005 | | | | $ | 649.6 | | | | | $ | 1,443.0 | | | | | $ | (441.0 | | | | | $ | 1,651.5 | |
2004 | | | | $ | 408.5 | | | | | $ | 1,177.7 | | | | | $ | (228.6 | | | | | $ | 1,357.6 | |
|
Supplementary Information:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Deferred policy acquisition costs | | | Net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses | | | Net reserves for unearned premiums | | | Net premiums written | | | Net investment income | | | Losses and loss expenses incurred related to current year | | | Losses and loss expenses incurred related to prior year | | | Operating and administrative expenses |
| | | | | | | | | | | | ($ in millions) | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | | | $ | 141.4 | | | | | $ | 2,351.7 | | | | | $ | 811.5 | | | | | $ | 1,663.6 | | | | | $ | 204.4 | | | | | $ | (941.2 | | | | | $ | 51.3 | | | | | $ | (167.9 | |
2005 | | | | $ | 156.2 | | | | | $ | 1,848.9 | | | | | $ | 795.3 | | | | | $ | 1,651.6 | | | | | $ | 121.3 | | | | | $ | (1,409.1 | | | | | $ | 50.6 | | | | | $ | (125.9 | |
2004 | | | | $ | 115.6 | | | | | $ | 1,080.2 | | | | | $ | 673.5 | | | | | $ | 1,357.6 | | | | | $ | 68.3 | | | | | $ | (785.6 | | | | | $ | 62.0 | | | | | $ | (93.0 | |
|
S-6
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
SCHEDULE IV—REINSURANCE
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Gross amount | | | Ceded to other companies | | | Assumed from other companies | | | Net Amount | | | Percentage of amount assumed to net |
| | | ($ in millions, except for percentages) |
Insurance premium earned | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | | | $ | 749.6 | | | | | $ | (324.7 | | | | | $ | 1,251.3 | | | | | $ | 1,676.2 | | | | | | 74.7 | |
2005 | | | | $ | 569.6 | | | | | $ | (424.2 | | | | | $ | 1,363.0 | | | | | $ | 1,508.4 | | | | | | 90.4 | |
2004 | | | | $ | 358.4 | | | | | $ | (236.2 | | | | | $ | 1,110.6 | | | | | $ | 1,232.8 | | | | | | 90.1 | |
|
S-7
ASPEN INSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
SCHEDULE V—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Balance at beginning of year | | | Charged to costs and expenses | | | Charged to other accounts | | | Deductions | | | Balance at end of year |
2006 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums receivable from underwriting activities | | | | $ | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Reinsurance | | | | $ | 0.2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 0.2 | |
2005 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums receivable from underwriting activities | | | | $ | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Reinsurance | | | | $ | 0.2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 0.2 | |
2004 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Premiums receivable from underwriting activities | | | | $ | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Reinsurance | | | | $ | 0.2 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 0.2 | |
|
S-8