Maiden Holdings, Ltd. Announces Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results

PEMBROKE, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Maiden Holdings, Ltd. (NASDAQ: MHLD) (“Maiden” or the “Company”) today reported a third quarter of 2019 net loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders of $58.3 million or $0.70 per diluted common share, compared to a net loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders of $308.8 million or $3.72 per diluted common share in the third quarter of 2018. Combined ratio⁽¹⁰⁾ was 190.8% in the third quarter 2019 compared to 150.8% in the same period in 2018.

Non-GAAP operating earnings⁽¹¹⁾ were $39.8 million, or $0.48 per diluted common share in the third quarter of 2019 compared with a non-GAAP operating loss of $240.9 million, or $2.90 per diluted common share in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP combined ratio⁽¹⁸⁾ for the third quarter of 2019 was 81.3%, compared with 150.8% in the third quarter of 2018.

Maiden’s book value per common share⁽¹⁾ was $0.82 at September 30, 2019, compared to $1.08 at December 31, 2018. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted for the unamortized deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance recognized as of September 30, 2019 of $104.5 million, the adjusted book value per common share⁽¹⁶⁾ was $2.08 at September 30, 2019.

Commenting on the third quarter 2019 financial results, Lawrence F. Metz, Maiden’s President and Chief Executive Officer said, “While our reported results continue to show the impact of additional reserve development, we are pleased that non-GAAP operating results have now turned positive during the third quarter, and the benefits of the numerous steps we have taken to set Maiden on a course to recovery are emerging. While more work remains, we believe these are all positive steps for Maiden.”

Patrick J. Haveron, Maiden’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer added, “Our recently completed LPT/ ADC Agreement with Enstar is having the tempering effect it was designed to have as we continue to de-risk our balance sheet and transition away from the reserve volatility of the last two years. Our third quarter reported results reflect the continuing challenges in certain lines of business such as General Liability and Commercial Auto Liability, the latter which has plagued the industry for an extended period. While this adverse development is being offset in part by continuing favorable development in Workers’ Compensation, we continue to closely monitor and respond to continued observed volatility and unfavorable emergence in those liability lines. Despite this, the cumulative impact of our strategic efforts is highlighted in our adjusted book value per share, and tracks with the continuing strengthening of our solvency ratios, which now exceed target levels at both the group and operating company level. We look for further improvements in these ratios as we close 2019.”

Consolidated Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2019

Net loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $58.3 million compared to net loss of $308.8 million for the same period in 2018. The net improvement in results for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to the following:

• net loss from continuing operations of $58.1 million in the third quarter 2019 compared to net loss from continuing operations of $240.4 million for the same period in 2018, largely due to the following:
  • an underwriting loss⁽⁵⁾ of $80.3 million in the third quarter 2019 compared to $251.2 million in the same period in 2018. As noted, combined ratio⁽¹⁰⁾ was 190.8% in the third quarter 2019 compared to 150.8% in the same period in 2018. The reduction in the underwriting loss was due to lower adverse prior year loss development incurred, primarily within AmTrust Reinsurance segment, of $63.2 million or 66.2 combined ratio percentage points in the third quarter of 2019 compared to adverse prior year loss development of $212.5 million or 40.7 combined ratio percentage points during the same period in 2018;
  • realized gains on investment of $12.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to realized losses of $0.2 million for the same period in 2018;
  • foreign exchange and other gains of $7.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to foreign exchange losses of $0.6 million for the same period in 2018; and
  • no dividends paid to preference shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $8.5 million for the same period in 2018 due to our Board not declaring preferred share dividends during 2019.
• net loss from discontinued operations of $0.3 million compared to net loss from discontinued operations of $59.8 million for the same period in 2018 as the prior year period included the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of $74.2 million that was recognized due to the sale of Maiden Reinsurance North America, Inc. (“Maiden US”) partly offset by the $7.5 million in proceeds from the sale of the renewal rights of certain treaty reinsurance business of Maiden US pursuant to the Renewal Rights Agreement (“Renewal Rights”) entered into with Transatlantic Reinsurance Company on August 29, 2018.

In the third quarter of 2019, gross premiums written were $35.8 million, compared to $484.5 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the termination of both quota share contracts in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment and the return of unearned premiums on certain lines covered by the partial termination amendment (“Partial Termination Amendment”) with AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”) effective January 1, 2019. Net premiums earned were $94.9 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $520.1 million in the third quarter of 2018 due to the combined impact of the terminated quota share contracts within the AmTrust Reinsurance segment, non-renewals in Maiden Reinsurance Ltd.’s (“Maiden Bermuda’) European Capital Solutions business and a reduction in the German Auto programs produced by the Company’s IIS unit within its Diversified Reinsurance segment.

During the third quarter of 2019, net investment income decreased to $13.2 million from $34.4 million in the third quarter of 2018. The decline was primarily attributable to the one-time payments of interest totaling $13.6 million (in relation to the implementation of the following two agreements each dated as of July 31, 2019: (i) the Loss Portfolio and Adverse Development Cover Agreement (“LPT/ADC Agreement”) with Enstar Group Limited (“Enstar’) and (ii) the Commutation and Release Agreement (“Commutation and Release Agreement”) between Maiden Bermuda and AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. (“AII”)) with payments to Enstar (of $7.3 million) and AmTrust (of $6.3 million), effective January 1, 2019. Net investment income further decreased due to the decline in average investable assets of 13.4% and decrease in average yield to 2.9% (excluding the aforementioned one-time interest payments to Enstar and AmTrust) from 3.3% in the same period in 2018.

Realized gains of $12.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were primarily due to sales of corporate bonds during the third quarter for the settlement of the commutation payment to AII pursuant to the Commutation and Release Agreement via transfer of cash and invested assets on August 12, 2019.

During the third quarter of 2019, net loss and loss adjustment expenses decreased to $140.9 million from $600.3 million in the third quarter of 2018, primarily as a result of lower earned premiums within the AmTrust Reinsurance segment. The third quarter of 2019 loss ratio⁽⁶⁾ was 147.6% compared to 115.0% reported in the third quarter of 2018, which increased primarily due to a significant change in the mix of business resulting from the Partial Termination Amendment with AmTrust and the termination of both AmTrust quota share contracts effective January 1, 2019. Prior year adverse loss development was $63.2 million for the third quarter of 2019, compared to $212.5 million for the same period in 2018. The prior year loss development figure includes the recognition of $27.6 million (or 28.9 net loss and LAE ratio and combined ratio percentage points) related to the application of the $40.5 million loss corridor cap on AmTrust program business during the three months ended September 30, 2019, pursuant to the previously announced Post-Termination Endorsement of the reinsurance contracts between the Company and AmTrust.

Commission and other acquisition expenses decreased to $32.8 million in the third quarter of 2019, from $167.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 due to significantly lower earned premiums resulting from the terminations in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio⁽⁷⁾ increased 2.2 points to 34.3% for the third quarter of 2019 from 32.1% for the same period in 2018 as a result of the additional ceding commission agreed under the Partial Termination Amendment with AmTrust of $3.5 million.

General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2019 decreased to $8.5 million, compared to $19.2 million in the third quarter of 2018, primarily related to salaries and related benefits for headcount reductions occurring in 2019. The general and administrative expense ratio⁽⁸⁾ in the third quarter of 2019 increased to 8.9% from 3.7% in the third quarter of 2018 primarily as a result of lower earned premiums, while the total expense ratio⁽⁹⁾ was 43.2% in the third quarter of 2019 compared with 35.8% for the same period in 2018.

Consolidated Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Net loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $110.4 million compared to net loss of $301.0 million for the same period in 2018. The net improvement in results for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to the following:

• net loss from continuing operations of $88.0 million compared to net loss from continuing operations of $233.6 million for the same period in 2018 largely due to the following:
  • an underwriting loss of $162.1 million compared to $287.9 million for the same period in 2018. Combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased to 146.0%, compared to 120.7% for the same period in 2018. The reduction in the underwriting loss was principally due to the impact of:
    • lower adverse prior year loss development incurred, primarily within the AmTrust Reinsurance segment, of $96.5 million or 23.3 combined ratio percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $250.5 million or 16.2 combined ratio percentage points during the same period in 2018; partly offset by
    • higher initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned during the period within the AmTrust Reinsurance segment (which excludes the terminated business under the Partial Termination Amendment (the “Terminated Business”)); and
    • higher ceding commission payable which increased by five percentage points, or $17.6 million, for the remaining in-force business immediately prior to January 1, 2019 (excluding Terminated Business) and related unearned premium as of January 1, 2019 under the Partial Termination Amendment with AmTrust.
  • realized gains on investment of $25.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to realized losses of $0.3 million for the same period in 2018;
  • foreign exchange and other gains of $14.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to foreign exchange gains of $1.9 million for the same period in 2018 largely due to the proceeds from the sale of AVS Automotive VersicherungsService GmbH (“AVS”) and its subsidiaries to Allianz Partners on January 10, 2019. Excluding the gain of $4.3 million from the sale of AVS, net foreign exchange gains of $9.7 million were realized during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to the impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the euro and British pound; and
  • no dividends were paid to preference shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $25.6 million for the same period in 2018. Our Board of Directors have not declared dividends on any of our preference shares during 2019.
• net loss from discontinued operations of $22.3 million compared to net loss from discontinued operations of $41.6 million for the same period in 2018 largely as a result of the Settlement and Commutation Agreement entered into by Maiden and Enstar on July 31, 2019 which caused a net additional loss of $16.7 million to be recognized. The 2018 results included the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of $74.2 million that was recognized due to the sale of Maiden US, partly offset by the proceeds of the sale of the Renewal Rights of $7.5 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, gross premiums written were negative $523.2 million compared to $1.63 billion for the same period in the prior year primarily due to the termination of both quota share contracts in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment and the return of unearned premiums on certain lines covered by the Partial Termination Amendment with AmTrust, effective January 1, 2019. Net premiums earned were $412.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $1.54 billion for the same period in 2018 due to the combined impact of the terminated quota share contracts within the AmTrust Reinsurance segment as well as the reduction in the German Auto programs produced by the Company’s IIS unit within its Diversified Reinsurance segment.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, net investment income decreased to $76.4 million from $101.5 million for the same period in 2018 largely due to the decline in average investable assets of 6.7% and decrease in average yield to 3.1% (excluding the aforementioned one-time interest payments to Enstar and AmTrust) from 3.2% for the same period in 2018.

Realized gains of $25.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were primarily driven by sales of corporate bonds during the second and third quarter in anticipation of completing and funding the LPT/ADC with Enstar and the commutation payment to AII pursuant to the Commutation and Release Agreement, partially offset by net investment losses realized on the non-cash transfer of corporate and other debt securities in the first quarter of 2019 related to the Partial Termination Amendment with AmTrust and the conversion of a portion of reinsurance trust assets held as collateral into funds withheld receivable.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, net loss and loss adjustment expenses decreased to $415.1 million from $1.32 billion for the same period in 2018, primarily as a result of lower earned premiums within the AmTrust Reinsurance segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the loss ratio was 100.3% compared to 85.4% reported for the same period in 2018, which increased primarily due to a significant change in the mix of business resulting from the Partial Termination Amendment with AmTrust. Prior year adverse loss development was $96.5 million for the first nine months of 2019, compared to $250.5 million for the same period in 2018. The prior year loss development figure includes the recognition of $27.6 million (or 6.7 net loss and LAE ratio and combined ratio percentage points) related to the application of the $40.5 million loss corridor cap on AmTrust program business during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, pursuant to the previously announced Post-Termination Endorsement of the reinsurance contracts between the Company and AmTrust.

Commission and other acquisition expenses decreased to $152.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, from $497.0 million for the same period in 2018 due to significantly lower earned premiums resulting from the terminations in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio increased 4.6 points to 36.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from 32.1% for the same period in 2018 as a result of the additional ceding commission of $17.6 million agreed under the Partial Termination Amendment with AmTrust.

General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 decreased to $37.3 million, compared to $49.7 million for the same period in 2018, primarily related to salaries and related benefits for headcount reductions occurring in 2019. The general and administrative expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased to 9.0% from 3.2% for the same period in 2018 as a result of lower earned premiums, while the total expense ratio was 45.7% in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with 35.3% for the same period in 2018.

LPT/ADC Agreement with Enstar

Pursuant to the LPT/ADC Agreement, Enstar’s Bermuda subsidiary, Cavello Bay Reinsurance Ltd. (“Cavello”) assumed liabilities for loss reserves as of December 31, 2018 associated with the AmTrust Quota Share in excess of a $2.179 billion retention, up to $600.0 million in exchange for a retrocession premium of $445.0 million. The $2.179 billion retention will be subject to adjustment for paid losses subsequent to December 31, 2018. The LPT/ADC Agreement provides Maiden Bermuda with $155.0 million in adverse development cover over its carried AmTrust Quota Share loss reserves at December 31, 2018. The LPT/ADC Agreement meets the criteria for risk transfer and therefore has been accounted for as retroactive reinsurance.

Cumulative ceded losses exceeding $445.0 million would result in a deferred gain which will be amortized into income over the settlement period in proportion to cumulative losses collected over the estimated ultimate reinsurance recoverable. Consequently, cumulative adverse development for losses subject to the LPT/ADC Agreement subsequent to December 31, 2018 may result in significant losses from operations until periods when the deferred gain is recognized as a benefit to earnings. At September 30, 2019, the unamortized deferred gain liability recognized for retroactive reinsurance under the LPT/ADC Agreement was approximately $104.5 million.

Amortization of the deferred gain will not occur until paid losses have exceeded the minimum retention under the LPT/ADC Agreement. The current estimated payout period for the losses covered by the LPT/ADC Agreement before the minimum retention is exceeded is approximately five years.

Non-GAAP Operating Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Non-GAAP operating earnings were $39.8 million, or $0.48 per diluted common share in the third quarter of 2019 compared with a non-GAAP operating loss of $240.9 million, or $2.90 per diluted common share in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP combined ratio⁽¹⁷⁾ for the third quarter of 2019 was 81.3%, compared with 150.8% in the third quarter of 2018.

Non-GAAP operating loss was $9.1 million, or $0.11 per diluted common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with a non-GAAP operating loss of $253.6 million, or $3.05 per diluted common share in the same period in 2018. Non-GAAP combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was 120.8%, compared with 120.7% in the same period in 2018.

Management has adjusted the GAAP net loss and underwriting results as well as the loss and LAE ratios and combined ratios by recognizing the unamortized deferred gain arising from the LPT/ADC Agreement which is fully recoverable from Cavello to show the ultimate economic benefit of the LPT/ADC Agreement to Maiden.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the improvements in the non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) and non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) per share, along with the non-GAAP combined ratio, primarily reflect the impact of unfavorable loss development for which we have ceded that risk under a retroactive reinsurance agreement. The amount recognized as an unamortized deferred gain liability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 under this agreement was $104.5 million.

Adjusted for the amortization into income of the deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance of $104.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, non-GAAP net loss and LAE⁽¹⁷⁾ were $36.3 million and $310.6 million, respectively, and the non-GAAP net loss and LAE ratios⁽¹⁷⁾ were 38.1% and 75.1%, respectively, compared to 115.0% and 85.4% for the respective comparative periods in 2018.

Adjusted for the amortization into income of the deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance of $104.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019, adjusted non-GAAP underwriting income⁽¹⁷⁾ was $24.3 million compared to underwriting loss of $251.2 million for the comparative period in 2018. Non-GAAP combined ratio during the three months ended September 30, 2019 was 81.3% compared to 150.8% during the same period in 2018.

Adjusted for the amortization into income of the deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance of $104.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, non-GAAP underwriting loss was $57.6 million compared to $287.9 million in the comparative period in 2018. Non-GAAP combined ratio during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was 120.8% compared to 120.7% during the same period in 2018.

Excluding the adverse development subject to the LPT/ADC Agreement for the first half of 2019 of $30.6 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2019, the non-GAAP net loss and LAE and non-GAAP underwriting loss were $66.9 million and $113.3 million, respectively, and the non-GAAP net loss and LAE ratio and combined ratio were 70.1% and 113.3%, respectively.

These non-GAAP measures include the recognition of $27.6 million (or 28.9 and 6.7 net loss and LAE ratio and combined ratio percentage points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively) related to the application of the $40.5 million loss corridor cap on AmTrust program business during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, pursuant to the previously announced Post-Termination Endorsement of the reinsurance contracts between the Company and AmTrust.

Other Financial Matters

Total assets were $3.8 billion at September 30, 2019, compared to $5.3 billion at December 31, 2018. Shareholders’ equity was $533.2 million at September 30, 2019, compared to $554.3 million at December 31, 2018. Adjusted shareholders’ equity⁽¹⁶⁾ was $637.7 million at September 30, 2019, reflecting the unamortized deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance of $104.5 million.

Quarterly Dividends

The Company’s Board of Directors did not authorize any quarterly dividends related to either its common shares or any series of its preferred shares.

Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2019

The Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2019. Additional information on the matters reported in this news release along with other required disclosures can be found in that filing.

About Maiden Holdings, Ltd.

Maiden Holdings, Ltd. is a Bermuda-based holding company formed in 2007.

(2)(5)(11)(12)(16)(17) Please see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures table for additional information on these non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliation of these measures to GAAP measures.

(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(17) Loss ratio, commission and other acquisition expense ratio, general and administrative expense ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio are non-GAAP operating metrics. Please see the additional information on these measures under Non-GAAP Financial Measures tables.

Contacts

Sard Verbinnen & Co.

[email protected]

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