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

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018

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 No. 001-34042

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
98-0570192
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
94 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)
HM08
(Zip Code)

(441) 298-4900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act).
Yes o No x

As of August 3, 2018, the number of the Registrant's Common Stock ($.01 par value) outstanding was 83,143,237.





INDEX
 
 
Page
PART I - Financial Information
 
 
 

 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited) and December 31, 2017 (audited)
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II - Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
 
 
June 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Audited)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost 2018: $4,064,595; 2017: $4,027,993)
 
$
3,966,910

 
$
4,044,370

Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value 2018: $1,026,672; 2017: $1,125,626)
 
1,039,144

 
1,097,801

Other investments, at fair value
 
5,898

 
6,600

Total investments
 
5,011,952

 
5,148,771

Cash and cash equivalents
 
72,102

 
67,919

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
154,677

 
123,584

Accrued investment income
 
34,228

 
34,993

Reinsurance balances receivable, net (includes $129,584 and $50,415 from related parties in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
467,646

 
345,043

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (includes $2,006 and $2,204 from related parties in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
109,805

 
117,611

Loan to related party
 
167,975

 
167,975

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses (includes $408,013 and $359,964 from related parties in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
472,202

 
439,597

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
 
74,659

 
75,583

Other assets
 
152,942

 
123,113

Total assets
 
$
6,718,188

 
$
6,644,189

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses (includes $2,450,846 and $2,298,822 from related parties in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
$
3,653,303

 
$
3,547,248

Unearned premiums (includes $1,262,735 and $1,179,285 from related parties in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
1,603,883

 
1,477,038

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
100,121

 
132,795

Senior notes - principal amount
 
262,500

 
262,500

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs
 
7,913

 
8,018

Senior notes, net
 
254,587

 
254,482

Total liabilities
 
5,611,894

 
5,411,563

Commitments and Contingencies
 


 


EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Preference shares
 
465,000

 
465,000

Common shares ($0.01 par value; 87,927,787 and 87,730,054 shares issued in 2018 and 2017, respectively; 83,143,237 and 82,974,895 shares outstanding in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
879

 
877

Additional paid-in capital
 
749,319

 
748,113

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(96,959
)
 
13,354

Retained earnings
 
18,338

 
35,472

Treasury shares, at cost (4,784,550 and 4,755,159 shares in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
 
(30,835
)
 
(30,642
)
Total Maiden shareholders’ equity
 
1,105,742

 
1,232,174

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
552

 
452

Total equity
 
1,106,294

 
1,232,626

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
6,718,188

 
$
6,644,189

See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
654,236

 
$
705,198

 
$
1,506,876

 
$
1,628,625

Net premiums written
 
$
645,589

 
$
684,072

 
$
1,494,922

 
$
1,584,620

Change in unearned premiums
 
21,757

 
27,053

 
(142,144
)
 
(164,011
)
Net premiums earned
 
667,346

 
711,125

 
1,352,778

 
1,420,609

Other insurance revenue
 
2,033

 
1,547

 
5,759

 
5,328

Net investment income
 
44,313

 
40,512

 
87,183

 
82,669

Net realized (losses) gains on investment
 
(414
)
 
1,572

 
(57
)
 
2,457

Total revenues
 
713,278

 
754,756

 
1,445,663

 
1,511,063

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
491,554

 
528,620

 
964,878

 
1,009,189

Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
198,745

 
210,039

 
407,359

 
432,068

General and administrative expenses
 
19,574

 
15,346

 
39,524

 
32,760

Interest and amortization expenses
 
4,829

 
6,745

 
9,658

 
13,601

Accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost
 

 
2,809

 

 
2,809

Amortization of intangible assets
 
462

 
533

 
924

 
1,066

Foreign exchange (gains) losses
 
(4,821
)
 
6,722

 
(2,414
)
 
8,643

Total expenses
 
710,343

 
770,814

 
1,419,929

 
1,500,136

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
2,935

 
(16,058
)
 
25,734

 
10,927

Less: income tax expense
 
255

 
277

 
711

 
761

Net income (loss)
 
2,680

 
(16,335
)
 
25,023

 
10,166

Add: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(47
)
 
9

 
(118
)
 
31

Net income (loss) attributable to Maiden
 
2,633

 
(16,326
)
 
24,905

 
10,197

Dividends on preference shares
 
(8,546
)
 
(6,033
)
 
(17,091
)
 
(12,066
)
Net (loss) income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
(5,913
)
 
$
(22,359
)
 
$
7,814

 
$
(1,869
)
Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.02
)
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.02
)
Dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.15

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.30

Weighted average number of common shares - basic
 
83,126,204

 
86,564,794

 
83,083,545

 
86,458,413

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares and assumed conversions - diluted
 
83,126,204

 
86,564,794

 
83,373,285

 
86,458,413


See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


4


MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income (loss)
 
$
2,680

 
$
(16,335
)
 
$
25,023

 
$
10,166

Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holdings (losses) gains on available-for-sale fixed maturities arising during the period
 
(50,425
)
 
41,995

 
(117,268
)
 
47,656

Adjustment for reclassification of net realized losses (gains) recognized in net income
 
745

 
(199
)
 
(745
)
 
896

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
15,605

 
(21,777
)
 
7,665

 
(27,975
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax
 
(34,075
)
 
20,019

 
(110,348
)
 
20,577

Income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income
 
2

 
(11
)
 
17

 
30

Other comprehensive (loss) income, after tax
 
(34,073
)
 
20,008

 
(110,331
)
 
20,607

Comprehensive (loss) income
 
(31,393
)
 
3,673

 
(85,308
)
 
30,773

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(47
)
 
9

 
(118
)
 
31

Other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
29

 
(24
)
 
18

 
(29
)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(18
)
 
(15
)
 
(100
)
 
2

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Maiden
 
$
(31,411
)
 
$
3,658

 
$
(85,408
)
 
$
30,775


See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
For the Six Months Ended June 30,

2018

2017
Preference shares - Series A, C and D
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
465,000

 
$
315,000

Issuance of Preference Shares – Series D
 

 
150,000

Ending balance
 
465,000

 
465,000

Common shares
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
877

 
873

Exercise of options and issuance of shares
 
2

 
4

Ending balance
 
879

 
877

Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
748,113

 
749,256

Exercise of options and issuance of common shares
 
(2
)
 
1,006

Share-based compensation expense
 
1,208

 
1,470

Issuance costs of Preference Shares - Series D
 

 
(5,025
)
Ending balance
 
749,319

 
746,707

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
13,354

 
14,997

Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on investment
 
(117,996
)
 
48,582

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
7,683

 
(28,004
)
Ending balance
 
(96,959
)
 
35,575

Retained earnings
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
35,472

 
285,662

Net income attributable to Maiden
 
24,905

 
10,197

Dividends on preference shares
 
(17,091
)
 
(12,066
)
Dividends on common shares
 
(24,948
)
 
(25,987
)
Ending balance
 
18,338

 
257,806

Treasury shares
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
(30,642
)
 
(4,991
)
Shares repurchased
 
(193
)
 
(575
)
Ending balance
 
(30,835
)
 
(5,566
)
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
452

 
355

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
118

 
(31
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(18
)
 
29

Ending balance
 
552

 
353

Total equity
 
$
1,106,294

 
$
1,500,752

See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6


MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
25,023

 
$
10,166

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and share-based compensation
 
5,611

 
7,480

Net realized losses (gains) on investment
 
57

 
(2,457
)
Foreign exchange (gains) losses
 
(2,414
)
 
8,643

Changes in assets  (increase) decrease:
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
 
(126,242
)
 
(84,743
)
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
 
7,765

 
12,441

Accrued investment income
 
653

 
1,132

Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(33,340
)
 
(49,773
)
Other assets
 
(38,507
)
 
(14,669
)
Changes in liabilities  increase (decrease):
 
 
 
 
Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
118,404

 
180,462

Unearned premiums
 
129,892

 
163,689

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
(30,798
)
 
(8,824
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
56,104

 
223,547

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchases of fixed-maturities – available-for-sale
 
(529,247
)
 
(260,963
)
Purchases of other investments
 

 
(147
)
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturities – available-for-sale
 
301,690

 
102,394

Proceeds from maturities, paydowns and calls of fixed maturities – available-for-sale
 
194,045

 
205,606

Proceeds from maturities and calls of fixed maturities – held to maturity
 
56,788

 
7,856

Proceeds from sale and redemption of other investments
 
1,022

 
388

Other, net
 
(2,098
)
 
(864
)
Net cash provided by investing activities
 
22,200

 
54,270

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Repurchase of common shares
 
(193
)
 
(575
)
Dividends paid – Maiden common shareholders
 
(24,924
)
 
(25,936
)
Dividends paid – preference shares
 
(17,091
)
 
(12,066
)
Preference shares, net of issuance costs
 

 
145,120

Redemption of 2012 senior notes
 

 
(100,000
)
Issuance of common shares
 

 
1,010

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(42,208
)
 
7,553

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
(820
)
 
2,391

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
35,276

 
287,761

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
191,503

 
149,535

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
226,779

 
$
437,296

 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents reported within Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total shown above:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
72,102

 
$
246,826

Restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
154,677

 
190,470

Total cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, end of period
 
$
226,779

 
$
437,296

See accompanying notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)


1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Maiden Holdings, Ltd. ("Maiden Holdings") and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Maiden"). They have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
These interim unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, including these notes, should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements, and related notes thereto, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Certain prior year comparatives have been reclassified for 2017 to conform to the 2018 presentation. The effect of these reclassifications had no impact on previously reported shareholders' equity or net income (loss).
2. Significant Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 except for the following:
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09 guidance that supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance. The standard excludes from its scope the accounting for insurance contracts, leases, financial instruments, and certain other agreements that are governed under other GAAP guidance, but could affect the revenue recognition for certain of our other insurance revenue activities. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company has adopted the guidance in ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. Our analysis of revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 indicates that substantially all of our revenues are from sources not within the scope of the standard. The Company generates an insignificant amount of fee income which is reported under other insurance revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income and is within the scope of ASU 2014-09. The Company’s current accounting policy for this revenue is to recognize fee income as earned when the related services are performed which is consistent with the guidance in this ASU. Other insurance revenue is currently less than 1% of total revenues so the expanded disclosure requirements mandated by this ASU are not required or deemed relevant due to materiality. As substantially all of our revenue sources are not within the scope of the standard, the adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on our reported consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Scope of Modification Accounting
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09 to amend the guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The Company currently has a number of share based payment awards as disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2018 did not have an impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as no modifications were made in any of its current share based payment awards.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 that will change how entities measure certain equity investments and present changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option that are attributable to their own credit. The new guidance also changes certain disclosure requirements and other aspects of current U.S. GAAP. It does not change the guidance for classifying and measuring investments in debt securities and loans. Under the new guidance, entities will have to measure many equity investments at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the new practicability exception. This includes investments in partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures and limited liability companies that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method. Entities will no longer be able to recognize unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities they classify today as available-for-sale ("AFS") in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"). They also will no longer be able to use the cost method of accounting for equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2018 resulted in the recognition of $67 of net unrealized losses and $823 of net unrealized gains on our investments in limited partnerships within net income during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Our investments in limited partnerships do not have a readily determinable fair value and therefore, the new guidance was adopted prospectively. Please refer to "Note 4. Investments (d) - Realized Gains on Investment" for additional information.

8

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 guidance to clarify how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 230 Statement of Cash Flows, a principles based requiring judgment to determine the appropriate classification of cash flow as operating, investing or financing activities which created diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments were classified. The new guidance clarifies that if a receipt or payment has aspects of more than one class of cash flows and cannot be separated, the classification will depend on the predominant source or use. While the new guidance attempts to clarify how the predominance principle should be applied, judgment will still be required. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods therein. Entities will have to apply the guidance retrospectively, but if it is impracticable to do so for an issue, the amendments related to that issue would be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Presentation of Restricted Cash in the Statement of Cash Flows
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 guidance that require entities to show the changes in the total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. As a result, entities will no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. When cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, the new guidance requires a reconciliation of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the balance sheet. This reconciliation can be presented either on the face of the statement of cash flows or in the notes to the financial statements. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations and disclosures, other than the presentation of restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The financial impact in the consolidated statements of cash flows has eliminated the presentation of changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents from cash flows from investing activities. Therefore, changes that result from transfers between cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents are no longer presented as cash flow activities in the statement of cash flows. Additionally, a reconciliation between the statement of financial position and the statement of cash flows has been disclosed to show the movement in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents from the prior period.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Improvements to Non-employee Share-Based Payment Accounting
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07 guidance that simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to non-employees for goods and services. Under the guidance, most of the guidance on such payments to non-employees would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees as the board viewed the awards to both employees and non-employees to be economically similar and that two different accounting models are not justified. Under the new guidance, i) non-employee share-based payment awards should be measured at the grant date fair value rather than the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever can be more reliably measured, ii) the measurement date for equity classified non-employee share-based payment awards is at the grant date and not the earlier of the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty is reached and the date at which the counterparty's performance is complete, and iii) entities should consider the probability of satisfying the performance conditions when awards contain such conditions. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, but not earlier than an entity's adoption date of Topic 606. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company's results of operations and financial position; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Codification Improvements
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-09 which includes clarifications to existing codifications or corrections of unintended application of guidance that is not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. The amendments in this update include items raised for board consideration through the codification's feedback system that met the scope of this project, making due process necessary. The amendments affect a wide variety of topics in the codification. The amendments apply to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. None of the topics deemed applicable have a material impact in the Company's interim consolidated financial statements. However, the Company is currently evaluating the impact of applicable sections on its results of operations and financial position once those sections are adopted beginning after December 15, 2018.
Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10 for improvements related to Update 2016-02 to increase stakeholders' awareness of the amendments and to expedite the improvements. The amendments in this Update affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in the amendments in Update 2016-02. For entities that early adopted Topic 842, the amendments are effective upon issuance of this Update, and the transition requirements are the same as those in Topic 842. For entities that have not adopted Topic 842, the effective date and transition requirements will be the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 842. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company's results of operations and financial position.

9

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

3. Segment Information
The Company currently has two reportable segments: Diversified Reinsurance and AmTrust Reinsurance. Our Diversified Reinsurance segment consists of a portfolio of predominantly property and casualty reinsurance business focusing on regional and specialty property and casualty insurance companies located, primarily, in the U.S. and Europe. Our AmTrust Reinsurance segment includes all business ceded to our wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Reinsurance Ltd. ("Maiden Bermuda") from AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. ("AmTrust"), primarily the AmTrust Quota Share and the European Hospital Liability Quota Share. In addition to our reportable segments, the results of operations of the former National General Holdings Corporation Quota Share ("NGHC Quota Share") segment and the remnants of the U.S. excess and surplus ("E&S") business have been included in the "Other" category. Please refer to "Note 8. Related Party Transactions" for additional information.
The Company evaluates segment performance based on segment profit separately from the results of our investment portfolio. General and administrative expenses are allocated to the segments on an actual basis except salaries and benefits where management’s judgment is applied. The Company does not allocate general corporate expenses to the segments. In determining total assets by reportable segment, the Company identifies those assets that are attributable to a particular segment such as reinsurance balances receivable, reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, deferred commission and other acquisition expenses, loans, goodwill and intangible assets, restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments and unearned reinsurance premiums ceded, funds withheld receivable and reinsurance recoverable on paid losses (presented as part of other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet). All remaining assets are allocated to Corporate.
The following tables summarize our reporting segment's underwriting results and the reconciliation of our reportable segments and Other category's underwriting results to our consolidated net income:
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
Other
 
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
162,751

 
$
491,485

 
$

 
$
654,236

Net premiums written
 
$
154,278

 
$
491,311

 
$

 
$
645,589

Net premiums earned
 
$
191,497

 
$
475,849

 
$

 
$
667,346

Other insurance revenue
 
2,033

 

 

 
2,033

Net loss and loss adjustment expenses ("loss and LAE")
 
(138,561
)
 
(353,836
)
 
843

 
(491,554
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(46,112
)
 
(152,792
)
 
159

 
(198,745
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(10,907
)
 
(1,082
)
 

 
(11,989
)
Underwriting (loss) income
 
$
(2,050
)
 
$
(31,861
)
 
$
1,002

 
(32,909
)
Reconciliation to net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income and realized losses on investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
43,899

Interest and amortization expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4,829
)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(462
)
Foreign exchange gains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,821

Other general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,585
)
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(255
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,680

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and LAE ratio(1)
 
71.7
%
 
74.4
%
 
 
 
73.4
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio(2)
 
23.8
%
 
32.1
%
 
 
 
29.7
%
General and administrative expense ratio(3)
 
5.6
%
 
0.2
%
 
 
 
2.9
%
Expense ratio(4)
 
29.4
%
 
32.3
%
 
 
 
32.6
%
Combined ratio(5)
 
101.1
%
 
106.7
%
 
 
 
106.0
%

10

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

3. Segment Information (continued)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
Other
 
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
140,841

 
$
564,276

 
$
81

 
$
705,198

Net premiums written
 
$
137,247

 
$
546,735

 
$
90

 
$
684,072

Net premiums earned
 
$
204,219

 
$
506,816

 
$
90

 
$
711,125

Other insurance revenue
 
1,547

 

 

 
1,547

Net loss and LAE
 
(176,837
)
 
(350,561
)
 
(1,222
)
 
(528,620
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(46,989
)
 
(163,055
)
 
5

 
(210,039
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(8,494
)
 
(664
)
 

 
(9,158
)
Underwriting loss
 
$
(26,554
)
 
$
(7,464
)
 
$
(1,127
)
 
(35,145
)
Reconciliation to net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income and realized gains on investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42,084

Interest and amortization expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,745
)
Accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,809
)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(533
)
Foreign exchange losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,722
)
Other general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,188
)
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(277
)
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(16,335
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and LAE ratio(1)
 
86.0
%
 
69.2
%
 
 
 
74.1
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio(2)
 
22.8
%
 
32.2
%
 
 
 
29.5
%
General and administrative expense ratio(3)
 
4.1
%
 
0.1
%
 
 
 
2.2
%
Expense ratio(4)
 
26.9
%
 
32.3
%
 
 
 
31.7
%
Combined ratio(5)
 
112.9
%
 
101.5
%
 
 
 
105.8
%


11

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

3. Segment Information (continued)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
Other
 
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
441,463

 
$
1,065,413

 
$

 
$
1,506,876

Net premiums written
 
$
429,231

 
$
1,065,691

 
$

 
$
1,494,922

Net premiums earned
 
$
385,631

 
$
967,147

 
$

 
$
1,352,778

Other insurance revenue
 
5,759

 

 

 
5,759

Net loss and LAE
 
(274,173
)
 
(691,143
)
 
438

 
(964,878
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(97,410
)
 
(310,108
)
 
159

 
(407,359
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(21,026
)
 
(2,002
)
 

 
(23,028
)
Underwriting (loss) income
 
$
(1,219
)
 
$
(36,106
)
 
$
597

 
(36,728
)
Reconciliation to net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income and realized losses on investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
87,126

Interest and amortization expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9,658
)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(924
)
Foreign exchange gains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,414

Other general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(16,496
)
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(711
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
25,023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and LAE ratio(1)
 
70.0
%
 
71.4
%
 
 
 
71.0
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio(2)
 
24.9
%
 
32.1
%
 
 
 
30.0
%
General and administrative expense ratio(3)
 
5.4
%
 
0.2
%
 
 
 
2.9
%
Expense ratio(4)
 
30.3
%
 
32.3
%
 
 
 
32.9
%
Combined ratio(5)
 
100.3
%
 
103.7
%
 
 
 
103.9
%


12

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

3. Segment Information (continued)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
Other
 
Total
Gross premiums written
 
$
472,886

 
$
1,155,658

 
$
81

 
$
1,628,625

Net premiums written
 
$
464,743

 
$
1,119,787

 
$
90

 
$
1,584,620

Net premiums earned
 
$
406,061

 
$
1,014,458

 
$
90

 
$
1,420,609

Other insurance revenue
 
5,328

 

 

 
5,328

Net loss and LAE
 
(315,486
)
 
(692,192
)
 
(1,511
)
 
(1,009,189
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(104,934
)
 
(327,139
)
 
5

 
(432,068
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(17,224
)
 
(1,469
)
 

 
(18,693
)
Underwriting loss
 
$
(26,255
)
 
$
(6,342
)
 
$
(1,416
)
 
(34,013
)
Reconciliation to net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income and realized gains on investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85,126

Interest and amortization expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(13,601
)
Accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,809
)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,066
)
Foreign exchange losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8,643
)
Other general and administrative expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(14,067
)
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(761
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
10,166

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and LAE ratio(1)
 
76.7
%
 
68.3
%
 
 
 
70.8
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio(2)
 
25.5
%
 
32.2
%
 
 
 
30.3
%
General and administrative expense ratio(3)
 
4.2
%
 
0.1
%
 
 
 
2.3
%
Expense ratio(4)
 
29.7
%
 
32.3
%
 
 
 
32.6
%
Combined ratio(5)
 
106.4
%
 
100.6
%
 
 
 
103.4
%
(1)
Calculated by dividing net loss and LAE by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.
(2)
Calculated by dividing commission and other acquisition expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.
(3)
Calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.
(4)
Calculated by adding together the commission and other acquisition expense ratio and general and administrative expense ratio.
(5)
Calculated by adding together net loss and LAE ratio and the expense ratio.    
The following tables summarize the financial position of our reportable segments including the reconciliation to our consolidated assets at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
June 30, 2018
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
Total
Total assets - reportable segments
 
$
1,732,587

 
$
4,431,698

 
$
6,164,285

Corporate assets
 

 

 
553,903

Total Assets
 
$
1,732,587

 
$
4,431,698

 
$
6,718,188

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
Diversified Reinsurance
 
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
Total
Total assets - reportable segments
 
$
1,772,909

 
$
4,258,607

 
$
6,031,516

Corporate assets
 

 

 
612,673

Total Assets
 
$
1,772,909

 
$
4,258,607

 
$
6,644,189


13

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

3. Segment Information (continued)
The following tables set forth financial information relating to net premiums written by major line of business and reportable segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Net premiums written
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
 
$
20,464

 
3.2
%
 
$
21,059

 
3.1
%
Casualty
 
90,418

 
14.0
%
 
84,219

 
12.3
%
Accident and Health
 
13,678

 
2.1
%
 
8,909

 
1.3
%
International
 
29,718

 
4.6
%
 
23,060

 
3.4
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
154,278

 
23.9
%
 
137,247

 
20.1
%
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
279,486

 
43.3
%
 
340,840

 
49.8
%
Specialty Program
 
103,196

 
16.0
%
 
100,082

 
14.6
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
108,629

 
16.8
%
 
105,813

 
15.5
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
491,311

 
76.1
%
 
546,735

 
79.9
%
Other
 

 
%
 
90

 
%
Total Net Premiums Written
 
$
645,589

 
100.0
%
 
$
684,072

 
100.0
%
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Net premiums written
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
 
$
81,445

 
5.4
%
 
$
94,436

 
6.0
%
Casualty
 
213,358

 
14.3
%
 
261,777

 
16.5
%
Accident and Health
 
56,480

 
3.8
%
 
57,558

 
3.6
%
International
 
77,948

 
5.2
%
 
50,972

 
3.2
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
429,231

 
28.7
%
 
464,743

 
29.3
%
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
647,240

 
43.3
%
 
733,406

 
46.3
%
Specialty Program
 
192,327

 
12.9
%
 
191,951

 
12.1
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
226,124

 
15.1
%
 
194,430

 
12.3
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
1,065,691

 
71.3
%
 
1,119,787

 
70.7
%
Other
 

 
%
 
90

 
%
Total Net Premiums Written
 
$
1,494,922

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,584,620

 
100.0
%

14

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

3. Segment Information (continued)
The following tables set forth financial information relating to net premiums earned by major line of business and reportable segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Net premiums earned
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
 
$
34,028

 
5.1
%
 
$
39,632

 
5.5
%
Casualty
 
107,588

 
16.1
%
 
121,563

 
17.1
%
Accident and Health
 
21,342

 
3.2
%
 
20,409

 
2.9
%
International
 
28,539

 
4.3
%
 
22,615

 
3.2
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
191,497

 
28.7
%
 
204,219

 
28.7
%
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
293,514

 
44.0
%
 
315,100

 
44.3
%
Specialty Program
 
96,739

 
14.5
%
 
92,262

 
13.0
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
85,596

 
12.8
%
 
99,454

 
14.0
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
475,849

 
71.3
%
 
506,816

 
71.3
%
Other
 

 
%
 
90

 
%
Total Net Premiums Earned
 
$
667,346

 
100.0
%
 
$
711,125

 
100.0
%
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Net premiums earned
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
Diversified Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property
 
$
72,410

 
5.4
%
 
$
79,526

 
5.6
%
Casualty
 
216,234

 
15.9
%
 
244,713

 
17.2
%
Accident and Health
 
42,974

 
3.2
%
 
41,098

 
2.9
%
International
 
54,013

 
4.0
%
 
40,724

 
2.9
%
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
385,631

 
28.5
%
 
406,061

 
28.6
%
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
609,223

 
45.0
%
 
632,009

 
44.5
%
Specialty Program
 
185,233

 
13.7
%
 
192,010

 
13.5
%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
172,691

 
12.8
%
 
190,439

 
13.4
%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
967,147

 
71.5
%
 
1,014,458

 
71.4
%
Other
 

 
%
 
90

 
%
Total Net Premiums Earned
 
$
1,352,778

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,420,609

 
100.0
%


15

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

4. Investments
a)
Fixed Maturities
The original or amortized cost, estimated fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses of fixed maturities at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:
June 30, 2018
 
Original or amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair value
AFS fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
8,610

 
$
41

 
$
(50
)
 
$
8,601

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
2,026,165

 
2,658

 
(61,750
)
 
1,967,073

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
39,920

 
24

 
(622
)
 
39,322

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
25,038

 
151

 
(1,702
)
 
23,487

Asset-backed securities
 
332,188

 
1,029

 
(2,443
)
 
330,774

Corporate bonds
 
1,630,174

 
11,393

 
(46,462
)
 
1,595,105

Municipal bonds
 
2,500

 
48

 

 
2,548

Total AFS fixed maturities
 
4,064,595

 
15,344

 
(113,029
)
 
3,966,910

Held-to-maturity ("HTM") fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
979,018

 
6,131

 
(17,938
)
 
967,211

Municipal bonds
 
60,126

 

 
(665
)
 
59,461

Total HTM fixed maturities
 
1,039,144

 
6,131

 
(18,603
)
 
1,026,672

Total fixed maturity investments
 
$
5,103,739

 
$
21,475

 
$
(131,632
)
 
$
4,993,582

December 31, 2017
 
Original or amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair value
AFS fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
60,711

 
$
103

 
$
(13
)
 
$
60,801

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
2,026,305

 
8,074

 
(19,765
)
 
2,014,614

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
29,941

 
4

 
(163
)
 
29,782

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
33,381

 
231

 
(1,736
)
 
31,876

Asset-backed securities
 
317,544

 
4,065

 
(199
)
 
321,410

Corporate bonds
 
1,557,611

 
43,271

 
(17,571
)
 
1,583,311

Municipal bonds
 
2,500

 
76

 

 
2,576

Total AFS fixed maturities
 
4,027,993

 
55,824

 
(39,447
)
 
4,044,370

HTM fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
1,037,464

 
28,694

 
(913
)
 
1,065,245

Municipal bonds
 
60,337

 
128

 
(84
)
 
60,381

Total HTM fixed maturities
 
1,097,801

 
28,822

 
(997
)
 
1,125,626

Total fixed maturity investments
 
$
5,125,794

 
$
84,646

 
$
(40,444
)
 
$
5,169,996

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we did not designate any additional fixed maturities as HTM. During 2017, we designated additional fixed maturities with a fair value of $391,934 as HTM reflecting our intent to hold these securities to maturity. The net unrealized holding gain of $4,313 as at the designation date continues to be reported in the carrying value of the HTM securities and is amortized through other comprehensive income over the remaining life of the securities using the effective yield method in a manner consistent with the amortization of any premium or discount.

16

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

4. Investments (continued)
The contractual maturities of our fixed maturities are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
 
AFS fixed maturities
 
HTM fixed maturities
June 30, 2018
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
11,443

 
$
10,697

 
$
9,422

 
$
9,414

Due after one year through five years
 
658,875

 
646,888

 
357,489

 
357,601

Due after five years through ten years
 
1,034,775

 
1,010,399

 
671,172

 
658,641

Due after ten years
 
1,149

 
1,079

 
1,061

 
1,016

 
 
1,706,242

 
1,669,063

 
1,039,144

 
1,026,672

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
2,026,165

 
1,967,073

 

 

Asset-backed securities
 
332,188

 
330,774

 

 

Total fixed maturities
 
$
4,064,595

 
$
3,966,910

 
$
1,039,144

 
$
1,026,672

The following tables summarize fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
June 30, 2018
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
3,495

 
$
(30
)
 
$
580

 
$
(20
)
 
$
4,075

 
$
(50
)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,220,091

 
(34,089
)
 
575,919

 
(27,661
)
 
1,796,010

 
(61,750
)
U.S. agency bonds – other
 
34,323

 
(622
)
 

 

 
34,323

 
(622
)
Non–U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
5,682

 
(213
)
 
14,053

 
(1,489
)
 
19,735

 
(1,702
)
Asset-backed securities
 
184,683

 
(2,353
)
 
3,918

 
(90
)
 
188,601

 
(2,443
)
Corporate bonds
 
1,678,876

 
(42,732
)
 
291,011

 
(21,668
)
 
1,969,887

 
(64,400
)
Municipal bonds
 
59,461

 
(665
)
 

 

 
59,461

 
(665
)
Total temporarily impaired fixed maturities
 
$
3,186,611

 
$
(80,704
)
 
$
885,481

 
$
(50,928
)
 
$
4,072,092

 
$
(131,632
)
At June 30, 2018, there were approximately 559 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $4,072,092 and unrealized losses of $131,632. Of these securities, there were 92 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $885,481 and unrealized losses of $50,928.
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
December 31, 2017
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
Fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$

 
$

 
$
587

 
$
(13
)
 
$
587

 
$
(13
)
U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
842,000

 
(6,920
)
 
539,704

 
(12,845
)
 
1,381,704

 
(19,765
)
U.S. agency bonds – other
 
19,816

 
(163
)
 

 

 
19,816

 
(163
)
Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
12,825

 
(971
)
 
15,253

 
(765
)
 
28,078

 
(1,736
)
Asset-backed securities
 
68,703

 
(150
)
 
3,017

 
(49
)
 
71,720

 
(199
)
Corporate bonds
 
247,341

 
(3,905
)
 
348,594

 
(14,579
)
 
595,935

 
(18,484
)
Municipal bonds
 
39,492

 
(84
)
 

 

 
39,492

 
(84
)
Total temporarily impaired fixed maturities
 
$
1,230,177

 
$
(12,193
)
 
$
907,155

 
$
(28,251
)
 
$
2,137,332

 
$
(40,444
)

17

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

4. Investments (continued)
At December 31, 2017, there were approximately 244 securities in an unrealized loss position with a fair value of $2,137,332 and unrealized losses of $40,444. Of these securities, there were 100 securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater with a fair value of $907,155 and unrealized losses of $28,251.
Other-than-temporarily impaired ("OTTI")
The Company performs quarterly reviews of its fixed maturities in order to determine whether declines in fair value below the amortized cost basis were considered other-than-temporary in accordance with applicable guidance. At June 30, 2018, we have determined that the unrealized losses on fixed maturities were primarily due to interest rates rising as well as the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on certain foreign currency denominated AFS fixed maturities since their date of purchase. Because we do not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to do so until a recovery of fair value to amortized cost, we currently believe it is probable that we will collect all amounts due according to their respective contractual terms. Therefore, we do not consider these fixed maturities to be OTTI at June 30, 2018. The Company has therefore recognized no OTTI through earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.
The following summarizes the credit ratings of our fixed maturities:
Ratings(1) at June 30, 2018
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
8,610

 
$
8,601

 
0.2
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
2,066,085

 
2,006,395

 
40.2
%
AAA
 
260,051

 
257,306

 
5.2
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
205,551

 
201,866

 
4.0
%
A+, A, A-
 
1,410,823

 
1,383,403

 
27.7
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
1,088,713

 
1,070,609

 
21.4
%
BB+ or lower
 
63,906

 
65,402

 
1.3
%
Total fixed maturities
 
$
5,103,739

 
$
4,993,582

 
100.0
%
Ratings(1) at December 31, 2017
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
60,711

 
$
60,801

 
1.2
%
U.S. agency bonds
 
2,056,246

 
2,044,396

 
39.6
%
AAA
 
245,562

 
249,073

 
4.8
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
204,792

 
207,898

 
4.0
%
A+, A, A-
 
1,381,031

 
1,404,451

 
27.2
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
1,125,471

 
1,149,511

 
22.2
%
BB+ or lower
 
51,981

 
53,866

 
1.0
%
Total fixed maturities
 
$
5,125,794

 
$
5,169,996

 
100.0
%
(1)
Based on Standard & Poor’s ("S&P"), or equivalent, ratings
b)
Other Investments
The table below shows our portfolio of other investments:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
 
Fair value
 
% of Total
fair value
Investment in limited partnerships
 
$
4,398

 
74.6
%
 
$
5,100

 
77.3
%
Other
 
1,500

 
25.4
%
 
1,500

 
22.7
%
Total other investments
 
$
5,898

 
100.0
%
 
$
6,600

 
100.0
%
The Company has a remaining unfunded commitment on its investment in limited partnerships of approximately $423 at June 30, 2018 (December 31, 2017 - $306).

18

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

4. Investments (continued)
c)
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was derived from the following sources:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Fixed maturities
 
$
42,967

 
$
40,610

 
$
85,096

 
$
83,480

Cash and cash equivalents
 
383

 
262

 
691

 
429

Loan to related party
 
1,565

 
816

 
2,993

 
1,528

Other
 
471

 
660

 
590

 
891

 
 
45,386

 
42,348

 
89,370

 
86,328

Investment expenses
 
(1,073
)
 
(1,836
)
 
(2,187
)
 
(3,659
)
Net investment income
 
$
44,313

 
$
40,512

 
$
87,183

 
$
82,669

d)
Realized Gains (Losses) on Investment
Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method. The following provides an analysis of net realized gains on investment included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
AFS fixed maturities
 
$
2,287

 
$
(2,921
)
 
$
(634
)
Other investments
 
220

 

 
220

Net realized gains (losses) on investment
 
$
2,507

 
$
(2,921
)
 
$
(414
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
AFS fixed maturities
 
$
1,766

 
$
(256
)
 
$
1,510

Other investments
 
62

 

 
62

Net realized gains (losses) on investment
 
$
1,828

 
$
(256
)
 
$
1,572

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
AFS fixed maturities
 
$
2,939

 
$
(4,698
)
 
$
(1,759
)
Other investments
 
1,702

 

 
1,702

Net realized gains (losses) on investment
 
$
4,641

 
$
(4,698
)
 
$
(57
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
Gross gains
 
Gross losses
 
Net
AFS fixed maturities
 
$
2,488

 
$
(256
)
 
$
2,232

Other investments
 
225

 

 
225

Net realized gains (losses) on investment
 
$
2,713

 
$
(256
)
 
$
2,457

Proceeds from sales of AFS fixed maturities were $152,908 and $301,690 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively (2017 - $71,610 and $102,394, respectively). Net unrealized (losses) gains were as follows:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Fixed maturities
 
$
(96,046
)
 
$
20,586

Other investments
 

 
1,381

Total net unrealized (losses) gains
 
(96,046
)
 
21,967

Deferred income tax
 
(61
)
 
(78
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains, net of deferred income tax
 
$
(96,107
)
 
$
21,889

Change, net of deferred income tax
 
$
(117,996
)
 
$
42,605


19

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

4. Investments (continued)
The portion of unrealized gains recognized in net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 that are related to other investments still held at the end of the reporting period were as follows:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Net gains recognized in net income on other investments during the period
 
$
220

 
$
62

Net realized gains recognized on other investments divested during the period
 
(287
)
 
(62
)
Net unrealized losses recognized on other investments still held at end of period
 
$
(67
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Net gains recognized in net income on other investments during the period
 
$
1,702

 
$
225

Net realized gains recognized on other investments divested during the period
 
(879
)
 
(225
)
Net unrealized gains recognized on other investments still held at end of period
 
$
823

 
$

    

e)
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments
We are required to maintain assets on deposit to support our reinsurance operations and to serve as collateral for our reinsurance liabilities under various reinsurance agreements. We also utilize trust accounts to collateralize business with our reinsurance counterparties. These trust accounts generally take the place of letter of credit requirements. The assets in trust as collateral are primarily cash and highly rated fixed maturities. The fair value of our restricted assets was as follows:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Restricted cash – third party agreements
 
$
48,938

 
$
50,411

Restricted cash – related party agreements
 
105,519

 
73,017

Restricted cash – U.S. state regulatory authorities
 
220

 
156

Total restricted cash
 
154,677

 
123,584

Restricted investments – in trust for third party agreements at fair value (amortized cost: 2018 – $1,190,433; 2017 – $1,316,305)
 
1,157,796

 
1,320,800

Restricted investments AFS – in trust for related party agreements at fair value (amortized cost: 2018 – $2,497,940; 2017 – $2,281,672)
 
2,447,159

 
2,294,367

Restricted investments HTM – in trust for related party agreements at fair value (amortized cost: 2018 – $1,039,144; 2017 – $1,097,801)
 
1,026,672

 
1,125,626

Restricted investments – in trust for U.S. state regulatory authorities (amortized cost: 2018 – $4,085; 2017 – $4,076)
 
4,103

 
4,147

Total restricted investments
 
4,635,730

 
4,744,940

Total restricted cash and investments
 
$
4,790,407

 
$
4,868,524

5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
(a) Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements — ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820") defines fair value as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:
Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include: U.S. Treasury bonds;
Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include: U.S. government-sponsored agency securities; non-U.S. government and supranational obligations; commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"); collateralized loan obligations ("CLO"); corporate and municipal bonds; and

20

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
Level 3 — Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about assumptions that market participants would use. Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include: an investment in preference shares of a start-up insurance producer.
The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. We use prices and inputs that are current at the measurement date. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels.
For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in the Level 1 hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from a third party nationally recognized provider, the Pricing Service. When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes the Pricing Service to determine an estimate of fair value. The fair value estimates are included in the Level 2 hierarchy. The Company will challenge any prices for its investments which are considered not to be representation of fair value. If quoted market prices and an estimate from the Pricing Service are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that being valued or through consensus pricing of a pricing service. The Company determines whether the fair value estimate is in the Level 2 or Level 3 hierarchy depending on the level of observable inputs available when estimating the fair value. The Company bases its estimates of fair values for assets on the bid price as it represents what a third party market participant would be willing to pay in an orderly transaction.
ASC 825, "Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments", requires all entities to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value of financial instruments held at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
U.S. government and U.S. agency — Bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association, Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation. The fair values of U.S. treasury bonds are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and are included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. We believe the market for U.S. treasury bonds is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. The fair values of U.S. agency bonds are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. agency bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds — These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services. The Pricing Service may use current market trades for securities with similar quality, maturity and coupon. If no such trades are available, the Pricing Service typically uses analytical models which may incorporate spreads, interest rate data and market/sector news. As the significant inputs used to price non-U.S. government and supranational bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of non-U.S. government and supranational bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
Asset-backed securities — These securities comprise CMBS and CLO originated by a variety of financial institutions that on acquisition are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher. These securities are priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. As the significant inputs used to price the CMBS and CLO are observable market inputs, the fair value of the CMBS and CLO securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
Corporate bonds — Bonds issued by corporations that on acquisition are rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher. These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services. The spreads are sourced from broker/dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers. As the significant inputs used to price corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
Municipal bonds — Bonds issued by U.S. state and municipality entities or agencies. The fair values of municipal bonds are generally priced by independent pricing services. The pricing services typically use spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipal bonds are observable market inputs, municipal bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
Other investments — Includes unquoted investments comprised of investments in limited partnerships and two investments in start-up insurance entities. The fair values of the limited partnerships are determined by the fund manager based on recent filings, operating results, balance sheet stability, growth and other business and market sector fundamentals. The fair value of these investments are measured using the NAV practical expedient and therefore have not been categorized within the fair value hierarchy. If there is a reporting lag between the current period end and reporting date of the latest available fund valuation, we estimate fair values by starting with the most recently available valuation and adjusting for return estimates as well as any subscriptions and distributions that took place during the current period. The fair value of the investments in start-up insurance entities was determined using recent private market transactions and as such, the fair value is included in the Level 3 fair value hierarchy.

21

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted amounts), accrued investment income, reinsurance balances receivable, and certain other assets and liabilities — The carrying values reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair value due to their short term nature and are classified as Level 2.
Loan to related party — The carrying value reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for this financial instrument approximates its fair value and it is included in the Level 2 hierarchy.
Senior notes The amount reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these financial instruments represents the carrying value of the notes. The fair values are based on indicative market pricing obtained from a third-party service provider and as such, are included in the Level 2 hierarchy.
(b) Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in ASC 820. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the ASC 820 hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions.
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we classified our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the following valuation hierarchy:    
June 30, 2018
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Fair Value Based on NAV Practical Expedient
 
Total Fair Value
AFS fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
8,601

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
8,601

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 

 
1,967,073

 

 

 
1,967,073

U.S. agency bonds – other
 

 
39,322

 

 

 
39,322

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 

 
23,487

 

 

 
23,487

Asset-backed securities
 

 
330,774

 

 

 
330,774

Corporate bonds
 

 
1,595,105

 

 

 
1,595,105

Municipal bonds
 

 
2,548

 

 

 
2,548

Other investments
 

 

 
1,500

 
4,398

 
5,898

Total
 
$
8,601

 
$
3,958,309

 
$
1,500

 
$
4,398

 
$
3,972,808

As a percentage of total assets
 
0.1
%
 
58.9
%
 
%
 
0.1
%
 
59.1
%
December 31, 2017
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Fair Value Based on NAV Practical Expedient
 
Total Fair Value
AFS fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
60,801

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
60,801

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 

 
2,014,614

 

 

 
2,014,614

U.S. agency bonds – other
 

 
29,782

 

 

 
29,782

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 

 
31,876

 

 

 
31,876

Asset-backed securities
 

 
321,410

 

 

 
321,410

Corporate bonds
 

 
1,583,311

 

 

 
1,583,311

Municipal bonds
 

 
2,576

 

 

 
2,576

Other investments
 

 

 
1,500

 
5,100

 
6,600

Total
 
$
60,801

 
$
3,983,569

 
$
1,500

 
$
5,100

 
$
4,050,970

As a percentage of total assets
 
0.9
%
 
60.0
%
 
%
 
0.1
%
 
61.0
%

22

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
The Company utilizes a Pricing Service to assist in determining the fair value of our investments; however, management is ultimately responsible for all fair values presented in the Company’s financial statements. This includes responsibility for monitoring the fair value process, ensuring objective and reliable valuation practices and pricing of assets and liabilities and pricing sources. The Company analyzes and reviews the information and prices received from the Pricing Service to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value.
The Pricing Service was utilized to estimate fair value measurements for 100.0% and 99.8% of its fixed maturities at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Pricing Service utilizes market quotations for fixed maturity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. treasury bonds generally do not trade actively on a daily basis, the Pricing Service prepares estimates of fair value measurements using relevant market data, benchmark curves, sector groupings and matrix pricing and these have been classified as Level 2.
At December 31, 2017, 0.2% of the fixed maturities are valued using the market approach. Three securities or approximately $9,489 of Level 2 fixed maturities, were priced using a quotation from a broker and/or custodian as opposed to the Pricing Service due to lack of information available. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we have not adjusted any pricing provided to us based on the review performed by our investment managers. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and there were no transfers to or from Level 3 during the periods represented by these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
(c) Level 3 Financial Instruments
At June 30, 2018, the Company also has investments of $1,500 (December 31, 2017 - $1,500) in start-up insurance entities, the fair value of each was determined using recent private market transactions. Due to the significant unobservable inputs in these valuations, the Company includes the estimate of the fair value of these unquoted investments as Level 3. The Company has determined that its investment in Level 3 securities are not material to its financial position or results of operations. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, there have been no transfers into or out of Level 3.
(d) Financial Instruments not measured at Fair Value
The following table presents the fair value and carrying value or principal amount of the financial instruments not measured at fair value:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Financial Assets
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
HTM – corporate bonds
 
$
979,018

 
$
967,211

 
$
1,037,464

 
$
1,065,245

HTM – municipal bonds
 
60,126

 
59,461

 
60,337

 
60,381

Total financial assets
 
$
1,039,144

 
$
1,026,672

 
$
1,097,801

 
$
1,125,626

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Notes - MHLA – 6.625%
 
$
110,000

 
$
92,356

 
$
110,000

 
$
101,200

Senior Notes - MHNC – 7.75%
 
152,500

 
137,921

 
152,500

 
149,029

Total financial liabilities
 
$
262,500

 
$
230,277

 
$
262,500

 
$
250,229

6. Long-Term Debt
Senior Notes
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, Maiden Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiary, Maiden Holdings North America, Ltd., both have an outstanding public debt offering of senior notes, (the "Senior Notes"). The 2013 Senior Notes issued by the subsidiary are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Maiden Holdings. The Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of the Company. The following table details the Company's Senior Notes issuances as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:


23

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

6. Long-Term Debt (continued)
June 30, 2018
 
2016 Senior Notes
 
2013 Senior Notes
 
Total
Principal amount
 
$
110,000

 
$
152,500

 
$
262,500

Less: unamortized issuance costs
 
3,633

 
4,280

 
7,913

Carrying value
 
$
106,367

 
$
148,220

 
$
254,587

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
2016 Senior Notes
 
2013 Senior Notes
 
Total
Principal amount
 
$
110,000

 
$
152,500

 
$
262,500

Less: unamortized issuance costs
 
3,654

 
4,364

 
8,018

Carrying value
 
$
106,346

 
$
148,136

 
$
254,482

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other details:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Original debt issuance costs
 
$
3,715

 
$
5,054

 
 
Maturity date
 
June 14, 2046

 
Dec 1, 2043

 
 
Earliest redeemable date (for cash)
 
June 14, 2021

 
Dec 1, 2018

 
 
Coupon rate
 
6.625
%
 
7.75
%
 
 
Effective interest rate
 
7.07
%
 
8.04
%
 
 
The interest expense incurred on the Senior Notes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was $4,776 and $9,553, respectively (2017 - $6,665 and $13,442, respectively) of which $1,342 was accrued at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The issuance costs related to the Senior Notes were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes. The amount of amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was $53 and $105, respectively (2017 - $80 and $159, respectively).
On June 27, 2017, we fully redeemed all of the 2012 Senior Notes using a portion of the proceeds from the Preference Shares - Series D issuance as previously disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The 2012 Senior Notes were redeemed at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of $100,000 plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed up to, but not including, the redemption date. As a result, the Company accelerated the amortization of the remaining 2012 Senior Note issuance cost of $2,809 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.


24

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

7. Reserve for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The Company uses both historical experience and industry-wide loss development factors to provide a reasonable basis for estimating future losses. In the future, certain events may be beyond the control of management, such as changes in law, judicial interpretations of law, and inflation, which may favorably or unfavorably impact the ultimate settlement of the Company’s loss and LAE reserves.
The anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly considered when estimating liabilities for loss and LAE. While anticipated changes in claim costs due to inflation are considered in estimating the ultimate claim costs, changes in average severity of claims are caused by a number of factors that vary with the individual type of policy written. Ultimate losses are projected based on historical trends adjusted for implemented changes in underwriting standards, policy provisions, and general economic trends. Those anticipated trends are monitored based on actual development and are modified if necessary.
The reserving process begins with the collection and analysis of paid losses and incurred claims data for each of our contracts. While reserves are reviewed on a contract by contract basis, paid losses and incurred claims data is also aggregated into reserving segments. The segmental data is disaggregated by reserving class and further disaggregated by either accident year (i.e. the year in which the loss event occurred) or by underwriting year (i.e. the year in which the contract generating the premium and losses incepted). The Company uses underwriting year information to analyze our Diversified Reinsurance segment and subsequently allocate reserves to the respective accident years. Our reserve for loss and LAE comprises:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Reserve for reported loss and LAE
 
$
2,064,019

 
$
1,925,151

Reserve for losses incurred but not reported ("IBNR")
 
1,589,284

 
1,622,097

Reserve for loss and LAE
 
$
3,653,303

 
$
3,547,248

The following table represents a reconciliation of our beginning and ending gross and net loss and LAE reserves:
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Gross loss and LAE reserves, January 1
 
$
3,547,248

 
$
2,896,496

Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, January 1
 
117,611

 
99,936

Net loss and LAE reserves, January 1
 
3,429,637

 
2,796,560

Net incurred losses related to:
 
 
 
 
Current year
 
919,317

 
936,325

Prior years
 
45,561

 
72,864

 
 
964,878

 
1,009,189

Net paid losses related to:
 
 
 
 
Current year
 
(181,810
)
 
(211,639
)
Prior years
 
(656,899
)
 
(604,648
)
 
 
(838,709
)
 
(816,287
)
Effect of foreign exchange movements
 
(12,308
)
 
33,065

Net loss and LAE reserves, June 30
 
3,543,498

 
3,022,527

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, June 30
 
109,805

 
87,681

Gross loss and LAE reserves, June 30
 
$
3,653,303

 
$
3,110,208

Prior period development arises from changes to loss estimates recognized in the current year that relate to loss reserves in previous calendar years. The development reflects changes in management's best estimate of the ultimate losses under the relevant reinsurance policies after review of changes in actuarial assessments. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recognized approximately $35,484 and $45,561, respectively (2017 - $56,024 and $72,864, respectively) of net adverse development in both the Diversified Reinsurance and AmTrust Reinsurance segments, and in 2017, as well as in its run-off business.
In the Diversified Reinsurance segment, the adverse prior year loss development was $7,953 and $9,106, respectively for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 (2017 - $25,376 and $31,608, respectively) which was largely due to a higher than expected loss emergence emanating largely from General Liability and Commercial Auto Liability treaty contracts. The adverse development for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 was largely due to higher than expected loss emergence emanating largely from facultative commercial auto as well as a handful of specific contracts across several lines of business, with over half of the development during the second quarter coming from three accounts. The development for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was also impacted by a non-recurring change in the actuarial assumptions for a large German personal auto account within international personal auto.
In the AmTrust Reinsurance segment, the adverse prior year development was $28,374 and $36,893 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 (2017 - $29,426 and $39,745, respectively). The adverse development for the three months ended June 30, 2018 largely came from Worker's Compensation and General Liability while the adverse development for the six months

25

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

7. Reserve for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (continued)
ended June 30, 2018 was a combination of the second quarter development and adverse development from the first quarter of 2018 which was largely from General Liability, with a smaller contribution from Commercial Auto Liability, primarily driven by accident years 2015 and 2016. The net adverse development for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 was largely related to non-program casualty, where elevated loss activity had been observed as well as European hospital liability where the Company had adjusted estimated loss ratios for the most recent years in view of developing trends and economic factors that could influence future loss settlement values.
Our Other category, on the other hand, had favorable prior year development of $843 and $438 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 (2017 - adverse prior year development of $1,222 and $1,511, respectively) due to a favorable court ruling that reduced the incurred loss on one of the few remaining U.S. E&S property claims.
8. Related Party Transactions
The Founding Shareholders of the Company are Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind. Michael Karfunkel passed away on April 27, 2016. Based on each individual's most recent public filing, Leah Karfunkel (wife of Michael Karfunkel) owns or controls approximately 8.2% of the outstanding shares of the Company and Barry Zyskind (the Company's non-executive chairman) owns or controls approximately 7.7% of the outstanding shares of the Company. George Karfunkel owns or controls less than 5.0% of the outstanding shares of the Company, as at June 30, 2018, so there is no longer a public filing requirement. Leah Karfunkel and George Karfunkel are directors of AmTrust, and Barry Zyskind is the president, CEO and chairman of AmTrust. Leah Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind own or control approximately 44.0% of the outstanding shares of AmTrust. AmTrust owns 1.6% of the issued and outstanding shares of National General Holdings Corporation ("NGHC"), and Leah Karfunkel and the Michael Karfunkel 2005 Family Trust (which is controlled by Leah Karfunkel) owns 41.7% of the outstanding common shares of NGHC.
AmTrust
The following describes transactions between the Company and AmTrust:
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
Effective July 1, 2007, the Company and AmTrust entered into a master agreement, as amended (the "Master Agreement"), by which they caused Maiden Bermuda, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and AmTrust's Bermuda reinsurance subsidiary, AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. ("AII"), to enter into a quota share reinsurance agreement (the "Reinsurance Agreement") by which AII retrocedes to Maiden Bermuda an amount equal to 40% of the premium written by subsidiaries of AmTrust, net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance and 40% of losses. The Master Agreement further provided that AII receives a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums. On June 11, 2008, Maiden Bermuda and AII amended the Reinsurance Agreement to add Retail Commercial Package Business to the Covered Business. AII receives a ceding commission of 34.375% on Retail Commercial Package Business.
On July 1, 2016, the agreement was renewed through June 30, 2019. The agreement automatically renews for successive three-year periods thereafter unless AII or Maiden Bermuda elects to so terminate the Reinsurance Agreement by giving written notice to the other party not less than nine months prior to the expiration of any successive three-year period. Either party is entitled to terminate on thirty days' notice or less upon the occurrence of certain early termination events, which include a default in payment, insolvency, change in control of AII or Maiden Bermuda, run-off, or a reduction of 50% or more of the shareholders' equity of Maiden Bermuda or the combined shareholders' equity of AII and the AmTrust subsidiaries.
Additionally, for the Specialty Program portion of Covered Business only, AII will be responsible for ultimate net loss otherwise recoverable from Maiden Bermuda to the extent that the loss ratio to Maiden Bermuda, which shall be determined on an inception to date basis from July 1, 2007 through the date of calculation, is between 81.5% and 95%. Above and below the defined corridor, Maiden Bermuda will continue to reinsure losses at its proportional 40% share per the Reinsurance Agreement.
AmTrust European Hospital Liability Quota Share Agreement ("European Hospital Liability Quota Share")
Effective April 1, 2011, Maiden Bermuda, entered into a quota share reinsurance contract with AmTrust Europe Limited ("AEL") and AmTrust International Underwriters Limited ("AIUL"), both wholly owned subsidiaries of AmTrust. Pursuant to the terms of the contract, Maiden Bermuda assumed 40% of the premiums and losses related to policies classified as European Hospital Liability, including associated liability coverages and policies covering physician defense costs, written or renewed on or after April 1, 2011. The contract also covers policies written or renewed on or before March 31, 2011, but only with respect to losses that occur, accrue or arise on or after April 1, 2011. The maximum limit of liability attaching shall be €5,000 (€10,000 effective January 1, 2012) or currency equivalent (on a 100% basis) per original claim for any one original policy. Maiden Bermuda will pay a ceding commission of 5%. The agreement is renewed through March 31, 2019 and can be terminated at any April 1 by either party on four months notice.
Effective July 1, 2016, the contract was amended such that Maiden Bermuda assumes from AEL 32.5% of the premiums and losses of all policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2016 until June 30, 2017 and 20% of all policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2017.
The table below shows the effect of both of these quota share arrangements with AmTrust on the Company's results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:


26

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

8. Related Party Transactions (continued)
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Gross and net premiums written
 
$
491,485

 
$
564,276

 
$
1,065,413

 
$
1,155,658

Net premiums earned
 
477,202

 
522,449

 
981,001

 
1,041,576

Net loss and LAE
 
(351,954
)
 
(362,042
)
 
(696,483
)
 
(715,906
)
Commission expenses
 
(148,500
)
 
(161,726
)
 
(304,350
)
 
(322,496
)
Other Reinsurance Agreement
Effective April 1, 2012, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a reinsurance agreement with AmTrust's wholly owned subsidiary, AmTrust North America, Inc. ("AmTrust NA"). We indemnify AmTrust NA, on an excess of loss basis, as a result of losses occurring on AmTrust NA's new and renewal policies relating to the lines of business classified as Automobile Liability by AmTrust NA in its annual statement utilizing the specific underwriting guidelines defined in the reinsurance agreement. AmTrust NA shall retain the first $1,000 of loss, per any one policy or per any one loss occurrence. This agreement has a term of one year and automatically renews annually unless terminated pursuant to the terms of the agreement. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, under the terms of this agreement, we have recorded net premiums earned of approximately $254 and $551, respectively (2017 - $402 and $831, respectively) and commission expense of $67 and $149, respectively (2017 - $93 and $203, respectively).
Collateral provided to AmTrust
a) AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
In order to provide AmTrust's U.S. insurance subsidiaries with credit for reinsurance on their statutory financial statements, AII, as the direct reinsurer of the AmTrust's insurance subsidiaries, has established trust accounts ("Trust Accounts") for their benefit. Maiden Bermuda has agreed to provide appropriate collateral to secure its proportional share under the Reinsurance Agreement of AII's obligations to the AmTrust subsidiaries to whom AII is required to provide collateral. This collateral may be in the form of (a) assets loaned by Maiden Bermuda to AII for deposit into the Trust Accounts, pursuant to a loan agreement between those parties, (b) assets transferred by Maiden Bermuda for deposit into the Trust Accounts, (c) a letter of credit obtained by Maiden Bermuda and delivered to an AmTrust subsidiary on AII's behalf, or (d) premiums withheld by an AmTrust subsidiary at Maiden Bermuda's request in lieu of remitting such premiums to AII. Maiden Bermuda may provide any or a combination of these forms of collateral, provided that the aggregate value thereof equals Maiden Bermuda's proportionate share of its obligations under the Reinsurance Agreement with AII. Maiden Bermuda satisfied its collateral requirements under the Reinsurance Agreement with AII as follows:
by lending funds in the amount of $167,975 at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 pursuant to a loan agreement entered into between those parties. Advances under the loan, are secured by promissory notes. Effective December 18, 2017, the maturity date with respect to each advance shall be the earliest of (i) June 30, 2019, (ii) such time as there are no remaining obligations due to AmTrust under the Reinsurance Agreement in respect of which such advance was originally made or (iii) such time as AII is no longer required to secure its proportionate share of such obligations. This loan was assigned by AII to AmTrust effective December 31, 2014 and is carried at cost. Effective December 18, 2017, interest is payable at a rate equivalent to the Federal Funds Effective Rate ("Fed Funds") plus 200 basis points per annum. Prior to that date, the interest was payable at a rate equivalent to the one-month LIBOR plus 90 basis points per annum; and
effective December 1, 2008, the Company entered into a Reinsurer Trust Assets Collateral agreement to provide to AII sufficient collateral to secure its proportional share of AII's obligations to the U.S. AmTrust subsidiaries. The amount of the collateral at June 30, 2018 was approximately $3,321,519 (December 31, 2017 - $3,328,757) and the accrued interest was $21,201 (December 31, 2017 - $20,830). Please refer to "Note 4. (e) Investments" for additional information.
b) European Hospital Liability Quota Share
AEL requested that Maiden Bermuda provide collateral to secure its proportional share under the European Hospital Liability Quota Share agreement. Please refer to "Note 4. (e) Investments" for additional information.
Brokerage Agreement
Effective July 1, 2007, the Company entered into a reinsurance brokerage agreement with AII Reinsurance Broker Ltd. ("AIIB"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AmTrust. Pursuant to the brokerage agreement, AIIB provides brokerage services relating to the Reinsurance Agreement and the European Hospital Liability Quota Share agreement for a fee equal to 1.25% of the premium assumed. AIIB is not the Company's exclusive broker. The agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. Maiden Bermuda recorded approximately $5,966 and $12,263 of reinsurance brokerage expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively (2017 - $6,531 and $13,020, respectively) and deferred reinsurance brokerage of $15,784 at June 30, 2018 (December 31, 2017 - $14,741) as a result of this agreement.



27

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)


8. Related Party Transactions (continued)
Asset Management Agreement
Effective July 1, 2007, the Company entered into an asset management agreement with AII Insurance Management Limited ("AIIM"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AmTrust, pursuant to which AIIM has agreed to provide investment management services to the Company. Effective January 1, 2018, AIIM provides investment management services for a quarterly fee of 0.02125% of the average value of the account. Prior to that date, the fee was payable at a rate of 0.0375%. The agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. The Company recorded approximately $1,033 and $2,082 of investment management fees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively (2017 - $1,836 and $3,659, respectively) as a result of this agreement.
Other
The Company entered into time sharing agreements for the lease of aircraft owned by AmTrust Underwriters, Inc. ("AUI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AmTrust, and by AmTrust on March 1, 2011 and November 5, 2014, respectively. The agreements automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agreements. Pursuant to the agreements, the Company will reimburse AUI and AmTrust for actual expenses incurred as allowed by Federal Aviation Regulations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded an expense of $17 and $33, respectively (2017 - $26 and $39, respectively) for the use of the aircraft.
NGHC
The following describes transactions between the Company and NGHC and its subsidiaries:
NGHC Quota Share
Maiden Bermuda, effective March 1, 2010, had a 50% participation in the NGHC Quota Share, by which it received 25% of net premiums of the personal lines automobile business and assumed 25% of the related net losses. On August 1, 2013, the Company received notice from NGHC of the termination of the NGHC Quota Share effective on that date. The Company and NGHC mutually agreed that the termination is on a run-off basis.
Other
Effective May 1, 2015, Maiden US entered into an agreement with several NGHC subsidiaries for medical excess of loss programs. This program covers employer aggregate and traditional specific medical stop loss policies underwritten by the Managing General Agent that they support. The NGHC companies covered under the treaty are Integon Indemnity Insurance Company, Integon National Insurance Company and National Health Insurance Company. This agreement expired on April 30, 2017. Upon expiration of this agreement, coverage remains in full force and effect on all assumed liability for policies in force on the date of expiration until expiration, cancellation or next anniversary date of such subject policies.
The treaty limit of the aggregate medical stop loss is subject to a limit of $4,000 in excess of $1,000 any one insured person. The treaty limit on the traditional specific medical stop loss Layer 1 is subject to a limit of $1,000 in excess of $1,000 any one insured person; Layer 2 is subject to a limit of $3,000 in excess of $2,000 any one insured person and Layer 3 is subject to a limit of $5,000 in excess of $5,000 any one insured person. In addition to these limits, the Company shall cover extra contractual obligations arising under this agreement with a maximum liability of $2,000. Under these agreements, Maiden US recorded $33 and $131 of premiums earned for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively (2017 - $119 and $240, respectively).
9. Commitments and Contingencies
a)
Concentrations of Credit Risk
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s assets where significant concentrations of credit risk may exist include investments, cash and cash equivalents, loan to related party, reinsurance balances receivable and reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses.
The Company's reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses balance at June 30, 2018 was $109,805 (December 31, 2017 - $117,611). The three largest balances accounted for 67.9% of the Company's reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses balance at June 30, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – 70.6%). At June 30, 2018, 95.0% (December 31, 2017 - 98.6%) of the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses was due from reinsurers and retrocessionaires with credit ratings from A.M Best of A or better. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had no valuation allowance against reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses.
The Company manages concentration of credit risk in the investment portfolio through issuer and sector exposure limitations. The Company believes it bears minimal credit risk in its cash on deposit. The Company also monitors the credit risk related to the loan to related party and its reinsurance balances receivable. To mitigate credit risk, we generally have a contractual right of offset thereby allowing us to settle claims net of any premiums or loan receivable. The Company believes these balances as at June 30, 2018 will be fully collectible.



28

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

9. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
b)
Concentrations of Revenue
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, our gross premiums written from AmTrust accounted for $491,485 or 75.1% and $1,065,413 or 70.7%, respectively, of our total gross premiums written (2017$564,276 or 80.0% and $1,155,658 or 71.0%, respectively).
c)
Dividends Declared
On May 8, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the following quarterly dividend:
 
 
Dividend per Share
 
Payable on:
 
Record date:
Common shares
 
$0.15
 
July 12, 2018
 
July 2, 2018
    
d)
Legal Proceedings
Except as noted below, the Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, the Company is subject to routine legal proceedings, including arbitrations, arising in the ordinary course of business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against the Company in the ordinary course of insurance or reinsurance operations. Based on the Company's opinion, the eventual outcome of these legal proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
In April 2009, the Company learned that Bentzion S. Turin, the former Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor claiming that his employment with the Company was terminated in retaliation for corporate whistleblowing in violation of the whistleblower protection provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Turin alleged that he was terminated for raising concerns regarding corporate governance with respect to the negotiation of the terms of the Trust Preferred Securities Offering. He seeks reinstatement as Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Maiden Holdings and Maiden Bermuda, back pay and legal fees incurred. On December 31, 2009, the U.S. Secretary of Labor found no reasonable cause for Mr. Turin’s claim and dismissed the complaint in its entirety. Mr. Turin objected to the Secretary's findings and requested a hearing before an administrative law judge in the U.S. Department of Labor. The Company moved to dismiss Mr. Turin's complaint, and its motion was granted by the Administrative Law Judge on June 30, 2011.
On July 13, 2011, Mr. Turin filed a petition for review of the Administrative Law Judge's decision with the Administrative Review Board in the U.S. Department of Labor. On March 29, 2013, the Administrative Review Board reversed the dismissal of the complaint on procedural grounds, and remanded the case to the administrative law judge. The administrative hearing began in September 2014, and we expect the hearings to conclude in 2018. The Company believes that it had good and sufficient reasons for terminating Mr. Turin's employment and that the claim is without merit. The Company will continue to vigorously defend itself against this claim.

29

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

10. Earnings per Common Share
The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Maiden
 
$
2,633

 
$
(16,326
)
Dividends on preference shares – Series A, C and D
 
(8,546
)
 
(6,033
)
Amount allocated to participating common shareholders(1)
 
(4
)
 
9

Numerator for basic and diluted EPS - net loss allocated to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
(5,917
)
 
$
(22,350
)
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares – basic
 
83,126,204

 
86,564,794

Potentially dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
Share options and restricted share units (2)
 

 

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares – diluted
 
83,126,204

 
86,564,794

Basic loss per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(0.26
)
Diluted loss per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Maiden
 
$
24,905

 
$
10,197

Dividends on preference shares – Series A, C and D
 
(17,091
)
 
(12,066
)
Amount allocated to participating common shareholders(1)
 
(9
)
 
(1
)
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS - net income (loss) allocated to Maiden common shareholders
 
7,805

 
(1,870
)
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares – basic
 
83,083,545

 
86,458,413

Potentially dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
Share options and restricted share units(2)
 
289,740

 

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares – diluted
 
83,373,285

 
86,458,413

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.02
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders:
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.02
)
(1)
This represents earnings allocated to the holders of non-vested restricted shares issued to the Company's employees under the 2007 Share Incentive Plan.
(2)
Please refer to "Note 13. Shareholders' Equity" and "Note 14. Share Compensation and Pension Plans" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for the terms and conditions of each of these anti-dilutive instruments.
At June 30, 2018, 571,143 share options (June 30, 2017 - 24,000) were excluded from diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive.

30

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

11. Shareholders' Equity
a)
Common Shares
At June 30, 2018, the aggregate authorized share capital of the Company is 150,000,000 shares from which the Company has issued 87,927,787 common shares, of which 83,143,237 common shares are outstanding, and 18,600,000 preference shares, all of which are outstanding. The remaining 43,472,213 are undesignated at June 30, 2018. For further discussion on the components of Shareholders' Equity, please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
b)
Treasury Shares
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased a total of 29,391 (2017 - 38,122) shares at an average price per share of $6.57 (2017 - $15.06) from employees, which represent withholdings in respect of tax obligations on the vesting of restricted shares and performance based shares. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, no shares were repurchased under the Company's share repurchase plan which has a remaining authorization of $74,924 at June 30, 2018 (December 31, 2017 - $74,924).

31

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

11. Shareholders' Equity (continued)
c)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
The following tables set forth financial information regarding the changes in the balances of each component of AOCI:
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investment
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
(46,429
)
 
$
(16,523
)
 
$
(62,952
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(50,423
)
 
15,605

 
(34,818
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to net income, net of tax
 
745

 

 
745

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(49,678
)
 
15,605

 
(34,073
)
Ending balance
 
(96,107
)
 
(918
)
 
(97,025
)
Less: AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
(66
)
 
(66
)
Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
(96,107
)
 
$
(852
)
 
$
(96,959
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investment
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
(13,919
)
 
$
29,406

 
$
15,487

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
41,984

 
(21,777
)
 
20,207

Amounts reclassified from AOCI to net income, net of tax
 
(199
)
 

 
(199
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
41,785

 
(21,777
)
 
20,008

Ending balance
 
27,866

 
7,629

 
35,495

Less: AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
(80
)
 
(80
)
Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
27,866

 
$
7,709

 
$
35,575

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investment
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
21,889

 
$
(8,583
)
 
$
13,306

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(117,251
)
 
7,665

 
(109,586
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to net income, net of tax
 
(745
)
 

 
(745
)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(117,996
)
 
7,665

 
(110,331
)
Ending balance
 
(96,107
)
 
(918
)
 
(97,025
)
Less: AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
(66
)
 
(66
)
Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
(96,107
)
 
$
(852
)
 
$
(96,959
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
Change in net unrealized gains on investment
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
(20,716
)
 
$
35,604

 
$
14,888

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
47,686

 
(27,975
)
 
19,711

Amounts reclassified from AOCI to net income, net of tax
 
896

 

 
896

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
48,582

 
(27,975
)
 
20,607

Ending balance
 
27,866

 
7,629

 
35,495

Less: AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
(80
)
 
(80
)
Ending balance, Maiden shareholders
 
$
27,866

 
$
7,709

 
$
35,575


32

MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

12. Subsequent Events
On August 8, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the following quarterly dividends:
 

Dividend per Share

Payable on:

Record date:
Common shares

$
0.05

 
October 15, 2018
 
October 1, 2018
Preference shares - Series A

$
0.515625

 
September 17, 2018
 
September 1, 2018
Preference shares - Series C
 
$
0.445313

 
September 17, 2018
 
September 1, 2018
Preference shares - Series D
 
$
0.418750

 
September 17, 2018
 
September 1, 2018
Also, on August 8, 2018, the Company’s and AmTrust’s Board of Directors agreed to extend the renewal provision for the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement between Maiden Bermuda and AII. The new written notice date for renewal of the agreement has been extended from September 30, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

33


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Form 10-Q" or this "Report"). References in this Form 10-Q to the terms "we", "us", "our", "the Company" or other similar terms mean the consolidated operations of Maiden Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. References in this Form 10-Q to the term "Maiden Holdings" means Maiden Holdings, Ltd. only. Certain reclassifications have been made for 2017 to conform to the 2018 presentation and have no impact on consolidated net income and total equity previously reported.
Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes projections concerning financial information and statements concerning future economic performance and events, plans and objectives relating to management, operations, products and services, and assumptions underlying these projections and statements. These projections and statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control. These projections and statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, product development, financial results and reserves. Our actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from these projections and statements and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. Factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ, possibly materially, from those in the specific projections and statements are discussed throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 1, 2018, however these factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

34


Overview
We are a Bermuda-based holding company, primarily focused on serving the needs of regional and specialty insurers in the United States ("U.S."), Europe and select other global markets by providing innovative reinsurance solutions designed to support their capital needs. We specialize in reinsurance solutions that optimize financing and risk management by providing coverage within the more predictable and actuarially credible lower layers of coverage and/or reinsuring risks that are believed to be lower hazard, more predictable and generally not susceptible to catastrophe claims. Our tailored solutions include a variety of value added services focused on helping our clients grow and prosper.
We provide reinsurance in the U.S. and Europe through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Maiden Reinsurance Ltd. ("Maiden Bermuda") and Maiden Reinsurance North America, Inc. ("Maiden US"). Internationally, we provide insurance sales and distribution services through Maiden Global Holdings, Ltd. ("Maiden Global") and its subsidiaries. Maiden Global primarily focuses on providing branded auto and credit life insurance products through insurer partners to retail clients in the European Union ("EU") and other global markets. These products also produce reinsurance programs which are underwritten by Maiden Bermuda. Certain international credit life business is written on a primary basis by Maiden Life Försäkrings AB ("Maiden LF").
Our principal operating subsidiaries, Maiden Bermuda and Maiden US, each currently has a financial strength rating of "A-" (Excellent, the fourth highest out of sixteen rating levels) with a negative outlook by A.M. Best Company ("A.M. Best"). Our common shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NASDAQ") under the symbol "MHLD".
Our business consists of two reportable segments: Diversified Reinsurance and AmTrust Reinsurance. Our Diversified Reinsurance segment consists of a portfolio of predominantly property and casualty reinsurance business focusing on regional and specialty property and casualty insurance companies located primarily in the U.S. and Europe. Our AmTrust Reinsurance segment includes all business ceded by AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. ("AmTrust") to Maiden Bermuda, primarily the AmTrust Quota Share and the European Hospital Liability Quota Share.
The reinsurance industry is mature and highly competitive. Reinsurance companies compete on the basis of many factors, including premium rates, company and underwriter relationships, general reputation and perceived financial strength, the terms and conditions of the products offered, ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, speed of claims payments, reputation and experience in risks underwritten, capacity and coverages offered and various other factors. These factors operate at the individual market participant level and generally in the aggregate across the reinsurance industry. In addition, underlying economic conditions and variations in the reinsurance buying practices of ceding companies, by participant and in the aggregate, contribute to cyclical movements in rates, terms and conditions and may impact industry aggregate results and subsequently the level of competition in the reinsurance industry.
As market conditions continue to develop, we continue to maintain our adherence to disciplined underwriting by declining business when pricing terms and conditions do not meet our underwriting standards.
Since our founding in 2007, we have entered into a series of strategic transactions, primarily in 2007, 2008 and 2010, that have significantly transformed the scope and scale of our business while maintaining our low volatility, non-catastrophe oriented risk profile. These transactions have increased our gross premiums written to an amount in excess of $2.8 billion in 2017. We have also entered into a series of capital transactions that have enabled us to support our growing reinsurance operations while significantly enhancing our total capital position to approximately $1.4 billion as at June 30, 2018 and lowering our cost of capital. The most recent capital transactions include a public offering of $150.0 million Preference Shares - Series D in June 2017 and the subsequent redemption of our 2012 Senior Notes using a portion of the proceeds from that issuance.
To date, we have not yet attained our targeted returns. We believe our efficient balance sheet and low volatility business are the primary reasons our returns have generally exceeded industry averages, despite a declining investment yield environment since our founding. Our ability to achieve our targeted returns were initially impacted by a significantly higher cost of capital. Our capital management strategy in recent years has appreciably lowered our cost of capital and improved our returns on common equity. More recently, higher than targeted combined ratios have affected our underwriting profitability and limited our progress toward our objective. While the Company believes that the underwriting initiatives we have implemented as well as the reserving actions taken during 2017 will enable us to improve our operating returns on equity in 2018 and make progress toward our long term operating return on common equity targets in the next 12 to 24 months, our Board of Directors is undertaking a review of strategic alternatives to evaluate ways to increase shareholder value, which is ongoing.
Please refer to "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for further information.

35


Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 Financial Highlights
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Summary Consolidated Statement of Income Data:
 
($ in thousands except per share data)
Net income (loss)
 
$
2,680

 
$
(16,335
)
 
$
19,015

Net loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
(5,913
)
 
(22,359
)
 
16,446

Non-GAAP operating loss(1)
 
(10,652
)
 
(12,450
)
 
1,798

Basic loss per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders(2)
 
(0.07
)
 
(0.26
)
 
0.19

Non-GAAP operating loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders(1)
 
(0.13
)
 
(0.14
)
 
0.01

Diluted loss per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders(2)(9)
 
(0.07
)
 
(0.26
)
 
0.19

Non-GAAP operating loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders(1)(9)
 
(0.13
)
 
(0.14
)
 
0.01

Dividends per common share
 
0.15

 
0.15

 

Gross premiums written
 
654,236

 
705,198

 
(50,962
)
Net premiums earned
 
667,346

 
711,125

 
(43,779
)
Underwriting loss(1)(3)
 
(32,909
)
 
(35,145
)
 
2,236

Net investment income
 
44,313

 
40,512

 
3,801

Combined ratio(4)
 
106.0
 %
 
105.8
 %
 
0.2

Annualized non-GAAP operating return on average common shareholders' equity(1)
 
(6.4
)%
 
(4.8
)%
 
(1.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018

2017

Change
Summary Consolidated Statement of Income Data:
 
($ in thousands except per share data)
Net income
 
$
25,023

 
$
10,166

 
$
14,857

Net income (loss) attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
7,814

 
(1,869
)
 
9,683

Non-GAAP operating earnings(1)
 
6,166

 
10,188

 
(4,022
)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Maiden common shareholders(2)
 
0.09

 
(0.02
)
 
0.11

Non-GAAP operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders(1)
 
0.07

 
0.12

 
(0.05
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Maiden common shareholders(2)(9)
 
0.09

 
(0.02
)
 
0.11

Non-GAAP operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders(1)
 
0.07

 
0.12

 
(0.05
)
Dividends per common share
 
0.30

 
0.30

 

Gross premiums written
 
1,506,876

 
1,628,625

 
(121,749
)
Net premiums earned
 
1,352,778

 
1,420,609

 
(67,831
)
Underwriting loss(1)(3)
 
(36,728
)
 
(34,013
)
 
(2,715
)
Net investment income
 
87,183

 
82,669

 
4,514

Combined ratio(4)
 
103.9
 %
 
103.4
 %
 
0.5

Annualized non-GAAP operating return on average common shareholders' equity(1)
 
1.8
 %
 
2.0
 %
 
(0.2
)

36


 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Change
Consolidated Financial Condition
 
($ in thousands except per share data)
Total investments and cash and cash equivalents(5)
 
$
5,238,731

 
$
5,340,274

 
$
(101,543
)
Total assets
 
6,718,188

 
6,644,189

 
73,999

Reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses ("loss and LAE")
 
3,653,303

 
3,547,248

 
106,055

Senior notes - principal amount
 
262,500

 
262,500

 

Maiden common shareholders' equity
 
640,742

 
767,174

 
(126,432
)
Maiden shareholders' equity
 
1,105,742

 
1,232,174

 
(126,432
)
Total capital resources(6)
 
1,368,242

 
1,494,674

 
(126,432
)
Ratio of debt to total capital resources
 
19.2
%
 
17.6
%
 
1.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book value per common share(7)
 
$
7.71

 
$
9.25

 
$
(1.54
)
Accumulated dividends per common share
 
4.22

 
3.92

 
0.30

Book value per common share plus accumulated dividends
 
$
11.93

 
$
13.17

 
$
(1.24
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted book value per common share(8)
 
$
7.67

 
$
9.18

 
$
(1.51
)
(1)
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss), non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) per common share, non-GAAP operating return on average common equity and underwriting (loss) income are non-GAAP financial measures. See "Key Financial Measures" for additional information and a reconciliation to the nearest U.S. GAAP financial measure net income.
(2)
Please refer to "Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 10. Earnings per Common Share" for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share.
(3)
Underwriting (loss) income is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated as net premiums earned plus other insurance revenue less net loss and LAE, commission and other acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses directly related to underwriting activities.
(4)
Calculated by adding together the net loss and LAE ratio and the expense ratio.
(5)
Total investments and cash and cash equivalents includes both restricted and unrestricted.
(6)
Total capital resources is the sum of the Company's principal amount of debt and Maiden shareholders' equity. See "Key Financial Measures" for additional information.
(7)
Book value per common share is calculated using Maiden common shareholders’ equity (shareholders' equity excluding the aggregate liquidation value of our preference shares) divided by the number of common shares outstanding.
(8)
Diluted book value per common share is calculated by dividing Maiden common shareholders' equity, adjusted for assumed proceeds from the exercise of dilutive options, by the number of outstanding common shares plus dilutive options and restricted share units (assuming exercise of all dilutive share based awards).
(9)
During a period of loss, the basic weighted average common shares outstanding is used in the denominator of the diluted loss per common share computation
as the effect of including potential dilutive shares would be anti-dilutive.
Key Financial Measures
In addition to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, management uses certain key financial measures, some of which are non-GAAP measures, to evaluate its financial performance and the overall growth in value generated for the Company’s common shareholders. Management believes that these measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, explain the Company’s results in a manner that allows for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the Company’s business. The non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These key financial measures are:
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) and non-GAAP diluted operating earnings (loss) per common share: Management believes that the use of non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) and non-GAAP diluted operating earnings (loss) per share enables investors and other users of the Company’s financial information to analyze its performance in a manner similar to how management analyzes performance. Management also believes that these measures generally follow industry practice and, therefore, allow the users of financial information to compare the Company’s performance with its industry peer group, and 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 analyses for the same reasons. Non-GAAP operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net income.
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) is an internal performance measure used by management as these measures focus on the underlying fundamentals of the Company's operations by excluding, on a recurring basis: (1) net realized gains or losses on investment; (2) foreign exchange gains or losses; (3) amortization of intangible assets; (4) loss and related activity from our run-off operations comprised of our former segment NGHC Quota Share and our divested excess and surplus ("E&S") business; (5) in 2017, accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost; and (6) certain non-cash deferred tax expenses. We exclude net realized gains or losses on investment and foreign exchange gains or losses as we believe these are influenced by market opportunities and other factors. We do not believe amortization of intangible assets, loss and related activity from our run-off operations and accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost are representative of our ongoing business. We believe all of these amounts are largely independent of our business and underwriting process and including them distorts the analysis of trends in our operations.
Underwriting (loss) income is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated as net premiums earned plus other insurance revenue less net loss and LAE, commission and other acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses directly related to underwriting activities. Management believes that this measure is important in evaluating the underwriting performance of the

37


Company and its segments. This measure is also a useful tool to measure the profitability of the Company separately from the investment results and is also a widely used performance indicator in the insurance industry. A reconciliation of the Company's underwriting results can be found in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Please refer to "Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 3. Segment Reporting" for further details.
Non-GAAP operating (loss) earnings and non-GAAP diluted operating (loss) earnings per common share can be reconciled to the nearest U.S. GAAP financial measure as follows:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
($ in thousands except per share data)
Net loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
(5,913
)
 
$
(22,359
)
Add (subtract):
 
 
 
 
Net realized losses (gains) on investment
 
414

 
(1,572
)
Foreign exchange (gains) losses
 
(4,821
)
 
6,722

Amortization of intangible assets
 
462

 
533

Divested E&S business and NGHC run-off
 
(1,002
)
 
1,127

Accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost
 

 
2,809

Non-cash deferred tax expense
 
208

 
290

Non-GAAP operating loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
(10,652
)
 
$
(12,450
)
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted loss per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(0.26
)
Add (subtract):
 
 
 
 
Net realized losses (gains) on investment
 

 
(0.02
)
Foreign exchange (gains) losses
 
(0.06
)
 
0.08

Amortization of intangible assets
 
0.01

 
0.01

Divested E&S business and NGHC run-off
 
(0.01
)
 
0.02

Accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost
 

 
0.03

Non-GAAP diluted operating loss per common share
 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
($ in thousands except per share data)
Net income (loss) attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
7,814

 
$
(1,869
)
Add (subtract):
 
 
 
 
Net realized losses (gains) on investment
 
57

 
(2,457
)
Foreign exchange (gains) losses
 
(2,414
)
 
8,643

Amortization of intangible assets
 
924

 
1,066

Divested E&S business and NGHC run-off
 
(597
)
 
1,416

Accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost
 

 
2,809

Non-cash deferred tax expense
 
382

 
580

Non-GAAP operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
6,166

 
$
10,188

 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.02
)
Add (subtract):
 
 
 
 
Net realized losses (gains) on investment
 

 
(0.03
)
Foreign exchange (gains) losses
 
(0.03
)
 
0.10

Amortization of intangible assets
 
0.01

 
0.01

Divested E&S business and NGHC run-off
 
(0.01
)
 
0.02

Accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost
 

 
0.03

Non-cash deferred tax expense
 
0.01

 
0.01

Non-GAAP diluted operating earnings per common share
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.12

Non-GAAP operating loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders decreased by $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. This was largely due to decreased underwriting loss of $2.2 million during

38


the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 particularly caused by higher initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned during the period. This was partially offset by net investment income which increased $3.8 million compared to the same period in 2017. Incurred losses decreased due to the decline in net premiums earned and, to a smaller extent, reduced adverse prior year loss development during the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. Furthermore, the total loss ratio decreased by 0.7 points year-over-year. Please refer to "Results of Operations - Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses" on page 45 for the reasons regarding the changes in the loss ratio.
Non-GAAP operating earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders decreased by $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. This was largely due to increased underwriting loss of $2.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 particularly caused by higher initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned during the period. This was partially offset by net investment income which increased $4.5 million compared to the same period in 2017.
Non-GAAP Operating Return on Average Common Equity ("Non-GAAP Operating ROACE"): Management uses non-GAAP operating return on average common shareholders' equity as a measure of profitability that focuses on the return to common shareholders. It is calculated using non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) available to common shareholders (as defined above) divided by average common shareholders' equity. Management has set, as a target, a long-term average of 15% non-GAAP Operating ROACE, which management believes provides an attractive return to shareholders for the risk assumed from our business.
Non-GAAP Operating ROACE for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was computed as follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
($ in thousands)
Non-GAAP operating (loss) earnings attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
(10,652
)
 
$
(12,450
)
 
$
6,166

 
$
10,188

Opening Maiden common shareholders’ equity
 
692,910

 
1,054,759

 
767,174

 
1,045,797

Ending Maiden common shareholders’ equity
 
640,742

 
1,035,399

 
640,742

 
1,035,399

Average Maiden common shareholders’ equity
 
666,826

 
1,045,079

 
703,958

 
1,040,598

Non-GAAP Operating ROACE
 
(6.4
)%
 
(4.8
)%
 
1.8
%
 
2.0
%
Book Value per Common Share and Diluted Book Value per Common Share: Management uses growth in both of these metrics as a prime measure of the value we are generating for our common shareholders, as management believes that growth in each metric ultimately results in growth in the Company’s common share price. These metrics are impacted by the Company’s net income and external factors, such as interest rates, which can drive changes in unrealized gains or losses on our investment portfolio. At June 30, 2018, book value per common share decreased by 16.6% and diluted book value per common share decreased by 16.4%, compared to December 31, 2017, primarily due to the decline in AOCI during the period as well as the decrease in retained earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. Please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Investments" on page 53 for further information on the change in fair value of our fixed maturity investment portfolio.
Book value and diluted book value per common share at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were computed as follows:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Ending Maiden common shareholders’ equity
 
$
640,742

 
$
767,174

Proceeds from assumed conversion of dilutive options
 
7,074

 
9,416

Numerator for diluted book value per common share calculation
 
$
647,816

 
$
776,590

 
 
 
 
 
Common shares outstanding
 
83,143,237

 
82,974,895

Shares issued from assumed conversion of dilutive options and restricted share units
 
1,271,676

 
1,627,236

Denominator for diluted book value per common share calculation
 
84,414,913

 
84,602,131

 
 
 
 
 
Book value per common share
 
$
7.71

 
$
9.25

Diluted book value per common share
 
$
7.67

 
$
9.18


39


Ratio of Debt to Total Capital Resources: Management uses this non-GAAP measure to monitor the financial leverage of the Company. This measure is calculated using the total principal amount of debt divided by the sum of total capital resources. The ratio of Debt to Total Capital Resources at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was computed as follows:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
($ in thousands)
Senior notes - principal amount
 
$
262,500

 
$
262,500

Maiden shareholders’ equity
 
1,105,742

 
1,232,174

Total capital resources
 
$
1,368,242

 
$
1,494,674

Ratio of debt to total capital resources
 
19.2
%
 
17.6
%
Certain Operating Measures and Relevant Factors
Refer to "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for a general discussion on "Certain Operating Measures" utilized by the Company and the "Relevant Factors" associated with these Certain Operating Measures.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company's critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018. The critical accounting policies and estimates should be read in conjunction with "Part I, Item 1 - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies" included in this Form 10Q and "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies" included within the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018. There have been no material changes in the application of our critical accounting estimates subsequent to that report.

40


Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our selected unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income data for each of the periods indicated:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Gross premiums written
 
$
654,236

 
$
705,198

 
$
1,506,876

 
$
1,628,625

Net premiums written
 
$
645,589

 
$
684,072

 
$
1,494,922

 
$
1,584,620

Net premiums earned
 
$
667,346

 
$
711,125

 
$
1,352,778

 
$
1,420,609

Other insurance revenue
 
2,033

 
1,547

 
5,759

 
5,328

Net loss and LAE
 
(491,554
)
 
(528,620
)
 
(964,878
)
 
(1,009,189
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(198,745
)
 
(210,039
)
 
(407,359
)
 
(432,068
)
General and administrative expenses(1)
 
(11,989
)
 
(9,158
)
 
(23,028
)
 
(18,693
)
Underwriting loss(2)
 
(32,909
)
 
(35,145
)
 
(36,728
)
 
(34,013
)
Other general and administrative expenses(1)
 
(7,585
)
 
(6,188
)
 
(16,496
)
 
(14,067
)
Net investment income
 
44,313

 
40,512

 
87,183

 
82,669

Net realized (losses) gains on investment
 
(414
)
 
1,572

 
(57
)
 
2,457

Accelerated amortization of senior note issuance cost
 

 
(2,809
)
 

 
(2,809
)
Amortization of intangible assets
 
(462
)
 
(533
)
 
(924
)
 
(1,066
)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
 
4,821

 
(6,722
)
 
2,414

 
(8,643
)
Interest and amortization expenses
 
(4,829
)
 
(6,745
)
 
(9,658
)
 
(13,601
)
Income tax expense
 
(255
)
 
(277
)
 
(711
)
 
(761
)
Net income (loss)
 
2,680

 
(16,335
)
 
25,023

 
10,166

(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(47
)
 
9

 
(118
)
 
31

Dividends on preference shares
 
(8,546
)
 
(6,033
)
 
(17,091
)
 
(12,066
)
Net (loss) income attributable to Maiden common shareholders
 
$
(5,913
)
 
$
(22,359
)
 
$
7,814

 
$
(1,869
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and LAE ratio(3)
 
73.4
%
 
74.1
%
 
71.0
%
 
70.8
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio(4)
 
29.7
%
 
29.5
%
 
30.0
%
 
30.3
%
General and administrative expense ratio(5)
 
2.9
%
 
2.2
%
 
2.9
%
 
2.3
%
Expense ratio(6)
 
32.6
%
 
31.7
%
 
32.9
%
 
32.6
%
Combined ratio(7)
 
106.0
%
 
105.8
%
 
103.9
%
 
103.4
%
(1)
Underwriting related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to "General and Administrative Expenses" below for additional information related to these corporate expenses and the reconciliation to those presented in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2)
Underwriting loss is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated as net premiums earned plus other insurance revenue less net loss and LAE, commission and other acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses directly related to underwriting activities.
(3)
Calculated by dividing net loss and LAE by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.
(4)
Calculated by dividing commission and other acquisition expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.
(5)
Calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by the sum of net premiums earned and other insurance revenue.
(6)
Calculated by adding together commission and other acquisition expense ratio and general and administrative expense ratio.
(7)
Calculated by adding together net loss and LAE ratio and the expense ratio.

41


Net Income
Net loss attributable to Maiden common shareholders for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $5.9 million compared to $22.4 million for the same period in 2017. The net decrease in net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily the result of the following:
lower underwriting loss of $32.9 million compared to $35.1 million in the same period in 2017. The lower underwriting loss was principally due to:
reduced adverse prior year loss development in both operating segments during the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 and the absence of elevated property losses which occurred in the comparative period in 2017; and
offsetting the reduction in incurred losses was the impact of lower premiums earned which decreased in both our operating segments compared to the same period in 2017.
increased net investment income of $3.8 million or 9.4%, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 largely due to an increase in average yields to 3.3% during the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 3.1% during the same period in 2017. Also, average investable assets increased by 3.6% from the same period in 2017. Please refer to the Net Investment Income section below for further discussion of the movement in average yields; and
lower interest and amortization expenses which decreased by $1.9 million or 28.4% compared to the same period in 2017 due to the subsequent redemption of the 2012 Senior Notes on June 27, 2017. The prior period also included a charge of $2.8 million resulting from the acceleration of the amortization of the 2012 Senior Notes issuance cost; and
foreign exchange gains of $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to foreign exchange losses of $6.7 million for the same period in 2017 due to the recent depreciation of the euro and British pound against the U.S. dollar.
The favorable movements above were offset by the following:
realized losses on investment of $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to realized gains of $1.6 million for the same period in 2017;
general and administrative expenses increased by $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 due to increases in audit, legal, actuarial and other professional fees and technology-related expenses; and
higher dividends paid to preference shareholders of $8.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $6.0 million for the same period in 2017 due to the issuance of Preference Shares - Series D on June 15, 2017.
Net income attributable to Maiden common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $7.8 million compared to a net loss of $1.9 million for the same period in 2017. The net increase for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily the result of the following:
increased net investment income of $4.5 million or 5.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. While there was no change in average yields of 3.2% during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, average investable assets increased by 5.4% from the same period in 2017. Please refer to the Net Investment Income section below for further discussion of the movement in average yields;
lower interest and amortization expenses which decreased by $3.9 million or 29.0% compared to the same period in 2017 due to the subsequent redemption of the 2012 Senior Notes on June 27, 2017. The prior period also included a charge of $2.8 million resulting from the acceleration of the amortization of the 2012 Senior Notes issuance cost; and
foreign exchange gains of $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to foreign exchange losses of $8.6 million for the same period in 2017 due to the recent weakening of the euro and British pound against the U.S. dollar.
The favorable movements above were offset by the following:
an underwriting loss of $36.7 million compared to an underwriting loss of $34.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017. The deterioration in the underwriting result was principally due to:
higher initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned in both our operating segments factoring in both market conditions and recent loss trends and experience offset by reduced adverse prior year loss development in both operating segments during the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017; and
impact of lower premiums earned which decreased in both our operating segments compared to the same period in 2017.
realized losses on investment of $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to realized gains of $2.5 million for the same period in 2017;
general and administrative expenses increased by $6.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 due to increases in audit, legal, actuarial and other professional fees and technology-related expenses; and
higher dividends paid to preference shareholders of $17.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $12.1 million for the same period in 2017 due to the issuance of Preference Shares - Series D on June 15, 2017.

42


Net Premiums Written
Net premiums written decreased by $38.5 million or 5.6% and $89.7 million or 5.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The tables below compare net premiums written by our reportable segments, reconciled to the total consolidated net premiums written for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
($ in thousands)
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
154,278

 
23.9
%
 
$
137,247

 
20.1
%
 
$
17,031

 
12.4
 %
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
491,311

 
76.1
%
 
546,735

 
79.9
%
 
(55,424
)
 
(10.1
)%
Total - reportable segments
 
645,589

 
100.0
%
 
683,982

 
100.0
%
 
(38,393
)
 
(5.6
)%
Other
 

 
%
 
90

 
%
 
(90
)
 
NM

Total
 
$
645,589

 
100.0
%
 
$
684,072

 
100.0
%
 
$
(38,483
)
 
(5.6
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
($ in thousands)
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
429,231

 
28.7
%
 
$
464,743

 
29.3
%
 
$
(35,512
)
 
(7.6
)%
AmTrust Reinsurance
 
1,065,691

 
71.3
%
 
1,119,787

 
70.7
%
 
(54,096
)
 
(4.8
)%
Total - reportable segments
 
1,494,922

 
100.0
%
 
1,584,530

 
100.0
%
 
(89,608
)
 
(5.7
)%
Other
 

 
%
 
90

 
%
 
(90
)
 
NM

Total
 
$
1,494,922

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,584,620

 
100.0
%
 
$
(89,698
)
 
(5.7
)%
NM - not meaningful
The net decrease in net premiums written for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was the result of the following:
net premiums written in our AmTrust Reinsurance segment decreased by $55.4 million or 10.1% mainly due to a combination of market conditions and underwriting measures applied by AmTrust during the period, particularly in workers' compensation. This decline was net of the reduction in the utilization of retrocessional capacity in 2018 compared to the same period in 2017; and
slightly offsetting this decrease was the net premiums written in our Diversified Reinsurance segment in the second quarter of 2018 which was higher by $17.0 million or 12.4% principally due to lower amount of written premium in the prior year comparative period resulting from the commutation of a large account in our US business in the second quarter of 2017. Current year results, however, included new account growth and expansion of other client relationships in our European capital solutions business.
The decreased net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was the result of the following:
net premiums written in our Diversified Reinsurance segment decreased by $35.5 million or 7.6% due to non-renewals and re-underwriting of certain contracts in 2017 and during the six months ended June 30, 2018. This was partly offset by new account growth and expansion of other client relationships in our European capital solutions business during the first half of 2018; and
decrease in net premiums written in our AmTrust Reinsurance segment by $54.1 million or 4.8% mainly due to a combination of market conditions and underwriting measures applied by AmTrust during the period, particularly in workers' compensation. This decline was net of the reduction in the utilization of retrocessional capacity in 2018.
Please refer to the analysis below of our Diversified Reinsurance and AmTrust Reinsurance segments for further details.

43


Net Premiums Earned
Net premiums earned decreased by $43.8 million or 6.2% and $67.8 million or 4.8% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The tables below compare net premiums earned by our reportable segments, reconciled to the total consolidated net premiums earned, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
($ in thousands)
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
191,497

 
28.7
%
 
$
204,219

 
28.7
%
 
$
(12,722
)
 
(6.2
)%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
475,849

 
71.3
%
 
506,816

 
71.3
%
 
(30,967
)
 
(6.1
)%
Total - reportable segments
 
667,346

 
100.0
%
 
711,035

 
100.0
%
 
(43,689
)
 
(6.1
)%
Other
 

 
%
 
90

 
%
 
(90
)
 
NM

Total
 
$
667,346

 
100.0
%
 
$
711,125

 
100.0
%
 
$
(43,779
)
 
(6.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
($ in thousands)
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
385,631

 
28.5
%
 
$
406,061

 
28.6
%
 
$
(20,430
)
 
(5.0
)%
AmTrust Quota Share Reinsurance
 
967,147

 
71.5
%
 
1,014,458

 
71.4
%
 
(47,311
)
 
(4.7
)%
Total - reportable segments
 
1,352,778

 
100.0
%
 
1,420,519

 
100.0
%
 
(67,741
)
 
(4.8
)%
Other
 

 
%
 
90

 
%
 
(90
)
 
NM

Total
 
$
1,352,778

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,420,609

 
100.0
%
 
$
(67,831
)
 
(4.8
)%
NM - not meaningful
Net premiums earned in the AmTrust Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $31.0 million or 6.1% and $47.3 million or 4.7% compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively, mainly due to the decline in net premiums written in the AmTrust quota share. Please refer to the analysis of our AmTrust Reinsurance segment on page 49 for further discussion.
Net premiums earned in our Diversified Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $12.7 million or 6.2% and $20.4 million or 5.0% compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively, driven by non-renewals and re-underwriting of certain contracts in 2017 and during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Please refer to the analysis of our Diversified Reinsurance segment on page 46 for further discussion.
Other Insurance Revenue 
All of our Other Insurance Revenue is produced by our Diversified Reinsurance segment. Please refer to page 47 for further discussion.
Net Investment Income and Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investment
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, net investment income increased by $3.8 million or 9.4% and $4.5 million or 5.5% compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively, due to the growth in average investable assets of 3.6% and 5.4% respectively. This was also driven by the increase in average book yield from 3.1% to 3.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 with no change in yields of 3.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the respective prior periods.
Also affecting the comparison was lower amortization income from the call of certain securities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 which produced income of $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, compared to calls during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 which generated additional amortization income of $1.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively (which added 0.1 and 0.2 points to average book yield in the comparative periods in 2017, respectively).
Net realized losses on investment were $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to net realized gains of $1.6 million and $2.5 million for the same periods in 2017, respectively.
The following table details the Company's average investable assets and average book yield for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Average investable assets(1)
 
$
5,395,308

 
$
5,206,117

 
$
5,432,955

 
$
5,153,426

Average book yield(2)
 
3.3
%
 
3.1
%
 
3.2
%
 
3.2
%
(1)
The average of the Company's investments, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents and loan to related party at each quarter-end during the period.
(2)
Ratio of net investment income over average investable assets at fair value.


44



Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Net loss and LAE decreased by $37.1 million and $44.3 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively, due to less adverse prior year loss development compared to the prior periods. This development, which is discussed in greater detail in the individual segment discussion and analysis, was primarily in our AmTrust Reinsurance segment, however adverse development was also experienced in our Diversified Reinsurance Segment. The net loss and LAE ratios were 73.4% and 71.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 74.1% and 70.8% for the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Excluding the impact of prior year loss development, our net loss and LAE ratio would have been 68.1% and 67.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 66.3% and 65.7% for the same periods in 2017, respectively. The increase in loss ratios reflects higher initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned in both our Diversified Reinsurance and AmTrust Reinsurance segments factoring in both market conditions and recent loss trends and experience.
The impact on the net loss and LAE ratios in each period should be considered in conjunction with the commission and other acquisition expense ratio as changes to either ratio can be affected by changes in the mix of business and the impact of the change in the commission and other acquisition expense rates on quota share contracts with loss sensitive features. As a result of these factors, as well as the adverse prior year loss development experienced in both the Diversified Reinsurance and AmTrust Reinsurance segments, the combined ratio increased by 0.2 and 0.5 points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses
Commission and other acquisition expenses decreased by $11.3 million or 5.4% and $24.7 million or 5.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The commission and other acquisition expense ratios increased slightly to 29.7% and decreased to 30.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 29.5% and 30.3% for the same periods in 2017, respectively. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio is largely dependent on the mix of business within the AmTrust Reinsurance segment and the mix of pro-rata and excess of loss business as well as the impact of loss sensitive features in some contracts within the Diversified Reinsurance segment. Please refer to the reasons for the changes in the combined ratio discussed in the Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses section above.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses include expenses which are segregated for analytical purposes as a component of underwriting income. General and administrative expenses consist of:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
General and administrative expenses – segments
 
$
11,989

 
$
9,158

 
$
23,028

 
$
18,693

General and administrative expenses – corporate
 
7,585

 
6,188

 
16,496

 
14,067

Total general and administrative expenses
 
$
19,574

 
$
15,346

 
$
39,524

 
$
32,760

Total general and administrative expenses increased by $4.2 million, or 27.6% and $6.8 million, or 20.6%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively, due to increases in audit, legal, actuarial and other professional fees and technology-related expenses. The general and administrative expense ratio increased to 2.9% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 from 2.2% and 2.3% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, as a result of increased expenses and lower earned premium compared to the prior periods.
Interest and Amortization Expenses
The interest and amortization expenses related to Senior Notes were $4.8 million and $9.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $6.7 million and $13.6 million for the same periods in 2017, respectively. The decrease in interest expense was due to the redemption of the 8.0% 2012 Senior Notes on June 27, 2017.  As a result of this redemption, the Company accelerated the amortization of the remaining 2012 Senior Note issuance cost of $2.8 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. Please refer to "Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 6. Long Term Debt" for details on the Company’s Senior Notes. The weighted average effective interest rate for the Company's debt was 7.64% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 7.82% for the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Income Tax Expense
The Company recorded income tax expense of $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $0.3 million and $0.8 million for the same periods in 2017, respectively. These amounts relate to income tax on the earnings of our international subsidiaries, non-cash U.S. deferred tax expense relating to timing differences and state taxes incurred by our U.S. subsidiaries. The effective rate of income tax was 8.7% and 2.8% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to (1.7)% and 7.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.
Dividends on Preference Shares
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, dividends paid to preference shareholders increased by $2.5 million or 41.7% and $5.0 million or 41.6% compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The increase is attributable to the dividends paid during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 on the Preference Shares - Series D (the "Preference Shares - Series D") that were issued on June 15, 2017. Please refer to "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 13. Shareholders' Equity"

45


included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for details on the Company’s preference shares.
Underwriting Results by Reportable Segment
Diversified Reinsurance Segment
The underwriting results and associated ratios for our Diversified Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Gross premiums written
 
$
162,751

 
$
140,841

 
$
441,463

 
$
472,886

Net premiums written
 
154,278

 
137,247

 
429,231

 
464,743

Net premiums earned
 
191,497

 
204,219

 
385,631

 
406,061

Other insurance revenue
 
2,033

 
1,547

 
5,759

 
5,328

Net loss and LAE
 
(138,561
)
 
(176,837
)
 
(274,173
)
 
(315,486
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(46,112
)
 
(46,989
)
 
(97,410
)
 
(104,934
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(10,907
)
 
(8,494
)
 
(21,026
)
 
(17,224
)
Underwriting loss
 
$
(2,050
)
 
$
(26,554
)
 
$
(1,219
)
 
$
(26,255
)
Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and LAE ratio
 
71.7
%
 
86.0
%
 
70.0
%
 
76.7
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
 
23.8
%
 
22.8
%
 
24.9
%
 
25.5
%
General and administrative expense ratio
 
5.6
%
 
4.1
%
 
5.4
%
 
4.2
%
Expense ratio
 
29.4
%
 
26.9
%
 
30.3
%
 
29.7
%
Combined ratio
 
101.1
%
 
112.9
%
 
100.3
%
 
106.4
%
The combined ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2018 decreased to 101.1% compared to 112.9% for the same period in 2017 due primarily to the following:
lower adverse prior year development compared to the prior periods offset slightly by higher general and administrative expenses. The combined ratio decreased by 11.8 points for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 which reflects lower adverse prior year loss development of $8.0 million from expected loss emergence emanating largely from General Liability and Commercial Auto Liability treaty contracts. The adverse prior year loss development during the second quarter of 2017 of $25.4 million came largely from facultative commercial auto as well as a handful of specific contracts across several lines of business, with over half of the development for the quarter coming from three accounts.
excluding prior year loss development, the combined ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2018 would have been 96.9% compared to 100.5% for the same period in 2017, reflecting elevated property losses during the second quarter of 2017.
The combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased to 100.3% compared to 106.4% for the same period in 2017. The decrease in combined ratio of 6.1 points was due to the following:
lower net adverse development which was $9.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $31.6 million for the same period in 2017. The 2018 development was largely due to higher than expected loss emergence emanating largely from General Liability and Commercial Auto Liability treaty contracts. The adverse development during the first half of 2017 was primarily from facultative commercial auto as well as a handful of specific contracts across several lines of business, with over half of the development coming from three accounts. In addition, there was a non-recurring change in the actuarial assumptions for a large German personal auto account within International personal auto.
excluding prior year loss development, the combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2018 would have been 98.0% compared to 98.7% for the same period in 2017, reflecting lower initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned during the period.
Premiums - Gross premiums written increased by $21.9 million or 15.6% and decreased by $31.4 million or 6.6% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The decline for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily due to non-renewals and re-underwriting of certain contracts in the U.S. in both 2017 and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, with one large terminated account having returned premium of $17.5 million. Also, the commutation of a large account during the second quarter of 2017 caused the current year quarter result to show a favorable movement. Adding to the increase in gross premiums written during the three months ended June 30, 2018 were new account growth and expansion of other client relationships within the U.S. and International business. However, this only slightly offset the overall decrease in gross premiums written during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

46


Net premiums written increased by $17.0 million or 12.4% during the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 mainly due to higher net premiums written in our International business in the current period and lower utilization of retrocessional capacity. Net premiums written for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $35.5 million or 7.6% largely as a result of lower business written in Casualty lines due to non-renewals and re-underwriting of certain contracts in the U.S. in both 2017 and during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The tables below show net premiums written by line of business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Property
 
$
20,464

 
13.3
%
 
$
21,059

 
15.3
%
 
$
(595
)
 
(2.8
)%
Casualty
 
90,418

 
58.6
%
 
84,219

 
61.4
%
 
6,199

 
7.4
 %
Accident and Health
 
13,678

 
8.9
%
 
8,909

 
6.5
%
 
4,769

 
53.5
 %
International
 
29,718

 
19.2
%
 
23,060

 
16.8
%
 
6,658

 
28.9
 %
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
154,278

 
100.0
%
 
$
137,247

 
100.0
%
 
$
17,031

 
12.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018

2017
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Property
 
$
81,445

 
19.0
%
 
$
94,436

 
20.3
%
 
$
(12,991
)
 
(13.8
)%
Casualty
 
213,358

 
49.7
%
 
261,777

 
56.3
%
 
(48,419
)
 
(18.5
)%
Accident and Health
 
56,480

 
13.1
%
 
57,558

 
12.4
%
 
(1,078
)
 
(1.9
)%
International
 
77,948

 
18.2
%
 
50,972

 
11.0
%
 
26,976

 
52.9
 %
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
429,231

 
100.0
%
 
$
464,743

 
100.0
%
 
$
(35,512
)
 
(7.6
)%
Net premiums earned decreased by $12.7 million or 6.2% and $20.4 million or 5.0% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The tables below show net premiums earned by line of business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Property
 
$
34,028

 
17.8
%
 
$
39,632

 
19.4
%
 
$
(5,604
)
 
(14.1
)%
Casualty
 
107,588

 
56.2
%
 
121,563

 
59.5
%
 
(13,975
)
 
(11.5
)%
Accident and Health
 
21,342

 
11.1
%
 
20,409

 
10.0
%
 
933

 
4.6
 %
International
 
28,539

 
14.9
%
 
22,615

 
11.1
%
 
5,924

 
26.2
 %
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
191,497

 
100.0
%
 
$
204,219

 
100.0
%
 
$
(12,722
)
 
(6.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Property
 
$
72,410

 
18.8
%
 
$
79,526

 
19.6
%
 
$
(7,116
)
 
(8.9
)%
Casualty
 
216,234

 
56.1
%
 
244,713

 
60.3
%
 
(28,479
)
 
(11.6
)%
Accident and Health
 
42,974

 
11.1
%
 
41,098

 
10.1
%
 
1,876

 
4.6
 %
International
 
54,013

 
14.0
%
 
40,724

 
10.0
%
 
13,289

 
32.6
 %
Total Diversified Reinsurance
 
$
385,631

 
100.0
%
 
$
406,061

 
100.0
%
 
$
(20,430
)
 
(5.0
)%
The business written by Maiden US experienced a decrease in net premiums earned for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017 largely due to non-renewals and other underwriting actions taken in 2017 and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, as well as the returned premium of $17.5 million relating to a terminated account in the first quarter of 2018.
Other Insurance Revenue - Other insurance revenue, which represents fee income from our IIS business that is not directly associated with premium revenue assumed by the Company increased by $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively.

47


Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Net loss and LAE decreased by $38.3 million or 21.6% and $41.3 million or 13.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. Net loss and LAE ratios decreased to 71.7% and 70.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared with 86.0% and 76.7% during the same periods in 2017, respectively.
During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the net loss and LAE ratio decreased by 14.3 points compared to the same period in 2017 due to the following factors:
lower initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned during the period due to lower property losses versus the prior year period and a higher proportion of pro-rata premiums earned in the current period. Pro-rata contracts generally have lower loss ratios and higher commission expense. Excluding prior year loss development, the net loss and LAE ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2018 would have been 67.5% compared to 73.6% for the same period in 2017. Initial loss ratios for current casualty premiums earned during the period are higher in 2018 than in 2017; and
lower adverse prior year loss development which was $8.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $25.4 million for the same period in 2017. The 2018 development was from higher than expected loss emergence emanating largely from General Liability and Commercial Auto Liability treaty contracts. The prior year loss development in 2017 was primarily due to adverse development in facultative commercial auto  as well as a handful of specific contracts across several lines of business, with over half of the development for the quarter coming from three accounts
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the net loss and LAE ratio decreased by 6.7 points compared to the same period in 2017 due to the following factors:
lower initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned during the period factoring in both market conditions and recent loss trends and experience. Excluding prior year loss development, the net loss and LAE ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2018 would have been 67.7% compared to 69.0% for the same period in 2017 and reflects lower initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned during the period, factoring in both market conditions and recent loss trends and experience, as well as elevated property losses incurred during the second quarter of 2017; and
lower adverse prior year loss development which was $9.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $31.6 million for the same period in 2017. The 2018 development was from higher than expected loss emergence emanating largely from General Liability and Commercial Auto Liability treaty contracts. The prior year loss development in 2017 was primarily due to adverse development in facultative commercial auto as well as a handful of specific contracts across several lines of business, with over half of the development for the quarter coming from three accounts. In addition, there was a non-recurring change in the actuarial assumptions for a large German personal auto account within International personal auto.
The impact on the net loss and LAE ratios should be considered in conjunction with the commission and other acquisition expense ratio as changes to either ratio can be effected by the changes in the mix of business and the impact of the increase in the commission and other acquisition expense rates on pro-rata contracts with loss sensitive features. As a result of these factors, as well as the impacts on the loss ratio described above, the combined ratio decreased by 11.8 and 6.1 points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses - Commission and other acquisition expenses decreased by $0.9 million or 1.9% and $7.5 million or 7.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2018 increased to 23.8% compared to 22.8% for the same period in 2017, reflecting the higher proportion of pro-rata premium earned during the quarter compared to last year. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased to 24.9% compared to 25.5% for the same period in 2017.
The variation in ratios for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were primarily due to the change in the mix of pro rata versus excess of loss premiums written as well as loss sensitive features in our Diversified Reinsurance segment driven by prior year adverse development. Please refer to the reasons for the changes in the combined ratio discussed in the preceding paragraphs.
General and Administrative Expenses - General and administrative expenses increased by $2.4 million or 28.4% and $3.8 million or 22.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively, due to higher technology-related expenses. The general and administrative expense ratio was 5.6% and 5.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 4.1% and 4.2% for the same periods in 2017, respectively. The overall expense ratio (including commission and other acquisition expenses) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was 29.4% and 30.3% compared to 26.9% and 29.7% for the same periods in 2017, respectively.

48


AmTrust Reinsurance Segment
The AmTrust Reinsurance segment reported an underwriting loss of $31.9 million and $36.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $7.5 million and $6.3 million in the comparative periods in 2017, respectively. This was primarily due to the reduction in premiums earned and higher initial current year loss ratios for premiums earned during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 partly offset by lower adverse prior year loss development compared to the same periods in 2017. The underwriting results and associated ratios for the AmTrust Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Gross premiums written
 
$
491,485

 
$
564,276

 
$
1,065,413

 
$
1,155,658

Net premiums written
 
491,311

 
546,735

 
1,065,691

 
1,119,787

Net premiums earned
 
475,849

 
506,816

 
967,147

 
1,014,458

Net loss and LAE
 
(353,836
)
 
(350,561
)
 
(691,143
)
 
(692,192
)
Commission and other acquisition expenses
 
(152,792
)
 
(163,055
)
 
(310,108
)
 
(327,139
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(1,082
)
 
(664
)
 
(2,002
)
 
(1,469
)
Underwriting loss
 
$
(31,861
)
 
$
(7,464
)
 
$
(36,106
)
 
$
(6,342
)
Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss and LAE ratio
 
74.4
%
 
69.2
%
 
71.4
%
 
68.3
%
Commission and other acquisition expense ratio
 
32.1
%
 
32.2
%
 
32.1
%
 
32.2
%
General and administrative expense ratio
 
0.2
%
 
0.1
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.1
%
Expense ratio
 
32.3
%
 
32.3
%
 
32.3
%
 
32.3
%
Combined ratio
 
106.7
%
 
101.5
%
 
103.7
%
 
100.6
%
The combined ratio increased to 106.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 101.5% for the same period in 2017 due to the following:
higher initial loss ratios for current year premiums earned during the period factoring in both market conditions and recent loss trends and experience. Excluding prior year loss development, the combined ratio for the current period would have been 100.7% compared to 95.7% for 2017; and
slightly lower adverse prior year loss development which was $28.4 million during the second quarter of 2018, compared to $29.4 million for the same period in 2017. Adverse prior year loss development in 2018 was largely from Worker's Compensation and General Liability. The 2017 adverse prior year loss development was primarily related to non-program casualty where elevated loss activity had been observed, as well as in European hospital liability where estimated loss ratios were adjusted for the most recent years in view of developing trends and economic factors.
The combined ratio increased to 103.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 100.6% for the same period in 2017 due to the following:
higher initial loss ratios for current year premiums earned during the period factoring in both market conditions and recent loss trends and experience. Excluding prior year loss development, the combined ratio for the current period would have been 99.9% compared to 96.6% for 2017; and
slightly lower adverse prior year loss development which was $36.9 million during the first half of 2018, compared to $39.7 million for the same period in 2017. Adverse prior year loss development in 2018 was largely from Worker's Compensation and General Liability, with a smaller contribution from Commercial Auto Liability, primarily driven by accident years 2015 and 2016. The 2017 adverse prior year loss development was primarily related to non-program casualty and European hospital liability lines of business.
Premiums - Gross premiums written decreased by $72.8 million or 12.9% and $90.2 million or 7.8% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The decrease in gross premiums written for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017 reflects reductions primarily in the Small Commercial business lines.

49


The tables below show net premiums written by category for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
$
279,486

 
56.9
%
 
$
340,840

 
62.3
%
 
$
(61,354
)
 
(18.0
)%
Specialty Program
 
103,196

 
21.0
%
 
100,082

 
18.3
%
 
3,114

 
3.1
 %
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
108,629

 
22.1
%
 
105,813

 
19.4
%
 
2,816

 
2.7
 %
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
$
491,311

 
100.0
%
 
$
546,735

 
100.0
%
 
$
(55,424
)
 
(10.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Written
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
$
647,240

 
60.7
%
 
$
733,406

 
65.5
%
 
$
(86,166
)
 
(11.7
)%
Specialty Program
 
192,327

 
18.1
%
 
191,951

 
17.1
%
 
376

 
0.2
 %
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
226,124

 
21.2
%
 
194,430

 
17.4
%
 
31,694

 
16.3
 %
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
$
1,065,691

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,119,787

 
100.0
%
 
$
(54,096
)
 
(4.8
)%
Net premiums written in our AmTrust Reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 decreased by $55.4 million or 10.1% and $54.1 million or 4.8% compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively, largely due to the decline in Small Commercial Business assumed from AmTrust slightly offset by lower utilization of retrocessional capacity compared to comparative periods in 2017. The decrease in Small Commercial Business was due to combination of market conditions and underwriting measures applied by AmTrust during the period. The ratio of net premiums written to gross premiums written increased to almost 100.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 96.9% and 96.9% for the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Net premiums earned decreased by $31.0 million or 6.1% and $47.3 million or 4.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively, mainly due to the decline in net premiums written on the AmTrust quota share. The tables below detail net premiums earned by category for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
$
293,514

 
61.7
%
 
$
315,100

 
62.2
%
 
$
(21,586
)
 
(6.9
)%
Specialty Program
 
96,739

 
20.3
%
 
92,262

 
18.2
%
 
4,477

 
4.9
 %
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
85,596

 
18.0
%
 
99,454

 
19.6
%
 
(13,858
)
 
(13.9
)%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
$
475,849

 
100.0
%
 
$
506,816

 
100.0
%
 
$
(30,967
)
 
(6.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change in
 
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
$
 
%
Net Premiums Earned
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Small Commercial Business
 
$
609,223

 
63.0
%
 
$
632,009

 
62.3
%
 
$
(22,786
)
 
(3.6
)%
Specialty Program
 
185,233

 
19.1
%
 
192,010

 
18.9
%
 
(6,777
)
 
(3.5
)%
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
 
172,691

 
17.9
%
 
190,439

 
18.8
%
 
(17,748
)
 
(9.3
)%
Total AmTrust Reinsurance
 
$
967,147

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,014,458

 
100.0
%
 
$
(47,311
)
 
(4.7
)%

50


Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Net loss and LAE increased by $3.3 million or 0.9% and decreased by $1.0 million or 0.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. Net loss and LAE ratios increased to 74.4% and 71.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 69.2% and 68.3% for the same periods in 2017, respectively.
During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the net loss and LAE ratio increased by 5.2 points compared to the same period in 2017 due to the following factors:
higher initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned during the period factoring in both market conditions and recent loss trends and experience. Excluding prior year loss development, the net loss and LAE ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2018 would have been 68.4% compared to 63.4% for the same period in 2017; and
slightly offset by lower adverse prior year loss development which was $28.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $29.4 million for the same period in 2017. The 2018 development was largely from Worker's Compensation and General Liability. The prior year loss development in 2017 was primarily due to non-program casualty, where elevated loss activity had been observed, as well as in European hospital liability where estimated loss ratios were adjusted for the most recent years in view of developing trends and economic factors.
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the net loss and LAE ratio increased by 3.1 points compared to the same period in 2017 due to the following factors:
higher initial loss ratios on current year premiums earned during the period factoring in both market conditions and recent loss trends and experience. Excluding prior year loss development, the net loss and LAE ratio for the current period in 2018 would have been 67.6% compared to 64.3% for 2017; and
slightly offset by lower adverse prior year loss development which was $36.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $39.7 million recorded in the same period in 2017. The adverse prior year loss development in 2018 was largely from Worker's Compensation and General Liability, with a smaller contribution from Commercial Auto Liability, primarily driven by accident years 2015 and 2016. The 2017 loss development was primarily related to non-program casualty, workers' compensation and European hospital liability lines of business.
Commission and Other Acquisition Expenses - Commission and other acquisition expenses decreased by $10.3 million or 6.3% and $17.0 million or 5.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The commission and other acquisition expense ratio decreased to 32.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 32.2% for the same periods in 2017, respectively. The fluctuations in the ratios during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the comparative periods in 2017 reflect the change in the mix of business. The commission ratio is also affected by the commission associated with the retrocession premium ceded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017.
General and Administrative Expenses - General and administrative expenses slightly increased by $0.4 million or 63.0% and $0.5 million or 36.3% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017, respectively. The general and administrative expense ratio increased slightly to 0.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 0.1% for the same periods in 2017, respectively. The overall expense ratio (including commission and other acquisition expenses) remained unchanged at 32.3% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

51


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Maiden Holdings is a holding company and transacts no business of its own. We therefore rely on cash flows in the form of dividends, advances, loans and other permitted distributions from our subsidiary companies to make dividend payments on our common and preference shares. The jurisdictions in which our operating subsidiaries are licensed to write business impose regulations requiring companies to maintain or meet statutory solvency and liquidity requirements. Some jurisdictions also place restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions.
The regulatory and liquidity requirements of the Company's operating segments are discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10- K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018.
Our sources of funds primarily consist of premium receipts net of commissions and brokerage, investment income, net proceeds from capital raising activities, which may include the issuance of debt and common and preference shares, and proceeds from sales and redemption of investments. Cash is used primarily to pay loss and LAE, ceded reinsurance premium, general and administrative expenses, interest expense and dividends, with the remainder in excess of our operating requirements, made available to our investment managers for investment in accordance with our investment policy.
The table below summarizes our operating, investing and financing cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
($ in thousands)
Operating activities
 
$
56,104

 
$
223,547

Investing activities
 
22,200

 
54,270

Financing activities
 
(42,208
)
 
7,553

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash
 
(820
)
 
2,391

Total increase in cash and cash equivalents (including restricted)
 
$
35,276

 
$
287,761

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $56.1 million compared to $223.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, a 74.9% decrease. The decrease was primarily the result of a higher payment of losses and lower premiums written during the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. Also, one large account in our US Diversified business was terminated and had a returned premium portfolio of $17.5 million during the first quarter of 2018.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments and payments for investments acquired. Net cash provided by investing activities was $22.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $54.3 million for the same period in 2017. The Company continues to deploy available cash for longer-term investments as investment conditions permit and to maintain, where possible, cash and cash equivalents balances at low levels. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the proceeds from the sales, maturities and calls exceeded the purchases of fixed maturity securities by $23.3 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities were $42.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of $7.6 million for the same period in 2017. The cash outflow during the current period primarily relates to higher dividends paid to holders of preference shares of $5.0 million due to the issuance of Preference Shares Series D on June 15, 2017 and slightly lower dividends paid to holders of common shares of $1.0 million reflecting a lower number of common shares outstanding at June 30, 2018 compared to June 30, 2017 due to the repurchase of 3,667,134 common shares in the second half of 2017, which was made under the Company's authorized share repurchase program. The net cash inflow for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was due to the issuance of new preference shares with net proceeds of $145.1 million, which was partially used to redeem the 2012 senior note issuance of $100.0 million. The Company did not have any major capital transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2018.
Restrictions, Collateral and Specific Requirements
The Company's restrictions, collateral and specific requirements are discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018.
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, restricted cash and cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments used as collateral were $4.8 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively. This collateral represents 91.8% and 90.8% of the fair value of our total fixed maturity investments and cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash and cash equivalents) at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The $78.1 million decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in assets provided as collateral for the Diversified Reinsurance segment reflecting lower premiums written within the Casualty lines of business.

52


Investments
The investment of our funds is designed to ensure safety of principal while generating current income. Accordingly, our funds are invested in liquid, investment-grade fixed income securities which are designated as either available-for-sale ("AFS") or held-to-maturity ("HTM"). Please see "Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 4. Investments" included under Part I Item 1 "Financial Information" of this Form 10-Q.
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond increased by 45 basis points to 2.85%. The 10-year U.S. Treasury is the key risk-free determinant in the fair value of many of the securities in our AFS portfolio. The upward shift in the U.S. Treasury yield curve during the six months ended June 30, 2018 reflects a strengthening U.S. economy with an expansionary fiscal policy contributing to strong labor markets. These factors, along with an increased prospect of inflation has encouraged central banks to move away from monetary easing policy at a gradual pace.
The movement in the market values of our AFS fixed maturity portfolio was a net reduction of $114.1 million, primarily due to rising interest rates and widening credit spreads that have resulted in negative returns for U.S. corporate and agency bonds during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Resources" on page 57 for further information.
At June 30, 2018, we consider the levels of cash and cash equivalents we are holding to be within our targeted ranges. During periods when interest rates experience greater volatility, we have periodically maintained more cash and cash equivalents in order to better assess current market conditions and opportunities within our defined risk appetite, and may do so in future periods.
In order to limit our exposure to unexpected interest rate increases which would reduce the value of our fixed income securities and reduce our shareholders' equity, we attempt to maintain the duration of our fixed maturity investment portfolio combined with our cash and cash equivalents, both restricted and unrestricted, within a reasonable range of the duration of our loss reserves. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, these respective durations in years were as follows:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Fixed maturities and cash and cash equivalents
 
4.5
 
4.4
Reserve for loss and LAE
 
3.7
 
3.6
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the weighted average duration of our fixed maturity investment portfolio increased by 0.1 years to 4.5 years and the duration for reserve for loss and LAE increased by 0.1 years to 3.7 years. The differential in duration between these assets and liabilities may fluctuate over time and in the case of fixed maturities, is affected by factors such as market conditions, changes in asset mix and prepayment speeds in the case of both our agency mortgage-backed securities ("Agency MBS") and commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"). The average yield and average duration of our fixed maturities, by asset class, and our cash and cash equivalents (restricted and unrestricted) are as follows:
June 30, 2018
 
Original or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Average yield(1)
 
Average duration(2)
AFS fixed maturities
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
8,610

 
$
41

 
$
(50
)
 
$
8,601

 
2.8
%
 
2.1

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
2,026,165

 
2,658

 
(61,750
)
 
1,967,073

 
2.9
%
 
5.1

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
39,920

 
24

 
(622
)
 
39,322

 
3.3
%
 
3.3

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
25,038

 
151

 
(1,702
)
 
23,487

 
3.1
%
 
4.7

Asset-backed securities
 
332,188

 
1,029

 
(2,443
)
 
330,774

 
4.0
%
 
2.1

Corporate bonds
 
1,630,174

 
11,393

 
(46,462
)
 
1,595,105

 
3.1
%
 
4.8

Municipal bonds
 
2,500

 
48

 

 
2,548

 
4.2
%
 
3.6

Total AFS fixed maturities
 
4,064,595

 
15,344

 
(113,029
)
 
3,966,910

 
3.1
%
 
4.7

HTM fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
979,018

 
6,131

 
(17,938
)
 
967,211

 
3.7
%
 
4.8

Municipal Bonds
 
60,126

 

 
(665
)
 
59,461

 
3.2
%
 
4.3

Total HTM fixed maturities
 
1,039,144

 
6,131

 
(18,603
)
 
1,026,672

 
3.7
%
 
4.7

Cash and cash equivalents
 
226,779

 

 

 
226,779

 
2.0
%
 
0.0

Total
 
$
5,330,518

 
$
21,475

 
$
(131,632
)
 
$
5,220,361

 
3.1
%
 
4.5


53


December 31, 2017
 
Original or Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Average yield(1)
 
Average duration(2)
AFS fixed maturities
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury bonds
 
$
60,711

 
$
103

 
$
(13
)
 
$
60,801

 
1.4
%
 
0.2

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
2,026,305

 
8,074

 
(19,765
)
 
2,014,614

 
2.9
%
 
4.7

U.S. agency bonds – other
 
29,941

 
4

 
(163
)
 
29,782

 
3.1
%
 
8.5

Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
33,381

 
231

 
(1,736
)
 
31,876

 
2.7
%
 
3.1

Asset-backed securities
 
317,544

 
4,065

 
(199
)
 
321,410

 
4.0
%
 
2.1

Corporate bonds
 
1,557,611

 
43,271

 
(17,571
)
 
1,583,311

 
3.1
%
 
5.0

Municipal bonds
 
2,500

 
76

 

 
2,576

 
4.2
%
 
3.5

Total AFS fixed maturities
 
4,027,993

 
55,824

 
(39,447
)
 
4,044,370

 
3.0
%
 
4.4

HTM fixed maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
1,037,464

 
28,694

 
(913
)
 
1,065,245

 
3.6
%
 
5.0

Municipal bonds
 
60,337

 
128

 
(84
)
 
60,381

 
3.2
%
 
4.8

Total HTM fixed maturities
 
1,097,801

 
28,822

 
(997
)
 
1,125,626

 
3.6
%
 
5.0

Cash and cash equivalents
 
191,503

 

 

 
191,503

 
0.2
%
 
0.0

Total
 
$
5,317,297

 
$
84,646

 
$
(40,444
)
 
$
5,361,499

 
3.0
%
 
4.4

(1)
Average yield is calculated by dividing annualized investment income for each sub-component of AFS and HTM securities and cash and cash equivalents (including amortization of premium or discount) by amortized cost.
(2)
Average duration in years.
The following table summarizes the Company's fixed maturity investment portfolio holdings by contractual maturity at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
($ in thousands)
 
AFS fixed maturities
 
HTM fixed maturities
 
AFS fixed maturities
 
HTM fixed maturities
 
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less
 
$
10,697

 
$
9,422

 
$
91,054

 
$
40,533

Due after one year through five years
 
646,888

 
357,489

 
582,583

 
333,003

Due after five years through ten years
 
1,010,399

 
671,172

 
1,009,652

 
724,265

Due after ten years
 
1,079

 
1,061

 
25,057

 

 
 
1,669,063

 
1,039,144

 
1,708,346

 
1,097,801

U.S. agency bonds – mortgage-backed
 
1,967,073

 

 
2,014,614

 

Asset-backed securities
 
330,774

 

 
321,410

 

Total fixed maturities
 
$
3,966,910

 
$
1,039,144

 
$
4,044,370

 
$
1,097,801

At June 30, 2018, 98.0% of the Company’s U.S. agency bond holdings are mortgage-backed. Additional details on the Agency MBS at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed ("RMBS")
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GNMA – fixed rate
 
$
206,632

 
10.3
%
 
$
241,238

 
11.8
%
GNMA – variable rate
 
12,451

 
0.6
%
 

 
%
FNMA – fixed rate
 
979,169

 
48.8
%
 
1,007,345

 
49.3
%
FHLMC – fixed rate
 
768,821

 
38.3
%
 
766,031

 
37.4
%
Total U.S. agency bonds - mortgage-backed
 
1,967,073

 
98.0
%
 
2,014,614

 
98.5
%
U.S. agency bonds - fixed rate
 
39,322

 
2.0
%
 
29,782

 
1.5
%
Total U.S. agency bonds
 
$
2,006,395

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,044,396

 
100.0
%

54


The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value associated with our Agency MBS portfolio:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Agency MBS:
 
($ in thousands)
 
($ in thousands)
Beginning balance
 
$
1,988,511

 
$
1,671,475

 
$
2,014,614

 
$
1,716,038

Purchases
 
107,204

 
193,586

 
182,116

 
218,586

Sales, calls and paydowns
 
(117,310
)
 
(74,410
)
 
(178,384
)
 
(139,118
)
Net realized gains on sales – included in net income
 
(983
)
 
(96
)
 
(746
)
 
(96
)
Change in net unrealized losses – included in AOCI
 
(9,374
)
 
6,057

 
(47,401
)
 
2,404

Amortization of bond premium and discount
 
(975
)
 
(1,000
)
 
(3,126
)
 
(2,202
)
Ending balance
 
$
1,967,073

 
$
1,795,612

 
$
1,967,073

 
$
1,795,612

Our Agency MBS portfolio is 39.3% of our fixed maturity investments at June 30, 2018. Given the relative size of this portfolio to our total investments, if faster prepayment patterns were to occur over an extended period of time, this could potentially limit the growth in our investment income in certain circumstances, or even potentially reduce the total amount of investment income we earn.
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 98.7% and 99.0%, respectively, of our fixed maturity investments consisted of investment grade securities. We define a security as being below investment grade if it has an S&P credit rating of BB+ or equivalent, or less. Please see "Part I, Item 1 - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 4. Investments" for additional information on the credit rating of our fixed income portfolio.
The security holdings by sector and financial strength rating of our corporate bond holdings at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:
 
 
Ratings(1)
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
AAA
 
AA+, AA, AA-
 
A+, A, A-
 
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
BB+ or lower
 
Fair Value
 
% of Corporate bonds portfolio
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Basic Materials
 
%
 
%
 
0.8
%
 
2.9
%
 
0.6
%
 
$
110,741

 
4.3
%
Communications
 
%
 
0.9
%
 
2.4
%
 
5.2
%
 
%
 
217,843

 
8.5
%
Consumer
 
%
 
0.7
%
 
11.9
%
 
13.4
%
 
0.8
%
 
686,245

 
26.8
%
Energy
 
%
 
1.3
%
 
3.9
%
 
4.5
%
 
0.6
%
 
264,889

 
10.3
%
Financial Institutions
 
1.3
%
 
2.5
%
 
25.9
%
 
12.0
%
 
%
 
1,067,601

 
41.7
%
Industrials
 
%
 
%
 
2.4
%
 
2.4
%
 
%
 
122,637

 
4.8
%
Technology
 
%
 
0.6
%
 
1.9
%
 
0.6
%
 
0.5
%
 
92,360

 
3.6
%
Total
 
1.3
%
 
6.0
%
 
49.2
%
 
41.0
%
 
2.5
%
 
$
2,562,316

 
100.0
%
 
 
Ratings(1)
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
AAA
 
AA+, AA, AA-
 
A+, A, A-
 
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
BB+ or lower
 
Fair Value
 
% of Corporate bonds portfolio
Corporate bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
Basic Materials
 
%
 
%
 
1.5
%
 
4.1
%
 
0.6
%
 
$
165,197

 
6.2
%
Communications
 
%
 
0.6
%
 
1.0
%
 
5.9
%
 
%
 
197,932

 
7.5
%
Consumer
 
%
 
0.6
%
 
12.4
%
 
12.9
%
 
%
 
685,105

 
25.9
%
Energy
 
%
 
1.0
%
 
3.9
%
 
3.3
%
 
0.8
%
 
238,075

 
9.0
%
Financial Institutions
 
1.4
%
 
2.5
%
 
24.2
%
 
12.4
%
 
%
 
1,072,813

 
40.5
%
Industrials
 
%
 
%
 
2.4
%
 
3.3
%
 
0.1
%
 
151,259

 
5.8
%
Technology
 
%
 
1.2
%
 
2.6
%
 
0.8
%
 
0.5
%
 
138,175

 
5.1
%
Total
 
1.4
%
 
5.9
%
 
48.0
%
 
42.7
%
 
2.0
%
 
$
2,648,556

 
100.0
%
(1)
Ratings as assigned by S&P, or equivalent
At June 30, 2018, the Company’s ten largest corporate holdings, 100.0% of which are U.S. dollar denominated and 78.9% of which are in the Financial Institutions sector, are carried at fair value and as a percentage of all fixed income securities were as follows:

55


June 30, 2018
 
Fair Value
 
% of Holdings
Based on Fair
Value of All
Fixed Income
Securities
 
Rating(1)
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Morgan Stanley, 4.00% Due 7/23/2025
 
$
24,924

 
0.5
%
 
BBB+
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, 3.70% Due 11/16/2025
 
24,917

 
0.5
%
 
AA-
Schlumberger Holdings Corporation, 4.00% Due 12/21/2025
 
24,916

 
0.5
%
 
AA-
JP Morgan Chase & Co, 3.90% Due 7/15/2025
 
19,925

 
0.4
%
 
A-
BNP Paribas, 5.00% Due 1/15/2021
 
19,862

 
0.4
%
 
A
Brookfield Asset Management Inc, 4.00%, Due 1/15/2025
 
19,772

 
0.4
%
 
A-
Gilead Sciences Inc, 3.65% Due 3/1/2026
 
19,746

 
0.4
%
 
A
Rabobank Nederland Utrec, 3.875% Due 2/8/2022
 
19,370

 
0.4
%
 
A+
The Allstate Corporation, 3.28%, Due 12/15/2026
 
19,213

 
0.3
%
 
A-
Bank of Montreal, 2.35% Due 9/11/2022
 
19,143

 
0.3
%
 
A+
Total
 
$
211,788

 
4.1
%
 
 
(1)
Ratings as assigned by S&P, or equivalent
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, we hold the following non-U.S. dollar denominated securities:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
Non-U.S. dollar denominated corporate bonds
 
$
418,077

 
94.9
%
 
$
434,963

 
93.4
%
Non-U.S. government and supranational bonds
 
22,496

 
5.1
%
 
30,899

 
6.6
%
Total non-U.S. dollar denominated AFS securities
 
$
440,573

 
100.0
%
 
$
465,862

 
100.0
%
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, these non-U.S. securities are invested in the following currencies:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
Euro
 
$
375,224

 
85.2
%
 
$
398,680

 
85.6
%
British Pound
 
42,115

 
9.6
%
 
43,252

 
9.3
%
Australian Dollar
 
14,288

 
3.2
%
 
14,182

 
3.0
%
Canadian Dollar
 
5,011

 
1.1
%
 
5,254

 
1.1
%
All other
 
3,935

 
0.9
%
 
4,494

 
1.0
%
Total non-U.S. dollar denominated AFS securities
 
$
440,573

 
100.0
%
 
$
465,862

 
100.0
%
The net decrease in non-U.S. denominated fixed maturities is primarily due to sales of euro-denominated corporate bonds during the six months ended June 30, 2018. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, all of the Company's non-U.S. government and supranational issuers have a rating of A or higher by S&P. For our non-U.S. dollar denominated corporate bonds, the following table summarizes the composition of the fair value of our fixed maturity investments at the dates indicated by ratings:
Ratings(1)
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
($ in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
AAA
 
$
32,748

 
7.8
%
 
$
37,719

 
8.7
%
AA+, AA, AA-
 
35,430

 
8.5
%
 
35,686

 
8.2
%
A+, A, A-
 
183,060

 
43.8
%
 
176,657

 
40.6
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
161,536

 
38.6
%
 
184,901

 
42.5
%
BB+ or lower
 
5,303

 
1.3
%
 

 
%
Total non-U.S. dollar denominated corporate bonds
 
$
418,077

 
100.0
%
 
$
434,963

 
100.0
%
(1)
Ratings as assigned by S&P, or equivalent
The Company does not employ any credit default protection against any of the fixed maturities held in non-U.S. denominated currencies at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

56


Other Balance Sheet Changes
The following table summarizes the Company's other material balance sheet changes at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
($ in thousands)
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Change
 
Change %
Reinsurance balances receivable, net
 
$
467,646

 
$
345,043

 
$
122,603

 
35.5
%
Deferred commission and other acquisition expenses, net
 
472,202

 
439,597

 
32,605

 
7.4
%
Reserve for loss and LAE
 
3,653,303

 
3,547,248

 
106,055

 
3.0
%
Unearned premiums
 
1,603,883

 
1,477,038

 
126,845

 
8.6
%
The higher amount of reinsurance balances receivable, net, deferred commission and other acquisition expenses, net and unearned premiums as at June 30, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017 was due to the business underwritten by the Company, primarily in the Diversified Reinsurance segment, which generally incept at the beginning of the year. The reserve for loss and LAE increased due to higher loss ratio picks factoring in both market conditions and recent loss trends and experience as well as adverse prior year loss development recognized from both our operating segments.
Capital Resources
Capital resources consist of funds deployed in support of our operations. In the six months ended June 30, 2018, our total capital resources decreased by $126.4 million, or 8.5% compared to December 31, 2017. The Company’s management believes its current sources of liquidity are adequate to meet its cash requirements for the next 12 months. The following table shows the movement in total capital resources at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
($ in thousands)
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Change
 
Change %
Preference shares
 
$
465,000

 
$
465,000

 
$

 
 %
Common shareholders' equity
 
640,742

 
767,174

 
(126,432
)
 
(16.5
)%
Total Maiden shareholders' equity
 
1,105,742

 
1,232,174

 
(126,432
)
 
(10.3
)%
Senior Notes - principal amount
 
262,500

 
262,500

 

 
 %
Total capital resources
 
$
1,368,242

 
$
1,494,674

 
$
(126,432
)
 
(8.5
)%
The major factors contributing to the net decrease in capital resources were as follows:
Maiden shareholders' equity
Common shareholders' equity at June 30, 2018 decreased by $126.4 million, or 10.3%, compared to December 31, 2017 primarily due to:
a net decrease in AOCI of $110.3 million which arose due to: 1) an increase in net unrealized losses on investment of $118.0 million resulting from the net decrease in our investment portfolio relating to market price movements due to rising interest rates and widening credit spreads during the six months ended June 30, 2018; and partially offset by 2) an increase in cumulative translation adjustments of $7.7 million due to the effect of the recent depreciation of the euro and British pound relative to the original currencies on our non-U.S. dollar net liabilities (excluding non-U.S. dollar denominated AFS fixed maturities); and
dividends declared of $42.0 million related to the Company’s common and preferred shares.
These decreases were offset by:
net income attributable to Maiden of $24.9 million. Please see "Results of Operations - Net Income" on page 42 for a discussion of the Company’s net income for the six months ended June 30, 2018; and
net increase resulting from share based transactions of $1.0 million.
On February 21, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of the Company's common shares from time to time at market prices. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company did not repurchase any common shares under its share repurchase authorization. At June 30, 2018, the Company has a remaining authorization of $74.9 million for share repurchases.
Please refer to "Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 11. Shareholders' Equity" included under Part I Item 1 "Financial Information" of this Form 10-Q for a discussion of the equity instruments issued by the Company at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Senior Notes
There were no changes in the Company’s Senior Notes at June 30, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017 and the Company did not enter into any short-term borrowing arrangements during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Please refer to "Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 6. Long Term Debt" included under Part I Item 1 "Financial Information" of this Form 10-Q for a discussion of the Company’s Senior Notes.

57


We have, and expect to continue, to fund a portion of our capital requirements through issuances of senior securities, including secured and unsecured debt securities, or issuances of common or preference shares. For flexibility, we have a current universal shelf registration statement that allows for the public offering and sale of our debt securities, common shares, preference shares and warrants to purchase such securities. The issuance of debt or equity securities will depend on future market conditions, funding needs and other factors and there can be no assurance that any such issuance will occur or be successful.
Financial Strength Ratings
The Company's principal operating subsidiaries are rated A- (Excellent) with a negative outlook by A.M. Best Company ("A.M. Best"). The rating of A- (Excellent) is the fourth highest of sixteen rating levels provided by A.M. Best. There are no other changes in the Company's ratings as previously disclosed in the "Financial Strength Ratings" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Aggregate Contractual Obligations
In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to a variety of contractual obligations as summarized in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. These contractual obligations are considered by the Company when assessing its liquidity requirements and the Company is confident in its ability to meet all of its obligations. At June 30, 2018, there are no material changes to the Company’s contractual obligations as disclosed in the Company’s table of contractual obligations included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Currency and Foreign Exchange
We conduct business in a variety of foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, the principal exposures being the euro, the British pound, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar and the Swedish krona. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates. Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, and exchange rate fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar may materially impact our results and financial position. Our principal exposure to foreign currency risk is our obligation to settle claims in foreign currencies. In addition, in order to minimize this risk, we maintain and expect to continue to maintain a portion of our investment portfolio in investments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We may employ various strategies (including hedging) to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. To the extent that these exposures are not fully hedged or the hedges are ineffective, our results of operations or equity may be adversely effected. At June 30, 2018, no such hedges or hedging strategies were in force or had been entered into. We measure monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at period end exchange rates, with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted at average exchange rates during the period. The effect of the translation adjustments for foreign operations is included in AOCI.
Net foreign exchange gains amounted to $4.8 million and $2.4 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to net foreign exchange losses of $6.7 million and $8.6 million for the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Effects of Inflation
The anticipated effects of inflation are considered explicitly in the pricing of the insured exposures, which are used as the initial estimates of reserves for loss and LAE. In addition, inflation is also implicitly accounted for in subsequent estimates of loss and LAE reserves, as the expected rate of emergence is in part predicated upon the historical levels of inflation that impact ultimate claim costs. To the extent inflation causes these costs, particularly medical treatments and litigation costs, to vary from the assumptions made in the pricing or reserving estimates, the Company will be required to change the reserve for loss and LAE with a corresponding change in its earnings in the period in which the variance is identified. The actual effects of inflation on the results of operations of the Company cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately settled.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At June 30, 2018, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a) (4) of Regulation S-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See "Part I, Item 1 - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies" for a discussion on recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.

58


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses in our investments due to adverse changes in market rates and prices. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the market in which the related underlying assets are invested. We believe that we are principally exposed to three types of market risk: changes in interest rates, changes in credit quality of issuers of investment securities and reinsurers and changes in foreign exchange rates.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that we may incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. The primary market risk to the investment portfolio is interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturity securities. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. At June 30, 2018, we had AFS fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $4.0 billion that are subject to interest rate risk.
The table below summarizes the interest rate risk associated with our fixed maturity securities by illustrating the sensitivity of the fair value and carrying value of our fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2018 to selected hypothetical changes in interest rates, and the associated impact on our shareholders’ equity. Temporary changes in the fair value of our fixed maturity securities that are held as AFS do impact the carrying value of these securities and are reported in our shareholders’ equity as a component of AOCI. The selected scenarios in the table below are not predictions of future events, but rather are intended to illustrate the effect such events may have on the fair value of our AFS fixed maturity securities and on our shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2018:
Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates
 
Fair Value
 
Estimated Change in Fair Value
 
Hypothetical % (Decrease) Increase in Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
200 basis point increase
 
$
3,574,658

 
$
(392,252
)
 
(35.5
)%
100 basis point increase
 
3,770,467

 
(196,443
)
 
(17.8
)%
No change
 
3,966,910

 

 
 %
100 basis point decrease
 
4,157,687

 
190,777

 
17.3
 %
200 basis point decrease
 
4,337,985

 
371,075

 
33.6
 %
The interest rate sensitivity on the $168.0 million loan to related party means that a change in interest rates would impact our earnings and cash flows but would not affect the carrying value of the loan, which is carried at cost. Effective December 18, 2017, the loan carries an interest rate equivalent to the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 200 basis points per annum. Therefore, an increase of 100 and 200 basis points in the Federal Funds Effective Rate would increase our earnings and cash flows by $1.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively, on an annual basis.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The concentrations of the Company’s counterparty credit risk exposures have not changed materially compared to December 31, 2017. The Company has exposure to credit risk primarily as a holder of fixed income securities. The Company controls this exposure by emphasizing investment grade credit quality in the fixed income securities it purchases. The table below summarizes the credit ratings by major rating category of the Company's fixed maturity investments at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
Ratings(1)
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
AA+ or better
 
46.2
%
 
45.4
%
AA, AA-, A+, A, A-
 
31.1
%
 
31.5
%
BBB+, BBB, BBB-
 
21.4
%
 
22.1
%
BB+ or lower
 
1.3
%
 
1.0
%
 
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
(1)
Ratings as assigned by S&P, or equivalent
The Company believes this high quality concentration reduces its exposure to credit risk on fixed income investments to an acceptable level. At June 30, 2018, the Company is not exposed to any significant credit concentration risk on its investments, excluding securities issued by the U.S. government and agencies which are rated AA+ (please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Investments" on page 53), with the largest corporate issuer and the top 10 corporate issuers accounting for only 0.5% and 4.1% of the Company’s total fixed income securities, respectively.

59


The Company is subject to the credit risk of its cedants in the event of their insolvency or their failure to honor the value of the funds held balances due to the Company for any other reason. However, the Company’s credit risk in some jurisdictions is mitigated by a mandatory right of offset of amounts payable by the Company to a cedant against amounts due to the Company. In certain other jurisdictions, the Company is able to mitigate this risk, depending on the nature of the funds held arrangements, to the extent that the Company has the contractual ability to offset any shortfall in the payment of the funds held balances with amounts owed by the Company to cedants for losses payable and other amounts contractually due. Funds held balances for which the Company receives an investment return based upon either the results of a pool of assets held by the cedant or the investment return earned by the cedant on its investment portfolio are exposed to an additional layer of credit risk.
The Company has exposure to credit risk, as it relates to its business written through brokers if any, if the Company’s brokers are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations with respect to payments to the Company. In addition, in some jurisdictions, if the broker fails to make payments to the insured under the Company’s policy, the Company might remain liable to the insured for the deficiency. The Company’s exposure to such credit risk is somewhat mitigated in certain jurisdictions by contractual terms. Please see "Business and Risk Factors" in Item 1 and 1A of Part I of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018 for detailed information on the top three brokers that accounted for approximately 31.9% of the Company’s gross premiums written in our Diversified Reinsurance segment for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The Company has exposure to credit risk as it relates to its reinsurance balances receivable and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses. We are subject to the credit risk that AII and/or AmTrust will fail to perform their obligations to pay interest on and repay the principal pursuant to its loan agreement with Maiden Bermuda, and to reimburse Maiden Bermuda for any assets or other collateral of Maiden that AmTrust’s U.S. insurance company subsidiaries apply or retain, and income on those assets. Reinsurance balances receivable from the Company’s clients at June 30, 2018 were $467.6 million, including balances both currently due and accrued.
The Company believes that credit risk related to these balances is mitigated by several factors, including but not limited to, credit checks performed as part of the underwriting process and monitoring of aged receivable balances. In addition, as the vast majority of its reinsurance agreements permit the Company the right to offset reinsurance balances receivable from clients against losses payable to them, the Company believes that the credit risk in this area is substantially reduced. Provisions are made for amounts considered potentially uncollectible. There was no allowance for uncollectible reinsurance balances receivable at June 30, 2018.
The Company requires its reinsurers to have adequate financial strength. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors its concentration of credit risk on an ongoing basis. Provisions are made for amounts considered potentially uncollectible. The balance of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses was $109.8 million at June 30, 2018 compared to $117.6 million at December 31, 2017. At June 30, 2018, $31.8 million or 28.9% of the total reinsurance recoverable is receivable from one reinsurer which has a credit rating of A+ (December 31, 2017 - $40.0 million or 34.0% and with credit rating of A+). Furthermore, at June 30, 2018, $45.8 million or 41.7% (December 31, 2017 - $45.8 million or 39.0%) of these reinsurance recoverables relate to reinsurance claims from Superstorm Sandy. The table below summarizes the A.M. Best credit ratings of the Company's reinsurance counterparties at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
A or better
 
95.0
%
 
98.6
%
A-
 
1.0
%
 
%
B++ or worse
 
4.0
%
 
1.4
%
 
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company is generally able to match foreign currency denominated assets against its net reinsurance liabilities both by currency and duration to protect the Company against foreign exchange and interest rate risks. However, a natural offset does not exist for all currencies. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and as at June 30, 2018, 6.8% of our net premiums written and 8.7% of our reserve for loss and LAE were transacted in euro, respectively.
We may employ various strategies to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. To the extent that these exposures are not fully hedged or the hedges are ineffective, our results of operations or equity may be reduced by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. At June 30, 2018, no hedging instruments have been entered into. Our principal foreign currency exposure is to the euro and British pound, however, assuming all other variables remain constant and disregarding any tax effects, a strengthening (weakening) of the U.S. dollar exchange rate of 10% or 20% relative to the non-U.S. currencies held by the Company would result in a decrease (increase) in the Company's net assets of $4.4 million and $8.8 million, respectively.

60


Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 Our management, with the participation and under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide an absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected.
During the most recent fiscal quarter, there were no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

61


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See "Part I, Item 1 - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies" for an update on legal matters. Except as disclosed above, there are no material changes from the legal proceedings previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Item 1A. of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. The risks described in our 2017 Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity.
There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Executive Ownership and Sales
From time to time, some of the Company’s executives may determine that it is advisable to diversify their investments for personal financial planning reasons, or may seek liquidity for other reasons, and may sell common shares of the Company in the open market, in private transactions or to the Company. To effect such sales, some of the Company’s executives have entered into, and may in the future enter into, trading plans designed to comply with the Company’s Insider Trading and Outside Investments Policy and the provisions of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The trading plans will not reduce any of the executives’ ownership of the Company’s shares below the applicable executive stock ownership guidelines. The Company does not undertake any obligation to report Rule 10b5-1 plans that may be adopted by any employee or director of the Company in the future, or to report any modifications or termination of any publicly announced plan.


62



Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit
No.
 
Description
31.1
 
31.2
 
32.1
 
32.2
 
101.1
 
The following materials from Maiden Holdings, Ltd. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted in XBRL (eXtensive Business Reporting Language): (i) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity, (v) the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

63


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


 
MAIDEN HOLDINGS, LTD.
 
By:
 
August 9, 2018
 
/s/ Arturo M. Raschbaum
 
 
Arturo M. Raschbaum
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Karen L. Schmitt
 
 
Karen L. Schmitt
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Michael J. Tait
 
 
Michael J. Tait
Chief Accounting Officer


64
Exhibit


EXHIBIT 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION
 
I, Arturo M. Raschbaum, certify that:

1. 
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Maiden Holdings, Ltd.;
 
2. 
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including any consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

August 9, 2018
 
/s/ ARTURO M. RASCHBAUM
 
 
 
Arturo M. Raschbaum
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 



Exhibit


EXHIBIT 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION
 
I, Karen L. Schmitt, certify that:

1. 
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Maiden Holdings, Ltd.;
 
2. 
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including any consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
August 9, 2018
 
/s/ KAREN L. SCHMITT
 
 
 
Karen L. Schmitt
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 



Exhibit


Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of Maiden Holdings, Ltd. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to such officer's knowledge, that:
 
The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
August 9, 2018
By:  
/s/ ARTURO M. RASCHBAUM
 
 
 
Arturo M. Raschbaum
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report.
 





Exhibit


Exhibit 32.2
 
CERTIFICATION
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of Maiden Holdings, Ltd. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to such officer's knowledge, that:
 
The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
August 9, 2018
By:  
/s/ KAREN L. SCHMITT
 
 
 
Karen L. Schmitt
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report.