Table of Contents
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 ORor 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OFof the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

2020

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 ORor 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OFof the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the transition period from
to

For the transition period from             to             

Commission file number: 1-15259

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda

98-0214719

Bermuda

98-0214719
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

110 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke HM08
Bermuda

P.O. Box HM 1282
Hamilton HM FX
Bermuda

Pembroke

HM08HamiltonHM FX
BermudaBermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)

(Mailing address)

(441) 296-5858

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Security

Each Class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of Each Exchangeeach exchange on Which Registered

which registered

Common Stock, par value of $1.00 per share

ARGO

NASDAQ Global Select Market

New York Stock Exchange

Guarantee of Argo Group US,U.S., Inc.  6.500% Senior Notes due 2042

ARGD

NASDAQNew York Stock Market LLC

Exchange
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1000th Interest in a share
of Series A 7.00% Non-Cumulative Preference Shares, par value $1.00 per share
ARGOPrANew York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer


Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark whether 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.    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes      No  
Indicate the number of shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) of each of the issuer’s classes of common shares as of November 02, 2017.

2, 2020.

Title

Outstanding

Title

Outstanding
Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share

29,680,863

34,684,684




Table of Contents
ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

INDEX

Page

Page

Item 1.

6

7

Item 2.

42

Item 3.

53

Item 4.

54

54

Item 1.

54

Item 1A.

54

Item 2.

54

Item 3.

55

Item 4.

55

Item 5.

55

Item 6.

55

57


2

Table of ContentsPART
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016 *

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2017 - $3,339.7; 2016 -

   $2,938.8)

 

$

3,378.4

 

 

$

2,932.4

 

Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2017 - $347.6; 2016 - $335.2)

 

 

480.5

 

 

 

447.4

 

Other investments (cost: 2017 - $553.1; 2016 - $531.6)

 

 

562.6

 

 

 

539.0

 

Short-term investments, at fair value (cost: 2017 - $386.0; 2016 - $405.5)

 

 

386.0

 

 

 

405.5

 

Total investments

 

 

4,807.5

 

 

 

4,324.3

 

Cash

 

 

235.8

 

 

 

86.0

 

Accrued investment income

 

 

23.6

 

 

 

20.7

 

Premiums receivable

 

 

678.8

 

 

 

463.8

 

Reinsurance recoverables

 

 

2,101.9

 

 

 

1,385.6

 

Goodwill

 

 

152.2

 

 

 

152.2

 

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

 

 

108.3

 

 

 

67.7

 

Deferred acquisition costs, net

 

 

168.8

 

 

 

139.1

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

461.4

 

 

 

302.8

 

Other assets

 

 

319.7

 

 

 

262.8

 

Total assets

 

$

9,058.0

 

 

$

7,205.0

 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

$

4,305.9

 

 

$

3,350.8

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

1,286.0

 

 

 

970.0

 

Accrued underwriting expenses

 

 

97.5

 

 

 

115.0

 

Ceded reinsurance payable, net

 

 

822.6

 

 

 

466.6

 

Funds held

 

 

45.0

 

 

 

77.1

 

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes

 

 

139.6

 

 

 

139.5

 

Other indebtedness

 

 

184.7

 

 

 

55.4

 

Junior subordinated debentures

 

 

256.5

 

 

 

172.7

 

Current income taxes payable, net

 

 

11.0

 

 

 

8.1

 

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

 

41.5

 

 

 

24.1

 

Other liabilities

 

 

59.7

 

 

 

33.0

 

Total liabilities

 

 

7,250.0

 

 

 

5,412.3

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares - $1.00 par, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 40,300,433 and

   40,042,330 shares issued at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,

   respectively

 

 

40.3

 

 

 

40.0

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

1,129.1

 

 

 

1,123.3

 

Treasury shares (10,640,789 and 10,028,755 shares at September 30, 2017

   and December 31, 2016, respectively)

 

 

(414.8

)

 

 

(378.2

)

Retained earnings

 

 

956.4

 

 

 

959.9

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes

 

 

97.0

 

 

 

47.7

 

Total shareholders' equity

 

 

1,808.0

 

 

 

1,792.7

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

9,058.0

 

 

$

7,205.0

 

*

Derived from audited consolidated financial statements.

September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019 *
 (Unaudited) 
Assets  
Investments:  
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2020 - $3,847.0, 2019 - $3,605.0; allowance for expected credit losses: 2020 - $33.7)$3,914.4 $3,633.5 
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: 2020 - $160.6; 2019 - $122.8)150.7 124.4 
Other investments (cost: 2020 - $412.1; 2019 - $482.5)412.2 496.5 
Short-term investments, at fair value (cost: 2020 - $528.5; 2019 - $844.8)528.7 845.0 
Total investments5,006.0 5,099.4 
Cash300.4 137.8 
Accrued investment income22.2 25.7 
Premiums receivable797.0 688.2 
Reinsurance recoverables3,046.5 3,104.6 
Goodwill156.5 161.4 
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization90.8 91.8 
Current income taxes receivable, net11.2 
Deferred tax asset, net17.0 6.1 
Deferred acquisition costs, net170.4 160.2 
Ceded unearned premiums660.9 545.0 
Operating lease right-of-use assets84.4 91.8 
Other assets358.5 387.1 
Assets held for sale12.5 15.4 
Total assets$10,734.3 $10,514.5 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses$5,390.0 $5,157.6 
Unearned premiums1,574.2 1,410.9 
Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities202.8 226.0 
Ceded reinsurance payable, net1,085.0 1,203.1 
Funds held62.6 50.6 
Senior unsecured fixed rate notes140.1 140.0 
Other indebtedness59.1 181.3 
Junior subordinated debentures257.7 257.4 
Current income taxes payable, net0.8 
Operating lease liabilities98.3 105.7 
Total liabilities8,869.8 8,733.4 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred shares and additional paid-in capital - $1.00 par, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 6,000 and 0 shares issued at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; liquidation preference $25,000144.0 
Common shares - $1.00 par, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 45,985,685 and 45,698,470 shares issued at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively46.0 45.7 
Additional paid-in capital1,378.5 1,376.6 
Treasury shares (11,315,889 shares at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)(455.1)(455.1)
Retained earnings714.2 811.1 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes36.9 2.8 
Total shareholders' equity1,864.5 1,781.1 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$10,734.3 $10,514.5 

*    Derived from audited consolidated financial statements. 
See accompanying notes.


3


Table of Contents
ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME

(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Premiums and other revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

389.3

 

 

$

358.7

 

 

$

1,167.8

 

 

$

1,048.5

 

Net investment income

 

 

30.9

 

 

 

32.7

 

 

 

105.0

 

 

 

89.6

 

Fee and other income

 

 

13.0

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

 

20.4

 

 

 

20.2

 

Net realized investment and other gains

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

17.7

 

 

 

25.1

 

 

 

12.8

 

Total revenue

 

 

439.2

 

 

 

416.7

 

 

 

1,318.3

 

 

 

1,171.1

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

326.4

 

 

 

207.8

 

 

 

779.5

 

 

 

596.0

 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

 

 

166.1

 

 

 

137.4

 

 

 

474.4

 

 

 

403.0

 

Interest expense

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

4.9

 

 

 

20.4

 

 

 

14.6

 

Fee and other expense

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

5.9

 

 

 

12.4

 

 

 

18.1

 

Foreign currency exchange losses (gains)

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(1.5

)

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

4.5

 

Total expenses

 

 

505.1

 

 

 

354.5

 

 

 

1,290.7

 

 

 

1,036.2

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

 

(65.9

)

 

 

62.2

 

 

 

27.6

 

 

 

134.9

 

Income tax (benefit) provision

 

 

(4.6

)

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

6.2

 

 

 

21.1

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(61.3

)

 

$

55.2

 

 

$

21.4

 

 

$

113.8

 

Net (loss) income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(2.04

)

 

$

1.84

 

 

$

0.71

 

 

$

3.76

 

Diluted

 

$

(2.04

)

 

$

1.80

 

 

$

0.69

 

 

$

3.68

 

Dividend declared per common share

 

$

0.27

 

 

$

0.22

 

 

$

0.81

 

 

$

0.64

 

Weighted average common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

29,978,485

 

 

 

30,018,637

 

 

 

30,075,424

 

 

 

30,227,725

 

Diluted

 

 

29,978,485

 

 

 

30,728,383

 

 

 

30,893,026

 

 

 

30,889,487

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Net realized investment and other gains before

   other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

$

6.2

 

 

$

20.1

 

 

$

26.8

 

 

$

21.8

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in

   earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed

   maturities

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(1.7

)

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity

   securities

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(1.8

)

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

(7.3

)

Impairment losses recognized in earnings

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(2.4

)

 

 

(1.7

)

 

 

(9.0

)

Net realized investment and other gains

 

$

6.0

 

 

$

17.7

 

 

$

25.1

 

 

$

12.8

 

 For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Premiums and other revenue:  
Earned premiums$445.5 $451.5 $1,313.9 $1,303.7 
Net investment income42.0 40.2 79.0 116.9 
Fee and other income1.7 1.9 5.8 6.3 
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Net realized investment (losses) gains(5.7)2.6 33.3 0.3 
Change in fair value of equity securities10.5 (8.8)(12.0)58.0 
Credit losses on fixed maturity securities(10.5)(43.0)
Net realized investment (losses) gains(5.7)(6.2)(21.7)58.3 
Total revenue483.5 487.4 1,377.0 1,485.2 
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses328.9 338.8 883.0 861.5 
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses164.3 164.0 493.7 485.6 
Other corporate expenses0.4 3.7 6.2 11.7 
Interest expense6.8 7.5 21.3 25.3 
Fee and other expense0.9 1.2 3.1 3.8 
Foreign currency exchange losses (gains)11.6 (1.6)15.0 (6.2)
Total expenses512.9 513.6 1,422.3 1,381.7 
(Loss) income before income taxes(29.4)(26.2)(45.3)103.5 
Income tax provision (benefit)0.2 (1.1)9.5 8.6 
Net (loss) income$(29.6)$(25.1)$(54.8)$94.9 
Dividends on preferred shares2.002.00
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders$(31.6)$(25.1)$(56.8)$94.9 
Net (loss) income per common share:
Basic$(0.91)$(0.73)$(1.64)$2.78 
Diluted$(0.91)$(0.73)$(1.64)$2.73 
Dividend declared per common share$0.31 $0.31 $0.93 $0.93 
Weighted average common shares:
Basic34,667,266 34,299,999 34,590,659 34,161,016 
Diluted34,667,266 34,299,999 34,590,659 34,769,622 

 For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Net realized investment gains (losses) before other-than-temporary impairment losses$(5.7)$(1.2)$(21.7)$70.1 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities(5.0)(11.8)
Impairment losses recognized in earnings(5.0)(11.8)
Net realized investment gains (losses)$(5.7)$(6.2)$(21.7)$58.3 
See accompanying notes.


4


Table of Contents
ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(61.3

)

 

$

55.2

 

 

$

21.4

 

 

$

113.8

 

Other comprehensive income:

��

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

2.8

 

Unrealized gains on securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains arising during the year

 

 

38.5

 

 

 

19.8

 

 

 

100.1

 

 

 

97.7

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in

   net income

 

 

(17.4

)

 

 

(17.0

)

 

 

(36.3

)

 

 

(25.1

)

Other comprehensive income before tax

 

 

21.5

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

63.6

 

 

 

75.4

 

Income tax provision related to other comprehensive

   income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains on securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gains arising during the year

 

 

10.1

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

 

26.0

 

 

 

27.5

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in

   net income

 

 

(5.5

)

 

 

(7.9

)

 

 

(11.7

)

 

 

(11.8

)

Income tax provision (benefit) related to other

   comprehensive income

 

 

4.6

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

14.3

 

 

 

15.7

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

16.9

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

49.3

 

 

 

59.7

 

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

(44.4

)

 

$

57.3

 

 

$

70.7

 

 

$

173.5

 

 For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Net (loss) income$(29.6)$(25.1)$(54.8)$94.9 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments(4.7)(12.3)(0.1)
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
Gains (losses) arising during the year38.2 (7.4)68.3 91.3 
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income4.5 2.8 (15.4)7.7 
Other comprehensive income before tax38.0 (4.6)40.6 98.9 
Income tax provision related to other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
Gains (losses) arising during the year6.5 (0.7)12.4 15.1 
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income0.5 0.3 (0.2)1.0 
Income tax provision related to other comprehensive income7.0 (0.4)12.2 16.1 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax31.0 (4.2)28.4 82.8 
Comprehensive income (loss)$1.4 $(29.3)$(26.4)$177.7 
See accompanying notes.



5

Table of Contents
ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 Preferred Shares and Additional Paid-in CapitalCommon
Shares
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Treasury
Shares
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Shareholders'
Equity
Balance, June 30, 2019$— $45.6 $1,369.7 $(455.1)$959.9 $8.9 $1,929.0 
Net income— — — — (25.1)— (25.1)
Other comprehensive income - Change in fair value of fixed maturities, net of tax— — — — — (4.2)(4.2)
Other comprehensive loss, net - Other— — — — — 
Activity under stock incentive plans— 3.2 — — — 3.2 
Retirement of common shares (tax payments on equity compensation)— (0.3)— — — (0.3)
Employee stock purchase plan— — 0.6 — — — 0.6 
Cash dividend declared - common shares ($0.31/share)— — — — (9.8)— (9.8)
Balance, September 30, 2019$— $45.6 $1,373.2 $(455.1)$925.0 $4.7 $1,893.4 
Balance, June 30, 2020$$46.0 $1,376.5 $(455.1)$756.7 $5.9 $1,730.0 
Net loss— — — — (29.6)— $(29.6)
Preferred shares issued144.0 — — — — — $144.0 
Other comprehensive income - Change in fair value of fixed maturities, net of taxes— — — — — 35.7 $35.7 
Other comprehensive loss, net - Other— — — — — (4.7)$(4.7)
Activity under stock incentive plans— 1.5 — — — $1.5 
Retirement of common shares (tax payments on equity compensation)— (0.1)— — — $(0.1)
Employee stock purchase plan— — 0.6 — — — $0.6 
Dividends on preferred shares— — — — (2.0)— $(2.0)
Cash dividend declared - common shares ($0.31/share)— — — — (10.9)— $(10.9)
Balance, September 30, 2020$144.0 $46.0 $1,378.5 $(455.1)$714.2 $36.9 $1,864.5 

See accompanying notes.
6

Table of Contents

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 Preferred Shares and Additional Paid-in CapitalCommon
Shares
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Treasury
Shares
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Shareholders'
Equity
Balance, December 31, 2018$— $45.3 $1,372.0 $(455.1)$862.6 $(78.1)$1,746.7 
Net income— — — — 94.9 — 94.9 
Other comprehensive income - Change in fair value of fixed maturities, net of tax— — — — — 82.9 82.9 
Other comprehensive loss, net - Other— — — — — (0.1)(0.1)
Activity under stock incentive plans— 0.4 10.6 — — — 11.0 
Retirement of common shares (tax payments on equity compensation)— (0.1)(11.1)— — — (11.2)
Employee stock purchase plan— — 1.7 — — — 1.7 
Cash dividend declared - common shares ($0.93/share)— — — — (32.5)— (32.5)
Balance, September 30, 2019$— $45.6 $1,373.2 $(455.1)$925.0 $4.7 $1,893.4 
Balance, December 31, 2019$$45.7 $1,376.6 $(455.1)$811.1 $2.8 $1,781.1 
Net loss— — — — (54.8)— (54.8)
Preferred shares issued144.0 — — — — — 144.0 
Other comprehensive income - Change in fair value of fixed maturities, net of taxes— — — — — 40.7 40.7 
Other comprehensive loss, net - Other— — — — — (12.3)(12.3)
Activity under stock incentive plans— 0.4 6.4 — — — 6.8 
Retirement of common shares (tax payments on equity compensation)— (0.1)(6.5)— — — (6.6)
Employee stock purchase plan— — 2.0 — — — 2.0 
Dividends on preferred shares— — — — (2.0)— (2.0)
Cash dividend declared - common shares ($0.93/share)— — — — (32.2)— (32.2)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-13, net of taxes
— — — — (7.9)5.7 (2.2)
Balance, September 30, 2020$144.0 $46.0 $1,378.5 $(455.1)$714.2 $36.9 $1,864.5 

See accompanying notes.
7

Table of Contents
ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

21.4

 

 

$

113.8

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)

   operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization and depreciation

 

 

24.4

 

 

 

27.4

 

Share-based payments expense

 

 

11.2

 

 

 

11.1

 

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision, net

 

 

(6.4

)

 

 

2.3

 

Net realized investment and other gains

 

 

(25.1

)

 

 

(12.8

)

Undistributed earnings from alternative investment portfolio

 

 

(38.6

)

 

 

(20.8

)

Loss on disposals of fixed assets, net

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

0.2

 

Change in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued investment income

 

 

(2.7

)

 

 

(0.3

)

Receivables

 

 

(690.9

)

 

 

(255.5

)

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

(19.7

)

 

 

(14.9

)

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

(65.8

)

 

 

(59.8

)

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

756.5

 

 

 

154.2

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

162.5

 

 

 

120.3

 

Ceded reinsurance payable and funds held

 

 

179.7

 

 

 

128.3

 

Income taxes

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

19.7

 

Accrued underwriting expenses

 

 

(42.5

)

 

 

(27.4

)

Other, net

 

 

(16.5

)

 

 

(35.0

)

Cash provided by operating activities

 

 

252.4

 

 

 

150.8

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales of fixed maturity investments

 

 

1,069.7

 

 

 

761.8

 

Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed maturity investments

 

 

493.2

 

 

 

839.0

 

Sales of equity securities

 

 

140.0

 

 

 

155.3

 

Sales of other investments

 

 

68.3

 

 

 

92.1

 

Purchases of fixed maturity investments

 

 

(1,916.9

)

 

 

(1,650.7

)

Purchases of equity securities

 

 

(118.1

)

 

 

(114.7

)

Purchases of other investments

 

 

(25.2

)

 

 

(90.3

)

Change in foreign regulatory deposits and voluntary pools

 

 

(27.2

)

 

 

4.8

 

Change in short-term investments

 

 

291.4

 

 

 

(78.7

)

Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts

 

 

 

 

 

(7.2

)

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

 

 

(105.2

)

 

 

 

Purchases of fixed assets

 

 

(20.4

)

 

 

(26.7

)

Other, net

 

 

(15.6

)

 

 

31.9

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

 

(166.0

)

 

 

(83.4

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional long-term borrowings

 

 

125.0

 

 

 

 

Activity under stock incentive plans

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

0.6

 

Repurchase of Company's common shares

 

 

(36.6

)

 

 

(45.3

)

Payment of cash dividends to common shareholders

 

 

(24.9

)

 

 

(19.8

)

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

64.4

 

 

 

(64.5

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

(1.0

)

Change in cash

 

 

149.8

 

 

 

1.9

 

Cash, beginning of year

 

 

86.0

 

 

 

121.7

 

Cash, end of period

 

$

235.8

 

 

$

123.6

 

 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 20202019
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net (loss) income$(54.8)$94.9 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization and depreciation24.7 20.4 
Share-based payments expense7.7 11.7 
Deferred income tax benefit, net(23.2)(2.2)
Net realized investment losses (gains)21.7 (58.3)
Undistributed earnings (loss) from alternative investment portfolio1.6 (19.4)
Loss on disposals of long-lived assets, net0.4 
Change in:
Accrued investment income3.5 (0.5)
Receivables(65.1)(282.6)
Deferred acquisition costs(11.7)7.5 
Ceded unearned premiums(120.5)(147.1)
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses267.6 194.9 
Unearned premiums176.8 197.7 
Ceded reinsurance payable and funds held(102.2)204.8 
Income taxes(12.8)7.9 
Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities(7.4)8.5 
Other, net(4.9)(42.5)
Cash provided by operating activities101.4 195.7 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Sales of fixed maturity investments977.5 1,046.3 
Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed maturity investments410.3 292.2 
Sales of equity securities18.2 66.3 
Sales of other investments95.5 67.7 
Purchases of fixed maturity investments(1,659.3)(1,535.0)
Purchases of equity securities(68.3)(49.9)
Purchases of other investments(24.5)(54.6)
Change in foreign regulatory deposits and voluntary pools(0.5)2.3 
Change in short-term investments297.8 
Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts9.1 (1.2)
Proceeds from sale of Trident assets38.0 
Purchases of fixed assets(15.8)(22.9)
Other, net2.7 29.6 
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities80.7 (159.2)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of long-term debt(125.0)(0.6)
Issuance of preferred shares, net of issuance costs144.0 
Activity under stock incentive plans1.4 1.4 
Payment of cash dividends to preferred shareholders(2.0)
Payment of cash dividends to common shareholders(32.2)(32.5)
Cash used in financing activities(13.8)(31.7)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(5.7)1.1 
Change in cash162.6 5.9 
Cash, beginning of year137.8 139.2 
Cash, end of period$300.4 $145.1 

See accompanying notes.


8


Table of Contents
ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.

Basis of Presentation

1.    Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (“Argo Group,” “we” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Argo Group is an underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market.
The preparation of interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The major estimates reflected in our consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses; reinsurance recoverables, including the reinsurance recoverables allowance for doubtful accounts;expected credit losses; estimates of written and earned premiums; reinsurance premium receivable; fair value of investments and assessment of potential impairment;impairment, including the allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities; valuation of goodwill and intangibles and our deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain financial information that normally is included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement footnotes, prepared in accordance with GAAP, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 24, 2017.

Effective February 6, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Maybrooke Holdings, S.A. (“Maybrooke”) and its direct subsidiaries, including Ariel Re. We have accounted for the acquisition in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations,” and the purchase price has been preliminarily allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. See Note 3, “Acquisition of Maybrooke,” for additional discussion regarding the acquisition and the related financial disclosures. The Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the consolidated results of Argo Group and Maybrooke commencing on the date of acquisition.

28, 2020.

The interim financial information as of, and for the three and nine months ended, September 30, 20172020 and 20162019 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim information includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the results presented for the interim periods. The operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. All significant intercompany amounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Certain reclassifications have been made to financial information presented for prior years to conform to the current year’s presentation.

During the first quarternine months of 2017,both 2020 and 2019, we evaluatedincurred non-recurring costs associated with a number of activities that began with proxy solicitation efforts and modifiedshareholder engagement. For the presentation of our reportable segments to better reflect our new operating frameworkthree and management structure. Under this model, Argo Group’s chief operating decision maker – Mark E. Watson III, Presidentnine months ended September 30, 2019, these costs were $3.7 million and Chief Executive Officer – evaluates performance$11.7 million, respectively, and allocates resources based on the review of the U.S. Operations and the International Operations. The U.S. Operations includes the former Excess & Surplus and Commercial Specialty reportable segments. The International Operations includes the former Syndicate 1200, International Specialty reportable segments, and the recently acquired Ariel Re business. (See Note 3, “Acquisition of Maybrooke” for details regarding Ariel Re.) The business unit that produces the risk and not the location of the underlying exposure is the primary characteristic in distinguishing operating and reportable segments. For example, a U.S. property exposure underwritten through our Syndicate platform would bewere previously included in International Operations. Consistent with prior periods, the Run-off Linesline item "Underwriting, Acquisition and Corporate segments include all other activityInsurance Expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Argo Group and are includedIncome in our consolidated financial results. Segment resultsQuarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 have been reclassified to2019. To conform to the current presentation.

2.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2017,year's presentation, these amounts have been reclassified out of "Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses" and into "Other corporate expenses" in the Financial Accounting Standards BoardConsolidated Statements of (Loss) Income herein. Please see Note 12, "Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses & Other Corporate Expenses" for further discussion.

Sale of Trident Brand and Platform
On April 30, 2020, we sold our Trident Public Risk Solutions (“FASB”Trident”) issued Accounting Standards Updatebrand and underwriting platform to Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC (“ASU”Paragon”) 2017-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (Topic 718): Scopeand received $38 million in cash, with additional consideration in future periods depending on performance post-closing. We recognized a pre-tax gain of Modification Accounting. ASU 2017-09 clarifies when changes$32.3 million related to the terms or conditionssale, which is included in "Net realized investment gains (losses)" in our Consolidated Statements of a share-based payment award must be accounted(Loss) Income for as modifications. The guidance requires entities to apply the modification accounting guidance if the value, vesting conditions or classificationnine months ended September 30, 2020. Trident was one of the award changes. In additionbusiness units within our U.S. Operations reporting segment.
Paragon will continue to allwrite business on Argo paper through a managing general agency agreement, and we will retain Trident’s claims operations and provide claims services to Paragon for the disclosures about modifications that are required today, the entities are required to affirmatively disclose when compensation expense has not changed. The ASU will be applied prospectivelypublic entity business.
9

Table of Contents
Acquisition of Ariel Indemnity Limited
Effective June 12, 2020, Argo Group and is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including in any interim period for which financial statements have not been issued or made available for issuance. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoptionour subsidiary Argo Re, Ltd. (“Argo Re”) acquired 100% of the ASU will have on our financial resultscapital stock of Ariel Indemnity Limited (“AIL”) for consideration of $55.6 million. The acquisition of AIL was made pursuant to the former owners (the “Sellers”) of Maybrooke Holdings, S.A. (“Maybrooke”) exercising a put option within the Administrative Services Agreement (“ASA”) between the Company and disclosures.


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations” (Topic 805). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses.Sellers. The guidance specifies the minimum inputs and processes required to meet the definition of a business. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those periods, with early adoption permitted. We do not anticipate that this ASU will have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (Topic 350). ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill that is done in Step 2ASA was part of the current goodwill impairment test to measure a goodwill impairment loss. Instead, entities will record an impairment loss based onstock purchase agreement between the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. The guidance will be applied prospectivelyCompany and is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed in periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We do not anticipate that this ASU will have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230). ASU 2016-15 will reduce diversity in practice on how eight specific cash receipts and payments are classified on the statement of cash flows. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. This ASU will have an impact on how we present the distributions received from equity method investees in our statement of cash flows. We have elected to adopt the cumulative earnings approach to classify distributions received from equity method investees, which we will adopt retrospectively. We anticipate that this ASU will have no net effect on our consolidated statements of cash flows, but will likely have an immaterial impact on the classification of specific cash receipts and payments within the statement.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 requires organizations to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including receivables and available-for-sale debt securities, by introducing an approach based on expected losses. The expected loss approach will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance requires a modified retrospective transition method and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the ASU will have on our financial results and disclosures, but do not anticipate that any such potential impact would be material.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (Topic 718). ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows, and accounting for forfeitures. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We have adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2017, and for presentation purposes, the incremental tax windfall or shortfall associated with these events has been classified as a cash inflow from operating activity as compared with a financing activity, as previously required. The impact to our financial statements was not material. Additionally, we have selected to continue estimating forfeitures based on historical patterns and will true-up the expenses upon vesting.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. Additionally, the ASU modifies current guidance for lessors' accounting. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not anticipate that this ASU will have a material impact on our results of operations, but we anticipate an increase to the value of our assets and liabilities related to leases, with no material impact to equity.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (Subtopic 825-10). ASU 2016-01 will require equity investments that are not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This ASU will also require us to assess the ability to realize our deferred tax assets related to an available-for-sale debt security in combination with our other deferred tax assets. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. While we continue to evaluate the impact of this ASU, we anticipate the standard will increase the volatility of our consolidated statements of income, resulting from the remeasurement of our equity investments.


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606), which replaces most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, “Deferral of the Effective Date” (Topic 606), deferred the effective date of this guidance to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Subsequently, in 2016, the FASB issued implementation guidance related to ASU 2014-09, including:

ASU 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)” (Topic 606), which is intended to provide further clarification on the application of the principal versus agent implementations;

ASU 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (Topic 606), which is intended to clarify the guidance for identifying promised goods or service in a contract with a customer;

ASU 2016-11, “Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting” (Topics 605 & 815);

ASU 2016-12, “Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (Topic 606), provides additional guidance for quantitative and qualitative disclosures in certain cases, and makes 12 additional technical corrections and improvements to the new revenue standard.

While insurance contracts are excluded from this ASU, fee incomeSellers related to our brokerage operations and management of the third-party capital for our underwriting Syndicate 1200 at Lloyd’s will be subject to this updated guidance. We continue to evaluate what impact this ASU will have on our financial results and disclosures and which adoption method to apply, but do not anticipate such impact being material based on the limited revenue streams subject to the ASU.

3.

Acquisition of Maybrooke

Effective February 6, 2017 we completed the acquisition of Maybrooke, whereby we acquired allthe since-liquidated holding company of our Ariel Re platform. The $55.6 million sales price is equal to the 2019 year-end tangible net worth of the issuedAIL, less certain administrative costs. Upon acquiring AIL, we dissolved AIL and outstanding capital stockmerged it into Argo Re.

The net assets of Maybrooke. The initial purchase priceAIL are primarily comprised of $235.3 million was paid in cash from funds on handcertain invested assets and available under our credit facility (see Note 7, “Other Indebtedness”). The initial purchase price was subject to post-closing adjustments based on a final calculation of the purchase price, which we delivered to the seller,receivables, as required, within 90 days of closing. As of the date of this filing, we are in discussions with the seller to finalize and agree upon certain changes included in the final purchase price calculation. We anticipate resolving this matter by the end of 2017 and do not expect any material adjustments to the purchase price disclosed below.

Through the acquisition of Maybrooke, we acquired Ariel Re, a global underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance business written primarily through its Lloyd’s Syndicate 1910. Ariel Re provides Argo Groupwell as run-off reserves associated with a number of strategic advantages, including enhanced scaleloss portfolio transfer agreement between AIL and the former Ariel Reinsurance Company, Ltd. ("ARL") legal entity. ARL was merged into Argo Re in its London- and Bermuda-based platforms.

December 2017.

The acquisition is being accounted for in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” Purchase accounting, as defined by ASC 805, requires that the assets acquired, and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. We are in the process of finalizing our determination of fair values including an independent appraisal of certain assets and, liabilities, including intangible assets. Therefore, a preliminary allocation ofas such, provisional fair value amounts for AIL have been recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. Based on our initial purchase price to the acquired assets, liabilities, andallocation, we do not believe that any intangible assets, is presented in the table below:

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

$

340.7

 

Cash

 

 

130.1

 

Accrued investment income

 

 

0.2

 

Premiums receivable

 

 

157.6

 

Reinsurance recoverables

 

 

80.2

 

Current income taxes receivable

 

 

0.6

 

Deferred acquisition costs, net

 

 

9.8

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

92.6

 

Other assets

 

 

24.9

 

Total assets

 

 

836.7

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

197.0

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

152.5

 

Accrued underwriting expenses

 

 

28.8

 

Ceded reinsurance payable, net

 

 

144.2

 

Junior subordinated debentures

 

 

83.6

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

 

9.0

 

Other liabilities

 

 

30.7

 

Total liabilities

 

 

645.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

 

 

190.9

 

Initial purchase price

 

 

235.3

 

Intangible assets

 

$

44.4

 

During the second quarter of 2017, we engaged an independent valuation firm andincluding goodwill, will be material. We anticipate completing our valuation analysis and closing the fair value measurement period by the end of 2017. The excess2020. AIL’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows were not material to our consolidated financial results as of and for the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired has been preliminarily allocated to intangible assets, which will be specifically identifiedthree and quantified by the end of 2017. We did not record amortization expense related to the $44.4 million intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as2020.

Risks and Uncertainties
Certain risks and uncertainties are inherent to our day-to-day operations. Adverse changes in the valuation analysiseconomy could lower demand for our insurance products or negatively impact our investment results, both of which could have an adverse effect on the revenue and profitability of our operations. The global COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been completed. We anticipate recording both amortizableresulted in and non-amortizable identifiable intangible assetsis expected to continue to result in significant disruptions in economic activity and goodwill uponfinancial markets. The cumulative effects of COVID-19 on the completion of the valuation analyses, including intangible assets relating to the Lloyd’s Syndicate 1910 stamp capacity (non-amortizable), distribution networks (amortizable),Company, and the Ariel Re tradename (amortizable). Goodwill is calculated aseffect of any other public health outbreak, cannot be predicted at this time, but could reduce demand for our insurance policies, result in increased level of losses, settlement expenses or other operating costs, reduce the excessmarket value of invested assets held by the purchase price overCompany or negatively impact the fair value of the net assets recognized, including identifiable intangible assets.

We recognized approximately $2.5 million of acquisition-related transaction costs in our Consolidated Statements of Income, all of whichgoodwill. Our liquidity and capital resources were recordednot materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions during the first quarternine months of 2017. Of these amounts, $2.2 million were reported in “Underwriting, acquisition2020.

2.    Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements & Updates to Accounting Policies
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (Topic 326), commonly referred to as current expected credit losses or "CECL." ASU 2016-13 requires organizations to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including receivables and insurance expenses”available-for-sale debt securities, by introducing an approach based on expected losses. The expected loss approach will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and $0.3 million in “Interest expense” relatedreasonable and supportable forecasts. The updated guidance also amends the previous other-than-temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities by requiring the recognition of impairments relating to credit losses through an allowance account and limits the amount of credit loss to the borrowings under our credit facility to help funddifference between a security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. In addition, the acquisition. No additional transaction costs were incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

Maybrooke’s Contribution to Argo Group’s Revenue and (Loss) Income

The following selected financial information summarizes the resultslength of Maybrooke from the date of acquisition that have been included in our Consolidated Statement of (Loss) Income:

(in millions)

 

For the Three

Months Ended

September 30, 2017

 

 

For the Nine

Months Ended

September 30, 2017

 

Revenues

 

$

27.5

 

 

$

93.7

 

Net loss

 

$

(26.7

)

 

$

(13.7

)


Unaudited Pro forma Results of Operations

The following unaudited pro forma financial informationtime a security has been providedin an unrealized loss position will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within the year of adoption. The guidance requires a modified retrospective transition method.

We adopted the updated guidance effective January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach, which resulted in a $7.9 million net of tax reduction to presentretained earnings. Partially offsetting this reduction of retained earnings was a summary$5.7 million net of tax increase in other comprehensive income representing the reclassification of unrealized investment losses to credit losses under this accounting update. The cumulative effect adjustment decreased shareholders’ equity $2.2 million. Please see Note 3, “Investments” and Note 4, “Allowance for Credit Losses” for further discussion of the combined resultsimpact of Argo Group’s operations with Maybrooke’s as if the acquisition had occurredASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2016. The unaudited pro formaour financial information is for informational purposes onlyposition and is not necessarily indicative of what the results would have been had the acquisition been completed at the date indicated above, as it may not include all necessary adjustments. Future changes to Maybrooke’s business, such as, but not limited to, the impact from underwriting decisions, changes in risk selection, or retention rates, could result in a material favorable or unfavorable impact on Argo Group’s future results of operations at and financial position. The unaudited pro forma results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 include favorable development from prior accident years2020.
10

Table of $10.5 million, including $6.2 million relatingContents
Updates to one specific claim in January 2017. In addition,Accounting Policies
The following accounting policies have been updated to reflect the $2.5 millionadoption of nonrecurring transaction costs directly attributableASU 2016-13, as described above.
Investment Impairments of Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities
We regularly review our investments to identify and evaluate those that may have credit impairments. For fixed maturity securities, the evaluation for credit losses is generally based on the present value of expected cash flows of the security as compared to the acquisitionamortized book value, the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects for nine months ended September 30, 2017, as disclosed above, have also been removedthe issuer, including industry conditions, implications of rating agency actions, the likelihood of principal and interest recoverability and whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the investment prior to the anticipated recovery in value.
Effective January 1, 2020 with the adoption of ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, we recognize credit losses on fixed maturities through an allowance account. For fixed maturities that we do not intend to sell or for which it is more likely than not we will not be required to sell prior to the anticipated recovery in value, we separate the credit component of the impairment from the unaudited pro forma resultscomponent related to all other market factors and report the credit loss component to net realized investment gains (losses) in the table below.

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions, except per share data)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Pro forma revenues

 

$

439.2

 

 

$

466.0

 

 

$

1,332.4

 

 

$

1,340.5

 

Pro forma net (loss) income

 

 

(63.4

)

 

 

56.2

 

 

 

29.8

 

 

 

132.9

 

Pro forma net (loss) income per share - basic

 

 

(2.11

)

 

 

1.87

 

 

 

0.99

 

 

 

4.40

 

Pro forma net (loss) income per share - diluted

 

 

(2.11

)

 

 

1.83

 

 

 

0.96

 

 

 

4.30

 

4.

Investments

CompositionConsolidated Statement of Invested Assets

Income. The amortizedimpairment related to all other market factors is reported as a separate component of shareholder’s equity in other comprehensive income (loss). The credit loss allowance account is adjusted for any additional credit losses or subsequent recoveries and the cost gross unrealizedbasis of the fixed maturity security is not adjusted.

For fixed maturity securities that we intend to sell or for which it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell before an anticipated recovery in value, the full amount of the impairment is recognized in net realized investment gains gross unrealized(losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Income and the cost basis of the fixed maturity security is adjusted to reflect the recognized realized loss. The new cost basis is not adjusted for any recoveries in fair value.
We report accrued investment income separately from fixed maturity securities and have elected to not measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued investment income. The write-off of investment income accrued for fixed maturities that have defaulted on interest payments is recognized as a loss in net realized investment gains (losses), in the period of the default, in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Reinsurance Recoverables
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the associated claim liability. We report our reinsurance recoverables net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance. The allowance is based upon our ongoing review of amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, changes in reinsurer credit standing, disputes, applicable coverage defenses and fair valueother relevant factors. We use the rating-based method to estimate the uncollectible reinsurance reserves due to credit losses. Under this method, reinsurance credit risk is estimated by considering the reinsurers probability of investments weredefault. Reinsurance recoverables are forecasted out of the assumed billing periods and a liquidation factor is applied based on the rating of the reinsurer and adjusted as follows:

September 30, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Amortized

Cost

 

 

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

 

 

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Fair

Value

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Governments

 

$

342.7

 

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

3.2

 

 

$

340.0

 

Foreign Governments

 

 

231.9

 

 

 

7.9

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

236.3

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

 

324.1

 

 

 

11.9

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

335.2

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

1,612.7

 

 

 

29.0

 

 

 

9.9

 

 

 

1,631.8

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

147.4

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

146.7

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

271.7

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

273.5

 

Asset-backed securities

 

 

156.4

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

156.5

 

Collateralized loan obligations

 

 

252.8

 

 

 

6.6

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

258.4

 

Total fixed maturities

 

 

3,339.7

 

 

 

60.4

 

 

 

21.7

 

 

 

3,378.4

 

Equity securities

 

 

347.6

 

 

 

138.2

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

480.5

 

Other investments

 

 

553.1

 

 

 

9.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

562.6

 

Short-term investments

 

 

386.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

386.0

 

Total investments

 

$

4,626.4

 

 

$

208.1

 

 

$

27.0

 

 

$

4,807.5

 

needed based on our historical experience with the reinsurers. Additionally, reinsurance receivable balances are evaluated to identify any dispute risk and when required, an additional reserve is recorded. Amounts deemed to be uncollectible, including amounts due from known insolvent reinsurers, are written off against the allowance. Changes in the allowance, as well as any subsequent collections of amounts previously written off, are reported as part of underwriting expense. We evaluate and monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers under voluntary reinsurance arrangements to minimize our exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies.

Premiums and Unearned Premium Reserves

December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Amortized

Cost

 

 

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

 

 

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Fair

Value

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Governments

 

$

275.1

 

 

$

0.6

 

 

$

4.5

 

 

$

271.2

 

Foreign Governments

 

 

244.2

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

237.3

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

 

375.7

 

 

 

8.9

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

382.8

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

1,316.9

 

 

 

23.3

 

 

 

19.5

 

 

 

1,320.7

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

154.9

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

153.7

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

174.8

 

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

176.8

 

Asset-backed securities

 

 

127.6

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

125.6

 

Collateralized loan obligations

 

 

269.6

 

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

9.1

 

 

 

264.3

 

Total fixed maturities

 

 

2,938.8

 

 

 

41.9

 

 

 

48.3

 

 

 

2,932.4

 

Equity securities

 

 

335.2

 

 

 

117.9

 

 

 

5.7

 

 

 

447.4

 

Other investments

 

 

531.6

 

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

539.0

 

Short-term investments

 

 

405.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

405.5

 

Total investments

 

$

4,211.1

 

 

$

167.3

 

 

$

54.1

 

 

$

4,324.3

 

Premiums are recognized as revenues pro rata over the policy period. Unearned premium reserves represent the unexpired portion of policy premiums. Accrued retrospective premiums are included in premium balances receivable. Premiums receivable balances are reported net of an allowance for expected losses, both dispute and credit related. The allowance is based upon our ongoing review of amounts outstanding, historical loss data, including delinquencies and write-offs, current and forecasted economic conditions and other relevant factors. Credit risk is partially mitigated by our ability to cancel the policy if the policyholder does not pay the premium.

3.    Investments
Included in “Total investments” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 is $154.8$150.2 million and $131.9$158.6 million, respectively, of assets managed on behalf of the trade capital providers, who are third-party participants that provide underwriting capital to the operations of Syndicate 1200.

Syndicates 1200 and 1910.

11

Fixed Maturities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, allowance for credit losses, and fair value of fixed maturity investments were as follows:
September 30, 2020
(in millions)Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Allowance for Credit Losses(1)
Fair
Value
Fixed maturities
U.S. Governments$374.9 $17.6 $$$392.5 
Foreign Governments274.5 5.9 2.2 0.2 278.0 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions162.6 7.4 0.3 0.2 169.5 
Corporate bonds1,842.6 62.7 25.7 32.2 1,847.4 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities321.7 14.5 0.4 335.8 
Residential mortgage-backed securities454.8 19.4 0.8 473.4 
Asset-backed securities141.7 3.2 0.5 1.1 143.3 
Collateralized loan obligations274.2 3.3 3.0 274.5 
Total fixed maturities$3,847.0 $134.0 $32.9 $33.7 $3,914.4 
(1) Effective January 1, 2020 we adopted ASU 2016-13 and as a result any credit impairment losses on our available-for-sale fixed maturities are recorded as an allowance, subject to reversal. Prior periods have not been restated to conform with the current year presentation. See Note 1.
December 31, 2019
(in millions)Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Fixed maturities
U.S. Governments$353.5 $2.3 $1.2 $354.6 
Foreign Governments244.8 4.6 0.7 248.7 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions145.8 6.9 0.1 152.6 
Corporate bonds1,777.4 37.7 34.7 1,780.4 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities213.5 4.6 1.1 217.0 
Residential mortgage-backed securities479.1 10.4 0.6 488.9 
Asset-backed securities164.2 1.5 0.2 165.5 
Collateralized loan obligations226.7 0.5 1.4 225.8 
Total fixed maturities$3,605.0 $68.5 $40.0 $3,633.5 
Contractual Maturity

The amortized cost and fair values of fixed maturity investments as of September 30, 2017,2020, by contractual maturity, were as follows:

(in millions)

 

Amortized

Cost

 

 

Fair

Value

 

(in millions)Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value

Due in one year or less

 

 

231.9

 

 

 

230.3

 

Due in one year or less$303.4 $305.4 

Due after one year through five years

 

 

1,515.6

 

 

 

1,533.6

 

Due after one year through five years1,682.0 1,691.7 

Due after five years through ten years

 

 

594.1

 

 

 

604.6

 

Due after five years through ten years603.4 622.9 

Thereafter

 

 

169.8

 

 

 

174.8

 

Thereafter65.8 67.4 

Structured securities

 

 

828.3

 

 

 

835.1

 

Structured securities1,192.4 1,227.0 

Total

 

$

3,339.7

 

 

$

3,378.4

 

Total$3,847.0 $3,914.4 

The expected maturities may differ from the contractual maturities because debtors may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

12

Table of Contents
Other Invested Assets

Investments

Details regarding the carrying value and unfunded investment commitments of the other invested assets portfolioinvestments as of September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 were as follows:

September 30, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2020September 30, 2020

(in millions)

 

Carrying

Value

 

 

Unfunded

Commitments

 

(in millions)Carrying
Value
Unfunded
Commitments

Investment Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Type

Hedge funds

 

$

180.1

 

 

$

 

Hedge funds$105.7 $

Private equity

 

 

167.7

 

 

 

117.9

 

Private equity204.7 86.5 

Long only funds

 

 

215.7

 

 

 

 

Other investments

 

 

(0.9

)

 

 

 

Total other invested assets

 

$

562.6

 

 

$

117.9

 

Overseas depositsOverseas deposits97.2 
OtherOther4.6 
Total other investmentsTotal other investments$412.2 $86.5 

December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Carrying

Value

 

 

Unfunded

Commitments

 

Investment Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hedge funds

 

$

180.9

 

 

$

 

Private equity

 

 

179.0

 

 

 

93.4

 

Long only funds

 

 

170.7

 

 

 

 

Other investments

 

 

8.4

 

 

 

 

Total other invested assets

 

$

539.0

 

 

$

93.4

 

December 31, 2019
(in millions)Carrying
Value
Unfunded
Commitments
Investment Type
Hedge funds$109.5 $
Private equity268.1 110.0 
Overseas deposits114.6 
Other4.3 
Total other investments$496.5 $110.0 
The following describes each investment type:

Hedge funds:Hedge funds include funds that primarily buy and sell stocks, including short sales, multi-strategy credit, relative value credit and distressed credit.

Private equity:Private equity includes buyout funds, real asset/infrastructure funds, credit special situations funds, mezzanine lending funds and direct investments and strategic non-controlling minority investments in private companies that are principally accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Long only funds: Our long only funds include a fund that primarily owns international stocks and funds that primarily own investment-grade corporate andOverseas deposits: Overseas deposits are principally invested in short-term sovereign fixed income securities.  

and investment grade corporate securities and international stocks.

Other:Other investments: Other investments includeincludes participation in investment pools, foreign exchange currency forward contracts to manage our foreign currency exposure and a portfolio of foreign exchange currency forward contracts that are actively traded by an external currency manager for a total return strategy.

pools.

Unrealized Losses and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

An aging of unrealized losses on our investments in fixed maturities equity securities, other investments and short-term investments is presented below:

September 30, 2017

 

Less Than One Year

 

 

One Year or Greater

 

 

Total

 

(in millions)

 

Fair

Value

 

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Fair

Value

 

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Fair

Value

 

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Governments

 

$

279.2

 

 

$

2.7

 

 

$

17.6

 

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

296.8

 

 

$

3.2

 

Foreign Governments

 

 

194.8

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

6.2

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

201.0

 

 

 

3.5

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

 

25.7

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

15.0

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

40.7

 

 

 

0.8

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

426.9

 

 

 

8.2

 

 

 

72.5

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

499.4

 

 

 

9.9

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

73.6

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

26.8

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

100.4

 

 

 

1.1

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

137.9

 

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

17.9

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

155.8

 

 

 

1.6

 

Asset-backed securities

 

 

69.4

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

9.3

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

78.7

 

 

 

0.6

 

Collateralized loan obligations (2)

 

 

61.0

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

63.3

 

 

 

1.0

 

Total fixed maturities

 

 

1,268.5

 

 

 

17.6

 

 

 

167.6

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

1,436.1

 

 

 

21.7

 

Equity securities

 

 

55.2

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55.2

 

 

 

5.3

 

Other investments (1)

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments (1)

 

 

46.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46.4

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1,370.4

 

 

$

22.9

 

 

$

167.6

 

 

$

4.1

 

 

$

1,538.0

 

 

$

27.0

 


December 31, 2016

 

Less Than One Year

 

 

One Year or Greater

 

 

Total

 

(in millions)

 

Fair

Value

 

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Fair

Value

 

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Fair

Value

 

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Governments

 

$

183.4

 

 

$

4.5

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

183.4

 

 

$

4.5

 

Foreign Governments

 

 

201.2

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

201.2

 

 

 

8.0

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

 

72.6

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

74.4

 

 

 

1.8

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

490.5

 

 

 

17.7

 

 

 

50.6

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

541.1

 

 

 

19.5

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

70.6

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

77.7

 

 

 

1.6

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities (2)

 

 

87.5

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

91.9

 

 

 

1.7

 

Asset-backed securities

 

 

69.7

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

8.2

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

77.9

 

 

 

2.1

 

Collateralized loan obligations

 

 

122.5

 

 

 

8.6

 

 

 

16.9

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

139.4

 

 

 

9.1

 

Total fixed maturities

 

 

1,298.0

 

 

 

45.1

 

 

 

89.0

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

1,387.0

 

 

 

48.3

 

Equity securities

 

 

62.1

 

 

 

5.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

62.1

 

 

 

5.7

 

Other investments

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

0.1

 

Short-term investments (1)

 

 

4.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1,365.2

 

 

$

50.9

 

 

$

89.0

 

 

$

3.2

 

 

$

1,454.2

 

 

$

54.1

 

(1)

Unrealized losses less than one year are less than $0.1 million.

September 30, 2020Less Than One YearOne Year or GreaterTotal
(in millions)Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturities
U.S. Governments (1)
$14.9 $$$$14.9 $
Foreign Governments140.2 2.0 0.3 0.2 140.5 2.2 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions9.6 0.3 9.6 0.3 
Corporate bonds394.4 14.9 23.1 10.8 417.5 25.7 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities32.0 0.4 32.0 0.4 
Residential mortgage-backed securities40.3 0.6 3.9 0.2 44.2 0.8 
Asset-backed securities11.4 0.5 11.4 0.5 
Collateralized loan obligations139.2 2.3 44.0 0.7 183.2 3.0 
Total fixed maturities$782.0 $21.0 $71.3 $11.9 $853.3 $32.9 

(2)

Unrealized losses one year or greater are less than $0.1 million.

(1) Unrealized losses are less than $0.1 million.

13

December 31, 2019Less Than One YearOne Year or GreaterTotal
(in millions)Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fixed maturities
U.S. Governments$114.6 $1.1 $17.0 $0.1 $131.6 $1.2 
Foreign Governments (1)
117.6 0.7 5.1 122.7 0.7 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (1)
0.7 2.1 0.1 2.8 0.1 
Corporate bonds249.4 18.9 63.6 15.8 313.0 34.7 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (1)
74.8 1.1 4.9 79.7 1.1 
Residential mortgage-backed securities66.9 0.3 25.2 0.3 92.1 0.6 
Asset-backed securities22.5 0.1 18.9 0.1 41.4 0.2 
Collateralized loan obligations54.7 0.8 116.7 0.6 171.4 1.4 
Total fixed maturities$701.2 $23.0 $253.5 $17.0 $954.7 $40.0 
(1) Unrealized losses are less than $0.1 million.
We regularly evaluate our investments for other-than-temporary impairment. Forhold a total of 5,011 fixed maturity securities, of which 1,411 were in an unrealized loss position for less than one year and 174 were in an unrealized loss position for a period one year or greater as of September 30, 2020.
We adopted ASU 2016-13 “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” effective January 1, 2020.
For fixed maturities for which a decline in the fair value between the amortized cost is due to credit-related factors, an allowance is established for the difference between the estimated recoverable value and amortized cost with a corresponding charge to realized investment losses in the Statement of Income (Loss). The allowance is limited to the difference between amortized cost and fair value. The estimated recoverable value is the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, as determined by management. The difference between fair value and amortized cost that is not associated with credit-related factors is recognized in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Accrued interest is excluded from the measurement of the allowance for credit losses.
When determining if a credit loss has been incurred, we may consider the historical performance of the security, available market information and security specific considerations such as the priority payment of the security. In addition, inputs used in our analysis include, but are not limited to, credit ratings and downgrades, delinquency rates, missed scheduled interest or principal payments, purchase yields, underlying asset performance, collateral types, modeled default rates, modeled severity rates, call/prepayment rates, expected cash flows, industry concentrations, and potential or filed bankruptcies or restructurings.
We evaluate for credit losses each period. If we determine that all or a portion of a fixed maturity is uncollectible, the uncollectible amortized cost is written off with a corresponding reduction to the allowance for credit losses. If we collect cash flows that were previously written off, the recovery is recognized in realized investment gains. We also consider whether we intend to sell an available-for-sale security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. In these instances, a decline in fair value is recognized in net realized gains (losses) in the Statement of Income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security.
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the evaluation for a credit loss iswas generally based on the present value of expected cash flows of the security as compared to the amortized book value.cost. For structured securities, frequency and severity of loss inputs arewere used in projecting future cash flows of the securities. Loss frequency iswas measured ason the credit default rate, which includesincluded factors such factors as loan-to-value ratios and credit scores of borrowers. For equity securities and other investments,If a determination was made that the lengthunrealized loss was other-than-temporary, a realized loss was recognized in the realized investment losses in the Statement of timeIncome (Loss) and the amountamortized cost basis of declinethe security was reduced to reflect the loss.
14

The following table presents a roll-forward of the changes in fair value are the principal factors in determining other-than-temporary impairment. We also recognize other-than-temporaryallowance for credit losses on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities that we intend to sell.

We hold a totalmaturities by industry category:

Foreign GovernmentsObligations of states and political subdivisionsCorporate bondsAsset backed securitiesTotal
Beginning balance, January 1, 2020$$$$$
Additions-initial adoption of accounting standard6.8 0.1 6.9 
Securities for which allowance was not previously recorded0.3 0.3 14.4 15.0 
Securities sold during the period(0.2)(15.5)(15.7)
Additional net increases (decreases) in existing allowance0.1 (0.1)26.5 1.0 27.5 
Ending balance, September 30, 2020$0.2 $0.2 $32.2 $1.1 $33.7 

Total credit impairment losses included in net realized investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of 8,410 securities, of which 1,949 were in an unrealized loss positionIncome was $10.5 million and $43.0 million for less than one yearthe three and 182 were in an unrealized loss position for a period one year or greater as ofnine months ended September 30, 2017. Unrealized2020, respectively. Total other-than-temporary impairment losses greater than twelveincluded in net realized investments gains (losses) was $5.0 million and $11.8 million for the three and nine months on fixed maturities were the result of a number of factors, including increased credit spreads, foreign currency fluctuations and higher market yields relative to the date the securities were purchased, and for structured securities, by the performance of the underlying collateral, as well. In considering whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired or not, we also considered that we do not intend to sell the investments and it is unlikely that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity. In situations where we did not recognize other-than-temporary losses on investments in our equity portfolio, we have evaluated the near-term prospects of the investment in relation to the severity and duration of the impairment and based on that evaluation, have the ability and intent to hold these investments until a recovery of the cost basis. We do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired atended September 30, 2017.

We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our fixed maturities and equity portfolio as follows:

2019, respectively.

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Other-than-temporary impairment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

(0.6

)

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

(1.7

)

Equity securities

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(1.8

)

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

(7.3

)

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

$

(0.2

)

 

$

(2.4

)

 

$

(1.7

)

 

$

(9.0

)


RealizedInvestment Gains and Losses

The following table presents our gross realized investment and other gains (losses):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

6.3

 

 

$

5.4

 

 

$

18.9

 

 

$

16.4

 

Equity securities

 

 

9.4

 

 

 

20.8

 

 

 

37.1

 

 

 

45.4

 

Other investments

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

17.8

 

 

 

31.2

 

Short-term investments

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.4

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.2

 

Gross realized investment and other gains

 

 

22.9

 

 

 

31.6

 

 

 

74.5

 

 

 

94.6

 

Realized losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

(4.8

)

 

 

(6.1

)

 

 

(16.0

)

 

 

(21.0

)

Equity securities

 

 

(1.4

)

 

 

(1.9

)

 

 

(3.9

)

 

 

(9.0

)

Other investments

 

 

(10.5

)

 

 

(3.5

)

 

 

(27.7

)

 

 

(42.7

)

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.1

)

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on

   fixed maturities

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(1.7

)

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on

   equity securities

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(1.8

)

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

(7.3

)

Gross realized investment and other losses

 

 

(16.9

)

 

 

(13.9

)

 

 

(49.4

)

 

 

(81.8

)

Net realized investment and other gains (losses)

   before income taxes

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

17.7

 

 

 

25.1

 

 

 

12.8

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(2.2

)

 

 

(6.5

)

 

 

(7.9

)

 

 

(7.7

)

Net realized investment and other gains (losses),

   net of income taxes

 

$

3.8

 

 

$

11.2

 

 

$

17.2

 

 

$

5.1

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Realized gains on fixed maturities and other
Fixed maturities$7.2 $3.7 $30.5 $13.0 
Other investments10.8 7.5 70.7 21.9 
Other assets32.3 
18.0 11.2 133.5 34.9 
Realized losses on fixed maturities and other
Fixed maturities(7.5)(1.6)(25.7)(8.7)
Other investments(12.6)(8.4)(58.4)(21.8)
Other assets(0.4)(0.3)
Credit losses on fixed maturities(10.5)(5.0)(43.0)(11.8)
(31.0)(15.0)(127.4)(42.3)
Equity securities
Net realized (losses) gains on equity securities(3.2)6.4 (15.8)7.7 
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities held at the end of the period10.5 (8.8)(12.0)58.0 
Net realized gains (losses) on equity securities7.3 (2.4)(27.8)65.7 
Net realized investment and other (losses) gains before income taxes(5.7)(6.2)(21.7)58.3 
Income tax (benefit) provision(0.5)(0.3)(1.7)11.9 
Net realized investment (losses) gains, net of income taxes$(5.2)$(5.9)$(20.0)$46.4 

The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

15

Changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)gains related to investments are summarized as follows:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Change in unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

$

9.5

 

 

$

13.7

 

 

$

41.6

 

 

$

78.5

 

Equity securities

 

 

11.7

 

 

 

(10.8

)

 

 

20.2

 

 

 

(6.8

)

Other investments

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

0.6

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

Net unrealized investment and other gains before

   income taxes

 

 

21.1

 

 

 

2.8

 

 

 

63.8

 

 

 

72.6

 

Income tax provision

 

 

(4.6

)

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

(14.3

)

 

 

(15.7

)

Net unrealized investment and other gains, net of

   income taxes

 

$

16.5

 

 

$

3.1

 

 

$

49.5

 

 

$

56.9

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Change in unrealized gains
Fixed maturities$42.5 $(3.8)$66.9 $95.3 
Other investments0.2 (14.0)4.4 
Other and short-term investments(0.8)(0.7)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) before income taxes42.7 (4.6)52.9 99.0 
Income tax provision (benefit)7.0 (0.4)12.2 16.1 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income taxes$35.7 $(4.2)$40.7 $82.9 

Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts

We entered into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to manage operational currency exposure on our Canadian dollar (“CAD”) investment portfolio and certain catastrophic events, minimize negative impacts to our investment portfolio returns manage currency exposure on certain Euro (“EUR”) denominated investments and gain exposure to a total return strategy which invests in multiple currencies.  TheseThe currency forward contracts are carried at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Other investments”.liabilities" and "Other assets” at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The net realized and unrealized gains and losses(losses) are included in “Net realized investment and other (losses) gains” in our Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income.


The fair value of our foreign currency exchange forward contracts as of September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 was as follows:

(in millions)

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Operational currency exposure

 

$

(1.6

)

 

$

 

Asset manager investment exposure

 

 

(3.0

)

 

 

0.7

 

Total return strategy

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

3.3

 

 

 

$

(5.4

)

 

$

4.0

 


(in millions)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Operational currency exposure$(0.7)$(0.8)
Asset manager investment exposure(1.1)(0.3)
Total return strategy(0.7)2.2 
Total$(2.5)$1.1 
The following table represents our gross investment realized gains and losses on our foreign currency exchange forward contracts:

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)2020201920202019

Realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains

Operational currency exposure

 

$

1.8

 

 

$

1.3

 

 

$

7.5

 

 

$

8.7

 

Operational currency exposure$4.2 $1.3 $10.1 $2.2 

Asset manager investment exposure

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

2.3

 

Asset manager investment exposure1.8 1.0 3.1 

Total return strategy

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

18.4

 

Total return strategy10.3 6.5 43.5 18.8 

Gross realized investment gains

 

 

6.5

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

16.3

 

 

 

29.4

 

Gross realized investment gains14.5 9.6 54.6 24.1 

Realized losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized losses

Operational currency exposure

 

 

(4.2

)

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

(10.1

)

 

 

(16.3

)

Operational currency exposure(1.8)(3.2)(6.5)(7.8)

Asset manager investment exposure

 

 

(3.6

)

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

(10.4

)

 

 

(4.5

)

Asset manager investment exposure(0.9)(0.1)(1.9)(0.6)

Total return strategy

 

 

(3.5

)

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

(6.2

)

 

 

(20.1

)

Total return strategy(10.4)(7.1)(47.0)(15.7)

Gross realized investment losses

 

 

(11.3

)

 

 

(3.2

)

 

 

(26.7

)

 

 

(40.9

)

Gross realized investment losses(13.1)(10.4)(55.4)(24.1)

Net realized investment (losses) gains on foreign

currency exchange forward contracts

 

$

(4.8

)

 

$

0.3

 

 

$

(10.4

)

 

$

(11.5

)

Net realized investment (losses) gains on foreign currency exchange forward contracts$1.4 $(0.8)$(0.8)$

16

Table of Contents
Regulatory Deposits, Pledged Securities and Letters of Credit

(in millions)

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Securities on deposit for regulatory and other purposes

 

$

177.8

 

 

$

168.7

 

Securities pledged as collateral for letters of credit

 

 

42.6

 

 

 

35.9

 

Securities and cash on deposit supporting Lloyd’s business

 

 

405.6

 

 

 

161.8

 

Total restricted investments

 

$

626.0

 

 

$

366.4

 

We are required to maintain assets on deposit with various regulatory authorities to support our insurance and reinsurance operations.  We maintain assets pledged as collateral in support of irrevocable letters of credit issued under the terms of certain reinsurance agreements for reported loss and loss expense reserves. The following table presents our components of restricted assets:

(in millions)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Securities on deposit for regulatory and other purposes$232.0 $192.5 
Securities pledged as collateral for letters of credit and other141.9 169.9 
Securities and cash on deposit supporting Lloyd’s business353.3 412.8 
Total restricted investments$727.2 $775.2 
Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal (or most advantageous) market that are independent, knowledgeable, able to transact for the asset or liability and willing to transfer the asset or liability.

Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach are used to measure fair value. The inputs of these valuation techniques are categorized into three levels.

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the reporting date. We define actively traded as a security that has traded in the past seven days. We receive one quote per instrument for Level 1 inputs.

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. We receive one quote per instrument for Level 2 inputs.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs reflect our own judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.


We receive fair value prices from third-party pricing services and our outside investment managers. These prices are determined using observable market information such as dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. We have reviewed the processes used by the third-party providers for pricing the securities and have determined that these processes result in fair values consistent with GAAP requirements. In addition, we review these prices for reasonableness, and have not adjusted any prices received from the third-party providers as of September 30, 2017.2020 and December 31, 2019. A description of the valuation techniques we use to measure assets at fair value is as follows:

Fixed Maturities (Available-for-Sale) Levels 1 and 2:

United States Treasury securities are typically valued using Level 1 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets at the reporting date.

United States Government agencies, non-U.S. Government securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, credit securities and foreign denominated government and credit securities are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services. Observable data may include dealer quotes, market spreads, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Asset and mortgage-backed securities and collateralized loan obligations are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from third-party pricing services. Observable data may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Fixed Maturities (Available-for-Sale) Levels 3:

We own a term loanloans that isare valued using unobservable inputs.

17


Equity Securities Level 1:Equity securities are principally reported at fair value using Level 1 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from a third-party pricing service using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets at the reporting date.

Equity Securities Level 2: We own interests in a mutual fund that is reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. The valuation is based on the fund’s net asset value per share, at the end of each month. The underlying assets in the fund are valued primarily on the basis of closing market quotations or official closing prices on each valuation day.

Equity Securities Level 3: We own certain equity securities that are reported at fair value using Level 3 inputs. The valuation techniques for these securities include the following:

Fair value measurements are obtained from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Security Valuation Office at the reporting date.

Fair value measurements for an investment in an equity fund obtained by applying final prices provided by the administrator of the fund, which is based upon certain estimates and assumptions.

Fair value measurements from brokers and independent valuation services, both based upon estimates, assumptions and other unobservable inputs.

Other Investments Level 2: Foreign regulatory deposits are assets held in trust in jurisdictions where there is a legal and regulatory requirement to maintain funds locally in order to protect policyholders. Lloyd’s is the appointed investment manager for the funds. These assets are invested in short-term government securities, agency securities and corporate bonds and are valued using Level 2 inputs based upon values obtained from Lloyd’s. Foreign currency future contracts are valued by our counterparty using market driven foreign currency exchange rates and are considered Level 2 investments.

Short-term Investments: Short-term investments are principally reported at fair value using Level 1 inputs, with the exception of short-term corporate and governmental bonds reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs as described in the fixed maturities section above. Values for the investments categorized as Level 1 are obtained from various financial institutions as of the reporting date.

Transfers Between Level 1 and Level 2 Securities: There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.


Based on an analysis of the inputs, our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis have been categorized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

 

(in millions)

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

Level 1 (a)

 

 

Level 2 (b)

 

 

Level 3 (c)

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Governments

 

$

340.0

 

 

$

335.3

 

 

$

4.7

 

 

$

 

Foreign Governments

 

 

236.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

236.3

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

 

335.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

335.2

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

1,631.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,629.9

 

 

 

1.9

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

146.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

146.7

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

273.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

273.5

 

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities

 

 

156.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

156.5

 

 

 

 

Collateralized loan obligations

 

 

258.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

258.4

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

 

 

3,378.4

 

 

 

335.3

 

 

 

3,041.2

 

 

 

1.9

 

Equity securities

 

 

480.5

 

 

 

476.6

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

0.4

 

Other investments

 

 

124.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

124.1

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

386.0

 

 

 

347.6

 

 

 

38.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,369.0

 

 

$

1,159.5

 

 

$

3,207.2

 

 

$

2.3

 

(a)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

(b)

Significant other observable inputs

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in millions)September 30,
2020
Level 1 (a)
Level 2 (b)
Level 3 (c)
Fixed maturities
U.S. Governments$392.5 $376.5 $16.0 $
Foreign Governments278.0 278.0 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions169.5 169.5 
Corporate bonds1,847.4 1,840.4 7.0 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities335.8 335.8 
Residential mortgage-backed securities473.4 473.4 
Asset-backed securities143.3 143.3 
Collateralized loan obligations274.5 274.5 
Total fixed maturities3,914.4 376.5 3,530.9 7.0 
Equity securities150.7 132.9 17.8 
Other investments97.5 0.3 97.2 
Short-term investments528.7 512.3 16.4 
$4,691.3 $1,022.0 $3,644.5 $24.8 

(c)

Significant unobservable inputs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

 

(in millions)

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

Level 1 (a)

 

 

Level 2 (b)

 

 

Level 3 (c)

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Governments

 

$

271.2

 

 

$

228.0

 

 

$

43.2

 

 

$

 

Foreign Governments

 

 

237.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

237.3

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 

 

382.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

382.8

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

1,320.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,318.7

 

 

 

2.0

 

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 

 

153.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

153.7

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 

 

176.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

176.8

 

 

 

 

Asset-backed securities

 

 

125.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

125.6

 

 

 

 

Collateralized loan obligations

 

 

264.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

264.3

 

 

 

 

Total fixed maturities

 

 

2,932.4

 

 

 

228.0

 

 

 

2,702.4

 

 

 

2.0

 

Equity securities

 

 

447.4

 

 

 

444.9

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

0.4

 

Other investments

 

 

95.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

95.5

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

405.5

 

 

 

375.1

 

 

 

30.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,880.8

 

 

$

1,048.0

 

 

$

2,830.4

 

 

$

2.4

 

(a)

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

(a)Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

(b)

Significant other observable inputs

(b)Significant other observable inputs

(c)

Significant unobservable inputs

(c)Significant unobservable inputs

18

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in millions)December 31,
2019
Level 1 (a)
Level 2 (b)
Level 3 (c)
Fixed maturities
U.S. Governments$354.6 $349.1 $5.5 $
Foreign Governments248.7 248.7 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions152.6 152.6 
Corporate bonds1,780.4 1,773.0 7.4 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities217.0 217.0 
Residential mortgage-backed securities488.9 488.9 
Asset-backed securities165.5 165.5 
Collateralized loan obligations225.8 225.8 
Total fixed maturities3,633.5 349.1 3,277.0 7.4 
Equity securities124.4 117.8 6.6 
Other investments96.3 96.3 
Short-term investments845.0 823.5 21.5 
$4,699.2 $1,290.4 $3,394.8 $14.0 
(a)Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(b)Significant other observable inputs
(c)Significant unobservable inputs
The fair value measurements in the tables above do not equal “Total investments” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as they exclude certain other investments that are accounted for under the equity-method of accounting.


A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the investments categorized as Level 3 are as follows:

Fair Value Measurements Using Observable Inputs (Level 3)

(in millions)

 

Corporate Bonds

 

 

Equity

Securities

 

 

Total

 

(in millions)Corporate BondsEquity
Securities
Total

Beginning balance, January 1, 2017

 

$

2.0

 

 

$

0.4

 

 

$

2.4

 

Beginning balance, January 1, 2020Beginning balance, January 1, 2020$7.4 $6.6 $14.0 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

Included in net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

Included in net incomeIncluded in net income(1.6)(1.6)
Included in other comprehensive incomeIncluded in other comprehensive income(0.5)(0.5)

Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements:

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases0.1 12.8 12.9 

Issuances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

Settlements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

Ending balance, September 30, 2017

 

$

1.9

 

 

$

0.4

 

 

$

2.3

 

Amount of total gains or losses for the year included in net income (loss)

attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets

still held at September 30, 2017

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Ending balance, September 30, 2020 Ending balance, September 30, 2020$7.0 $17.8 $24.8 
Amount of total gains or losses for the year included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2020Amount of total gains or losses for the year included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2020$$$

(in millions)

 

Corporate Bonds

 

 

Equity

Securities

 

 

Total

 

Beginning balance, January 1, 2016

 

$

 

 

$

0.7

 

 

$

0.7

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.0

 

Issuances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

(0.3

)

Settlements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance, December 31, 2016

 

$

2.0

 

 

$

0.4

 

 

$

2.4

 

Amount of total gains or losses for the year included in net income (loss)

   attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets

   still held at December 31, 2016

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 


19

(in millions)Credit FinancialEquity
Securities
Total
Beginning balance, January 1, 2019$2.2 $8.2 $10.4 
Transfers into Level 33.5 3.5 
Transfers out of Level 3
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in net income(0.4)(1.6)(2.0)
Included in other comprehensive loss0.6 0.6 
Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements:
Purchases1.9 1.9 
Issuances
Sales(0.4)(0.4)
Settlements
 Ending balance, December 31, 2019$7.4 $6.6 $14.0 
Amount of total gains or losses for the year included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at December 31, 2019$$$
At September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, we did not have any financial assets or financial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis or any financial liabilities on a recurring basis.


5.

Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

4.    Allowance for Credit Losses
Premiums receivable
The following table represents the balances of premiums receivable, net of allowance for expected credit losses, at September 30, 2020 and January 1, 2020, and the changes in the allowance for expected credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
(in millions)Premiums Receivable, Net of Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible PremiumsAllowance for Estimated Uncollectible Premiums
Balance, January 1, 2020$688.2 $7.9 
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-13 at January 1, 2020
Current period change for estimated uncollectible premiums1.0 
Write-offs of uncollectible premiums receivable
Foreign exchange adjustments0.2 
Balance, September 30, 2020$797.0 $9.1 
Reinsurance Recoverables
The following table presents the balances of reinsurance recoverables, net of the allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance, at September 30, 2020 and January 1, 2020, and changes in the allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
(in millions)Reinsurance Recoverables, Net of Allowance for Estimated Uncollectible ReinsuranceAllowance for Estimated Uncollectible Reinsurance
Balance, January 1, 2020$3,104.6 $1.1 
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-13 at January 1, 2020
2.5 
Current period change for estimated uncollectible reinsurance0.1 
Write-offs of uncollectible reinsurance recoverables
Balance, September 30, 2020$3,046.5 $3.7 
20

Of the total reinsurance recoverable balance outstanding at September 30, 2020, reinsurers representing 89.7% were rated A- or better. We primarily utilize A.M. Best credit ratings when determining the allowance, adjusted as needed based on our historical experience with the reinsurers. Certain of our reinsurance recoverables are collateralized by letters of credit, funds held or trust agreements.
5.    Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The following table provides a reconciliation of reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”):

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)20202019

Net reserves beginning of the year

$

2,180.2

 

 

$

2,133.3

 

Net reserves beginning of the year$2,722.7 $2,562.9 

Net Maybrooke reserves acquired

 

131.8

 

 

 

 

Net AIL reserves acquiredNet AIL reserves acquired27.9 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add:

Losses and LAE incurred during current calendar

year, net of reinsurance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE incurred during current calendar year, net of reinsurance:

Current accident year

 

775.1

 

 

 

614.8

 

Current accident year876.9 799.9 

Prior accident years

 

4.4

 

 

 

(18.8

)

Prior accident years6.1 61.6 

Losses and LAE incurred during calendar year,

net of reinsurance

 

779.5

 

 

 

596.0

 

Losses and LAE incurred during calendar year, net of reinsurance883.0 861.5 

Deduct:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deduct:

Losses and LAE payments made during current

calendar year, net of reinsurance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and LAE payments made during current calendar year, net of reinsurance:

Current accident year

 

165.6

 

 

 

115.3

 

Current accident year188.2 163.6 

Prior accident years

 

413.7

 

 

 

403.9

 

Prior accident years632.7 615.8 

Losses and LAE payments made during current

calendar year, net of reinsurance:

 

579.3

 

 

 

519.2

 

Losses and LAE payments made during current calendar year, net of reinsurance:820.9 779.4 

Change in participation interest (1)

 

(23.2

)

 

 

(36.3

)

Change in participation interest (1)
33.0 (14.4)

Foreign exchange adjustments

 

18.9

 

 

 

1.0

 

Foreign exchange adjustments23.0 (26.3)

Net reserves - end of period

 

2,507.9

 

 

 

2,174.8

 

Net reserves - end of period2,868.7 2,604.3 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add:

Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and

LAE, end of year

 

1,798.0

 

 

 

1,110.0

 

Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and LAE, end of periodReinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and LAE, end of period2,521.3 2,238.2 

Gross reserves - end of period

$

4,305.9

 

 

$

3,284.8

 

Gross reserves - end of period$5,390.0 $4,842.5 

(1)

Amount represents decreases in reserves due to change in syndicate participation

(1)Amount represents the change in reserves due to changing our participation in Syndicates 1200 and 1910.

Reserves for losses and LAE represent the estimated indemnity cost and related adjustment expenses necessary to investigate and settle claims. Such estimates are based upon individual case estimates for reported claims, estimates from ceding companies for reinsurance assumed and actuarial estimates for losses that have been incurred but not yet reported to the insurer. Any change in probable ultimate liabilities is reflected in current operating results.

Underwriting results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 included net losses and loss adjustment expenses attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic of $16.9 million and $60.5 million, respectively, primarily resulting from contingency and property exposures in the Company’s International Operations and property exposures in its U.S. Operations. Property losses relate to sub-limited affirmative business interruption coverage, primarily in certain International markets, as well as expected costs associated with claims handling.
The impact from the unfavorable (favorable) development of prior accident years’ loss and LAE reserves on each reporting segment is presented below:

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)20202019

U.S. Operations

$

(28.7

)

 

$

(25.6

)

U.S. Operations$(0.5)$(9.8)

International Operations

 

17.0

 

 

 

(10.8

)

International Operations(4.5)69.5 

Run-off Lines

 

16.1

 

 

 

17.6

 

Run-off Lines11.1 1.9 

Total unfavorable (favorable) prior-year development

$

4.4

 

 

$

(18.8

)

Total unfavorable prior-year developmentTotal unfavorable prior-year development$6.1 $61.6 


21


The following describes the primary factors behind each segment’s prior accident year reserve development for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020 and 2016:

2019:

Nine months ended September 30, 2017:

2020:

U.S. Operations: Favorable development for the workers compensation,in surety and commercial automobile lines.

International Operations: Unfavorablemulti-peril, partially offset by unfavorable development in thegeneral liability, special property and commercial auto liability.

International Operations: Favorable development in property, specialty and reinsurance, partially offset by unfavorable development in general liability lines, primarily due to the first quarter 2017 Ogden rate change and claims from Hurricane Matthew.  

surety lines.

Run-off Lines:Unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years in asbestos and environmental driven by asbestos claims remaining open longer than expected, higher defense costs and movement on individual environmental claims as well as unfavorable development in other run-off segmentslines, partially offset by favorable development in risk management liability.

workers compensation.

Nine months ended September 30, 2016:

2019:

U.S. Operations:Favorable development within the commercial automobile, surety, workers compensationin general liability and specialty lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in professional and property lines.

International Operations: Favorable Unfavorable development was primarily concentrated in liability and professional lines. The charges impacted our Bermuda casualty and professional divisions, and to a lesser extent our European and Syndicate 1200 operations. The charges stemmed from public utility business in our Bermuda casualty division, which we previously exited, as well as updated estimates on a number of other claims based on new information received in the second and third quarters of 2019. As it relates to Europe, the adverse development primarily related to certain cover-holders whose contracts were previously terminated or where aggressive remedial underwriting actions have been taken. As it relates to Syndicate 1200, the adverse development largely related to businesses that we have previously exited or where aggressive remedial underwriting actions have been taken.

The International Operations unfavorable development includes $68.7 million recognized during the second and third quarters of 2019. This unfavorable development was primarily due to obtaining additional information on several individual claims, including investigations regarding causes of the incidents leading to the losses, reports provided by outside counsel, audits of the underlying losses and recent court decisions, settlements and jury awards. The result was an increase in the number of claims with the potential for underlying losses to reach our attachment point, particularly within our Bermuda Operations. The unfavorable development in the property linessecond and our Brazil unit.

third quarters of 2019 was also attributable to the results of ongoing audits, underwriting reviews, and updated data from third-party cover-holders, which included the identification of differences from original expectations with regard to the classes written, the distribution of writings by geography, and the rates charged by the cover-holders. Adverse development in Syndicate 1200 related to large claims involving the marine and energy and liability divisions. Losses on small and medium enterprise package business were also higher than expected.

Run-off Lines:Unfavorable development in asbestos andother run-off lines, partially offset by favorable development in risk management liability.

workers compensation.

In the opinion of management, our reserves represent the best estimate of our ultimate liabilities, based on currently known facts, current law, current technology and reasonable assumptions considered reasonable where facts are not known. Due to the significant uncertainties and related management judgments, there can be no assurance that future favorable or unfavorable loss development, which may be material, will not occur.

6.

Junior Subordinated Debentures

Trust Preferred Debentures

Through a seriesThe spread of trusts,COVID-19 and related economic shutdown has increased the uncertainty that are wholly-owned subsidiaries (non-consolidated), we issued debt. The debentures are variable with the rate being reset quarterly and subject to certain interest rate ceilings. Interest payments are payable quarterly. The debentures are all unsecured and are subordinated to other indebtedness. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, all debentures were eligible for redemption subject to certain terms and conditions at a price equal to 100% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest.

A summary ofis always present in our outstanding junior subordinated debentures is presented below:

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue Date

 

Trust Preferred Pools

 

Maturity

 

Rate Structure

 

Interest Rate at September 30, 2017

 

 

Amount

 

Argo Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

05/15/2003

 

PXRE Capital Statutory Trust II

 

05/15/2033

 

3M LIBOR + 4.10%

 

 

5.42%

 

 

$

18.1

 

11/06/2003

 

PXRE Capital Trust VI

 

09/30/2033

 

3M LIBOR + 3.90%

 

 

5.24%

 

 

 

10.3

 

Argo Group US

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

05/15/2003

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust I

 

05/15/2033

 

3M LIBOR + 4.10%

 

 

5.42%

 

 

 

15.5

 

12/16/2003

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust III

 

01/08/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 4.10%

 

 

5.40%

 

 

 

12.3

 

04/29/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust IV

 

04/29/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.85%

 

 

5.17%

 

 

 

13.4

 

05/26/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust V

 

05/24/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.85%

 

 

5.17%

 

 

 

12.3

 

05/12/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust VI

 

05/12/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.80%

 

 

5.12%

 

 

 

13.4

 

09/17/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust VII

 

12/15/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.60%

 

 

4.92%

 

 

 

15.5

 

09/22/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust VIII

 

09/22/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.55%

 

 

4.87%

 

 

 

15.5

 

10/22/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust IX

 

12/15/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.60%

 

 

4.92%

 

 

 

15.5

 

09/15/2005

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust X

 

09/15/2035

 

3M LIBOR + 3.40%

 

 

4.72%

 

 

 

30.9

 

 

 

Total Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

172.7

 


(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue Date

 

Trust Preferred Pools

 

Maturity

 

Rate Structure

 

Interest Rate at December 31, 2016

 

 

Amount

 

Argo Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

05/15/2003

 

PXRE Capital Statutory Trust II

 

05/15/2033

 

3M LIBOR + 4.10%

 

 

5.00%

 

 

$

18.1

 

11/06/2003

 

PXRE Capital Trust VI

 

09/30/2033

 

3M LIBOR + 3.90%

 

 

4.90%

 

 

 

10.3

 

Argo Group US

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

05/15/2003

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust I

 

05/15/2033

 

3M LIBOR + 4.10%

 

 

5.00%

 

 

 

15.5

 

12/16/2003

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust III

 

01/08/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 4.10%

 

 

4.98%

 

 

 

12.3

 

04/29/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust IV

 

04/29/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.85%

 

 

4.76%

 

 

 

13.4

 

05/26/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust V

 

05/24/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.85%

 

 

4.77%

 

 

 

12.3

 

05/12/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust VI

 

05/12/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.80%

 

 

4.79%

 

 

 

13.4

 

09/17/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust VII

 

12/15/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.60%

 

 

4.56%

 

 

 

15.5

 

09/22/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust VIII

 

09/22/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.55%

 

 

4.55%

 

 

 

15.5

 

10/22/2004

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust IX

 

12/15/2034

 

3M LIBOR + 3.60%

 

 

4.56%

 

 

 

15.5

 

09/15/2005

 

Argonaut Group Statutory Trust X

 

09/15/2035

 

3M LIBOR + 3.40%

 

 

4.36%

 

 

 

30.9

 

 

 

Total Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

172.7

 

Maybrooke Junior Subordinated Debentures

Unsecured junior subordinated debentures with a principal balance of $91.8 million were assumed through the acquisition of Maybrooke (“the Maybrooke debt”). The Maybrooke debt is carried on our consolidated balance sheet at $83.8 million, which represents our initial estimate of the debt’s fair value atultimate cost of loss and settlement expense. Actuarial models base future emergence on historic experience, with adjustments for current trends, and the date of acquisition plus accumulated accretion of discount to par value, as required by accounting for business combinations under ASC 805 (see Note 3, “Acquisition of Maybrooke”). This fair value is subject to change based on finalizing the valuation of Maybrooke’s opening balance sheet by the end of 2017. At September 30, 2017, the Maybrooke debt was eligible for redemption at par. Interest accrues on the Maybrooke debt based on a variable rate, which is reset quarterly. Interest payments are payable quarterly. A summary of the terms of the Maybrooke debt outstanding at September 30, 2017 is presented below:

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue Date

 

Maturity

 

Rate Structure

 

Interest Rate at September 30, 2017

 

 

Principal at September 30, 2017

 

 

Carrying Value at September 30, 2017

 

9/15/2007

 

9/15/2037

 

3 month LIBOR + 3.15%

 

 

4.47%

 

 

$

91.8

 

 

$

83.8

 

7.

Other Indebtedness

Our Consolidated Balance Sheets includes various long-term debt instruments under the caption “Other indebtedness,” as detailed in the table below. Information regarding the terms and principal amounts of eachappropriateness of these debt instruments is also provided.

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt Type

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Floating rate loan stock

 

$

59.1

 

 

$

54.8

 

Term loan

 

 

125.0

 

 

 

 

Other debt

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

0.6

 

Total other indebtedness

 

$

184.7

 

 

$

55.4

 


Floating Rate Loan Stock

This debt was assumed through the acquisition of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200. These notes are unsecured. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, all notes were eligible for redemption subject to certain terms and conditions at a price equal to 100% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest. Interest on the U.S. Dollar and Euro notes is due semiannually and quarterly, respectively. A summary of the notes outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is presented below:

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue Date

 

Currency

 

Maturity

 

Rate Structure

 

Interest Rate at September 30, 2017

 

 

Amount

 

12/08/2004

 

U.S. Dollar

 

11/15/2034

 

6 month LIBOR + 4.2%

 

 

5.66%

 

 

$

6.5

 

09/06/2005

 

Euro

 

08/22/2035

 

3 month LIBOR + 4.0%

 

 

3.67%

 

 

 

14.2

 

10/31/2006

 

U.S. Dollar

 

01/15/2036

 

6 month LIBOR + 4.0%

 

 

5.46%

 

 

 

10.0

 

10/31/2006

 

Euro

 

11/22/2036

 

3 month LIBOR + 4.0%

 

 

3.67%

 

 

 

12.4

 

06/08/2007

 

Euro

 

09/15/2037

 

3 month LIBOR + 3.9%

 

 

3.57%

 

 

 

16.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

59.1

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue Date

 

Currency

 

Maturity

 

Rate Structure

 

Interest Rate at December 31, 2016

 

 

Amount

 

12/08/2004

 

U.S. Dollar

 

11/15/2034

 

6 month LIBOR + 4.2%

 

 

5.18%

 

 

$

6.5

 

09/06/2005

 

Euro

 

08/22/2035

 

3 month LIBOR + 4.0%

 

 

3.70%

 

 

 

12.8

 

10/31/2006

 

U.S. Dollar

 

01/15/2036

 

6 month LIBOR + 4.0%

 

 

4.98%

 

 

 

10.0

 

10/31/2006

 

Euro

 

11/22/2036

 

3 month LIBOR + 4.0%

 

 

3.70%

 

 

 

11.2

 

06/08/2007

 

Euro

 

09/15/2037

 

3 month LIBOR + 3.9%

 

 

3.58%

 

 

 

14.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

54.8

 

No principal payments have been made since the acquisition of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200. The floating rate loan stock denominated in Euros fluctuates due to foreign currency translation. The outstanding balance on these loans was $42.6 million and $38.3 millionassumptions involved more uncertainty as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded in our Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income.

Borrowing Under Credit Facility

On March 3, 2017, each of Argo Group, Argo Group US, Inc., Argo International Holdings Limited and Argo Underwriting Agency Limited (the “Borrowers”) entered into a $325.0 million Credit Agreement (“New Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The New Credit Agreement replaced and terminated the previous $175.0 million Credit Agreement (“Prior Agreement”).

The New Credit Agreement provides for a $200.0 million revolving credit facility with a maturity date of March 3, 2022 unless extended in accordance with the terms of the New Credit Agreement. In addition, the New Credit Agreement includes a $125.0 million term loan borrowing, which Argo Group used to pay off in its entirety the $125.0 million borrowing drawn on January 31, 2017 under the Prior Agreement to help fund the acquisition of Maybrooke. Interest accrues based on a variable rate, which resets and is payable based on reset options selected by Argo Group pursuant2020. We expect there will be impacts to the termstiming of loss emergence and ultimate loss ratios for certain coverages we underwrite. The industry is experiencing new issues, including the New Credit Agreement. A summarytemporary suspension of civil court cases in most states, the termsextension of certain statutes of limitations and the outstanding balance at September 30, 2017 is presented below:

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue Date

 

Maturity

 

Rate Structure

 

Interest Rate at September 30, 2017

 

 

Amount

 

3/3/2017

 

3/3/2019

 

2 month LIBOR + 1.5%

 

 

2.80%

 

 

$

125.0

 

Borrowings under the New Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, permitted acquisitionsimpact on our insureds from a significant reduction in economic activity. Our booked reserves include consideration of these factors, but legislative, regulatory or judicial actions could result in loss reserve deficiencies and lettersreduce earnings in future periods.

22

Table of credit, and eachContents
6.    Disclosures about Fair Value of the Borrowers has agreed to be jointly and severally liable for the obligations of the other Borrowers under the New Credit Agreement.

The New Credit Agreement contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrowers could be required immediately to repay all amounts outstanding under the New Credit Agreement. Lenders holding at least a majority of the loans and commitments under the New Credit Agreement could elect to accelerate the maturity of the loans and/or terminate the commitments under the New Credit Agreement upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default.

Financial Instruments

Included in the New Credit Agreement is a provision that allows up to $200.0 million of the revolving credit facility to be used for LOCs, subject to availability. On March 3, 2017, the $0.2 million LOC outstanding under the Prior Credit Agreement was transferred to the New Credit Agreement. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding under the revolving portions of the credit facilities. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there were $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively in LOCs against the New and Prior Credit Agreement, respectively.

Other Debt

As part of the ARIS Title Insurance Corporation (“ARIS”) acquisition, at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had a note payable for $0.6 million. The note had a variable interest rate of 2.00% above 30-day LIBOR, with the variable interest rate being reset quarterly and subject to certain interest rate ceilings. Interest payments are payable quarterly. The note payable matures on April 1, 2019.

8.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Cash. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Investment securities and short-term investments.investments. See Note 4,3, “Investments,” for additional information.

Premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverables on paid losses. The carrying value of current receivables approximates fair value. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying values of premiums receivable over 90 days were $20.5 million and $14.3 million, respectively. Included in “Reinsurance recoverables” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, are amounts that are due from trade capital providers associated with the operations of Syndicate 1200. Upon settlement, the receivable is offset against the liability which is included in “Ceded reinsurance payable, net” in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the payable was in excess of the receivable. Of our reinsurance recoverables on paid losses excluding amounts attributable to Syndicate 1200’s trade capital providers, atapproximates fair value.                 
Debt. At September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 2016, the carrying values over 90 days were $13.2 million and $11.2 million, respectively. Our methodology for establishing our allowances for doubtful accounts includes specifically identifying all potential uncollectible balances regardless of aging. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the allowance for doubtful accounts for premiums receivable was $3.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, and the allowance for doubtful accounts for reinsurance recoverables on paid losses was $2.1 million. At September 30, 2017, the amount of premiums receivable over 90 days secured by collateral was negligible. At December 31, 2016, premiums receivable over 90 days were secured by collateral in the amount of $0.1 million. Reinsurance recoverables on paid losses over 90 days were secured by collateral in the amount of $0.6 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Debt. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2019, the fair value of our junior subordinated debentures,debt instruments is determined using both Level 1 and Level 2 inputs, as previously defined in Note 3, "Investments".

We receive fair value prices from third-party pricing services for our financial instruments as well as for similar financial instruments. These prices are determined using observable market information such as publicly traded quoted prices, and trading prices for similar financial instruments actively being traded in the current market. We have reviewed the processes used by the third-party providers for pricing the securities and have determined that these processes result in fair values consistent with GAAP requirements. In addition, we review these prices for reasonableness, and have not adjusted any prices received from the third-party providers as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. A description of the valuation techniques we use to measure these liabilities at fair value is as follows:
Senior Unsecured Fixed Rate Notes Level 1:
Our senior unsecured fixed rate notes and other indebtedness was estimatedare valued using appropriate market indices orLevel 1 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from a third-party pricing service using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets at the reporting date.
Junior Subordinated Debentures and Floating Rate Loan Stock Level 2:
Our trust preferred debentures, subordinated debentures and floating rate loan stock are typically valued using Level 2 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from external sources based on current market conditions.

a third-party pricing service using quoted prices for similar securities being traded in active markets at the reporting date, as our specific debt instruments are more infrequently traded.

A summary of our financial instruments whose carrying value did not equal fair value is shown below:

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

September 30, 2020December 31, 2019

(in millions)

 

Carrying

Amount

 

 

Fair

Value

 

 

Carrying

Amount

 

 

Fair

Value

 

(in millions)Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value

Junior subordinated debentures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Junior subordinated debentures:Junior subordinated debentures:

Trust preferred debentures

 

$

172.7

 

 

$

168.6

 

 

$

172.7

 

 

$

162.4

 

Trust preferred debentures$172.7 $173.6 $172.7 $174.0 

Maybrooke subordinated debenture

 

 

83.8

 

 

 

86.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subordinated debenturesSubordinated debentures85.0 92.3 84.7 92.5 
Total junior subordinated debenturesTotal junior subordinated debentures257.7 265.9 257.4 266.5 

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes

 

 

139.6

 

 

 

139.4

 

 

 

139.5

 

 

 

139.3

 

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes140.1 147.3 140.0 144.2 

Floating rate loan stock

 

 

59.1

 

 

 

57.7

 

 

 

54.8

 

 

 

51.5

 

Floating rate loan stock59.1 59.5 56.3 56.8 

9.

Shareholders’ Equity

23


Table of Contents
Based on an analysis of the inputs, our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis have been categorized as follows:
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in millions)September 30, 2020Level 1 (a)Level 2 (b)Level 3 (c)
Junior subordinated debentures:
Trust preferred debentures$173.6 $$173.6 $
Subordinated debentures92.3 92.3 
Total junior subordinated debentures265.9 265.9 
Senior unsecured fixed rate notes147.3 147.3 
Floating rate loan stock59.5 59.5 
472.7 147.3 325.4 
(a)Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(b)Significant other observable inputs
(c)Significant unobservable inputs
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in millions)December 31, 2019Level 1 (a)Level 2 (b)Level 3 (c)
Junior subordinated debentures:
Trust preferred debentures$174.0 $$174.0 $
Subordinated debentures92.5 92.5 
Total junior subordinated debentures266.5 266.5 
Senior unsecured fixed rate notes144.2 144.2 
Floating rate loan stock56.8 56.8 
467.5 144.2 323.3 
(a)Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(b)Significant other observable inputs
(c)Significant unobservable inputs


7.    Shareholders’ Equity
On August 8, 20177, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.27$0.31 on each share of common stock outstanding. On September 15, 2017,11, 2020, we paid $8.3$10.9 million to our shareholders of record on September 1, 2017.

August 28, 2020.

On August 2, 20167, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.22$330.556 per share on our 7.00% Resettable Fixed Rate Preference Shares, Series A, par value of $1.00 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (the “Series A Preference Shares”). Holders of depositary shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a Series A Preference Share (the “Depositary Shares”) received $0.330556 per Depositary Share. On September 15, 2020, we paid $2.0 million to our shareholders of record on September 1, 2020.
On August 6, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.31 on each share of common stock outstanding. On August 29, 2016,September 13, 2019, we paid $6.7$10.9 million to our shareholders of record on August 15, 2016.

30, 2019.

On May 3, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a 10% stock dividend, payable on June 15, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 2016. As a result of the stock dividend, 2,735,542 additional shares were issued. Cash was paid in lieu of fractional shares of our common shares. All references to share and per share amounts in this document and related disclosures have been adjusted to reflect the stock dividend for all periods presented.

On May 3, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares (“2016 Repurchase Authorization”). The 2016 Repurchase Authorization supersedes all the previous Repurchase Authorizations.repurchase authorizations. As of September 30, 2017,2020, availability under the 2016 Repurchase Authorization for future repurchases of our common shares was $93.7$53.3 million.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we repurchased a total of 612,034

We did 0t repurchase any common shares for $36.6 million. A summary of activity from January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017 follows.

A summary of common shares repurchased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is shown below:

2020.

Repurchase Type

 

Date

Trading Plan

Initiated

 

2017

Purchase

Period

 

Number of

Shares

Repurchased

 

 

Average Price

of Shares

Repurchased

 

 

Total Cost

(in millions)

 

 

Repurchase

Authorization

Year

10b5-1 Trading Plan

 

6/14/2017

 

06/20/2017-08/10/2017

 

 

156,570

 

 

$

59.53

 

 

$

9.4

 

 

2016

10b5-1 Trading Plan

 

9/15/2017

 

09/18/2017-09/28/2017

 

 

33,488

 

 

$

60.85

 

 

$

2.0

 

 

2016

Open Market

 

N/A

 

08/11/2017-09/15/2017

 

 

421,976

 

 

$

59.75

 

 

 

25.2

 

 

2016

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

612,034

 

 

$

59.75

 

 

$

36.6

 

 

 

24


10.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Table of Contents

Preferred Stock Offering
On July 9, 2020, the Company issued 6,000 shares of its Series A Preference Shares (equivalent to 6,000,000 Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a Series A Preference Share) with a $25,000 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to $25 per Depositary Share).
Net proceeds from the sale of the Depositary Shares were approximately $144 million after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. On September 17, 2020, the Company used most of the net proceeds to repay its $125 million principal outstanding on its term loan, previously reported in the line item “Other indebtedness” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and intends to use the remainder of the proceeds for working capital to support continued growth in insurance operations.
Dividends to the holders of the Series A Preference Shares will be payable on a non-cumulative basis only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, quarterly in arrears on the 15th of March, June, September, and December of each year, commencing on September 15, 2020, at a rate equal to 7.00% of the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $1,750 per Series A Preference Share and $1.75 per Depositary Share per annum) up to but excluding September 15, 2025. Beginning on September 15, 2025, any such dividends will be payable on a non-cumulative basis, only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, during each reset period, at a rate per annum equal to the Five-Year U.S. Treasury Rate as of the most recent reset dividend determination date (as described in the Company’s prospectus supplement dated July 7, 2020) plus 6.712% of the liquidation preference per annum.
8.    Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes (where applicable) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, and 20162019 is presented below:

(in millions)

 

Foreign

Currency

Translation

Adjustments

 

 

Unrealized

Holding Gains

on Securities

 

 

Defined

Benefit

Pension

Plans

 

 

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2017

 

$

(17.6

)

 

$

72.4

 

 

$

(7.1

)

 

$

47.7

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income before

   reclassifications

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

74.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

73.9

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other

   comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

(24.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

(24.6

)

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss)

   income

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

49.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

49.3

 

Balance at September 30, 2017

 

$

(17.8

)

 

$

121.9

 

 

$

(7.1

)

 

$

97.0

 

(in millions)Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsUnrealized
Holding Gains
on Securities
Defined Benefit Pension PlansTotal
Balance, January 1, 2020$(22.6)$33.5 $(8.1)$2.8 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(12.3)55.9 43.6 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss(15.2)(15.2)
Net current-period other comprehensive loss(12.3)40.7 28.4 
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-13
5.7 5.7 
Balance, September 30, 2020$(34.9)$79.9 $(8.1)$36.9 

(in millions)

 

Foreign

Currency

Translation

Adjustments

 

 

Unrealized

Holding Gains

on Securities

 

 

Defined

Benefit

Pension

Plans

 

 

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2016

 

$

(21.6

)

 

$

40.0

 

 

$

(6.9

)

 

$

11.5

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income before

   reclassifications

 

 

2.8

 

 

 

70.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

73.0

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other

   comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

(13.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

(13.3

)

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss)

   income

 

 

2.8

 

 

 

56.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

59.7

 

Balance at September 30, 2016

 

$

(18.8

)

 

$

96.9

 

 

$

(6.9

)

 

$

71.2

 


(in millions)Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsUnrealized
Holding Gains
on Securities
Defined Benefit Pension PlansTotal
Balance, January 1, 2019$(22.4)$(49.0)$(6.7)$(78.1)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications(0.1)76.2 76.1 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income6.7 6.7 
Net current-period other comprehensive income(0.1)82.9 82.8 
Balance, September 30, 2019$(22.5)$33.9 $(6.7)$4.7 

25

Table of Contents
The following table illustrates the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income shown in the above tables thattable have been included in the following captions in our Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Unrealized gains on securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

$

(17.4

)

 

$

(17.0

)

 

$

(36.3

)

 

$

(25.1

)

Provision for income taxes (benefit)

 

 

5.5

 

 

 

7.9

 

 

 

11.7

 

 

 

11.8

 

Net of taxes

 

$

(11.9

)

 

$

(9.1

)

 

$

(24.6

)

 

$

(13.3

)

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Unrealized gains and losses on securities:
Net realized investment (gains) loss$4.5 $2.8 $(15.4)$7.7 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes(0.5)(0.3)0.2 (1.0)
Net of taxes$4.0 $2.5 $(15.2)$6.7 

11.

Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share


9.    Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share
The following table presents the calculation of net (loss) income per common share on a basic and diluted basis:

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)2020201920202019

Net (loss) income

 

$

(61.3

)

 

$

55.2

 

 

$

21.4

 

 

$

113.8

 

Net (loss) income$(29.6)$(25.1)$(54.8)$94.9 
Less: Preferred share dividendsLess: Preferred share dividends2.0 2.0 
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholdersNet (loss) income attributable to common shareholders(31.6)(25.1)(56.8)94.9 

Weighted average common shares

outstanding - basic

 

 

29,978,485

 

 

 

30,018,637

 

 

 

30,075,424

 

 

 

30,227,725

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic34,667,266 34,299,999 34,590,659 34,161,016 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

Equity compensation awards

 

 

 

 

 

709,746

 

 

 

817,602

 

 

 

661,762

 

Equity compensation awards608,606 

Weighted average common shares

outstanding - diluted

 

 

29,978,485

 

 

 

30,728,383

 

 

 

30,893,026

 

 

 

30,889,487

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted34,667,266 34,299,999 34,590,659 34,769,622 

Net (loss) income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income per common share:

Basic

 

$

(2.04

)

 

$

1.84

 

 

$

0.71

 

 

$

3.76

 

Basic$(0.91)$(0.73)$(1.64)$2.78 

Diluted

 

$

(2.04

)

 

$

1.80

 

 

$

0.69

 

 

$

3.68

 

Diluted$(0.91)$(0.73)$(1.64)$2.73 

Excluded from the weighted average common shares outstanding calculation at September 30, 20172020 and 20162019 are 10,640,78911,315,889 shares, and 9,996,840 shares, respectively, which are held as treasury shares. The shares are excluded as of their repurchase date. ForDue to the net loss incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, all of the potentially dilutive securities were anti-dilutive, and therefore, omitted from the calculation. Due to the net loss incurred for the three months ended September 30, 2017, 711,854 shares2019, all of the potentially dilutive securities were not included inanti-dilutive, and therefore, omitted from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

12.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Income taxes paid. We paid income taxes of $10.1 million and $1.5 million duringcalculation. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2019, there were 2,331 weighted average shares excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share because they were anti-dilutive.

10.    Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest paid and 2016, respectively.

Income taxes recovered. We recovered income taxes of $2.4 million and $0.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Interest paid was(recovered) were as follows:

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)20202019

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes

 

$

7.0

 

 

$

7.0

 

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes$7.0 $7.0 

Junior subordinated debentures

 

 

9.4

 

 

 

5.7

 

Junior subordinated debentures9.4 12.3 

Other indebtedness

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

2.0

 

Other indebtedness4.6 7.2 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

Total interest paid

 

$

19.7

 

 

$

14.7

 

Total interest paid$21.0 $26.5 
Income taxes paidIncome taxes paid46.0 4.8 
Income taxes recoveredIncome taxes recovered(1.6)(0.1)
Income taxes paid, netIncome taxes paid, net$44.4 $4.7 

13.

Share-based Compensation

26

The fair value methodTable of accounting is used for share-based compensation plans. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the award at the measurement date and recognized over the requisite service period. We use the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair values on the measurement date for share options and share appreciation rights (“SARs”). The Black-Scholes model uses several assumptions to value a share award. The risk-free rate of return assumption is based on the

Contents

11.    Share-based Compensation

five-year U.S. Treasury constant maturity rate on the measurement date. The expected dividend yield is based on our history and expected dividend payouts. The expected award life is based upon the average holding period over the history of the incentive plan. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical change in our stock price over the previous five years preceding the measurement date.

The following table summarizes the assumptions we used for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and 2016:

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Risk-free rate of return

 

 

1.85

%

 

 

1.12

%

Expected dividend yields

 

 

1.71

%

 

 

1.65

%

Expected award life (years)

 

 

4.48

 

 

 

4.50

 

Expected volatility

 

 

18.13

%

 

 

18.73

%

Argo Group’s Long-Term2019 Omnibus Incentive Plans

Plan

In November 2007,May 2019, our shareholders approved the 2007 Long-Term2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2007“2019 Plan”), which provides for an aggregate of 4.5 million shares of our common stock that may be issuedequity-based and cash-based performance-related incentives to executives,key employees, non-employee directors and other key employees. Asservice providers. The intent of May 2014, 1.46 millionthe 2019 Plan is to encourage and provide for the acquisition of an ownership interest in Argo Group, enabling us to attract and retain qualified and competent persons to serve as members of our management team and the Board of Directors. The 2019 Plan authorizes 1,885,000 common shares remained available for grantto be granted as equity-based awards. No further grants will be made under any prior plan; however, any awards under a prior plan that are outstanding as of the effective date shall remain subject to the terms and conditions of, and be governed by, such prior plan.
Awards granted under the 2007 Plan. In May 2014, our shareholders approved the 2014 Long-Term Incentive2019 Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which provides for an additional 2.8 million shares of our common stock to be available for issuance to executives, non-employee directors and other key employees. The share awards may be in the form of sharestock options, SARs,stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted sharestock awards, restricted sharestock unit awards, performance awards, other share-basedstock-based awards andor other cash-based awards. Awards may be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with other awards authorized under the 2019 Plan. Awards that are settled in stock will count as one share for the purposes of reducing the share reserve under the 2019 Plan. Shares issued under this plan may be shares that are authorized and unissued or shares that we reacquired, including shares purchased on the open market. Share
Stock options and SARs will count as one share for the purposes of the limits under the incentive plans; restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units, performance shares or other share-based incentive awards which settle in common shares will count as 2.75 shares for purpose of the limits under the 2014 Plan.

Share options may be in the form of incentive share options, non-qualified share options and restorative options. Share optionsstock appreciation rights are required to have an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value on the date of grant. We are prohibited from repricing the options. The term of the share options cannotthese awards is not to exceed seven years from the grant date.

ten years.

Restricted Shares

A summary of restricted share activity as of September 30, 20172020 and changes during the nine months then ended is as follows:

 

Shares

 

 

Weighted-Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2017

 

 

702,030

 

 

$

42.69

 

SharesWeighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2020Outstanding at January 1, 2020471,271 $60.09 

Granted

 

 

239,997

 

 

$

62.91

 

Granted399,578 $32.53 

Vested and issued

 

 

(154,706

)

 

$

41.65

 

Vested and issued(175,321)$51.22 

Expired or forfeited

 

 

(34,970

)

 

$

48.80

 

Expired or forfeited(134,676)$52.00 

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

 

 

752,351

 

 

$

49.07

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2020Outstanding at September 30, 2020560,852 $43.61 

The restricted shares vest over one to eightfour years.Expense recognized under this plan for the restricted shares was $2.5$1.7 million and $7.5$6.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, respectively, as compared to $1.7$3.2 million and $5.2$10.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2019, respectively. Compensation expense for all share-based compensation awards is included in “Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income. As of September 30, 2017,2020, there was $27.4$18.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted share compensation arrangements granted by Argo Group.

Stock-Settled SARs

In January 2016, we modified certain unvested cash-settled SARs, converting the awards into stock-settled SARs. We evaluated this modification under the terms of ASU 718 “Share Based Payments,” and determined that no additional expense resulted from the conversion. The expense for the stock-settled SARs will be amortized over the remaining vesting period.


A summary of stock-settled SARs activity as of September 30, 20172020 and changes during the nine months then ended is as follows:

 

Shares

 

 

Weighted-Average

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2017

 

 

1,982,695

 

 

$

34.80

 

SharesWeighted-Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2020Outstanding at January 1, 2020625,368 $33.60 

Exercised

 

 

(396,355

)

 

$

31.52

 

Exercised(418,702)$32.25 

Expired or forfeited

 

 

(105,024

)

 

$

40.62

 

Expired or forfeited(15,031)$

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

 

 

1,481,316

 

 

$

35.26

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2020Outstanding at September 30, 2020191,635 $36.21 

The

As of September 30, 2020, all stock-settled SARs vest over a one to four-year period.are fully vested. Upon exercise of the stock-settled SARs, the employee is entitled to receive shares of our common stockshares equal to the appreciation of the stock as compared to the exercise price. ExpenseThere was 0 expense recognized for the stock-settled SARs was $0.7 million and $3.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,2020 for stock-settled SARs. There was 0 expense recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, expense recognized for the stock-settled SARs was $0.4 million. As of September 30, 2020, there was 0 unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-settled SARs outstanding.
27

Table of Contents
12.    Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses & Other Corporate Expenses
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses were as compared to $1.0 million and $3.6 million forfollows:
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Commissions$79.4 $58.0 $201.9 $178.0 
General expenses92.1 89.2 284.3 269.3 
Premium taxes, boards and bureaus9.4 10.8 23.9 27.0 
180.9 158.0 510.1 474.3 
Net deferral of policy acquisition costs(16.6)6.0 (16.4)11.3 
Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses$164.3 $164.0 $493.7 $485.6 
Other Corporate Expenses
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. As2020 and 2019, we incurred costs of September 30, 2017, there was $4.3$0.4 million of total unrecognizedand $6.2 million, and $3.7 million and $11.7 million, respectively, in connection with the previously disclosed corporate governance and compensation costmatters, including responding to the 2019 subpoena from the SEC related to stock-settled SARs outstanding.

Cash-Settled SARs

A summarythe Company's disclosure of cash-settled SARs activity ascertain compensation-related perquisites received by the Company's former chief executive officer. During the second quarter of September 30, 2017 and changes during2020, the nine months then endedCompany reached a settlement with the SEC related to its investigation, which required that the Company pay a civil penalty of approximately $900,000, which is as follows:

 

 

Shares

 

 

Weighted-Average

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2017

 

 

500,486

 

 

$

32.08

 

Exercised

 

 

(235,663

)

 

$

32.37

 

Expired or forfeited

 

 

(14,628

)

 

$

23.74

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

 

 

250,195

 

 

$

32.30

 

As of September 30, 2017, all the cash-settled SARs are fully vested. Upon exercise of the cash-settled SARs, the employee is entitled to receive cash paymentincluded in other corporate expenses for the appreciation in the value of our common stock over the exercise price. We account for the cash-settled SARs as liability awards, which require the awards to be revalued at each reporting period. Expense recognized for the cash-settle SARs was $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Due to a decrease in the fair market value of our stock, we recouped $0.6 million of expense for nine months ended September 30, 2017. Expense recognized for2020.

These non-recurring costs are included in the cash-settle SARs was $2.6 millionline item “Other corporate expenses” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income, and $2.1 million forhave been excluded from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Ascalculation of September 30, 2017, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to cash-settled SARs outstanding.

our expense ratio.

14.

Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses were as follows:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Commissions

 

$

70.8

 

 

$

59.3

 

 

$

201.2

 

 

$

178.5

 

General expenses

 

 

89.7

 

 

 

75.6

 

 

 

266.4

 

 

 

217.3

 

Premium taxes, boards and bureaus

 

 

11.8

 

 

 

6.1

 

 

 

25.9

 

 

 

19.0

 

 

 

 

172.3

 

 

 

141.0

 

 

 

493.5

 

 

 

414.8

 

Net deferral of policy acquisition costs

 

 

(6.2

)

 

 

(3.6

)

 

 

(19.1

)

 

 

(11.8

)

Total underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

 

$

166.1

 

 

$

137.4

 

 

$

474.4

 

 

$

403.0

 

13.    Income Taxes

The $14.1 million and the $49.1 million increases in general expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2016 were driven by expenses attributable to the operations of Maybrooke coupled with increased information technology, marketing, occupancy and depreciation costs.

15.

Income Taxes

We are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and, under current Bermuda law, are not obligated to pay any taxes in Bermuda based upon income or capital gains. We have received an undertaking from the Supervisor of Insurance in Bermuda pursuant to the provisions of the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act, 2011, which exempts us from any Bermuda taxes computed on profits, income or any capital asset, gain or appreciation or any tax in the nature of estate, duty or inheritance tax, at least until the year 2035.


We do not consider ourselves to be engaged in a trade or business in the United States or the United Kingdom and, accordingly, do not expect to be subject to direct United States or United Kingdom income taxation.

We have subsidiaries based in the United Kingdom that are subject to the tax laws of that country. Under current law, these subsidiaries are taxed at the applicable corporate tax rates. EightCertain of the United Kingdom subsidiaries are deemed to be engaged in business in the United States, and therefore, are subject to United States corporate tax in respect of a proportion of their United States underwriting business only. Relief is available against the United Kingdom tax liabilities in respect of overseas taxes paid that arise from the underwriting business. Our United Kingdom subsidiaries file separate United Kingdom income tax returns.

We have subsidiaries based in the United States that are subject to United States tax laws. Under current law, these subsidiaries are taxed at the applicable corporate tax rates. Our United States subsidiaries generally file a consolidated United States federal income tax return.

We also have operations in Belgium, Brazil, France, Ireland, Luxembourg,Italy, Malta, Spain, and Switzerland, which also are subject to income taxes imposed by the jurisdiction in which they operate. We have operations in Barbados and the United Arab Emirates, which are not subject to income tax under the laws of that country.

Our income tax provision includes the following components:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Current tax provision (benefit)

 

$

(2.9

)

 

$

10.8

 

 

$

12.6

 

 

$

18.8

 

Deferred tax provision (benefit) related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future tax deductions

 

 

(2.5

)

 

 

(3.0

)

 

 

(6.1

)

 

 

1.9

 

Valuation allowance change

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

0.4

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

$

(4.6

)

 

$

7.0

 

 

$

6.2

 

 

$

21.1

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, pre-tax income (loss) attributable to our operations and the operations’ effective tax rates were as follows:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

Pre-Tax

Income (Loss)

 

 

Effective

Tax

Rate

 

 

Pre-Tax

Income (Loss)

 

 

Effective

Tax

Rate

 

Bermuda

 

$

(43.0

)

 

 

0.0

%

 

$

35.6

 

 

 

0.0

%

United States

 

 

(1.3

)

 

 

52.9

%

 

 

28.2

 

 

 

24.2

%

United Kingdom

 

 

(24.6

)

 

 

16.4

%

 

 

(2.8

)

 

 

-3.0

%

Barbados

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

Belgium

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

36.1

%

 

 

 

(1)

 

-160.0

%

Brazil

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

0.0

%

Ireland (2)

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

0.0

%

Luxembourg

 

 

(1.3

)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

Malta

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

0.0

%

Switzerland

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

18.1

%

 

 

 

(1)

 

21.2

%

United Arab Emirates

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

Total

 

$

(65.9

)

 

 

7.0

%

 

$

62.2

 

 

 

11.3

%

those countries.

28


 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

Pre-Tax

Income (Loss)

 

 

Effective

Tax

Rate

 

 

Pre-Tax

Income (Loss)

 

 

Effective

Tax

Rate

 

Bermuda

 

$

8.7

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

$

79.7

 

 

 

0.0

%

United States

 

 

57.4

 

 

 

24.1

%

 

 

78.0

 

 

 

26.3

%

United Kingdom

 

 

(36.6

)

 

 

21.6

%

 

 

(24.9

)

 

 

-1.9

%

Barbados

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

Belgium

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

36.2

%

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

Brazil

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

0.0

%

Ireland (2)

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

0.0

%

Luxembourg

 

 

(3.7

)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

Malta

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

0.0

%

Switzerland

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

21.1

%

 

 

 

(1)

 

21.1

%

United Arab Emirates

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

(1)

 

0.0

%

Total

 

$

27.6

 

 

 

22.3

%

 

$

134.9

 

 

 

15.7

%

(1)

Pre-tax income for the respective year was less than $0.1 million.

Our expected income tax provision computed on pre-tax income (loss) at the weighted average tax rate has been calculated as the sum of the pre-tax income (loss) in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, pre-tax income (loss) attributable to our operations and the corresponding operations’ effective tax rates were as follows: 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,
20202019
(in millions)Pre-Tax
Income (Loss)
Effective
Tax
Rate
Pre-Tax
Income (Loss)
Effective
Tax
Rate
Bermuda$2.4 %$(7.8)%
United States7.4 81.6 %7.7 16.4 %
United Kingdom(38.1)15.4 %(17.9)13.1 %
Belgium0.2 22.8 %(0.1)28.6 %
Brazil0.3 %1.2 %
United Arab Emirates0.4 %(1)%
Ireland(1)%(1)%
Italy(0.9)%(3.6)%
Malta(1.1)%(5.6)%
Switzerland(1)%(0.1)1.0 %
Pre-tax loss$(29.4)(0.7)%$(26.2)4.1 %
(1)    Pre-tax income (loss) for the respective year was less than $0.1 million.

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019
Pre-Tax
Income (Loss)
Effective
Tax
Rate
Pre-Tax
Income (Loss)
Effective
Tax
Rate
Bermuda$(50.3)%$39.1 %
United States64.6 24.7 %99.5 14.6 %
United Kingdom(65.6)9.9 %(30.3)19.2 %
Belgium0.2 25.3 %(0.4)29.4 %
Brazil3.2 %5.0 %
United Arab Emirates1.8 %0.3 %
Ireland(0.1)%(0.1)%
Italy0.7 %(4.1)%
Malta0.2 %(5.4)%
Switzerland(1)%(0.1)0.9 %
Pre-tax (loss) income$(45.3)(21.0)%$103.5 8.4 %
(1)    Pre-tax income (loss) for the respective year was less than $0.1 million.
29

Table of Contents
Our effective tax rate may vary significantly from period to period depending on the jurisdiction generating the pre-tax income (loss) and its corresponding statutory tax rate. The geographic distribution of pre-tax income (loss) can fluctuate significantly between periods given the inherit nature of our business. A reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate is as follows:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Income tax provision at expected rate

 

$

(5.5

)

 

$

9.8

 

 

$

12.9

 

 

$

23.2

 

Tax effect of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax-exempt interest

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

(0.7

)

 

 

(2.1

)

 

 

(2.5

)

Dividends received deduction

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(1.4

)

 

 

(1.7

)

Valuation allowance change

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

0.4

 

Other permanent adjustments, net

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(1.1

)

 

 

0.3

 

Adjustment for prior period

 

 

(1.2

)

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

(1.9

)

 

 

(0.8

)

Adjustment for annualized rate

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

(0.9

)

 

 

(1.5

)

 

 

(1.5

)

Other foreign adjustments

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(0.7

)

State income taxes, net of Federal benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(0.3

)

Foreign exchange adjustments

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

4.4

 

Foreign withholding taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

0.3

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

$

(4.6

)

 

$

7.0

 

 

$

6.2

 

 

$

21.1

 

Income tax (benefit) provision - Foreign

 

$

(3.9

)

 

$

0.2

 

 

$

(7.7

)

 

$

0.6

 

Income tax provision (benefit) - United States, Federal

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

6.8

 

 

$

13.4

 

 

 

20.2

 

Income tax provision  - United States, State

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

Foreign withholding taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

0.3

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

$

(4.6

)

 

$

7.0

 

 

$

6.2

 

 

$

21.1

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Income tax provision (benefit) at expected rate$(6.5)$(4.1)$2.8 $14.4 
Tax effect of:
Nontaxable investment income(0.2)(0.4)(0.5)(1.1)
Foreign exchange adjustments0.7 0.7 0.1 1.3 
Goodwill(1)1.0 
Withholding taxes(1)(1)0.1 0.2 
Prior period adjustments0.9 (1)0.9 (1.8)
Change in uncertain tax position liability2.7 2.7 
Change in valuation allowance1.2 2.2 1.2 1.6 
     Other1.4 0.5 1.2 (6.0)
Income tax provision (benefit)$0.2 $(1.1)$9.5 $8.6 

(1) Tax effect of the adjustment for the respective year was less than $0.1 million.
Our netgross deferred tax assets (liabilities) are supported by taxes paid in previous periods, reversal of taxable temporary differences and recognition of future taxable income. Management regularly evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and makes any necessary adjustments to them based upon any changes in management’s expectations of future taxable income. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon our generation of sufficientfuture taxable income in the futuresufficient to recover tax benefits that cannot be recovered from taxes paid in the carryback period, generally for our U.S. property and casualty insurers two years for net operating losses and for all our U.S. subsidiaries three years for capital losses for our United States operations.


Management has determinedlosses. If a company determines that any of its deferred tax assets will not result in future tax benefits, a valuation allowance is requiredmust be established for athe portion of these assets that are not expected to be realized. The net change in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was an increase of $1.2 million in 2020, relating to the tax-effected net operating loss carryforward included as part of the United States consolidated group of $15.1 million generated from PXRE Corporation and for the tax-effected net operating loss carryforward of $1.0 million from ARIS. The valuation allowances have been established asfollowing: Internal Revenue Code Section 382 limits the application of net operating loss and net capital loss carryforwards following an ownership change. The loss carryforwards available per year are $2.8 million as required by Internal Revenue Code Section 382.

Furthermore, due to cumulative losses since inception, management has concluded that a valuation allowance is required for the full amount of the tax-effected net operating losses generated by our Brazil and Malta entities.

Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $25.9 million is required as of September 30, 2017 of which $13.2 million relates to the PXRE Corporation and ARIS loss carryforwards, $8.1 million relates to Brazil operations, $3.8 million relates to Maybrooke, and $0.8 million relates to Malta operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the valuation allowance was reduced by $0.7 million pertaining to the PXRE Corporation and ARIS loss carryforwards, $0.3 million pertaining to our Brazil operations, and $0.4 million pertaining to our Malta operations. Additionally, the valuation allowance increased $3.8 million pertaining to Maybrooke of which $2.7 million valuation allowance was acquired with Maybrooke.

Of the PXRE Corporationlimited net operating loss carryforwards $13.6 millionwithin the United States, cumulative losses incurred since inception, and valuation allowances acquired through or related to acquisitions. Based upon a review of our available evidence, both positive and negative discussed above, our management concluded that it is more-likely-than-not that the other deferred tax assets will expire if not used by December 31, 2025 and $1.5 million will expire if not used by December 31, 2027. Of the ARIS loss carryforward, $0.2 million will expire if not used by December 31, 2027, $0.4 million will expire if not used by December 31, 2028 and $0.4 million will expire if not used by December 31, 2029.

be realized.

For any uncertain tax positions not meeting the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold, accounting standards require recognition, measurement and disclosure in a company’s financial statements. We had no material unrecognized tax benefits as ofFor the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020, the Company recorded uncertain tax positions in the amount of $2.7 million. Related interest in the amount of $0.5 million has been recorded in the line item “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income for the three and 2016.nine months ended September 30, 2020. Our United States subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013.2015. Our United Kingdom subsidiaries are no longer subject to United Kingdom income tax examinations by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for years before 2014.  

2016.

16.

Commitments and Contingencies

Numerous foreign jurisdictions in which we operate have provided or proposed income-tax relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the U.S., the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted on March 27, 2020. The Company does not anticipate the CARES Act to have a material impact on its financial statements and will continue to analyze it and other income-tax relief measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

14.    Commitments and Contingencies
Argo Group’s subsidiaries are parties to legal actions incidental to their business. Based on the opinion of legal counsel, management believes that the resolution of these matters will not materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

We have contractual commitments to invest up to $117.9$86.5 million related to our limited partnership investments at September 30, 2017.2020. These commitments will be funded as required by the partnership agreements which can be called to be fulfilled at any time, not to exceed thirteen years.

17.

30

15.    Segment Information

We are primarily engaged in underwriting property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. We have two2 ongoing reporting segments: U.S. Operations and International Operations. Additionally, we have a Run-off Lines segment for certain products that we no longer underwrite. See Note 1, “Basis of Presentation,” for information on the changes to our reporting segments that were effective beginning in the first quarter of 2017.

We consider many factors, including the nature of each segment’s insurance and reinsurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and the regulatory environment, in determining how to aggregate reporting segments.

Transactions between segments are reported in the segment that initiated the transaction.

In evaluating the operating performance of our segments, we focus on core underwriting and investing results before the consideration of realized gains or losses from the sales of investments. Realized investment gains are reported as a component of the Corporate and Other segment, as decisions regarding the acquisition and disposal of securities reside with the corporate investment function and are not under the control of the individual business segments. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the operation of each segment.


Revenue and (loss) income (loss) before income taxes for each segment were as follows:

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)2020201920202019

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

Earned premiums

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

U.S. Operations

 

$

242.6

 

 

$

216.3

 

 

$

692.9

 

 

$

629.7

 

U.S. Operations$298.7 $290.8 $902.8 $848.6 

International Operations

 

 

146.8

 

 

 

142.3

 

 

 

474.9

 

 

 

418.5

 

International Operations146.7 160.7 410.8��455.0 

Run-off Lines

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

Run-off Lines0.1 0.3 0.1 

Total earned premiums

 

 

389.3

 

 

 

358.7

 

 

 

1,167.8

 

 

 

1,048.5

 

Total earned premiums445.5 451.5 1,313.9 1,303.7 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

U.S. Operations

 

 

18.8

 

 

 

20.3

 

 

 

66.0

 

 

 

55.8

 

U.S. Operations30.1 27.4 56.1 80.1 

International Operations

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

24.4

 

 

 

22.7

 

International Operations9.9 10.7 19.0 31.3 

Run-off Lines

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

8.8

 

Run-off Lines1.5 1.7 2.8 4.4 

Corporate and Other

 

 

2.4

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

 

2.3

 

Corporate and Other0.5 0.4 1.1 1.1 

Total net investment income

 

 

30.9

 

 

 

32.7

 

 

 

105.0

 

 

 

89.6

 

Total net investment income42.0 40.2 79.0 116.9 

Fee and other income

 

 

13.0

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

 

20.4

 

 

 

20.2

 

Fee and other income1.7 1.9 5.8 6.3 

Net realized investment and other gains

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

17.7

 

 

 

25.1

 

 

 

12.8

 

Net realized investment (losses) gainsNet realized investment (losses) gains(5.7)(6.2)(21.7)58.3 

Total revenue

 

$

439.2

 

 

$

416.7

 

 

$

1,318.3

 

 

$

1,171.1

 

Total revenue$483.5 $487.4 $1,377.0 $1,485.2 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Operations

 

$

28.7

 

 

$

45.9

 

 

$

118.9

 

 

$

126.2

 

International Operations

 

 

(77.5

)

 

 

20.1

 

 

 

(60.1

)

 

 

53.1

 

Run-off Lines

 

 

(12.7

)

 

 

(10.0

)

 

 

(16.4

)

 

 

(14.6

)

Total segment (loss) income before taxes

 

 

(61.5

)

 

 

56.0

 

 

 

42.4

 

 

 

164.7

 

Corporate and Other

 

 

(10.4

)

 

 

(11.5

)

 

 

(39.9

)

 

 

(42.6

)

Net realized investment and other gains

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

17.7

 

 

 

25.1

 

 

 

12.8

 

Total (loss) income before income taxes

 

$

(65.9

)

 

$

62.2

 

 

$

27.6

 

 

$

134.9

 


For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Income (loss) before income taxes
U.S. Operations$20.1 $42.2 $88.2 $138.3 
International Operations(14.7)(52.9)(54.5)(57.7)
Run-off Lines(10.2)0.7 (11.0)0.2 
Total segment (loss) income before taxes(4.8)(10.0)22.7 80.8 
Corporate and Other(6.9)(7.9)(25.1)(30.1)
Net realized investment and other (losses) gains(5.7)(6.2)(21.7)58.3 
Foreign currency exchange (losses) gains(11.6)1.6 (15.0)6.2 
Other corporate expenses(0.4)(3.7)(6.2)(11.7)
Total (loss) income before income taxes$(29.4)$(26.2)$(45.3)$103.5 
31

Table of Contents
The table below presents earned premiums by geographic location for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 and 2016.2019. For this disclosure, we determine geographic location by the country of domicile of our subsidiaries that underwrite the business and not by the location of insureds or reinsureds from whom the business was generated.

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)2020201920202019
United StatesUnited States$299.1 $289.6 $900.2 $845.4 
United KingdomUnited Kingdom90.6 101.9 252.8 295.6 

Bermuda

 

$

23.3

 

 

$

29.0

 

 

$

72.0

 

 

$

86.1

 

Bermuda27.3 24.3 73.8 60.1 

Brazil

 

 

11.7

 

 

 

10.4

 

 

 

36.8

 

 

 

29.6

 

Malta

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

1.6

 

Malta13.0 21.3 43.3 62.3 

United Kingdom

 

 

109.1

 

 

 

102.4

 

 

 

361.2

 

 

 

301.1

 

United States

 

 

242.5

 

 

 

216.3

 

 

 

692.8

 

 

 

630.1

 

All other jurisdictionsAll other jurisdictions15.5 14.4 43.8 40.3 

Total earned premiums

 

$

389.3

 

 

$

358.7

 

 

$

1,167.8

 

 

$

1,048.5

 

Total earned premiums$445.5 $451.5 $1,313.9 $1,303.7 

The following table represents identifiable assets:

(in millions)

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

(in millions)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019

U.S. Operations

 

$

4,335.1

 

 

$

3,961.2

 

U.S. Operations$6,065.9 $5,009.0 

International Operations

 

 

3,814.2

 

 

 

2,356.9

 

International Operations4,140.8 5,002.4 

Run-off Lines

 

 

458.9

 

 

 

537.0

 

Run-off Lines334.9 356.9 

Corporate and Other

 

 

449.8

 

 

 

349.9

 

Corporate and Other192.7 146.2 

Total

 

$

9,058.0

 

 

$

7,205.0

 

Total$10,734.3 $10,514.5 

Included in total assets at September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 are $815.7$800.6 million and $630.4$916.3 million, respectively, in assets associated with trade capital providers.


18.

Senior Unsecured Fixed Rate Notes

16.    Senior Unsecured Fixed Rate Notes 
In September 2012, Argo Group (the “Parent Guarantor”), through its subsidiary Argo Group US (the “Subsidiary Issuer”), issued $143,750,000 aggregate principal amount of the Subsidiary Issuer’s 6.5% Senior Notes due September 15, 2042 (the “Notes”). The Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Subsidiary Issuer and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Subsidiary Issuer’s other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The Notes are guaranteed on a full and unconditional senior unsecured basis by the Parent Guarantor. The Notes may be redeemed, for cash, in whole or in part, on or after September 15, 2017, at the Subsidiary Issuer’s option, at any time and from time to time, prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued but unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to, but not including, the redemption date.

In accordance with ASU 2015-03,2015-3, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (Topic 835), we present the unamortized debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt liability. At September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, the Notes consisted of the following:

(in millions)

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

(in millions)September 30, 2020December 31, 2019

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes

Principal

 

$

143.8

 

 

$

143.8

 

Principal$143.8 $143.8 

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs

 

 

(4.2

)

 

 

(4.3

)

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs(3.7)(3.8)

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes, less unamortized debt

issuance costs

 

$

139.6

 

 

$

139.5

 

Senior unsecured fixed rate notes, less unamortized debt issuance costs$140.1 $140.0 

In accordance with Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X, we have elected to present condensed consolidating financial information in lieu of separate financial statements for the Subsidiary Issuer. The following tables present condensed consolidating financial information at September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 and 2016,2019, of the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiary Issuer. The Subsidiary Issuer is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Guarantor under the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. Earnings of subsidiaries are reflected in the Parent Guarantor’s investment accounts and earnings.

32

Table of Contents
The Parent Guarantor fully and unconditionally guarantees certain of the debt of the Subsidiary Issuer. Condensed consolidating financial information of the Subsidiary Issuer is presented on a consolidated basis and consists principally of the net assets, results of operations and cash flows of operating insurance company subsidiaries.


33


Table of Contents
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

2020

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Argo Group

International

Holdings, Ltd

(Parent Guarantor)

 

 

Argo Group US, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)

 

 

Other Subsidiaries

and Eliminations (1)

 

 

Consolidating

Adjustments (2)

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

$

(1.6

)

 

$

3,039.1

 

 

$

1,770.0

 

 

$

 

 

$

4,807.5

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

 

73.5

 

 

 

162.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

235.8

 

Accrued investment income

 

 

 

 

 

16.8

 

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

23.6

 

Premiums receivable

 

 

 

 

 

227.3

 

 

 

451.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

678.8

 

Reinsurance recoverables

 

 

 

 

 

1,450.3

 

 

 

651.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,101.9

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

 

 

44.4

 

 

 

125.2

 

 

 

90.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

260.5

 

Deferred acquisition costs, net

 

 

 

 

 

82.3

 

 

 

86.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

168.8

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

 

 

 

194.9

 

 

 

266.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

461.4

 

Other assets

 

 

8.3

 

 

 

173.7

 

 

 

137.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

319.7

 

Intercompany note receivable

 

 

 

 

 

50.2

 

 

 

69.8

 

 

 

(120.0

)

 

 

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

 

2,086.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,086.7

)

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

2,137.8

 

 

$

5,433.3

 

 

$

3,693.6

 

 

$

(2,206.7

)

 

$

9,058.0

 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

$

 

 

$

2,452.6

 

 

$

1,853.3

 

 

$

 

 

$

4,305.9

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

 

 

 

694.5

 

 

 

591.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,286.0

 

Funds held and ceded reinsurance payable, net

 

 

 

 

 

790.1

 

 

 

77.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

867.6

 

Long-term debt

 

 

153.4

 

 

 

284.6

 

 

 

142.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

580.8

 

Current income taxes payable, net

 

 

 

 

 

7.9

 

 

 

3.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.0

 

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

 

 

 

 

37.3

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

41.5

 

Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities

 

 

12.1

 

 

 

103.2

 

 

 

41.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

157.2

 

Due to affiliates

 

 

44.3

 

 

 

6.9

 

 

 

(6.9

)

 

 

(44.3

)

 

 

 

Intercompany note payable

 

 

120.0

 

 

 

40.1

 

 

 

(40.1

)

 

 

(120.0

)

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

329.8

 

 

 

4,417.2

 

 

 

2,667.3

 

 

 

(164.3

)

 

 

7,250.0

 

Total shareholders' equity

 

 

1,808.0

 

 

 

1,016.1

 

 

 

1,026.3

 

 

 

(2,042.4

)

 

 

1,808.0

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

2,137.8

 

 

$

5,433.3

 

 

$

3,693.6

 

 

$

(2,206.7

)

 

$

9,058.0

 

(1)

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

(2)

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

(Unaudited)

Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd.
(Parent Guarantor)
Argo Group US, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
Total
Assets
Investments$1.2 $3,379.4 $1,625.4 $$5,006.0 
Cash2.9 133.6 163.9 300.4 
Accrued investment income17.0 5.2 22.2 
Premiums receivable305.1 491.9 797.0 
Reinsurance recoverables1,817.3 1,229.2 3,046.5 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net39.6 118.5 89.2 247.3 
Current income taxes receivable, net2.7 8.5 11.2 
Deferred tax assets, net4.1 12.9 17.0 
Deferred acquisition costs, net98.2 72.2 170.4 
Ceded unearned premiums342.0 318.9 660.9 
Operating lease right-of-use assets6.5 53.3 24.6 84.4 
Other assets8.8 157.9 191.8 358.5 
Assets held for sale12.2 0.3 12.5 
Intercompany note receivable58.4 (58.4)
Investments in subsidiaries1,932.2 (1,932.2)
Total assets$1,991.2 $6,499.7 $4,175.6 $(1,932.2)$10,734.3 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses$$3,285.5 $2,104.5 $$5,390.0 
Unearned premiums956.0 618.2 1,574.2 
Funds held and ceded reinsurance payable, net576.2 571.4 1,147.6 
Debt28.4 284.4 144.1 456.9 
Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities4.0 84.1 114.7 202.8 
Operating lease liabilities6.6 61.9 29.8 98.3 
Due to (from) affiliates87.7 (14.2)14.2 (87.7)
Total liabilities126.7 5,233.9 3,596.9 (87.7)8,869.8 
Total shareholders' equity1,864.5 1,265.8 578.7 (1,844.5)1,864.5 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$1,991.2 $6,499.7 $4,175.6 $(1,932.2)$10,734.3 
(1)Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.
(2)Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.
34

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2016

2019

(in millions)

 

 

Argo Group

International

Holdings, Ltd

(Parent Guarantor)

 

 

Argo Group US, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)

 

 

Other Subsidiaries

and Eliminations (1)

 

 

Consolidating

Adjustments (2)

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

$

2.2

 

 

$

2,834.2

 

 

$

1,487.9

 

 

$

 

 

$

4,324.3

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

 

53.7

 

 

 

32.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

86.0

 

Accrued investment income

 

 

 

 

 

16.0

 

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.7

 

Premiums receivable

 

 

 

 

 

204.9

 

 

 

258.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

463.8

 

Reinsurance recoverables

 

 

 

 

 

1,348.4

 

 

 

37.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,385.6

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

 

 

 

 

 

127.1

 

 

 

92.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

219.9

 

Deferred acquisition costs, net

 

 

 

 

 

63.5

 

 

 

75.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

139.1

 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

 

 

 

168.9

 

 

 

133.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

302.8

 

Other assets

 

 

8.7

 

 

 

168.0

 

 

 

86.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

262.8

 

Intercompany note receivable

 

 

 

 

 

50.2

 

 

 

(50.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

 

1,834.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,834.4

)

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,845.3

 

 

$

5,034.9

 

 

$

2,159.2

 

 

$

(1,834.4

)

 

$

7,205.0

 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

$

 

 

$

2,322.4

 

 

$

1,028.4

 

 

$

 

 

$

3,350.8

 

Unearned premiums

 

 

 

 

 

580.0

 

 

 

390.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

970.0

 

Funds held and ceded reinsurance payable, net

 

 

 

 

 

750.2

 

 

 

(206.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

543.7

 

Long-term debt

 

 

28.4

 

 

 

284.4

 

 

 

54.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

367.6

 

Current income taxes payable, net

 

 

 

 

 

8.5

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

 

 

 

 

17.6

 

 

 

6.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.1

 

Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities

 

 

13.7

 

 

 

92.0

 

 

 

42.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

148.0

 

Due to affiliates

 

 

10.5

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

(1.8

)

 

 

(10.5

)

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

52.6

 

 

 

4,056.9

 

 

 

1,313.3

 

 

 

(10.5

)

 

 

5,412.3

 

Total shareholders' equity

 

 

1,792.7

 

 

 

978.0

 

 

 

845.9

 

 

 

(1,823.9

)

 

 

1,792.7

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

1,845.3

 

 

$

5,034.9

 

 

$

2,159.2

 

 

$

(1,834.4

)

 

$

7,205.0

 

(1)

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

(2)

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.


Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd.
(Parent Guarantor)
Argo Group US, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
Total
Assets
Investments$0.6 $3,405.6 $1,693.2 $$5,099.4 
Cash1.9 31.6 104.3 137.8 
Accrued investment income18.2 7.5 25.7 
Premiums receivable231.3 456.9 688.2 
Reinsurance recoverables1,689.4 1,415.2 3,104.6 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net40.6 123.4 89.2 253.2 
Deferred tax assets, net0.4 5.7 6.1 
Deferred acquisition costs, net88.4 71.8 160.2 
Ceded unearned premiums306.4 238.6 545.0 
Operating lease right-of-use assets7.1 59.6 25.1 91.8 
Other assets7.8 165.8 213.5 387.1 
Assets held for sale15.4 15.4 
Intercompany note receivable56.7 (56.7)
Investments in subsidiaries1,916.7 (1,916.7)
Total assets$1,974.7 $6,192.2 $4,264.3 $(1,916.7)$10,514.5 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses$$3,037.5 $2,120.1 $$5,157.6 
Unearned premiums899.8 511.1 1,410.9 
Funds held and ceded reinsurance payable, net645.9 607.8 1,253.7 
Debt153.4 284.3 141.0 578.7 
Current income taxes payable, net8.2 (7.4)0.8 
Accrued underwriting expenses and other liabilities13.6 87.6 124.8 226.0 
Operating lease liabilities7.3 68.9 29.5 105.7 
Due to (from) affiliates19.3 (13.4)13.4 (19.3)
Total liabilities193.6 5,018.8 3,540.3 (19.3)8,733.4 
Total shareholders' equity1,781.1 1,173.4 724.0 (1,897.4)1,781.1 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$1,974.7 $6,192.2 $4,264.3 $(1,916.7)$10,514.5 

(1)Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.
(2)Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.
35

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF LOSS

(LOSS) INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

2020

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Argo Group

International

Holdings, Ltd

(Parent Guarantor)

 

 

Argo Group US, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)

 

 

Other Subsidiaries

and Eliminations (1)

 

 

Consolidating

Adjustments (2)

 

 

Total

 

Premiums and other revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

 

 

$

145.3

 

 

$

244.0

 

 

$

 

 

$

389.3

 

Net investment (expense) income

 

 

(1.1

)

 

 

16.5

 

 

 

15.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

30.9

 

Fee and other income

 

 

 

 

 

12.3

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.0

 

Net realized investment and other gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

6.6

 

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

6.0

 

Total revenue

 

 

(1.1

)

 

 

180.7

 

 

 

259.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

439.2

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 

 

 

227.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

326.4

 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance

   expenses

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

74.0

 

 

 

86.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

166.1

 

Interest expense

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.5

 

Fee and other expense

 

 

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.0

 

Foreign currency exchange (gains) loss

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

Total expenses

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

181.3

 

 

 

316.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

505.1

 

(Loss) Income before income taxes

 

 

(8.3

)

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

(57.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(65.9

)

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

(4.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4.6

)

Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of

   subsidiaries

 

 

(8.3

)

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

(53.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(61.3

)

Equity in undistributed earnings of

   subsidiaries

 

 

(53.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53.0

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(61.3

)

 

$

0.0

 

 

$

(53.0

)

 

$

53.0

 

 

$

(61.3

)

(1)

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

(2)

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

(Unaudited)


Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd.
(Parent Guarantor)
Argo Group US, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
Total
Premiums and other revenue:
Earned premiums$$298.2 $147.3 $$445.5 
Net investment income32.8 9.2 42.0 
Fee and other income0.6 1.1 1.7 
Net realized investment losses(4.5)(1.2)(5.7)
Total revenue327.1 156.4 483.5 
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses211.5 117.4 328.9 
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses4.5 102.7 57.1 164.3 
Other corporate expenses0.2 0.2 0.4 
Interest expense0.8 4.3 1.7 6.8 
Fee and other expense0.5 0.4 0.9 
Foreign currency exchange losses0.6 11.0 11.6 
Total expenses5.5 319.8 187.6 512.9 
(Loss) income before income taxes(5.5)7.3 (31.2)(29.4)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes6.0 (5.8)0.2 
Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries(5.5)1.3 (25.4)(29.6)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries(24.1)24.1 
Net (loss) income$(29.6)$1.3 $(25.4)$24.1 $(29.6)
Dividends on preferred shares2.0 2.0 
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders$(31.6)$1.3 $(25.4)$24.1 $(31.6)
(1)Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.
(2)Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

36

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF (LOSS) INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

2019

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Argo Group

International

Holdings, Ltd

(Parent Guarantor)

 

 

Argo Group US, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)

 

 

Other Subsidiaries

and Eliminations (1)

 

 

Consolidating

Adjustments (2)

 

 

Total

 

Premiums and other revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

 

 

$

128.0

 

 

$

230.7

 

 

$

 

 

$

358.7

 

Net investment (expense) income

 

 

(0.9

)

 

 

22.5

 

 

 

11.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

32.7

 

Fee and other income

 

 

 

 

 

5.5

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.6

 

Net realized investment and other gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

 

19.4

 

 

 

(1.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

17.7

 

Total revenue

 

 

(0.9

)

 

 

175.4

 

 

 

242.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

416.7

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

 

 

 

83.5

 

 

 

124.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

207.8

 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance

   expenses

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

54.0

 

 

 

79.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

137.4

 

Interest expense

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.9

 

Fee and other expense

 

 

 

 

 

5.5

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.9

 

Foreign currency exchange (gains) loss

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

(1.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1.5

)

Total expenses

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

147.2

 

 

 

203.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

354.5

 

(Loss) Income before income taxes

 

 

(4.9

)

 

 

28.2

 

 

 

38.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

62.2

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.0

 

Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of

   subsidiaries

 

 

(4.9

)

 

 

21.4

 

 

 

38.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

55.2

 

Equity in undistributed earnings of

   subsidiaries

 

 

60.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(60.1

)

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

55.2

 

 

$

21.4

 

 

$

38.7

 

 

$

(60.1

)

 

$

55.2

 

(1)

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

(2)

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

(Unaudited)


Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd.
(Parent Guarantor)
Argo Group US, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
Total
Premiums and other revenue:
Earned premiums$$265.5 $186.0 $$451.5 
Net investment (expense) income(0.9)27.7 13.4 40.2 
Fee and other income0.7 1.2 1.9 
Net realized investment (losses) gains(0.3)(0.3)(5.6)(6.2)
Total revenue(1.2)293.6 195.0 487.4 
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses177.7 161.1 338.8 
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses(1.7)103.5 62.2 164.0 
Other corporate expenses3.7 3.7 
Interest expense1.7 4.0 1.8 7.5 
Fee and other expense0.7 0.5 1.2 
Foreign currency exchange gains0.1 (1.7)(1.6)
Total expenses3.7 286.0 223.9 513.6 
(Loss) income before income taxes(4.9)7.6 (28.9)(26.2)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes1.2 (2.3)(1.1)
Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries(4.9)6.4 (26.6)(25.1)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries(20.2)20.2 
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders$(25.1)$6.4 $(26.6)$20.2 $(25.1)
(1)Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.
(2)Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

37


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF (LOSS) INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

2020

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Argo Group

International

Holdings, Ltd

(Parent Guarantor)

 

 

Argo Group US, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)

 

 

Other Subsidiaries

and Eliminations (1)

 

 

Consolidating

Adjustments (2)

 

 

Total

 

Premiums and other revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

 

 

$

411.7

 

 

$

756.1

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,167.8

 

Net investment (expense) income

 

 

(3.2

)

 

 

64.7

 

 

 

43.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

105.0

 

Fee and other income

 

 

 

 

 

18.0

 

 

 

2.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.4

 

Net realized investment and other gains (losses)

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

25.6

 

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

25.1

 

Total revenue

 

 

(2.7

)

 

 

520.0

 

 

 

801.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,318.3

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

 

 

 

247.7

 

 

 

531.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

779.5

 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance

   expenses

 

 

17.8

 

 

 

190.7

 

 

 

265.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

474.4

 

Interest expense

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

12.7

 

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.4

 

Fee and other expense

 

 

 

 

 

10.7

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.4

 

Foreign currency exchange loss

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.0

 

Total expenses

 

 

20.8

 

 

 

461.7

 

 

 

808.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,290.7

 

(Loss) Income before income taxes

 

 

(23.5

)

 

 

58.3

 

 

 

(7.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

27.6

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

13.9

 

 

 

(7.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

6.2

 

Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of

   subsidiaries

 

 

(23.5

)

 

 

44.4

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.4

 

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

44.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(44.9

)

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

21.4

 

 

$

44.4

 

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

(44.9

)

 

$

21.4

 

(1)

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

(2)

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

(Unaudited)


Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd
(Parent Guarantor)
Argo Group US, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
Total
Premiums and other revenue:
Earned premiums$$900.4 $413.5 $$1,313.9 
Net investment income63.2 15.8 79.0 
Fee and other income2.0 3.8 5.8 
Net realized investment gains (losses)1.3 (12.0)(11.0)(21.7)
Total revenue1.3 953.6 422.1 1,377.0 
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses569.7 313.3 883.0 
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses13.5 306.2 174.0 493.7 
Other corporate expenses5.4 0.8 6.2 
Interest expense3.3 12.6 5.4 21.3 
Fee and other expense1.8 1.3 3.1 
Foreign currency exchange (gains) losses(0.4)15.4 15.0 
Total expenses22.2 890.7 509.4 1,422.3 
(Loss) income before income taxes(20.9)62.9 (87.3)(45.3)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes15.9 (6.4)9.5 
Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries(20.9)47.0 (80.9)(54.8)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries(33.9)33.9 
Net (loss) income$(54.8)$47.0 $(80.9)$33.9 $(54.8)
Dividends on preferred shares$2.0 $$$$2.0 
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders$(56.8)$47.0 $(80.9)$33.9 $(56.8)
(1)Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.
(2)Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.
38

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

2019

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Argo Group

International

Holdings, Ltd

(Parent Guarantor)

 

 

Argo Group US, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)

 

 

Other Subsidiaries

and Eliminations (1)

 

 

Consolidating

Adjustments (2)

 

 

Total

 

Premiums and other revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earned premiums

 

$

 

 

$

368.1

 

 

$

680.4

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,048.5

 

Net investment (expense) income

 

 

(2.0

)

 

 

62.6

 

 

 

29.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

89.6

 

Fee and other income

 

 

 

 

 

14.9

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.2

 

Net realized investment and other gains (losses)

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

32.5

 

 

 

(19.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

12.8

 

Total revenue

 

 

(1.8

)

 

 

478.1

 

 

 

694.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,171.1

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

 

 

 

220.9

 

 

 

375.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

596.0

 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance

   expenses

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

150.6

 

 

 

242.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

403.0

 

Interest expense

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

11.8

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.6

 

Fee and other expense

 

 

 

 

 

16.7

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.1

 

Foreign currency exchange (gains) loss

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.5

 

Total expenses

 

 

11.0

 

 

 

400.1

 

 

 

625.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,036.2

 

(Loss) Income before income taxes

 

 

(12.8

)

 

 

78.0

 

 

 

69.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

134.9

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

20.5

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.1

 

Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of

   subsidiaries

 

 

(12.8

)

 

 

57.5

 

 

 

69.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

113.8

 

Equity in undistributed earnings of

   subsidiaries

 

 

126.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(126.6

)

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

113.8

 

 

$

57.5

 

 

$

69.1

 

 

$

(126.6

)

 

$

113.8

 

(1)

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

(2)

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

(Unaudited)

Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd
(Parent Guarantor)
Argo Group US, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
Total
Premiums and other revenue:
Earned premiums$$792.1 $511.6 $$1,303.7 
Net investment (expenses) income(2.2)79.6 39.5 116.9 
Fee and other income2.5 3.8 6.3 
Net realized investment (losses) gains(0.5)60.6 (1.8)58.3 
Total revenue(2.7)934.8 553.1 1,485.2 
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses507.0 354.5 861.5 
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses(0.7)311.7 174.6 485.6 
Other corporate expenses11.6 0.1 11.7 
Interest expense5.1 13.9 6.3 25.3 
Fee and other expense2.4 1.4 3.8 
Foreign currency exchange losses (gains)0.3 (6.5)(6.2)
Total expenses16.0 835.4 530.3 1,381.7 
(Loss) income before income taxes(18.7)99.4 22.8 103.5 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes14.5 (5.9)8.6 
Net (loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries(18.7)84.9 28.7 94.9 
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries113.6 (113.6)
Net income$94.9 $84.9 $28.7 $(113.6)$94.9 
(1)Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.
(2)Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

39


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

2020

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Argo Group

International

Holdings, Ltd

(Parent Guarantor)

 

 

Argo Group US, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)

 

 

Other Subsidiaries

and Eliminations (1)

 

 

Consolidating

Adjustments (2)

 

 

Total

 

Net cash flows from  operating activities

 

$

11.8

 

 

$

175.3

 

 

$

65.3

 

 

$

 

 

$

252.4

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of investments

 

 

 

 

 

652.5

 

 

 

625.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,278.0

 

Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed

   maturity investments

 

 

 

 

 

350.6

 

 

 

142.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

493.2

 

Purchases of investments

 

 

 

 

 

(1,140.8

)

 

 

(919.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,060.2

)

Change in short-term investments and

   foreign regulatory deposits

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

29.6

 

 

 

232.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

264.2

 

Settlements of foreign currency exchange

   forward contracts

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

(5.5

)

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash

 

 

(235.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

130.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

(105.2

)

Issuance of intercompany note, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(120.0

)

 

 

120.0

 

 

 

 

Purchases of fixed assets and other, net

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(5.3

)

 

 

(30.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

(36.0

)

Cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

 

(232.8

)

 

 

(118.9

)

 

 

65.7

 

 

 

120.0

 

 

 

(166.0

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional long-term borrowings

 

 

125.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

125.0

 

Borrowing under intercompany note, net

 

 

120.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(120.0

)

 

 

 

Activity under stock incentive plans

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.9

 

Repurchase of Company's common shares

 

 

 

 

 

(36.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(36.6

)

Payment of cash dividend to common

   shareholders

 

 

(24.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(24.9

)

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

221.0

 

 

 

(36.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

(120.0

)

 

 

64.4

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1.0

)

Change in cash

 

 

 

 

 

19.8

 

 

 

130.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

149.8

 

Cash, beginning of year

 

 

 

 

 

53.7

 

 

 

32.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

86.0

 

Cash, end of period

 

$

 

 

$

73.5

 

 

$

162.3

 

 

$

 

 

$

235.8

 

(1)

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

(2)

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

(Unaudited)

Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd.
(Parent Guarantor)
Argo Group US, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
Total
Net cash flows from operating activities$35.6 $23.5 $42.3 $$101.4 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of investments581.6 509.6 1,091.2 
Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed maturity investments296.3 114.0 410.3 
Purchases of investments(1,294.2)(457.9)(1,752.1)
Change in short-term investments and foreign regulatory deposits(0.6)449.9 (152.0)297.3 
Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts0.1 (0.1)9.1 9.1 
Capital contribution to subsidiaries(145.3)145.3 
Sale of Trident's assets38.0 38.0 
Purchases of fixed assets and other, net7.0 (20.1)(13.1)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities(145.8)78.5 2.7 145.3 80.7 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment on long-term debt(125.0)(125.0)
Issuance of preferred shares, net of issuance costs144.0 144.0 
Capital contribution from parent145.3 (145.3)
Activity under stock incentive plans1.4 1.4 
Payment of cash dividends to preferred shareholders(2.0)(2.0)
Payment of cash dividend to common shareholders(32.2)(32.2)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities111.2 20.3 (145.3)(13.8)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(5.7)(5.7)
Change in cash1.0 102.0 59.6 162.6 
Cash, beginning of year1.9 31.6 104.3 137.8 
Cash, end of period$2.9 $133.6 $163.9 $$300.4 
(1)Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.
(2)Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations

40

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

2019

(in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Argo Group

International

Holdings, Ltd

(Parent Guarantor)

 

 

Argo Group US, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

(Subsidiary Issuer)

 

 

Other Subsidiaries

and Eliminations (1)

 

 

Consolidating

Adjustments (2)

 

 

Total

 

Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities

 

$

19.6

 

 

$

60.7

 

 

$

70.5

 

 

$

 

 

$

150.8

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of investments

 

 

 

 

 

762.4

 

 

 

246.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,009.2

 

Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed

   maturity investments

 

 

 

 

 

419.7

 

 

 

419.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

839.0

 

Purchases of investments

 

 

 

 

 

(1,134.6

)

 

 

(721.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,855.7

)

Change in short-term investments and

   foreign regulatory deposits

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(70.5

)

 

 

(3.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(73.9

)

Settlements of foreign currency exchange

   forward contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

(7.2

)

Purchases of fixed assets and other, net

 

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

 

 

(2.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

5.2

 

Cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(14.9

)

 

 

(68.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

(83.4

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity under stock incentive plans

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

Repurchase of Company's common shares

 

 

 

 

 

(45.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(45.3

)

Payment of cash dividend to common

   shareholders

 

 

(19.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19.8

)

Cash used in financing activities

 

 

(19.2

)

 

 

(45.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(64.5

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1.0

)

Change in cash

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.9

 

Cash, beginning of year

 

 

 

 

 

88.8

 

 

 

32.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

121.7

 

Cash, end of period

 

$

 

 

$

89.3

 

 

$

34.3

 

 

$

 

 

$

123.6

 

(1)

Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.

(2)

Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.

(Unaudited)


Argo Group
International
Holdings, Ltd.
(Parent Guarantor)
Argo Group US, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
(Subsidiary Issuer)
Other Subsidiaries
and Eliminations (1)
Consolidating
Adjustments (2)
Total
Net cash flows from operating activities$29.2 $124.6 $41.9 $$195.7 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of investments744.2 436.1 1,180.3 
Maturities and mandatory calls of fixed maturity investments219.2 73.0 292.2 
Purchases of investments(1,091.2)(548.3)(1,639.5)
Change in short-term investments and foreign regulatory deposits3.5 34.7 (35.9)2.3 
Settlements of foreign currency exchange forward contracts(0.1)1.4 (2.5)(1.2)
Purchases of fixed assets and other, net(1.8)8.5 6.7 
Cash provided by investing activities3.4 (93.5)(69.1)(159.2)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment on the intercompany note(19.1)19.1 
Payment on note payable(0.6)(0.6)
Activity under stock incentive plans1.4 1.4 
Payment of cash dividend to common shareholders(32.5)(32.5)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities(31.1)(19.7)19.1 (31.7)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash1.1 1.1 
Change in cash1.5 11.4 (7.0)5.9 
Cash, beginning of year1.7 31.7 105.8 139.2 
Cash, end of period$3.2 $43.1 $98.8 $$145.1 
(1)Includes all other subsidiaries of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. and all intercompany eliminations.
(2)Includes all Argo Group parent company eliminations.
17.    Subsequent Event 
On November 2, 2020, we announced that we had reached an agreement to sell our reinsurance business, Ariel Re, to Pelican Ventures and J.C. Flowers & Co. Ariel Re is one of the units within our International Operations reporting segment. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Under the terms of the agreement, the buying group’s corporate member will provide Ariel Re’s capital for the 2021 Lloyd’s year of account, and Argo Group has agreed to retain historical reserves and the remaining exposure for the 2020 Lloyd’s year of account.

41

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

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 compared with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2019, and also a discussion of our financial condition as of September 30, 2017.2020. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and Argo Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 24, 2017,28, 2020, including the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto.

Forward Looking Statements

Management’s Discussion

This report includes forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and Analysisfinancial performance. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of Financial Conditionwords such as "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," “do not believe,” “aim,” "project," "anticipate," “seek,” "will," “likely,” “assume,” “estimate,” "may," “continue,” “guidance,” “objective,” “outlook,” “trends,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “target,” “on track” and Resultssimilar expressions of Operations, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk and the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements (including the notes thereto) may contain “forward looking statements,” which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward lookinga future or forward-looking nature.
Such statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that actual developments will be those anticipated by us. Actual results may differ materially as a result of significantsubject to certain risks and uncertainties including non-receipt of expected payments, capital markets and their effect on investment income and fair value of the investment portfolio, development of claims and the effect on loss reserves, accuracy in estimating loss reserves, changes in the demand for our products, effect of general economic conditions, adverse government legislation and regulations, government investigations into industry practices, developments relatingthat could cause actual events or results to existing agreements, heightened competition, changes in pricing environments and changes in asset valuations.differ materially. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see our publicItem 1A, “Risk Factors” in Argo Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as supplemented in Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this report, and in other filings made with the SEC. We undertakeThe inclusion of a forward-looking statement herein should not be regarded as a representation by Argo Group that Argo Group's objectives will be achieved. Argo Group undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on any forward lookingsuch statements.

Generally, it is our policy to communicate events that may have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial position, including property and casualty catastrophe events and material losses in the investment portfolio, in a timely manner through a public announcement. It is also our policy not to make public announcements regarding events that are believed to have no material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial position based on management’s current estimates and available information, other than through regularly scheduled calls, press releases or filings.

42

Consolidated Results of Operations

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, we reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $61.3$31.6 million ($2.040.91 per diluted common share) and net income of $21.4$56.8 million ($0.691.64 per diluted common share), respectively. Effective February 6, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Maybrooke Holdings, S.A., and its subsidiaries, including Ariel Reinsurance, Ltd. (collectively “Ariel Re”). Included in our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 is activity specifically attributable to Ariel Re from the date of acquisition. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2019, we reported a net loss of $25.1 million ($0.73 per diluted common share) and net income of $55.2$94.9 million ($1.802.73 per diluted share) and $113.8 million ($3.68 per dilutedcommon share), respectively.

The following is a comparison of selected data from our operations:

operations, as well as book value per common share, for the relevant comparative periods:

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)2020201920202019

Gross written premiums

 

$

805.1

 

 

$

585.4

 

 

$

2,090.9

 

 

$

1,665.8

 

Gross written premiums$890.2 $882.7 $2,515.7 $2,416.4 

Earned premiums

 

$

389.3

 

 

$

358.7

 

 

$

1,167.8

 

 

$

1,048.5

 

Earned premiums$445.5 $451.5 $1,313.9 $1,303.7 

Net investment income

 

 

30.9

 

 

 

32.7

 

 

 

105.0

 

 

 

89.6

 

Net investment income42.0 40.2 79.0 116.9 

Fee and other income

 

 

13.0

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

 

20.4

 

 

 

20.2

 

Fee and other income1.7 1.9 5.8 6.3 

Net realized investment and other

gains

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

17.7

 

 

 

25.1

 

 

 

12.8

 

Net realized investment gains (losses):Net realized investment gains (losses):
Net realized investment (losses) gainsNet realized investment (losses) gains(5.7)2.6 33.3 0.3 
Change in fair value of equity securitiesChange in fair value of equity securities10.5 (8.8)(12.0)58.0 
Credit losses on fixed maturity securitiesCredit losses on fixed maturity securities(10.5)— (43.0)— 
Net realized investment (losses) gainsNet realized investment (losses) gains(5.7)(6.2)(21.7)58.3 

Total revenue

 

$

439.2

 

 

$

416.7

 

 

$

1,318.3

 

 

$

1,171.1

 

Total revenue$483.5 $487.4 $1,377.0 $1,485.2 

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

$

(65.9

)

 

$

62.2

 

 

$

27.6

 

 

$

134.9

 

(Loss) income before income taxes$(29.4)$(26.2)$(45.3)$103.5 

Income tax (benefit) provision

 

 

(4.6

)

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

6.2

 

 

 

21.1

 

Income tax provision (benefit)Income tax provision (benefit)0.2 (1.1)9.5 8.6 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(61.3

)

 

$

55.2

 

 

$

21.4

 

 

$

113.8

 

Net (loss) income$(29.6)$(25.1)$(54.8)$94.9 
Less: Dividends on preferred sharesLess: Dividends on preferred shares2.0 — 2.0 — 
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholdersNet (loss) income attributable to common shareholders$(31.6)$(25.1)$(56.8)$94.9 

Loss ratio

 

 

83.8

%

 

 

57.9

%

 

 

66.7

%

 

 

56.8

%

Loss ratio73.8 %75.1 %67.2 %66.1 %

Expense ratio

 

 

42.7

%

 

 

38.3

%

 

 

40.6

%

 

 

38.4

%

Expense ratio36.9 %36.3 %37.6 %37.2 %

Combined ratio

 

 

126.5

%

 

 

96.2

%

 

 

107.3

%

 

 

95.2

%

Combined ratio110.7 %111.4 %104.8 %103.3 %



September 30, 2020December 31, 2019September 30, 2019
Book value per common share$49.63 $51.80 $55.18 
Impact of COVID-19
The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in and is expected to continue to result in significant disruptions in economic activity and financial markets. COVID-19 has directly and indirectly adversely affected the Company and may continue to do so for an uncertain period of time. Beginning in March 2020, the pandemic and related economic conditions began to impact our results of operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, our underwriting results included net pre-tax catastrophe losses of $16.9 million and $60.5 million, respectively, associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions, primarily resulting from contingency and property exposures in the Company’s International Operations and property exposures in its U.S. Operations. Property losses relate to sub-limited affirmative business interruption coverage, primarily in certain International markets, as well as expected costs associated with claims handling. Premium growth in certain lines in both our U.S. and International Operations reporting segments has been negatively impacted by the challenges of the economic slowdown. Conversely, our current accident year non-catastrophe loss results have seen reduced claim activity during the first three quarter of 2020 due, in part, to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our liquidity and capital resources were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions during the first nine months of 2020. The extent to which COVID-19 will continue to impact our business will depend on future developments that cannot be predicted, and while we have recorded our best estimates of this impact as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, actual results in future periods could materially differ from those disclosed herein.
43

In March 2020, we transitioned predominantly all of our employees to a remote working environment, leveraging our investments over the last several years in business contingency planning and digital solutions. This has allowed Argo Group and its business functions to operate successfully from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic through the date of this filing. We are committed to serving the needs of our employees, customers, business partners and shareholders and have developed a COVID-19 response team to monitor our efforts around safeguarding our people, supporting our front office and business operations, understanding and managing our loss exposures and other risks associated with COVID-19. We also consistently seek to keep our employees, customers, business partners and shareholders informed.
Non-GAAP Measures
In presenting our results in the following discussion and analysis of our results of operations, we have included certain non-generally accepted accounting principles ("non-GAAP") financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G as promulgated by the SEC. We believe that these non-GAAP measures, specifically the current accident year non-catastrophe loss, expense and combined ratios, which may be defined differently by other companies, better explain our results of operations in a manner that allows for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in our business. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Reconciliations of these financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in the tables below.
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
20202019
(in millions)Amount
Ratio (1)
Amount
Ratio (1)
Earned premiums$445.5 $451.5 
Less:
Catastrophe-related premium adjustments - (outward) inward(3.9)0.1 
Earned premiums, net of catastrophe-related adjustments$449.4 $451.4 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, as reported$328.9 73.8 %$338.8 75.1 %
Less:
Unfavorable prior accident year loss development(1.6)(0.4)%(41.8)(9.3)%
Catastrophe losses, including COVID-19 (2)
(71.2)(16.5)%(19.3)(4.3)%
Current accident year non-catastrophe losses (non-GAAP)$256.1 56.9 %$277.7 61.5 %
Non-catastrophe expense ratio (non-GAAP)36.6 %36.3 %
Current accident year non-catastrophe combined ratio (non-GAAP)93.5 %97.8 %
(1) For purposes of calculating the percentage points impact on the loss, expense and combined ratios, earned premiums were adjusted to exclude outward reinstatement premium adjustments of $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, and inward reinstatement premium adjustments of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
(2) Catastrophe losses’ percentage point impact are calculated as the difference between the reported combined ratio and the combined ratio excluding incurred catastrophe losses and catastrophe-related premium adjustments.

44

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019
(in millions)Amount
Ratio (1)
Amount
Ratio (1)
Earned premiums$1,313.9 $1,303.7 
Less:
Catastrophe-related premium adjustments - (outward) inward(6.0)0.1 
Earned premiums, net of catastrophe-related adjustments$1,319.9 $1,303.6 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, as reported$883.0 67.2 %$861.5 66.1 %
Less:
Unfavorable prior accident year loss development(6.1)(0.5)%(61.6)(4.7)%
Catastrophe losses, including COVID-19 (2)
(128.2)(10.0)%(31.3)(2.4)%
Current accident year non-catastrophe losses (non-GAAP)$748.7 56.7 %$768.6 59.0 %
Non-catastrophe expense ratio (non-GAAP)37.4 %37.2 %
Current accident year non-catastrophe combined ratio (non-GAAP)94.1 %96.2 %
(1) For purposes of calculating the percentage points impact on the loss, expense and combined ratios, earned premiums were adjusted to exclude outward reinstatement premium adjustments of $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and inward reinstatement premium adjustments of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
(2) Catastrophe losses’ percentage point impact are calculated as the difference between the reported combined ratio and the combined ratio excluding incurred catastrophe losses and catastrophe-related premium adjustments.
Gross Written and Earned Premiums
Consolidated gross written and earned premiums by our four primary insurance lines were as follows:

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

2017

 

 

2016

 

20202019

(in millions)

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

 

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

(in millions)Gross WrittenNet EarnedGross WrittenNet Earned

Property

$

245.1

 

 

$

75.5

 

 

$

145.8

 

 

$

81.8

 

Property$251.8 $80.9 $236.3 $77.8 

Liability

 

333.5

 

 

 

182.8

 

 

 

267.3

 

 

 

170.7

 

Liability365.1 192.0 371.1 208.0 

Professional

 

89.0

 

 

 

53.5

 

 

 

75.0

 

 

 

43.6

 

Professional161.4 93.2 136.6 73.1 

Specialty

 

137.5

 

 

 

77.5

 

 

 

97.3

 

 

 

62.6

 

Specialty111.9 79.4 138.7 92.6 

Total

$

805.1

 

 

$

389.3

 

 

$

585.4

 

 

$

358.7

 

Total$890.2 $445.5 $882.7 $451.5 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

 

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

Property

$

583.7

 

 

$

254.7

 

 

$

461.7

 

 

$

247.5

 

Liability

 

842.0

 

 

 

514.9

 

 

 

723.4

 

 

 

495.2

 

Professional

 

240.3

 

 

 

155.9

 

 

 

210.1

 

 

 

128.6

 

Specialty

 

424.9

 

 

 

242.3

 

 

 

270.6

 

 

 

177.2

 

Total

$

2,090.9

 

 

$

1,167.8

 

 

$

1,665.8

 

 

$

1,048.5

 


The increase in

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019
(in millions)Gross WrittenNet EarnedGross WrittenNet Earned
Property$654.0 $232.9 $672.5 $219.2 
Liability990.6 580.7 963.6 617.8 
Professional469.4 265.4 371.3 202.3 
Specialty401.7 234.9 409.0 264.4 
Total$2,515.7 $1,313.9 $2,416.4 $1,303.7 
45

Consolidated gross written premiums increased $7.5 million, or 0.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2020, as compared to the same period ended 2019, while net earned premiums decreased $6.0 million, or 1.3%, for the comparative periods. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, consolidated gross written premiums increased $99.3 million, or 4.1%, as compared to the same period ended 2019, while net earned premiums increased $10.2 million, or 0.8%, for the comparative periods. Both U.S. Operations and International Operations saw overall rate increases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods ended 2016 was attributable to growth across all product lines as we continue to focus on introducing new products and increasing renewal retention. Additionally, Ariel Re contributed gross written premiums of $136.0 million and $255.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. During 2017, all product lines have experienced increased competition and pressure on rates due to market conditions. Consolidated earned premiums increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016 due to increased gross written premiums in the fourth quarter of 2016 and into the first nine months of 2017. The increase in consolidated2020. Net earned premiums for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes Ariel Re2020 included outward catastrophe-related reinsurance reinstatement premiums of $3.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively. We recorded $0.1 million of inward catastrophe-related reinsurance reinstatement premiums for the both three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.
Our gross written and earned premiums are further discussed by reporting segment and major lines of $26.0business below under the heading "Segment Results."
Net Investment Income
Consolidated net investment income was $42.0 million and $90.9$79.0 million respectively. Partially offsetting these increases was the reduction in our participation percentage for the Syndicate 1200 operations, from 53.5%three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to $40.2 million and $116.9 million for 2016 to 46.0% for 2017. Additionally, duringthe same periods ended 2019. The increase in net investment income in the third quarter of 2017, we recorded catastrophe-related reinsurance premium adjustments which reduced net earned premiums by $14.5 million and, in connection with risk management activities related to the acquisition of Ariel Re, purchased additional reinsurance contracts which reduced net earned premiums by $8.1 million, all within our property lines.

The decrease in consolidated net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as2020 compared to the same period ended 2016in 2019 was primarily attributable to decreased investment incomedriven by a significant increase coming from our alternative investment portfolio. Our alternative investment portfolio, and increased investment related expenses, partially offset by increased investment incomewhich is reported on fixed maturities. For the three months ended September 30, 2017,a one to three-month lag, produced net investment income from our alternativeof $19.3 million and net investment portfolio decreased $4.0 million, from $9.8losses of $1.6 million for the same period ended 2016,three and investment related expenses increased $1.0 million. Partially offsetting these decreases in net investment income was $2.5 million of increased investment income on our fixed maturities portfolio, primarily related to the investment of Ariel Re cash. The increase in consolidated net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as2020, respectively, compared to the same period ended 2016 was primarily attributable to a $14.0 million increase in the net investment income of our$8.0 million and $19.4 million for the same periods ended 2019. The improvement concentrated in the third quarter of 2020 reflected the strengthening in global financial markets during the second quarter of 2020 following the March 2020 downturn related to COVID-19. Additionally, the third quarter of 2020 alternative investment portfolio andperformance included $6.2 million from a $7.0 million increase in income from our fixed maturities portfolio, partially offset by increased investmentperformance-based contingent payment related expenses. Included in net investment income was $11.6 million of net investment gains relating to net asset sales initiated by an equity investee duringin the second quarter of 2017, as previously reported.

Our core investment portfolio produced net investment income of $22.7 million and $80.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

2020, respectively, compared to net investment income of $32.2 million and $97.5 million for the same periods ended 2019. The decline in the comparative periods was primarily due to a combination of our decision to hold highly liquid investments at the end of the first quarter of 2020 due to concerns around potential business impacts from COVID-19, as well as the drop in treasury rates and LIBOR during the second and third quarters of 2020, which impacted our reinvestment rate.

Net Realized Investment Gains/Losses
Consolidated net realized investment and other gainslosses of $6.0$5.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 consisted of $9.72020 included a $10.5 million in realized gains from the sale of equity andcharge for expected credit losses on fixed maturity securities recognized under Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments," which was effective January 1, 2020. We recognized a $10.5 million increase in the fair value of equity securities during the third quarter of 2020 and $1.3$1.7 million in realized gains from other invested assets, primarily options. Partially offsetting these realized gains was $4.8 million of realized loss on ourrelated to net foreign currency forward contracts. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized $0.2exchange gains. The remaining $7.4 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses within our equity andnet realized investment loss primarily related to sales of fixed maturity portfolios. and equity securities.
Consolidated net realized investment and other gainslosses of $17.7$6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 consisted2019 included an $8.8 million decrease in the fair value of $24.9equity securities. The remaining $2.6 million net realized investment gain included recognizing gains of $8.8 million from the sale of fixed maturity and equity securities. Partially offsetting these gains were $5.0 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses, primarily on fixed maturity securities, and $1.2 million of foreign currency exchange losses.
Consolidated net realized investment losses of $21.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 included a $43.0 million charge for expected credit losses on fixed maturity securities recognized under ASU 2016-13, a $12.0 million decrease in the fair value of equity securities, as well as $3.8 million related to net foreign currency exchange losses. Partially offsetting these losses was the $32.3 million gain recognized on the sale of our Trident Public Risk Solutions ("Trident") brand and underwriting platform in the second quarter of 2020. The remaining $4.8 million net realized investment gain primarily related to sales of fixed maturity and equity securities.
Consolidated net realized investment gains of $58.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 included a $58.0 million increase in the fair value of equity securities. The remaining $0.3 million net realized investment gain included realized gains of $14.2 million from the sale of fixed maturity and equity securities, partially offset by $11.8 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses, primarily on fixed maturity securities, and $0.4 million from other invested assets. Partially offsetting these realized gains was $5.2$2.1 million of net foreign currency losses, primarily from the saleexchange losses.
46

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The consolidated loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $2.42020 was 73.8%, compared to 75.1% for the same period in 2019. The lower loss ratio in the third quarter of 2020 is driven by an 8.9 percentage point year-over-year improvement in the net unfavorable prior-year reserve development, an improvement of 4.6 percentage points in the current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio, largely due to rate improvements achieved over the last several quarters, as well as a reduction in claim activity, offset by a 12.2 percentage point increase in catastrophe losses, which included COVID 19-related losses. Catastrophe losses in the third quarter of 2020 included $16.9 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses within our fixed maturityfor COVID-19-related claims, with the remaining $54.3 million being primarily attributable to Hurricanes Laura and equity portfolios. Consolidated net realized investmentSally, the California wildfires, and other gains of $25.1 millionvarious smaller events including the August Midwest derecho.
The consolidated loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 consisted2020 was 67.2%, compared to 66.1% for the same period in 2019, driven by an increase in catastrophe losses (7.6 percentage points), which included COVID 19-related losses, partially offset by a decrease in net unfavorable prior-year reserve development during the first nine months of $44.62020 (4.2 percentage points), and a decrease in the current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio (2.3 percentage points). Catastrophe losses during the first nine months of 2020 included $60.5 million in realized gainsfor COVID-19-related claims, with the remaining $67.7 million being mainly attributable to the events from the salethird quarter of fixed maturity2020, as well as losses associated with civil unrest and equity securities and $0.5 million from other invested assets, primarily options. Partially offsetting these realized gains was $18.3 million of realized foreign currency exchange losses,social demonstrations, including $10.4 million on our foreign currency forward

riots in some locations, across the U.S.

contracts and $7.9 million on our fixed maturity and equity securities portfolios. Additionally,The following table summarizes the above referenced prior-year loss reserve development for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized $1.7 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses primarily within our equity portfolio. Consolidated net realized investment and other gains of $12.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 consisted of $48.3 million in realized gains from the sale of fixed maturity and equity securities and $0.2 million from other invested assets. Partially offsetting these realized gains was $26.7 million in realized foreign currency exchange losses, including $11.7 million in foreign currency forward contracts and $15.0 million in our fixed maturity portfolio. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 we recognized other-than-temporary impairment losses on our equity securities and fixed maturity portfolios of $7.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

The increase in the loss ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016 was primarily attributable to the significant catastrophe losses that occurred in the third quarter of 2017, as well as increased non-catastrophe losses within the current accident year recorded in our Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200.

Consolidated losses and loss adjustment expenses were $326.4 million and $207.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Losses and loss adjustment expenses include $49.1 million for Ariel Re for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance, for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $90.0 million, primarily attributable to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the Mexican earthquakes, as compared to $13.0 million for the third quarter of 2016, primarily due to the Louisiana floods and other U.S. storm activity. The third quarter of 2017 also included $15.0 million of non-catastrophe losses in the current accident year, driven primarily by higher than anticipated attritional losses on property business underwritten by our Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $1.3 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years compared to $2.9 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years for the same period ended 2016.

Consolidated losses and loss adjustment expenses were $779.5 million and $596.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Losses and loss adjustment expenses include $81.6 million for Ariel Re from the date of acquisition through September 30, 2017. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $96.4 million and $40.5 million, respectively, in catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $4.4 million of net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years compared to $18.8 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years for the same period ended 2016.

The following table summarizes the above referenced loss reserve development2020 with respect to prior yearnet loss reserves by line of business foras of December 31, 2019. Our loss and loss adjustment expenses, including the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

prior-year loss reserve development shown in the following table, are further discussed by reporting segment below under the heading "Segment Results."

(in millions)

 

2016

Net Reserves

 

 

Net Reserve

Development

(Favorable)/

Unfavorable

 

 

Percent of

2016 Net

Reserves

 

(in millions)Net Reserves 2019Net Reserve
Development
(Favorable)/
Unfavorable
Percent of 2019 Net Reserves

General and professional liability

 

$

1,028.9

 

 

$

10.0

 

 

 

1.0

%

General liabilityGeneral liability$1,533.3 $43.3 2.8 %

Workers compensation

 

 

312.9

 

 

 

(7.6

)

 

 

-2.4

%

Workers compensation309.2 (10.1)(3.3)%

Lloyd's liability

 

 

198.1

 

 

 

11.4

 

 

 

5.8

%

Syndicate liabilitySyndicate liability197.8 5.7 2.9 %

Commercial multi-peril

 

 

156.6

 

 

 

(2.6

)

 

 

-1.7

%

Commercial multi-peril163.9 (3.2)(2.0)%

Commercial auto liability

 

 

113.6

 

 

 

(6.5

)

 

 

-5.7

%

Commercial auto liability109.7 7.7 7.0 %

Property

 

 

83.6

 

 

 

11.0

 

 

 

13.2

%

Fidelity/SuretyFidelity/Surety50.5 (29.9)(59.2)%

Reinsurance - nonproportional assumed property

 

 

65.6

 

 

 

(4.1

)

 

 

-6.3

%

Reinsurance - nonproportional assumed property38.6 (2.5)(6.5)%

Fidelity/Surety

 

 

38.4

 

 

 

(6.7

)

 

 

-17.4

%

Syndicate and U.S. special propertySyndicate and U.S. special property23.7 (1.1)(4.6)%
Syndicate SpecialtySyndicate Specialty17.9 (2.7)(15.1)%

All other lines

 

 

182.5

 

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

-0.3

%

All other lines278.1 (1.1)(0.4)%

Total

 

$

2,180.2

 

 

$

4.4

 

 

 

0.2

%

Total$2,722.7 $6.1 0.2 %

Consolidated gross reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses were $4,305.9$5,390.0 million (including $273.3$239.3 million of reserves attributable to our Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200’s1200 and 1910 trade capital providers) and $3,284.8$4,842.5 million (including $142.7$217.6 million of reserves attributable to our Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200’s1200 and 1910 trade capital providers) as of September 30, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. Management has recorded its best estimate of loss reserves at each date based on current known facts and circumstances. Due to the significant uncertainties inherent in the estimation of loss reserves, there can be no assurance that future loss development, favorable or unfavorable, loss development, which may be material, will not occur.


Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses

Consolidated underwriting, insuranceacquisition and acquisitioninsurance expenses were $166.1$164.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $164.0 million for the same period ending 2019, and $493.7 million and $474.4$485.6 million for nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The slight increase in expenses for both comparative periods was primarily due to an increase in non-acquisition expenses in our Lloyd's syndicates due to decreasing our use of third-party capital at Lloyd's and, as such, retaining certain costs in the first nine months of 2020 that were previously allocated to trade capital providers, severance costs in International Operations, as well as the continued investment in strategic growth areas of our business.
47

The expense ratios for the comparative three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were relatively flat, at 36.9% and 36.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and 37.6% and 37.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The expense ratio for our U.S. Operations was slightly higher in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, while improving for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019. The expense ratio for our International Operations experienced deterioration for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019.
Our underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses are further discussed by reporting segment below under the heading "Segment Results."
Interest Expense
Consolidated interest expense was $6.8 million and $21.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, respectively, compared to $137.4$7.5 million and $403.0$25.3 million for the same periods ended 2016. Ariel Re contributed $8.3 million and $24.5 million in underwriting expenses for2019. The decreases were due to significant reductions in short-term LIBOR rates during the three andfirst nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The expense ratio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017of 2020 as compared to the same periods ended 2016 was negatively impacted by the aforementioned third quarter 2017 reductions to earned premiums for catastrophe-related reinsurance premium adjustments and additional reinsurance contracts purchasedperiod in connection with risk management activities related to the acquisition of Ariel Re. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we also recorded a one-time acquisition expense of $3.5 million relating to the final resolution of a premium tax dispute in our U.S. Operations. The remaining increase in the expense ratio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods ended 2016 included higher acquisition costs driven by declines in ceding commissions and fronting fees earned, and writing more binder business, which has higher acquisition rates, in our International Operations. Non-acquisition expenses2019.
Foreign Currency Exchange Gains/Losses
Consolidated foreign currency exchange losses were negatively impacted by increased information technology and marketing costs, as well as increased personnel expenses in our strategic growth units. Additionally, included in non-acquisition expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $2.5 million in transaction costs related to the Ariel Re acquisition.

Consolidated interest expense was $7.5$11.6 million and $20.4$15.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020, respectively, as compared to $4.9foreign currency exchange gains of $1.6 million and $14.6$6.2 million for the same periods ended 2016. Included in consolidated interest expense was $1.2 million and $3.0 million from the operations of Ariel Re for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The remaining increase was primarily attributable to interest expense on a $125.0 million term loan entered into to fund a portion of the acquisition price of Ariel Re and to a lesser extent, an increase in short-term LIBOR rates.

Consolidated foreign currency exchange loss was $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to a $1.5 million foreign currency exchange gain for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Consolidated foreign currency exchange loss was $4.0 million and $4.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016,2019, respectively. The changes in the foreign currency exchange gains/losses were due to fluctuations of the U.S. Dollar, on a weighted average basis, against the currencies in which we transact our business. For the three months ended September 30, 2017,2020, the foreign currency exchange losses were primarily driven by the U.S. Dollar weakenedweakening against the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar and Australian Dollar, as there was increased volatility in currency markets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the foreign currency exchange losses were primarily driven by the U.S. Dollar weakening against Euro. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, the foreign currency exchange gains were primarily driven by the U.S. Dollar strengthening against the British Pound the Euro, the Canadian Dollar and the Australian Dollar. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2019, the foreign currency exchange gains were primarily driven by the U.S. Dollar weakenedstrengthening against all major currencies. Forthe Euro and the Australian Dollar, partially offset by the U.S. Dollar weakening against the Canadian Dollar.

Other Corporate Expenses
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the U.S. Dollar weakened against all major currencies, except2020, we incurred other corporate expenses of $0.4 million and $6.2 million, respectively, compared to $3.7 million and $11.7 million for the British Pound.

three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company reached a settlement with the SEC related to its investigation, which required that the Company pay an approximately $900,000 civil penalty, and is included in the other corporate expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The other corporate expenses were incurred in connection with the previously disclosed corporate governance and compensation matters, including responding to the 2019 subpoena from the SEC related to the Company’s disclosure of certain compensation-related perquisites received by the Company’s former chief executive officer.

These non-recurring costs are included in the line item “Other corporate expenses” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income, and have been excluded from the calculation of our expense ratio.
Income Tax Provision
The consolidated income tax provision represents the income tax expense or benefit associated with our operations based on the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Therefore, the consolidated provision for income taxes represents taxes on the net income or loss for our Belgium, Brazil, Ireland, Luxembourg,Italy, Malta, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United StatesU.S. operations. The consolidated income tax benefit was $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to income tax expense of $7.0 million for the same period ended 2016. The effective tax rate declined to 7.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from 11.3% for the same period ended 2016. The decline in the effective tax rate was due to approximately 37.4% of our consolidated loss before income taxes for the third quarter of 2017 being attributable to the United States and United Kingdom operations, our primary taxing jurisdictions, as compared to 40.8% of our consolidated income before income taxes being from the same jurisdictions in the third quarter of 2016. The majority of the remaining earnings for the comparative periods were attributable to our Bermuda operations, a zero-taxation jurisdiction. The consolidated provision for income taxes was $6.2$0.2 million and $21.1$9.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective tax rate was 22.3% and 15.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the change in the income tax provision for our United Kingdom operations, coupled with the impact of the weakening U.S. Dollar against the British Pound. Included in the provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $2.62020, respectively, compared to the consolidated income tax benefit of $1.1 million and $0.4income tax provision of $8.6 million offor the same periods ended 2019. The consolidated effective tax benefit for Ariel Rerates were (0.7)% and (21.0)% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

2020, respectively, compared to consolidated effective tax rates of 4.1% and 8.4% for the same periods ended 2019. The decrease in the effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was due to the jurisdictional mix of taxable income compared to the respective periods in 2019.

48

Segment Results

As discussed

We are primarily engaged in Note 1 “Basis of Presentation”writing property and Note 17 “Segment Information,” during the first quarter of 2017, we evaluatedcasualty insurance and modified the presentation of our reportable segments to reflect our new operating framework and management structure. As a result, wereinsurance. We have organized our business into two ongoing reporting segments: U.S. Operations and the International Operations. The U.S. Operations includes the former Excess & Surplus and Commercial Specialty reportable segments. The International Operations includes the former Syndicate 1200 and International Specialty reportable segments, and the recently acquired Ariel Re business. Consistent with prior periods, theAdditionally, we have a Run-off Lines segment for products that we no longer underwrite.
We consider many factors, including the nature of each segment’s insurance and Corporate segments include all other activity of Argo Groupreinsurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and are includedregulatory environment, in our consolidated financial results. It is the business unit that produces the risk and not the location of the underlying exposure that is the primary characteristic in distinguishing U.S Operations from International Operations. For example, a U.S. property exposure underwritten through our Syndicate platform would be included in our International Operations.

determining how to aggregate reporting segments.

Our reportable segments include four primary insurance and reinsurance services and offerings as follows:

Property includes both property insurance and reinsurance products. Insurance products cover commercial properties primarily in North America with some residential and international covers.covers, including business interruption coverage. Reinsurance covers underlying exposures that are located throughout the world, including the United States. These offerings include coverages for man-made and natural disasters.

Liability includes a broad range of primary and excess casualty products for risks on both an admitted and non-admitted basis in the United States. Internationally, Argo Group underwrites worldwide casualty risks primarily exposed in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Professional includes various professional lines products including Errorserrors & omissions, management liability (including directors and Omissions, Management Liability (including Directorsofficers) and Officers) and Cybercyber liability coverages.

Specialtyincludes niche insurance coverages including Marinemarine & Energy, Accidentenergy, accident & Healthhealth and Suretysurety product offerings.

The results of operations for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

In evaluating the operating performance of our segments, we focus on core underwriting and investing results before consideration of realized gains or losses from the sales of investments. Intersegment transactions are allocated to the segment that initiated the transaction. Realized investment gains and losses are reported as a component of the Corporate and Other segment, as decisions regarding the acquisition and disposal of securities reside with the corporate investment function and are not under the control of the individual business segments.

Although this measure of profit (loss) does not replace net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of profitability, management uses this measure of profit (loss) to focus our reporting segments on generating operating income.

Since we generally manage and monitor the investment portfolio on an aggregate basis, the overall performance of the investment portfolio, and related net investment income, is discussed above on a consolidatedcombined basis under consolidated net investment income rather than within or by segment.

U.S. Operations

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the U.S. Operations segment:

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)2020201920202019

Gross written premiums

 

$

428.9

 

 

$

360.8

 

 

$

1,128.9

 

 

$

970.2

 

Gross written premiums$542.4 $529.9 $1,499.1 $1,394.2 

Earned premiums

 

$

242.6

 

 

$

216.3

 

 

$

692.9

 

 

$

629.7

 

Earned premiums$298.7 $290.8 $902.8 $848.6 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

148.4

 

 

 

117.5

 

 

 

394.2

 

 

 

348.1

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses205.5 178.6 566.3 496.3 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

 

 

88.6

 

 

 

71.3

 

 

 

243.0

 

 

 

202.7

 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses99.1 92.8 290.8 278.7 

Underwriting income

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

27.5

 

 

 

55.7

 

 

 

78.9

 

Underwriting (loss) incomeUnderwriting (loss) income(5.9)19.4 45.7 73.6 

Net investment income

 

 

18.8

 

 

 

20.3

 

 

 

66.0

 

 

 

55.8

 

Net investment income30.1 27.4 56.1 80.1 

Interest expense

 

 

(3.8

)

 

 

(2.2

)

 

 

(10.3

)

 

 

(6.8

)

Interest expense(4.0)(4.6)(13.1)(15.5)

Fee and other income

 

 

11.6

 

 

 

5.1

 

 

 

16.0

 

 

 

13.1

 

Fee and other income— — — 0.3 

Fee and other expense

 

 

(3.5

)

 

 

(4.8

)

 

 

(8.5

)

 

 

(14.8

)

Fee and other expense(0.1)— (0.5)(0.2)

Income before income taxes

 

$

28.7

 

 

$

45.9

 

 

$

118.9

 

 

$

126.2

 

Income before income taxes$20.1 $42.2 $88.2 $138.3 

Loss ratio

 

 

61.2

%

 

 

54.3

%

 

 

56.8

%

 

 

55.3

%

Loss ratio68.8 %61.4 %62.7 %58.5 %

Expense ratio

 

 

36.5

%

 

 

33.0

%

 

 

35.1

%

 

 

32.2

%

Expense ratio33.2 %31.9 %32.2 %32.8 %

Combined ratio

 

 

97.7

%

 

 

87.3

%

 

 

91.9

%

 

 

87.5

%

Combined ratio102.0 %93.3 %94.9 %91.3 %


49


The following table contains reconciliations of certain non-GAAP financial measures, specifically the current accident year non-catastrophe loss, expense and combined ratios, to their most directly comparable GAAP measures for our U.S. Operations.

For the Three Months Ended September 30,
20202019
(in millions)Amount
Ratio (1)
Amount
Ratio (1)
Earned premiums$298.7 $290.8 
Less:
Catastrophe-related premium adjustments - outward(3.2)— 
Earned premiums, net of catastrophe-related adjustments$301.9 $290.8 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, as reported$205.5 68.8 %$178.6 61.4 %
Less:
Favorable prior accident year loss development3.2 1.1 %0.7 0.2 %
Catastrophe losses, including COVID-19 (2)
(26.3)(9.4)%(6.1)(2.1)%
Current accident year non-catastrophe losses (non-GAAP)$182.4 60.5 %$173.2 59.5 %
Non-catastrophe expense ratio (non-GAAP)32.8 %31.9 %
Current accident year non-catastrophe combined ratio (non-GAAP)93.3 %91.4 %
(1) For purposes of calculating the percentage points impact on the loss, expense and combined ratios, earned premiums were adjusted to exclude outward reinstatement premium adjustments of $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
(2) Catastrophe losses’ percentage point impact are calculated as the difference between the reported combined ratio and the combined ratio excluding incurred catastrophe losses and catastrophe-related premium adjustments.

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019
(in millions)Amount
Ratio (1)
Amount
Ratio (1)
Earned premiums$902.8 $848.6 
Less:
Catastrophe-related premium adjustments - outward(3.2)— 
Earned premiums, net of catastrophe-related adjustments$906.0 $848.6 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, as reported$566.3 62.7 %$496.3 58.5 %
Less:
Favorable prior accident year loss development0.5 0.1 %9.8 1.2 %
Catastrophe losses, including COVID-19 (2)
(42.3)(4.9)%(14.3)(1.7)%
Current accident year non-catastrophe losses (non-GAAP)$524.5 57.9 %$491.8 58.0 %
Non-catastrophe expense ratio (non-GAAP)32.1 %32.8 %
Current accident year non-catastrophe combined ratio (non-GAAP)90.0 %90.8 %
(1) For purposes of calculating the percentage points impact on the loss, expense and combined ratios, earned premiums were adjusted to exclude outward reinstatement premium adjustments of $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
(2) Catastrophe losses’ percentage point impact are calculated as the difference between the reported combined ratio and the combined ratio excluding incurred catastrophe losses and catastrophe-related premium adjustments.
50

Gross Written and Earned Premiums
Gross written and earned premiums by our four primary insurance lines were as follows:

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

2017

 

 

2016

 

20202019

(in millions)

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

 

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

(in millions)Gross WrittenNet EarnedGross WrittenNet Earned

Property

$

68.1

 

 

$

26.8

 

 

$

69.2

 

 

$

28.6

 

Property$90.8 $36.6 $85.1 $35.3 

Liability

 

277.2

 

 

 

160.2

 

 

 

226.7

 

 

 

146.3

 

Liability291.6 165.2 313.9 179.9 

Professional

 

46.2

 

 

 

30.8

 

 

 

35.3

 

 

 

21.3

 

Professional111.7 63.3 83.4 44.2 

Specialty

 

37.4

 

 

 

24.8

 

 

 

29.6

 

 

 

20.1

 

Specialty48.3 33.6 47.5 31.4 

Total

$

428.9

 

 

$

242.6

 

 

$

360.8

 

 

$

216.3

 

Total$542.4 $298.7 $529.9 $290.8 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

 

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

Property

$

193.4

 

 

$

85.8

 

 

$

188.6

 

 

$

93.7

 

Liability

 

715.4

 

 

 

454.8

 

 

 

613.2

 

 

 

429.1

 

Professional

 

119.9

 

 

 

85.5

 

 

 

98.9

 

 

 

56.8

 

Specialty

 

100.2

 

 

 

66.8

 

 

 

69.5

 

 

 

50.1

 

Total

$

1,128.9

 

 

$

692.9

 

 

$

970.2

 

 

$

629.7

 


For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019
(in millions)Gross WrittenNet EarnedGross WrittenNet Earned
Property$237.5 $117.3 $227.3 $100.1 
Liability804.4 507.4 812.9 533.8 
Professional312.7 177.4 220.1 119.6 
Specialty144.5 100.7 133.9 95.1 
Total$1,499.1 $902.8 $1,394.2 $848.6 
Property

The decline in gross

Gross written and earned premiums for property for the three months endedending September 30, 2017 as2020 increased compared to the same period ended 2016 wasin 2019 primarily attributable to planned reductions due to increased competitiondriven by growth in inland marine and the pressure on rates. Additionally, the third quarter 2017 catastrophe-related reinsurance premium adjustmentsfronted property, partially offset by a decrease in excess and additional reinsurance contracts purchased in connection with risk management activities related to the acquisition of Ariel Re reduced net earned premiums in U.S. Operations by $5.2 million. The increase in grosssurplus (“E&S”) property. Gross written premiums for property for the nine months endedending September 30, 2017 as2020 increased compared the same period in 2019 due to new business growth in inland marine and strong rate execution for the contract binding business unit. Net earned premium for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2020 increased compared to the same periods in 2019 driven by the premium growth achieved in inland marine, programs, and contract binding business units in recent quarters, partially offset by $3.2 million of outward catastrophe-related reinsurance reinstatement premiums incurred in September 2020.
Liability
Gross written premiums for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2020 decreased compared to the same periods in 2019 due to the challenges of the current economic environment and pandemic-related economic slowdowns, which generally resulted in a lower exposure base and fewer new business opportunities. Most business units had decreased production through the first nine months of 2020, with the exception of general liability lines, environmental products and delegated authority programs, which continued to see new business submissions. Net earned premium for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2020 decreased compared to the same period ended 2016 was primarily attributablein 2019 largely due to planned increases to ceded premium.
Professional
The growth in our fronting programs, which do not impact earned premiums, but result in a ceding commissions received. The decline ingross written and net earned premiums for propertythe three and nine months ending September 30, 2020 compared to the prior year was driven by the favorable rate environment and increased new business for management liability and errors and omissions products.
Specialty
Gross written premiums for the ninethree months endedending September 30, 2017 as2020 were relatively flat compared to the same period ended 2016 was primarily attributable the previously mentioned third quarter 2017 catastrophe-related reinsurance premium adjustments and catastrophe and risk management reinsurance contracts, as well as reduced grossin 2019. Gross written premiums for the non-frontingnine months ending September 30, 2020 increased compared to the same period in 2019 primarily due to growth in the surety, fronted business, and inland marine, partially offset by reduced animal mortality programs which were primarily driven by increased competition and pressure on rates.

Liability

The increase in gross written andbusiness due to weaker livestock prices. Net earned premiums for liability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as2020 increased compared to the same periods ended 2016in 2019 driven by growth in surety, partially offset by decreased net earned premiums for animal mortality programs.

51

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The loss ratio for the third quarter of 2020 was primarily attributable68.8% compared to capitalizing on targeted growth initiatives61.4% for the third quarter of 2019. The increased loss ratio was driven by a 7.3 percentage point increase in catastrophe losses, which includes COVID-19-related claims, as well as a 1.0 percentage point increase in the specialtycurrent accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio, partially offset by an improvement of 0.9 percentage points related to an increase in net favorable prior-year reserve development.
The loss ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and general casualty lines, growth2019 were 62.7% and 58.5%, respectively. The higher loss ratio in writings duethe first nine months of 2020 was driven by a 3.2 percentage point impact from an increase in catastrophe losses, which includes COVID-19-related claims, as well as deterioration of 1.1 percentage points related to lower net favorable prior-year reserve development in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the upturnsame period in 2019, partially offset by a 0.1 percentage point improvement in the coal market and the introduction of new products in our programs division.

Professional

current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio.

The increase in gross written and earned premiums within professionalcurrent accident year non-catastrophe loss ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as2020 were 60.5% and 57.9%, respectively, compared to the same periods ended 2016 was primarily attributable to new business within our management liability59.5% and errors and omissions lines.

Specialty

The increase in gross written and earned premiums for specialty58.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods ended 2016 was driven by growth from new business in our surety lines and new products within our programs division.


2019, respectively. The increase in the ratio for the comparative quarterly periods primarily related to a large property loss and a large liability loss that added 1.7 points to the loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 was driven by third quarter of 2017 catastrophe losses,2020. Additionally, an increase in the estimated loss ratio for professional liability business was offset by a reduction in the loss ratio due to the slowdown in claims activity during the quarter while most businesses were in a nationwide shutdown. The slight decrease in the ratio for the comparative nine month periods primarily related to rate improvement achieved over the past several quarters, as well as lower netreduced claim activity during the first three quarters of 2020, partially offset by the aforementioned increase during the third quarter of 2020.

Net favorable lossprior-year reserve development onfor the third quarter of 2020 was $3.2 million and primarily related to favorable development in specialty lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in professional, liability and property lines. Net favorable prior accident years.year development for the first nine months of 2020 was $0.5 million, driven predominantly by favorable development in specialty lines, largely offset by unfavorable development in professional, liability and property lines. Net favorable prior-year reserve development for the third quarter of 2019 was $0.7 million and related primarily to specialty and liability lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in professional lines. Net favorable prior-year reserve development for the first nine months of 2019 was $9.8 million and related primarily to liability and specialty lines, partially offset by unfavorable development in our professional and property lines.
Catastrophe losses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were $26.3 million and $42.3 million, respectively, which included reserves associated with COVID-19, primarily related to expected costs associated with potential litigation related to property exposures. The COVID-19 net incurred losses decreased by $2.0 million during the third quarter of 2020 and increased by $6.5 million for the first nine months of 2020. The remaining catastrophe losses of $28.3 million for the third quarter of 2020 were mainly attributable to the California wildfires, Hurricanes Laura and Sally, and various smaller U.S. storms. The remaining catastrophe losses of $35.8 million for the first nine months of 2020 were mainly attributable to the events from the third quarter of 2020, as well as losses associated with civil unrest and social demonstrations, including riots in some locations, across the U.S. Catastrophe losses for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $17.22019 were $6.1 million primarily from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, as comparedrelated to $4.5 million for the third quarter of 2016, mainly attributable to the Louisiana floods. Included in lossesHurricane Dorian and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $10.7 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years primarily attributable to net favorable development for the general and products liability, surety and commercial automobile lines. Net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $13.7 million concentrated in the surety, commercial automobile, commercial multiple peril and workers compensation lines.

The increase in the loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 was primarily attributable to the previously mentioned third quarter of 2017 catastrophe losses, partially offset by increased net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years.U.S. storms. Catastrophe losses duringfor the first nine months of 2017 totaled $22.12019 were $14.3 million primarily from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, as comparedrelated to $11.5 million for the same period ended 2016, which were mainly attributable to the Louisiana floodsHurricane Dorian and other U.S. storms. Included in lossesstorms, including Midwest floods.

Underwriting, Acquisition and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $28.7 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years primarily attributable to net favorable development for the workers compensation, surety and commercial automobile lines. Net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $25.6 million concentrated in the commercial automobile, surety, workers compensation and property lines.

Insurance Expenses

The increase in the expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 was primarily driven by changes in certain reinsurance agreements and programs that resulted in declines in ceding commissions and fronting fees earned, a one-time expense of $3.5 million relating to the final resolution of a premium tax dispute, as well as increased non-acquisition costs. The increase in non-acquisition expense was primarily driven by increased personnel expenses in our strategic growth units and increased information technology costs.

The increase in the expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period ended 2016 was primarily attributable to increased non-acquisition costs. The increase in non-acquisition expenses was primarily attributable to increased personnel expenses, information technology costs, outside services and occupancy costs. The acquisition expense ratio was slightly higher for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period ended 2016, due to declines in fronting fees and ceding commissions earned and the previously mentioned premium tax charge incurred in the third quarter of 2017.  

Fee and other income, and the associated fee and other expense, increasedratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 were 33.2% and 32.2%, respectively, compared to 31.9% and 32.8% for the same periods in 2019. The increase in the expense ratio in the third quarter of 2020 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 20162019 was partly impacted by the aforementioned reduction to earned premiums from the catastrophe-related reinstatement premium adjustments, as well as higher gross commission expense related to the annual July renewal of public entity business. The improvement in the expense ratio for the nine months ending September 30, 2020 was primarily due to closing a transactionthe impact of earning higher ceding commissions on certain reinsurance contracts during the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period in the third quarter2019.

52

International Operations

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the International Operations segment:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Gross written premiums

 

$

376.3

 

 

$

224.5

 

 

$

962.0

 

 

$

695.3

 

Earned premiums

 

$

146.8

 

 

$

142.3

 

 

$

474.9

 

 

$

418.5

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

166.0

 

 

 

78.9

 

 

 

369.2

 

 

 

230.3

 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance

   expenses

 

 

63.5

 

 

 

50.9

 

 

 

183.8

 

 

 

157.6

 

Underwriting (loss) income

 

 

(82.7

)

 

 

12.5

 

 

 

(78.1

)

 

 

30.6

 

Net investment income

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

24.4

 

 

 

22.7

 

Interest expense

 

 

(2.8

)

 

 

(1.4

)

 

 

(7.1

)

 

 

(4.0

)

Fee and other income

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

5.3

 

Fee and other expense

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

(1.5

)

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

$

(77.5

)

 

$

20.1

 

 

$

(60.1

)

 

$

53.1

 

Loss ratio

 

 

113.0

%

 

 

55.4

%

 

 

77.7

%

 

 

55.0

%

Expense ratio

 

 

43.3

%

 

 

35.8

%

 

 

38.7

%

 

 

37.7

%

Combined ratio

 

 

156.3

%

 

 

91.2

%

 

 

116.4

%

 

 

92.7

%



 For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Gross written premiums$347.7 $352.8 $1,016.2 $1,022.1 
Earned premiums$146.7 $160.7 $410.8 $455.0 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses113.0 160.0 305.6 363.3 
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses57.1 62.5 175.0 174.7 
Underwriting loss(23.4)(61.8)(69.8)(83.0)
Net investment income9.9 10.7 19.0 31.3 
Interest expense(1.9)(2.5)(6.2)(8.4)
Fee and other income1.1 1.2 3.8 3.8 
Fee and other expense(0.4)(0.5)(1.3)(1.4)
Loss before income taxes$(14.7)$(52.9)$(54.5)$(57.7)
Loss ratio77.1 %99.6 %74.4 %79.8 %
Expense ratio38.9 %38.9 %42.6 %38.4 %
Combined ratio116.0 %138.5 %117.0 %118.2 %

The following table contains reconciliations of certain non-GAAP financial measures, specifically the current accident year non-catastrophe loss, expense and combined ratios, to their most directly comparable GAAP measures for our International Operations.

For the Three Months Ended September 30,
20202019
(in millions)Amount
Ratio (1)
Amount
Ratio (1)
Earned premiums$146.7 $160.7 
Less:
Catastrophe-related premium adjustments - (outward) inward(0.7)0.1 
Earned premiums, net of catastrophe-related adjustments$147.4 $160.6 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, as reported$113.0 77.1 %$160.0 99.6 %
Less:
Favorable (unfavorable) prior accident year loss development5.6 3.8 %(42.3)(26.3)%
Catastrophe losses, including COVID-19 (2)
(44.9)(30.9)%(13.2)(8.3)%
Current accident year non-catastrophe losses (non-GAAP)$73.7 50.0 %$104.5 65.0 %
Non-catastrophe expense ratio (non-GAAP)38.7 %38.9 %
Current accident year non-catastrophe combined ratio (non-GAAP)88.7 %103.9 %
(1) For purposes of calculating the percentage points impact on the loss, expense and combined ratios, earned premiums were adjusted to exclude outward reinstatement premium adjustments of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, and inward reinstatement premium adjustments of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
(2) Catastrophe losses’ percentage point impact are calculated as the difference between the reported combined ratio and the combined ratio excluding incurred catastrophe losses and catastrophe-related premium adjustments.
53


For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
20202019
(in millions)Amount
Ratio (1)
Amount
Ratio (1)
Earned premiums$410.8 $455.0 
Less:
Catastrophe-related premium adjustments - (outward) inward(2.8)0.1 
Earned premiums, net of catastrophe-related adjustments$413.6 $454.9 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, as reported$305.6 74.4 %$363.3 79.8 %
Less:
Favorable (unfavorable) prior accident year loss development4.5 1.1 %(69.5)(15.3)%
Catastrophe losses, including COVID-19 (2)
(85.9)(21.3)%(17.0)(3.7)%
Current accident year non-catastrophe losses (non-GAAP)$224.2 54.2 %$276.8 60.8 %
Non-catastrophe expense ratio (non-GAAP)42.3 %38.4 %
Current accident year non-catastrophe combined ratio (non-GAAP)96.5 %99.2 %
(1) For purposes of calculating the percentage points impact on the loss, expense and combined ratios, earned premiums were adjusted to exclude outward reinstatement premium adjustments of $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and inward reinstatement premium adjustments of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
(2) Catastrophe losses’ percentage point impact are calculated as the difference between the reported combined ratio and the combined ratio excluding incurred catastrophe losses and catastrophe-related premium adjustments.
Gross Written and Earned Premiums
Gross written and earned premiums by our four primary insurance and reinsurance lines were as follows:

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

2017

 

 

2016

 

20202019

(in millions)

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

 

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

(in millions)Gross WrittenNet EarnedGross WrittenNet Earned

Property

$

177.1

 

 

$

48.8

 

 

$

76.6

 

 

$

53.2

 

Property$161.0 $44.3 $151.2 $42.5 

Liability

 

56.3

 

 

 

22.6

 

 

 

40.5

 

 

 

24.3

 

Liability73.4 26.7 57.2 28.1 

Professional

 

42.8

 

 

 

22.7

 

 

 

39.7

 

 

 

22.3

 

Professional49.7 29.9 53.2 28.9 

Specialty

 

100.1

 

 

 

52.7

 

 

 

67.7

 

 

 

42.5

 

Specialty63.6 45.8 91.2 61.2 

Total

$

376.3

 

 

$

146.8

 

 

$

224.5

 

 

$

142.3

 

Total$347.7 $146.7 $352.8 $160.7 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2017

 

 

2016

 

20202019

(in millions)

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

 

Gross Written

 

 

Net Earned

 

(in millions)Gross WrittenNet EarnedGross WrittenNet Earned

Property

$

390.3

 

 

$

168.9

 

 

$

273.1

 

 

$

153.8

 

Property$416.5 $115.6 $445.2 $119.1 

Liability

 

126.6

 

 

 

60.1

 

 

 

109.9

 

 

 

65.8

 

Liability185.8 73.0 150.6 83.9 

Professional

 

120.4

 

 

 

70.4

 

 

 

111.2

 

 

 

71.8

 

Professional156.7 88.0 151.2 82.7 

Specialty

 

324.7

 

 

 

175.5

 

 

 

201.1

 

 

 

127.1

 

Specialty257.2 134.2 275.1 169.3 

Total

$

962.0

 

 

$

474.9

 

 

$

695.3

 

 

$

418.5

 

Total$1,016.2 $410.8 $1,022.1 $455.0 

Ariel Re contributed $136.0 million

54

Table of Contents
Property
The increase in gross written premiums and $26.0 million ofnet earned premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2017,2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to favorable rate changes and $255.5 million ofnew business in our Bermuda Insurance and Reinsurance operations. The decreases in gross written premiums and $90.9 million ofnet earned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Property

The previously mentioned third quarter 2017 catastrophe-related reinsurance premium adjustments and additional reinsurance contracts purchased in connection with risk management activities related to the acquisition of Ariel Re reduced net earned premiums in International Operations by $17.4 million. Excluding the impact of these transactions, gross written and earned premiums for property increased for the three months ended September 30, 2017 due to premiums written by Ariel Re and Argo Re, partially offset by reduced premiums for Syndicate 1200. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 Ariel Re contributed property lines gross written premiums of $103.3 million and $11.1 million earned premiums, respectively. Partially offsetting these increases were reduced gross written and earned premiums for Syndicate 1200 due to continued competition, rate reductions and a reduction in our ownership percentage for Syndicate 1200, from 53.5% for 2016 to 46.0% for 2017.

Excluding the impact of the aforementioned transactions in the third quarter of 2017, gross written and earned premiums also increased for the nine months ended September 30, 20172020 as compared to the same period in 20162019 was due to premiums written by Ariel Re,targeted reductions in our U.S. Property Reinsurance book and continued optimization work in Syndicate 1200 and Europe, partially offset by reduced premiumsan improved rate environment and increased new business accounts in our Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200 and, to a lesser extent, Argo Re. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Ariel Re contributed gross written premiums of $147.5 million and $43.5 million in earned premiums, respectively.

Bermuda Insurance operation.

Liability

The increase in gross written premiums for liability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 as compared to the same periods in 20162019 was primarily attributabledue to new U.S. Casualty Treaty business and growth in our International Casualty Treaty business in our Reinsurance operation, as well as favorable rate changes in our Bermuda casualty business due to the introduction of new products and a rate increase on a large policy that renewed during the third quarter of 2017. The decline inInsurance operation. Net earned premiums for liability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 decreased as compared to the same periods in 2016 was primarily attributable to a combination of changes to the reinsurance structure in 2017 and slightly lower premiums written in prior quarters.

Professional

The increasegrowth in gross written premiums for professional lineswas offset by additional outwards reinsurance, as well as the cancellation of several coverholders in Europe.

Professional
The increases in gross written and net earned premiums for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 as compared to the same periods in 2016 was primarily attributable2019 were due to growth in ourEurope and Bermuda BrazilInsurance primarily as a result of favorable rate changes and European professional lines, directorsnew and officers and cyber lines, partially offsetexpanded business, as well as growth in Syndicate 1200 driven by a declineprior year premium growth in professional indemnity. Earned premiums forand healthcare indemnity, as well as increased professional lines for the third quarterindemnity business written out of 2017 were relatively flat compared to the same period in 2016, while earned premiums were slightly lower for nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to changes in our reinsurance programs.

Dubai.

Specialty

Specialty

The increase in gross written and net earned premiums for specialty linesdecreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172020 as compared to the same periods ended 2016in 2019. This decrease was primarily attributable to premiums writtendriven by Ariel Re. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 Ariel Re contributed specialty lines grosslower written premiums in Syndicate 1200, mainly due to re-underwriting efforts in accident and health and the impact of $32.6 millionCOVID-19 to the political risks, and contingency events markets, as well as lower written and earned premiums in Reinsurance resulting from no longer underwriting a large fronting arrangement.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The loss ratio for the third quarter of $15.1 million, respectively. For2020 was 77.1% compared to 99.6% for the third quarter of 2019. The reduced loss ratio was driven by a year-over-year improvement of 30.1 percentage points from net favorable prior-year reserve development in the third quarter of 2020 (3.8 percentage points) compared to net unfavorable prior-year reserve development in the third quarter of 2019 (26.3 percentage points), and an improvement of 15.0 percentage points in the current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio, partially offset by a 22.6 percentage point increase in catastrophe losses, which includes COVID-19 related claims.
The loss ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 Ariel Re contributed specialty lines gross written premiums2020 and 2019 were 74.4% and 79.8%, respectively. The reduced loss ratio was driven by a year-over-year improvement of $106.1 million and earned premiums of $47.1 million, respectively. Additionally, gross written and earned premiums were favorably impacted by increases within the surety and marine liability lines. Partially offsetting these increases were reductions16.4 percentage points from net favorable prior-year reserve development in the aerospace division duefirst nine months of 2020 (1.1 percentage point) compared to planned reductions to these exposures,net unfavorable prior-year reserve development in the first nine months of 2019 (15.3 percentage points), as well as offshore energy due to continuing soft market conditions.

Thea 6.6 percentage point improvement in the current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio, partially offset by a 17.6 percentage point increase in thecatastrophe losses, which includes COVID-19 related claims.

The current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as2020 were 50.0% and 54.2%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016 was primarily attributable to the significant catastrophe losses that occurred in the third quarter of 2017, as well as increased non-catastrophe losses within the current accident year.

Included in losses65.0% and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $49.1 million for Ariel Re. Net catastrophe losses for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $72.8 million, attributable to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the Mexican earthquakes, as compared to $8.5 million for the third quarter of 2016, primarily due to the Louisiana floods and other U.S. storm activity. The third quarter of 2017 also included $15.0 million of non-catastrophe losses in the current accident year, driven primarily by higher than anticipated attritional losses on property business underwritten by our Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200. Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $2.6 million of net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years primarily attributable to net favorable development for specialty lines, partially offset by net unfavorable development within the liability and property lines. Net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $0.6 million.

Included in losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $81.6 million for Ariel Re. The increase in the loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 was primarily attributable to the previously mentioned third quarter 2017 net catastrophe losses, higher than anticipated non-catastrophe current accident year property claims of $26.5 million, as well as net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $17.0 million. Catastrophe losses during the first nine months of 2017 totaled $74.3 million, primarily from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and the Mexican earthquakes, as compared to $29.0 million for the same period ended 2016, which were mainly attributable to the Alberta wildfire, Louisiana floods and other U.S. storms. The $17.0 million of net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was concentrated in the property and liability lines, primarily due to the first quarter 2017 Ogden rate change and claims from Hurricane Matthew. Net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $10.8 million concentrated in property lines and our Brazil unit.

The expense ratio60.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as2019, respectively. The decrease in the ratio for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods ended 2016 was negatively impacted by the aforementioned third quarter 2017 reductions to net earned premiums for catastrophe-related reinsurance premium adjustments and additional reinsurance contracts purchased in connection with risk management activities2019 primarily related to the acquisitionresults of Ariel Re. These adjustments increasedre-underwriting actions across multiple divisions in Syndicate 1200, as well as improvements in our Reinsurance operations. The current accident year non-catastrophe loss ratio also benefited from rate increases earning through earned premiums.

55

Table of Contents
Net favorable prior-year reserve development for the third quarter of 2020 was $5.6 million and primarily related to favorable development in Reinsurance and Syndicate 1200, with smaller movements in other businesses. The Reinsurance movement was due to favorable experience on events from older accident years. The Syndicate 1200 movement was due to favorable experience on property lines in recent accident years. Net favorable prior-year reserve development for the first nine months of 2020 was $4.5 million and primarily related to the favorable development in the third quarter of 2020 in Syndicate 1200 and Reinsurance, partially offset by unfavorable development in Bermuda Insurance. Net unfavorable prior-year reserve development for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 was $42.3 million and $69.5 million, respectively, which was primarily related to certain liability, professional, specialty and property lines, and was the result of new information received in the second and third quarters of 2019 related to the resolution or notification of several large losses, as well as a continued review of International business in run-off. The liability and professional charges impacted our Bermuda division and, to a lesser extent, our European and Syndicate 1200 operations. The adverse development in our Bermuda division was due to information from investigations regarding the causes of the incidents leading to the losses, reports provided by counsel, audits of underlying losses, and recent court decisions and settlements. Related to Europe, the adverse development primarily related to certain cover-holders whose contracts were previously terminated. The Syndicate 1200 adverse development related to movements on large claims involving marine and energy and liability divisions. Attritional losses on small and medium enterprise package business were also higher than expected.
Catastrophe losses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were $44.9 million and $85.9 million, respectively, which included $18.9 million and $54.0 million, respectively, associated with COVID-19, primarily resulting from contingency exposures. The property losses relate to sub-limited affirmative business interruption coverage in certain International markets, as well as expected costs associated with potential litigation. The remaining catastrophe losses of $26.0 million for the third quarter of 2020 were mainly attributable to Hurricanes Laura and Sally, the California wildfires, and various smaller events including the Midwest derecho. The remaining catastrophe losses of $31.9 million for the first nine months of 2020 were mainly attributable to the events from the third quarter of 2020, as well as losses associated with civil unrest and social demonstrations, including riots in some locations, across the U.S. Catastrophe losses for the third quarter of 2019 were $13.2 million and related to Hurricane Dorian, Typhoon Faxai and U.S. storms, and included losses from flooding. Catastrophe losses for the first nine months of 2019 were $17.0 million and related to the aforementioned events from the third quarter as well as U.S. storms and floods in Australia that occurred during the first nine months
Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
The expense ratio by 4.6 percentage points and 1.4 percentage pointsratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Conversely, Ariel Re’s2020 were 38.9% and 42.6%, respectively, compared to 38.9% and 38.4% for the same periods in 2019. While the expense ratios were flat for the third quarters of 2020 and 2019, we experienced improvement in non-acquisition costs, partially offset by a lower earned premium base. The increase in the expense ratio for the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to a combination of the lower earned premium base, higher non-acquisition costs in our Europe operations, including severance costs, and an increase in non-acquisition expenses in our Lloyd's syndicates due to decreasing our use of third-party capital at Lloyd's and, as such, retaining certain costs in the first nine months of 2020 that were previously allocated to trade capital providers. As a result of increasing our participation in the syndicates, we anticipate higher earned premiums relative to the associatedlevel of expenses retained in future quarters.
Fee and Other Income/Expense
Fee and other income and fee and other expense represent amounts we receive, and costs we incur, in connection with the management of third-party capital for our underwriting expenses favorably impacted ourSyndicates at Lloyd’s. Fee and other income and fee and other expense ratio for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2017. Ariel Re contributed $8.3 million and $24.5 million in underwriting expenseswere relatively flat for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Excluding the results of operations for Ariel Re and the $17.4 of earned premium adjustments recorded in the third quarter of 2017, the adjusted expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was 39.9%. The adjusted expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 39.7%. The increase in the adjusted expense ratio for both the third quarter 2017 and first nine months of 20172020 as compared to the same periods in 2016 was primarily due to writing more binder business in Syndicate 1200, which has higher acquisition rates, as well as increased personnel expenses, outside services and depreciation charges.

Fee income and other income represent fees and profit commission derived from the managementended 2019.

56

Table of third party capital for our underwriting syndicate at Lloyd’s. The decline in fee and other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016 was primarily due to reduced profitability of our Lloyd’s syndicate. Fee and other expenses were comparable for the periods presented.

Contents

Run-off Lines

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Run-off Lines segment:

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

(in millions)2020201920202019

Earned premiums

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

0.1

 

 

$

 

 

$

0.3

 

Earned premiums$0.1 $— $0.3 $0.1 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

 

12.0

 

 

 

11.4

 

 

 

16.1

 

 

 

17.6

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses(10.4)(0.2)(11.1)(1.9)

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance

expenses

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

6.2

 

 

 

5.0

 

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses(1.2)(0.5)(2.3)(1.4)

Underwriting loss

 

 

(14.3

)

 

 

(12.8

)

 

 

(22.3

)

 

 

(22.3

)

Underwriting loss(11.5)(0.7)(13.1)(3.2)

Net investment income

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

8.8

 

Net investment income1.5 1.7 2.8 4.4 

Interest expense

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(1.1

)

 

 

(1.1

)

Interest expense(0.2)(0.3)(0.7)(1.0)

Loss before income taxes

 

$

(12.7

)

 

$

(10.0

)

 

$

(16.4

)

 

$

(14.6

)

(Loss) income before income taxes(Loss) income before income taxes$(10.2)$0.7 $(11.0)$0.2 

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was2020 were the result of unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years in asbestos and environmental driven by asbestos claims remaining open longer than expected, higher defense costs and movement on individual environmental claims as well as unfavorable development in other run-off lines, partially offset by favorable development in risk management workers compensation. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were the result of unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years in other run-off lines.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were the result of unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years in asbestos and environmental and other run-off lines, partially offset by favorable development in risk management workers compensation. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were the result of net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years driven by $13.6 million for our asbestos exposure due to increasing defense costs and increase in the time claims remain open and $3.0 million in the other run-off lines, partially offset by net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $4.6 million for the run-off risk management lines. Loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2016 included net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $5.7 million for our asbestos exposure due to greater than expected defense costs on our primary exposures, $3.7 million development in our risk management lines and $2.0 million in our other run-off lines.  

Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was the result of net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years driven by $13.6 million for our asbestos exposure due to increasing defense costs and increase in the time claims remain open and $5.2 million in other run-off lines, partially offset by net favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $2.7 million for the run-offin risk management lines. Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included net unfavorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $9.0 million for our asbestos exposure due to increased defense costs and a final settlement agreement with a large primary insured, $6.0 million in our risk management lines and $2.6 million in other run-off lines.

management.

The following table represents a reconciliationrollforward of total gross and net reserves for the asbestos and environmental exposures in our Run-off Lines, along with the ending balances of all other reserves within Run-off Lines. Amounts in the net column are reduced by reinsurance recoverable.

recoverables.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

20202019

(in millions)

 

Gross

 

 

Net

 

 

Gross

 

 

Net

 

(in millions)GrossNetGrossNet

Asbestos and environmental:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asbestos and environmental:

Loss reserves, beginning of the year

 

$

48.4

 

 

$

40.6

 

 

$

46.4

 

 

$

43.5

 

Loss reserves, beginning of the year$52.6 $43.8 $54.7 $46.2 

Incurred losses

 

 

12.5

 

 

 

15.2

 

 

 

15.6

 

 

 

10.5

 

Incurred losses20.0 17.1 0.7 0.7 

Losses paid

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

(5.2

)

 

 

(10.0

)

 

 

(10.0

)

Losses paid(8.7)(6.9)(8.4)(7.0)

Loss reserves - asbestos and environmental, end of

year

 

 

59.3

 

 

 

50.6

 

 

 

52.0

 

 

 

44.0

 

Risk management reserves

 

 

222.1

 

 

 

138.6

 

 

 

241.4

 

 

 

151.4

 

Loss reserves - asbestos and environmental, end of periodLoss reserves - asbestos and environmental, end of period63.9 54.0 47.0 39.9 
Risk-management reservesRisk-management reserves164.4 102.2 189.5 117.8 

Run-off reinsurance reserves

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

2.2

 

Run-off reinsurance reserves0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 

Other run-off lines

 

 

4.9

 

 

 

4.9

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

4.2

 

Other run-off lines15.7 10.1 11.5 6.4 

Total loss reserves - Run-off Lines

 

$

288.1

 

 

$

195.9

 

 

$

299.8

 

 

$

201.8

 

Total loss reserves - Run-off Lines$244.5 $166.8 $248.6 $164.7 

Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses for the Run-off Lines segment consistsconsist primarily of administrative expenses. The increase in underwriting expense for three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods ended 2016 was primarily attributable to increased overhead expenses and decreased policyholder dividends. In addition, underwriting expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were favorably impacted a $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, primarily from the reduction in bad debt expenses due2020, as compared to the collectionsame periods ended 2019, was primarily attributable to legal expenses incurred during the third quarter of a premiums receivable balance that was previously written off.

2020.

57


Table of Contents
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows
The primary sources of our cash flows are premiums, reinsurance recoveries, proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments and investment income. The primary cash outflows are claim payments, loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance costs, purchases of investments and operating expenses. Additional cash outflow occurs through payments of underwriting and acquisition costs such as commissions, taxes, payroll and general overhead expenses. Management believes that cash receipts from premiums, proceeds from investment sales and redemptions and investment income are sufficient to cover cash outflows infor at least the foreseeable future.next twelve months. Should the need for additional cash arise, we believe we will have access to additional sources of liquidity.

Our liquidity and capital resources were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions during the first nine months of 2020.
On October 12, 2020, ArgoGlobal, the Lloyd’s insurer and member of Argo, announced a reinsurance-to-close (“RITC”) transaction with legacy specialist RiverStone. Upon completion of the transaction, RiverStone will undertake an RITC of ArgoGlobal’s Syndicate 1200 for 2017 and prior years with net technical provision of approximately $230 million. The transaction is expected to receive regulatory approval in the fourth quarter of 2020, with the RITC becoming effective on January 1, 2021.
Cash provided by operating activities can fluctuate due to a timing differencedifferences in the collection of premiums and reinsurance recoveries and the payment of losses, expenses and expenses.outward reinsurance premiums. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020 and 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $252.4$101.4 million and $195.7 million, respectively. The decrease in net cash flows used in operating activities for the first three quarters of 2020, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $150.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increasesame period in cash flows from operating activities in 2017 from 2016 is2019, was attributable to various fluctuations within our operating activities, and primarily driven byrelated to the timing of reinsurance premium payments, reinsurance recoveries and premium cash receipts in the respective periods.

Net


For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net cash provided by investing activities was $80.7 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, net cash used in investing activities was $166.0 million$159.2 million. Included in the net cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $83.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Included in the $82.6 million net increase in cash used in investing activities2020 was the $235.3$38 million cash outflowinflow related to the purchasesale of Maybrooke, netTrident's assets. During the third quarter of $130.12020, we stopped investing operating cash in money market funds for our U.S. businesses as the earnings credit rate on these accounts exceeded money market fund yields. As a result, cash increased by about $80 million of cash acquired.at September 30, 2020 versus prior quarter end with a corresponding decrease in short term investments. The remaining increase in cash used inprovided by investing was mainly the result of the increase in cash used to purchasethe proceeds from sale of short-term, increase in the proceeds from maturities of fixed maturity investments,maturities, partially offset by the proceeds froman increase in purchase of equity securities and a decrease in sales maturities and calls of fixed maturities and short-term investments.equity securities. As of September 30, 2017, $386.02020, $528.7 million of the investment portfolio was invested in short-term investments.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net cash provided by financing activities was $64.4 million, as compared to2020 and 2019, net cash used in financing activities of $64.5was $13.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.and $31.7 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2020 and 2019, we borrowed $125.0 million as a term loan under our credit facility to help fund the acquisition of Maybrooke. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we repurchased 565,534 and 815,196 shares of ourdid not repurchase any common stock for a total cost of $36.6 million and $45.3 million, respectively.shares. We paid cash dividends to our common shareholders totaling $24.9$32.2 million and $19.8$32.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172020 and 2019, respectively. On July 9, 2020 we raised $144.0 million, net of issuance costs, by issuing 6,000,000 Depositary Shares (as defined and further described below). We paid cash dividends to our preferred shareholders totaling $2.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. On September 17, 2020, we paid off our term loan in the amount of $125 million.
Argo Common Shares and Dividends
In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends in the aggregate amount of $0.93 per share. Cash dividends paid for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were $32.2 million.
On May 3, 2016, respectively.

Effective February 6, 2017, we completedour Board of Directors authorized the acquisitionrepurchase of Maybrooke Holdings, S.A.up to $150.0 million of our common shares (“2016 Repurchase Authorization”). The 2016 Repurchase Authorization superseded all the previous repurchase authorizations. Shares purchased are being held as treasury shares in accordance with the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. As of September 30, 2020, availability under the 2016 Repurchase Authorization for $235.3future repurchases of our common shares was $53.3 million. We drew $125.0

Preferred Stock Offering
On July 9, 2020, the Company issued 6,000,000 depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares”), each of which represents a 1/1,000th interest in a share of its 7.00% Resettable Fixed Rate Preference Shares, Series A, par value of $1.00 per share with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per Depositary Share) (the "Series A Preference Shares").
58

Table of Contents
Net proceeds from the sale of the Depositary Shares were approximately $144 million under our Credit Agreement after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company used most of the net proceeds to repay its term loan, which had $125 million principal outstanding, and intends to use the remainder of the proceeds for working capital to support continued growth in order to help fund the acquisition and paid the remaining $110.3 million with available cash on hand. In additioninsurance operations.
Dividends to the Series A Preferences Shares will be payable on a non-cumulative basis only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, quarterly in arrears on the 15th of March, June, September, and December of each year, commencing on September 15, 2020, at a rate equal to 7.00% of the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $1,750 per Series A Preference Share and $1.75 per Depositary Share per annum) up to but excluding September 15, 2025. Beginning on September 15, 2025, any such dividends will be payable on a non-cumulative basis, only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, during each reset period, at a rate per annum equal to the Five-Year U.S. Treasury Rate as of the most recent reset dividend determination date (as described in the Company’s prospectus supplement dated July 7, 2020) plus 6.712% of the liquidation preference per annum.
On August 7, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash needs relateddividend in the amount of $330.556 per share on our Series A Preference Shares. Holders of Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Series A Preferred Stock received $0.330556 per Depositary Share. On September 15, 2020, we paid $2.0 million to this acquisition, we will have continuing cash needs for administrative expenses, the paymentour shareholders of principalrecord on September 1, 2020.
Revolving Credit Facility and interest on borrowings, shareholder dividends and taxes. Funds to meet these obligations will come primarily from parent company cash, dividends and other payments from our insurance company subsidiaries and from our line of credit.

Term Loan

On March 3, 2017,November 2, 2018, each of Argo Group, Argo Group US,U.S., Inc., Argo International Holdings Limited, and Argo Underwriting Agency Limited (the “Borrowers”) entered into a $325 million credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”(the "Credit Agreement") with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement replaced and terminated the original $175 credit agreement. Theprior $325 million Credit Agreement provides(the "Prior Agreement"), dated as of March 3, 2017. In connection with the consummation of the Credit Agreement, Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. borrowed $125 million as a term loan due on November 2, 2021, which amount was used on November 2, 2018 to pay off in its entirety the $125 million of borrowings previously outstanding under the Prior Agreement. In addition, the Credit Agreement provided for a $200.0$200 million revolving credit facility, with a maturity date of March 3, 2022and the commitments thereunder shall expire on November 2, 2023 unless extended in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. In addition,On September 17, 2020, the Credit Agreement includes a $125 million term loan borrowing, which Argo GroupCompany used most of the net proceeds from the sale of the Depositary Shares to pay off in its entirety the $125.0 million borrowing drawn on January 31, 2017 under the prior credit agreement to help fund the acquisition of Maybrooke. At September 30, 2017, the $125.0 million drawn on this term loan remained outstanding, with a maturity date of March 3, 2019. The term loan bears interest based on a variable rate, which resets and is payable based on reset options we select pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2017, the interest rate on this debt was equal to the two-month LIBOR (1.30% at September 30, 2017) plus 150 basis points, or 2.80%.

loan.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital and permitted acquisitions, and each of the Borrowers hashave agreed to be jointly and severally liable for the obligations of the other Borrowers under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrowers could be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Lenders holding at least a majority of the loans and commitments under the Credit Agreement could elect to accelerate the maturity of the loans and/or terminate the commitments under the Credit Agreement upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default. No defaults or events of defaults have occurred as of the date of this filing.

Included in the Credit Agreement is a provision that allows up to $200.0 million of the revolving credit facility to be used for letters of credit (“LOCs”), subject to availability. As of September 30, 2017,2020, there were no borrowings outstanding and $0.5$70.5 million in LOCs against the revolving credit facility.


On November 7, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.27 on each share of common stock outstanding. The dividend will be paid on December 15, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2017.

On May 3, 2016, our Board authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares (“2016 Repurchase Authorization”). The 2016 Repurchase Authorization supersedes all the previous repurchase authorizations. Shares purchased are being held as treasury shares in accordance with the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. As of September 30, 2017, availability under the 2016 Repurchase Authorization for future repurchases of our common shares was $93.7 million.

Refer to Part II, Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Argo Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162019 that Argo Group filed with the SEC on February 24, 201728, 2020 for further discussion onof Argo Group’s liquidity.

Recent Accounting Standards and Critical Accounting Estimates

New Accounting Standards

The discussion of the adoption and pending adoption of recently issued accounting policies is included in Note 2, “Recently Issued Accounting Standards,Pronouncements & Updates to Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 - “Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).”

59

Table of Contents
Critical Accounting Estimates

Refer to “Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162019 that we filed with the SEC on February 24, 201728, 2020 for information on accounting policies that we consider critical in preparing our consolidated financial statements. These policies include significant estimates made by management using information available at the time the estimates were made. However, these estimates could change materially if different information or assumptions were used.

Please see Note 1, “Basis of Presentation” for a discussion of the accounting estimates and policies we have updated during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We believe that we are principally exposed to four types of market risk: interest rate risk, credit risk, equity price risk and foreign currency risk.

On an overall basis, our exposure to market risk has not significantly changed from that reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic does present new and emerging uncertainty to the financial markets. See further discussion in Item 2 - "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".
Interest Rate Risk

Our primary market risk exposure is the exposure of our fixed maturity investment portfolio to interest rate risk and the changes in interest rates. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the fair valuation of these securities. As interest rates rise, the fair value of our fixed maturity portfolio falls, and the converse is also true. We manage interest rate risk through an active portfolio management strategy that involves the selection of investments with appropriate characteristics, such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity that are tailored to the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of our liabilities. A significant portion of our investment portfolio matures each year, allowing for reinvestment at current market rates. The model duration of the assets comprising our fixed maturity investment portfolio was 2.522.40 years and 2.582.41 years at September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively.

Credit Risk

We have exposure to credit risk on losses recoverable from reinsurers and receivables from insureds. Our controls to mitigate this risk include limiting our exposure to any one counterparty, evaluating the financial strength of our reinsurers, generally requiring minimum credit ratings and in certain cases receiving collateral from our reinsurers and insureds.

We also have exposure to credit risk in our investment holdings. Our risk management strategy and investment policy attempts to mitigate this risk by primarily investing in debt instruments of high credit quality issuers, limiting credit concentration, monitoring the credit quality of issuers and counterparties and diversifying issuers. The weighted average rating of our fixed maturity investments was A+AA- with 88.4%91.2% and 87.1%88.3% rated investment grade or better (BBB- or higher) at September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively.

Our portfolio also includes alternative investments with a carrying value at September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 of $562.6$412.2 million and $539.0$496.5 million (11.7%(8.2% and 12.5%9.7% of total invested assets) respectively. We may invest in both long and short equities, corporate debt securities, currencies, real estate, commodities and derivatives. We attempt to mitigate our risk by selecting managers with extensive experience, proven track records and robust controls and processes. We also mitigate our risk by diversifying through multiple managers and different types of assets and asset classes.


Equity Price Risk

We hold a diversified portfolio of equity securities with a fair value of $480.5$150.7 million and $447.4$124.4 million (10.0%(3.0% and 10.3%2.4% of total invested assets) at September 30, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively. Our equity securities are exposed to equity price risk which is defined as the potential for loss in fair value due to a decline in equity prices. We believe the diversification of our equity securities among various industries, market segments and issuers, as well as the use of multiple outside investment managers, mitigates our exposure to equity price risk.  

60

Table of Contents
Foreign Currency Risk

We have exposure to foreign currency risk in our insurance contracts, invested assets and to a lesser extent, a portion of our debt. We attempt to manage our foreign currency risk by seeking to match our liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts that are payable in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar with cash and investments that are denominated in such currencies. We also use foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate this risk. We recognized $0.1losses of $11.8 million and $12.0$18.0 million in losses from movements in foreign currency rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. We recognized $3.3 million and $19.3 million in losses2020, respectively, from movements in foreign currency ratesrates. We recognized gains of $1.0 million and $3.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.2019, respectively, from movements in foreign currency rates. We recognized $4.8gains of $1.4 million and $10.4$0.8 million in losses on our foreign currency forward contacts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. We recognized $0.3 million in gains and $11.5 million in losses2020, respectively, on our foreign currency forward contactscontracts. We recognized losses of $0.8 and $0.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

2019, respectively, on our foreign currency forward contracts.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Argo Group, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosuredisclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rulesprocedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)), defines “disclosure controls and procedures” as of the end of the period covered by this report.  In designing and evaluating these disclosure controls and procedures Argo Group and its management recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level“designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Argo Groupthe issuer in the reports filedit files or submittedsubmits under the Exchange Act areis recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’sCommission’s rules and forms.

There were no changes in the internal control over financial reporting made during the quarter ended September 30, 20172020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  We review our disclosure controls and procedures, which may include internal controls over financial reporting, on an ongoing basis.  From time to time, management makes changes to enhance the effectiveness of these controls and ensure that they continue to meet the needs of our business activities over time.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Our

We and our subsidiaries are parties to legal actions from time to time, generally incidental to our and their business. Based on the opinionWhile any litigation or arbitration proceedings include an element of counsel,uncertainty, management believes that the resolution of these matters will not materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

See “Risk

The following information supplements the disclosure found in “Part I, Item 1A—Risk Factors” in theof Argo GroupGroup’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and2019, as updated forfurther supplemented in “Part II, Item 1A—Risk Factors” of the Maybrooke acquisition in the Argo GroupCompany’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect our business, including revenues, profitability, results of operations, and/ or cash flows, in a manner and to a degree that cannot be predicted but could be material.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in and is expected to continue to result in significant disruptions in economic activity and financial markets. COVID-19 has directly and indirectly adversely affected the Company and may continue to do so for an uncertain period of time. The cumulative effects of COVID-19 on the Company cannot be predicted at this time, but could include, withoutlimitation:
Reduced demand for our insurance policies due to reduced economic activity which could negatively impact our revenues,
Reduced cash flows from our policyholders delaying premium payments,
Increased claims, losses, litigation, and related expenses,
Increased losses due to legislative, regulatory, and judicial actions in response to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, actions prohibiting us from cancelling insurance policies in accordance with our policy terms, requiring us to cover losses when our policies did not provide coverage or excluded coverage, ordering us to provide premium refunds, granting extended grace periods for payment of premiums, and providing for extended periods of time to pay past due premiums,
An increase in the demand and frequency of reporting by regulators that could place stress on our ability to accurately and timely meet those and existing demands, and a delay or denial in regulatory rate approvals could contribute to financial stress,
61

Table of Contents
An increase in claims as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimate losses from COVID-19-related claims could be greater than our reserves for those losses,
A negative impact on our ability to timely and properly pay claims and establish reserves due to uncertainty around claims patterns, including impediments to adjusting claims in the field,
Volatility and declines in financial markets which, in response to COVID-19, has reduced, and could continue to reduce, the fair market value of, or result in the impairment of, invested assets held by the Company,
An increase in loss costs and, as such, the need to strengthen reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses due to higher than anticipated inflation as a result of recent actions taken by the federal government and the Federal Reserve,
Decline in interest rates which could reduce future investment results,
Erosion of capital and an increase in the cost of reinsurance as well as an increase in counterparty credit risk,
Decreased access to capital, if needed, and the cost of external capital could be elevated,
Disruptions in our operations due to difficulties experienced by our partners and outsourced providers that may, among other items, adversely impact our ability to manage claims, and
Increased vulnerability to cyberthreats or other disruption in our operations while most of our workforce is continuing to work remotely.
For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017,September 30, 2020, our underwriting results included net pre-tax charges of $16.9 million and $60.5 million, respectively, associated with COVID-19 and related economic conditions, primarily resulting from contingency and property exposures in the Company’s International Operations and property exposures in its U.S. Operations. Property losses relate to sub-limited affirmative business interruption coverage, primarily in certain International markets, as well as expected costs associated with claims handling. Our liquidity and capital resources were not materially impacted by COVID-19 and related economic conditions during the first nine months of 2020. The extent to which COVID-19 will continue to impact our business will depend on future developments, and while we have recorded our best estimates of this impact as of and for a detailed discussionthe three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, actual results in future periods could materially differ from those disclosed herein.
The COVID-19 pandemic may also have the effect of heightening many of the additional risk factors affecting us.

other risks described in “Part I, Item 1A—Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

On May 3, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares (“2016 Repurchase Authorization”).shares. The 2016 Repurchase Authorization supersedes all the previous Repurchase Authorizations.


From January 1, 20172020 through September 30, 2017,2020, we have repurchased a totaldid not repurchase any of 612,034 shares for a total cost of $36.6 million.our common shares. Since the inception of the repurchase authorizations through September 30, 2017,2020, we have repurchased 10,640,789 shares11,315,889 of our common stockshares at an average price of $38.98$40.22 for a total cost of $414.8$455.1 million. These shares are being held as treasury shares in accordance with the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. As of September 30, 2017,2020, availability under the 2016 Repurchase Authorization for future repurchases of our common shares was $93.7$53.3 million.

The following table provides information with respect to shares of our common stock that were repurchased or surrendered during the three months ended September 30, 2017:

Period

 

Total

Number

of Shares

Purchased (a)

 

 

Average

Price Paid

per Share (b)

 

 

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

as Part of

Publically

Announced

Plan

or Program (c)

 

 

Approximate

Dollar

Value of

Shares

That May

Yet Be

Purchased

Under the

Plan or

Program (d)

 

July 1 through July 31, 2017

 

 

26,604

 

 

$

59.73

 

 

 

25,732

 

 

$

125,928,881

 

August 1 through August 31, 2017

 

 

352,307

 

 

$

60.06

 

 

 

332,820

 

 

$

110,967,483

 

September 1 through September 30, 2017

 

 

208,456

 

 

$

59.37

 

 

 

206,982

 

 

$

93,662,284

 

Total

 

 

587,367

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

565,534

 

 

 

 

 

Employees are allowed to surrender shares to settle the tax liability incurred upon the vesting or exercise of shares under our various employee equity compensation plans. For the three months ended September 30, 2017,2020, we received 21,8334,661 common shares, of our common stock, with an average price paid per share of $60.54$33.69 that were surrendered by employees in payment for the minimum required withholding taxes. The following table provides information with respect to our common shares that were surrendered during the three months ended September 30, 2020. In the abovebelow table, these shares are included in columns (a) and (b), but excluded from columns (c) and (d). These shares do not reduce the number of shares that may yet be purchased under the repurchase plan.

62

Table of Contents
PeriodTotal
Number
of Shares
Surrendered (a)
Average
Price Paid
per Share (b)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plan
or Program
(c)
Approximate
Dollar
Value of
Shares
That May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plan or
Program (d)
July 1 through July 31, 20202,739 $33.77 — $53,281,805 
August 1 through August 31, 20201,901 $33.51 — $53,281,805 
September 1 through September 30, 202021 $38.99 — $53,281,805 
Total4,661 — 
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

None.

63

Table of Contents
Item 6.  Exhibits

A list of exhibits required to be filed as part of this report is set forth in the below Exhibit Index of this Form 10-Q, which immediately precedes such exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Index.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

Description

Exhibit
Number

Description

  12.1

31.1

Statements of Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends

  31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).



64

Table of ContentsSIGNATURES

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

November 7, 2017

4, 2020

By

/s/ Mark E. Watson III

Kevin J. Rehnberg

Mark E. Watson III

Kevin J. Rehnberg

President and Chief Executive Officer

November 7, 2017

4, 2020

By

/s/ Jay S. Bullock

Jay S. Bullock

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

57


65