form10q.htm
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q
 
þ    Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
 
OR
 
o    Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ________________to _______________________
 
 
Commission file number 001-33364
 
Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
Bermuda
 
98-0481623
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
Crawford House
23 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11
Bermuda
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(441) 278-4300
(Former Address)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Shares, par value 1 cent per share
Name of exchange on which registered:
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  
Yes þ     No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer  o    Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  o     No þ
 
As of November 8, 2007 the Registrant had 85,297,891 common voting shares outstanding, with a par value of $0.01 per share.
 
 



 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED 
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 
 
 
 
 
 
15 
 
 
 
 
 
28 
 
 
 
 
 
31 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
32 
 
 
 
 
 
 32 
 
 
 
 
 
32 
 
 
 
 
 
32 
 
 
 
 
 
32 
 
 
 
 
 
32 
 
 
 
 
 
32 
 
 
 

 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
 
 
   
As at
    
As at
  
   
September 30, 2007
    
December 31, 2006
  
   
 
        
ASSETS
            
Investments:
            
Fixed maturities, at fair value (Amortized cost: 2007 - $1,106,329; 2006 - $686,288)
   $
1,102,328
     $
682,278
  
Short term investments, at fair value (Cost: 2007 - $14,306; 2006 - $nil)
    
14,242
      
-
  
Equity investments, at fair value (Cost: 2007 - $22,156; 2006 - $nil)
    
28,746
      
-
  
Other investments
    
289,340
      
74,496
  
    Total Investments
    
1,434,656
      
756,774
  
Cash and cash equivalents
    
322,768
      
261,352
  
Reinsurance premium balances receivable
    
189,553
      
68,940
  
Unearned premiums ceded
    
22,491
      
8,224
  
Accrued interest receivable
    
7,534
      
6,331
  
Receivable for investments sold
    
-
      
3,599
  
Deferred acquisition costs
    
36,819
      
11,909
  
Funds withheld
    
6,606
      
-
  
Goodwill
    
11,556
      
5,624
  
Other assets
    
33,704
      
18,659
  
Due from related parties
    
1,009
      
3,090
  
Total Assets
   $
2,066,696
     $
1,144,502
  
                 
LIABILITIES
                
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
   $
161,442
     $
22,516
  
Unearned premiums
    
252,096
      
98,659
  
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
    
22,728
      
-
  
Payable for investments purchased
    
8,248
      
9,531
  
Long term debt
    
264,469
      
137,159
  
Other liabilities
    
26,076
      
11,866
  
Due to related parties
    
-
      
252
  
Total Liabilities
    
735,059
      
279,983
  
                 
Minority Interest
    
172,704
      
-
  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                
Common voting shares, 150,000,000 authorized, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding (2007 - 85,297,891; 2006 - 71,547,891)
    
853
      
715
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
903,220
      
728,378
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    
5,774
       (4,528 )
Retained earnings
    
249,086
      
139,954
  
Total Shareholders' Equity
    
1,158,933
      
864,519
  
                 
Total Liabilities, Minority Interest and Shareholders' Equity
   $
2,066,696
     $
1,144,502
  
 


 
The accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 



FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
 
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
    
For the Nine Months Ended
  
   
September 30, 2007
    
September 30, 2006
    
September 30, 2007
    
September 30, 2006
  
                         
REVENUES
                        
Gross premiums written
   $
123,704
     $
61,914
     $
512,062
     $
275,981
  
Reinsurance premiums ceded
     (32,572 )     (11,389 )     (40,817 )     (19,991 )
Net premiums written
    
91,132
      
50,525
      
471,245
      
255,990
  
Change in net unearned premiums
    
47,667
      
12,956
       (119,378 )     (136,262 )
Net premiums earned
    
138,799
      
63,481
      
351,867
      
119,728
  
Net investment income
    
17,022
      
9,849
      
51,184
      
24,650
  
Net realized and unrealized gains
    
8,298
      
10,827
      
10,911
      
2,206
  
Other income
    
1,961
      
1,216
      
2,885
      
3,225
  
Total revenues
    
166,080
      
85,373
      
416,847
      
149,809
  
                                 
EXPENSES
                                
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    
37,439
      
9,723
      
162,444
      
19,550
  
Acquisition costs
    
28,795
      
10,946
      
56,238
      
19,044
  
General and administrative expenses
    
19,763
      
7,649
      
48,232
      
23,898
  
Interest expense
    
5,873
      
1,291
      
12,657
      
1,291
  
Net foreign exchange gains
     (1,842 )     (419 )     (3,180 )     (1,744 )
Total expenses
    
90,028
      
29,190
      
276,391
      
62,039
  
                                 
Income before income taxes, minority interest and interest in earnings of equity investments
    
76,052
      
56,183
      
140,456
      
87,770
  
Provision for income tax
     (229 )     (78 )     (351 )     (78 )
Minority interest
     (9,317 )    
-
       (24,942 )    
-
  
Interest in earnings of equity investments
     (257 )    
804
      
1,390
      
1,063
  
                                 
NET INCOME
   $
66,249
     $
56,909
     $
116,553
     $
88,755
  
                                 
Change in net unrealized gains (losses)
    
-
      
2,815
      
-
       (769 )
Change in currency translation adjustment
    
8,310
       (23 )    
6,293
      
29
  
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
   $
74,559
     $
59,701
     $
122,846
     $
88,015
  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding—Basic
    
85,413,479
      
71,595,793
      
80,816,529
      
69,530,742
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding—Diluted
    
85,491,561
      
71,705,036
      
80,937,061
      
69,618,644
  
Net income per common share outstanding—Basic
   $
0.78
     $
0.79
     $
1.44
     $
1.28
  
Net income per common share outstanding—Diluted
   $
0.77
     $
0.79
     $
1.44
     $
1.27
  
Dividends declared per common share
   $
0.04
     $
-
     $
0.04
     $
-
  

 
The accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 



FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
 IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)

 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
  
   
September 30, 2007
    
September 30, 2006
  
             
Common voting shares:
            
Balance at beginning of period
    
71,547,891
      
55,239,491
  
Issued during the period
    
13,750,000
      
16,308,400
  
Balance at end of period
    
85,297,891
      
71,547,891
  
                 
Share capital:
                
Common voting shares
                
Balance at beginning of period
   $
715
     $
552
  
Issued during period
    
138
      
163
  
Balance at end of period
    
853
      
715
  
                 
Additional paid-in capital
                
Balance at beginning of period
    
728,378
      
559,466
  
Issue of shares
    
185,488
      
162,921
  
Issuance costs (related party: 2007, $3,430; 2006, $nil)
     (16,839 )     (251 )
Fair value of issued warrant
    
-
      
3,372
  
Share based compensation expense
    
6,193
      
562
  
Balance at end of period
    
903,220
      
726,070
  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
                
Balance at beginning of period
     (4,528 )    
-
  
Change in net unrealized losses
    
-
       (769 )
Change in currency translation adjustment
    
6,293
      
29
  
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting principle
    
4,009
      
-
  
Balance at end of period
    
5,774
       (740 )
                 
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
                
Balance at beginning of period
    
139,954
       (12,384 )
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of new accounting principle
     (4,009 )    
-
  
Common share dividends
     (3,412 )     -  
Net income for period
    
116,553
      
88,755
  
Balance at end of period
    
249,086
      
76,371
  
                 
Total Shareholders' Equity
   $
1,158,933
     $
802,416
  
 

The accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
  
 
3

 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended
  
 
September 30, 2007
  
September 30, 2006
  
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
            
Net income
$
116,553
  
$
88,755
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
            
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses
  
(10,911
 )   
(2,206
 ) 
Minority interest
  
24,942
    
-
  
Depreciation expense
  
1,508
    
622
  
Share based compensation expense
  
6,193
    
5,447
  
Amortization of debt offering expenses
  
640
    
65
  
Interest in earnings of equity investments
  
(1,390
 )  
(1,063
 ) 
Amortization/accretion on fixed maturities
  
(7,720
 )   
(1,103
 ) 
             
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding net assets acquired:
            
Reinsurance premium receivable
  
(105,334
 )   
(106,168
 ) 
Unearned premiums ceded
  
(18,024
 )   
(13,003
 ) 
Deferred acquisition costs
  
(20,128
 )   
(17,184
 ) 
Funds withheld
  
(6,606
 )   
-
  
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
  
136,436
    
16,944
  
Unearned premiums
  
135,126
    
149,265
  
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
  
16,391
    
-
  
Other changes in assets and liabilities, net
 5,085
  
 3,065
  
Net cash provided by operating activities
 272,761
  
 123,436
  
             
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
            
Net cash received (paid) in acquisitions of subsidiaries
  
5,302
    
(12,702
 ) 
Purchases of fixed income securities
  
(1,182,347
 )   
(859,754
 ) 
Sales and maturities of fixed income securities
  
841,636
    
277,386
  
Purchases of equity securities
  
(25,171
 )   
-
  
Sales of equity securities
  
3,723
    
-
  
Other investments, net
  
(216,223
 )   
(40,815
 ) 
Purchases of fixed assets
 (6,558
 ) 
 (4,475
 ) 
Sale of fixed asset under a sale lease-back transaction
18,500
  
-
  
Net cash used in investing activities
 (561,138
 ) 
 (640,360
 ) 
             
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
            
Issue of common shares, net of issuance costs paid
  
171,644
    
162,833
  
Issue of notes, net of issuance costs paid
  
123,684
    
132,810
  
Contribution of minority interest
  
83,100
    
-
  
Repurchase of minority interest   
(14,353
 )   
 -
  
Dividend paid on common shares   
(3,412
 )   
-
  
Repayment of loan under a sale lease-back transaction     (17,063 ) 
 -
  
Other
  
623
  
 (216
 ) 
Net cash provided by financing activities
  
344,223
  
 295,427
  
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
  
5,570
    
-
  
             
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  
61,416
    
(221,497
 ) 
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period
  
261,352
    
548,255
  
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period
$
322,768
  
$
326,758
  
             
Supplemental cash flow information:
            
Payable for investments purchased
$
8,248
  
$
10,989
  
Interest paid
$
10,165
  
$
685
  
 
 
The accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)
 
1.      Basis of Preparation and Consolidation

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited (“the Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Flagstone Reinsurance Limited (“Flagstone”) and Flagstone Réassurance Suisse SA (“Flagstone Suisse”), and have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period will not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations and cash flows for the full fiscal year or subsequent quarters.  All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

The Company's policy is to consolidate all entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46, as revised (“FIN 46(R)”), entities that are deemed to be Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) are consolidated by the Company if it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary. Under FIN 46(R), the primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of its expected returns, or both, as a result of holding variable interests. For entities that are not deemed to be VIEs under FIN 46(R), the Company consolidates those in which it owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock unless it does not control the entity. Investments in preferred or voting common shares relating to unconsolidated entities that provide the Company with significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company's principal estimates are for loss and loss adjustment expenses and estimates of premiums written, premiums earned, acquisition costs, and share based compensation. The Company reviews and revises these estimates as appropriate. Any adjustments made to these estimates are reflected in the period the estimates are revised.
 
The terms “SFAS” and “FASB” used in these notes refer to Statements of Financial Accounting Standards issued by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board.
 

2.      Mont Fort Re Ltd.

On March 6, 2006, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement to purchase 370,000 common shares, representing 100% of the outstanding common shares, of Mont Fort Re Ltd. (“Mont Fort”), a segregated accounts or “cell” company registered under the Bermuda Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2000 (as amended), for consideration of $0.1 million. The assets and liabilities acquired at the date of purchase were $0.1 million and $nil, respectively. In May 2006, the Company invested an additional $1.3 million in Mont Fort.
  
Mont Fort raises capital from investors through offerings of its preferred shares, and uses the proceeds of those offerings to underwrite reinsurance, which will be ceded to Mont Fort solely by Flagstone pursuant to a reinsurance agreement. West End Capital Management (Bermuda) Limited (“West End”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an investment management agreement with Mont Fort under which West End earns an investment management fee and a performance-based fee.
 
On June 6, 2006, Mont Fort closed an offering of preferred shares relating to its first cell, Mont Fort ILW, which yielded gross proceeds of $60.0 million including investments by Flagstone of $5.0 million (8.3%) and LB I Group Inc. (“LB I”) of $50.0 million (83.3%). Flagstone entered into a reinsurance agreement with Mont Fort in respect of Mont Fort ILW on June 6, 2006 under which Mont Fort ILW assumes a share of Flagstone's Industry Loss Warranty exposure. LB I is also a shareholder of the Company. On August 28, 2006, Mont Fort repurchased the preferred shares held by Flagstone for $5.1 million, and Mont Fort in respect of Mont Fort ILW entered into a quota share reinsurance contract with Flagstone under which Flagstone assumes 8.3% of the business written by Mont Fort ILW.
 
 
5
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)
 
As at December 31, 2006, and for the year ended December 31, 2006, in accordance with FIN 46(R) the Company had determined that Mont Fort was a variable interest entity. The Company was not considered to be the primary beneficiary and, therefore, was not required to consolidate Mont Fort into its financial statements. The Company is deemed to have significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Mont Fort due to its board representation and 100% voting interests and Mont Fort was accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company recorded all of the income or loss from the general account of Mont Fort but no income or losses arising from the activities of the segregated account of Mont Fort.

On January 2, 2007, Mont Fort closed an offering of preferred shares relating to its second cell, Mont Fort ILW 2 Cell (“Mont Fort ILW 2”) which yielded gross proceeds of $55.0 million from LB I.  Mont Fort, in respect of Mont Fort ILW 2, entered into a quota share reinsurance contract with Flagstone under which Flagstone assumes 8.3% of the business written by Mont Fort ILW 2.

On January 12, 2007, Mont Fort closed an offering of preferred shares relating to a third cell, Mont Fort High Layer (“Mont Fort HL”), which yielded gross proceeds of $28.1 million. The investor in Mont Fort HL is Newcastle Special Opportunity Fund V, L.P., an entity with no previous investments or affiliations with the Company or with Mont Fort. Mont Fort, in respect of Mont Fort HL, entered into a quota share reinsurance contract with Flagstone under which Flagstone assumes 9.0% of the business written by Mont Fort HL.

The Company determined that the establishment of these cells was a reconsideration event under the provisions of paragraph 7 and paragraph 15 of FIN 46(R). Consequently, the Company assessed whether or not Mont Fort continues to be a VIE and, if so, whether the Company or another party was Mont Fort's primary beneficiary. The Company assessed the impact of these reconsideration events on its results and financial position, and concluded that the establishment of the Mont Fort HL cell on January 12, 2007 was the reconsideration event that resulted in the Company being the primary beneficiary of Mont Fort. As such, the results of Mont Fort are included in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements with effect from January 12, 2007. The portions of Mont Fort's net income and shareholder's equity attributable to holders of the preferred shares for the period ended September 30, 2007 are recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as minority interest. 
 
Included in the Company's assets as at September 30, 2007 were cash, cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments of $167.2 million held for the sole benefit of preferred shareholders of each specific Mont Fort cell and available to settle the specific current and future liabilities of each cell.

3.      Island Heritage

On July 3, 2007, Flagstone purchased 73,110 shares (representing a 21.4% interest) in Island Heritage Holdings Company (“Island Heritage”) for a purchase price of $12.6 million. With this acquisition, Flagstone took a controlling interest in Island Heritage by increasing its interest to 54.6% of the voting shares.  Flagstone had previously acquired 33.2% of the shares through three purchases in March 2006 (18.7% interest), October 2006 (9.8% interest) and May 2007 (4.7% interest) and had recorded goodwill for each individual transaction for a total amount of $4.6 million.  The Company recorded an additional $5.0 million of goodwill on the acquisition of the controlling interest.  Island Heritage is a Caribbean property insurer based in the Cayman Islands which targets the property insurance market.  Following the acquisition, the Company’s representation on Island Heritage’s board and the close working relationship with its management allows Flagstone to promote and support best practices in the underwriting of Island Heritage’s underlying business and to consequently enhance the quality of data available to Flagstone to underwrite the reinsurance of such business.

Flagstone’s share of Island Heritage’s results from operations was recorded in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements under the equity method of accounting through June 30, 2007. As a result of the acquisition of the controlling interest, the results of operations of Island Heritage have been included in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements from July 1, 2007, with the portions of Island Heritage’s net income and shareholder’s equity attributable to minority shareholders recorded as minority interest in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

The following unaudited pro-forma information related to the Company’s acquisition of Island Heritage for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and the nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 illustrates the effects of the acquisition as if it had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented.  The pro-forma information is not intended to be indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been reported if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2006 nor does it purport to be indicative of combined results of operations which may be reported in the future.
 
 
6
 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)

 
   
Three Months Ended
    
Nine Months Ended  
  
   
September 30, 2006
    
September 30, 2007
    
September 30, 2006
  
                   
Revenue
    $
91,184
      $
432,687
      $
165,975
  
Net income
    
57,434
      
117,913
      
90,652
  
Net income per common share - Basic
    $ 0.80      $ 1.46      $ 1.30  
Net income per common share - Diluted
    $ 0.80      $ 1.46      $ 1.30  
 

4.      Investments

Prior to January 1, 2007, investments were considered available-for-sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”), and were carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Following the issuance by the FASB of SFAS 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”), the Company
elected to early adopt the fair value option for all fixed maturity investments, equity investments (excluding its investment in Island Heritage recorded as an equity investment until July 1, 2007), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), investment funds, catastrophe bonds, and fixed income funds commencing January 1, 2007. This election requires the Company to adopt SFAS 157 regarding fair value measurements. The valuation technique used to fair value the financial instruments is the market approach which uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets.

The Company has elected the fair value option to simplify the accounting, as this election will reduce the burden of the monitoring of differences between the cost and fair value of our investments, including the assessment as to whether declines in value are temporary in nature and, therefore, further removes an element of management judgment.

The difference as a result of the election of the fair value option is in respect to the treatment of unrealized gains and losses. Prior to January 1, 2007, unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity investments and equities were included within accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders' equity. On January 1, 2007, a cumulative-effect adjustment was made to reclassify the net unrealized losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss as at December 31, 2006 into retained earnings in the amount of $4.0 million. Subsequent to January 1, 2007, any movement in unrealized gains and losses has been recorded within net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments continue to be determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Net investment income includes interest income on fixed maturity investments, recorded when earned, dividend income on equity investments, recorded when declared, and the amortization of premiums and discounts on investments.
 
The cumulative-effect adjustment reclassifying net unrealized losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at January 1, 2007 was $4.0 million which represented the difference between the cost or amortized cost of our investments and the fair value of those investments at December 31, 2006, as shown in the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, included in the Company's Form S-1 filed with the SEC on March 30, 2007.

The election of SFAS 159 will not change the carrying value of our fixed maturity investments, equity investments, REITs, catastrophe bonds and fixed income funds as they were previously carried at fair value.  As presented in the table below, fixed maturity investments and listed equities are stated at fair value as determined by the quoted market price of these securities as provided either by independent pricing services or, when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications (Level 1). Private equity investments and fixed income funds are stated at fair value as determined by either the most recently published net asset value -- being the fund's holdings in quoted securities (Level 1) -- or the most recently advised net asset value as advised by the fund -- where the fund's holdings can be in various quoted and unquoted investments (Level 2). Catastrophe bonds are stated at fair value as determined by reference to broker indications (Level 2). REITs are stated at fair value as determined by the quoted market price of these funds as provided by independent pricing services (Level 2).
 
 
7
 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)
 
 
   
Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2007, using:  
  
                   
   
Fair Value
    
Quoted Prices in
    
Significant Other
  
   
Measurements
    
Active Markets
    
Observable Inputs
  
         
(Level 1)
    
(Level 2)
  
Description
                  
                   
Fixed maturity investments
   $
1,102,328
     $
1,102,328
     $
-
  
Short term investments
    
14,242
      
14,242
      
-
  
Equity investments
    
28,746
      
28,746
      
-
  
     
1,145,316
      
1,145,316
      
-
  
Other Investments:
                        
Real Estate Investment Trusts
    
13,787
      
-
      
13,787
  
Investment funds
    
31,033
      
20,643
      
10,390
  
Catastrophe bonds
    
36,599
      
-
      
36,599
  
Fixed income fund
    
207,921
      
207,921
      
-
  
     
289,340
      
228,564
      
60,776
  
                         
Totals
   $
1,434,656
     $
1,373,880
     $
60,776
  
 
In 2006, investments were reported as available-for-sale. Had the Company been able to apply the same SFAS 159 accounting for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006, it would have had an increase (decrease) in net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments of $2.8 million and $(0.8) million, respectively, and therefore net income would have been $59.7 million and $88.0 million, respectively.

The company uses futures contracts, total return and currency swaps, foreign currency forward contracts and To Be Announced securities (“TBAs”) for the purpose of replicating investment positions, managing market, duration and currency exposures and to enhance investment performance.  The Company also enters into reinsurance transactions that are determined to be derivatives.  The Company accounts for its derivative instruments using SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” (“SFAS 133”).  SFAS 133 requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value with movements in fair value reflected in earnings. None of these derivatives are designated as hedges, and accordingly, these instruments are carried at fair value, with the fair value recorded in other assets or liabilities with the corresponding realized and unrealized gains and losses included in net realized gains and losses in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

As of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the fair value of the derivatives held by the Company was $0.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively.  Net realized and unrealized gains and losses of $(7.2) million and $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively, and of $0.7 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively, have been recorded in net realized and unrealized gains in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5.      Debt and Financing Arrangements

Deferrable Interest Notes

On September 20, 2007, the Company raised gross and net proceeds of $25.0 million and $24.7 million, respectively, through a private sale of Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes (“the Notes”).  The Notes have a floating rate of interest equal to LIBOR plus 310 basis points per annum, reset quarterly. The Notes mature on September 15, 2037, and may be called at par by the Issuer at any time after September 15, 2012.  The Issuer may defer interest payment for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods, but no later than September 15, 2012. Any deferred interest payments would accrue interest quarterly on a compounded basis. The amount outstanding has been recorded as a liability on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet and the interest has been recorded as interest expense on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. Interest expense includes interest payable and amortization of debt offering expenses. The debt offering expenses are amortized over the period from the issuance of the Notes to the earliest they may be called by the Issuer.

 
8
 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)
 
Letter of Credit Facility

As at September 30, 2007, the Company had a $400.0 million uncommitted letter of credit facility agreement with Citibank N.A.  As at September 30, 2007, $70.5 million had been drawn under this facility, and the drawn amount of the facility was secured by $78.1 million of fixed maturity securities from the Company's investment portfolio.

In September 2007, the Company entered into a $200.0 million uncommitted letter of credit facility agreement with Wachovia Bank, N.A.  While the Company has not drawn upon this facility as at September 30, 2007, if drawn upon, the utilized portion of the facility will be secured by an appropriate portion of securities from the Company’s investment portfolio.

6.      Share Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), “Share Based Payments” (“SFAS 123(R)”). SFAS 123(R) requires entities to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. The cost of such services will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.

Performance Share Units

The Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU Plan”) is the Company's shareholder-approved primary executive long-term incentive scheme. Pursuant to the terms of the PSU Plan, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, PSUs may be granted to executive officers and certain other key employees and vesting is contingent upon continued service of the officer or employee and upon the Company meeting certain fully diluted return-on-equity (“FDROE”) goals.
 
A summary of the activity under the PSU Plan as at September 30, 2007 and changes during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
    
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
  
   
Number
    
Weighted
average grant date fair value
    
Weighted average remaining contractual term
    
Number
    
Weighted
average grant date fair value
    
Weighted average remaining contractual term
  
Outstanding at beginning of period
    
1,538,000
     $
11.88
      
2.0
      
713,000
     $
10.03
      
2.0
  
Forfeited
    
-
      
-
      
 
       (4,000 )    
10.07
      
 
  
Granted
    
-
      
-
      
 
      
829,000
      
13.46
      
 
  
Outstanding at end of period
    
1,538,000
     $
11.88
      
1.8
     $
1,538,000
     $
11.88
      
1.8
  
 
As at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, there was a total of $11.7 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested PSUs; that cost is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 1.8 and 2.0 years, respectively.  Compensation expenses of $1.6 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively, and of $4.4 million and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively, have been recorded in general and administrative expenses in relation to the PSU Plan.

No PSUs have vested or been cancelled since the inception of the plan.

Restricted Share Units

Beginning July 1, 2006, the Company granted Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) to certain employees and directors of the Company. The RSU grants to employees vest over a period of approximately two years while RSUs granted to directors vest on the grant date.
 
 
9
 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)
 
A summary of the activity under the RSU Plan as at September 30, 2007 and changes during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
    
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
  
   
Number
    
Weighted
average grant date fair value
    
Weighted average remaining contractual term
    
Number
    
Weighted
average grant date fair value
    
Weighted average remaining contractual term
  
Outstanding at beginning of period
    
326,538
     $
12.45
      
1.1
      
117,727
     $
10.49
      
0.8
  
Forfeited
    
-
      
-
      
 
       (19,100 )    
12.09
      
 
  
Granted
    
-
      
-
      
 
      
227,911
      
13.43
      
 
  
Outstanding at end of period
    
326,538
     $
12.45
      
0.7
      
326,538
     $
12.45
      
0.7
  
 
As at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, there was a total of $1.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs; that cost is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 1.1 and 1.5 years, respectively. Compensation expenses of $0.4 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively, and $1.8 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively, have been recorded in general and administrative expenses in relation to the RSU Plan.

No RSUs granted to employees have vested or been cancelled since the inception of the plan.  During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007, nil RSUs and 61,761 RSU’s, respectively, were granted to the directors.  

7.      Earnings Per Common Share

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended
  
 
September 30, 2007
  
September 30, 2006
  
September 30, 2007
    
September 30, 2006
  
Basic earnings per common share
                  
Net income
 $
66,249
   $
56,909
   $
116,553
     $
88,755
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding
  
85,297,891
    
71,547,891
    
80,730,125
      
69,514,599
  
Weighted average vested restricted share units
  
115,588
    
47,902
    
86,404
      
16,143
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding—Basic
  
85,413,479
    
71,595,793
    
80,816,529
      
69,530,742
  
Basic earnings per common share
 $
0.78
   $
0.79
   $
1.44
     $
1.28
  
                           
Diluted earnings per common share
                          
Net income
 $
66,249
   $
56,909
   $
116,553
     $
88,755
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding
  
85,297,891
    
71,547,891
    
80,730,125
      
69,514,599
  
Weighted average vested restricted share units outstanding
  
115,588
    
47,902
    
86,404
      
16,143
  
   
85,413,479
    
71,595,793
    
80,816,529
      
69,530,742
  
Share equivalents:
                          
Unvested restricted share units
  
78,082
    
21,305
    
120,532
      
-
  
Unvested performance share units
  
-
    
87,938
    
-
      
87,902
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding—Diluted
  
85,491,561
    
71,705,036
    
80,937,061
      
69,618,644
  
Diluted earnings per common share
 $
0.77
   $
0.79
   $
1.44
     $
1.27
  
 
As at September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, there was a warrant outstanding which would result in the issuance of 8,585,747 common shares that was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. Because the number of common shares contingently issuable under the PSU plan depends on the average FDROE over a three year period, the PSUs are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share until the end of the performance period, when the number of shares issuable under the PSU Plan will be known.  As at September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, there were 1,538,000 and 713,000 PSUs outstanding, respectively. The maximum number of common shares that could be issued under the PSU plan as at September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 was 3,076,000 and 1,426,000, respectively.
 
 
10
 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)
 
8.      Related Party Transactions     
 
The Company has extensively used two aircraft owned and operated by entities controlled by Mark Byrne, the Company’s Executive Chairman (“Mr. Byrne”) – see prior disclosure in the Company’s Form S-1 filed with the SEC on March 30, 2007.  Given the Company’s worldwide operations, in July 2007 the Company’s Board voted unanimously that it was in the Company’s best interest to acquire from Mr. Byrne the aircraft and the operating company that supported the aircraft.

On August 22, 2007, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Flagstone Leasing Services Limited (“Flagstone Leasing”) entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (“King Air Agreement”) with Mr. Byrne and owner of 100% of the issued and outstanding common voting shares of IAL King Air Limited (“King Air”).   Pursuant to the terms of the King Air Agreement, Flagstone Leasing, on August 28, 2007, acquired all of the issued and outstanding common voting shares of King Air for a cash purchase price of $1.6 million. The purchase price equaled the value of the net assets acquired, inclusive of debt of $0.9 million. King Air owned, as its principal asset, a King Air B-200 aircraft.  The value attributed to the aircraft for the purpose of this transaction was determined by the average of two independent appraisals.

On August 23, 2007, Flagstone Leasing entered into a Share Purchase Agreement ( “IAL Agreement”) with Mr. Byrne, Haverford ( Bermuda) Ltd. and West End Capital Management (Bermuda) Limited to acquire 100%  of the issued and outstanding common voting shares of IAL Leasing Limited (“IAL”).  Mr. Byrne, Haverford (Bermuda) Ltd. and West End Capital Management (Bermuda) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, owned 90%, 5% and 5%, respectively, of the issued and outstanding common voting shares of IAL.   Pursuant to the terms of the IAL Agreement, Flagstone Leasing, on August 28, 2007, acquired all of the issued and outstanding common voting shares of IAL for a cash purchase price of $1.4 million. The purchase price equaled the value of the net assets acquired, inclusive of debt of $17.1 million due to Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC (“BoA”). IAL owned, as its principal asset, a Dassault Falcon 900B aircraft (“the Falcon”).   In consideration of Mr. Byrne forgiving debt due to him from IAL, and his undertaking with respect to the indemnities contained in the IAL Agreement, he received 100% of the purchase price. The value attributed to the aircraft for the purpose of this transaction was determined by the average of two independent appraisals.  On September 25, 2007, IAL concluded a sale lease-back transaction with BoA in relation to the Falcon. With this transaction, IAL sold the Falcon and the related debt financing to BoA for a cash consideration of $1.4 million and entered into an operating lease with BoA to lease the Falcon for a term of 10 years.

Effective, August 29, 2007 Longtail Aviation Limited (“Longtail”),  an entity controlled by Mr. Byrne, entered into an Amalgamation Agreement (“Agreement”) with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Longtail Aviation International Limited (“Longtail International”). Longtail provides support, maintenance and pilot services for the aircraft utilized by the Company in its worldwide operations.  Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Longtail was, subject to certain regulatory approvals required by the Bermuda Registrar of Companies, amalgamated (merged) into Longtail International in consideration of payment for agreed net assets in Longtail as of July 31, 2007 and forgiveness of debt owed to Mr. Byrne by Longtail.    Mr. Byrne, as Longtail’s principal shareholder received $1.9 million from Longtail International. The consideration paid to Mr. Byrne was equal to the net assets received by Longtail International.  

The Company’s Code of Ethics adopted in June of 2006 and the Audit Committees Charter require the Audit Committee to review any situation in which a private interest of an employee or Director has a potential conflict of interest or is a related party transaction. The above transactions were reviewed directly with the Chairman of the Audit Committee in accordance with its Charter.

9.      Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, the Company may become involved in various claims litigation and legal proceedings. As at September 30, 2007, the Company was not a party to any litigation or arbitration proceedings.
 
 
11
 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)

 
10.    Segment Reporting

The Company's management views the operations and management of the Company as one operating segment. The Company is primarily focused on writing global property, property catastrophe, and short tail specialty and casualty reinsurance. The Company regularly reviews the financial results and assesses its performance on a single segment basis.

The following tables set forth a breakdown of the Company's gross premiums written by line of business and geographic area of risks insured for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 
  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 
   
Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total 
  
Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total 
                         
Line of business
                        
Property catastrophe
   $
68,505
       55.4 %   $
41,260
       66.6 %
Property
    
36,142
       29.2 %    
11,892
       19.2 %
Short-tail specialty and casualty
    
19,057
       15.4 %    
8,762
       14.2 %
Total
   $
123,704
       100.0 %   $
61,914
       100.0 %
                                 
                                 
                                 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 
  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 
   
Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total 
  
Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total 
                                 
Line of business
                                
Property catastrophe
   $
373,831
       73.0 %   $
201,522
       73.0 %
Property
    
84,473
       16.5 %    
53,643
       19.4 %
Short-tail specialty and casualty
    
53,758
       10.5 %    
20,816
       7.6 %
Total
   $
512,062
       100.0 %   $
275,981
       100.0 %
                                 
                                 
                                 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 
  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 
   
Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total 
  
Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total 
                                 
Geographic area of risk insured(1)
                                
North America
   $
60,928
       49.3 %   $
33,152
       53.5 %
Worldwide risks(2)
    
19,339
       15.6 %    
3,372
       5.5 %
Europe
    
3,521
       2.8 %    
5,601
       9.0 %
Japan and Australasia
    
8,261
       6.7 %    
8,017
       13.0 %
Caribbean
    
25,933
       21.0 %    
1,125
       1.8 %
Other
    
5,722
       4.6 %    
10,647
       17.2 %
Total
   $
123,704
       100.0 %   $
61,914
       100.0 %
 
 
12
 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)


   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
   
  Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total
  
  Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total
Geographic area of risk insured(1)
                                
North America
   $
275,361
       53.8 %   $
153,053
       55.5 %
Worldwide risks(2)
    
59,003
       11.5 %    
35,056
       12.7 %
Europe
    
87,542
       17.1 %    
34,478
       12.5 %
Japan and Australasia
    
37,774
       7.4 %    
26,797
       9.7 %
Caribbean
    
40,988
       8.0 %    
13,491
       4.9 %
Other
    
11,394
       2.2 %    
13,106
       4.7 %
Total
   $
512,062
       100.0 %   $
275,981
       100.0 %
 
 
(1) 
Except as otherwise noted, each of these categories includes contracts that cover risks located primarily in the designated geographic area. 
     
 
(2) 
This geographic area includes contracts that cover risks primarily in two or more geographic zones. 
 
For the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, premiums produced by brokers were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
   
 Gross premiums written
        
Percentage of total
  
Gross premiums written  
        
Percentage of total
                                 
Name of broker
                                
Benfield
   $
16,253
       13.1 %   $
10,440
       16.9 %
Willis Group
    
9,873
       8.0 %    
16,424
       26.5 %
Aon Re Worldwide
    
21,802
       17.6 %    
13,615
       22.0 %
Guy Carpenter
    
42,314
       34.2 %    
11,928
       19.3 %
Other brokers
    
33,462
       27.1 %    
9,507
       15.3 %
Total
   $
123,704
       100.0 %   $
61,914
       100.0 %
                                 
                                 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
   
Gross premiums written 
    
  Percentage of total
  
Gross premiums written 
    
 Percentage of total  
                                 
Name of broker
                                
Benfield
   $
136,152
       26.6 %   $
71,942
       26.1 %
Willis Group
    
71,607
       14.0 %    
65,135
       23.6 %
Aon Re Worldwide
    
80,674
       15.8 %    
58,713
       21.3 %
Guy Carpenter
    
140,359
       27.4 %    
43,347
       15.7 %
Other brokers
    
83,270
       16.2 %    
36,844
       13.3 %
Total
   $
512,062
       100.0 %   $
275,981
       100.0 %
 
 
13
 
 
FLAGSTONE REINSURANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in tables expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for ratios,
share and per share amounts)
 
 
 
11.    Subsequent Events

Declaration of Quarterly Dividend

On October 26, 2007, a quarterly dividend of $0.04 per common share was declared.  The dividend is payable on November 15, 2007 to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 31, 2007.
 
 
14

 
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 
As used in this quarterly report, references to “we”, “us” or “our” refer to the consolidated operations of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, unless the context suggests otherwise.

Executive Overview

We are a Bermuda based global reinsurance company. Through our subsidiaries, we write primarily property, property catastrophe, and short-tail specialty and casualty reinsurance.

Because we have a limited operating history, period to period comparisons of our results of operations may not be meaningful in the near future. Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and our financial year ends on December 31. Since a substantial portion of the reinsurance we write provides protection from damages relating to natural and man-made catastrophes, our results depend to a large extent on the frequency and severity of such catastrophic events, and the specific insurance coverages we offer to clients affected by these events. This may result in volatility in our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the amount of premiums written with respect to any particular line of business may vary from quarter to quarter and year to year as a result of changes in market conditions.

Management views the operations and management of the Company as one operating segment and does not differentiate its lines of reinsurance business into separate reporting segments. We regularly review our financial results and assess our performance on the basis of our single operating segment.
 
           We derive our revenues primarily from premiums from our reinsurance contracts, net of any retrocessional coverage purchased, income from our investment portfolio, and fees for services provided.  Reinsurance premiums are a function of the number and type of contracts we write, as well as prevailing market prices. Premiums are generally due in installments and earned over the contract term, which ordinarily is twelve months.

Our expenses consist primarily of three types: loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain certain amounts that are inherently subjective in nature and have required management to make assumptions and best estimates to determine the reported values. If events or other factors, including those described in “Risk Factors” in the form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2007, cause actual events or results to differ materially from management's underlying assumptions or estimates, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Prior to January 1, 2007, investments were considered “Available for Sale” in accordance with SFAS No 115 “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”) and were carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Following the issuance by the FASB of SFAS 159, the Company elected to early adopt the fair value option for all fixed maturity investments, equity investments (excluding its investment in Island Heritage), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), investment funds, catastrophe bonds and fixed income funds commencing January 1, 2007. This election requires the Company to adopt SFAS 157 regarding fair value measurements. The valuation technique used to fair value the financial instruments is the market approach which uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets.

The election of SFAS 159 will not amend the carrying value of our fixed maturity investments, equity investments, REITs, investment funds, catastrophe bonds and fixed income funds as they were previously carried at fair value. The difference as a result of the election of the fair value option is in respect of the treatment of unrealized gains and losses. Prior to January 1, 2007, unrealized gains and losses were included within accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of shareholders' equity. On January 1, 2007, a cumulative-effect adjustment has been made to reclassify the net unrealized losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss as at December 31, 2006 into retained earnings in the amount of $4.0 million. Subsequent to January 1, 2007 any movement in unrealized gains and losses is now recorded within net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments continue to be determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Net investment income includes interest income on fixed maturity investments, recorded when earned, dividend income on equity investments, recorded when declared, and the amortization of premiums and discounts on investments.

 The Company's critical accounting estimates are discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition contained in our Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2007.


15
 
 
Results of Operations

The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition as at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and our results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our audited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2007. All amounts in the following tables are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars.

The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company’s subsidiaries have one of the following functional currencies: U.S. dollar, euro, Swiss franc, Indian rupee, British pound or Canadian dollar. As a significant portion of the Company’s operations is transacted in foreign currencies, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may affect period-to-period comparisons. To the extent that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates affect comparisons, their impact has been quantified, when possible, and discussed in each of the relevant sections. See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2007 for a discussion on translation of foreign currencies.
 
The foreign exchange fluctuations for the principal currencies in which the Company transacts business, were as follows:
 
 
●
 
the U.S. dollar weakened, on average, against the euro, Swiss franc, British pound and other currencies, in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006;
 
 
●
 
the U.S. dollar had weakened against most currencies at September 30, 2007 compared to December 31, 2006 and June 30, 2007.
 
 
16

 
   
For the Three Months Ended 
    
For the Nine Months Ended 
  
   
September 30, 2007
    
September 30, 2006
    
September 30, 2007
    
September 30, 2006
  
   
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
  
REVENUES
                        
Gross premiums written
   $
123,704
     $
61,914
     $
512,062
     $
275,981
  
Reinsurance premiums ceded
     (32,572 )     (11,389 )     (40,817 )     (19,991 )
Net premiums written
    
91,132
      
50,525
      
471,245
      
255,990
  
Change in net unearned premiums
    
47,667
      
12,956
       (119,378 )     (136,262 )
Net premiums earned
    
138,799
      
63,481
      
351,867
      
119,728
  
Net investment income
    
17,022
      
9,849
      
51,184
      
24,650
  
Net realized and unrealized gains
    
8,298
      
10,827
      
10,911
      
2,206
  
Other income
    
1,961
      
1,216
      
2,885
      
3,225
  
Total revenues
    
166,080
      
85,373
      
416,847
      
149,809
  
                                 
EXPENSES
                                
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
    
37,439
      
9,723
      
162,444
      
19,550
  
Acquisition costs
    
28,795
      
10,946
      
56,238
      
19,044
  
General and administrative expenses
    
19,763
      
7,649
      
48,232
      
23,898
  
Interest expense
    
5,873
      
1,291
      
12,657
      
1,291
  
Net foreign exchange gains
     (1,842 )     (419 )     (3,180 )     (1,744 )
Total expenses
    
90,028
      
29,190
      
276,391
      
62,039
  
                                 
Income before income taxes, minority interest and interest in earnings of equity investments
    
76,052
      
56,183
      
140,456
      
87,770
  
Provision for income tax
     (229 )     (78 )     (351 )     (78 )
Minority interest
     (9,317 )    
-
       (24,942 )    
-
  
Interest in earnings of equity investments
     (257 )    
804
      
1,390
      
1,063
  
                                 
NET INCOME
   $
66,249
     $
56,909
     $
116,553
     $
88,755
  
                                 
Change in net unrealized gains (losses)
    
-
      
2,815
      
-
       (769 )
Change in currency translation adjustment
    
8,310
       (23 )    
6,293
      
29
  
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
   $
74,559
     $
59,701
     $
122,846
     $
88,015
  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding—Basic
    
85,413,479
      
71,595,793
      
80,816,529
      
69,530,742
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding—Diluted
    
85,491,561
      
71,705,036
      
80,937,061
      
69,618,644
  
Net income per common share outstanding—Basic
   $
0.78
     $
0.79
     $
1.44
     $
1.28
  
Net income per common share outstanding—Diluted
   $
0.77
     $
0.79
     $
1.44
     $
1.27
  
Dividends declared per common share
   $
0.04
     $
-
     $
0.04
     $
-
  
 
 
17
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

Gross Premiums Written

Details of gross premiums written by line of business and by geographic area of risk insured are provided below:
 
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
   
Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total
  
Gross premiums written
    
Percentage of total
                         
Line of business
                        
Property catastrophe
   $
68,505
       55.4 %   $
41,260
       66.6 %
Property
    
36,142
       29.2 %    
11,892
       19.2 %
Short-tail specialty and casualty
    
19,057
       15.4 %    
8,762
       14.2 %
Total
   $
123,704
       100.0 %   $
61,914
       100.0 %