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8-K - 8-K - Watford Holdings Ltd.form8-kq22020earningsrelea.htm


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WATFORD REPORTS 2020 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS
PEMBROKE, Bermuda, July 29, 2020 -- (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)-- WATFORD HOLDINGS LTD. (“Watford” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: WTRE) today reported net income of $188.8 million, after $1.1 million of preference dividends, for the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to net income of $13.8 million, after payment of $4.9 million of preference dividends, for the same period in 2019. Book value per diluted common share was $38.82 at June 30, 2020, an increase of 37.6% from March 31, 2020. The quarterly results include:
Net income available to common shareholders of $188.8 million, or $9.51 per diluted common share, or a 28.2% return on average equity, compared to net income of $13.8 million, or $0.61 per diluted common share, or a 1.5% return on average equity for the 2019 second quarter;
Combined ratio of 108.0%, comprised of a 79.7% loss ratio, a 22.4% acquisition expense ratio and a 5.9% general and administrative expense ratio, compared to a combined ratio of 103.5% for the prior year second quarter, comprised of a 73.6% loss ratio, a 23.4% acquisition expense ratio and a 6.5% general and administrative expense ratio;
Net interest income of $27.4 million, a 1.4% yield on average net assets, for the 2020 second quarter, compared to net interest income of $26.4 million and a 1.2% yield on average net assets for the 2019 second quarter; and
Net investment income of $199.5 million, a 10.0% return on average net assets for the 2020 second quarter, compared to net investment income of $23.8 million and a 1.1% return on average net assets for the 2019 second quarter.
Following the first quarter of 2020, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has continued to cause unprecedented economic volatility and disruption globally.
At this time, there continues to be significant uncertainties surrounding the ultimate number of insurance claims and scope of damage resulting from this pandemic. The Company’s estimates across its insurance and reinsurance lines of business are based on currently available information derived from modeling techniques, preliminary claims information obtained from the Company’s clients and brokers, a review of relevant in-force contracts with potential exposure to the pandemic and estimates of reinsurance recoverables. These estimates include losses only related to claims incurred as of June 30, 2020. Actual losses from these events may vary materially from the estimates due to several factors, including the inherent uncertainties in making such determinations and the evolving nature of this pandemic.

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-1-



Commenting on the 2020 second quarter financial results, Jon Levy, CEO of Watford, said:
“First, we would like to express our sympathy to all those affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic, as well as our appreciation for those who continue to provide support and care to the individuals who need it most. I’d also like to again thank the Watford employees and broader Watford team who have continued to deliver in this challenging environment.
Despite the backdrop of significant turmoil created by the pandemic, Watford demonstrated its resilience and delivered a strong financial performance. Our net income of $188.8 million for the quarter was driven by $199.5 million of net investment income. Our net interest income remained steady at $27.4 million, representing a quarterly yield on average net assets of 1.4%. Realized and unrealized gains for the quarter totaled $172.1 million, with an additional $23.0 million in other comprehensive income. In aggregate, our book value per diluted common share increased $10.61, or 37.6% from March 31, 2020.
Our combined ratio for the quarter was 108.0%, and 104.7% when adjusted for other underwriting income and certain corporate expenses. The COVID-19 global pandemic has created significant uncertainty for the property and casualty industry, though we believe our mix of business is less exposed to classes likely to be materially affected. Watford recognized a COVID-19 loss provision of $5.2 million, or 4.0 loss ratio points, for the second quarter, almost exclusively arising from business interruption coverage in our property catastrophe reinsurance line of business. 
Insurance and reinsurance conditions continue to improve. We believe our insurance and reinsurance platforms are well positioned in the hardening marketplace.”

Underwriting
The following table summarizes the Company’s underwriting results on a consolidated basis:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
 
2020
 
2019
 
% Change
 
($ in thousands)
Gross premiums written
$
157,927

 
$
161,978

 
(2.5
)%
 
$
392,829

 
$
348,667

 
12.7
 %
Net premiums written
105,856

 
119,370

 
(11.3
)%
 
292,556

 
264,757

 
10.5
 %
Net premiums earned
131,535

 
151,318

 
(13.1
)%
 
271,574

 
297,412

 
(8.7
)%
Underwriting income (loss) (1)
(10,578
)
 
(5,266
)
 
(100.9
)%
 
(16,721
)
 
(11,236
)
 
(48.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% Point Change
 
 
 
 
 
% Point Change
Loss ratio
79.7
%
 
73.6
%
 
6.1
 %
 
79.3
%
 
74.7
%
 
4.6
 %
Acquisition expense ratio
22.4
%
 
23.4
%
 
(1.0
)%
 
21.3
%
 
23.3
%
 
(2.0
)%
General & administrative expense ratio
5.9
%
 
6.5
%
 
(0.6
)%
 
5.6
%
 
5.8
%
 
(0.2
)%
Combined ratio
108.0
%
 
103.5
%
 
4.5
 %
 
106.2
%
 
103.8
%
 
2.4
 %
Adjusted combined ratio (2)
104.7
%
 
99.9
%
 
4.8
 %
 
103.4
%
 
101.1
%
 
2.3
 %
(1) Underwriting income (loss) is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure and is calculated as net premiums earned, less loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses. See “Comments on Regulation G” for further discussion, including a reconciliation of underwriting income (loss) to net income (loss) available to common shareholders.
(2) Adjusted combined ratio is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing the sum of loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses, less certain corporate expenses, by the sum of net premiums earned and other underwriting income (loss). See “Comments on Regulation G” for further discussion, including a reconciliation of our adjusted combined ratio to our combined ratio.

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-2-



The following table provides summary information regarding premiums written and earned by line of business:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
 
($ in thousands)
Gross premiums written:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty reinsurance
$
25,125

 
$
32,557

 
$
108,943

 
$
108,158

Other specialty reinsurance
21,080

 
37,836

 
57,960

 
62,134

Property catastrophe reinsurance
11,253

 
5,929

 
21,085

 
11,921

Insurance programs and coinsurance
100,469

 
85,656

 
204,841

 
166,454

Total
$
157,927

 
$
161,978

 
$
392,829

 
$
348,667

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums written:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty reinsurance
$
24,774

 
$
32,077

 
$
108,441

 
$
107,142

Other specialty reinsurance
19,843

 
36,523

 
55,327

 
59,705

Property catastrophe reinsurance
10,506

 
5,621

 
20,338

 
11,603

Insurance programs and coinsurance
50,733

 
45,149

 
108,450

 
86,307

Total
$
105,856

 
$
119,370

 
$
292,556

 
$
264,757

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premiums earned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Casualty reinsurance
$
48,146

 
$
67,506

 
$
100,911

 
$
130,819

Other specialty reinsurance
29,876

 
42,635

 
65,240

 
87,196

Property catastrophe reinsurance
5,824

 
3,119

 
10,708

 
6,090

Insurance programs and coinsurance
47,689

 
38,058

 
94,715

 
73,307

Total
$
131,535

 
$
151,318

 
$
271,574

 
$
297,412

The following table shows the components of our loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
% of Earned Premiums
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
% of Earned Premiums
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
% of Earned Premiums
 
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
 
% of Earned Premiums
 
($ in thousands)
Current year
$
104,993

 
79.9
 %
 
$
111,494

 
73.7
 %
 
$
215,849

 
79.5
 %
 
$
222,395

 
74.8
 %
Prior year development (favorable)/adverse
(207
)
 
(0.2
)%
 
(78
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
(387
)
 
(0.2
)%
 
(129
)
 
(0.1
)%
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
$
104,786

 
79.7
 %
 
$
111,416

 
73.6
 %
 
$
215,462

 
79.3
 %
 
$
222,266

 
74.7
 %
Results for the three months ended June 30, 2020 versus 2019:
Gross and net premiums written in the 2020 second quarter were 2.5% and 11.3% lower, respectively, than the 2019 second quarter. The decrease in gross and net premiums written reflected a decrease in casualty reinsurance and other specialty reinsurance premiums written, offset in part by an increase in insurance programs and coinsurance and property catastrophe reinsurance in the 2020 second quarter. In addition, a higher portion of insurance programs and coinsurance premiums written were ceded in the 2020 second quarter compared to the 2019 second quarter.

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-3-



Net premiums earned in the 2020 second quarter were 13.1% lower than the 2019 second quarter. The decrease in earned premiums reflected reduced participations and non-renewals for certain casualty reinsurance deals. In addition, the decrease in other specialty reinsurance premiums was driven by a contract written and earned with no comparable premium this quarter, as well as a reduction in our exposure to U.S. mortgage risk. These decreases were partially offset by increased writings in insurance programs and coinsurance, and, to a lesser extent, greater assumed property catastrophe reinsurance.
The loss ratio was 79.7% in the 2020 second quarter compared to 73.6% in the 2019 second quarter. In the 2020 second quarter, the increase in loss ratio was primarily driven by COVID-19 related losses of $5.2 million, or 4.0 points, which mainly impacted property catastrophe reinsurance business. The prior year loss reserve development for both the 2020 and 2019 second quarters was essentially flat. The acquisition expense ratio was 22.4% in the 2020 second quarter, compared to 23.4% in the 2019 second quarter. These ratio movements also reflect changes in mix and the type of business.
The general and administrative expense ratio was 5.9% in the 2020 second quarter, compared to 6.5% in the 2019 second quarter. The 0.6 point decrease versus the prior year second quarter was primarily attributable to a one-time accelerated long term incentive expense recognized in the 2019 second quarter. Removing certain corporate expenses, our adjusted general and administrative expense ratio was 3.3% in the 2020 second quarter consistent with 3.3% in the 2019 second quarter.







Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-4-



Investments
The following table summarizes the Company’s key investment returns on a consolidated basis:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
 
($ in thousands)
Interest income
$
36,453

 
$
38,596

 
$
74,277

 
$
81,737

Investment management fees - related parties
(4,262
)
 
(4,570
)
 
(8,614
)
 
(8,979
)
Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses
(4,763
)
 
(7,611
)
 
(10,432
)
 
(15,909
)
Net interest income
27,428

 
26,415

 
55,231

 
56,849

Realized gains (losses) on investments
(6,001
)
 
789

 
(11,047
)
 
2,071

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments
178,064

 
(1,725
)
 
(107,392
)
 
30,713

Investment performance fees - related parties

 
(1,692
)
 

 
(7,492
)
Net investment income (loss)
$
199,491

 
$
23,787

 
$
(63,208
)
 
$
82,141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains on investments (balance sheet)
$
59,123

 
$
35,228

 
$
59,123

 
$
35,228

Unrealized losses on investments (balance sheet)
(244,474
)
 
(113,937
)
 
(244,474
)
 
(113,937
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments (balance sheet)
$
(185,351
)
 
$
(78,709
)
 
$
(185,351
)
 
$
(78,709
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income yield on average net assets (1)
1.4
%
 
1.2
%
 
2.7
 %
 
2.7
%
Non-investment grade portfolio (1)
1.8
%
 
1.6
%
 
3.5
 %
 
3.5
%
Investment grade portfolio (1)
0.4
%
 
0.6
%
 
1.0
 %
 
1.2
%
Net investment income return on average net assets (1)
10.0
%
 
1.1
%
 
(3.1
)%
 
3.9
%
Non-investment grade portfolio (1)
13.1
%
 
1.2
%
 
(5.2
)%
 
4.6
%
Investment grade portfolio (1)
1.6
%
 
1.0
%
 
2.4
 %
 
2.1
%
Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) (2)
7.7
%
 
0.8
%
 
(2.4
)%
 
2.9
%
Non-investment grade portfolio (2)
10.6
%
 
1.0
%
 
(4.3
)%
 
3.7
%
Investment grade portfolio (2)
1.6
%
 
1.0
%
 
2.4
 %
 
2.1
%
(1) Net interest income yield on average net assets and net investment income return on average net assets are calculated by dividing net interest income, and net investment income (loss), respectively, by average net assets. Net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payable for securities sold short. For the three- and six-month periods, average net assets is calculated using the averages of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, revolving credit agreement borrowings are not subtracted from the net assets calculation. The separate components of these returns (non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio) are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures. See “Comments on Regulation G” for further discussion, including a reconciliation of these components of our net interest income yield on average net assets and net investment income return on average net assets.
(2) Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) is calculated by dividing net investment income by average total investments. For the three- and six-month periods, average total investments is calculated using the averages of each quarterly period. The separate components of these returns (non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio) are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures. See “Comments on Regulation G” for further discussion, including a reconciliation of these components of our net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income).
Results for the three months ended June 30, 2020 versus 2019:
Net investment income was $199.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to net investment income of $23.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, an increase of $175.7 million. The 2020 second quarter net investment income return on average net assets was 10.0% as compared to 1.1% for the prior year period.
The 2020 second quarter net investment income return was driven by net unrealized gains of $178.1 million as the credit markets partially recovered through the quarter. Net interest income increased to $27.4 million from $26.4 million, an increase of 3.8% quarter over quarter.

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-5-



The 2020 second quarter non-investment grade portfolio net interest income yield was 1.8%, compared with 1.6% in the second quarter of 2019. The net realized and unrealized gains reported in the 2020 second quarter were $163.1 million, reflective of the credit market recovery discussed above.
The 2020 second quarter investment grade portfolio net interest income yield was 0.4%, a decrease from 0.6% in the prior year period. In addition, the investment grade portfolio recognized $8.9 million of net realized and unrealized gains in the quarter as compared to gains of $3.8 million in the second quarter of 2019.



Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-6-



The following tables summarize the composition of the Company's non-investment grade and investment grade portfolios by sector as of June 30, 2020 and March 31, 2020:
 
June 30, 2020
 
Total
 
Financials
 
Health Care
 
Technology
 
Consumer Services
 
Industrials
 
Consumer Goods
 
Oil & Gas
 
All Other (1)
 
($ in thousands)
Non-Investment Grade Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term loan investments
$
875,560

 
$
188,970

 
$
170,442

 
$
186,367

 
$
113,733

 
$
90,250

 
$
36,455

 
$
29,573

 
$
59,770

Corporate bonds
378,183

 
44,898

 
26,626

 
16,720

 
105,543

 
33,870

 
68,314

 
29,516

 
52,696

Equities - sector specific
93,872

 
62,350

 
22,577

 
7,266

 

 
641

 

 
264

 
774

Short-term investments - sector specific
2,184

 

 

 
1,682

 

 

 
502

 

 

Subtotal
1,349,799

 
296,218

 
219,645

 
212,035

 
219,276

 
124,761

 
105,271

 
59,353

 
113,240

Equities - non-sector specific
27,470

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments - non-sector specific
267,904

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
157,925

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments
34,142

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
9,164

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Non-Investment Grade Portfolio
$
1,846,404

 
$
296,218

 
$
219,645

 
$
212,035

 
$
219,276

 
$
124,761

 
$
105,271

 
$
59,353

 
$
113,240

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Grade Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
$
169,918

 
$
51,327

 
$
10,834

 
$
18,688

 
$
22,738

 
$
11,942

 
$
35,818

 
$
11,388

 
$
7,183

Short-term investments
99,978

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency bonds
217,459

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S. government and government agency bonds
151,124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
130,327

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
22,018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal government and government agency bonds
2,117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Investment Grade Portfolio
$
792,941

 
$
51,327

 
$
10,834

 
$
18,688

 
$
22,738

 
$
11,942

 
$
35,818

 
$
11,388

 
$
7,183

Total Investments
$
2,639,345

 
$
347,545

 
$
230,479

 
$
230,723

 
$
242,014

 
$
136,703

 
$
141,089

 
$
70,741

 
$
120,423

(1) Includes telecommunications, utilities and basic materials.



Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-7-



 
March 31, 2020
 
Total
 
Financials
 
Health Care
 
Technology
 
Consumer Services
 
Industrials
 
Consumer Goods
 
Oil & Gas
 
All Other (1)
 
($ in thousands)
Non-Investment Grade Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term loan investments
$
906,999

 
$
190,535

 
$
195,084

 
$
199,837

 
$
98,518

 
$
89,778

 
$
40,415

 
$
32,049

 
$
60,783

Corporate bonds
240,570

 
24,927

 
43,028

 
15,702

 
49,761

 
27,585

 
19,947

 
18,522

 
41,098

Equities - sector specific
95,112

 
59,714

 
27,174

 
5,868

 

 
1,026

 

 
242

 
1,088

Short-term investments - sector specific
47,703

 
7,703

 

 

 

 

 

 
40,000

 

Subtotal
1,290,384

 
282,879

 
265,286

 
221,407

 
148,279

 
118,389

 
60,362

 
90,813

 
102,969

Equities - non-sector specific
26,148

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments - non-sector specific
222,065

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
140,613

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments
30,682

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
8,529

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Non-Investment Grade Portfolio
$
1,718,421

 
$
282,879

 
$
265,286

 
$
221,407

 
$
148,279

 
$
118,389

 
$
60,362

 
$
90,813

 
$
102,969

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Grade Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
$
167,570

 
$
62,046

 
$
13,752

 
$
12,135

 
$
15,481

 
$
14,133

 
$
34,718

 
$
7,346

 
$
7,959

Short-term investments
74,093

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and government agency bonds
265,423

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S. government and government agency bonds
149,858

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
113,583

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
21,785

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal government and government agency bonds
2,073

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Investment Grade Portfolio
$
794,385

 
$
62,046

 
$
13,752

 
$
12,135

 
$
15,481

 
$
14,133

 
$
34,718

 
$
7,346

 
$
7,959

Total Investments
$
2,512,806

 
$
344,925

 
$
279,038

 
$
233,542

 
$
163,760

 
$
132,522

 
$
95,080

 
$
98,159

 
$
110,928

(1) Includes telecommunications, utilities and basic materials.





Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-8-



The table below summarizes the credit quality of the Company's non-investment grade and investment grade portfolios as of June 30, 2020 and March 31, 2020, as rated by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC, or Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, or Moody’s, Fitch Ratings Inc., or Fitch, Kroll Bond Rating Agency, or KBRA, or DBRS Morningstar, or DBRS, as applicable:
 
Credit Rating (1)
June 30, 2020
Fair Value
 
AAA
 
AA
 
A
 
BBB
 
BB
 
B
 
CCC
 
CC
 
C
 
D
 
Not Rated
 
($ in thousands)
Non-Investment Grade Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term loan investments
$
875,560

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
23,218

 
$
530,118

 
$
247,478

 
$
15,191

 
$
2,192

 
$
28,046

 
$
29,317

Corporate bonds
378,183

 

 

 

 
37,373

 
50,125

 
152,648

 
113,723

 
6,268

 
5,585

 
3,956

 
8,505

Asset-backed securities
157,925

 

 

 
3,854

 
98,827

 
23,136

 
8,767

 
1,663

 

 

 

 
21,678

Mortgage-backed securities
9,164

 

 

 

 

 
1,292

 

 

 

 

 
3,224

 
4,648

Short-term investments
270,088

 
34,859

 
172,166

 
60,880

 

 
502

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,681

Total fixed income instruments and short-term investments
1,690,920

 
34,859

 
172,166

 
64,734

 
136,200

 
98,273

 
691,533

 
362,864

 
21,459

 
7,777

 
35,226

 
65,829

Other Investments
34,142

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equities
121,342

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Non-Investment Grade Portfolio
$
1,846,404

 
$
34,859

 
$
172,166

 
$
64,734

 
$
136,200

 
$
98,273

 
$
691,533

 
$
362,864

 
$
21,459

 
$
7,777

 
$
35,226

 
$
65,829

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Grade Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
$
169,918

 
$

 
$
16,032

 
$
90,087

 
$
58,858

 
$
4,941

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

U.S. government and government agency bonds
217,459

 

 
217,459

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities
130,327

 
1,377

 

 
19,621

 
108,790

 
539

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities
22,018

 

 
602

 
4,794

 
16,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-U.S. government and government agency bonds
151,124

 

 
151,124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal government and government agency bonds
2,117

 
1,039

 
586

 
492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments
99,978

 
3,448

 
22,656

 

 
73,874

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Investment Grade Portfolio
$
792,941

 
$
5,864

 
$
408,459

 
$
114,994

 
$
258,144

 
$
5,480

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Total
$
2,639,345

 
$
40,723

 
$
580,625

 
$
179,728

 
$
394,344

 
$
103,753

 
$
691,533

 
$
362,864

 
$
21,459

 
$
7,777

 
$
35,226

 
$
65,829

(1) For individual fixed maturity investments, Standard & Poor’s ratings are used. In the absence of a Standard & Poor’s rating, ratings from Moody’s are used, followed by ratings from Fitch, followed by ratings from KBRA, followed by ratings from DBRS.


Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-9-



 
Credit Rating (1)
March 31, 2020
Fair Value
 
AAA
 
AA
 
A
 
BBB
 
BB
 
B
 
CCC
 
CC
 
C
 
D
 
Not Rated
 
($ in thousands)
Non-Investment Grade Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term loan investments
$
906,999

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
10,277

 
$
650,028

 
$
161,307

 
$
2,823

 
$
1,314

 
$
1,590

 
$
79,660

Corporate bonds
240,570

 

 

 

 
5,933

 
14,447

 
84,955

 
118,847

 
1,872

 

 
3,699

 
10,817

Asset-backed securities
140,613

 

 

 
3,339

 
85,572

 
19,727

 
7,395

 
1,418

 

 

 

 
23,162

Mortgage-backed securities
8,529

 

 

 

 

 
1,190

 

 

 

 

 
2,552

 
4,787

Short-term investments
269,768

 
26,024

 
133,548

 
402

 
62,091

 

 
40,000

 

 

 

 

 
7,703

Total fixed income instruments and short-term investments
1,566,479

 
26,024

 
133,548

 
3,741

 
153,596

 
45,641

 
782,378

 
281,572

 
4,695

 
1,314

 
7,841

 
126,129

Other Investments
30,682

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equities
121,260

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Non-Investment Grade Portfolio
$
1,718,421

 
$
26,024

 
$
133,548

 
$
3,741

 
$
153,596

 
$
45,641

 
$
782,378

 
$
281,572

 
$
4,695

 
$
1,314

 
$
7,841

 
$
126,129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Grade Portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
$
167,570

 
$

 
$
34,647

 
$
76,063

 
$
52,085

 
$
4,775

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

U.S. government and government agency bonds
265,423

 

 
265,423

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities
113,583

 
1,628

 

 
15,980

 
95,975

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities
21,785

 

 

 
4,600

 
17,185

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-U.S. government and government agency bonds
149,858

 

 
149,858

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal government and government agency bonds
2,073

 
1,023

 
570

 
480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments
74,093

 
4,150

 
21,239

 

 
48,704

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Investment Grade Portfolio
$
794,385

 
$
6,801

 
$
471,737

 
$
97,123

 
$
213,949

 
$
4,775

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Total
$
2,512,806

 
$
32,825

 
$
605,285

 
$
100,864

 
$
367,545

 
$
50,416

 
$
782,378

 
$
281,572

 
$
4,695

 
$
1,314

 
$
7,841

 
$
126,129

(1) For individual fixed maturity investments, Standard & Poor’s ratings are used. In the absence of a Standard & Poor’s rating, ratings from Moody’s are used, followed by ratings from Fitch, followed by ratings from KBRA, followed by ratings from DBRS.


Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-10-



Corporate Function
The Company has a corporate function that includes general and administrative expenses related to corporate activities, interest expense, net foreign exchange gains (losses), income tax expense and items related to the Company’s contingently redeemable preference shares.
The Company incurred an interest expense of $2.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, in relation to the Company’s 6.5% senior notes issued on July 2, 2019. Interest is paid semi-annually in arrears on January 2 and July 2.
Preference dividends were $1.1 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
There were no share repurchases during the 2020 second quarter. As of June 30, 2020, approximately $47.1 million of share repurchases were available under the Company’s previously announced $50 million share repurchase program.
Conference Call
The Company will hold a conference call on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its 2020 second quarter results. A live webcast of this call will be available via the Investors section of the Company’s website at http://investors.watfordre.com. A replay of the conference call will also be available via the Investors section of the Company’s website beginning on July 31, 2020.
About Watford Holdings Ltd.
Watford Holdings Ltd. is a global property and casualty insurance and reinsurance company with approximately $1.0 billion in capital as of June 30, 2020, comprised of: $172.6 million of senior notes, $52.4 million of contingently redeemable preference shares and $776.2 million of common shareholders’ equity, with operations in Bermuda, the United States and Europe. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned financial strength ratings of “A-” (Excellent) from A.M. Best and “A” from Kroll Bond Rating Agency. On May 1, 2020, A.M. Best announced that it had placed under review with negative implications the financial strength ratings of our operating subsidiaries. In addition, on June 17, 2020, Kroll Bond Rating Agency reaffirmed the “A” insurance financial strength ratings of our operating subsidiaries, and revised the outlook for all of the ratings to negative.

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-11-



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Assets
($ in thousands)
Investments:
 
 
 
Term loans, fair value option (Amortized cost: $991,130 and $1,113,212)
$
875,560

 
$
1,061,934

Fixed maturities, fair value option (Amortized cost: $611,265 and $432,576)
548,010

 
416,594

Short-term investments, fair value option (Cost: $370,976 and $325,542)
370,066

 
329,303

Equity securities, fair value option
58,898

 
59,799

Other investments, fair value option
34,142

 
30,461

Investments, fair value option
1,886,676

 
1,898,091

Fixed maturities, available for sale (Amortized cost: $698,897 and $739,456)
690,225

 
745,708

Equity securities, fair value through net income
62,444

 
65,338

Total investments
2,639,345

 
2,709,137

Cash and cash equivalents
107,653

 
102,437

Accrued investment income
14,364

 
14,025

Premiums receivable
258,178

 
273,657

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses
229,746

 
170,974

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
131,919

 
132,577

Deferred acquisition costs, net
64,149

 
64,044

Receivable for securities sold
31,314

 
16,288

Intangible assets
7,650

 
7,650

Funds held by reinsurers
41,112

 
42,505

Other assets
22,328

 
17,562

Total assets
$
3,547,758

 
$
3,550,856

Liabilities
 
 
 
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
1,353,049

 
$
1,263,628

Unearned premiums
456,170

 
438,907

Losses payable
58,292

 
61,314

Reinsurance balances payable
72,776

 
77,066

Payable for securities purchased
67,272

 
18,180

Payable for securities sold short
29,289

 
66,257

Revolving credit agreement borrowings
472,361

 
484,287

Senior notes
172,554

 
172,418

Amounts due to affiliates
4,542

 
4,467

Investment management and performance fees payable
5,511

 
17,762

Other liabilities
27,440

 
21,912

Total liabilities
$
2,719,256

 
$
2,626,198

Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
Contingently redeemable preference shares
52,351

 
52,305

Shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
Common shares ($0.01 par; shares authorized: 120 million; shares issued: 22,804,128 and 22,692,300)
227

 
227

Additional paid-in capital
898,935

 
898,083

Retained earnings (deficit)
(35,909
)
 
43,470

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(9,179
)
 
5,629

Common shares held in treasury, at cost (shares: 2,917,149 and 2,789,405)
(77,923
)
 
(75,056
)
Total shareholders’ equity
776,151

 
872,353

Total liabilities, contingently redeemable preference shares and shareholders’ equity
$
3,547,758

 
$
3,550,856



Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-12-



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Revenues
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Gross premiums written
$
157,927

 
$
161,978

 
$
392,829

 
$
348,667

Gross premiums ceded
(52,071
)
 
(42,608
)
 
(100,273
)
 
(83,910
)
Net premiums written
105,856

 
119,370

 
292,556

 
264,757

Change in unearned premiums
25,679

 
31,948

 
(20,982
)
 
32,655

Net premiums earned
131,535

 
151,318

 
271,574

 
297,412

Other underwriting income (loss)
868

 
673

 
1,001

 
1,265

Interest income
36,453

 
38,596

 
74,277

 
81,737

Investment management fees - related parties
(4,262
)
 
(4,570
)
 
(8,614
)
 
(8,979
)
Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses
(4,763
)
 
(7,611
)
 
(10,432
)
 
(15,909
)
Net interest income
27,428

 
26,415

 
55,231

 
56,849

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
172,063

 
(936
)
 
(118,439
)
 
32,784

Investment performance fees - related parties

 
(1,692
)
 

 
(7,492
)
Net investment income (loss)
199,491

 
23,787

 
(63,208
)
 
82,141

Total revenues
331,894

 
175,778

 
209,367

 
380,818

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
(104,786
)
 
(111,416
)
 
(215,462
)
 
(222,266
)
Acquisition expenses
(29,486
)
 
(35,417
)
 
(57,853
)
 
(69,391
)
General and administrative expenses
(7,841
)
 
(9,751
)
 
(14,980
)
 
(16,991
)
Interest expense
(2,911
)
 

 
(5,823
)
 

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)
2,665

 
(441
)
 
7,678

 
(878
)
Total expenses
(142,359
)
 
(157,025
)
 
(286,440
)
 
(309,526
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
189,535

 
18,753

 
(77,073
)
 
71,292

Income tax expense
402

 
(20
)
 
402

 
(20
)
Net income (loss) before preference dividends
189,937

 
18,733

 
(76,671
)
 
71,272

Preference dividends
(1,109
)
 
(4,908
)
 
(2,280
)
 
(9,815
)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
188,828

 
$
13,825

 
$
(78,951
)
 
$
61,457

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
$
31,240

 
$
6,532

 
$
2,809

 
$
10,613

Unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) arising during the period
279

 
(1,678
)
 
(7,420
)
 
(548
)
Credit loss recognized in net income (loss)
(212
)
 

 
351

 

Reclassification of net realized (gains) losses, net of income taxes, included in net income (loss)
(8,331
)
 
(1,816
)
 
(10,736
)
 
(2,211
)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) of available for sale investments
22,976

 
3,038

 
(14,996
)
 
7,854

Foreign currency translation adjustments
51

 
212

 
188

 
47

Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income tax
23,027

 
3,250

 
(14,808
)
 
7,901

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
211,855

 
$
17,075

 
$
(93,759
)
 
$
69,358

Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
$
9.51

 
$
0.61

 
$
(3.97
)
 
$
2.71

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the determination of earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
19,863,048

 
22,740,762

 
19,907,490

 
22,711,833

Diluted
19,863,048

 
22,747,033

 
19,907,490

 
22,714,969


Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-13-



 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Numerator:
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Net income (loss) before preference dividends
$
189,937

 
$
18,733

 
$
(76,671
)
 
$
71,272

Preference dividends
(1,109
)
 
(4,908
)
 
(2,280
)
 
(9,815
)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
188,828

 
$
13,825

 
$
(78,951
)
 
$
61,457

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
19,863,048

 
22,740,762

 
19,907,490

 
22,711,833

Effect of dilutive common share equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average non-vested restricted share units (1)

 
6,271

 

 
3,136

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
19,863,048

 
22,747,033

 
19,907,490

 
22,714,969

Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
$
9.51

 
$
0.61

 
$
(3.97
)
 
$
2.71

(1) The weighted average non-vested restricted share units are excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2020, due to a net loss reported.
 
June 30,
2020 (1)
 
March 31, 2020 (2)
 
December 31, 2019
 
September 30, 2019
 
June 30, 2019 (3)
Numerator:
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Total shareholders’ equity
$
776,151

 
$
564,054

 
$
872,353

 
$
960,773

 
$
961,296

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common shares outstanding - basic (1)(2)(3)
19,890,784

 
19,863,328

 
19,976,397

 
22,765,802

 
22,765,802

Effect of dilutive common share equivalents:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-vested restricted share units (2)(3)
103,820

 
131,277

 
82,360

 
82,360

 
82,360

Common shares outstanding - diluted
19,994,604

 
19,994,605

 
20,058,757

 
22,848,162

 
22,848,162

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book value per common share
$39.02
 
$28.40
 
$43.67
 
$42.20
 
$42.23
Book value per diluted common share
$38.82
 
$28.21
 
$43.49
 
$42.05
 
$42.07
(1) During the second quarter of 2020, the Company issued 100,958 common shares, related to the restricted share units granted to certain employees and directors in the second quarter of 2019. Of these shares, 27,456 common shares vested in the second quarter of 2020.
(2) During the first quarter of 2020, the Company granted 63,591 restricted share units and common shares to certain employees and directors, 48,916 of which are non-vested as of June 30, 2020.
(3) During the second quarter of 2019, the Company granted 165,287 restricted share units and common shares to certain employees and directors, 54,904 of which are non-vested as of June 30, 2020.

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-14-



Comments on Regulation G
Throughout this release, the Company presents its operations in the way it believes will be the most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use the Company’s financial information in evaluating the performance of the Company and that investors and such other persons benefit from having a consistent basis for comparison between quarters and for comparison with other companies within the industry. These measures may not, however, be comparable to similarly titled measures used by companies outside of the insurance industry. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures in assessing the Company’s overall financial performance.
This presentation includes the use of “underwriting income (loss)” (which is defined as net premiums earned less loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses), “adjusted underwriting income (loss)” (which is defined as underwriting income (loss) plus other underwriting income (loss) less certain corporate expenses), and “adjusted combined ratio” (which is calculated by dividing the sum of loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses, less certain corporate expenses, by the sum of net premiums earned and other underwriting income (loss)). Certain corporate expenses are generally comprised of costs associated with the ongoing operations of the holding company, such as compensation of certain executives and costs associated with the initial setup of subsidiaries.
The presentation of underwriting income (loss), adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measures to net income (loss) available to common shareholders (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure) in accordance with Regulation G is included on the following pages of this release.
Underwriting income (loss) is useful in evaluating our underwriting performance, without regard to other underwriting income (losses), net investment income (losses), net foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, income tax expenses and preference dividends, and adjusted underwriting income (loss) is useful in evaluating our underwriting performance, without regard to net investment income (losses), net foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, income tax expenses, preference dividends and certain corporate expenses, and the adjusted combined ratio is a key indicator of our profitability, without regard to certain corporate expenses.  The Company believes that preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss), other underwriting income (loss) and certain corporate expenses in any particular period are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, the Company’s underwriting performance. Although preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss) and other underwriting income (loss) are an integral part of the Company’s operations, the decision to realize investment gains or losses, the recognition of the change in the carrying value of investments accounted for using the fair value option in net realized gains or losses, and the recognition of foreign exchange gains or losses are independent of the underwriting process and result, in large part, from general economic and financial market conditions. Furthermore, certain users of the Company’s financial information believe that, for many companies, the timing of the realization of investment gains or losses is largely opportunistic. The Company believes that certain corporate expenses are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, the Company’s business performance. Due to these reasons, the Company excludes preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss), other underwriting income (loss) from the calculation of underwriting income (loss), and excludes preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss) and certain corporate expenses from the calculation of adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio.

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-15-



The Company believes that showing underwriting income (loss), adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio exclusive of the items referred to above reflects the underlying fundamentals of the Company’s business since the Company evaluates the performance of its business using underwriting income (loss), adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio. The Company believes that this presentation enables investors and other users of the Company’s financial information to analyze the Company’s performance in a manner similar to how the Company’s management analyzes performance. The Company also believes that this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, allows the users of the Company’s financial information to compare the Company’s performance with its industry peer group. The Company believes that the equity analysts and certain rating agencies, which follow the Company and the insurance industry as a whole generally exclude these items from their analysis for the same reasons.
This presentation also includes the non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio components of our investment returns: “net interest income yield on average net assets” (calculated as net interest income divided by average net assets), “net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income)” (calculated as net investment income divided by average total investments), and “net investment income return on average net assets” (calculated as net investment income divided by average net assets). Net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payables for securities sold short. For the three- and six-month periods, average net assets is calculated using the averages of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of the revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net interest income, net investment income (loss) or the net assets calculation.
The presentation of the separate components of our investment returns (non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio) are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measures to net interest income and net investment income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, in accordance with Regulation G is included on the following pages of this release.
The non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio components of our investment returns (net interest income yield on average net assets, net investment income return on average net assets and on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income), respectively) are useful in evaluating our investment performance. The non-investment grade portfolio components of these investment returns reflect the performance of our investment strategy under HPS Investment Partners, LLC (“HPS”), which includes the use of leverage. The investment grade portfolio component of these returns reflects the performance of the investment portfolios that predominantly support our underwriting collateral.

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-16-



The following tables present a reconciliation of underwriting income (loss) to net income (loss) available to common shareholders, and a reconciliation of adjusted underwriting income (loss) to underwriting income (loss):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
 
($ in thousands)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
188,828

 
$
13,825

 
$
(78,951
)
 
$
61,457

Preference dividends
1,109

 
4,908

 
2,280

 
9,815

Net income (loss) before preference dividends
189,937

 
18,733

 
(76,671
)
 
71,272

Income tax expense
(402
)
 
20

 
(402
)
 
20

Interest expense
2,911

 

 
5,823

 

Net foreign exchange (gains) losses
(2,665
)
 
441

 
(7,678
)
 
878

Net investment (income) loss
(199,491
)
 
(23,787
)
 
63,208

 
(82,141
)
Other underwriting (income) loss
(868
)
 
(673
)
 
(1,001
)
 
(1,265
)
Underwriting income (loss)
(10,578
)
 
(5,266
)
 
(16,721
)
 
(11,236
)
Certain corporate expenses
3,443

 
4,795

 
6,439

 
6,758

Other underwriting income (loss)
868

 
673

 
1,001

 
1,265

Adjusted underwriting income (loss)
$
(6,267
)
 
$
202

 
$
(9,281
)
 
$
(3,213
)

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-17-



The adjusted combined ratio reconciles to the combined ratio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Amount
 
Adjustment
 
As Adjusted
 
Amount
 
Adjustment
 
As Adjusted
 
($ in thousands)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
104,786

 
$

 
$
104,786

 
$
111,416

 
$

 
$
111,416

Acquisition expenses
29,486

 

 
29,486

 
35,417

 

 
35,417

General & administrative expenses (1)
7,841

 
(3,443
)
 
4,398

 
9,751

 
(4,795
)
 
4,956

Net premiums earned (1)
131,535

 
868

 
132,403

 
151,318

 
673

 
151,991

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss ratio
79.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
73.6
%
 
 
 
 
Acquisition expense ratio
22.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
23.4
%
 
 
 
 
General & administrative expense ratio
5.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
6.5
%
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
108.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
103.5
%
 
 
 
 
Adjusted loss ratio
 
 
 
 
79.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
73.3
%
Adjusted acquisition expense ratio
 
 
 
 
22.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
23.3
%
Adjusted general & administrative expense ratio
 
 
 
 
3.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.3
%
Adjusted combined ratio
 
 
 
 
104.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
99.9
%
(1) Adjustments include certain corporate expenses, which are deducted from general and administrative expenses, and other underwriting income (loss), which is added to net premiums earned.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Amount
 
Adjustment
 
As Adjusted
 
Amount
 
Adjustment
 
As Adjusted
 
($ in thousands)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
215,462

 
$

 
$
215,462

 
$
222,266

 
$

 
$
222,266

Acquisition expenses
57,853

 

 
57,853

 
69,391

 

 
69,391

General & administrative expenses (1)
14,980

 
(6,439
)
 
8,541

 
16,991

 
(6,758
)
 
10,233

Net premiums earned (1)
271,574

 
1,001

 
272,575

 
297,412

 
1,265

 
298,677

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss ratio
79.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
74.7
%
 
 
 
 
Acquisition expense ratio
21.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
23.3
%
 
 
 
 
General & administrative expense ratio
5.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
5.8
%
 
 
 
 
Combined ratio
106.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
103.8
%
 
 
 
 
Adjusted loss ratio
 
 
 
 
79.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
74.4
%
Adjusted acquisition expense ratio
 
 
 
 
21.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
23.2
%
Adjusted general & administrative expense ratio
 
 
 
 
3.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.5
%
Adjusted combined ratio
 
 
 
 
103.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
101.1
%
(1) Adjustments include certain corporate expenses, which are deducted from general and administrative expenses, and other underwriting income (loss), which is added to net premiums earned.


Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-18-



The following tables summarize the components of our total investment return for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Non-Investment Grade
 
Investment Grade
 
Cost of
U/W Collateral (4)
 
Total
 
Non-Investment Grade
 
Investment Grade
 
Cost of
U/W Collateral (4)
 
Total
 
($ in thousands)
Interest income
$
32,410

 
$
4,043

 
$

 
$
36,453

 
$
32,492

 
$
6,104

 
$

 
$
38,596

Investment management fees - related parties
(3,943
)
 
(319
)
 

 
(4,262
)
 
(4,171
)
 
(399
)
 

 
(4,570
)
Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses
(2,741
)
 
(212
)
 
(1,810
)
 
(4,763
)
 
(3,809
)
 
(238
)
 
(3,564
)
 
(7,611
)
Net interest income
25,726

 
3,512

 
(1,810
)
 
27,428

 
24,512

 
5,467

 
(3,564
)
 
26,415

Net realized gains (losses) on investments
(14,912
)
 
8,911

 

 
(6,001
)
 
(177
)
 
966

 

 
789

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments (1)
178,050

 
14

 

 
178,064

 
(4,511
)
 
2,786

 

 
(1,725
)
Investment performance fees - related parties

 

 

 

 
(1,692
)
 

 

 
(1,692
)
Net investment income (loss)
$
188,864

 
$
12,437

 
$
(1,810
)
 
$
199,491

 
$
18,132

 
$
9,219

 
$
(3,564
)
 
$
23,787

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average total investments (2)
$
1,782,413

 
$
793,663

 
$

 
$
2,576,076

 
$
1,871,286

 
$
928,850

 
$

 
$
2,800,136

Average net assets (3)
$
1,446,900

 
$
800,175

 
$
(246,250
)
 
$
2,000,825

 
$
1,548,237

 
$
924,948

 
$
(327,619
)
 
$
2,145,566

 


 


 
 
 


 


 


 


 


Net interest income yield on average net assets (3)
1.8
%
 
0.4
%
 
 
 
1.4
%
 
1.6
%
 
0.6
%
 
 
 
1.2
%
Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) (2)
10.6
%
 
1.6
%
 
 
 
7.7
%
 
1.0
%
 
1.0
%
 
 
 
0.8
%
Net investment income return on average net assets (3)
13.1
%
 
1.6
%
 
(0.7
)%
 
10.0
%
 
1.2
%
 
1.0
%
 
(1.1
)%
 
1.1
%
(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments excludes unrealized gains and losses from the available for sale portfolios, which are recorded in other comprehensive income.
(2) Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) is calculated by dividing net investment income by average total investments. For the three-month period, average total investments is calculated using the average of the beginning and ending balance of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net investment income.
(3) Net interest income yield on average net assets and net investment income return on average net assets are calculated by dividing net interest income, and net investment income (loss), respectively, by average net assets. For the non-investment grade component of investment returns and total investment returns, net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less total revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payable for securities sold short. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of the revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net interest income, net investment income (loss), or the net assets calculation.
(4) The cost of underwriting collateral is calculated as the revolving credit agreement expenses for the investment grade portfolios divided by the average total revolving credit agreement borrowings for the investment grade portfolios during the period.

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-19-



 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Non-Investment Grade
 
Investment Grade
 
Cost of
 U/W Collateral (4)
 
Total
 
Non-Investment Grade
 
Investment Grade
 
Cost of
 U/W Collateral (4)
 
Total
 
($ in thousands)
Interest income
$
65,174

 
$
9,103

 
$

 
$
74,277

 
$
69,831

 
$
11,906

 
$

 
$
81,737

Investment management fees - related parties
(7,916
)
 
(698
)
 

 
(8,614
)
 
(8,242
)
 
(737
)
 

 
(8,979
)
Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses
(5,332
)
 
(437
)
 
(4,663
)
 
(10,432
)
 
(8,667
)
 
(442
)
 
(6,800
)
 
(15,909
)
Net interest income
51,926

 
7,968

 
(4,663
)
 
55,231

 
52,922

 
10,727

 
(6,800
)
 
56,849

Net realized gains (losses) on investments
(22,137
)
 
11,090

 

 
(11,047
)
 
1,142

 
929

 

 
2,071

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments (1)
(107,443
)
 
51

 

 
(107,392
)
 
23,114

 
7,599

 

 
30,713

Investment performance fees - related parties

 

 

 

 
(7,492
)
 

 

 
(7,492
)
Net investment income (loss)
$
(77,654
)
 
$
19,109

 
$
(4,663
)
 
$
(63,208
)
 
$
69,686

 
$
19,255

 
$
(6,800
)
 
$
82,141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average total investments (2)
$1,786,375
 
$807,149
 
$

 
$2,593,524
 
$1,883,565
 
$908,637
 
$

 
$2,792,202
Average net assets (3)
$1,488,863
 
$813,118
 
$(287,500)
 
$2,014,481
 
$1,527,241
 
$905,937
 
$(322,303)
 
$2,110,875
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
Net interest income yield on average net assets (3)
3.5
 %
 
1.0
%
 
 
 
2.7
 %
 
3.5
%
 
1.2
%
 
 
 
2.7
%
Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) (2)
(4.3
)%
 
2.4
%
 
 
 
(2.4
)%
 
3.7
%
 
2.1
%
 
 
 
2.9
%
Net investment income return on average net assets (3)
(5.2
)%
 
2.4
%
 
(1.6
)%
 
(3.1
)%
 
4.6
%
 
2.1
%
 
(2.1
)%
 
3.9
%
(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments excludes unrealized gains and losses from the available for sale portfolios, which are recorded in other comprehensive income.
(2) Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) is calculated by dividing net investment income by average total investments. For the six-month period, average total investments is calculated using the average of the beginning and ending balance of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net investment income.
(3) Net interest income yield on average net assets and net investment income return on average net assets are calculated by dividing net interest income, and net investment income (loss), respectively, by average net assets. For the non-investment grade component of investment returns and total investment returns, net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less total revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payable for securities sold short. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of the revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net interest income, net investment income (loss), or the net assets calculation.
(4) The cost of underwriting collateral is calculated as the revolving credit agreement expenses for the investment grade portfolios divided by the average total revolving credit agreement borrowings for the investment grade portfolios during the period.





Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-20-



 
As of June 30, 2020
 
As of June 30, 2019
 
Non-Investment Grade
 
Investment Grade
 
Borrowings for U/W Collateral
 
Total
 
Non-Investment Grade
 
Investment Grade
 
Borrowings for U/W Collateral
 
Total
 
($ in thousands)
Average total investments - QTD
$
1,782,413

 
$
793,663

 
$

 
$
2,576,076

 
$
1,871,286

 
$
928,850

 
$

 
$
2,800,136

Average total investments - YTD
1,786,375

 
807,149

 

 
2,593,524

 
1,883,565

 
908,637

 

 
2,792,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average net assets - QTD
1,446,900

 
800,175

 
(246,250
)
 
2,000,825

 
1,548,237

 
924,948

 
(327,619
)
 
2,145,566

Average net assets - YTD
1,488,863

 
813,118

 
(287,500
)
 
2,014,481

 
1,527,241

 
905,937

 
(322,303
)
 
2,110,875

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments
$
1,846,404

 
$
792,941

 
$

 
$
2,639,345

 
$
1,833,476

 
$
936,629

 
$

 
$
2,770,105

Accrued investment income
10,853

 
3,511

 

 
14,364

 
11,834

 
5,082

 

 
16,916

Receivable for securities sold
28,298

 
3,016

 

 
31,314

 
29,367

 
58

 

 
29,425

Less: Payable for securities purchased
67,272

 

 

 
67,272

 
46,412

 
4,804

 

 
51,216

Less: Payable for securities sold short
29,289

 

 

 
29,289

 
48,823

 

 

 
48,823

Less: Revolving credit agreement borrowings
308,611

 

 
163,750

 
472,361

 
229,546

 

 
328,751

 
558,297

Net assets
$
1,480,383

 
$
799,468

 
$
(163,750
)
 
$
2,116,101

 
$
1,549,896

 
$
936,965

 
$
(328,751
)
 
$
2,158,110

Non-investment grade borrowing ratio (1)
20.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Unrealized gains on investments
$
44,845

 
$
14,278

 
$

 
$
59,123

 
$
27,068

 
$
8,160

 
$

 
$
35,228

Unrealized losses on investments
(221,353
)
 
(23,121
)
 

 
(244,474
)
 
(109,200
)
 
(4,737
)
 

 
(113,937
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
$
(176,508
)
 
$
(8,843
)
 
$

 
$
(185,351
)
 
$
(82,132
)
 
$
3,423

 
$

 
$
(78,709
)
(1) The non-investment grade borrowing ratio is calculated as revolving credit agreement borrowings divided by net assets.



Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-21-



Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This release or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company may include forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, for purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” or “continue” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature or their negative or variations or similar terminology. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company’s return on equity potential and prospects for further book value growth.
Forward-looking statements involve the Company’s current assessment of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements are discussed below and elsewhere in this release and in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and include:
our limited operating history;
fluctuations in the results of our operations;
our ability to compete successfully with more established competitors;
our losses exceeding our reserves;
downgrades, potential downgrades or other negative actions by rating agencies, including A.M. Best’s recent announcement that it has placed under review with negative implications the financial strength and credit ratings of our operating subsidiaries;
our dependence on key executives and inability to attract qualified personnel, or the potential loss of Bermudian personnel as a result of Bermuda employment restrictions;
our dependence on letter of credit facilities that may not be available on commercially acceptable terms;
our potential inability to pay dividends or distributions;
our potential need for additional capital in the future and the potential unavailability of such capital to us on favorable terms or at all;
our dependence on clients’ evaluations of risks associated with such clients’ insurance underwriting;
the suspension or revocation of our subsidiaries’ insurance licenses;
Watford Holdings potentially being deemed an investment company under U.S. federal securities law;
the potential characterization of us and/or any of our subsidiaries as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”);
our dependence on certain subsidiaries of Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“Arch”) for services critical to our underwriting operations;
changes to our strategic relationship with Arch or the termination by Arch of any of our services agreements or quota share agreements;

Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-22-



our dependence on HPS and Arch Investment Management Ltd. (“AIM”) to implement our investment strategy;
the termination by HPS or AIM of any of our investment management agreements;
risks associated with our investment strategy being greater than those faced by competitors;
changes in the regulatory environment;
our potentially becoming subject to U.S. federal income taxation;
our potentially becoming subject to U.S. withholding and information reporting requirements under the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) provisions;
our ability to complete acquisitions and integrate businesses successfully;
adverse general, societal, economic and market conditions, including those caused by pandemics, including COVID-19, and government actions in response thereto; and
the other matters set forth under Item 1A “Risk Factors,” Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and other sections of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the other factors set forth in the Company’s other documents on file with the SEC, and management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact
Robert L. Hawley: (441) 278-3456
rhawley@watfordre.com


Watford Holdings Ltd.
100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM08 Bermuda
Tel: 441-278-3454 www.watfordre.com
-23-