Released: 26/02/2010
LANCASHIRE HOLDINGS LIMITED
GROWTH IN FULLY CONVERTED BOOK VALUE PER SHARE, ADJUSTED FOR DIVIDENDS, OF 7.0%
IN Q4, 26.5% IN 2009
COMBINED RATIO OF 25.7% IN Q4 2009, 44.6% FOR 2009
FINAL DIVIDEND OF 10.0 CENTS PER COMMON SHARE
FULLY CONVERTED BOOK VALUE PER SHARE OF $7.41 AT 31 DECEMBER 2009
26 February 2010
Hamilton, Bermuda
Lancashire Holdings Limited ("Lancashire" or "the Group") today announces its
preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter of 2009 and the twelve
month period ended 31 December 2009.
Financial highlights for the fourth quarter of 2009:
* Fully converted book value per share of $7.41 at 31 December 2009 compared
to $6.89 at 31 December 2008. Return on equity, defined as growth in fully
converted book value per share adjusted for dividends, of 7.0% (Q4 2008:
8.3%);
* Operating return on equity of 7.7% (Q4 2008: 8.1%);
* Gross written premiums of $103.4 million (Q4 2008: $130.1 million). Net
written premiums of $100.0 million (Q4 2008: $130.1 million);
* Reported loss ratio of negative 0.8% (Q4 2008: 11.5%) and combined ratio of
25.7% (Q4 2008: 35.4%). Accident year loss ratio of 24.0% (Q4 2008: 21.1%);
* Annualised total investment return of 2.1% (Q4 2008: 8.9%);
* Net operating profit of $122.4 million (Q4 2008: $98.3 million), or $0.65
(Q4 2008: $0.55) diluted operating earnings per share;
* Net profit after tax of $129.6 million (Q4 2008: $81.1 million), or $0.69
(Q4 2008: $0.46) diluted earnings per share;
* Special dividend of $263.0 million (Q4 2008: $nil) or $1.25 per common
share; and
* Share repurchases of $16.9 million (Q4 2008: $nil).
Financial highlights for the twelve months to 31 December 2009:
* Return on equity, defined as growth in fully converted book value per share
adjusted for dividends, of 26.5% (2008: 7.8%);
* Operating return on equity of 24.9% (2008: 9.6%);
* Gross written premiums of $627.8 million (2008: $638.1 million). Net
written premiums of $577.1 million (2008: 574.7 million);
* Reported loss ratio of 16.6% (2008: 61.8%) and combined ratio of 44.6%
(2008: 86.3%). Accident year loss ratio of 27.2% (2008: 66.5%);
* Total investment return of 3.9% (2008: 3.1%);
* Net operating profit of $364.7 million (2008: $119.4 million), or $1.94
(2008: $0.65) diluted operating earnings per share;
* Net profit after tax of $385.4 million (2008: $97.5 million), or $2.05
(2008: $0.53) diluted earnings per share;
* Interim dividend of $10.5 million (2008: $nil) or 5.0 cents per common
share declared in July 2009, paid in October 2009;
* Special dividend of $263.0 million (2008: $nil) or $1.25 per common share
declared in November 2009, paid in January 2010; and
* Share repurchases of $16.9 million (2008: $58.0 million).
Richard Brindle, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"Lancashire had an excellent 2009. Return on equity, defined as growth in fully
converted book value per share adjusted for dividends, was 7.0% in the fourth
quarter, and 26.5% for the year. Since inception, our compound annual return on
equity is 19.8%.
Our performance was largely driven by underwriting, evident in the combined
ratios of 25.7% for the fourth quarter and 44.6% for the year. Our accident
year loss ratios, removing the impact of favourable prior year reserve
development, were an excellent 24.0% for the fourth quarter and 27.2% for the
year. Since we started in business, our weighted average combined ratio is
57.5%, a testament to our most important strategic cornerstone: Underwriting
Comes First. Our investments also generated a significant contribution, with a
total return for the year of 3.9%. Our appetite for investment risk remains
low, and will continue to be so. We are very pleased to have achieved a
positive total investment return for our shareholders in fifteen out of sixteen
quarters. Capital management again played an important role in our overall
performance and we were delighted to return a substantial amount of capital to
our shareholders during the year. Finally, we were very proud to list on the
Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in 2009, joining the FTSE 250 in the
process.
The outlook for 2010 looks reasonable. The reinsurance market, while modestly
off its all-time highs, remains fairly disciplined. As expected, the specialist
insurance classes are coming under some pressure, but remain relatively
attractive overall. In the past 12 months, industry capital has recovered well,
faster than expected. We are encouraged to see increasing numbers of companies
returning capital, but remain concerned that insufficient efforts will be made
across the broader market. This increased supply of capital is placing pressure
on pricing in certain areas, a trend we unfortunately expect to gather pace as
the year progresses. With that in mind, we actively sought to shift our renewal
pattern forward for 2010, writing an increased level of well-priced property
catastrophe reinsurance compared to 2009; thereby taking advantage of what we
believe may be the high point of rates in the year. Correspondingly, we expect
to write less business in later months than we did last year.
Most importantly, in 2010 the Lancashire approach will be business as usual:
stay disciplined, don't be tempted to sacrifice profits for volume, and prepare
for the unexpected - good or bad. All in all, we are positive about the
prospects for Lancashire in the next 12 months, and believe our strategy will
continue to produce an attractive return for shareholders."
Neil McConachie, President and Group Chief Financial Officer, commented:
"In 2009 we generated comprehensive income of $388.2 million. Between recent
share repurchases and dividends, including our final dividend of $20.8 million
announced today, we are returning $314.8 million or fully 81% of 2009
comprehensive income. More will be returned in the next weeks and months.
At Lancashire, we strongly believe that prudent but active management of
capital is fundamental to our business, and this will be at the forefront of
our minds in 2010. Currently, we have significant levels of capital above our
requirements. At today's share price, our favoured method of returning capital
is to buy back shares. As of 25 February, we have $171.5 million remaining
under existing share repurchase authorisations and anticipate requesting
shareholder approval for additional capacity at our forthcoming AGM. Should
prices remain attractive, this is something that we expect to do in increasing
amounts. At the same time, we will continually monitor alternative approaches
to capital management. Should trading conditions remain the same or gradually
deteriorate, absent a change in our business plan, we would anticipate
returning more capital than we generate during 2010."
Lancashire Renewal Price Index for Major Classes
Lancashire's Renewal Price Index ("RPI") is an internal tool that its
management uses to track trends in premium rates on a portfolio of insurance
and reinsurance contracts. The RPI is calculated on a per contract basis and
reflects Lancashire's assessment of relative change in price, terms, conditions
and limits and is weighted by premium volume. See "Note Regarding RPI Tool" at
the end of this announcement.
The following RPIs are expressed as an approximate percentage of pricing
achieved on similar contracts written in 2008:
Class Q1 2009 Q2 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2009
Aviation (AV52) 100% 99% 100% 95%
Gulf of Mexico Energy 250% 216% 172% 100%
Energy Offshore 113% 113% 110% 103%
Worldwide
Marine 105% 99% 100% 101%
Direct & Facultative 108% 110% 108% 100%
Property Reinsurance 146% 118% 129% 98%
Terrorism 93% 93% 95% 94%
Combined 113%* 113%* 107%* 98%**
The overall RPI for the year to 31 December 2009 is 109% **
Notes
* Q1, Q2 and Q3 combined RPI have been updated for subsequent adjustments to
bound premium.
** Q4 and overall RPI are taken at the end of the quarter.
Underwriting results
Gross written premiums decreased by 20.5% in the fourth quarter of 2009 and by
1.6% for the twelve months ended 31 December 2009 compared with the same
periods in 2008.
The Group's four principal classes, and a discussion of the key market factors
impacting them, are as follows:
Gross Written Premium
Q4 Twelve months to 31 December
2009 2008 Change Change 2009 2008 Change Change
$m $m $m % $m $m $m %
Property 47.2 59.0 (11.8) (20.0) 317.3 302.7 14.6 4.8
Energy 14.7 16.1 (1.4) (8.7) 175.5 185.2 (9.7) (5.2)
Marine 12.7 13.0 (0.3) (2.3) 73.7 78.6 (4.9) (6.2)
Aviation 28.8 42.0 (13.2) (31.4) 61.3 71.6 (10.3) (14.4)
Total 103.4 130.1 (26.7) (20.5) 627.8 638.1 (10.3) (1.6)
Property gross written premiums decreased by 20.0% for the fourth quarter
compared to the same period in 2008, and increased by 4.8% in the twelve months
to 31 December 2009 compared to the twelve months to 31 December 2008. In 2009
overall the Group wrote significantly more property catastrophe reinsurance
risks than in 2008. In the first quarter of 2009, a tactical decision was made
to reduce volumes in the retrocession and direct and facultative classes as
compared to the first quarter in 2008. This was done in anticipation of
improving trading conditions in some classes, including property catastrophe,
later in the year. Subsequently, the Group expanded into the property
catastrophe excess of loss market. In the fourth quarter of 2009, as compared
to the same period of 2008, there was a reduction in property retrocession
premiums due to a reduction in underlying exposures in addition to the impact
of certain multi-year political risk contracts which are not yet due for
renewal.
Energy gross written premiums decreased by 8.7% for the fourth quarter of 2009
compared to the same period in 2008 and by 5.2% in the twelve months to 31
December 2009 compared to the twelve months to 31 December 2008. Gulf of Mexico
volumes were lower in the first half 2009 compared to 2008 due to a reduction
in demand. Some construction projects were also curtailed in the recessionary
environment. This reduction in volume was somewhat offset by increased volume
in the worldwide offshore line later in the year despite a significant fourth
quarter contract renewing in 2010.
Marine gross written premiums decreased by 2.3% for the fourth quarter of 2009
compared to the same period in 2008 and by 6.2% in the twelve months to 31
December 2009 compared to the twelve months to 31 December 2008. The decline is
largely due to recessionary driven reductions in shipbuilding projects and the
timing of certain multi-year contract renewals.
Aviation gross written premiums decreased by 31.4% for the fourth quarter
compared to the same period in 2008 and decreased by 14.4% in the twelve months
to 31 December 2009 compared to the twelve months to 31 December 2008. These
reductions were driven primarily by the non-renewal of a satellite risk
programme in the first quarter of 2009.
*******
Ceded premiums increased by $3.4 million in the fourth quarter compared to the
same period in 2008. For the twelve month period to 31 December 2009, ceded
premiums reduced by 20.0% compared to the same period in 2008 due to a
reduction in the level of reinsurance purchased in respect of Gulf of Mexico
energy catastrophe risks. This is directly related to the lower volumes of
premium written in this class compared to the previous year.
*******
Net earned premiums as a proportion of net written premiums were 155.6% in the
fourth quarter of 2009 compared to 109.1% in the same period in 2008 and 103.0%
in the twelve months to 31 December 2009 compared to 105.7% in the same period
in 2008. 2008 premium volumes were lower than 2007, which led to a reduction in
the deferral of earnings into 2009. The Group also reduced premiums written in
the first quarter of 2009 compared to 2008, resulting in a greater amount of
premium being earned comparatively later in the year. The significant increase
in the volume of property catastrophe business written in June and July 2009
served to increase earned premiums in the second half of 2009, bringing the
ratio of earned premium for the year in line with 2008.
*******
The net loss ratio for the fourth quarter was negative 0.8% compared to 11.5%
for the same period in 2008. The net loss ratio for the twelve months to 31
December 2009 was 16.6% compared to 61.8% for the twelve months to 31 December
2008. The low loss ratios are mainly a reflection of an unusually low number of
reported losses during the year and some favourable development of prior
accident year reserves. The table below provides further detail of development
by class excluding the impact of foreign exchange revaluations. Hurricane Ike
net reserves developed $17.1 million favourably in the fourth quarter and $17.1
million adversely in 2009 overall.
Loss Development by Class
Twelve months to 31 December
Q4 2009 Q4 2008 2009 2008
$m $m $m $m
Property 7.5 2.8 44.4 22.3
Energy 29.6 8.3 9.3 5.5
Marine 2.2 1.3 6.1 -
Aviation 0.2 0.1 3.7 0.8
Total 39.5 12.5 63.5 28.6
Note: Positive numbers denote favourable development and negative numbers
denote adverse development.
Net prior accident year reserve releases were $39.5 million for the fourth
quarter and $63.5 million for the twelve months to 31 December 2009 compared to
$12.5 million and $28.6 million for the same periods in 2008. The increase in
reserve releases in 2009 is a result of a lower number of attritional losses
reported on expiring years than expected, resulting in IBNR releases, plus the
favourable negotiation and settlement of a number of individually insignificant
smaller and medium sized reported losses. The accident year loss ratio for the
fourth quarter of 2009 was 24.0% compared to 21.1% for the same period in 2008.
For the twelve months to 31 December 2009, the accident year loss ratio was
27.2% compared to 66.5% for the 2008 accident year. The higher ratio in 2008 is
largely due to losses from Hurricane Ike. During 2009, previous accident years
developed as follows:
* 2006 - favourable development of $4.4 million;
* 2007 - favourable development of $25.2 million; and
* 2008 - favourable development of $33.9 million.
Investments
Net investment income was $14.0 million for the fourth quarter, a small
increase of 4.5% from the fourth quarter of 2008, due to a larger amount of
invested assets compared to the same period in the prior year. Net investment
income was $56.0 million for the twelve months to 31 December 2009, a decrease
of 5.9% over the same period in 2008, which is largely due to a reduction in
the overall portfolio yield.
Total investment return, including net investment income, net realised gains
and losses, impairments and net change in unrealised gains and losses, was
$11.1 million for the fourth quarter compared to $37.9 million for the same
period in 2008. The increase in treasury yields in December 2009 resulted in
net unrealised losses for the Group in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to
net unrealised gains in the same period of 2008, when treasury yields fell. For
the twelve months to 31 December 2009 total investment return was $82.9 million
versus $54.7 million for the same period in 2008. Given the improved economic
environment in 2009 compared to 2008, there were less impairments recognised.
Impairment losses in 2009 were $0.4million versus $21.6 million in 2008. The
Group also realised significant net gains as a result of a re-alignment of its
investment portfolio, as the Group's investment outlook evolved.
The Group continues to hold a highly conservative portfolio, consistent with
its long-held philosophy, with a strong emphasis on preserving capital. The
corporate bond allocation, excluding Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
guaranteed bonds, has increased by 8.4% from 31 December 2008, bringing the
total holding to 23.6% of managed invested assets. There was a small increase
in the allocation to Treasury Inflation Protected Securities to hedge against
potential future inflationary pressures, bringing the total holding of these
securities to 4.0% of managed invested assets. At 31 December 2009, the managed
portfolio comprised 92.9% fixed income securities and 7.1% cash and cash
equivalents versus the 2008 year end of 80.3% fixed income securities, 19.4%
cash and cash equivalents and 0.3% equities. The Group is not currently
invested in equities, hedge funds or other alternative investments. Subsequent
to the year end, the Group invested 3.9% of its portfolio in emerging market
debt.
Key investment portfolio statistics as at 31 December are:
2009 2008
Duration 2.3 years 1.8 years
Credit quality AA+ AA+
Book yield 2.8% 3.4%
Market yield 2.2% 2.7%
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses, excluding employee remuneration, are broadly
consistent compared to 2008 for the quarter and the year, reflecting the
Group's stable operating platform. Fixed employee remuneration costs were 33.1%
of other operating expenses in 2009 compared to 36.3% in 2008. Variable
employee remuneration costs were 27.2% in 2009 compared to 16.0% in 2008,
reflecting the strong performance of the Group in 2009.
Equity based compensation was $7.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2009
compared to $8.9 million in the same period of 2008. For the twelve months to
31 December 2009 and 2008 the charges were $16.4 million and $10.6 million
respectively. Annual restricted stock awards typically vest over three years.
The increased 2009 expense reflects two years worth of restricted stock awards.
The restricted stock program began in 2008. This expense also includes
mark-to-market adjustments on certain performance warrants plus charges
associated with the revaluation of options due to amendments made to their
strike price as a result of dividend declarations.
Capital
At 31 December 2009, total capital was $1.510 billion, comprising shareholders'
equity of $1.379 billion and $131.4 million of long-term debt. Leverage was
8.7%. Total capital at 31 December 2008 was $1.404 billion and leverage was
9.3%.
Repurchase program
The Group continues to repurchase its own shares by way of on market purchases
utilising the approximately $21.5 million remaining to be repurchased under the
facility approved in 2008, and the $150.0 million facility approved by the
Board of Directors on 4 November 2009 and by shareholders at the Special
General Meeting held on 16 December 2009 (the "Repurchase Program"). $16.9
million of shares were repurchased and held in Treasury during 2009 compared to
$58.0 million during 2008.
The Board will be proposing at the Annual General Meeting, to be held on 4 May
2010, that the shareholders approve a renewal of the Repurchase Program with
such authority to expire on the conclusion of the 2011 Annual General Meeting
or, if earlier, 15 months from the date the resolution approving the Repurchase
Program is passed.
Dividends
During 2009 the Lancashire Board declared an interim and special dividend of
5.0 cents and $1.25 per common share respectively.
The Group also announces that its Board has declared a final dividend of 10.0
cents per common share (approximately 6.4 pence per common share at the current
exchange rate), which results in an aggregate payment of approximately $17.0
million. The dividend will be paid in GBP on 14 April 2010 (the "Dividend
Payment Date") to shareholders of record on 19 March 2010 using the GBP£/US$
spot market exchange rate at the close of business in London on the record
date.
In addition to the dividend payment to shareholders, $3.8 million in aggregate
will be paid on the Dividend Payment Date to holders of warrants issued by the
Company pursuant to the terms of the warrants.
Lancashire will continue to review the appropriate level and composition of
capital for the Group with the intention of managing capital to enhance
risk-adjusted returns on equity.
Outlook
Lancashire aims to achieve a cross-cycle return of 13% above a risk free rate.
This is unchanged from previous guidance.
Financial information and posting of accounts
The consolidated financial statements set out below are unaudited. The audited
Annual Report and Accounts are expected to be posted to shareholders no later
than 30 March 2010 and will also be available on the Company's website by this
date.
Further details of our 2009 fourth quarter results can be obtained from our
Financial Supplement. This can be accessed via our website
www.lancashiregroup.com.
Analyst and Investor Earnings Conference Call
There will be an analyst and investor conference call on the results at 2:00pm
UK time / 9:00 am EST on Friday 26 February 2010. The call will be hosted by
Richard Brindle, Chief Executive Officer, Neil McConachie, President and Chief
Financial Officer, Alex Maloney, Group Chief Underwriting Officer and Simon
Burton, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
The call can be accessed by dialing +44 (0)20 7806 1953 / +1 718 354 1387 with
the passcode 2144649. The call can also be accessed via webcast, please go to
our website (www.lancashiregroup.com) to access.
A replay facility will be available for two weeks until Saturday 13 March 2010.
The dial in number for the replay facility is +44 (0)20 7111 1244 / + 1 347 366
9565 and the passcode is 2144649#. The replay facility can also be accessed at
www.lancashiregroup.com .
For further information, please contact:
Lancashire Holdings + 44 (0)20 7264 4066
Jonny Creagh-Coen
Haggie Financial +44 (0)20 7417 8989
Peter Rigby
Henny Breakwell
Investor enquiries and questions can also be directed to
info@lancashiregroup.com or by accessing the Company's website
www.lancashiregroup.com.
About Lancashire
Lancashire, through its UK and Bermuda-based insurance subsidiaries, is a
global provider of specialty insurance products. Its insurance subsidiaries
carry the Lancashire group rating of A minus (Excellent) from A.M. Best with a
stable outlook. Lancashire has capital in excess of $1 billion and its Common
Shares trade on the main market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker
symbol LRE. Lancashire is headquartered at Power House, 7 Par-la-Ville Road,
Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. The mailing address is Lancashire Holdings Limited,
P.O. Box HM 2358, Hamilton HM HX, Bermuda. For more information on Lancashire,
visit the Company's website at www.lancashiregroup.com
NOTE REGARDING RPI TOOL
LANCASHIRE'S RENEWAL PRICE INDEX ("RPI") IS AN INTERNAL TOOL THAT ITS
MANAGEMENT USES TO TRACK TRENDS IN PREMIUM RATES OF A PORTFOLIO OF INSURANCE
AND REINSURANCE CONTRACTS. THE RPI IS CALCULATED ON A PER CONTRACT BASIS AND
REFLECTS LANCASHIRE'S ASSESSMENT OF RELATIVE CHANGES IN PRICE, TERMS,
CONDITIONS AND LIMITS AND IS WEIGHTED BY PREMIUM VOLUME. THE CALCULATION
INVOLVES A DEGREE OF JUDGMENT IN RELATION TO COMPARABILITY OF CONTRACTS AND THE
ASSESSMENT NOTED ABOVE. TO ENHANCE THE RPI TOOL, MANAGEMENT OF LANCASHIRE MAY
REVISE THE METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING THE RPI, SO THE TRENDS IN
PREMIUM RATES REFLECTED IN THE RPI MAY NOT BE COMPARABLE OVER TIME.
CONSIDERATION IS ONLY GIVEN TO RENEWALS OF A COMPARABLE NATURE SO IT DOES NOT
REFLECT EVERY CONTRACT IN LANCASHIRE'S PORTFOLIO. THE FUTURE PROFITABILITY OF
THE PORTFOLIO OF CONTRACTS WITHIN THE RPI IS DEPENDENT UPON MANY FACTORS
BESIDES THE TRENDS IN PREMIUM RATES.
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
CERTAIN STATEMENTS AND INDICATIVE PROJECTIONS (WHICH MAY INCLUDE MODELED LOSS
SCENARIOS) MADE THAT ARE NOT BASED ON CURRENT OR HISTORICAL FACTS ARE
FORWARD-LOOKING IN NATURE INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, STATEMENTS CONTAINING
THE WORDS 'BELIEVES', 'ANTICIPATES', 'PLANS', 'PROJECTS', 'FORECASTS',
'GUIDANCE', 'INTENDS', 'EXPECTS', 'ESTIMATES', 'PREDICTS', 'MAY', 'CAN',
'WILL', 'SEEKS', 'SHOULD', OR, IN EACH CASE, THEIR NEGATIVE OR COMPARABLE
TERMINOLOGY. ALL STATEMENTS OTHER THAN STATEMENTS OF HISTORICAL FACTS
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE REGARDING THE GROUP'S FINANCIAL POSITION,
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, LIQUIDITY, PROSPECTS, GROWTH, CAPITAL MANAGEMENT PLANS,
BUSINESS STRATEGY, PLANS AND OBJECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS
(INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND OBJECTIVES RELATING TO THE GROUP'S INSURANCE
BUSINESS) ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT
COULD CAUSE THE ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE GROUP TO BE
MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM FUTURE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED BY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.
THESE FACTORS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF INSURANCE
AND REINSURANCE CONTRACTS THAT WE WRITE; THE PREMIUM RATES AVAILABLE AT THE
TIME OF SUCH RENEWALS WITHIN OUR TARGETED BUSINESS LINES; THE LOW FREQUENCY OF
LARGE EVENTS; UNUSUAL LOSS FREQUENCY; THE IMPACT THAT OUR FUTURE OPERATING
RESULTS, CAPITAL POSITION AND RATING AGENCY AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS HAVE ON
THE EXECUTION OF ANY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES; THE POSSIBILITY OF GREATER
FREQUENCY OR SEVERITY OF CLAIMS AND LOSS ACTIVITY THAN OUR UNDERWRITING,
RESERVING OR INVESTMENT PRACTICES HAVE ANTICIPATED; THE RELIABILITY OF, AND
CHANGES IN ASSUMPTIONS TO, CATASTROPHE PRICING, ACCUMULATION AND ESTIMATED LOSS
MODELS; LOSS OF KEY PERSONNEL; A DECLINE IN OUR OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES' RATING
WITH A.M. BEST COMPANY AND/OR OTHER RATING AGENCIES; INCREASED COMPETITION ON
THE BASIS OF PRICING, CAPACITY, COVERAGE TERMS OR OTHER FACTORS; A CYCLICAL
DOWNTURN OF THE INDUSTRY; THE IMPACT OF A DETERIORATING CREDIT ENVIRONMENT
CREATED BY THE FINANCIAL MARKETS AND CREDIT CRISIS; A RATING DOWNGRADE OF, OR A
MARKET DECLINE IN, SECURITIES IN OUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO; CHANGES IN
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS OR TAX LAWS IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE LANCASHIRE CONDUCTS
BUSINESS; LANCASHIRE OR ITS BERMUDIAN SUBSIDIARY BECOMING SUBJECT TO INCOME
TAXES IN THE UNITED STATES OR THE UNITED KINGDOM; AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR
LOSS LIMITATION METHODS. ANY ESTIMATES RELATING TO LOSS EVENTS INVOLVE THE
EXERCISE OF CONSIDERABLE JUDGEMENT AND REFLECT A COMBINATION OF GROUND-UP
EVALUATIONS, INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO DATE FROM BROKERS AND INSUREDS, MARKET
INTELLIGENCE, INITIAL AND/OR TENTATIVE LOSS REPORTS AND OTHER SOURCES.
JUDGEMENTS IN RELATION TO NATURAL CATASTROPHE AND MAN MADE EVENTS INVOLVE
COMPLEX FACTORS POTENTIALLY CONTRIBUTING TO THESE TYPES OF LOSS, AND WE CAUTION
AS TO THE PRELIMINARY NATURE OF THE INFORMATION USED TO PREPARE ANY SUCH
ESTIMATES.
THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS SPEAK ONLY AS AT THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.
LANCASHIRE HOLDINGS LIMITED EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION OR UNDERTAKING
(SAVE AS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH ANY LEGAL OR REGULATORY OBLIGATIONS (INCLUDING
THE RULES OF THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE)) TO DISSEMINATE ANY UPDATES OR
REVISIONS TO ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT ANY CHANGES IN THE
GROUP'S EXPECTATIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ON WHICH ANY SUCH STATEMENT IS BASED.
consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 december 2009
notes 2009 2008
$m $m
gross premiums written 2 627.8 638.1
outwards reinsurance premiums 2 (50.7) (63.4)
net premiums written 577.1 574.7
change in unearned premiums 2 22.0 42.2
change in unearned premiums on premiums ceded 2 (4.4) (9.6)
net premiums earned 594.7 607.3
net investment income 3 56.0 59.5
net other investment income (losses) 3, 19 0.3 (0.7)
net realised gains (losses) and impairments 3, 19 23.8 (11.0)
net foreign exchange gains (losses) 3.4 (8.5)
total net revenue 678.2 646.6
insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 2 104.4 418.8
insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 2 (5.7) (43.3)
recoverable
net insurance losses 98.7 375.5
insurance acquisition expenses 2, 4 112.6 106.9
insurance acquisition expenses ceded 2, 4 (6.6) (7.3)
other operating expenses 5, 6, 7, 76.9 59.9
22
total expenses 281.6 535.0
results of operating activities 396.6 111.6
financing costs 18, 19 8.1 14.0
profit before tax 388.5 97.6
tax 8, 9 3.1 0.1
profit for the year attributable to equity 385.4 97.5
shareholders
net change in unrealised gains (losses) on 3 2.7 7.1
investments
tax benefit (expense) on net change in 8 0.1 (0.2)
unrealised gains (losses) on investments
other comprehensive income 2.8 6.9
total comprehensive income attributable to 388.2 104.4
equity shareholders
earnings per share
basic 23 $2.23 $0.55
diluted 23 $2.05 $0.53
consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 december 2009
notes 2009 2008
$m $m
assets
cash and cash equivalents 10, 18 440.0 413.6
accrued interest receivable 13, 18 12.0 10.1
investments
- fixed income securities
- available for sale 11, 18 1,892.5 1,595.4
- at fair value through profit and loss 11, 18 - 4.0
- equity securities - available for sale 11, 18 - 5.8
reinsurance assets
- unearned premiums on premiums ceded 12 5.6 10.0
- reinsurance recoveries 12, 13 35.8 42.1
- other receivables 12, 13 4.3 3.2
deferred acquisition costs 14 52.9 60.9
other receivables 13 4.3 154.0
inwards premiums receivable from insureds and 13 178.2 187.3
cedants
deferred tax asset 9 3.3 1.2
property, plant and equipment 17 8.2 1.4
total assets 2,637.1 2,489.0
liabilities
insurance contracts
- losses and loss adjustment expenses 12 488.9 528.8
- unearned premiums 12 317.6 339.6
- other payables 12, 15 15.8 17.6
amounts payable to reinsurers 12, 15 4.2 2.0
deferred acquisition costs ceded 16 2.7 1.9
other payables 15 291.4 190.3
corporation tax payable 8 2.4 -
interest rate swap 19 3.6 4.9
accrued interest payable 18 0.2 0.4
long-term debt 18 131.4 130.8
total liabilities 1,258.2 1,216.3
shareholders' equity
share capital 20 91.2 91.1
own shares 20 (76.4) (58.0)
share premium 2.4 2.4
contributed surplus 757.0 758.2
accumulated other comprehensive income 11 30.4 27.6
other reserves 21 65.3 54.3
retained earnings 509.0 397.1
total shareholders' equity attributable to equity 1,378.9 1,272.7
shareholders
total liabilities and shareholders' equity 2,637.1 2,489.0
The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors
on 25 February 2010
consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity
for the year ended 31 december 2009
notes share own share contributed accumulated other retained total
capital shares surplus other reserves earnings
premium comprehensive
income
$m $m $m $m $m $m $m $m
balance as at 31 91.1 - 2.4 758.2 20.7 43.7 299.5 1,215.6
december 2007
total comprehensive 3, 8 - - - - 6.9 - 97.5 104.4
income for the year
shares repurchased 20 - (58.0) - - - - - (58.0)
and held in treasury
dividends on common - - - - - - 0.1 0.1
shares
warrant issues - 6 - - - - - 2.4 - 2.4
management and
performance
option issues 6 - - - - - 6.7 - 6.7
restricted stock 6 - - - - - 1.5 - 1.5
issues - ordinary
and exceptional
balance as at 31 91.1 (58.0) 2.4 758.2 27.6 54.3 397.1 1,272.7
december 2008
total comprehensive 3, 8 - - - - 2.8 - 385.4 388.2
income for the year
20 - (16.9) - - - - - (16.9)
shares repurchased
and held in treasury
shares repurchased 20 - (8.0) - - - - - (8.0)
by trust
shares distributed 20 - 6.5 - (6.5) - - - -
by trust
dividends on common 15, - - - - - - (225.0) (225.0)
shares 20
dividends on 15, - - - - - - (48.5) (48.5)
warrants 20
warrant exercises - 20 0.1 - - (0.1) - - - -
founders
option exercises - - - 5.4 - (5.4) - -
warrant issues - 6 - - - - - 3.4 - 3.4
performance
option issues 6 - - - - - 5.7 - 5.7
restricted stock 6 - - - - - 7.3 - 7.3
issues
balance as at 31 91.2 (76.4) 2.4 757.0 30.4 65.3 509.0 1,378.9
december 2009
statement of consolidated cash flows
for the year ended 31 december 2009
notes 2009 2008
$m $m
cash flows from operating activities
profit before tax 388.5 97.6
tax paid (2.7) (0.9)
depreciation 7 0.8 1.1
interest expense 18 6.4 9.8
interest and dividend income (64.7) (59.6)
accretion of fixed income securities 5.3 -
equity based compensation 5, 6 16.4 10.6
foreign exchange (gains) losses (2.3) 9.4
net other investment (income) losses 3, 19 (0.3) 0.7
net realised (gains) losses and impairments 3 (23.8) 11.0
unrealised (gain) loss on interest rate swaps 19 (1.3) 2.7
changes in operational assets and liabilities
- insurance and reinsurance contracts (32.6) 285.9
- other assets and liabilities (11.3) (7.6)
net cash flows from operating activities 278.4 360.7
cash flows used in investing activities
interest and dividends received 62.8 59.4
net purchase of property, plant and equipment (7.6) (0.2)
dividends received from associate - 22.7
purchase of fixed income securities 25 (2,711.6) (3,882.4)
purchase of equity securities - (31.9)
proceeds on maturity and disposal of fixed 25 2,440.8 3,402.6
income securities
proceeds on disposal of equity securities 4.8 66.7
net proceeds on other investments 0.1 4.5
net cash flows used in investing activities (210.7) (358.6)
cash flows used in financing activities
interest paid 25 (6.4) (10.0)
dividends paid 25 (10.5) (238.2)
shares repurchased (24.9) (68.3)
net cash flows used in financing activities (41.8) (316.5)
net increase (decrease) in cash and cash 25.9 (314.4)
equivalents
413.6 737.3
cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash 0.5 (9.3)
and cash equivalents
cash and cash equivalents at end of year 10 440.0 413.6
summary of significant accounting policies
The basis of preparation, consolidation principles and significant accounting
policies adopted in the preparation of Lancashire Holdings Limited ("LHL") and
its subsidiaries' (collectively "the Group") consolidated financial statements
are set out below.
basis of preparation
The Group's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted under International Financial
Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union.
Where IFRS is silent, as it is in respect of the measurement of insurance
products, the IFRS framework allows reference to another comprehensive body of
accounting principles. In such instances, the Group determines appropriate
measurement bases, to provide the most useful information to users of the
consolidated financial statements, using their judgement and considering the
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP").
All amounts, excluding share data or where otherwise stated, are in millions of
United States ("U.S.") dollars.
While a number of new or amended IFRS and International Financial Reporting
Interpretations Committee standards have been issued there are no standards
that have had a material impact. The following standards have been adopted by
the Group:
* IFRS 8, Operating Segments, which replaces IAS 14, Segment Reporting, has
been adopted with no significant impact on the Group's disclosures;
* IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements (Revised), has been adopted
resulting in minor changes to presentation in the primary statements, most
notably within the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders'
equity; and
* IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures, has been adopted, with the
additional disclosures required in respect of valuation categories for
fixed income securities included in notes 11 and 19 to the Group's
consolidated financial statements. Under the standard's transitional rules
prior year comparative disclosure is not required in the year of adoption
and has not been presented.
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement, which has been
issued but is not yet effective, has not been early adopted by the Group. The
Group continues to apply IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and
Measurement and classifies most of it its fixed income securities as available
for sale. The new standard is not expected to
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