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esgr · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Ticker esgr
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Insurance - Diversified
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2016 Annual Report · Energy Save
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2016

Enstar 
Annual Report

Annual CEO Letter 

From Dominic Silvester, 
Chief Executive Officer
April 28, 2017

Dear Fellow Shareholders, 

2016 was a year of notable success for Enstar. 
We achieved strong financial results; we grew 
through significant acquisitions and selective 
underwriting; we successfully launched 
KaylaRe, a new Bermuda-based reinsurer 
offering a diversified range of specialty 
solutions to the global insurance market; and 
we invested in our operational infrastructure 
and our innovative capabilities to ensure we 
keep creating long-term value.

As with all in our industry, Enstar faces 
challenges: pricing pressures, low interest 
rates, stringent capital requirements, and 
increasing regulation. Throughout our history, 
Enstar has consistently turned challenge into 
opportunity. It is our entrepreneurial spirit, 
creative thinking, flexibility, and analytical 
approach that endures. 

Enstar’s ongoing success is the achievement 
of a significant team effort by our 1,300 
employees around the world. It is with pride 
that I take you through our accomplishments 
for 2016.

RESULTS 

Enstar delivered net earnings of $264.8 million 
in 2016. Our strong financial performance 
reflects the evolution of our business model, 
and our ability to create long-term value for 
our shareholders. The headline number is 
up more than 20% from 2015, and marks 
our highest earnings to date. We achieved 
this thanks to the continued success of our 
expanding run-off portfolio, solid underwriting 
results in our live businesses, and increased 
returns despite the global struggle for 
investment yield. 

We delivered an increase of 10.8% in fully 
diluted book value per share to reach $143.68 
(2015: 8.7%). Since 2006, the compound 
annual growth rate of Enstar’s fully diluted 
book value per share is 16.3%. These results 
are the product of excellence in all areas of 
our business model, including risk selection, 
appropriate pricing, careful internal capital 
allocation, prudent investing, and strong 
operational performance.

Throughout our history, 
Enstar has consistently 
turned challenge into 
opportunity. It is our 
entrepreneurial spirit, 
creative thinking, 
flexibility, and analytical 
approach that endures.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, DECEMBER 31, 2016 (EXPRESSED IN MILLIONS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

Net Segment Contribution:  

Non-life Run-off 
StarStone 
Atrium 
Life and Annuities 

Net Earnings Attributable to Enstar 

Percent Change in Net Earnings Attributable to Enstar  

Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share 

$ 

$ 

2016 
206.7 
25.2 
6.4 
26.5 

264.8 

20.1% 

 13.62  

2015 
173.2 
13.7 
16.6 
16.9 

220.4 

3.1% 

 11.35  

2014
203.3
-10.6
10.4
10.6

213.7

2.5%

 11.44  

Weighted Average Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding 

19,447,241  

 19,407,756  

 18,678,130  

Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Enstar 

Return on Opening Shareholders’ Equity 

Book Value Per Share 

Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding 

Percent Change in Book Value Per Share 

2,802  

10.5% 

 143.68  

 19,645,309  

10.8% 

 2,517  

9.2% 

 129.65  

 2,305  

12.2%

 119.22  

 19,714,810  

 19,332,864 

8.7% 

13.3%

i

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
Annual CEO Letter  From Dominic Silvester, Chief Executive Officer

The Atrium segment, comprising one of the 
most successful, progressive, and respected 
managing agencies at Lloyd’s, delivered 
solid performance under the leadership 
of Chief Executive Officer Richard Harries. 
Atrium continued its strategy of maintaining 
a balanced and diversified portfolio through 
disciplined underwriting, operational 
excellence, and the development of new 
products and distribution channels. This 
approach has successfully led Atrium through 
a range of market cycles, and 2016 saw the 
syndicate achieve a strong combined ratio 
of 94.0%. Net earnings of Atrium were $10.9 
million, of which $6.4 million is attributable 
to Enstar.

Enstar’s life and annuities business performed 
well during the year, contributing $26.5 
million to net earnings. The efforts of the team 
at Pavonia, the subsidiary that comprised 
the majority of Enstar’s long-duration risk 
portfolio, significantly enhanced its value 
since we acquired it in 2013. In early 2017, 
we decided to sell Pavonia, following an 
attractive offer. The transaction, expected to 
close later this year, came at an opportune 
time for us to realise the value we created 
within Pavonia by releasing capital for 
deployment in other attractive deals.

Legacy risk remains Enstar’s main source 
of value creation. In 2016 we realised net 
earnings of $206.7 million in our non-life run-
off segment from the careful management 
of liabilities assumed or reinsured and 
investment results. Our approach to the 
effective and efficient run-off of historical 
insurance risk portfolios differentiates us. 
In managing claims, we are detail-oriented, 
solutions-focused, and well-informed. The 
expertise of our teams, coupled with our 
ability to develop and evolve our strategy 
and approach across risk classes, is a core 
component of our success.

The Group’s live underwriting operations 
delivered strong net earnings despite 
increasingly difficult conditions in global 
specialty insurance markets, driven 
largely by high levels of competition and 
overcapitalisation. International re/insurance 
has traditionally been a highly cyclical 
market, one in which prices tend to slide 
considerably over years, until loss events force 
the withdrawal of companies and a return to 
higher prices. At present, the industry expects 
we are at or near the bottom of the cycle. 

Despite these conditions, global specialty 
insurer StarStone had a good year, as its 
results continued to improve. StarStone 
achieved a combined ratio of 98.6%, while 
its total net earnings increased by $19.6 
million to reach $42.8 million, of which $25.2 
million is attributable to Enstar. Paul O’Shea, 
Enstar President, provides Group oversight 
of StarStone as its Executive Chairman, and 
we were pleased to promote Demian Smith 
to Chief Executive Officer of StarStone in 
December 2016. 

16.3%

Book Value 
Per Share  
2006-2016 CAGR

$264.8m

Net Earnings
2016

$1.0bn

Gross Written 
Premium 
2016

ii

We consider our 
strategic investors, 
like our clients, as 
true partners in our 
business. These 
invaluable partnerships 
with world-class 
firms are a powerful 
endorsement of our 
approach.

Annual CEO Letter  From Dominic Silvester, Chief Executive Officer

DEVELOPMENTS

ACQUISITIONS

Strategic achievements in 2016 included 
our development of new revenue streams 
through the launch of KaylaRe. Launched 
with start-up capital of $620 million provided 
by Enstar, leading global investment manager 
Hillhouse Capital, and our long-term private 
equity partner Stone Point Capital, KaylaRe 
sources reinsurance business from within 
the Group, and opportunistically in the open 
market when our analysis shows it will yield 
benefit. Nick Packer, who co-founded Enstar 
with Paul O’Shea and me over two decades 
ago, brings tremendous experience to 
KaylaRe as its Chief Executive Officer. 

Hillhouse made a major investment in Enstar in 
2016 by acquiring shares that Goldman Sachs 
bought almost six years ago, and Canada Pension 
Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) increased its 
Enstar stake by acquiring many of the remaining 
Goldman shares. We consider our strategic 
investors, like our clients, as true partners in our 
business. These invaluable partnerships with 
world-class firms such as Hillhouse, CPPIB, and 
Stone Point Capital are a powerful endorsement 
of our approach. They provide us with the 
opportunity to constantly exchange ideas, and 
the ability to leverage extensive expertise and 
networks as we work to achieve our objectives.

We further improved our operating platform 
by investing in people, processes, and 
technology throughout 2016. To continue to 
create long-term value, Enstar needs scalability 
and the agility to accept new challenges, the 
skill to seamlessly integrate new businesses, 
and the entrepreneurial spirit to outperform 
expectations. Our people are key to our 
success and we have focused on ensuring 
our talented teams have the processes and 
technologies they need as we grow.

Emerging technology is changing the insurance 
industry. We innovate in all we do and 
increasingly we are accessing technological 
advances and preparing for the impact 
they will have on our industry, and us all. 
The Insurtech arena -- robotics, artificial 
intelligence and big data analytics -- is making 
significant strides and growing in influence. 
We see opportunities for Enstar to improve the 
way we collect and analyse data and to drive 
greater efficiencies across our businesses, and 
we are increasingly well-positioned to take 
advantage of a technology-driven future.  

Enstar has executed some of the industry’s 
most complex transactions in run-off. Growth 
through acquisition remains our cornerstone. 
We completed the significant transaction 
with Allianz early in 2016, involving the 
reinsurance of 50% of workers’ compensation, 
APH and construction defect legacy reserves 
amounting to $1.1 billion of gross reserves, 
and providing consulting services to assist 
with the run-off management of the entire 
portfolio of $2.2 billion.   

We moved beyond traditional insurance 
when we acquired the Dana Companies in 
2016 for $88.5 million. Dana holds liabilities 
associated with its legacy automotive thermal-
management manufacturing operations. The 
deal extends our core legacy capabilities to 
the manufacturing sector. 

Another significant legacy deal, completed 
in 2017, is our reinsurance of a multi-line 
property and casualty portfolio for QBE 
Insurance Group. The deal involved the 
transfer of gross reserves of approximately 
$919.0 million against risks that comprise 
primarily workers’ compensation, 
construction defect, and general liability. 

Most recently, in 2017, we entered into an 
agreement to reinsure the pre-2006 UK 
employers’ liability business of RSA Insurance 
Group, and Enstar assumed gross insurance 
reserves of approximately $1.2 billion. The 
recent changes to the UK’s ‘Ogden’ discount 
rate create additional uncertainty for the 
industry, but we believe we are well-placed to 
manage the impact. 

We see long-term financial and reputational 
value in the Allianz, QBE and RSA transactions. 
That these large, internationally respected 
insurers have turned to Enstar, and trust us to 
deliver value for them over decades, is further 
endorsement of our Group’s strength and talent.  

iii

 
Enstar continues to 
sharpen its focus as 
a multifaceted global 
insurance group with a 
long-term perspective, 
significant staying-
power, and recognised 
strength in leadership.

Annual CEO Letter  From Dominic Silvester, Chief Executive Officer

BALANCE SHEET & CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENTS

Enstar reported year-end total assets of $12.9 
billion (2015: $11.8 billion) and shareholders’ 
equity of $2.8 billion (2015: $2.5 billion). Our 
strong financial position demonstrates our 
ability to execute on our growth strategy.    

In our approach to capital management, we 
seek to avoid, minimise, or mitigate risk, while 
identifying methods to improve returns within 
our risk appetite. We place strong emphasis 
on ensuring our risk management framework 
is sufficiently robust to identify, measure, 
manage, report, and monitor risks that may 
affect the delivery of our strategic, operational, 
and financial objectives. The launch of 
KaylaRe has added an important capital 
management tool to Enstar’s capabilities by 
allowing us to optimise our net retention of 
risk and use of capital in our live underwriting 
entities, while skilfully deploying capital.

We continue to prove that our business model 
is successful through our focus on careful 
growth and diversification of income, and 
the evolution of our capital management 
approach. Supported by our increased 
organisational agility, we remain able to 
acquire increasingly significant blocks of 
business while delivering innovation and 
security to our global client base.

TOTAL ASSETS ($bn)

9.94

8.62

6.61

5.88

12.87

11.77

Enstar held total cash and investments of 
$8.4 billion at year-end 2016. Total non-
cash investments were $7.1 billion, of which 
invested reserves were $6.1 billion (including 
$1.6 billion acquired and assumed through 
non-life legacy operations during the year). 
Our investment focus for reserves is on 
high-quality fixed income securities, with an 
emphasis on the preservation of capital while 
earning superior, diversified risk-adjusted 
returns. One important goal, as always, is to 
provide sufficient liquidity to pay claims and 
other liabilities as they mature. 

Our portfolio at year-end comprised 83% of 
fixed income securities, of which the majority 
are corporate and government debt issues. 
Alternatives including private equity and fixed 
income funds accounted for another 13%, 
with the 4% balance held in equities and life 
settlements. Together these investments 
carried a book yield of 2.27%. In total over the 
year, we registered net investment income 
(including unrealised gains) of $263.3 million, 
a material increase over the $81.0 million 
achieved in 2015.

As this number shows, net investment income 
is a significant component of our earnings, 
but we – like the industry at large – remain in 
a period of considerable market uncertainty. 
We see fully-priced asset valuations across 
many asset classes compared to historical 
averages and a potential for increased market 
volatility. In this environment, our cautious 
philosophy and key investment objectives 
remain unchanged. 

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY ($m)

1,386

1,554

1,756

2,517

2,305

2,802

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

iv

Annual CEO Letter  From Dominic Silvester, Chief Executive Officer

ENSTAR’S EVOLUTION

MARKET OUTLOOK

We at Enstar have always had a strong 
understanding of who and where we are, 
and where we are aiming to go next. Over the 
course of 2016 we distilled this into a vision 
statement:

“To build global capacity in providing  
market-leading insurance solutions in both 
live underwriting and run-off; to create 
long-term value for our shareholders; and 
to be regarded as an employer of choice for 
outstanding individuals.”

The year ahead promises more uncertainty, 
and with that comes more opportunity. 
We continue to monitor the impact of the 
changing political environment in the US and 
UK. We will maintain our resolve to step up to 
complex problems and will tirelessly exercise 
our skills in risk and liability analysis to do so 
successfully and profitably.  

It could be said that a company is a reflection 
of its employees, its shareholders, and its 
Board. I am proud of this reflection and 
excited for our capabilities in the future.

Our strategy to deliver this vision is anchored 
to four key values: 

Finally, thank you for your ongoing support. 

Sincerely,

Dominic Silvester
April 28, 2017

•	
Innovative Risk Solutions
•	 Disciplined Underwriting
•	 Operational Excellence
•	 Financial Precision

This work is indicative of the evolution under 
way at Enstar, as we sharpen our focus as a 
multifaceted global insurance group with a 
long-term perspective, significant staying-
power, and recognised strength in leadership. 
We have built a fundamentally strong and 
continuously improving long-term risk and 
liability platform supported by world-leading 
talent to provide innovative solutions to our 
global client base. 

v

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 
Commission File Number 001-33289

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

BERMUDA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

N/A
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Windsor Place, 3rd Floor, 22 Queen Street, Hamilton HM JX, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (441) 292-3645

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

Title of Each Class

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Ordinary shares, par value $1.00 per share

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  

    No  

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 Web site, if any, every Interactive 
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period 
that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 
contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-
K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting 
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
(Check one):

Large accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

  Non-accelerated filer  

Smaller reporting company  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  

    No  

The  aggregate  market  value  of  the  registrant's  voting  and  non-voting  common  equity  held  by  non-affiliates  as  of  June 30,  2016    was 
approximately $1.59 billion based on the closing price of $161.99 per ordinary share on the NASDAQ Stock Market on that date.  Shares held by 
officers and directors of the registrant and their affiliated entities have been excluded from this computation.  Such exclusion is not intended, nor 
shall it be deemed, to be an admission that such persons are affiliates of the registrant. 

As of February 23, 2017, the registrant had outstanding 16,419,889 voting ordinary shares and 3,004,443 non-voting convertible ordinary 

shares, each par value $1.00 per share.

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A 

relating to its 2017 annual general meeting of shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Enstar Group Limited

Annual Report on Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1.
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 2.
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 3.

Item 4.

PART II

Item 5.

Item 6.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . .
Item 7.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 8.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . .
Item 9.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 11.
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 14.

PART IV

Item 15.
Item 16.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Form 10-K Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page

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209

 
 
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report and the documents incorporated by reference contain statements that constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the 
Exchange Act, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, business strategies, operating efficiencies, 
competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of our management, as well as the markets for our 
ordinary  shares  and  the  insurance  and  reinsurance  sectors  in  general.  Statements  that  include  words  such  as 
"estimate," "project," "plan," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "would," "should," "could," "seek," "may" and 
similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the federal 
securities  laws  or  otherwise.  All  forward-looking  statements  are  necessarily  estimates  or  expectations,  and  not 
statements  of  historical  fact,  reflecting  the  best  judgment  of  our  management  and  involve  a  number  of  risks  and 
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. 
These forward looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those 
set forth in this annual report and the documents incorporated by reference, which could cause actual results to differ 
materially from those suggested by the forward looking statements. These factors include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

risks associated with implementing our business strategies and initiatives;

risks that we may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available or may be available 
only on unfavorable terms;

the adequacy of our loss reserves and the need to adjust such reserves as claims develop over time;

risks relating to the availability and collectability of our reinsurance;

changes and uncertainty in economic conditions, including interest rates, inflation, currency exchange rates, 
equity markets and credit conditions, which could affect our investment portfolio, our ability to finance future 
acquisitions and our profitability;

the risk that ongoing or future industry regulatory developments will disrupt our business, affect the ability 
of our subsidiaries to operate in the ordinary course or to make distributions to us, or mandate changes in 
industry practices in ways that increase our costs, decrease our revenues or require us to alter aspects of 
the way we do business;

losses due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;

increased  competitive  pressures,  including  the  consolidation  and  increased  globalization  of  reinsurance 
providers;

emerging claim and coverage issues;

lengthy and unpredictable litigation affecting assessment of losses and/or coverage issues;

loss of key personnel;

the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us and the resulting impact on our liquidity;

our ability to comply with covenants in our debt agreements;

changes in our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions, which may happen at any time at 
management’s discretion;

operational risks, including system, data security or human failures and external hazards;

risks relating to our acquisitions, including our ability to continue to grow, successfully price acquisitions, 
evaluate opportunities, address operational challenges, support our planned growth and assimilate acquired 
companies into our internal control system in order to maintain effective internal controls, provide reliable 
financial reports and prevent fraud;

risks relating to our ability to obtain regulatory approvals, including the timing, terms and conditions of any 
such approvals, and to satisfy other closing conditions in connection with our acquisition agreements, which 
could affect our ability to complete acquisitions;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

risks relating to our active underwriting businesses, including unpredictability and severity of catastrophic 
and other major loss events, failure of risk management and loss limitation methods, the risk of a ratings 
downgrade or withdrawal, cyclicality of demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets;

our ability to implement our strategies relating to our active underwriting businesses;

risks  relating  to  our  life  and  annuities  business,  including  mortality  and  morbidity  rates,  lapse  rates,  the 
performance of assets to support the insured liabilities, and the risk of catastrophic events;

risks relating to our investments in life settlements contracts, including that actual experience may differ 
from our assumptions regarding longevity, cost projections, and risk of non-payment from the insurance 
carrier; 

risks relating to our subsidiaries with liabilities arising from legacy manufacturing operations;

risks relating to the performance of our investment portfolio and our ability to structure our investments in a 
manner that recognizes our liquidity needs;

tax, regulatory or legal restrictions or limitations applicable to us or the insurance and reinsurance business 
generally;

changes in tax laws or regulations applicable to us or our subsidiaries, or the risk that we or one of our non-
U.S. subsidiaries become subject to significant, or significantly increased, income taxes in the United States 
or elsewhere;

changes in Bermuda law or regulation or the political stability of Bermuda; and

changes in accounting policies or practices.

The factors listed above should be not construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the Risk 
Factors that are included in Item 1A below. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward looking 
statement, whether to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or as a result of new information, 
future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

Company Overview

PART I 

Enstar Group Limited ("Enstar") is a Bermuda-based holding company, formed in 2001. Enstar is a multi-faceted 
insurance  group  that  offers  innovative  capital  release  solutions  and  specialty  underwriting  capabilities  through  its 
network of group companies in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, and 
other international locations.  Enstar is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "ESGR".  
In this report, the terms "Enstar," "the Company," "us," and "we" are used interchangeably to describe Enstar and our 
subsidiary companies.   

Our fundamental corporate objective is growing our net book value per share.  We strive to achieve this primarily 
through growth in net earnings from both organic and accretive sources, including the completion of new acquisitions, 
the effective management of companies and portfolios of business acquired, and the execution of active underwriting 
strategies.

Enstar acquires and manages insurance and reinsurance companies and portfolios of insurance and reinsurance 
business in run-off. Since formation, we have completed the acquisition of over 75 insurance and reinsurance companies 
and portfolios of business. 

Enstar also manages specialty active underwriting businesses: 

•  Atrium Underwriting Group Limited and its subsidiaries ("Atrium"), which manage and underwrite specialist 

insurance and reinsurance business for Lloyd’s Syndicate 609; and

•  StarStone Insurance Bermuda Limited and its subsidiaries ("StarStone"), which is an A.M. Best A- rated 

global specialty insurance group with multiple underwriting platforms. 

Business Strategy

Enstar aims to maximize growth in net book value per share by employing the following strategies:

We Leverage Management’s Experience and Industry Relationships to Solidify Enstar’s Position in the Run-Off 
Market.  Enstar leverages the extensive experience and relationships of our senior management team to solidify our 
position as a leading run-off acquirer and generate future growth opportunities.    

We Engage in Highly Disciplined Acquisition, Management and Reinsurance Practices across a Diverse Portfolio 
of Loss Reserves.  Enstar employs a disciplined approach when assessing and acquiring portfolios of risk, which we 
believe minimizes risk and increases the probability of delivering positive operating results from the companies and 
portfolios acquired. Enstar is highly selective in reviewing potential acquisition targets. When considering any acquisition 
we carefully analyze the target’s risk exposures, claims practices and reserve requirements.

We Aim to Profitably Underwrite Selected Specialty Lines to Enhance Future Growth Opportunities.  Through 
our Atrium and StarStone segments, Enstar selectively underwrites in chosen specialty lines, with a focus on balancing 
risk exposures. Through Atrium and StarStone, the group’s underwriting activity grows organically; and when Enstar 
acquires run-off businesses, the group’s active underwriting companies are well-positioned to capture profitable active 
business in specialty lines previously identified as attractive.

We Manage Claims Professionally, Expeditiously, and Cost-Effectively. Enstar aims to manage claims made 
against group companies and portfolios in a professional and disciplined manner, drawing on in-house expertise to 
dispose of claims efficiently. Enstar strives to pay valid claims on a timely basis, while relying on well-documented 
policy terms and exclusions where applicable, and litigation when necessary, to defend against paying invalid claims.

We Seek to Commute Assumed Liabilities and Insurance and Reinsurance Assets at a Discount to the Ultimate 
Liability. Using detailed claims analysis and actuarial projections, Enstar seeks to negotiate with policyholders in the 
non-life run-off insurance and reinsurance companies or portfolios that we own with a goal of commuting existing 
insurance and reinsurance liabilities at a discount to the ultimate liability.

We Prudently Manage Investments and Capital. In managing investments and deploying group capital, Enstar 
strives  to  achieve  superior  risk-adjusted  returns,  while  growing  profitability  and  generating  long-term  growth  in 
shareholder value. 

1

Strategic Growth

Enstar transactions typically take the form of either acquisitions or portfolio transfers. In an acquisition, we acquire 
an insurance or reinsurance company and manage the run-off or continued underwriting of risk in its business lines. 
In a portfolio transfer, a reinsurance contract transfers risk from the initial insurance or reinsurance company to a 
company in the Enstar group. Enstar also enters into reinsurance to close ("RITC") transactions with Lloyd's of London 
("Lloyd's") insurance and reinsurance syndicates in run-off, whereby a portfolio of run-off liabilities is transferred from 
one Lloyd’s syndicate to another.

The  substantial  majority  of  Enstar’s  acquisitions  have  been  in  the  non-life  run-off  business,  which  generally 
includes  property  and  casualty,  workers’  compensation,  asbestos  and  environmental,  construction  defect,  marine, 
aviation and transit, and other closed business.  Enstar also owns closed life and annuities businesses.

Enstar  evolved  from  a  stand-alone  run-off  consolidator  to  a  more  diversified  insurance  group  with  active 
underwriting capabilities following our acquisitions of Atrium and StarStone, in 2013 and 2014, respectively.  We had 
several rationales for acquiring Atrium and StarStone: 

•  Atrium’s and StarStone’s underwriting businesses provide Enstar with a more diversified earnings stream, 
which reduces the impact of volatility in earnings from non-life run-off businesses, while concurrently offering 
the group new growth avenues. 

•  We believe that having active underwriting businesses enhances the group’s overall ability to compete for 
new acquisition targets because the addition of active underwriting capabilities allows the group to acquire 
renewal rights or provide loss portfolio reinsurance in connection with such acquisitions. These capabilities 
can  attract  certain  vendors,  and  may  provide  Enstar  with  additional  flexibility  in  structuring  proposed 
transactions. 

•  Having  both  run-off  and  active  underwriting  businesses  within  our  group  allows  Enstar  to  evaluate  an 
acquisition target not only for its fundamental run-off potential, but also for the ongoing value of its profitable 
business lines.

We partnered with the Trident V funds ("Trident") (managed by Stone Point Capital LLC) in the acquisitions of 
the active underwriting businesses. Stone Point Capital is a financial services-focused private equity firm that has 
significant  experience  investing  in  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  and  other  insurance-related  businesses, 
which Enstar believes is valuable in our active underwriting joint ventures.

In each of the Atrium and StarStone transactions, Enstar has a 59.0% equity interest, Trident has a 39.3% equity 

interest, and Dowling Capital Partners, L.P. ("Dowling") has a 1.7% equity interest. 

Recent Acquisitions and Significant New Business

RSA

On February 7, 2017, we entered into an agreement to reinsure U.K. employers' liability legacy business of RSA 
Insurance Group PLC ("RSA"). Pursuant to the transaction, our subsidiary will assume gross insurance reserves of 
approximately £957 million (approximately $1.2 billion), relating to 2005 and prior year business. Net insurance reserves 
are approximately £834 million (approximately $1.0 billion) and the reinsurance premium payable to Enstar’s subsidiary 
is  £799  million  (approximately  $1.0  billion).  The  transaction  is  subject  to  finalizing  and  effecting  certain  security 
arrangements.

Following the initial reinsurance transaction, which will transfer the economics of the portfolio up to the policy's 
limits, we and RSA will pursue a portfolio transfer of the business under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets 
Act 2000, which would provide legal finality for RSA's obligations.  The transfer is subject to court, regulatory and other 
approvals.

QBE

On January 11, 2017, we announced the closing of a transaction to reinsure multi-line property and casualty 
business  of  QBE  Insurance  Group  Limited  ("QBE").  Our  subsidiary  assumed  gross  reinsurance  reserves  of 
approximately $919 million (net reserves of $444 million) relating to the portfolio, which primarily includes workers' 
compensation, construction defect, and general liability discontinued lines of business. In addition our subsidiary has 
pledged a portion of the premium as collateral to a subsidiary of QBE, and we have provided additional collateral and 
a limited parental guarantee.

2

Dana Companies

On December 30, 2016, we acquired Dana Companies, LLC ("Dana Companies") from Dana Incorporated for 
a  total  purchase  price  of  $88.5  million.  Dana  Companies  holds  liabilities  associated  with  personal  injury  asbestos 
claims  and  environmental  claims  arising  from  its  legacy  automotive  thermal-management  manufacturing 
operations. Dana  Companies'  assets  include,  among  others,  insurance  rights  related  to  coverage  against  these 
liabilities and marketable securities. We financed the transaction through a draw on our revolving credit facility. 

Shelbourne RITC Transaction

On November 15, 2016, we entered into a RITC transaction of the 2007 and prior underwriting years of account 
of a Lloyd’s syndicate managed by Neon Underwriting Limited (formerly Marketform), under which we assumed total 
net insurance reserves of £121.5 million ($158.0 million) for cash consideration of an equal amount.

Coca-Cola

On August 5, 2016, we entered into a reinsurance transaction with The Coca-Cola Company and its subsidiaries 
(“Coca-Cola”)  pursuant  to  which  we  reinsured  certain  of  Coca-Cola’s  retention  and  deductible  risks  under  its 
subsidiaries’ U.S. workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, and product liability insurance coverage. We 
assumed total gross reserves of $108.8 million, received total assets of $101.3 million and recorded a deferred charge 
of $7.5 million, included in other assets. We have transferred $108.8 million into a trust to support our obligations under 
the reinsurance agreements.  We provided a limited parental guarantee, subject to an overall maximum of $27.0 million.

Allianz SE

On March 31, 2016, we completed a transaction with Allianz SE ("Allianz") to reinsure portfolios of Allianz's run-
off business. Pursuant to the reinsurance agreement, our subsidiary has reinsured 50% of certain portfolios of workers' 
compensation, construction defect, and asbestos, pollution, and toxic tort business originally held by Fireman's Fund 
Insurance Company, and in the process assumed net reinsurance reserves of $1.1 billion. Affiliates of Allianz retained 
$1.1  billion  of  reinsurance  premium  as  funds  withheld  collateral  for  the  obligations  of  our  subsidiary  under  the 
reinsurance agreement and we transferred $110.0 million to a reinsurance trust to further support our subsidiary's 
obligations. We have also provided a limited parental guarantee, which is subject to a maximum cap.  The combined 
monetary total of the initial support offered by us through the trust and parental guarantee is capped at $270.0 million. 

In addition to the reinsurance transaction described above, we have entered into a consulting agreement with 
San Francisco Reinsurance Company, an affiliate of Allianz, with respect to the entire $2.2 billion portfolio, including 
the 50% share retained by affiliates of Allianz. 

The tables below set forth summaries of acquisitions and significant new business in excess of $50 million in 
acquired assets that we have signed or completed since January 1, 2016. For a more detailed explanation of these 
transactions,  as  well  as  transactions  completed  in  2015  and  2014,  refer  to  "Note 3 - Acquisitions"  and  "Note  4  - 
Significant New Business" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K. 

Company Name

  Purchase Price  

Assets
Acquired

Liabilities
Acquired

Goodwill

  Segment

Dana Companies, LLC

$88.5 million

$329.3 million

$240.8 million

Nil

Non-life
Run-off

Acquisitions (January 1, 2016 - Present)

Primary Nature of
Business

Liabilities associated with
personal injury asbestos
claims and
environmental claims
arising from legacy
manufacturing
operations

3

 
 
 
Company Name

  Purchase Price  

RSA Insurance Group
PLC

QBE Insurance Group
Limited

Neon (formerly
Marketform)

The Coca-Cola
Company

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Significant New Business (January 1, 2016 - Present)

Deferred
Charge

  Segment

Assets
Acquired

$1.2 billion

Liabilities
Acquired

$1.2 billion

$0.9 billion

$0.9 billion

$158.0 million

$158.0 million

Nil

Nil

Nil

$101.3 million

$108.8 million

$7.5 million

Allianz SE

N/A

$1.1 billion

$1.1 billion

Nil

Non-life
Run-off

Non-life
Run-off

Non-life
Run-off

Non-life
Run-off

Non-life
Run-off

Primary Nature of
Business

U.K. employers' liability

U.S. workers'
compensation,
construction defect, and
general liability

Italian medical
malpractice

U.S. workers'
compensation, auto
liability, general liability,
and product liability

U.S. workers'
compensation,
construction defect,
asbestos, pollution and
toxic tort

Business Held for Sale

Pavonia

On  February  17,  2017,  we  entered  into  a  definitive  agreement  to  sell  Pavonia  Holdings  (US)  Inc.  and  its 
subsidiaries (“Pavonia”) for total consideration of $120.0 million. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain 
conditions, including obtaining regulatory approvals or non-disapprovals and other customary closing conditions. The 
proceeds are expected to be used to pay down our revolving credit facility. Pavonia represents a substantial portion 
of the Life and Annuities segment. We have classified Pavonia as discontinuing operations and held-for-sale. For 
further information, refer to "Note 5 - Held-for-sale Business" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements 
included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other Transactions 

KaylaRe

On December 15, 2016, we announced the launch of KaylaRe Ltd., a Bermuda-based Class 4 reinsurer offering 
a diversified range of specialty reinsurance to the global insurance market. in connection with the launch, KaylaRe 
Holdings  Ltd.,  the  parent  company  of  KaylaRe  Ltd.  completed  an  initial  capital  raise  of  $620  million. Through  our 
subsidiary, Cavello Bay Reinsurance Limited (“Cavello”), we have invested $300 million in common shares of KaylaRe. 
We also received a warrant to purchase up to 900,000 common shares of KaylaRe, which is exercisable upon an initial 
public offering or listing of KaylaRe’s common shares, with an exercise price of $20.00 per share. We use the equity 
method to account for our interest in KaylaRe. 

Our subsidiary acts as insurance and reinsurance manager to KaylaRe Ltd., and certain of our affiliates have  
entered into various reinsurance agreements with KaylaRe Ltd. KaylaRe Ltd. will also have the opportunity to participate 
in future Enstar legacy transactions. For a detailed discussion of the transactions between us and KaylaRe, refer to 
"Note 21 - Related Party Transactions" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ClearSpring

On January 1, 2017, we sold SeaBright Insurance Company ("SeaBright Insurance") to an affiliate of Delaware 
Life Insurance Company ("Delaware Life"), a subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC. Following the sale, SeaBright 
Insurance will be renamed ClearSpring Property and Casualty Insurance Company ("ClearSpring") and will focus on 
underwriting workers' compensation and property business in the U.S. Prior to the sale, SeaBright Insurance had 
reinsured all of its run-off liabilities into another Enstar entity and at the time of the sale, ClearSpring contained only 
insurance licenses. We have retained a 20% indirect equity interest in ClearSpring and have agreed to reinsure (on a 
funds  withheld  basis)  25%  of  its  new  business  underwritten.  We  provide underwriting  and  claims  expertise  to 
ClearSpring through fronting, underwriting and service agreements.

4

 
 
 
Operating Segments

We have four segments of business that are each managed, operated and reported on separately: (i) Non-life 
Run-off; (ii) Atrium; (iii) StarStone; and (iv) Life and Annuities. For additional information and financial data relating to 
our segments, see "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -
 Results of Operations by Segment," "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations - Investments" and "Note 24 - Segment Information" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements 
included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Non-life Run-off

Our Non-life Run-off segment comprises the operations of our subsidiaries that are running off their property 

and casualty and other non-life lines of business, including the run-off businesses of StarStone and Arden. 

In the primary (or direct) insurance business, the insurer assumes risk of loss from persons or organizations that 
are directly subject to the given risks. In the reinsurance business, the reinsurer agrees to indemnify an insurance or 
reinsurance company, referred to as the ceding company, against all or a portion of the insurance risks arising under 
the policies the ceding company has written or reinsured. When an insurer or reinsurer stops writing new insurance 
business, either entirely or with respect to a particular line of business, the insurer, reinsurer, or the line of discontinued 
business is in run-off.

Participants in the industry often have portfolios of business that are either inconsistent with their core competency 
or provide excessive exposure to a particular risk or segment of the market (i.e., workers' compensation, property/
casualty, asbestos, environmental, director and officer liability, etc.). These non-core and/or discontinued portfolios are 
often  associated  with  potentially  large  exposures  and  lengthy  time  periods  before  resolution  of  the  last  remaining 
insured claims, resulting in significant uncertainty to the insurer or reinsurer covering those risks. These factors can 
distract management, drive up the cost of capital and surplus for the insurer or reinsurer, and negatively impact the 
insurer’s or reinsurer’s credit rating, which makes the disposal of the unwanted company or portfolio an attractive 
option. The insurer or reinsurer may engage with a third party that specializes in run-off management, such as Enstar, 
to purchase the company or assume the portfolio in run-off.

In the sale of a company in run-off, a purchaser, such as Enstar, may pay a discount to the book value of the 
company based on the risks assumed and the relative value to the seller of no longer having to manage the company 
in run-off. Such a transaction can be beneficial to the seller because it receives an up-front payment for the company, 
eliminates the need for its management to devote any attention to the disposed company and removes the risk that 
the established reserves related to the run-off business may prove to be inadequate. The seller is also able to redeploy 
its management and financial resources to its core businesses.

In some situations, an insurer or reinsurer may wish to divest itself of a portfolio of non-core legacy business 
that may have been underwritten alongside other ongoing core business that the insurer or reinsurer does not want 
to dispose of. In such instances, we are able to provide economic finality for the insurer or reinsurer by providing a 
loss portfolio reinsurance contract to protect the insurer or reinsurer against deterioration of the non-core portfolio of 
loss reserves.

Overall, the focus of our Non-life Run-off segment is to acquire companies or portfolios in run-off and to effectively 
manage that business in ways that further our primary corporate objective of growing Enstar's net book value per 
share.

Acquisition Process

We evaluate each acquisition and loss portfolio transfer opportunity presented by carefully reviewing the portfolio’s 
risk exposures, claim practices, reserve requirements and outstanding claims, and will seek an appropriate discount 
to reflect the uncertainty contained in the portfolio’s reserves. Based on this initial analysis, we can determine if a 
company or portfolio of business would add value to our current portfolio of run-off businesses. If we determine to 
pursue the purchase of a company in run-off, we then proceed to price the acquisition in a manner we believe will 
result in positive operating results based on certain assumptions including, without limitation, our ability to favorably 
resolve claims, negotiate with direct insureds and reinsurers, and otherwise manage the nature of the risks posed by 
the business.

At the time we acquire a company in run-off, we estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired based 
on actuarial advice and our views of the exposures assumed. While we earn most of our total return on an acquisition 
from disciplined claims management and/or commuting the liabilities that we have assumed, we also try to maximize 

5

reinsurance recoveries on the assumed portfolio of business and investment returns from the acquired investment 
portfolios.

Run-off Management

Following the acquisition of a company or portfolio of business in run-off, we strive to conduct the run-off in a 
disciplined and professional manner to efficiently discharge the liabilities associated with the business while preserving 
and maximizing its assets. Our approach to managing our companies and portfolios of business in run-off includes, 
where  possible,  negotiating  with  third-party  insureds  and  reinsureds  to  commute  their  insurance  or  reinsurance 
agreement (sometimes called policy buy-backs) for an agreed upon up-front payment by us and to more efficiently 
manage  payment  of  insurance  and  reinsurance  claims.  We  attempt  to  commute  policies  with  direct  insureds  or 
reinsureds to eliminate uncertainty over the amount of future claims. Commutations and policy buy-backs provide an 
opportunity for the company to exit exposures to certain policies and insureds generally at a discount to the ultimate 
liability and provide the ability to eliminate exposure to further losses. Commutations can also reduce the duration, 
administrative burden and ultimately the future cost of the run-off.

In certain lines of business, such as direct workers’ compensation insurance, commutations and policy buy-back 
opportunities are not typically available, and our strategy with respect to these businesses is to derive value through 
efficient and effective management of claims.

Integral to our success is our ability to analyze, administer, and settle claims while managing related expenses, 
such  as  loss  adjustment  expenses  ("LAE").    We  have  implemented  claims  handling  guidelines  along  with  claims 
reporting and control procedures in all of our claims units. All claims matters are reviewed regularly, with all material 
claims  matters  being  circulated  to  and  authorized  by  management  prior  to  any  action  being  taken.  Our  claims 
management processes also include leveraging our extensive relationships and developed protocols to more efficiently 
manage outside counsel and other third parties to reduce expenses. With respect to certain lines of business, we have 
arrangements with third-party administrators to manage and pay claims on our subsidiaries’ behalf and advise with 
respect to case reserves. These agreements generally set forth the duties of the third-party administrators, limits of 
authority, indemnification language designed for our protection and various procedures relating to compliance with 
laws and regulations. These arrangements are also subject to review by our relevant claims departments, and we 
monitor these administrators on an ongoing basis.

We provide consultancy services to third parties in the insurance and reinsurance industry primarily through our 
subsidiaries,  the  Cranmore  companies,  Enstar  Limited,  Enstar  (US),  Inc.,  Paladin  Managed  Care  Services,  Inc. 
("Paladin")  and  Kinsale  Brokers  Limited.  In  addition  to  third-party  engagements,  our  consultancy  companies  also 
perform these services in-house for our Enstar companies, using their expertise to assist in managing our run-off 
portfolios and performing certain due diligence matters relating to acquired businesses. The services range from full-
service  incentive-based  or  fixed  fee  run-off  management  to  bespoke  solutions  such  as  claims  inspection,  claims 
validation,  reinsurance  asset  collection  and  IT  consulting  services.  Paladin  provides  medical  bill  review,  utilization 
review, physician case management and related services in the workers’ compensation area. 

Following the acquisition of a company or portfolio of business in run-off, we analyze the acquired exposures 
and reinsurance receivables on a policyholder-by-policyholder basis to identify those we wish to approach to discuss 
commutation. In addition, policyholders and reinsurers often approach us requesting commutation. We then carry out 
a full analysis of the underlying exposures in order to determine the attractiveness of a proposed commutation. From 
the initial analysis of the underlying exposures, it may take several months, or even years, before a commutation is 
completed. In certain cases, if we and the policyholder or reinsurer are unable to reach a commercially acceptable 
settlement, the commutation may not be achievable, in which case we will continue to settle valid claims from the 
policyholder, or collect reinsurance receivables from the reinsurer, as they arise or become due.

Certain  insureds  and  reinsureds  are  often  willing  to  commute  with  us,  subject  to  receiving  an  acceptable 
settlement, as this provides certainty of recovery of what otherwise may be claims that are disputed in the future, and 
often provides a meaningful up-front cash receipt that, with the associated investment income, can provide funds to 
meet future claim payments or even commutation of their underlying exposure. Therefore, subject to negotiating an 
acceptable settlement, many of our insurance and reinsurance liabilities and reinsurance receivables are able to be 
either commuted or settled by way of policy buy-back over time. Properly priced commutations may reduce the expense 
of adjusting direct claims and pursuing collection of reinsurance, realize savings, remove the potential future volatility 
of claims and reduce required regulatory capital.

We  manage  cash  flow  with  regard  to  reinsurance  recoverables  by  working  with  reinsurers,  brokers  and 
professional advisors to achieve fair and prompt payment of reinsured claims, and we take appropriate legal action to 

6

secure receivables when necessary. We also attempt where appropriate to negotiate favorable commutations with our 
reinsurers by securing a lump sum settlement from reinsurers in complete satisfaction of the reinsurer’s past, present 
and future liability in respect of such claims. 

Atrium

Our Atrium segment is comprised of the active underwriting operations and financial results of Northshore, a 
holding company that owns Atrium and its subsidiaries and Arden. Enstar acquired Atrium on November 25, 2013. 
Atrium was regarded as an attractive expansion opportunity by Enstar management primarily because of its skilled 
underwriting and management teams and its strong historical performance at Lloyd’s. 

Atrium’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Atrium Underwriters Ltd, manages Syndicate 609 which underwrites specialist 
insurance and reinsurance business at Lloyd’s. Atrium’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Atrium 5 Ltd., provides 25% of the 
underwriting capacity and capital to Syndicate 609, with the balance provided by traditional Lloyd’s Names.  Atrium 
has offices in London, the United States, Canada, and Singapore. Generally speaking, Atrium continues to operate in 
accordance with the underwriting and other business strategies established pre-acquisition, although we and Trident 
continually review these strategies and business goals and continue to develop synergies with our existing business 
operations.

Arden is a Bermuda-based reinsurance company that provides reinsurance to Atrium (through a 65% quota 
share  reinsurance  arrangement  with Atrium  5  Ltd.,  which  is  eliminated  upon  consolidation)  and  is  currently  in  the 
process  of  running  off  certain  other  discontinued  business.  Results  related  to Arden’s  discontinued  business  are 
included within our Non-life Run-off segment.

Business Lines 

Syndicate 609 provides insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis including the United States, Europe, 
the Far East and Australasia. Atrium specializes in a wide range of industry classes, including accident and health, 
aviation, marine, property and casualty binding authorities, non marine direct and facultative, liability, reinsurance, 
upstream energy and terrorism. Lloyd’s business is often underwritten on a subscription basis across the insurance 
market. Atrium is the lead underwriter in approximately 35% of the business it underwrites.

Lloyd’s is a surplus lines insurer and an accredited reinsurer in all U.S. states and territories, and a licensed (or 

admitted) insurer in Illinois, Kentucky and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A description of each of Atrium's lines of business follows:

Marine.  The Marine line of business is a worldwide portfolio writing marine hull, marine war, cargo, fine art and 
specie, marine and energy liability and total loss only business. This includes hull all risks, hull total loss interests, 
yachts, fishing vessels, ship construction, ports, cable construction and cable operating risks, tows, mortgages interests, 
port property, war risks and a number of other specialist areas of marine insurance. Atrium leads a number of the major 
marine war contracts in London. Cargo, fine art and specie includes exporters, museums, auction houses, jewelers, 
banks and security houses. Business is written on a direct, reinsurance, proportional and excess of loss basis.

Property and Casualty Binding Authorities.  The property and casualty binding authority portfolio includes a broad 
range of small and medium business entity insurance products offered across the United States and Canada. Typical 
property risks include commercial, vacant and hard-to-place residential dwellings. Typical casualty risks include owners, 
landlords and tenants, business owners, artisan, special events and various niche products. Business is written through 
both traditional binding authorities as well as online binding authorities through AUGold, Atrium’s proprietary online 
system that is used by brokers. 

Upstream Energy.  The upstream energy line of business is split into two main categories of assureds: operators 
(private and publicly quoted companies, national oil companies and Oil Insurance Limited members) and contractors 
(for drilling, service and construction entities). The principal coverage is physical damage/business interruption, control 
of well and associated pollution, construction and Gulf of Mexico windstorm and other natural catastrophe perils. Nearly 
all of the upstream energy line of business is sourced through Lloyd’s brokers, with the significant majority written on 
a facultative basis and a smaller amount written on a treaty basis.

Reinsurance.    The  reinsurance  line  is  a  worldwide  portfolio  and  includes  aviation  reinsurance,  casualty 
reinsurance,  property  reinsurance,  and  marine  reinsurance.  Business  is  mainly  written  on  a  risk  excess  of  loss, 
catastrophe excess of loss or retrocessional basis. Aviation reinsurance is written through an underwriting consortium 
managed by Atrium.

7

Accident and Health.  The accident and health line is a global account that encompasses a wide range of classes, 
including  group  and  individual  disability,  personal  accident,  travel  insurance,  medical  expenses,  aviation  personal 
accident, war risks, kidnap and ransom insurance, and sports accident insurance. The line includes both insurance 
and  reinsurance  business,  written  as  facultative  placements  and  under  delegated  underwriting  facilities  and  both 
proportional and non-proportional treaties.

Non-Marine Direct and Facultative.  The non-marine direct and facultative portfolio includes a diverse mix of 
property business offered in both the international and U.S. markets, comprised of physical loss or damage, business 
interruption, extra expense, construction, contingency and pecuniary loss risks in respect of onshore property and 
onshore engineered risks. The majority of this line of business is written through Lloyd’s brokers and under delegated 
underwriting facilities.

Liability.  The liability line of business includes a professional liability North American portfolio of products covering 
a diverse range of classes including architects, consultants and lawyers and also a miscellaneous range encompassing 
many different professions. Included within this line of business is international liability, which is a book of primary 
coverholder business covering the security, leisure and hotel industries. The majority of business is produced through 
delegated binding authority contracts.

Aviation.  The aviation portfolio includes all aspects of aviation insurance, with Atrium specializing in rotor wing 
and  non-major  airlines.  The  majority  of  the  account  is  sourced  through  London  brokers  as  direct  or  facultative 
reinsurance of a local reinsurer. This line of business also includes aviation war, covering hull war and other perils 
commonly excluded from hull and liability all risk policies, and a space account, which covers launch as well as in-
orbit risks and is written through an underwriting consortium managed by Atrium.

Terrorism. The Terrorism portfolio includes political violence business, in which Atrium focuses on writing with 

security consultants engaged to provide risk or country surveys.

Distribution

All  of  the  business  in  the Atrium  segment  is  placed  through  insurance  and  reinsurance  brokers,  and  a  key 
distribution channel for Syndicate 609 is the managing general agent binding authorities. Atrium seeks to develop 
relationships with insurance and reinsurance brokers, insurance and reinsurance companies, large global corporations 
and financial intermediaries to develop and underwrite business. Independent brokers Marsh Inc., Willis Group Holdings 
Ltd., RK Harrison Group Ltd and Morice, Tozer & Beck (Aviation) Ltd. accounted for 11%, 9%, 6% and 6%, respectively 
of Atrium’s gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2016 (32% collectively).  Other brokers (each 
individually less than 6%) accounted for 68% of gross premiums written.

Atrium’s proprietary online platform, AUGold, provides end-to-end processing, quote and policy production for 
managing general agents across a range of classes of business.  The platform provides agents with efficient and cost 
effective access to Lloyd’s binding authorities and is designed to enable Atrium to compete more effectively with North 
American excess and surplus lines carriers.

Managing Agency Services

Atrium receives a managing agency fee of 0.7% of Syndicate 609 capacity and a 20% profit commission based 
on the net earnings of Syndicate 609, pursuant to its management contract. Atrium also receives management fees 
and  profit  commission  from  the  management  of  underwriting  consortiums.  These  fees  and  profit  commission  are 
included within fees and commission income in our consolidated statement of earnings.

Claims Management

Claims in respect of business written by Syndicate 609 are primarily notified by various central market bureaus. 
Where a syndicate is a "leading" syndicate on a Lloyd’s policy, its underwriters and claims adjusters work directly with 
the broker or insured on behalf of itself and the following market for any particular claim. This may involve appointing 
attorneys or loss adjusters. The claims bureaus and the leading syndicate advise movement in loss reserves to all 
syndicates participating on the risk. If necessary, Atrium's claims department may adjust the case reserves it records 
from those advised by the bureaus.

Reinsurance Ceded

On an annual basis Atrium purchases a tailored outwards reinsurance program designed to manage its risk 
profile. The majority of Atrium’s third-party reinsurance cover is with Lloyd’s Syndicates or other highly rated reinsurers.

8

StarStone

Our StarStone segment is comprised of the active underwriting operations and financial results of StarStone 
Holdings (formerly known as Bayshore), a holding company that owns StarStone and its subsidiaries. Results relating 
to StarStone’s run-off lines of business are included within our Non-life Run-off segment. 

We acquired StarStone (formerly known as Torus) on April 1, 2014 in partnership with Trident (managed by 
Stone Point Capital). Dowling also has a minority investment. StarStone rebranded during 2015. Under our ownership, 
and with a strengthened management team and operating structure, StarStone’s strategy emphasizes underwriting 
discipline and focuses on profitable lines and improvement of operational effectiveness and efficiency.  

StarStone is a global specialty insurer operating worldwide from key underwriting hubs in the Lloyd's and London 
markets, Bermuda, Continental Europe, and the United States. StarStone has six wholly-owned insurance platforms 
and licenses to serve a global client base. Through Syndicate 1301, we offer a variety of specialty products at Lloyd’s. 
Syndicate 1301 is managed by StarStone's wholly-owned Lloyd’s managing agency.

Business Lines

StarStone offers a broad range of property, casualty and specialty insurance products to both large multi-national 

and small and middle-market clients around the world.  A description of StarStone's business lines is as follows:

Casualty.   Casualty is StarStone's largest product group, including StarStone’s U.S. excess casualty, global 
management and professional liability, global healthcare, and accident and health products. The U.S. excess casualty 
product includes umbrella, excess and retained limit products across a wide range of market segments focused on 
small to mid-market businesses. The global management and professional liability product specializes in directors and 
officers  and  professional  liability  protection  for  both  traditional  and  emerging  professions.  Our  healthcare  product 
provides insurance for acute care centers, nursing homes, small hospitals, physician groups, senior living facilities, 
and others. The accident and health product provides protection for a broad range of groups and individuals such as 
air crew personal accident and loss of license, accidental death and permanent and temporary disability for individuals 
including athletes and high net worth individuals.   

Marine.   We provide a broad range of marine and specialty products including hull and machinery, marine and 
energy liabilities, cargo, war, transport, specie and fine art, and terrorism. These products are written through Lloyd's 
Syndicate 1301, our European branch network and by some of our U.S.-based teams. We also provide high excess 
casualty coverage placed in the London wholesale market which is focused on high excess layers for Fortune 500 
companies. 

Property.    This line includes all of our property insurance products. The construction portfolio focuses on large, 
complex, infrastructure and contractor cover across all risk areas.  Property also includes our onshore, power, and 
upstream and offshore products written through our Lloyd's and London platforms.  Most lines are written on a full 
value, primary, excess of loss or quota share basis. 

Aerospace.    We serve a diverse client base within the aerospace sector including airlines, aircraft manufacturers 
and airport service providers. Our products are split between short-tail and long-tail risks and by aircraft type into three 
areas: airlines, aviation products and liability, and general aviation. We previously wrote a space product, which we 
no longer offer. 

Workers' compensation.    This line provides workers' compensation solutions for a range of industries, including 
energy and maritime businesses to high-hazard operations. We also cover cross-state, multi-jurisdictional exposures 
in single policies. Business is written directly with clients and through partnerships with independent agents, managing 
general underwriters, and select wholesale brokers throughout the United States.

Distribution 

StarStone's distribution strategy is to focus on proximity to clients and brokers, using its Lloyd’s platform, European 
branch distribution network, its U.S. wholesale distribution strategy, as well as its relationships with insurance and 
reinsurance brokers and risk carriers, corporations and financial intermediaries. 

Syndicate 1301 can conduct business in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. In addition to underwriting 
business directly at Lloyd’s in London, it provides local access to Lloyd’s in Continental Europe and the United States. 

In the United States, products are written locally through our admitted and excess and surplus lines carriers. 
Our  U.S.  strategy  also  utilizes  our  online  e-commerce  broker  portal,  ESCAPE,  which  offers  immediate  wholesale 

9

distribution to all 50 states. StarStone also harnesses the technology behind ESCAPE for its managing general agent 
partners across Europe. 

Business in the StarStone segment is generally placed through insurance and reinsurance brokers and managing 
general agents. Independent brokers Marsh Inc., Aon Benfield Group Ltd. and Willis Group Holdings Ltd. accounted 
for 8%, 7% and 6%, respectively, of StarStone’s gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2016 (21% 
collectively).  Other brokers and managing general agents (each individually less than 10%) accounted for the remaining 
79% of gross premiums written.

Claims Management 

Claims in respect of business written by Syndicate 1301, as well as in respect of StarStone’s other London 
market business, are primarily notified by various central market bureaus whereby the leading syndicate or company 
advise all participants of movement in loss reserves. StarStone’s claims department adjusts bureau claims in respect 
of coverages where StarStone is the lead underwriter and may choose to adjust the case reserves it records from 
those advised by the bureaus.

Claims  in  respect  of  non-bureau  business  are  handled  by  StarStone’s  experienced  claims  professionals. 
StarStone  uses  claims  handling  guidelines  along  with  a  global  claims  management  system  to  review,  report  and 
administer claims. With respect to certain lines of business, StarStone may use third-party administrators to manage 
and pay claims on its behalf and advise with respect to case reserves. StarStone also utilizes Enstar’s experience in 
claims management. 

Reinsurance Ceded 

StarStone purchases an annual tailored outwards reinsurance program designed to manage its risk profile. The 
majority of StarStone’s third party reinsurance cover is with highly rated reinsurers or is collateralized by letters of 
credit. Several of the StarStone affiliates have entered into a Quota Share Treaty with KaylaRe Ltd. pursuant to which 
KaylaRe Ltd. reinsures 35% of all business written by these StarStone affiliates for risks attaching from January 1, 
2016, net of the StarStone affiliates’ reinsurance programs.

Life and Annuities

Our Life and Annuities segment consists of the operations of our subsidiaries managing our closed-block of life 
and annuity business and our life settlements business.  The segment includes the companies we acquired in the 
Pavonia acquisition in 2013, which operate primarily out of our New Jersey office, which are now held for sale as 
described above. The segment also includes Laguna Life Limited, a small Irish-based closed-life company, a portfolio 
of life settlements business, and Belgian insurer, Alpha, a European insurance company that wrote credit and life 
insurance and is now in run-off.  Alpha also wrote non-life business, which is reported in our Non-life Run-off segment. 

Similar to our Non-life Run-off segment, our life and annuities companies are no longer writing new policies, 
however, unlike that segment, these companies continue to generate premiums with respect to their in-force policies.

Our strategy in the Life and Annuities segment differs from our non-life business, in particular because we have 
limited  ability  to  shorten  the  duration  of  the  liabilities  of  these  businesses  through  either  early  claims  settlement, 
commutations or policy buy-backs. Instead, we hold the policies to their natural maturity or lapse, while aiming to 
efficiently manage our invested assets in those businesses to match the duration and cash flows of the liability profile, 
and will pay claims as they come due.

Life Business

Our life run-off business consists of: (i) Pavonia's credit life and disability insurance, term life insurance,  corporate 
owned life insurance, assumed reinsurance of term ordinary life and accidental death and dismemberment products 
sold in the United States and Canada; (ii) Laguna Life Limited's term life insurance primarily sold in the U.K. and 
Europe; and (iii) Alpha's credit and life insurance sold in Europe.  The life companies continue to generate premiums, 
and accordingly, the reserves remain sensitive to lapse rates as well as mortality rates.  As described above under 
"Business Held for Sale," we have entered into a definitive agreement to sell Pavonia, and we have therefore classified 
Pavonia's assets and liabilities as held-for-sale.

10

Annuities

Our annuities run-off business relates solely to business assumed by one of the Pavonia companies of a closed 
block of structured settlement, lottery, and other immediate annuities (the "PPA business"), which is part of the Pavonia 
transaction described above under "Business Held for Sale." Reserves relating to the PPA business constitute 80% 
of the aggregate reserves of the Pavonia companies as at December 31, 2016.

Life Settlements

Our life settlements business relates to interests in U.S. life insurance policies acquired in the secondary and 
tertiary markets and through collateralized lending transactions. We pay premiums on these policies and other costs 
to keep the policy in force, and we recognize income upon a policy maturity event. The investments in collateralized 
lending transactions were transferred to the Non-life Run-off segment during 2015.  

Liability for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses 

The  liability  for  losses  and  LAE,  also  referred  to  as  loss  reserves,  represents  our  gross  estimates  before 
reinsurance for unpaid reported losses and losses that have been incurred but not reported ("IBNR") for our Non-life 
Run-off, Atrium and StarStone segments. We recognize an asset for the portion of the liability that we expect to recover 
from reinsurers. LAE reserves include allocated loss adjustment expenses ("ALAE"), and unallocated loss adjustment 
expenses ("ULAE"). ALAE are linked to the settlement of an individual claim or loss, whereas ULAE are based on our 
estimates of future costs to administer the claims. IBNR represents reserves for loss and LAE that have been incurred 
but not yet reported to us.  This includes amounts for unreported claims, development on known claims and reopened 
claims.  

We establish reserves for individual claims incurred and reported, as well as IBNR claims.  We use considerable 
judgment  in  estimating  losses  for  reported  claims  on  an  individual  claim  basis  based  upon  our  knowledge  of  the 
circumstances  surrounding  the  claim,  the  severity  of  the  injury  or  damage,  the  jurisdiction  of  the  occurrence,  the 
potential for ultimate exposure, the type of loss, and our experience with the line of business and policy provisions 
relating to the particular type of claim.  We also use considerable judgment to establish reserves for IBNR claims using 
a variety of generally accepted actuarial methodologies and procedures to estimate the ultimate cost of settling IBNR 
claims.  See "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical 
Accounting Policies - Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses" for a description of our loss reserving process.

The estimation of unpaid claim liabilities at any given point in time is subject to a high degree of uncertainty for 
a number of reasons. A significant amount of time can lapse between the assumption of risk, the occurrence of a loss 
event, the reporting of the event to an insurance or reinsurance company and the ultimate payment of the claim on 
the  loss  event.  Our  actuarial  methodologies  include  industry  benchmarking  which,  under  certain  methodologies, 
compares the trend of our loss development to that of the industry. To the extent that the trend of our loss development 
compared to the industry changes in any period, it is likely to have an impact on the estimate of ultimate liabilities. 
Unpaid claim liabilities for property and casualty exposures in general are impacted by changes in the legal environment, 
jury awards, medical cost trends and general inflation. Certain estimates for unpaid claim liabilities involve considerable 
uncertainty  due  to  significant  coverage  litigation,  and  it  can  be  unclear  whether  past  claim  experience  will  be 
representative  of  future  claim  experience.  Ultimate  values  for  such  claims  cannot  be  estimated  using  reserving 
techniques  that  extrapolate  losses  to  an  ultimate  basis  using  loss  development  factors,  and  the  uncertainties 
surrounding the estimation of unpaid claim liabilities are not likely to be resolved in the near future. In addition, reserves 
are established to cover loss development related to both known and unasserted claims. Consequently, our subsequent 
estimates of ultimate losses and LAE, and our liability for losses and LAE, may differ materially from our initial estimates. 

 In our Non-life Run-off segment, policy buy-backs and commutations provide an opportunity for us to exit and 
settle exposures to policies with insureds and reinsureds, often at a discount to the previously estimated ultimate 
liability. Commutations are beneficial to us as they extinguish liabilities, reduce the potential for future adverse loss 
development,  and  reduce  future  claims  handling  costs.  Our  estimates  of  ultimate  claim  liabilities,  including  IBNR 
reserves, are based upon actuarial methodologies applied to the remaining non-commuted aggregate exposures and 
revised historical loss development information, after adjusting for the elimination of historical loss development relating 
to commuted and bought-back exposures. In addition, the routine settlement of claims, at either below or above the 
carried advised loss reserve, updates historical loss development information to which actuarial methodologies are 
applied often, resulting in revised estimates of ultimate liabilities. Our loss reserves are largely related to workers 
compensation and casualty exposures, which include latent exposures primarily relating to asbestos and environmental 
damage. In establishing reserves, we consider facts currently known and the current state of the law and coverage 

11

litigation.  Case  reserves  are  recognized  for  known  claims  (including  the  cost  of  related  litigation)  when  sufficient 
information has been developed to indicate the involvement of a specific insurance policy.  

Further  information  regarding  the  liability  for  net  losses  and  LAE,  including  loss  development  tables  and  a 
reconciliation of activity, is included in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Further information regarding net incurred losses and LAE is included in "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and 

Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations by Segment."

Life Benefits and Claims Reserves

We estimate our life benefit and claim reserves on a present value basis using standard actuarial techniques 
and cash flow models. We establish and maintain our life reserves at a level that we estimate will, when taken together 
with future premium payments and investment income expected to be earned on associated premiums, be sufficient 
to support future cash flow benefit obligations and third-party servicing obligations as they become payable. 

Our policy benefits for life contracts as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $112.1 million and $126.3 million, 
respectively. Amounts related to Pavonia are excluded as these are classified as liabilities held-for-sale, as described 
in "Note 5 - Held-For-Sale Business" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

See "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Policy 

Benefits for Life Contracts" for a discussion of our reserves in this segment.

Investments

For  information  regarding  our  investment  strategy,  portfolio  and  results,  refer  to  "Item 7.  Management’s 

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Investments."

Ratings

In our active underwriting businesses, financial strength ratings are an important factor in establishing competitive 
position  and  in  product  marketing.  Financial  strength  ratings  by  third-party  organizations  provide  an  opinion  of  an 
insurer’s or reinsurer’s financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to its policyholders. These ratings 
reflect A.M.  Best’s,  S&P’s,  and  Fitch’s  opinions  of  capitalization,  performance  and  management,  and  are  not  a 
recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. These ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn at the discretion 
of the agencies. Rating agencies charge fees for their services.

Our  Lloyd’s  Syndicates  609  (Atrium)  and  1301  (StarStone)  are  part  of  a  group  rating  for  the  Lloyd's  overall 
market. Lloyd’s is rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best, "A+" (Strong) by Standard and Poor’s (or S&P) and "AA-" (Very 
Strong) by Fitch Ratings. 

StarStone’s operating insurance entities have been assigned a financial strength rating of "A-" (Excellent) by 
A.M. Best. The A.M. Best rating for StarStone of "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best is the fourth highest of 16 rating levels.

Refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Downgrades of financial strength ratings at StarStone or Lloyd’s could materially 
and  negatively  impact  our  active  underwriting  business  and  our  company,"  for  more  information  regarding  the 
importance of financial strength ratings.

Competition

Our  Non-life  Run-off  and  Life  and Annuities  segments  compete  in  international  markets  with  domestic  and 
international  reinsurance  companies  to  acquire  and  manage  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  in  run-off  and 
portfolios  of  insurance  and  reinsurance  business  in  run-off.  The  acquisition  and  management  of  companies  and 
portfolios  in  run-off  is  highly  competitive,  and  driven  by  a  number  of  factors,  including  proposed  acquisition  price, 
reputation, and financial resources. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do, have 
been  operating  for  longer  than  we  have  and  have  established  long-term  and  continuing  business  relationships 
throughout the insurance and reinsurance industries, which can be a significant competitive advantage. As a result, 
we  may  not  be  able  to  compete  successfully  in  the  future  for  suitable  acquisition  candidates  or  run-off  portfolio 
management engagements.

Our  Atrium  and  StarStone  active  underwriting  segments  operate  in  the  highly  competitive  insurance  and 
reinsurance markets, where companies compete on the basis of premium rates, reputation and perceived financial 

12

strength, the terms and conditions of the products offered, ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, speed of 
claims payments and quality of administrative services, relationships with insurance and reinsurance companies and 
insurance  intermediaries,  capacity  and  coverage  offered,  experience  in  the  particular  risk  to  be  underwritten,  and 
various other factors.

Atrium and StarStone compete in the international insurance and reinsurance markets directly with numerous 
other parties, including established global insurance and reinsurance companies, start-up insurance and reinsurance 
entities, other Lloyd’s syndicates, as well as capital markets and securitization structures aimed at managing risk. 
Many of these competitors have significant operating histories, underwriting expertise and capacity, extensive capital 
resources, and longstanding customer relationships. Any of these factors can be a significant competitive advantage 
and may make it difficult for us to write business effectively and profitably. Because few barriers exist to prevent insurers 
and reinsurers from entering the non-life active underwriting business, market conditions and capital capacity influence 
the degree of competition at any given time. For a detailed discussion of competition and the cyclical pattern of the 
insurance and reinsurance market, refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Relating to our Insurance Businesses." The 
cyclical market pattern can be more pronounced in the specialty insurance and reinsurance markets in which Atrium 
and StarStone compete.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016, we had 1,278 employees, as compared to 1,327 as of December 31, 2015. Although 
our employee count was not significantly changed from last year, we generally do not expect it to be consistent from 
period to period due to our business strategies, which include anticipated ongoing acquisition and integration activities.  
As of December 31, 2016, the percentage of our total employees in each segment was as follows: Non-life Run-off, 
51%; StarStone, 33%; Atrium, 12%; and Life and Annuities, 4%. 

Financial Information About Geographic Areas

For  financial  information  about  geographic  areas,  see  "Note 24 - Segment  Information"  in  the  notes  to  our 

consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Enterprise Risk Management 

Risk assumption is inherent in our business and appropriately setting risk appetite and executing our business 
strategies in accordance therewith is key to our performance. Effective risk oversight is an important priority for our 
Boards of Directors (both at the Company level and at a subsidiary level), and we place strong emphasis on ensuring 
we have a robust risk management framework to identify, measure, manage, report and monitor risks that affect the 
achievement of our strategic, operational and financial objectives. 

The overall objective of our enterprise risk management ("ERM") framework is to support good risk governance, 
support the achievement of business objectives, and provide overall benefits to us by adding value to the control 
environment and contributing to an effective business strategy, efficiency in operations and processes, strong financial 
performance, reliable financial reporting, regulatory compliance, a good reputation with key stakeholders, business 
continuity planning, and capital planning. 

Risk Governance and Risk Management Organization

Our  ERM  framework  consists  of  numerous  processes  and  controls  that  have  been  designed  by  our  senior 
management (including our risk management team), with oversight by our Board of Directors and its committees, 
management by our executive leaders, and implementation by employees across our organization. Accountability for 
the implementation and oversight of risk appetite and processes is aligned with individual corporate executives. Risk 
committees and boards receive regular risk management information to support risk governance at the group and 
subsidiary levels. 

13

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors and its committees have risk oversight responsibility and play an active role in overseeing 
management  of  the  risks  we  face.  Our  Underwriting  and  Risk  Committee  has  responsibility  for  the  oversight  of 
underwriting  strategy  and  ERM,  reviews  our  overall  risk  appetite  with  input  from  management,  reviews  our  ERM 
methodologies and oversees management’s execution of our ERM objectives. Among its other responsibilities, the 
Underwriting and Risk Committee also reviews and approves our annual Group Solvency Self-Assessment ("GSSA") 
report.  Our Audit  Committee,  comprised  entirely  of  independent  directors,  oversees  our  accounting  and  financial 
reporting-related  risks.  Our  Investment  Committee  is  responsible  for  overseeing  investment-related  risk,  including 
those related to our cash and investment portfolio and investment strategy. Our Compensation Committee oversees 
compensation-related risks; and our Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing corporate 
governance-related risks.

Executive and Risk Management Organization

Our Global ERM Committee ("GERMC"), a group of senior management personnel charged with assessing all 
significant risk issues on a global basis, reviews and evaluates the current and emerging risks to which the Group is 
exposed,  and  monitors  and  oversees  the  guidelines  and  policies  that  govern  the  processes  by  which  the  Group 
identifies, assesses and manages its exposure to risk. The GERMC is chaired by the Chief Risk Officer ("CRO"). Its 
membership includes our Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), Chief Operating Officer ("COO") and senior management 
from across our corporate functions and business units. Our CRO reports periodically on behalf of the GERMC to both 
the Underwriting and Risk Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. 

In  addition  to  executive  officer  and  director  oversight,  our  ERM  governance  structure  is  directed  by  local 
jurisdictional and subsidiary risk committees, which include senior management and members of the global senior 
management team. The committees provide oversight and governance of our ERM initiatives, oversee the operation 
of our internal controls, monitor the identified risks compared to our risk appetite, and provide analysis to management 
in order to appropriately manage and govern the business and the associated risks on a day-to-day basis. 

Our Risk Management department focuses primarily on implementing and overseeing the administration of the 
Underwriting and Risk Committee and GERMC directives and facilitating an efficient, effective and consistent approach 
to  ERM  across  our  Group.  Our  Internal  Audit  department  independently  reviews  the  effectiveness  of  our  ERM 
framework.  The  results  of  audits  are  monitored  by  the Audit  Committee.  Our  risk  governance  structure  is  further 
complemented by our compliance function which seeks to mitigate legal and regulatory compliance risks. This includes 
ensuring that significant legal and regulatory developments are observed and that we react appropriately to impending 
legislative and regulatory changes and applicable court rulings. Our executive management committees have oversight 
of specific risk management processes, including, for example, those relating to underwriting, investments and reserving 
matters. 

Entity Level Management

At the operating subsidiary level, risks attendant to our individual insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are 
also overseen by the subsidiary boards of directors, subsidiary risk committees and other committees, and management 
teams, consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and our ERM framework.

Certain risks related to our Atrium and StarStone segments are distinct from our Non-life Run-off and Life and 
Annuities segments, and these businesses include external stakeholders that also differ from our other businesses, 
including our joint venture partners, rating agencies, and, with respect to Atrium, third-party Lloyd’s names who provide 
75% of the underwriting capacity to Syndicate 609. Accordingly, in addition to the Group oversight of risks relating to 
our active underwriting businesses, Atrium and StarStone each maintain dedicated risk governance and management 
frameworks to manage risk, return and capital in their individual businesses, which fit into and form part of our Group 
ERM framework. These include oversight at the Atrium and StarStone holding company boards of directors, as well 
as executive risk committees and other committees that manage and monitor risks relevant to specified functional 
areas. Individualized risk policies and risk appetites are established and tailored to the specific needs of Atrium and 
StarStone, respectively. Enstar senior executives serve as members of the Atrium and StarStone boards of directors 
and certain committees and formal risk reporting for Atrium and StarStone forms part of the regular ERM reporting to 
the GERMC and Underwriting and Risk Committee. 

Each regulated insurance and reinsurance subsidiary has its own risk register documenting its risk landscape 
with risk and control owners assigned, which is maintained through a risk management software system. The Group 
information  technology  department  maintains  risk  registers  with  more  detailed  IT  and  information  security-specific 
risks. We recognize the importance of information technology and management of data in supporting our businesses, 

14

and we utilize a number of technology platforms to assist in our ERM, underwriting, investments, financial and regulatory 
reporting processes and procedures across our organization. We review and seek to enhance our technology platforms 
on an ongoing basis. 

We conduct the risk assessment process for the Group and for each of our regulated insurance and reinsurance 
subsidiaries  on  a  quarterly  basis. The  assessment  process  utilizes  a  risk  management  software  system. The  risk 
management  department  reviews  and  consolidates  these  risk  assessments  and  aggregates  the  assessment  at  a 
jurisdictional and Group level to facilitate discussion and challenge and to assess the overall risk categories. 

Risk Appetite

Our risk appetite considers material risks relating to, among other things, strategic risk, insurance risk, market 
risk,  liquidity  risk,  credit/counterparty  risk,  operational  risk,  and  regulatory/reputational  risk.  Our  risk  appetite  is 
established at the Group level and represents the amount of risk that we are willing to accept compared to risk metrics 
based on our shareholders equity, capital resources, potential financial loss, and other risk-specific measures. Risk 
levels are monitored and any deviations from pre-established levels are reported in order to facilitate responsive action.

Our  non-life  run-off  and  life  and  annuities  subsidiaries  set  individual  risk  appetites  and  risk  level  monitoring 

consistent with the Group-wide risk management framework. 

Atrium and StarStone establish individual risk appetites unique to each business, aligned to their business plan 
and strategy and consistent with the Group-wide risk management framework. Their risk appetites are set in conjunction 
with annual business planning and include, among other things, risk tolerances with respect to risk categories and 
underwriting limits by individual lines of business. We consider and review our active underwriting subsidiaries' risk 
appetites and group risk aggregation across our active underwriting businesses as part of our annual business planning 
process.

Risk Categories

We manage our ERM process based on the major categories of risk within our business discussed below. Our 
ERM is a dynamic process, with updates continually being made as a result of changes in our business, industry and 
the economic environment. This process and our controls cannot provide absolute assurance that our risk management 
objectives will be met or that all risks will be appropriately identified and managed, and accordingly, the possibility of 
material adverse effects on our company remains. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for important information on the risks 
we face.

Strategic Risk.    Strategic risk is the risk of unintended adverse impact on the business plan objectives arising 
from business decisions, improper implementation of those decisions, inability to adapt to changes in the external 
environment, or circumstances that are beyond our control. We manage strategic risk by utilizing a strategic business 
planning process involving our executive management and Board of Directors. Our annual business plan is reviewed 
and overseen by our executive management and Board of Directors, and actual performance, trends, and uncertainties 
are monitored in comparison to the plan throughout the year. We specifically evaluate acquisition opportunities pursuant 
to  a  detailed  and  proprietary  process  that  takes  into  account,  among  other  things,  the  risk  of  the  transaction  and 
potential returns, the portfolio’s risk exposures, claims management practices, reserve requirements and outstanding 
claims, as well as risks specifically related to our ability to integrate the acquired business. Our governance process, 
led by our Board of Directors, reviews newly proposed transaction opportunities, capital-raising matters, and other 
significant business initiatives. 

Insurance Risk.    Insurance risk refers to the risks spanning many aspects of our insurance operations, including 
underwriting risk, risk assumed upon acquisitions/portfolio transfers, risk associated with our reserving assumptions, 
and life and annuities portfolio risk. 

Underwriting risk in our active underwriting businesses relates to the inherent uncertainty as to the occurrence, 
amount and timing of insurance liabilities we assume through our underwriting process. We manage exposure levels 
across risk categories to maintain them within the approved risk appetite. Underwriting risk management strategies 
may differ depending on the line of business involved and the type of account being insured or reinsured. 

We strive to mitigate underwriting risk through our controls and strategies, including our underwriting risk selection, 
diversification of our underwriting portfolios by class and geography, purchasing reinsurance, establishing a business 
plan and associated parameters, underwriting peer review, authority limits, underwriting guidelines that provide detailed 
underwriting criteria and a framework for pricing, along with the use of specialized underwriting teams supported by 
actuarial, catastrophe modeling, claims, risk management, legal, finance, and other technical personnel. 

15

We utilize internally developed pricing models to evaluate individual underwriting decisions within the context of 
business plans and risk appetites. We also use internally developed capital models, which provide information on key 
risks and facilitate an understanding of the interaction among the risks and related exposures, as a comprehensive 
tool for business and capital planning. 

In some business lines we are exposed to multiple insured losses arising out of a single peril, such as a natural 
catastrophe  event  (for  example,  a  hurricane,  windstorm,  tornado,  flood  or  earthquake)  or  a  man-made  event  (for 
example, war, terrorism, airplane crashes and other transportation-related accidents, or building fires). We model and 
manage our individual and aggregate exposures to these events and other material correlated exposures in accordance 
with our risk appetite. Our modeling process utilizes a major commercial vendor model to measure certain of these 
exposures. The incidence, timing and severity of catastrophes and other event types are inherently unpredictable, and 
it is difficult to estimate the amount of loss any given occurrence will generate. Accordingly, there is material uncertainty 
around our ability to measure exposures, which can cause actual exposures and losses to deviate from our estimates.

To monitor catastrophe risk, we review exceedance probability curves aggregated across Atrium and StarStone 
together with aggregated realistic disaster scenarios. We consider occurrence exceedance probability and aggregate 
exceedance probability, which reflect losses resulting from single or multiple events, from individual perils and in the 
aggregate. We manage our underwriting exposure through a combination of reporting zonal aggregations, realistic 
disaster scenarios and stochastic modeling. StarStone also manages its underwriting exposure through monitoring 
realistic disaster scenarios for man-made events and certain natural catastrophe risks, and applying absolute maximum 
limits by line of business. 

We  manage  acquisition  risks  through  our  acquisition  evaluation  process,  and  reserving  practices  discussed 

above in "Liability for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Loss Reserving."

Reserving Risk.    Reserving risk is the risk related to our carried reserves for losses and loss expenses. The 
estimation of reserves is subject to uncertainty because the ultimate cost of settling claims is dependent upon future 
events and loss development trends that can vary with the impact of economic, social, and legal and regulatory matters. 
We manage reserving risk through our reserving practices discussed above in "Liability for Losses and Loss Adjustment 
Expenses - Loss Reserving," as well as  as well as through our commutation and policy buy-back strategy and claims 
management practices. We also have a Reserving Committee that is responsible for managing reserving risk and 
making recommendations to our Chief Financial Officer on the appropriate level of reserves to include in our consolidated 
financial statements. For additional information relating to our loss reserves by segment, see "Item 7. Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies."

Market Risk.    We are principally exposed to four types of market risk: interest rate risk, credit risk, equity price 
risk and foreign currency risk. We manage market risk in a number of ways, including use of investment guidelines; 
regular  reviews  of  investment  opportunities;  market  conditions;  portfolio  duration;  oversight  of  the  selection  and 
performance  of  external  asset  managers;  regular  stress  testing  of  the  portfolio  against  known  and  hypothetical 
scenarios; established tolerance levels; and, where possible, foreign currency asset/liability matching. Investments 
are primarily managed by our Investment Department, which is overseen by our Investment Committee. 

Liquidity Risk.    Liquidity risk is the risk that we are unable to realize investments and other assets in order to 
settle financial obligations when they fall due or that we would have to incur excessive cost to do so. We manage this 
risk generally by following a conservative investment strategy designed to emphasize the preservation of our invested 
assets and provide sufficient liquidity for the prompt payment of claims and contract liabilities, as well as for settlement 
of commutation payments. Liquidity risk also includes the risk of our dependence of our future cash flows upon the 
availability of dividends or other statutorily permissible payments from our subsidiaries, which is limited by applicable 
laws and regulations. We manage this risk through our capital planning processes, which include reviews of minimum 
capital resources requirements at our regulated subsidiaries and anticipated distributions, as well as anticipated capital 
needs. 

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Credit  /  Counterparty  Risk.      Credit  risk  relates  to  the  uncertainty  of  a  counterparty’s  ability  to  make  timely 
payments in accordance with contractual terms of the instrument or contract. We are exposed to direct credit risk 
primarily  within  our  portfolios  of  fixed  maturity  and  short-term  investments,  and  through  customers,  brokers  and 
reinsurers in the form of premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverables. In our run-off businesses, we manage 
credit risk with respect to our reinsurance recoverables by ongoing monitoring of counterparty ratings and working to 
achieve prompt payment of reinsured claims, as well as through our commutation strategy. In our active underwriting 
businesses, we firstly mitigate credit risk through our reinsurance purchasing process, where reinsurers are subject 
to financial security and rating requirements prior to approval and by limiting exposure to individual reinsurers. Thereafter 
we manage credit risk by the regular monitoring of reinsurance recoveries and premium due directly or via brokers 
and other intermediaries. In our fixed maturity and short-term investment portfolios, we attempt to mitigate credit risk 
through diversification and issuer exposure limitation. 

Operational Risk.    Operational risk is the risk of a loss arising from inadequate or failed internal processes, or 
from external events, personnel, systems or third parties. Due to our acquisitive strategy, operational risk also includes 
risks and challenges associated with integrating new companies into the Group. We seek to mitigate operational risks 
through the application of our policies and procedures and internal control and compliance processes throughout the 
Group and a focus on acquisition integration and assimilation of new companies into our internal control systems, 
including but not limited to business continuity planning, information security procedures, financial reporting controls 
and a review process for material third-party vendor usage. 

Regulatory / Reputational Risk.    Regulatory and reputational risk is the risk that an act or omission by us or 
any of our employees could result in damage to our reputation or loss of trust among our stakeholders. We manage 
reputational risk through a focus on compliance with laws and regulations, adherence to our policies and procedures 
(including  our  Code  of  Conduct)  and  our  internal  controls,  an  established  corporate  governance  framework  and 
practices, and communication and engagement with external stakeholders. 

Regulation 

General 

The business of insurance and reinsurance is regulated in most countries, although the degree and type of 
regulation varies significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Our material operations are in Bermuda, the United 
Kingdom, the United States, Australia and several European countries.  We are subject to extensive regulation under 
the applicable statutes in these countries and any others in which we operate.  In addition, the Bermuda Monetary 
Authority ("BMA") acts as group supervisor of our insurance and reinsurance companies (our "Group").  A summary 
of the material regulations governing us in these countries is set forth below.  

We  may  become  subject  in  the  future  to  regulation  in  new  jurisdictions  or  additional  regulations  in  existing 
jurisdictions depending on the location and nature of any companies acquired and the volume and location of business 
being transacted by our existing companies. 

Bermuda 

Operating Subsidiaries

The Insurance Act 1978 of Bermuda and related regulations, as amended (together, the "Insurance Act"), regulate 
the insurance and reinsurance business of our operating subsidiaries in Bermuda. The Insurance Act imposes certain 
solvency and liquidity standards and auditing and reporting requirements and grants the BMA powers to supervise, 
investigate, require information and the production of documents and intervene in the affairs of insurance companies. 

Significant requirements pertaining to our regulated Bermuda subsidiaries vary depending on the class in which 
our  company  is  registered,  but  generally  include  the  appointment  of  a  principal  representative  in  Bermuda,  the 
appointment of an independent auditor, the appointment of an approved loss reserve specialist, the filing of annual 
statutory financial statements, the filing of statutory financial returns, compliance with group solvency and supervision 
rules  (if  applicable),  and  compliance  with  the  Insurance  Code  of  Conduct  (relating  to  corporate  governance,  risk 
management and internal controls). 

Our regulated Bermuda subsidiaries must also comply with a minimum liquidity ratio and minimum solvency 
margin. The minimum liquidity ratio requires that the value of relevant assets must not be less than 75% of the amount 
of relevant liabilities. The minimum solvency margin, which varies depending on the class of the insurer, is determined 
as a percentage of either net reserves for losses and LAE or premiums or pursuant to a risk-based capital measure. 
StarStone Insurance Bermuda Limited, a Class 4 insurer, and Cavello Bay Reinsurance Limited, a Class 3A insurer, 

17

both domiciled in Bermuda, are subject to an enhanced capital requirement ("ECR") determined pursuant to a risk-
based capital measure and are both required to file a Commercial Insurer’s Solvency Self-Assessment (“CISSA”), and 
a financial condition report with the BMA.

Each of our regulated Bermuda subsidiaries would be prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends if it were 
in breach of its minimum solvency margin or liquidity ratio or if the declaration or payment of such dividends would 
cause it to fail to meet such margin or ratio. In addition, each of our regulated Bermuda subsidiaries is prohibited, 
without the prior approval of the BMA, from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital as set out in its previous 
year’s statutory financial statements. Our Bermuda insurance companies that are in run-off are required to seek BMA 
approval for any dividends or distributions. 

Group Supervision

The BMA’s group supervision objective is to provide a coordinated approach to the regulation of an insurance 
group and its supervisory and capital requirements.  Bermuda has been recognized by the U.S. National Association 
of  Insurance  Commissioners  ("NAIC")  as  a  qualified  jurisdiction.  Furthermore,  the  E.U.  recognizes  Bermuda's  full 
equivalence under Solvency II effective from January 1, 2016.  

As our Group supervisor, the BMA performs a number of functions including: (i) coordinating the gathering and 
dissemination of information for other regulatory authorities; (ii) carrying out a supervisory review and assessment of 
our Group; (iii) carrying out an assessment of our Group's compliance with the rules on solvency, risk concentration, 
intra-group transactions and good governance procedures; (iv) planning and coordinating, through regular meetings 
with other authorities, supervisory activities in respect of our Group; (v) coordinating any enforcement action that may 
need to be taken against our Group or any Group members; and (vi) coordinating meetings of colleges of supervisors 
in order to facilitate the carrying out of these functions.  StarStone Insurance Bermuda Limited has been named as 
our Group’s Designated Insurer.  As Designated Insurer, StarStone Insurance Bermuda Limited is required to facilitate 
compliance by our Group with the insurance solvency and supervision rules.  

On an annual basis, the Group is required to file Group statutory financial statements, a Group statutory financial 
return, a Group capital and solvency return, audited Group financial statements, a Group Solvency Self-Assessment 
("GSSA"), and a financial condition report with the BMA.  The GSSA is designed to document our perspective on the 
capital  resources  necessary  to  achieve  our  business  strategies  and  remain  solvent,  and  to  provide  the  BMA  with 
insights on our risk management, governance procedures and documentation related to this process.  In addition, 
SIBL and the Group are required to file a quarterly financial return with the BMA. 

We are required to maintain available Group statutory capital and surplus in an amount that is at least equal to 
the group enhanced capital requirement ("Group ECR"). The BMA has also established a group target capital level 
equal to 120% of the Group ECR.

The BMA also maintains supervision over the controllers of all Bermuda registered insurers, and accordingly, 
any person who, directly or indirectly, becomes a holder of at least 10%, 20%, 33% or 50% of our ordinary shares 
must notify the BMA in writing within 45 days of becoming such a holder (or ceasing to be such a holder). The BMA 
may object to such a person and require the holder to reduce its holding of ordinary shares and direct, among other 
things, that voting rights attaching to the ordinary shares shall not be exercisable. 

United Kingdom and Lloyd’s 

United Kingdom 

Our  U.K.-based  insurance  subsidiaries  consist  primarily  of  run-off  companies  and  StarStone  Insurance  SE. 
These subsidiaries are authorized by the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority (the "PRA"), and are also regulated by 
the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA", together with the PRA, the "U.K. Regulator"). Our U.K. run-off subsidiaries 
may not underwrite new business without the approval of the U.K. Regulator. E.U. directives also allow certain of our 
regulated U.K. subsidiaries to conduct business in E.U. states other than the U.K. within the scope of permission 
granted by the U.K. Regulator without the necessity of additional licensing or authorization in E.U. countries. 

Our U.K.-based insurance subsidiaries are required to maintain adequate financial resources in accordance with 
the requirements of the U.K. Regulator. The calculation of the minimum capital resources requirements in any particular 
case depends on, among other things, the type and amount of insurance business written and claims paid by the 
insurance company.

The Solvency II framework directive, which took effect on January 1, 2016, sets out new E.U.-wide requirements 
on capital adequacy and risk management for insurers with the aim of further increasing policyholder protection, instilling 

18

greater risk awareness and improving the international competitiveness of E.U. insurers. Insurers must now comply 
with a Solvency Capital Requirement ("SCR"), which is calculated using either the Solvency II standard formula or a 
bespoke internal model. Our non-Lloyd's U.K. companies use the standard formula.

The U.K. Regulator’s rules require our U.K. insurance subsidiaries to obtain regulatory approval for any proposed 
or actual payment of a dividend. The U.K. Regulator uses the SCR, among other tests, when assessing requests to 
make distributions. 

In an advisory referendum held on June 23, 2016, the U.K. voted to leave the E.U. (commonly referred to as 
“Brexit”). For a discussion of the potential impact of Brexit on our operations, refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks 
Relating to Laws and Regulation."

Under the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 ("FSMA"), any company or individual (together with its 
or his concert parties) proposing to directly or indirectly acquire "control" over a U.K. authorized insurance company 
(which is generally defined as acquiring 10% or more of the shares or voting power in a U.K. authorized insurance 
company or its parent company) must seek prior approval of the U.K. Regulator of his intention to do so. A person who 
is already deemed to have "control" will require prior regulatory approval if the person increases the level of "control" 
beyond 20%, 30% and 50%. 

Lloyd’s

We participate in the Lloyd’s market through our interests in: (i) Atrium’s Syndicate 609, which is managed by 
Atrium Underwriters Limited, a Lloyd's managing agent; (ii) StarStone’s Syndicate 1301, which is managed by StarStone 
Underwriting Limited ("SUL"), a Lloyd’s managing agent; and (iii) Syndicate 2008, a wholly aligned syndicate that has 
permission to underwrite RITC business and other run-off or discontinued business type transactions with other Lloyd’s 
syndicates. SUL serves as managing agent for Syndicate 2008. All of the Group’s underwriting by these syndicates is 
supported by one or more internal corporate members.

Our Lloyd’s operations are subject to authorization and regulation by the U.K. Regulator and compliance with 
the Lloyd’s Act(s) and Byelaws and regulations, as well as the applicable provisions of the FSMA. The Council of 
Lloyd’s has wide discretionary powers to regulate members’ underwriting, and its exercise of these powers might affect 
the return on an investment of the corporate member in a given underwriting year. This discretion includes the ability 
to assess up to 3% of a member’s underwriting capacity in any one year as a Central Fund contribution. 

The underwriting capacity of a corporate member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a deposit (referred 
to as "Funds at Lloyd’s") in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit in satisfaction of its capital requirement. The 
amount of the Funds at Lloyd’s is assessed annually and is determined by Lloyd’s in accordance with applicable capital 
adequacy rules. 

Business plans, including maximum underwriting capacity, for Lloyd’s syndicates requires annual approval by 
the  Lloyd’s  Franchise  Board,  which  may  require  changes  to  any  business  plan  or  additional  capital  to  support 
underwriting plans. 

In order to achieve finality and to release their capital, Lloyd’s members are usually required to have transferred 
their liabilities through an approved RITC, such as offered by Syndicate 2008. RITC is generally put in place after the 
third year of a syndicate year of account. On successful conclusion of RITC, any profit from the syndicate for that year 
of account can be fully remitted by the managing agent to the syndicate’s members. 

The  Lloyd’s  market  has  applied  the  Solvency  II  internal  model  under  Lloyd’s  supervision,  and  our  Lloyd’s 
operations are required to meet Solvency II standards.  Effective January 1, 2016, the Society of Lloyd's received 
approval from the PRA to use its internal model under the Solvency II regime.

Lloyd’s  approval  is  required  before  any  person  can  acquire  control  of  a  Lloyd’s  managing  agent  or  Lloyd’s 

corporate member. 

United States 

Our  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  domiciled  in  the  United  States  consist  of  property  and  casualty 
companies and life and annuities companies in run-off, as well as StarStone Specialty Insurance Company (a U.S. 
excess and surplus lines insurer) and StarStone National Insurance Company (a U.S. admitted insurer that is licensed 
in all 50 states and the District of Columbia). Our U.S. insurers are subject to extensive governmental regulation and 
supervision by the states in which they are domiciled, licensed and/or eligible to conduct business. The insurance laws 
and regulations of the state of domicile have the most significant impact on operations.  We currently have U.S. insurers 

19

domiciled in Illinois, Michigan, New York, Delaware and Rhode Island, with two of these insurers also commercially 
domiciled in California. 

Generally,  regulatory  authorities  have  broad  regulatory  powers  over  such  matters  as  licenses,  standards  of 
solvency, premium rates, policy forms, marketing practices, claims practices, investments, security deposits, restrictions 
on  size  of  risks  that  may  be  insured  under  a  single  policy,  methods  of  accounting,  form  and  content  of  financial 
statements,  certain  aspects  of  governance,  enterprise  risk  management,  reserves  and  provisions  for  unearned 
premiums,  unpaid  losses  and  LAE,  reinsurance,  minimum  capital  and  surplus  requirements,  dividends  and  other 
distributions to shareholders, periodic examinations, annual and other report filings, and transactions among affiliates. 

U.S. insurers are also required to maintain minimum levels of solvency and liquidity as determined by law, and 
to comply with risk-based capital requirements and licensing rules. Insurers having less statutory surplus than required 
by the risk-based capital calculation will be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action. If any of our U.S. insurers 
were to have risk-based capital levels that are below required levels, they would be subject to increased regulatory 
scrutiny and control by their domestic and possibly other insurance regulators. As of December 31, 2016, all of our 
U.S. insurers exceeded their required levels of risk-based capital. 

Applicable insurance laws also limit the amount of dividends or other distributions our U.S. insurers can pay to 
us. The insurance regulatory limitations are generally based on statutory net income and/or certain levels of statutory 
surplus as determined by the insurer’s state or states of domicile. Generally, prior regulatory approval must be obtained 
before an insurer may pay a dividend or make a distribution above a specified level. 

All states have enacted legislation regulating insurance holding company systems that requires each insurance 
company  in  the  system  to  register  with  the  insurance  department  of  its  state  of  domicile  and  furnish  information 
concerning the operations of companies within the holding company system that may materially affect the operations, 
management or financial condition of the insurers within the system.  The NAIC has adopted amendments to the 
Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act and associated regulations, which all states in which our U.S. 
insurers are domiciled or commercially domiciled have adopted. The amendments provide the regulators with additional 
tools to evaluate risks to an insurance company within the insurance holding company system.  They impose more 
extensive informational requirements on parents and other affiliates of licensed insurers with the purpose of protecting 
them from enterprise risk, including requiring an annual enterprise risk report by the ultimate controlling person of the 
insurers identifying the material risks within the insurance holding company system that could pose enterprise risk to 
the insurers and requiring a person divesting its controlling interest to make a confidential advance notice filing. 

The NAIC has also adopted the Risk Management and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment Model Act, which 
requires insurers to maintain a risk management framework and establishes a legal requirement for insurers or their 
insurance group to conduct an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment ("ORSA") in accordance with the NAIC’s ORSA 
Guidance Manual. The ORSA Model Act has been adopted in all of the states in which our U.S. insurers are domiciled, 
and our insurers in these states may become subject to ORSA requirements beginning in 2016 if certain premium 
thresholds are exceeded.  Where applicable, we must regularly conduct an ORSA consistent with the ORSA Model 
Act, including undertaking an internal risk management review no less often than annually and preparing a summary 
report assessing the adequacy of risk management and capital in light of our insurers’ current and future business 
plans.

The  Dodd  Frank  Wall  Street  Reform  and  Consumer  Protection  Act  (the  "Dodd-Frank  Act"),  represents  a 
comprehensive overhaul of the financial services industry within the United States and, among other things, established 
the Financial Services Oversight Council and created within the United States Department of the Treasury a Federal 
Insurance Office. These bodies are authorized to study, monitor and report to Congress on the U.S. insurance industry 
and the significance of global reinsurance to the U.S. insurance market. The Dodd-Frank Act also authorizes the federal 
preemption of certain state insurance laws and streamlines the regulation of reinsurance and surplus lines/non-admitted 
insurance. Many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act continue to become effective over time, and certain provisions of 
the Dodd-Frank Act require the implementation of regulations that have not yet been adopted. These regulations may 
affect our industry and our business. 

Before a person can acquire control of a domestic insurer (including a reinsurer) or any person controlling such 
insurer (including acquiring control of Enstar Group Limited), prior written approval must be obtained from the insurance 
commissioner of the state in which the domestic insurer is domiciled and, under certain circumstances, from insurance 
commissioners in other jurisdictions. Generally, state statutes and regulations provide that "control" over a domestic 
insurer or person controlling a domestic insurer is presumed to exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, 
holds with the power to vote, or holds proxies representing, 10% or more of the voting securities or securities convertible 
into voting securities of the domestic insurer or of a person who controls the domestic insurer. 

20

One of our Pavonia companies has a Canadian branch operation, which is subject to regulation by the Office 
of Superintendent of Financial Institutions in Canada. Canadian regulations require compliance with risk-based capital 
measures and also place certain restrictions on dividends. 

Australia 

Our Australian regulated insurance entities (which include our insurance subsidiary and our non-operating holding 
company) are subject to prudential supervision by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority ("APRA"). APRA is 
the primary regulatory body responsible for regulating compliance with the Insurance Act 1973. APRA has issued 
prudential standards that apply to general insurers in relation to capital adequacy, the holding of assets in Australia, 
risk  management,  business  continuity  management,  reinsurance  management,  outsourcing,  audit  and  actuarial 
reporting and valuation, the transfer and amalgamation of insurance businesses, governance, and the fit and proper 
assessment of the insurer’s responsible persons. 

APRA’s  prudential  standards  require  that  all  insurers  maintain  and  meet  prescribed  capital  adequacy 

requirements to enable their insurance obligations to be met under a wide range of circumstances. 

APRA also prescribes prudential standards on risk management and governance. These requirements include 
the need for regulated insurance entities to have a risk management framework that is consistent and integrated with 
its risk profile and capital strength, supported by a risk management function and subject to comprehensive review. 
APRA’s proposed risk management enhancements include the requirement that regulated insurance entities have a 
board risk committee that provides the Board with objective non-executive oversight of the implementation and on-
going operation of its risk management framework, and the requirement that regulated insurance entities designate a 
chief risk officer who is involved in, and provides effective challenge to, activities and decisions that may materially 
affect the regulated insurance entities’ risk profile. Our Australian regulated insurance entities are compliant with these 
standards. 

An insurer must obtain APRA’s written consent prior to making any capital releases, including any payment of 
dividends in excess of current year earnings. Our insurance subsidiary must provide APRA a valuation prepared by 
an appointed actuary that demonstrates that the tangible assets of the insurer, after the proposed capital reduction, 
are sufficient to cover its insurance liabilities to a 99.5% level of sufficiency of capital before APRA will consent to a 
capital release or dividend. 

Under the Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998, the interest of an individual shareholder or a group of 
associated  shareholders  in  an  insurer  is  generally  limited  to  a  15%  "stake"  of  the  insurer. A  person’s  stake  is  the 
aggregate of the person’s voting power and the voting power of the person’s associates. A higher percentage limit may 
be approved by the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia on national interest grounds. Any shareholder of 
Enstar Group Limited with a "stake" greater than 15% has received approval to hold that stake from the Treasurer of 
the Commonwealth of Australia. 

Europe

In addition to Bermuda, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States, we have subsidiaries in Switzerland, 
Ireland and Belgium, as well as StarStone Insurance Europe AG, a Liechtenstein-based company that continues to 
underwrite new business. Certain of our U.K. entities also have branches in European jurisdictions.     

Our Swiss insurance subsidiary is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority ("FINMA") 
pursuant to the Insurance Supervisory Act 2004. This subsidiary is obligated to maintain a minimum solvency margin 
based on the Swiss Solvency Test regulations as stipulated by the Insurance Supervisory Act. From January 1, 2016, 
Switzerland was granted full Solvency II equivalence by the European Commission.

Our subsidiaries and branches in European jurisdictions such as Ireland, Belgium and Liechtenstein are regulated 
in their respective home countries. Typically, such regulation is for the protection of policyholders and ceding insurance 
companies  rather  than  shareholders.    Regulatory  authorities  generally  have  broad  supervisory  and  administrative 
powers over such matters as licenses, standards of solvency, investments, reporting requirements relating to capital 
structure,  ownership,  financial  condition  and  general  business  operations,  special  reporting  and  prior  approval 
requirements with respect to certain transactions among affiliates, reserves for unpaid losses and LAE, reinsurance, 
minimum capital and surplus requirements, dividends and other distributions to shareholders, periodic examinations 
and annual and other report filings.  The application of the Solvency II framework across such European jurisdictions 
from January 1, 2016 may result in a more uniform approach to regulation.  

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Other

Through StarStone, we participate in joint ventures in Singapore and Dubai. We also own two run-off entities in 
Hong  Kong.    These  operations  are  not  material,  but  our  companies  in  these  countries  are  subject  to  applicable 
regulations. 

Available Information

We maintain a website with the address http://www.enstargroup.com. The information contained on our website 
is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this filing. We make available free of charge through our 
website  our  annual  report  on  Form  10-K,  quarterly  reports  on  Form  10-Q,  current  reports  on  Form  8-K,  and  all 
amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after the material is electronically filed with or otherwise 
furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, (the "SEC"). Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly 
reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports are also available on the SEC’s 
website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of our Code of Conduct and the governing charters for the Audit, 
Investment, Nominating and Governance, Compensation, and Underwriting and Risk Committees of our Board of 
Directors are available free of charge on our website. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the 
SEC  at  the  SEC’s  Public  Reference  Room  at  100  F  Street,  NE,  Washington,  DC  20549.  The  public  may  obtain 
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

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ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS 

Any of the following risk factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from historical or anticipated 
results. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. There may be additional risks that we currently 
consider not to be material or of which we are not currently aware, and any of these risks could cause our actual results 
to differ materially from historical or anticipated results.  

You should carefully consider these risks along with the other information included in this document, including 
the matters addressed above under "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" before investing in 
any of our securities. We may amend, supplement or add to the risk factors described below from time to time in future 
reports filed with the SEC.  

Risks Relating to our Insurance Businesses 

If we are unable to implement our business strategies successfully, our business, results of operations 

and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. 

Our future results of operations will depend in significant part on the extent to which we can implement our 
business  strategies  successfully,  including  with  respect  to  our  active  underwriting  segments,  which  we  have  less 
experience operating. Our ability to develop and execute our business strategies in our run-off and active business is 
essential to our success, future growth opportunities, expanded market visibility and increased access to capital.  

Our business strategies are described in "Item 1. Business - Business Strategy." We may not be able to implement 
these strategies or any future strategies fully or realize the anticipated results of our strategies as a result of significant 
business, economic, regulatory and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable 
to successfully implement our business strategies, we may not be able to achieve future growth in our earnings and 
our financial condition may suffer and, as a result, holders of our ordinary shares may receive lower returns. 

Inadequate loss reserves could reduce our net earnings and capital and surplus, which could have a 

materially adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. 

Our success is dependent upon our ability to assess accurately the risks associated with the business we have 
insured and reinsured.  We are required to maintain reserves to cover the estimated ultimate liability for losses and 
LAE for both reported and unreported incurred claims. These reserves are only estimates for what we consider the 
settlement and administration of claims will cost based on facts and circumstances known to us, as well as actuarial 
methodologies, historical industry loss ratio experience, loss development patterns, estimates of future trends and 
developments and other variable factors such as inflation. Ultimate losses may exceed our estimates of losses and 
LAE because of the uncertainties that surround the estimation process (which are discussed above in "Item 1. Business 
- Liability for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense"). As a result, actual losses and LAE paid will deviate, perhaps 
substantially, from the reserve estimates reflected in our financial statements. If our reserves are insufficient to cover 
the actual losses and LAE, we would have to augment our reserves and incur a charge to our earnings. Such a charge 
could be material and would reduce our net earnings and capital and surplus.

In our non-life run-off businesses, loss reserves include potential asbestos and environmental ("A&E") liabilities 
and liabilities associated with personal injury A&E claims from newly acquired companies with legacy manufacturing 
businesses. Ultimate values for A&E claims cannot be estimated using traditional reserving techniques and there are 
significant uncertainties in estimating potential losses for these claims. Factors contributing to the uncertainty include 
long waiting periods, reporting delays and difficulties identifying contamination sources and allocating damage liability. 
Developed case law and adequate claim history do not always exist for A&E claims, and changes in the legal and tort 
environment  affect  the  development  of  such  claims.  To  further  understand  this  risk,  see  "Item 7.  Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies - Losses and 
Loss Adjustment Expenses - Non-Life Run-off - Latent Claims." 

In  our  active  underwriting  businesses,  U.S.  GAAP  does  not  permit  insurers  and  reinsurers  to  reserve  for 
catastrophes  until  they  occur,  which  means  that  claims  from  these  events  could  cause  substantial  volatility  in  our 
financial results for any fiscal quarter or year and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and 
results of operations, as well as our financial strength ratings. 

Our active underwriting businesses present inherent risks and uncertainties which could have a material 

adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

Underwriting is inherently a matter of judgment, involving assumptions about matters that are unpredictable and 
beyond our control, and for which historical experience and probability analysis may not provide sufficient guidance. 

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Our Atrium  and  StarStone  active  underwriting  businesses  expose  us  to  significant  risks  that  could  result  in  under 
performance of the active underwriting businesses compared to our expectations, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Those risks include, but are not limited to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

exposure  to  claims  arising  out  of  unpredictable  natural  and  man-made  catastrophic  events  (including 
hurricanes,  windstorms,  tsunamis,  severe  weather,  earthquakes,  floods,  fires,  droughts,  explosions, 
environmental contamination, acts of terrorism, war or political unrest) and changing climate patterns and 
ocean temperature conditions; 

failure of our risk management and loss limitation methods (described in "Item 1. Business - Enterprise Risk 
Management") to adequately manage our loss exposure or provide sufficient protection against losses; 

the intense competition for business in this industry, including competition from major global insurance and 
reinsurance companies and underwriting syndicates that may have greater experience and resources than 
our companies or that may be more highly rated than our companies, or competition resulting from industry 
consolidation; 

dependence on a limited number of brokers, managing general agents and other third parties to support our 
business, both in terms of the volume of business we rely on them to place and the credit risk we assume 
from them; and 

susceptibility to the effects of inflation due to premiums being established before the ultimate amounts of 
losses and LAE are known. 

The cyclical nature of the insurance and reinsurance industries may make it more difficult for Atrium 
and StarStone to generate profits consistently, which could negatively impact our ability to execute our 
active underwriting strategies successfully. 

The  insurance  and  reinsurance  industry  has  historically  been  characterized  by  periods  of  intense  price 
competition due to excess underwriting capacity, as well as periods of more favorable pricing due to limited underwriting 
capacity.  Periods  of  favorable  pricing  tend  to  attract  additional  underwriting  capacity  (by  new  entrants,  market 
instruments and structures, and additional commitments by existing insurers) that ultimately cause prices to decrease. 

Changes in the frequency and severity of losses suffered by insureds and insurers also impact industry cycles, 
and we may not be able to accurately predict whether market conditions will improve, remain constant or deteriorate. 
Unfavorable market conditions could lead to a significant reduction in premium rates, impair our ability to underwrite 
at  appropriate  rates,  result  in  less  favorable  policy  terms  and  drive  fewer  submissions  for  our  active  underwriting 
services. These factors could decrease our earnings and cause our results of operations to fluctuate significantly from 
period to period. 

Cyclical market conditions also impact the availability and cost of reinsurance purchased by Atrium and StarStone 
as part of our risk management strategy. Market conditions may limit or prevent our active underwriting companies 
from obtaining adequate reinsurance protection for our business needs. If our active underwriting companies are unable 
to purchase reinsurance, or if reinsurance is available only on unfavorable terms or with less creditworthy reinsurers, 
we may retain a higher proportion of risks than we would otherwise prefer, incur additional expense, or purchase 
reinsurance from companies with higher credit risk, or we may underwrite fewer or smaller contracts. Any of these 
factors could negatively impact our financial performance. 

Downgrades of financial strength ratings at StarStone or Lloyd’s could materially and negatively impact 

our active underwriting business and our company. 

Financial  strength  ratings  are  an  important  factor  in  establishing  the  competitive  position  of  insurance  and 
reinsurance companies. The StarStone operating insurance entities are currently assigned a financial strength rating 
of "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best with a stable outlook. A ratings downgrade, outlook change or withdrawal could negatively 
impact  StarStone’s  competitive  position  in  the  industry,  and  severely  limit  or  prevent  StarStone  from  writing  new 
insurance and reinsurance contracts if policyholders move their business to other more highly-rated companies. Such 
a change could also inhibit our ability to implement our business and growth strategies successfully. Additionally, many 
of StarStone's reinsurance contracts permit the ceding companies to cancel the contract if StarStone's financial strength 
rating is downgraded.  Whether a ceding company would cancel a reinsurance contract after a ratings downgrade 
would depend on a number of factors (including the reason for and extent of the downgrade, and the pricing and 
availability of replacement reinsurance) and, accordingly, we cannot predict the extent to which these cancellation 

24

rights would be exercised or what effect any such cancellations would have on our financial condition or results of 
operations. 

Lloyd’s ratings apply to business written through Syndicate 609 (Atrium) and Syndicate 1301 (StarStone). Lloyd’s 
is rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best, "A+" (Strong) by Standard and Poor’s ( "S&P") and "AA-" (Very Strong) by Fitch 
Ratings. Financial strength ratings downgrades at Lloyd’s could adversely affect our Lloyd’s syndicates’ ability to trade 
in certain classes of business at current levels. 

Emerging claim and coverage issues could adversely affect our business. 

As industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other environmental conditions change, unexpected and 
unintended issues related to claims and coverage may emerge. These issues may adversely affect the adequacy of 
our provision for losses and LAE by either extending coverage beyond the envisioned scope of insurance policies and 
reinsurance contracts, or by increasing the number or size of claims. Our exposure to these uncertainties could be 
exacerbated by an increase in insurance and reinsurance contract disputes, arbitration and litigation. The full effects 
of these and other unforeseen emerging claim and coverage issues are extremely hard to predict. In some instances, 
these changes may not become apparent until long after we have acquired or issued the affected contracts. As a result, 
the full extent of liability under these insurance or reinsurance contracts may not be known for many years after a 
contract has been issued. 

Our life and annuities business is subject to the risk that actual mortality, morbidity, policy persistency, 
and investment yield may be different than our assumptions and could render our reserves inadequate or 
cause our results of operations in this business to suffer materially. 

The performance of our life and annuities business depends on our ability to manage the run-off successfully 
and operate the business effectively and efficiently. Our reserves for life and annuity policy benefits are based on 
certain assumptions, including mortality, morbidity, lapse rates, expenses, and discount rates based on expected yields 
at acquisition. The adequacy of our reserves is contingent on actual experience related to these key assumptions, 
which were established at acquisition. Under U.S. GAAP, these assumptions are locked in throughout the life of the 
contract unless a premium deficiency develops, which means the impact of the difference between assumptions and 
actual experience is reflected in results of operations in the current reporting period. This involves reducing any asset 
for Value of Business Acquired ("VOBA") that remains from acquisition until a premium deficiency no longer exists.  If 
a premium deficiency still exists after VOBA has been eliminated, we are required to unlock our reserve assumptions 
and reset to management’s best estimate to remove the deficiency.  These revised assumptions are then locked in 
and used as the basis for reserve calculations going forward.  This could materially and adversely impact our results 
of operations and financial condition.   

Our life insurance subsidiaries have exposure to the risk of catastrophic mortality, such as a pandemic or other 
event that causes a large number of deaths. In an economic downturn, our life subsidiaries may experience an elevated 
incidence of lapses of life insurance policies due to increased risk that policyholders may choose to cease paying 
insurance premiums (resulting in a non-diversified pool of policyholders). Any of these events could adversely affect 
our results of operations and financial condition. 

Risks Relating to Our Acquisitions 

There can be no assurance that we will continue to be able to grow our business through acquisitions. 

We have pursued and, as part of our strategy, will continue to pursue growth through acquisitions. Since our 
formation in August 2001, we have acquired over 75 insurance and reinsurance companies and portfolios of insurance 
and reinsurance business, primarily in our run-off segments, and we expect to continue to make such acquisitions in 
the future. However, the acquisition and management of companies and portfolios in run-off is highly competitive, and 
driven by a number of factors, including proposed acquisition price, reputation, and financial resources. Some of our 
competitors have greater financial resources than we do, have been operating for longer than we have and have 
established  long-term  and  continuing  business  relationships  throughout  the  insurance  and  reinsurance  industries, 
which can be a significant competitive advantage. As a result, we may not be able to compete successfully in the future 
for suitable acquisition candidates, and if we do not continue to acquire companies, we may not be able to achieve 
our strategic goals. 

There can be no assurance that our acquisitions will be financially beneficial to us or our shareholders. 

The evaluation and negotiation of potential acquisitions, as well as the integration of an acquired business or 
portfolio,  could  result  in  a  substantial  diversion  of  management  resources. Acquisitions  could  involve  numerous 

25

additional risks such as potential losses from unanticipated litigation, levels of claims or other liabilities and exposures, 
an inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset acquisition costs and financial exposures in the event that the sellers 
of the entities we acquire are unable or unwilling to meet their indemnification, reinsurance and other obligations to us 
(if any such obligations are in place). 

Our  run-off  business  entails  acquiring  and  managing  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies,  portfolios  of 
insurance and reinsurance, and companies with liabilities related to legacy manufacturing operations. Unlike traditional 
insurers and reinsurers, our companies and portfolios in run-off no longer underwrite new policies and are subject to 
the risk that their stated provisions for losses and LAE, may not be sufficient to cover future losses and the cost of run-
off. Because our non-life companies and portfolios in run-off generally no longer collect underwriting premiums, our 
sources of capital to cover losses are limited to our stated reserves, reinsurance coverage and retained earnings. 

To achieve positive operating results from an acquisition, we must first price transactions on favorable terms 
relative to the risks posed by the acquired businesses and then successfully manage the acquired businesses by 
efficiently managing claims, collecting from insurers or reinsurers and controlling expenses. Failure to do these things 
successfully could result in us having to cover losses sustained with retained earnings, which would materially and 
adversely impact our ability to grow our business and may result in material losses. 

We  may  not  be  able  to  realize  the  anticipated  benefits  of  acquisitions,  which  may  result  in 
underperformance  relative  to  our  expectations  and  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial 
condition or results of operations. 

The acquisitions we have made and expect to make in the future may pose operational challenges that divert 

management’s time and energy and expose us to risks relating to:  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

funding cash flow shortages that may occur if anticipated revenues are not realized or are delayed, or if 
expenses are greater than anticipated; 

the value of assets being lower than expected or diminishing because of credit defaults or changes in interest 
rates, or liabilities assumed being greater than expected; 

integrating  financial  and  operational  reporting  systems  and  internal  controls,  including  assurance  of 
compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and our reporting requirements under the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"); 

leveraging  our  existing  capabilities  and  expertise  into  the  business  acquired  and  establishing  synergies 
within our organization; 

funding increased capital needs and overhead expenses; 

integrating technology platforms and managing any increased cyber security risk; 

obtaining and retaining management personnel required for expanded operations; 

fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates relating to the assets and liabilities we may acquire; 

goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges; and 

complying with applicable laws and regulations. 

If we are unable to address some or all of these challenges, our acquisitions may underperform relative to our 

expectations and our business may be materially and adversely affected. 

We may not complete future acquisitions within the time frame we anticipate or at all, which could have 

a negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

Once we have signed a definitive agreement to acquire a business or portfolio, conditions to closing, such as 
obtaining regulatory approvals or shareholder approvals, must be met before the acquisition can be consummated. 
These and other closing conditions may not be satisfied at all, or may cause a material delay in the anticipated timing 
of closing. In addition, our ability to complete the acquisition on the originally anticipated terms, or at all, could be 
jeopardized if a seller receives competing proposals, if litigation is brought challenging the transaction or certain of its 
terms, or if regulators impose unexpected terms and conditions on the transaction. Failure to consummate an acquisition 
on the originally anticipated terms, or a significant delay in the closing, could result in significant expense, diversion 

26

of time and resources, reputational damage, litigation and a failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, 
all of which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

Risks Relating to Liquidity and Capital Resources 

We  may  require  additional  capital  and  credit  in  the  future  that  may  not  be  available  or  may  only  be 

available on unfavorable terms. 

Our future capital requirements depend on many factors, including acquisition activity, our ability to manage the 
run-off of our assumed policies, our ability to establish reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses, our underwriting 
plans, and our obligations to satisfy statutory capital requirements. We may need to raise additional funds through 
equity or debt financings in the future. Our ability to secure this financing may be affected by a number of factors, 
including volatility in the worldwide financial markets and the strength of our capital position and operating results. Any 
equity or debt financing, if available at all, may be on terms that are not favorable to us. In the case of equity financings, 
dilution to our existing shareholders could result, and any securities that are part of an equity financing may have rights, 
preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our already outstanding securities. If we cannot obtain adequate 
capital or credit, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected by, among 
other things, our inability to finance future acquisitions. 

Uncertain  conditions  in  the  global  economy  generally  may  materially  adversely  affect  our  business, 

results of operations and financial condition. 

In the event of financial turmoil affecting the global banking system and global financial markets (including the 
sovereign  debt  markets),  additional  consolidation  of  the  financial  services  industry,  or  significant  financial  service 
institution failures, there could be a new or incremental tightening in the credit markets, low liquidity, and extreme 
volatility in fixed maturity, credit, currency, and equity markets. This could have a number of effects on our business, 
including our ability to obtain financing for future acquisitions. Even if financing is available, it may only be available 
at an unattractive cost of capital, which would decrease our profitability. 

Global and local economic conditions could also affect demand for and claims made under our products, our 
counter-party  credit  risk,  and  the  ability  of  our  customers  and  other  counterparties  to  establish  or  maintain  their 
relationships with us. 

Net  investment  income  and  net  realized  and  unrealized  gains  or  losses  also  could  vary  materially  from 
expectations  depending  on  gains  or  losses  realized  on  the  sale  or  exchange  of  financial  instruments;  impairment 
charges resulting from revaluations of debt and equity securities and other investments; interest rates; cash balances; 
and changes in the fair value of financial and derivative instruments. Increased volatility in the financial markets and 
overall economic uncertainty would increase the risk that the actual amounts realized in the future on our financial 
instruments could differ significantly from the fair values currently assigned to them. 

Reinsurers may not satisfy their obligations to our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, which could 

result in significant losses or liquidity issues for us. 

Our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are subject to credit risk with respect to their reinsurers because 
the transfer of risk to a reinsurer does not relieve our subsidiaries of their liability to the insured. Reinsurance companies 
may be negatively impacted or downgraded during difficult financial and economic conditions in the worldwide capital 
markets and economies. In addition, reinsurers may be unwilling to pay our subsidiaries even though they are able to 
do so, or disputes may arise regarding payment obligations. The failure of one or more of our subsidiaries’ reinsurers 
to honor their obligations in a timely fashion may affect our cash flows, reduce our net earnings or cause us to incur 
a significant loss. Disputes with our reinsurers may also result in unforeseen expenses relating to litigation or arbitration 
proceedings. A reinsurer’s inability or unwillingness to honor its obligations to Atrium or StarStone may negate the 
intended risk-reducing impact of our reinsurance purchasing programs. 

Exposure to reinsurers who from time to time represent meaningful percentages of our total reinsurance balances 
recoverable may increase the risks described above.  For information on reinsurance balances recoverable, see "Item 
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital 
Resources - Reinsurance Balances Recoverable." 

We are a holding company, and we are dependent on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds 

to us. 

We are a holding company and conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. Our only significant 
assets are the capital stock of our subsidiaries. As a holding company, we are dependent on distributions of funds from 

27

our subsidiaries to fund acquisitions, fulfill financial obligations in the normal course of our business, and pay dividends 
(in the event we sought to do so). Our subsidiaries may not generate sufficient cash from operations to enable us to 
make future acquisitions, fulfill other financial obligations or pay dividends. 

In addition, the ability of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries to make distributions to us is limited by 
various  business  considerations  and  applicable  insurance  laws  and  regulations  (which  are  described  in  "Item  1. 
Business - Regulation"). These laws and regulations and the determinations by the regulators implementing them may 
significantly restrict distributions, and, as a result, our overall liquidity. The ability of all of our subsidiaries to make 
distributions to us may also be restricted by, among other things, other applicable laws and regulations and the terms 
of our bank loans and our subsidiaries’ bank loans. 

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may cause us to experience losses. 

We maintain a portion of our investments, insurance liabilities and insurance assets denominated in currencies 
other than U.S. dollars. Consequently, we and our subsidiaries may experience foreign exchange losses, which could 
adversely affect our results of operations. We publish our consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars. Therefore, 
fluctuations in exchange rates used to convert other currencies, particularly Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, British 
pounds and Euros, into U.S. dollars will impact our reported financial condition, results of operations and cash flows 
from year to year. 

Our  failure  to  comply  with  covenants  contained  in  our  credit  facilities  could  trigger  prepayment 

obligations, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. 

We and our subsidiaries currently have several outstanding credit facilities. We depend on access to funds from 
our credit facilities in operating our business. These credit facilities contain various business and financial covenants 
that impose restrictions on us and certain of our subsidiaries with respect to, among other things, limitations on mergers 
and consolidations, acquisitions, indebtedness and guarantees, restrictions as to certain dispositions of stock and 
dividends and stock repurchases, investment constraints and limitations on liens on stock. We may also enter into 
future credit facilities or other debt arrangements containing similar or different restrictive covenants. Our failure to 
comply with these covenants could result in an event of default under the credit facilities, which could result in us being 
required to repay the amounts outstanding under these facilities prior to maturity. These prepayment obligations could 
have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. 

In addition, complying with these covenants could limit our financial and operational flexibility. Our credit facilities 
are described in more detail in "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Loan Facilities." 

Risks Relating to Our Investments 

The  value  of  our  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries’  investment  portfolios  and  the  investment 
income that our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries receive from these portfolios may decline materially 
as a result of market fluctuations and economic conditions, including those related to interest rates and 
credit spreads. 

We derive a significant portion of our income from our invested assets, which consist primarily of investments 
in fixed maturity securities. The net investment income that our subsidiaries obtain from investments in fixed maturity 
securities will generally increase or decrease with changes in interest rates. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many 
factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and 
other factors beyond our control. A rise in interest rates would increase net unrealized losses, which would decline 
over time as the security approaches maturity. Conversely, a decline in interest rates would increase net unrealized 
gains, which would decline over time as the security approaches maturity. The fair market value can also decrease as 
a result of a deterioration of the credit quality of those securities. Any perceived decrease in credit quality may cause 
credit spreads to widen and this would result in an increase in net unrealized losses. A deterioration of credit ratings 
on our fixed maturity security investments may result in a preference to liquidate these securities in the financial markets. 
If we liquidate these securities during a period of tightening credit, we may realize a significant loss. 

In addition, some of our fixed maturity securities, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, 
carry prepayment risk, or the risk that principal will be returned more rapidly or slowly than expected, as a result of 
interest rate fluctuations. When interest rates decline, consumers will generally make prepayments on their mortgages, 
causing us to be repaid more quickly than we might have originally anticipated, meaning that our opportunities to 
reinvest these proceeds back into the investment markets may be at reduced interest rates (with the converse being 

28

true in a rising interest rate environment). Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities are also subject to 
default risk on the underlying securitized mortgages, which would decrease the value of our investments. 

The changes in the market value of our  securities that are classified as trading or available-for-sale are reflected 
in our financial statements. Other-than-temporary impairment losses in the value of our fixed maturity securities are 
also reflected in our financial statements. As a result, a decline in the value of the securities in our investment portfolios 
may materially reduce our net income and shareholders’ equity, and may cause us to incur a significant loss. For more 
information on our  investment portfolios, see "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations - Investable Assets." 

Our investments in alternative investments may be illiquid and volatile in terms of value and returns, 

which could negatively affect our investment income and liquidity. 

In  addition  to  fixed  maturity  securities,  we  have  invested,  and  may  from  time  to  time  continue  to  invest,  in 
alternative investments such as private equity funds, fixed income funds, fixed income and multi-strategy hedge funds, 
equity funds, real estate debt funds and CLO equity funds, as well as direct investments in CLO equities. These and 
other similar investments may be illiquid due to restrictions on sales, transfers and redemptions, may have different, 
more significant risk characteristics than our investments in fixed maturity securities and may also have more volatile 
values and returns, all of which could negatively affect our investment income and liquidity. 

Alternative  or  "other"  investments  may  not  meet  regulatory  admissibility  requirements,  which  may  limit  our 
subsidiaries’ ability to make capital distributions to us and, consequently, negatively impact our liquidity. For more 
information on our alternative investments, see "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations - Investable Assets." 

The valuation of our investments may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are 
subject to differing interpretations and could result in changes to investment valuations that may materially 
adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. 

Fixed maturity and alternative investments, such as private equity funds, fixed income funds, fixed income and 
multi-strategy hedge funds, equity funds, real estate debt  funds and CLO equity funds, as well as direct investments 
in CLO equities, represent the majority of our total cash and invested assets. These investments are reported at fair 
value on our consolidated balance sheet. Fair value prices for all trading and available-for-sale securities in the fixed 
maturities portfolio are independently provided by our investment accounting service providers, investment managers 
and investment custodians, each of which utilize internationally recognized independent pricing services. We record 
the  unadjusted  price  provided  by  our  accounting  service  providers,  managers  or  custodians,  after  we  perform  an 
internal validation process. Fair value for our alternative investments is estimated based primarily on the most recently 
reported net asset values reported by the fund manager, which we may adjust following our internal review.  

These valuation procedures involve estimates and judgments, and during periods of market disruptions (such 
as periods of significantly rising or high interest rates, rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity), it may be difficult 
to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent or market data becomes less observable. In addition, 
there may be certain asset classes that are now in active markets with significant observable data that become illiquid 
due to changes in the financial environment. In these cases, the valuation of a greater number of securities in our 
investment portfolio may require more subjectivity and management judgment. As a result, valuations may include 
inputs and assumptions that are less observable or require greater estimation as well as valuation methods that are 
more sophisticated or require greater estimation, which may result in valuations greater than the value at which the 
investments could ultimately be sold. Further, rapidly changing and unpredictable credit and equity market conditions 
could materially affect the valuation of securities carried at fair value as reported within our consolidated financial 
statements and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases in value could have a material 
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 

The nature of our business liquidity demands and the structure of our entities’ investment portfolios 
may adversely affect the performance of our investment portfolio and financial results and our investing 
flexibility. 

We strive to structure our investments in a manner that recognizes our liquidity needs for future liabilities. Because 
of the unpredictable nature of losses that may arise under the insurance and reinsurance policies issued by certain of 
our subsidiaries and as a result of our opportunistic commutation strategy, our liquidity needs can be substantial and 
may arise at any time. In that regard, we attempt to correlate the maturity and duration of our investment portfolio to 
our general liability profile. If we are unsuccessful in managing our investment portfolio within the context of this strategy, 
we may be forced to liquidate our investments at times and at prices that are not optimal, and we may have difficulty 

29

liquidating some of our alternative investments due to restrictions on sales, transfers and redemptions. This could have 
a material adverse effect on our business and the performance of our investment portfolio. 

We maintain each acquired company and portfolio of insurance and reinsurance business in separate stand-
alone entities, and therefore, we have many individual portfolios of cash and investments. Each investment portfolio 
has  its  own  regulatory  admissibility  requirements,  and  each  run-off  entity  is  likely  to  have  negative  operating  and 
financing cash flows due to commutation activity, claims settlements and capital distributions. These factors reduce 
our overall investing flexibility. 

Our investments in life settlements contracts are subject to the risk that actual experience could differ 
substantially  from  our  assumptions  related  to  their  estimated  value,  which  may  impair  their  value  and 
adversely impact our results of operations. 

In 2015, we acquired companies that own interests in life insurance policies acquired in the secondary and 
tertiary  markets  and  through  collateralized  lending  transactions.  We  recognize  our  initial  investment  in  these  life 
settlements contracts at the transaction price plus all initial direct external costs. The transaction price was established 
based on certain assumptions, including the life expectancy of the insured person, the projected premium payments 
on the contract (including projections of possible rate increases from the related insurance carrier), the projected costs 
of administration relating to the contract, and the projected risk of non-payment, including the financial health of the 
related insurance carrier, the possibility of legal challenges from such insurance carrier or others and the possibility of 
regulatory changes that may affect payment. The estimated value of a contract is also affected by the discounted value 
of future cash flows from death benefits and the discounted value of future premiums due on the contract. 

The actual value of any life settlement contract cannot be determined until the policy matures (i.e., the insured 
has died and the insurance carrier has paid out the death benefit to the holder). We pay continuing costs to keep the 
policies in force, primarily life insurance premiums, which increases the carrying amount of the investment. Because 
we recognize income on individual investments at an amount equal to the excess of the investment proceeds over the 
carrying amount of the investment at the time the insured dies, the profitability of our life settlements investments is 
contingent on actual experience relative to the key assumptions we made when the life settlement investment was 
acquired. If actual experience differs from these assumptions, our carrying value of these investments may increase. 
The investments are subject to a quarterly impairment review on a contract-by-contract basis. A significant negative 
difference between the carrying cost of contracts and death benefits expected to be received at maturity of contracts 
could adversely affect our net investment income and our results of operations. 

Risks Relating to Laws and Regulation 

Insurance laws and regulations restrict our ability to operate, and any failure to comply with these laws 
and regulations, or any investigations, inquiries or demands by government authorities, may have a material 
adverse effect on our business. 

We are subject to the insurance laws and regulations of a number of jurisdictions worldwide. Existing laws and 
regulations, among other things, limit the amount of dividends that can be paid to us by our insurance and reinsurance 
subsidiaries,  prescribe  solvency  and  capital  adequacy  standards,  impose  restrictions  on  the  amount  and  type  of 
investments that can be held to meet solvency and capital adequacy requirements, require the maintenance of reserve 
liabilities, and require pre-approval of acquisitions and certain affiliate transactions. Failure to comply with these laws 
and  regulations  or  to  maintain  appropriate  authorizations,  licenses,  and/or  exemptions  under  applicable  laws  and 
regulations may cause governmental authorities to preclude or suspend our insurance or reinsurance subsidiaries 
from carrying on some or all of their activities, place one or more of them into rehabilitation or liquidation proceedings, 
impose monetary penalties or other sanctions on them or our affiliates, or commence insurance company delinquency 
proceedings against our insurance or reinsurance subsidiaries. The application of these laws and regulations by various 
governmental authorities, including authorities outside the United States, may affect our liquidity and restrict our ability 
to  expand  our  business  operations  through  acquisitions  or  to  pay  dividends  on  our  ordinary  shares.  Furthermore, 
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements may result in significant expenses, which could have a negative 
impact on our profitability. To further understand these risks, see "Item 1. Business - Regulation." 

In  addition  to  legal  and  regulatory  requirements,  the  insurance  and  reinsurance  industry  has  experienced 
substantial volatility as a result of investigations, litigation and regulatory activity by various insurance, governmental 
and enforcement authorities, including the SEC, concerning certain practices within the insurance and reinsurance 
industry. Insurance and reinsurance companies that we have acquired, or may acquire in the future, may have been 
or may become involved in these or other investigations, litigation or regulatory activity and may have lawsuits filed or 
other regulatory actions taken against them. Our involvement in any investigations, litigations or regulatory activity, 

30

including any related lawsuits, would cause us to incur legal costs and, if we or any of our insurance or reinsurance 
subsidiaries were found to have violated any laws or regulations, we could be required to pay fines and damages and 
incur other sanctions, perhaps in material amounts, which could have a material negative impact on our profitability. 

Political, regulatory and industry initiatives could materially adversely affect our business by increasing 
the amount of regulation we face or changing the nature of the regulations that apply to us in operating our 
insurance businesses or acquiring new insurance businesses. 

Increasingly, governmental authorities have taken interest in the potential systemic risks posed by the insurance 
and reinsurance industry as a whole. The insurance regulatory environment has become subject to increased scrutiny 
across a number of jurisdictions, and authorities regularly consider enhanced or new regulatory requirements and seek 
to exercise their supervisory authority in new and more extensive ways. Regulators are generally concerned with the 
protection of policyholders above other constituencies, including our shareholders. Additional laws and regulations 
have been and may continue to be enacted in the wake of the recent or future financial and credit crises that may have 
adverse effects on our operations, financial condition and liquidity. We cannot predict the exact nature, timing or scope 
of these initiatives; however, we believe it is likely there will be increased regulatory intervention in our industry in the 
future, and these initiatives could adversely affect our business. 

For  example,  the  implementation  of  Solvency  II,  an  E.U.-wide  directive  covering  the  capital  adequacy,  risk 
management and regulatory reporting for insurers, requires significant resources to ensure compliance by our E.U. 
companies.  Additionally, if our non-E.U. subsidiaries engage in E.U. insurance or reinsurance business, additional 
capital requirements may be imposed for such companies to continue to insure or reinsure E.U.-domiciled risk or 
cedants if their regulatory regime is not deemed to have Solvency II equivalence. 

In the United States, the Dodd-Frank Act addresses the entire financial services industry and includes initiatives 
such  as  the  creation  of  a  Federal  Insurance  Office  and  other  federal  oversight  agencies,  the  requiring  of  more 
transparency, accountability and focus in protecting investors and businesses, the input of shareholders regarding 
executive  compensation,  and  the  enhanced  empowerment  of  regulators  to  punish  fraud  and  unethical  business 
practices. Continued compliance with these laws and regulations is likely to result in additional regulation and additional 
costs for us. 

In many of the jurisdictions in which we operate, including Bermuda, there are increased initiatives relating to 
group  supervision  though  cooperation  and  coordination  among  insurance  regulators  regardless  of  an  individual 
company’s domiciliary jurisdiction. As of January 1, 2016, the BMA acts as our group supervisor, as described in "Item 
1. Business - Regulation," which has led to increased regulatory reporting and oversight. 

In addition, increased scrutiny by insurance regulators of investments in or acquisitions of insurers or insurance 
holding companies by private equity firms or hedge funds may result in imposition of additional regulatory requirements 
and restrictions. We have in the past partnered with private equity firms in making acquisitions and may do so in the 
future. This increased scrutiny may make it difficult to complete U.S. acquisitions with private equity or hedge funds 
should we seek to do so. In addition, private equity firms have invested in Enstar and may seek to do so in the future. 
This increased scrutiny may materially adversely impact our ability to raise capital through transactions with these 
types of investors. 

The United Kingdom’s referendum vote to leave the European Union could adversely affect our business.

In an advisory referendum held on June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom ("U.K.") voted to leave the European 
Union ("E.U.") (commonly referred to as “Brexit”). The timing and nature of the U.K.’s withdrawal from the E.U. is yet 
to be determined, and the form of the U.K.’s future relationship with the E.U. may not be clear for some time. We have 
significant operations and employees in the United Kingdom, including our Lloyd’s businesses. Brexit’s impact on our 
U.K.  businesses  will  depend  on  the  U.K.  and  Lloyd’s  abilities  to  retain  access  to  the  E.U.  markets,  and  our  U.K. 
businesses could be adversely affected if adequate access to these markets is not obtained. Brexit may also lead to 
legal uncertainty and differences in national laws and regulations as the U.K. determines which E.U. laws to replace 
or replicate, and these issues could impact our structure and operations. The Brexit vote had an immediate adverse 
effect on global financial and foreign exchange markets, and instability and uncertainty in the European economy and 
in global financial markets may continue for some time. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others we cannot anticipate, 
could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Changes  in  accounting  principles  and  financial  reporting  requirements  could  impact  our  reported 

financial results and our reported financial condition. 

31

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which is periodically revised by the Financial 
Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), and they are subject to the accounting-related rules and interpretations of the 
SEC. We are required to adopt new and revised accounting standards implemented by the FASB. 

Unanticipated developments in accounting practices, for example a convergence of U.S. GAAP with International 
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), may require us to incur considerable additional expenses to comply with such 
developments, particularly if we are required to prepare information relating to prior periods for comparative purposes 
or to apply the new requirements retroactively. The impact of changes in accounting standards, particularly those that 
apply to insurance companies, cannot be predicted but may affect the calculation of net earnings, shareholders’ equity 
and other relevant financial statement line items. In addition, such changes may cause additional volatility in reported 
earnings, decrease the understandability of our financial results and affect the comparability of our reported results 
with the results of others. 

Risks Relating to our Operations 

We are dependent on our executive officers, directors and other key personnel and the loss of any of 

these individuals could adversely affect our business. 

Our success substantially depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and upon the ability 
of our senior management and other key employees to implement our business strategy. We believe that there are 
only a limited number of available qualified personnel in the businesses in which we compete, and the pool of highly 
skilled employees available to fill key positions at our companies may fluctuate based on market conditions. We rely 
substantially upon the services of our executive officers and our subsidiaries’ executive officers and directors, as well 
as  our  local  management  teams,  to  implement  our  business  strategies.  The  loss  of  the  services  of  any  of  our 
management or other key personnel, or the loss of the services of or our relationships with any of our directors, could 
have a material adverse effect on our business. Higher demand for employees having desired talents could lead to 
increased compensation expectations for existing and prospective personnel across our organization, which could 
also make it difficult to maintain labor expenses at desired levels. 

Our directors and executive officers may have ownership interests or other involvement with entities 
that  could  compete  against  us,  and  conflicts  of  interest  might  prevent  us  from  pursuing  desirable 
acquisitions, investments and other business opportunities. 

Our directors and executive officers may have ownership interests or other involvement with entities that could 
compete against us or otherwise have interests that could, at times, be considered potentially adverse to us, either in 
the pursuit of acquisition targets, investments or in our business operations. We have also participated in transactions 
in which one or more of our directors or executive officers or their affiliates had an interest, and we may do so in the 
future. The interests of our directors and executive officers in such transactions or such entities may result in a conflict 
of interest for those directors and officers. 

The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, which is comprised entirely of independent directors, reviews 
any material transactions involving a conflict of interest and may take actions as it deems appropriate in the particular 
circumstances. We may not be able to pursue all advantageous transactions that we would otherwise pursue in the 
absence of a conflict, in particular if our Audit Committee is unable to determine that any such transaction is on terms 
as favorable as we could otherwise obtain in the absence of a conflict. 

Cybersecurity events or other difficulties with our information security assets could disrupt business 
operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information, and adversely impact our reputation 
and results of operations. 

We  rely  heavily  on  the  successful,  uninterrupted  functioning  of  our  information  technology  assets  and 
telecommunications systems, as well as those of any third-party service providers we use. We depend on information 
technology systems to perform functions critical to our business such as paying claims, performing actuarial and other 
modeling functions, pricing, quoting and processing policies, cash and investment management, acquisition work, 
financial  reporting  and  other  necessary  support  functions.  A  failure  of  our  information  technology  assets  or 
telecommunications systems could materially impact our ability to perform these functions, affect the confidentiality, 
availability  or  integrity  of  our  proprietary  information  and  expose  us  to  litigation  and  increase  our  administrative 
expenses. 

Computer  viruses,  cyber-attacks,  and  other  external  hazards,  as  well  as  any  internal  process  or  employee 
failures, could expose our information technology assets to security breaches that may cause critical data to be corrupted 
or confidential or proprietary information to be exposed, or cause system disruptions or shut-downs. In addition to our 

32

own information, we receive and may be responsible for protecting confidential information from clients and other third 
parties, which could also be compromised in the event of a security breach. Our active underwriting companies rely 
on broker portals to bind certain business, and, therefore, a service interruption would negatively impact our ability to 
write business. 

Where we rely on third parties for outsourced functions and other services, our information may be exposed to 
the  risk  of  a  data  breach  or  cyber-security  incident  through  their  systems. Although  we  utilize  numerous  controls, 
protections and risk management strategies to attempt to mitigate these risks, and management is not aware of a 
material cybersecurity incident to date, the sophistication and volume of these security threats continues to increase. 
The potential consequences of a data breach or cyber-security incident could include claims against us, significant 
reputational damage to our company, damage to our business as a result of disclosure of proprietary information, and 
regulatory action against us. Such an incident could cause us to lose business and commit resources, management 
time and money to remediate these breaches, any of which in turn could have an adverse impact on our business. 

If  outsourced  providers  such  as  third-party  administrators,  managing  general  agents,  investment 
managers or other service providers were to breach obligations owed to us, our business and results of 
operations could be adversely affected. 

We  outsource  certain  business  functions  to  third-party  providers,  and  these  providers  may  not  perform  as 
anticipated or may fail to adhere to their obligations to us. For example, certain of our subsidiaries rely on relationships 
with a number of third-party administrators under contracts pursuant to which these third-party administrators manage 
and pay claims on our subsidiaries’ behalf and advise with respect to case reserves. In these relationships, we rely 
on controls incorporated in the provisions of the administration agreement, as well as on the administrator’s internal 
controls, to manage the claims process within our prescribed parameters. Our StarStone and Atrium subsidiaries use 
managing general agents, general agents and other producers to write and administer business on their behalf within 
underwriting authorities prescribed by StarStone and Atrium. We also rely on external investment managers to provide 
services pursuant to the terms of our investment management agreements, including following established investment 
guidelines. Although we monitor these administrators, agents and producers, and managers on an ongoing basis, our 
monitoring efforts may not be adequate or our service providers could exceed their authorities or otherwise breach 
obligations owed to us, which, if material, could adversely affect our business and results of operations. 

With respect to certain of our subsidiaries’ life insurance products, our subsidiaries depend upon the counterparty 
to an administrative services agreement in order to collect policy premiums and maintain necessary customer data. 
There is a risk that the counterparty may fail to perform its obligations under the agreement to provide accurate and 
timely premiums and data, or that we or the counterparty could experience difficulties with the operation of the supporting 
technology systems. Any of these risks could result in underperformance of our life and annuities business compared 
to our expectations, and could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of 
operations. 

Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Ordinary Shares 

Our stock price may experience volatility, thereby causing a potential loss of value to our investors. 

The market price for our ordinary shares may fluctuate substantially and could cause investment losses due to, 

among other things, the following factors: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

announcements with respect to an acquisition or investment; 

changes in the value of our assets; 

our quarterly and annual operating results; 

sales, or the possibility or perception of future sales, by our existing shareholders; 

changes in general conditions in the economy and the insurance industry; 

the financial markets; and 

adverse press or news announcements. 

A few significant shareholders may influence or control the direction of our business. If the ownership 
of our ordinary shares continues to be highly concentrated, it may limit your ability and the ability of other 
shareholders to influence significant corporate decisions. 

33

We have a number of shareholders with large interests, including several that may be affiliated with members 
of our Board of Directors. The interests of certain significant shareholders may not be fully aligned with your interests, 
and  this  may  lead  to  a  strategy  that  is  not  in  your  best  interest. As  of  December 31,  2016,  CPPIB, Akre  Capital 
Management ("Akre Capital"), Trident, Beck Mack & Oliver ("Beck Mack"), and Enstar's three individual co-founders 
(collectively) beneficially owned approximately 13.8%, 8.9%, 8.3%, 4.99%, and 6.1%, respectively, of our outstanding 
voting  ordinary  shares.  CPPIB  owns  additional  non-voting  ordinary  shares  that,  together  with  its  voting  shares, 
represented an economic interest of approximately 17.7% as of December 31, 2016. Funds managed by Hillhouse 
Capital Management (collectively, "Hillhouse") own approximately 2.1% of our outstanding voting ordinary shares that, 
together with their non-voting shares and warrants, represented an economic interest of approximately 9.8% as of
December 31, 2016.

Although they do not act as a group, these shareholders may exercise significant influence over matters requiring 
shareholder approval, and their concentrated holdings may delay or deter possible changes in control of Enstar, which 
may reduce the market price of our ordinary shares. 

Some aspects of our corporate structure may discourage third-party takeovers and other transactions, 
limit  voting  rights  of  certain  shareholders  to  9.5%  or  prevent  the  removal  of  our  board  of  directors  and 
management. 

Some provisions of our bye-laws have the effect of making more difficult or discouraging unsolicited takeover 
bids from third parties or preventing the removal of our current board of directors and management. In particular, our 
bye-laws make it difficult for any U.S. shareholder or Direct Foreign Shareholder Group (a shareholder or group of 
commonly controlled shareholders of Enstar that are not U.S. persons) to own or control ordinary shares that constitute 
9.5% or more of the voting power of all of our ordinary shares. The votes conferred by such shares will be reduced by 
whatever amount is necessary so that after any such reduction the votes conferred by such shares will constitute 9.5% 
of the total voting power of all ordinary shares entitled to vote generally. The primary purpose of this restriction is to 
reduce the likelihood that we or any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries will be deemed a "controlled foreign corporation" 
within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") for U.S. federal tax purposes. However, 
this limit may also have the effect of deterring purchases of large blocks of our ordinary shares or proposals to acquire 
us, even if some or a majority of our shareholders might deem these purchases or acquisition proposals to be in their 
best  interests.  In  addition,  our  bye-laws  provide  for  a  classified  board,  whose  members  may  be  removed  by  our 
shareholders only for cause by a majority vote, and contain restrictions on the ability of shareholders to nominate 
persons to serve as directors, submit resolutions to a shareholder vote and request special general meetings. 

These bye-law provisions make it more difficult to acquire control of us by means of a tender offer, open market 
purchase, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions may encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to 
negotiate with our directors, which we believe would generally best serve the interests of our shareholders. However, 
these provisions may have the effect of discouraging a prospective acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise 
attempting to obtain control of us. In addition, these bye-law provisions may prevent the removal of our current board 
of  directors  and  management.  To  the  extent  these  provisions  discourage  takeover  attempts,  they  may  deprive 
shareholders of opportunities to realize takeover premiums for their shares or may depress the market price of the 
shares. 

There are regulatory limitations on the ownership and transfer of our ordinary shares. 

Insurance laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries operate 
require  prior  notices  or  regulatory  approval  of  changes  in  control  of  an  insurer  or  its  holding  company.  Different 
jurisdictions define changes in control differently, and generally any purchaser of 10% or more of our ordinary shares 
could become subject to regulation and be required to file certain notices and reports with the applicable insurance 
authorities. These laws may discourage potential acquisition proposals and may delay, deter or prevent a change in 
control of us, including transactions that some shareholders might consider to be desirable. 

34

The market value of our ordinary shares may decline if large numbers of shares are sold, including 

pursuant to existing registration rights. 

We have several registration rights agreements in place pursuant to which, either as parties thereto or by virtue 
of assignment, certain of our shareholders hold registration rights. These primarily include CPPIB, Trident, Hillhouse 
and Corsair Capital. These agreements include demand registration rights pursuant to which these shareholders may 
require that we register certain of their ordinary shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities 
Act"), on up to an aggregate of eight occasions. All of these investors also have "piggyback" registration rights with 
respect to our registration of voting ordinary shares for our own account or for the account of one or more of our 
shareholders. As of December 31, 2016, an aggregate of approximately 8.0 million ordinary shares (approximately 
3.1 million of which are non-voting ordinary shares) are subject to these registration rights agreements.  

By exercising their registration rights, these holders could cause a large number of ordinary shares to be registered 
and generally become freely tradable without restrictions under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness 
of the registration. Our ordinary shares have in the past been, and may from time to time continue to be, thinly traded, 
and significant sales, pursuant to the existing registration rights or otherwise, could adversely affect the market price 
for our ordinary shares and impair our ability to raise capital through offerings of our equity securities. 

Because we are incorporated in Bermuda, it may be difficult for shareholders to serve process or enforce 

judgments against us or our directors and officers. 

We are a Bermuda company. In addition, certain of our officers and directors reside in countries outside the 
United States. All or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of these officers and directors are or may be 
located outside the United States. Investors may have difficulty effecting service of process within the United States 
on our directors and officers who reside outside the United States or recovering against us or these directors and 
officers on judgments of U.S. courts based on civil liabilities provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws even though 
we have appointed an agent in the United States to receive service of process. Further, no claim may be brought in 
Bermuda against us or our directors and officers for violation of U.S. federal securities laws, as such laws do not have 
force of law in Bermuda. A Bermuda court may, however, impose civil liability, including the possibility of monetary 
damages, on us or our directors and officers if the facts alleged in a complaint constitute or give rise to a cause of 
action under Bermuda law. 

We believe that there is doubt as to whether the courts of Bermuda would enforce judgments of U.S. courts 
obtained in actions against us or our directors and officers, as well as our independent auditors, predicated upon the 
civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws or original actions brought in Bermuda against us or these 
persons predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws. Further, there is no treaty in effect between the United 
States and Bermuda providing for the enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, and there are grounds upon which 
Bermuda courts may not enforce judgments of U.S. courts. Some remedies available under the laws of U.S. jurisdictions, 
including some remedies available under the U.S. federal securities laws, may not be allowed in Bermuda courts as 
contrary to that jurisdiction’s public policy. Because judgments of U.S. courts are not automatically enforceable in 
Bermuda, it may be difficult for you to recover against us based upon such judgments. 

Shareholders who own our ordinary shares may have more difficulty in protecting their interests than 

shareholders of a U.S. corporation. 

The Bermuda Companies Act (the "Companies Act"), which applies to us, differs in certain material respects 
from laws generally applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. As a result of these differences, shareholders 
who own our shares may have more difficulty protecting their interests than shareholders who own shares of a U.S. 
corporation.  For  example,  class  actions  and  derivative  actions  are  generally  not  available  to  shareholders  under 
Bermuda law. Under Bermuda law, only shareholders holding collectively 5% or more of our outstanding ordinary 
shares or numbering 100 or more are entitled to propose a resolution at our general meeting. 

We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our ordinary shares. 

We do not intend to pay a cash dividend on our ordinary shares. Rather, we intend to use any retained earnings 
to fund the development and growth of our business. From time to time, our board of directors will review our alternatives 
with respect to our earnings and seek to maximize value for our shareholders. In the future, we may decide to commence 
a dividend program for the benefit of our shareholders. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion 
of our board of directors and will be limited by our position as a holding company that lacks direct operations, the 
results of operations of our subsidiaries, our financial condition, cash requirements and prospects and other factors 
that our board of directors deems relevant. In addition, there are significant regulatory and other constraints that could 

35

prevent us from paying dividends in any event. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, on our ordinary shares may be 
your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future. 

Our  board  of  directors  may  decline  to  register  a  transfer  of  our  ordinary  shares  under  certain 

circumstances. 

Our board of directors may decline to register a transfer of ordinary shares under certain circumstances, including 
if it has reason to believe that any non-de minimis adverse tax, regulatory or legal consequences to us, any of our 
subsidiaries or any of our shareholders may occur as a result of such transfer. Further, our bye-laws provide us with 
the option to repurchase, or to assign to a third party the right to purchase, the minimum number of shares necessary 
to eliminate any such non-de minimis adverse tax, regulatory or legal consequence. In addition, our board of directors 
may decline to approve or register a transfer of shares unless all applicable consents, authorizations, permissions or 
approvals  of  any  governmental  body  or  agency  in  Bermuda,  the  United  States,  the  United  Kingdom  or  any  other 
applicable jurisdiction required to be obtained prior to such transfer shall have been obtained. The proposed transferor 
of any shares will be deemed to own those shares for dividend, voting and reporting purposes until a transfer of such 
shares has been registered on our shareholders register. 

It is our understanding that while the precise form of the restrictions on transfer contained in our bye-laws is 
untested, as a matter of general principle, restrictions on transfers are enforceable under Bermuda law and are not 
uncommon. These restrictions on transfer may also have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in 
control. 

Risks Relating to Taxation 

We might incur unexpected U.S., U.K., Australia, or other tax liabilities if companies in our group that 
are incorporated outside those jurisdictions are determined to be carrying on a trade or business in such 
jurisdictions. 

We and a number of our subsidiaries are companies formed under the laws of Bermuda or other jurisdictions 
that do not impose income taxes; it is our contemplation that these companies will not incur substantial income tax 
liabilities from their operations. Because the operations of these companies generally involve, or relate to, the insurance 
or reinsurance of risks that arise in higher tax jurisdictions, such as the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, 
it is possible that the taxing authorities in those jurisdictions may assert that the activities of one or more of these 
companies  creates  a  sufficient  nexus  in  that  jurisdiction  to  subject  the  company  to  income  tax  there.  There  are 
uncertainties in how the relevant rules apply to insurance businesses, and in our eligibility for favorable treatment under 
applicable tax treaties. Accordingly, it is possible that we could incur substantial unexpected tax liabilities. 

U.S. persons who own our ordinary shares might become subject to adverse U.S. tax consequences as 

a result of "related person insurance income," if any, of our non-U.S. insurance company subsidiaries. 

For any of our wholly-owned non-U.S. insurance company subsidiaries, if (1) U.S. persons are treated as owning 
25% or more of our shares, (2) the related person insurance income ("RPII") of that subsidiary were to equal or exceed 
20% of its gross insurance income in any taxable year, and (3) direct or indirect insureds of that subsidiary (and persons 
related to such insureds) own (or are treated as owning) 20% or more of the voting power or value of our shares, then 
a U.S. person who owns our shares directly, or indirectly through non-U.S. entities, on the last day of the taxable year 
would be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes that person's pro rata share of the RPII 
of such a non-U.S. insurance company for the entire taxable year, whether or not any such amounts are actually 
distributed. (In the case of any of our partially-owned non-U.S. insurance company subsidiaries, the RPII provisions 
apply  similarly,  except  that  the  percentage  share  ownership  thresholds  described  in  the  preceding  sentence  are 
measured in terms of indirect ownership of the subsidiary’s shares rather than in terms of ownership of our shares.) 

Moreover, if the RPII rules of the Code were to apply to any of our non-U.S. insurance company subsidiaries, 
any RPII that is includible in the income of a U.S. tax-exempt organization would generally be treated as unrelated 
business taxable income. Although we and our subsidiaries intend to operate generally in a manner so as to avoid 
exceeding the foregoing thresholds for application of the RPII rules, there can be no assurance that this will always 
be the case. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that U.S. persons who own our ordinary shares will not be required 
to recognize gross income inclusions attributable to RPII. 

In addition, the RPII rules provide that if a shareholder who is a U.S. person disposes of shares in a foreign 
insurance company that has RPII and in which U.S. persons collectively own 25% or more of the total combined voting 
power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or the total value of the stock, any gain from the disposition will generally 
be treated as dividend income to the extent of the shareholder’s share of the corporation’s undistributed earnings and 

36

profits that were accumulated during the period that the shareholder owned the shares (whether or not those earnings 
and  profits  are  attributable  to  RPII).  Such  a  shareholder  would  also  be  required  to  comply  with  certain  reporting 
requirements, regardless of the amount of shares owned by the shareholder. These rules should not apply to dispositions 
of our ordinary shares because we will not be directly engaged in the insurance business. The RPII rules have not 
been interpreted by the courts or the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and regulations interpreting the RPII 
rules exist only in proposed form. Accordingly, there is no assurance that our views as to the inapplicability of these 
rules to a disposition of our ordinary shares will be accepted by the IRS or a court.  

U.S. persons who own our ordinary shares would be subject to adverse tax consequences if we were 

considered a "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes. 

We believe that we will not be a PFIC for U.S. federal income purposes for the current year. In particular, we 
believe that the income of our non-U.S. subsidiaries that are insurance companies is derived in the "active conduct of 
an insurance business" by corporations that are predominately engaged in such business, and that this is also the 
case for us when the operations of our subsidiaries are considered as a whole, under the look-through rules applicable 
to foreign holding companies. Moreover, we do not expect to conduct our activities in a manner that will cause us to 
become a PFIC in the future. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge this position or that 
a court will not sustain such challenge. Accordingly, it is possible that we might be deemed a PFIC by the IRS or a 
court for the current year or any future year. If we were a PFIC, it could have material adverse tax consequences for 
an investor that is subject to U.S. federal income taxation, including subjecting the investor to a substantial acceleration 
and/or increase in tax liability. 

There  are  currently  no  final  regulations  regarding  the  application  of  the  PFIC  provisions  of  the  Code  to  an 
insurance company, so the application of those provisions to insurance companies remains unclear in certain respects.  
The IRS issued proposed regulations on this subject in April 2015, which, if finalized as proposed, might be construed 
to cause us to be treated as a PFIC.  In response to the proposed regulations, comments have been submitted to the 
IRS on behalf of Bermuda-based insurance holding companies and others, requesting changes and clarifications to 
the proposed regulations so that a holding company with our structure will not be considered a PFIC.  There is no 
assurance that the regulations will be finalized in a manner that clearly accommodates our existing structure. 

U.S. persons who own 10 percent or more of our shares may be subject to taxation under the "controlled 

foreign corporation" ("CFC") rules. 

A U.S. person that is a "10% U.S. Shareholder" of a non-U.S. corporation (i.e., a U.S. person who owns or is 
treated as owning at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote of the non-
U.S. corporation) that is a CFC for an uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during a taxable year, that owns shares 
in the CFC directly or indirectly through non-U.S. entities on the last day of the CFC’s taxable year, must include in 
gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes the person’s pro rata share of the CFC’s "subpart F income," even 
if the subpart F income is not distributed. "Subpart F income" of a non-U.S. insurance corporation typically includes 
foreign personal holding company income (such as interest, dividends and other types of passive income), as well as 
insurance  and  reinsurance  income  (including  underwriting  and  investment  income)  other  than,  under  certain 
circumstances, income from insuring non-U.S. risks. 

A non-U.S. corporation is considered a CFC if "10% U.S. Shareholders" own (directly, indirectly through non-
U.S. entities, or by attribution by application of the constructive ownership rules of section 958(b) of the Code (i.e., 
"constructively")) more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of that foreign corporation, 
or the total value of all stock of that foreign corporation. For purposes of taking into account insurance income, a CFC 
also may include a non-U.S. insurance company that has more than 25% of the total combined voting power of all 
classes of stock (or more than 25% of the total value of the stock) owned directly, indirectly through non-U.S. entities, 
or constructively by 10% U.S. Shareholders on any day during the corporation’s taxable year. 

We believe that because of the dispersion of our share ownership, and provisions in our organizational documents 
that limit voting power, no U.S. person (including our subsidiary Enstar USA, Inc., which owns certain of our Series C 
Preferred Shares) should be treated as owning (directly, indirectly through non-U.S. entities or constructively) 10% or 
more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our shares. However, the IRS could challenge the effectiveness 
of these provisions in our organizational documents. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that a U.S. person who 
owns our shares will not be characterized as a 10% U.S. Shareholder. 

Changes in U.S. federal tax law and other tax laws could materially affect us or our shareholders. 

Legislation  has  been  proposed  on  various  occasions  to  eliminate  perceived  tax  advantages  of  insurance 
companies  that  have  legal  domiciles  outside  the  United  States  but  have  certain  U.S.  connections.  For  example, 

37

legislation has been proposed to disallow the deduction of reinsurance premiums paid by U.S. companies to certain 
non-U.S. affiliates, although no such provision has been enacted to date. It is possible that such legislation could be 
enacted or similar legislation could be introduced in and enacted by the current Congress or future Congresses and 
enactment of some version of such legislation, or other changes in U.S. tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof, 
could have an adverse impact on us or our shareholders. 

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (the "OECD") is a global governing organization, 
which analyzes and compares multi-national entities’ tax status using various metrics and reporting facts and figures. 
Created by the OECD under the initiative known as the “Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project (“BEPS”), “Country-
by-Country Reporting” (Action 13) aims to ensure that multi-national businesses provide appropriate and accurate 
information to each respective member and non-member region based on various metrics. These metrics are directed 
at counteracting the effects of global preferential tax regimes and increasing tax transparency.  As a result of this 
initiative,  we  expect  that  countries,  including  those  in  which  we  operate,  may  change  their  tax  laws  and  enhance 
reporting requirements. Such changes could increase the burden and costs of compliance.

ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

We lease office space in Hamilton, Bermuda, where our principal executive office is located. We also lease office 
space in a number of U.S. states, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, India, Singapore and 
several Continental European countries. 

We renew and enter into new leases in the ordinary course of our business. We believe that this office space is 
sufficient  for  us  to  conduct  our  current  operations  for  the  foreseeable  future,  although  in  connection  with  future 
acquisitions from time to time, we may expand to different locations or increase space to support any such growth.

In connection with the acquisition of Dana Companies in December 2016, we acquired properties in the United 

States. The acquired properties have no present value and are not used to run our operations. 

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For a discussion of legal proceedings, see "Note 23 - Commitments and Contingencies" in the notes to our 
consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein 
by reference.

ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

38

PART II

ITEM 5.  
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

Our ordinary shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "ESGR".

Market and Dividend Information

On February 23, 2017, the last reported sale price for our shares was $193.55 per share. The price range per 
ordinary share presented below represents the highest and lowest sale prices for our ordinary shares on the NASDAQ 
Global Select Market during the quarterly periods indicated:

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

2016

2015

High

Low

High

Low

$
$
$
$

164.69 $
164.91 $
171.66 $
209.35 $

142.35 $
148.91 $
157.32 $
161.01 $

152.91 $
161.24 $
166.40 $
161.97 $

133.35
139.36
143.63
145.73

Enstar has not historically declared a dividend. Our strategy is to retain earnings and invest distributions from 
our subsidiaries back into the company. We do not currently expect to pay any dividends on our ordinary shares. Any 
payment of dividends must be approved by our Board of Directors. Our ability to pay dividends is subject to certain 
restrictions,  as  described  in  "Note  22  -  Dividend  Restrictions  and  Statutory  Requirements"  in  the  notes  to  our 
consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein 
by reference.

Holders

On February 23, 2017 there were 1,789 shareholders of record of our voting ordinary shares and 3 shareholders 
of record of our non-voting ordinary shares. The number of shareholders of record of our voting ordinary shares does 
not represent the actual number of beneficial owners of our voting ordinary shares because shares are frequently held 
in “street name” by securities dealers and others for the benefit of beneficial owners who may vote the shares.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information about ordinary shares acquired by the Company during the three months 
ended December 31, 2016, which are related to shares withheld from employees in order to facilitate the payment of 
withholding taxes on restricted shares.  The Company does not have a share repurchase program.

Period

October 1, 2016 - October 31, 2016

November 1, 2016 - November 30, 2016

December 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016

Total

Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased(1)

Average Price
Paid per
Share

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May Yet
be Purchased Under
the Program

— $

— $

689

$

200.00

$

— $

689

— $

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

(1) 

Includes shares withheld from employees in order to facilitate the payment of withholding taxes on restricted shares granted pursuant to our 
equity incentive plan.  The shares are calculated at their fair market value, as determined by reference to the closing price of our ordinary shares 
on the vesting date. 

39

 
 
Performance Graph

The following performance graph compares the cumulative total return on our ordinary shares with the cumulative 
total  return  on  the  NASDAQ  Composite  Index  and  the  NASDAQ  Insurance  Index  for  the  period  that  commenced 
December 31, 2011 and ended on December 31, 2016. The performance graph shows the value as of December 31 
of each calendar year of $100 invested on December 31, 2011 in our ordinary shares, the NASDAQ Composite Index, 
and the NASDAQ Insurance Index assuming the reinvestment of dividends. Returns have been weighted to reflect 
relative market capitalization. This information is not necessarily indicative of future returns. 

Indexed Returns* for Years Ended December 31, 

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Enstar Group Limited
NASDAQ Composite Index 
NASDAQ Insurance Index

100.00
100.00
100.00

114.03
116.41
110.26

141.46
165.47
148.88

155.69
188.69
162.67

152.79
200.32
177.32

201.32
216.54
206.99

*$100 invested on December 31, 2011 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.

40

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected historical financial information for each of the past five fiscal years has been derived from 
our audited historical financial statements. This information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with 
"Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated 
financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations 
for historical accounting periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future accounting 
period.

Since our inception, we have made numerous acquisitions of companies and portfolios of business that impact 
the  comparability  between  periods  of  the  information  reflected  below.  In  particular,  our  2016  acquisition  of  Dana 
Companies, our 2015 acquisitions of Alpha, the life settlement companies of Wilton Re, and Sussex, our 2014 acquisition 
of StarStone and our 2013 acquisitions of SeaBright, Pavonia, Arden and Atrium impact comparability to other periods, 
including with respect to net premiums earned. In addition, we have now classified our Pavonia operations as held-
for-sale, and its results of operations are included in discontinued operations. Our acquisitions and significant new 
business are described in "Item 1. Business - Recent Acquisitions and Significant New Business” and Notes 3 and 4 
of our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Statements of Earnings Data:

Net premiums earned

Fees and commission income

Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Net incurred losses and LAE

Acquisition costs

Total other expenses, net

Net earnings from continuing operations

Net earnings (losses) from discontinuing
operations

Net earnings

Less: Net loss (earnings) attributable to

noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to Enstar Group

Limited

Per Ordinary Share Data: (1)
Earnings per ordinary share attributable to
Enstar Group Limited:

Basic:

Net earnings from continuing operations

Net earnings (loss) from discontinuing
operations

Net earnings per ordinary share

Diluted:

Net earnings from continuing operations

Net earnings (loss) from discontinuing
operations

Net earnings per ordinary share

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

$

823,514

$

753,744

$

542,991

$

147,613

$

39,364

185,463

77,818

(174,099)

(186,569)

(473,041)

292,450

11,963

304,413

39,347

122,564

(41,523)

(104,333)

(163,716)

(393,711)

212,372

(2,031)

210,341

34,919

66,024

51,991

(9,146)

(117,542)

(347,540)

221,697

5,539

227,236

12,817

62,117

78,394

163,672

(14,436)

(230,056)

220,121

3,701

223,822

3,511

8,570

68,864

73,612

237,953

—

(200,991)

191,519

—

191,519

(39,606)

9,950

(13,487)

(15,218)

(23,502)

$

264,807

$

220,291

$

213,749

$

208,604

$

168,017

$

$

$

$

$

$

13.10

0.62

13.72

13.00

0.62

13.62

$

$

$

$

$

$

11.55

$

(0.11) $

11.44

$

11.46

$

(0.11) $

11.35

$

11.31

0.30

11.61

11.15

0.29

11.44

$

$

$

$

$

$

12.40

0.22

12.62

12.27

0.22

12.49

$

$

$

$

$

$

10.22

—

10.22

10.10

—

10.10

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

19,299,426

19,447,241

19,252,072

19,407,756

18,409,069

18,678,130

16,523,369

16,703,442

16,441,461

16,638,021

(1) Earnings per share is a measure based on net earnings divided by weighted average ordinary shares outstanding. Basic earnings per share is 
defined as net earnings available to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the period, 
giving no effect to dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share is defined as net earnings available to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted 
average number of shares and share equivalents outstanding calculated using the treasury stock method for all potentially dilutive securities. When 
the effect of dilutive securities would be anti-dilutive, these securities are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

41

 
 
 
2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

December 31,

Balance Sheet Data:
Total investments
Total cash and cash equivalents
(inclusive of restricted)
Reinsurance balances recoverable
Total assets
Losses and loss adjustment expense
liabilities
Policy benefits for life and annuity
contracts
Loans payable
Total Enstar Group Limited
shareholders’ equity
Book Value per Share:(1)

Basic
Diluted

Shares Outstanding:

Basic
Diluted

$ 6,042,672 $ 6,340,781 $ 4,844,352 $ 4,279,542 $ 3,352,875

1,318,645
1,460,743
12,865,744

1,295,169
1,451,921
11,772,534

1,429,622
1,305,515
8,622,147

958,999
1,331,892
7,236,289

954,855
1,122,919
5,878,261

5,987,867

5,720,149

4,509,421

4,219,905

3,650,127

112,095
673,603

126,321
599,750

8,940
320,041

9,779
452,446

11,027
107,430

2,802,312

2,516,872

2,304,850

1,755,523

1,553,755

$
$

144.66 $
143.68 $

130.65 $
129.65 $

120.04 $
119.22 $

106.21 $
105.20 $

94.29
93.30

19,372,178
19,645,309

19,263,742
19,714,810

19,201,017
19,332,864

16,528,343
16,707,115

16,477,809
16,653,120

(1) Basic book value per share is calculated as total Enstar Group Limited shareholders’ equity available to ordinary shareholders divided by the 
number of ordinary shares outstanding as at the end of the period, giving no effect to dilutive securities. Diluted book value per share is calculated 
as total Enstar Group Limited shareholders’ equity available to ordinary shareholders plus the assumed proceeds from the exercise of outstanding 
warrants divided by the sum of the number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents and warrants outstanding at the end of the period.

42

 
 
 
ITEM 7.       MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF  FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND  RESULTS  OF 
OPERATIONS 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in 
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. 
Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or included elsewhere in this annual report, including 
information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve 
risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those 
anticipated  by  these  forward-looking  statements  as  a  result  of  many  factors,  including  those  discussed  under 
"Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements", "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

Section
Business Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Performance Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-GAAP Financial Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Results of Operations — for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 . . .
Results of Operations by Segment — for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 . . . .
Non-life Run-off Segment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Atrium Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
StarStone Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Life and Annuities Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investable Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liquidity and Capital Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Critical Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page

44

44

45

46

47

50

50

56

60

65

66

72

77

43

Business Overview 

We are a multi-faceted insurance group that offers innovative capital release solutions and specialty underwriting 
capabilities through our network of group companies in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental 
Europe,  Australia,  and  other  international  locations.  Our  core  focus  is  acquiring  and  managing  insurance  and 
reinsurance companies and portfolios of insurance and reinsurance business in run-off. Since the formation of our 
Bermuda-based holding company in 2001, we have completed over 75 acquisitions or portfolio transfers.

Until 2013, all but one of our acquisitions had been in the non-life run-off business, which for us generally includes 
property and casualty, workers’ compensation, asbestos and environmental, construction defect, marine, aviation and 
transit, and other closed business.

While our core focus remains acquiring and managing non-life run-off business, in recent years, we expanded 
our business to include active underwriting through our acquisitions of Atrium and StarStone. We partnered with Trident 
in the Atrium and StarStone acquisitions, with Enstar owning a 59.0% interest, Trident owning a 39.3% interest, and 
Dowling  owning  a  1.7%  interest.  We  also  expanded  our  portfolio  of  run-off  businesses  to  include  closed  life  and 
annuities, primarily through our acquisition of Pavonia from HSBC Holdings plc on March 31, 2013, although we have 
recently entered into an agreement to sell Pavonia. 

Our businesses strategies are discussed in "Item 1. Business - Company Overview", "- Business Strategy", "-

Strategic Growth" and "- Recent Acquisitions and Significant New Business."

Key Performance Indicator

Our primary corporate objective is growing our fully diluted book value per share. This is driven primarily by 
growth in our net earnings, which is in turn driven in large part by successfully completing new acquisitions, effectively 
managing  companies  and  portfolios  of  business  that  we  have  acquired,  and  executing  on  our  active  underwriting 
strategies. The drivers of our book value growth are discussed in "Item 1. Business - Business Strategy." 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we increased our book value per share on a fully diluted basis by 
10.8% to $143.68 per share. The increase was primarily attributable to net earnings of $264.8 million. See "Item 6. 
Selected Financial Data" herein for the computation of fully diluted book value per share. The growth of our fully diluted 
book value per share since becoming a public company is shown in the table below.

44

 
 
Current Outlook

Run-off

Our business strategy includes generating growth through acquisitions and reinsurance transactions, particularly 
in our Non-life Run-off segment. Our non-life run-off reserves were $4.7 billion as at December 31, 2016, including 
$1.4 billion of reserves acquired or assumed in new transactions during 2016, and we continue to evaluate opportunities 
for future growth. Most recently, in January and February 2017, we entered into separate agreements to assume net 
reserves of approximately $1.4 billion from RSA and QBE. We recently agreed to sell Pavonia from our life and annuities 
segment, which we expect to close during 2017. We will continue to employ a disciplined approach when assessing, 
acquiring or managing portfolios of risk. 

We manage claims in a professional and disciplined manner, drawing on our global team of in-house claims 
management  experts  as  we  aim  to  proactively  manage  risks  and  claims  efficiently.  We  employ  an  opportunistic 
commutation strategy in which we negotiate with policyholders and claimants with a goal of commuting or settling 
existing insurance and reinsurance liabilities at a discount to the ultimate liability and also to avoid unnecessary or 
expensive legal and other associated run-off fees and expense. 

As a result of the number of transactions we have completed over the years, we have a complex organizational 
structure consisting of numerous licensed entities across many jurisdictions. In managing our group, we continue to 
look for opportunities to simplify our legal structure by way of company amalgamations and mergers, reinsurance, or 
other transactions in order to improve capital efficiency and decrease ongoing compliance and operational costs over 
time.  In  addition,  we  seek  to  pool  risk  in  areas  where  we  maintain  the  expertise  to  manage  such  risk  to  achieve 
operational efficiencies, which will allow us to most efficiently manage our assets and to achieve capital diversification 
benefits.    

Underwriting 

Our underwriting results can be affected by changes in premium rates, significant losses, development of prior 
year loss reserves and current year underwriting margins. In general, our expectation for 2017 is that underwriting 
margins will be flat or lower than in 2016, with premium rates expected to be impacted by both market and general 
economic conditions. We continue to see overcapacity in many markets for insurable risks, resulting in continued 
pressure on premium rates and terms and conditions. If general economic conditions worsen, a decrease in the level 
of economic activity may impact insurable risks and our ability to write premium that is acceptable to us. We may adjust 
our level of reinsurance to maintain an amount of net exposure that is aligned with our risk tolerance.  

Our strategy is to maintain our disciplined underwriting approach and strong risk management practices, which 
may result in us writing less premium in certain lines of business than we wrote in 2016. However, we will seek to 
mitigate these challenging conditions through our diversified book of business, established distribution channels and 
geographic reach. We will continue to seek growth in certain areas where we have identified opportunities for expansion 
and the opportunity for increases in premium rates. In addition, our underwriting operations are well-positioned to 
capture profitable active business from our run-off transactions, where such business is in attractive specialty lines. 
In both our Atrium and StarStone segments we will maintain our focus on underwriting for profitability. In our StarStone 
segment  we  aim  to  continue  reducing  our  expense  base  and  generating  operational  efficiencies  through  ongoing 
integration into Enstar's operations. 

Investments

We expect to maintain our investment strategy, which emphasizes the preservation of our assets, credit quality, 
and diversification. We will continue to seek superior risk-adjusted returns, by allocating a portion of our portfolio to 
non-investment grade securities or alternative investments in accordance with our investment guidelines.  

Net investment income is a significant component of our earnings. We are in a period of considerable market 
uncertainty in which we see fully priced asset valuations across many asset classes compared to historical averages 
and deteriorating underlying company fundamentals in certain classes. If investment conditions or general economic 
conditions change during 2017, we may experience further pressure on our investment yields and realized or unrealized 
losses on investments could materialize. For further discussion of our investments, see "Investable Assets" below.

45

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In presenting our results for the Atrium and StarStone segments, we discuss the loss ratio, acquisition cost 
ratio, other operating expense ratio, and the combined ratio of our active underwriting operations within these segments. 
While  we  consider  these  measures  to  be  non-GAAP,  management  believes  that  these  ratios  provide  the  most 
meaningful measure for understanding our underwriting profitability. These non-GAAP measures may be defined or 
calculated differently by other companies. There are no comparable GAAP measures to our insurance ratios.

  The loss ratio is calculated by dividing net incurred losses and LAE by net premiums earned. The acquisition 
cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned. The other operating expense ratio is 
calculated by dividing other operating expenses by net earned premiums. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss 
ratio,  the  acquisition  cost  ratio  and  the  other  operating  expense  ratio. The  ratios  exclude  expenses  related  to  the 
holding companies, which we believe is the most meaningful presentation because these expenses are not incremental 
and/or directly related to the individual underwriting operations.

In the loss ratio, the excluded net premiums earned and net incurred losses and LAE of the holding companies 
relate to the amortization of our fair value adjustments associated with the liabilities for unearned premiums and losses 
and LAE acquired on acquisition date. Fair value purchase accounting adjustments established at date of acquisition 
are recorded by the holding companies.

In  Atrium’s  other  operating  expense  ratio,  the  excluded  general  and  administrative  expenses  relate  to 
amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets in the holding company, and expenses relating to AUL managing 
agency  employee  salaries,  benefits,  bonuses  and  current  year  share  grant  costs. The  excluded AUL  general  and 
administrative expenses relate to expenses incurred in managing the syndicate, and eliminated items represent Atrium 
5’s share of the fees and commissions paid to AUL. We believe it is a more meaningful presentation to exclude the 
costs  in  managing  the  syndicate  because  they  are  principally  funded  by  the  profit  commission  fees  earned  from 
Syndicate 609, which is a revenue item not included in the insurance ratios.

In  StarStone’s  other  operating  expense  ratio  for  2016,  the  excluded  general  and  administrative  expenses 
relate to the amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets, recorded at the holding company level. For 2015, the 
excluded general and administrative expenses relate to the amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets and 
acquisition-related expenses, in each case as recorded at the holding company level.   For 2014, the excluded general 
and administrative expenses relate to management fee expenses charged by our Non-life Run-off segment primarily 
related  to  our  costs  incurred  in  managing  StarStone,  the  amortization  of  the  definite-lived  intangible  assets,  and 
acquisition-related expenses, in each case recorded at the holding company level.

46

 
 
 
 
Consolidated Results of Operations - For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of earnings for each of the periods indicated. For a 
discussion of the critical accounting policies that affect the results of operations, see "Critical Accounting Policies" 
below.  

INCOME

Net premiums earned

Fees and commission income

Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Other income

EXPENSES

Net incurred losses and LAE

Life and annuity policy benefits

Acquisition costs

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange losses

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUING OPERATIONS,
NET OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE

NET EARNINGS

Less: Net loss (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

823,514 $

753,744 $

542,991

39,364

185,463

77,818

4,836

1,130,995

174,099

(2,038)

186,569

423,734

20,642

665

803,671

327,324

(34,874)

292,450

11,963

304,413

(39,606)

39,347

122,564

(41,523)

30,328

904,460

104,333

(546)

163,716

389,159

19,403

3,373

679,438

225,022

(12,650)

212,372

(2,031)

210,341

9,950

34,919

66,024

51,991

14,149

710,074

9,146

84

117,542

337,120

12,922

5,962

482,776

227,298

(5,601)

221,697

5,539

227,236

(13,487)

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

$

264,807 $

220,291 $

213,749

Highlights

Consolidated Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2016

•  Consolidated net earnings of $264.8 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $13.72 and $13.62, 

respectively 

•  Net earnings from Non-life Run-off and Life and Annuities segments of $206.7 million and $26.5 million, 

respectively 

•  Net premiums earned of $823.5 million, including $676.6 million and $124.4 million in our StarStone and 

Atrium segments 

•  Combined ratios of 98.6% and 94.0% for the active underwriting operations within our StarStone and Atrium 

segments, respectively (refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" above)

•  Net investment income of $185.5 million and net realized and unrealized gains of $77.8 million 

47

 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Condition as at December 31, 2016

•  Total investments, cash and funds held of $8,438.1 million 

•  Total reinsurance balances recoverable of $1,460.7 million 

•  Total assets of $12,865.7 million 

•  Shareholders' equity of $2,802.3 million and redeemable noncontrolling interest of $454.5 million 

•  Total gross reserves for losses and LAE of $5,987.9 million, with $1,350.5 million of reserves acquired and 

assumed in our Non-life Run-off operations during 2016

•  Diluted book value per ordinary share of $143.68

Consolidated Overview

2016 versus 2015: We reported consolidated net earnings attributable to Enstar Group Limited shareholders 
of $264.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $44.5 million from $220.3 million for the year 
ended  December  31,  2015.  Our  results  were  impacted  by  the  loss  portfolio  transfer  reinsurance  transactions  we 
completed during 2016 with Allianz, Coca-Cola and Neon. Our results were also impacted by our acquisition activity 
during 2015, when we acquired Sussex, Wilton Re’s life settlements business, and Alpha, and completed loss portfolio 
transfer reinsurance transactions with Reciprocal of America, Voya, and Sun Life.  The most significant drivers of the 
change in our financial performance during 2016 as compared to 2015 included: 

•  Net Incurred Losses and LAE in our Non-life Run-off Segment - Net reduction in the liability for net incurred 
losses  and  LAE  within  our  Non-life  Run-off  segment  continued  to  be  the  predominant  driver  of  our 
consolidated earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016, improving by $15.1 million from 2015. Net 
earnings provided by the Non-life Run-off segment increased by $33.5 million in 2016 compared to 2015 
primarily due to improved investment results, partially offset by higher expenses and other items;

•  Higher Net Investment Income - Total net investment income increased by $62.9 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2016 compared to 2015.  The increase was attributable to an average increase of 53 basis 
points in the book yield we obtained on our assets, due to our asset allocation and a broad increase in 
treasury yields; 

•  StarStone  -  Net  earnings  attributable  to  the  StarStone  segment  were  $25.2  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2016, as compared to $13.7 million in 2015.  The combined ratio of 98.6% was the same as 
last year as challenging underwriting conditions resulted in higher loss and acquisition ratios, which was 
fully offset by improvement in the other operating expense ratio attributable to the continued execution of 
expense management initiatives; 

•  Atrium - Net earnings attributable to the Atrium segment were $6.4 million, for the year ended December 
31, 2016 as compared to $16.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Atrium continued to deliver 
solid underwriting performance with a combined ratio of 94.0%. The 2016 results included a lower level of 
favorable prior period loss development and some large losses in 2016 compared to a lower level of losses 
in 2015; 

• 

Life  Settlements  Business  - The  life  settlements  business  contributed  $11.0  million  to  earnings  in  2016 
compared to $16.5 million in 2015; 

•  Change  in  Net  Realized  and  Unrealized  Gains  (Losses)  -  For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  net 
realized and unrealized gains amounted to $77.8 million, as compared to net realized and unrealized losses 
of $41.5 million for 2015. The net realized and unrealized gains in 2016 were primarily attributable to an 
increase in the valuation of our other investments, as well as tighter credit spreads in fixed income markets; 
and 

•  Noncontrolling Interest - Noncontrolling interest in losses (earnings) is directly attributable to the results from 
those subsidiary companies in which there are either noncontrolling interests or redeemable noncontrolling 
interests.  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the noncontrolling interest in earnings was $39.6 million 
as compared to the noncontrolling interest in losses of $10.0 million in 2015. 

48

2015 versus 2014: We reported consolidated net earnings attributable to Enstar Group Limited shareholders 
of $220.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $6.6 million from $213.7 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2014. During 2014, our primary acquisition was StarStone. The most significant drivers of the 
change in our financial performance during 2015 as compared to 2014 included: 

•  Net Incurred Losses and LAE in our Non-life Run-off Segment - Net reduction in the liability for net incurred 
losses  and  LAE  within  our  Non-life  Run-off  segment  continued  to  be  the  predominant  driver  of  our 
consolidated earnings for the year ended December 31, 2015, improving by $6.1 million from 2014. Net 
earnings provided by the Non-life Run-off segment were lower by $30.1 million in 2015 compared to 2014 
primarily due to net realized and unrealized losses in 2015 as compared to net realized and unrealized gains 
in 2014. Excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net earnings in 
the Non-life Run-off segment increased from $97.4 million in 2014 to $120.2 million in 2015; 

•  Higher Net Investment Income - Total net investment income increased by $56.5 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to 2014.  The increase was attributable to an increase of $1.3 billion in our 
average invested assets (due to our 2015 acquisitions and significant new business transactions) and an 
average increase of 57 basis points in the book yield we obtained on those assets, due to our asset allocation 
and a broad increase in treasury yields; 

•  StarStone  -  Net  earnings  attributable  to  the  StarStone  segment  were  $13.7  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015, as compared to a net loss of $10.6 million for the nine months we owned StarStone in 
2014.  We saw improvement in the underwriting profitability of StarStone, as well as a decrease in other 
operating expenses attributable to the continued execution of expense management initiatives; 

•  Atrium  -  Net  earnings  attributable  to  the Atrium  segment  increased  by  $6.1  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015 compared to 2014, as the Atrium active underwriting operations continued their strong 
underwriting performance despite challenging underwriting conditions; 

• 

Life Settlements Business - The life settlements business contributed $16.5 million to earnings; 

•  Change  in  Net  Realized  and  Unrealized  Gains  (Losses)  -  For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  net 
realized and unrealized losses amounted to $41.5 million, as compared to net realized and unrealized gains 
of $52.0 million for 2014. The net realized and unrealized losses in 2015 were primarily attributable to an 
increase in treasury yields on our fixed maturity securities, widening corporate credit spreads and a decrease 
in liquidity in fixed income markets; and

•  Noncontrolling Interest - Noncontrolling interest in losses (earnings) is directly attributable to the results from 
those subsidiary companies in which there are either noncontrolling interests or redeemable noncontrolling 
interests.  For the year ended December 31, 2015, the noncontrolling interest in losses was $10.0 million 
as compared to the noncontrolling interest in earnings of $13.5 million in 2014. 

49

Results of Operations by Segment - For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

We have four segments of business that are each managed, operated and reported on separately: (i) Non-life 
Run-off; (ii) Atrium; (iii) StarStone; and (iv) Life and Annuities. For a description of our segments, see "Item 1. Business 
- Operating Segments." The following is a discussion of our results of operations by segment. 

The  below  table  provides  a  split  by  operating  segment  of  the  net  earnings  attributable  to  Enstar  Group  Limited: 

Segment split of net earnings attributable to Enstar Group Limited:

Non-life Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and Annuities

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

206,676 $

173,216 $

203,282

6,416

25,217

26,498

16,558

13,664

16,853

10,431

(10,553)

10,589

Net earnings attributable to Enstar Group Limited

$

264,807 $

220,291 $

213,749

The following is a discussion of our results of operations by segment. 

Non-life Run-off Segment

The following is a discussion and analysis of the results of operations for our Non-life Run-off segment for the 

years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, which are summarized below:

INCOME

Net premiums earned

Fees and commission income

Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses)

Other income

EXPENSES

Net incurred losses and LAE

Acquisition costs

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange losses (gains)

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NET EARNINGS

Less: Net loss (earnings) attributable to 
noncontrolling interest

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

2016

2015

Increase
(decrease)

2014

Increase
(decrease)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

16,755 $
25,324

143,783

77,689

4,003

267,554

(285,881)
4,198

275,199

22,863
(1,678)
14,701

252,853

(28,577)
224,276

44,369 $

(27,614) $

31,168 $

13,201

21,366

84,185

(31,193)

29,293

148,020

3,958

59,598

108,882

(25,290)

119,534

19,342

57,899

48,030

13,310

169,749

(270,830)

(15,051)

(264,711)

8,860

238,989

14,565

4,372

(4,044)

152,064
(12,570)

139,494

(4,662)

36,210

8,298

(6,050)

18,745

100,789
(16,007)

84,782

8,393

198,063

7,493

8,015

(42,747)

212,496
622

213,118

2,024

26,286

(79,223)

15,983

(21,729)

(6,119)

467

40,926

7,072

(3,643)

38,703

(60,432)
(13,192)

(73,624)

(17,600)

33,722

(51,322)

(9,836)

43,558

$

206,676 $

173,216 $

33,460 $

203,282 $

(30,066)

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
Overall Results 

2016 versus 2015: The increase in net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared with the 
year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to an increase in net realized and unrealized gains in 2016 
compared to net realized and unrealized losses in 2015, an increase in net investment income and a decrease in net 
incurred losses and LAE, partially offset by a reduction in net premiums earned, an increase in general and administrative 
expenses and an increase in income taxes.

2015 versus 2014: The decrease in net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared with the 
year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily attributable to the change in net realized and unrealized losses and the 
increases in general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in net investment income and a change 
in net loss (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest.

Investment results are separately discussed below in "Investments." 

Net Premiums Earned:

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015

Increase
(decrease)

2014

Increase
(decrease)

Gross premiums written
Ceded reinsurance premiums written

Net premiums written

Gross premiums earned

Ceded reinsurance premiums earned

Net premiums earned

$

$

17,316 $
(8,114)
9,202

25,989
(9,234)
16,755 $

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

38,704 $
(16,110)

(21,388) $
7,996

12,818 $
(2,546)

22,594

116,494

(72,125)

(13,392)

(90,505)

62,891

10,272

45,684

25,886
(13,564)

12,322

70,810

(14,516)

(57,609)

44,369 $

(27,614) $

31,168 $

13,201

Because business in this segment is in run-off, our general expectation is for premiums associated with legacy 
business  to  decline  in  future  periods.  However,  the  actual  amount  in  any  particular  year  will  be  impacted  by  new 
acquisitions during the year, and the run-off of premiums from acquisitions completed in recent years. 

2016 versus 2015: Premiums written and earned in 2016 and 2015 related primarily to Sussex's run-off business. 

2015 versus 2014: Premiums written and earned in 2015 related primarily to Sussex's run-off business whereas 

premiums written and earned in 2014 related to StarStone's run-off business. 

Fees and Commission Income:

2016 versus 2015: Our management companies in the Non-life Run-off segment earned fees and commission 
income of $25.3 million and $21.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The increase 
in fees is primarily related to services provided to KaylaRe, as described in Note 21 - "Related Party Transactions" in 
the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These 
internal  fees  are  predominantly  eliminated  upon  consolidation  of  our  results  of  operations.  While  our  consulting 
subsidiaries continue to provide management and consultancy services, claims inspection services and reinsurance 
collection services to third-party clients in limited circumstances, the core focus of these subsidiaries is providing in-
house services to companies within the Enstar group.

2015 versus 2014: Our management companies in the Non-life Run-off segment earned fees and commission 
income of $21.4 million and $19.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease 
in fees and commission income related primarily to management fees charged to our StarStone segment. 

51

 
 
 
Net Incurred Losses and LAE:

The following table shows the components of net incurred losses and LAE for the Non-life Run-off segment for 

the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

2016

2015

2014

Prior
Periods

Current
Period

Total

Prior
Periods

Current
Period

Total

Prior
Periods

Current
Period

Total

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$ 529,937

$ 3,869

$ 533,806

$ 501,246

$ 16,049

$ 517,295

$ 312,415

$ 87,681

$ 400,096

(608,168)

(617)

(608,785)

(366,262)

10,927

(355,335)

(285,814)

(24,600)

(310,414)

(349,726)

2,342

(347,384)

(377,722)

12,948

(364,774)

(262,384)

(39,400)

(301,784)

168,827

—

168,827

15,265

—

15,265

—

—

—

(259,130)

5,594

(253,536)

(227,473)

39,924

(187,549)

(235,783)

23,681

(212,102)

(13,822)

—

(13,822)

(25,271)

(44,190)

235

(43,955)

(62,653)

25,432

—

25,432

4,643

—

—

—

(25,271)

(7,700)

—

(7,700)

(62,653)

(49,445)

554

(48,891)

4,643

3,982

—

3,982

Net losses paid

Net change in case and LAE 
reserves (1)
Net change in IBNR reserves (1)

Amortization of deferred
charges
Increase (reduction) in 
estimates of net ultimate losses

Increase (reduction) in 
provisions for bad debt

Increase (reduction) in
provisions for unallocated LAE

Amortization of fair value 
adjustments

Net incurred losses and LAE

$ (291,710) $ 5,829

$(285,881) $(310,754) $ 39,924

$(270,830) $(288,946) $ 24,235

$(264,711)

(1) Net change in case and LAE reserves comprises the movement during the year in specific case reserve liabilities as a result of claims 
settlements or changes advised to us by our policyholders and attorneys, less changes in case reserves recoverable advised by us to our 
reinsurers as a result of the settlement or movement of assumed claims. Net change in IBNR represents the gross change in our actuarial 
estimates of IBNR, less amounts recoverable. 

2016 versus 2015: The net reduction in incurred losses and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2016 of 
$285.9 million included net incurred losses and LAE of $5.8 million related to current period net earned premium of 
$7.1 million (primarily for the portion of the run-off business acquired with Sussex). Excluding current period net incurred 
losses and LAE of $5.8 million, net incurred losses and LAE liabilities relating to prior periods were reduced by $291.7 
million, which was attributable to a reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses of $259.1 million, a reduction in provisions 
for bad debt of $13.8 million and a reduction in provisions for unallocated LAE of $44.2 million, relating to 2016 run-
off  activity,  partially  offset  by  amortization  of  fair  value  adjustments  over  the  estimated  payout  period  relating  to 
companies acquired amounting to $25.4 million.

The reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses relating to prior periods of $259.1 million comprised reductions 
in IBNR reserves of $349.7 million partially offset by net incurred loss development of $90.6 million, which includes 
amortization of deferred charges of $168.8 million. The decrease in the estimate of net IBNR reserves of $349.7 million 
(compared to $377.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2015), was comprised of an increase of $39.4 million
relating to asbestos liabilities (compared to a decrease of $32.0 million in 2015), an increase of $35.5 million relating 
to environmental liabilities (compared to a decrease of $1.6 million in 2015), a decrease of $0.8 million relating to 
general casualty liabilities (compared to a decrease of $3.0 million in 2015), a decrease of $333.2 million relating to 
workers' compensation liabilities (compared to a decrease of $243.4 million in 2015) and a decrease of $90.6 million
relating to all other remaining liabilities (compared to a decrease of $97.7 million in 2015).

The reduction in net IBNR reserves of $349.7 million relating to prior periods was a result of the application, on 
a basis consistent with the assumptions applied in the prior period, of our actuarial methodologies to revised historical 
loss development data, following 56 commutations and policy buy-backs, to estimate loss reserves required to cover 
liabilities  for  unpaid  losses  and  LAE  relating  to  non-commuted  exposures. The  prior  period  estimate  of  net  IBNR 
reserves was reduced as a result of the combined impact on all classes of business of loss development activity during 
2016, including commutations and the favorable trend of loss development related to non-commuted policies compared 
to prior forecasts. The net incurred loss development resulting from settlement of net advised case and LAE reserves 
of $608.2 million for net paid losses of $529.9 million related to the settlement of non-commuted losses in the year 
and 56 commutations and policy buy-backs of assumed and ceded exposures. Net advised case and LAE reserves 
settled by way of commutation and policy buyback during the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $14.7 
million (comprising $24.4 million of ceded incurred reinsurance recoverable case reserves partially offset by $39.1 
million of assumed case reserves and LAE reserves).

52

 
 
 
The reduction in provisions for bad debt of $13.8 million was a result of the favorable resolution of contractual 
disputes with reinsurers, the reduction in bad debt provisions for insolvent reinsurers as a result of dividends received 
and the reduction of specific provisions held for potential disputes with reinsurers. 

2015 versus 2014: The net reduction in incurred losses and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2015 of 
$270.8 million included current period net incurred losses and LAE of $39.9 million related to current period net earned 
premium of $43.3 million (primarily for the portion of the run-off business acquired with Sussex). Excluding current 
period net losses and LAE of $39.9 million, net incurred losses and LAE liabilities relating to prior periods were reduced 
by $310.8 million, which was attributable to a reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses of $227.5 million, a reduction 
in provisions for bad debts of $25.3 million and a reduction in provision for unallocated LAE of $62.7 million, relating 
to 2015 run-off activity, partially offset by amortization of fair value adjustments over the estimated payout period relating 
to companies acquired amounting to $4.6 million.

The reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses relating to prior periods of $227.5 million comprised reductions 
in IBNR reserves of $377.7 million partially offset by net incurred loss development of $150.2 million, which includes 
amortization of deferred charges of $15.3 million. The decrease in the estimate of net IBNR reserves of $377.7 million
(compared to $262.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2014) was comprised of $32.0 million relating to 
asbestos liabilities (compared to $59.4 million in 2014), $1.6 million relating to environmental liabilities (compared to 
$6.2 million in 2014), $3.0 million relating to general casualty liabilities (compared to $62.5 million in 2014), $243.4 
million relating to workers' compensation liabilities (compared to $63.6 million in 2014) and $97.7 million relating to all 
other remaining liabilities (compared to $70.7 million in 2014). 

The reduction in net IBNR reserves of $377.7 million relating to prior periods was a result of the application, on 
a basis consistent with the assumptions applied in the prior period, of our actuarial methodologies to revised historical 
loss development data, following 79 commutations and policy buy-backs, to estimate loss reserves required to cover 
liabilities  for  unpaid  losses  and  LAE  relating  to  non-commuted  exposures. The  prior  period  estimate  of  net  IBNR 
reserves was reduced as a result of the combined impact on all classes of business of loss development activity during 
2015, including commutations and the favorable trend of loss development related to non-commuted policies compared 
to prior forecasts. The net incurred loss development resulting from settlement of net advised case and LAE reserves 
of $366.3 million for net paid losses of $501.2 million related to the settlement of non-commuted losses in the year 
and 79 commutations and policy buy-backs of assumed and ceded exposures (including the commutation of two of 
our top ten assumed exposures and one of our top ten ceded recoverables). Net advised case and LAE reserves 
settled by way of commutation and policy buy-back during the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $56.6 
million (comprising $140.3 million of assumed case reserves and LAE reserves partially offset by $83.7 million of ceded 
incurred reinsurance recoverable case reserves).

The reduction in provisions for bad debt of $25.3 million was a result of the collection of certain reinsurance 
recoverables against which bad debt provisions had been provided in earlier periods, and the reduction in bad debt 
provisions for insolvent reinsurers as a result of dividends received, partially offset by additional provisions for contractual 
disputes with reinsurers.

Acquisition Costs:

Acquisition costs  for the Non-life Run-off segment were $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, 
compared to $8.9 million for 2015. Acquisition costs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 primarily related 
to net premiums earned on the portion of Sussex business that was placed into run-off.  The $8.4 million in acquisition 
costs in 2014 primarily related to StarStone. 

General and Administrative Expenses:

2016 versus 2015: General and administrative expenses for the Non-life Run-off segment increased by $36.2 
million, from $239.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 to $275.2 million in the year ended December 31, 
2016. The increase in expenses in 2016 related primarily to: 

• 

• 

• 

an increase of $32.5 million related principally to an increase in salaries and benefits, partially offset by a 
decrease in discretionary bonus accruals of $8.3 million. The increase in salaries and benefits was primarily 
attributable to an increase of $21.0 million in the valuation of stock appreciation right awards outstanding in 
2016 as a result of the increase in the share price;

an increase in professional fees of $9.2 million related to new acquisitions and projects during the year; and

an increase in bank charges of $3.2 million due to the write-off of loan facility fees in 2016.

53

2015 versus 2014: General and administrative expenses for the Non-life Run-off segment increased by $40.9 
million, from $198.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 to $239.0 million in the year ended December 31, 
2015.  The increase in expenses in 2015 related primarily to:  

• 

• 

• 

• 

an increase of $21.2 million related principally to an increase in professional fees of $12.1 million (primarily 
due to acquisitions and projects), information technology costs of $6.8 million (due to our growth), and an 
increase in office expenses and travel costs of $2.3 million; 

an  increase  in  salaries  and  benefits  of  $17.5  million  primarily  attributable  to  an  increase  in  headcount 
associated with acquisitions including Sussex; and

an increase in stock compensation costs of $3.3 million due to new equity-based awards made during the 
year to our employees; partially offset by

a decrease in rent and related expenses of $1.5 million due largely to non-recurring fees associated with 
the termination of various U.K. lease agreements in 2014.

Interest Expense:

2016 versus 2015: Interest expense was $22.9 million and $14.6 million for the years ended December 31, 
2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in interest expense was a result of an increase in loans outstanding as a 
result of acquisitions and significant new business.

2015 versus 2014: Interest expense was $14.6 million and $7.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 
and 2014, respectively. The increase in interest expense was primarily a result of the increase in loans outstanding as 
a result of acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

Net Foreign Exchange Losses (Gains)

2016 versus 2015: We recorded net foreign exchange gains of $1.7 million for the Non-life Run-off segment for 
the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to net foreign exchange losses of $4.4 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015. The net foreign exchange gains for the year ended December 31, 2016 arose primarily as a result 
of holding less British pound assets than British pound liabilities at a time when the pound depreciated against the 
U.S. dollar. The Non-life Run-off segment also recorded net foreign exchange (losses) of ($1.6) million and ($5.9) 
million in currency translation adjustment in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, net of noncontrolling 
interest, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 
2015,  the  currency  translation  adjustments  related  primarily  to  our  U.K  and Australian  based  subsidiaries  whose 
functional currency is the British Pound and Australian dollar.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, we entered 
into  forward  exchange  contracts  to  hedge  the  foreign  currency  exposure  on  our  net  investment  in  certain  of  our 
subsidiaries in the Non-life Run-off segment whose functional currency is the Australian dollar.

2015 versus 2014: We recorded net foreign exchange losses of $4.4 million and $8.0 million for the Non-life 
Run-off segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The net foreign exchange losses for 
the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 arose primarily as a result of the holding of surplus Euro and British 
pound assets at a time when the U.S. dollar appreciated against these currencies. The Non-life Run-off segment also 
recorded net foreign exchange gains (losses) of ($5.9) million and ($6.4) million in currency translation adjustment in 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, net of noncontrolling interest, for the years ended December 31, 
2015 and 2014, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the currency translation adjustments 
related primarily to our Australian-based subsidiaries whose functional currency is the Australian dollar.

Income Taxes:

2016 versus 2015: We recorded income tax expenses for our Non-life Run-off segment of $28.6 million and 
$12.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate was 11.3% for the 
year  ended  December 31,  2016  compared  with  8.3%  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2015  due  to  having 
proportionately higher net income in our tax paying subsidiaries in 2016 than in 2015 as well as an increase in the 
valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets in the U.S.  Income tax expense is primarily generated through our 
foreign operations outside of Bermuda, principally in the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe and 
Australia. The effective tax rate, which is calculated as income tax expense or benefit divided by income before tax, 
is driven primarily by the geographic distribution of pre-tax net income between jurisdictions with comparatively higher 
tax rates and those with comparatively lower income tax rates and as a result may fluctuate significantly from period 
to period.

54

2015 versus 2014: We recorded income tax expense (benefit) for our Non-life Run-off segment of $12.6 million 
and $(0.6) million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in income taxes of 
$13.2 million was due principally to a higher effective tax rate due to increased pre-tax net income recorded in our U.S. 
and U.K. based subsidiaries as compared to the prior year along with a decrease in the valuation allowance on our 
deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate was 8.3% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared with (0.3)% for 
the year ended December 31, 2014. 

Noncontrolling Interest:

2016 versus 2015: We recorded a noncontrolling interest in losses (earnings) of our Non-life Run-off segment 
of $(17.6) million and $33.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase for 
the year ended December 31, 2016 was due primarily to the increase in earnings for those companies where there is 
a noncontrolling interest. The number of subsidiaries in this segment with a noncontrolling interest remained unchanged 
at 2 as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

2015 versus 2014: We recorded a noncontrolling interest in losses (earnings) of our Non-life Run-off segment 
of $33.7 million and $(9.8) million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in 
losses associated with the noncontrolling interests for the year ended December 31, 2015 was due primarily to the 
decrease in earnings for those companies where there is a noncontrolling interest. The number of subsidiaries in this 
segment with a noncontrolling interest decreased from 7 as at December 31, 2014 to 2 as at December 31, 2015.

55

Atrium Segment

The Atrium segment includes Atrium 5 Ltd. ("Atrium 5"), Atrium Underwriters ("AUL"), Northshore Holdings Limited 
("Holding Company"), and an allocation of financing costs ("Enstar Specific Expenses"). Atrium 5 results represent its 
proportionate share of the results of Syndicate 609 for which it provides 25% of the underwriting capacity and capital. 
AUL results largely represent fees charged to Syndicate 609 and a 20% profit commission on the results of the syndicate 
less salaries and general and administrative expenses incurred in managing the syndicate. AUL also includes other 
Atrium  Group  non-syndicate  fee  income  and  associated  expenses.  The  Holding  Company  results  include  the 
amortization of intangible assets that were fair valued upon acquisition and Enstar Specific Expenses represent our 
acquisition financing costs. 

The following is a discussion and analysis of the results of operations for our Atrium segment for the years ended 

December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, which are summarized below. 

INCOME

Net premiums earned

Fees and commission income
Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses)

Other income

EXPENSES

Net incurred losses and LAE
Acquisition costs
General and administrative expenses
Interest expense
Net foreign exchange losses (gains)

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES
NET EARNINGS
Less: Net earnings attributable to
noncontrolling interest

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

  Overall Results

2016

2015

Increase
(decrease)

2014

Increase
(decrease)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

124,416 $

134,675 $

18,189
2,940

(601)
206
145,150

58,387
44,670
25,132
198
3,310
131,697
13,453
(2,573)
10,880

28,352

2,225

252

359
165,863

47,479
45,509
31,610
4,264
213
129,075
36,788
(5,968)
30,820

(10,259) $
(10,163)

715

(853)

(153)
(20,713)

10,908
(839)
(6,478)
(4,066)
3,097
2,622
(23,335)
3,395
(19,940)

135,945 $

26,176

1,748

41

223
164,133

55,428
43,417
34,921
5,429
(1,559)
137,636
26,497
(5,092)
21,405

(1,270)
2,176

477

211

136
1,730

(7,949)
2,092
(3,311)
(1,165)
1,772
(8,561)
10,291
(876)
9,415

(4,464)

(14,262)

9,798

(10,974)

(3,288)

$

6,416 $

16,558 $

(10,142) $

10,431 $

6,127

An analysis of the components of the segment's net earnings is shown below, after the attribution of net earnings 

to noncontrolling interest.

Atrium 5
AUL

Atrium Total

Holding Company
Enstar Specific Expenses
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015

Increase
(decrease)

2014

Increase
(decrease)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

4,838 $
2,812
7,650
(1,234)
—

15,265 $

8,120
23,385
(2,563)
(4,264)

(10,427) $
(5,308)
(15,735)
1,329
4,264

14,566 $

3,196
17,762
(1,902)
(5,429)

699
4,924
5,623
(661)
1,165

$

6,416 $

16,558 $

(10,142) $

10,431 $

6,127

56

 
 
In evaluating the underwriting performance of the Atrium segment, we consider the insurance ratios of Atrium 
5, which is the active underwriting component of the segment and excludes AUL and the Holding Company. Atrium 
5's insurance ratios are shown below.

Loss ratio (1)
Acquisition cost ratio (1)
Other operating expense ratio (1)
Combined ratio (1)

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015

(Favorable)
Unfavorable

2014

(Favorable)
Unfavorable

46.7%
35.9%
11.4%
94.0%

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
33.4%
34.4%
13.7%
81.5%

13.3 %
1.5 %
(2.3)%
12.5 %

40.3%
31.9%
12.9%
85.1%

(6.9)%
2.5 %
0.8 %
(3.6)%

(1) Refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a description of how these ratios are calculated. The ratios are based upon the following  
amounts for Atrium 5, which exclude amounts for AUL and the Holding Company, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively: net premiums earned of $124,416 and $134,675, net incurred losses and LAE of $58,024 and $45,016, acquisition costs of 
$44,671 and $46,351, and other operating expenses of $14,233 and $18,499.

The higher combined ratio for Atrium 5 in 2016 is due to increases in the net loss and acquisition cost ratios, 
partially offset by a lower expense ratio.  This was primarily attributable to lower favorable prior year loss development 
in 2016 as compared to 2015 and a series of large losses in 2016. The 2016 large losses included earthquakes in 
Taiwan, Ecuador and Japan, flooding in Europe, wildfires in Canada and hailstorms in the USA.

The  decrease  in  the AUL  result  from  $8.1  million  in  2015  to  $2.8  million  in  2016  reflects  decreased  profit 

commission earned from the results of Syndicate 609.

Holding  Company  and  Enstar  Specific  Expenses  are  discussed  below  under  General  and  Administrative 

Expenses and Interest Expenses, respectively.

Investment results are separately discussed below in "Investments." 

Gross Premiums Written:

The following table provides gross premiums written by line of business for the Atrium segment for the years 

ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015

Increase
(decrease)

2014

Increase
(decrease)

Marine
Property and Casualty Binding Authorities
Upstream Energy
Reinsurance
Accident and Health
Non-Marine Direct and Facultative
Liability
Aviation
Terrorism (1)
Total

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
$ 19,498 $ 21,863 $ (2,365) $ 26,880 $ (5,017)
3,609
(7,490)
2,879
(918)
(882)
1,656
908
89
$ 143,170 $ 149,082 $ (5,912) $ 154,248 $ (5,166)

5,677
(4,609)
(1,366)
(548)
(904)
1,641
(3,251)
(187)

29,355
19,162
12,710
15,837
17,204
18,300
11,347
3,453

32,964
11,672
15,589
14,919
16,322
19,956
12,255
3,542

38,641
7,063
14,223
14,371
15,418
21,597
9,004
3,355

(1)  Terrorism previously included war-related premiums which have been reclassified to marine and aviation lines. For the twelve months 
ended December 31, 2015, gross premiums written of $2.1 million and $5.3 million were reclassified to the marine and aviation lines, respectively.

See below for a discussion of the drivers of the decrease in net premiums earned for the year ended December 
31, 2016 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2015, which also explain the decrease in gross premium 
written for the same periods. 

57

 
Net Premiums Earned:

The following table provides net premiums earned by line of business for the Atrium segment for the years ended 

December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015

Increase
(decrease)

2014

Increase
(decrease)

Marine
Property and Casualty Binding Authorities
Upstream Energy
Reinsurance
Accident and Health
Non-Marine Direct and Facultative
Liability
Aviation
Terrorism (1)
Total

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
$ 18,378 $ 20,771 $ (2,393) $ 24,622 $ (3,851)
4,945
(5,535)
3,009
(1,122)
(630)
3,155
(1,021)
(220)
$ 124,416 $ 134,675 $ (10,259) $ 135,945 $ (1,270)

5,301
(6,369)
(3,032)
(407)
(1,060)
(425)
(1,767)
(107)

25,350
18,365
11,466
13,725
14,762
15,722
8,790
3,143

30,295
12,830
14,475
12,603
14,132
18,877
7,769
2,923

35,596
6,461
11,443
12,196
13,072
18,452
6,002
2,816

(1)  Terrorism previously included war-related premiums which have been reclassified to marine and aviation lines. For the twelve months 

ended December 31, 2015, net premiums earned of $2.0 million and $2.3 million were reclassified to the marine and aviation lines, respectively.

2016 versus 2015: Net premiums earned for the Atrium segment were $124.4 million and $134.7 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2016 and  2015, respectively. The decrease in net premiums earned was due to underwriting 
discipline to non-renew certain business that no longer met our underwriting standards, particularly in the marine, 
reinsurance and upstream energy lines.  We are seeing continued pressure on premium rates and terms and conditions 
due to overcapacity in many markets for insurable risks.  We continue to focus on risk selection and underwriting for 
profitability.   These  premium  decreases  were  partially  offset  by  the  increase  in  the  property  and  casualty  binding 
authority line, which reflects the continued success of AU Gold, our proprietary online underwriting platform.

2015 versus 2014: Net premiums earned for the Atrium segment were $134.7 million and 135.9 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2015 and  2014, respectively. Net premiums earned for the 2015 year reflect the execution 
of Atrium’s underwriting strategies combined with the impact of softened market conditions across the industry. Market 
conditions particularly impacted the upstream energy line, although this was partially offset by the increase in the 
property and casualty binding authorities line. The syndicate commenced writing marine excess-of-loss business during 
2015.

Fees and Commission Income:

2016  versus  2015:  Fees  and  commission  income  was  $18.2  million  and  $28.4  million  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fees represent management and profit commission fees earned by 
us in relation to AUL’s management of Syndicate 609 and other underwriting consortiums. The decrease was due 
primarily to profit commission on lower syndicate profits in 2016 as compared with 2015. 

2015  versus  2014:  Fees  and  commission  income  was  $28.4  million  and  $26.2  million  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fees represent management and profit commission fees earned by 
us in relation to AUL’s management of Syndicate 609 and other underwriting consortiums. The increase was due 
primarily to profit commission on higher syndicate profits in 2015 as compared with 2014. 

Net Incurred Losses and LAE: 

2016 versus 2015: Net incurred losses and LAE for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $58.4 
million and $47.5 million, respectively. Net favorable loss development for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 
2015 was $13.0 million and $21.9 million, respectively. Net favorable loss development in 2016 was spread across 
most lines of business. Net favorable prior year loss development in 2015 primarily related to the professional indemnity, 
aviation, marine and upstream energy lines of business. Excluding prior year loss development, net incurred losses 
and LAE for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $71.4 million and $69.4 million, respectively.  The 
increase in net incurred losses and LAE, excluding prior year loss development, was due to the large losses in 2016 
as described above, and other notable 2016 losses in the terrorism and aviation lines, compared to a lower level of 
losses in 2015.

58

 
2015 versus 2014: Net incurred losses and LAE for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $47.5 
million and $55.4 million, respectively. Net favorable loss development for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 
2014 was $21.9 million and $18.7 million, respectively. Net favorable loss development in 2015 primarily related to 
marine, upstream energy, reinsurance and war and terrorism lines of business. Net favorable loss development in 
2014  primarily  related  to  non-marine  direct  and  facultative  and  upstream  energy  lines  of  business.  Excluding  net 
favorable prior year loss development, net incurred losses and LAE for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 
were $69.4 million and $74.1 million, respectively.

Acquisition Costs:

2016 versus 2015:  Acquisition costs were $44.7 million and $45.5 million for the years ended December 31, 
2016 and 2015, respectively. The Atrium 5 acquisition cost ratios for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 
were 35.9% and 34.4%, an increase of 1.5%. The increase in the ratio was primarily due to less premium written in 
lines of business with lower acquisition ratios. 

2015 versus 2014: Acquisition costs were $45.5 million and $43.4 million for the years ended December 31, 
2015 and 2014, respectively. The Atrium 5 acquisition cost ratios for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 
were 34.4% and 31.9%, respectively, an increase of 2.5%. The increase was due to higher profit commissions on 
underlying business, which was more profitable in 2015 than in 2014.

General and Administrative Expenses:

2016 versus 2015: General and administrative expenses for the Atrium segment were $25.1 million and $31.6 
million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease of $6.5 million primarily relates 
to lower bonus accruals resulting from lower net earnings in 2016 compared to 2015 as well as the impact of the 
stronger U.S. dollar in 2016 compared with 2015.

2015 versus 2014: General and administrative expenses for the Atrium segment were $31.6 million and $34.9 
million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease of $3.3 million was primarily due 
to more compensation costs being retained in Syndicate 609 versus AUL.

Interest Expense:

2016 versus 2015: Interest expense was $0.2 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016
and 2015, respectively. The 2015 interest expense was in respect of borrowings under the Enstar revolving credit 
facility, which is an Enstar Specific Expense, as compared to no interest relating to this facility in 2016. 

2015 versus 2014: Interest expense was $4.3 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 
and 2014, respectively. The interest expense was in respect of borrowings under the Enstar revolving credit facility, 
which is an Enstar Specific Expense. 

Noncontrolling Interest:

2016 versus 2015: Noncontrolling interest in earnings of the Atrium segment was $4.5 million and $14.3 million 
for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, Trident and Dowling had 
a combined 40.39% noncontrolling interest in the Atrium segment, although their share of net earnings was higher in 
2015 due primarily to the interest expense recorded in the segment, which was an Enstar Specific Expense.

2015 versus 2014: Noncontrolling interest in earnings of the Atrium segment was $14.3 million and $11.0 million 
for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, Trident and Dowling had 
a combined 40.39% noncontrolling interest in the Atrium segment, although their share of net earnings was higher due 
primarily to the interest expense recorded in the segment, which is an Enstar Specific Expense. 

Income Taxes:

2016 versus 2015:  Income tax expense was $2.6 million and $6.0 million for the years ended December 31, 
2016 and 2015, respectively. Income tax expense is associated with the operations of Atrium 5 and AUL in the United 
Kingdom. The effective tax rates for the Atrium segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 19.1% 
and 16.2%, respectively. 

2015 versus 2014: Income tax expense was $6.0 million and $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 
2015 and 2014, respectively. Income tax expense is associated with the operations of Atrium 5 and AUL in the United 
Kingdom. The effective tax rates for the Atrium segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were  16.2% 
and 19.2%, respectively. 

59

StarStone Segment 

The  results  of  our  StarStone  segment  include  the  results  of  StarStone  Insurance  Bermuda  Limited  and  its 
subsidiaries ("StarStone") and StarStone Specialty Holdings Limited ("Holding Company"), which was formerly known 
as Bayshore Holdings Limited. StarStone results represent the active underwriting operations. The Holding Company's 
results include the amortization of fair value adjustments such as for intangible assets that were fair valued upon 
acquisition, and other expenses incurred. 

The following is a discussion and analysis of the results of operations for the StarStone segment for the year 
ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and for the nine-month period from the date of acquisition of StarStone to December 
31, 2014, which are summarized below. 

INCOME

Net premiums earned

Fees and commission income
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses)

Other income

EXPENSES

Net incurred losses and LAE

Acquisition costs

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange losses (gains)

EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME
TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NET EARNINGS (LOSS)

Less: Net loss (earnings) attributable to
noncontrolling interest

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE
TO ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

2016

2015

Increase 
(decrease)(1)

2014(1)

Increase 
(decrease)(1)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

676,608 $
5,102
22,221

5,728

1,780

573,146 $

—
15,937

(9,784)

676

103,462 $
5,102
6,284

15,512

1,104

373,633 $

—
5,321

2,136

616

199,513
—
10,616

(11,920)

60

711,439

579,975

126,362

381,706

198,269

401,593

138,822

125,279

47
(754)
664,987

46,452
(3,693)
42,759

327,684

109,347

126,132

6

(480)

73,909

29,475

(853)

41

(274)

218,429

65,734

113,344

—

945

109,255

43,613

12,788

6

(1,425)

562,689

102,298

398,452

164,237

17,286

5,888

23,174

29,166

(9,581)

19,585

(16,746)

(1,130)

(17,876)

34,032

7,018

41,050

(17,542)

(9,510)

(8,032)

7,323

(16,833)

$

25,217 $

13,664 $

11,553 $

(10,553) $

24,217  

(1) The 2014 results were not a full year: StarStone was acquired on April 1, 2014.

60

 
 
Overall Results

An analysis of the components of the segment's net earnings is shown below, after the attribution of net earnings 

to noncontrolling interest. 

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2015

Increase 
(decrease)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Period from
April 1, 2014
to December
31, 2014

Increase
(decrease)

StarStone

$

24,097 $

12,200 $

11,897 $

1,542 $

1,120

1,464

(344)

(12,095)

10,658

13,559

Holding Company
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) 
ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENSTAR 
GROUP LIMITED

$

25,217 $

13,664 $

11,553 $

(10,553) $

24,217

In  evaluating  the  underwriting  performance  of  the  StarStone  segment,  we  consider  the  insurance  ratios  of 
StarStone, which is the active underwriting component of the segment and excludes the Holding Company.  StarStone's 
insurance ratios are shown below.  

Loss ratio (1)
Acquisition cost ratio (1)
Other operating expense 
ratio (1)
Combined ratio (1)

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2015

(Favorable)
Unfavorable

Period from
April 1, 2014
to December
31, 2014

(Favorable)
Unfavorable

59.7%

20.5%

18.4%

98.6%

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

57.4%

18.9%

22.3%

98.6%

2.3 %

1.6 %

(3.9)%

— %

58.2%

17.3%

25.3%

100.8%

(0.8)%

1.6 %

(3)%

(2.2)%

(1)  Refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a description of how these ratios are calculated. The ratios are based upon the following  
amounts for StarStone, which exclude Holding Company amounts, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively: net 
premiums earned of $676,244 and $577,071, net incurred losses and LAE of $403,488 and $331,219, acquisition costs of $138,822 
and $109,347, and other operating expenses of $124,239 and $128,544.

The combined ratio remained flat between 2016 and 2015, primarily due to a reduction in the other operating 
expense ratio, which was driven by an increase in net premiums earned whilst maintaining a relatively stable expense 
base.  This was partially offset by an increase in the loss ratio, primarily due to an increase in workers compensation 
premiums written which has a higher loss ratio and lower acquisition cost ratio than most other lines of business.  The 
acquisition cost ratio increased partly as a result of business mix and partly as a result of increasing market rates in 
some lines of business.

The Holding Company result in 2016 and 2015 was impacted by general and administrative expenses relating 

to our management of StarStone and the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets.  

Investment results are separately discussed below in "Investments." 

61

 
Gross Premiums Written:

The following table provides gross premiums written by line of business for the StarStone segment for the year 

ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2015

Increase 
(decrease)

Period from
April 1, 2014
to December
31, 2014

Increase
(decrease)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

$

267,352 $
202,672
203,336

68,104
113,235
854,699 $

246,956 $
150,828

236,670
87,703
102,557
824,714 $

20,396 $

185,026 $

61,930

51,844
(33,334)

(19,599)
10,678

70,826
118,479

86,446
51,442

80,002
118,191

1,257
51,115

29,985 $

512,219 $

312,495

Casualty

Marine

Property
Aerospace

Workers' Compensation
Total

  2016 versus 2015: Premiums written in our marine and casualty lines increased during 2016 as a result of 
selective growth in new business, including new business written by underwriters hired late in 2015 and during 2016.  
We continued to expand our geographic reach and range of products in our workers' compensation line. Premiums 
written in both our property and aerospace business decreased.  Premiums written in the property line were higher in 
2015 due to an initial assumption of in-force unearned premium of $31.0 million under quota share agreements with 
Sussex, following the acquisition by Enstar.  Aerospace premiums written were lower following our decision in 2015 
to discontinue our space product and certain airlines business that no longer met our pricing standards.

2015  versus  2014:  Premiums  written  in  our  property  line  increased  during  2015  largely  due  to  business 
underwritten by a new team of construction underwriters. The workers' compensation line of business continued to 
grow, as we expanded our geographic reach and range of products. Premiums written in our aerospace business 
decreased on an annualized basis following our decision to discontinue our space product and certain airlines business 
that no longer met our pricing standards. Gross premiums written for the 2014 comparative period only include the 
nine months beginning April 1, 2014.

Net Premiums Earned:

The following table provides net premiums earned by line of business for the StarStone segment for the year 

ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: 

Year Ended
December 31,
2016

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2015

Increase 
(decrease)

Period from
April 1, 2014
to December
31, 2014

Increase
(decrease)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

226,330 $
162,333

187,984 $
116,127

132,927

114,589

66,937

88,081

—

75,515

78,931

—

38,346 $

139,715 $

46,206

18,338

(8,578)

9,150

—

68,767

80,650

54,510

17,996

11,995

48,269

47,360

33,939

21,005

60,935

(11,995)

$

676,608 $

573,146 $

103,462 $

373,633 $

199,513

Casualty
Marine

Property

Aerospace
Workers' Compensation
Other
Total

2016 versus 2015: Net premiums earned for the StarStone segment for the year ended December 31, 2016
increased  from  2015  by  $103.5  million  to  $676.6  million. The  lines  of  business  driving  the  increase  were  marine, 
casualty, property and workers' compensation.

2015 versus 2014: Net premiums earned for the StarStone segment for the year ended December 31, 2015 
increased from 2014 by $199.5 million to $573.1 million. The lines of business driving the increase were workers' 
compensation, casualty and marine. Net premiums earned for 2014 were for nine months only.

62

 
 
 
 
 
Fees and Commission Income:

2016 versus 2015: Fees and commission income was $5.1 million and $nil for the years ended 

December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fees for the year ended December 31, 2016 represent services 
provided to KaylaRe, as described in Note 21 - "Related Party Transactions" in the notes to our consolidated 
financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Net Incurred Losses and LAE:

2016 versus 2015: Net incurred losses and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $401.6 million
as compared with $327.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net favorable prior year loss development 
for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $14.2 million compared to net favorable prior year loss development of 
$39.4 million for the  year ended December 31, 2015. Net favorable prior year loss development in 2016 primarily 
related  to  marine  liability,  offshore  and  terrorism.  Net  favorable  prior  year  loss  development  in  2015  related  to 
construction, general property and terrorism. Excluding net prior year loss development, net incurred losses and LAE 
for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $415.8 million compared to $367.0 million for the year ended December 31, 
2015. 

2015 versus 2014: Net incurred losses and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $327.7 million
as compared with $218.4 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2014. Net favorable prior year loss 
development  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2015  was  $39.4  million  compared  to  net  favorable  prior  year  loss 
development  of  $11.1  million  for  the  nine-month  period  ended  December 31,  2014.  Net  favorable  prior  year  loss 
development in 2015 primarily related to construction, excess casualty and terrorism. Net favorable prior year loss 
development in 2014 related to general property and terrorism.  Excluding net prior year loss development, incurred 
losses and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $367.0 million compared to $229.5 million for the nine-
month period ended December 31, 2014. 

Acquisition Costs: 

2016 versus 2015: Acquisition costs of the StarStone segment increased to $138.8 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2016 from $109.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to an increase in net 
premiums earned.  The acquisition cost ratios for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 20.5% and 
18.9%, respectively. The ratio increased by 1.6% in the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared with the year 
ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to higher gross premiums written in property and marine, which have higher 
acquisition cost ratios, partially offset by writing less aerospace, which has lower acquisition cost ratios. 

2015 versus 2014: Acquisition costs of the StarStone segment increased to $109.3 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015 from $65.7 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to owning 
StarStone for a full year in 2015 and an increase in net premiums earned.  The acquisition cost ratios for the year and 
nine-month period ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were 18.9% and 17.3%, respectively. The ratio increased by 
1.6% in the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared with 2014. The increase was primarily due to mix of business 
where higher gross premium written in marine and casualty, which have higher acquisition cost ratios, was partially 
offset by writing less property and aerospace, which have lower acquisition cost ratios. 

General and Administrative Expenses: 

2016 versus 2015: General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 
$125.3 million and $126.1 million, respectively. The expense base has been kept at a relatively consistent level with 
prior year.  The 2016 amount includes the realization of savings from favorable foreign exchange rates arising from 
our expenses in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe translating into fewer United States dollars than the prior 
year, offset by an increase in valuation of stock appreciation right awards outstanding in 2016 as a result of the increase 
in the share price. 

2015  versus  2014:  General  and  administrative  expenses  for  the  year  and  nine-month  period  ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $126.1 million and $113.3 million, respectively. The 2014 period only included nine 
months compared to a full year in 2015. The 2015 amount reflects the realization of savings from our ongoing expense 
management initiatives, partially offset by non-recurring costs incurred to close our operations in India, along with 
restructuring costs in the United Kingdom and Europe. Our expense management initiatives contributing to a decrease 
in general and administrative expenses included reducing the number of employees and contractors. 

63

Income Taxes:

2016 versus 2015: We recorded a tax expense of $3.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared 
with a tax benefit of $5.9 million for 2015. The 2016 tax expense related to our U.S. insurance entities offset by group 
relief with the Atrium segment in the United Kingdom, while the tax benefit in 2015 related to a reduction in the valuation 
allowance against our deferred tax asset largely related to the utilization of net operating losses carried forward.

2015 versus 2014: We recorded a tax benefit of $5.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared 
with a tax expense of $1.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2014. The tax benefit related to a reduction 
in the valuation allowance against our deferred tax asset largely related to the utilization of net operating losses carried 
forward.

64

Life and Annuities Segment

For  our  Life  and Annuities  segment,  although  we  no  longer  write  new  business,  our  companies  continue  to 
generate premiums with respect to in-force policies.  We hold the policies associated with the life business to their 
natural maturity or lapse and to pay claims as they fall due, while aiming to efficiently manage our invested assets in 
these businesses. The presentation of the results in this segment reflect the classification of Pavonia as discontinuing 
operations and held-for-sale. Following the sale of Pavonia, we will no longer have any annuity products and our 
continuing life business will comprise of term life products in Alpha and Laguna, and the life settlements business. 

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for our Life and Annuities segment for the 

years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, which are summarized below.

2016

2015

Increase
(decrease)

2014

Increase
(decrease)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

INCOME

Net premiums earned

$

5,735 $

1,554 $

Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)
Other income

EXPENSES

Life and annuity policy benefits

Acquisition costs

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange losses (gains)

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS
NET EARNINGS FROM DISCONTINUING
OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAX
EXPENSE
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

$

$

$

Overall Results:

20,043
(4,998)
353
21,133

(2,038)
612
7,148

1,058
(213)
6,567

14,566
(31)

21,137
(798)

— $

21,893

(546)

—

2,799

1,488

(732)

3,009

18,884

—

4,181 $
(1,094)
(4,200)

353

(760)

2,245 $
1,056
1,784

32

5,117

(1,492)

612

4,349

(430)

519

3,558

(4,318)

(31)

84

(2)

1,423

—

(1,439)

66

5,051

(1)

(691)
20,081
(2,582)

(32)

16,776

(630)

2

1,376

1,488

707

2,943

13,833

1

14,535 $

18,884 $

(4,349) $

5,050 $

13,834

11,963 $

(2,031) $

13,994 $

5,539

(7,570)

26,498 $

16,853 $

9,645 $

10,589 $

6,264

Net earnings were $26.5 million and $16.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, 
an increase of $9.6 million. Net earnings were $16.9 million and $10.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015
and 2014, respectively, an increase of $6.3 million. 

The main driver of earnings from continuing operations in this segment was our life settlements business. For 
the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the contribution to earnings from our life settlements business 
was $11.0 million, $16.5 million and $nil, respectively. Net earnings of $11.0 million in the year ended December 31, 
2016 was comprised of net investment income of $13.0 million from policy maturity events, offset by expenses of $2.0 
million. Net earnings of $16.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 was comprised of net investment income 
of $20.1 million from policy maturity events, offset by expenses of $3.6 million. 

We acquired Alpha on November 13, 2015 which contributed $2.5 million to our 2016 results, compared to $nil 
in 2015 and 2014 because the transaction closed later in the year during 2015. This transaction resulted in higher 
amounts across all components of earnings from continuing operations in 2016 compared to 2015. 

The components of Pavonia's net earnings of $12.0 million, classified as discontinuing operations, are included 

in Note 5 - "Held-For-Sale Business" in the Consolidated Financial Statements within Item 8 of this Form10-K.

65

 
 
Investable Assets

We define investable assets as the sum of total investments, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and 
cash equivalents and funds held. Investments consist primarily of investment grade, liquid, fixed maturity securities of 
short-to-medium duration, equities and other investments. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash 
equivalents  is  comprised  mainly  of  cash,  high-grade  fixed  deposits,  and  other  highly  liquid  instruments  such  as 
commercial paper with maturities of less than three months at the time of acquisition and money market funds. Funds 
held primarily consists of investment grade, liquid, fixed maturity securities of short-to-medium duration. 

Investable assets were $8.4 billion as at December 31, 2016 as compared to $7.7 billion as at December 31, 
2015, an increase of 8.4%. The increase was primarily due to the funds held balance acquired in relation to the Allianz 
transaction.

Investment Strategies

Our key investment objectives are as follows:

•  To follow an investment strategy designed to emphasize the security and growth of our invested assets that 

also meet our credit quality and diversification objectives.  

•  To provide sufficient liquidity for the prompt payment of claims and contract liabilities.

•  To  seek  superior  risk-adjusted  returns,  by  allocating  a  portion  of  our  portfolio  to  non-investment  grade 

securities in accordance with our investment guidelines. 

•  To consider the duration characteristics of our liabilities in determining the extent to which we correlate with 
assets of comparable duration depending on our other investment strategies and to the extent practicable. 

In  the  Non-life  Run-off, Atrium  and  StarStone  segments,  we  maintain  a  relatively  short-duration  investment 
portfolio in order to provide liquidity for the settlement of losses and, where possible, to avoid having to liquidate longer-
dated investments. In the Non-life Run-off segment, the commutations of liabilities also have the potential to accelerate 
the natural payout of losses, which requires liquidity.  Our fixed maturity securities include U.S. government and agency 
investments, highly rated sovereign and supranational investments, high-grade corporate investments, and mortgage-
backed and asset-backed investments. We allocate a portion of our investment portfolio to other investments, including 
private equity funds, fixed income funds, fixed income hedge funds, equity funds, CLO equities and CLO equity funds. 

In the Life and Annuities segment we have limited ability to shorten the duration of the liabilities, and therefore 
we maintain a longer duration investment portfolio of highly rated fixed maturity investments, primarily corporate bonds, 
that attempts to match the cash flows and duration of our liability profile. As at December 31, 2016, the duration of our 
fixed  maturity  investment  portfolio  associated  with  our  life  business  was  shorter  than  the  liabilities  due  to  limited 
investment options to match cash flows for longer duration liabilities.  

We utilize and pay fees to various companies to provide investment advisory and/or management services. 
These  fees,  which  are  predominantly  based  upon  the  amount  of  assets  under  management,  are  included  in  net 
investment income. The total fees we paid to our investment managers for the year ended December 31, 2016 were 
$6.0 million, including $1.1 million to our largest single investment manager.

Our investment performance is subject to a variety of risks, including risks related to general economic conditions, 
market volatility, interest rate fluctuations, foreign exchange risk, liquidity risk and credit and default risk. Interest rates 
are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic 
and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. An increase in interest rates could result in significant 
losses, realized or unrealized, in the value of our investment portfolio. A portion of our non-investment grade securities 
consists of alternative investments that subject us to restrictions on redemption, which may limit our ability to withdraw 
funds for some period of time after the initial investment. The values of, and returns on, such investments may also 
be more volatile. For more information on these risks, refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Our Investments" 
and "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk." 

66

Composition of Investment Portfolio By Asset Class

The following table summarizes the fair value and composition of our investment portfolio by asset class as at 

December 31, 2016 and 2015: 

2016

Fair Value

2015

Fair Value

Investment 
Grade (1)

Non-
Investment 
Grade (2)

Total

%

Investment 
Grade (1)

Non-
Investment 
Grade (2)

Total

%

Fixed maturity and short-term
investments, trading and available-
for-sale

U.S. government & agency

$

852,984 $

— $

852,984

14.1% $

767,759 $

— $

767,759

12.1%

Non-U.S. government

352,786

—

352,786

5.8%

395,163

28,791

423,954

6.7%

Corporate

Municipal

Residential mortgage-backed

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Total

Equities

U.S.

International

Total

Other investments

Private equity funds

Fixed income funds

Fixed income hedge funds

Equity funds

Multi-strategy hedge fund

Real estate debt fund

CLO equities

CLO equity funds

Other

Total

Other investments

Life settlements

Total investments

2,385,295

160,682

2,545,977

42.2%

2,606,246

138,756

2,745,002

43.3%

53,757

373,957

199,827

409,671

—

98

17,385

72,485

53,757

374,055

217,212

482,156

0.9%

6.2%

3.6%

8.0%

28,174

382,059

210,261

470,282

—

229

22,586

65,620

28,174

382,288

232,847

535,902

0.4%

6.0%

3.7%

8.5%

4,628,277

250,650

4,878,927

80.8%

4,859,944

255,982

5,115,926

80.7%

95,047

—

95,047

300,529

249,023

85,976

223,571

—

—

61,565

15,440

943

1.6%

—%

1.6%

5.0%

4.1%

1.4%

3.7%

—%

—%

1.0%

0.3%

—%

108,793

2,702

111,495

232,372

280,749

89,154

147,390

99,020

54,829

61,702

13,928

1,145

1.7%

—%

1.7%

3.7%

4.4%

1.4%

2.3%

1.6%

0.9%

1.0%

0.2%

—%

937,047

15.5%

980,289

15.5%

$ 4,628,277 $

250,650 $ 6,040,495

100.0% $ 4,859,944 $

255,982 $ 6,337,978

100.0%

129,474

2.1%

130,268

2.1%

(1) 

Investment Grade are securities with a rating of BBB- or higher.

(2)  Non-Investment Grade includes non-rated securities with a fair value of $28.1 million and $23.7 million as at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 

respectively.

A description of our investment valuation processes is included in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis 
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies - Investments" and "Note 8 - Fair Value 
Measurements" of our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

67

Composition of Funds Held - Directly Managed By Asset Class

The following table summarizes the fair value and composition of our funds held - directly managed portfolio by 

asset class as at December 31, 2016: 

Fixed maturity investments:

U.S. government & agency

Non-U.S. government

Corporate

Municipal

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Total

Other assets

December 31, 2016

Fair Value

Investment 
Grade (1)

Non-Investment
Grade

Total

%

$

47,885 $

— $

5,961

663,556

38,927

151,395

79,806

987,530

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

47,885

5,961

663,556

38,927

151,395

79,806

987,530

7,135

4.8%

0.6%

66.8%

3.9%

15.2%

8.0%

99.3%

0.7%

Total funds held - directly managed

$

987,530 $

— $

994,665

100.0%

(1) 

Investment Grade are securities with a rating of BBB- or higher.

Composition of Investable Assets By Segment

Across all of our segments, we strive to structure our investments in a manner that recognizes our liquidity needs 
for future liabilities. In that regard, we consider the duration characteristics of our liabilities in determining the extent 
to which we correlate with assets of comparable duration depending on our other investment strategies and to the 
extent practicable. If our liquidity needs or general liability profile unexpectedly change, we may adjust the structure 
of our investment portfolio to meet our revised expectations. The following tables summarize the composition of total 
investable assets by segment as at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 

December 31, 2016

Short-term investments, trading, at fair value

$

201,188

$

7,938

$

6,160

$

7,632

$

222,918

Non-life 
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and
Annuities

Total

Short-term investments, available-for-sale, at fair value

Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value

Equities, trading, at fair value

Other investments, at fair value

Other investments, at cost

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Funds held - directly managed

Funds held by reinsured companies

Total investable assets

Duration

Average Credit Rating

—

3,144,811

3,108

88,481

783,857

—

4,221,445

916,900

994,665

48,525

268

13,320

142,562

—

—

—

164,088

83,548

—

22,883

—

1,199,460

—

6,566

153,190

—

1,365,376

295,341

—

10,665

—

30,651

121,829

—

—

131,651

291,763

22,856

—

—

268

4,388,242

267,499

95,047

937,047

131,651

6,042,672

1,318,645

994,665

82,073

$

6,181,535

$

270,519

$

1,671,382

$

314,619

$

8,438,055

2.68

A+

1.2

AA-

2.31

AA-

2.67

A+

2.56

A+

68

December 31, 2015

Short-term investments, trading, at fair value

$

72,163

$

— $

12,941

$

— $

Non-life 
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and
Annuities

Total

—

3,444,752

6,464

102,412

856,554

—

4,482,345

1,007,889

60,015

1,848

37,000

181,027

—

—

—

—

1,204,376

—

9,083

123,735

—

219,875

1,350,135

52,735

21,279

199,597

11,504

6,774

42,393

106,188

—

—

133,071

288,426

34,948

—

85,104

8,622

4,728,521

293,679

111,495

980,289

133,071

6,340,781

1,295,169

92,798

$

5,550,249

$

293,889

$

1,561,236

$

323,374

$

7,728,748

1.69

A+

1.80

AA-

2.09

AA-

2.63

AA-

1.81

A+

Short-term investments, available-for-sale, at fair value

Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value

Equities, trading, at fair value

Other investments, at fair value

Other investments, at cost

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Funds held by reinsured companies

Total investable assets

Duration

Average Credit Rating

Credit Quality and Maturity Profiles

As  at  December 31,  2016  and  2015,  our  investment  portfolio  had  an  average  credit  quality  rating  of A+. At 
December 31,  2016  and  2015,  our  fixed  maturity  investments  rated  lower  than  BBB-  comprised  3.7%  of  our  total 
investment portfolio. A detailed schedule of average credit ratings by asset class as at December 31, 2016 is included 
in  Note  6  -  "Investments  -  Credit  Ratings"  and  Note  7  -  "Funds  Held  -  Directly  Managed  -  Credit  Ratings"  of  our 
consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Schedules of maturities for our fixed maturity securities are included in Note 6 - "Investments" and Note 7 - 
"Funds Held - Directly Managed" of our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K.

Eurozone Exposure

As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, we owned $15.0 million and $17.3 million, respectively, of investments in 

fixed maturity securities issued by the sovereign governments of Italy, Ireland and Spain. 

Investment Results - Consolidated

Comparability between periods is impacted by our acquisitions and significant new business as described in 
"Item 1. Business - Recent Acquisitions and Significant New Business" and Notes 3 and 4 of our consolidated financial 
statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following table summarizes our investment results for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 

Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Investment Book Yield
Net investment income
Average aggregate invested assets, at cost (1)
Investment book yield

Financial Statement Portfolio Return (2)
Total financial statement return
Average aggregate invested assets, at fair value (1)
Financial statement portfolio return

2016
$ 185,463
77,818

2015
$ 122,564
(41,523)

Increase
(decrease)
62,899
119,341

$

$

2014
66,024
51,991

Increase
(decrease)
56,540
(93,514)

$

185,463
8,537,807

122,564
7,481,593

62,899
1,056,214

66,024
6,165,984

56,540
1,315,609

2.17%

1.64%

0.53%

1.07%

0.57 %

263,281
8,521,528

81,041
7,451,537

182,240
1,069,991

118,015
6,230,146

(36,974)
1,221,391

3.09%

1.09%

2.00%

1.89%

(0.80)%

(1) These amounts are an average of the amounts disclosed in our quarterly U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements. 
(2) This is a sum of net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) from our U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements. 

69

2016 versus 2015: Net investment income increased by $62.9 million during 2016 due to an increase of $1.1 
billion in our average investable assets and an increase of 53 basis points in the book yield we obtained on those 
assets. The increase in yield was primarily due to the changing mix in asset allocation as we executed on our investment 
strategies. The increase of $119.3 million in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) was comprised of net unrealized 
gains of $84.8 million in 2016 compared to net unrealized losses of $57.4 million in 2015, offset by a decrease in 
realized gains of $22.9 million. The net unrealized gains in 2016 were primarily due to the increase in the valuation of 
our other investments, including our investments in private equity funds, equity funds and CLO equities. In addition,  
fixed maturity securities contributed to the unrealized gain in 2016 as the impact of tighter credit spreads were partially 
offset by the impact of increased treasury yields.

2015 versus 2014: Net investment income increased by $56.5 million during 2015 due to an increase of $1.3 
billion in our average investable assets and an increase of 57 basis points in the book yield we obtained on those 
assets. The increase in yield was due to our asset allocation and a broad increase in treasury yields across the curve. 
The decrease of $93.5 million in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) was comprised of a decrease in realized 
gains of $6.3 million, and net unrealized losses of $57.4 million in 2015 compared to net unrealized gains of $29.8 
million in 2014. The net unrealized losses in 2015 were primarily due to fixed maturity securities and reflected increased 
treasury yields, widening corporate credit spreads and a decrease in liquidity in fixed income markets. 

Investment Results - By Segment

The following tables summarize our investment results by segment for the years ended December 31, 2016,  

2015 and 2014. These tables have been prepared on a basis consistent with the consolidated table above. 

Non-Life Run-off

Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Investment Book Yield
Net investment income
Average aggregate invested assets, at cost
Investment book yield

Non-life Run-off

2016
$ 143,783
77,689

$

2015
84,185
(31,193)

Increase
(decrease)
59,598
$
108,882

$

2014
57,899
48,030

Increase
(decrease)
26,286
$
(79,223)

143,783
6,321,143

84,185
5,566,751

59,598
754,392

57,899
4,763,458

26,286
803,293

2.27%

1.51%

0.76%

1.22%

0.29 %

Financial Statement Portfolio Return
Total financial statement return
Average aggregate invested assets, at fair value
Financial statement portfolio return

221,472
6,316,343

52,992
5,550,471

168,480
765,872

105,929
4,824,326

(52,937)
726,145

3.51%

0.95%

2.56%

2.20%

(1.25)%

2016 versus 2015: Net investment income increased by $59.6 million during 2016 due to an increase of $754.4 
million in our average investable assets and an increase of 76 basis points in the book yield we obtained on those 
assets. The increase in yield was primarily due to the changing mix in asset allocation as we executed on our investment 
strategies. The increase of $108.9 million in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) was comprised of net unrealized 
gains of $87.4 million in 2016 compared to net unrealized losses of $42.5 million in 2015, offset by a decrease in 
realized gains of $21.0 million. The net unrealized gains in 2016 were primarily due to the increase in the valuation of 
our other investments, including our investments in private equity funds, equity funds and CLO equities. In addition, 
our fixed maturity securities contributed to the unrealized gain in 2016 as the impact of tighter credit spreads were 
partially offset by the impact of increased treasury yields.

2015 versus 2014: Net investment income increased by $26.3 million during 2015 due to an increase of $803.3 
million in our average investable assets and an increase of 29 basis points in the book yield we obtained on those 
assets. The increase in yield was due to our asset allocation and a broad increase in treasury yields across the curve. 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) decreased by $79.2 million, primarily due to fixed maturity securities, and 
reflected  increased  treasury  yields,  widening  corporate  credit  spreads  and  a  decrease  in  liquidity  in  fixed  income 
markets.

70

Atrium

Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Investment Book Yield
Net investment income
Average aggregate invested assets, at cost
Investment book yield

Financial Statement Portfolio Return
Total financial statement return
Average aggregate invested assets, at fair value
Financial statement portfolio return

2016

2015

$

$

2,940
(601)

2,225
252

Atrium

Increase
(decrease)
$

715
(853)

$

2014

1,748
41

Increase
(decrease)
477
$
211

2,940
286,898

2,225
301,297

715
(14,399)

1,748
338,793

477
(37,496)

1.02%

0.74%

0.28 %

0.52%

0.22%

2,339
283,224

2,477
295,222

(138)
(11,998)

1,789
338,109

688
(42,887)

0.83%

0.84%

(0.01)%

0.53%

0.31%

2016 versus 2015: Net investment income increased by $0.7 million during 2016 due to an increase of 28 basis 
points in the book yield we obtained on our investable assets, partially offset by the decrease in our average invested 
assets of $14.4 million. The increase in yield was primarily due to the changing mix in asset allocation as we executed 
on our investment strategies. Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) decreased by $0.9 million driven by the impact 
of increased treasury yields.

2015 versus 2014: Net investment income increased by $0.5 million during 2015 due to an increase of 22 basis 
points in the book yield we obtained on our investable assets, partially offset by the decrease in average investable 
assets of $37.5 million. The increase in yield was due to a broad increase in treasury yields across the curve. Net 
realized and unrealized gains (losses) increased by $0.2 million.

StarStone

Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Investment Book Yield
Net investment income
Average aggregate invested assets, at cost
Investment book yield

Financial Statement Portfolio Return
Total financial statement return
Average aggregate invested assets, at fair value
Financial statement portfolio return

2016

$

22,221
5,728

$

2015
15,937
(9,784)

StarStone

Increase
(decrease)
6,284
$
15,512

$

2014

5,321
2,136

Increase
(decrease)
$ 10,616
(11,920)

22,221
1,607,916

15,937
1,504,087

6,284
103,829

5,321
1,014,587

10,616
489,500

1.38%

1.06%

0.32%

0.52%

0.54%

27,949
1,598,423

6,153
1,499,342

21,796
99,081

7,457
1,015,494

(1,304)
483,848

1.75%

0.41%

1.34%

0.73%

(0.32)%

2016 versus 2015: Net investment income increased by $6.3 million during 2016 due to an increase of $103.8 
million in our average investable assets and an increase of 32 basis points in the book yield we obtained on those 
assets. The increase in yield was primarily due to the changing mix in asset allocation as we executed on our investment 
strategies. The increase in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) of $15.5 million was comprised of net unrealized 
gains of $3.8 million in 2016 compared to net unrealized losses of $14.1 million in 2015, offset by a decrease in realized 
gains  of  $2.4  million. The  unrealized  gains  in  2016  were  primarily  due  to  increases  in  the  valuations  of  our  other 
investments.

71

2015 versus 2014: Net investment income increased by $10.6 million during 2015 due to an increase of $489.5 
million in our average investable assets and an increase of 54 basis points in the book yield we obtained on those 
assets. The increase in yield was due to our asset allocation and a broad increase in treasury yields across the curve. 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) decreased by $11.9 million, primarily due to fixed maturity securities and 
reflected  increased  treasury  yields,  widening  corporate  credit  spreads  and  a  decrease  in  liquidity  in  fixed  income 
markets.

Life and Annuities

Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Investment Book Yield
Net investment income
Average aggregate invested assets, at cost
Investment book yield

Financial Statement Portfolio Return
Total financial statement return
Average aggregate invested assets, at fair value
Financial statement portfolio return

Life and Annuities

$

2016
20,043
(4,998)

$

2015
21,137
(798)

Increase
(decrease)
(1,094)
$
(4,200)

$

2014

1,056
1,784

Increase
(decrease)
20,081
$
(2,582)

20,043
321,850

21,137
150,617

(1,094)
171,233

1,056
49,146

20,081
101,471

6.23%

14.03%

(7.80)%

2.15%

11.88%

15,045
323,538

20,339
147,652

(5,294)
175,886

2,840
52,217

17,499
95,435

4.65%

13.77%

(9.12)%

5.44%

8.33%

2016 versus 2015: Net investment income decreased by $1.1 million during 2016 primarily due to a decrease 
in the income from life settlements of $2.1 million. Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) decreased by $4.2 million, 
primarily due to impairments of $5.3 million in the life settlement portfolio.

2015 versus 2014: Net investment income increased by $20.1 million during 2015 primarily due to the income 
from life settlements of $20.1 million during 2015. Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) decreased by $2.6 million, 
primarily due to fixed maturity securities and reflect increased treasury yields, widening corporate credit spreads and 
a decrease in liquidity in fixed income markets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Enstar aims to generate cash flows from our insurance operations and investments, preserve sufficient capital 
for future acquisitions, and develop relationships with lenders who provide borrowing capacity at competitive rates.  

Our  capital  resources  as  at  December 31,  2016  included  shareholders'  equity  of  $2.8  billion,  redeemable 
noncontrolling interest of $0.5 billion classified as temporary equity, and loans payable of $0.7 billion. The redeemable 
noncontrolling interest may be settled in the future in cash or Enstar ordinary shares, at our option. Based on our 
current  loss  reserves  position,  our  portfolios  of  in-force  insurance  and  reinsurance  business,  and  our  investment 
positions, we believe we are well capitalized.   

As of December 31, 2016, we had $954.9 million million of cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash 
that supports insurance operations, and included in this amount was $487.2 million held by our foreign subsidiaries 
outside of Bermuda. Based on our group's current corporate structure with a Bermuda domiciled parent company and 
the jurisdictions in which we operate, if the cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries were to be 
distributed to us, as dividends or otherwise, such amount would not be subject to incremental income taxes, however 
in certain circumstances withholding taxes may be imposed by some jurisdictions, including by the United States. 
Based on existing tax laws, regulations and our current intentions, there were no accruals as of December 31, 2016 
for any material withholding taxes on dividends or other distributions, as described in "Note 20 - Taxation" in the notes 
to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

72

Dividends

Enstar has not historically declared a dividend. Our strategy is to retain earnings and invest distributions from 
our subsidiaries back into the company. We do not currently expect to pay any dividends on our ordinary shares. Any 
payment of dividends must be approved by our Board of Directors. Our ability to pay dividends is subject to certain 
restrictions,  as  described  in  "Note  22  -  Dividend  Restrictions  and  Statutory  Requirements"  in  the  notes  to  our 
consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Holding Company Liquidity

The potential sources of cash flows to Enstar as a holding company consist of cash flows from our subsidiaries 
including dividends, advances and loans, and investment income on loans to our subsidiaries. We also borrow from 
our credit facilities as described below. 

We use cash to fund new acquisitions of companies and significant new business. We also utilize cash for our 
operating expenses associated with being a public company, and to pay interest and principal on loans from subsidiaries 
and loans under our credit facilities.  

Our holding company cash flows are summarized in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - 
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statements of Cash Flows - Parent Company Only for 
the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014" and the notes thereto.  

We may, from time to time, raise capital from the issuance of equity, debt or other securities as we continuously 
evaluate our strategic opportunities. On September 12, 2014, we filed an automatic shelf registration statement with 
the SEC to allow us to conduct future offerings of debt securities, if desired.      

As we are a holding company and have no substantial operations of our own, our assets consist primarily of 
investments in subsidiaries and our loans and advances to subsidiaries. Dividends from our insurance subsidiaries 
are restricted by insurance regulation.

Operating Company Liquidity

The ability to pay dividends and make other distributions is limited by the applicable laws and regulations of the 
jurisdictions in which our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries operate, including Bermuda, the United Kingdom, 
the  United  States,  Australia  and  Continental  Europe,  which  subject  these  subsidiaries  to  significant  regulatory 
restrictions.  These  laws  and  regulations  require,  among  other  things,  certain  of  our  insurance  and  reinsurance 
subsidiaries to maintain minimum capital resources requirements and limit the amount of dividends and other payments 
that these subsidiaries can pay to us, which in turn may limit our ability to pay dividends and make other payments. 
For more information on these laws and regulations, see "Item 1. Business - Regulation." As of December 31, 2016, 
all  of  our  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries’  capital  resources  levels  were  in  excess  of  the  minimum  levels 
required. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to certain restrictions, as described in "Note 22 - 
Dividend Restrictions and Statutory Requirements" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within 
Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends and make other forms of distributions 
may also be limited by our repayment obligations under certain of our outstanding loan facility agreements. Variability 
in ultimate loss payments may also result in increased liquidity requirements for our subsidiaries. During the years 
ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, our regulated subsidiaries paid aggregate capital distributions and dividends 
of $517.1 million, $723.1 million and $367.4 million, respectively. 

In the Non-life Run-off and Life and Annuities segments, our subsidiaries, sources of funds primarily consist of 
cash  and  investment  portfolios  acquired  on  the  completion  of  acquisitions  and  loss  portfolio  transfer  reinsurance 
agreements. Cash balances acquired upon our purchase of insurance or reinsurance companies are classified as 
cash provided by investing activities. Cash acquired from loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreements is classified 
as cash provided by operating companies. We expect to use funds acquired from cash and investment portfolios, 
collected  premiums,  collections  from  reinsurance  debtors,  fees  and  commission  income,  investment  income  and 
proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments to meet expected claims payments and operational expenses 
with the remainder used for acquisitions and additional investments. In these segments, we generally expect negative 
operating cash flows to be met by positive investing cash flows.  

In the Atrium and StarStone segments we expect a net provision of cash from operations as investment income 
earned and collected premiums should generally be in excess of total net claim payments, losses incurred on earned 
premiums and operating expenses. 

73

We expect our cash flows, together with our existing capital base and cash and investments acquired on the 
acquisition of insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, to be sufficient to meet cash requirements and to operate our 
business.  

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows, including those related to restricted cash, from 

operating, investing and financing activities in the last three years:

Years Ended December 31,

Cash provided by (used in):

2016

2015

Increase
(decrease)

2014

Increase
(decrease)

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$ (202,689) $ (265,152) $

62,463 $ 544,005 $ (809,157)

156,709
83,441

19,885
129,347

136,824
(45,906)

(187,422)
131,586

(13,985)

(18,533)

4,548

(17,546)

207,307
(2,239)

(987)

23,476

(134,453)

157,929

1,295,169

1,429,622

(134,453)

470,623

958,999

(605,076)

470,623

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$1,318,645 $1,295,169 $

23,476 $1,429,622 $ (134,453)

Details of our consolidated cash flows are included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014."  

2016 versus 2015: Cash used in operating activities included net sales and maturities of trading securities of 
$306.2 million in 2016 as compared with net purchases of trading securities of $400.8 million in 2015. Excluding the 
activity on trading securities, cash (used in) provided by operating activities was ($509.0) million and $135.6 million 
in the years ended December 31, 2016 and  2015, respectively. Cash used in operating activities was largely a result 
of the amount and timing of loss payments in our Non-life Run-off segment, offset by cash and restricted cash acquired 
in  Non-life  Run-off  reinsurance  transactions.  Cash  and  restricted  cash  acquired  in  Non-life  Run-off  reinsurance 
transactions for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $174.5 million and $468.3 million, respectively.

Cash provided by investing activities for 2016 primarily related to net redemptions of other investments of $154.0 
million. Cash provided by investing activities for 2015 primarily related to net purchases of other investments of $149.9 
million and purchases of available for sale securities of $102.2 million, offset by acquisitions net of cash acquired of 
$130.7 million and sales and maturities of available for sale securities of $142.8 million. 

Cash provided by financing activities for 2016 primarily related to net inflows of $77.8 million from our credit 
facilities, including the drawdown of a new three-year term loan of $75.0 million as discussed below, which was primarily 
utilized to finance acquisitions and significant new business. During 2015, we had net inflows of $280.2 million from 
our credit facilities primarily utilized to finance acquisitions and significant new business, offset by an outflow of $150.4 
million relating to the purchase of noncontrolling interests.

 2015 versus 2014: Cash from operating activities included net purchases of trading securities of $400.8 million 
in  2015 as compared with net sales and maturities of trading securities of $850.5 million in 2014. Excluding the activity 
on trading securities, cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $135.6 million and ($306.5) million in the 
years ended December 31,  2015 and 2014, respectively. The years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 included 
$468.3  million  and  $28.1  million,  respectively,  of  cash  and  restricted  cash  acquired  in  non-life  run-off  reinsurance 
transactions.

Cash  provided  by  investing  activities  for  2015  primarily  related  to  the  net  purchases  of  other  investments  of 
$149.9 million and purchases of available for sale securities of $102.2 million, offset by acquisition net of cash acquired 
of $130.7 million and sales and maturities of available for sale securities of $142.8 million. Cash used in investing 
activities for 2014 primarily related to the net purchases of other investments of $241.6 million.  

Cash provided by financing activities was relatively consistent during 2015 and 2014. During 2015, we had net 
inflows of $280.2 million from our credit facilities primarily utilized to finance acquisitions and significant new business, 
offset by an outflow of $150.4 million relating to the purchase of noncontrolling interests. During 2014, we had an inflow 

74

 
 
from a contribution by redeemable noncontrolling interest of $273.0 million, offset by net outflows of $129.2 million in 
repayment of our credit facilities (primarily attributable to the repayment of the SeaBright and Clarendon facilities). 

Investments and Cash and Cash Equivalents 

As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents 

and investments of $7.4 billion and $7.6 billion, respectively. 

For  information  regarding  our  investment  strategy,  portfolio  and  results,  refer  to  "Item 7.  Management’s 

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Investments."

Reinsurance Balances Recoverable

As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had reinsurance balances recoverable of $1.46 billion and $1.45 billion, 

respectively.

Our  insurance  and  reinsurance  run-off  subsidiaries,  prior  to  acquisition,  used  retrocessional  agreements  to 
reduce their exposure to the risk of insurance and reinsurance assumed. On an annual basis, both Atrium and StarStone 
purchase a tailored outwards reinsurance program designed to manage their risk profiles. The majority of Atrium’s and 
StarStone's third-party reinsurance cover is with highly rated reinsurers or is collateralized by letters of credit.

We remain liable to the extent that retrocessionaires do not meet their obligations under these agreements, and 
therefore, we evaluate and monitor concentration of credit risk among our reinsurers. Provisions are made for amounts 
considered potentially uncollectible. 

For further information regarding our reinsurance balances recoverable, refer to "Note 10 - Reinsurance Balances 
Recoverable" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K. 

Funds Held 

As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had funds held - directly managed of $994.7 million and $nil, respectively. 
The increase was due to the completion on March 31, 2016 of our transaction with Allianz to reinsure portfolios of 
Allianz's run-off business. In accordance with this transaction, we received a fixed rate of investment income for the 
nine months ended September 30, 2016 and thereafter we received a return based upon an underlying portfolio of 
investments. These funds are carried at an aggregate fair value which includes an embedded derivative for the variable 
investment return. For further information regarding our funds held - directly managed, refer to "Note 7 - Funds Held 
- Directly Managed" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K. 

In addition, as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had funds held by ceding companies of $82.1 

million and $92.8 million, respectively, which are carried at cost with a fixed crediting rate. 

 For information regarding credit risk, refer to "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market 

Risk - Credit Risk - Funds Held" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Loan Facilities

We utilize loan facilities primarily for acquisitions and, from time to time, for general corporate purposes. For 
information regarding our loan facilities, including our loan covenants, refer to  "Note 15 - Loans Payable" in the notes 
to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Under our facilities, 
loans payable as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $673.6 million and $599.8 million, respectively. 

Our main facility is the Enstar Group Limited ("EGL") Revolving Credit Facility, originated on September 16, 
2014 for a 5-year term, and most recently amended on August 5, 2016. This facility is among the Company and certain 
of its subsidiaries, as borrowers and as guarantors, and various financial institutions. We are permitted to borrow up 
to an aggregate of $665.0 million and we have an option to obtain additional commitments of up to $166.25 million. 
The individual outstanding loans under the facility are unsecured short-term floating rate loans with an interest rate of 
LIBOR plus a margin and utilization fee as set forth in the credit facility agreement. As at December 31, 2016 there 
was $129.9 million of available unutilized capacity under the EGL Revolving Credit Facility. Subsequent to December 31, 
2016, we utilized $90.0 million and repaid $34.0 million bringing the available unutilized capacity under this facility to 
$73.9 million. 

75

We also have the following term loan facilities: 

•  A four-year term loan (the "Sussex Facility", formerly called the Companion Facility) that was originated on 
December 24, 2014 with two financial institutions. As at December 31, 2016, the outstanding principal under 
this facility was $63.5 million, and there was no unutilized capacity. 

•  A three-year unsecured term loan (the "EGL Term Loan Facility") that was originated on November 18, 2016. 
As at December 31, 2016, the outstanding principal under this facility was $75.0 million, and there was no 
unutilized capacity. 

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2016, our future payments under contractual obligations 
and estimated payments for losses and LAE and policy benefits by expected payment date. The table excludes short-
term liabilities and includes only obligations that are expected to be settled in cash.  

Operating Activities

Estimated gross reserves for losses 
and LAE (1)
Policy benefits for life and annuity 
contracts (2)
Operating lease obligations

Investing Activities

Investment commitments

Financing Activities

Loan repayments (including
estimated interest payments)

Total

(1) 

Total

Less than
1 Year

1 - 3
years

3 - 5
years

More than
5 Years

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

$

6,111.6 $

1,224.3 $

1,999.1 $

928.1 $

1,960.1

298.7
45.8

144.0

18.6
10.0

57.8

37.5
17.3

55.5

35.7
10.3

30.7

206.9
8.2

—

748.7
7,432.7 $

28.9
1,423.5 $

719.8
2,829.2 $

—
1,004.8 $

—
2,175.2

$

The reserves for losses and LAE represent management’s estimate of the ultimate cost of settling losses. The estimation of losses is based 
on various complex and subjective judgments. Actual losses paid may differ, perhaps significantly, from the reserve estimates reflected in 
our financial statements. Similarly, the timing of payment of our estimated losses is not fixed and there may be significant changes in actual 
payment  activity. The  assumptions  used  in  estimating  the  likely  payments  due  by  period  are  based  on  our  historical  claims  payment 
experience and industry payment patterns, but due to the inherent uncertainty in the process of estimating the timing of such payments, 
there is a risk that the amounts paid in any such period can be significantly different from the amounts disclosed above. The amounts in 
the above table represent our estimates of known liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and do not take into account corresponding reinsurance 
recoverable amounts that would be due to us. Furthermore, certain of the reserves included in the audited consolidated financial statements 
as of December 31, 2016 were acquired by us and initially recorded at fair value with subsequent amortization, whereas the expected 
payments by period in the table above are the estimated payments at a future time and do not reflect the fair value adjustment in the amount 
payable.

(2)  Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts recorded in our audited consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2016 of $112.1 million 
are computed on a discounted basis, whereas the expected payments by period in the table above are the estimated payments at a future 
time and do not reflect a discount of the amount payable. Amounts related to Pavonia are excluded as these are classified as liabilities 
held for sale, as described in "Note 5 - Held-For-Sale Business" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 
8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

For additional information relating to our commitments and contingencies, see "Note 23 - Commitments and 
Contingencies" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At December 31, 2016, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of 

Regulation S-K.

76

  
 
Critical Accounting Policies

We believe the following accounting policies affect the more significant judgment and estimates used in the 

preparation of our financial statements.

Accounting for Acquisitions - Fair Value Measurement

The most significant liabilities and assets of an acquired company are typically the liability for losses and LAE, 
and the assets related to cash, investments and any reinsurance balances recoverable that may be contractually due 
to the acquired entity. The market for acquisition of run-off companies is not always sufficiently active and transparent 
to  enable  us  to  identify  reliable,  market  exit  values  for  acquired  assets  and  liabilities. Accordingly,  consistent  with 
provisions of U.S. GAAP, we have developed internal models that we believe allow us to determine fair values that 
are reasonable proxies for market exit values. We are familiar with the major participants in the acquisition run-off 
market and believe that the key assumptions we make in valuing acquired assets and liabilities are consistent with 
the kinds of assumptions made by such market participants. Furthermore, in our negotiation of purchase prices with 
sellers, it is frequently clear to us that other bidders in the market are using models and assumptions similar in nature 
to ours during the competitive bid process. The majority of acquisitions are completed following a public tender process 
whereby the seller invites market participants to provide bids for the target acquisition.

We account for acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting, which requires that the acquirer record 
the assets and liabilities acquired at their estimated fair value. The fair values of each of the insurance and reinsurance 
assets and liabilities acquired are derived from probability-weighted ranges of the associated projected cash flows, 
based on actuarially prepared information and management’s run-off strategy. Our run-off strategy, as well as that of 
other run-off market participants, is expected to be different from the seller’s as generally sellers are not specialized 
in running off insurance and reinsurance liabilities whereas we and other market participants do specialize in such 
run-offs.

The key assumptions used by us and, we believe, by other run-off market participants in the fair valuation of 
acquired  companies  are  (i) the  projected  payout,  timing  and  amounts  of  claims  liabilities;  (ii) the  related  projected 
timing  and  amount  of  reinsurance  collections;  (iii) an  appropriate  discount  rate,  which  is  applied  to  determine  the 
present value of the future cash flows; (iv) the estimated ULAE to be incurred over the life of the run-off; (v) the impact 
that any accelerated run-off strategy may have on the adequacy of acquired bad debt provisions; and (vi) an appropriate 
risk margin.

The probability-weighted projected cash flows of the acquired company are based on projected claims payouts 
provided by the seller predominantly in the form of the seller’s most recent independent actuarial reserve report. In 
the absence of the seller’s actuarial reserve report, our actuaries will determine the estimated claims payout. In certain 
jurisdictions, the local legislation provides for the possibility of pursuing strategies to achieve complete finality and 
conclude the run-off of a company, such as solvent schemes of arrangement. If appropriate we may estimate the 
probability of being able to complete a solvent scheme of arrangement and factor that into the claims payout projections. 

On acquisition, we make a provision for ULAE liabilities. This provision considers the adequacy of the provision 
maintained and recorded by the seller in light of our run-off strategy and estimated ULAE to be incurred over the life 
of the acquired run-off as projected by the seller’s actuaries or, in their absence, our actuaries. To the extent that our 
estimate of the total ULAE provision is different from the seller’s, an adjustment will be made. While our objective is 
to accelerate the run-off by completing commutations of assumed and ceded business (which would have the effect 
of shortening the life, and therefore the cost, of the run-off), the success of this strategy is far from certain. Therefore, 
the estimates of ULAE are based on running off the liabilities and assets over the actuarially projected life of the run-
off. In those domiciles where solvent schemes of arrangement are available, management’s estimates of the total 
ULAE are probability-weighted in accordance with the estimated time that a solvent scheme of arrangement could be 
completed, which has the effect of reducing the period of the run-off and the related ULAE. For those acquisitions in 
domiciles where solvent schemes of arrangement are not available, the ULAE are estimated over the projected life of 
the run-off.

We believe that providing for ULAE based on our run-off strategy is appropriate in determining the fair value of 
the assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition of a run-off company. We believe that other participants in the run-
off acquisition marketplace factor into the price to pay for an acquisition the estimated cost of running off the acquired 
company based on how that participant expects to manage the assets and liabilities.

77

The difference between the carrying value of reserves acquired at the date of acquisition and the fair value is 
the Fair Value Adjustment, or FVA. The FVA is amortized over the estimated payout period and adjusted for accelerations 
on commutation settlements or any other new information or subsequent change in circumstances after the date of 
acquisition. To the extent the actual payout experience after the acquisition is materially faster or slower than anticipated 
at the time of the acquisition, there is an adjustment to the estimated ultimate loss reserves, or there are changes in 
bad debt provisions or in estimates of future run-off costs following accelerated payouts, then the amortization of the 
FVA is accelerated or decelerated, as the case may be, to reflect such changes.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Non-Life Run-off

The  following  table  provides  a  breakdown  of  gross  losses  and  LAE  reserves  by  type  of  exposure  as  of 

December 31, 2016 and 2015.

OLR

2016

IBNR

Total

OLR

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

2015

IBNR

Total

$

240,863 $

548,180 $

789,043 $

121,404 $

209,410 $

330,814

94,432
427,733

67,646
316,227

162,078
743,960

29,986
478,246

29,972
438,807

59,958
917,053

1,360,743

693,585

2,054,328

1,502,615

822,758

2,325,373

45,240

39,622
407,490

34,873
120,459

80,113

160,081

51,790

17,327

8,484

14,339

60,274

31,666

610,975
$ 2,616,123 $ 1,881,904 $ 4,498,027 $ 2,661,947 $ 1,674,166 $ 4,336,113
249,341

218,336

508,424

150,396

460,579

100,934

$ 4,716,363

$ 4,585,454

Asbestos

Environmental

General casualty
Workers'
compensation/
personal accident

Marine, aviation and
transit

Construction defect

Other

Total

ULAE

Total

The following table provides a breakdown of losses and LAE reserves (net of reinsurance balances recoverable 

and deferred charges) by type of exposure as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Asbestos

Environmental

General casualty
Workers' compensation/personal accident
Marine, aviation and transit

Construction defect

Other

ULAE

Total

2016

2015

Total

% of
Total

Total

% of
Total

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

764,344

21.1% $

304,443

156,869

491,752

1,372,823
74,494

121,096
421,145
218,336
$ 3,620,859

4.3%

13.6%

37.9%

52,187

600,364

1,507,505

2.1%
3.3%
11.6%
6.1%

53,036
20,855
507,065
249,341
100.0% $ 3,294,796

9.2%

1.6%

18.2%

45.8%

1.6%
0.6%
15.4%
7.6%
100.0%

As of December 31, 2016, the IBNR reserves (net of reinsurance balances receivable) accounted for $1,464.8 
million,  or  40.5%,  of  our  total  net  losses  and  LAE. The  reserve  for  IBNR  (net  of  reinsurance  balance  receivable) 
accounted for $1,146.9 million, or 34.8%, of our total net loss reserves at December 31, 2015.

78

 
 
 
 
 
 
Our  primary  objective  in  running  off  the  operations  of  acquired  companies  and  portfolios  of  insurance  and 
reinsurance business in run-off is to increase book value by settling loss reserves below their acquired fair value. The 
earnings created in each acquired company or portfolio of insurance and reinsurance business, together with the 
related decrease in loss reserves, lead to a reduction in the capital required for each company, thereby providing the 
ability to distribute both earnings and excess capital to the parent company.

To the extent that the nature of the acquired loss reserves are conducive to commutation, our aim is to settle 
the majority of the acquired loss reserves within a timeframe of approximately five to seven years from the date of 
acquisition. To the extent that acquired reserves are not conducive to commutation, we will instead adopt a disciplined 
claims management approach to pay only valid claims on a timely basis and endeavor to reduce the level of acquired 
LAE provisions by withdrawing, where appropriate, from existing litigation and otherwise streamlining claims handling 
procedures.

By adopting either of the above run-off strategies, we would expect that over the targeted life of the run-off, 
acquired ultimate loss reserves would settle below their recorded fair value, resulting in reductions in ultimate losses 
and LAE liabilities. There can be no assurance, however, that we will successfully implement our strategy.

Commutations of blocks of policies, along with disciplined claims management, have the potential to produce 
favorable claims development compared to established reserves. For each newly-acquired company, we determine 
a commutation strategy that broadly identifies commutation targets using the following criteria:

•  Previous commutations completed by existing portfolio companies with policyholders of the newly-acquired 

company;

•  Nature of liabilities;

•  Size of incurred loss reserves;

•  Recent loss development history; and

•  Targets for claims audits.

Once commutation targets are identified, they are prioritized into target years of completion. At the beginning of 
each year, the approach to commutation negotiations is determined by the commutation team, including claims and 
exposure analysis and broker account reconciliations. On completion of this analysis, settlement parameters are set 
around  incurred  liabilities.  Commutation  discussions  can  take  many  months  or  even  years  to  come  to  fruition. 
Commutation targets not completed in a particular year are re-prioritized for the following year.

Every commutation, irrespective of value, requires the approval of our senior management. The impact of the 
commutation activity on the IBNR reserve is reflected as part of our annual actuarial reviews of reserves. However, if 
a significant commutation is completed during the year, loss reserves will be adjusted in the corresponding quarter to 
reflect management’s then best estimate of the impact on remaining IBNR reserves.

Commutations provide an opportunity for us to exit exposures to entire policies with insureds and reinsureds for 
an agreed upon payment, or payments, often at a discount to the previously estimated ultimate liability. As a result of 
exiting all exposures to such policies, all advised case reserves and IBNR reserves relating to the insured or reinsured 
are  eliminated. A  commutation  is  recognized  upon  the  execution  of  a  commutation  release  agreement.  Following 
completion of a commutation, all the related balances, including insurance and reinsurance balances payable and/or 
receivable, funds held by ceding companies, and losses and LAE (including fair value adjustments and estimated 
IBNR), are written off with corresponding gain or loss recorded in the net reduction of ultimate losses. A commutation 
may result in a net gain irrespective of whether the settlement exceeds the advised case reserves. Advised case 
reserves are those reserve estimates for a specific loss or losses reported by either the broker or insured or reinsured. 
IBNR reserves are established at a class of business level. A commutation settlement is a negotiated settlement of 
both the advised case reserves and an estimate of the IBNR reserves that relate to the policies being commuted. For 
latent exposures with a long reporting tail, the estimated level of IBNR reserves may be significantly higher than the 
advised case reserves. In such an instance, the commutation settlement of a block of such policies may be greater 
than the advised case reserves but less than the aggregate of the advised case reserves plus the estimated related 
IBNR reserves, resulting in a total saving to the remaining liability.

79

On an annual basis, all prior historical loss development that relates to commuted exposures is eliminated to 
produce  revised  historical  loss  development  for  the  remaining  non-commuted  exposures.  Our  estimates  of  IBNR 
reserves  are  determined  at  the  aggregate  class  of  business  or  exposure  level.  Our  actuaries  apply  actuarial 
methodologies to the remaining aggregate exposures and revised historical loss development information to reassess 
their estimates of gross and net ultimate liabilities and required gross and net IBNR reserves. On a quarterly basis, 
we adjust our estimates of ultimate loss and LAE liabilities in the quarter that the commutation was concluded. The 
agreed commutation settlement is recorded in net losses paid.

To the extent that commuted policies are protected by reinsurance, then we will, on completion of a commutation 
with an insured or reinsured, negotiate with the reinsurers to contribute their share of the commutation settlement. Any 
amounts received from such reinsurers will be recorded in net losses paid and the impact of any savings or loss on 
reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses will be included in the actuarial reassessment of net ultimate liabilities.

Annual Losses and Loss Adjustment Reviews

Because a significant amount of time can lapse between the assumption of risk, the occurrence of a loss event, 
the reporting of the event to an insurance or reinsurance company and the ultimate payment of the claim on the loss 
event, the liability for unpaid losses and LAE is based largely upon estimates. On a quarterly basis, our management 
must use considerable judgment in the process of developing these estimates. Management reviews the actual loss 
development in the quarter and receives input from the actuarial, claims and legal staff on the drivers of any favorable 
or unfavorable loss emergence. The liability for unpaid losses and LAE for property and casualty business includes 
amounts determined from loss reports on individual cases and amounts for IBNR reserves. 

Loss advices or reports from ceding companies are generally provided via the placing broker and comprise 
treaty statements, individual claims files, electronic messages and large loss advices or cash calls. Large loss advices 
and cash calls are provided to us as soon as practicable after an individual loss or claim is made or settled by the 
insured. The remaining broker advices are issued monthly, quarterly or annually depending on the provisions of the 
individual policies or the ceding company’s practice. For certain direct insurance policies where the claims are managed 
by Third Party Administrators (TPAs) and Managing General Agents (MGAs), loss bordereaux are received either 
monthly or quarterly depending on the arrangement with the TPA and MGA. Loss advices for direct insurance policies 
may be received from the broker, agent or directly from the insured. 

Where we provide reinsurance or retrocession reinsurance protection, the process of claims advice from the 
direct  insurer  to  the  reinsurers  and/or  retrocessionaires  naturally  involves  more  levels  of  communication,  which 
inevitably creates delays or lags in the receipt of loss advice by the reinsurers/retrocessionaires relative to the date of 
first advice to the direct insurer. Certain types of exposure, typically latent health exposures such as asbestos-related 
claims,  have  inherently  long  reporting  delays,  in  some  cases  many  years,  from  the  date  a  loss  occurred  to  the 
manifestation  and  reporting  of  a  claim  and  ultimately  until  the  final  settlement  of  the  claim.  For  asbestos  and 
environmental exposures, our actuaries apply explicit time lag assumptions in their reserving methodologies. This time 
lag varies by portfolio from one to five years depending on the relative mix of domicile, percentages of product mix of 
insurance, reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance, primary insurance, excess reinsurance, reinsurance of direct 
and reinsurance of reinsurance within any given exposure category. Exposure portfolios written from a non-U.S. domicile 
are assumed to have a greater time lag than portfolios written from a U.S.-domicile. Portfolios with a larger proportion 
of reinsurance exposures are assumed to have a greater time-lag than portfolios with a larger proportion of direct 
insurance exposures.

An  industry-wide  weakness  in  cedant  reporting  affects  the  adequacy  and  accuracy  of  reserving  for  advised 

claims. We attempt to mitigate this inherent weakness as follows:

•  We closely monitor cedant loss reporting and, for those cedants identified as providing inadequate, untimely 
or unusual reporting of losses, we conduct, in accordance with the provisions of the insurance and reinsurance 
contracts, detailed claims audits at the insured’s or reinsured’s premises. Such claims audits have the benefit 
of validating advised claims, determining whether the cedant’s loss reserving practices and reporting are 
adequate and identifying potential loss reserving issues of which our actuaries need to be made aware. Any 
required adjustments to advised claims reserves reported by cedants identified during the claims audits will 
be recorded as an adjustment to the advised case reserve.

•  Onsite claims audits are often supplemented by further reviews by our internal and external legal advisors 
to determine the reasonableness of advised case reserves and, if considered necessary, an adjustment to 
the reported case reserve will be recorded.

80

•  Our actuaries project expected paid and incurred loss development for each class of business, which is 
monitored on a quarterly basis. Should actual paid and incurred development differ significantly from the 
expected paid and incurred development, we will investigate the cause and, in conjunction with our actuaries, 
consider whether any adjustment to total loss reserves is required.

•  Our actuaries consider the quality of ceding company data as part of their ongoing evaluation of the liability 
for ultimate losses and LAE, and the methodologies they select for estimating ultimate losses inherently 
compensate for potential weaknesses in this data, including weaknesses in loss reports provided by cedants.

We strive to apply the highest standards of discipline and professionalism to our claims adjusting, processing 
and settlement, and disputes with cedants are rare. However, we are from time to time involved in various disputes 
and  legal  proceedings  in  the  ordinary  course  of  our  claims  adjusting  process.  We  are  often  involved  in  disputes 
commenced by other co-insurers who act in unison with any litigation or dispute resolution controlled by the lead 
underwriter. Coverage disputes arise when the insured/reinsured and insurer/reinsurer cannot reach agreement as to 
the interpretation of the policy and/or application of the policy to a claim. Most insurance and reinsurance policies 
contain dispute resolution clauses requiring arbitration or mediation. In the absence of a contractual dispute resolution 
process, civil litigation would be commenced. We aim to reach a commercially acceptable resolution to any dispute, 
using arbitration or litigation as a last resort. We regularly monitor and provide internal reports on disputes involving 
arbitration  and  litigation  and  engage  external  legal  counsel  to  provide  professional  advice  and  assist  with  case 
management.

In establishing reserves, management includes amounts for IBNR reserves using information from the actuarial 
estimates of ultimate losses. We use generally accepted actuarial methodologies to estimate ultimate losses and LAE 
and those estimates are reviewed by our management. On an annual basis, independent actuarial firms are retained 
by management to provide their estimates of ultimate losses and to review the estimates developed by our actuaries. 

Nearly all of our unpaid claims liabilities are considered to have a long claims payout tail. Gross loss reserves 
for our non-life run-off subsidiaries relate primarily to casualty exposures, including latent claims, of which 20.2% (2015: 
8.5%) relate to asbestos and environmental ("A&E") exposures.

Within the annual loss reserve studies produced by either our actuaries or independent actuaries, exposures 
for each subsidiary are separated into homogeneous reserving categories for the purpose of estimating IBNR. Each 
reserving category contains either direct insurance or assumed reinsurance reserves and groups relatively similar 
types of risks and exposures (for example, asbestos, environmental, casualty, property) and lines of business written 
(for example, marine, aviation, non-marine). Based on the exposure characteristics and the nature of available data 
for each individual reserving category, a number of methodologies are applied. Recorded reserves for each category 
are selected from the actuarial indications produced by the various methodologies after consideration of exposure 
characteristics, data limitations and strengths and weaknesses of each method applied. This approach to estimating 
IBNR has been consistently adopted in the annual loss reserve studies for each period presented.

For  the  reports  prepared  by  the  external  actuaries,  we  review  them  for  consistency  and  appropriateness  of 
actuarial methodologies and assumptions, including assumptions of industry benchmarks, and discuss any concerns 
or changes with them. 

Our  management,  through  the  loss  reserving  committees,  considers  the  reasonableness  of  loss  reserves 
recommended by our actuaries, including actual loss development during the year, using the following reports produced 
internally on a quarterly basis for each of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries:

•  Gross, ceded and net incurred loss report - This report provides, for each reporting period, the total (including 
commuted policies) gross, ceded and net incurred loss development for each company and a commentary 
on each company’s loss development prepared by our Chief Reserving Actuary. The report highlights the 
causes  of  any  unusual  or  significant  loss  development  activity  (including  commutations)  and  includes 
commentary on quality and reliability of underlying data.

•  Actual  versus  expected  gross  incurred  loss  development  report  - This  report  provides  a  summary,  and 
commentary thereon, of each company’s (excluding companies or portfolios of business acquired in the 
current year) non-commuted incurred gross losses compared to the estimate of the development of non-
commuted incurred gross losses provided by our actuaries at the beginning of the year as part of the prior 
year’s reserving process.

81

•  Commutations summary schedule - This schedule summarizes all commutations completed during the year 
for all companies, and identifies the policyholder with which we commuted, the incurred losses settled by 
the  commutation  (comprising  outstanding  unpaid  losses  and  case  reserves)  and  the  amount  of  the 
commutation settlement.

•  Analysis  of  paid,  incurred  and  ultimate  losses  - This  analysis  for  each  company,  and  in  the  aggregate, 
provides a summary of the gross, ceded and net paid and incurred losses and the impact of applying our 
actuaries’  recommended  loss  reserves.  This  report,  reviewed  in  conjunction  with  the  previous  reports, 
provides an analytical tool to review each company’s incurred loss or gain and reduction in IBNR reserves 
to assess whether the ultimate reduction in loss reserves appears reasonable in light of known developments 
within each company.

The above reports provide management with the relevant information to determine whether loss development 
(including commutations) during the year has, for each company, been sufficiently meaningful so as to warrant an 
adjustment to the reserves recommended by our actuaries in the most recent actuarial study. It is not possible to 
quantify  how  much  of  any  reserve  release  specifically  relates  to  commutations  or  favorable  development  of  non-
commuted claims as the revised historical loss development used by the actuaries to estimate required reserves is a 
combination of both the elimination of historical loss development relating to commuted policies and non-commuted 
loss development.

When establishing loss reserves we have an expectation that, in the absence of commutations and significant 
favorable or unfavorable non-commuted loss development compared to expectations, loss reserves will not exceed 
the high, or be less than the low, end of the following ranges of gross losses and LAE reserves implied by the various 
methodologies used by each of our insurance subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016.

The range of gross loss and LAE reserves implied by the various methodologies used by each of our insurance 
and  reinsurance  subsidiaries  as  of  December 31,  2016  and  2015  is  presented  in  the  following  table  ("Range  of 
Outcomes"):

Low

2016

Selected

High

Low

2015

Selected

High

Asbestos

Environmental

General casualty

Workers' compensation/personal
accident

Marine, aviation and transit

Construction defect

Other

ULAE

Total

Latent Claims

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
$ 746,719 $ 789,043 $ 1,045,844 $ 294,233 $ 330,814 $ 372,952
67,349

162,078

154,685

217,113

59,958

53,739

652,057

743,960

842,368

809,424

917,053

1,042,652

1,840,895

71,293
147,737

451,161

2,054,328
80,113

160,081

508,424

2,450,898

2,048,319

2,325,373

2,628,883

93,966

203,720

584,098

53,294

28,177

60,274

31,666

67,806

35,355

542,086

610,975

688,841

218,336

249,341
$4,282,883 $ 4,716,363 $ 5,656,343 $ 4,078,613 $ 4,585,454 $ 5,153,179

249,341

218,336

218,336

249,341

A number of our subsidiaries wrote general liability policies and reinsurance (prior to their acquisition by us) 
under which policyholders continue to present asbestos-related injury claims and claims alleging injury, damage or 
clean-up costs arising from environmental pollution. These policies, and the associated claims, are referred to as "A&E" 
exposures. The vast majority of these claims are presented under policies written many years ago.

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding A&E claims. This uncertainty impacts the ability of insurers and 
reinsurers to estimate the remaining amount of unpaid claims and related LAE. The majority of these claims differ from 
any other type of claim because there is inadequate loss development and significant uncertainty regarding what, if 
any, coverage exists, to which, if any, policy years claims are attributable and which, if any, insurers/reinsurers may 
be liable. These uncertainties are exacerbated by lack of clear judicial precedent and legislative interpretations of 
coverage that may be inconsistent with the intent of the parties to the insurance contracts and expand theories of 
liability. The insurance and reinsurance industry as a whole is engaged in extensive litigation over these coverage and 
liability issues and is, thus, confronted with continuing uncertainty in its efforts to quantify A&E exposures.

82

 
Given the intensive claim settlement process for these claims, which involves comprehensive fact gathering and 
subject matter expertise, we operate centrally administered claims facilities to handle A&E claims on behalf of all of 
our subsidiaries. Our A&E claims staff, working in conjunction with our in-house attorneys experienced in A&E liabilities, 
proactively  administers,  on  a  cost-effective  basis,  the  A&E  claims  submitted  to  our  insurance  and  reinsurance 
subsidiaries.

The liability for unpaid losses and LAE, inclusive of A&E reserves, reflects our best estimate for future amounts 
needed to pay losses and related LAE as of each of the balance sheet dates reflected in the financial statements 
herein  in  accordance  with  U.S.  GAAP.   As  of  December 31,  2016,  we  had  net  loss  reserves  of  $764.3  million  for 
asbestos-related claims (or 21.1% of total non-life run-off net reserves for losses and LAE liabilities) and $156.9 million
for environmental pollution-related claims (or 4.3% of total non-life run-off net reserves for losses and LAE). As of 
December 31, 2015, we had net loss reserves of $304.4 million for asbestos-related claims (or 9.2% of total non-life 
run-off net reserves for losses and LAE liabilities) and $52.2 million for environmental pollution-related claims (or 1.6% 
of total non-life run-off net reserves for losses and LAE). For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, our 
reserves for A&E liabilities increased (decreased) by $560.3 million and $(48.7) million on a gross basis, respectively, 
and by $564.6 million and $(32.5) million on a net basis, respectively, due to acquisition activity in 2016 primarily related 
to the Allianz transaction. The following table provides a reconciliation of our gross and net loss and ALAE reserves 
from A&E exposures and the movement in gross and net reserves: 

Years Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Provisions for A&E claims and
ALAE at January 1

A&E losses and ALAE incurred
during the year

A&E losses and ALAE paid
during the year

Provision for A&E claims and
ALAE acquired during the year

Provision for A&E claims and
ALAE at December 31

$ 390,772 $ 356,629 $ 439,476 $ 389,110 $ 539,494 $ 480,865

3,760

(11,008)

(10,690)

(9,468)

(11,369)

(12,914)

(40,761)

(19,127)

(39,633)

(24,632)

(88,649)

(78,841)

597,350

594,719

1,619

1,619

—

—

$ 951,121 $ 921,213 $ 390,772 $ 356,629 $ 439,476 $ 389,110

Asbestos continues to be the most significant and difficult mass tort for the insurance industry in terms of claims 
volume and expense. We believe that the insurance industry has been adversely affected by judicial interpretations 
that have had the effect of maximizing insurance recoveries for asbestos claims, from both a coverage and liability 
perspective. Generally, only policies underwritten prior to 1986 have potential asbestos exposure, since most policies 
underwritten after this date contain an absolute asbestos exclusion.

Environmental pollution claims represent another significant exposure for us. Environmental pollution claims 
have been developing as expected over the past few years as a result of stable claim trends. Claims against Fortune 
500 companies are generally declining, and while insureds with single-site exposures are still active, in many cases 
claims are being settled for less than initially anticipated due to improved site remediation technology and effective 
policy buy-backs.

Despite the stability of recent trends, there remains significant uncertainty involved in estimating liabilities related 
to these exposures. Unlike asbestos claims which are generated primarily from allegedly injured private individuals, 
environmental claims generally result from governmentally initiated activities. First, the number of waste sites subject 
to cleanup is unknown. Over 1,000 sites are included on the National Priorities List of the United States Environmental 
Protection Agency.  State  authorities  have  separately  identified  many  additional  sites  and,  at  times,  aggressively 
implement site cleanups. Second, the liabilities of the insureds themselves are difficult to estimate. At any given site, 
the allocation of remediation cost among the potentially responsible parties varies greatly depending upon a variety 
of factors. Third, as with asbestos liability and coverage issues, judicial precedent regarding liability and coverage 
issues regarding pollution claims does not provide clear guidance. There is also uncertainty as to the U.S. federal 
"Superfund" law itself and, at this time, we cannot predict what, if any, reforms to this law might be enacted by the 
U.S. federal government, or the effect of any such changes on the insurance industry.

83

 
 
 
 
Our future environmental loss development may be influenced by other factors including:

•  The  existence  of  currently  undiscovered  polluted  sites  eligible  for  clean-up  under  the  Comprehensive 

Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and related legislation.

•  Costs imposed due to joint and several liability if not all potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") are capable 

of paying their share.

•  The outcomes of legal challenges to certain policy terms such as the "absolute" pollution exclusion.

•  Potential  future  reforms  and  amendments  to  CERCLA,  particularly  as  the  resources  of  Superfund -  the 
funding vehicle, established as part of CERCLA, to provide financing for cleanup of polluted sites where no 
PRP can be identified - become exhausted.

The influence of each of these factors is not easily quantifiable and, as with asbestos-related exposures, our 
historical environmental loss development is of limited value in determining future environmental loss development 
using traditional actuarial reserving techniques.

Our loss reserves are related largely to casualty exposures including latent exposures relating primarily to A&E. 
In establishing the reserves for unpaid claims, management considers facts currently known and the current state of 
the law and coverage litigation. Liabilities are recognized for known claims (including the cost of related litigation) when 
sufficient information has been developed to indicate the involvement of a specific insurance policy and management 
can reasonably estimate its liability. In addition, IBNR reserves are established to cover loss development related to 
both known and unasserted claims.

The estimation of unpaid claim liabilities is subject to a high degree of uncertainty for a number of reasons. First, 
unpaid claim liabilities for property and casualty exposures in general are impacted by changes in the legal environment, 
jury awards, medical cost trends and general inflation. Moreover, for latent exposures in particular, developed case 
law and claim history continues to evolve. There is significant coverage litigation related to these exposures, which 
creates further uncertainty in the estimation of the liabilities. As a result, for these types of exposures, it is especially 
unclear whether past claim experience will be representative of future claim experience. Ultimate values for such claims 
cannot be estimated using reserving techniques that extrapolate losses to an ultimate basis using loss development 
factors, and the uncertainties surrounding the estimation of unpaid claim liabilities are not likely to be resolved in the 
near future. There can be no assurance that the reserves we establish will be adequate or will not be adversely affected 
by the development of other latent exposures.

Our exposure to asbestos claims arises from the general liability and product liabilities policies written directly 
or reinsured by our insurance and reinsurance companies.  With the 2016 acquisition of the Dana Companies, we  
also have direct personal injury asbestos claims recorded in other liabilities that arise from Dana Companies legacy 
automotive  manufacturing  operations.  While  most  of  our  asbestos  exposures  arise  from  asbestos  mining  and  the 
primary manufacturers of asbestos, we also receive claims from tertiary defendants which manufactured products that 
included asbestos, as well as other defendants in the supply chain of these products.  The industry continues to see 
the Plaintiffs Bar attempt to transfer product-related exposure to a premises exposure under the primary general liability 
policies.  Unlike product liability, premises exposure generally does not contain features for aggregating multiple claims 
into the reinsurance cover. Accordingly, excess liability reinsurance policies are less impacted.  Although we may have 
some exposure to premises claims, we generally believe that exposure will not be material as the companies and 
portfolios we have acquired mainly wrote or reinsured excess policies which are not exposed to premises claims as 
they generally remain with the primary insurance company. 

Asbestos claims primarily fall into two general categories: impaired and unimpaired bodily injury claims. Property 
damage claims represent only a small fraction of asbestos claims. Impaired claims primarily include individuals suffering 
from mesothelioma or a cancer such as lung cancer. Unimpaired claims include asbestosis and those whose lung 
regions contain pleural plaques.

Unlike traditional property and casualty insurers that either have large numbers of individual claims arising from 
personal lines such as auto, or small numbers of high value claims as in medical malpractice insurance lines, our 
primary exposures arise from A&E claims that do not follow a consistent pattern. For instance, we may encounter a 
small  insured  with  one  large  environmental  claim  due  to  significant  groundwater  contamination,  while  a  Fortune 
500 company may submit numerous claims for relatively small values. Moreover, there is no set pattern for the life of 
an environmental or asbestos claim. Some of these claims may resolve within two years while others may remain 
unresolved for nearly two decades. Therefore, our open and closed claims data do not follow any discernible pattern.

84

The counterparties with whom we typically interact are generally insurers or large industrial concerns, and in 
certain cases are individual claimants. The nature of our claims management may vary based on whether the claim 
exposure to us is through reinsurance, insurance or a direct claimant. Claims do not follow any consistent pattern. 
They arise from many insureds or locations and in a broad range of circumstances. An insured may present one large 
claim or hundreds or thousands of small claims. Plaintiffs’ counsel frequently aggregate thousands of claims within 
one lawsuit. The deductibles to which claims are subject vary from policy to policy and year to year. Often claims data 
is only available to us on an aggregated basis. Accordingly, we have not found claim count information or average 
reserve amounts to be reliable indicators of exposure for our reserve estimation process or for management of our 
liabilities. We have found data accumulation and claims management more effective and meaningful at the reinsured 
level  rather  than  at  the  underlying  claim  level. As  a  result,  we  have  designed  our  reserving  methodologies  to  be 
independent of claim count information. As the level of exposures to a reinsured can vary substantially, we focus on 
the aggregate exposures and pursue commutations and policy buy-backs with the larger reinsureds.

We use industry benchmarking methodologies to estimate appropriate IBNR reserves for our A&E exposures. 
These methods are based on comparisons of our loss experience on A&E exposures relative to industry loss experience 
on A&E exposures. Estimates of IBNR are derived separately for each of our relevant subsidiaries and, for some 
subsidiaries, separately for distinct portfolios of exposure. The discussion that follows describes, in greater detail, the 
primary actuarial methodologies used by us to estimate IBNR for A&E exposures.

In addition to the specific considerations for each method described below, many general factors are considered 
in the application of the methods and the interpretation of results for each portfolio of exposures. These factors include 
the mix of product types (e.g., primary insurance versus reinsurance of primary versus reinsurance of reinsurance), 
the average attachment point of coverages (e.g., first-dollar primary versus umbrella over primary versus high-excess), 
payment and reporting lags related to the international domicile of our subsidiaries, payment and reporting pattern 
acceleration due to large "wholesale" settlements (e.g., policy buy-backs and commutations) pursued by us, and lists 
of individual risks remaining and general trends within the legal and tort environments.

1. Paid Survival Ratio Method.    In this method, our expected annual average payment amount is multiplied by 
an expected future number of payment years to get an indicated reserve. Our historical calendar year payments are 
examined to determine an expected future annual average payment amount. This amount is multiplied by an expected 
number of future payment years to estimate a reserve. Trends in calendar year payment activity are considered when 
selecting an expected future annual average payment amount. Accepted industry benchmarks are used in determining 
an expected number of future payment years. Each year, annual payments data is updated, trends in payments are 
re-evaluated and changes to benchmark future payment years are reviewed. Advantages of this method are ease of 
application and simplicity of assumptions. A potential disadvantage of the method is that results could be misleading 
for portfolios of high excess exposures where significant payment activity has not yet begun.

2. Paid Market Share Method.    In this method, our estimated market share is applied to the industry estimated 
unpaid losses or estimate of industry ultimate losses. The ratio of our historical calendar year payments to industry 
historical calendar year payments is examined to estimate our market share. This ratio is then applied to the estimate 
of industry unpaid losses or estimate of industry ultimate losses. Each year, calendar year payment data is updated 
(for both us and industry), estimates of industry unpaid losses are reviewed and the selection of our estimated market 
share is revisited. This method has the advantage that trends in calendar year market share can be incorporated into 
the selection of company share of remaining market payments. A potential disadvantage of this method is that it is 
particularly sensitive to assumptions regarding the time-lag between industry payments and our payments.

3. Reserve-to-Paid Method.    In this method, the ratio of estimated industry reserves to industry paid-to-date 
losses is multiplied by our paid-to-date losses to estimate our reserves. Specific considerations in the application of 
this method include the completeness of our paid-to-date loss information, the potential acceleration or deceleration 
in  our  payments  (relative  to  the  industry)  due  to  our  claims  handling  practices,  and  the  impact  of  large  individual 
settlements. Each year, paid-to-date loss information is updated (for both us and the industry) and updates to industry 
estimated reserves are reviewed. This method has the advantage of relying purely on paid loss data and so is not 
influenced by subjectivity of case reserve loss estimates. A potential disadvantage is that the application to our portfolios 
that do not have complete inception-to-date paid loss history could produce misleading results. To address this potential 
disadvantage, a variation of the method is also considered by multiplying the ratio of estimated industry reserves to 
industry losses paid during a recent period of time (e.g., 5 years) times our paid losses during that period.

85

4. IBNR:Case Ratio Method.    In this method, the ratio of estimated industry IBNR reserves to industry case 
reserves is multiplied by our case reserves to estimate our IBNR reserves. Specific considerations in the application 
of this method include the presence of policies reserved at policy limits, changes in overall industry case reserve 
adequacy and recent loss reporting history. Each year, our case reserves are updated, the estimate of industry reserves 
is updated and the applicability of the industry IBNR:Case Ratio is reviewed. This method has the advantage that it 
incorporates the most recent estimates of amounts needed to settle open cases included in current case reserves. A 
potential disadvantage is that results could be misleading where our case reserve adequacy differs significantly from 
overall industry case reserve adequacy. In these instances, the industry IBNR:Case Ratios were adjusted to reflect 
our portfolio case reserve adequacy.

5. Ultimate-to-Incurred  Method.    In  this  method,  the  ratio  of  estimated  industry  ultimate  losses  to  industry 
incurred-to-date losses is applied to our incurred-to-date losses to estimate our IBNR reserves. Specific considerations 
in  the  application  of  this  method  include  the  completeness  of  our  incurred-to-date  loss  information,  the  potential 
acceleration or deceleration in our incurred losses (relative to the industry) due to our claims handling practices and 
the impact of large individual settlements. Each year incurred-to-date loss information is updated (for both us and the 
industry)  and  updates  to  industry  estimated  ultimate  losses  are  reviewed. This  method  has  the  advantage  that  it 
incorporates both paid and case reserve information in projecting ultimate losses. A potential disadvantage is that 
results could be misleading where cumulative paid loss data is incomplete or where our case reserve adequacy differs 
significantly from overall industry case reserve adequacy. In these instances, the industry IBNR:Case Ratios were 
adjusted to reflect our portfolio case reserve adequacy.

6. Decay Factor Method.    In this method, a decay factor is directly applied to our payment data to estimate 
future payments. The decay factors were selected based on a review of our own decays and industry decays. This 
method is most useful where our data shows a decreasing pattern and is credible enough to be reliable. 

Under the Paid Survival Ratio Method, the Paid Market Share Method and the Reserve-to-Paid Method, we first 
determine the estimated total reserve and then deduct the reported outstanding case reserves to arrive at an estimated 
IBNR reserve. The IBNR:Case Ratio Method first determines an estimated IBNR reserve which is then added to the 
advised outstanding case reserves to arrive at an estimated total loss reserve. The Ultimate-to-Incurred Method first 
determines an estimate of the ultimate losses to be paid and then deducts paid-to-date losses to arrive at an estimated 
total loss reserve and then deducts outstanding case reserves to arrive at the estimated IBNR reserve. In the decay 
factor method, an initial payment is selected and reserves are estimated directly from the projection of future payments.

As of December 31, 2016, we had 26 separate insurance and/or reinsurance subsidiaries in the non-life run-off 
segment whose reserves are categorized into 298 reserve categories in total, including 29 distinct asbestos reserving 
categories and 17 distinct environmental reserving categories.

To the extent that data availability allows, the six methodologies described above are applied for each of the 
29 asbestos reserving categories and each of the 17 environmental reserving categories. As is common in actuarial 
practice, no one methodology is exclusively or consistently relied upon when selecting a recorded reserve. Consistent 
reliance on a single methodology to select a recorded reserve would be inappropriate due to the dynamic nature of 
both the A&E liabilities in general, and our actual exposure portfolios in particular.

In selecting a recorded reserve, management considers the range of results produced by the methods, and the 
strengths and weaknesses of the methods in relation to the data available and the specific characteristics of the portfolio 
under consideration. Trends in both our data and industry data are also considered in the reserve selection process. 
Recent trends or changes in the relevant tort and legal environments are also considered when assessing methodology 
results and selecting an appropriate recorded reserve amount for each portfolio.

The following key assumptions were used to estimate A&E reserves at December 31, 2016:

• 

• 

$86.5 Billion Ultimate Industry Asbestos Losses - This level of industry-wide losses and its comparison to 
industry-wide paid, incurred and outstanding case reserves is the base benchmarking assumption applied 
to Paid Market Share, Reserve-to-Paid, IBNR:Case Ratio and the Ultimate-to-Incurred asbestos reserving 
methodologies.

$40 Billion Ultimate Industry Environmental Losses - This level of industry-wide losses and its comparison 
to industry-wide paid, incurred and outstanding case reserves is the base benchmarking assumption applied 
to  Paid  Market  Share,  Reserve-to-Paid,  IBNR:Case  Ratio  and  the  Ultimate-to-Incurred  environmental 
reserving methodologies.

86

• 

Loss Reporting Lag - Our subsidiaries assumed a mix of insurance and reinsurance exposures generally 
through  the  London  market. As  the  available  industry  benchmark  loss  information,  as  supplied  by  our 
independent consulting actuaries, is compiled largely from U.S. direct insurance company experience, our 
loss reporting is expected to lag relative to available industry benchmark information. This time-lag used by 
each  of  our  insurance  subsidiaries  varies  from  1  to  5 years  depending  on  the  relative  mix  of  domicile, 
percentages of product mix of insurance, reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance, primary insurance, 
excess insurance, reinsurance of direct, and reinsurance of reinsurance within any given exposure category. 
Exposure portfolios written from a non-U.S. domicile are assumed to have a greater time-lag than portfolios 
written from a U.S. domicile. Portfolios with a larger proportion of reinsurance exposures are assumed to 
have a greater time-lag than portfolios with a larger proportion of insurance exposures.

The following tables provide a summary of the impact of changes in industry ultimate losses, from the selected 
$86.5 billion for asbestos and $40.0 billion for environmental, and changes in the time-lag, from the selected averages 
of 1.2 years for asbestos and 0.8 years for environmental, for us behind industry development that it is assumed relates 
to our insurance and reinsurance companies. Please note that the table below demonstrates sensitivity to changes to 
key assumptions using methodologies selected for determining loss and ALAE, at December 31, 2016 and differs from 
the Range of Outcomes table above, which demonstrates the ranges produced by the various methodologies.

Sensitivity to Industry Asbestos Ultimate Loss Assumption

Asbestos Loss Reserves

Asbestos — $91.5 billion
Asbestos — $86.5 billion (selected)
Asbestos — $81.5 billion

Sensitivity to Industry Environmental Ultimate Loss Assumption

Environmental — $42.5 billion
Environmental — $40.0 billion (selected)
Environmental — $37.5 billion

Sensitivity to Time-Lag Assumption*

Selected average of 1.2 years asbestos, 0.8 years environmental
Increase all portfolio lags by one year
Decrease all portfolio lags by one year

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
907,400
$
789,043
670,687

Environmental Loss
Reserves

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
210,702
$
162,078
113,455

Asbestos
Loss
Reserves

Environmental
Loss
Reserves

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

789,043 $
828,496
749,592

162,078
175,045
149,112

* Using $86.5 billion/$40 billion Asbestos/Environmental Industry Ultimate Loss assumptions.

Due to the inability of our actuaries to review the data, methodologies and calculations supporting the industry 
published estimates, we rely on our external actuarial consultants for their estimates of industry ultimate losses. For 
the year ended December 31, 2016, our selected industry asbestos ultimate loss assumption increased to $86.5 billion, 
from $80.0 billion as at December 31, 2015. Rising costs for medical treatment, increasing life expectancies, and 
ongoing litigation contributed to the higher asbestos industry estimates from market studies, such as A.M. Best’s report. 
There  were  no  changes  in  the  assumptions  regarding  industry  environmental  ultimate  loss  and  loss  reporting  lag 
described above.

87

 
 
 
 
All Other (Non-latent) Reserves

For our "All Other" (non-latent) loss exposure, including workers compensation, our actuaries apply a range of 
traditional loss development extrapolation techniques. These methods assume that cohorts, or groups, of losses from 
similar  exposures  will  increase  over  time  in  a  predictable  manner.  Historical  paid,  incurred,  and  outstanding  loss 
development experience is examined for earlier years to make inferences about how later years’ losses will develop. 
The application and consideration of multiple methods is consistent with the Actuarial Standards of Practice.

When determining which loss development extrapolation methods to apply to each company and each class of 
exposure within each company, we consider the nature of the exposure for each specific subsidiary and reserving 
segment and the available loss development data, as well as the limitations of that data. In cases where company-
specific loss development information is not available or reliable, we select methods that do not rely on historical data 
(such as incremental or run-off methods) and consider industry loss development information published by industry 
sources such as the Reinsurance Association of America. In determining which methods to apply, we also consider 
cause of loss coding information when available.

A brief summary of the methods that are considered most frequently in analyzing non-latent exposures is provided 
below. This summary discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each method, as well as the data requirements for 
each method, all of which are considered when selecting which methods to apply for each reserve segment.

1. Cumulative Reported and Paid Loss Development Methods.    The Cumulative Reported (Case Incurred) 
Loss Development method relies on the assumption that, at any given state of maturity, ultimate losses can be predicted 
by multiplying cumulative reported losses (paid losses plus case reserves) by a cumulative development factor. The 
validity of the results of this method depends on the stability of claim reporting and settlement rates, as well as the 
consistency of case reserve levels. Case reserves do not have to be adequately stated for this method to be effective; 
they  only  need  to  have  a  fairly  consistent  level  of  adequacy  at  all  stages  of  maturity.  Historical  "age-to-age"  loss 
development  factors  (or  LDFs)  are  calculated  to  measure  the  relative  development  of  an  accident  year  from  one 
maturity point to the next. Age-to-age LDFs are then selected based on these historical factors. The selected age-to-
age LDFs are used to project the ultimate losses. The Cumulative Paid Loss Development Method is mechanically 
identical to the Cumulative Reported Loss Development Method described above, but the paid method does not rely 
on case reserves or claim reporting patterns in making projections. The validity of the results from using a cumulative 
loss development approach can be affected by many conditions, such as internal claim department processing changes, 
a shift between single and multiple payments per claim, legal changes, or variations in a company’s mix of business 
from year to year. Typically, the most appropriate circumstances in which to apply a cumulative loss development 
method are those in which the exposure is mature, full loss development data is available, and the historical observed 
loss development is relatively stable.

2. Incremental Reported and Paid Loss Development Methods.    Incremental incurred and paid analyses are 
performed in cases where cumulative data is not available. The concept of the incremental loss development methods 
is similar to the cumulative loss development methods described above, in that the pattern of historical paid or incurred 
losses is used to project the remaining future development. The difference between the cumulative and incremental 
methods is that the incremental methods rely on only incremental incurred or paid loss data from a given point in time 
forward, and do not require full loss history. These incremental loss development methods are therefore helpful when 
data limitations apply. While this versatility in the incremental methods is a strength, the methods are sensitive to 
fluctuations in loss development, so care must be taken in applying them.

3. IBNR-to-Case Outstanding Method.    This method requires the estimation of consistent cumulative paid and 
reported (case) incurred loss development patterns and age-to-ultimate LDFs, either from data that is specific to the 
segment being analyzed or from applicable benchmark or industry data. These patterns imply a specific expected 
relationship between IBNR, including both development on known claims (bulk reserve) and losses on true late reported 
claims, and reported case incurred losses. The IBNR-to-Case Outstanding method can be used in a variety of situations. 
It is appropriate for loss development experience that is mature and possesses a very high ratio of paid losses to 
reported case incurred losses. The method also permits an evaluation of the difference in maturity between the business 
being reviewed and benchmark development patterns. Depending on the relationship of paid to incurred losses, an 
estimate of the relative maturity of the business being reviewed can be made and a subsequent estimate of ultimate 
losses driven by the implied IBNR to case outstanding ratio at the appropriate maturity can be made. This method is 
also useful where loss development data is incomplete and only the case outstanding amounts are determined to be 
reliable. This method is less reliable in situations where relative case reserve adequacy has been changing over time.

88

4. Bornhuetter-Ferguson Expected Loss Projection Reported and Paid Methods.    The Bornhuetter-Ferguson 
Expected Loss Projection Method based on reported loss data relies on the assumption that remaining unreported 
losses are a function of the total expected losses rather than a function of currently reported losses. The expected 
losses used in this analysis are based on initial selected ultimate loss ratios by year. The expected losses are multiplied 
by the unreported percentage to produce expected unreported losses. The unreported percentage is calculated as 
one minus the reciprocal of the selected cumulative incurred LDFs. Finally, the expected unreported losses are added 
to  the  current  reported  losses  to  produce  ultimate  losses.  The  calculations  underlying  the  Bornhuetter-Ferguson 
Expected Loss Projection Method based on paid loss data are similar to the Bornhuetter-Ferguson calculations based 
on reported losses, with the exception that paid losses and unpaid percentages replace reported losses and unreported 
percentages. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method is most useful as an alternative to other models for immature years. 
For these immature years, the amounts reported or paid may be small and unstable and therefore not predictive of 
future development. Therefore, future development is assumed to follow an expected pattern that is supported by more 
stable historical data or by emerging trends. This method is also useful when changing reporting patterns or payment 
patterns distort historical development of losses. Similar to the loss development methods, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson 
method may be applied to loss and ALAE on a combined or separate basis. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method may 
not be appropriate in circumstances where the liabilities being analyzed are very mature, as it is not sensitive to the 
remaining amount of case reserves outstanding, or the actual development to date.

5. Reserve Run-off Method.    This method first projects the future values of case reserves for all underwriting 
years to future ages of development. This is done by selecting a run-off pattern of case reserves. The selected case 
run-off ratios are chosen based on the observed run-off ratios at each age of development. Once the ratios have been 
selected, they are used to project the future values of case reserves. A paid on reserve factor is selected in a similar 
way. The ratios of the observed amounts paid during each development period to the respective case reserves at the 
beginning of the periods are used to estimate how much will be paid on the case reserves during each development 
period. These paid on reserve factors are then applied to the case reserve amounts that were projected during the 
first phase of this method. A summation of the resulting paid amounts yields an estimate of the liability. The Reserve 
Run-off Method works well when the historical run-off patterns are reasonably stable and when case reserves ultimately 
show a decreasing trend. Another strength of this method is that it only requires case reserves at a given point in time 
and incremental paid and incurred losses after that point, meaning that it can be applied in cases where full loss history 
is not available. In cases of volatile data where there is a persistent increasing trend in case reserves, this method will 
fail to produce a reasonable estimate. In several cases, reliance upon this method was limited due to this weakness.

Our actuaries select the appropriate loss development extrapolation methods to apply to each company and 
each class of exposure, and then apply these methods to calculate an estimate of ultimate losses. Our management, 
which  is  responsible  for  the  final  estimate  of  ultimate  losses,  reviews  the  calculations  of  our  actuaries,  considers 
whether  the  appropriate  method  was  applied,  and  adjusts  the  estimate  of  ultimate  losses  as  it  deems  necessary. 
Historically, we have not deviated from the recommendations of our actuaries. Paid-to-date losses are then deducted 
from the estimate of ultimate losses to arrive at an estimated total loss reserve, and reported outstanding case reserves 
are then deducted from estimated total loss reserves to calculate the estimated IBNR reserve.

Quarterly Reserve Reviews

In addition to an in-depth annual review, we also perform quarterly reserve reviews. This is done by examining 
quarterly paid and incurred loss development to determine whether it is consistent with reserves established during 
the preceding annual reserve review and with expected development. Loss development is reviewed separately for 
each major exposure type (e.g., asbestos, environmental, etc.), for each of our relevant subsidiaries, and for large 
"wholesale" commutation settlements versus "routine" paid and advised losses. This process is undertaken to determine 
whether loss development experience during a quarter warrants any change to held reserves.

Loss development is examined separately by exposure type because different exposures develop differently 
over time. For example, the expected reporting and payout of losses for a given amount of asbestos reserves can be 
expected  to  take  place  over  a  different  time  frame  and  in  a  different  quarterly  pattern  from  the  same  amount  of 
environmental reserves.

In addition, loss development is examined separately for each of our relevant subsidiaries. Companies can differ 
in their exposure profile due to the mix of insurance versus reinsurance, the mix of primary versus excess insurance, 
the  underwriting  years  of  participation  and  other  criteria. These  differing  profiles  lead  to  different  expectations  for 
quarterly and annual loss development by company.

89

Our  quarterly  paid  and  incurred  loss  development  is  often  driven  by  large,  wholesale  settlements -  such  as 
commutations  and  policy  buy-backs -  which  settle  many  individual  claims  in  a  single  transaction.  This  allows  for 
monitoring of the potential profitability of large settlements, which, in turn, can provide information about the adequacy 
of reserves on remaining exposures that have not yet been settled. For example, if it were found that large settlements 
were consistently leading to large negative, or favorable, incurred losses upon settlement, it might be an indication 
that  reserves  on  remaining  exposures  are  redundant.  Conversely,  if  it  were  found  that  large  settlements  were  
consistently leading to large positive, or adverse, incurred losses upon settlement, it might be an indication—particularly 
if the size of the losses were increasing—that certain loss reserves on remaining exposures are deficient. Moreover, 
removing the loss development resulting from large settlements allows for a review of loss development related only 
to those contracts that remain exposed to losses. Were this not done, it is possible that savings on large wholesale 
settlements could mask significant underlying development on remaining exposures.

Once the data has been analyzed as described above, an in-depth review is performed on classes of exposure 
with  significant  loss  development.  Discussions  are  held  with  appropriate  personnel,  including  individual  company 
managers, claims handlers and attorneys, to better understand the causes. If it were determined that development 
differs significantly from expectations, reserves would be adjusted.

As described above, our management regularly reviews and updates reserve estimates using the most current 
information available and employing various actuarial methods. Adjustments resulting from changes in our estimates 
are recorded in the period when such adjustments are determined. The ultimate liability for losses and LAE is likely 
to differ from the original estimate due to a number of factors, primarily consisting of the overall claims activity occurring 
during any period, including the completion of commutations of assumed liabilities and ceded reinsurance receivables, 
policy buy-backs and general incurred claims activity.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Atrium and StarStone

The reserve for losses and loss expenses includes reserves for unpaid reported losses and for IBNR reserves. 
The reserves for unpaid reported losses and loss expenses are established by management based on reports from 
brokers, ceding companies and insureds and represent the estimated ultimate cost of events or conditions that have 
been reported to, or specifically identified by us. The reserve for incurred but not reported losses and loss expenses 
is  established  by  management  based  on  actuarially  determined  estimates  of  ultimate  losses  and  loss  expenses. 
Inherent in the estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and 
other factors which may vary significantly as claims are settled. Accordingly, ultimate losses and loss expenses may 
differ materially from the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed 
regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. 
Such  adjustments,  if  any,  will  be  recorded  in  earnings  in  the  period  in  which  they  become  known.  Prior  period 
development  arises  from  changes  to  loss  estimates  recognized  in  the  current  year  that  relate  to  loss  reserves 
established in previous calendar years.

The following table provides a breakdown of the liability for losses and LAE by type of exposure for the years 

ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 for the Atrium segment:

OLR

2016

IBNR

Total

OLR

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

2015

IBNR

Total

General casualty

$

12,449 $

24,040 $

36,489 $

11,170 $

18,413 $

29,583

Workers' compensation/
personal accident

Marine, aviation and 
transit
Other
Total
ULAE

Total

5,660

10,931

16,591

6,021

9,926

15,947

21,236

32,299

41,010

62,375

62,246

94,674

20,761

37,187

34,222

61,301

54,983

98,488

$

71,644 $

138,356 $

210,000 $

75,139 $

123,862 $

199,001

2,122

$

212,122

2,016

$

201,017

90

 
 
 
The following table provides a breakdown of the liability for losses and LAE by type of exposure for the years 

ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 for the StarStone segment:

OLR

2016

IBNR

Total

OLR

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

2015

IBNR

Total

General casualty

$

91,586 $

190,489 $

282,075 $

84,614 $

162,679

247,293

Workers' compensation/
personal accident

Marine, aviation and 
transit
Other
Total

ULAE

Total

54,395

89,939

144,334

32,636

50,950

83,586

155,857
199,861
501,699 $

96,067
164,363
540,858 $ 1,042,557 $

251,924
364,224

$

161,439
177,749

84,923
165,259

246,362
343,008

456,438 $

463,811 $

920,249

16,825

$ 1,059,382

13,429

$

933,678

Quarterly Reserve Reviews

The reserve for losses and loss expenses is reviewed on a quarterly basis. Each quarter, paid and incurred loss 
development  is  reviewed  to  determine  whether  it  is  consistent  with  expected  development.  Loss  development  is 
examined separately by class of business, and large individual losses or loss events are examined separately from 
regular  attritional  development.  Discussions  are  held  with  appropriate  personnel  including  underwriters,  claims 
adjusters, actuaries, accountants and attorneys to fully understand quarterly loss development and implications for 
the quarter-end reserve balances. Based on analysis of the loss development data and the associated discussions, 
management determines whether any adjustment is necessary to quarter-end reserve balances.

Net Incurred Losses and LAE 

Non-life Run-off, Atrium and StarStone

The change in our estimated total loss reserves for both latent and all other exposures compared to that of the 
previous period, less net losses paid during the period, is recorded as net incurred losses and LAE on our statement 
of earnings for the period. Our estimated total loss reserve at December 31, 2016 was determined by estimating the 
ultimate losses and deducting paid-to-date losses. The estimated ultimate losses, for both latent and all other (non-
latent)  liabilities,  were  determined  by  the  amount  of  advised  case  reserves  and  the  application  of  the  actuarial 
methodologies described above to estimate IBNR reserves. Future changes in our estimates of ultimate losses are 
likely to have a significant impact on future operating results. Our operating objective is to commute our loss exposures 
and manage non-commuted loss development in a disciplined manner such that future incurred loss development will 
be less than expected. A combination of future commutations and better-than-expected incurred loss development of 
non-commuted  exposures  could  improve  the  trend  of  loss  development  and,  after  the  application  of  actuarial 
methodologies  to  the  improved  trend,  reduce  the  December 31,  2016  estimates  of  ultimate  losses  with  a  positive 
impact on our future results. However, it is not possible to project future commutation settlements or whether incurred 
loss development will be better than expected, and it is possible that ultimate loss reserves could increase based on 
the factors discussed herein.

91

 
 
 
Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts

Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

Life

Annuities

Fair value adjustments

December 31,

2016

2015

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

112,095 $

126,321

—

—

112,095

126,321

—

—

$

112,095 $

126,321

Our  policy  benefits  for  life  and  annuity  contracts  (or  policy  benefits)  are  estimated  using  standard  actuarial 
techniques and cash flow models. We establish and maintain our policy benefits at a level that we estimate will, when 
taken together with future premium payments and investment income expected to be earned on associated premiums, 
be sufficient to support future cash flow benefit obligations and third-party servicing obligations as they become payable. 
We review our policy benefits regularly and perform loss recognition testing based upon cash flow projections.

Since the development of the policy benefits is based upon cash flow projection models, we must make estimates 
and  assumptions  based  on  experience  and  industry  mortality  tables,  longevity  and  morbidity  rates,  lapse  rates, 
expenses and investment experience, including a provision for adverse deviation. The assumptions used to determine 
policy benefits are determined at the inception of the contracts, reviewed and adjusted at the point of acquisition as 
required, and are locked-in throughout the life of the contract unless a premium deficiency develops. The assumptions 
are reviewed no less than annually and are unlocked if they would result in a material adverse reserve change. We 
establish these estimates based upon transaction-specific historical experience, information provided by the ceding 
company for the assumed business and industry experience. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. 
As the experience on the contracts emerges, the assumptions are reviewed by management. We determine whether 
actual and anticipated experience indicates that existing policy benefits, together with the present value of future gross 
premiums, are sufficient to cover the present value of future benefits, settlement and maintenance costs and to recover 
unamortized acquisition costs. If such a review indicates that policy benefits should be greater than those currently 
held, then the locked-in assumptions are revised and a charge for policy benefits is recognized at that time.

During  the  years  ended  December 31,  2016,  2015  and  2014,  there  were  no  adjustments  to  the  locked-in 

assumptions for these policy benefits.

Reinsurance Balances Recoverable

Our acquired insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries in all four of our business segments, prior to acquisition 
by us, used retrocessional agreements to reduce their exposure to the risk of insurance and reinsurance they assumed. 
Loss reserves represent total gross losses, and reinsurance receivables represent anticipated recoveries of a portion 
of those unpaid losses as well as amounts receivable from reinsurers with respect to claims that have already been 
paid. While reinsurance arrangements are designed to limit losses and to permit recovery of a portion of direct unpaid 
losses, reinsurance does not relieve us of our liabilities to our insureds or reinsureds. Therefore, we evaluate and 
monitor concentration of credit risk among our reinsurers, including companies that are insolvent, in run-off or facing 
financial difficulties. Provisions are made for amounts considered potentially uncollectible.

In addition to the acquired retrocessional agreements, on an annual basis, our active underwriting subsidiaries 
purchase tailored outwards reinsurance programs designed to manage their risk profiles. The majority of the total third-
party reinsurance cover for our active underwriting subsidiaries is with Lloyd’s Syndicates or other reinsurers rated A- 
or better. 

To estimate the provision for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable, the reinsurance recoverable is first allocated 
to applicable reinsurers. As part of this process, ceded IBNR is allocated by reinsurer. We use a detailed analysis to 
estimate uncollectible reinsurance. The primary components of the analysis are reinsurance recoverable balances by 
reinsurer and bad debt provisions applied to these balances to determine the portion of a reinsurer’s balance deemed 
to be uncollectible. These provisions require considerable judgment and are determined using the current rating, or 
rating equivalent, of each reinsurer (in order to determine its ability to settle the reinsurance balances) as well as other 
key considerations and assumptions, such as claims and coverage issues.

92

 
 
 
Premium Revenue Recognition

Non-life Run-off, Atrium and StarStone

Our premiums written are earned on a pro-rata basis over the coverage period. Our reinsurance premiums are 
recorded at the inception of the policy, unless policy language stipulates otherwise, and are estimated based upon 
information in underlying contracts and information provided by clients and/or brokers. A change in reinsurance premium 
estimates is made when additional information regarding changes in underlying exposures is obtained. Such changes 
in estimates are expected and may result in significant adjustments in future periods. We record any adjustments as 
premiums written in the period they are determined.

With respect to retrospectively rated contracts (where additional premium would be due should losses exceed 
pre-determined contractual thresholds), any additional premiums are based upon contractual terms, and management 
judgment is involved in estimating the amount of losses that we expect to be ceded. We would recognize additional 
premiums at the time loss thresholds specified in the contract are exceeded and are earned over the coverage period, 
or are earned immediately if the period of risk coverage has passed. Changes in estimates of losses recorded on 
contracts with additional premium features would result in changes in additional premiums recognized.

Life and Annuities

We generally recognize premiums from term life insurance, credit life and disability insurance and assumed life 
reinsurance as revenue when due from policyholders. Term life insurance, assumed life reinsurance and credit life 
and disability insurance policies include those contracts with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits. We match 
benefits and expenses with revenue to result in the recognition of profit over the life of the contracts.

Investments

Valuation of Investments

Our non-life run-off, active underwriting and life and annuity businesses invest in trading portfolios of fixed maturity 
and short-term investments and equities, and an available-for-sale portfolio of fixed maturity investments. We record 
both the trading and available-for-sale portfolios at fair value on our balance sheet. For our trading portfolios, the 
unrealized gain or loss associated with the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost of the investments 
is recorded in net earnings. For our available-for-sale portfolios, the unrealized gain or loss (other than credit losses) 
is excluded from net earnings and reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Our other investments comprise investments in various private equities and private equity funds, fixed income 
funds, fixed income and multi-strategy hedge funds, equity funds, real estate debt  funds and CLO equity funds, as 
well as direct investments in CLO equities. All of these other investments are recorded at fair value.

We  measure  fair  value  in  accordance  with ASC  820,  Fair  Value  Measurements.  The  guidance  dictates  a 
framework for measuring fair value and a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value. 
The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities 
(Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of 
the fair value hierarchy are described below: 

• 

• 

• 

Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities 
that we have the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 
instruments.

Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices 
for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or for which significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest 
rates,  yield  curves,  prepayment  speeds,  default  rates,  loss  severities,  etc.)  or  can  be  corroborated  by 
observable market data

Level 3 - Valuations based on unobservable inputs where there is little or no market activity. Unadjusted 
third party pricing sources or management's assumptions and internal valuation models may be used to 
determine the fair values.

When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the 
fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement 
in its entirety. Thus, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Level 1 and 2) and 
unobservable (Level 3). 

93

The  use  of  valuation  techniques  may  require  a  significant  amount  of  judgment.  During  periods  of  market 
disruption, including periods of rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of our 
securities if trading becomes less frequent or market data becomes less observable.

Fixed Maturity Investments

Fixed maturity investments are subject to fluctuations in fair value due to changes in interest rates, changes in 
issuer-specific circumstances such as credit rating and changes in industry-specific circumstances such as movements 
in credit spreads based on the market’s perception of industry risks. As a result of these potential fluctuations, it is 
possible to have significant unrealized gains or losses on a security. At maturity, absent any credit loss, fixed maturity 
investments’ amortized cost will equal their fair value and no realized gain or loss will be recognized in income. If, due 
to an unforeseen change in loss payment patterns, we need to sell any available-for-sale investments before maturity, 
we could realize significant gains or losses in any period, which could have a meaningful effect on reported net income 
for such period.

We perform regular reviews of our available-for-sale fixed maturities portfolios and utilize a process that considers 
numerous indicators in order to identify investments that are showing signs of potential other-than-temporary impairment 
losses. These indicators include the length of time and extent of the unrealized loss, any specific adverse conditions, 
historic and implied volatility of the security, failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest payments, 
significant rating changes and recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date. 
The consideration of these indicators and the estimation of credit losses involve significant management judgment.

Any other-than-temporary impairment loss, or OTTI, related to a credit loss would be recognized in earnings, 
and  the  amount  of  the  OTTI  related  to  other  factors  (e.g.  interest  rates,  market  conditions,  etc.)  is  recorded  as  a 
component of other comprehensive income. If no credit loss exists but either we have the intent to sell the fixed maturity 
investment or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before its anticipated 
recovery, then the entire unrealized loss is recognized in earnings.

For  the  years  ended  December 31,  2016,  2015  and  2014,  we  did  not  recognize  any  other-than-temporary 

impairment charges through earnings.

The fair values for all securities in the fixed maturity investments portfolio are independently provided by the 
investment  accounting  service  providers,  investment  managers  and  investment  custodians,  each  of  which  utilize 
internationally recognized independent pricing services. We record the unadjusted price provided by the investment 
accounting service providers, investment managers or investment custodians and validate this price through a process 
that includes, but is not limited to: (i) comparison of prices against alternative pricing sources; (ii) quantitative analysis 
(e.g. comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target benchmark); (iii) evaluation of methodologies 
used by external parties to estimate fair value, including a review of the inputs used for pricing; and (iv) comparing the 
price to our knowledge of the current investment market. Our internal price validation procedures and review of fair 
value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services have not historically resulted in adjustment 
in the prices obtained from the pricing service.

The independent pricing services used by the investment accounting service providers, investment managers 
and investment custodians obtain actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. 
Where we utilize single unadjusted broker-dealer quotes, they are generally provided by market makers or broker-
dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes.  For determining 
the fair value of securities that are not actively traded, in general, pricing services use "matrix pricing" in which the 
independent pricing service uses observable market inputs including, but not limited to, reported trades, benchmark 
yields, broker-dealer quotes, interest rates, prepayment speeds, default rates and such other inputs as are available 
from market sources to determine a reasonable fair value. In addition, pricing services use valuation models, using 
observable data, such as an Option Adjusted Spread model, to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The 
Option Adjusted Spread model is commonly used to estimate fair value for securities such as mortgage-backed and 
asset-backed securities.

Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, such as in periods of low trading activity or when transactions 
are  not  orderly,  we  obtain  non-binding  quotes  from  broker-dealers.  Where  significant  inputs  are  unable  to  be 
corroborated with market observable information, we classify the securities as Level 3.

94

Equities

Our investments in equities are predominantly traded on the major exchanges and are primarily managed by 
our external advisors. We use an internationally recognized pricing service to estimate the fair value of our equities. 
Our equities are widely diversified and there is no significant concentration in any specific industry. 

We have categorized all of our investments in equities other than preferred stock as Level 1 investments because 
the fair values of these investments are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The 
fair value estimates of our investments in preferred stock are based on observable market data and, as a result, have 
been categorized as Level 2.

Other Investments, at fair value

We have ongoing due diligence processes with respect to the other investments carried at fair value in which 
we  invest  and  their  managers. These  processes  are  designed  to  assist  us  in  assessing  the  quality  of  information 
provided by, or on behalf of, each fund and in determining whether such information continues to be reliable or whether 
further review is warranted. Certain funds do not provide full transparency of their underlying holdings; however, we 
obtain the audited financial statements for funds annually, and regularly review and discuss the fund performance with 
the fund managers to corroborate the reasonableness of the reported net asset values ("NAV").

The use of NAV as an estimate of the fair value for investments in certain entities that calculate NAV is a permitted 
practical expedient. Due to the time lag in the NAV reported by certain fund managers we adjust the valuation for 
capital calls and distributions. Other investments measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient have not 
been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Other investments for which we do not use NAV as a practical expedient 
have been valued using prices from independent pricing services, investment managers and broker-dealers.

For our investments in private equities and private equity funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the most 
recently available NAV from the external fund manager or third-party administrator. The fair values of these investments 
are measured using the NAV as a practical expedient and therefore have not been categorized within the fair value 
hierarchy. 

Our  investments  in  fixed  income  funds  and  equity  funds  are  valued  based  on  a  combination  of  prices  from 
independent pricing services, external fund managers or third-party administrators.  For the publicly available prices 
we have classified the investments as Level 2. For the non-publicly available prices we are using NAV as a practical 
expedient and therefore these have not been categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

For our investments in fixed income and multi-strategy hedge funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the 
most recently available NAV as advised by the external fund manager or third-party administrator. The fair values of 
these investments are measured using the NAV as a practical expedient and therefore have not been categorized 
within the fair value hierarchy. In December 2016, we sold our multi-strategy hedge fund investment.

Our investment in the real estate debt fund was valued based on the most recently available NAV from the 
external fund manager. The fair value of this investment was measured using the NAV practical expedient and therefore 
has not been categorized within the fair value hierarchy. As at March 31, 2016, this fund was fully redeemed.

We measure the fair value of our direct investment in CLO equities based on valuations provided by our external 
CLO equity manager. If the investment does not involve an external CLO equity manager, the fair value of the investment 
is valued based on valuations provided by the broker or lead underwriter of the investment (the "broker"). Our CLO 
equity investments have been classified as Level 3 due to the use of unobservable inputs in the valuation and the 
limited number of relevant trades in secondary markets. 

In providing valuations, the CLO equity manager and brokers use observable and unobservable inputs. Of the 
significant unobservable market inputs used, the default and loss severity rates involve the most judgment and create 
the most sensitivity. A significant increase or decrease in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in 
lower or higher fair value estimates for direct investments in CLO equities and, in general, a change in default rate 
assumptions will be accompanied by a directionally similar change in loss severity rate assumptions. Collateral spreads 
and estimated maturity dates are less subjective inputs because they are based on the historical average of actual 
spreads  and  the  weighted-average  life  of  the  current  underlying  portfolios,  respectively. A  significant  increase  or 
decrease in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in higher or lower fair value estimates for direct 
investments in CLO equities. In general, these inputs have no significant interrelationship with each other or with default 
and loss severity rates.

95

On a quarterly basis, we receive the valuation from the external CLO manager and brokers and then review the 
underlying cash flows and key assumptions used by them. We review and update the significant unobservable inputs 
based  on  information  obtained  from  secondary  markets.  These  inputs  are  our  responsibility  and  we  assess  the 
reasonableness of the inputs (and if necessary, update the inputs) through communicating with industry participants, 
monitoring of the transactions in which we participate (for example, to evaluate default and loss severity rate trends), 
and reviewing market conditions, historical results, and emerging trends that may impact future cash flows.

If valuations from the external CLO equity manager or brokers are not available, we use an income approach 
based on certain observable and unobservable inputs to value these investments. An income approach is also used 
to corroborate the reasonableness of the valuations provided by the external manager and brokers. Where an income 
approach is followed, the valuation is based on available trade information, such as expected cash flows and market 
assumptions on default and loss severity rates. Other inputs used in the valuation process include asset spreads, loan 
prepayment speeds, collateral spreads and estimated maturity dates.

For our investments in CLO equity funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the most recently available NAV 
as advised by the external fund manager or third party administrator. The fair values of these investments are measured 
using the NAV as a practical expedient and therefore have not been categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

For our investments in call options on publicly traded equities, we measure fair value by obtaining the latest 
option price as of our reporting date. These are classified as Level 2. As at December 31, 2016, the call option had 
been exercised.

Certain funds are subject to gates or side-pockets, where redemptions are subject to the sale of underlying 
investments. A gate is the ability to deny or delay a redemption request, whereas a side-pocket is a designated account 
for which the investor loses its redemption rights. As at December 31, 2016, we had $0.5 million of fixed income hedge 
funds subject to gates or side-pockets.

A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability 
of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets and liabilities. Reclassifications impacting 
Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in/out of the Level 3 category as of the end of the quarter 
in which the reclassifications occur.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We perform 
an initial valuation of our goodwill assets and assess goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. If, as a result of the 
assessment, we determine the value of our goodwill asset is impaired, goodwill is written down in the period in which 
the determination is made.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets represent the fair value adjustments related to unpaid losses and loss expenses, unearned 
premium, reinsurance balances recoverable and policy benefits for life and annuity contracts along with the fair values 
of Lloyd’s syndicate capacity, customer relationships, management contract and brand arising from the acquisition of 
Atrium  and  the  syndicate  capacity,  U.S.  insurance  licenses,  technology  and  brand  arising  from  the  acquisition  of 
StarStone.  Definite-lived  intangible  assets  are  amortized  over  their  estimated  useful  lives.  We  recognize  the 
amortization of all intangible assets in our consolidated statement of earnings. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are 
not subject to amortization. The carrying values of intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on at 
least an annual basis or sooner whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. 
Impairment is recognized if the carrying values of the intangible assets are not recoverable from their undiscounted 
cash flows and is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

In connection with the acquisitions of Arden, Atrium and StarStone, certain subsidiaries have issued shares to 
a noncontrolling interest. These shares provide certain redemption rights to the holder, which may be settled in Enstar’s 
own shares or cash, at our option. We classify redeemable noncontrolling interests with redemption features that are 
not solely within our control within temporary equity in our consolidated balance sheets and carry them at the redemption 
value,  which  is  fair  value.  We  recognize  changes  in  the  fair  value  that  exceed  the  carrying  value  of  redeemable 
noncontrolling interest through retained earnings as if the balance sheet date were also the redemption date.

96

Deferred Charges

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and LAE with respect to past loss events. At 
the inception of a contract, a deferred charge asset is recorded for the excess, if any, of the estimated ultimate losses 
payable over the premiums received. Deferred charges, recorded in other assets, are amortized over the estimated 
claim payment period of the related contract with the periodic amortization reflected in earnings as a component of 
losses and LAE. Deferred charges amortization is adjusted periodically to reflect new estimates of the amount and 
timing of remaining loss payments. Changes in the estimated amount and the timing of payments of unpaid losses 
may have an effect on the unamortized deferred charges and the amount of periodic amortization.

97

ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The  following  risk  management  discussion  and  the  estimated  amounts  generated  from  sensitivity  analysis 
presented are forward-looking statements of market risk assuming certain market conditions occur. Future results may 
differ materially from these estimated results due to, among other things, actual developments in the global financial 
markets, changes in the composition of our investment portfolio, or changes in our business strategies. The results of 
analysis we use to assess and mitigate risk are not projections of future events or losses. See "Cautionary Statement 
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" for additional information regarding our forward-looking statements.

We are principally exposed to four types of market risk: interest rate risk; credit risk; equity price risk and foreign 
currency risk. Our policies to address these risks in 2016 were not materially different than those used in 2015 other 
than  as  described  herein,  and,  based  on  our  current  knowledge  and  expectations,  we  do  not  currently  anticipate 
significant changes in our market risk exposures or in how we will manage those exposures in future reporting periods.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the price sensitivity of a security to changes in interest rates. Our investment portfolio includes 
fixed maturity and short-term investments, whose fair values will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. We attempt 
to maintain adequate liquidity in our fixed maturity investments portfolio with a strategy designed to emphasize the 
preservation  of  our  invested  assets  and  provide  sufficient  liquidity  for  the  prompt  payment  of  claims  and  contract 
liabilities,  as  well  as  for  settlement  of  commutation  payments.  We  also  monitor  the  duration  and  structure  of  our 
investment portfolio.

The following table summarizes the aggregate hypothetical change in fair value from an immediate parallel shift 
in the treasury yield curve, assuming credit spreads remain constant, in our fixed maturity and short-term investments 
portfolio classified as trading and available-for-sale as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 :

As at December 31, 2016

Total Market Value
Market Value Change from Base
Change in Unrealized Value

As at December 31, 2015
Total Market Value
Market Value Change from Base
Change in Unrealized Value

-100

5,040

3.3%
161

-100
5,279

3.2%
163

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

-50

Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
—
(in millions of U.S. dollars)

+50

4,969

1.8%
90

-50
5,213

1.9%
97

$

$

$

$

4,879 $
—
— $

4,830

(1.0)%
(49)

—

5,116 $
—
— $

+50
5,086

(0.6)%
(30)

$

$

$

$

+100

4,762

(2.4)%
(117)

+100
5,027

(1.7)%
(89)

Actual shifts in interest rates may not change by the same magnitude across the maturity spectrum or on an 
individual security and, as a result, the impact on the fair value of our fixed maturity securities and short-term investments 
portfolio may be materially different from the resulting change in realized value indicated in the table above.

Credit Risk

Credit risk relates to the uncertainty of a counterparty’s ability to make timely payments in accordance with 
contractual terms of the instrument or contract. We are exposed to direct credit risk primarily within our portfolios of 
fixed maturity and short-term investments, and through customers, brokers and reinsurers in the form of premiums 
receivable and reinsurance recoverables, respectively, as discussed below.

Fixed Maturity and Short-Term Investments

As a holder of fixed maturity and short-term investments and mutual funds, we also have exposure to credit risk 
as a result of investment ratings downgrades or issuer defaults. In an effort to mitigate this risk, our investment portfolio 
consists primarily of investment grade-rated, liquid, fixed maturity investments of short-to-medium duration and mutual 
funds. A table of credit ratings for our fixed maturity and short-term investments is in "Note 6 - Investments" in the 
notes  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  included  within  Item  8  of  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  At 
December 31, 2016, 52.2% of our fixed maturity and short-term investment portfolio was rated AA or higher by a major 
rating agency (December 31, 2015: 49.6%) with 4.6% rated lower than BBB- (December 31, 2015: 5.0%). The portfolio 
as a whole had an average credit quality rating of A+ as at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015: A+). In addition, 
we manage our portfolio pursuant to guidelines that follow what we believe are prudent standards of diversification. 

98

 
 
The guidelines limit the allowable holdings of a single issue and issuers and, as a result, we do not believe we have 
significant concentrations of credit risk.

Reinsurance

We have exposure to credit risk as it relates to our reinsurance balances recoverable. Our insurance subsidiaries 
remain liable to the extent that retrocessionaires do not meet their contractual obligations and, therefore, we evaluate 
and monitor concentration of credit risk among our reinsurers. A discussion of our reinsurance balances recoverable 
is in "Note 10 - Reinsurance Balances Recoverable" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included 
within Item 8 of this Annual Report. 

As at December 31, 2016, our reinsurance balances recoverable included $242.1 million from a related party 
and  equity  method  investee,  KaylaRe  Ltd.,  amongst  other  balances,  as  discussed  in  "Note  21  -  Related  Party 
Transactions" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual Report. 

Funds Held 

Under funds held arrangements, the reinsured company has retained funds that would otherwise have been 
remitted to our reinsurance subsidiaries. The funds balance is credited with investment income and losses payable 
are deducted. We are subject to credit risk if the reinsured company is unable to honor the value of the funds held 
balances, such as in the event of insolvency. However, we generally have the contractual ability to offset any shortfall 
in the payment of the funds held balances with amounts owed by us to the reinsured for losses payable and other 
amounts contractually due. Our funds held are shown under two categories on the consolidated balance sheets, where 
funds held upon which we receive the underlying portfolio economics are shown as "Funds held - directly managed", 
and funds held where we receive a fixed crediting rate are shown as "Funds held by reinsured companies". Both types 
of funds held are subject to credit risk.  We routinely monitor the creditworthiness of reinsured companies with whom 
we have funds held arrangements. We have a significant concentration of $1.0 billion with one reinsured company, 
which has financial strength credit ratings of A+ from A.M. Best and AA from Standard & Poor's. 

Equity Price Risk

Our portfolio of equity investments, including the equity funds included in other investments (collectively, "equities 
at risk"), has exposure to equity price risk, which is the risk of potential loss in fair value resulting from adverse changes 
in stock prices. Our global equity portfolio is correlated with a blend of the S&P 500 and MSCI World indices and 
changes in this blend of indices would approximate the impact on our portfolio. The fair value of our equities at risk at 
December 31, 2016 was $318.6 million (December 31, 2015: $258.9 million). At December 31, 2016, the impact of a 
10% decline in the overall market prices of our equities at risk would be $31.9 million (December 31, 2015: $25.9 
million), on a pre-tax basis.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our foreign currency policy is to broadly manage, where possible, our foreign currency risk by seeking to match 
our liabilities under insurance and reinsurance policies that are payable in foreign currencies with assets that are 
denominated in such currencies, subject to regulatory constraints. In addition, we may selectively utilize foreign currency 
forward contracts to mitigate foreign currency risk. To the extent our foreign currency exposure is not matched or 
hedged, we may experience foreign exchange losses or gains, which would be reflected in our results of operations 
and financial condition. 

Through our subsidiaries located in various jurisdictions, we conduct our insurance and reinsurance operations 
in  a  variety  of  non-U.S.  currencies. The  functional  currency  for  the  majority  of  our  subsidiaries  is  the  U.S.  dollar. 
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to a subsidiary's functional currency will have a direct impact 
on the valuation of our assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies. All changes in foreign exchange rates, 
with the exception of non-U.S. dollar denominated investments classified as available-for-sale, are recognized in foreign 
exchange gains (losses) in our consolidated statements of earnings. Changes in foreign exchange rates relating to 
non-U.S. dollar denominated investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded in unrealized gains (losses) on 
investments, which is a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

We have exposure to foreign currency risk through our ownership of European, British, Canadian, and  Australian 
subsidiaries  whose  functional  currencies  are  the  Euro,  British  pound,  Canadian  dollar,  and  Australian  dollar, 
respectively. The foreign exchange gain or loss resulting from the translation of their financial statements from functional 
currency  into  U.S.  dollars  is  recorded  in  the  currency  translation  adjustment  account,  which  is  a  component  of 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. During the year ended December 31, 2016, 

99

we  borrowed  Euros  under  the  EGL  Revolving  Credit  Facility  to  hedge  the  foreign  currency  exposure  on  our  net 
investment in certain of our subsidiaries whose functional currency is denominated in Euros. During the year ended 
December 31, 2016, we entered into forward exchange contracts to hedge the foreign currency exposure on our net 
investment in certain of our subsidiaries whose functional currencies are denominated in Canadian and Australian 
dollars. The  loan  and  the  forward  contracts  are  discussed  in  "Note  15  -  Loans  Payable"  and  "Note  9  -  Derivative 
Instruments", respectively, in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included within Item 8 of this Annual 
Report. We utilize hedge accounting to record the foreign exchange gain or loss on these instruments in the currency 
translation account. 

The table below summarizes our net exposures as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 to foreign currencies:

2016

GBP

Euro

AUD

CDN

Other

Total

Total net foreign currency exposure

Pre-tax impact of a 10% movement of 
the U.S. dollar(1)

2015

Total net foreign currency exposure

Pre-tax impact of a 10% movement of 
the U.S. dollar(1)

$

$

$

$

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

20.6 $

17.9 $

12.2 $

26.6 $

5.2 $

82.5

2.1 $

1.8 $

1.2 $

2.7 $

0.5 $

8.3

GBP

Euro

AUD

CDN

Other

Total

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

77.2 $

108.2 $

175.9 $

55.2 $

9.1 $

425.6

7.7 $

10.8 $

17.6 $

5.5 $

0.9 $

42.5

(1)  Assumes 10% change in U.S. dollar relative to other currencies

Effects of Inflation

We do not believe that inflation has had or will have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, 
however, the actual effects of inflation on our results cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately resolved. 
Inflation may affect the value of our assets, as well as our liabilities including losses and LAE (by causing the cost of 
claims to rise in the future). Although loss reserves are established to reflect likely loss settlements at the date payment 
is made, we would be subject to the risk that inflation could cause these costs to increase above established reserves.

100

 
ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 
and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 
2015 and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2016 . . . .
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

I. Summary of Investments Other than Investments in Related Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
III. Supplementary Insurance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
IV. Reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VI. Supplementary Information Concerning Property/Casualty Insurance Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page    

102

103

104

105

106

108

109

197

198

201

202

203

204

Schedules other than those listed above are omitted as they are not applicable or the information has been 

included in the consolidated financial statements, notes thereto, or elsewhere herein. 

101

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Enstar Group Limited:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Enstar Group Limited and subsidiaries as 
of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes 
in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. In 
connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement Schedules 
I, II, III, IV, V and VI as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended 
December 31, 2016. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement Schedules are the responsibility 
of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements 
and financial statement Schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement. An  audit  includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the 
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 
financial position of Enstar Group Limited and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial 
statement Schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, 
present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), Enstar Group Limited’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on 
the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 27, 2017 expressed an unqualified 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG Audit Limited

Hamilton, Bermuda

February 27, 2017

102

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 

ASSETS

Short-term investments, trading, at fair value

Short-term investments, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2016 — $287; 2015 — $8,630)

Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2016 — $269,577; 2015 — $300,160)

Equities, trading, at fair value

Other investments, at fair value

Other investments, at cost

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Funds held - directly managed

Premiums receivable

Deferred tax assets

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

Reinsurance balances recoverable

Funds held by reinsured companies

Deferred acquisition costs

Goodwill and intangible assets

Other assets

Assets held for sale

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts

Unearned premiums

Insurance and reinsurance balances payable

Deferred tax liabilities

Loans payable

Other liabilities

Liabilities held for sale

TOTAL LIABILITIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

2016

2015

(expressed in thousands of U.S.
dollars, except share data)

$

222,918

$

268

85,104

8,622

4,388,242

4,728,521

267,499

95,047

937,047

131,651

293,679

111,495

980,289

133,071

6,042,672

6,340,781

954,871

363,774

994,665

406,676

11,374

219,115

795,245

499,924

—

381,412

29,906

121,427

1,460,743

1,451,921

82,073

58,114

184,855

842,356

92,798

89,123

191,304

509,110

1,244,456

1,269,583

$

12,865,744

$

11,772,534

$

5,987,867

$

5,720,149

112,095

548,343

394,021

28,356

673,603

705,318

1,150,787

9,600,390

126,321

542,771

271,801

32,990

599,750

350,752

1,189,554

8,834,088

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

454,522

417,663

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Share capital authorized, issued and fully paid, par value $1 each (authorized 2016 and 2015: 156,000,000):

Ordinary shares (issued and outstanding 2016: 16,175,250; 2015: 16,133,334)

16,175

16,133

Non-voting convertible ordinary shares:

Series A (issued 2016: nil; 2015: 2,972,892)

Series C (issued and outstanding 2016: 2,792,157; 2015: 2,725,637)

Series E (issued and outstanding 2016: 404,771; 2015: 404,771)

Series C Preferred Shares (issued and outstanding 2016: 388,571; 2015: nil)

Treasury shares at cost (Preferred shares 2016: 388,571; Series A non-voting convertible ordinary shares 2015: 2,972,892)

Additional paid-in capital

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Retained earnings

Total Enstar Group Limited Shareholders’ Equity

Noncontrolling interest

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

—

2,792

405

389

(421,559)

1,380,109

(23,549)

1,847,550

2,802,312

8,520

2,973

2,726

405

—

(421,559)

1,373,044

(35,162)

1,578,312

2,516,872

3,911

2,810,832

2,520,783

TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

12,865,744

$

11,772,534

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

103

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

INCOME

Net premiums earned

Fees and commission income

Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Other income

EXPENSES

Net incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses

Life and annuity policy benefits

Acquisition costs

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange losses

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUING OPERATIONS,
NET OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE

NET EARNINGS
Less: Net loss (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interest

2016

2015

2014

(expressed in thousands of U.S.
dollars, except share and per share data)

$

823,514 $

753,744 $

542,991

39,364

185,463

77,818

4,836

1,130,995

174,099

(2,038)

186,569

423,734

20,642

665

803,671

327,324

(34,874)

292,450

11,963

304,413

(39,606)

39,347

122,564

(41,523)

30,328

904,460

104,333

(546)

163,716

389,159

19,403

3,373

679,438

225,022

(12,650)

212,372

(2,031)

210,341

9,950

34,919

66,024

51,991

14,149

710,074

9,146

84

117,542

337,120

12,922

5,962

482,776

227,298

(5,601)

221,697

5,539

227,236

(13,487)

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

$

264,807 $

220,291 $

213,749

Earnings per ordinary share attributable to Enstar Group Limited:

Basic:

Net earnings from continuing operations
Net earnings (loss) from discontinuing operations
Net earnings per ordinary share

Diluted:

Net earnings from continuing operations
Net earnings (loss) from discontinuing operations
Net earnings per ordinary share

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

$

$

$

$

13.10 $

0.62

13.72 $

13.00 $

0.62

13.62 $

11.55 $
(0.11)
11.44 $

11.46 $
(0.11)
11.35 $

11.31
0.30
11.61

11.15
0.29
11.44

19,299,426
19,447,241

19,252,072
19,407,756

18,409,069
18,678,130

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

104

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

NET EARNINGS

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on fixed income investments
arising during the year

Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net
earnings

Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, net of
reclassification adjustment

Decrease (increase) in defined benefit pension liability

Currency translation adjustment

Total other comprehensive gain (loss)

Comprehensive income

Less comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling
interest

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENSTAR
GROUP LIMITED

2016

2015

2014

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

304,413 $

210,341 $

227,236

4,776

(3,219)

(6,297)

(384)

(266)

(58)

4,392

3,079

4,793

12,264

316,677

(3,485)

3

(24,694)

(28,176)

182,165

(6,355)

(5,477)

(19,421)

(31,253)

195,983

(40,257)

15,650

(8,898)

$

276,420 $

197,815 $

187,085

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

105

 
 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

Share Capital — Ordinary Shares

Balance, beginning of year

Issue of shares
Conversion of Series E Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares

Balance, end of year

Share Capital — Series A Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares

Balance, beginning and end of year

Shares converted to Series C Convertible Participating Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock

Balance, end of period

Share Capital — Series C Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares

Balance, beginning and end of year

Warrants exercised
Balance, end of period

Share Capital — Series E Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares

Balance, beginning of year

(Conversion to Ordinary Shares) / Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock

Balance, end of year

Share Capital — Series B Convertible Participating Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock

Balance, beginning of year

Issue of shares
Shares converted to Series E Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares

Balance, end of year

Share Capital — Series C Convertible Participating Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock

Balance, beginning of period

Conversion of Series A Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Stock
Balance, end of period

Treasury Shares

Balance, beginning and end of year

Additional Paid-in Capital

Balance, beginning of year

Issue of shares and warrants
Conversion of Series A Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Stock
Amortization of share-based compensation
Equity attributable to purchase of noncontrolling shareholders’ interest in subsidiaries

Balance, end of year

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Balance, beginning of year

Currency translation adjustment

Balance, beginning of year

Change in currency translation adjustment
Purchase of noncontrolling shareholders' interest in subsidiaries

Balance, end of year

Defined benefit pension liability

Balance, beginning of year
Change in defined benefit pension liability

Balance, end of year

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments

Balance, beginning of year

Change in unrealized losses on investments
Purchase of noncontrolling shareholders’ interest in subsidiaries

Balance, end of year

Balance, end of year

Retained Earnings

Balance, beginning of year

Net earnings attributable to Enstar Group Limited
Change in redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests

Balance, end of year

Noncontrolling Interest (excludes redeemable noncontrolling interests)

Balance, beginning of year

Sale of noncontrolling shareholders' interest in subsidiaries
Return of capital
Dividends paid
Contribution of capital

106

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

2016
2014
2015
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

16,133
42
—
16,175

2,973
(2,973)

$

$

$

— $

2,726
66
2,792

405
—
405

$

$

$

$

— $
—
—
— $

— $

389
389

$

15,761
63
309
16,133

2,973
—
2,973

2,726
—
2,726

714
(309)
405

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $
—
—
— $

— $
—
— $

13,803
1,958
—
15,761

2,973
—
2,973

2,726
—
2,726

—
714
714

—
714
(714)
—

—
—
—

(421,559) $

(421,559) $

(421,559)

$

1,373,044
529
2,584
3,952

— $
$

1,380,109

1,321,715
1,765
—
7,867
41,697
1,373,044

$

$
$

962,145
354,622
—
4,948
—
1,321,715

(35,162) $

(12,686) $

13,978

(23,790)
4,797
—
(18,993)

(7,723)
3,079
(4,644)

(3,649)
3,737
—
88
(23,549) $

$

$

$

1,578,312
264,807
4,431
1,847,550

3,911
—
—
—
5,643

(2,779)
(23,948)
2,937
(23,790)

(7,726)
3
(7,723)

(2,181)
(1,780)
312
(3,649)
(35,162) $

$

$

$

1,395,206
220,291
(37,185)
1,578,312

217,970
(195,347)
—
(733)
680

14,264
(17,043)
—
(2,779)

(2,249)
(5,477)
(7,726)

1,963
(4,144)
—
(2,181)
(12,686)

1,181,457
213,749
—
1,395,206

222,000
—
(11,864)
(18,108)
18,081

 
Reallocation from (to) redeemable noncontrolling interest
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Net movement in unrealized holding losses on investments

Balance, end of year

—
(1,034)
—
—
8,520

$

(15,801)
(1,153)
(1,558)
(147)
3,911

$

1,028
9,429
(2,181)
(415)
217,970  

$

 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

107

 ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net earnings
Net (earnings) loss from discontinued operations

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:

Realized losses (gains) on sale of investments
Unrealized losses (gains) on investments
Other non-cash items
Depreciation and other amortization
Net change in trading securities held on behalf of policyholders
Sales and maturities of trading securities
Purchases of trading securities
Changes in:

Reinsurance balances recoverable
Funds held by reinsured companies
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
Unearned premiums
Other operating assets and liabilities
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
Purchase of other investments
Redemption of other investments
Other investing activities

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Distribution of capital to noncontrolling interest
Contribution by noncontrolling interest
Contribution by redeemable noncontrolling interest
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
Receipt of loans
Repayment of loans

Net cash flows provided by financing activities
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON FOREIGN CURRENCY CASH, CASH
EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF YEAR

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
Interest paid

Reconciliation to Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

2016

2015

2014

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

304,413
(11,963)

$

210,341
2,031

$

227,236
(5,539)

7,036
(84,854)
8,566
34,938
(1,284)
3,406,788
(3,100,515)

(15,859)
57,380
3,984
40,922
(7,241)
3,651,680
(4,052,430)

(22,169)
(29,810)
(1,268)
43,870
4,256
2,836,921
(1,986,441)

(21,866)
(967,379)
259,339
(11,037)
120,515
5,682
(151,068)
(202,689)

$

(18,454) $
81,596
(52,568)
(91,093)
245,069
(7,841)
156,709

391,182
32,435
(276,711)
9,110
(20,635)
(19,355)
(271,986)
(265,152)

130,667
142,824
(102,214)
(315,583)
165,711
(1,520)
19,885

$

$

— $

— $

5,643
—
—
—
571,048
(493,250)
83,441

680
15,728
(16,861)
(150,400)
657,700
(377,500)
129,347

428,718
114,348
(967,263)
(839)
(190,464)
8,000
84,449
544,005

60,319
109,994
(116,738)
(346,313)
104,684
632
(187,422)

(11,864)
17,768
273,035
(18,108)
—
70,000
(199,245)
131,586

(13,985)

(18,533)

(17,546)

23,476
1,295,169
$ 1,318,645

(134,453)
1,429,622
$ 1,295,169

470,623
958,999
$ 1,429,622

$
$

22,216
19,451

$
$

33,305
19,395

$
$

41,830
16,130

$

954,871
363,774
$ 1,318,645

$

795,245
499,924
$ 1,295,169

$

897,674
531,948
$ 1,429,622

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

108

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

(Tabular information expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except share and per share data)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Enstar Group Limited ("Enstar") is a multi-faceted insurance group that offers innovative capital release solutions 
and specialty underwriting capabilities through its network of group companies in Bermuda, the United States, the 
United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, and other international locations. Our ordinary shares are listed on the 
NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "ESGR". Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms 
"Enstar," "we," "us" or "our" mean Enstar Group Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries and the term "Parent Company" 
means Enstar Group Limited and not any of its consolidated subsidiaries.

Our business is organized into four segments:

(i)  Non-life Run-off - This segment is comprised of the operations of our subsidiaries that are running off their 
property and casualty and other non-life business. It also includes our management business, which manages 
the run-off portfolios of third parties through our service companies. 

(ii)  Atrium - Atrium Underwriters Ltd. is a managing general agent at Lloyd’s of London ("Lloyd's"), which manages 
Syndicate  609.  Through  a  corporate  capital  vehicle, Atrium  5  Ltd.,  we  provide  25%  of  the  syndicate’s 
underwriting capacity and capital (with the balance provided by traditional Lloyd’s Names). Atrium underwrites 
specialist marine, energy, aerospace, non-marine and liability classes. 

(iii)  StarStone - StarStone is a global specialty insurer that underwrites a diverse range of property, casualty and 
specialty  insurance  through  its  operations  in  Bermuda,  the  United  States,  the  United  Kingdom,  and 
Continental Europe. Certain run-off business of StarStone is recorded in our Non-life Run-off segment.

(iv)  Life and Annuities - This segment comprises our subsidiaries managing our closed-blocks of life and annuity 

business and our life settlements business.

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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Preparation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include our assets, 
liabilities and results of operations as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 
2015 and 2014. Results of operations for acquired subsidiaries are included from the date of acquisition. All significant 
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified 
to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings. 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates 
and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amount  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and 
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting 
period.  Our  actual  results  could  differ  materially  from  our  estimates. Accounting  policies  that  we  believe  are  most 
dependent on assumptions and estimates are considered to be our critical accounting policies and are related to the 
determination of: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE");

liability for policy benefits for life and annuity contracts;

reinsurance balances recoverable;

gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned;

impairment  charges,  including  other-than-temporary  impairments  on  investment  securities  classified  as 
available-for-sale, and impairments on goodwill, intangible assets and deferred charges; 

fair value measurements of investments; 

fair value estimates associated with accounting for acquisitions; and

redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Premiums

Non-Life

Non-life premiums written are earned on a pro-rata basis over the period the coverage is provided. Reinsurance 
premiums are recorded at the inception of the policy, are based upon contractual terms and, for certain business, are 
estimated  based  on  underlying  contracts  or  from  information  provided  by  insureds  and/or  brokers.  Changes  in 
reinsurance  premium  estimates  are  expected  and  may  result  in  adjustments  in  future  periods. Any  subsequent 
differences arising on such estimates are recorded as premiums written in the period in which they are determined.

Certain non-life contracts are retrospectively rated and provide for a final adjustment to the premium based on 
the  final  settlement  of  all  losses.  Premiums  on  such  contracts  are  adjusted  based  upon  contractual  terms,  and 
management judgment is involved with respect to the estimate of the amount of losses that we expect to incur.  Additional 
premiums are recognized at the time loss thresholds specified in the contract are exceeded and are earned over the 
coverage period, or are earned immediately if the period of risk coverage has passed. 

Life and Annuities

Prior to going into run-off, our life and annuities subsidiaries wrote life insurance, including credit life and disability 
insurance, term life insurance, assumed life reinsurance and annuities. We will continue to recognize premiums on 
term life insurance, assumed life reinsurance and credit life and disability insurance. These premiums are generally 
recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. The policies include contracts with fixed and guaranteed premiums 
and benefits. Benefits and expenses are matched with such revenue to result in the recognition of profit over the life 
of the contracts.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

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Premiums receivable

Premiums receivable represent amounts currently due and amounts not yet due on insurance and reinsurance 
policies. Premiums for insurance policies are generally due at inception. Premiums for reinsurance policies generally 
become due over the period of coverage based on the policy terms. We monitor the credit risk associated with premiums 
receivable, taking into consideration the impact of our contractual right to offset loss obligations or unearned premiums 
against  premiums  receivable. Amounts  deemed  uncollectible  are  charged  to  net  earnings  in  the  period  they  are 
determined. Changes in the estimates of premiums written will result in an adjustment to premiums receivable in the 
period they are determined. 

Unearned premiums and prepaid reinsurance premiums

Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that relate to the unexpired terms of policies in 
force. Premiums ceded are similarly pro-rated over the period the coverage is provided with the unearned portion being 
deferred as prepaid reinsurance premiums.

(b) Acquisition Costs

Acquisition costs, consisting principally of commissions and brokerage expenses and certain premium taxes and 
fees incurred at the time a contract or policy is issued and that vary with and are directly related to the successful 
efforts of acquiring new insurance contracts or renewing existing insurance contracts, are deferred and amortized over 
the period in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable 
value  by  line  of  business  based  on  the  related  unearned  premiums,  anticipated  claims  and  claim  expenses  and 
anticipated investment income.

(c) Losses and LAE

Non-life Run-off

The liability for losses and LAE in the Non-life Run-off segment includes an amount determined from reported 
claims and an amount, based on historical loss experience and industry statistics, for losses incurred but not reported 
("IBNR") determined using a variety of actuarial methods. These estimates are continually reviewed and are necessarily 
subject to the impact of future changes in factors such as claim severity and frequency, changes in economic conditions 
including the impact of inflation, legal and judicial developments, and medical cost trends. While we believe that the 
amount is adequate, the ultimate liability may be in excess of, or less than, the amounts provided. Adjustments will be 
reflected as part of net increase or reduction in losses and LAE liabilities in the periods in which they become known. 
Premium and commission adjustments may be triggered by incurred losses, and any amounts are recorded in the 
same period that the related incurred loss is recognized.

Commutations of acquired companies’ exposures have the effect of accelerating the payout of claims compared 
to the probability-weighted ranges of actuarially projected cash flows that we apply when estimating the fair values of 
assets and liabilities at the time of acquisition. Any material acceleration of payout together with the impact of any 
material loss reserve savings in any period will also accelerate the amortization of fair value adjustments in that period. 
Gains or losses on settlement of losses and LAE liabilities by way of commutation or policy buy-back are recognized 
upon execution of a commutation or policy buyback with the insured or reinsured. 

Our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries also establish provisions for LAE relating to run-off costs for the 
estimated duration of the run-off, which are included in losses and LAE. These provisions are assessed at each reporting 
date, and provisions relating to future periods are adjusted to reflect any changes in estimates of the periodic run-off 
costs or the duration of the run-off, including the impact of any acceleration of the run-off period that may be caused 
by commutations. Provisions relating to the current period together with any adjustment to future run-off provisions are 
included in net incurred losses and LAE in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Atrium and StarStone

The reserves for losses and LAE in the Atrium and StarStone segments include reserves for unpaid reported 
losses and for IBNR loss reserves. The reserves for unpaid reported losses and loss expenses are established by 
management based on reports from brokers, ceding companies and insureds and represent the estimated ultimate 
cost of events or conditions that have been reported to or specifically identified by us. The reserve for IBNR losses is 
established by us based on actuarially determined estimates of ultimate losses and loss expenses. Inherent in the 
estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors 

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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

which may vary significantly as claims are settled. Accordingly, ultimate losses and loss expenses may differ from the 
amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience 
develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, will 
be recorded in earnings in the period in which they become known. Prior period development arises from changes to 
loss estimates recognized in the current year that relate to loss reserves established in previous calendar years.

(d) Policy Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts

Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts (“policy benefits”) are calculated using the net level premium method 
and are derived using locked-in assumptions. Policy benefits are established and maintained at a level that we estimate 
will, when taken together with future premium payments and investment income expected to be earned on associated 
premiums, be sufficient to support all future cash flow benefit obligations and third-party servicing obligations as they 
become  payable.  We  review  policy  benefits  regularly  and  perform  loss  recognition  testing  based  upon  cash  flow 
projections.

Since the development of the policy benefits is based upon projections of future cash flows, we are required to 
make assumptions for mortality, longevity and morbidity rates, lapse rates, expenses and investment income. The 
assumptions used to determine policy benefits are determined at the inception of the contracts, reviewed and adjusted 
at the point of acquisition, as required, and are locked-in throughout the life of the contract unless a premium deficiency 
develops. These locked-in assumptions are based on a best estimate view of experience at the time they are established 
and may include a provision for adverse deviation.  Assumptions are established based upon a combination of historical 
and industry experience, when available, and management judgment.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.   

Policy benefit liabilities are reviewed periodically to determine whether a premium deficiency exists.  Management 
reviews emerging experience and updates best estimate assumptions where appropriate.  If existing policy benefit 
reserves, reduced by unamortized acquisition costs, together with the present value of future gross premiums using 
current best estimate assumptions, are insufficient in covering the present value of future benefits, settlement, and 
maintenance costs using current best estimate assumptions, a premium deficiency is deemed to exist. To remediate, 
unamortized acquisition costs are reduced until the premium deficiency has been eliminated.  If unamortized acquisition 
costs have been entirely written off and a premium deficiency still exists, locked-in assumptions are revised and a 
charge for policy benefits is recognized. 

Because of the many assumptions and estimates used in establishing policy benefits and the long-term nature 

of the contracts, the reserving process, while based on actuarial techniques, is inherently uncertain.

(e) Reinsurance Recoverable

Amounts  billed  to,  and  due  from,  reinsurers  resulting  from  paid  movements  in  the  underlying  business  are 
calculated  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  individual  reinsurance  contracts.  Similarly,  reinsurance  balances 
recoverable related to our case reserves are calculated by applying the terms of any applicable reinsurance coverage 
to movements in the underlying case reserves. Our estimate of reinsurance balances recoverable related to IBNR 
reserves is recognized on a basis consistent with the underlying IBNR reserves.

Our reinsurance balances recoverable are presented net of a provision for uncollectible amounts, reflecting the 
amount deemed not collectible due to credit quality, collection problems due to the location of the reinsurer, contractual 
disputes with reinsurers over individual contentious claims, contract language or coverage issues.

(f) Investments, Cash and Cash Equivalents

Short-term investments and fixed maturity investments

Short-term investments comprise investments with a maturity greater than three months up to one year from the 
date of purchase. Fixed maturities comprise investments with a maturity of greater than one year from the date of 
purchase.

 Short-term  and  fixed  maturity  investments  classified  as  trading  are  carried  at  fair  value,  with  realized  and 
unrealized holding gains and losses included in net earnings and reported as net realized and unrealized gains and 
losses.

Short-term and fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized 
gains  and  losses  excluded  from  net  earnings  and  reported  as  a  separate  component  of  accumulated  other 

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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

comprehensive  income.  Realized  gains  and  losses  on  sales  of  investments  classified  as  available-for-sale  are 
recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings.

The costs of short-term and fixed maturity investments are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion 
of discounts, recognized using the effective yield method and included in net investment income. For mortgage-backed 
and asset-backed investments, and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions 
are evaluated and reviewed on a regular basis.

Investment purchases and sales are recorded on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses on the sale of 

investments are based upon specific identification of the cost of investments.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

Fixed  maturity  investments  classified  as  available-for-sale  are  reviewed  quarterly  to  determine  if  they  have 
sustained an impairment of value that is, based on our judgment, considered to be other than temporary. The process 
includes reviewing each fixed maturity investment that is below cost and: (1) determining if we have the intent to sell 
the fixed maturity investment; (2) determining if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the fixed maturity 
investment before its anticipated recovery; and (3) assessing whether a credit loss exists, that is, whether we expect 
that the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the fixed maturity investment is less than the 
amortized cost basis of the investment. 

In assessing whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell a fixed maturity investment before 
its anticipated recovery, we consider various factors including our future cash flow requirements, legal and regulatory 
requirements, the level of our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and fixed maturity investments available-
for-sale in an unrealized gain position, and other relevant factors. 

In evaluating credit losses, we consider a variety of factors in the assessment of a fixed maturity investment 
including: (1) the time period during which there has been a significant decline below cost; (2) the extent of the decline 
below cost and par; (3) the potential for the investment to recover in value; (4) an analysis of the financial condition of 
the issuer; (5) the rating of the issuer; and (6) failure of the issuer of the investment to make scheduled interest or 
principal payments. 

If we conclude an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired ("OTTI"), then the difference between the fair 
value and the amortized cost of the investment is presented as an OTTI charge in the consolidated statements of 
earnings,  with  an  offset  for  any  non-credit  related  loss  component  of  the  OTTI  charge  to  be  recognized  in  other 
comprehensive income. Accordingly, only the credit loss component of the OTTI amount would have an impact on our 
earnings.

Equities

Equities are classified as trading and are carried at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and 

losses included in net earnings and reported as net realized and unrealized gains and losses.

Other investments, at fair value

Other investments include investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies (collectively "private 
equities") and fixed income funds, hedge funds, equity funds, real estate debt  funds and collateralized loan obligation 
("CLO") equity funds that carry their investments at fair value, as well as direct investments in CLO equities. These 
other investments are stated at fair value, which ordinarily will be the most recently reported net asset value as advised 
by the fund manager or administrator. Many of our fund investments publish net asset values on a daily basis and 
provide daily liquidity; others report on a monthly basis. Private equities typically report quarterly. The change in fair 
value is included in net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments and recognized in net earnings.

Other investments, at cost

Investments in life settlements are recorded as other investments, at cost, and are accounted for under the 
investment method whereby we recognize our initial investment in the life settlement contracts at the transaction price 
plus all initial direct external costs. Continuing costs to keep the policy in force, primarily life insurance premiums, 
increase the carrying amount of the investment. We recognize income on individual investments in life settlements 
when the insured dies, at an amount equal to the excess of the investment proceeds over the carrying amount of the 
investment at that time. 

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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The investments are subject to quarterly impairment review on a contract-by-contract basis. An investment in 
life settlements is considered impaired if the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the expected proceeds from the 
investment  in  life  settlements  are  not  sufficient  to  recover  the  current  carrying  amount  for  the  investment  in  life 
settlements  plus  anticipated  undiscounted  future  premiums  and  other  capitalizable  future  costs,  if  any.  Impaired 
contracts are written down to their estimated fair value, which is determined on a discounted cash flow basis using 
current market longevity assumptions and market yields, with any impairment charges included within net realized and 
unrealized gains (losses).

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash equivalents includes all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months 

or less.

(g) Funds Held

Under funds held arrangements, the reinsured company has retained funds that would otherwise have been 
remitted to our reinsurance subsidiaries. The funds balance is credited with investment income and losses payable 
are deducted. Funds held are shown under two categories on the consolidated balance sheets, where funds held upon 
which we receive the underlying portfolio economics are shown as "Funds held - directly managed", and funds held 
where we receive a fixed crediting rate are shown as "Funds held by reinsured companies". Funds held by reinsured 
companies are carried at cost. Funds held - directly managed, carried at fair value,  represents the aggregate of funds 
held at cost and the value of an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative relates to our contractual right to 
receive the return on the underlying investment portfolio economics. The investment returns on both categories of 
funds held are recognized in net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses). The revaluation 
of the embedded derivative is included in net unrealized gains (losses). 

(h) Fees and Commission Income

Fees and commission income primarily includes profit commissions earned from managed Lloyd's syndicates, 

recorded on an accrual basis. 

(i) Foreign Exchange

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities of entities whose functional currency is not the 
U.S. dollar are translated at period end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses of such foreign entities are translated 
at average exchange rates during the year. The effect of the currency translation adjustments for these foreign entities 
is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Other foreign currency assets and liabilities that are considered monetary items are translated at exchange rates 
in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency revenues and expenses are translated at transaction date exchange 
rates. These exchange gains and losses are recognized in net earnings.

(j) Share-based Compensation

We have primarily used three types of share-based compensation: restricted shares and restricted share units, 
cash-settled stock appreciation rights ("SARs") and shares issued under our employee share purchase plans. With 
the  exception  of  SARs  and  the  incentive  plan  awards  issued  to  certain  employees  of  Atrium,  our  share-based 
compensation awards qualify for equity classification. The fair value of the compensation cost is measured at the grant 
date and is expensed over the service period of the award. The SARs and the Atrium incentive plan awards are classified 
as liability awards. Liability classified awards are recorded at fair value within other liabilities in the consolidated balance 
sheet with changes in fair value relating to the vested portion of the award recorded within general and administrative 
expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.

(k) Derivative Instruments

We recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and carry them at 
the fair value of the instrument. We utilize derivative instruments in our foreign currency risk management strategy. 
Changes in fair value and realized gains or losses on derivative instruments are recognized in net earnings if we have 
not designated a hedge or the criteria for a designated hedge has not been met or is not effective, or in accumulated 
other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  if  a  designated  hedge  has  been  effective.  Certain  of  our  funds  held  contain 
embedded derivatives as described above. 

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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

(l) Income Taxes

Certain of our subsidiaries and branches operate in jurisdictions where they are subject to taxation. Current and 
deferred income taxes are charged or credited to net income, or, in certain cases, to accumulated other comprehensive 
income, based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable in the relevant jurisdiction in the period in which the tax 
becomes accruable or realizable. Deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the bases 
of assets and liabilities used in the financial statements and those used in the various jurisdictional tax returns. When 
our assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of deferred income tax assets will not 
be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax assets.

We recognize a tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to 
be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. A liability is recognized for any tax benefit (along with any interest 
and penalty, if applicable) claimed in a tax return in excess of the amount allowed to be recognized in the financial 
statements  under  U.S.  GAAP. Any  changes  in  amounts  recognized  are  recorded  in  the  period  in  which  they  are 
determined.

(m) Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding and excludes 
potentially  dilutive  securities  such  as  restricted  shares,  restricted  share  units,  warrants,  options  and  convertible 
securities.  Diluted  earnings  per  share  is  based  on  the  weighted  average  number  of  ordinary  and  ordinary  share 
equivalents outstanding calculated using the treasury stock method for all potentially dilutive securities. When the effect 
of dilutive securities would be anti-dilutive, these securities are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per 
share.

(n) Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The purchase method is used to account for acquisitions. This method requires that we record the acquired 
assets  and  liabilities  at  their  estimated  fair  value. The  fair  values  of  each  of  the  acquired  reinsurance  assets  and 
liabilities are derived from probability-weighted ranges of the associated projected cash flows, based on actuarially 
prepared information and management’s run-off strategy. Our run-off strategy, as well as that of other run-off market 
participants, is expected to be different from the seller's as generally sellers are not specialized in running off insurance 
and reinsurance liabilities whereas we and other market participants do specialize in such run-offs.

The key assumptions used by us and, we believe, by other run-off market participants in the fair valuation of 
acquired companies are (i) the projected payout, timing and amount of claims liabilities; (ii) the related projected timing 
and amount of reinsurance collections; (iii) an appropriate discount rate, which is applied to determine the present 
value of the future cash flows; (iv) the estimated unallocated LAE to be incurred over the life of the run-off; (v) the 
impact of any accelerated run-off strategy; and (vi) an appropriate risk margin.

The difference between the original carrying value of reinsurance liabilities and reinsurance assets acquired at 
the date of acquisition and their fair value is recorded as an intangible asset or other liability, which we refer to as the 
fair value adjustment ("FVA"). The FVA is amortized over the estimated payout period of outstanding losses and loss 
expenses acquired. To the extent the actual payout experience after the acquisition is materially faster or slower than 
anticipated at the time of the acquisition, there is an adjustment to the estimated ultimate loss reserves, or there are 
changes in bad debt provisions or in estimates of future run-off costs following accelerated payouts, then the amortization 
of the FVA is adjusted to reflect such changes.

The difference between the fair value of net assets acquired and purchase price is recorded as a goodwill asset 
or as a gain on bargain purchase in the consolidated statements of earnings. Goodwill is established initially upon 
acquisition and assessed at least annually for impairment. If the goodwill asset is determined to be impaired it is written 
down in the period in which the determination is made.

Intangible assets represent the fair value adjustments related to unpaid losses and LAE, reinsurance balances 
recoverable and policy benefits for life and annuity contracts along with the intangible assets arising from the acquisitions 
of Atrium and StarStone. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. Amortization of intangible 
assets is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to 
amortization. The  carrying  values  of  intangible  assets  are  reviewed  for  indicators  of  impairment  at  least  annually. 
Impairment is recognized if the carrying values of the intangible assets are not recoverable from their undiscounted 
cash flows and are measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value.

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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

(o) Retroactive Reinsurance and Deferred Charges

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and LAE with respect to past loss events. 

In  our  Non-life  Run-off  segment  we  use  the  balance  sheet  accounting  approach  for  assumed  loss  portfolio 
transfers, whereby at the inception of the contract there are no premiums or losses recorded in earnings. At the inception 
of a contract, a deferred charge asset is recorded for the excess, if any, of the estimated ultimate losses payable over 
the premiums received. Deferred charges, recorded in other assets, are amortized over the estimated claim payment 
period of the related contract with the periodic amortization reflected in earnings as a component of losses and LAE. 
Deferred charges amortization is adjusted at each reporting period to reflect new estimates of the amount and timing 
of remaining loss payments.  Changes in the estimated amount and the timing of payments of unpaid losses may have 
an effect on the unamortized deferred charges and the amount of periodic amortization. Deferred charges are assessed 
at each reporting period for impairment. If the asset is determined to be impaired, it is written down in the period in 
which the determination is made.

In our Non-life Run-off and StarStone segments we have ceded business to KaylaRe Ltd., an affiliated reinsurer,  
as described in Note 21 - "Related Party Transactions". The reinsurance ceded by StarStone to KaylaRe Ltd. during 
the year ended December 31, 2016 was mostly recognized as retroactive reinsurance, except for the unearned ceded 
premium as at December 31, 2016 which is recognized as prospective reinsurance. The reinsurance ceded by StarStone 
to KaylaRe Ltd. from January 1, 2017 will be recognized as prospective reinsurance.   

(p) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

In  connection  with  the  acquisitions  of  Arden,  Atrium  and  StarStone,  certain  subsidiaries  issued  shares  to  
noncontrolling interests. These shares provide certain redemption rights to the holders, which may be settled in our 
own shares or cash, at our option. Redeemable noncontrolling interest with redemption features that are not solely 
within our control are classified within temporary equity in the consolidated balance sheets and carried at the redemption 
value, which is fair value. Change in the fair value is recognized through retained earnings as if the balance sheet date 
were also the redemption date.

(q) Internal-use Software

Direct internal and external costs to acquire or develop internal-use software have been capitalized. We only 
capitalize costs incurred after the preliminary project stage has been completed, and when management has authorized 
and committed to funding the project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used 
to perform the functions intended. Capitalized costs related to internal-use software are amortized on a straight-line 
basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. These capitalized costs are also assessed for impairment when 
impairment indicators exist. 

(r) Held-for-sale Business and Discontinued Operations

We report a business as held-for-sale when management has approved the sale or received approval to sell 
the business and is committed to a formal plan, the business is available for immediate sale, the business is being 
actively marketed, the sale is anticipated to occur during the next 12 months and certain other specified criteria are 
met. A business classified as held for sale is recorded at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less 
costs of selling. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. Assets 
and liabilities related to the businesses classified as held-for-sale are separately reported in our Consolidated 
Balance Sheets beginning in the period in which the business is classified as held-for-sale. Refer to Note 5 for 
further information regarding our held-for-sale business. This business was also classified as discontinued 
operations whose results were aggregated and presented in one line in the consolidated statements of earnings. 

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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

New Accounting Standards Adopted in 2016 

Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-18, which requires 
that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts 
generally  described  as  restricted  cash  or  restricted  cash  equivalents.  Therefore,  amounts  generally  described  as 
restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling 
the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. We have early adopted 
this guidance and applied it retrospectively to all periods presented on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-17, Consolidation - Interests Held through Related Parties that are under Common Control

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, which amends the consolidation guidance on how a reporting 
entity that is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) should treat indirect interests in the entity 
held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the 
primary beneficiary of that VIE. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated 
financial statements and disclosures. 

ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustment

In  September  2015,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2015-16,  which  eliminates  the  requirement  for  an  acquirer  to 
retrospectively  adjust  the  financial  statements  for  measurement-period  adjustments  that  occur  in  periods  after  a 
business combination is consummated. Under the new guidance, an acquirer must recognize adjustments to provisional 
amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts 
are determined. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements 
and disclosures.

ASU 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, which makes targeted improvements to disclosure requirements 
for insurance companies that issue short-duration contracts. The ASU requires enhanced disclosures, on an annual 
basis, related to the reserve for losses and loss expenses which include (1) net incurred and paid claims development 
information by accident year, (2) a reconciliation of incurred and paid claims development information to the aggregate 
carrying amount of the reserve for losses and LAE, (3) for each accident year presented of incurred claims development, 
information  about  claim  frequency  (unless  impracticable),  and  the  amounts  of  IBNR  liabilities,  including  expected 
development on reported claims, included in the reserve for losses and LAE, (4) a description of, and any significant 
changes to the methods for determining both IBNR and expected development on reported claims, and (5) for each 
accident year presented of incurred claims development, quantitative information about claims frequency, as well as 
a  description  of  methodologies  used  for  determining  claim  frequency  information. The ASU  is  effective  for  annual 
periods beginning after December 15, 2015. While the adoption of this guidance impacted our disclosures, it did not 
have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value or its Equivalent

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, which eliminates the requirement to categorize investments in the 
fair value hierarchy if their fair value is measured at the net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent) using the 
practical expedient in the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance. Instead, an entity is required to include those 
investments as a reconciling line item so that the total fair value amount of investments in the disclosure is consistent 
with the amount on the balance sheet. In addition, the scope of current disclosure requirements for investments eligible 
to be measured at NAV is limited to investments for which the practical expedient is applied. While the adoption of this 
guidance impacted our disclosures, it did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial 
statements. Under the guidance, an entity would present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from 
the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. The adoption 
of this guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

117

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis 

In  February  2015,  the  FASB  issued ASU  2015-02,  which  requires  entities  to  evaluate  whether  they  should 
consolidate certain legal entities. The new consolidation guidance changes the way entities evaluate whether (1) they 
should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities; (2) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are 
variable interests in a VIE, and (3) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of a registrant require the registrant 
to consolidate the VIE. The new guidance also eliminates the VIE consolidation model based on majority exposure to 
variability that applied to certain investment companies and similar entities. The ASU also significantly changes how 
to evaluate voting rights for entities that are not similar to limited partnerships when determining whether the entity is 
a VIE, which may affect entities for which decision making rights are conveyed through a contractual arrangement. 
The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by 
eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair 
value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill 
allocated to that reporting unit. The ASU is effective for any interim and annual impairment tests for periods beginning 
after  December  15,  2019.  Early  adoption  is  permitted  for  any  interim  and  annual  impairment  tests  occurring  after 
January 1, 2017. We intend to adopt this new guidance for our annual impairment tests occurring after January 1, 2017 
and do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01 to clarify the definition of a business in Accounting Standards 
Codification  (“ASC”)  805  Business  Combinations  with  the  intent  of  making  the  application  of  the  guidance  more 
consistent and cost-efficient. This clarification is expected to result in fewer acquired sets of assets and liabilities being 
identified as businesses. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated 
financial statements.

ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, which requires immediate recognition of the tax consequences 
of many intercompany asset transfers other than inventory. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods 
beginning after December 15, 2017, however early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected 
to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 

ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, which amends the guidance on the classification of certain cash 
receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods 
beginning after December 15, 2017, however early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected 
to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which amends the guidance on impairment of financial instruments 
and significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments 
that are not measured at fair value through net income. The ASU will replace the existing “incurred loss” approach, 
with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost and require entities to record allowances 
for available-for-sale debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount under the existing other-than-temporary-
impairment model. The ASU also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and 
loans. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. 

118

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

We expect to adopt the new guidance on January 1, 2020 and upon adoption the OTTI approach we currently 
use for our available for sale securities whereby any credit losses are presented as write-downs on individual securities 
will be replaced by an approach whereby any credit losses are instead presented as an allowance against each security.  
This revised approach records the full effect of reversals of any credit losses in current period earnings, compared to 
current U.S. GAAP which amortizes the reversal of credit losses over the lifetime of the security. The length of time an 
available for sale security has been in an unrealized loss position will no longer be considered in determining whether 
to record a credit loss. In addition, the historical and implied volatility of the fair value of an available for sale security 
and recoveries or declines in fair value after the balance sheet date will no longer be considered when making a 
determination of whether a credit loss exists. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact 
on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee 
share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding 
requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for interim and annual 
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material 
impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 

ASU 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, which simplifies the equity method of accounting by eliminating 
the  requirement  to  retrospectively  apply  the  equity  method  to  an  investment  that  subsequently  qualifies  for  such 
accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. Entities are therefore 
required to apply the guidance prospectively to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence 
occurring after the ASU’s effective date. The ASU further requires that unrealized holding gains or losses in accumulated 
other comprehensive income related to an available-for-sale security that becomes eligible for the equity method be 
recognized in earnings as of the date on which the investment qualifies for the equity method. The ASU is effective for 
interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption 
of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 

ASU 2016-02, Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which amends the guidance on the classification, measurement 
and disclosure of leases for both lessors and lessees. The ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and 
a lease liability on the balance sheet and to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements.  
The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. 

We  expect  to  adopt  the  new  standard  on  January  1,  2019  and  will  recognize  and  measure  our  leasing 
arrangements at the beginning of the earliest period presented using the modified retrospective approach permitted 
by the ASU. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of specific optional practical expedients which 
we intend to elect on adoption of the ASU, relating to, (1) the identification and classification of leases that commenced 
before the effective date, (2) initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and (3) the ability 
to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease. The election of these practical expedients 
will allow us to in effect, continue to account for leases that commence before the effective date in accordance with 
the previous GAAP unless the lease is modified. The only exception would be that we will be required to recognize a 
right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all our existing operating leases at each reporting date based on the present 
value of the remaining minimum lease rental payments that we are disclosing under current U.S. GAAP.  We are 
continuing to review all our operating lease arrangements to quantify the right-of-use asset and the offsetting lease 
liability to be recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet upon adoption of this guidance. 

119

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Instruments 

In  January  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2016-01,  which  amends  the  guidance  on  the  classification  and 
measurement  of  financial  instruments. Although  the ASU  retains  many  of  the  current  requirements,  it  significantly 
revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities, 
and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU also 
amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The ASU is effective 
for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this guidance may have 
an impact, possibly material, on our consolidated financial statements at the date of adoption in relation to any financial 
liabilities for which we may elect the fair value option.   

ASU's 2014-09, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use 
in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition 
guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The ASU applies to all contracts with customers except those that are 
within the scope of other topics in the FASB ASC including ASC 944, Insurance. However, while contracts within the 
scope of ASC 944 are excluded from the scope of the ASU, certain insurance-related contracts should be accounted 
for under the ASU, for example contracts under which service providers charge their customers fixed fees in exchange 
for an agreement to provide services for an uncertain future event. Certain of the ASU’s provisions also apply to transfers 
of non-financial assets and include guidance on recognition and measurement. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent 
Considerations, which clarifies the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations in ASU 2014-09. 
In April  2016,  the  FASB  issued ASU  2016-10,  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  -  Identifying  Performance 
Obligations and Licensing, which amends the guidance in ASU 2014-09 related to identifying performance obligations 
and  accounting  for  licenses  of  intellectual  property.  In  May  2016,  the  FASB  issued ASU  2016-12,  Revenue  from 
Contracts with Customers - Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which clarifies the following aspects 
in ASU 2014-09 - (1) collectability, (2) presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers, 
(3)  noncash  considerations,  (4)  contract  modifications  at  transition,  (5)  completed  contracts  at  transition,  and  (6) 
technical correction. 

We are required to adopt ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 together with ASU 2014-09, which is 
effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.We expect to adopt this guidance 
on January 1, 2018. The two permitted transition methods under the new revenue standard are the full retrospective 
method,  in  which  case  the  guidance  would  be  applied  to  each  prior  reporting  period  presented,  or  the  modified 
retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of 
initial adoption. We expect to adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective method. While we are still in the 
process of completing our analysis of the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and 
related disclosures, we do not expect the impact to be material, as the majority of our revenues are within the scope 
of other FASB topics, primarily ASC 944, Insurance.

120

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

3. ACQUISITIONS 

2016 

Dana Companies

On December 30, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Dana Companies, LLC ("Dana Companies") from Dana 
Incorporated  ("Dana").  Dana  Companies  holds  liabilities  associated  with  personal  injury  asbestos  claims  and 
environmental claims arising from its legacy manufacturing operations. Dana Companies’ assets include, amongst 
others, insurance rights related to coverage against these liabilities and marketable securities.   

The total consideration for the transaction was $88.5 million. 

Purchase price

Net assets acquired at fair value

Excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired

$

$

$

88,500

88,500

—

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition 

date, recorded in our Non-life Run-off segment.

ASSETS

Short-term investments, trading, at fair value

Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value

Other investments, at fair value

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Other assets - Insurance balances recoverable

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Other liabilities - Asbestos related

Other liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS ACQUIRED AT FAIR VALUE

Total

22,747

61,389

46,589

130,725

58,430

1,692

133,032

5,383

329,262

220,496

20,266

240,762
88,500

$

$

From the date of acquisition to December 31, 2016, we did not record any earnings from Dana Companies. 

2015 

Nationale Suisse Assurance S.A.

On November 13, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Nationale Suisse Assurance S.A. ("NSA"). We changed 
the name of NSA to Alpha Insurance SA ("Alpha") at closing and placed the company into run-off. Alpha is a Belgium-
based composite insurance company that wrote both non-life and life insurance that we are now operating as part of 
our non-life run-off and life and annuities businesses, respectively.  

The total consideration for the transaction was €32.8 million (or $35.2 million). 

Purchase price
Net assets acquired at fair value
Excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired

121

$
$

$

35,225
35,225

—

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The  following  table  summarizes  the  fair  values  of  the  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  in  the Alpha 

transaction at the acquisition date, allocated by segment.

ASSETS

Short-term investments, trading, at fair value

$

— $

8,644 $

Life and
Annuities
Segment

Non-life
Run-off
Segment

Short-term investments, available-for-sale, at fair value

Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value

Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value

Other investments, at fair value

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Reinsurance balances recoverable — reserves

Reinsurance balances recoverable — paids

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Losses and LAE

Funds withheld

Insurance and reinsurance balances payable

Unearned premium

Other liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

6,687

—

96,656

—

103,343

25,258

302

1,320

—

2,298

—

31,350

—

1,339

41,333

39,451

4,041

10,831

3,213

3,097

Total

8,644

6,687

31,350

96,656

1,339

144,676

64,709

4,343

12,151

3,213

5,395

132,521

101,966

234,487

117,188

56,021

173,209

—

779

—

2,875

120,842

473

6,212

5,969

9,745

78,420

473

6,991

5,969

12,620

199,262

NET ASSETS ACQUIRED AT FAIR VALUE

$

11,679 $

23,546 $

35,225

From the date of acquisition to December 31, 2015, we earned premiums of $nil, recorded net incurred losses 
and LAE of $nil on those earned premiums, and recorded $0.1 million in net losses attributable to Enstar Group Limited 
related to Alpha’s business.

Wilton Re

On May 5, 2015, we completed the acquisition of certain subsidiaries from Wilton Re Limited ("Wilton Re"), which 
hold  interests  in  life  insurance  policies. These  interests  were  acquired  by  Wilton  Re  in  the  secondary  and  tertiary 
markets and through collateralized lending transactions.  

The total consideration for the transaction was $173.1 million, paid in two installments. The first installment of 
$89.1 million was paid on closing. The second installment of $83.9 million was paid on the first anniversary of closing. 
The companies are operating as part of the Life and Annuities segment.

Purchase price

Net assets acquired at fair value

Excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired

$
$
$

173,058
173,058
—

The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of the two companies acquired based on 
estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.

122

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

ASSETS

Other investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Other assets 

TOTAL ASSETS

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

NET ASSETS ACQUIRED AT FAIR VALUE

$

142,182

5,043

26,376

173,601

543

173,058

$

$

From the date of acquisition to December 31, 2015, we recorded $16.5 million in net earnings attributable to 

Enstar Group Limited related to the life settlement contract business.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB"), together with management of Wilton Re, owns 100% of the 
common stock of Wilton Re. Subsequent to the closing of our transaction with Wilton Re, CPPIB separately acquired 
certain  of  our  voting  and  non-voting  ordinary  shares  in  several  third  party  transactions  during  2015  and  2016,  as 
described in "Note 21 - Related Party Transactions."

Sussex Insurance Company (formerly known as Companion)

On January 27, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Companion Property and Casualty Insurance Company 
("Companion") from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue 
Shield Association.  Companion  is  a  South  Carolina  based  insurance  group  with  property,  casualty,  specialty  and 
workers' compensation business, and has also provided fronting and third-party administrative services. We changed 
the  name  of  Companion  to  Sussex  Insurance  Company  ("Sussex")  following  the  acquisition,  and  the  company  is 
operating as part of the Non-life Run-off segment. In addition, StarStone is renewing certain business from Sussex.

The total consideration for the transaction was $218.0 million, which was financed 50% through borrowings 

under a Term Facility Agreement with two financial institutions (the "Sussex Facility") and 50% from cash on hand. 

Purchase price

Net assets acquired at fair value

Excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired

$

$

$

218,000

218,000

—

The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of Sussex based on estimated fair values 
at the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed 
at the acquisition date.

123

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

ASSETS

Short-term investments, trading, at fair value

$

85,309

Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value

Equities, trading, at fair value

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Accrued interest receivable

Premiums receivable

Reinsurance balances recoverable

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Losses and LAE

Insurance and reinsurance balances payable

Unearned premium

Funds withheld

Other liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS ACQUIRED AT FAIR VALUE

523,227

31,439

639,975

358,458

15,279

3,984

37,190

483,816

28,751

43,939

1,611,392

1,257,205

3,030

79,293

42,090

11,774

1,393,392

$

218,000

The net unearned premiums acquired included a decrease of $34.6 million to adjust net unearned premiums to 
fair value. This fair value adjustment is included within unearned premiums on the consolidated balance sheet. As at 
December 31, 2016, $16.1 million has been amortized to acquisition costs and $15.7 million has been amortized to 
net premiums earned in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income. As at December 31, 
2016, the remaining balance of the fair value adjustment was $2.7 million, which will be amortized to net premiums 
earned over the remaining terms of the underlying policies.

From the date of acquisition to December 31, 2015, we earned premiums of $43.2 million, recorded net incurred 
losses and LAE of $44.4 million on those earned premiums, and recorded $42.4 million in net losses attributable to 
Enstar Group Limited related to Sussex’s non-life run-off business.

Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited) 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of earnings for the years ended December 31, 
2015 and 2014 combines our historical consolidated statements of earnings with those of Sussex, Alpha and Wilton 
Re, giving effect to the business combinations and related transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2014 
and 2015.  For the year ended December 31, 2015, the operating results of Sussex, Alpha and Wilton Re have been 
included in the consolidated financial statements from each of their respective dates of acquisition.  The unaudited pro 
forma financial information presented below is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the 
results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisitions of Sussex, Alpha and Wilton Re and related 
transactions had taken place at the beginning of each period presented, nor is it indicative of future results. 

2015
Total income

Total expenses

Total noncontrolling interest

Net earnings (loss)

Enstar Group
Limited

Sussex

Alpha

Wilton Re

Pro forma
Adjustments

Enstar 
Group Limited -
 Pro forma

$

$

904,460

$

29,990

$

31,884

$

5,793

$

9,494

$

981,621

(694,119)

(39,860)

(47,026)

9,950

—

—

(3,628)

—

5,894

—

(778,739)

9,950

220,291

$

(9,870) $

(15,142) $

2,165

$

15,388

$

212,832

Unaudited

124

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Summary  of  the  Pro  Forma  Adjustments  to  the  Pro  Forma  Condensed  Consolidated  Statement  of 

Earnings for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 (Unaudited):

Income:

(a) Reversal of amortization of fair value adjustments related to unearned premium included in 
Enstar Group results but reflected in 2014 pro formas 

(b) Adjustment to recognize amortization of fair value adjustments related to unearned premium

Expenses:

(a) Adjustment to interest expense to reflect financing costs of the acquisition for the period 

(b) Adjustment to recognize amortization of fair value adjustments related to acquired losses and 
LAE liabilities and reinsurance balances recoverable

(c) Reversal of amortization of fair value adjustments related to acquisition costs included in Enstar 
Group results but reflected in 2014 pro formas 

(d) Adjustment to income taxes for pro forma adjustments

13,344

(3,850)

9,494

(1,098)

(451)

16,173

(8,730)

5,894

2014
Total income

Total expenses

Total noncontrolling interest

Net earnings (loss)

Enstar Group
Limited

Sussex

Alpha

Wilton Re

Pro forma
Adjustments

Enstar 
Group Limited -
 Pro forma

$

$

710,074

$

267,939

$

44,910

$

17,378

$

(14,557) $

1,025,744

(482,838)

(13,487)

(360,018)

(52,103)

(10,884)

—

—

—

(3,026)

—

(908,869)

(13,487)

213,749

$

(92,079) $

(7,193) $

6,494

$

(17,583) $

103,388

Unaudited

Summary  of  the  Pro  Forma  Adjustments  to  the  Pro  Forma  Condensed  Consolidated  Statement  of 

Earnings for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 (Unaudited):

Income:
(a) Adjustment to recognize amortization of fair value adjustments related to unearned premium

Expenses:
(a) Adjustment to interest expense to reflect financing costs of the acquisition for the period 

(b) Adjustment to recognize amortization of fair value adjustments related to acquired losses and 
LAE liabilities, deferred acquisition costs and reinsurance balances recoverable

(c) Adjustment to income taxes for pro forma adjustments

(14,557)

(5,744)

(5,417)
8,135
(3,026)

2014 

StarStone Insurance Bermuda Limited (formerly named Torus Insurance Holdings Limited)

On April 1, 2014, we, together with Trident V, L.P., Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. and Trident V Professionals Fund, 
L.P.,  which  are  managed  by  Stone  Point  Capital  LLC  (collectively,  "Trident"),  completed  the  acquisition  of  Torus  
Insurance Holdings Limited, which we later renamed as StarStone Insurance Bermuda Limited ("StarStone"). StarStone 
is an A- rated global specialty insurer with six wholly-owned insurance vehicles, including Lloyd’s Syndicate 1301. At 
closing, StarStone became directly owned by Bayshore Holdings Ltd. ("Bayshore"), which was 60% owned by Kenmare 
Holdings Ltd., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and 40% owned by Trident.  We subsequently renamed Bayshore as 
StarStone Specialty Holdings Limited ("StarStone Holdings").

The purchase price for StarStone was established in the amended and restated amalgamation agreement as 
$646.0 million, which was paid partly in cash and partly in our ordinary shares. The number of our shares to be issued 

125

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

was fixed at the signing of the amalgamation agreement on July 8, 2013 and was determined by reference to an agreed-
upon value per share of $132.448, which was the average closing price of our voting ordinary shares, par value $1.00 
per share (the "Voting Ordinary Shares"), over the 20 trading days prior to such signing date. On the day before closing 
of the amalgamation, the Voting Ordinary Shares had a closing price of $136.31 per share. At closing, we contributed 
cash of $41.6 million towards the purchase price and $3.6 million towards related transaction expenses, as well as 
1,898,326 Voting Ordinary Shares and 714,015 shares of our Series B Convertible Participating Non-Voting Perpetual 
Preferred Stock (the "Non-Voting Preferred Shares"). Based on a price of $136.31 per share, our contribution of cash 
and shares to the purchase price totaled $397.7 million in the aggregate. Trident contributed cash of $258.4 million 
towards the purchase price and $2.4 million towards related transaction expenses. Based on a price of $136.31 per 
share, the aggregate purchase price paid by us and Trident was $656.1 million.

As a shareholder of StarStone, FR XI Offshore AIV, L.P., First Reserve Fund XII, L.P., FR XII A Parallel Vehicle 
L.P.  and  FR  Torus  Co-Investment,  L.P.  (collectively,  "First  Reserve")  received  1,501,211  Voting  Ordinary  Shares, 
714,015  Non-Voting  Preferred  Shares  and  cash  consideration  in  the  transaction.  Following  the  approval  of  our 
shareholders  of  an  amendment  to  our  bye-laws  on  June 10,  2014,  First  Reserve’s  Non-Voting  Preferred  Shares 
converted on a share-for-share basis into 714,015 shares of newly created Series E Non-Voting Convertible Common 
Shares (the "Series E Non-Voting Ordinary Shares"). Corsair Specialty Investors, L.P. ("Corsair") received 397,115 
Voting Ordinary Shares and cash consideration in the transaction. The remaining StarStone shareholders received all 
cash. 

Upon the closing of the transaction, StarStone Holdings, Kenmare and Trident entered into a Shareholders’ 
Agreement (the "StarStone Holdings Shareholders’ Agreement"), which was subsequently amended, as described in 
"Changes in Ownership Interests relating to Holding Companies for our Active Underwriting Businesses" below.

Purchase price
Net assets acquired at fair value
Excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired

$
$
$

656,088
643,088
13,000

The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of StarStone based on estimated fair 
values at the acquisition date. We recognized goodwill of $13.0 million, primarily attributable to StarStone’s assembled 
workforce. We also recognized indefinite lived intangible assets of $23.9 million and other definite lived intangible 
assets of $20.0 million.

Prior to acquisition, StarStone ceased underwriting certain lines of business in order to focus on core property, 
casualty and specialty lines. The results of the discontinued lines of business that were placed into run-off are included 
within our Non-life Run-off segment.

126

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the StarStone 

transaction at the acquisition date, allocated by segment.

ASSETS

Short-term investments, trading, at fair value

Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value

Other investments

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Premiums receivable

Reinsurance balances recoverable — reserves

Reinsurance balances recoverable — paids

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

Intangible assets

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Losses and LAE

Insurance and reinsurance balances payable

Unearned premium

Other liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS ACQUIRED AT FAIR VALUE

Goodwill

ACQUISITION DATE FAIR VALUE

StarStone
Segment

Non-life
Run-off
Segment

Total

$

73,425 $

25,888 $

99,313

736,765

2,068

812,258

211,718

22,779

321,350

210,742

21,122

144,221

43,900

37,621

329,235

1,066,000

—

355,123

127,890

—

—

152,057

20,100

25,221

—

—

2,068

1,167,381

339,608

22,779

321,350

362,799

41,222

169,442

43,900

37,621

1,825,711

680,391

2,506,102

675,424

140,997

343,840

22,362

588,822

1,264,246

42,447

49,122

—

183,444

392,962

22,362

1,182,623

680,391

1,863,014

643,088

13,000

—

—

643,088

13,000

$

656,088 $

— $

656,088

The net unearned premiums acquired included a decrease of $11.1 million to adjust net unearned premiums to 
fair value. This fair value adjustment is included within unearned premiums on the consolidated balance sheet. As at 
December 31, 2016, the full amount of $11.1 million had been amortized in the consolidated statements of earnings 
and comprehensive income. 

The following table summarizes the intangible assets recorded in connection with the acquisition:

Syndicate capacity

U.S. insurance licenses

Technology

Brand

Intangible assets as of the acquisition date

Amount    

Economic

    Useful Life    

$

$

4,000
19,900
15,000
5,000
43,900

Indefinite
Indefinite
4 Years
6 Years

The fair value of the Lloyd’s syndicate capacity was estimated using the multi-period excess-earnings method, 
a form of the income approach. Lloyd’s syndicate capacity represents StarStone’s authorized premium income limit 
to write insurance business in the Lloyd’s market. The capacity is renewed annually at no cost to us but may be freely 
purchased or sold, subject to Lloyd’s approval. The ability to write insurance business within the syndicate capacity is 
indefinite, with the premium income limit being set annually by StarStone, subject to Lloyd’s approval.

127

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

U.S. insurance licenses represent the intangible asset related to StarStone’s licenses and have been valued 

based on recent market transactions.

Technology represents the intangible asset related to StarStone’s capitalized software and has been valued on 

a replacement cost basis.

Brand represents the intangible asset related to the Torus name and was valued using the income approach. 

This was subsequently written off during 2015 when Torus was renamed as StarStone. 

Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited) 

The operating results for StarStone have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date 
of acquisition. The following pro forma condensed combined statement of earnings for the years ended December 31, 
2014  combines  our  historical  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  with  the  historical  consolidated  statements  of 
earnings of StarStone, giving effect to the business combinations and related transactions as if they had occurred on 
January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma financial information presented below is for informational purposes only 
and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition of StarStone 
and related transactions had taken place at the beginning of each period presented, nor is it indicative of future results.

2014
Total income

Total expenses

Total noncontrolling interest

Net earnings

Unaudited

Enstar Group
Limited

StarStone

Proforma
Adjustments

Enstar  Group
Limited -
 Proforma

$ 710,074 $

147,193 $

(1,846) $

855,421

(482,838)

(145,479)

(13,487)

—

3,670

(1,451)

(624,647)

(14,938)

$ 213,749 $

1,714 $

373 $

215,836

Summary  of  the  Pro  Forma  Adjustments  to  the  Pro  Forma  Condensed  Consolidated  Statement  of 

Earnings for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 (Unaudited):

Income:
(a) Adjustment to recognize amortization of fair value adjustments related to unearned premium

Expenses:
(a) Adjustment to recognize amortization of definite-lived intangible assets

(b) Adjustment to recognize amortization of fair value adjustments related to acquired losses and loss
adjustment expense liabilities and reinsurance balances recoverable

(c) Adjustment to noncontrolling interest for pro forma condensed consolidated statement of earnings

(1,846)

(1,146)

4,816

3,670

(1,451)

Changes in Ownership Interests relating to Holding Companies for our Active Underwriting Businesses

Corporate Holding Company Reorganization during 2015

 On December 23, 2015, we completed a corporate reorganization of certain of our subsidiary holding companies. 
Following the reorganization, StarStone Holdings and Northshore are owned by a common parent, North Bay Holdings 
Limited ("North Bay"), as described in Note 16 - "Noncontrolling Interests".

Dowling Co-investments during 2014

On  May 8,  2014,  Dowling  Capital  Partners  I,  L.P.  ("Dowling")  purchased  common  shares  of  both  StarStone 
Holdings and Northshore from Kenmare and Trident (on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective interests) 
for an aggregate amount of $15.4 million.

128

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Prior to the sale of shares to Dowling, Kenmare and Trident owned 60% and 40% of StarStone Holdings and 
Northshore,  respectively.  Following  the  sale  Kenmare,  Trident  and  Dowling  owned  59.0%,  39.3%  and  1.7%, 
respectively, of StarStone Holdings and Northshore.

The shareholders’ agreements governing North Bay, StarStone Holdings and Northshore, among other things, 
provide that Kenmare has the right to appoint three members to the StarStone Holdings board of directors and Trident 
has the right to appoint two members. The shareholders’ agreements also include redemption rights and obligations 
which are described in Note 23 - "Commitments and Contingencies." 

129

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

4. SIGNIFICANT NEW BUSINESS

2017

RSA

On February 7, 2017, we entered into an agreement to reinsure U.K. employers' liability legacy business of RSA 
Insurance Group PLC ("RSA"). Pursuant to the transaction, our subsidiary will assume gross insurance reserves of 
approximately £957 million (approximately $1.2 billion), relating to 2005 and prior year business. Net insurance reserves 
are approximately £834 million (approximately $1.0 billion) and the reinsurance premium payable to Enstar’s subsidiary 
is  £799  million  (approximately  $1.0  billion).  The  transaction  is  subject  to  finalizing  and  effecting  certain  security 
arrangements.

Following the initial reinsurance transaction, which will transfer the economics of the portfolio up to the policy's 
limits, we and RSA will pursue a portfolio transfer of the business under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets 
Act 2000, which would provide legal finality for RSA's obligations.  The transfer is subject to court, regulatory and other 
approvals.

QBE

On January 11, 2017, we announced the closing of a transaction to reinsure multi-line property and casualty 
business  of  QBE  Insurance  Group  Limited  ("QBE").  Our  subsidiary  assumed  gross  reinsurance  reserves  of 
approximately $919.0 million (net reserves of $444.0 million) relating to the portfolio, which primarily includes workers' 
compensation, construction defect, and general liability discontinued lines of business. In addition our subsidiary has 
pledged a portion of the premium as collateral to a subsidiary of QBE, and we have provided additional collateral and 
a limited parental guarantee.

2016

Coca-Cola

On August 5, 2016, we entered into a reinsurance transaction with The Coca-Cola Company and its subsidiaries 
(“Coca-Cola”)  pursuant  to  which  we  reinsured  certain  of  Coca-Cola’s  retention  and  deductible  risks  under  its 
subsidiaries’ U.S. workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, and product liability insurance coverage. We 
assumed total gross reserves of $108.8 million, received total assets of $101.3 million and recorded a deferred charge 
of $7.5 million, included in other assets. We have transferred $108.8 million into a trust to support our obligations under 
the reinsurance agreements.  We provided a limited parental guarantee, subject to an overall maximum of $27.0 million.

Allianz

On February 17, 2016, we entered into a reinsurance agreement with Allianz SE ("Allianz") to reinsure portfolios 
of Allianz's run-off business. Pursuant to the reinsurance agreement, our subsidiary reinsured 50% of certain portfolios 
of  workers'  compensation,  construction  defect,  and  asbestos,  pollution,  and  toxic  tort  business  originally  held  by 
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, and in the process assumed net reinsurance reserves of $1.1 billion. Affiliates 
of Allianz retained $1.1 billion of reinsurance premium as funds withheld collateral for the obligations of our subsidiary 
under  the  reinsurance  agreement  and  we  transferred  $110.0  million  to  a  reinsurance  trust  to  further  support  our 
subsidiary's obligations. We have also provided a limited parental guarantee, which is subject to a maximum cap.  The 
combined monetary total of the support offered by us through the trust and parental guarantee was initially be capped 
at $270.0 million. 

In addition to the reinsurance transaction described above, we have entered into a consulting agreement with 
San Francisco Reinsurance Company, an affiliate of Allianz, with respect to the entire $2.2 billion portfolio, including 
the 50% share retained by affiliates of Allianz.

Shelbourne RITC Transaction

On November 15, 2016, we entered into a RITC transaction of the 2007 and prior underwriting years of account 
of a Lloyd’s syndicate managed by Neon (formerly Marketform), under which we assumed total net insurance reserves 
of £121.5 million ($158.0 million) for cash consideration of an equal amount.

130

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

2015

Doctors

On  November  30,  2015,  we  completed  the  assignment  and  assumption  of  a  portfolio  of  primarily  workers' 
compensation business from The Doctors Company and its affiliates. Total assets and liabilities assumed were $29.5 
million.

Sun Life

On September 30, 2015, we entered into two 100% reinsurance agreements and a related administration services 
agreement  with  Sun  Life  pursuant  to  which  we  reinsured  all  of  the  run-off  workers'  compensation  carve-out  and 
occupational accident business of Sun Life. We assumed reinsurance reserves of $128.3 million, received total assets 
of $122.5 million and recorded a deferred charge of $5.8 million, included in other assets. We transferred $30.6 million
of additional funds into trust to further support our obligations under the reinsurance agreements. We provided limited 
parental guarantees, subject to an overall maximum of $36.8 million.

Voya Financial

On  May  27,  2015,  we  entered  into  two  100%  reinsurance  agreements  and  related  administration  services 
agreements with a subsidiary of Voya, pursuant to which we reinsured all of the run-off workers' compensation and 
occupational accident assumed reinsurance business of the Voya subsidiary and that of its Canadian branch. Pursuant 
to the transaction, the Voya subsidiary transferred assets into two reinsurance collateral trusts securing our obligations 
under the reinsurance agreements. We assumed reinsurance reserves of $572.4 million, received total assets of $307.0 
million and recorded a deferred charge of $265.4 million, included in other assets. We transferred $67.2 million of 
additional funds to the trusts to further support our obligations under the reinsurance agreements. We provided a limited 
parental guarantee, subject to a maximum cap with respect to the reinsurance liabilities. As of December 31, 2016, 
the amount of the parental guarantee was $58.0 million.

Reciprocal of America

On January 15, 2015, we  completed a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance transaction with Reciprocal of America 
(in Receivership) and its Deputy Receiver relating to a portfolio of workers' compensation business that has been in  
run-off since 2003. The total insurance reserves assumed were $162.1 million with an equivalent amount of cash and 
investments received as consideration.

2014

Shelbourne RITC Transaction

On January 1, 2014, we entered into a RITC of the 2011 and prior underwriting years of account of a Lloyd’s 
syndicate, under which we assumed total net insurance reserves of £17.0 million ($28.1 million) for cash consideration 
of an equal amount.

131

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

5. HELD-FOR-SALE BUSINESS 

  On  February  17,  2017,  we  entered  into  a  definitive  agreement  to  sell  Pavonia  Holdings  (US)  Inc.  and  its 
subsidiaries (“Pavonia”) for total consideration of $120.0 million to Southland National Holdings, Inc. The transaction 
is expected to close in the third or fourth quarter of 2017. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing 
conditions, including regulatory approvals. The proceeds of the sale are expected to be used to pay down our revolving 
credit facility following closing. 

  Pavonia is a substantial portion of the Life and Annuities segment. We have classified the assets and liabilities 
of the businesses to be sold as held-for-sale. The following table summarizes the components of assets and liabilities 
held-for-sale on our consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2016 and 2015:

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

Assets:

Short-term investments, trading, at fair value

$

— $

Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value

Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

Equities, trading, at fair value

Other investments, at fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Deferred tax assets
Reinsurance balances recoverable

Other assets

Total assets held for sale

Liabilities:

Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts

Other liabilities

Total liabilities held for sale

326,382

765,554

4,428

15,114

18,018

5,202

31,500

18,029

60,229

2,246

262,273

790,866

4,446

53,743

26,680

11,415

31,531

22,083

64,300

$

$

$

1,244,456 $

1,269,583

1,144,850 $

1,178,376

5,937

11,083

1,150,787 $

1,189,459

  As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, included in the table above were restricted investments of $786.0 million 

and $804.2 million, respectively. 

The cumulative currency translation adjustment ("CTA") balance in accumulated other comprehensive 

income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity, included $(14.8) million as at December 31, 2016 related to 
Pavonia. Upon completion of the sale, the CTA will be included in earnings as a reduction of the gain on sale.  

The Pavonia business qualifies as a discontinued operation. The following table summarizes the 
components of net earnings (losses) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of earnings for 
the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

132

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

INCOME

Net premiums earned

Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Other income

EXPENSES

Life and annuity policy benefits

Acquisition costs

General and administrative expenses

Other expenses

EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NET EARNINGS FROM DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

$

$

$

$

69,089 $

85,327 $

103,459

38,140

4,263

1,912

35,404

271

7,690

36,599

10,628

1,813

113,404 $

128,692 $

152,499

76,594

9,836

14,416

199

97,472

13,712

13,886

486

107,962

15,031

17,206

1,220

101,045 $

125,556 $

141,419

12,359

(396) $

3,136

(5,167)

11,080

(5,541)

11,963 $

(2,031) $

5,539

The following table presents the cash flows of Pavonia for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing Activities

Change in cash of businesses held for sale

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

$

$

(71,521) $

(5,893) $

56,646

—

(24,766)

—

(46,386)

32,641

—

(14,875) $

(30,659) $

(13,745)

133

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

6. INVESTMENTS

We hold: (i) trading portfolios of fixed maturity investments, short-term investments and equities, carried at fair 
value; (ii) available-for-sale portfolios of fixed maturity and short-term investments carried at fair value; and (iii) other 
investments carried at either fair value or cost.

Trading

The fair values of our fixed maturity investments, short-term investments and equities classified as trading were 

as follows:

U.S. government and agency
Non-U.S. government
Corporate
Municipal
Residential mortgage-backed
Commercial mortgage-backed
Asset-backed

Total fixed maturity and short-term investments

Equities — U.S.
Equities — International

$

December 31,
2016
840,274 $
267,363
2,387,322
47,181
373,528
217,212
478,280
4,611,160
95,047
—

December 31,
2015
742,918
338,170
2,564,618
22,247
381,573
232,847
531,252
4,813,625
108,793
2,702
$ 4,706,207 $ 4,925,120

Included within residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities as at December 31, 2016 were securities 
issued by U.S. governmental agencies with a fair value of $362.9 million (as at December 31, 2015: $355.4 million). 
Included  within  corporate  securities  as  at  December 31,  2016  were  senior  secured  loans  of  $90.7  million  (as  at 
December 31, 2015: $94.4 million).

The contractual maturities of our fixed maturity and short-term investments classified as trading are shown below. 
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations 
with or without call or prepayment penalties.

As at December 31, 2016
One year or less

More than one year through two years

More than two years through five years

More than five years through ten years

More than ten years

Residential mortgage-backed

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Amortized
Cost

Fair Value

$

748,634

$

739,820

713,175

708,739

1,270,909

1,259,564

651,539

186,066

378,516

220,727

476,595

648,156

185,861

373,528

217,212

478,280

$ 4,646,161

$ 4,611,160

% of Total
Fair
Value

16.0%

15.4%

27.3%

14.1%

4.0%

8.1%

4.7%

10.4%

100.0%

134

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Available-for-sale

The amortized cost and fair values of our fixed maturity and short-term investments classified as available-for-

sale were as follows:

As at December 31, 2016
U.S. government and agency
Non-U.S. government
Corporate
Municipal
Residential mortgage-backed
Asset-backed

As at December 31, 2015
U.S. government and agency
Non-U.S. government
Corporate
Municipal
Residential mortgage-backed
Asset-backed

Amortized
Cost
12,784 $
86,897
159,243
6,585
488
3,867
269,864 $

Amortized
Cost
25,102 $
89,631
182,773
5,959
665
4,660
308,790 $

$

$

$

$

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Non-OTTI

32 $

1,303
2,040
12
39
9
3,435 $

(106) $

(2,777)
(2,628)
(21)
—
—
(5,532) $

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Non-OTTI

80 $
42
1,040
4
51
—
1,217 $

(341) $

(3,889)
(3,429)
(36)
(1)
(10)
(7,706) $

Fair
Value

12,710
85,423
158,655
6,576
527
3,876
267,767

Fair
Value

24,841
85,784
180,384
5,927
715
4,650
302,301

 The contractual maturities of our fixed maturity and short-term investments classified as available-for-sale are 
shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or 
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

As at December 31, 2016
One year or less

More than one year through two years

More than two years through five years
More than five years through ten years
More than ten years
Residential mortgage-backed
Asset-backed

Amortized
Cost

Fair
Value

% of Total
Fair
Value

$

48,561 $

62,855

72,008

43,889

38,196

488

3,867

46,955

61,395

70,404

45,173

39,437

527

3,876

17.5%

22.9%

26.3%

16.9%

14.7%

0.2%

1.5%

$

269,864 $

267,767

100.0%

135

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Gross Unrealized Losses

The following tables summarize our fixed maturity and short-term investments in a gross unrealized loss position: 

As at December 31, 2016

Fixed maturity and short-term investments, at fair value

12 Months or Greater

Less Than 12 Months

Total

Fair
Value

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

U.S. government and agency

Non-U.S. government

Corporate

Municipal

$

— $

— $

10,743

$

(106) $

10,743

$

(106)

8,316

8,003

—

(1,794)

(1,800)

—

30,086

42,304

3,132

(983)

(828)

(21)

38,402

50,307

3,132

(2,777)

(2,628)

(21)

Total fixed maturity and short-term investments

$

16,319

$

(3,594) $

86,265

$

(1,938) $

102,584

$

(5,532)

As at December 31, 2015

Fixed maturity and short-term investments, at fair value

U.S. government and agency

Non-U.S. government

Corporate

Municipal

Residential mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

12 Months or Greater

Less Than 12 Months

Total

Fair
Value

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

$

523

$

(2) $

21,694

$

(339) $

22,217

$

(341)

18,995

54,295

—

71

4,649

(2,633)

(2,394)

—

(1)

(10)

50,080

81,047

4,609

—

—

(1,256)

69,075

(1,035)

135,342

(36)

—

—

4,609

71

4,649

(3,889)

(3,429)

(36)

(1)

(10)

Total fixed maturity and short-term investments

$

78,533

$

(5,040) $

157,430

$

(2,666) $

235,963

$

(7,706)

As at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the number of securities classified as available-for-sale in 
an unrealized loss position was 156 and 332, respectively. Of these securities, the number of securities that had been 
in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer was 41 and 124, respectively. 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

For the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment 
losses on our available-for-sale securities. We determined that no credit losses existed as at December 31, 2016 and 
2015.  A description of our other-than-temporary impairment process is included in Note 2 - "Significant Accounting 
Policies." There were no changes to our process in the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015.

136

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Credit Ratings

The following table sets forth the credit ratings of our fixed maturity and short-term investments as of December 31, 
:  

2016

Amortized
Cost

Fair Value

% of Total
Investments

AAA
Rated

AA Rated

A Rated

BBB
Rated

Non-
Investment
Grade

Not Rated

$

857,530

$ 852,984

17.5% $ 846,698

$

6,286

$

— $

— $

— $

362,797

352,786

7.2%

140,357

150,569

43,771

18,089

—

—

—

2,561,305

2,545,977

52.2%

105,081

465,224

1,199,452

615,538

149,898

10,784

54,200

53,757

379,004

374,055

1.1%

7.7%

25,566

370,067

25,834

403

2,357

3,487

—

—

220,727

217,212

4.4%

100,065

41,542

41,837

16,383

U.S. government
and agency

Non-U.S.
government

Corporate

Municipal

Residential
mortgage-backed

Commercial
mortgage-backed

—

97

77

72,485

222,557

—

1

17,308

—

28,093

Asset-backed

480,462

482,156

9.9%

213,312

58,322

114,503

23,534

Total

$ 4,916,025

4,878,927

100.0% 1,801,146

748,180

1,405,407

673,544

% of total fair value

36.9%

15.3%

28.8%

13.8%

4.6%

0.6%

Other Investments, at fair value

The following table summarizes our other investments carried at fair value:   

Private equities and private equity funds
Fixed income funds
Fixed income hedge funds
Equity funds
Multi-strategy hedge fund
Real estate debt fund
CLO equities
CLO equity funds
Other

December 31,
2016
300,529 $
249,023
85,976
223,571
—
—
61,565
15,440
943
937,047 $

December 31,
2015
232,372
280,749
89,154
147,390
99,020
54,829
61,702
13,928
1,145
980,289

$

$

The valuation of our other investments is described in Note 8 - "Fair Value Measurements." Due to a lag in the 
valuations of certain funds reported by the managers, we may record changes in valuation with up to a three-month 
lag. We regularly review and discuss fund performance with the fund managers to corroborate the reasonableness of 
the reported net asset values and to assess whether any events have occurred within the lag period that would affect 
the valuation of the investments. The following is a description of the nature of each of these investment categories:

•  Private equities and private equity funds invest primarily in the financial services industry. All of our investments 
in  private  equities  and  private  equity  funds  are  subject  to  restrictions  on  redemptions  and  sales  that  are 
determined by the governing documents and limit our ability to liquidate those investments. These restrictions 
have been in place since the dates of our initial investments.

•  Fixed income funds comprise a number of positions in diversified fixed income funds that are managed by 
third-party managers. Underlying investments vary from high-grade corporate bonds to non-investment grade 
senior secured loans and bonds, but are generally invested in liquid fixed income markets. These funds have 
regularly published prices. The funds have liquidity terms that vary from daily up to quarterly.

•  Fixed income hedge funds invest in a diversified portfolio of debt securities. The hedge funds have imposed 
lock-up periods of up to three years from the time of initial investment. Once eligible, redemptions will be 
permitted quarterly with 90 days’ notice.

137

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

•  Equity funds invest in a diversified portfolio of international publicly traded equity securities. The funds have 

liquidity terms that vary from daily to bi-monthly.

•  Multi-strategy hedge fund was an investment in a hedge fund that invested in a variety of asset classes including 
funds,  fixed  income,  equity  securities  and  other  investments.  The  fund  was  sold  in  December  2016.  The 
proceeds  of  sale  were  contributed  to  our  investment  in  the  start-up  reinsurer  KaylaRe  Holdings,  which  is 
recorded as an equity-method investment in other assets on our consolidated balance sheet. 

•  Real  estate  debt  fund  invests  primarily  in  U.S.  commercial  real  estate  loans  and  securities. A  redemption 
request for this fund can be made 10 days after the date of any monthly valuation. The fund was fully redeemed 
during the year ended December 31, 2016.

•  CLO equities comprise investments in the equity tranches of term-financed securitizations of diversified pools 

of corporate bank loans. CLO equities denote direct investments by us in these securities.

•  CLO equity funds comprise two funds that invest primarily in the equity tranches of term-financed securitizations 
of diversified pools of corporate bank loans. One of the funds has a fair value of $4.1 million, part of a self-
liquidating structure which is expected to pay out over one to five years. The other fund has a fair value of 
$11.3 million and is eligible for redemption in 2018.

•  Other primarily comprises a fund that provides loans to educational institutions throughout the United States 

and its territories. 

Investments of $0.5 million in fixed income hedge funds were subject to gates or side-pockets, where redemptions 
are subject to the sale of underlying investments. A gate is the ability to deny or delay a redemption request, whereas 
a side-pocket is a designated account for which the investor loses its redemption rights. 

As at December 31, 2016, we had unfunded commitments to private equity funds of $144.0 million.

Other Investments, at cost

Our other investments carried at cost of $131.7 million as of December 31, 2016 consist of life settlement contracts 
acquired during 2015. Refer to Note 3 - "Acquisitions" for information about this transaction, and Note 2 - "Significant 
Accounting Policies" for a description of our accounting policies. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
net investment income included $18.0 million and $20.1 million respectively, related to investments in life settlements. 
During  the  years  ended  December 31,  2016  and  2015,  there  were  impairment  charges  of  $5.3  million  and  nil 
respectively, recognized in net realized and unrealized gains/losses. The following table presents further information 
regarding our investments in life settlements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Remaining Life Expectancy of Insureds:

0 – 1 year

1 – 2 years

2 – 3 years

3 – 4 years

4 – 5 years

Thereafter

Total

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Number of
Contracts

Carrying
Value

Face Value
(Death
Benefits)

Number of
Contracts

Carrying
Value

Face Value
(Death
Benefits)

2

7

11

17

16

181

234

$

461

$

700

11,396

15,338

17,013

10,377

77,066

18,337

29,715

32,189

23,302

431,034

$ 131,651

$ 535,277

2

4

19

14

16

221

276

$

417

$

3,032

24,072

9,695

9,025

700

5,000

39,123

20,932

22,457

86,830

491,499

$ 133,071

$ 579,711

Remaining life expectancy for year 0-1 in the table above references policies whose current life expectancy is 
less than 12 months as of the reporting date. Remaining life expectancy is not an indication of expected maturity. Actual 
maturity  in  any  category  above  may  vary  significantly  (either  earlier  or  later)  from  the  remaining  life  expectancies 
reported. 

At December 31, 2016, our best estimate of the life insurance premiums required to keep the policies in force, 
payable in the 12 months ending December 31, 2017 and the four succeeding years ending December 31, 2021 is 
$17.8 million, $17.5 million, $17.7 million, $16.9 million, and $15.6 million, respectively. 

138

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)

Components of net realized and unrealized gains (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 

2014 were as follows:

Net realized gains (losses) on sale:

2016

2015

2014

Gross realized gains on fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale

$

405

$

396

$

Gross realized (losses) on fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale securities

Net realized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities, trading

Net realized investment gains on equity securities, trading

Net realized investment losses on funds held - directly managed

Total net realized gains (losses) on sale

Net unrealized gains (losses):

Fixed maturity securities, trading

Equity securities, trading

Other investments

Change in fair value of embedded derivative on funds held – directly managed

Total net unrealized gains (losses)

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

(21)

1,848

5,348

(14,616)

(7,036)

36,314

6,561

70,296

(28,317)

84,854

(130)

(4,291)

19,884

—

15,859

(52,918)

(21,875)

17,411

—

(57,382)

$

77,818

$

(41,523) $

196

(138)

3,372

18,738

—

22,168

9,890

(8,665)

28,598

—

29,823

51,991

The gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities included in the table above resulted from 
sales  of  $41.3  million,  $95.1  million  and  $90.7  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively.

Net Investment Income

Major  categories  of  net  investment  income  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2016,  2015  and  2014  are 

summarized as follows: 

Fixed maturity investments

Short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents

Equity securities

Other investments

Funds held
Funds held – directly managed
Life settlements and other
Gross investment income
Investment expenses
Net investment income

2016

2015

2014

$

114,885 $

87,512 $

58,815

4,491

4,874

22,515

22,583

5,769

18,191

193,308

(7,845)

5,993

5,580

11,712

234

—

20,871

131,902

(9,338)

6,209

5,671

1,335

1,376

—

593

73,999

(7,975)

$

185,463 $

122,564 $

66,024

139

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Restricted Assets  

We are required to maintain investments and cash and cash equivalents on deposit to support our insurance and 
reinsurance operations. The investments and cash and cash equivalents on deposit are available to settle insurance 
and reinsurance liabilities. We also utilize trust accounts to collateralize business with our insurance and reinsurance 
counterparties. These trust accounts generally take the place of letter of credit requirements. The assets in trusts as 
collateral  are  primarily  highly  rated  fixed  maturity  securities. The  carrying  value  of  our  restricted  assets,  including 
restricted cash of $363.8 million and $499.9 million, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, was as follows: 

Collateral in trust for third party agreements
Assets on deposit with regulatory authorities
Collateral for secured letter of credit facilities
Funds at Lloyd's (1)

December 31,
2016
1,975,022 $
882,400
177,263
220,328
3,255,013 $

December 31,
2015
1,993,065
906,973
212,544
382,624
3,495,206

$

$

(1)   

Our  underwriting  businesses  include  three  Lloyd's  syndicates.  Lloyd's  determines  the  required  capital  principally  through  the  annual 
business plan of each syndicate. This capital is referred to as "Funds at Lloyd's" and will be drawn upon in the event that a syndicate has 
a loss that cannot be funded from other sources. In November 2016, we entered into an unsecured letter of credit agreement for Funds at 
Lloyd’s purposes ("FAL Facility") to issue up to $140.0 million of letters of credit, with a provision to increase the facility up to $200.0 
million. The FAL Facility is available to satisfy our Funds at Lloyd’s requirements and replaces certain restricted assets and letter of credit 
arrangements. The FAL Facility expires in 2021. As at December 31, 2016, our combined Funds at Lloyd's were comprised of cash and 
investments of $220.3 million and unsecured letters of credit of $122.0 million. 

140

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

7. FUNDS HELD - DIRECTLY MANAGED

On October 1, 2016, the funds held balance in relation to the Allianz transaction, described in Note 4 - "Significant 
New Business", moved from a fixed crediting rate to a variable rate of return on the underlying investments. This 
variable return reflects the economics of the investment portfolio underlying the funds held asset and qualifies as an 
embedded derivative. We have recorded the aggregate of the funds held, typically held at cost, and the embedded 
derivative as a single amount in our consolidated balance sheet. As at December 31, 2016, the funds held at cost had 
a carrying value of $1,023.0 million and the embedded derivative had a fair value of ($28.3) million, the aggregate of 
which was $994.7 million, as reflected in the table below.

The  carrying  values  of    assets  and  liabilities  underlying  the  funds  held  -  directly  managed  account  as  at 

December 31, 2016 were as follows:

Fixed maturity investments:

U.S. government and agency
Non-U.S. government
Corporate
Municipal
Commercial mortgage-backed
Asset-backed

Total fixed maturity investments
Other assets

December 31,
2016

$

$
$
$

47,885
5,961
663,556
38,927
151,395
79,806
987,530
7,135
994,665

The contractual maturities of our fixed maturity investments underlying the funds held - directly managed account 
are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call 
or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

As at December 31, 2016
One year or less

More than one year through two years

More than two years through five years

More than five years through ten years

More than ten years

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Amortized
Cost

Fair Value

% of Total
Fair Value

$

5,027

$

5,026

20,641

301,119

253,811

197,236

158,129

79,885

20,613

296,685

244,967

189,038

151,395

79,806

0.5%

2.1%

30.0%

24.9%

19.1%

15.3%

8.1%

$ 1,015,848

$

987,530

100.0%

141

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Credit Ratings

The following table sets forth the credit ratings of our fixed maturity investments underlying the funds held - 

directly managed account as of December 31, 2016.

Amortized
Cost

Fair Value

% of Total
Investment
s

AAA
Rated

AA Rated

A Rated

BBB
Rated

U.S. government and agency

$

50,257

$

47,885

4.9% $

47,885

$

— $

— $

—

Non-U.S. government

Corporate

Municipal

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Total

% of total fair value

6,020

681,484

40,073

158,129

79,885

5,961

663,556
38,927

151,395
79,806

$ 1,015,848

$

987,530

0.6%
67.2%
3.9%
15.3%
8.1%

—
5,549

—

146,429

76,130
100.0% $ 275,993

—

63,809

12,839
3,015

3,676

2,913

234,975
26,088

1,951

—

3,048

359,223

—

—

—

$

83,339

$ 265,927

$ 362,271

28.0%

8.4%

26.9%

36.7%

Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Change in Fair Value of Embedded Derivative

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) and change in fair value of embedded derivative for the year ended 

December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:

Net realized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
Change in fair value of embedded derivative

Net realized gains (losses) and change in fair value of embedded derivative

Net Investment Income

2016

(14,616)
(28,317)

(42,933)

$

$

Major categories of net investment income underlying the funds held - directly managed for the year ended 

December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:

Fixed maturity investments

Short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents

Investment income on funds held - directly managed

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value Hierarchy

2016

5,705

64

5,769

$

$

Fair value is defined as the price at which to sell an asset or transfer a liability (i.e. the "exit price") in an orderly 
transaction between market participants. We use a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to quoted prices 
in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels as follows:

• 

• 

• 

Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities 
that we have the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 
instruments.

Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices 
for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or for which significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest 
rates,  yield  curves,  prepayment  speeds,  default  rates,  loss  severities,  etc.)  or  can  be  corroborated  by 
observable market data.

Level 3 - Valuations based on unobservable inputs where there is little or no market activity. Unadjusted third 
party pricing sources or management's assumptions and internal valuation models may be used to determine 
the fair values.

142

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

We have categorized our investments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis among levels based 

on the observability of inputs as follows:  

December 31, 2016

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total Fair
Value

Investments:

U.S. government and agency
Non-U.S. government
Corporate
Municipal
Residential mortgage-backed
Commercial mortgage-backed
Asset-backed
Equities — U.S.
Other investments

Funds Held - Directly Managed:
U.S. government and agency
Non-U.S. government
Corporate
Residential mortgage-backed
Commercial mortgage-backed
Asset-backed
Other assets

Other Assets:

Derivative Instruments

Other Liabilities:

Derivative Instruments

$

$

$

$

$
$

$
$

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
91,287
—
91,287 $

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $

— $
— $

— $
— $

852,984 $
352,786
2,471,444
53,757
374,055
204,999
467,463
3,760
357,438
5,138,686 $

47,885 $

5,961
663,556
38,927
151,395
79,806
7,135
994,665 $

2,930 $
2,930 $

74 $
74 $

— $
—
74,534
—
—
12,213
14,692
—
76,878

178,317 $

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $

— $
— $

— $
— $

852,984
352,786
2,545,978
53,757
374,055
217,212
482,155
95,047
434,316
5,408,290

47,885
5,961
663,556
38,927
151,395
79,806
7,135
994,665

2,930
2,930

74
74

Investments:

U.S. government and agency
Non-U.S. government
Corporate
Municipal
Residential mortgage-backed
Commercial mortgage-backed
Asset-backed
Equities — U.S.
Equities — International
Other investments
Total investments

December 31, 2015

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total Fair
Value

$

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
99,467
2,702
—

$

102,169 $

143

767,759 $
423,954
2,745,002
28,174
382,288
206,143
415,462
9,326
—
321,076
5,299,184 $

— $
—
—
—
—
26,704
120,440
—
—
77,016

224,160 $

767,759
423,954
2,745,002
28,174
382,288
232,847
535,902
108,793
2,702
398,092
5,625,513

 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Certain of our other investments are measured at fair value using NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical 
expedient and have not been classified within the fair value hierarchy above. The following table reconciles our other 
investments in the tables above with the amounts presented on our consolidated balance sheets:

Other investments:

Other investments measured at fair value

Other investments measured at NAV as practical expedient

Total other investments shown on balance sheets

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

$

$

434,316 $

502,731

937,047 $

398,092

582,197

980,289

Valuation Methodologies of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value 

Fixed Maturity Investments

The fair values for all securities in the fixed maturity investments and funds held - directly managed portfolios 
are independently provided by the investment accounting service providers, investment managers and investment 
custodians, each of which utilize internationally recognized independent pricing services. We record the unadjusted 
price provided by the investment accounting service providers, investment managers or investment custodians and 
validate this price through a process that includes, but is not limited to: (i) comparison of prices against alternative 
pricing sources; (ii) quantitative analysis (e.g. comparing the quarterly return for each managed portfolio to its target 
benchmark); (iii) evaluation of methodologies used by external parties to estimate fair value, including a review of the 
inputs used for pricing; and (iv) comparing the price to our knowledge of the current investment market. Our internal 
price  validation  procedures  and  review  of  fair  value  methodology  documentation  provided  by  independent  pricing 
services have not historically resulted in adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service. 

The independent pricing services used by the investment accounting service providers, investment managers 
and investment custodians obtain actual transaction prices for securities that have quoted prices in active markets. 
Where we utilize single unadjusted broker-dealer quotes, they are generally provided by market makers or broker-
dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes.  For determining 
the fair value of securities that are not actively traded, in general, pricing services use "matrix pricing" in which the 
independent pricing service uses observable market inputs including, but not limited to, reported trades, benchmark 
yields, broker-dealer quotes, interest rates, prepayment speeds, default rates and such other inputs as are available 
from market sources to determine a reasonable fair value. In addition, pricing services use valuation models, using 
observable data, such as an Option Adjusted Spread model, to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The 
Option Adjusted Spread model is commonly used to estimate fair value for securities such as mortgage-backed and 
asset-backed securities.

The following describes the techniques generally used to determine the fair value of our fixed maturity investments 

by asset class, including the investments underlying the funds held - directly managed.

•  U.S. government and agency securities consist of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and mortgage pass-
through agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage 
Corporation  and  other  agencies.  Non-U.S.  government  securities  consist  of  bonds  issued  by  non-U.S. 
governments and agencies along with supranational organizations. The significant inputs used to determine 
the fair value of these securities include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades and 
broker-dealer quotes. These are considered to be observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair values 
of these securities are classified as Level 2. 

•  Corporate securities consist primarily of investment-grade debt of a wide variety of corporate issuers and 
industries. The fair values of these securities are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve, 
reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, benchmark yields, and industry and market indicators. These are 
considered observable market inputs and, therefore, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 
2.  Where  pricing  is  unavailable  from  pricing  services,  such  as  in  periods  of  low  trading  activity  or  when 
transactions are not orderly, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers. Where significant inputs are 
unable to be corroborated with market observable information, we classify the securities as Level 3. 

•  Municipal securities consist primarily of bonds issued by U.S.-domiciled state and municipal entities. The 
fair values of these securities are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported 

144

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

trades, broker-dealer quotes and benchmark yields. These are considered observable market inputs and, 
therefore, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 2.

•  Asset-backed securities consist primarily of investment-grade bonds backed by pools of loans with a variety 
of underlying collateral. Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities include both agency and 
non-agency originated securities. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding 
quotes from broker-dealers. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and 
current transactions are not orderly. The significant inputs used to determine the fair value of these securities 
include the spread above the risk-free yield curve, reported trades, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds 
and default rates. The fair values of these securities are classified as Level 2 if the significant inputs are 
market  observable.  Where  significant  inputs  are  unable  to  be  corroborated  with  market  observable 
information, we classify the securities as Level 3.

Equities

Our investments in equities are predominantly traded on the major exchanges and are primarily managed by 
our external advisors. We use an internationally recognized pricing service to estimate the fair value of our equities. 
Our equities are widely diversified and there is no significant concentration in any specific industry.

We have categorized all of our investments in equities other than preferred stock as Level 1 investments because 
the fair values of these investments are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or 
liabilities. The fair value estimates of our investments in preferred stock are based on observable market data and, as 
a result, have been categorized as Level 2.

Other investments, at fair value

We have ongoing due diligence processes with respect to the other investments carried at fair value in which 
we  invest  and  their  managers. These  processes  are  designed  to  assist  us  in  assessing  the  quality  of  information 
provided by, or on behalf of, each fund and in determining whether such information continues to be reliable or whether 
further review is warranted. Certain funds do not provide full transparency of their underlying holdings; however, we 
obtain the audited financial statements for funds annually, and regularly review and discuss the fund performance with 
the fund managers to corroborate the reasonableness of the reported net asset values ("NAV"). 

The use of NAV as an estimate of the fair value for investments in certain entities that calculate NAV is a permitted 
practical expedient. Due to the time lag in the NAV reported by certain fund managers we adjust the valuation for capital 
calls and distributions. Other investments measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient have not been 
classified in the fair value hierarchy. Other investments for which we do not use NAV as a practical expedient have 
been valued using prices from independent pricing services, investment managers and broker-dealers. 

The following describes the techniques generally used to determine the fair value of our other investments.

•  For our investments in private equities and private equity funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the most 
recently available NAV from the external fund manager or third-party administrator. The fair values of these 
investments are measured using the NAV as a practical expedient and therefore have not been categorized 
within the fair value hierarchy. 

•  Our investments in fixed income funds and equity funds are valued based on a combination of prices from 
independent pricing services, external fund managers or third-party administrators.  For the publicly available 
prices we have classified the investments as Level 2. For the non-publicly available prices we are using NAV 
as a practical expedient and therefore these have not been categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

•  For our investments in fixed income and multi-strategy hedge funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the 
most recently available NAV as advised by the external fund manager or third-party administrator. The fair 
values of these investments are measured using the NAV as a practical expedient and therefore have not 
been categorized within the fair value hierarchy. In December 2016, we sold the multi-strategy hedge fund.

•  Our investment in the real estate debt fund was valued based on the most recently available NAV from the 
external fund manager. The fair value of this investment was measured using the NAV practical expedient and 
therefore has not been categorized within the fair value hierarchy. This fund was fully redeemed during the 
year ended December 31, 2016.

145

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

•  We measure the fair value of our direct investment in CLO equities based on valuations provided by our external 
CLO equity manager. If the investment does not involve an external CLO equity manager, the fair value of the 
investment is based on valuations provided by the broker or lead underwriter of the investment (the "broker"). 
Our CLO equity investments have been classified as Level 3 due to the use of unobservable inputs in the 
valuation and the limited number of relevant trades in secondary markets. 

In providing valuations, the CLO equity manager and brokers use observable and unobservable inputs. Of the 
significant unobservable market inputs used, the default and loss severity rates involve the most judgment 
and create the most sensitivity. A significant increase or decrease in either of these significant inputs in isolation 
would result in lower or higher fair value estimates for direct investments in CLO equities and, in general, a 
change in default rate assumptions will be accompanied by a directionally similar change in loss severity rate 
assumptions. Collateral spreads and estimated maturity dates are less subjective inputs because they are 
based on the historical average of actual spreads and the weighted-average life of the current underlying 
portfolios, respectively. A significant increase or decrease in either of these significant inputs in isolation would 
result in higher or lower fair value estimates for direct investments in CLO equities. In general, these inputs 
have no significant interrelationship with each other or with default and loss severity rates.

On a quarterly basis, we receive the valuation from the external CLO manager and brokers and then review 
the  underlying  cash  flows  and  key  assumptions  used  by  them.  We  review  and  update  the  significant 
unobservable inputs based on information obtained from secondary markets. These inputs are our responsibility 
and we assess the reasonableness of the inputs (and if necessary, update the inputs) through communicating 
with  industry  participants,  monitoring  of  the  transactions  in  which  we  participate  (for  example,  to  evaluate 
default and loss severity rate trends), and reviewing market conditions, historical results, and emerging trends 
that may impact future cash flows.

If valuations from the external CLO equity manager or brokers are not available, we use an income approach 
based on certain observable and unobservable inputs to value these investments. An income approach is also 
used  to  corroborate  the  reasonableness  of  the  valuations  provided  by  the  external  manager  and  brokers. 
Where an income approach is followed, the valuation is based on available trade information, such as expected 
cash flows and market assumptions on default and loss severity rates. Other inputs used in the valuation 
process include asset spreads, loan prepayment speeds, collateral spreads and estimated maturity dates.

•  For our investments in CLO equity funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the most recently available NAV 
as advised by the external fund manager or third party administrator. The fair values of these investments were 
measured using the NAV as a practical expedient and therefore have not been categorized within the fair value 
hierarchy.

•  For our investments in call options on publicly traded equities, we measure fair value by obtaining the latest 
option price as of our reporting date. These were classified as Level 2. As at December 31, 2016, the call 
option had been sold. 

Derivative Instruments

The fair values of our foreign currency exchange contracts, as described in Note 9 - "Derivative Instruments" 

are classified as Level 2. The fair values are based upon prices in active markets for identical contracts.

Changes in Leveling of Financial Instruments

Transfers into or out of levels are recorded at their fair values as of the end of the reporting period, consistent 
with the date of determination of fair value. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we transferred $64.1 million
of corporate securities, $2.8 million of residential mortgage-backed securities, $23.6 million of commercial mortgage-
backed securities and $31.8 million of asset-backed securities from Level 2 to Level 3. These securities were transferred 
from Level 2 to Level 3 due to insufficient market observable inputs for the valuation of the specific assets. During the 
year ended December 31, 2016, we transferred $2.3 million of corporate securities, $0.6 million of residential mortgage-
backed  securities,  $37.8  million  of  commercial  mortgage-backed  securities  and  $129.8  million  of  asset-backed 
securities from Level 3 to Level 2. The transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 were based upon us obtaining market observable 
information regarding the valuations of the specific assets. There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2.  

146

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured 

at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

2016

2015

Fixed
Maturity
Investments

Other 
Investments

Equity 
Securities

Total

Fixed
Maturity
Investments

Other 
Investments

Equity 
Securities

Total

$

147,144

$

77,016

$

— $

224,160

$

600

$

42,267

$

4,850

$

47,717

58,552

6,885

(52,841)

(12,933)

(3,222)

5,910

(48,194)

—

—

—

—

—

65,437

(65,774)

—

106,433

—

106,433

(600)

(46,084)

(5,000)

(51,684)

2,688

—

(25,600)

(48,194)

147,144

—

150

—

(25,450)

147,144

$

101,439

$

76,878

$

— $

178,317

$

147,144

$

77,016

$

— $

224,160

Beginning fair value

Purchases

Sales

Total realized and unrealized
gains (losses)

Net transfers into (out of)
Level 3

Ending fair value

Net realized and unrealized gains related to Level 3 assets in the table above are included in net realized and 

unrealized (losses) gains in our consolidated statements of earnings.

Disclosure of Fair Values for Financial Instruments Carried at Cost

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, investments in life settlement contracts were carried at cost of $131.7 million

and $133.1 million, respectively, and their fair values were $129.5 million and $130.3 million, respectively.

The fair value of investments in life settlement contracts is determined using a discounted cash flow methodology 
that utilizes unobservable inputs. Due to the individual nature of each investment in life settlement contracts and the 
illiquidity of the existing market, significant inputs to the fair value include our estimates of premiums necessary to keep 
the policies in-force, and our assumptions for mortality and discount rates. Our mortality assumptions are based on a 
combination of medical underwriting information obtained from a third-party underwriter for each referenced life and 
internal  proprietary  mortality  studies  of  older  aged  U.S.  insured  lives. These  assumptions  are  used  to  develop  an 
estimate of future net cash flows that, after discounting, are intended to be reflective of the asset's value in the life 
settlement market. 

Disclosure of fair value of amounts relating to insurance contracts is not required. Our remaining assets and 
liabilities were generally carried at cost or amortized cost, which due to their short-term nature approximates fair value 
as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

147

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

9. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Foreign Currency Hedging of Net Investments in Foreign Operations

We use foreign currency forward exchange rate contracts in qualifying hedging relationships to hedge the foreign 
currency exchange rate risk associated with certain of our net investments in foreign operations. At December 31, 
2016, we had two forward currency contracts in place for notional amounts of AU$63.0 million (approximately $45.5 
million) and CA$50.0 million (approximately $37.2 million), which we had designated as hedges of the net investments 
in our Australian and Canadian operations. 

The following table presents the gross notional amounts, estimated fair values recorded within other assets and 
liabilities and the amounts of the net gains deferred in the currency translation adjustment account which is a component 
of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"), in shareholders' equity, related to our foreign currency 
forward exchange rate contracts as at December 31, 2016. 

December 31, 2016 
Fair Value

Amount of Gains 
Deferred in AOCI 
(Effective Portion)

Gross Notional Amount

Assets

Liabilities

Year Ended December 31, 2016

Foreign exchange forward - AUD

Foreign exchange forward - CAD

Total qualifying hedges

$

$

45,467

$

37,175

82,642

$

2,753

$

177

2,930

$

74

—

74

$

$

2,568

1,186

3,754

We  did  not  have  any  forward  currency  contract  hedges  of  our  net  investments  in  foreign  operations  as  at 

December 31, 2015 or during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

We also borrowed €75.0 million during 2016 that was designated as a non-derivative hedge of our net investment 
in certain subsidiaries whose functional currency is denominated in Euros as described in Note 15 - "Loans Payable".

From time to time, we may also utilize foreign currency forward contracts as part of our overall foreign currency 
risk management strategy or to obtain exposure to a particular financial market, as well as for yield enhancement which 
are not designated as hedging investments. There were no such contracts utilized during the years ended December 31, 
2016, 2015 and 2014. 

Investments in Call Options on Equities

We use equity call option instruments either to obtain exposure to a particular equity instrument or for yield 

enhancement, in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

During the year ended December 31, 2016 we purchased call options on equities at a cost of $5.5 million and 
sold these for a realized gain of $5.4 million. We did not have any equity derivative instruments during the years ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014.

148

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

10. REINSURANCE BALANCES RECOVERABLE

The following table provides the total reinsurance balances recoverable as at December 31, 2016 and, 2015:

Recoverable from reinsurers on unpaid:

Outstanding losses

IBNR

Fair value adjustments

Total reinsurance reserves recoverable

Paid losses recoverable

Recoverable from reinsurers on unpaid:

Outstanding losses

IBNR

Fair value adjustments

Total reinsurance reserves recoverable

Paid losses recoverable

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and
Annuities

Total

2016

$

621,288

$

6,438

$

182,478

$

190

$

810,394

393,550

(13,885)

1,000,953

47,160

21,753

1,818

30,009

(1,081)

178,259

(3,506)

357,231

25,512

$ 1,048,113

$

28,928

$

382,743

$

—

—

190

769

959

593,562

(15,573)

1,388,383

72,360

$ 1,460,743

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and
Annuities

Total

2015

$

587,164

$

6,772

$

182,076

$

1,544

$

777,556

465,211

(17,628)

1,034,747

72,213

16,581

2,499

25,852

430

123,732

(6,025)

299,783

16,568

—

—

605,524

(21,154)

1,544

1,361,926

784

89,995

$ 1,106,960

$

26,282

$

316,351

$

2,328

$ 1,451,921

Our insurance and reinsurance run-off subsidiaries, prior to acquisition, used retrocessional agreements to reduce 
their exposure to the risk of insurance and reinsurance assumed. On an annual basis, both Atrium and StarStone purchase 
a tailored outwards reinsurance program designed to manage their risk profiles. The majority of Atrium’s and StarStone's 
third-party reinsurance cover is with highly rated reinsurers or is collateralized by letters of credit.

The fair value adjustments, determined on acquisition of insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, are based on the 
estimated timing of loss and LAE recoveries and an assumed discount rate equivalent to an interest rate for securities with 
similar duration to the reinsurance recoverables acquired including a spread to reflect credit risk, and are amortized over the 
estimated recovery period, as adjusted for accelerations in timing of payments as a result of commutation settlements.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had reinsurance balances recoverable of approximately $1.46 billion and 
$1.45 billion, respectively. The increase of $8.8 million in reinsurance balances recoverable was primarily a result of the 
additional coverage provided by KaylaRe Ltd., offset by commutations and cash collections made during the year ended 
December 31, 2016 in our Non-life Run-off and StarStone segments.

Top Ten Reinsurers

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and
Annuities

Total 

% of
Total

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and
Annuities

Total 

% of
Total

$

737,074

$ 23,245

$ 226,283

$

— $ 986,602

67.6% $

713,743

$ 21,394

$ 155,171

$

— $ 890,308

61.4%

301,856

4,827

152,341

—

459,024

31.4%

383,898

4,253

158,417

—

546,568

37.6%

9,183

856

4,119

959

15,117

1.0%

9,319

635

2,763

2,328

15,045

1.0%

$ 1,048,113

$ 28,928

$ 382,743

$

959

$1,460,743

100.0% $ 1,106,960

$ 26,282

$ 316,351

$

2,328

$1,451,921

100.0%

Top ten reinsurers

Other reinsurers > $1 
million

Other reinsurers < $1 
million

Total

The top ten external reinsurers, as at December 31, 2016 and 2015, were all rated A- or better, with the exception of 
four non-rated reinsurers from which $512.2 million was recoverable (December 31, 2015: $337.6 million recoverable from 
three non-rated reinsurers).  For the four non-rated reinsurers, we hold security in the form of pledged assets in trust, letters 
of credit issued to us, or funds withheld in the full amount of the recoverable. As at December 31, 2016, reinsurance balances 

149

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

recoverable of $241.7 million and $154.7 million, respectively, related to KaylaRe Ltd. and Lloyd’s syndicates, both of which 
represent 10% or more of total reinsurance balances recoverable. Lloyd’s is rated ‘A+’ by Standard & Poor’s and ‘A’ by A.M. 
Best. KaylaRe Ltd. is not rated but is an affiliated company partly owned by Enstar, as described in Note 21 - "Related Party 
Transactions",  and  security  is  provided  in  the  form  of  funds  withheld. As  at  December 31,  2015,  reinsurance  balances 
recoverable  with  a  carrying  value  of  $165.6  million  related  to  Lloyd's  syndicates  and  represented  10%  or  more  of  total 
reinsurance balances recoverable. 

 Provisions for Uncollectible Reinsurance Recoverables

We  remain  liable  to  the  extent  that  retrocessionaires  do  not  meet  their  obligations  under  these  agreements,  and 
therefore, we evaluate and monitor concentration of credit risk among our reinsurers. Provisions are made for amounts 
considered potentially uncollectible. 

The  following  table  shows  our  reinsurance  balances  recoverable  by  rating  of  reinsurer  and  our  provisions  for 
uncollectible reinsurance balances recoverable ("provisions for bad debt") as at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The provisions 
for bad debt all relate to the Non-life Run-off segment.

2016

2015

Provisions
for Bad
Debt

Net

Provisions
as a
% of Gross

Provisions
for Bad
Debt

Net

Provisions
as a
% of Gross

Gross

Gross

Reinsurers rated A- or above

$

892,776

$

35,184

$

857,592

3.9% $ 1,029,844

$

46,969

$

982,875

Reinsurers rated below A-, secured 

Reinsurers rated below A-, unsecured

544,894

197,589

—

544,894

—%

388,399

—

388,399

139,332

58,257

70.5%

244,005

163,358

80,647

Total

$ 1,635,259

$

174,516

$ 1,460,743

10.7% $ 1,662,248

$

210,327

$ 1,451,921

4.6%

—%

66.9%

12.7%

150

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

11. LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES 

The  liability  for  losses  and  LAE,  also  referred  to  as  loss  reserves,  represents  our  gross  estimates  before 
reinsurance for unpaid reported losses and losses that have been incurred but not reported ("IBNR") for our Non-life 
Run-off, Atrium and StarStone segments. We recognize an asset for the portion of the liability that we expect to recover 
from reinsurers. LAE reserves include allocated loss adjustment expenses ("ALAE"), and unallocated loss adjustment 
expenses ("ULAE"). ALAE are linked to the settlement of an individual claim or loss, whereas ULAE are based on our 
estimates of future costs to administer the claims. IBNR represents reserves for loss and LAE that have been incurred 
but not yet reported to us.  This includes amounts for unreported claims, development on known claims and reopened 
claims.  

The following table summarizes the liability for losses and LAE by segment as at December 31, 2016 and 2015:

2016

2015

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Total

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Total

Outstanding losses

$2,697,737

$

67,379

$

502,115

$3,267,231

$2,757,774

$

68,913

$ 457,175

$3,283,862

IBNR

2,153,994

132,240

558,130

2,844,364

1,991,009

115,613

477,990

2,584,612

Fair value adjustments

(135,368)

12,503

(863)

(123,728)

(163,329)

16,491

(1,487)

(148,325)

Total

$4,716,363

$ 212,122

$ 1,059,382

$5,987,867

$4,585,454

$ 201,017

$ 933,678

$5,720,149

The table below provides a consolidated reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for losses and LAE 

for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

2016

2015

2014

Balance as at January 1

$ 5,720,149

$ 4,509,421

$ 4,219,905

Less: reinsurance reserves
recoverable

1,360,382

1,154,196

1,146,588

Less: deferred charge on retroactive
reinsurance

255,911

—

Net balance as at January 1

4,103,856

3,355,225

—
3,073,317

Net incurred losses and LAE:

  Current period

  Prior periods

493,016

476,364

327,817

(318,917)

(372,031)

(318,671)

  Total net incurred losses and LAE

174,099

104,333

9,146

Net paid losses:

  Current period

  Prior periods

(79,579)

(99,933)

(166,796)

(753,478)

(681,956)

(420,715)

  Total net paid losses

(833,057)

(781,889)

(587,511)

Effect of exchange rate movement

(46,903)

(65,069)

(69,804)

Acquired on purchase of subsidiaries

10,019

Assumed business

Ceded business

1,340,444

(243,335)

878,815

612,441

—

901,447

28,630

—

Net balance as at December 31

4,505,123

4,103,856

3,355,225

Plus: reinsurance reserves
recoverable
Plus: deferred charge on retroactive
reinsurance

1,388,193

1,360,382

1,154,196

94,551

$

255,911

—

Balance as at December 31

$ 5,987,867

$ 5,720,149

$ 4,509,421

151

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The  tables  below  provide  the  components  of  net  incurred  losses  and  LAE  by  segment  for  the  years  ended 

December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:  

Increase (reduction) in estimates of net ultimate losses

(187,549)

54,170

327,682

Net losses paid

Net change in case and LAE reserves

Net change in IBNR reserves

Amortization of deferred charges

Increase (reduction) in estimates of net ultimate losses

Reduction in provisions for bad debt

Increase (reduction) in provisions for unallocated LAE

Amortization of fair value adjustments

Net incurred losses and LAE

Net losses paid

Net change in case and LAE reserves

Net change in IBNR reserves

Amortization of deferred charges

Reduction in provisions for bad debt

Increase (reduction) in provisions for unallocated LAE

Amortization of fair value adjustments

Net incurred losses and LAE

Net losses paid

Net change in case and LAE reserves

Net change in IBNR reserves

Amortization of deferred charges

Year Ended December 31, 2016

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Total

$

533,806

$

47,998

$

251,253

$

833,057

(608,785)

(347,384)

168,827

(253,536)

(13,822)

(43,955)

25,432

(148)

13,700

—

73,049

75,643

—

61,550

399,945

—

145

(3,308)

—

3,543

(1,895)

(535,884)

(258,041)

168,827

207,959

(13,822)

(40,267)

20,229

$ (285,881) $

58,387

$

401,593

$

174,099

Year Ended December 31, 2015

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Total

$

517,295

$

52,035

$

212,559

$

781,889

(355,335)

(364,774)

15,265

(709)

2,844

—

77,219

37,904

—

(25,271)

(62,653)

4,643

—

(83)

(6,608)

—

3,537

(3,535)

(278,825)

(324,026)

15,265

194,303

(25,271)

(59,199)

(5,500)

$ (270,830) $

47,479

$

327,684

$

104,333

Year Ended December 31, 2014

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Total

$

400,096

$

57,611

$

129,804

$

587,511

(310,414)

(301,784)

—

(2,684)

11,557

—

37,604

58,870

—

(275,494)

(231,357)

—

80,660

(7,700)

(53,970)

(9,844)

Increase (reduction) in estimates of net ultimate losses

(212,102)

66,484

226,278

Increase in provisions for bad debt

Reduction in provisions for unallocated LAE

(7,700)

(48,891)

—

9

Amortization of fair value adjustments

3,982

(11,065)

—

(5,088)

(2,761)

Net incurred losses and LAE

$ (264,711) $

55,428

$

218,429

$

9,146

152

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Methodology for Establishing Reserves

The liability for losses and LAE includes an amount determined from reported claims and an amount based on 
historical loss experience and industry statistics for IBNR using a variety of actuarial methods. Our  loss reserves cover 
multiple lines of business, which include workers' compensation, general casualty, asbestos and environmental, marine, 
aviation  and  transit,  construction  defects  and  other  non-life  lines  of  business.  Our  management,  through  our  loss 
reserving committees, considers the reasonableness of loss reserves recommended by our actuaries, including actual 
loss development during the year. 

Case reserves are recognized for known claims (including the cost of related litigation) when sufficient information 
has  been  developed  to  indicate  the  involvement  of  a  specific  insurance  policy.  We  use  considerable  judgment  in 
estimating losses for reported claims on an individual claim basis based upon our knowledge of the circumstances 
surrounding the claim, the severity of the injury or damage, the jurisdiction of the occurrence, the potential for ultimate 
exposure, the type of loss, and our experience with the line of business and policy provisions relating to the particular 
type of claim.  The reserves for unpaid reported losses and LAE are established by management based on reports 
from brokers, ceding companies and insureds and represent the estimated ultimate cost of events or conditions that 
have been reported to, or specifically identified, by us. We also consider facts currently known and the current state 
of the law and coverage litigation. 

IBNR reserves are established by management based on actuarially determined estimates of ultimate losses 
and loss expenses. We use generally accepted actuarial methodologies to estimate ultimate losses and LAE and those 
estimates are reviewed by our management.  In addition, the routine settlement of claims, at either below or above 
the carried advised loss reserve, updates historical loss development information to which actuarial methodologies 
are applied often, resulting in revised estimates of ultimate liabilities. On an annual basis, independent actuarial firms 
are retained by management to provide their estimates of ultimate losses and to review the estimates developed by 
our actuaries. 

Within the annual loss reserve studies produced by either our actuaries or independent actuaries, exposures 
for each subsidiary are separated into homogeneous reserving categories for the purpose of estimating IBNR. Each 
reserving category contains either direct insurance or assumed reinsurance reserves and groups relatively similar 
types of risks and exposures (for example, asbestos, environmental, casualty, property) and lines of business written 
(for example, marine, aviation, non-marine). Based on the exposure characteristics and the nature of available data 
for each individual reserving category, a number of methodologies are applied. Recorded reserves for each category 
are selected from the actuarial indications produced by the various methodologies after consideration of exposure 
characteristics, data limitations and strengths and weaknesses of each method applied. This approach to estimating 
IBNR has been consistently adopted in the annual loss reserve studies for each period presented.

The estimation of unpaid claim liabilities at any given point in time is subject to a high degree of uncertainty for 
a number of reasons. A significant amount of time can lapse between the assumption of risk, the occurrence of a loss 
event, the reporting of the event to an insurance or reinsurance company and the ultimate payment of the claim on 
the  loss  event.  Our  actuarial  methodologies  include  industry  benchmarking  which,  under  certain  methodologies, 
compares the trend of our loss development to that of the industry. To the extent that the trend of our loss development 
compared to the industry changes in any period, it is likely to have an impact on the estimate of ultimate liabilities. 
Unpaid claim liabilities for property and casualty exposures in general are impacted by changes in the legal environment, 
jury awards, medical cost trends and general inflation. Certain estimates for unpaid claim liabilities involve considerable 
uncertainty  due  to  significant  coverage  litigation,  and  it  can  be  unclear  whether  past  claim  experience  will  be 
representative  of  future  claim  experience.  Ultimate  values  for  such  claims  cannot  be  estimated  using  reserving 
techniques  that  extrapolate  losses  to  an  ultimate  basis  using  loss  development  factors,  and  the  uncertainties 
surrounding the estimation of unpaid claim liabilities are not likely to be resolved in the near future. In addition, reserves 
are established to cover loss development related to both known and unasserted claims. Consequently, our subsequent 
estimates of ultimate losses and LAE, and our liability for losses and LAE, may differ materially from the amounts 
recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the 
reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, will be recorded in earnings in the period in which they 
become known. Prior period development arises from changes to loss estimates recognized in the current year that 
relate to loss reserves established in previous calendar years.

153

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Non-Life Run-off Segment

  The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserves for losses and LAE for the 

years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 for the Non-life Run-off segment:

Balance as at January 1

$ 4,585,454

$ 3,435,010

$ 4,004,513

Less: reinsurance reserves recoverable

1,034,747

800,709

1,121,533

Less: deferred charge on retroactive reinsurance

255,911

—

—

2016

2015

2014

Net balance as at January 1

Net incurred losses and LAE:

  Current period

  Prior periods

3,294,796

2,634,301

2,882,980

5,829

39,924

24,235

(291,710)

(310,754)

(288,946)

  Total net incurred losses and LAE

(285,881)

(270,830)

(264,711)

Net paid losses:

  Current period

  Prior periods

  Total net paid losses

Effect of exchange rate movement

Acquired on purchase of subsidiaries

Assumed business

Ceded business

(3,869)

(16,049)

(87,681)

(529,937)

(501,246)

(312,415)

(533,806)

(517,295)

(400,096)

(27,478)

10,019

1,340,444

(177,235)

(42,636)

(49,267)

878,815

612,441

—

436,765

28,630

—

Net balance as at December 31

3,620,859

3,294,796

2,634,301

Plus: reinsurance reserves recoverable

1,000,953

1,034,747

800,709

Plus: deferred charge on retroactive reinsurance

94,551

255,911

—

Balance as at December 31

$ 4,716,363

$ 4,585,454

$ 3,435,010

  Net incurred losses and LAE in the Non-life Run-off segment for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 

and 2014 were as follows:

Net losses paid

Net change in case and LAE
reserves

Net change in IBNR reserves

Amortization of deferred charges

Increase (reduction) in estimates of
net ultimate losses

Increase (reduction) in provisions
for bad debt

Increase (reduction) in provisions
for unallocated LAE

Amortization of fair value
adjustments

Net incurred losses and LAE

2016

2015

2014

Prior
Period

Current
Period

Total

Prior
Period

Current
Period

Total

Prior
Period

Current
Period

Total

$ 529,937

$

3,869

$ 533,806

$ 501,246

$ 16,049

$ 517,295

$ 312,415

$ 87,681

$ 400,096

(608,168)

(617)

(608,785)

(366,262)

10,927

(355,335)

(285,814)

(24,600)

(310,414)

(349,726)

2,342

(347,384)

(377,722)

12,948

(364,774)

(262,384)

(39,400)

(301,784)

168,827

—

168,827

15,265

—

15,265

—

—

—

(259,130)

5,594

(253,536)

(227,473)

39,924

(187,549)

(235,783)

23,681

(212,102)

(13,822)

—

(13,822)

(25,271)

(44,190)

235

(43,955)

(62,653)

25,432

—

25,432

4,643

—

—

—

(25,271)

(7,700)

—

(7,700)

(62,653)

(49,445)

554

(48,891)

4,643

3,982

—

3,982

$(291,710) $

5,829

$ (285,881) $(310,754) $ 39,924

$ (270,830) $(288,946) $ 24,235

$ (264,711)  

  Net  change  in  case  and  LAE  reserves  comprises  the  movement  during  the  year  in  specific  case  reserve 
liabilities as a result of claims settlements or changes advised to us by our policyholders and attorneys, less changes 
in case reserves recoverable advised by us to our reinsurers as a result of the settlement or movement of assumed 
claims. Net change in IBNR represents the gross change in our actuarial estimates of IBNR, less amounts recoverable.

154

 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Year Ended December 31, 2016 

The net reduction in incurred losses and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $285.9 million included 
net incurred losses and LAE of $5.8 million related to current period net earned premium of $7.1 million (primarily for 
the portion of the run-off business acquired with Sussex). Excluding current period net incurred losses and LAE of $5.8 
million, net incurred losses and LAE liabilities relating to prior periods were reduced by $291.7 million, which was 
attributable to a reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses of $259.1 million, a reduction in provisions for bad debt 
of $13.8 million and a reduction in provisions for unallocated LAE of $44.2 million, relating to 2016 run-off activity, 
partially offset by amortization of fair value adjustments over the estimated payout period relating to companies acquired 
amounting to $25.4 million.

The reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses relating to prior periods of $259.1 million comprised reductions 
in IBNR reserves of $349.7 million partially offset by net incurred loss development of $90.6 million, which includes 
amortization of deferred charges of $168.8 million. The decrease in the estimate of net IBNR reserves of $349.7 million 
(compared to $377.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2015), was comprised of an increase of $39.4 million
relating to asbestos liabilities (compared to a decrease of $32.0 million in 2015), an increase of $35.5 million relating 
to environmental liabilities (compared to a decrease $1.6 million in 2015), a decrease of $0.8 million relating to general 
casualty liabilities (compared to $3.0 million in 2015), a decrease of $333.2 million relating to workers' compensation 
liabilities (compared to $243.4 million in 2015) and a decrease of $90.6 million relating to all other remaining liabilities 
(compared to $97.7 million in 2015).

The reduction in net IBNR reserves of $349.7 million relating to prior periods was a result of the application, on 
a basis consistent with the assumptions applied in the prior period, of our actuarial methodologies to revised historical 
loss development data, following 56 commutations and policy buy-backs, to estimate loss reserves required to cover 
liabilities  for  unpaid  losses  and  LAE  relating  to  non-commuted  exposures. The  prior  period  estimate  of  net  IBNR 
reserves was reduced as a result of the combined impact on all classes of business of loss development activity during 
2016, including commutations and the favorable trend of loss development related to non-commuted policies compared 
to prior forecasts. The net incurred loss development resulting from settlement of net advised case and LAE reserves 
of $608.2 million for net paid losses of $529.9 million related to the settlement of non-commuted losses in the year 
and 56 commutations and policy buy-backs of assumed and ceded exposures. Net advised case and LAE reserves 
settled by way of commutation and policy buyback during the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $14.7 
million (comprising $39.1 million of assumed case reserves and LAE reserves, partially offset by $24.4 million of ceded 
incurred reinsurance recoverable case reserves).

The reduction in provisions for bad debt of $13.8 million was a result of the favorable resolution of contractual 
disputes with reinsurers, the reduction in bad debt provisions for insolvent reinsurers as a result of dividends received 
and the reduction of specific provisions held for potential disputes with reinsurers. 

Year Ended December 31, 2015 

The net reduction in incurred losses and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $270.8 million included 
current period net incurred losses and LAE of $39.9 million related to current period net earned premium of $43.3 
million (primarily for the portion of the run-off business acquired with StarStone). Excluding current period net losses 
and LAE of $39.9 million, net incurred losses and LAE liabilities relating to prior periods were reduced by $310.8 million, 
which was attributable to a reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses of $227.5 million, reduction in provisions for 
bad debts of $25.3 million and a reduction in provision for unallocated LAE of $62.7 million, relating to 2015 run-off 
activity, partially offset by amortization of fair value adjustments over the estimated payout period relating to companies 
acquired amounting to $4.6 million.

The reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses relating to prior periods of $227.5 million comprised reductions 
in IBNR reserves of $377.7 million partially offset by net incurred loss development of $150.2 million, which includes 
amortization of deferred charges of $15.3 million. The decrease in the estimate of net IBNR reserves of $377.7 million
(compared to $262.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2014) was comprised of $32.0 million relating to 
asbestos liabilities (compared to $59.4 million in 2014), $1.6 million relating to environmental liabilities (compared to 
$6.2 million in 2014), $3.0 million relating to general casualty liabilities (compared to $62.5 million in 2014), $243.4 
million relating to workers' compensation liabilities (compared to $63.6 million in 2014) and $97.7 million relating to all 
other remaining liabilities (compared to $70.7 million in 2014). The reduction in net IBNR reserves of $377.7 million
relating to prior periods was a result of the application, on a basis consistent with the assumptions applied in the prior 
period, of our actuarial methodologies to revised historical loss development data, following 79 commutations and 

155

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

policy buy-backs, to estimate loss reserves required to cover liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE relating to non-
commuted exposures. The prior period estimate of net IBNR reserves was reduced as a result of the combined impact 
on all classes of business of loss development activity during 2015, including commutations and the favorable trend 
of loss development related to non-commuted policies compared to prior forecasts. The net incurred loss development 
resulting from settlement of net advised case and LAE reserves of $366.3 million for net paid losses of $501.2 million 
related to the settlement of non-commuted losses in the year and 79 commutations and policy buy-backs of assumed 
and ceded exposures (including the commutation of two of our top ten assumed exposures and one of our top ten
ceded recoverables as at January 1, 2014). Net advised case and LAE reserves settled by way of commutation and 
policy buy-back during the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $56.6 million (comprising $140.3 million of 
assumed case reserves and LAE reserves partially offset by $83.7 million of ceded incurred reinsurance recoverable 
case reserves).

The reduction in provisions for bad debt of $25.3 million was a result of the collection of certain reinsurance 
recoverables against which bad debt provisions had been provided in earlier periods, and the reduction in bad debt 
provisions for insolvent reinsurers as a result of dividends received, partially offset by additional provisions for contractual 
disputes with reinsurers. 

Year Ended December 31, 2014 

The net reduction in incurred losses and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2014 of $264.7 million included 
current period incurred losses of $24.2 million related to SeaBright. Excluding SeaBright's current period net incurred 
losses and LAE of $24.2 million net incurred losses and LAE relating to prior periods were reduced by $288.9 million
which was attributable to a reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses of $235.8 million and a reduction in provisions 
for unallocated LAE of $49.4 million, relating to 2014 run-off activity, partially offset by an increase in provisions for 
bad debt of $7.7 million and the amortization of fair value adjustments over the estimated payout period relating to 
companies acquired amounting to $4.0 million.

The reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses relating to prior periods of $235.8 million comprised reductions 
in net IBNR reserves of $262.4 million partially offset by net incurred loss development of $26.6 million. The decrease 
in the estimate of net IBNR reserves of $262.4 million (compared to $265.2 million during the year ended December 31, 
2013) was comprised of $59.4 million relating to asbestos liabilities (compared to $69.8 million in 2013), $6.2 million
relating to environmental liabilities (compared to $4.9 million in 2013), $62.5 million relating to general casualty liabilities 
(compared to $42.6 million in 2013), $63.6 million relating to workers' compensation liabilities (compared to $42.1 
million in 2013) and $70.7 million relating to all other remaining liabilities (compared to $105.8 million in 2013).

The reduction in net IBNR reserves of $262.4 million relating to prior periods was a result of the application, on 
a basis consistent with the assumptions applied in the prior period, of our actuarial methodologies to revised historical 
loss development data, following 98 commutations and policy buy-backs, to estimate loss reserves required to cover 
liabilities  for  unpaid  losses  and  LAE  relating  to  non-commuted  exposures. The  prior  period  estimate  of  net  IBNR 
reserves was reduced as a result of the combined impact on all classes of business of loss development activity during 
2014, including commutations and the favorable trend of loss development related to non-commuted policies compared 
to prior forecasts. The net incurred loss development resulting from settlement of net advised case and LAE reserves 
of $285.8 million for net paid losses of $312.4 million related to the settlement of non-commuted losses in the year 
and 98 commutations and policy buy-backs of assumed and ceded exposures (including the commutation of one of 
our top ten assumed exposures and one of our top ten ceded recoverables as at January 1, 2013). Net advised case 
and LAE reserves settled by way of commutation and policy buy-back during the year ended December 31, 2014
amounted to $29.1 million (comprising $99.5 million of assumed case reserves and LAE reserves partially offset by 
$70.4 million of ceded incurred reinsurance recoverable case reserves).

The increase in provisions for bad debt of $7.7 million was a result of additional provisions being allowed for 
contractual disputes with reinsurers, offset by cash collections and commutations on certain reinsurance recoverables 
against which bad debt provisions had been provided in earlier periods.

156

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Asbestos and Environmental 

In establishing the reserves for losses and LAE related to asbestos and environmental claims, management 
considers facts currently known and the current state of the law and coverage litigation. Liabilities are recognized for 
known claims (including the cost of related litigation) when sufficient information has been developed to indicate the 
involvement of a specific insurance policy, and management can reasonably estimate its liability. In addition, reserves 
have been established to cover additional exposures on both known and unreported claims. Estimates of the reserves 
are  reviewed  and  updated  continually.  Developed  case  law  and  claim  histories  are  still  evolving  for  such  claims, 
especially  because  significant  uncertainty  exists  about  the  outcome  of  coverage  litigation  and  whether  past  claim 
experience will be representative of future claim experience. In view of the changes in the legal and tort environment 
that affect the development of such claims, the uncertainties inherent in valuing asbestos and environmental claims 
are not likely to be resolved in the near future. Ultimate values for such claims cannot be estimated using traditional 
reserving techniques and there are significant uncertainties in estimating the amount of our potential losses for these 
claims. There can be no assurance that the reserves established by us will be adequate or will not be adversely affected 
by the development of other latent exposures. The liability for unpaid losses and LAE as of December 31, 2016 and 
2015 included $921.2 million and $356.6 million, respectively, which represented an estimate of the net ultimate liability 
for asbestos and environmental claims. The gross liability for such claims as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 
$951.1 million and $390.8 million, respectively.

Disclosures of Incurred and Paid Loss Development, IBNR, Claims Counts and Payout Percentages 

The following table provides a breakdown of the gross and net losses and LAE reserves by major category as 

at December 31, 2016:

2016

Gross

IBNR

$

548,180
67,646

316,227

693,585
34,873

120,459

100,934
$ 1,881,904

$

OLR

240,863
94,432

427,733

1,360,743
45,240

39,622

407,490

$

2,616,123

Asbestos

Environmental

General casualty

Workers' compensation/personal accident

Marine, aviation and transit

Construction defect

Other

Total

ULAE

Total

Total

OLR

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

2016

Net

IBNR

$

789,043

$

230,983
91,362

301,699

915,704
39,816

32,449

$

533,361

$

65,507

190,053

457,119

34,678

88,647

Total

764,344

156,869

491,752

1,372,823

74,494

121,096

325,734
$ 1,937,747

95,411
$ 1,464,776

421,145
$ 3,402,523
218,336
$ 3,620,859

162,078

743,960
2,054,328

80,113

160,081

508,424
$ 4,498,027
218,336
$ 4,716,363

As noted in the table above, the significant categories within this segment include asbestos, general casualty 

and workers’ compensation, which collectively comprised approximately 80% and 77% of the total gross and net 
reserves as at December 31, 2016. Separate claims development tables have been provided for the workers’ 
compensation and general casualty categories as set forth below.  The asbestos category is wholly comprised of 
losses with accident years before 2007 and therefore accident year claims development tables are excluded from 
these disclosures.  The exposures included in the other category includes losses with several different development 
patterns that are not individually sufficiently significant to be disclosed in separate claims development tables. 

Our non-life run-off segment is unique within the insurance industry. Legacy reserves are continuously being 
acquired  into  this  segment  through  company  acquisition  or  through  loss  portfolio  transfer  reinsurance.  The  loss 
development tables in this segment include actual loss development as well as the effects of assimilating newly acquired 
reserves. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate to extrapolate redundancies or deficiencies into the future or to infer 
actual historical accident year development information from the tables provided below. Acquired reserves for company 
acquisitions are shown on a full retrospective basis. Assumed reserves for loss portfolio reinsurance transactions are 
shown as follows: (i) unpaid reported claims are shown on a full retrospective basis and (ii) assumed IBNR is shown 
on a prospective basis as historical IBNR is generally not available to us in these transactions. For further information, 
we have disclosed additional development tables for reported claims, for IBNR, and for IBNR acquired in loss portfolio 
reinsurance transactions.   

157

 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

General Casualty

The following tables set forth information about incurred and paid loss development information related to our 
general casualty category within the Non-life Run-off segment as at December 31, 2016. The information related to 
incurred  and  paid  loss  development  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2007  through  2015  is  presented  as 
supplementary information and is unaudited.

Unpaid Reported Losses and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For the Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016 
(unaudited)

2007

$

22,745 $

26,555 $

13,847 $

10,053 $

15,084 $

8,757 $

7,411 $

6,302 $

1,929 $

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

43,164

55,854

19,205

36,785

37,028

41,785

29,183

45,685

92,211

19,805

21,275

34,708

81,789

48,609

44,029

16,296

22,834

59,566

33,465

56,594

20,677

11,239

15,044

42,088

32,499

53,386

23,432

10,489

9,138

14,562

35,806

25,227

37,651

22,681

12,537

3,294

—

2,679

7,890

11,333

23,460

19,945

34,804

16,995

10,022

4,356

248

Total $

131,732

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016 
(unaudited)

IBNR Losses and Loss Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For the Years Ended December 31,

2007

$

8,983 $

8,409 $

6,108 $

6,339 $

7,485 $

2,986 $

3,996 $

3,356 $

1,049 $

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

16,731

4,956

14,131

15,134

16,784

22,364

12,253

15,393

25,904

33,180

5,605

8,240

16,032

23,948

61,807

7,528

12,272

28,064

34,767

64,756

70,755

6,491

9,170

19,770

25,659

45,872

58,446

32,309

8,450

5,363

13,513

18,042

19,383

17,200

12,839

7,697

1,579

4,682

5,247

18,026

20,683

21,224

16,534

9,894

7,573

2,226

The table below provides a summary of IBNR acquired in assumed loss portfolio transfer reinsurance transactions 

which is reflected on a prospective basis in the table above from the year in which the transaction occurred:

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016 
(unaudited)

For the Years Ended December 31,

$

— $

10,740 $

— $

3,633 $

— $

25,703 $

— $

5,263 $

3,685 $

36,501

Accident
Year
Take-On
IBNR for
Assumed
Business

Total $

107,668

158

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Incurred Losses and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For the Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

50,012 $

69,095 $

77,504 $

81,587 $

92,460 $

86,583 $

89,022 $

87,929 $

86,364 $

88,081

78,187

114,684

137,678

145,526

147,317

152,589

155,177

158,178

155,909

47,683

95,064

82,340

128,373

146,500

164,233

168,363

173,304

173,855

169,525

200,723

229,345

235,009

260,599

270,864

73,694

134,667

166,450

177,382

186,384

191,245

147,850

225,566

257,655

255,667

280,266

117,545

135,171

113,574

122,148

48,808

39,072

12,949

42,370

16,292

2,690

Total $1,343,720

Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For The Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

18,284 $

34,131 $

57,548 $

65,195 $

69,892 $

74,840 $

77,614 $

78,271 $

83,386 $

83,823

18,292

53,874

14,347

85,759

41,253

18,191

104,090

120,437

128,766

137,448

140,589

143,337

67,294

51,410

20,709

103,552

129,127

144,148

153,379

157,275

102,903

141,715

173,150

211,280

229,377

62,110

42,014

98,218

119,224

143,116

150,616

104,216

158,397

198,634

224,238

26,112

53,293

6,010

73,693

13,696

1,958

88,618

22,454

4,364

216

Total $1,104,318

All outstanding liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE prior to 2007, net of reinsurance

266,163

Total outstanding liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance $ 505,565

  The reconciliation of incurred and paid loss development to the liability for unpaid losses and LAE as presented 

in the tables above for the year ended December 31, 2016 is set forth below:

December 31, 2016

Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated LAE, net of reinsurance
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
Fair value adjustments
Gross liability for unpaid losses and LAE before unallocated loss
adjustment expenses
Unallocated loss adjustment expenses
Total gross liability for unpaid losses and LAE

$

$

505,565
254,017
(15,622)

743,960
36,112
780,072

159

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Information  about  total  IBNR  liabilities  and  cumulative  loss  frequency  as  at  December  31,  2016,  including 
expected development on reported claims included within the net incurred losses and allocated LAE amounts for the 
Non-life Run-off segment for the general casualty category, are set forth in the table below:

As at December 31, 2016

Accident Year

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Incurred Losses and
ALAE, Net of
Reinsurance

$

88,081 $

155,909

173,855

270,864

191,245

280,266

122,148

42,370

16,292

2,690

Total of IBNR plus
Expected
Development on
Reported Losses

Cumulative Number
of Reported Claims

1,579

4,682

5,247

18,026

20,683

21,224

16,534

9,894

7,573

2,226

15,904

10,363

10,378

12,439

10,247

22,667

15,136

3,421

871

111

The following is unaudited supplementary information for average annual historical duration of claims:

Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses by Age, Net of Reinsurance

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

General
casualty

12.9%

18.6%

19.6%

13.3%

10.6%

7.5%

5.2%

1.7%

3.8%

0.5%

Workers' Compensation

The following tables set forth information about incurred and paid loss development information related to our 
workers' compensation category within the Non-life Run-off segment as at December 31, 2016. The information related 
to  incurred  and  paid  loss  development  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2007  through  2015  is  presented  as 
supplementary information and is unaudited.

Unpaid Reported Losses and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For the Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016 
(unaudited)

2007

$

106,913 $

85,044 $

72,373 $

68,929 $

59,768 $

47,688 $

51,970 $

57,819 $

31,975 $

22,457

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

103,568

93,156

83,064

86,070

96,353

68,516

75,756

104,493

111,772

84,408

48,864

49,318

75,569

80,618

66,109

42,524

39,846

56,334

55,414

65,078

35,976

36,483

34,033

44,754

63,975

79,952

63,372

14,179

28,878

34,730

42,383

48,552

62,339

56,882

25,152

6,017

22,378

26,589

34,640

31,324

40,728

37,299

20,144

4,104

209

Total $

239,872

160

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

IBNR Losses and Loss Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For the Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016 
(unaudited)

2007

$

87,248 $

38,830 $

23,382 $

9,993 $

8,498 $

7,006 $

8,794 $

7,450 $

4,180 $

8,488

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

78,862

43,067

77,265

18,966

35,477

67,115

15,087

19,247

16,597

69,544

11,065

16,686

14,819

24,162

86,194

12,420

11,426

17,772

15,610

45,307

10,624

9,391

28,348

54,890

95,026

43,419

110,706

51,216

6,449

11,165

26,945

46,320

71,755

75,839

45,657

9,596

11,586

16,294

24,435

34,572

48,173

48,022

24,705

2,846

530

Total $

219,651

The table below provides a summary of IBNR acquired in assumed loss portfolio transfer reinsurance transactions 

which is reflected on a prospective basis in the table above from the year in which the transaction occurred:

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016 
(unaudited)

For the Years Ended December 31,

$

— $

— $

5,323 $

5,954 $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

100,000

Accident
Year
Take-On
IBNR for
Assumed
Business

Incurred Losses and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For the Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

267,160 $

275,598 $

293,677 $

308,723 $

323,278 $

326,776 $

345,358 $

358,015 $

335,568 $ 336,989

265,651

300,657

325,463

341,690

342,397

354,645

361,369

357,863

361,402

236,306

278,324

294,062

303,106

310,848

320,485

329,178

335,481

256,618

291,192

308,810

326,412

337,002

344,185

347,575

197,858

212,973

222,037

251,058

254,815

249,040

189,571

198,054

230,513

225,014

221,803

97,190

131,198

113,792

104,521

73,154

82,487

19,151

77,180

13,129

873

Total $2,047,993

161

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For The Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

72,998 $

151,725 $

197,923 $

229,800 $

255,011 $

272,082 $

284,594 $

292,746 $

299,413 $ 306,044

83,221

164,433

220,427

258,086

282,468

299,701

314,261

322,537

327,438

75,977

146,494

199,059

237,103

259,577

277,061

283,283

292,598

85,009

162,822

218,422

252,306

263,900

274,857

288,499

43,906

108,193

151,012

132,194

159,942

183,144

37,267

87,669

17,795

55,534

90,921

132,902

(42,879)

(18,929)

19,200

7,760

11,678

32,332

3,538

6,178

134

Total $1,588,469

All outstanding liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE prior to 2007, net of reinsurance

1,042,179

Total outstanding liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance $1,501,703

  The reconciliation of incurred and paid loss development to the liability for unpaid losses and LAE as presented 

in the tables above for the year ended December 31, 2016 is set forth below:

December 31, 2016

Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated LAE, net of reinsurance
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
Fair value adjustments
Gross liability for unpaid losses and LAE before unallocated loss
adjustment expenses
Unallocated loss adjustment expenses
Total gross liability for unpaid losses and LAE

$

$

1,501,703
592,394
(39,769)

2,054,328
99,718
2,154,046

Information  about  total  IBNR  liabilities  and  cumulative  loss  frequency  as  at  December  31,  2016,  including 
expected development on reported claims included within the net incurred losses and allocated LAE amounts for the 
Non-life Run-off segment for workers' compensation, are set forth in the table below:

As at December 31, 2016

Accident Year

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Incurred Losses and
ALAE, Net of
Reinsurance

$

336,989 $

Total of IBNR plus
Expected
Development on
Reported Losses

Cumulative Number
of Reported Claims

8,488

11,586

16,294

24,435

34,572

48,173

48,022

24,705

2,846

530

44,305

40,849

41,127

48,360

46,975

42,712

22,189

10,857

2,869

33

361,402

335,481

347,575

249,040

221,803

104,521

77,180

13,129

873

162

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The following is unaudited supplementary information for average annual historical duration of claims:

Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses by Age, Net of Reinsurance

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

19.6%

20.4%

17.5%

10.2%

7.0%

5.0%

3.2%

2.5%

1.7%

2.0%

Workers'
compensation

Atrium 

The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for losses and LAE for the years 

ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

Balance as at January 1

$

201,017

$

212,611

$

215,392

2016

2015

2014

Less: reinsurance reserves
recoverable

Net balance as at January 1

Net incurred losses and LAE:

  Current period

  Prior periods

  Total net incurred losses and LAE

Net paid losses:

  Current period

  Prior periods

  Total net paid losses

Effect of exchange rate movement

Acquired on purchase of subsidiaries

25,852

175,165

28,278

184,333

25,055

190,337

71,358

(12,971)

58,387

(23,582)

(24,416)

(47,998)

(3,441)

—

69,400

(21,921)

47,479

(21,145)

(30,890)

(52,035)

(4,612)

—

74,094

(18,666)

55,428

(29,626)

(27,985)

(57,611)

(3,821)

—

Net balance as at December 31

182,113

175,165

184,333

Plus: reinsurance reserves
recoverable
Balance as at December 31

30,009

25,852

28,278

$

212,122

$

201,017

$

212,611

Net incurred losses and LAE in the Atrium segment for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

were as follows:

2016

2015

Prior
Period

Current
Period

Total

Prior
Period

Current
Period

Total

Prior
Period

2014

Current
Period

Total

Net losses paid

$ 24,416

$23,582

$47,998

$ 30,890

$21,145

$ 52,035

$ 27,985

$

29,626

$ 57,611

Net change in case and LAE
reserves
Net change in IBNR reserves

Increase (reduction) in estimates of
net ultimate losses

Increase (reduction) in provisions for
unallocated LAE

Amortization of fair value
adjustments
Net incurred losses and LAE

(13,115)

12,967

(148)

(18,213)

17,504

(709)

(16,986)

(20,543)

34,243

13,700

(27,382)

30,226

2,844

(18,114)

14,302

29,671

(2,684)

11,557

(9,242)

70,792

61,550

(14,705)

68,875

54,170

(7,115)

73,599

66,484

(421)

566

145

(608)

525

(83)

(486)

495

9

(3,308)

—

(3,308)

(6,608)

—

(6,608)

(11,065)

—

(11,065)

$(12,971) $71,358

$58,387

$(21,921) $69,400

$ 47,479

$ (18,666) $

74,094

$ 55,428

163

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Disclosures of Incurred and Paid Loss Development, IBNR, Claims Counts and Payout Percentages 

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The Atrium segment comprises only 3.5% of the consolidated liability for losses and LAE as at December 31, 
2016 and therefore has not been disaggregated further for the purposes of presenting the accident year disclosures 
below.

The following tables set forth information about incurred and paid loss development information for the Atrium 
segment as at December 31, 2016. The information related to incurred and paid loss development for the years ended 
December 31, 2007 through 2015 is presented as supplementary information and is unaudited.

Incurred Losses and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For the Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

39,003 $

68,768 $

62,305 $

68,567 $

68,842 $

61,858 $

60,418 $

61,660 $

60,162 $

60,302

58,537

74,652

55,579

75,261

67,728

76,056

71,965

58,778

70,280

92,093

69,378

53,799

57,182

86,086

71,370

62,490

50,169

51,139

72,671

58,991

57,318

62,217

46,927

50,202

71,744

56,729

64,243

62,613

62,969

45,693

45,960

69,533

55,091

59,150

65,737

63,954

61,473

45,060

45,416

67,924

52,929

55,288

63,592

67,927

67,933

Total $ 587,844

Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For The Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2007 
(unaudited)

2008 
(unaudited)

2009 
(unaudited)

2010 
(unaudited)

2011 
(unaudited)

2012 
(unaudited)

2013 
(unaudited)

2014 
(unaudited)

2015 
(unaudited)

2016

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

13,878 $

35,836 $

41,837 $

46,467 $

48,544 $

50,028 $

54,298 $

54,611 $

55,857 $

56,806

15,060

36,785

11,719

47,151

27,103

11,243

51,838

33,910

24,678

16,777

54,750

37,337

31,653

39,167

11,059

56,563

39,280

35,859

51,288

31,041

14,398

57,760

40,443

38,293

57,332

37,532

31,669

17,359

58,320

41,102

39,294

61,197

41,677

39,904

33,830

11,874

57,891

41,375

39,868

62,515

43,929

42,942

40,907

29,235

13,513

Total $ 428,981

All outstanding liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE prior to 2007, net of reinsurance

10,443

Total outstanding liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance $ 169,306

164

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The reconciliation of incurred and paid loss development to the liability for unpaid losses and LAE as presented 

in the tables above for the Atrium segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 is set forth below:

December 31, 2016

Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated LAE, net of reinsurance
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses
Unallocated loss adjustment expenses
Fair value adjustments
Total gross liability for unpaid losses and LAE

$
$
$
$
$

169,306
28,191
2,122
12,503
212,122

Information  about  total  IBNR  liabilities  and  cumulative  loss  frequency  as  at  December  31,  2016,  including 
expected development on reported claims included within the net incurred losses and allocated LAE amounts for the 
Atrium segment, are set forth in the table below:

As at December 31, 2016

Accident Year

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Incurred Losses and
ALAE, Net of
Reinsurance

$

60,302 $

61,473

45,060

45,416

67,924

52,929

55,288

63,592

67,927

67,933

Total of IBNR plus
Expected
Development on
Reported Losses

Cumulative Number
of Reported Claims

1,610

2,403

1,822

3,141

3,926

4,821

7,694

14,309

23,553

39,742

282

345

377

515

765

1,028

1,582

2,563

3,936

3,881

The following is unaudited supplementary information for average annual historical duration of claims in the 

Atrium segment:

Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses by Age, Net of Reinsurance

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Atrium

23.5%

32.1%

14.2%

7.8%

4.6%

2.4%

2.9%

0.7%

2.1%

1.6%

165

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

StarStone 

The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for losses and LAE for the years 

ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014:

Balance as at January 1

$

933,678

$

861,800

$

2016

2015

2014

Less: reinsurance reserves
recoverable

Net balance as at January 1

Net incurred losses and LAE:

  Current period

  Prior periods

  Total net incurred losses and LAE

Net paid losses:

  Current period

  Prior periods

299,783

633,895

325,209

536,591

—

—

—

415,829

(14,236)

401,593

367,040

(39,356)

327,684

229,488

(11,059)

218,429

(52,128)

(62,739)

(199,125)

(149,820)

(49,489)

(80,315)

  Total net paid losses

(251,253)

(212,559)

(129,804)

Effect of exchange rate movement

Acquired on purchase of subsidiaries

Assumed business

Ceded business

(15,984)

—
—
(66,100)

(17,821)

—

—

—

(16,716)

464,682

—

—

Net balance as at December 31

702,151

633,895

536,591

Plus: reinsurance reserves
recoverable
Balance as at December 31

357,231

299,783

$ 1,059,382

$

933,678

325,209

861,800

  Net incurred losses and LAE for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

Prior
Period

2016

Current
Period

Total

Prior
Period

2015

Current
Period

Total

Net losses paid

Net change in case and LAE reserves

Net change in IBNR reserves

Increase (reduction) in estimates of net
ultimate losses
Increase (reduction) in provisions for
unallocated LAE

Amortization of fair value adjustments

$199,125 $ 52,128 $ 251,253 $149,820 $ 62,739 $ 212,559
77,219

124,358

15,772

61,447

73,049

232,189

75,643

(200,730)

238,634

37,904

(51,309)
(156,546)

(8,730)

408,675

399,945

(35,138)

362,820

327,682

(3,611)
(1,895)

7,154

3,543

(683)

4,220

—

(1,895)

(3,535)

—

3,537

(3,535)

Net incurred losses and LAE

$ (14,236) $415,829 $ 401,593 $ (39,356) $367,040 $ 327,684

166

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Disclosures of Incurred and Paid Loss Development, IBNR, Claims Counts and Payout Percentages 

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The StarStone segment comprises 18% of the consolidated liability for losses and LAE as at December 31, 

2016 and therefore has not been disaggregated further for the purposes of presenting the accident year disclosures 
below. 

The following tables set forth information about incurred and paid loss development information for the 
StarStone segment as at December 31, 2016. The information related to incurred and paid loss development for the 
years ended December 31, 2014 through 2015 is presented as supplementary information and is unaudited. This 
business was acquired on April 1, 2014, as described in Note 3 - "Acquisitions". The information in the incurred and 
paid loss development tables below is presented on a prospective basis from the date of our acquisition of 
StarStone; as providing pre-acquisition incurred losses by accident year for years prior to 2014 was determined to 
be impracticable.    

Incurred Losses and Allocated Loss
Adjustment Expenses, Net of
Reinsurance

For the Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2014
(unaudited)

2015
(unaudited)

2016

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

18,453 $

17,532 $

19,513

50,984

45,340

174,838

324,625

365,135

342,406

248,702

48,558

39,411

158,845

308,384

347,626

308,840

292,595

365,426

48,609

46,277

160,093

322,684

329,426

297,213

279,432

372,016

271,950

Total $

2,147,213

Cumulative Paid Losses and
Allocated Loss Adjustment
Expenses, Net of Reinsurance

For The Years Ended December 31,

Accident
Year

2014
(unaudited)

2015
(unaudited)

2016

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

18,955 $

18,986 $

18,807

48,991

46,183

145,427

284,252

224,506

141,467

42,486

49,170

46,328

155,431

307,799

260,323

188,397

113,340

66,593

48,734

46,146

154,101

310,686

278,308

221,989

163,515

165,701

57,753

Total $

1,465,740

All outstanding liabilities for unpaid losses
and LAE prior to 2007, net of reinsurance

1,210

Total outstanding liabilities for unpaid

losses and LAE, net of reinsurance $

682,683

167

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The reconciliation of incurred and paid loss development to the liability for unpaid losses and LAE as presented 

in the tables above for the StarStone segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 is set forth below:

December 31, 2016

Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated LAE, net of reinsurance

$

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

Unallocated loss adjustment expenses

Fair value adjustments

682,683

360,737

16,825

(863)

Total gross liability for unpaid losses and LAE

$

1,059,382

Information  about  total  IBNR  liabilities  and  cumulative  loss  frequency  as  at  December  31,  2016,  including 
expected development on reported claims included within the net incurred losses and allocated LAE amounts for the 
StarStone segment, are set forth in the table below:

As at December 31, 2016

Accident Year

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Incurred Losses and
ALAE, Net of
Reinsurance

$

19,513 $

48,609

46,277

160,093

322,684

329,426

297,213

279,432

372,016

271,950

Total of IBNR plus
Expected
Development on
Reported Losses

Cumulative Number
of Reported Claims

—

—

309

763

5,067

18,372

30,226

55,291

96,665

136,314

1,254

1,715

2,253

4,247

8,997

11,098

12,414

15,057

21,721

17,074

The following is unaudited supplementary information for average annual historical duration of claims in the 

StarStone segment:

Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses by Age, Net of Reinsurance

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

StarStone

18.7%

34.7%

21.5%

9.2%

4.4%

2.4%

—%

—%

—%

—%

168

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

12. POLICY BENEFITS FOR LIFE CONTRACTS

We have acquired long duration contracts that subject us to mortality, longevity and morbidity risks and which 
are accounted for as life and annuity premiums earned. Life benefit reserves are established using assumptions for 
investment yields, mortality, morbidity, lapse and expenses, including a provision for adverse deviation. We establish 
and review our life reserves regularly based upon cash flow projections. We establish and maintain our life reinsurance 
reserves at a level that we estimate will, when taken together with future premium payments and investment income 
expected to be earned on associated premiums, be sufficient to support all future cash flow benefit obligations and 
third-party servicing obligations as they become payable. Refer to Note 2 - "Significant Accounting Policies - (d) Policy 
Benefits for Life and Annuity Contracts" for a description of the assumptions used and the process for establishing our 
assumptions and estimates. Policy benefits for life contracts as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $112.1 million
and $126.3 million, respectively. The annuity amounts presented in previous financial statements are now classified 
as held-for-sale liabilities. 

13. PREMIUMS WRITTEN AND EARNED

The following tables provide a summary of net premiums written and earned in our Non-life Run-off, Atrium, 

StarStone and Life and Annuities segments for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

Non-life Run-off
Gross
Ceded
Net
Atrium
Gross
Ceded
Net
StarStone
Gross
Ceded
Net
Life and Annuities
Life
Total

2016

2015

2014

Premiums
Written

Premiums
Earned

Premiums
Written

Premiums
Earned

Premiums
Written

Premiums
Earned

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

17,316

$

25,989

$

38,704

$

116,494

$

12,818

$

45,684

(8,114)

(9,234)

(16,110)

(72,125)

(2,546)

(14,516)

9,202

$

16,755

$

22,594

$

44,369

$

10,272

$

31,168

143,170

$

140,438

$

149,082

$

149,310

$

154,248

$

153,816

(2,733)

(16,022)

(14,502)

(14,635)

(17,973)

(17,871)

140,437

$

124,416

$

134,580

$

134,675

$

136,275

$

135,945

854,699

$

830,186

$

824,714

$

769,875

$

512,219

$

528,135

(206,663)

(153,578)

(196,287)

(196,729)

(113,045)

(154,502)

648,036

$

676,608

$

628,427

$

573,146

$

399,174

$

373,633

6,261

803,936

$

$

5,735

823,514

$

$

1,553

787,154

$

$

1,554

753,744

$

$

2,235

547,956

$

$

2,245

542,991

169

 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

14. GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND DEFERRED CHARGES

The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending goodwill, intangible assets and deferred 

charges for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

2016

Balance as at January 1, 2016

Acquired during the year

Amortization

Balance as at December 31, 2016

Intangible
assets with
a definite life 
- Other

Intangible 
assets with
an indefinite 
life

Total

Intangible 
assets with
a definite life 
- FVA

Other assets 
- Deferred
Charges

Goodwill

$

73,071

$

31,202

$

87,031

$

191,304

$

127,170

$

255,911

—

—

—

(6,449)

—

—

—

37,005

7,467

(6,449)

(19,017)

(168,827)

$

73,071

$

24,753

$

87,031

$

184,855

$

145,158

$

94,551

2015

Balance as at January 1, 2015

Acquired during the year

Amortization

Balance as at December 31, 2015

$

$

Intangible 
assets with
a definite life 
- Other

Intangible 
assets with
an indefinite 
life

Total

Intangible 
assets with
a definite life 
- FVA

Other assets 
- Deferred
Charges

Goodwill

73,071

$

41,048

$

87,031

$

201,150

$

97,623

$

—

—

—

—

(9,846)

—

—

—

(9,846)

23,968

5,579

271,176

(15,265)

73,071

$

31,202

$

87,031

$

191,304

$

127,170

$

255,911

Goodwill as at December 31, 2016 and 2015, related to Non-life Run-off, Atrium and StarStone, was $21.2 million, 
$38.9 million and $13.0 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we completed our assessment 
for impairment of goodwill and concluded that there had been no impairment of our carried goodwill amount. 

Intangible assets with a definite life - Other includes the distribution channel, Lloyd’s capacity, technology and 
brand related to our acquisitions of Atrium and StarStone. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 
period ranging from four to fifteen years. Intangible asset amortization for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 
and 2014 was $6.4 million, $9.8 million and $6.0 million, respectively. Amortization for the year ended December 31, 
2015 included an impairment charge of $4.0 million for the Torus brand in relation to the StarStone rebranding exercise.

Intangible assets with an indefinite life includes assets associated with the Lloyd’s syndicate capacity for StarStone 
and Atrium, StarStone's U.S. insurance licenses, and Atrium’s management contract with Syndicate 609 in relation to 
underwriting, actuarial and support services it provides.

Intangible  assets  with  a  definite  life  -  fair  value  adjustments  ("FVA")  relates  to  outstanding  losses  and  LAE,  
unearned premiums, other liabilities, reinsurance recoverables and other assets. These are included as a component 
of each balance sheet item. FVA are amortized in proportion to the recovery period for outstanding losses and LAE 
and reinsurance recoverables and as the unearned premiums expire for business in-force as of the acquisition date. 
Intangible asset amortization (accretion) of fair value adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 was $19.0 million, $(5.6) million and $(9.8) million, respectively. The FVA acquired during the year ended December 
31, 2016 related to other assets and other liabilities in our acquisition of Dana, as described in Note 3 - “Acquisitions” 
and Note 23 - “Commitments and Contingencies”. 

Other assets - deferred charges relate to retroactive reinsurance policies providing indemnification of losses and 
LAE with respect to past loss events. At the inception of a contract, a deferred charge asset is recorded for the excess, 
if any, of the estimated ultimate losses payable over the premiums received. These amounts relate to the transactions 
with Voya Financial, Sun Life and Coca-Cola, described in Note 4 - "Significant New Business". Amortization of the 
deferred charges included $130.2 million and $15.3 million related to a reduction in the liability for losses and LAE for 
the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and $38.6 million primarily related to a 
change in the expected return on the underlying assets for the year ended December 31, 2016.

170

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The gross carrying value, accumulated amortization and net carrying value of intangible assets by type and 

deferred charge at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

2016

2015

Gross
Carrying
Value

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Carrying
Value

Gross
Carrying
Value

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Carrying
Value

Intangible assets with a definite life:

Fair value adjustments:

Losses and LAE liabilities

$

458,202

$

(334,475) $

123,727

$

456,110

$

(307,785) $

148,325

Reinsurance balances recoverable

(175,924)

160,350

(15,574)

(175,774)

154,619

(21,155)

     Other Assets

     Other Liabilities

Total

Other:

Distribution channel

Technology

Brand

Total

Intangible assets with an indefinite life:

Lloyd’s syndicate capacity

Licenses

Management contract

Total

Deferred charges on retroactive
reinsurance

$

$

$

$

$

$

(48,840) $

85,845

319,283

$

$

—

—

(48,840) $

85,845

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

—

280,336

$

(153,166) $

127,170

(174,125) $

145,158

20,000

$

(4,111) $

15,889

$

20,000

$

(2,777) $

17,223

15,000

7,000

(10,978)

(2,158)

4,022

4,842

15,000

12,000

(6,561)

(6,460)

8,439

5,540

42,000

$

(17,247) $

24,753

$

47,000

$

(15,798) $

31,202

37,031

$

— $

37,031

$

37,031

$

— $

19,900

30,100

—

—

19,900

30,100

19,900

30,100

—

—

87,031

$

— $

87,031

$

87,031

$

— $

37,031

19,900

30,100

87,031

278,643

$

(184,092) $

94,551

271,176

(15,265)

255,911

The table above excludes fair value adjustments of $46.5 million and $53.6 million as at December 31, 2016 
and 2015, respectively, relating to policy benefits for life and annuity contracts relating to our Pavonia operations which 
are classified as held-for-sale. Amortization of fair value adjustments relating to Pavonia was $7.0 million and $7.9 
million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years related to our intangible assets 

with a definite life is as follows:

Year

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Total

$

$

$

$

$

9,274

9,524

10,178

10,294

9,682

$

$

$

$

$

(504)

469

1,056

1,346

1,620

$

$

$

$

$

2,761

315

(380)

(231)

(140)

$

$

$

$

$

11,531

10,308

10,854

11,409

11,162

171

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

15. LOANS PAYABLE

We utilize debt facilities primarily for acquisitions and, from time to time, for general corporate purposes. Under 

these facilities, loans payable as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

Facility

EGL Revolving Credit Facility

Sussex Facility

EGL Term Loan Facility 

Total loans payable

Origination Date

Term

2016

2015

September 16, 2014

5 years

$

535,103

$

December 24, 2014

November 18, 2016

4 years

3 years

63,500

75,000

505,750

94,000

—

$

673,603

$

599,750

During  the  year  ended  December 31,  2016,  we  utilized  $571.0  million  and  repaid  $493.3  million  under  our 
facilities. The facilities were primarily utilized for funding acquisitions and significant new business as described in 
Note 3 - "Acquisitions" and Note 4 - "Significant New Business," respectively.  

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, interest expense was $20.6 million, $19.4 million and 

$12.9 million, respectively, on our loan facilities. 

EGL Revolving Credit Facility

This 5-year revolving credit facility, originated on September 16, 2014, and most recently amended on August 
5, 2016, is among the Parent Company and certain of its subsidiaries, as borrowers and as guarantors, and various 
financial institutions. We are permitted to borrow up to an aggregate of $665.0 million and we have an option to obtain 
additional commitments of up to $166.25 million. The individual outstanding loans under this facility are short-term 
loans, and the fair values of these loans approximate their book values. As of December 31, 2016, there was $129.9 
million of available unutilized capacity under this facility. Subsequent to December 31, 2016, we utilized $90.0 million
and repaid $34.0 million bringing the available unutilized capacity under this facility to $73.9 million. 

 Interest is payable at least every six months at a LIBOR rate plus a margin and utilization fee as set forth in the 
credit facility agreement. The margin could vary based upon any change in our long term senior unsecured debt rating 
assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or Fitch Ratings Ltd. We also pay a commitment fee for any unutilized 
portion of the facility. In the event of default, the interest rate may increase and the agent may cancel lender commitments 
and may demand early repayment.

Financial and business covenants imposed on us include certain limitations on mergers and consolidations, 
acquisitions, indebtedness and guarantees, restrictions as to dispositions of stock and assets, and limitations on liens. 
Generally,  the  financial  covenants  require  us  to  maintain  a  gearing  ratio  of  consolidated  indebtedness  to  total 
capitalization of not greater than 0.35 to 1.0 and to maintain a consolidated tangible net worth of not less than the 
aggregate of (i) $1.5 billion, (ii) 50% of positive net income since June 30, 2014, and (iii) 75% of the proceeds of any 
common stock issuance.  In addition, the weighted-average credit rating of our cash and fixed maturity investments 
must be "BBB" or greater at all times. We are in compliance with the covenants of the EGL Revolving Credit Facility.

We borrowed €75.0 million under the facility during 2016 that was designated as a non-derivative hedge of our 
net investment in certain subsidiaries whose functional currency is denominated in Euros. The foreign exchange effect 
of revaluing these Euro borrowings resulted in a gain of $6.0 million recognized in the currency translation adjustment 
within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. These 
amounts  were  offset  against  equivalent  amounts  recognized  upon  the  translation  of  those  subsidiaries'  financial 
statements from functional currency into U.S. dollars. There were no ineffective portions of the net investment hedge 
during  the  year  ended  December 31,  2016,  which  would  have  required  reclassification  from  accumulated  other 
comprehensive income (loss) into earnings. 

Sussex Facility

On  December  24,  2014,  we  entered  into  a  four-year  term  loan  (the  "Sussex  Facility",  formerly  called  the 
Companion Facility) with two financial institutions. This facility was fully utilized to borrow $109.0 million to fund 50%
of the consideration payable for the acquisition of Sussex, which was completed on January 27, 2015. During the years 
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we repaid $30.5 million and $15.0 million of the outstanding principal under this 
facility.

172

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

 Interest is payable at least every six months at a LIBOR rate plus a margin as set forth in the loan agreement. 
In the event of default, the interest rate may increase and early repayment may be demanded, or the lender could 
proceed against the security. This facility is secured by a first priority interest in all of the assets and stock of Sussex. 

Financial  and  business  covenants  imposed  on  Sussex  include  limitations  on  mergers  and  consolidations, 
acquisitions,  indebtedness  and  guarantees,  restrictions  as  to  dispositions  of  stock  and  assets  (except  for  certain 
permitted dispositions), restrictions on dividends, and limitations on liens. Generally, the financial covenants require 
Sussex to (i) maintain statutory surplus of at least 1.1 times the authorized control level under the NAIC's risk-based 
capital calculation and at least 2 times the outstanding loan balance; and (ii) maintain certain characteristics of its 
investment portfolio relating to average credit quality and concentration. We are in compliance with the covenants of 
the Sussex Facility.

EGL Term Loan Facility

On November 18, 2016, we entered into and fully utilized a three-year $75.0 million unsecured term loan (the 

"EGL Term Loan Facility"). 

 Interest is payable at least every three months at either (i) a base rate plus a margin or (ii) a LIBOR rate plus a 
margin as set forth in the loan agreement. In the event of default, an interest rate increase and early repayment may 
be demanded.

Financial  and  business  covenants  imposed  on  us  include  certain  limitations  on  mergers,  consolidations, 
acquisitions, indebtedness and guarantees, restrictions on dividends, and limitations on liens. We are also required to 
maintain an average credit quality in our fixed income investment portfolio of BBB or its equivalent, and certain of our 
subsidiaries  are  restricted  from  engaging  in  certain  derivative  transactions  without  lender  consent. The  covenants 
require our regulated insurance subsidiaries to maintain capital resources of at least 1.1 times the amount required to 
meet solvency requirements.

173

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

16. NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Redeemable noncontrolling interest ("RNCI") as of December 31, 2016 comprises the ownership interest held 
by Trident (39.32%) and Dowling (1.71%) in North Bay Holdings Limited ("North Bay"). On December 23, 2015, we 
completed a corporate reorganization of certain of our subsidiary holding companies. Following the reorganization, 
StarStone Holdings and Northshore are owned by a common parent, North Bay. Northshore owns 100% of Atrium and 
Arden. StarStone Holdings owns 100% of StarStone and all of the interests in a segregated cell of one of our non-life 
run-off subsidiaries that reinsured all of StarStone’s non-life run-off reserves with effect from January 1, 2014. 

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amount of the equity attributable to the 

RNCI for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: 

Balance at beginning of year

Capital contributions

Dividends paid

Net earnings (loss) attributable to RNCI

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RNCI

Transfer from noncontrolling interest

Change in redemption value of RNCI

Balance at end of year

2016

2015

$

417,663 $

374,619

—

—

40,639

651

—

(4,431)

15,728

(16,128)

(8,797)

(745)

15,801

37,185

$

454,522 $

417,663

We have carried the RNCI at its estimated redemption value, which is fair value, as of December 31, 2016. The 

decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in comparable company market valuations.

On June 30, 2015, Trident contributed $15.7 million to StarStone Holdings. The transfer from noncontrolling 
interest in 2015 related to Dowling's interest. It was transferred to RNCI on December 31, 2015 following the corporate 
reorganization.     

Refer to Note 2 - "Significant Accounting Policies," Note 3 - "Acquisitions," Note 21 - "Related Party Transactions" 

and Note 23 - "Commitments and Contingencies" for additional information regarding RNCI. 

Noncontrolling Interest

As of December 31, 2016, we had $8.5 million of noncontrolling interest ("NCI") primarily related to an external 
interest in one of our non-life run-off subsidiaries. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amount of the 
equity attributable to NCI is included in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders Equity. 

During 2015, we made the following repurchases of NCI:  

•  On June 30, 2015, we entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement with J.C. Flowers II L.P., J.C. Flowers 
II-A L.P., J.C. Flowers II-B, L.P. and Financial Service Opportunities L.P. (collectively, the "JCF II Funds"), 
pursuant to which we purchased all of the non-voting preference shares of Cumberland Holdings Ltd. and 
Courtenay Holdings Ltd., which represent all of the NCI owned directly by the JCF II Funds in our subsidiaries, 
for an aggregate price of $140.0 million. Immediately prior to the repurchase, the book value of the JCF II 
Funds’ NCI was $182.8 million. The transaction closed on September 30, 2015.

•  On  September  3,  2015,  we  entered  into  a  Sale  and  Purchase Agreement  with  Shinsei  Bank,  Limited 
("Shinsei"),  pursuant  to  which  we  purchased  all  of  the  Class  B  shares  of  Comox  Holdings  Ltd.,  which 
represents all of the NCI owned directly by Shinsei in our subsidiaries, for an aggregate price of $10.4 million. 
Immediately prior to the repurchase, the book value of Shinsei’s NCI was $12.5 million. The transaction 
closed on September 8, 2015.

The difference between the price we paid and the book value of the NCI immediately prior to repurchase has 

been reflected as an increase to additional paid-in capital. 

174

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

17. SHARE CAPITAL

As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the authorized share capital was 111,000,000 ordinary shares ("Voting 
Ordinary Shares") and non-voting convertible ordinary shares ("Non-Voting Ordinary Shares"), each of par value $1.00
per share, and 45,000,000 preference shares of par value $1.00 per share. 

The Voting Ordinary Shares are listed and trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Each Voting Ordinary 
Share entitles the holder thereof to one vote. In accordance with the bye-laws, any U.S. shareholder or direct foreign 
shareholder group whose shares constitute 9.5% or more of the voting power of the Voting Ordinary Shares is entitled 
to less than one vote for each Voting Ordinary Share held by it. 

The Non-Voting Ordinary Shares are comprised of several different series as of December 31, 2016: 

•  The Series A shares were issued and held in treasury, but were not outstanding. These shares were canceled 

in June 2016 in an internal reorganization as described below.

•  The Series C shares were originally issued in connection with investment transactions in April and December 
of 2011. The Series C shares: (i) have all of the economic rights (including dividend rights) attaching to Voting 
Ordinary Shares but are non-voting except in certain limited circumstances; (ii) will automatically convert at 
a  one-for-one  exchange  ratio  (subject  to  adjustment  for  share  splits,  dividends,  recapitalizations, 
consolidations or similar transactions) into Voting Ordinary Shares if the registered holder transfers them in 
a widely dispersed offering; (iii) may only vote on certain limited matters that would constitute a variation of 
class rights and as required under Bermuda law, provided that the aggregate voting power of the Series C 
shares with respect to any merger, consolidation or amalgamation will not exceed 0.01% of the aggregate 
voting power of our issued share capital; and (iv) require the registered holders’ written consent in order to 
vary the rights of the shares in a significant and adverse manner.

•  The Series B and Series D shares were created in connection with the 2011 investment transactions, but 
no shares in these series are issued and outstanding. Holders of the Series C shares have the right to convert 
such shares, on a share-for-share basis, subject to certain adjustments, into Series D shares at their option. 
There is no economic difference in Series B, C or D shares, but there are slight differences in the conversion 
rights and the limited voting rights of each series.

•  There were 404,771 Series E shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016. There were 714,015
Series E shares originally issued and outstanding in connection with the acquisition of StarStone. During 
2015, 309,244 of the previously issued and outstanding Series E shares were converted into Voting Ordinary 
Shares upon market sales constituting a widely dispersed offering. The Series E shares have substantially 
the same rights as the Series C shares, except that (i) they are convertible only into Voting Ordinary Shares 
and (ii) they may only vote as required under Bermuda law.  The Series E shares include all other Non-
Voting Ordinary Shares authorized under our bye-laws but not classified as Series A, B, C or D Non-Voting 
Ordinary Shares.

As of December 31, 2016, there were warrants outstanding to acquire 175,901 Series C Non-Voting Ordinary 
Shares for an exercise price of $115.00 per share, subject to certain adjustments (the "Warrants").  The Warrants were 
issued in April 2011 and expire in April 2021. The Warrant holder may, at its election, satisfy the exercise price of the 
Warrants on a cashless basis by surrender of shares otherwise issuable upon exercise of the Warrants in accordance 
with a formula set forth in the Warrants. During December 2016, 164,919 Warrants were exercised on a cashless basis, 
resulting in the issuance of 66,520 Series C Non-Voting Ordinary Shares. In a series of transactions that took place 
subsequent to December 31, 2016, 192,485 Series C Non-Voting Ordinary Shares converted into Voting Ordinary 
Shares in a widely dispersed offering by their registered holders. 

As of December 31, 2016, there were 388,571 Series C Participating Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock 
("Series C Preferred Shares") issued and held by one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Series C Preferred Shares 
were issued in June 2016 in an internal reorganization transaction that resulted in the cancellation of all of the Series 
A Shares, which had an equivalent value and were also previously held by our wholly-owned subsidiary.   The Series 
C Preferred Shares (i) upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, entitle their holders to a preference 
over holders of our ordinary voting and non-voting shares of an amount equal to $0.001 per share with respect to 
surplus assets and (ii) are non-voting except in certain limited circumstances. The Series C Preferred shares have 
dividend rights equal to those of the ordinary voting shares, subject to certain limitations and in an amount determined 
by a "participation rate" that is generally reflective of the reduction in the number of Series C Preferred Shares issued 

175

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

in exchange for the previously outstanding Series A Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares otherwise rank on parity 
with the ordinary voting and non-voting shares, and they rank senior to each other class or series of share capital, 
unless the terms of any such class or series shall expressly provide otherwise.

There were 714,015 Series B Convertible Participating Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value 1.00
per share (the “Non-Voting Preferred Shares”) issued and converted into Series E shares during 2014 in connection 
with our acquisition of StarStone.

18. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  computation  of  basic  and  diluted  earnings  per  share  for  the  years  ended 

December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

Numerator:

Net earnings from continuing operations
Net earnings (losses) from discontinuing operations
Net earnings attributable to Enstar Group Limited

Denominator:

Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding — basic
Effect of dilutive securities:

Restricted shares
Restricted share units
Warrants
Preferred shares

Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted

Earnings per share attributable to Enstar Group Limited:
Basic:

Net earnings from continuing operations
Net earnings (loss) from discontinuing operations
Net earnings per ordinary share

Diluted:

Net earnings from continuing operations
Net earnings (loss) from discontinuing operations
Net earnings per ordinary share

2016

2015

2014

$

$

252,844 $

11,963

264,807 $

222,322 $
(2,031)
220,291 $

208,210
5,539
213,749

19,299,426

19,252,072

18,409,069

31,434
16,994
99,387
—
19,447,241

63,900
12,901
78,883
—
19,407,756

57,184
15,986
58,957
136,934
18,678,130

$

$

$

$

13.10 $

0.62

13.72 $

13.00 $

0.62

13.62 $

11.55 $
(0.11)
11.44 $

11.46 $
(0.11)
11.35 $

11.31
0.30
11.61

11.15
0.29
11.44

176

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

19. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION AND PENSIONS

Share-based compensation 

Employee share awards have been granted under the 2016 and 2006 Equity Incentive Plans. 

Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units

Restricted shares and restricted share units are service awards that typically vest over three to four years. These 
awards are share-settled and are recorded in additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair 
value  of  these  awards  is  measured  at  the  grant  date  and  expensed  over  the  service  period.  The  following  table 
summarizes the activity related to restricted shares and restricted share awards during 2016:

Number of
Shares

Weighted-
Average
Share Price of
 Award

Nonvested — January 1

96,055 $

Granted

Vested
Forfeited

Nonvested — December 31

44,165

(44,925)
(16,303)

78,992

150.04

182.98

101.48

141.09

165.94

Compensation costs of $3.0 million, $6.1 million and $3.9 million relating to these share awards were recognized 
in our statement of earnings for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015  and 2014, respectively. The unrecognized 
compensation cost related to our non-vested share awards as at December 31, 2016 was $8.4 million. This cost is 
expected to be recognized over the next 2.0 years, which is the weighted average contractual life of the awards. 

Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights

 Cash-settled stock appreciation right awards ("SARs") give the holder the right, upon exercise, to receive in 
cash the difference between the market price per share of our ordinary shares at the time of exercise and the exercise 
price of the SARs. The exercise price of each SAR is equal to the market price of our ordinary shares on the date of 
the grant. Vested SARs are exercisable for periods not to exceed either 4 years or 10 years from the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the activity related to SARs during 2016:

Number of
SARs

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price of SARs

Weighted 
Average
Expected Term
(in years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic  Value

(1)

Balance, beginning of year

Exercised 
Forfeited
Balance, end of year

1,160,828 $

(92,458)

(127,202)

941,168

140.51

139.88

139.58

140.70

1.94 $

53,644

(1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the pre-tax difference between the exercise price of the underlying share awards and the 
closing price per share of our ordinary shares of $197.70 on December 31, 2016.

Compensation expense for SARs is based on the estimated fair value on the date of grant using the Black-
Scholes valuation model, which requires the use of subjective assumptions related to the expected stock price volatility, 
expected  term,  expected  dividend  yield  and  risk-free  interest  rate.  SARs  are  liability-classified  awards  for  which 
compensation expense and the liability are re-measured using the then-current Black Scholes assumptions at each 
interim reporting date based upon the portion of the requisite service period rendered. Compensation costs of $35.6 
million and $8.9 million relating to these share awards were recognized in our statement of earnings for the years 
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The unrecognized compensation cost related to our SARs as at 
December 31, 2016 was $10.1 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over the next 0.53 years, which is the 
weighted-average remaining vesting term of the awards.

177

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The following table sets forth the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the SARs using the Black-

Scholes option valuation model as at December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Weighted-average fair value per SAR

Weighted-average volatility

Weighted-average risk-free interest rate

Dividend yield

Performance Share Units ("PSUs")

2016

2015

2014

$

62.39

$

29.02

$

37.63

19.82%

1.12%

0.00%

22.08%

1.29%

0.00%

21.24%

0.81%

0.00%

 Subsequent to December 31, 2016, we granted 34,775 PSU's with a grant date fair value of $6.9 million. The 
PSU's are share-settled and vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. The number of shares to vest will be 
determined by a performance adjustment based on the change in fully diluted book value per share ("FDBVPS") over 
three years.  An increase of 30% to 40% or more in FDBVPS results in a settlement of 100% to a maximum of 150%
of the units granted, respectively. An increase of 20% to 30% in FDBVPS results in a settlement of 50% to 100% of 
the units granted, respectively. Straight-line interpolation applies within these ranges and no settlement occurs if the 
increase in FDBVPS is less than 20%.   

Other share-based compensation plans

Northshore Incentive Plan

Our subsidiary, Northshore, has long-term incentive plans that award time-based restricted shares of Northshore 
to certain Atrium employees. Shares generally vest over two to three years. These share awards have been classified 
as liability awards. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, compensation costs of $2.8 million, $3.9 
million and $5.2 million relating to the long-term incentive plans were recorded in our consolidated statement of earnings. 
The unrecognized compensation cost related to the Northshore incentive plan at December 31, 2016 was $3.7 million. 
This cost is expected to be recognized over the next 1.76 years, which is the weighted average contractual life of the 
awards. 

Deferred Compensation and Ordinary Share Plan for Non-Employee Directors

For  the  years  ended  December 31,  2016,  2015  and  2014,  4,298,  5,174  and  3,716  restricted  share  units, 
respectively,  were  credited  to  the  accounts  of  non-employee  directors  under  the  Enstar  Group  Limited  Deferred 
Compensation and Ordinary Share Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"). Expense 
related to the restricted share units for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $0.7 million, $1.0 
million and $0.5 million, respectively. 

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, 2,393 and 11,749 restricted share units, respectively,  
previously credited to the accounts of two directors under the Deferred Compensation Plan were converted into ordinary 
shares following their resignations. Also during 2014, 14,922 restricted share units previously credited to one of the 
retiring director's account under a previous deferred compensation plan were converted into the same number of our 
ordinary shares.

Employee Share Purchase Plan

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, compensation costs relating to the shares issued 
under the Amended and Restated Enstar Group Limited Employee Share Purchase Plan ("Share Plan") of $0.3 million, 
$0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, were recorded as salaries and benefits in our consolidated statement of 
earnings. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 12,234, 11,998 and 6,031 shares, respectively, 
were issued to employees under the Share Plan.

178

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Pension Plans

We provide retirement benefits to eligible employees through various plans that we sponsor. 

Defined Contribution Plans

Pension expense relating to defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
was $10.8 million, $10.3 million and $9.2 million, respectively. Pension expense can be affected by changes in our 
employee headcount as a result of our acquisitions described in Note 3 - "Acquisitions."

Defined Benefit Plan

We  have  a  noncontributory  defined  benefit  pension  plan  that  was  acquired  in  the  Providence  Washington 
transaction in 2010. Pension expense relating to this defined benefit plan was $2.3 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million
for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in pension expense during 2016 
was due to the completion of a lump sum buyout offering during 2016 and was offset by a reduction in accumulated 
other comprehensive loss in shareholders' equity. During 2016, an actuarial review was performed, which determined 
that  the  plan’s  unfunded  liability,  as  at  December 31,  2016,  was  $10.3  million  as  compared  to  $12.1  million  as  at 
December 31, 2015. As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had an accrued liability of $10.3 million and $12.1 million, 
respectively, for this plan. 

179

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

20. TAXATION

Enstar Group Limited's Parent Company is incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and under Bermuda law is 
not  required  to  pay  taxes  in  Bermuda  based  upon  income  or  capital  gains.    The  Company,  under  the  Exempted 
Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966, is protected against any legislation that may be enacted in Bermuda which 
would impose any tax on profits, income, or gain until March 31, 2035. 

We have foreign operating subsidiaries and branch operations principally located in the United States, United 
Kingdom, Continental Europe and Australia that are subject to federal, foreign, state and local taxes in those jurisdictions. 
Deferred  income  tax  liabilities  have  not  been  accrued  with  respect  to  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  foreign 
subsidiaries. If the earnings were to be distributed, as dividends or other distributions, withholding taxes may be imposed 
by the jurisdiction of the paying subsidiary. For our U.S. subsidiaries, we have not currently accrued any withholding 
taxes with respect to un-remitted earnings as management has no current intention of remitting these earnings. For 
our United Kingdom subsidiaries, there are no withholding taxes imposed. For our other foreign subsidiaries, it would 
not be practicable to compute such amounts due to a variety of factors, including the amount, timing, and manner of 
any repatriation. Because we operate in many jurisdictions, our net earnings are subject to risk due to changing tax 
laws and tax rates around the world. The current, rapidly changing economic environment may increase the likelihood 
of substantial changes to tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate.

The following table presents earnings before income taxes by jurisdiction from continuing operations:

Domestic (Bermuda)

Foreign

Total earnings before income tax on continuing operations

2016

2015

2014

$

$

191,647 $

61,695 $

154,453

135,677

163,327

72,845

327,324 $

225,022 $

227,298

The following table presents our current and deferred income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations 

by jurisdiction:  

Current:

Domestic (Bermuda)

Foreign

Deferred:

Domestic (Bermuda)

Foreign

2016

2015

2014

$

— $

— $

21,485

21,485

—

13,389

13,389

30,028

30,028

—

(17,378)

(17,378)

—

38,814

38,814

—

(33,213)

(33,213)

Total tax expense on continuing operations

$

34,874 $

12,650 $

5,601

180

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

The actual income tax rate differs from the amount computed by applying the effective rate of 0% under Bermuda 

law to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes as shown in the following reconciliation:

Earnings before income tax

Bermuda income taxes at statutory rate

Foreign income tax rate differential

Change in unrecognized tax benefits

Benefit of loss carryovers

Change in valuation allowance

Investment write-off

Foreign currency translation

Other

Effective tax rate

2016

2015

2014

$ 327,324

$ 225,022

$ 227,298

0.0 %

8.8 %

— %

— %

(0.1)%

— %

— %

2.0 %

10.7 %

0.0 %

17.6 %

— %

— %

0.0 %

11.3 %

(1.0)%

(1.3)%

(10.5)%

(13.2)%

— %

(0.3)%

(1.2)%

5.6 %

1.9 %

0.8 %

4.0 %

2.5 %

Our effective tax rate is driven by the geographical distribution of our pre-tax net earnings between our taxable 

and non-taxable jurisdictions. 

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax effect of the differences between the financial reporting and 
income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Significant components of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities 
related to our continuing operations were as follows:

As of December 31,

2016

2015

$

262,271 $

259,851

7,487

19,265

8,760

6,581

16,018

7,946

6,354

29,682

6,821

17,768

17,694

3,532

328,328

341,702

(290,861)

(291,280)

37,467

50,422

(12,804)

(20,615)

(21,030)

(54,449)

$

(16,982) $

(10,567)

(20,895)

(22,044)

(53,506)

(3,084)

Deferred tax assets:

Net operating loss carryforwards

Tax credits and other carryforwards

Insurance reserves

Unearned premiums

Lloyd's underwriting losses taxable in future periods

Provisions for bad debt

Other deferred tax assets

Gross deferred tax assets

Valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:

Unrealized gains on investments
Intangible assets
Other deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liability

181

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

As of December 31, 2016, we had net operating loss carryforwards that could be available to offset future taxable 

income, as follows:

Tax Jurisdiction

Loss Carryforwards

Tax effect

Expiration

Operating and Capital Loss Carryforwards:
United States - Net operating loss

United States - Capital loss

United Kingdom

Other

Tax Credits:
United States alternative minimum tax

$

571,235 $

11,820

280,707
30,098

193,670

4,905

57,381

6,152

$

7,374

2021-2033

2021-2026

None

None

None

Assessment of Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had deferred tax asset valuation allowances of $290.9 million and $291.3 

million, respectively, related to foreign subsidiaries. 

The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future periods in 
which the tax benefits are deductible or creditable. Taxes are determined and assessed jurisdictionally by legal entity 
or by filing group. Certain jurisdictions require or allow combined or consolidated tax filings. We have estimated future 
taxable income of our foreign subsidiaries and provided a valuation allowance in respect of those assets where we do 
not expect to realize a benefit. We have considered all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard in 
determining the amount of the valuation allowance. Our assessment weighs both positive and negative evidence and 
considers the extent to which the evidence can be objectively verified. When negative evidence outweighs positive 
evidence then it can be difficult to support a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed. We consider the 
following evidence: (i) net earnings or losses in recent years; (ii) the future sustainability and likelihood of positive net 
earnings of our subsidiaries; (iii) the carryforward periods of tax losses including the effect of reversing temporary 
differences; and (iv) tax planning strategies.  

The decrease of $0.4 million in our continuing operations for 2016 related to the utilization of deferred tax assets 
for which we previously carried a valuation allowance, offset by additional valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 
management assessed as unable to meet the more-likely-than-not standard for utilization.

Uncertainty in Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 

Balance, beginning of year
Gross increases — tax positions related to prior years
Gross decreases — tax positions related to prior years
Lapse of statute of limitations
Balance, end of year

2016

2015

2014

— $

— $

2,249

—

—

—

—

—

—

— $

— $

—

—

(2,249)

—

$

$

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we recognized a benefit for the reversal of interest 
and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations in the amount of 
$nil, $nil and $2.2 million, respectively. There were no accruals for the payment of interest and penalties related to 
unrecognized tax benefits at each of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Our operating subsidiaries may be subject to audit by various tax authorities and may have different statutes of 
limitations expiration dates. Tax authorities may propose adjustments to our income taxes. Listed below are the tax 
years that remain subject to examination by a major tax jurisdiction as of December 31, 2016: 

182

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Major Tax Jurisdiction
United States

United Kingdom

Australia

21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Stone Point Capital LLC

Open Tax Years
2013-2015

2013-2015

2011-2015

Through several private transactions occurring from May 2012 to July 2012, Trident acquired 1,350,000 of our 
Voting Ordinary Shares (which now constitutes approximately 8.3% of our outstanding Voting Ordinary Shares). On 
November 6, 2013, we appointed James D. Carey to our Board of Directors. Mr. Carey is the sole member of an entity 
that is one of four general partners of the entities serving as general partners for Trident, is a member of the investment 
committees of such general partners, and is a member and senior principal of Stone Point Capital LLC ("Stone Point"), 
the manager of the Trident funds.

In addition, we have entered into certain agreements with Trident with respect to Trident’s co-investments in the 
Atrium, Arden, and StarStone acquisitions. These include investors’ agreements and shareholders’ agreements, which 
provide for, among other things: (i) our right to redeem Trident’s equity interest in the Atrium/Arden and StarStone 
transactions in cash at fair market value within the 90 days following the fifth anniversary of the Arden and StarStone 
closings,  respectively,  and  at  any  time  following  the  seventh  anniversary  of  the  Arden  and  StarStone  closings, 
respectively;  and  (ii) Trident’s  right  to  have  its  equity  co-investment  interests  in  the Atrium/Arden  and  StarStone 
transactions redeemed by us at fair market value (which we may satisfy in either cash or our ordinary shares) following 
the seventh anniversaries of the Arden closing and StarStone closing, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, we have 
included $454.5 million (December 31, 2015: $417.7 million) as RNCI on our balance sheet relating to these Trident 
co-investment transactions. Pursuant to the terms of the shareholders’ agreements, Mr. Carey serves as a Trident 
representative on the boards of the holding companies established in connection with the Atrium/Arden and StarStone 
co-investment transactions. Trident also has a second representative on these boards who is a Stone Point employee. 

As  at  December 31,  2016,  we  had  investments  in  funds  (carried  within  other  investments)  and  a  registered 
investment company affiliated with entities owned by Trident or otherwise affiliated with Stone Point. The fair value of 
the investments in the funds was $232.1 million and $237.9 million as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 
respectively, while the fair value of our investment in the registered investment company was $20.9 million and $21.0 
million as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 
2015, we recognized net realized and unrealized gains of $17.2 million and net realized and unrealized losses of $0.1 
million respectively, in respect of the fund investments, and net realized and unrealized losses of $0.4 million and $4.7 
million, respectively, in respect of the registered investment company investment. For the years ended December 31, 
2016 and 2015, we recognized interest income of $3.1 million and $2.8 million in respect of the registered investment 
company.

We also have separate accounts, with a balance of $215.0 million and $157.8 million as at December 31, 2016 
and 2015, respectively, managed by Eagle Point Credit Management and PRIMA Capital Advisors, which are affiliates 
of entities owned by Trident, with respect to which we incurred approximately $0.5 million and $0.4 million in management 
fees for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In addition, we are invested in two funds (carried within other investments) managed by Sound Point Capital, 
an entity in which Mr. Carey has an indirect minority ownership interest and serves as director. The fair value of our 
investments  in  Sound  Point  Capital  funds  was  $25.4  million  and  $34.5  million  as  of  December 31,  2016  and 
December 31, 2015, respectively; the decrease was primarily due to a partial sale of fund investment during the year 
ended December 31, 2016. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we have recognized net realized and 
unrealized gains of $1.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in respect of investments managed by Sound Point 
Capital.

Sound Point Capital has acted as collateral manager for certain of our direct investments in CLO equity securities. 
The fair value of these investments was $20.3 million and $18.2 million as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 
2015, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we recognized net realized and unrealized 
gains of $2.1 million and net realized unrealized losses of $3.6 million, respectively. For the years ended December 

183

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

31, 2016 and 2015, we recognized interest income of $6.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively, in respect of these 
investments.

We have a separate account managed by Sound Point Capital, with a balance of $61.2 million and $53.5 million
as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, with respect to which we incurred approximately $0.3 
million and $0.1 million in management fees for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Goldman Sachs & Co.

Affiliates  of  Goldman,  Sachs  &  Co.  ("Goldman  Sachs")  previously  owned  approximately  4.1%  of  our  Voting 
Ordinary Shares and 100% of our Series C Non-Voting Ordinary Shares ("Series C Shares"), which constituted an 
aggregate economic interest of approximately 17.5% (excluding the impact of Goldman Sachs' warrants to acquire 
additional Series C Non-Voting Ordinary Shares). During September 2016, Goldman Sachs affiliates: (i) sold a portion 
of their Voting Ordinary Shares, Series C Non-Voting Ordinary Shares, and warrants, following which they held an 
aggregate economic interest of approximately 8.5% and (ii) sold Series C Shares to Canada Pension Plan Investment 
Board ("CPPIB")  that resulted in Goldman Sachs holding an aggregate economic interest of approximately 2.3%. In 
December 2016, we filed a registration statement at Goldman Sachs' expense, pursuant to which Goldman Sachs 
affiliates were permitted to offer their remaining Voting Ordinary Shares and Series C Shares for resale from time to 
time. In addition, Goldman Sachs affiliates completed a cashless exercise of their remaining warrants, which were 
exchanged for Series C Non-Voting Ordinary Shares and included under the registration statement. Sumit Rajpal, a 
managing director of Goldman Sachs, was appointed to our Board of Directors in connection with Goldman Sachs’ 
investment in Enstar; he resigned on September 16, 2016.

As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had investments in funds (carried within other investments) 
affiliated with entities owned by Goldman Sachs, which had a fair value of $19.3 million and $39.6 million, respectively. 
The decrease was primarily due to a sale of one of the fund investments during the year ended December 31, 2016.  
As  of  December 31,  2016  and  December 31,  2015,  we  had  an  indirect  investment  in  non-voting  interests  of  two
companies affiliated with Hastings Insurance Group Limited which had a fair value of $49.9 million and $44.6 million, 
respectively. Goldman Sachs affiliates have an approximately 38% interest in the Hastings companies, and Mr. Rajpal 
serves as a director of the entities in which we have invested. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we 
recognized net realized and unrealized gains of $20.6 million and $24.1 million and interest income of $1.7 million and 
$nil, respectively, in respect of the Goldman Sachs-affiliated investments.

A Goldman Sachs affiliate provides investment management services to one of our subsidiaries. Our interests 
are held in accounts managed by affiliates of Goldman Sachs, with a balance of $748.0 million and $758.9 million as 
at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 respectively, with respect to which we incurred approximately $0.8 
million and $0.6 million in management fees for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

CPPIB 

CPPIB, together with management of Wilton Re, own 100% of the common stock of Wilton Re. Subsequent to 
the closing of our transaction with Wilton Re on June 3, 2015, CPPIB purchased voting and non-voting shares in Enstar 
from FR XI Offshore AIV, L.P., First Reserve Fund XII, L.P., FR XII-A Parallel Vehicle L.P. and FR Torus Co-Investment, 
L.P. On September 29, 2015, CPPIB exercised its acquired right to appoint a representative, Poul Winslow, to our 
Board of Directors. During November 2016, CPPIB acquired additional non-voting shares in Enstar from Goldman 
Sachs affiliates in a private transaction. Following this transaction, CPPIB's shares constitute an approximate 9.3% 
voting interest and an approximate 16% aggregate economic interest in Enstar. 

In  addition,  approximately  4.6%  of  our  voting  shares  (constituting  an  aggregate  economic  interest  of 
approximately 3.8%) are held indirectly by CPPIB through CPPIB Epsilon Ontario Limited Partnership ("CPPIB LP"). 
CPPIB is the sole limited partner of CPPIB LP, and CPPIB Epsilon Ontario Trust ("CPPIB Trust") is the general partner. 
CPPIB's director representative is a trustee of CPPIB Trust.  

We also have a pre-existing reinsurance recoverable from a company later acquired by Wilton Re, which was 

carried on our balance sheet at $9.4 million as of December 31, 2016.

KaylaRe 

On December 15, 2016, our equity method investee, KaylaRe Holdings Ltd. ("KaylaRe") completed an initial 
capital raise of $620.0 million. We own approximately 48.4% of KaylaRe's common shares. We also have a warrant 

184

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

to purchase up to 900,000 common shares of KaylaRe, exercisable upon an initial public offering or listing of KaylaRe’s 
common shares at an exercise price of $20.00 per share. We have recorded the investment in KaylaRe using the 
equity method basis of accounting, pursuant to the conclusion that we are not required to consolidate following an 
analysis based on the guidance in ASC 810 - Consolidation. Our investment in the common shares and warrants of 
KaylaRe was carried at $294.6 million in other assets on our consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2016.

In  connection  with  our  investment  in  KaylaRe,  we  entered  into  a  Shareholders Agreement  with  the  other 
shareholders in KaylaRe, including the Trident funds and HH KaylaRe Holdings, Ltd., an affiliate of Hillhouse Capital 
Management (“Hillhouse”). The Shareholders Agreement (i) provides us with the right to appoint one member to the 
KaylaRe Board of Directors until the date that we own less than 1,250,000 common shares, (ii) includes a five year 
lock-up period on common shares of KaylaRe (unless KaylaRe completes an initial public offering before the expiry 
of this five year lock-up period), (iii) provides customary tag-along rights and rights of first refusal in the case of certain 
proposed transfers by any other shareholder and customary preemptive rights in the event of a proposed new issuance 
of equity securities by KaylaRe. In the event that KaylaRe has not consummated an initial public offering by March 31, 
2021, the Trident funds have the right to require us and Hillhouse to purchase on a pro rata basis all of their common 
shares in KaylaRe at the then-current fair market value. 

Our subsidiary, Enstar Limited, acts as insurance and reinsurance manager to KaylaRe's subsidiary, KaylaRe 
Ltd. Affiliates of Enstar have also entered into various reinsurance agreements with KaylaRe Ltd., and KaylaRe Ltd. 
will also have the opportunity to participate in future Enstar legacy transactions. We also provide administrative services 
to KaylaRe and KaylaRe Ltd.

Through a Quota Share Agreement dated December 15, 2016, (the "KaylaRe-StarStone QS") several of our 
StarStone affiliates have entered into a Quota Share Treaty with KaylaRe Ltd. pursuant to which KaylaRe Ltd. reinsures 
35% of all business written by these StarStone affiliates for risks attaching from January 1, 2016, net of the StarStone 
affiliates’ reinsurance programs. During the year ended December 31, 2016, StarStone ceded $117.6 million of premium 
earned, $75.7 million of net incurred losses and LAE and $42.5 million of acquisition costs to KaylaRe Ltd under the 
KaylaRe-StarStone QS. These amounts were recorded in the aggregate as net incurred  losses and LAE of $1.4 million
in  our  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016  in  accordance  with  retroactive 
reinsurance accounting. In addition, certain of our non-life run-off subsidiaries ceded $177.2 million of loss reserves 
to KaylaRe Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2016, on a funds held basis. 

Our consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2016 included the following balances related to transactions 
between us and KaylaRe and KaylaRe Ltd.: reinsurance recoverable of $242.1 million, prepaid reinsurance premiums 
of $109.0 million, funds held of $182.3 million recorded in other liabilities, insurance and reinsurance balances payable 
of $132.6 million, and ceded acquisition costs of $41.2 million recorded as a reduction of deferred acquisition costs.

Hillhouse 

Investment funds managed by Hillhouse collectively own approximately 2.1% of Enstar’s voting ordinary shares.  
These funds also own non-voting ordinary shares and warrants to purchase additional non-voting ordinary shares, 
which together with their voting ordinary shares, represent an approximate 9.8% economic interest in Enstar.

As of December 31, 2016, our equity method investee, KaylaRe, had investments in a fund managed by Hillhouse 

with a fair value of $350.0 million.

185

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

22. DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS AND STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Parent Company Dividend Restrictions

There were no significant restrictions on the Parent Company's ability to pay dividends from retained earnings 
as at December 31, 2016. Bermuda law permits the payment of dividends if (i) we are not, or would not be after payment, 
unable to pay our liabilities as the become due and (ii) the realizable value of our assets is in excess of our liabilities 
after taking such payment into account. Enstar has not historically declared a dividend. Our strategy is to retain earnings 
and invest distributions from our subsidiaries back into the company. We do not currently expect to pay any dividends 
on our ordinary shares.

  The Bermuda Monetary Authority ("BMA") acts as group supervisor to Enstar.  On an annual basis, we are 
required to file group statutory financial statements, a group statutory financial return, a group capital and solvency 
return, audited group financial statements and a Group Solvency Self-Assessment ("GSSA") with the BMA.  The GSSA 
is designed to document our perspective on the capital resources necessary to achieve our business strategies and 
remain  solvent,  and  to  provide  the  BMA  with  insights  on  our  risk  management,  governance  procedures  and 
documentation related to this process. We are required to maintain available group statutory capital and surplus in an 
amount that is at least equal to the group enhanced capital requirement ("Group ECR"). The BMA has also established 
a group target capital level equal to 120% of the Group ECR. We are in compliance with these requirements. 

Our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders is dependent upon the ability of our insurance and reinsurance 
subsidiaries to distribute capital and pay dividends to us. Our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are subject to 
certain regulatory restrictions on the distribution of capital and payment of dividends in the jurisdictions in which they 
operate, as described below. The restrictions are generally based on net income or levels of capital and surplus as 
determined in accordance with the relevant statutory accounting practices. Failure of these subsidiaries to meet their 
applicable regulatory requirements could result in restrictions on any distributions of capital or retained earnings or 
stricter regulatory oversight of the subsidiaries. 

Our ability to pay dividends and make other forms of distributions may also be limited by repayment obligations 

and financial covenants in our outstanding loan facility agreements.

Subsidiary Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions

Our  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries  prepare  their  statutory  financial  statements  in  accordance  with 
statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by local regulators. Statutory accounting differs from U.S. GAAP, 
including in the treatment of investments, acquisition costs and deferred income taxes, amongst other items.  

The statutory capital and surplus amounts for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and statutory net 
income amounts for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 for our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries 
based in Bermuda, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and Continental Europe were as follows:

Statutory Capital and Surplus

Bermuda
U.K.
U.S.
Europe

Required

2016

Actual

Statutory Income

2016

2015

$ 622,183 $ 510,773 $ 2,131,308 $ 1,767,172 $ 339,548 $ 147,883 $
$ 532,132 $
$ 209,283 $ 147,538 $ 662,942 $ 756,543 $
$ 240,107 $
44,126 $ 286,039 $ 211,458 $

2014
41,750
61,819 $ 805,170 $ 629,208 $ 131,619 $ 113,296 $ 107,030
91,576
11,959

(1,439) $
31,075 $

14,964 $
1,856 $

2016

2015

2015

As at December 31, 2016, the total amount of net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries that were restricted 

was $1.6 billion. 

Certain material aspects of these laws and regulations as they relate to solvency, dividends and capital and 

surplus are summarized below.

186

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Bermuda

Our Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are registered under the Insurance Act 1978 of 
Bermuda and related regulations, as amended (the "Insurance Act"). The Insurance Act imposes certain solvency and 
liquidity  standards  and  auditing  and  reporting  requirements  and  grants  the  BMA  powers  to  supervise,  investigate, 
require information and the production of documents and intervene in the affairs of insurance companies.

The Insurance Act requires that our Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries maintain certain 
solvency and liquidity standards. The minimum liquidity ratio requires that the value of relevant assets must not be 
less than 75% of the amount of relevant liabilities. The minimum solvency margin, which varies depending on the class 
of the insurer, is determined as a percentage of either net reserves for losses and LAE or premiums or pursuant to a 
risk-based capital measure. Our Bermuda subsidiaries with commercial insurance licenses are required to maintain a 
minimum statutory capital and surplus (Enhanced Capital Requirement or "ECR") at least equal to the greater of a 
minimum solvency margin or the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement ("BSCR"). The BSCR is calculated based 
on a standardized risk-based capital model. 

Each of our regulated Bermuda insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries would be prohibited from declaring or 
paying any dividends if it were in breach of its minimum solvency margin (which is a function of outstanding losses) 
or liquidity ratio (which is a function of relevant assets) or if the declaration or payment of such dividends would cause 
it to fail to meet such margin or ratio. In addition, each of our regulated Bermuda insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries 
is prohibited, without the prior approval of the BMA, from reducing by 15% or more its total statutory capital as set out 
in its previous year’s statutory financial statements. Our Bermuda insurance companies that are in run-off are required 
to seek regulatory approval for any dividends or distributions.

As  of  December 31,  2016  and  2015,  each  of  our  Bermuda-based  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries 
exceeded their respective minimum solvency and liquidity requirements. The Bermuda insurance and reinsurance 
subsidiaries in aggregate exceeded minimum solvency requirements by $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2016 (2015: 
$1.26 billion) and were in compliance with their liquidity requirements. 

United Kingdom

U.K. Insurance Companies (non-Lloyd's) 

Our U.K. based insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the U.K. Prudential Regulatory Authority (the "PRA") 

and the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA", together with the PRA, the "U.K. Regulator").

Our U.K.-based insurance subsidiaries are required to maintain adequate financial resources in accordance with 
the requirements of the U.K. Regulator. The calculation of the minimum capital resources requirements in any particular 
case depends on, among other things, the type and amount of insurance business written and claims paid by the 
insurance company. As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, all of our U.K. insurance subsidiaries maintained capital in 
excess of the minimum capital resources requirements and complied with the relevant U.K. Regulator requirements. 
The U.K.-based insurance subsidiaries, in aggregate, maintained capital in excess of the minimum capital resources 
requirements by $273.0 million and $567.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Solvency II framework directive took effect on January 1, 2016. Solvency II sets out E.U.-wide requirements 
on capital adequacy and risk management for insurers with the aim of further increasing policyholder protection, instilling 
greater risk awareness and improving the international competitiveness of E.U. insurers. Insurers must comply with a 
Solvency Capital Requirement ("SCR"), which is calculated using either the Solvency II standard formula or a bespoke 
internal model. Our non-Lloyd's U.K. companies use the standard formula.

The U.K. Regulator’s rules require our U.K. insurance subsidiaries to obtain regulatory approval for any proposed 
or actual payment of a dividend. From January 1, 2016, the U.K. Regulator has used the SCR, among other tests, 
when assessing requests to make distributions.

Lloyd’s

As of December 31, 2016, we participated in the Lloyd’s market through our interests in: (i) Atrium’s Syndicate 
609, which is managed by Atrium Underwriters Limited, a Lloyd's managing agent, and the Atrium corporate member; 
(ii) StarStone’s Syndicate 1301, which is managed by StarStone Underwriting Limited ("SUL"), a Lloyd’s managing 
agent, and the StarStone corporate member; and (iii) Syndicate 2008, a wholly aligned syndicate that has permission 
to underwrite RITC business and other run-off or discontinued business type transactions with other Lloyd’s syndicates, 

187

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

and its corporate member.  During 2015, SUL assumed the role of managing agent for Syndicate 2008 in place of 
Shelbourne Syndicate Services Limited as we streamlined our organizational structure and combined Shelbourne and 
StarStone resources into one agency. For the 2017 underwriting year, participation in all three syndicates will be through 
a common corporate member.

The underwriting capacity of a member of Lloyd’s is supported by providing Funds at Lloyd’s, as described in 
Note  5 - "Investments." Business plans, including maximum underwriting capacity, for Lloyd’s syndicates requires 
annual approval by the Lloyd’s Franchise Board, which may require changes to any business plan or additional capital 
to support underwriting plans.

The  Lloyd’s  market  has  applied  the  Solvency  II  internal  model  under  Lloyd’s  supervision,  and  our  Lloyd’s 
operations are required to meet Solvency II standards.  Effective January 1, 2016, Lloyd's received approval from the 
PRA to use its internal model under the Solvency II regime.

United States

Our  U.S.  non-life  run-off  and  active  underwriting  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries  are  subject  to  the 
insurance laws and regulations of the states in which they are domiciled, licensed and/or eligible to conduct business. 
These laws restrict the amount of dividends the subsidiaries can pay to us. The restrictions are generally based on 
statutory net income and/or certain levels of statutory surplus as determined in accordance with the relevant statutory 
accounting requirements of the individual domiciliary states or states in which any of the insurance or reinsurance 
subsidiaries are domiciled. Generally, prior regulatory approval must be obtained before an insurer may pay a dividend 
or make a distribution above a specified level.

For all of our U.S. insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, with the exception of one subsidiary which has a 
permitted  accounting  practice  to  treat  an  adverse  development  cover  reinsurance  agreement  as  prospective 
reinsurance, there are no prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices that differ significantly from the statutory 
accounting principles established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). The U.S. insurance 
and reinsurance subsidiaries are also required to maintain minimum levels of solvency and liquidity as determined by 
law, and to comply with risk-based capital requirements and licensing rules.

As of December 31, 2016, all of our U.S. non-life insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries exceeded their required 
levels of risk-based capital. On an aggregate basis, our U.S. non-life insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries exceeded 
their minimum levels of risk-based capital as of December 31, 2016 by $402.0 million (December 31, 2015: $528.3 
million). 

Our life and annuities subsidiaries file financial statements with state insurance regulatory authorities and the 
NAIC in the United States and the Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions ("OSFI") in Canada (as a result of 
one of our subsidiaries having a Canadian branch operation). Our life and annuity companies are subject to certain 
Risk-Based Capital ("RBC") requirements as specified by the NAIC and OSFI. RBC is used to evaluate the adequacy 
of capital and surplus maintained by our life and annuities companies in relation to risks associated with: (i) asset risk; 
(ii) insurance risk; (iii) interest rate risk and (iv) business risk. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, our life and annuities 
subsidiaries exceeded their minimum RBC requirements by $51.6 million (2015: $80.8 million). These subsidiaries are 
restricted by state laws and regulations as to the amount of dividends they may pay. Any dividends in excess of limits 
are deemed "extraordinary" and require approval. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the maximum dividend payout 
which may be made without prior approval is $nil (2015: $0.5 million).

Europe

Our Swiss insurance subsidiary, Harper Insurance Limited, is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory 
Authority ("FINMA") pursuant to the Insurance Supervisory Act 2004. This subsidiary is obligated to maintain a minimum 
solvency margin based on the Solvency I and Swiss Solvency Test regulations ("SST") as stipulated by the Insurance 
Supervisory Act. From January 1, 2016, Switzerland has been granted full Solvency II equivalence by the European 
Commission. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, this subsidiary exceeded the SST requirements by $6.1 million 
(2015:  $94.8  million). The  amount  of  dividends  that  this  subsidiary  is  permitted  to  distribute  is  restricted  to  freely 
distributable reserves, which consist of retained earnings, the current year profit and legal reserves. Any dividend 
exceeding the current year profit requires FINMA’s approval. The solvency and capital requirements must continue to 
be met following any distribution.

188

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Our  Liechtenstein  insurance  subsidiary  (StarStone  Insurance  Europe AG)  is  regulated  by  the  Liechtenstein 
Financial Market Authority ("FMA") pursuant to the Liechtenstein Insurance Supervisory Act. This subsidiary is obligated 
to maintain a minimum solvency margin based on the Solvency I regulations. As of December 31, 2016, this subsidiary 
exceeded  the  Solvency  I  requirements  by  $12.8  million    (2015:  $20.4  million).  The  amount  of  dividends  that  this 
subsidiary is permitted to distribute is restricted to freely distributable reserves, which consist of retained earnings, the 
current year profit and legal reserves. Any dividend exceeding the current year profit requires the FMA’s approval. 
Solvency and capital requirements for this subsidiary are based on the Solvency II framework and must continue to 
be met following any distribution.

Our Irish and Belgian life insurance subsidiaries file financial statements and returns with the Central Bank of 
Ireland and the National Bank of Belgium, respectively. These subsidiaries were in compliance with their solvency and 
capital requirements under Solvency II, and must continue to be met following any distribution. 

189

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

23. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Concentration of Credit Risk 

We believe that there are no significant concentrations of credit risk associated with our cash and cash equivalents, 
fixed maturity investments, or other investments. Cash, cash equivalents and fixed maturity investments are managed 
pursuant to guidelines that follow prudent standards of diversification and limit the allowable holdings of a single issue 
and  issuers.  Other  investments  are  managed  pursuant  to  guidelines  that  emphasize  diversification  and  liquidity. 
Pursuant to these guidelines, we manage and monitor risk across a variety of investment funds and vehicles, markets 
and counterparties. We are also subject to custodial credit risk on our fixed maturity and equity investments, which we 
manage by diversifying our holdings amongst large financial institutions that are highly regulated.

We have exposure to credit risk on certain of our assets pledged to ceding companies under insurance contracts. 
In  addition,  we  are  potentially  exposed  should  any  insurance  intermediaries  be  unable  to  fulfill  their  contractual 
obligations with respect to payments of balances owed to and by us.

Credit risk exists in relation to our insurance and reinsurance balances recoverable. We remain liable to the 
extent  that  counterparties  do  not  meet  their  contractual  obligations  and,  therefore,  we  evaluate  and  monitor 
concentration of credit risk among our insurers and reinsurers. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are described 
Note 10 - "Reinsurance Balances Recoverable."

We are also subject to credit risk in relation to funds held by reinsured companies. Under funds held arrangements, 
the reinsured company has retained funds that would otherwise have been remitted to our reinsurance subsidiaries. 
The funds balance is credited with investment income and losses payable are deducted. We are subject to credit risk 
if the reinsured company is unable to honor the value of the funds held balances, such as in the event of insolvency. 
However, we generally have the contractual ability to offset any shortfall in the payment of the funds held balances 
with amounts owed by us to the reinsured for losses payable and other amounts contractually due. We routinely monitor 
the creditworthiness of reinsured companies with whom we have funds held arrangements. We have a significant 
concentration of $1.0 billion to one reinsured company which has financial strength credit ratings of A+ from A.M. Best 
and AA from Standard & Poor's, as well as to KaylaRe as described in Note 21 - "Related Party Transactions". 

We limit the amount of credit exposure to any one counterparty and none of our counterparty credit 

exposures, excluding U.S. Government instruments and the counterparties noted above, exceeded 10% of 
shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2016.

Operating Leases

We lease office space under operating leases expiring in various years through 2026. The leases are renewable 
at our option under certain circumstances. The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments on non-
cancelable leases as of December 31, 2016:

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 and beyond

$

10,022

9,510

7,752

6,183

4,147

8,170

$

45,784

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $9.7 million, $11.1 million and $10.2 

million, respectively.

190

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Legal Proceedings

We are, from time to time, involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including 
litigation and arbitration regarding claims. Estimated losses relating to claims arising in the ordinary course of business, 
including the anticipated outcome of any pending arbitration or litigation are included in the liability for losses and LAE 
in our consolidated balance sheets. In addition to claims litigation, we may be subject to other lawsuits and regulatory 
actions in the normal course of business, which may involve, among other things, allegations of underwriting errors or 
omissions, employment claims or regulatory activity. We do not believe that the resolution of any currently pending 
legal proceedings, either individually or taken as a whole, will have a material effect on our business, results of operations 
or financial condition. We anticipate that, similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, we will continue 
to be subject to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including litigation generally 
related to the scope of coverage with respect to asbestos and environmental and other claims.

Unfunded Investment Commitments

As at December 31, 2016, we had unfunded commitments to investment funds of $144.0 million.

Guarantees

As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, parental guarantees supporting subsidiaries' insurance obligations were 
$625.7 million and $334.2 million, respectively. The increase relates to new transactions during 2016 as described in 
Note 3 - "Acquisitions" and Note 4 - "Significant New Business", and includes $122.0 million for letters of credit issued 
under a Funds at Lloyd's facility as described in Note 6 - "Investments." 

Significant New Business

On January 11, 2017 we entered into a reinsurance agreement with QBE. On February 6, 2017, we entered into 

a reinsurance agreement with RSA. These agreements are described in Note 4 - "Significant New Business."

Asbestos Personal Injury Liabilities

We acquired Dana Companies, LLC ("Dana") on December 30, 2016, as described in Note 3 - "Acquisitions". 
Dana continues to process asbestos personal injury claims in the normal course of business and is separately managed.

Other liabilities included $220.5 million for indemnity and defense costs for pending and future claims at December 
31, 2016, determined using standard actuarial techniques for asbestos-related exposures. Other liabilities also included 
$2.3 million for environmental liabilities associated with Dana properties. 

Other assets included $133.0 million at December 31, 2016 for estimated insurance recoveries relating to these 
liabilities. The recorded asset represents our assessment of the capacity of the insurance agreements to provide for 
the  payment  of  anticipated  defense  and  indemnity  costs  for  pending  claims  and  projected  future  demands.  The 
recognition of these recoveries is based on an assessment of the right to recover under the respective contracts and 
on the financial strength of the insurers. The recorded asset does not represent the limits of our insurance coverage, 
but rather the amount we would expect to recover if the accrued indemnity and defense costs were paid in full. 

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

We have the right to purchase the RNCI interests from the RNCI holders at certain times in the future (each such 
right, a "call right") and the RNCI holders have the right to sell their RNCI interests to us at certain times in the future 
(each such right, a "put right"). The RNCI rights held by Trident are described in Note 21 - "Related Party Transactions." 
Dowling has a right to participate if Trident exercises its put right.   

191

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

24. SEGMENT INFORMATION

We monitor and report our results of operations in four segments: Non-life Run-off, Atrium, StarStone and Life 

and Annuities. These segments are described in Note 1 - "Description of Business."

Atrium and StarStone, our active underwriting operations, are reported as separate segments because they are 
managed and operated in separate and distinct manners. Atrium’s senior management runs its day-to-day operations 
with limited involvement of our senior management, whereas our senior management and employees are involved in 
StarStone’s day-to-day operations. Atrium employees are not involved in the management or strategy of StarStone, 
nor are StarStone employees involved in the management or strategy of Atrium. Atrium and StarStone are monitored 
and reported upon separately and distinctly and their strategies and business plans are determined independently of 
each other.

The  presentation  of  the  results  in  our  Life  and  Annuities  segment  reflect  the  classification  of  Pavonia  as 
discontinuing operations and held-for-sale. Following the sale of Pavonia, we will no longer have any annuity products 
and our continuing life business comprises term life products in Alpha and Laguna, and the life settlements business. 

The following tables set forth selected and consolidated statement of earnings results by segment for the years 

ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014:

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

2016

Life and
Annuities

Eliminations

Consolidated

INCOME

Net premiums earned

$

16,755

$

124,416

$

676,608

$

5,735

$

— $

823,514

Fees and commission income

Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses)
Other income

EXPENSES

25,324

143,783

77,689

4,003

18,189

2,940

(601)

206

5,102

22,221

5,728

1,780

267,554

145,150

711,439

Net incurred losses and LAE

(285,881)

58,387

401,593

Life and annuity policy benefits

Acquisition costs

General and administrative
expenses

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange losses
(gains)

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME
TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NET EARNINGS FROM
CONTINUING OPERATIONS

NET EARNINGS FROM
DISCONTINUING OPERATIONS,
NET OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Less: Net earnings attributable to
noncontrolling interest

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE
TO ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

—

4,198

—

—

44,670

138,822

275,199

22,863

(1,678)

14,701

252,853

(28,577)

25,132

198

3,310

131,697

13,453

(2,573)

125,279

47

(754)

664,987

46,452

(3,693)

224,276

10,880

42,759

14,535

—

—

—

11,963

(17,600)

(4,464)

(17,542)

—

—

20,043

(4,998)

353

21,133

—

(2,038)

612

7,148

1,058

(213)

6,567

14,566

(31)

(9,251)

(3,524)

—

(1,506)

39,364

185,463

77,818

4,836

(14,281)

1,130,995

—

—

174,099

(2,038)

(1,733)

186,569

(9,024)

(3,524)

423,734

20,642

—

665

(14,281)

803,671

—

—

—

—

—

327,324

(34,874)

292,450

11,963

(39,606)

$

206,676

$

6,416

$

25,217

$

26,498

$

— $

264,807

192

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

INCOME

Net premiums earned

Fees and commission income

Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses)
Other income

EXPENSES

Net incurred losses and LAE

Life and annuity policy benefits

Acquisition costs

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange losses (gains)

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS

NET LOSS FROM DISCONTINUING
OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAX
EXPENSE

Less: Net losses (earnings) attributable
to noncontrolling interest

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

2015

Life and
Annuities

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

44,369

$ 134,675

$ 573,146

$

1,554

$

— $

753,744

21,366

84,185

(31,193)

29,293

28,352

2,225

—

—

(10,371)

15,937

21,137

(920)

252

359

(9,784)

676

(798)

—

—

—

148,020

165,863

579,975

21,893

(11,291)

(270,830)

47,479

327,684

—

8,860

238,989

14,565

4,372

—

45,509

31,610

4,264

213

—

109,347

126,132

6

(480)

(4,044)

129,075

562,689

152,064

36,788

(12,570)

(5,968)

17,286

5,888

—

(546)

—

2,799

1,488

(732)

3,009

18,884

—

139,494

30,820

23,174

18,884

—

—

—

(2,031)

33,722

(14,262)

(9,510)

—

—

—

—

(10,371)

(920)

—

(11,291)

—

—

—

—

—

39,347

122,564

(41,523)

30,328

904,460

104,333

(546)

163,716

389,159

19,403

3,373

679,438

225,022

(12,650)

212,372

(2,031)

9,950

$

173,216

$

16,558

$ 13,664

$

16,853

$

— $

220,291

193

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Non-life
Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

2014

Life and
Annuities

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

31,168

$

135,945

$

373,633

$

2,245

$

— $

542,991

INCOME

Net premiums earned

Fees and commission income

Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains

Other income

EXPENSES

19,342

57,899

48,030

13,310

26,176

1,748

41

223

—

5,321

2,136

616

169,749

164,133

381,706

Net incurred losses and LAE

Life and annuity policy benefits

Acquisition costs

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange losses (gains)

(264,711)

55,428

218,429

—

8,393

198,063

7,493

8,015

—

43,417

34,921

5,429

(1,559)

—

65,734

113,344

—

945

32

1,056

1,784

—

5,117

—

84

(2)

1,423

—

(1,439)

(10,631)

—

—

—

34,919

66,024

51,991

14,149

(10,631)

710,074

—

—

—

(10,631)

—

—

9,146

84

117,542

337,120

12,922

5,962

EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE 
INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM 
CONTINUING OPERATIONS

NET EARNINGS FROM
DISCONTINUING OPERATIONS, NET
OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Less: Net losses (earnings) attributable 
to noncontrolling interest

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) 
ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENSTAR GROUP 
LIMITED

(42,747)

137,636

398,452

66

(10,631)

482,776

212,496

622

26,497

(5,092)

(16,746)

(1,130)

5,051

(1)

213,118

21,405

(17,876)

5,050

—

—

—

5,539

(9,836)

(10,974)

7,323

—

—

—

—

—

—

227,298

(5,601)

221,697

5,539

(13,487)

$

203,282

$

10,431

$

(10,553) $

10,589

$

— $

213,749

194

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

Gross Premiums Written by Geographical Area

The following table summarizes our gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2016 by each of 
our operating segments by geographic area. Geographic distribution in subsequent years is subject to variation based 
upon market conditions and business strategies. 

Non-life Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and Annuities

Total

Total

%

Total

%

Total

%

Total

%

Total

%

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except percentages)

United States

United Kingdom

Europe

Asia

Rest of World

Total

$ 17,316

100.0% $ 79,433

55.5% $ 520,045

60.8% $

—

—

—

—

—%

—%

—%

—%

9,200

8,797

6,766

6.4%

98,067

6.1% 135,971

4.7%

43,200

38,974

27.3%

57,416

11.5%

15.9%

5.1%

6.7%

—

899

6,256

—

—

—% $ 616,794

12.6%

87.4%

—%

—%

108,166

151,024

49,966

96,390

60.3%

10.6%

14.8%

4.9%

9.4%

$ 17,316

100.0% $ 143,170

100.0% $ 854,699

100.0% $

7,155

100.0% $ 1,022,340

100.0%

Assets by Segment

Invested assets are managed on a subsidiary by subsidiary basis, and investment income and realized and 
unrealized gains on investments are recognized in each segment as earned. Our total assets as at December 31, 2016
and 2015 by segment were as follows (the elimination items include the elimination of intersegment assets):

Total assets:

Non-life Run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and annuities

Less:

Eliminations

2016

2015

$

8,297,103

$

7,602,594

563,754

2,968,316

1,644,013

559,377

2,780,462

1,695,994

(607,442)

(865,893)

$

12,865,744

$

11,772,534

195

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

25. UNAUDITED CONDENSED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

INCOME

Net premiums earned

Fees and commission income

Net investment income

Other income

EXPENSES

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

(61,570)

(56,705)

December 31,

September 30,

June 30,

March 31,

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

$ 216,188

$178,009

$205,730

$209,971

$208,709

$189,344

$192,887

$ 176,420

13,266

42,229

7,450

44,265

9,187

48,022

66,608

9,708

31,640

(15,835)

10,487

44,932

34,503

10,125

25,265

(8,296)

(1,277)

12,648

414

2,370

3,289

11,833

6,424

50,280

38,277

2,410

12,064

21,394

39,313

3,477

208,836

185,667

329,961

237,854

301,920

228,271

290,278

252,668

Net incurred losses and loss adjustment
expenses

1,321

(64,062)

(6,902)

32,359

96,462

65,900

83,218

70,136

Life and annuity policy benefits

(2,265)

(1,808)

1,682

401

(1,613)

Acquisition costs

47,619

53,666

50,074

44,445

43,847

General and administrative expenses

123,497

106,754

103,097

96,818

104,206

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange losses (gains)

4,796

(1,527)

5,368

7,004

5,027

2,276

5,156

5,421

(841)

(1,856)

407

33,781

90,837

4,876

2,297

158

45,029

92,934

5,398

1,772

454

31,824

94,750

4,003

(5,087)

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

35,395

78,745

174,707

59,516

55,453

30,173

61,769

56,588

INCOME TAXES

(11,228)

15,794

(8,227)

(12,684)

(8,050)

(8,087)

(7,369)

(7,673)

173,441

106,922

155,254

178,338

246,467

198,098

228,509

196,080

24,167

94,539

166,480

46,832

47,403

22,086

54,400

48,915

NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM
DISCONTINUING OPERATIONS, NET OF
INCOME TAX EXPENSE

5,483

(1,898)

3,897

(831)

2,378

(3,879)

205

4,577

53,492

NET EARNINGS

29,650

92,641

170,377

46,001

49,781

18,207

54,605

Less: Net losses (earnings) attributable to
noncontrolling interest

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

EARNINGS PER SHARE —BASIC:

(7,005)

19,216

(14,329)

3,041

(9,187)

(3,662)

(9,085)

(8,645)

$ 22,645

$111,857

$156,048

$ 49,042

$ 40,594

$ 14,545

$ 45,520

$ 44,847

     Net earnings from continuing operations

     Net earnings (loss) from discontinuing
operations

$

$

0.91

0.26

    Net earnings per ordinary share attributable

to Enstar Group Limited shareholders $

1.17

EARNINGS PER SHARE — DILUTED:

     Net earnings from continuing operations

     Net earnings (loss) from discontinuing
operations

$

$

  Net earnings per ordinary share attributable

to Enstar Group Limited shareholders $

0.90

0.26

1.16

$

$

$

$

$

$

5.91

$

7.86

(0.11) $

0.23

5.80

$

8.09

5.86

$

7.79

(0.11) $

0.23

5.75

$

8.02

$

$

$

$

$

$

2.57

$

1.99

(0.02) $

0.11

2.55

$

2.10

2.55

$

1.98

(0.02) $

0.11

2.53

$

2.09

$

$

$

$

$

$

0.99

$

2.34

(0.23) $

0.02

0.76

$

2.36

0.98

$

2.33

(0.23) $

0.02

0.75

$

2.35

$

$

$

$

$

$

2.04

0.29

2.33

2.03

0.29

2.32

196

 
 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
As of December 31, 2016 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

SCHEDULE I

Type of investment
Fixed maturity securities and short-term investments — Trading:

Cost (1)

Fair Value

Amount at
which
shown in the
balance
sheet(4)

U.S. government and agency

Non-U.S. government

Corporate

Municipal

Residential mortgage-backed

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Total

Fixed maturity securities and short-term investments — Available-
for-sale

U.S. government and agency

Non-U.S. government

Corporate

Municipal

Residential mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Total
Equities(2)
Other investments, at fair value(3)
Other investments, at cost

Total

$

844,746 $

840,274 $

840,274

275,900

267,363

267,363

2,402,062

2,387,322

2,387,322

47,615

378,516

220,727

476,595

47,181

373,528

217,212

478,280

47,181

373,528

217,212

478,280

4,646,161

4,611,160

4,611,160

12,784

86,897

12,710

85,423

12,710

85,423

159,243

158,655

158,655

6,585

488

3,867

269,864

67,516

590,048

131,651

6,576

527

3,876

267,767

74,149

590,048

129,474

6,576

527

3,876

267,767

74,149

590,048

131,651

$ 5,705,240 $ 5,672,598 $ 5,674,775

(1)  Original cost of fixed maturity securities is reduced by repayments and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts. 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

The difference in the amount of equities shown at fair value and the equities shown in our consolidated balance sheet relates to the fair 
value of $20.9 million as of December 31, 2016 for our investment in a registered investment company affiliated with entities owned by 
Trident. Refer to Note 21 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The difference in the amount of other investments shown at fair value and the other investments shown in our consolidated balance sheet 
relates to the fair value of $347.0 million as of December 31, 2016 for our other investments in funds or companies owned by or affiliated 
with certain related parties. Refer to Note 21 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The table above excludes businesses held for sale. Refer to Note 5 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

197

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

Balance Sheets - Parent Company Only 
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 

SCHEDULE II

2016
2015
(in thousands of U.S.
dollars, except share data)

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Balances due from subsidiaries

Investments in subsidiaries

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Loans payable

Balances due to subsidiaries

Other liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Share capital authorized, issued and fully paid, par value $1 each (authorized 2016
and 2015: 156,000,000):
Ordinary shares (issued and outstanding 2016: 16,175,250; 2015: 16,133,334)
Non-voting convertible ordinary shares:

Series A (issued 2016: nil; 2015: 2,972,892)

Series C (issued and outstanding 2016: 2,792,157; 2015: 2,725,637)

Series E (issued and outstanding 2016: 404,771; 2015: 404,771)

Series C Preferred Shares (issued and outstanding 2016: 388,571; 2015: nil)

Treasury shares at cost (Preferred shares 2016: 388,571; Series A non-voting
convertible ordinary shares 2015: 2,972,892)
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings
Total Enstar Group Limited Shareholders’ Equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

4,884 $

4,552
489,873
2,674,084
7,812
$ 3,449,381 $ 3,176,321

35,563
3,400,401
8,533

$

488,103 $
153,843
5,123
647,069

485,750
160,854
12,845
659,449

16,175

16,133

—

2,792

405

389

2,973

2,726

405

—

(421,559)
1,380,109
(23,549)
1,847,550
2,802,312

(421,559)
1,373,044
(35,162)
1,578,312
2,516,872
$ 3,449,381 $ 3,176,321

See accompanying notes to the Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

198

 
 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT - CONTINUED

Statements of Earnings - Parent Company Only
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

SCHEDULE II

INCOME

Net investment income

Dividend income from subsidiaries

EXPENSES

General and administrative expenses

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange (gains) losses

2016

2015

2014

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

$

44 $

14,965 $

361,675

361,719

59,755

10,109

(318)

69,546

1,000

15,965

50,349

8,693

213

59,255

11,865

21,952

33,817

43,241

8,201

379

51,821

EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED 
EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES

EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES - 
CONTINUING OPERATIONS

EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES -
DISCONTINUING OPERATIONS

NET EARNINGS

292,173

(43,290)

(18,004)

(39,329)

265,612

226,214

11,963

(2,031)

5,539

$

264,807 $

220,291 $

213,749

Statements of Comprehensive Income - Parent Company Only
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

NET EARNINGS

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) RELATING TO
SUBSIDIARIES, NET OF TAX

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

2016

2015

2014

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

264,807 $

220,291 $

213,749

11,613

276,420 $

(22,476)
197,815 $

(26,664)
187,085

$

$

See accompanying notes to the Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

199

 
 
 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT - CONTINUED

Statements of Cash Flows - Parent Company Only
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

SCHEDULE II

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

$

39,185 $

(81,384) $

(88,970)

2016

2015

2014

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

Contributions to subsidiaries

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repayment of loans

Receipt of loans

Net cash flows provided by financing activities

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

250,117

(295,268)

(45,151)

1,000

(218,935)

(217,935)

(426,750)

(223,500)

433,048

6,298

332

4,552

505,700

282,200

(17,119)

21,671

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR

$

4,884 $

4,552 $

21,952

(50)

21,902

(9,250)

70,000

60,750

(6,318)

27,989

21,671

See accompanying notes to the Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

Notes to the Condensed Financial Information of Registrant 

The Condensed Financial Information of Registrant should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial 
statements and the accompanying notes thereto included in Part II - Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain 
prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had 
no impact on net earnings. 

Our wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries are recorded based upon our proportionate share of our 

subsidiaries' net assets (similar to presenting them on the equity method). 

Investing activities in the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows primarily represents the flow of funds to and 
from subsidiaries to provide cash on hand to fund acquisitions and significant new business. Net investment income 
relates to interest on loans to subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, interest paid 
was $15.0 million, $13.0 million, and $6.6 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2016, non-cash 
investing activities included $111.6 million for dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries and $452.1 million for 
contributions to subsidiaries. These transactions were to settle intercompany balances, resulting in a net reduction in 
balances due from subsidiaries and an increase in investments in subsidiaries. There were no non-cash investing 
activities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.  

As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, parental guarantees supporting subsidiaries' insurance obligations were 

$625.7 million and $334.2 million, respectively.

As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, retained earnings was $1,847.6 million and $1,578.3 million, an increase 

of $269.2 million. The increase in retained earnings was primarily attributable to net earnings of $264.8 million.

200

 
 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

SCHEDULE III

Deferred
Acquisition
Costs

Reserves
for Losses
and Loss
Adjustment
Expenses

Unearned
Premiums

Policy
Benefits
for Life
and
Annuity
Contracts

Net
Premiums
Earned

Net
Investment
Income

Losses
and Loss
Expenses
and
Policy
Benefits

Amortization
of Deferred
Acquisition
Costs

Other
Operating
Expenses

Net
Premiums
Written

2016

Non-life run-off

$

1,081

$

4,716,363

$

15,107

$

— $

16,755

$

143,783

$ (285,881) $

4,198

$

296,384

$

9,202

Atrium

StarStone

Life and
annuities

Eliminations

Total

2015

Non-life run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and
annuities

Eliminations

Total

2014

Non-life run-off

Atrium

StarStone

Life and
annuities

Eliminations

Total

16,964

40,069

212,122

61,862

1,059,382

471,374

—

—

124,416

676,608

—

—

—

—

—

—

112,095

—

5,735

—

2,940

22,221

20,043

(3,524)

58,386

401,593

(2,038)

—

44,670

28,641

138,822

124,572

140,437

648,036

612

7,993

(1,733)

(12,548)

6,261

—

58,114

$

5,987,867

$

548,343

$ 112,095

$

823,514

$

185,463

$

172,060

$

186,569

$

445,042

$

803,936

1,788

$

4,585,454

$

27,792

$

— $

44,369

$

84,185

$ (270,830) $

8,860

$

257,926

$

22,594

16,326

71,009

201,017

933,678

59,808

455,171

—

—

134,675

573,146

—

—

—

—

—

—

126,321

—

1,554

—

2,225

15,937

21,137

(920)

47,479

327,684

45,509

36,087

109,347

125,658

134,580

628,427

(546)

—

—

—

3,555

(11,291)

1,553

—

89,123

$

5,720,149

$

542,771

$ 126,321

$

753,744

$

122,564

$

103,787

$

163,716

$

411,935

$

787,154

— $

3,435,010

$

197

$

— $

31,168

$

57,899

$ (264,711) $

8,393

$

213,571

$

10,272

$

$

$

$

16,520

45,186

212,611

861,800

61,030

406,706

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

8,940

—

135,945

373,633

2,245

—

1,748

5,321

1,056

—

55,428

218,429

84

—

43,417

65,734

15,029

38,791

114,289

136,275

399,174

(16)

—

(10,631)

2,235

—

$

61,706

$

4,509,421

$

467,933

$

8,940

$

542,991

$

66,024

$

9,230

$

132,573

$

356,004

$

547,956

201

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

REINSURANCE
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

SCHEDULE IV

Ceded to
Other
Companies

Assumed
from
Other
Companies

Gross

Percentage
of Amount
Assumed
to Net

Net Amount

$ 2,317,567 $

(585,575) $

— $ 1,731,992

—%

Total premiums earned

$

804,141
7,221
811,362 $

(178,834)
(1,486)

192,472
—

817,779
5,735

(180,320) $

192,472 $

823,514

23.5%
—%

2016

Life insurance in force

Premiums earned:

Property and casualty
Life and annuities

2015

Life insurance in force

Premiums earned:

Property and casualty

Life and annuities

Total premiums earned

2014

Life insurance in force

Premiums earned:

Property and casualty

Life and annuities

Total premiums earned

$ 2,978,466 $

(777,759) $

— $ 2,200,707

—%

$

$

$

854,856

(283,489)

180,823

(1,330)

—

752,190

1,554

24.0%

—%

(284,819) $

180,823 $

753,744

2,884
857,740 $

901,639 $

(808,142) $

— $

93,497

—%

703,281

(217,383)

54,848

(1,644)

—

540,746

2,245

10.1%

—%

3,889
707,170 $

(219,027) $

54,848 $

542,991

202

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

SCHEDULE V

Balance at 
Beginning of 
Year 

Charged to 
costs and 
expenses 

Charged to 
other 
accounts (1) 

Deductions (2)

Balance at 
End of Year 

December 31, 2016:

Reinsurance balances recoverable:

Provisions for bad debt 

210,327

(13,822)

(19,255)

(2,734)

174,516

Valuation allowance for deferred tax 
assets 

December 31, 2015:

Reinsurance balances recoverable: 

291,280

13,389

—

(13,808)

290,861

Provisions for bad debt 

289,909

(25,271)

(45,234)

(9,077)

210,327

Valuation allowance for deferred tax 
assets 

December 31, 2014:

Reinsurance balances recoverable: 

333,617

(17,379)

—

(24,958)

291,280

Provisions for bad debt 

338,614

(7,700)

(28,665)

(12,340)

289,909

Valuation allowance for deferred tax 
assets 

255,126

(33,213)

—

111,704

333,617

(1)  These amounts are credited to net incurred losses and there is an offsetting debit within the same line, resulting in no impact on net earnings. 

(2)  Credited to the related asset account. 

203

 
SCHEDULE VI

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
As of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

Reserves
for Unpaid
Losses
and Loss
Adjustment
Expenses

Deferred
Acquisition
Costs

Unearned
Premiums

Net
Premiums
Earned

Net
Investment
Income

Net Losses and
Loss Expenses
Incurred

Current
Year

Prior Year

Net Paid
Losses
and Loss
Expenses

Amortization
of Deferred
Acquisition
Costs

Net
Premiums
Written

$

58,114

$

5,987,867

$

548,343

$

817,779

$

168,944

$ 493,016

$ (318,917) $ (833,057) $

187,690

$ 797,675

89,123

61,706

5,720,149

4,509,421

542,771

467,933

752,190

540,746

102,347

476,364

(372,031)

(781,889)

163,716

785,601

64,968

327,817

(318,671)

(587,511)

117,544

545,721

 Affiliation with 
Registrant

Consolidated
Subsidiaries

2016

2015

2014

204

 
ITEM 9.       CHANGES  IN AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH ACCOUNTANTS  ON ACCOUNTING AND  FINANCIAL 
DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our 
Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2016. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive 
Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that we maintained effective disclosure controls and procedures 
to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under 
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and timely reported as specified in the SEC's rules and forms, 
and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a 
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation 
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. 

Management does not expect that its internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and fraud. A 
control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, has inherent limitations, and accordingly no evaluation 
of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. 
As a result, even those internal control systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance 
with respect to financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our 
Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2016, based on the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 
Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based on that evaluation, we have concluded that we maintained 
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.

Management excluded Dana Companies, acquired on December 30, 2016, from its evaluation of internal controls 
over  financial  reporting  as  permitted  under  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  guidance.  The  results  of  Dana 
Companies  since  the  acquisition  dates  are  included  in  our  consolidated  financial  statements  and  constituted 
approximately 2.6% and 3.2% of total assets and net assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2016, and did not 
contribute to revenue for the year then ended. See Note 3 - "Acquisitions" in the notes to our consolidated financial 
statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of this acquisition. We are in the 
process of incorporating our controls and procedures into this acquisition.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months 
ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control 
over financial reporting.  

205

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Enstar Group Limited:

We have audited Enstar Group Limited’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based 
on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  Enstar  Group  Limited’s  management  is  responsible  for 
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal 
control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Form 10-K under Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures”. 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our 
audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included 
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed 
risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We 
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes 
those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and 
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that 
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance 
with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding 
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have 
a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls 
may  become  inadequate  because  of  changes  in  conditions,  or  that  the  degree  of  compliance  with  the  policies  or 
procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Enstar Group Limited maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 
reporting  as  of  December 31,  2016,  based  on  the  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  -  Integrated  Framework 
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has 
excluded Dana Companies acquired on December 30, 2016 from its assessment of internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2016. We have also excluded these acquired companies from our audit of internal 
control over financial reporting of Enstar Group Limited which represented 2.6% of the Company’s total assets and 
2.5% of the Company’s total liabilities as of December 31, 2016.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Enstar Group Limited and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016
and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ 
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. In connection with 
our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited financial statement Schedules I, II, III, IV, V 
and VI as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 
2016. Our report dated February 27, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG Audit Limited

Hamilton, Bermuda

February 27, 2017

206

 
ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

207

PART III

ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

All information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the 
definitive proxy statement for our 2017 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders that will be filed with the SEC not 
later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 pursuant to Regulation 14A.

ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

See Item 10 herein.

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED 
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

See Item 10 herein.

ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

See Item 10 herein. 

ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

See Item 10 herein.

208

 ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

PART IV

(a)  Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules: see Item 8 in Part II of this report. 

(b)  Exhibits: see accompanying exhibit index that follows the signature page of this report.

 ITEM 16.   FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Omitted at Company's option. 

209

Pursuant to the requirements of 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 on February 27, 2017.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 27, 2017.

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

By:

/S/ DOMINIC F. SILVESTER
Dominic F. Silvester
Chief Executive Officer

Signature

/s/    ROBERT J. CAMPBELL
Robert J. Campbell

/s/    DOMINIC F. SILVESTER
Dominic F. Silvester

/s/    MARK SMITH
Mark Smith

/s/    GUY BOWKER
Guy Bowker

/s/    PAUL J. O’SHEA
Paul J. O’Shea

/s/    B. Frederick BECKER
B. Frederick Becker

/s/    SANDRA L. BOSS
Sandra L. Boss

/s/    JAMES D. CAREY
James D. Carey

/s/    HANS-PETER GERHARDT
Hans-Peter Gerhardt

/s/    HITESH PATEL
Hitesh Patel

/s/    POUL A. WINSLOW
Poul A. Winslow

Title

Chairman and Director

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Chief Financial Officer (signing in his capacity as
principal financial officer)

Chief Accounting Officer (signing in his capacity as
principal accounting officer)

President and Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

210

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Exhibit Index

Exhibit

No.

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.10

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

10.1

Description
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 23, 2006, as amended on November 21, 2006, by and 
among Castlewood Holdings Limited, CWMS Subsidiary Corp. and The Enstar Group, Inc. (incorporated 
by reference to Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus that forms a part of the Company’s Form S-4 
declared effective December 15, 2006).

Recapitalization Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2006, among Castlewood Holdings Limited, The Enstar 
Group, Inc. and the other parties signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Annex C to the proxy 
statement/prospectus  that  forms  a  part  of  the  Company’s  Form  S-4  declared  effective  December  15, 
2006).

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 27, 2012, among Enstar Group Limited, AML Acquisition, 
Corp. and SeaBright Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K 
filed on August 28, 2012).

Stock  Purchase Agreement,  dated  September  6,  2012,  among  Household  Insurance  Group  Holding 
Company, Pavonia Holdings (US), Inc. and Enstar Group Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
2.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2012).

Share Purchase Agreement, dated June 5, 2013, by and among Arden Holdings Limited, Alopuc Limited 
and  Kenmare  Holdings  Ltd.  for  the  sale  and  purchase  of  the  entire  issued  share  capital  of  Atrium 
Underwriting Group Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed 
on August 9, 2013).

Deed of Variation, dated October 3, 2013, to the Share Purchase Agreement, dated June 5, 2013, by and 
among Arden Holdings Limited, Alopuc Limited and Kenmare Holdings Ltd. for the sale and purchase of 
the entire issued share capital of Atrium Underwriting Group Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
2.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2013).
Deed of Variation, dated November 21, 2013, to the Share Purchase Agreement, dated June 5, 2013, by 
and among Arden Holdings Limited, Alopuc Limited and Kenmare Holdings Ltd. for the sale and purchase 
of  the  entire  issued  share  capital  of Atrium Underwriting  Group  Limited  (incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 2.7 of the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 3, 2013).

Share  Purchase Agreement, dated  June  5,  2013,  by  and  among Arden Holdings  Limited,  Northshore 
Holdings Limited and Kenmare Holdings Ltd. for the sale and purchase of the entire issued share capital 
of Arden Reinsurance Company Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Company’s Form 
10-Q filed on August 9, 2013).

Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated March 11, 2014, by and among 
Enstar Group Limited, Veranda Holdings Ltd., Hudson Security holders Representative LLC, and Torus 
Insurance Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form S-3ASR filed 
on April 29, 2014).

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated August 26, 2014, by and among Enstar Group Limited, Sussex Holdings, 
Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the 
Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2014).

Memorandum  of Association of  Enstar  Group  Limited  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  to  the 
Company’s Form 10-K/A filed on May 2, 2011).

Fourth Amended and Restated Bye-Laws of Enstar Group Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
3.2(b) of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2014).

Certificate of Designations for the Series B Convertible Participating Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 9, 2013).

Certificate of Designations of Series C Participating Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock of Enstar Group 
Limited, dated as of June 13, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 8-K 
filed on June 17, 2016).

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2007, by and among Castlewood Holdings Limited, 
Trident II, L.P., Marsh & McLennan Capital Professionals Fund, L.P., Marsh & McLennan Employees’ 
Securities Company, L.P., Dominic F. Silvester, J. Christopher Flowers, and other parties thereto set forth 
on  the  Schedule  of  Shareholders  attached  thereto  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  of  the 
Company’s Form 8-K12B filed on January 31, 2007) (file no. 001-33289).

10.2+

Form of Director Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s 
Form S-3 (No. 333-151461) initially filed on June 5, 2008) (file no. 333-151461).

211

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
10.3+

10.4+

10.5+

10.6*+

10.7+

10.8+

10.9+

10.10+

10.11+

10.12+

10.13+

10.14+

10.15+

10.16+

10.17+

10.18+

10.19+

10.20+

10.21+

10.22+

10.23+

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective May 1, 2007 and amended and restated June 4, 
2007, by and between Enstar Group Limited and Dominic F. Silvester, as amended by Letter Agreement 
(effective  January 1,  2011),  Letter  Agreement  (dated  April 19,  2012),  and  Letter  Agreement  (dated 
August 11,  2014)  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  of  the  Company’s  Form  10-Q  filed  on 
November 10, 2014).

Employment Agreement, effective May 1, 2007, by and between the Company and Paul J. O’Shea, as 
amended by Letter Agreement (effective January 1, 2011), Letter Agreement (dated April 25, 2012), and 
Letter Agreement (dated August 12, 2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s 
Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2014).

Employment Agreement, effective May 1, 2007, by and between Enstar Group Limited and Nicholas A. 
Packer, as amended by Letter Agreement (effective January 1, 2011), Letter Agreement (dated April 25, 
2012), and Letter Agreement (dated August 11, 2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the 
Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2014).

Separation Agreement,  dated  as  of  December  16,  2016,  by  and  between  Enstar  Group  Limited  and 
Nicholas A. Packer.  

Employment Agreement, dated May 11, 2015, effective August 15, 2015, by and between the Company 
and Mark Smith (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 
7, 2015).

Employment Agreement, dated August 18, 2015, by and between the Company and Orla M. Gregory 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2015).

Employment Agreement, effective May 1, 2007, by and between Enstar Group Limited and Richard J. 
Harris, as amended by Letter Agreement (effective January 1, 2011), Letter Agreement (dated April 19, 
2012), and Letter Agreement (dated August 11, 2014) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the 
Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2014).

Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated May 12, 2015, by and between the Company and
Richard J. Harris (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on
August 7, 2015).

Amendment  No.  2  to  Employment  Agreement,  dated  March  24,  2016,  amending  Amendment  to 
Employment Agreement,  dated  May  12,  2015,  by  and  between  the  Company  and  Richard  J.  Harris 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2016).

  Castlewood Holdings Limited 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to 
the proxy statement/prospectus that forms a part of the Company’s Form S-4 declared effective December 
15, 2006) (file no. 333-135699).

First Amendment to Castlewood Holdings Limited 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2007) (file no. 001-33289).

Form  of  Award  Agreement  under  the  Castlewood  Holdings  Limited  2006  Equity  Incentive  Plan 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2007) (file no. 
001-33289).

Form  of  Stock  Appreciation  Right  Award  Agreement  pursuant  to  the  2006  Equity  Incentive  Plan 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2014).

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2014).

Enstar Group Limited 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's 
Form 8-K filed on June 17, 2016).

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Enstar Group Limited 2016 Equity Incentive Plan 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2016).

Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement under the Enstar Group Limited 2016 Equity Incentive 
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2016).

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Enstar Group Limited 2016 Equity Incentive 
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2016).

Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Enstar Group Limited 2016 Equity Incentive 
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2016).

Enstar Group Limited Amended and Restated Employee Share Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2016).

Enstar  Group  Limited  Deferred  Compensation  and  Ordinary  Share  Plan  for  Non-Employee  Directors, 
effective as of June 5, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed 
on June 11, 2007) (file no. 001-33289).

212

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
10.24+

10.25+

10.26+

10.27+

10.28

10.29

10.30

10.31

10.32

10.33

10.34

10.35

10.36

10.37

10.38

10.39

10.40

10.41

10.42

Amended and Restated Enstar Group Limited Deferred Compensation and Ordinary Share Plan for Non-
Employee Directors, effective as of January 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the 
Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2015).

Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.32 of the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2015).

Enstar Group Limited 2011-2015 Annual Incentive Compensation Program (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 7, 2011).

Enstar Group Limited 2016-2018 Annual Incentive Program (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of 
the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2016).

Investment Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2011, by and among Enstar Group Limited, GSCP VI AIV 
Navi, Ltd., GSCP VI Offshore Navi, Ltd., GSCP VI Parallel AIV Navi, Ltd., GSCP VI Employee Navi, Ltd., 
and GSCP VI GmbH Navi, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K 
filed on April 21, 2011).

Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 21, 
2011).

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2011, by and among Enstar Group Limited, GSCP 
VI AIV Navi, Ltd., GSCP VI Offshore Navi, Ltd., GSCP VI Parallel AIV Navi, Ltd., GSCP VI Employee Navi, 
Ltd., and GSCP VI GmbH Navi, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of the Company’s Form 8-
K filed on April 21, 2011).

Northshore Investors Agreement, dated July 3, 2013, by and among Kenmare Holdings Ltd. and Trident 
V, L.P., Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. and Trident V Professionals Fund, L.P. (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2013).
Subscription Letter Agreement, dated July 3, 2013, from Kenmare Holdings Ltd. to Northshore Holdings 
Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2013).

Subscription Letter Agreement, dated July 3, 2013, from Trident V, L.P., Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. and 
Trident V Professionals Fund, L.P. to Northshore Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.4 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2013).

Northshore Shareholders’ Agreement, dated September 6, 2013, among Northshore Holdings Limited, 
Kenmare Holdings Ltd., Trident V, L.P., Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. and Trident V Professionals Fund, 
L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 11, 2013).

Amended and Restated Northshore Shareholders’ Agreement, dated May 8, 2014, among Northshore 
Holdings  Limited,  Kenmare  Holdings  Ltd.,  Trident  V,  L.P.,  Trident  V  Parallel  Fund,  L.P.,  Trident  V 
Professionals Fund, L.P., and Dowling Capital Partners I, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 
of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2014).

Amended and Restated Northshore Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2015, among
Northshore Holdings Limited, Kenmare Holdings Ltd, Enstar Group Limited, Trident V, L.P., Trident V
Parallel Fund, L.P., Trident V Professionals Fund, L.P., Dowling Capital Partners I, L.P., and Atrium
Nominees Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May
11, 2015).

Bayshore  Investors  Agreement,  dated  July  8,  2013,  by  and  among  Enstar  Group  Limited,  Kenmare 
Holdings Ltd., and Trident V, L.P., Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. and Trident V Professionals Fund, L.P. 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2013).

Subscription Letter Agreement, dated July 8, 2013, from Kenmare Holdings Ltd. to Bayshore Holdings 
Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2013).
Subscription Letter Agreement, dated July 8, 2013, from Trident V, L.P., Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P. and 
Trident V Professionals Fund, L.P. to Bayshore Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.7 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2013).

Bayshore Shareholders’ Agreement, dated April 1, 2014, among Bayshore Holdings Limited, Kenmare 
Holdings  Ltd.,  Trident  V,  L.P.,  Trident  V  Parallel  Fund,  L.P.  and  Trident  V  Professionals  Fund,  L.P. 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2014).

Amended  and  Restated  Bayshore  Shareholders’  Agreement,  dated  May 8,  2014,  among  Bayshore 
Holdings  Limited,  Kenmare  Holdings  Ltd.,  Trident  V,  L.P.,  Trident  V  Parallel  Fund,  L.P.,  Trident  V 
Professionals Fund, L.P., and Dowling Capital Partners I, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 
of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2014).

Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 1, 2014, among Enstar Group Limited, FR XI Offshore AIV, 
L.P., First Reserve Fund XII, L.P., FR XII A Parallel Vehicle L.P., FR Torus Co-Investment, L.P. and Corsair 
Specialty Investors, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on 
April 4, 2014).

213

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
10.43

10.44

10.45

10.46

10.47

10.48

10.49

10.50

10.51

10.52

10.53*

21.1*

23.1*

31.1*

31.2*

32.1**

32.2**

101*

Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated April 1, 2014, among Enstar Group Limited, FR XI Offshore AIV, 
L.P., First Reserve Fund XII, L.P., FR XII A Parallel Vehicle L.P., FR Torus Co-Investment, L.P. and Corsair 
Specialty Investors, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on 
April 4, 2014).

Termination and Waiver Agreement, dated June 3, 2015, by and among First Reserve Fund XII, L.P., FR 
XII-A Parallel Vehicle, L.P., FR XI Offshore AIV, L.P., FR Torus Co-Investment, L.P. and Enstar Group 
Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2015).

Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated June 3, 2015, between Enstar Group Limited and Canada Pension 
Plan Investment Board (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on 
June 3, 2015.

Voting and Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2015, among North Bay Holdings Limited, 
Kenmare Holdings Ltd., Trident V, L.P., Trident V Parallel Fund, L.P., Trident V Professionals Fund, L.P., 
Dowling  Capital  Partners  I,  L.P., Atrium  Nominees  Limited,  Bayshore  Holdings  Limited,  Northshore 
Holdings Limited and Enstar Group Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s 
Form 8-K filed on December 30, 2015).

Second  Amended  and  Restated  Shareholders’ Agreement,  dated  as  of  December  23,  2015,  among 
Northshore Holdings Limited, North Bay Holdings Limited and Atrium Nominees Limited (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 30, 2015).

Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated September 16, 2014, among Enstar Group Limited and certain 
of its subsidiaries, National Australia Bank Limited, Barclays Bank PLC and Royal Bank of Canada as 
Mandated Lead Arrangers, and National Australia Bank Limited as Agent (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2014).

Restatement Agreement for Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated February 27, 2015, among Enstar 
Group Limited and certain of its Subsidiaries, National Australia Bank Limited, Barclays Bank PLC, Royal 
Bank of Canada, and Lloyds Bank plc as Mandated Lead Arrangers, and National Australia Bank Limited 
as Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2015).

Amendment Letter, dated February 15, 2016, to Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated February 27, 
2015,  among  Enstar  Group  Limited  and  certain  of  its  Subsidiaries,  National  Australia  Bank  Limited, 
Barclays  Bank  PLC,  Royal  Bank  of  Canada,  and  Lloyds  Bank  plc  as  Mandated  Lead Arrangers, and 
National Australia Bank Limited as Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 of the Company's 
Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2016).

Restatement Agreement for Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated August 5, 2016, among Enstar 
Group Limited and certain of its subsidiaries, National Australia Bank Limited, Barclays Bank PLC, Lloyds 
Bank plc, SunTrust Bank and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on August 11, 2016).

Term Facility Agreement, dated December 24, 2014, among Sussex Holdings, Inc., National Australia 
Bank Limited and Barclays Bank PLC as Mandated Lead Arrangers, and National Australia Bank Limited 
as Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2015).

Subscription Agreement,  dated  as  of  December  14,  2016,  by  and  between  Cavello  Bay  Reinsurance 
Limited and KaylaRe Holdings Ltd.
  List of Subsidiaries.
  Consent of KPMG Audit Limited.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification  of  Chief  Financial  Officer pursuant  to  Rule  13a-14(a)  or  Rule  15d-14(a)  of  the  Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  Interactive Data Files.

_______________________________

*  filed herewith
** furnished herewith
+  denotes management contract or compensatory arrangement

certain of the schedules and similar attachments are not filed but Enstar Group Limited undertakes to furnish
a copy of the schedules or similar attachments to the SEC upon request

214

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
DIRECTORS

Robert J. Campbell
Chairman of the Board
Enstar Group Limited 
Partner 
Beck Mack & Oliver, LLC 

Dominic F. Silvester
Chief Executive Officer
Enstar Group Limited

B. Frederick (Rick) Becker
Chairman 
Clarity Group, Inc.

Sandra L. Boss
External Member
Prudential Regulation Committee, 
Bank of England

Paul J. O’Shea
President
Enstar Group Limited 

Hitesh R. Patel
Partner (retired) 
KPMG LLP

Poul A. Winslow
Managing Director
Canada Pension Plan
Investment Board

James D. Carey
Senior Principal
Stone Point Capital LLC 

Hans-Peter Gerhardt 
Chief Executive Officer
Asia Capital Reinsurance Group

Jie Liu
Managing Director 
Hillhouse Capital  
Management, Ltd. 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Dominic F. Silvester 
Chief Executive Officer 

Orla M. Gregory
Chief Operating Officer

Paul J. O’Shea
President 

Mark W. Smith
Chief Financial Officer

Company Headquarters
P.O. Box HM 2267 | Windsor Place,  
3rd Floor | 22 Queen Street | Hamilton  
HM JX | Bermuda  

Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust 
Company | 6201 15th Avenue | 
Brooklyn, NY 11219 | (800) 937-5449

www.enstargroup.com