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RenaissanceRe

rnr · NYSE Financial Services
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Ticker rnr
Exchange NYSE
Sector Financial Services
Industry Insurance - Specialty
Employees 201-500
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FY2019 Annual Report · RenaissanceRe
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2019 Annual Report 
RenaissanceRe  
Holdings Ltd.

Contents

Financial Highlights 

Letter to Shareholders 

Message from the Chair 

Comments on Regulation G 

Form 10-K 

Office Locations 

Leadership Team 

Board of Directors, 
Financial and Investor Information 

1

2

8

9

11

Last Page

Last Page

Inside 
Back Cover

Financial Highlights

Financial Highlights for RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries

(In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and percentages) 

Gross premiums written 

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders 

2019 

2018 

2017

 $ 

 $   

4,807,750 

3,310,427 

2,797,540

712,042 

197,276 

(244,770)

Operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders (1) 

 $    

402,911 

349,027 

(336,894)

Total assets 

Total shareholders’ equity 

Per common share amounts

  $  26,330,094 

18,676,196 

15,226,131

  $ 

5,971,367 

5,045,080 

4,391,375

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders  
per common share – diluted 

  $        

16.29 

4.91 

(6.15)

Operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders  
per common share – diluted (1)  

Book value per common share 

Tangible book value per common share (1)  

 $         

9.13 

  $         120.53 

 $         114.03 

8.73 

104.13 

97.85 

(8.46)

99.72

93.23

Tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends (1)  

 $         134.71 

117.17 

111.23

Dividends per common share 

  $           

1.36 

1.32 

1.28

Ratios

Return on average common equity 

Operating return on average common equity (1) 

Net claims and claim expense ratio 

Underwriting expense ratio 

Combined ratio 

 %	

 %	

 %	

%  

%  

14.1	

8.0	

62.8	

29.5 

92.3 

4.7 

8.4 

56.7 

30.9 

87.6 

(5.7)

(7.7)

108.4

29.5

137.9

(1) Represents a non-GAAP financial measure, which is reconciled in the “Comments on Regulation G” on pages 9 and 10.

Financial Strength Ratings

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd.   

DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd.  

Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe Unlimited Company  

Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc.  

RenaissanceRe Europe AG 

RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.  

Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd.  

Vermeer Reinsurance Ltd. 

RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458  

Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating  

RenaissanceRe  

Ratings as of February 3, 2020.

A.M. Best(1)  

S&P (2)  

Moody’s (3)  

Fitch(4)

A+ 

A 

A+ 

A+ 

A+ 

A+ 

A+ 

A 

– 

A 

A+  

A+ 

A+ 

A+  

A+ 

A+ 

AA 

–   

–   

A+  

Very Strong 

Very Strong  

A1  

A3  

–  

– 

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

A+

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

AA-

–

(1)  The A.M. Best ratings for the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries and joint ventures represent the insurer’s financial strength rating. The Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating 
represents RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458’s financial strength rating. The A.M. Best rating for RenaissanceRe represents the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management  
(“ERM”) score.

(2) The S&P ratings for the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries and joint ventures represent the insurer’s financial strength rating and the issuer’s long-term issuer  
credit rating. The Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating represents RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458’s financial strength rating. The S&P rating for RenaissanceRe represents  
the rating on its ERM practices.

(3) The Moody’s ratings represent the insurer’s financial strength rating.

(4) The Fitch rating for Renaissance Reinsurance represents the insurer’s financial strength rating. The Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating represents RenaissanceRe  

Syndicate 1458’s financial strength rating.

1

 
Letter to Shareholders 

By Kevin O’Donnell
President and Chief Executive Officer

Our success was the 
culmination of a well-planned 
and aggressively executed 
strategy where our expanded 
footprint, preferential access 
to partner capital and strong 
customer relationships 
uniquely positioned us to 
recognize and benefit from 
positive market trends.

2

Dear Shareholders,

2019 was a defining year for RenaissanceRe. We 

organically grew our business in a favorable but complex 

market. At the same time, we completed the acquisition of 

Tokio Millennium Re (“TMR”), increasing our global reach, 

capital efficiency and depth of human capital. Our growth 

occurred across our segments and platforms and has 

resulted in the largest underwriting portfolio in our history, 

and, if our assumptions prove correct, the most profitable. 

Our success was the culmination of a well-planned and 

aggressively executed strategy where our expanded 

footprint, preferential access to partner capital and strong 

customer relationships uniquely positioned us to recognize 

and benefit from positive market trends.

It was also the third year in a row characterized by multiple 

large, catastrophic events. Since our inception, we have 

been in the forefront of protecting communities from  

some of the most difficult challenges they face, whether 

environmental, social or geopolitical in nature. This year yet 

again underscored the connection between the reinsurance 

industry and social and environmental change, as the world 

grappled with the increasing impact of climate change and 

the related growing insurance protection gap.

These challenges will continue to influence the next 

decade of risk transfer. The impact of climate change 

brings responsibilities as well as opportunities, requiring  

the industry to adopt a more disciplined and rigorous 

approach to modeling and forward-looking partnerships 
with customers, brokers and the public sector. At the same 

time, reinsurers who have the tools to understand these 

evolving risk dynamics will find profitable opportunities  

to grow and ultimately create better outcomes for both 

society and shareholders. 

I. Our Performance in 2019

Financial Performance

I am proud of our strong financial performance in 2019, 

where we reported net income available to RenaissanceRe 

common shareholders of $712 million and operating  

income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.  2019 Annual Report

of $403 million. Our book value per common share increased 

Tokio Millennium Re 

by 15.7% and our tangible book value per common share 

plus change in accumulated dividends increased by 17.9%. 

For the full year, our return on average common equity was 

14.1% and our operating return on average common equity 

was 8.0%. Additionally, we paid $2.3 billion in gross claims, 

helping to rebuild communities and lives.

With an improving rate environment and an extended global 

reach, we found many attractive opportunities to deploy 

capital in 2019, and as such did not repurchase any common 

shares. In 2020, we joined a small and distinguished group  
of companies by raising our quarterly dividend for the 25th 
consecutive year.

Loss Creep and 2019 Losses 

It has been over a year since we acquired TMR. We quickly 

presented a unified front to the market and have been 

speaking with one voice, executing a consistent strategy and 

operating one underwriting system with a single view of risk. 

In my view, we have far exceeded the goals we set out for 

ourselves at the onset of the transaction, both financially and 

strategically. Financially, by the end of Q1 2020, we will 

exceed our most important goal of achieving an after-tax 

earnings run-rate contribution greater than $100 million. The 

addition of TMR also improved our capital and operational 

leverage. In the last three years, we more than doubled our 

gross premiums written while growing shareholders’ equity  

by 22%. Likewise, direct expenses, which are the sum of 

corporate and operational expenses, only increased by  

Our industry experienced several large catastrophes during 

13% over the same period after adjusting for $50 million in 

the year, most notably Typhoon Hagibis in Japan. Loss creep 

transaction and integration expenses associated with the 

on prior year events, particularly in Florida and Japan, also 

acquisition of TMR. 

continued to beset the industry. I am proud of the way our 

team has helped our customers manage both current and 

Strategically, our goal was to gain increased penetration  

prior year losses. RenaissanceRe’s value proposition lies in 

into the reinsurance market at a time when desirable risk  

quantifying risk, providing efficient risk transfer and absorbing 

was scarce. Our customers wanted to expand their 

large losses when they occur. This allows us to contribute to 

relationships with us on more comprehensive, global 

the resilience of communities when they need us most and 

solutions, and we wanted to build on our growing leadership  

reinforces our value as a trusted partner to our customers.

in the Casualty & Specialty markets. Post-acquisition, we 

have retained the business we find attractive and strengthened  

In addition to loss creep, the Florida domestic market also 

our existing customer relationships. The Casualty market  

faces deep structural challenges. Fraud combined with 

has improved and, in many cases, we enhanced terms at 

climate change and sea level rise have increased the risk  

renewal more than originally anticipated, further increasing 

of loss. At the same time, Florida is the peak zone for 
property catastrophe risk in the world, resulting in it being 

the profitability of the TMR portfolio. Lastly, and crucially, we 
have bolstered our human capital through the addition of many 

very capital intensive to protect. Over the past decade, rate 

new, talented employees who bring a diverse set of skills and 

decreases have taken out much of the margin in Florida 

experience to our already strong team.

business, making it relatively less attractive. As a result,  

we have increasingly diversified away from Florida and into 

Due to our successful integration of TMR, we were able to 

more attractive business, including other forms of Southeast 

enter 2020 in a strong position to capture opportunities in an 

hurricane risk. Our Florida partners are very important to us 

improving market. I remain confident that the TMR acquisition 

and we hope we can continue to support them. That said, 

will continue to make a significant contribution to shareholder 

Florida is a market that needs to improve on multiple fronts, 

value in the years to come.

just one of which is rate.

3

Letter to Shareholders (continued)

II. Aspiring to be the Best Underwriter

benefit from its profitable and diversifying earnings stream. 

Agility in Gross-to-Net Strategy

In my 2017 Letter to Shareholders, I explained that our value 

proposition extends beyond price. While market conditions 

have changed significantly since 2017, this sentiment 

remains as true as ever. One of our key strategic advantages  

is the ability to deliver value to our stakeholders under all 

market conditions. Our growth in scale and diversity has only 

heightened this ability.

Our goal is to construct the most efficient portfolio of risk 

possible, and we have multiple levers for achieving this.  

An improving rate environment is advantageous, but is only 

one lever among many. Another important lever is ceded 

retrocessional coverage, which has contributed to the 

efficiency of our portfolio over the last several years. 

Continuing large losses in the retrocessional space have 

reduced capacity in this previously oversubscribed market and 

resulted in material rate increases. As a result, we exposed 

more of our underwriting capital, buying less retrocessional 

coverage and selling more retrocessional protection. 

Our capital flexibility and increased scale facilitated this 

efficient outcome. In 2019 and through early 2020, we  

raised an additional $1.8 billion of capital through our 

managed joint ventures and third-party capital vehicles. In 

addition, we raised $400 million of catastrophe bond capacity 

in our latest Mona Lisa offering. Finally, our increased scale 

and diversification serves as an additional buffer to potential 

large losses, which is evident from our strong performance in 

2019 despite a net negative impact on net income available 
to RenaissanceRe common shareholders of $348 million 

related to large loss events. 

Managing Casualty Risk 

We have consistently constructed our Casualty & Specialty 

portfolio to have an attractive return on risk and, as we 

continue to achieve scale in this segment, should increasingly 

The profit we achieved in our Casualty & Specialty segment 

in 2019 was a result of disciplined underwriting and astute 

portfolio construction. 

In the second half of 2019, markets began to recognize  

the growing impact of loss inflation on many Casualty lines, 

with excess casualty and commercial auto among the most 

affected. Individual jury awards between $100 million and 

$200 million are becoming increasingly prevalent. As a  

result, the industry has struggled to manage growing adverse 

development on prior years. We recognized these trends 

early, reducing our excess casualty business materially and 

avoiding commercial auto. In addition, we have the benefit  

of an adverse development cover protecting the business  

we acquired from TMR.

Not all Casualty risks are created equal and it takes many 

years for a differentiated result to emerge in a portfolio  

of long-tail risk. Our underwriters have navigated this 

market by being rigorous about selecting the best risks, 

overweighting our portfolio with more attractive classes 

while avoiding the most challenging ones. We were able to 

do this in part due to our investment during the early stages 

of our Casualty business in tools to track our performance 

at both the individual deal and portfolio level, as robust 

benchmarking models are required to differentiate among 

the best risks. In addition, our Integrated System plays a 

particularly critical role as it takes coordination between 

underwriting, pricing, claims and reserving teams to identify 

trends early and act on them expeditiously. 

Looking forward, pricing is not yet adequate for the Casualty 

business overall, but I remain confident the market will 

continue to require rate increases over the next several 

renewals and will move toward rate adequacy.

4

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.  2019 Annual Report

Pursuing Superior Returns

Our Integrated System and Gross-to-Net Strategy enable us 

to bring the most efficient capital to the most desirable risk  

in order to produce superior returns. For us, being the Best 

Underwriter and producing superior returns are synonymous.

Our ability to benefit from this inefficiency derives from  

a number of practices that are core to our strategy:

1.  Only write profitable business. Find the best business  
in profitable markets and not the one good deal in  

a bad market. 

We believe that reinsurance markets are less efficient than 

capital markets. Consequently, our efforts are directed 

2.  Match desirable risk with efficient capital. Match 

towards accessing capital markets and redeploying its very 

efficient capital into attractive reinsurance risk.

This strategy is predicated on the validity of two baseline 

assumptions. First, that reinsurance markets are in fact  

less efficient. Second, that we demonstrate sufficient  

skill to optimize our own portfolio in the context of broader 

market inefficiency.

profitable risk with the most efficient capital available to 

maximize return. Efficient capital can make good business 

better, but it cannot make bad business good.

3.  Understand the risk. Seek to understand the full 

distribution of outcomes by developing a more granular 

understanding of a particular risk and incorporating  

that understanding into our models. 

Why do we believe the reinsurance market is generally  

less efficient? There are two primary reasons. 

4.  Reserve discipline. A rigorous approach to setting 
reserves is an important element of being the Best 

First, unlike capital markets, considerable information 

asymmetries exist in the reinsurance marketplace. Reducing 

these asymmetries requires markets to make a significant 

investment in people and tools to capture and quantify all  

the sources of exposure to a particular risk. 

Second, catastrophic risk is difficult for the market to 

efficiently manage, in part because it is characterized by a 

small number of very large losses, the occurrence of which 

are infrequent and unpredictable. These events drive the tail 

of frequency distributions, and as such are heavily capital 
consumptive. It takes great underwriting skill and sufficient 

market scale to effectively diversify this risk.

Underwriter. Beyond the obvious provision of sufficient 

resources to pay claims, reserves offer a lens on pricing 

adequacy. Development trends in Casualty loss triangles 

influence the pricing of new business. Consequently, 

optimism in past year reserves propagates poor pricing 

decisions into the future.

5.  Pay claims promptly. Relationships with customers  
are built on a foundation of trust that is based on the 

willingness and ability to pay claims promptly. 

6.  Alignment with capital. Strong alignment with capital 

providers helps prevent adverse selection. This alignment  

is achieved through clear underwriting guidelines for 

apportioning risk between owned and managed entities, 

strong internal controls and “skin in the game”. Alignment 

with capital means experiencing a loss when our  

partners pay a loss, not simply making less when  

they suffer material losses. 

5

Letter to Shareholders (continued)

Drivers of Profit

III. Our Corporate Purpose  

As we move into 2020, interest rates continue to test  

Our Role in Ameliorating Climate Change Risk

historic lows, and in some cases are even negative, placing 

substantial drag on future investment performance across 

our industry. While low interest rates impact the whole 

market, investment income is only one of the three primary 

drivers of our profit — the other two being underwriting 

income and fee income. 

First and foremost, our vision is to be the Best Underwriter, 

and profitable underwriting has always been our focus.  

Our ability to generate an underwriting profit will become 

increasingly valuable in a continuing low yield environment.  

At the same time, low interest rates should put additional 

upward pressure on reinsurance rates, the benefit of which 

should disproportionately accrue to the best underwriters.

Our second driver of profit is fee income. Fees will become 

an increasingly important component of our earnings stream 

as our Ventures business continues to grow. This growth is 

attributable to the hybrid model of owned and managed 

capital that we pioneered. Investors recognize the value of 

alignment, strong governance and superior underwriting. 

From our perspective, partner capital helps us solve more  

of our customers’ biggest problems.

The third driver of profit is investment income. Over the last 

decade, as we have increased scale and diversified business 

mix, our invested assets have grown materially, more than 

offsetting the impact of declining interest rates. We have 

always aimed to be prudent with our investments and will  
not stretch for yield in a continuing low interest rate and 

credit spread environment.

Due to our three drivers of profit, I expect that we will 

outperform in a continuing low interest rate environment.  

For over 25 years, we have been a leader in understanding 

and modeling climate change risk, proactively engaging  

with our stakeholders to promote mitigation and disaster 

preparedness in order to increase the resiliency and 

sustainability of communities throughout the world. 

We believe that the frequency and severity of natural 

catastrophes have increased due to human-driven climate 

change. Already in California, the wildfire season has shifted 

and now overlaps more with the wind season, making 

extreme conflagrations increasingly prevalent. Our scientists 

predict that extreme weather events will be more frequent 

and more severe. There will be increasing wind and rain risk 

from tropical cyclones. A higher proportion of hurricanes will 

reach extreme category 4 and 5 levels. Sea level rise will 

exacerbate storm surge. 

Anthropogenic climate change is amplifying extreme  

weather events. We have incorporated this reality into our 

catastrophe models, increasing hazard functions above 

where commercially available models are set. One of the 

advantages of having an independent view of risk is that  

we can easily adapt our proprietary models to reflect the 

evolving climate paradigm. 

As rising greenhouse gas levels amplify the risk of climate 

change, we are uniquely positioned to anticipate and absorb 

the increased economic losses that will result. I believe 

RenaissanceRe can best advance positive environmental  
and social change by ameliorating climate change risk in  

two important ways. 

First — we can help protect those most vulnerable to climate 

change. The availability of insurance and other forms of risk 

financing is critical to protecting communities around the 

world from the economic impacts of increasingly severe 

weather. One of the most efficient forms of capital to provide 

this protection is reinsurance. 

6

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.  2019 Annual Report

Second — anthropogenic climate change means polluters 

Beyond direct stakeholders, I believe our beneficial impact  

are getting a “free lunch”, damaging the environment without 

is much broader. In my 2017 letter, I wrote extensively on  

paying the economic cost. This “free lunch” makes the world 

the social value proposition of reinsurance, and our role  

increasingly more expensive to protect, and prevents society 

in closing the protection gap and improving the overall 

from achieving a Pareto optimal outcome — the best possible 

well-being of society. 

outcome for the largest number of people. If the economic 

cost of this pollution can be accurately reflected, it will act  

That said, our mission is to produce superior returns, by which 

as an incentive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

we mean maximizing long-term shareholder value. We do this 

Reinsurance acts as a mechanism to reflect the costs of 

assessing and managing risk, delivering responsive solutions, 

by being a trusted, long-term partner to our customers for 

climate change. This outcome is only possible if reinsurers 

and keeping our promises. 

explicitly factor the impacts of climate change into their 

models and charge an appropriate price for the increase  

Serving stakeholders and maximizing shareholder value  

in risk. Ultimately, this should incentivize reduced 

are complementary values. I believe it is not possible to 

greenhouse gas emissions and result in an increasingly 

achieve the latter without first focusing on the former.  

optimal benefit to society. 

Benefitting All Stakeholders

We have always been good stewards of the capital that  

our shareholders and other partners have entrusted to  

us and will continue to deploy that capital consistent with 

Attention to environmental, social and governance (ESG) 

our mission and our principles. 

issues has always been a central part of our corporate 

strategy. We embraced a commitment to benefit all of our 

In Closing

stakeholders decades ago, and it remains firmly embedded in 
our values today. For example, our core principle of Respect 
requires “treating all of our stakeholders with a genuine 

sense of worth for their person.” Similarly, our principle of 
Integrity requires “maintaining an approach to all dealings  
that is upright, honest and morally sound.” Our commitment  

Last year, I closed my letter by recognizing the challenge 

that we would face in 2019 growing our business while 

simultaneously integrating TMR. I am very proud of the 

RenaissanceRe team, who worked hard to accomplish 

these strategic goals and more than exceeded our 

expectations. We begin 2020 looking different than we  

to being a trusted partner is also evident through our steady 

did one year ago, with a larger and much more diversified 

focus on building superior customer relationships and 

business that I believe will make us more resilient and help 

generous charitable giving program. 

us to be a broader and better partner to our stakeholders.

We have consistently asserted that our employees are our 

Sincerely,

most valuable asset. As a result, we are rigorous in our hiring 

practices and invest heavily in professional development.  

In addition to existing programs, in 2019 we launched  

two customized employee development initiatives to further 

build their capabilities and skills. We are pleased with the 

diversity of backgrounds and experiences that our new 

employees bring us and are proud of our ability to retain 

Kevin	J.	O’Donnell
President and Chief Executive Officer

talent, with about 25% of our employees having a tenure  

of over 10 years. 

7

Message from the Chair

It is a pleasure to reach out to you, our shareholders, on 
behalf of your Board of Directors.

Over my tenure as Chair, certain RenaissanceRe qualities  
have remained steadfast, including this Board’s commitment 
to overseeing management’s development and execution  
of a sound strategic plan consistent with RenaissanceRe’s 
mission and values. As this year’s letter from our Chief 
Executive Officer, Kevin O’Donnell, outlines, the commitment  
to integrity and respect that shapes RenaissanceRe’s culture 
and actions have also been constants. Yet against the 
backdrop of those fundamental principles, 2019 was a 
momentous year of transition for RenaissanceRe. Our 
management team and employees effectively executed our 
ambitious strategy, resulting in a company that is stronger, 
more diversified, and more sustainable than ever, while 
maintaining the differentiating qualities that have helped  
drive our history of leadership and superior returns.

As Kevin references in his letter, the Company has grown 
substantially, both organically and inorganically, in a three-
year period. Not every year, or even every three-year period, 
will produce change at this pace. Regardless of the rate of 
change, the Board is committed to ensuring that our own 
oversight capabilities and skills evolve in tandem both with 
the Company’s strategy and the surrounding environment.

The growth we have overseen has not only diversified 
RenaissanceRe’s revenue stream, core customer network 
and investment opportunities, but also the potential risks 
which must be identified, analyzed and mitigated. External 
factors outside of our control may also cause the risks that 
we face to evolve, or new risks to emerge. Your Board’s 
oversight evolves over time to reflect these developments. 
For example, over the last several years, the Board has 
enhanced its capabilities and processes around matters such 
as cybersecurity risk, environmental, social and governance 
(“ESG”) related matters, and human capital strategy and 
developments. We will continue to review RenaissanceRe’s 
oversight frameworks and resource mix as our business 
opportunities and potential risks change in future periods. 

As a matter of focus, your Board continuously works to 
ensure that our executive compensation program optimally 
incents the achievement of our strategic objectives and 
fosters shareholder alignment as the Company and the 
market changes over time. For example, in 2019, the 
Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee 

8

adjusted the compensation structure of our Chief Executive 
Officer and other named executive officers commensurate 
with the Company’s organic growth and our successful 
acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re. Over the course of  
2019, your Board oversaw a comprehensive shareholder 
engagement program, seeking feedback from our shareholders  
on a variety of topics, including potential changes to our 
executive compensation program in the context of the 
operational and portfolio changes summarized above. We 
appreciate all the input and feedback received, which played  
a significant role in shaping further refinements to our 
executive compensation program commencing with the  
2020 compensation cycle. These changes are discussed in 
the accompanying proxy statement for our 2020 Annual 
General Meeting of Shareholders. We remain committed to 
ensuring that our shareholders fully understand our executive 
compensation program, and look forward to reviewing your 
input on the changes we have adopted.

Oversight of ESG matters, which recently emerged as  
a broader topic of dialogue, has likewise always been a 
central focus of RenaissanceRe and your Board. As Kevin’s 
letter outlines, the Company’s commitment to these values 
benefits our stakeholders, communities and environment.  
As the expectations of customers, investors, regulators  
and other stakeholders evolve in coming periods, your Board  
is committed to overseeing and supporting management’s 
ongoing efforts to further its leadership.

Kevin’s accompanying letter ably demonstrates how 
RenaissanceRe navigated the strategic and operational 
challenges of 2019, and how our dynamic strategy, 
differentiated culture, distinctive capabilities and values 
position us to succeed in 2020 and beyond. We are  
grateful to him, our executive team, our global employee 
base, and the customers, capital providers, intermediaries  
and business partners which comprise the broader 
RenaissanceRe family. They are the basis for our success. 

On behalf of all my fellow directors, thank you for your 
ongoing support of RenaissanceRe. 

Sincerely,

James	L.	Gibbons 
Non-Executive Chair

Comments on Regulation G

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”) set 
forth in this Annual Report, the Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G. The 
Company has consistently provided these financial measures in previous investor communications and the Company’s management 
believes that these measures are important to investors and other interested persons, and that investors and such other persons benefit 
from having a consistent basis for comparison between quarters and for comparison with other companies within the industry. These 
measures may not, however, be comparable to similarly titled measures used by companies outside of the insurance industry. Investors 
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these non-GAAP measures in assessing the Company’s overall financial performance.

The Company uses “operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders” as a measure to 
evaluate the underlying fundamentals of its operations and believes it to be a useful measure of its corporate performance. “Operating 
income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders” as used herein differs from “net income (loss) available 
(attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders,” which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, 
by the exclusion of net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders, 
transaction and integration expenses associated with the acquisition of TMR, the income tax expense or benefit associated with these 
exclusions to “net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders” and the exclusion of the write-down 
of a portion of the Company’s deferred tax asset as a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective 
January 1, 2018 pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Bill”), which was enacted on December 21, 2017. The 
Company’s management believes that “operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders” is 
useful to investors because it more accurately measures and predicts the Company’s results of operations by removing the variability 
arising from: fluctuations in the Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio, equity investments trading and investments-related 
derivatives; certain transaction and integration expenses associated with the acquisition of TMR; the associated income tax expense 
or benefit of these adjustments, and the non-recurring impact of the write-down of a portion of the Company’s deferred tax assets as a 
result of the Tax Bill. The Company also uses “operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders” 
to calculate “operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted” 
and “operating return on average common equity – annualized.” The following is a reconciliation of: (1) net income (loss) available 
(attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders to operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common 
shareholders; (2) net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted to 
operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – diluted; and (3) return on 
average common equity – annualized to operating return on average common equity – annualized:

(in thousands of United States dollars, except per  
share amounts and percentages) 

Year Ended December 31,

2019 

2018 

2017

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders 

 $712,042  

 $197,276  

 $(244,770)  

  Adjustment for net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments attributable to  
  RenaissanceRe common shareholders(1) 
  Adjustment for transaction and integration expenses associated with the acquisition of TMR 
  Adjustment for income tax expense (benefit)(2)   
  Adjustment for deferred tax asset write-down(3) 

	(379,453) 
49,725	 
20,597	
-	 

 154,205 

 (140,416)  

3,296    
(5,750) 
 -  

 - 
11,587
 36,705 

Operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders 

	$402,911 

 $ 349,027  

$(336,894)  

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share - diluted 

  $ 			16.29 

$       4.91  

 $       (6.15)  

  Adjustment for net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments attributable to  
  RenaissanceRe common shareholders(1) 

  Adjustment for transaction and integration expenses associated with the acquisition of TMR 

  Adjustment for income tax expense (benefit)(2) 

  Adjustment for deferred tax asset write-down(3) 

(8.79) 

1.15	

0.48	 

-	 

3.88 

0.08 

(0.14)    

-  

 (3.52) 

- 

0.29     

 0.92 

Operating income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe common shareholders  
per common share - diluted 

	$	 	 			9.13 

 $        8.73  

 $        (8.46)  

Return on average common equity 

  Adjustment for net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments attributable to  
  RenaissanceRe common shareholders(1) 

  Adjustment for transaction and integration expenses associated with the acquisition of TMR 

  Adjustment for income tax expense (benefit)(2) 

  Adjustment for deferred tax asset write-down(3) 

Operating return on average common equity 

14.1% 

(7.5%) 

1.0%	

0.4% 

- 

8.0% 

4.7% 

3.7% 

0.1%	

 (0.1%)    

 - 

8.4% 

(5.7% )

(3.3%)

-

0.3%    

0.9% 

(7.8% )

(1) Adjustment for net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders represents: net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on 

investments as set forth in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations less net realized and unrealized gains (losses) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests, which is 
included in net loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Comparative information for all prior periods has 
been updated to conform to the current methodology and presentation. 

(2)  Adjustment for income tax expense (benefit) represents the income tax expense (benefit) associated with the adjustments to net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe 

common shareholders. The income tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions, after consideration of other relevant factors.

(3)  Adjustment for deferred tax asset write-down represents the write-down of a portion of the Company’s deferred tax asset as a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate from 

35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 pursuant to the Tax Bill, which was enacted on December 22, 2017.

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company has included in this Annual Report “tangible book value per common share” and “tangible book value per common 
share plus accumulated dividends.” “Tangible book value per common share” is defined as book value per common share excluding 
goodwill and intangible assets per share. “Tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends” is defined as 
book value per common share excluding goodwill and intangible assets per share, plus accumulated dividends. The Company’s 
management believes “tangible book value per common share” and “tangible book value per common share plus accumulated 
dividends” are useful to investors because they provide a more accurate measure of the realizable value of shareholder returns, 
excluding the impact of goodwill and intangible assets. The following is a reconciliation of book value per common share to 
tangible book value per common share and tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends:

Book value per common share 

  Adjustment for goodwill and other intangibles(1) 

Tangible book value per common share 

  Adjustment for accumulated dividends 

Year Ended December 31,

2019 

2018 

2017

$120.53  

$ 104.13 	 

 $  99.72 

(6.50)		

114.03		

20.68 	

(6.28) 

97.85		 

19.32   

 (6.49)

 93.23 

 18.00 

Tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends 

$134.71		

$117.17   

 $111.23

Change in book value per common share 

Change in tangible book value per common share plus change in accumulated dividends 

15.7% 

17.9% 

4.4% 

6.4% 

(8.0%)

(7.2%)

(1)  For 2019, 2018 and 2017, goodwill and other intangibles included $24.9 million, $27.7 million and $16.7 million, respectively, of goodwill and other intangibles included in investments 
       in other ventures, under equity method. 

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2019 

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

For the transition period from            to           

Commission File No. 001-14428 

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. 
(Exact Name Of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)

Bermuda
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

98-0141974
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

Renaissance House, 12 Crow Lane, Pembroke HM 19 Bermuda 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(441) 295-4513 
(Registrant’s telephone number)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Common Shares, Par Value $1.00 per share

Trading symbol Name of each exchange on which registered
RNR

New York Stock Exchange

Series C 6.08% Preference Shares, Par Value $1.00 per share

Series E 5.375% Preference Shares, Par Value $1.00 per share

Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a

Series F 5.750% Preference Share, Par Value $1.00 per share

RNR PRC

RNR PRE

RNR PRF

New York Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange

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 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that 
the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes 

  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller 
reporting company, or an emerging growth company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act. Large accelerated filer 

, Accelerated filer 

, Non-accelerated filer 

, Smaller reporting company 

, Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for 
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

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 Common Shares held by nonaffiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2019 was $7.7 billion based on 
the closing sale price of the Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.

The number of Common Shares, par value US $1.00 per share, outstanding at February 3, 2020 was 44,148,116.

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by 
reference into Part III of this report.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 1. BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART II

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER 

MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK . . . . . .
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING 

AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE . . . . . . .
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND 

Page
1

3

3

39

57

57

58

58

59

59

61

62

112

118

118

118

122

122

122

122

MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

122

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 

INDEPENDENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 16. 10-K SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INDEX TO SCHEDULES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . .

122

122

122

122

129

130

F-1

S-1

 
 
NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (this “Form 10-K”) of 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (the “Company” or “RenaissanceRe”) contains forward-looking statements 
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and 
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking 
statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant 
business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which, with respect to future 
business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results 
and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements 
made by, or on behalf of, us. In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “should,” “estimate,” 
“expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” or words of similar import generally involve 
forward-looking statements. For example, we may include certain forward-looking statements in 
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” with regard to 
trends in results, prices, volumes, operations, investment results, margins, combined ratios, fees, reserves, 
market conditions, risk management and exchange rates. This Form 10-K also contains forward-looking 
statements with respect to our business and industry, such as those relating to our strategy and 
management objectives, market standing and product volumes, competition and new entrants in our 
industry, industry capital, insured losses from loss events, government initiatives and regulatory matters 
affecting the reinsurance and insurance industries. 

The inclusion of forward-looking statements in this report should not be considered as a representation by 
us or any other person that our current objectives or plans will be achieved. Numerous factors could cause 
our actual results to differ materially from those addressed by the forward-looking statements, including the 
following: 

•  the frequency and severity of catastrophic and other events we cover; 

•  the effectiveness of our claims and claim expense reserving process;

•  the effect of climate change on our business, including the trend towards increasingly frequent and 

severe climate events;

•  our ability to maintain our financial strength ratings;

•  the effect of emerging claims and coverage issues;

•  collection on claimed retrocessional coverage, and new retrocessional reinsurance being available on 

acceptable terms and providing the coverage that we intended to obtain; 

•  our reliance on a small and decreasing number of reinsurance brokers and other distribution services 

for the preponderance of our revenue;

•  our exposure to credit loss from counterparties in the normal course of business;

•  the effect of continued challenging economic conditions throughout the world;

•  soft reinsurance underwriting market conditions;

•  the performance of our investment portfolio;

•  a contention by the United States (the “U.S.”) Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that Renaissance 
Reinsurance Ltd. (“Renaissance Reinsurance”), or any of our other Bermuda subsidiaries, is subject 
to taxation in the U.S.;

•  the effects of U.S. tax reform legislation and possible future tax reform legislation and regulations, 

including changes to the tax treatment of our shareholders or investors in our joint ventures or other 
entities we manage;

•  the success of any of our strategic investments or acquisitions, including our ability to manage our 

operations as our product and geographical diversity increases;

•  our ability to retain our key senior officers and to attract or retain the executives and employees 

necessary to manage our business;

•  our ability to effectively manage capital on behalf of investors in joint ventures or other entities we 

manage;

•  foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;

1

•  changes in the method for determining the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the 

potential replacement of LIBOR;

•  losses we could face from terrorism, political unrest or war;

•  the effect of cybersecurity risks, including technology breaches or failure, on our business;

•  our ability to successfully implement our business strategies and initiatives;

•  our ability to determine any impairments taken on our investments; 

•  the effects of inflation;

•  the ability of our ceding companies and delegated authority counterparties to accurately assess the 

risks they underwrite;

•  the effect of operational risks, including system or human failures; 

•  our ability to raise capital if necessary;

•  our ability to comply with covenants in our debt agreements; 

•  changes to the regulatory systems under which we operate, including as a result of increased global 

regulation of the insurance and reinsurance industries; 

•  changes in Bermuda laws and regulations and the political environment in Bermuda;

•  our dependence on the ability of our operating subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends; 
•  aspects of our corporate structure that may discourage third-party takeovers and other transactions;

•  difficulties investors may have in servicing process or enforcing judgments against us in the U.S.;

•  the cyclical nature of the reinsurance and insurance industries;

•  adverse legislative developments that reduce the size of the private markets we serve or impede their 

future growth;

•  consolidation of competitors, customers and insurance and reinsurance brokers; 

•  the effect on our business of the highly competitive nature of our industry, including the effect of new 

entrants to, competing products for and consolidation in the (re)insurance industry;

•  other political, regulatory or industry initiatives adversely impacting us;

•  our ability to comply with applicable sanctions and foreign corrupt practices laws;

•  increasing barriers to free trade and the free flow of capital;

•  international restrictions on the writing of reinsurance by foreign companies and government 

intervention in the natural catastrophe market;

•  the effect of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (the “OECD”) or European 

Union (“EU”) measures to increase our taxes and reporting requirements;

•  the effect of the vote by the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”) to leave the EU;

•  changes in regulatory regimes and accounting rules that may impact financial results irrespective of 

business operations; 

•  our need to make many estimates and judgments in the preparation of our financial statements;

•  risks that the ongoing integration of TMR (as defined herein) disrupts or distracts from current plans 

and operations; and

•  our ability to recognize the benefits of the acquisition of TMR.

As a consequence, our future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any 
forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us. The factors listed above, which are discussed in 
more detail in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in this Form 10-K, should not be construed as exhaustive. 
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to 
revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the 
date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

2

PART I

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

In this Form 10-K, references to “RenaissanceRe” refer to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (the parent 
company) and references to “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 
together with its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.  

For your convenience, we have included a “Glossary of Selected Insurance and Reinsurance Terms” at the 
end of “Part I, Item 1. Business” of this Form 10-K.

All dollar amounts referred to in this Form 10-K are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. 

Due to rounding, numbers presented in the tables included in this Form 10-K may not add up precisely to 
the totals provided.

OVERVIEW

RenaissanceRe is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance. We provide property, casualty and 
specialty reinsurance and certain insurance solutions to customers, principally through intermediaries. 
Established in 1993, we have offices in Bermuda, Australia, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland, the U.K., and 
the U.S. Our operating subsidiaries include Renaissance Reinsurance, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. 
(“Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.”), RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.”), 
RenaissanceRe Europe AG (formerly known as Tokio Millennium Re AG) (“RenaissanceRe Europe”), 
RenaissanceRe (UK) Limited (formerly known as Tokio Millennium Re (UK) Limited) (“RenaissanceRe UK”), 
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe Unlimited Company (“Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe”) and our 
Lloyd’s syndicate, RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458 (“Syndicate 1458”). We also underwrite reinsurance on 
behalf of joint ventures, including DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. (“DaVinci”), Fibonacci Reinsurance Ltd. 
("Fibonacci Re"), Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd. (“Top Layer Re”), Upsilon RFO Re Ltd. (“Upsilon RFO”) and 
Vermeer Reinsurance Ltd. (“Vermeer”). In addition, through RenaissanceRe Medici Fund Ltd. (“Medici”), we 
invest in various insurance-based investment instruments that have returns primarily tied to property 
catastrophe risk.

We aspire to be the world’s best underwriter by matching well-structured risks with efficient sources of 
capital, and our mission is to produce superior returns for our shareholders over the long term. We aim to 
accomplish these goals by being a trusted, long-term partner to our customers for assessing and managing 
risk, delivering responsive and innovative solutions, leveraging our core capabilities of risk assessment and 
information management, investing in these core capabilities in order to serve our customers across market 
cycles, and keeping our promises. Our strategy focuses on superior risk selection, superior customer 
relationships and superior capital management. We provide value to our customers and joint venture 
partners in the form of financial security, innovative products, and responsive service. We are known as a 
leader in paying valid claims promptly. We principally measure our financial success through long-term 
growth in tangible book value per common share plus the change in accumulated dividends, which we 
believe is the most appropriate measure of our financial performance, and in respect of which we believe 
we have delivered superior performance over time.

Our core products include property, casualty and specialty reinsurance, and certain insurance products 
principally distributed through intermediaries, with whom we have cultivated long-term relationships. We 
believe we have been one of the world’s leading providers of catastrophe reinsurance since our founding. In 
recent years, through the strategic execution of several initiatives, including organic growth and 
acquisitions, we have expanded and diversified our casualty and specialty platform and products, and 
believe we are a leader in certain casualty and specialty lines of business. We also pursue a number of 
other opportunities through our ventures unit, which has responsibility for creating and managing our joint 
ventures, executing customized reinsurance transactions to assume or cede risk, and managing certain 
strategic investments directed at classes of risk other than catastrophe reinsurance. From time to time we 
consider diversification into new ventures, either through organic growth, the formation of new joint 
ventures, or the acquisition of, or the investment in, other companies or books of business of other 
companies.

3

We have determined our business consists of the following reportable segments: (1) Property, which is 
comprised of catastrophe and other property reinsurance and insurance written on behalf of our operating 
subsidiaries and certain joint ventures managed by our ventures unit, and (2) Casualty and Specialty, which 
is comprised of casualty and specialty reinsurance and insurance written on behalf of our operating 
subsidiaries and certain joint ventures managed by our ventures unit.

To best serve our clients in the places they do business, we have operating subsidiaries, branches, joint 
ventures and underwriting platforms around the world, including DaVinci, Fibonacci Re, Renaissance 
Reinsurance, Top Layer Re, Upsilon RFO and Vermeer in Bermuda, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. in the 
U.S., Syndicate 1458 in the U.K. and RenaissanceRe Europe in Switzerland, which has branches in 
Australia, Bermuda, the U.K. and the U.S. We write property and casualty and specialty reinsurance 
through our wholly owned operating subsidiaries, joint ventures and Syndicate 1458 and certain insurance 
products primarily through Syndicate 1458. Syndicate 1458 provides us with access to Lloyd’s extensive 
distribution network and worldwide licenses, and also writes business through delegated authority 
arrangements. The underwriting results of our operating subsidiaries and underwriting platforms are 
included in our Property and Casualty and Specialty segment results as appropriate.

Since a meaningful portion of the reinsurance and insurance we write provides protection from damages 
relating to natural and man-made catastrophes, our results depend to a large extent on the frequency and 
severity of such catastrophic events, and the coverages we offer to customers affected by these events. We 
are exposed to significant losses from these catastrophic events and other exposures we cover. 
Accordingly, we expect a significant degree of volatility in our financial results and our financial results may 
vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and from year-to-year, based on the level of insured catastrophic 
losses occurring around the world. We view our exposure to casualty and specialty lines of business as an 
efficient use of capital given these risks are generally less correlated with our property lines of business. 
This has allowed us to bring additional capacity to our clients, across a wider range of product offerings, 
while continuing to be good stewards of our shareholders’ capital.

We continually explore appropriate and efficient ways to address the risk needs of our clients and the 
impact of various regulatory and legislative changes on our operations. We have created and managed, 
and continue to manage, multiple capital vehicles across several jurisdictions and may create additional risk 
bearing vehicles or enter into additional jurisdictions in the future. In addition, our differentiated strategy and 
capabilities position us to pursue bespoke or large solutions for clients, which may be non-recurring. This, 
and other factors including the timing of contract inception, could result in significant volatility of premiums in 
both our Property and Casualty and Specialty segments. As our product and geographical diversity 
increases, we may be exposed to new risks, uncertainties and sources of volatility.

Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re

On March 22, 2019, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, RenaissanceRe Specialty Holdings (UK) 
Limited (“RenaissanceRe Specialty Holdings”), completed its previously announced purchase of all of the 
share capital of RenaissanceRe Europe, RenaissanceRe UK, and their respective subsidiaries (collectively, 
“TMR”) pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement by and among RenaissanceRe, Tokio Marine & Nichido 
Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. (“Tokio”) and, with respect to certain sections only, Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. 
entered into on October 30, 2018. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” in our “Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the acquisition of TMR. TMR 
comprised the treaty reinsurance business of Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. The results of operations of TMR 
from March 22, 2019 through December 31, 2019, are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial 
results for year ended December 31, 2019.

4

CORPORATE STRATEGY

We aspire to be the world’s best underwriter by matching well-structured risks with efficient sources of 
capital and our mission is to produce superior returns for our shareholders over the long term. Our strategy 
for achieving these objectives, which is supported by our core values, our principles and our culture, is to 
operate an integrated system of what we believe are our three competitive advantages: superior customer 
relationships, superior risk selection and superior capital management. We believe all three competitive 
advantages are required to achieve our objectives, and we aim to seamlessly coordinate the delivery of 
these competitive advantages for the benefit of our ceding insurers, brokers, investors in our joint ventures 
and shareholders. 

Superior Customer Relationships. We aim to be a trusted long-term partner to our customers for assessing 
and managing risk and delivering responsive solutions. We believe our modeling and technical expertise, 
our risk management products, and our track record of keeping our promises have made us a provider of 
first choice in many lines of business to our customers worldwide. We seek to offer stable, predictable and 
consistent risk-based pricing and a prompt turnaround on claims.

Superior Risk Selection. We aim to build a portfolio of risks that produces an attractive risk-adjusted return 
on utilized capital. We develop a perspective of each risk using both our underwriters’ expertise and 
sophisticated risk selection techniques, including computer models and databases such as Renaissance 
Exposure Management System (“REMS©”). We pursue a disciplined approach to underwriting and seek to 
select only those risks that we believe will produce a portfolio with an attractive return, subject to prudent 
risk constraints. We manage our portfolio of risks dynamically, both within sub-portfolios and across the 
Company.

Superior Capital Management. We aim to write as much attractively priced business as is accessible to us 
and then manage our capital accordingly. We generally look to raise capital when we forecast increased 
demand in the market, at times by accessing capital through joint ventures or other structures, and return 
capital to our shareholders or joint venture investors when the demand for our coverages appears to decline 
and when we believe a return of capital would be beneficial to our shareholders or joint venture investors. In 
using joint ventures, we aim to leverage our access to business and our underwriting capabilities on an 
efficient capital base, develop fee income, generate profit commissions, diversify our portfolio, and provide 
attractive risk-adjusted returns to our capital providers. We also routinely evaluate and review potential joint 
venture opportunities and strategic investments.

We believe we are well positioned to fulfill our objectives by virtue of the experience and skill of our 
management team, our integrated and flexible underwriting and operating platform, our significant financial 
strength, our strong relationships with brokers and customers, our commitment to superior service and our 
proprietary modeling technology. In particular, we believe our strategy, high performance culture, and 
commitment to our customers and joint venture partners help us to differentiate ourselves by offering 
specialized services and products at times and in markets where capacity and alternatives may be limited.

SEGMENTS

Our reportable segments are defined as follows: (1) Property, which is comprised of catastrophe and other 
property reinsurance and insurance written on behalf of our operating subsidiaries and certain joint ventures 
managed by our ventures unit, and (2) Casualty and Specialty, which is comprised of casualty and specialty 
reinsurance and insurance written on behalf of our operating subsidiaries and certain joint ventures 
managed by our ventures unit. In addition to our two reportable segments, we have an Other category, 
which primarily includes our strategic investments, investments unit, corporate expenses, capital servicing 
costs, noncontrolling interests, certain expenses related to acquisitions and the remnants of our former 
Bermuda-based insurance operations. The results of operations of TMR from March 22, 2019 through 
December 31, 2019, are reflected in the Company’s existing reportable segments for the year ended 
December 31, 2019.

The following table shows gross premiums written allocated between our segments. Operating results 
relating to our segments are included in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations.”

5

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

(in thousands, except percentages)

Property

Casualty and Specialty

Other category

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

$ 2,430,985

50.6% $ 1,760,926

53.2% $ 1,440,437

2,376,765

49.4%

1,549,501

46.8%

1,357,110

—

—%

—

—%

(7)

51.5 %

48.5 %

— %

Total gross premiums written

$ 4,807,750

100.0% $ 3,310,427

100.0% $ 2,797,540

100.0 %

We write proportional business as well as excess of loss business. In addition, we maintain delegated 
authority arrangements through Syndicate 1458, which are included in our Property and Casualty and 
Specialty segments, as appropriate. Our relative mix of business between proportional business and excess 
of loss business has fluctuated in the past and will likely vary in the future. Proportional and delegated 
authority business typically have relatively higher premiums per unit of expected underwriting income, 
together with a higher acquisition expense ratio and combined ratio, than traditional excess of loss 
reinsurance, as these coverages tend to be exposed to relatively more attritional, and frequent, losses while 
being subject to less expected severity. 

The following table shows gross premiums written allocated between excess of loss, proportional and 
delegated authority for each of our segments:

Year ended December 31, 2019

(in thousands)
Excess of loss
Proportional
Delegated authority

Total gross premiums written

Year ended December 31, 2018
Excess of loss
Proportional
Delegated authority

Total gross premiums written

Year ended December 31, 2017
Excess of loss
Proportional
Delegated authority

Total gross premiums written

Property

Casualty and
Specialty

Other

Total

$1,758,787
546,405
125,793
$2,430,985

$ 508,515
1,583,554
284,696
$2,376,765

$1,473,381
220,458
67,087
$1,760,926

$ 366,635
965,141
217,725
$1,549,501

$1,192,980
195,473
51,984
$1,440,437

$ 262,415
894,810
199,885
$1,357,110

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $2,267,302
2,129,959
—
410,489
—
— $4,807,750

— $1,840,016
1,185,599
—
—
284,812
— $3,310,427

(7)
—
—
(7)

$1,455,388
1,090,283
251,869
$2,797,540

6

Property Segment

Our Property segment includes our catastrophe class of business, principally comprised of excess of loss 
reinsurance and excess of loss retrocessional reinsurance to insure insurance and reinsurance companies 
against natural and man-made catastrophes, and our other property class of business, primarily comprised 
of proportional reinsurance, property per risk, property (re)insurance, binding facilities and regional U.S. 
multi-line reinsurance. The following table shows gross premiums written in our Property segment allocated 
by class of business:

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

(in thousands, except percentages)

Catastrophe

Other property

Total Property segment gross

premiums written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

$ 1,595,472

65.6% $ 1,349,324

76.6% $ 1,104,450

835,513

34.4%

411,602

23.4%

335,987

76.7%

23.3%

$ 2,430,985

100.0% $ 1,760,926

100.0% $ 1,440,437

100.0%

We write catastrophe reinsurance and insurance coverage protecting against large natural catastrophes, 
such as earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis, as well as claims arising from other natural and 
man-made catastrophes such as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, windstorms, tornadoes, explosions 
and acts of terrorism. We offer this coverage to insurance companies and other reinsurers primarily on an 
excess of loss basis. This means we begin paying when our customers’ claims from a catastrophe exceed a 
certain retained amount. We also offer proportional coverages and other structures on a catastrophe-
exposed basis and may increase these offerings on an absolute or relative basis in the future. Recently, as 
our other property class of business has become a larger percentage of our Property segment gross 
premiums written, proportional coverage has become a larger percentage of our Property segment. 

As noted above, our excess of loss property contracts generally cover all natural perils, and our 
predominant exposure under such coverage is to property damage. However, other risks, including 
business interruption and other non-property losses, may also be covered under our property reinsurance 
contracts when arising from a covered peril. 

We offer our coverages on a worldwide basis. Because of the wide range of possible catastrophic events to 
which we are exposed, including the size of such events and the potential for multiple events to occur in the 
same time period, our property business is volatile and our financial condition and results of operations 
reflect this volatility. To moderate the volatility of our risk portfolio, we may increase or decrease our 
presence in the property business based on market conditions and our assessment of risk-adjusted pricing 
adequacy. We frequently purchase reinsurance or other protection for our own account for a number of 
reasons, including to optimize the expected outcome of our underwriting portfolio, to manage capital 
requirements for regulated entities and to reduce the financial impact that a large catastrophe or a series of 
catastrophes could have on our results.

7

Casualty and Specialty Segment
We write casualty and specialty reinsurance and insurance covering primarily targeted classes of business 
where we believe we have a sound basis for underwriting and pricing the risk we assume. Principally all of 
the business is reinsurance, however our book of insurance business has been increasing in recent 
periods, and may continue to do so. The following table shows gross premiums written in our Casualty and 
Specialty segment allocated by class of business:

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

(in thousands, except percentages)

General casualty (1)

Professional liability (2)

Financial lines (3)

Other (4)

Total Casualty and Specialty segment

gross premiums written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

$

807,901

34.0% $

453,097

29.2% $

417,880

650,750

457,000

461,114

27.4%

19.2%

19.4%

485,851

352,902

257,651

31.4%

22.8%

16.6%

452,310

303,800

183,120

30.8%

33.3%

22.4%

13.5%

$ 2,376,765

100.0% $ 1,549,501

100.0% $ 1,357,110

100.0%

(1)

Includes automobile liability, casualty clash, employer’s liability, umbrella or excess casualty, workers’ compensation and general 

liability.

(2)

(3)

(4)

Includes directors and officers, medical malpractice, and professional indemnity.

Includes financial guaranty, mortgage guaranty, political risk, surety and trade credit.

Includes accident and health, agriculture, aviation, cyber, energy, marine, satellite and terrorism. Lines of business such as 
regional multi-line and whole account may have characteristics of various other classes of business, and are allocated 
accordingly.

In recent years, we have expanded our Casualty and Specialty segment operations through organic growth 
initiatives and acquisitions, and we plan to continue to expand these operations over time if market 
conditions are appropriate. 

Our Casualty and Specialty segment gross premiums written may be subject to significant volatility as 
certain lines of business in this segment can be influenced by a small number of relatively large 
transactions. We seek to underwrite these lines using a disciplined underwriting approach and sophisticated 
analytical tools. We generally target lines of business where we believe we can adequately quantify the 
risks assumed and provide coverage where we believe our underwriting is robust and the market is 
attractive. We also seek to identify market dislocations and write new lines of business whose risk and 
return characteristics are estimated to exceed our hurdle rates. Furthermore, we also seek to manage the 
correlations of this business with our overall portfolio. We believe that our underwriting and analytical 
capabilities have positioned us well to manage our casualty and specialty business.

We offer our casualty and specialty reinsurance products principally on a proportional basis, and we also 
provide excess of loss coverage. These products frequently include tailored features such as limits or sub-
limits which we believe help us manage our exposures. Any liability exceeding, or otherwise not subject to, 
such limits reverts to the cedant. Our Casualty and Specialty segment frequently provides coverage for 
relatively large limits or exposures, and thus we are subject to potential significant claims volatility.

Our Casualty and Specialty segment offers certain casualty insurance products through Syndicate 1458, 
including general liability, medical malpractice and professional liability. Syndicate 1458 also writes business 
through delegated authority arrangements. 

As a result of our financial strength, we have the ability to offer significant capacity and, for select risks, we 
have made available significant limits. We believe these capabilities, the strength of our casualty and 
specialty reinsurance underwriting team, and our demonstrated ability and willingness to pay valid claims 
are competitive advantages of our casualty and specialty reinsurance business. While we believe that these 
and other initiatives will support growth in our Casualty and Specialty segment, we intend to continue to 
apply our disciplined underwriting approach.

8

Other

Our Other category primarily includes the results of: (1) our share of strategic investments in certain 
markets we believe offer attractive risk-adjusted returns or where we believe our investment adds value, 
and where, rather than assuming exclusive management responsibilities ourselves, we partner with other 
market participants; (2) our investment unit which manages and invests the funds generated by our 
consolidated operations; (3) corporate expenses, certain expenses related to acquisitions, capital servicing 
costs and noncontrolling interests; and (4) the remnants of our former Bermuda-based insurance 
operations. 

Geographic Breakdown

Our exposures are generally diversified across geographic zones, but are also a function of market 
conditions and opportunities. Our largest exposure has historically been to the U.S. and Caribbean market, 
which represented 50.7% of our gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2019. A 
significant amount of our U.S. and Caribbean premium provides coverage against windstorms (mainly U.S. 
Atlantic hurricanes), earthquakes and other natural and man-made catastrophes. 

The following table sets forth the amounts and percentages of our gross premiums written allocated to the 
territory of coverage exposure:

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

(in thousands, except percentages)

Property Segment

U.S. and Caribbean

Worldwide

Europe

Japan

Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)

Australia and New Zealand

Other

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

Gross
Premiums
Written

Percentage
of Gross
Premiums
Written

$ 1,368,205

28.5% $

978,063

29.4% $

954,269

643,744

182,544

90,328

79,393

32,203

34,568

13.4%

3.8%

1.9%

1.6%

0.7%

0.7%

464,311

144,857

71,601

66,872

19,273

15,949

14.0%

305,915

4.4%

2.2%

2.0%

0.6%

0.5%

49,486

49,821

48,182

14,151

18,613

34.1 %

10.9 %

1.8 %

1.8 %

1.7 %

0.5 %

0.7 %

Total Property Segment

2,430,985

50.6%

1,760,926

53.1%

1,440,437

51.5 %

Casualty and Specialty Segment

U.S. and Caribbean

Worldwide

Europe

Australia and New Zealand

Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)

Other

1,071,170

935,626

227,178

34,053

25,291

83,447

22.3%

19.5%

4.7%

0.7%

0.5%

1.7%

667,125

776,976

15,296

3,667

31,734

54,703

20.2%

23.4%

0.5%

0.1%

1.0%

1.7%

622,757

686,253

9,752

4,141

10,104

24,103

Total Casualty and Specialty Segment

2,376,765

49.4%

1,549,501

46.9%

1,357,110

Other category

—

—%

—

—%

(7)

22.3 %

24.5 %

0.3 %

0.1 %

0.4 %

0.9 %

48.5 %

— %

Total gross premiums written

$ 4,807,750

100.0% $ 3,310,427

100.0% $ 2,797,540

100.0 %

(1)  The category “Worldwide (excluding U.S.)” consists of contracts that cover more than one geographic region (other than the 

U.S.).

VENTURES

We pursue a number of other opportunities through our ventures unit, which has responsibility for creating 
and managing our joint ventures, executing customized reinsurance transactions to assume or cede risk 
and managing certain investments directed at classes of risk other than catastrophe reinsurance.

Managed Joint Ventures

We actively manage a number of joint ventures which provide us with an additional presence in the market, 
enhance our client relationships and generate fee income and profit commissions. These joint ventures 

9

allow us to leverage our access to business and our underwriting capabilities on a larger capital base. 
Currently, our principal joint ventures include DaVinci, Fibonacci Re, Top Layer Re, Langhorne (comprised 
of Langhorne Holdings LLC (“Langhorne Holdings”) and Langhorne Partners LLC ("Langhorne Partners" 
and, collectively with Langhorne Holdings, "Langhorne"), Medici, Upsilon RFO, RenaissanceRe Upsilon 
Fund Ltd. (“Upsilon Fund”) and Vermeer. 

DaVinci

DaVinci was established in 2001 and principally writes property catastrophe reinsurance and certain low 
frequency, high severity specialty reinsurance lines of business on a global basis. In general, we seek to 
construct for DaVinci a portfolio with risk characteristics similar to those of Renaissance Reinsurance’s 
property catastrophe reinsurance portfolio, and from time to time, certain lines of casualty and specialty 
reinsurance written by Renaissance Reinsurance. In accordance with DaVinci’s underwriting guidelines, it 
can only participate in business also underwritten by Renaissance Reinsurance. We maintain majority 
voting control of DaVinci’s holding company, DaVinciRe Holdings Ltd. (“DaVinciRe”), and accordingly, 
consolidate the results of DaVinciRe into our consolidated results of operations and financial position. The 
underwriting results of DaVinciRe are principally included in our Property segment. We seek to manage 
DaVinci’s capital efficiently over time in light of the market opportunities and needs we perceive and believe 
we are able to serve. Renaissance Underwriting Managers, Ltd. (“RUM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of 
RenaissanceRe, acts as the exclusive underwriting manager for DaVinciRe in return for a management fee 
and performance based incentive fee. Our noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe was 21.9% at 
December 31, 2019 (2018 - 22.1%). 

We expect our noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time. 

Top Layer Re

Top Layer Re was established in 1999 and writes high excess non-U.S. property catastrophe reinsurance. 
Top Layer Re is owned 50% by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (“State Farm”) and 50% 
by Renaissance Reinsurance. State Farm provides $3.9 billion of stop loss reinsurance coverage to Top 
Layer Re. Top Layer Re is managed by RUM in return for a management fee. We account for our equity 
ownership in Top Layer Re under the equity method of accounting and our proportionate share of its results 
is reflected in equity in earnings of other ventures in our consolidated statements of operations.

Medici

Medici is an exempted fund that was incorporated under the laws of Bermuda in 2009. Medici’s objective is 
to invest substantially all of its assets in various insurance-based investment instruments that have returns 
primarily correlated to property catastrophe risk. Third-party investors subscribe for the majority of the 
participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. We maintain majority voting control of Medici through 
Medici’s wholly-owned parent, RenaissanceRe Fund Holdings Ltd. (“Fund Holdings”), therefore the results 
of Medici and Fund Holdings are consolidated in our financial statements. Medici is managed by 
RenaissanceRe Fund Management Ltd. (“Fund Management”) in return for a management fee. Our 
economic ownership in Medici was 12.1% at December 31, 2019 (2018 - 16.6%).

Upsilon RFO

In 2013, we formed a managed joint venture, Upsilon RFO, a Bermuda domiciled special purpose insurer 
(“SPI”), principally to provide additional capacity to the worldwide aggregate and per-occurrence primary 
and retrocessional property catastrophe excess of loss market. Upsilon RFO enhances our efforts to match 
desirable reinsurance risk with efficient capital through a strategic capital structure. Original business is 
primarily written directly by Upsilon RFO under fully-collateralized reinsurance contracts capitalized through 
the sale of non-voting shares to us and Upsilon Fund, and from time to time, Renaissance Reinsurance 
writes business for, and then cedes it to, Upsilon RFO. Upsilon RFO is considered a variable interest entity 
(“VIE”) as it has insufficient equity capital to finance its activities without additional financial support and we 
are the primary beneficiary. As a result, we consolidate Upsilon RFO, and all significant inter-company 
transactions have been eliminated. Other than our equity investment, we have not provided any financial or 
other support to Upsilon RFO that we were not contractually required to provide.

10

Upsilon Fund

We incorporated Upsilon Fund, an exempted Bermuda limited segregated accounts company, in 2014. 
Upsilon Fund was formed to provide a fund structure through which third-party investors can invest in 
property reinsurance risk managed by us. As a segregated accounts company, Upsilon Fund is permitted to 
establish segregated accounts to invest in and hold identified pools of assets and liabilities. Each pool of 
assets and liabilities in each segregated account is ring-fenced from any claims from the creditors of 
Upsilon Fund’s general account and from the creditors of other segregated accounts within Upsilon Fund. 
Third-party investors purchase redeemable, non-voting preference shares linked to specific segregated 
accounts of Upsilon Fund and own 100% of these shares. Upsilon Fund is managed by Fund Management 
in return for a management fee and performance based incentive fee. We have not provided any financial 
or other support to Upsilon Fund that we were not contractually required to provide. Currently, Upsilon Fund 
is invested in Upsilon RFO and Medici.

Vermeer

In 2018, we formed Vermeer, an exempted Bermuda reinsurer, with PGGM, a Dutch pension fund manager. 
Vermeer provides capacity focused on risk remote layers in the U.S. property catastrophe market. Vermeer 
is managed by RUM in return for a management fee. We maintain majority voting control of Vermeer, while 
PGGM retains economic benefits. Vermeer is considered a VIE, as it has voting rights that are not 
proportional to its participating rights and we are the primary beneficiary. As a result, we consolidate 
Vermeer and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated. The portion of Vermeer’s 
earnings owned by third parties is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net income 
attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests. We have not provided any financial or other support to 
Vermeer that we were not contractually required to provide.

Fibonacci Re

In 2016, Fibonacci Re, a Bermuda-domiciled SPI, was formed to provide collateralized capacity to 
Renaissance Reinsurance and its affiliates. Fibonacci Re raised capital from third-party investors and us via 
private placements of participating notes that are listed on the Bermuda Stock Exchange. This arrangement 
enables Renaissance Reinsurance to support its clients with additional property catastrophe reinsurance 
capacity and we believe it provides attractive risk-adjusted returns to our capital partners. We concluded 
that Fibonacci Re meets the definition of a VIE as it does not have sufficient equity capital to finance its 
activities. Therefore, we evaluated our relationship with Fibonacci Re and concluded we are not the primary 
beneficiary of Fibonacci Re as we do not have power over the activities that most significantly impact the 
economic performance of Fibonacci Re. As a result, we do not consolidate the financial position and results 
of operations of Fibonacci Re. Other than our investment in the participating notes of Fibonacci Re, we 
have not provided financial or other support to Fibonacci Re that we were not contractually required to 
provide.

Langhorne

In 2017, we closed an initiative with Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated to source third-party 
capital to support reinsurers targeting large in-force life and annuity blocks. Langhorne Holdings is a 
company that owns and manages certain reinsurance entities within Langhorne. Langhorne Partners is the 
general partner for Langhorne Holdings and the entity which manages the third-party investors investing 
into Langhorne Holdings in return for a management and performance based incentive fee. We concluded 
that Langhorne Holdings meets the definition of a VIE. We are not the primary beneficiary of Langhorne 
Holdings and as a result, we do not consolidate the financial position or results of operations of Langhorne 
Holdings. We concluded that Langhorne Partners was not a VIE. We account for our investments in 
Langhorne Holdings and Langhorne Partners under the equity method of accounting, one quarter in 
arrears. We anticipate that our investment in Langhorne will increase, perhaps materially, as in-force life 
and annuity blocks of businesses are written. Other than our current and committed future equity 
investment in Langhorne, we have not provided financial or other support to Langhorne that we were not 
contractually required to provide.

11

Strategic Investments

Our ventures business unit also pursues strategic investments where, rather than assuming exclusive 
management responsibilities ourselves, we partner with other market participants. These investments may 
be directed at classes of risk other than catastrophe reinsurance, and at times may also be directed at non-
insurance risks, such as Insurtech opportunities. We find these investments attractive because of their 
expected returns, and because they provide us with diversification benefits and information and exposure to 
other aspects of the market. For example, in 2018 we acquired a minority shareholding in Catalina Holdings 
(Bermuda) Ltd, a long-term consolidator in the non-life insurance/reinsurance run-off sector, which is 
accounted for at fair value and is included in other investments. Other examples of strategic investments 
include our investments in Bluegrass Insurance Management, LLC, Tower Hill Claims Service, LLC, Tower 
Hill Holdings, Inc., Tower Hill Insurance Group, LLC, Tower Hill Insurance Managers, LLC, Tower Hill Re 
Holdings, Inc., Tower Hill Signature Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Tomoka Re Holdings, Inc. (collectively, the 
“Tower Hill Companies”), which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. We also have 
investments in Essent Group Ltd. and Trupanion Inc., which are accounted for at fair value and are included 
in other investments. 

The carrying value of these investments on our consolidated balance sheet, individually or in the aggregate, 
may differ from the realized value we may ultimately attain, perhaps significantly so. For example, we 
believe that our investments in the Tower Hill Companies, which are recorded under the equity method of 
accounting in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”), would attract a significantly higher valuation than what is currently 
recognized in our consolidated financial statements. However, under GAAP, we are prohibited from 
recording these investments at fair value. In addition, there is no liquid market for these investments.

Other Transactions

Our ventures business unit works on a range of other customized reinsurance and financing transactions. 
For example, we have participated in and continuously analyze other attractive opportunities in the market 
for insurance-linked securities and derivatives. We believe our products contain a number of customized 
features designed to fit the needs of our partners, as well as our risk management objectives.

Additionally, our ventures business unit activities that appear in our consolidated underwriting results, such 
as DaVinci and certain reinsurance transactions, are included in our Property and Casualty and Specialty 
segment results as appropriate; the results of our equity method investments, such as Top Layer Re, and 
other ventures are included in the Other category of our segment results.

NEW BUSINESS

From time to time we consider diversification into new ventures, either through organic growth, the 
formation of new joint ventures, or the acquisition of, or the investment in, other companies or books of 
business of other companies. This potential diversification includes opportunities to write targeted, 
additional classes of risk-exposed business, both directly for our own account and through new joint venture 
opportunities. We also regularly evaluate potential strategic opportunities we believe might utilize our skills, 
capabilities, proprietary technology and relationships to support possible expansion into further risk-related 
coverages, services and products. Generally, we focus on underwriting or trading risks where we believe 
reasonably sufficient data is available and our analytical abilities provide us with a competitive advantage, in 
order for us to seek to model estimated probabilities of losses and returns in respect of our then current 
portfolio of risks. 

We regularly review potential strategic transactions that might improve our portfolio of business, enhance or 
focus our strategies, expand our distribution or capabilities, or provide other benefits. In evaluating potential 
new ventures or investments, we generally seek an attractive estimated return on equity, the ability to 
develop or capitalize on a competitive advantage, and opportunities which we believe will not detract from 
our core operations. We believe that our ability to attract investment and operational opportunities is 
supported by our strong reputation and financial resources, and by the capabilities and track record of our 
ventures unit.

12

COMPETITION

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, and we believe that competition is, in general, 
increasing and becoming more robust. Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance 
companies, subsidiaries and/or affiliates of globally recognized insurance companies, reinsurance divisions 
of certain insurance companies, domestic and international underwriting operations, and a range of entities 
offering forms of risk transfer protection on a collateralized or other non-traditional basis. As our business 
evolves and the (re)insurance industry continues to experience consolidation, we expect our competitors to 
change as well. For example, we may face competition from non-traditional competitors, such as 
technology or Insurtech companies, among others.

We believe that our principal competitors include other companies active in the market, currently including 
Aeolus Re Ltd. (“Aeolus”), Allied World Assurance Company, AG, Arch Capital Group Ltd., Argo Group, 
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, AXA XL, Axis Capital Holdings Limited, Chubb Limited, Convex Re 
Limited, Everest Re Group, Ltd., Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited (“Fidelis”), Greenlight Reinsurance Ltd. 
(“Greenlight”), Hamilton Re Ltd. (“Hamilton Re”), James River Insurance Company, Odyssey Re Holdings 
Corp., PartnerRe Ltd., Sompo International (formerly known as Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd.), Third 
Point Reinsurance Ltd. (“Third Point”), Transatlantic Reinsurance Company (a part of Alleghany 
Corporation), Validus Reinsurance Ltd. (a part of American International Group Inc. (“AIG”)) and Watford Re 
Ltd., as well as a growing number of private, unrated reinsurers offering predominately collateralized 
reinsurance. We also compete with certain Lloyd’s syndicates active in the London market, such as those 
managed by Beazley PLC, Hiscox Ltd., and Lancashire Holdings, as well as with a number of other industry 
participants, such as AIG, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Hannover Rückversicherung AG (“Hannover Re”), 
Ironshore Inc., Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft in München (“Munich Re”) 
and Swiss Re Ltd.

Hedge funds, pension funds and endowments, investment banks, investment managers (such as Nephila 
Capital Ltd., a part of Markel Corporation), exchanges and other capital market participants are increasingly 
active in the reinsurance market and the market for related risk, either through the formation of reinsurance 
companies (such as Greenlight, Aeolus, Fidelis, Hamilton Re, The D. E. Shaw Group and Third Point) or 
through the use of other financial products, such as catastrophe bonds, other insurance-linked securities 
and collateralized reinsurance investment funds. We expect competition from these sources to continue to 
increase. In addition, we continue to anticipate growth in financial products offered to the insurance market 
that are intended to compete with traditional reinsurance, such as insurance-linked securities (including 
catastrophe bonds), unrated privately held reinsurance companies providing collateralized or other non-
traditional reinsurance, catastrophe-linked derivative agreements and other financial products. 

The tax policies of the countries where our customers operate, as well as government sponsored or backed 
catastrophe funds, also affect demand for reinsurance, sometimes significantly. Moreover, government-
backed entities may represent competition for the coverages we provide directly or for the business of our 
customers, reducing the potential amount of third-party private protection our clients might need or desire.

UNDERWRITING AND ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT

Underwriting

Our primary underwriting goal is to construct a portfolio of reinsurance and insurance contracts and other 
financial risks that maximizes our return on shareholders’ equity, subject to prudent risk constraints, and to 
generate long-term growth in tangible book value per common share plus the change in accumulated 
dividends. We assess each new (re)insurance contract on the basis of the expected incremental return 
relative to the incremental contribution to portfolio risk.

We have developed a proprietary, computer-based pricing and exposure management system, REMS©, 
which has analytic and modeling capabilities that help us to assess the risk and return of each incremental 
(re)insurance contract in relation to our overall portfolio of (re)insurance contracts. We believe that REMS© 
is a robust underwriting and risk management system that has been successfully integrated into our 
business processes and culture. In conjunction with pricing models that we run outside of REMS©, the 
REMS© framework encompasses and facilitates risk capture, analysis, correlation, portfolio aggregation 
and capital allocation within a single system for all of our natural and non-natural hazards (re)insurance 
contracts. We continue to invest in and improve REMS©, incorporating our underwriting and modeling 

13

experience and adding proprietary software and a significant amount of new industry data. We continually 
strive to improve our analytical techniques for both natural and non-natural hazard models in REMS© and 
while our experience is most developed for analyzing natural hazard catastrophe risks, we continue to 
invest in and evolve our capabilities for assessing non-natural hazard catastrophe risks. Over the last ten 
years, we have continued to develop our casualty and specialty modeling tools and capabilities in line with 
our business needs. With the acquisitions of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. (“Platinum”) and TMR, 
and the expertise and tools added throughout this period, we believe our tools are now state of the art and 
fully embedded in our underwriting processes.

We generally utilize a multiple model approach when evaluating a proposed transaction, combining both 
probabilistic and deterministic techniques. We combine the analyses generated by REMS© with other 
information and other model inputs available to us, including our own knowledge of the client submitting the 
proposed program, to assess the premium offered against the risk of loss and the cost of utilized capital 
which the program presents. The underlying risk models integrated into our underwriting and REMS© 
framework are a combination of internally constructed and commercially available models. We use 
commercially available natural hazard catastrophe models to assist with validating and stress testing our 
base model and REMS© results. 

Before we bind a (re)insurance risk, exposure data, historical loss information and other risk data is 
gathered from customers. Using a combination of proprietary software, underwriting experience, actuarial 
techniques and engineering expertise, the exposure data is reviewed and augmented, as we deem 
appropriate. We use this data as primary inputs into the REMS© modeling system as a base to create risk 
distributions to represent the risk being evaluated. We believe that the REMS© modeling system helps us to 
analyze each policy on a consistent basis, assisting our determination of what we believe to be an 
appropriate price to charge for each policy based upon the risk to be assumed. In part, through the process 
described above and the utilization of REMS©, we seek to compare our estimate of the expected returns in 
respect of a contract with the amount of capital we notionally allocate to the contract based on our estimate 
of its marginal impact on our portfolio of risks. A key advantage of our REMS© framework is our ability to 
include additional perils, risks and geographic areas that may not be captured in commercially available 
natural hazards risk models. For instance, we believe that we are able to incorporate the risk of an increase 
in the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes due to climate change in our models more 
comprehensively than commercially available models.

We periodically review the estimates and assumptions that are reflected in REMS© and our other tools, 
driven either by new hazard science and understanding or by experience of loss events. For example, the 
movement in cedant loss estimates seen across the market in the months following Hurricane Irma 
prompted us to perform, in conjunction with several partner companies, a detailed review of the nature of 
the claims made as a result of that and subsequent events. We have reviewed the prevalence of 
"assignment of benefits," or "AOB," activity in underlying claims, as well as the impact of loss adjusting 
expenses and the costs associated with any litigation (often called social inflation), and this process has 
informed a change in our view of reinsurance risk in certain parts of the state of Florida based on observed 
behavioral norms. More generally our team of scientists at Weather Predict Consulting Inc. have been 
tracking the impact of climate change and expanding urban development in both tornado/hail and wildfire 
risk over the last several years. The recent history of California wildfire events, and particularly the extreme 
outbreaks during 2017 and 2018, are being used to validate, and where necessary inform, our 
representation of this risk. 

Our underwriters use the combination of our risk assessment and underwriting process, REMS© and other 
tools in their pricing decisions, which we believe provides them with several competitive advantages. These 
include the ability to:

•  simulate a range of potential outcomes that adequately represents the risk to an individual contract;

•  analyze the incremental impact of an individual reinsurance contract on our overall portfolio;

•  better assess the underlying exposures associated with assumed retrocessional business;

•  price contracts within a short time frame;

•  capture various classes of risk, including catastrophe and other insurance risks;

14

•  assess risk across multiple entities (including our various joint ventures) and across different 

components of our capital structure; and

•  provide consistent pricing information.

As part of our risk management process, we also use REMS© to assist us, as a retrocedant, with the 
purchase of reinsurance coverage for our own account.

Our underwriting and risk management process, in conjunction with REMS©, quantifies and manages our 
exposure to claims from single events and the exposure to losses from a series of events. As part of our 
pricing and underwriting process, we also assess a variety of other factors, including:

•  the reputation of the proposed cedant and the likelihood of establishing a long-term relationship with 

the cedant;

•  the geographic area in which the cedant does business and its market share;

•  historical loss data for the cedant and, where available, for the industry as a whole in the relevant 

regions and lines of business, in order to compare the cedant’s historical catastrophe loss experience 
to industry averages;

•  the cedant’s pricing strategies; and

•  the perceived financial strength of the cedant and factors such as the cedant’s historical record of 

making premium payments in full and on a timely basis.

In order to estimate the risk profile of each line of non-natural hazard reinsurance (i.e., our casualty and 
specialty lines of business), we establish probability distributions and assess the correlations with the rest of 
our portfolio. In lines with catastrophe risk, such as excess workers’ compensation and terrorism, we seek 
to directly leverage our skill in modeling property reinsurance risks, and aim to appropriately estimate and 
manage the correlations between these casualty and specialty lines and our property reinsurance portfolio. 
For other classes of business, in which we believe we have little or no natural catastrophe exposure, and 
therefore less correlation with our property reinsurance coverages, we derive probability distributions from a 
variety of underlying information sources, including recent historical experience, and the application of 
judgment as appropriate. The nature of some of these businesses lends itself less to the analysis we use 
for our property reinsurance coverages, reflecting both the nature of available exposure information, and the 
impact of human factors such as tort exposure. We produce probability distributions to represent our 
estimates of the related underlying risks which our products cover, which we believe helps us to make 
consistent underwriting decisions and to manage our total risk portfolio.

In addition, we also produce, utilize, and report on models which measure our utilization of capital in light of 
regulatory capital considerations and constraints. Our position in respect of these regulatory capital models 
is reviewed by our risk management professional staff and periodically reported to and reviewed by senior 
underwriting personnel and executive management with responsibility for our regulated operating entities. 

Enterprise Risk Management 

We believe that high-quality and effective Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) is best achieved when it is 
a shared cultural value throughout the organization and consider ERM to be a key process which is the 
responsibility of every individual within the Company. We have developed and utilize tools and processes 
we believe support a culture of risk management and create a robust framework of ERM within our 
organization. We believe that our ERM processes and practices help us to identify potential events that may 
affect us, quantify, evaluate and manage the risks to which we are exposed, and provide reasonable 
assurance regarding the achievement of our objectives. We believe that effective ERM can provide us with 
a significant competitive advantage. We also believe that effective ERM assists our efforts to minimize the 
likelihood of suffering financial outcomes in excess of the ranges which we have estimated in respect of 
specific investments, underwriting decisions, or other operating or business activities, although we do not 
believe this risk can be eliminated. We believe that our risk management tools support our strategy of 
pursuing opportunities and help us to identify opportunities we believe to be the most attractive. In 
particular, we utilize our risk management tools to support our efforts to monitor our capital and liquidity 
positions, on a consolidated basis and for each of our major operating subsidiaries, and to allocate an 
appropriate amount of capital to support the risks we have assumed in the aggregate and for each of our 

15

major operating subsidiaries. We believe that our risk management efforts are essential to our corporate 
strategy and our goal of achieving long-term growth in tangible book value per share plus the change in 
accumulated dividends for our shareholders.

Our Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing enterprise-wide risk management and is actively 
involved in the monitoring of risks that could affect us. The members of the Board have regular, direct 
access to the senior executives and other officers responsible for identifying and monitoring our risks and 
coordinating our ERM, including our Group Chief Risk Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Group General 
Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, each of whom reports directly to our Chief Executive Officer, as well 
as other senior personnel such as our Chief Accounting Officer, Global Corporate Controller and Head of 
Internal Audit. The Board also receives regular reports from the Controls and Compliance Committee 
described below.

Our ERM framework operates via a three lines of defense model. The first line of defense consists of 
individual functions that deliberately assume risks on our behalf and own and manage risk within the 
Company on a day-to-day and business operational basis. The second line of defense is responsible for 
risk oversight and also supports the first line to understand and manage risk. A dedicated risk team led by 
the Group Chief Risk Officer is responsible for this second line and reports to the Board of Director’s 
Investment and Risk Management Committee and the Chief Executive Officer. The third line of defense, our 
Internal Audit team, reports to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and provides independent, 
objective assurance as to the assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal control systems 
and also coordinates risk-based audits and compliance reviews and other specific initiatives to evaluate and 
address risk within targeted areas of our business. 

The principal risk areas that make up our ERM framework are assumed risk (including reserve risk), 
business environment risk and operational risk:

•  Assumed Risk. We define assumed risk as activities where we deliberately take risk against our 

capital base, including underwriting risks and other quantifiable risks such as credit risk and market 
risk as they relate to investments, ceded reinsurance credit risk and strategic investment risk, each 
of which can be analyzed in substantial part through quantitative tools and techniques. Of these, we 
believe underwriting risk to be the most material to us. In order to understand, monitor, quantify and 
proactively assess underwriting risk, we seek to develop and deploy appropriate tools to estimate 
the comparable expected returns on potential business opportunities and the impact that such 
incremental business could have on our overall risk profile. We use the tools and methods 
described above in “Underwriting” to seek to achieve these objectives. Embedded within our 
consideration of assumed risk is our management of our aggregate, consolidated risk profile. In part 
through the utilization of REMS© and our other systems and procedures, we analyze our in-force 
aggregate assumed risk portfolio on a daily basis. We believe this capability helps us to manage 
our aggregate exposures and to rigorously analyze and evaluate individual proposed transactions 
in the context of our in-force portfolio. This aggregation process captures line of business, segment 
and corporate risk profiles, calculates internal and external capital tests and explicitly models ceded 
reinsurance. Generally, additional data is added quarterly to our aggregate risk framework to reflect 
updated or new information or estimates relating to matters such as interest rate risk, credit risk, 
capital adequacy and liquidity. This information is used in day-to-day decision making for 
underwriting, investments and operations and is also reviewed quarterly from both a unit level and 
consolidated financial position perspective. We also regularly assess, monitor and review our 
regulatory risk capital and related constraints.

Reserve Risk. Reserve risk is a subcomponent of assumed risk. We define reserve risk as the risks 
related to our reserve for net claims and claim expenses, including the amount, both absolute and 
relative, of our outstanding reserve for net claims and claim expenses, and the impact of economic, 
social, legal and regulatory matters. Our reserve for net claims and claim expenses is subject to 
significant uncertainty and has the potential to develop adversely in future periods. While reserve 
risk may increase in both absolute terms and relative to its overall consideration in our ERM 
framework, we employ robust resources, procedures and technology to identify, understand, 
quantify and manage this risk. Our reserving methodologies and sensitivities for each respective 
line of business described in “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

16

Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim 
Expense Reserves.” 

•  Business Environment Risk. We define business environment risk as the risk of changes in the 
business, political or regulatory environment that could negatively impact our short term or long-
term financial results or the markets in which we operate. This risk area also typically includes 
emerging risks. These risks are predominately extrinsic to us and our ability to alter or eliminate 
these risks is limited, so we focus our efforts on monitoring developments, assessing potential 
impacts of any changes, and investing in cost effective means to attempt to mitigate the 
consequences of, and ensure compliance with, any new requirements applicable to us.

•  Operational Risk. We are subject to a number of additional risks arising out of operational, 

regulatory, and other matters. We define operational risk to include the risk we fail to create, 
manage, control or mitigate the people, processes, structures or functions required to execute our 
strategic and tactical plans and assemble an optimized portfolio of assumed risk, and to adjust to 
and comply with the evolving requirements of business environment risk applicable to us. In light of 
the rapid evolution of our markets, business environment, and business initiatives, we seek to 
continually invest in the tools, processes and procedures we use to mitigate our exposure to 
operational risk on a cost-effective basis. As with assumed risk and business environment risk, 
operational risk presents intrinsic uncertainties, and we may fail to appropriately identify or mitigate 
applicable operational risk.

Controls and Compliance Committee.  We believe that a key component of our current operational risk 
management platform is our Controls and Compliance Committee. The Controls and Compliance 
Committee is comprised of our Chief Financial Officer, Group General Counsel and Chief Compliance 
Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Global Corporate Controller, Group Chief Risk Officer, Head of Internal 
Audit, staff compliance professionals and representatives from our business units. The purpose of the 
Controls and Compliance Committee is to establish, assess the effectiveness of, and enforce policies, 
procedures and practices relating to accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, regulatory, legal, 
compliance and related matters, and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, our Code 
of Ethics and Conduct (the “Code of Ethics”), and other relevant standards. In addition, the Controls and 
Compliance Committee is charged with reviewing certain transactions that potentially raise complex and/or 
significant tax, legal, accounting, regulatory, financial reporting, reputational or compliance issues.

In addition, we address other areas of operational risk through our disaster recovery program, human 
resource practices such as motivating and retaining top talent, our strict tax protocols and our legal and 
regulatory policies and procedures. 

Ongoing Development and Enhancement.  We seek to reflect and categorize risks we monitor in part 
through quantitative risk distributions, even where we believe that such quantitative analysis is not as robust 
or well developed as our tools and models for measuring and evaluating other risks, such as catastrophe 
and market risks. We also seek to improve the methods by which we measure risks and believe effective 
risk management is a continual process that requires ongoing improvement and development. We seek 
from time to time to identify effective new practices or additional developments both from within our industry 
and from other sectors. We believe that our ongoing efforts to embed ERM throughout our organization help 
us produce and maintain a competitive advantage and achieve our corporate goals.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE MATTERS

Our principal economic exposures arise from our coverages for natural disasters and catastrophes. We 
believe, and believe the consensus view of current scientific studies substantiates, that changes in climate 
conditions, primarily global temperatures and expected sea levels, have increased, and are likely to 
continue to increase, the severity and frequency of weather related natural disasters and catastrophes 
relative to the historical experience over the past 100 years. While it is difficult to distinguish between 
permanent climate change and transient climate variability, an ever expanding body of research suggests 
that these trends are in fact man-made, and, if correct, we believe that this trend will not revert to the mean 
but continue to worsen. We believe that this increase in severe weather, coupled with currently projected 
demographic trends in catastrophe-exposed regions, contributes to factors that will increase the average 
economic value of expected losses, increase the number of people exposed per year to natural disasters 
and in general exacerbate disaster risk, including risks to infrastructure, global supply chains and 

17

agricultural production. Accordingly, we expect an increase in both the frequency and magnitude of claims, 
especially from properties located in coastal areas. The consideration of the impacts of climate change is 
integral to our ERM process. We have taken measures to mitigate losses related to climate change through 
our underwriting process and by continuously monitoring and adjusting our risk management models to 
reflect the higher level of risk that we think will persist.

In addition to the impacts that environmental incidents have on our business, there has been a proliferation 
of governmental and regulatory scrutiny related to climate change and greenhouse gases, which will also 
affect our business. For example, many of our regulators are increasingly focused on climate change 
disclosures. 

RATINGS

Financial strength ratings are an important factor in evaluating and establishing the competitive position of 
reinsurance and insurance companies. We have received high claims-paying and financial strength ratings 
from A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”), Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”), Moody’s 
Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”). These ratings represent independent opinions 
of an insurer’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet policyholder obligations, and 
are not an evaluation directed toward the protection of investors or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold 
any of our securities. Rating organizations continually review the financial positions of our principal 
operating subsidiaries and joint ventures and ratings may be revised or revoked by the agencies which 
issue them. 

In addition, S&P and A.M. Best assess companies’ ERM practices, which is an opinion on the many critical 
dimensions of risk that determine overall creditworthiness. RenaissanceRe has been assigned an ERM 
rating of “Very Strong” from each of these agencies, which is the highest ERM score assigned. 

See “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations, Capital Resources, Ratings” for the ratings of our principal operating subsidiaries and joint 
ventures by segment, and details of recent ratings actions.

RESERVES FOR CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES

We believe the most significant accounting judgment made by management is our estimate of claims and 
claim expense reserves. Claims and claim expense reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and 
statistical projections at a given point in time, of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for unpaid 
claims and claim expenses arising from the insurance and reinsurance contracts we sell. We establish our 
claims and claim expense reserves by taking claims reported to us by insureds and ceding companies, but 
which have not yet been paid (“case reserves”), adding estimates for the anticipated cost of claims incurred 
but not yet reported to us, or incurred but not enough reported to us (collectively referred to as “IBNR”) and, 
if deemed necessary, adding costs for additional case reserves which represent our estimates for claims 
related to specific contracts which we believe may not be adequately estimated by the client as of that date, 
or adequately covered in the application of IBNR. Our reserving committee, which includes members of our 
senior management, reviews, discusses, and assesses the reasonableness and adequacy of the reserving 
estimates included in our audited financial statements. Because of the nature of the coverages that we 
provide, the amount and timing of the cash flows associated with our policy liabilities will fluctuate, perhaps 
significantly, and, therefore, are highly uncertain.

In connection with the closing of the acquisition of TMR on March 22, 2019, we acquired claims and claim 
expenses reserves of $2.4 billion.

Our reserving techniques, assumptions and processes differ among our Property and Casualty and 
Specialty segments. Refer to “Note 8. Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses” in our “Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements” for more information on the risks we insure and reinsure, the reserving 
techniques, assumptions and processes we follow to estimate our claims and claim expense reserves, prior 
year development of the reserve for claims and claim expenses, analysis of our incurred and paid claims 
development and claims duration information for each of our Property and Casualty and Specialty 
segments. In addition, refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim 

18

Expense Reserves” for more information on our current estimates versus our initial estimates of our claims 
reserves, and sensitivity analysis for each of our Property and Casualty and Specialty segments.

INVESTMENTS

We structure our investment portfolio to emphasize the preservation of capital and the availability of liquidity 
to meet our claims obligations and to be well diversified across market sectors. The majority of our 
investments consists of highly-rated fixed income securities. We also hold a significant amount of short-term 
investments which have a maturity of one year or less when purchased. In addition, we hold other 
investments, including private equity investments, catastrophe bonds, senior secured bank loan funds, and 
hedge funds and certain equity securities, which offer the potential for higher returns but with relatively 
higher levels of risk. Our investment portfolio takes into account the duration of our liabilities and the level of 
strategic asset risk we wish to assume over the medium- to long-term. We may from time to time re-
evaluate our investment guidelines and explore investment allocations to other asset classes that either 
increase or decrease our overall asset risk. Our investments are subject to market-wide risks and 
fluctuations, as well as to risks inherent in particular securities. 

In connection with the acquisition of TMR on March 22, 2019, we acquired $2.3 billion of investments, 
including $2.2 billion of fixed maturity investments trading, $108.6 million of short term investments and 
$41.2 million of other investments.

For additional information regarding our investment portfolio, refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources, 
Investments” and “Note 5. Investments” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”

MARKETING

We believe that our modeling and technical expertise, the risk management products we provide to our 
customers, and our reputation for paying claims promptly has enabled us to become a provider of first 
choice in many lines of business to our customers worldwide. We market our products primarily through 
reinsurance brokers and we focus our marketing efforts on targeted brokers and partners. We believe that 
our existing portfolio of business is a valuable asset and, therefore, we attempt to continually strengthen 
relationships with our existing brokers and customers. We believe that by maintaining close relationships 
with brokers, we are able to obtain access to a broad range of potential reinsureds. We target prospects 
that are capable of supplying detailed and accurate underwriting data and that potentially add further 
diversification to our book of business.

We believe that primary insurers’ and brokers’ willingness to use a particular reinsurer is based not just on 
pricing, but also on the financial security of the reinsurer, its claim paying ability ratings and demonstrated 
willingness to promptly pay valid claims, the quality of a reinsurer’s service, the reinsurer’s willingness and 
ability to design customized programs, its long-term stability and its commitment to provide stable 
reinsurance capacity across market cycles. We believe we have established a reputation with our brokers 
and customers for prompt response on underwriting submissions, for fast payments on valid claims and for 
providing creative solutions to our customers’ needs. 

Our portfolio of business continues to be characterized by relatively large transactions with ceding 
companies with whom we do business, although no current relationship exceeds 10% of our gross 
premiums written. Accordingly, our gross premiums written are subject to significant fluctuations depending 
on our success in maintaining or expanding our relationships with these customers. We believe that our 
willingness and ability to design customized programs and to provide bespoke risk management products 
has helped us to develop long-term relationships with brokers and customers.

Our brokers assess client needs and also perform data collection, contract preparation and other 
administrative tasks, enabling us to market our products cost effectively. In recent years, our distribution has 
become increasingly reliant on a small and relatively decreasing number of broker relationships reflecting 
consolidation in the broker sector. We expect this concentration to continue and perhaps increase. In 2019, 
three brokerage firms accounted for 79.6% of our gross premiums written.

19

The following table shows the percentage of our Property and Casualty and Specialty segments’ gross 
premiums written generated through subsidiaries and affiliates of our largest brokers:

Year ended December 31, 2019

AON

Marsh

Willis Towers Watson

Total of largest brokers

All others

Total

EMPLOYEES

Property

Casualty and
Specialty

Total

47.5%

31.7%

7.3%

86.5%

13.5%

35.8%

22.3%

14.3%

72.4%

27.6%

41.7%

27.1%

10.8%

79.6%

20.4%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

At February 3, 2020, we employed 566 people worldwide (February 4, 2019 - 411, February 2, 2018 - 384). 
While our overall headcount has increased as a result of the acquisition of TMR, some of this increase is 
related to transitional employees.

None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements and we are not aware of any 
current efforts to implement such agreements at any of our subsidiaries.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Our business and support functions utilize information systems that provide critical services to both our 
employees and our customers. We have an integrated team of professionals who manage and support our 
communication platforms, transaction-management systems, and analytics and reporting capabilities, 
including the development of proprietary solutions like REMS©. We use off-site, secure data centers in 
North America and Europe for most of our core applications, but our use of cloud-based services is 
increasing as the security and reliability of these services improves.

Information security and privacy are important concerns, with an escalating cyber-threat environment and 
evolving regulatory requirements driving continued investment in this area. Our information security 
program is designed to meet or exceed industry best practices. We are subject to a number of cybersecurity 
and data privacy laws and regulations, such as the New York State Department of Financial Services (the 
“NYDFS”) 23 NYCRR 500 Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies, and the EU 
General Data Protection Regulation. New York’s cybersecurity regulation requires regulated entities, 
including Renaissance Reinsurance U.S., a New York licensed insurer, and RenaissanceRe Europe, US 
Branch (as defined below), to establish and maintain a cybersecurity program designed to protect each of 
their information technology systems as well as their customers’ data. Our program is designed to comply 
with all applicable cybersecurity regulatory requirements and we continue to evaluate and assess our 
compliance in the changing regulatory environment.

We have in place, and seek to continuously improve, a comprehensive system of security controls, 
managed by a dedicated staff. Periodically, we engage the services of reputable third parties to perform 
security penetration testing, and update our security controls based on any findings. In addition, we are 
subject to independent assessment and review by regulators. We also provide regular security risk 
education awareness and training sessions for all staff. Despite these efforts, computer viruses, hackers, 
employee misuse or misconduct, and other internal or external hazards could expose our data systems to 
security breaches, cyber-attacks or other disruptions.

We have implemented disaster recovery and business continuity plans for our operations, which are 
regularly tested with respect to our business-critical infrastructure and systems. We employ data backup 
procedures that seek to ensure that our key business systems and data are regularly backed up, and can 
be restored promptly if, and as, needed. In addition, we generally store backup information at off-site 
locations, in order to seek to minimize our risk of loss of key data in the event of a disaster. Our recovery 
plans involve arrangements with our off-site, secure data centers. We believe we will be able to access our 
systems from these facilities and remotely in the event that our primary systems are unavailable due to 
various scenarios, such as natural disasters.

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REGULATION

The business of insurance and reinsurance is regulated in most countries and all states in the U.S., 
although the degree and type of regulation varies significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Currently, we 
operate primarily in Bermuda, Switzerland, the U.S. and the U.K. We also have operations in Singapore, 
Ireland and Australia. Although principally regulated by the regulatory authorities of their respective 
jurisdictions, our operating subsidiaries may also be subject to regulation in the jurisdictions of their ceding 
companies. In addition, expansion into additional insurance markets could expose us or our subsidiaries to 
increasing regulatory oversight. For example, following completion of the acquisition of TMR, we became 
subject to increased regulation in various jurisdictions, such as Australia, the U.K., Switzerland and the 
U.S., including the insurance holding company laws of New York, the domestic state of RenaissanceRe 
Europe AG, US Branch (formerly Tokio Millennium Re AG (U.S. Branch)) (“RenaissanceRe Europe, US 
Branch”). However, we intend to continue to conduct our operations so as to minimize the likelihood that 
Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, Top Layer Re, RenaissanceRe Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty 
U.S., Upsilon RFO, or any of our other Bermudian subsidiaries will become subject to direct U.S. regulation. 

Bermuda Regulation

All Bermuda companies must comply with the provisions of the Companies Act 1981. In addition, the 
Insurance Act 1978 and related regulations (collectively, the “Insurance Act”), regulate the business of our 
Bermuda insurance, reinsurance and management company subsidiaries.

As a holding company, RenaissanceRe is not currently subject to the Insurance Act. However, the 
Insurance Act regulates the insurance and reinsurance business of our Bermuda-licensed operating 
insurance companies. RenaissanceRe’s Bermuda-licensed operating insurance subsidiaries and joint 
ventures include Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, which are registered as Class 4 general business 
insurers, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., Vermeer and RenaissanceRe Europe AG, Bermuda Branch 
(“RenaissanceRe Europe, Bermuda Branch”), which are registered as Class 3B general business insurers, 
and Top Layer Re, which is registered as a Class 3A general business insurer under the Insurance Act. 
RenaissanceRe also has operating subsidiaries registered as SPIs under the Insurance Act, including 
Upsilon RFO. RUM and RenaissanceRe Underwriting Management Ltd. are each registered as insurance 
managers under the Insurance Act.

The Insurance Act imposes solvency and liquidity standards as well as auditing and reporting requirements 
and confers on the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) powers to supervise, investigate and intervene 
in the affairs of insurance companies.

Since 2016, Bermuda’s regulatory regime under the BMA has been recognized by the European Parliament 
as achieving Solvency II equivalence for its commercial (re)insurers, retroactive to January 1, 2016. 

General Purpose Financial Statements. All Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers must prepare annual 
financial statements in respect of their insurance business in accordance with GAAP, International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) or other acceptable accounting standards, which are published on the BMA 
website. Accordingly, audited annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP for each of 
Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., DaVinci, Vermeer and RenaissanceRe Europe, 
Bermuda Branch must be filed with the BMA prior to April 30 of each year, if applicable, and are available 
free of charge on the BMA’s website. 

Statutory Financial Statements. Each Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 general business insurer is required 
to submit annual statutory financial statements as part of its annual statutory financial return no later than 
four months after the insurer’s financial year end (unless specifically extended). The GAAP or IFRS 
financial statements are the basis on which statutory financial statements are prepared, subject to the 
application of certain prudential filters as outlined in the Insurance Accounts Rules 2016. The statutory 
financial statements contain statements both on a consolidated and unconsolidated basis. The 
unconsolidated information forms the basis for assessing the insurer’s liquidity position, minimum solvency 
margin and class of registration.

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Capital and Solvency Return. Class 3A, 3B and 4 insurers are also required to file, on an annual basis, a 
capital and solvency return in respect of their general business, which includes, among other items, a 
statutory economic balance sheet (“EBS”), a schedule of governance and risk management, a catastrophe 
risk return, a schedule of loss triangles or reconciliation of net loss reserves, a schedule of eligible capital 
and the Enhanced Capital Requirement (“ECR”) as calculated by the Bermuda Solvency and Capital 
Requirement (“BSCR”) model (or an approved internal model). The BSCR is a mathematical model 
designed to give the BMA robust methods for determining an insurer’s capital adequacy. Underlying the 
BSCR is the belief that all insurers should operate on an ongoing basis with a view to maintaining their 
capital at a prudent level in excess of the minimum solvency margin otherwise prescribed under the 
Insurance Act. The consolidated information within the statutory financial statements form the starting basis 
for the preparation of the EBS. The EBS is, in turn, used as the basis to calculate the insurer’s ECR for the 
relevant year. The 2019 BSCR for DaVinci, Renaissance Reinsurance and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. 
must be filed with the BMA before April 30, 2020; at this time, we believe each company will exceed the 
minimum amount required to be maintained under Bermuda law. For the year ended December 31, 2018, 
RenaissanceRe Europe, Bermuda Branch was granted exemptions and modifications to the requirements 
to file an annual statutory financial return, maintain minimum levels of statutory capital and surplus and file a 
capital and solvency return, and it has applied for exemptions for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Financial Condition Report. Class 3A, 3B and 4 insurers and insurance groups are required to prepare and 
publish a financial condition report (“FCR”), which provides, among other things, details of measures 
governing the business operations, corporate governance framework and solvency and financial 
performance of the insurer/insurance group. We received approval from the BMA to file a consolidated 
group FCR, inclusive of our Bermuda-domiciled insurance subsidiaries and Top Layer Re. Our most recent 
FCR was filed with the BMA in advance of the June 30, 2019 deadline, and is available on our website.

Minimum Solvency Margin. A general business insurer’s statutory assets must exceed its statutory liabilities 
by an amount, equal to or greater than the prescribed minimum solvency margin (“Minimum Solvency 
Margin”), which varies with the category of its registration. The Minimum Solvency Margin that must be 
maintained by a Class 4 insurer is the greater of (i) $100.0 million, (ii) 50% of net premiums written (with a 
credit for reinsurance ceded not exceeding 25% of gross premiums), (iii) 15% of net aggregate loss and 
loss expense provisions and other insurance reserves, or (iv) 25% of the ECR, which is established by 
reference to the BSCR model. The Minimum Solvency Margin for a Class 3A or Class 3B insurer is the 
greater of (i) $1.0 million, (ii) 20% of the first $6.0 million of net premiums written; if in excess of $6.0 million, 
the figure is $1.2 million plus 15% of net premiums written in excess of $6.0 million, (iii) 15% of net 
aggregate loss and loss expense provisions and other insurance reserves, or (iv) 25% of the insurer’s ECR 
for the relevant year.

Enhanced Capital Requirement. Each Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurer is required to maintain its 
available statutory economic capital and surplus at a level at least equal to its ECR which is established by 
reference to either the BSCR or an approved internal capital model. In either case, the ECR shall at all 
times equal or exceed the respective Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurer’s Minimum Solvency Margin 
and may be adjusted in circumstances where the BMA concludes that the insurer’s risk profile deviates 
significantly from the assumptions underlying its ECR or the insurer’s assessment of its risk management 
policies and practices used to calculate the ECR applicable to it. While not specifically referred to in the 
Insurance Act, the BMA has also established a target capital level (“TCL”) for each Class 3A, Class 3B and 
Class 4 insurer equal to 120% of the respective ECR. While a Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurer is not 
currently required to maintain its statutory economic capital and surplus at this level, the TCL serves as an 
early warning tool for the BMA and failure to maintain statutory capital at least equal to the TCL will likely 
result in increased BMA regulatory oversight.

Minimum Liquidity Ratio. An insurer engaged in general business is required to maintain the value of its 
relevant assets at not less than 75% of the amount of its relevant liabilities (“Minimum Liquidity Ratio”).

Eligible Capital. To enable the BMA to better assess the quality of an insurer’s capital resources, Class 3A, 
Class 3B and Class 4 insurers must maintain available capital in accordance with a “three tiered capital 
system.” All capital instruments are classified as either basic or ancillary capital, which in turn are classified 
into one of three tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3) based on their "loss absorbency" characteristics (the "Tiered 
Capital Requirements"). Eligibility limits are then applied to each tier in determining the amounts eligible to 
cover regulatory capital requirement levels. The highest capital is classified as Tier 1 capital and lesser 

22

quality capital is classified as either Tier 2 capital or Tier 3 capital. Under this regime, not more than certain 
specified percentages of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 capital may be used to satisfy the Class 3A, 3B and 4 
insurers' Minimum Solvency Margin, ECR requirements and TCL.

Restrictions on Dividends, Distributions and Reductions of Capital. Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers 
are prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends if in breach of the required Minimum Solvency Margin 
or Minimum Liquidity Ratio (the “Relevant Margins”) or if the declaration or payment of such dividend would 
cause the insurer to fail to meet the Relevant Margins. Further, Class 3A, 3B and Class 4 insurers are 
prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory 
capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year’s statutory balance sheet) unless it files (at least 
seven days before payment of such dividends) with the BMA an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet 
its Relevant Margins. Class 3A, Class 3B and Class 4 insurers must obtain the BMA’s prior approval for a 
reduction by 15% or more of the total statutory capital as set forth in its previous year’s financial statements. 
These restrictions on declaring or paying dividends and distributions under the Insurance Act are in addition 
to the solvency requirements under the Companies Act 1981 which apply to all Bermuda companies.

Fit and Proper Controllers. The BMA maintains supervision over the controllers (as defined herein) of all 
Bermuda registered insurers. For so long as shares of RenaissanceRe are listed on the New York Stock 
Exchange (“NYSE”) or another recognized stock exchange, the Insurance Act requires that the BMA be 
notified in writing within 45 days of any person becoming, or ceasing to be, a controller. A controller includes 
the managing director or chief executive of the registered insurer or its parent company; a 10%, 20%, 33% 
or 50% shareholder controller; and any person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the 
directors of the registered insurer or of its parent company are accustomed to act. In addition, all Bermuda 
insurers are also required to give the BMA written notice of the fact that a person has become, or ceased to 
be, a controller or officer of the registered insurer within 45 days of becoming aware of such fact. An officer 
in relation to a registered insurer includes a director, secretary, chief executive or senior executive by 
whatever name called.

Material Change. All registered insurers are required to give the BMA 30 days’ notice of their intention to 
effect a material change within the meaning of the Insurance Act, and shall not take any steps to give effect 
to a material change unless, before the end of notice period unless they have been notified by the BMA in 
writing that it has no objection to such change or the period has lapsed without the BMA issuing a notice of 
objection.

Insurance Code of Conduct. All Bermuda insurers are required to comply with the BMA’s Insurance Code of 
Conduct, which establishes duties, requirements and standards to be complied with to ensure each insurer 
implements sound corporate governance, risk management and internal controls. Failure to comply with 
these requirements will be a factor taken into account by the BMA in determining whether an insurer is 
conducting its business in a sound and prudent manner under the Insurance Act and in calculating the 
operational risk charge applicable in accordance with the insurer's BSCR model (or an approved internal 
model).

Special Purpose Insurer Reporting Requirements. Unlike other (re)insurers, SPIs are fully funded to meet 
their (re)insurance obligations; therefore the application and supervision processes are streamlined to 
facilitate the transparent structure. Further, the BMA has the discretion to modify such insurer’s accounting 
requirements under the Insurance Act. Like other (re)insurers, the principal representative of an SPI has a 
duty to inform the BMA in relation to solvency matters, where applicable. SPIs are required to file electronic 
annual statutory or modified financial returns which map GAAP financial statements to electronic statutory 
forms and provide information around ownership structure, assessment of risks, analyses of premium and 
details of segregated cells.

Insurance Manager Reporting Requirements. The BMA’s Insurance Manager Code of Conduct requires 
insurance managers to file an Insurance Manager’s Return, which requires, among other things, details 
around directors and officers of the insurance manager, the services provided by the entity, and details of 
the insurers managed by the insurance manager.

Group Supervision. Pursuant to the Insurance Act, the BMA acts as the group supervisor of the 
RenaissanceRe group of companies (the “RenaissanceRe Group”) and it has designated Renaissance 
Reinsurance to be the “designated insurer” in respect of the RenaissanceRe Group. The designated insurer 
is required to ensure that the RenaissanceRe Group complies with the provisions of the Insurance Act 

23

pertaining to groups and all related group solvency and group supervision rules (together, the “Group 
Rules”). Under the Group Rules, the RenaissanceRe Group is required to annually prepare and submit to 
the BMA group GAAP financial statements, group statutory financial statements, a group capital and 
solvency return (including an EBS) and an FCR. An insurance group must ensure that the value of the 
insurance group's assets exceeds the amount of the insurance group's liabilities by the aggregate of: (i) the 
individual Minimum Solvency Margin of each qualifying member of the group controlled by the parent 
company; and (ii) the parent company’s percentage shareholding in the member multiplied by the member’s 
Minimum Solvency Margin, where the parent company exercises significant influence over a member of the 
group but does not control the member (the "Group Minimum Solvency Margin"). A member is a qualified 
member of the insurance group if it is subject to solvency requirements in the jurisdiction in which it is 
registered. Every insurance group is also required to submit an annual group actuarial opinion when filing 
its group capital and solvency return. The group is required to appoint an individual approved by the BMA to 
be the group actuary. The group actuary must provide an opinion on the RenaissanceRe Group’s technical 
provisions as recorded in the RenaissanceRe Group statutory EBS. Insurance groups are required to 
maintain available statutory economic capital and surplus to an amount that is equal to or exceeds the value 
of its group ECR, which is calculated at the end of its relevant year by reference to the BSCR model of the 
group (the “Group BSCR”) (or an approved internal capital model) provided that the group ECR shall at all 
times be an amount equal to or exceeding the Group Minimum Solvency Margin. The BMA expects 
insurance groups to operate at or above a group TCL, which exceeds the group ECR. The TCL for 
insurance groups is set at 120% of its group ECR. In addition, under the Tiered Capital Requirements 
described above, not more than certain specified percentages of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 capital may be 
used by an insurance group to satisfy the Group Minimum Solvency Margin and group ECR requirements. 
We are currently completing our 2019 Group BSCR, which must be filed with the BMA on or before May 31, 
2020, and at this time, we believe we will exceed the target level of required economic statutory capital. Our 
2018 Group BSCR exceeded the target level of required statutory capital. Further, our Board of Directors 
has established solvency self assessment procedures for the RenaissanceRe Group that factor in all 
foreseeable material risks; Renaissance Reinsurance must ensure that the RenaissanceRe Group’s assets 
exceed the amount of the RenaissanceRe Group’s liabilities by the aggregate minimum margin of solvency 
of each qualifying member; and our Board of Directors has established and implements corporate 
governance policies and procedures designed to ensure they support the overall organizational strategy of 
the RenaissanceRe Group. In addition, the RenaissanceRe Group is required to prepare and submit to the 
BMA a quarterly financial return comprising unaudited consolidated group financial statements, a schedule 
of intra-group transactions and a schedule of risk concentrations.

The BMA has certain powers of investigation and intervention relating to insurers and their holding 
companies, subsidiaries and other affiliates, which it may exercise in the interest of such insurer’s 
policyholders or if there is any risk of insolvency or of a breach of the Insurance Act or the insurer’s license 
conditions. The BMA may cancel an insurer’s registration on certain grounds specified in the Insurance Act.

Under the provisions of the Insurance Act, the BMA may, from time to time, conduct “on site” visits at the 
offices of insurers it regulates. Over the past several years, the BMA has conducted “on site” reviews in 
respect of our Bermuda-domiciled operating insurers.

Economic Substance Act. In December 2018, the Economic Substance Act 2018, as amended (the “ESA”) 
came into effect in Bermuda. Under the provisions of the ESA, every Bermuda registered entity engaged in 
a “relevant activity” must satisfy economic substance requirements by maintaining a substantial economic 
presence in Bermuda. Under the ESA, insurance or holding entity activities (both as defined in the ESA and 
Economic Substance Regulations 2018, as amended) are relevant activities. Pursuant to the ESA, certain 
of our entities registered in Bermuda, are required to demonstrate compliance with economic substance 
requirements by filing an annual economic substance declaration with the Registrar of Companies in 
Bermuda. Any entity that must satisfy economic substance requirements but fails to do so could face 
automatic disclosure to competent authorities in the EU of the information filed by the entity with the 
Registrar of Companies in connection with the economic substance requirements and may also face 
financial penalties, restriction or regulation of its business activities and/or may be struck off as a registered 
entity in Bermuda.

Income Taxes. Currently, neither we nor our shareholders are required to pay Bermuda income or profits 
tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty or inheritance tax in respect of our 
shares. We have obtained an assurance from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted 

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Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, if Bermuda enacts legislation imposing any tax on profits, 
income, capital asset, gain or appreciation or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax 
shall not be applicable to us, our operations or our shares, debentures or other obligations until March 31, 
2035, except insofar as such tax applies to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda or is payable by us in 
respect of real property owned or leased by us in Bermuda.

Policyholder Priority. As of January 1, 2019, the Insurance Amendment (No. 2) Act 2018 amended the 
Insurance Act to provide for the prior payment of policyholders’ liabilities ahead of general unsecured 
creditors in the event of the liquidation or winding up of an insurer. The amendments provide, among other 
things, that, subject to the prior payment of preferential debts under the Employment Act 2000 and the 
Companies Act 1981, the insurance debts of an insurer must be paid in priority to all other unsecured debts 
of the insurer. 

Investment Fund Regulation. Medici, Upsilon Fund and RenaissanceRe Upsilon Co-Invest Fund Ltd. are all 
registered or regulated by the BMA pursuant to the Bermuda Investment Funds Act 2006, as amended most 
recently by the Bermuda Investment Funds Amendment Act 2019 (the “IFA”).

The purpose of the IFA is to set standards and criteria applicable to the establishment and operation of 
investment funds as defined in section 2 of the IFA in Bermuda, with a view to protecting the interests of 
investors. Under the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969, the BMA is responsible for supervising, 
regulating and inspecting any financial institution which operates in Bermuda, including investment funds. 
The BMA has general powers to supervise, investigate and intervene in the affairs of investment funds 
registered with it under the IFA and requires each fund registered under the IFA to certify on an annual basis 
that the fund has complied with the IFA.

The BMA has also issued Investment Fund Offering Document Rules and Investment Fund Rules, both 
effective January 1, 2020, which provide that an offering document for every registered or authorized fund 
be submitted to the BMA for approval and set forth certain minimum content requirements for offering 
documents. The Investment Fund Rules set forth obligations of funds with respect to service providers, 
depositary functions, safekeeping obligations, valuations, and reporting to investors and the public, among 
other requirements.

U.S. Regulation

Admitted Company Regulation. Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is a Maryland-domiciled insurer licensed in 
26 states and the District of Columbia and qualified or certified as a reinsurer in an additional 24 states. As 
a U.S. licensed and authorized insurer, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is subject to considerable regulation 
and supervision by state insurance regulators. The extent of regulation varies but generally has its source in 
statutes that delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative authority to a department of insurance in 
each state. Among other things, state insurance departments regulate insurer solvency, authorized 
investments, loss and loss adjustment expense and unearned premium reserves, and deposits of securities 
for the benefit of policyholders. State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the 
affairs of authorized insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other reports relating to the 
financial condition of companies and other matters. The Maryland Insurance Administration, as 
Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.’s domestic regulator, is the primary financial regulator of Renaissance 
Reinsurance U.S. 

Holding Company Regulation. We are subject to the insurance holding company laws of Maryland, the 
domestic state of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. These laws generally require Renaissance Reinsurance 
U.S. to file certain reports concerning its capital structure, ownership, financial condition and general 
business operations with the Maryland Insurance Administration. Generally, all affiliate transactions 
involving Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. must be fair and, if material or of specified types, require prior 
notice and approval or non-disapproval by the Maryland Insurance Administration. Further, Maryland law 
places limitations on the amounts of dividends or distributions payable by Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. 
Payment of ordinary dividends by Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. requires notice to the Maryland Insurance 
Administration. Declaration of an extraordinary dividend, which must be paid out of earned surplus, 
generally requires thirty days’ prior notice to and approval or non-disapproval of the Maryland Insurance 
Administration. An extraordinary dividend includes any dividend whose fair market value together with that 
of other dividends or distributions made within the preceding twelve months exceeds the lesser of (1) ten 
percent of the insurer’s surplus as regards policyholders as of December 31 of the preceding year or (2) the 

25

insurer’s net investment income, excluding realized capital gains (as determined under statutory accounting 
principles), for the twelve month period ending December 31 of the preceding year and pro rata distributions 
of any class of the insurer’s own securities, plus any amounts of net investment income (subject to the 
foregoing exclusions), in the three calendar years prior to the preceding year which have not been 
distributed.

Maryland law also requires any person seeking to acquire control of a Maryland-domestic insurer or of an 
entity that directly or indirectly controls a Maryland-domestic insurer, including its holding company, to file a 
statement with the Maryland Insurance Administration at least 60 days before the proposed acquisition of 
control. The transaction seeking to acquire control cannot be made unless, within 60 days after the 
statement is filed with the Maryland Insurance Administration, or within any extension of that period, the 
Maryland Insurance Administration approves, or does not disapprove, the transaction. Any purchaser of 
10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of an insurance company, its holding company or any 
other entity directly or indirectly controlling the insurance company is presumed to have acquired control, 
unless the presumption is rebutted. Therefore, any investor who intends to acquire 10% or more of 
RenaissanceRe’s outstanding voting securities may need to comply with these laws and would be required 
to file statements and reports with the Maryland Insurance Administration before such acquisition.

Maryland has adopted enterprise risk management and reporting obligations applicable to insurance 
holding company systems that are meant to protect the licensed companies from enterprise risk. These 
obligations include requiring an annual enterprise risk report by the ultimate controlling person identifying 
the material risks within the insurance holding company system that could pose enterprise risk to the U.S. 
licensed companies. 

Effective for 2018, Maryland adopted the Risk Management and Own Risk Solvency Assessment Act (the 
“RMORSA Act”) based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”) Own Risk 
Solvency Assessment Model Act. The RMORSA Act requires Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. to: (i) maintain 
a risk management framework for identifying, assessing, monitoring, managing, and reporting its material 
and relevant risks; (ii) complete an Own Risk Solvency Assessment (“ORSA”) at least once each year and 
at any time there is a significant change to the risk profile of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. or its holding 
company system; and (iii) submit an ORSA summary report to the Maryland Insurance Administration at 
least once each year. The obligation to maintain a risk management framework may be satisfied if the 
RenaissanceRe group maintains a risk management framework that applies to the operations of 
Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. and the ORSA obligation may be satisfied if the RenaissanceRe group 
completes an ORSA in accordance with the requirements of the RMORSA Act. At December 31, 2019, we 
believe that Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. exceeded the minimum required statutory capital and surplus.

Dividends and Distributions. Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is subject to certain restrictions on its ability to 
pay dividends pursuant to Maryland law, including making appropriate filings with and obtaining certain 
approvals from its regulator. RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch does not pay ordinary dividends and 
would need approval from the NYDFS for any return of capital to RenaissanceRe Europe.

Regulation of RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch. RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch is a United States 
branch of RenaissanceRe Europe whose port of entry is New York. RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch is 
licensed in two states, New York and Kansas, and it is an accredited reinsurer in 48 states, and the District 
of Columbia. The NYDFS is RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch’s domestic insurance regulator in the U.S. 
As a New York regulated insurer, RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch is subject to New York’s holding 
company laws as well as laws pertaining to solvency, authorized investments, deposits of securities for the 
benefit of policyholders and cybersecurity. The NYDFS may conduct periodic examinations of 
RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch’s affairs and it requires the filing of annual and other reports relating to 
RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch’s financial condition. RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch is required to 
file financial statements prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted 
by the U.S. insurance regulators. RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch’s minimum required statutory capital 
and surplus is based on the greater of the risk-based capital (“RBC”) level that would trigger regulatory 
action or minimum requirements per state insurance regulation. At December 31, 2019, we believe that 
RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch exceeded the minimum required statutory capital and surplus.

Run-off of RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch. In and subsequent to August 2019, we made certain filings 
with the New York and Maryland state insurance regulators in contemplation of a run-off of RenaissanceRe 
Europe, US Branch. Following receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, the U.S. casualty portfolio was 

26

transferred to Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. through a loss portfolio transfer retrocession agreement 
effective as of October 1, 2019, while the remaining property and specialty business portfolio of 
RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch will be run-off until all liabilities are extinguished through novation, 
commutation or expiration, subject to applicable ceding company consent. We expect that the run-off of 
RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch will not be complete for several years.

Reinsurance Regulation. The insurance laws of each U.S. state regulate the sale of reinsurance to licensed 
ceding insurers by non-admitted alien reinsurers acting from locations outside the state. With some 
exceptions, the sale of insurance within a jurisdiction where the insurer is not admitted to do business is 
prohibited. Our Bermuda-domiciled insurance operations and joint ventures (principally Renaissance 
Reinsurance, DaVinci, Top Layer Re, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., Upsilon RFO and Vermeer) are all 
admitted to transact insurance business in Bermuda and do not maintain an office or solicit, advertise, settle 
claims or conduct other insurance activities in any other jurisdiction where the conduct of such activities 
would require that any company be so admitted.

RenaissanceRe Underwriting Managers U.S. LLC is licensed by the Connecticut Department of Insurance 
as a reinsurance intermediary broker and is required to maintain its reinsurance intermediary broker license 
in force in order to conduct its reinsurance operations in Connecticut.

Although reinsurance contract terms and rates are generally not subject to regulation by state insurance 
authorities, a primary U.S. insurer ordinarily will enter into a reinsurance agreement only if it can obtain 
credit on its statutory financial statements for the reinsurance ceded. State insurance regulators permit U.S. 
ceding insurers to take credit for reinsurance ceded to non-admitted, non-U.S. (alien) reinsurers if the 
reinsurance contract contains certain minimum provisions and if the reinsurance obligations of the non-U.S. 
reinsurer are appropriately collateralized. Qualifying collateral may be established by an alien reinsurer 
exclusively for a single U.S. ceding company. Alternatively, an alien reinsurer that is accredited by a state 
may establish a multi-beneficiary trust with qualifying assets equal to its reinsurance obligations to all U.S. 
ceding insurers, plus a trusteed surplus amount. Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci are each an 
accredited reinsurer and have established multi-beneficiary trusts with a qualifying financial institution in 
New York for the benefit of their U.S. cedants.

States generally require non-admitted alien reinsurers to provide collateral equal to one hundred percent of 
their reinsurance obligations to U.S. ceding insurers in order for the U.S. ceding insurers to obtain full credit 
for reinsurance. However, most states have adopted credit for reinsurance laws and regulations based on 
NAIC model law and regulation amendments that permit U.S. ceding insurers to take full credit for 
reinsurance when a “certified” reinsurer posts reduced collateral amounts. U.S. states are required to adopt 
the NAIC model law and regulation amendments permitting reduced collateral for certified reinsurers as an 
NAIC accreditation requirement. Under these credit for reinsurance laws and regulations, qualifying alien 
reinsurers may reduce their collateral for future reinsurance agreements based on a secure rating assigned 
by the U.S. insurance regulator. The secure rating is assigned by the state upon an assessment of the 
reinsurer’s financial condition, financial strength ratings and other factors. In addition, the alien reinsurer 
must be domiciled in a jurisdiction that is “qualified” under state law. The NAIC granted conditional qualified 
jurisdiction status to Bermuda effective January 1, 2014, and in December 2019, the NAIC voted to re-
qualify Bermuda as a qualified jurisdiction. On December 11, 2019, Bermuda was awarded reciprocal 
jurisdiction status by the NAIC, which took effect on January 1, 2020. Once each state has enacted 
legislation and produced regulations to effect the reciprocal jurisdiction status, Bermuda’s (re)insurers will 
be eligible (on a state by state basis) for zero collateral relief, thereby operating under equal conditions to its 
counterparts from the EU. Each of Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci and RenaissanceRe Europe has 
been approved as a “certified reinsurer” eligible for collateral reduction in various states. As noted below, 
EU-domiciled reinsurers will be subject to the provisions of the US-EU Covered Agreement (defined below) 
that require states to remove reinsurance collateral requirements for qualifying EU reinsurers as of the US-
EU Covered Agreement’s implementation date.

NAIC Ratios. The NAIC has established 13 financial ratios to assist state insurance departments in their 
oversight of the financial condition of licensed property and casualty insurance companies operating in their 
respective states. The NAIC’s Insurance Regulatory Information System (“IRIS”) calculates these ratios 
based on information submitted by insurers on an annual basis and shares the information with the 
applicable state insurance departments. Each ratio has an established “usual range” of results and assists 
state insurance departments in executing their statutory mandate to oversee the financial condition of 

27

insurance companies. A ratio result falling outside the usual range of IRIS ratios is not considered a failing 
result; rather unusual values are viewed as part of the regulatory early monitoring system. Furthermore, in 
some years, it may not be unusual for financially sound companies to have several ratios with results 
outside the usual ranges. An insurance company may fall outside of the usual range for one or more ratios 
because of specific transactions that are themselves immaterial. 

Federal Oversight and Other Government Intervention. Government intervention in the insurance and 
reinsurance markets in the U.S. continues to evolve. Although U.S. state regulation is currently the primary 
form of regulation of insurance and reinsurance, Congress has considered proposals in several areas that 
may impact the industry, including the creation of an optional federal charter and repeal of the insurance 
company antitrust exemption from the McCarran Ferguson Act. We are unable to predict what other 
proposals will be made or adopted or the effect, if any, that such proposals would have on our operations 
and financial condition. 

The Dodd-Frank Act established federal measures that impact the U.S. insurance business and preempt 
certain state insurance laws. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act created the Financial Stability Oversight 
Council (the “FSOC”), which is authorized to designate a non-bank financial company as “systemically 
significant” (each a “non-bank SIFI”) if its material financial distress could threaten the financial stability of 
the U.S. As of December 31, 2019, there were no non-bank SIFIs designated by the FSOC. In March 2019, 
in response to U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) recommendations, the FSOC issued 
for public comment proposed guidance related to a revised process for designating non-bank SIFIs, which 
substantially changes the FSOC’s existing procedures by emphasizing an activities-based approach, and 
moving away from the existing entities-based approach. The FSOC’s adoption of this revised approach to 
identifying systemic risk or a determination that we or our counterparties are systemically significant could 
affect our insurance and reinsurance operations.

The Dodd-Frank Act also created the Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”). The FIO does not have general 
supervisory or regulatory authority over the business of insurance, but it has preemption authority over state 
insurance laws that conflict with certain international agreements. The FIO is also authorized to monitor the 
U.S. insurance industry and identify potential regulatory gaps that could contribute to systemic risk and may 
recommend to the FSOC the designation of systemically important insurers. In addition, the FIO represents 
the U.S. at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors. 

The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the U.S. Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to enter 
into international agreements of mutual recognition regarding the prudential regulation of insurance or 
reinsurance (“covered agreements”). The U.S. and EU entered into a bilateral agreement regarding the 
prudential regulation of insurance and reinsurance (the “US-EU Covered Agreement”) in 2017. Each party 
has been working to complete its internal requirements and procedures (such as amending or promulgating 
appropriate statutes and regulations) in order to satisfy the US-EU Covered Agreement’s substantive and 
timing requirements. For instance, in June 2019, the NAIC adopted revisions to the Amended Credit for 
Reinsurance Model Act and Model Regulation (the “2019 Credit for Reinsurance Amendment”).

The US-EU Covered Agreement addresses three areas of prudential insurance and reinsurance 
supervision: reinsurance, group supervision and the exchange of information between the U.S. and EU. 
Under the US-EU Covered Agreement, reinsurance collateral requirements will no longer apply to qualifying 
EU reinsurers that sell reinsurance to the U.S. market, and U.S. reinsurers operating in the EU market will 
no longer be subject to “local presence” requirements. The US-EU Covered Agreement also establishes 
group supervision practices that apply only to U.S. and EU insurance groups operating in both territories. 
For instance, the US-EU Covered Agreement provides that U.S. insurance groups with operations in the EU 
will be supervised at the worldwide level only by U.S. insurance regulators, and precludes EU insurance 
supervisors from exercising solvency and capital requirements over the worldwide operations of U.S. 
insurers.  

The US-EU Covered Agreement may preempt an inconsistent state law that treats a qualified non-U.S. 
reinsurer more favorably than a U.S. insurer licensed in that state. The FIO is required under the US-EU 
Covered Agreement to commence this preemption analysis in April 2021 and to complete this analysis in 
September 2022. This effectively means that each U.S. state will need to enact the 2019 Credit for 
Reinsurance Amendments by September 2022, or face possible federal preemption of those provisions in 
its credit for reinsurance laws that are inconsistent with the US-EU Covered Agreement.

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See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations, Current Outlook, Legislative and Regulatory Update” for further 
information regarding recent legislative and regulatory proposals and the potential effects on our business 
and results of operations.

U.K. Regulation

Lloyd’s Regulation

General. The operations of RenaissanceRe Syndicate Management Ltd. (“RSML”) are subject to oversight 
by Lloyd’s, substantially effected through the Lloyd’s Franchise Board. In November 2019, Lloyd’s 
announced plans to merge the Lloyd’s Franchise Board into the Lloyd’s Council. With effect from June 1, 
2020, the enlarged Lloyd’s Council will oversee the Lloyd’s Market. RSML’s business plan for Syndicate 
1458, including maximum underwriting capacity, requires annual approval by Lloyd’s. Lloyd’s may require 
changes to any business plan presented to it or additional capital to be provided to support the underwriting 
plan. Lloyd’s also imposes various charges and assessments on its members. We have deposited certain 
assets with Lloyd’s to support RenaissanceRe Corporate Capital (UK) Limited’s (“RenaissanceRe CCL”) 
underwriting business at Lloyd’s. Dividends from a Lloyd’s managing agent and a Lloyd’s corporate member 
can be declared and paid provided the relevant company has sufficient profits available for distribution.

By entering into a membership agreement with Lloyd’s, RenaissanceRe CCL has undertaken to comply with 
all Lloyd’s bye-laws and regulations as well as the provisions of the Lloyd’s Acts and the Financial Services 
and Markets Act 2000, as amended by the Financial Services Act 2012 (the “FSMA”).

Capital Requirements. The underwriting capacity of a member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a 
deposit (referred to as “Funds at Lloyd’s” or “FAL”) in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit in an 
amount determined under the capital adequacy regime of the U.K.’s Prudential Regulation Authority (the 
“PRA”). The amount of such deposit is calculated for each member through the completion of an annual 
capital adequacy exercise. Under these requirements, Lloyd’s must demonstrate that each member has 
sufficient assets to meet its underwriting liabilities plus a required solvency margin. The amount of FAL for 
Syndicate 1458 is determined by Lloyd’s and is based on Syndicate 1458’s solvency and capital 
requirement as calculated through its internal model. In addition, if the FAL are not sufficient to cover all 
losses, the Lloyd’s Central Fund provides an additional level of security for policyholders. 

Restrictions. A Reinsurance to Close (“RITC”) generally is put in place after the third year of operations of a 
syndicate year of account. On successful conclusion of a RITC, any profit from the syndicate’s operations 
for that year of account can be remitted by the managing agent to the syndicate’s members. If the 
syndicate’s managing agency concludes that an appropriate RITC cannot be determined or negotiated on 
commercially acceptable terms in respect of a particular underwriting year, it must determine that the 
underwriting year remain open and be placed into run-off. During this period, there cannot be a release of 
the Funds at Lloyd’s of a member of that syndicate without the consent of Lloyd’s.

The financial security of the Lloyd’s market as a whole is regularly assessed by three independent rating 
agencies (A.M. Best, S&P and Fitch). Syndicates at Lloyd’s take their financial security rating from the 
rating of the Lloyd’s Market. A satisfactory credit rating issued by an accredited rating agency is necessary 
for Lloyd’s syndicates to be able to trade in certain classes of business at current levels. RSML and 
RenaissanceRe CCL would be adversely affected if Lloyd’s current ratings were downgraded.

Intervention Powers. The Lloyd’s Council has wide discretionary powers to regulate members’ underwriting 
at Lloyd’s. It may, for instance, withdraw a member’s permission to underwrite business or to underwrite a 
particular class of business. The Lloyd’s Council may change the basis on which syndicate expenses are 
allocated or vary the Funds at Lloyd’s requirements or the investment criteria applicable to the provision of 
Funds at Lloyd’s. Exercising any of these powers might affect the return on the corporate member’s 
participation in a given underwriting year. If a member of Lloyd’s is unable to pay its debts to policyholders, 
the member may obtain financial assistance from the Lloyd’s Central Fund, which in many respects acts as 
an equivalent to a state guaranty fund in the U.S. If Lloyd’s determines that the Central Fund needs to be 
increased, it has the power to assess premium levies on current Lloyd’s members. The Lloyd’s Council has 
discretion to call or assess up to 3% of a member’s underwriting capacity in any one year as a Central Fund 
contribution.

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PRA and FCA Regulation 

The PRA currently has ultimate responsibility for the prudential supervision of financial services in the U.K. 
The Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”) has responsibility for market conduct regulation. As such, the 
PRA and the FCA regulate all financial services firms in the U.K. including the Lloyd’s market, RSML, 
RenaissanceRe UK and RenaissanceRe Europe AG, UK Branch (“RenaissanceRe Europe, UK Branch”). 
Both the PRA and FCA have substantial powers of intervention in relation to regulated firms.

Solvency II

The European Parliament adopted Solvency II in April 2009 and it came into effect on January 1, 2016. 
Solvency II represents a risk-based approach to insurance regulation and capital adequacy. Its principal 
goals are to improve the correlation between capital and risk, effect group supervision of insurance and 
reinsurance affiliates, implement a uniform capital adequacy structure for (re)insurers across the EU 
Member States, establish consistent corporate governance standards for insurance and reinsurance 
companies, and establish transparency through standard reporting of insurance operations. Under Solvency 
II, an insurer’s or reinsurer’s capital adequacy in relation to various insurance and business risks may be 
measured with an internal model developed by the insurer or reinsurer and approved for use by the 
Member State’s regulator or pursuant to a standard formula developed by the European Commission. 

Under Solvency II, the PRA granted approval to Lloyd’s internal model application in December 2015. Each 
year the PRA requires Lloyd’s to satisfy an annual solvency test which measures whether Lloyd’s has 
sufficient assets in the aggregate to meet all outstanding liabilities of its members, both current and run-off. 
If Lloyd’s fails this test, the PRA may require the entire Lloyd’s market to cease underwriting or individual 
Lloyd’s members may be required to cease or reduce their underwriting. 

Lloyd’s as a whole is authorized by the PRA and regulated by both the FCA and the PRA. Lloyd’s is 
required to implement certain rules prescribed by the PRA and by the FCA; such rules are to be 
implemented by Lloyd’s pursuant to its powers under the Lloyd’s Act 1982 relating to the operation of the 
Lloyd’s market. Lloyd’s prescribes, in respect of its managing agents and corporate members, certain 
minimum standards relating to their management and control, solvency and various other requirements. If it 
appears to either the PRA or the FCA that either Lloyd’s is not fulfilling its delegated regulatory 
responsibilities or that managing agents are not complying with the applicable regulatory rules and 
guidance, the PRA or the FCA may intervene at their discretion. 

RenaissanceRe UK is authorized by the PRA, and is regulated by both the PRA and FCA. RenaissanceRe 
UK is subject to the Solvency II regime and applied for and was granted waivers of certain reporting 
requirements for the year ended December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019 it met its minimum capital 
and surplus requirements. Under Solvency II, RenaissanceRe UK is required annually to prepare a 
Solvency and Financial Condition Report (“SFCR”). RenaissanceRe UK’s latest SFCR is available on our 
website.

RenaissanceRe Europe, UK Branch is authorized and regulated in the U.K. by the PRA and by the FCA. 
RenaissanceRe Europe, UK Branch is also subject to the Solvency II regime, but is not required to hold 
capital at the branch level. In light of this and related matters, the PRA granted various modifications and 
waivers to RenaissanceRe Europe, UK Branch from the Solvency II reporting requirements.

Change of Control

The PRA and the FCA currently regulate the acquisition of control of insurers, reinsurers and Lloyd’s 
managing agents which are authorized under the FSMA. Any company or individual that, together with its or 
his associates, directly or indirectly acquires 10% or more of the shares in such an entity or its parent 
company, or is entitled to exercise or control the exercise of 10% or more of the voting power in such entity 
or its parent company, would be considered to have acquired control for the purposes of the relevant 
legislation, as would a person who had significant influence over the management of such entity or its 
parent company by virtue of their shareholding or voting power in either. A purchaser of 10% or more of 
RenaissanceRe’s common shares or voting power would therefore be considered to have acquired control 
of RSML or RenaissanceRe UK. Under the FSMA, any person or entity proposing to acquire control over an 
insurer, reinsurer or Lloyd’s managing agent must give prior notification to the PRA and the FCA of their or 
the entity’s intention to do so. The PRA and FCA would then have 60 working days to consider the 
application to acquire control. Failure to make the relevant prior application could result in action being 

30

taken against RSML or RenaissanceRe UK by the PRA or the FCA or both of them. Lloyd’s approval is also 
required before any person can acquire control (using the same definition as for the PRA and FCA) of a 
Lloyd’s managing agent or Lloyd’s corporate member.

Other Applicable Laws 

Lloyd’s worldwide insurance and reinsurance business is subject to various regulations, laws, treaties and 
other applicable policies of the EU, as well as of each nation, state and locality in which it operates. Material 
changes in governmental requirements and laws could have an adverse effect on Lloyd’s and market 
participants, including RSML and RenaissanceRe CCL.

Switzerland Regulation

Swiss Group Affiliate Companies and Reinsurance Branches. RenaissanceRe Europe, a company limited 
by shares with its registered seat in Zurich, Switzerland, is a reinsurance company licensed in class C1 and 
supervised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA ("FINMA"). As such, 
RenaissanceRe Europe must comply with Swiss insurance supervisory law (as applicable to reinsurers), 
including in particular the Insurance Supervisory Act ("ISA"), Insurance Supervisory Ordinance, FINMA 
ordinances and FINMA circulars. RenaissanceRe Europe’s accounts are prepared in accordance with the 
Swiss Code of Obligations, the Insurance Supervision Act and the Insurance Supervision Ordinance.

Further, the group affiliates Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci each have a branch office registered 
with the commercial register of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland; however, as these are reinsurance-only 
branch offices of a foreign reinsurer, they are not currently subject to the license and supervision 
requirements of FINMA.

The group affiliate RenaissanceRe Services of Switzerland AG , a company limited by shares with 
registered seat in Zurich, Switzerland, is a service company. Until December 31, 2019, it held a license 
granted by FINMA for the distribution of insurance-linked securities. This license type ceased to exist on 
January 1, 2020 as a result of the Swiss Federal Act on Financial Institutions, which amended certain 
provisions of the Swiss collective investment schemes legislation. Thus, as of that date, RenaissanceRe 
Services of Switzerland AG has ceased to hold any FINMA license. However, RenaissanceRe Services of 
Switzerland AG will register the relevant client advisors in a new, to be established, public registry, which 
will enable it to continue its insurance-linked security distribution activities. 

Adequacy of Financial Resources. The minimum capital requirement for a Swiss reinsurance company 
under the ISA for reinsurance license class C1 is CHF 10 million. 

Being a Swiss domiciled reinsurance company, RenaissanceRe Europe must further maintain adequate 
solvency and provide for sufficient free and unencumbered capital in relation to its entire activities in 
accordance with the Swiss Solvency Test (the “SST”). The SST adopts a risk-based and total balance sheet 
approach whereby reinsurance companies are required to provide a market-consistent assessment of the 
value of their assets and liabilities. The solvency requirement is met if the available risk-bearing capital 
exceeds the required target capital. It is then assessed whether the identified available capital can meet the 
SST requirements and is sufficient to cover the company’s obligations in less favorable scenarios. The 
European Commission recognized the SST as being of an equivalent standard to European law with an 
effective date of January 1, 2016. 

In addition, RenaissanceRe Europe must establish sufficient technical reserves (versicherungstechnische 
Rückstellungen) for its entire business activities. RenaissanceRe Europe also has to maintain an 
organizational fund to cover the costs of establishing and developing the business, and for an extraordinary 
business expansion. The organizational fund usually amounts to up to 50% of the minimum capital (as 
discussed above) at the start of business operations and subsequently should typically settle at an amount 
equivalent to around 20% of the minimum capital. The exact minimum amount is determined by FINMA in 
each individual case.

Reporting and Disclosure Requirements. RenaissanceRe Europe has to submit an annual report (consisting 
of the annual financial statements and management report) and an annual supervisory report to FINMA by 
the end of June of the following year. In the course of the supervisory reporting to FINMA, RenaissanceRe 
Europe has to annually disclose its financial condition report containing quantitative and qualitative 
information, in particular relating to business activities, business results, risk management, the risk profile 

31

and valuation principles and methods applied to provisions, capital management and solvency by the end of 
April of the following year.

Moreover, under the ISA, a reinsurance undertaking must be organized in a way that it can, in particular, 
identify, limit and monitor all material risks. In this context, RenaissanceRe Europe must conduct a forward-
looking self-assessment of their risk situation and capital requirements at least once a year, and a report on 
the ORSA must be submitted to FINMA no later than the end of January of the following year.

Further, a reinsurance undertaking must maintain and file with FINMA a regulatory business plan, including 
details on its organization, financials, qualified participants, management, oversight and control persons, 
responsible actuary, among other items. Any changes to the business plan must either be approved by 
FINMA prior to the implementation or be notified to FINMA, depending on the type of change.

Dividends and Distributions. RenaissanceRe Europe may only distribute dividends out of its retained 
earnings or distributable reserves based on the audited annual accounts of the company. Any distribution of 
dividends remains subject to the approval of FINMA (as a change of the regulatory business plan) if they 
have a bearing on the solvency of the reinsurer and/or the interests of the insured. The solvency and capital 
requirements must still be met following any distribution. At December 31, 2019, we believe RenaissanceRe 
Europe exceeded the minimum solvency and capital requirements required to be maintained under Swiss 
law. RenaissanceRe Europe was required to prepare a FCR for the year ended December 31, 2018, which 
is available on our website.

Singapore Regulation

Branches of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci based in the Republic of Singapore (the “Singapore 
Branches”) have each received a license to carry on insurance business as a general reinsurer. The 
activities of the Singapore Branches are primarily regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore 
pursuant to Singapore’s Insurance Act. Additionally, the Singapore Branches are each regulated by the 
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (the “ACRA”) as a foreign company pursuant to Singapore’s 
Companies Act. Prior to the establishment of the Singapore Branches, Renaissance Reinsurance had 
maintained a representative office in Singapore commencing April 2012. We do not currently consider the 
activities and regulatory requirements of the Singapore Branches to be material to us.

Renaissance Services of Asia Pte. Ltd., our Singapore-based service company, was established as a 
private company limited by shares in Singapore on March 15, 2012 and is registered with ACRA and subject 
to Singapore’s Companies Act.

Ireland Regulation

Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, incorporated under the laws of Ireland, provides coverage to insurers 
and reinsurers, primarily in Europe. Business is written both in Dublin and through a branch office in the 
U.K. 

Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe and its U.K. branch are regulated and supervised by the Central Bank 
of Ireland and are subject to the requirements of Solvency II. Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe is 
registered with the Companies Registration Office in Ireland and is subject to the Companies Act 2014. The 
Central Bank of Ireland adopts a risk-based framework to the supervision of regulated firms. Firms are rated 
according to the impact their failure would have on financial systems, the Irish economy and on the citizens 
of Ireland. Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe is currently considered by the Central Bank of Ireland to be 
a ‘low impact’ firm. We do not currently consider the regulatory requirements of Renaissance Reinsurance 
of Europe and its U.K. branch to be material to us. 

Renaissance Services of Europe Ltd., our Dublin-based Irish service company, was established as a private 
company limited by shares in Ireland and is registered with the Companies Registration Office and subject 
to the Companies Act 2014.

Australia Regulation

RenaissanceRe Europe AG, Australia Branch (“RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia Branch”), based in 
Sydney, Australia, has received a license to carry on insurance business. RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia 
Branch provides coverage to insurers and reinsurers from Australia and New Zealand. The activities of 

32

RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia Branch are primarily regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation 
Authority (“APRA”). RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia Branch is classified as a Category C insurer (a 
foreign insurer operating as a foreign branch in Australia) pursuant to the Insurance Act 1973. Additionally, 
RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia Branch is also regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission as a foreign company pursuant to the Corporations Act 2001. We do not currently consider the 
activities and regulatory requirements of RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia Branch be material to us. 

RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia Branch’s regulatory reporting is prepared in accordance with the 
Australian Accounting Standards and APRA Prudential Standards. APRA Prudential Standards require the 
maintenance of net assets in Australia in excess of a calculated Prescribed Capital Amount (“PCA”). At 
December 31, 2019, we believe that the net assets of RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia Branch that are 
located in Australia exceeded the PCA that we estimated under the APRA Prudential Standards.

GLOSSARY OF SELECTED INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE TERMS 

Accident year

Year of occurrence of a loss. Claim payments and reserves for claims and
claim expenses are allocated to the year in which the loss occurred for
losses occurring contracts and in the year the loss was reported for claims
made contracts.

Acquisition expenses

The aggregate expenses incurred by a company for acquiring new
business, including commissions, underwriting expenses, premium taxes
and administrative expenses.

Additional case reserves

Additional case reserves represent management’s estimate of reserves for
claims and claim expenses that are allocated to specific contracts, less
paid and reported losses by the client.

Attachment point

The dollar amount of loss (per occurrence or in the aggregate, as the case
may be) above which excess of loss reinsurance becomes operative.

Bordereaux

Bound

Broker

Capacity

A report providing premium or loss data with respect to identified specific
risks. This report is periodically furnished to a reinsurer by the ceding
insurers or reinsurers.

A (re)insurance contract is considered bound, and the (re)insurer
responsible for the risks of the contract, when both parties agree to the
terms and conditions set forth in the contract.

An intermediary who negotiates contracts of insurance or reinsurance,
receiving a commission for placement and other services rendered,
between (1) a policy holder and a primary insurer, on behalf of the insured
party, (2) a primary insurer and reinsurer, on behalf of the primary insurer,
or (3) a reinsurer and a retrocessionaire, on behalf of the reinsurer.

The percentage of surplus, or the dollar amount of exposure, that an
insurer or reinsurer is willing or able to place at risk. Capacity may apply to
a single risk, a program, a line of business or an entire book of business.
Capacity may be constrained by legal restrictions, corporate restrictions or
indirect restrictions.

Case reserves

Loss reserves, established with respect to specific, individual reported
claims.

Casualty insurance or
reinsurance

Insurance or reinsurance that is primarily concerned with the losses
caused by injuries to third persons and their property (in other words,
persons other than the policyholder) and the legal liability imposed on the
insured resulting therefrom. Also referred to as liability insurance.

33

Catastrophe

A severe loss, typically involving multiple claimants. Common perils
include earthquakes, hurricanes, hailstorms, severe winter weather,
floods, fires, tornadoes, typhoons, explosions and other natural or man-
made disasters. Catastrophe losses may also arise from acts of war, acts
of terrorism and political instability.

Catastrophe excess of loss
reinsurance

A form of excess of loss reinsurance that, subject to a specified limit,
indemnifies the ceding company for the amount of loss in excess of a
specified retention with respect to an accumulation of losses resulting from
a “catastrophe.”

Catastrophe-linked securities;
cat-linked securities

Cat-linked securities are generally privately placed fixed income securities
where all or a portion of the repayment of the principal is linked to
catastrophic events. This includes securities where the repayment is
linked to the occurrence and/or size of, for example, one or more
hurricanes or earthquakes, or insured industry losses associated with
these catastrophic events.

Cede; cedant; ceding
company

When a party reinsures its liability with another, it “cedes” business and is
referred to as the “cedant” or “ceding company.”

Claim

Request by an insured or reinsured for indemnification by an insurance
company or a reinsurance company for losses incurred from an insured
peril or event.

Claims made contracts

Contracts that cover claims for losses occurring during a specified period
that are reported during the term of the contract.

Claims and claim expense
ratio, net

The ratio of net claims and claim expenses to net premiums earned
determined in accordance with either statutory accounting principles or
GAAP.

Claim reserves

Combined ratio

Delegated authority

Liabilities established by insurers and reinsurers to reflect the estimated
costs of claim payments and the related expenses that the insurer or
reinsurer will ultimately be required to pay in respect of insurance or
reinsurance policies it has issued. Claims reserves consist of case
reserves, established with respect to individual reported claims, additional
case reserves and “IBNR” reserves. For reinsurers, loss expense reserves
are generally not significant because substantially all of the loss expenses
associated with particular claims are incurred by the primary insurer and
reported to reinsurers as losses.

The combined ratio is the sum of the net claims and claim expense ratio
and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100%
generally indicates profitable underwriting prior to the consideration of
investment income. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates
unprofitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income.

A contractual arrangement between an insurer or reinsurer and an agent
whereby the agent is authorized to bind insurance or reinsurance on
behalf of the insurer or reinsurer. The authority is normally limited to a
particular class or classes of business and a particular territory. The
exercise of the authority to bind insurance or reinsurance is normally
subject to underwriting guidelines and other restrictions such as maximum
premium income. Under the delegated authority, the agent is responsible
for issuing policy documentation, the collection of premium and may also
be responsible for the settlement of claims.

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Excess of loss reinsurance or
insurance

Reinsurance or insurance that indemnifies the reinsured or insured
against all or a specified portion of losses on underlying insurance policies
in excess of a specified amount, which is called a “level” or “retention.”
Also known as non-proportional reinsurance. Excess of loss reinsurance is
written in layers. A reinsurer or group of reinsurers accepts a layer of
coverage up to a specified amount. The total coverage purchased by the
cedant is referred to as a “program” and will typically be placed with
predetermined reinsurers in pre-negotiated layers. Any liability exceeding
the outer limit of the program reverts to the ceding company, which also
bears the credit risk of a reinsurer’s insolvency.

Exclusions

Those risks, perils, or classes of insurance with respect to which the
reinsurer will not pay loss or provide reinsurance, notwithstanding the
other terms and conditions of reinsurance.

Frequency

The number of claims occurring during a given coverage period.

Funds at Lloyd’s

Funds of an approved form that are lodged and held in trust at Lloyd’s as
security for a member’s underwriting activities. They comprise the
members’ deposit, personal reserve fund and special reserve fund and
may be drawn down in the event that the member’s syndicate level
premium trust funds are insufficient to cover its liabilities. The amount of
the deposit is related to the member’s premium income limit and also the
nature of the underwriting account.

Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles in the
United States (“GAAP”)

Accounting principles as set forth in the statements of the Financial
Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and related guidance, which are
applicable in the circumstances as of the date in question.

Gross premiums written

Total premiums for insurance written and assumed reinsurance during a
given period.

Incurred but not reported
(“IBNR”)

Reserves for estimated losses that have been incurred by insureds and
reinsureds but not yet reported to the insurer or reinsurer, including
unknown future developments on losses that are known to the insurer or
reinsurer.

Insurance-linked securities

Financial instruments whose values are driven by (re)insurance loss
events. Our investments in insurance-linked securities are generally linked
to property losses due to natural catastrophes.

International Financial
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)

Accounting principles, standards and interpretations as set forth in
opinions of the International Accounting Standards Board which are
applicable in the circumstances as of the date in question.

Layer

Line

The interval between the retention or attachment point and the maximum
limit of indemnity for which a reinsurer is responsible.

The amount of excess of loss reinsurance protection provided to an
insurer or another reinsurer, often referred to as limit.

Line of business

The general classification of insurance written by insurers and reinsurers,
e.g., fire, allied lines, homeowners and surety, among others.

Lloyd’s

Depending on the context, this term may refer to (a) the society of
individual and corporate underwriting members that insure and reinsure
risks as members of one or more syndicates (i.e., Lloyd’s is not an
insurance company); (b) the underwriting room in the Lloyd’s building in
which managing agents underwrite insurance and reinsurance on behalf
of their syndicate members (in this sense Lloyd’s should be understood as
a market place); or (c) the Corporation of Lloyd’s which regulates and
provides support services to the Lloyd’s market.

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Loss; losses

Loss reserve

An occurrence that is the basis for submission and/or payment of a claim.
Whether losses are covered, limited or excluded from coverage is
dependent on the terms of the policy.

For an individual loss, an estimate of the amount the insurer expects to
pay for the reported claim. For total losses, estimates of expected
payments for reported and unreported claims. These may include amounts
for claims expenses.

Managing agent

An underwriting agent which has permission from Lloyd’s to manage a
syndicate and carry on underwriting and other functions for a member.

Net claims and claim
expenses

The expenses of settling claims, net of recoveries, including legal and
other fees and the portion of general expenses allocated to claim
settlement costs (also known as claim adjustment expenses or loss
adjustment expenses) plus losses incurred with respect to net claims.

Net claims and claim expense
ratio

Net claims and claim expenses incurred expressed as a percentage of net
earned premiums.

Net premiums earned

The portion of net premiums written during or prior to a given period that
was actually recognized as income during such period.

Net premiums written

Gross premiums written for a given period less premiums ceded to
reinsurers and retrocessionaires during such period.

Perils

Profit commission

This term refers to the causes of possible loss in the property field, such
as fire, windstorm, collision, hail, etc. In the casualty field, the term
“hazard” is more frequently used.

A provision found in some reinsurance agreements that provides for profit
sharing. Parties agree to a formula for calculating profit, an allowance for
the reinsurer’s expenses, and the cedant’s share of such profit after
expenses.

Property insurance or
reinsurance

Insurance or reinsurance that provides coverage to a person with an
insurable interest in tangible property for that person’s property loss,
damage or loss of use.

Property per risk

Reinsurance on a treaty basis of individual property risks insured by a
ceding company.

Proportional reinsurance

A generic term describing all forms of reinsurance in which the reinsurer
shares a proportional part of the original premiums and losses of the
reinsured. (Also known as pro rata reinsurance, quota share reinsurance
or participating reinsurance.) In proportional reinsurance, the reinsurer
generally pays the ceding company a ceding commission. The ceding
commission generally is based on the ceding company’s cost of acquiring
the business being reinsured (including commissions, premium taxes,
assessments and miscellaneous administrative expense) and also may
include a profit factor. See also “Quota Share Reinsurance.”

Quota share reinsurance

A form of proportional reinsurance in which the reinsurer assumes an
agreed percentage of each insurance policy being reinsured and shares
all premiums and losses accordingly with the reinsured. See also
“Proportional Reinsurance.”

Reinstatement premium

The premium charged for the restoration of the reinsurance limit of a
catastrophe contract to its full amount after payment by the reinsurer of
losses as a result of an occurrence.

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Reinsurance

An arrangement in which an insurance company, the reinsurer, agrees to
indemnify another insurance or reinsurance company, the ceding
company, against all or a portion of the insurance or reinsurance risks
underwritten by the ceding company under one or more policies.
Reinsurance can provide a ceding company with several benefits,
including a reduction in net liability on insurances and catastrophe
protection from large or multiple losses. Reinsurance also provides a
ceding company with additional underwriting capacity by permitting it to
accept larger risks and write more business than would be possible
without an equivalent increase in capital and surplus, and facilitates the
maintenance of acceptable financial ratios by the ceding company.
Reinsurance does not legally discharge the primary insurer from its liability
with respect to its obligations to the insured.

Reinsurance to Close

Also referred to as a RITC, it is a contract to transfer the responsibility for
discharging all the liabilities that attach to one year of account of a
syndicate into a later year of account of the same or different syndicate in
return for a premium.

Retention

The amount or portion of risk that an insurer retains for its own account.
Losses in excess of the retention level are paid by the reinsurer. In
proportional treaties, the retention may be a percentage of the original
policy’s limit. In excess of loss business, the retention is a dollar amount of
loss, a loss ratio or a percentage.

Retrocedant

A reinsurer who cedes all or a portion of its assumed insurance to another
reinsurer.

Retrocessional reinsurance;
Retrocessionaire

Risks

Solvency II

Specialty lines

Statutory accounting
principles

A transaction whereby a reinsurer cedes to another reinsurer, the
retrocessionaire, all or part of the reinsurance that the first reinsurer has
assumed. Retrocessional reinsurance does not legally discharge the
ceding reinsurer from its liability with respect to its obligations to the
reinsured. Reinsurance companies cede risks to retrocessionaires for
reasons similar to those that cause primary insurers to purchase
reinsurance: to reduce net liability on insurances, to protect against
catastrophic losses, to stabilize financial ratios and to obtain additional
underwriting capacity.

A term used to denote the physical units of property at risk or the object of
insurance protection that are not perils or hazards. Also defined as chance
of loss or uncertainty of loss.

A set of regulatory requirements that codify and harmonize the EU
insurance and reinsurance regulation. Among other things, these
requirements impact the amount of capital that EU insurance and
reinsurance companies are required to hold. Solvency II came into effect
on January 1, 2016.

Lines of insurance and reinsurance that provide coverage for risks that are
often unusual or difficult to place and do not fit the underwriting criteria of
standard commercial products carriers.

Recording transactions and preparing financial statements in accordance
with the rules and procedures prescribed or permitted by Bermuda, U.S.
state insurance regulatory authorities including the NAIC and/or in
accordance with Lloyd’s specific principles, all of which generally reflect a
liquidating, rather than going concern, concept of accounting.

Stop loss

A form of reinsurance under which the reinsurer pays some or all of a
cedant’s aggregate retained losses in excess of a predetermined dollar
amount or in excess of a percentage of premium.

37

Submission

Surplus lines insurance

Syndicate

Treaty

Underwriting

An unprocessed application for (i) insurance coverage forwarded to a
primary insurer by a prospective policyholder or by a broker on behalf of
such prospective policyholder, (ii) reinsurance coverage forwarded to a
reinsurer by a prospective ceding insurer or by a broker or intermediary on
behalf of such prospective ceding insurer or (iii) retrocessional coverage
forwarded to a retrocessionaire by a prospective ceding reinsurer or by a
broker or intermediary on behalf of such prospective ceding reinsurer.

Any type of coverage that cannot be placed with an insurer admitted to do
business in a certain jurisdiction. Risks placed in excess and surplus lines
markets are often substandard in respect to adverse loss experience,
unusual, or unable to be placed in conventional markets due to a shortage
of capacity.

A member or group of members underwriting (re)insurance business at
Lloyd’s through the agency of a managing agent or substitute agent to
which a syndicate number is assigned.

A reinsurance agreement covering a book or class of business that is
automatically accepted on a bulk basis by a reinsurer. A treaty contains
common contract terms along with a specific risk definition, data on limit
and retention, and provisions for premium and duration.

The insurer’s or reinsurer’s process of reviewing applications submitted for
insurance coverage, deciding whether to accept all or part of the coverage
requested and determining the applicable premiums.

Underwriting capacity

The maximum amount that an insurance company can underwrite. The
limit is generally determined by a company’s retained earnings and
investment capital. Reinsurance serves to increase a company’s
underwriting capacity by reducing its exposure from particular risks.

Underwriting expense ratio

The ratio of the sum of the acquisition expenses and operational expenses
to net premiums earned.

Underwriting expenses

The aggregate of policy acquisition costs, including commissions, and the
portion of administrative, general and other expenses attributable to
underwriting operations.

Unearned premium

The portion of premiums written representing the unexpired portions of the
policies or contracts that the insurer or reinsurer has on its books as of a
certain date.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We maintain a website at www.renre.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference 
in this Form 10-K. We make available, free of charge through our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-
K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or 
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after 
we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange 
Commission (the “SEC”). We also make available, free of charge from our website, our Audit Committee 
Charter, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, Corporate Governance Guidelines, 
and Code of Ethics. Such information is also available in print for any shareholder who sends a request to 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., Attn: Office of the Corporate Secretary, P.O. Box HM 2527, Hamilton, HMGX, 
Bermuda. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and 
other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC. The 
address of the SEC’s website is www.sec.gov.

38

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements 
contained in this Form 10-K and other documents we file with the SEC include the following:

Risks Related to Our Company

Our exposure to catastrophic events and premium volatility could cause our financial results to vary 
significantly from one period to the next and could adversely impact our financial results.

We have a large overall exposure to natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, 
tsunamis, winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, tornadoes, hailstorms, drought, cyber-risks and acts of 
terrorism. As a result, our operating results have historically been, and we expect will continue to be, 
significantly affected by low frequency and high severity loss events.

Claims from catastrophic events could cause substantial volatility in our quarterly and annual financial 
results and could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 
We believe that certain factors, including increases in the value and geographic concentration of insured 
property, particularly along coastal regions, the increasing risks associated with extreme weather events as 
a result of changes in climate conditions, and the effects of inflation, may continue to increase the number 
and severity of claims from catastrophic events in the future. Accordingly, unanticipated events could result 
in net negative impacts. Historically, a relatively large percentage of our coverage exposures have been 
concentrated in the U.S. southeast, but due to the expected increase in severe weather events, there is the 
potential for significant exposures in other geographic areas in the future.

Risks of volatility in our financial results are also exacerbated by the fact that the premiums in both our 
Property and Casualty and Specialty segments are prone to significant volatility due to factors including the 
timing of contract inception and our differentiated strategy and capability, which position us to pursue 
bespoke or large solutions for clients, which may be non-recurring.

Our claims and claim expense reserves are subject to inherent uncertainties.

Our claims and claim expense reserves reflect our estimates, using actuarial and statistical projections at a 
given point in time, of our expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of claims 
incurred. 

We use actuarial and computer models (See “Part I, Item 1. Business, Underwriting and Enterprise Risk 
Management.”), historical reinsurance and insurance industry loss statistics, and management’s experience 
and judgment to assist in the establishment of appropriate claims and claim expense reserves. Our 
estimates and judgments are based on numerous factors, and may be revised as additional experience and 
other data become available and are reviewed, as new or improved methodologies are developed, as loss 
trends and claims inflation impact future payments, or as current laws or interpretations thereof change. 

Due to the many assumptions and estimates involved in establishing reserves and the inherent uncertainty 
of modeling techniques, the reserving process is inherently uncertain. It is expected that some of our 
assumptions or estimates will prove to be inaccurate, and that our actual net claims and claim expenses 
paid and reported will differ, perhaps materially, from the reserve estimates reflected in our financial 
statements. For example, our significant gross and net reserves associated with the large catastrophe 
events in the past several years remain subject to significant uncertainty. As these and other events mature, 
losses are paid and information emerges, we expect our reserves may change, perhaps materially. 

Accordingly, we may underestimate the exposures we are assuming and our results of operations and 
financial condition may be adversely impacted, perhaps significantly. Conversely, we may prove to be too 
conservative and contribute to factors which would impede our ability to grow in respect of new markets or 
perils or in connection with our current portfolio of coverages. 

The trend towards increasingly frequent and severe climate events could result in underestimated 
exposures that have the potential to adversely impact our financial results. 

Our most severe estimated economic exposures arise from our coverages for natural disasters and 
catastrophes. The trend towards increased severity and frequency of weather related natural disasters and 
catastrophes which we believe arises in part from changes in climate conditions, coupled with currently 
projected demographic trends in catastrophe-exposed regions, contributes to factors which we believe 

39

increase the average economic value of expected losses, increase the number of people exposed per year 
to natural disasters and in general exacerbate disaster risk, including risks to infrastructure, global supply 
chains and agricultural production. Further, we believe that the recent increase in catastrophic events is 
indicative of permanent climate change rather than transient climate variability. Accordingly, we expect an 
increase in claims, especially from properties located in these catastrophe-exposed regions.

A substantial portion of our coverages may be adversely impacted by climate change, and we cannot 
assure you that our risk assessments accurately reflect environmental and climate related risks. We cannot 
predict with certainty the frequency or severity of tropical cyclones, wildfires or other catastrophes. 
Unanticipated environmental incidents could lead to additional insured losses that exceed our current 
estimates, resulting in disruptions to or adverse impacts on our business, the market, or our clients. Further, 
certain investments, such as catastrophe-linked securities and property catastrophe managed joint 
ventures, or other assets in our investment portfolio, could also be adversely impacted by climate change. 

A decline in our financial strength ratings may adversely impact our business, perhaps materially 
so.

Financial strength ratings are used by ceding companies and reinsurance intermediaries to assess the 
financial strength and quality of reinsurers and insurers. Rating agencies evaluate us periodically and may 
downgrade or withdraw their financial strength ratings in the future if we do not continue to meet the criteria 
of the ratings previously assigned to us. In addition, rating agencies may make changes in their capital 
models and rating methodologies which could increase the amount of capital required to support the 
ratings. 

A ratings downgrade or other negative ratings action could adversely affect our ability to compete with other 
reinsurers and insurers, as well as the marketability of our product offerings, our access to and cost of 
borrowing and our ability to write new business, which could materially adversely affect our results of 
operations. For example, following a ratings downgrade we might lose customers to more highly rated 
competitors or retain a lower share of the business of our customers or we could incur higher borrowing 
costs on our credit facilities. 

In addition, many reinsurance contracts contain provisions permitting cedants to, among other things, 
cancel coverage pro rata or require the reinsurer to post collateral for all or a portion of its obligations if the 
reinsurer is downgraded below a certain rating level. It is increasingly common for our reinsurance 
agreements to contain such terms. Whether a cedant would exercise any of these rights could depend on 
various factors, such as the reason for and extent of such downgrade, the prevailing market conditions and 
the pricing and availability of replacement reinsurance coverage. We cannot predict to what extent these 
contractual rights would be exercised, if at all, or what effect this would have on our financial condition or 
future operations, but the effect could be material.

For the current ratings of certain of our subsidiaries and joint ventures and additional ratings information, 
refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Ratings.”

Emerging claim and coverage issues, or other litigation, could adversely affect us.

Unanticipated developments in the law as well as changes in social conditions could potentially result in 
unexpected claims for coverage under our insurance and reinsurance contracts. These developments and 
changes may adversely affect us, perhaps materially so. For example, we could be subject to developments 
that impose additional coverage obligations on us beyond our underwriting intent, or to increases in the 
number or size of claims to which we are subject. 

In addition, we believe our property results have been adversely impacted over recent periods by increasing 
primary claims level fraud and abuses, as well as other forms of social inflation, and that these trends may 
continue, particularly in certain U.S. jurisdictions in which we focus, including Florida and Texas. For 
example, in recent years, Florida homeowners have been assigning the benefit of their insurance recovery 
to third parties, typically related to a water loss claim but also with respect to other claims. This practice is 
referred to as an “assignment of benefits” or “AOB,” and has resulted in increases in the size and number of 
claims and the incidences of litigation, interference in the adjustment of claims, and the assertion of bad 
faith actions and a one-way right to claim attorney fees. AOB and related insurance fraud may directly affect 
us, potentially materially, through any policy we write in Florida, and by inflating the size of occurrences we 

40

cover under our reinsurance treaties and reducing the value of certain investments we have in Florida, 
including both debt and equity investments in domestic reinsurers. In July 2019, Florida enacted an AOB 
reform bill intended to limit AOB litigation by creating requirements for the execution of an AOB and allowing 
an insurance policy to prohibit an AOB, but there can be no assurance the new legislation will reduce the 
impact of AOB practices.

With respect to our casualty and specialty reinsurance operations, these legal and social changes and their 
impact may not become apparent until some time after their occurrence. For example, we could be deemed 
liable for losses arising out of a matter, such as the potential for industry losses arising out of a pandemic 
illness, that we had not anticipated or had attempted to contractually exclude. Moreover, irrespective of the 
clarity and inclusiveness of policy language, we cannot assure you that a court or arbitration panel will 
enforce policy language or not issue a ruling adverse to us. Our exposure to these uncertainties could be 
exacerbated by the increased willingness of some market participants to dispute insurance and reinsurance 
contract and policy wording and by social inflation trends, including increased litigation, expanded theories 
of liability and higher jury awards. These risks may be further exacerbated by the increasing trend of some 
primary insurers not to settle underlying claims. Alternatively, potential efforts by us to exclude such 
exposures could, if successful, reduce the market’s acceptance of our related products. The full effects of 
these and other unforeseen emerging claim and coverage issues are extremely hard to predict. As a result, 
the full extent of our liability under our coverages may not be known for many years after a contract is 
issued. Furthermore, we expect that our exposure to this uncertainty will grow as our casualty businesses 
grow, because in these “long-tail” lines claims can typically be made for many years, making them more 
susceptible to these trends than our catastrophe business, which is typically more “short-tail.” While we 
continually seek to improve the effectiveness of our contracts and claims capabilities, we may fail to 
mitigate our exposure to these growing uncertainties.

Retrocessional reinsurance may become unavailable on acceptable terms, or may not provide the 
coverage we intended to obtain, or we may not be able to collect on claimed retrocessional 
coverage.

As part of our risk management, we buy reinsurance for our own account, which is known as “retrocessional 
reinsurance.” The reinsurance we purchase is generally subject to annual renewal. From time to time, 
market conditions have limited or prevented insurers and reinsurers from obtaining retrocessional 
reinsurance, which may be the case even when reinsurance market conditions in general are strong. 
Accordingly, we may not be able to renew our current retrocessional reinsurance arrangements or obtain 
desired amounts of new or replacement coverage. In addition, even if we are able to obtain such 
retrocessional reinsurance, we may not be able to negotiate terms that we consider appropriate or 
acceptable from entities with satisfactory creditworthiness or collect on claimed retrocessional coverage. 
This could limit the amount of business we are willing to write or decrease the protection available to us as 
a result of large loss events.

When we purchase reinsurance or retrocessional reinsurance for our own account, the insolvency of any of 
our reinsurers, or inability or reluctance of any of our reinsurers to make timely payments to us under the 
terms of our reinsurance agreements could have a material adverse effect on us. We have significant 
reinsurance recoverables associated with the large catastrophe events of the past several years and, 
generally, we believe that the “willingness to pay” of some reinsurers and retrocessionaires is declining. 
Therefore, this risk may be more significant to us at present than at many times in the past. Complex 
coverage issues or coverage disputes may impede our ability to collect amounts we believe we are owed. 

A large portion of our reinsurance protection is concentrated with a relatively small number of reinsurers. 
The risk of such concentration of retrocessional coverage may be increased by recent and future 
consolidation within the industry.

We also sell retrocessional reinsurance to other reinsurers. See “We are exposed to counterparty credit 
risk, including with respect to reinsurance brokers, customers and retrocessionaires” below for certain 
counterparty risks that may be associated with this business.

We depend on a few insurance and reinsurance brokers for a preponderance of our revenue, and 
any loss of business provided by them could adversely affect us.

We market our insurance and reinsurance products worldwide through a limited number of insurance and 
reinsurance brokers. As our business is heavily reliant on the use of a few brokers, the loss of a broker, 

41

through a merger, other business combination or otherwise, could result in the loss of a substantial portion 
of our business, which would have a material adverse effect on us. Our ability to market our products could 
decline as a result of the loss of the business provided by any of these brokers and it is possible that our 
premiums written would decrease. Further, due to the concentration of our brokers, which has increased 
further following the closing of the acquisition of TMR, our brokers may have increasing power to dictate the 
terms and conditions of our arrangements with them, which could have a negative impact on our business.

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk, including with respect to reinsurance brokers, 
customers and retrocessionaires.

We believe our exposure to counterparty credit risk has increased in recent years. In accordance with 
industry practice, we pay virtually all amounts owed on claims under our policies to reinsurance brokers, 
and these brokers, in turn, pay these amounts over to the insurers that have reinsured a portion of their 
liabilities with us (we refer to these insurers as ceding insurers). Likewise, premiums due to us by ceding 
insurers are virtually all paid to brokers, who then pass such amounts on to us. In many jurisdictions, we 
have contractually agreed that if a broker were to fail to make a payment to a ceding insurer, we would 
remain liable to the ceding insurer for the deficiency. Conversely, in many jurisdictions, when the ceding 
insurer pays premiums for these policies to reinsurance brokers for payment over to us, these premiums 
are considered to have been received by us upon receipt by the broker, and the ceding insurer is no longer 
liable to us for those amounts, whether or not we have actually received the premiums. Consequently, in 
connection with the settlement of reinsurance balances, we assume a substantial degree of credit risk 
associated with brokers around the world.

We are also exposed to the credit risk of our customers, who, pursuant to their contracts with us, frequently 
pay us over time. We cannot assure you that we will collect our premiums receivable from ceding insurers 
and reinsurers to whom we sell retrocessional reinsurance or our reinsurance recoverables from our own 
reinsurers or retrocessionaires, which may not be collateralized, and we may be required to write down 
additional amounts in future periods. To the extent our customers or retrocedants become unable to pay 
future premiums, we would be required to recognize a downward adjustment to our premiums receivable or 
reinsurance recoverables, as applicable, in our financial statements. We have significant reinsurance 
recoverables, and our failure to collect even a small portion of these recoverables, or a meaningful delay in 
the collection of recoverables as to which our own underlying obligations are due, could negatively affect 
our results of operations and financial condition, perhaps materially.

During periods of economic uncertainty, our consolidated credit risk, reflecting our counterparty dealings 
with agents, brokers, customers, retrocessionaires, capital providers, parties associated with our investment 
portfolio, and others may increase, perhaps materially so.

Weakness in business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the principal markets in 
which we do business could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Challenging economic conditions throughout the world could adversely affect our business and financial 
results. If economic conditions should weaken, the business environment in our principal markets would be 
adversely affected, which could adversely affect demand for the products sold by us or our customers. In 
addition, volatility in the U.S. and other securities markets may adversely affect our investment portfolio or 
the investment results of our clients, potentially impeding their operations or their capacity to invest in our 
products. Global financial markets and economic and geopolitical conditions are outside of our control and 
difficult to predict, being influenced by factors such as national and international political circumstances 
(including governmental instability, wars, terrorist acts or security operations), interest rates, market 
volatility, asset or market correlations, equity prices, availability of credit, inflation rates, economic 
uncertainty, changes in laws or regulations including as regards taxation, trade barriers, commodity prices, 
interest rates, and currency exchange rates and controls. In addition, as discussed above, we believe our 
consolidated credit risk is likely to increase during an economic downturn.

A soft reinsurance underwriting market would adversely affect our business and operating results.

In a soft reinsurance underwriting market, premium rates are stable or falling and coverage is readily 
available. In a hard reinsurance underwriting market, premium rates are increasing and less coverage may 
be available. Leading global intermediaries and other sources have generally reported that the U.S. 
reinsurance market reflected a soft underwriting market during the last several years, with growing levels of 
industry wide capital held. This capital has been supplied principally by traditional market participants and 

42

increasingly by alternative capital providers. We believe that the current reinsurance underwriting market 
may be transitioning toward a hard market phase, caused by recent withdrawals of alternative capital, the 
aggregation of multiple catastrophic events and continuing prior year adverse development. Market cycles 
are likely to persist, however, and it is possible that increased access of primary insurers to capital, new 
technologies and other factors may eliminate or significantly lessen the possibility of any current or future 
hard reinsurance underwriting market. 

A decline in our investment performance could reduce our profitability and hinder our ability to pay 
claims promptly in accordance with our strategy.

We have historically derived a meaningful portion of our income from our invested assets, which are 
comprised of, among other things, fixed maturity securities, such as bonds, asset-backed securities, 
mortgage-backed securities, equity securities, and other investments, including but not limited to private 
equity investments, bank loan funds and hedge funds. Accordingly, our financial results are subject to a 
variety of investment risks, including risks relating to general economic conditions, inflation, market volatility, 
interest rate fluctuations, foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and credit and default risk. Additionally, with 
respect to certain of our investments, we are subject to pre-payment or reinvestment risk. Our investment 
portfolio also includes securities with a longer duration, which may be more susceptible to certain of these 
risks.

The market value of our fixed maturity investments is subject to fluctuation depending on changes in 
various factors, including prevailing interest rates and widening credit spreads. A decline in interest rates or 
continuation of the current low interest rate environment could reduce our investment yield, which would 
reduce our overall profitability. Conversely, increases in interest rates could cause the market value of our 
investment portfolio to decrease, perhaps substantially. 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. Any measures we take that are intended to manage the risks of operating 
in a changing interest rate environment may not effectively mitigate such interest rate sensitivity.

A portion of our investment portfolio is allocated to other classes of investments including equity securities 
and interests in alternative investment vehicles such as catastrophe bonds, private equity investments, 
senior secured bank loan funds and hedge funds. These other classes of investments are recorded on our 
consolidated balance sheet at fair value, which is generally established on the basis of the valuation criteria 
set forth in the governing documents of such investment vehicles. Such valuations may differ significantly 
from the values that would have been used had ready markets existed for the shares, partnership interests, 
notes or other securities representing interests in the relevant investment vehicles. We cannot assure you 
that, if we were forced to sell these assets, we would be able to sell them for the prices at which we have 
recorded them, and we might be forced to sell them at significantly lower prices. Furthermore, our interests 
in many of the investment classes described above are subject to restrictions on redemptions and sales 
which limit our ability to liquidate these investments in the short term. These classes of investments expose 
us to market risks including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, equity price risk and credit risk. The 
performance of these classes of investments is also dependent on the individual investment managers and 
the investment strategies. It is possible that the investment managers will leave and/or the investment 
strategies will become ineffective or that such managers will fail to follow our investment guidelines. Any of 
the foregoing could result in a material adverse change to our investment performance, and accordingly, 
adversely affect our financial results.

In addition to the foregoing, we may from time to time re-evaluate our investment approach and guidelines 
and explore investment opportunities in respect of other asset classes not previously discussed above, 
including by expanding our relatively small portfolio of direct investments in the equity markets. Any such 
investments could expose us to systemic and price volatility risk, interest rate risk and other market risks. 
Any investment in equity securities is inherently volatile. We cannot assure you that such an investment will 
be profitable and we could lose the value of our investment. Accordingly, any such investment could impact 
our financial results, perhaps materially, over both the short and the long term.

U.S. taxing authorities could contend that one or more of our Bermuda subsidiaries is subject to 
U.S. corporate income tax, as a result of changes in laws or regulations, or otherwise.

If the IRS were to contend successfully that we or one or more of our Bermuda subsidiaries is engaged in a 
trade or business in the U.S., each entity engaged in a U.S. trade or business would, to the extent not 

43

exempted from tax by the U.S.-Bermuda income tax treaty, be subject to U.S. corporate income tax on the 
portion of its net income treated as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, as well as the U.S. 
corporate branch profits tax. If we or one or more of our Bermuda subsidiaries were ultimately held to be 
subject to taxation, our earnings would correspondingly decline.

In addition, benefits of the U.S.-Bermuda income tax treaty which may limit any tax to income attributable to 
a permanent establishment maintained by one or more of our Bermuda subsidiaries in the U.S. are only 
available to a subsidiary if more than 50% of its shares are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by 
individuals who are Bermuda residents or U.S. citizens or residents. Our Bermuda subsidiaries may not be 
able to continually satisfy, or establish to the IRS that they satisfy, this beneficial ownership test. Finally, it is 
unclear whether the U.S.-Bermuda income tax treaty (assuming satisfaction of the beneficial ownership 
test) applies to income other than premium income, such as investment income.

Recently enacted U.S. tax reform legislation, as well as possible future tax reform legislation and 
regulations, could reduce our access to capital, decrease demand for our products and services, 
impact our shareholders or investors in our joint ventures or other entities we manage or otherwise 
adversely affect us.

U.S. tax reform legislation, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Bill”), was signed 
into law on December 22, 2017. The Tax Bill amends a range of U.S. federal tax rules applicable to 
individuals, businesses and international taxation, including, among other things, by altering the current 
taxation of insurance premiums ceded from a United States domestic corporation to any non-U.S. affiliate. 
For example, the Tax Bill includes a new base erosion anti-avoidance tax (the “BEAT”) that would have 
substantially altered the taxation of affiliate reinsurance between our operating affiliates which are subject to 
U.S. taxation and our non-U.S. affiliates which are not. We believe those transactions would have become 
economically unfeasible under the BEAT and terminated them as of the 2017 year end. While these 
transactions were not significant for us, on an industry-wide basis for specific market participants the 
impacts could be more material, and it is possible that over time the BEAT may result in increased prices for 
certain reinsurance or insurance products, which could cause a decrease in demand for these products and 
services due to limitations on the available resources of our clients or their underlying insureds. 

The Tax Bill increased the likelihood that we or our non-U.S. subsidiaries or joint ventures managed by us 
will be deemed a “controlled foreign corporation” (“CFC”) within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code 
for U.S. federal tax purposes. Specifically, the Tax Bill expands the definition of “U.S. shareholder” for CFC 
purposes to include U.S. persons who own 10% or more of the value of a foreign corporation’s shares, 
rather than only looking to voting power held. As a result, the “voting cut-back” provisions included in our 
Amended and Restated Bye-laws that limit the voting power of any shareholder to 9.9% of the total voting 
power of our capital stock will be ineffective in avoiding “U.S. shareholder” status for U.S. persons who own 
10% or more of the value of our shares. The Tax Bill also expands certain attribution rules for stock 
ownership in a way that would cause foreign subsidiaries in a foreign parented group that includes at least 
one U.S. subsidiary to be treated as CFCs. In the event a corporation is characterized as a CFC, any “U.S. 
shareholder” of the CFC is required to include its pro rata share of certain insurance and related investment 
income in income for a taxable year, even if such income is not distributed. In addition, U.S. tax exempt 
entities subject to the unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) rules that own 10% or more of the value 
of our non-U.S. subsidiaries or joint ventures managed by us that are characterized as CFCs may 
recognize UBTI with respect to such investment.

In addition to changes in the CFC rules, the Tax Bill contains modifications to certain provisions relating to 
passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) status that could, for example, discourage U.S. persons from 
investing in our joint ventures or other entities we manage. The Tax Bill makes it more difficult for a non-
U.S. insurance company to avoid PFIC status under an exception for certain non-U.S. insurance companies 
engaged in the active conduct of an insurance business. The Tax Bill limits this exception to a non-
U.S. insurance company that would be taxable as an insurance company if it were a U.S. corporation and 
that maintains insurance liabilities of more than 25% of such company’s assets for a taxable year (or, 
alternatively, maintains insurance liabilities that at least equal 10% of its assets, is predominantly engaged 
in an insurance business and it satisfies a facts and circumstances test that requires a showing that the 
failure to exceed the 25% threshold is due to runoff-related or rating-related circumstances). While we 
believe that our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries should satisfy this reserve test for the foreseeable future, 
we cannot assure you that this will continue to be the case in future years, and there is a significant risk that 

44

joint venture entities managed by us may not satisfy the reserve test. We also do not expect 
RenaissanceRe to be a PFIC under current law; however, if the proposed regulations (as discussed below) 
were made effective in their current from, there would be a significant risk that RenaissanceRe and its non-
U.S. subsidiaries could be treated as PFICs.

Further, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS recently issued proposed regulations intended to clarify the 
application of this insurance company exception to the classification of a non-U.S. insurer as a PFIC and 
provide guidance on a range of issues relating to PFICs including the application of the look-through rule, 
the treatment of income and assets of certain U.S. insurance subsidiaries for purposes of the look-through 
rule and the extension of the look-through rule to 25% or more owned partnerships. The proposed 
regulations define insurance liabilities for purposes of the reserve test, tighten the reserve test and the 
statutory cap on insurance liabilities and provide guidance on the runoff-related and rating-related 
circumstances for purposes of qualifying as a qualified insurance corporation under the alternative test. The 
proposed regulations also provide that a non-U.S. insurer will qualify for the insurance company exception 
only if, among other things, the non-U.S. insurer’s officers and employees perform its substantial 
managerial and operational activities (taking into account activities of officers and employees of certain 
related entities in certain cases). The proposed regulations also provide that an active conduct percentage 
test must be satisfied for the insurance company exception to apply, which test compares the expenses for 
services of officers and employees of the non-U.S. insurer and certain related entities incurred for the 
production of premium and certain investment income to all such expenses regardless of the service 
provider. These proposed regulations will not be effective until adopted in final form. Even if our non-
U.S. insurance subsidiaries satisfy the reserve test, it is possible that one or more of our non-U.S. insurance 
subsidiaries may be characterized as PFICs if these proposed regulations are finalized in their current form.

We are unable to predict all of the ultimate impacts of the Tax Bill and other proposed tax reform regulations 
and legislation on our business and results of operations. It is possible the IRS will construe the intent of the 
Tax Bill as having been to reduce or eliminate certain perceived tax advantages of companies (including 
insurance companies) that have legal domiciles outside the U.S., and its interpretation, enforcement actions 
or regulatory changes could increase the impact of the Tax Bill beyond prevailing current assessments or 
our own estimates. Further, it is possible that other legislation could be introduced and enacted in the future 
that would have an adverse impact on us. These events and trends towards more punitive taxation of cross 
border transactions could in the future materially adversely impact the insurance and reinsurance industry 
and our own results of operations by increasing taxation of certain activities and structures in our industry. 
Accordingly, we cannot reliably estimate what the potential impact of any such changes could be to us or 
our non-U.S. subsidiaries or joint ventures managed by us and our and their respective sources of capital, 
investors or the market generally, however, it is possible these changes could materially adversely impact 
our results of operations.

Acquisitions or strategic investments we have made or may make could turn out to be 
unsuccessful.

As part of our strategy, we frequently monitor and analyze opportunities to acquire or make a strategic 
investment in new or other businesses we believe will not detract from our core operations. The negotiation 
of potential acquisitions (such as the acquisition of TMR) or strategic investments as well as the integration 
of an acquired business or new personnel, could result in a substantial diversion of management resources.

Future acquisitions could likewise involve numerous additional risks such as potential losses from 
unanticipated litigation or levels of claims and inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset acquisition 
costs. As we pursue or consummate a strategic transaction or investment, we may value the acquired or 
funded company or operations incorrectly, fail to integrate the acquired operations appropriately into our 
own operations, fail to successfully manage our operations as our product and geographical diversity 
increases, expend unforeseen costs during the acquisition or integration process, or encounter other 
unanticipated risks or challenges. If we succeed in consummating a strategic investment, we may fail to 
value it accurately or divest it or otherwise realize the value which we originally invested or have 
subsequently reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Any failure by us to effectively limit such 
risks or implement our acquisitions or strategic investment strategies could have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition or results of operations. As discussed in more detail below under “Risks 
Related to RenaissanceRe Following the acquisition of TMR,” while we have made substantial progress 

45

with the integration of our operations with the operations of TMR, we may not be able to complete such 
integration smoothly or successfully, which would reduce the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of TMR.

The loss of key senior members of management could adversely affect us.

Our success depends in substantial part upon our ability to attract and retain our senior officers. The loss of 
services of members of our senior management team and the uncertain transition of new members of our 
senior management team may strain our ability to execute our strategic initiatives. The loss of one or more 
of our senior officers could adversely impact our business, by, for example, making it more difficult to retain 
customers, attract or maintain our capital support, or meet other needs of our business, which depend in 
part on the service of the departing officer. We may also encounter unforeseen difficulties associated with 
the transition of members of our senior management team to new or expanded roles necessary to execute 
our strategic and tactical plans from time to time. 

In addition, our ability to execute our business strategy is dependent on our ability to attract and retain a 
staff of qualified underwriters and service personnel. The location of our global headquarters in Bermuda 
may impede our ability to recruit and retain highly skilled employees. Under Bermuda law, non-Bermudians 
(other than spouses of Bermudians, holders of Permanent Residents’ Certificates and holders of Working 
Residents’ Certificates) may not engage in any gainful occupation in Bermuda without a valid government 
work permit. Some members of our senior management are working in Bermuda under work permits that 
will expire over the next several years. The Bermuda government could refuse to extend these work 
permits, and no assurances can be given that any work permit will be issued or, if issued, renewed upon the 
expiration of the relevant term. If any of our senior officers or key contributors were not permitted to remain 
in Bermuda, or if we experienced delays or failures to obtain permits for a number of our professional staff, 
our operations could be disrupted and our financial performance could be adversely affected as a result.

We are exposed to risks in connection with our management of capital on behalf of investors in 
joint ventures or other entities we manage.

Our operating subsidiaries owe certain legal duties and obligations (including reporting, governance and 
allocation obligations) to third-party investors and are subject to a variety of increasingly complex laws and 
regulations relating to the management of third-party capital. Complying with these obligations, laws and 
regulations requires significant management time and attention. Although we continually monitor our 
compliance policies and procedures, faulty judgments, simple errors or mistakes, or the failure of our 
personnel to adhere to established policies and procedures, could result in our failure to comply with 
applicable obligations, laws or regulations, which could result in significant liabilities, penalties or other 
losses to us and seriously harm our business and results of operations. 

In addition, in furtherance of our goal of matching well-structured risk with capital whose owners would find 
the risk-return trade-off attractive, we may invest capital in new and complex ventures with which we do not 
have a significant amount of experience, which may increase our exposure to legal, regulatory and 
reputational risks. 

In addition, our third-party capital providers may, in general, redeem their interests in our joint ventures at 
certain points in time, which could materially impact the financial condition of such joint ventures, and could 
in turn materially impact our financial condition and results of operations. 

Certain of our joint venture capital providers provide significant capital investment and other forms of capital 
support in respect of our joint ventures. The loss, or alteration in a negative manner, of any of this capital 
support could be detrimental to our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, we can provide 
no assurance that we will be able to attract and raise additional third-party capital for our existing joint 
ventures or for potential new joint ventures and therefore we may forego existing and/or potentially 
attractive fee income and other income generating opportunities. 

We may be adversely affected by foreign currency fluctuations.

We routinely transact business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, our financial reporting currency. 
Moreover, we maintain a portion of our cash and investments in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. 
Although we generally seek to hedge significant non-U.S. dollar positions, we may, from time to time, 
experience losses resulting from fluctuations in the values of these foreign currencies, which could cause 
our consolidated earnings to decrease, or could result in a negative impact to shareholders’ equity. In 
addition, failure to manage our foreign currency exposures could cause our results of operations to be more 

46

volatile. Adverse, unforeseen or rapidly shifting currency valuations in our key markets may magnify these 
risks over time. Significant third-party capital management operations may further complicate our foreign 
currency operational needs and risk.

Changes in the method for determining LIBOR and the potential replacement of LIBOR may affect 
our cost of capital and net investment income.

As a result of concerns about the accuracy of the calculation of LIBOR, a number of British Bankers’ 
Association (“BBA”) member banks entered into settlements with certain regulators and law enforcement 
agencies with respect to the alleged manipulation of LIBOR. Actions by the BBA, regulators or law 
enforcement agencies as a result of these or future events, may result in changes to the manner in which 
LIBOR is determined. Potential changes, or uncertainty related to such potential changes may adversely 
affect the market for LIBOR-based securities. In addition, changes or reforms to the determination or 
supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which 
could have an adverse impact on the market for LIBOR-based securities. 

In addition, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority has announced its desire to phase out the use 
of LIBOR by the end of 2021, which may affect us adversely. If LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to 
renegotiate the terms of certain of our capital securities and credit instruments, which utilize LIBOR as a 
factor in determining the interest rate, to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established. The U.S. 
Federal Reserve has begun publishing a Secured Overnight Funding Rate which is intended to replace U.S. 
dollar LIBOR. Plans for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced. At this 
time, it is not possible to predict how markets will respond to these new rates, and the effect that any 
changes in LIBOR or the discontinuation of LIBOR might have on new or existing financial instruments. As 
such, the potential effect of any such event on our cost of capital and net investment income cannot yet be 
determined.

We could face losses from terrorism, political unrest and war.

We have exposure to losses resulting from acts of terrorism, political unrest and acts of war. The frequency 
of these events has increased in recent years and it is difficult to predict the occurrence of these events or 
to estimate the amount of loss an occurrence will generate. Accordingly, it is possible that actual losses 
from such acts will exceed our probable maximum loss estimate and that these acts will have a material 
adverse effect on us.

We closely monitor the amount and types of coverage we provide for terrorism risk under reinsurance and 
insurance treaties. If we think we can reasonably evaluate the risk of loss and charge an appropriate 
premium for such risk we will write some terrorism exposure on a stand-alone basis. We generally seek to 
exclude terrorism from non-terrorism treaties. If we cannot exclude terrorism, we evaluate the risk of loss 
and attempt to charge an appropriate premium for such risk. Even in cases where we have deliberately 
sought to exclude coverage, we may not be able to completely eliminate our exposure to terrorist acts.

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 (“TRIPRA”), which provides a federal 
backstop to all U.S. based property and casualty insurers for insurance related losses resulting from any act 
of terrorism on U.S. soil or against certain U.S. air carriers, vessels or foreign missions, expires on 
December 31, 2020. On December 19, 2019, the U.S. Senate passed federal spending legislation that 
provides a long-term reauthorization of this federal program until December 31, 2027. We benefit from 
TRIPRA as this protection generally inures to our benefit under our reinsurance treaties where terrorism is 
not excluded.

We are subject to cybersecurity risks and may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize those 
risks. 

Publicly reported instances of cyber security threats and incidents have increased in recent years, and we 
may be subject to heightened cyber-related risks. Our business depends on the proper functioning and 
availability of our information technology platform, including communications and data processing systems 
and our proprietary systems. We are also required to effect electronic transmissions with third parties 
including brokers, clients, vendors and others with whom we do business, and with our Board of Directors. 
We believe we have implemented appropriate security measures, controls and procedures to safeguard our 
information technology systems and to prevent unauthorized access to such systems and any data 
processed or stored in such systems, and we periodically evaluate and test the adequacy of such systems, 

47

measures, controls and procedures and perform third-party risk assessments; however, there can be no 
guarantee that such systems, measures, controls and procedures will be effective, that we will be able to 
establish secure capabilities with all of third parties, or that third parties will have appropriate controls in 
place to protect the confidentiality of our information. Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or 
misuse of our information, litigation and potential liability. 

In addition, cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy or other proper 
functioning of our systems could have a significant impact on our operations, and potentially on our results. 
We protect our information systems with physical and electronic safeguards considered appropriate by 
management. However, it is not possible to protect against every potential power loss, telecommunications 
failure, cybersecurity attack or similar event that may arise. Moreover, the safeguards we use are subject to 
human implementation and maintenance and to other uncertainties. Although we attempt to keep personal, 
proprietary and other sensitive information confidential, we may be impacted by third parties who may not 
have or use appropriate controls to protect such information.

We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of 
cyberattacks. A significant cyber incident, including system failure, security breach, disruption by malware or 
other damage could interrupt or delay our operations, result in a violation of applicable cybersecurity and 
privacy and other laws, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers or give rise to monetary fines 
and other penalties, which could be significant. While management is not aware of a cybersecurity incident 
that has had a material effect on our operations, there can be no assurances that a cyber incident that could 
have a material impact on us will not occur in the future. 

Our disaster recovery and business continuity plans involve arrangements with our off-site, secure data 
centers. We cannot assure you that we will be able to access our systems from these facilities in the event 
that our primary systems are unavailable due to various scenarios, such as natural disasters or that we 
have prepared for every disaster or every scenario which might arise in respect of a disaster for which we 
have prepared, and cannot assure you our efforts in respect of disaster recovery will succeed, or will be 
sufficiently rapid to avoid harm to our business. 

The cybersecurity regulatory environment is evolving, and it is possible that the costs of complying with new 
or developing regulatory requirements will increase. For example, the NYDFS Cybersecurity Regulation 
imposes pre-breach cybersecurity obligations with which certain of our subsidiaries are required to comply. 
We are also required to comply with cybersecurity laws in other jurisdictions, in addition to similar laws and 
regulations that are being or may be enacted in the future in other jurisdictions in which we operate. In 
addition, we operate in a number of jurisdictions with strict data privacy and other related laws, which could 
be violated in the event of a significant cybersecurity incident, or by our personnel. Failure to comply with 
these obligations can give rise to monetary fines and other penalties, which could be significant. 

See “Part I, Item 1. Business, Information Technology” for additional information related to information 
technology and cybersecurity.

We may from time to time modify our business and strategic plan, and these changes could 
adversely affect us and our financial condition.

We regularly evaluate our business plans and strategies, which often results in changes to our business 
plans and initiatives. Given the increasing importance of strategic execution in our industry, we are subject 
to increasing risks related to our ability to successfully implement our evolving plans and strategies, 
particularly as the pace of change in our industry continues to increase. Changing plans and strategies 
requires significant management time and effort and may divert management’s attention from our core and 
historically successful operations and competencies. We routinely evaluate potential investments and 
strategic transactions, but there can be no assurance we will successfully consummate any such 
transaction, or that a consummated transaction will succeed financially or strategically. Moreover, 
modifications we undertake to our operations may not be immediately reflected in our financial statements. 
Therefore, risks associated with implementing or changing our business strategies and initiatives, including 
risks related to developing or enhancing our operations, controls and other infrastructure, may not have an 
impact on our publicly reported results until many years after implementation. Our failure to carry out our 
business plans may have an adverse effect on our long-term results of operations and financial condition.

Our current business strategy focuses on writing reinsurance, with limited writing of primary insurance, and 
our acquisition of TMR further concentrated our strategy on reinsurance. In contrast, over the last several 

48

years, in connection with consolidation in the insurance and reinsurance industries, certain of our 
competitors increased the amount of primary insurance they are writing, both on an absolute and relative 
basis. There can be no assurance that our business strategy of focusing on writing reinsurance, with limited 
writing of primary insurance, will prove prudent as compared to the strategies of our competitors. 

The determination of impairments taken is highly subjective and could materially impact our 
financial position or results of operations.

The determination of impairments taken on our investments, investments in other ventures, goodwill and 
other intangible assets and loans varies by type of asset and is based upon our periodic evaluation and 
assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and 
assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Management 
updates its evaluations regularly and reflects impairments in operations as such evaluations are revised. 
There can be no assurance that our management has accurately assessed the level of impairments taken 
in our financial statements. Furthermore, management may determine that impairments are needed in 
future periods and any such impairment will be recorded in the period in which it occurs, which could 
materially impact our financial position or results of operations. Historical trends may not be indicative of 
future impairments.

We may be adversely impacted by inflation.

We monitor the risk that the principal markets in which we operate could experience increased inflationary 
conditions, which would, among other things, cause loss costs to increase, and impact the performance of 
our investment portfolio. We believe the risks of inflation across our key markets is increasing. The impact 
of inflation on loss costs could be more pronounced for those lines of business that are considered to be 
long tail in nature, as they require a relatively long period of time to finalize and settle claims. Changes in 
the level of inflation also result in an increased level of uncertainty in our estimation of loss reserves, 
particularly for long tail lines of business. The onset, duration and severity of an inflationary period cannot 
be estimated with precision.

We depend on the policies, procedures and expertise of ceding companies and delegated authority 
counterparties, who may fail to accurately assess the risks they underwrite, which exposes us to 
operational and financial risks.

Like other reinsurers, we do not separately evaluate each primary risk assumed under our reinsurance 
contracts or pursuant to our delegated authority business. Accordingly, we are heavily dependent on the 
original underwriting decisions made by our ceding companies and delegated authority counterparties and 
are therefore subject to the risk that our customers may not have adequately evaluated the risks to be 
reinsured, or that the premiums ceded to us will not adequately compensate us for the risks we assume, 
perhaps materially so. In addition, it is possible that delegated authority counterparties or other 
counterparties authorized to bind policies on our behalf will fail to fully comply with regulatory requirements, 
such as those relating to sanctions, or the standards we impose in light of our own underwriting and 
reputational risk tolerance. To the extent we continue to increase the relative amount of proportional 
coverages we offer, we will increase our aggregate exposure to risks of this nature.

Our business is subject to operational risks, including systems or human failures.

We are subject to operational risks including fraud, employee errors, failure to document transactions 
properly or to obtain proper internal authorization, failure to comply with regulatory requirements or 
obligations under our agreements, failure of our service providers, such as investment custodians, 
actuaries, information technology providers, etc., to comply with our service agreements, or information 
technology failures. Losses from these risks may occur from time to time and may be significant.

We may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available or may only be available 
on unfavorable terms.

To the extent that our existing capital is insufficient to support our future operating requirements, we may 
need to raise additional funds through financings or limit our growth. Our operations are subject to 
significant volatility in capital due to our exposure to potentially significant catastrophic events. Any further 
equity, debt or hybrid financings, or capacity needed for letters of credit, if available at all, may be on terms 
that are unfavorable to us. Our ability to raise such capital successfully would depend upon the facts and 
circumstances at the time, including our financial position and operating results, market conditions, and 

49

applicable legal issues. We are also exposed to the risk that the contingent capital facilities we have in 
place may not be available as expected. If we are unable to obtain adequate capital when needed, our 
business, results of operations and financial condition would be adversely affected. 

In addition, we are exposed to the risk that we may be unable to raise new capital for our managed joint 
ventures and other private alternative investment vehicles, which would reduce our future fee income and 
market capacity and thus negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The covenants in our debt agreements limit our financial and operational flexibility, which could 
have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

We have incurred indebtedness, and may incur additional indebtedness in the future. Our indebtedness 
primarily consists of publicly traded notes, letters of credit and a revolving credit facility. For more details on 
our indebtedness, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations, Capital Resources.”

The agreements governing our indebtedness contain covenants that limit our ability and the ability of certain 
of our subsidiaries to make particular types of investments or other restricted payments, sell or place a lien 
on our or their respective assets, merge or consolidate. Certain of these agreements also require us or our 
subsidiaries to maintain specific financial ratios or contain cross-defaults to our other indebtedness. If we or 
our subsidiaries fail to comply with these covenants or meet these financial ratios, the noteholders or the 
lenders could declare a default and demand immediate repayment of all amounts owed to them or, where 
applicable, cancel their commitments to lend or issue letters of credit or, where the reimbursement 
obligations are unsecured, require us to pledge collateral or, where the reimbursement obligations are 
secured, require us to pledge additional or a different type of collateral.

The regulatory systems under which we operate and potential changes thereto could restrict our 
ability to operate, increase our costs, or otherwise adversely impact us.

Certain of our operating subsidiaries are not licensed or admitted in any jurisdiction except Bermuda, 
conduct business only from their principal offices in Bermuda and do not maintain offices in the U.S. The 
insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework continues to be subject to increased scrutiny in many 
jurisdictions, including the U.S. and Europe. If our Bermuda insurance or reinsurance operations become 
subject to the insurance laws of any state in the U.S., jurisdictions in the EU, or elsewhere, we could face 
challenges to the future operations of these companies.

Moreover, we could be put at a competitive disadvantage in the future with respect to competitors that are 
licensed and admitted in U.S. jurisdictions. Among other things, jurisdictions in the U.S. do not permit 
insurance companies to take credit for reinsurance obtained from unlicensed or non-admitted insurers on 
their statutory financial statements unless security is posted. Our contracts generally require us to post a 
letter of credit or provide other security (e.g., through a multi-beneficiary reinsurance trust). In order to post 
these letters of credit, issuing banks generally require collateral. It is possible that the EU or other countries 
might adopt a similar regime in the future, or that U.S. or EU regulations could be altered in a way that 
treats Bermuda-based companies disparately. It is possible that individual jurisdiction or cross border 
regulatory developments could adversely differentiate Bermuda, the jurisdiction in which we are subject to 
group supervision, or could exclude Bermuda-based companies from benefits such as market access, 
mutual recognition or reciprocal rights made available to other jurisdictions, which could adversely impact 
us, perhaps significantly. Any such development, or our inability to post security in the form of letters of 
credit or trust funds when required, could significantly and negatively affect our operations.

As a result of the acquisition of TMR, we became subject to the requirements of certain regulatory agencies 
and bodies to which our operations were not previously subject, including in New York, Switzerland and 
Australia, resulting in additional costs to us. In addition, we could be required to allocate considerable time 
and resources to comply with any new or additional regulatory requirements in any of the jurisdictions in 
which we operate, including Bermuda, Switzerland, Maryland and the U.K. Any such requirements could 
impact the operations of our insurance and/or non-insurance subsidiaries, result in increased costs for us 
and impact our financial condition. In addition, we could be adversely affected if a regulatory authority 
believed we had failed to comply with applicable law or regulations.

Our current or future business strategy could cause one or more of our currently unregulated subsidiaries to 
become subject to some form of regulation. Any failure to comply with applicable laws could result in the 

50

imposition of significant restrictions on our ability to do business, and could also result in fines and other 
sanctions, any or all of which could adversely affect our financial results and operations. 

We face risks related to changes in Bermuda law and regulations, and the political environment in 
Bermuda.

We are incorporated in Bermuda and many of our operating companies are domiciled in Bermuda. 
Therefore, our exposure to potential changes in Bermuda law and regulation that may have an adverse 
impact on our operations, such as the imposition of tax liability, increased regulatory supervision or changes 
in regulation is heightened. The Bermuda insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework recently has 
become subject to increased scrutiny in many jurisdictions, including in the U.S., in various states within the 
U.S. and in the EU. We are unable to predict the future impact on our operations of changes in Bermuda 
laws and regulations to which we are or may become subject.

In addition, we are subject to changes in the political environment in Bermuda, which could make it difficult 
to operate in, or attract talent to, Bermuda. For example, Bermuda is a small jurisdiction and may be 
disadvantaged in participating in global or cross border regulatory matters as compared with larger 
jurisdictions such as the U.S. or the leading EU and Asian countries. In addition, Bermuda, which is 
currently an overseas territory of the U.K., may consider changes to its relationship with the U.K. in the 
future. These changes could adversely affect Bermuda or the international reinsurance market focused 
there, either of which could adversely impact us commercially. 

Because we are a holding company, we are dependent on dividends and payments from our 
subsidiaries.

As a holding company with no direct operations, we rely on our investment income, cash dividends and 
other permitted payments from our subsidiaries to make principal and interest payments on our debt and to 
pay dividends to our shareholders. From time to time, we may not have sufficient liquid assets to meet 
these obligations. Regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends under Bermuda law, Swiss law and 
various U.S. laws regulate the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends. If our subsidiaries are restricted 
from paying dividends to us, we may be unable to pay dividends to our shareholders or to repay our 
indebtedness.

Some aspects of our corporate structure may discourage third-party takeovers and other 
transactions or prevent the removal of our current board of directors and management.

Some provisions of our Amended and Restated Bye-Laws may discourage third parties from making 
unsolicited takeover bids or prevent the removal of our current board of directors and management. In 
particular, our Bye-Laws prohibit transfers of our capital shares if the transfer would result in a person 
owning or controlling shares that constitute 9.9% or more of any class or series of our shares, unless 
otherwise waived at the discretion of the Board. In addition, our Bye-Laws reduce the total voting power of 
any shareholder owning, directly or indirectly, beneficially or otherwise, more than 9.9% of our common 
shares to not more than 9.9% of the total voting power of our capital stock unless otherwise waived at the 
discretion of the Board. These provisions may have the effect of deterring purchases of large blocks of our 
common shares or proposals to acquire us, even if our shareholders might deem these purchases or 
acquisition proposals to be in their best interests.

In addition, our Bye-Laws provide for, among other things:

• 

• 

• 

• 

a classified Board, whose size is fixed and whose members may be removed by the shareholders only 
for cause upon a 66 2/3% vote; 

restrictions on the ability of shareholders to nominate persons to serve as directors, submit resolutions 
to a shareholder vote and requisition special general meetings;

a large number of authorized but unissued shares which may be issued by the Board without further 
shareholder action; and

a 66 2/3% shareholder vote to amend, repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent with several 
provisions of the Bye-Laws.

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 and could discourage a prospective acquirer from making a 

51

tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. In addition, these Bye-Law provisions could 
prevent the removal of our current Board of Directors and management. To the extent these provisions 
discourage takeover attempts, they could deprive shareholders of opportunities to realize takeover 
premiums for their shares or could depress the market price of the shares.

In addition, many jurisdictions in which our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries operate, including 
Maryland, New York, the U.K., Switzerland and Australia, have laws and regulations that require regulatory 
approval of a change in control of an insurer or an insurer’s holding company. Where such laws apply to us 
and our subsidiaries, there can be no effective change in our control unless the person seeking to acquire 
control has filed a statement with the regulators and has obtained prior approval for the proposed change 
from such regulators. Under these laws, control is typically presumed when a person acquires, directly or 
indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the insurance company or its parent, although this 
presumption is rebuttable. Therefore, a person may not acquire 10% or more of our common shares without 
the prior approval of the applicable insurance regulators.

Investors may have difficulty in serving process or enforcing judgments against us in the U.S.

We are a Bermuda company. In addition, certain of our officers and directors reside in countries outside the 
U.S. All or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of these officers and directors are or may be 
located outside the U.S. Investors may have difficulty effecting service of process within the U.S. on our 
directors and officers who reside outside the U.S. 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 whether or 
not we appoint an agent in the U.S. to receive service of process.

Risks Related to Our Industry

The reinsurance and insurance businesses are historically cyclical and the pricing and terms for 
our products may decline, which would affect our profitability.

The reinsurance and insurance industries have historically been cyclical, characterized by periods of 
decreasing prices followed by periods of increasing prices. Reinsurers have experienced significant 
fluctuations in their results of operations due to numerous factors, including the frequency and severity of 
catastrophic events, perceptions of risk, levels of capacity, general economic conditions and underwriting 
results of other insurers and reinsurers. All of these factors may contribute to price declines generally in the 
reinsurance and insurance industries. Following an increase in capital in our industry after the 2005 
catastrophe events and the subsequent period of substantial dislocation in the financial markets, the 
reinsurance and insurance markets experienced a prolonged period of generally softening markets.

Our catastrophe-exposed lines are affected significantly by volatile and unpredictable developments, 
including natural and man-made disasters. The occurrence, or nonoccurence, of catastrophic events, the 
frequency and severity of which are inherently unpredictable, affects both industry results and consequently 
prevailing market prices of our products.

We expect premium rates and other terms and conditions of trade to vary in the future. If demand for our 
products falls or the supply of competing capacity rises, our prospects for potential growth, due in part to 
our disciplined approach to underwriting, may be adversely affected. In particular, we might lose existing 
customers or suffer a decline in business, which we might not regain when industry conditions improve.

Recent or future U.S. federal or state legislation may impact the private markets and decrease the 
demand for our property reinsurance products, which would adversely affect our business and 
results of operations.

Legislation adversely impacting the private markets could be enacted on a state, regional or federal level. In 
the past, federal bills have been proposed in Congress which would, if enacted, create a federal 
reinsurance backstop or guarantee mechanism for catastrophic risks, including those we currently insure 
and reinsure in the private markets. These measures were not enacted by Congress; however, new bills to 
create a federal catastrophe reinsurance program to back up state insurance or reinsurance programs, or to 
establish other similar or analogous funding mechanisms or structures, may be introduced. We believe that 
such legislation, if enacted, could contribute to the growth, creation or alteration of state insurance entities 
in a manner that would be adverse to us and to market participants more generally. If enacted, bills of this 
nature would likely further erode the role of private market catastrophe reinsurers and could adversely 

52

impact our financial results, perhaps materially. Moreover, we believe that numerous modeled potential 
catastrophes could exceed the actual or politically acceptable bonded capacity of Citizens Property 
Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”) and of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”). This could lead 
either to a severe dislocation or the necessity of federal intervention in the Florida market, either of which 
would adversely impact the private insurance and reinsurance industry.

From time to time, the state of Florida has enacted legislation altering the size and the terms and operations 
of the FHCF and the state sponsored insurer, Citizens. For example, in 2007 legislation expanded the 
FHCF’s provision of below-market rate reinsurance to up to $28.0 billion per season and expanded the 
ability of Citizens to compete with private insurance companies and other companies that cede business to 
us, which reduced the role of the private insurance and reinsurance markets in Florida. Much of the impact 
of the 2007 legislation was repealed over time. At this time, we cannot assess the likelihood of other related 
legislation passing, or the precise impact on us, our clients or the market should any such legislation be 
adopted. Because we are one of the largest providers of catastrophe-exposed coverage globally and in 
Florida, adverse legislation such as the 2007 bill, or the weakened financial position of Florida insurers 
which resulted in 2007 and could result from future legislation or other occurrences, may have a greater 
adverse impact on us than it would on other reinsurance market participants. In addition, other states, 
particularly those with Atlantic or Gulf Coast exposures or seismic exposures (such as California), may 
enact new or expanded legislation based on the prior Florida legislation, or otherwise, that would diminish 
aggregate private market demand for our products.

See “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations, Current Outlook, Legislative and Regulatory Update” for further information.

Consolidation in the (re)insurance industry could adversely impact us.

The (re)insurance industry, including our competitors, customers and insurance and reinsurance brokers, 
has seen significant consolidation over the last several years. Should the market continue to consolidate, 
there can be no assurance we would remain a leading reinsurer. These consolidated client and competitor 
enterprises may try to use their enhanced market power to negotiate price reductions for our products and 
services and/or obtain a larger market share through increased line sizes. If competitive pressures reduce 
our prices, we would generally expect to reduce our future underwriting activities, resulting in reduced 
premiums and a reduction in expected earnings. As the insurance industry consolidates, competition for 
customers becomes more intense and sourcing and properly servicing each customer become even more 
important. We could incur greater expenses relating to customer acquisition and retention, further reducing 
our operating margins. In addition, insurance companies that merge may be able to spread their risks 
across a consolidated, larger capital base so that they require less reinsurance. The number of companies 
offering retrocessional reinsurance may decline. Reinsurance intermediaries could also continue to 
consolidate, potentially adversely impacting our ability to access business and distribute our products. We 
could also experience more robust competition from larger, better capitalized competitors. Any of the 
foregoing could adversely affect our business or our results of operations.

We operate in a highly competitive environment.

The reinsurance industry is highly competitive. We compete, and will continue to compete, with major U.S. 
and non-U.S. insurers and reinsurers, including other Bermuda-based reinsurers. Many of our competitors 
have greater financial, marketing and management resources than we do. Historically, periods of increased 
capacity levels in our industry have led to increased competition and decreased prices for our products.

In recent years, pension funds, endowments, investment banks, investment managers, exchanges, hedge 
funds and other capital markets participants have been active in the reinsurance market and markets for 
related risks, either through the formation of reinsurance companies or the use of other financial products 
intended to compete with traditional reinsurance. We may also face competition from non-
traditional competitors, such as technology companies, Insurtech start-up companies and others, who aim 
to leverage their access to “big data,” artificial intelligence or other emerging technologies. In order to 
maintain a competitive position, we must continue to invest in new technologies and new ways to deliver 
our products and services.

We expect competition from these sources and others to continue to increase over time. It is possible that 
such new or alternative capital could cause reductions in prices of our products, or reduce the duration or 
amplitude of attractive portions of the historical market cycles. New entrants or existing competitors may 

53

attempt to replicate all or part of our business model and provide further competition in the markets in which 
we participate. Moreover, government-backed entities increasingly represent competition for the coverages 
we provide directly or for the business of our customers, reducing the potential amount of third-party private 
protection our clients might need or desire. To the extent that industry pricing of our products does not meet 
our hurdle rate, we would generally expect to reduce our future underwriting activities, thus resulting in 
reduced premiums and a reduction in expected earnings. We are unable to predict the extent to which the 
foregoing or other new, proposed or potential initiatives may affect the demand for our products or the risks 
for which we seek to provide coverage.

Other political, regulatory and industry initiatives by state and international authorities could 
adversely affect our business.

The insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework is subject to heavy scrutiny by the U.S. and individual 
state governments, as well as an increasing number of international authorities, and we believe it is likely 
there will be increased regulatory intervention in our industry in the future. For example, the U.S. federal 
government has increased its scrutiny of the insurance regulatory framework in recent years (including as 
specifically addressed in the Dodd-Frank Act), and some states, including Maryland and New York, have 
enacted laws that increase state regulation of insurance and reinsurance companies and holding 
companies. Moreover, the NAIC, which is an association of the insurance commissioners of all 50 states 
and the District of Columbia, and state insurance regulators regularly reexamine existing laws and 
regulations. We could also be adversely affected by proposals or enacted legislation to expand the scope of 
coverage under existing policies for perils such as hurricanes or earthquakes or for a pandemic disease 
outbreak, mandate the terms of insurance and reinsurance policies, expand the scope of the FIO or 
establish a new federal insurance regulator, revise laws, regulations, or contracts under which we operate, 
disproportionately benefit the companies of one country over those of another or repeal or diminish the 
insurance company antitrust exemption from the McCarran Ferguson Act. Our jurisdiction of Bermuda is 
also subject to increasing scrutiny by political bodies outside of Bermuda, including the EU Code of Conduct 
Group. See “The OECD and the EU may pursue measures that might increase our taxes and reduce our 
net income and increase our reporting requirements.”

Due to this increased legislative and regulatory scrutiny of the reinsurance industry and Bermuda, our cost 
of compliance with applicable laws may increase, which could result in a decrease to both our profitability 
and the amount of time that our senior management allocates to running our day-to-day operations.

Further, as we continue to expand our business operations to different regions of the world outside of 
Bermuda, we are increasingly subject to new and additional regulations with respect to our operations, 
including, for example, laws relating to anti-corruption and anti-bribery, which have received increased 
scrutiny in recent years.

The results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election could have further impacts on our industry if new 
legislative or regulatory reforms are adopted. We are unable to predict at this time the effect of any such 
reforms.

Our business is subject to certain laws and regulations relating to sanctions and foreign corrupt 
practices, the violation of which could adversely affect our operations.

We must comply with all applicable economic sanctions and anti-bribery laws and regulations of the U.S. 
and other jurisdictions. U.S. laws and regulations that may be applicable to us in certain circumstances 
include the economic trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of 
Foreign Assets Control as well as certain laws administered by the U.S. Department of State. The sanctions 
laws and regulations of non-U.S. jurisdictions in which we operate may differ to some degree from those of 
the U.S. and these differences may additionally expose us to sanctions violations. In addition, we are 
subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery laws that generally prohibit corrupt 
payments or improper gifts to non-U.S. governments or officials. Although we have policies and controls in 
place that are designed to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, it is possible that an 
employee or intermediary could fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations. In such event, we could 
be exposed to civil penalties, criminal penalties and other sanctions, including fines or other punitive 
actions. In addition, such violations could damage our business and/or our reputation. Such criminal or civil 
sanctions, penalties, other sanctions, and damage to our business and/or reputation could adversely affect 
our financial condition and results of operations.

54

Increasing barriers to free trade and the free flow of capital could adversely affect the reinsurance 
industry and our business.

Recent political initiatives to restrict free trade and close markets, such as Brexit (as defined below) and the 
Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific partnership and potentially renegotiate 
or terminate existing bilateral and multilateral trade arrangements, could adversely affect the reinsurance 
industry and our business. The reinsurance industry is disproportionately impacted by restraints on the free 
flow of capital and risk because the value it provides depends on our ability to globally diversify risk.

Internationally, restrictions on the writing of reinsurance by foreign companies and government 
intervention in the natural catastrophe market could reduce market opportunities for our customers 
and adversely impact us.

Internationally, many countries with fast growing economies, such as China and India, continue to impose 
significant restrictions on the writing of reinsurance by foreign companies. In addition, in the wake of recent 
large natural catastrophes, a number of proposals have been introduced to alter the financing of natural 
catastrophes in several of the markets in which we operate. For example, the Thailand government has 
announced it is studying proposals for a natural catastrophe fund, under which the government would 
provide coverage for natural disasters in excess of an industry retention and below a certain limit, after 
which private reinsurers would continue to participate. The government of the Philippines has announced 
that it is considering similar proposals. Indonesia’s financial services authority has announced a proposal to 
increase the amount of insurance business placed with domestic reinsurers. A range of proposals from 
varying stakeholders have been reported to have been made to alter the current regimes for insuring flood 
risk in the U.K., flood risk in Australia and earthquake risk in New Zealand. If these proposals are enacted 
and reduce market opportunities for our clients or for the reinsurance industry, we could be adversely 
impacted. See “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations, Current Outlook, Legislative and Regulatory Update” for further information.

The OECD and the EU may pursue measures that might increase our taxes and reduce our net 
income and increase our reporting requirements.

The OECD has published reports and launched a global dialog among member and non-member countries 
on measures to limit harmful tax competition. These measures are largely directed at counteracting the 
effects of jurisdictions perceived by the OECD to be tax havens or offering preferential tax regimes. The 
OECD has not listed Bermuda as an uncooperative tax haven jurisdiction because Bermuda has committed 
to eliminating harmful tax practices and to embracing international tax standards for transparency, 
exchange of information and the elimination of any aspects of the regimes for financial and other services 
that attract business with no substantial domestic activity. We are not able to predict what changes will arise 
from the commitment to the OECD or whether such changes will subject us to additional taxes. In 2017, the 
EU initiated similar measures and identified certain jurisdictions, including Bermuda, which it considered 
had tax systems that facilitated offshore structuring by attracting profits without commensurate economic 
activity. The EU did temporarily add Bermuda to its “blacklist” of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax 
purposes between March 2019 and May 2019, when Bermuda adopted economic substance legislation that 
the EU deemed compliant with its requirements. There were no immediate regulatory, tax, trade or other 
legal impacts to RenaissanceRe, but we are not able to predict future EU actions.

In addition, in 2015, the OECD published its final series of Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) reports 
related to its attempt to coordinate multilateral action on international tax rules. The actions proposed in the 
BEPS report include an examination of the definition of a “permanent establishment” and the rules for 
attributing profit to a permanent establishment, tightening up transfer pricing rules to ensure that outcomes 
are in line with value creation, neutralizing the effect of hybrid financial instruments and limiting the 
deductibility of interest costs of tax purposes. Any changes in the tax law of an OECD member state in 
response to the BEPS reports and recommendations could subject us to additional taxes.

In May 2019, the OECD published a “Programme of Work,” divided into two pillars, which is designed to 
address the tax challenges created by an increasing digitalized economy. Pillar One addresses the broader 
challenge of a digitalized economy and focuses on the allocation of group profits among taxing jurisdictions 
based on a market-based concept rather than historical “permanent establishment” concepts. Pillar Two 
addresses the remaining BEPS risk of profit shifting to entities in low tax jurisdictions by introducing a global 
minimum tax and a proposed tax on base eroding payments, which would operate through a denial of a 

55

deduction or imposition of source-based taxation (including withholding tax) on certain payments. The 
OECD expects to reach agreement on key policy issues by July 2020, with a final proposal to be agreed to 
by the participating members by the end of 2020 and incorporated into local jurisdiction tax laws and 
treaties sometime shortly thereafter. To date, the proposal has been written broadly enough to potentially 
apply to our group’s activities, and we are unable to determine at this time whether it would have a material 
adverse impact on our operations and results.

The vote by the U.K. to leave the EU (“Brexit”) could adversely affect our business.

The U.K. left the EU on January 31, 2020 pursuant to the terms of a withdrawal agreement concluded 
between the U.K. government and the EU Council (the “Withdrawal Agreement”). The Withdrawal 
Agreement allows for a transition period during which the U.K.’s trading relationship with the EU will remain 
largely unchanged. This transition period is due to end on December 31, 2020. During the transition period, 
the U.K. and the EU will continue to negotiate the terms of their ongoing relationship. However, uncertainty 
remains over the U.K.’s future relationship with the EU after 2020. As a result, we face risks associated with 
the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit, including with respect to volatility in 
financial markets, exchange rates and interest rates. These uncertainties could increase the volatility of, or 
reduce, our investment results in particular periods or over time. Brexit could adversely affect political, 
regulatory, economic or market conditions in the U.K. and in Europe and it could contribute to instability in 
global political institutions and regulatory agencies. Brexit could also lead to legal uncertainty and differing 
laws and regulations between the U.K., and the EU, and could impair or adversely affect the ability of the 
U.K. insurance market to transact business in EU countries. To mitigate against the risks of Brexit our 
Lloyd’s syndicate, RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458, utilizes the Lloyd’s Brussels Subsidiary through RSML. 
The Lloyd’s Brussels Subsidiary is authorized and regulated by the National Bank of Belgium and regulated 
by the Financial Services and Markets Authority. Since January 1, 2019, the Lloyd’s Brussels Subsidiary 
has written non-life risks placed in the Lloyd’s market from European Economic Area countries.

In addition, uncertainties related to Brexit could affect the operations, strategic position or results of insurers 
or reinsurers on whom we ultimately rely to access underlying insured coverages. Any of these potential 
effects of Brexit, and others we cannot anticipate, could adversely affect our results of operations or 
financial condition.

Regulatory regimes and changes to accounting rules may adversely impact financial results 
irrespective of business operations.

Accounting standards and regulatory changes may require modifications to our accounting principles, both 
prospectively and for prior periods, and such changes could have an adverse impact on our financial 
results. Required modification of our existing principles, and new disclosure requirements, could have an 
impact on our results of operations and increase our expenses in order to implement and comply with any 
new requirements.

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make many estimates and 
judgments.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make many estimates and judgments 
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities (including claims and claim expense reserves), 
shareholders’ equity, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate 
our estimates, including those related to premiums written and earned, our net claims and claim expenses, 
investment valuations, income taxes and those estimates used in our risk transfer analysis for reinsurance 
transactions. We base our estimates on historical experience, where possible, and on various other 
assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, which form the basis for our judgments 
about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our 
judgments and estimates may not reflect our actual results. We utilize actuarial models as well as historical 
insurance industry loss development patterns to establish our claims and claim expense reserves. Actual 
claims and claim expenses paid may deviate, perhaps materially, from the estimates reflected in our 
financial statements. For more details on our estimates and judgments, see “Part II, Item 7. Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Critical Accounting Estimates.”

56

Risks Related to RenaissanceRe Following the Acquisition of TMR

The continuing integration of RenaissanceRe and TMR following the acquisition of TMR may 
present significant challenges and costs.

We may face significant challenges, including technical, accounting and other challenges, in completing the 
combination of our operations and that of TMR. We acquired TMR because we believe the acquisition will 
be beneficial to us and our shareholders and accelerate our existing strategy. Achieving the anticipated 
benefits of the acquisition of TMR will depend in part upon whether we will be successful in completing the 
integration of TMR’s businesses in a timely and efficient manner. We may not be able to accomplish this 
integration process smoothly or successfully.

In particular, we are continuing to integrate processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies and 
systems, including information technology and accounting and finance. Management has devoted, and will 
continue to devote, significant attention to this process, and any delays in completing the integration may 
adversely affect the combined company’s ability to maintain relationships with customers, brokers, 
employees and other constituencies or our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of 
TMR or could otherwise adversely affect our business and financial results after the acquisition of TMR.

In addition, we have and will continue to incur integration and restructuring costs as a result of the 
acquisition of TMR as we integrate the businesses of TMR. Although we expect that the realization of 
efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses will offset incremental transaction, integration and 
restructuring costs over time, we cannot give any assurance that this net benefit will be achieved at any 
time in the future, if at all.

Our future results will suffer if we do not effectively manage our expanded operations following the 
acquisition of TMR.

We may continue to expand our operations, and our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to 
manage our expansion opportunities, which pose numerous risks and uncertainties, including the need to 
integrate the operations and business of TMR into our existing business in an efficient and timely manner, 
to combine systems and management controls and to integrate relationships with customers, vendors and 
business partners.

TMR’s counterparties to contracts and arrangements may choose to terminate their contracts with 
us following the acquisition of TMR, which could negatively affect us.

Many of TMR’s reinsurance contracts, as well as most of our reinsurance and insurance contracts, renew 
annually. It is possible that some reinsurance cedants or policyholders may choose not to renew these 
contracts with us following the acquisition of TMR.

Termination of in-force contracts or failure to renew reinsurance or insurance agreements and policies by 
contractual counterparties could adversely affect the benefits to be received by us from TMR’s contractual 
arrangements. If the benefits from these arrangements are less than expected, including as a result of 
these arrangements being terminated, determined to be unenforceable, in whole or in part, or the 
counterparties to such arrangements failing to satisfy their obligations thereunder, the benefits of the 
acquisition of TMR to us may be significantly less than anticipated.

ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

We lease office space in Bermuda, which houses our headquarters and principal executive offices, as well 
as in other locations throughout the U.S. and in the U.K., Australia, Ireland, Singapore and Switzerland. 
While we believe that our current office space is sufficient for us to conduct our operations, we may expand 
into additional facilities and new locations to accommodate future growth. To date, the cost of acquiring and 
maintaining our office space has not been material to us as a whole.

57

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We and our subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of business that 
do not arise from or directly relate to claims on reinsurance treaties or contracts or direct surplus lines 
insurance policies. In our industry, business litigation may involve allegations of underwriting or claims-
handling errors or misconduct, disputes relating to the scope of, or compliance with, the terms of delegated 
underwriting agreements, employment claims, regulatory actions or disputes arising from our business 
ventures. Our operating subsidiaries are subject to claims litigation involving, among other things, disputed 
interpretations of policy coverages. Generally, our direct surplus lines insurance operations are subject to 
greater frequency and diversity of claims and claims-related litigation than our reinsurance operations and, 
in some jurisdictions, may be subject to direct actions by allegedly injured persons or entities seeking 
damages from policyholders. These lawsuits involving or arising out of claims on policies issued by our 
subsidiaries, which are typical to the insurance industry in general and in the normal course of business, are 
considered in our loss and loss expense reserves which are discussed in its loss reserves discussion. In 
addition, we may from time to time engage in litigation or arbitration related to claims for payment in respect 
of ceded reinsurance, including disputes that challenge our ability to enforce our underwriting intent. Such 
matters could result, directly or indirectly, in providers of protection not meeting their obligations to us or not 
doing so on a timely basis. We may also be subject to other disputes from time to time, relating to 
operational or other matters distinct from insurance or reinsurance claims. Any litigation, arbitration or 
regulatory process contains an element of uncertainty, and, accordingly, the value of an exposure or a gain 
contingency related to a dispute is difficult to estimate. Currently, we believe that no individual litigation or 
arbitration to which we are presently a party is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial 
condition, business or operations.

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

58

PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS 
AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

MARKET INFORMATION AND NUMBER OF HOLDERS

Our common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “RNR.” On February 3, 2020, there were 108 
holders of record of our common shares.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative return on our common shares, including reinvestment of our 
dividends on our common shares, to such return for the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index (“S&P 500”) 
and S&P’s Property-Casualty Industry Group Stock Price Index (“S&P P&C”), for the five-year period 
commencing December 31, 2014 and ending December 31, 2019, assuming $100 was invested on 
December 31, 2014. Each measurement point on the graph below represents the cumulative shareholder 
return as measured by the last sale price at the end of each calendar year during the period from January 1, 
2015 through December 31, 2019. As depicted in the graph below, during this period, the cumulative return 
was (1) 111.8% on our common shares; (2) 73.8% for the S&P 500; and (3) 86.1% for the S&P P&C.

COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

59

ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our share repurchase program may be effected from time to time, depending on market conditions and 
other factors, through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. On November 10, 
2017, our Board of Directors approved a renewal of our authorized share repurchase program to an 
aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million. Unless terminated earlier by our Board of Directors, the program 
will expire when we have repurchased the full value of the shares authorized. The table below details the 
repurchases that were made under the program during the three months ended December 31, 2019, and 
also includes other shares purchased, which represents common shares surrendered by employees in 
respect of withholding tax obligations on the vesting of restricted stock or in lieu of cash payments for the 
exercise price of employee stock options.

Total shares purchased Other shares purchased

Shares purchased under
repurchase program

Shares
purchased

Average
price per
share

Shares
purchased

Average
price per
share

Shares
purchased

Average
price per
share

Dollar
amount 
still
available
under
repurchase
program
(in millions)

— $

—

131

2,847

2,978

$

$

$

186.22

196.02

195.59

— $

131

2,847

2,978

$

$

$

—
186.22

196.02

195.59

— $

— $

— $

— $

$

500.0

—

—

—

— $

—

—

—
500.0

Beginning dollar amount

available to be
repurchased

October 1 - 31, 2019

November 1 - 30, 2019

December 1 - 31, 2019

Total

During 2019, we did not repurchase any of our common shares under our authorized share repurchase 
program. In the future, we may authorize additional purchase activities under the currently authorized share 
repurchase program, increase the amount authorized under the share repurchase program, or adopt 
additional trading plans.

60

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6.    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial data and other financial information at the 
end of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2019. The results of Platinum 
are included in our consolidated financial data from March 2, 2015. The results of TMR are included in our 
consolidated financial data from March 22, 2019. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in 
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and “Part II, Item 7. 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-
K. 

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

(in thousands, except share and per share data

and percentages)

Statements of Operations Data:
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on

investments

Net claims and claim expenses incurred
Acquisition expenses
Operational expenses
Underwriting income (loss)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to
RenaissanceRe common shareholders
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to

RenaissanceRe common shareholders per
common share – diluted
Dividends per common share
Weighted average common shares outstanding

– diluted

Return on average common equity
Combined ratio

At December 31,
Balance Sheet Data:
Total investments
Total assets
Reserve for claims and claim expenses
Unearned premiums
Debt
Capital leases
Preference shares
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to

RenaissanceRe

Common shares outstanding
Book value per common share
Accumulated dividends
Book value per common share plus

accumulated dividends

$ 4,807,750
3,381,493
3,338,403
423,833

$ 3,310,427
2,131,902
1,976,129
261,866

$ 2,797,540
1,871,325
1,717,575
222,209

$ 2,374,576
1,535,312
1,403,430
181,726

$ 2,011,310
1,416,183
1,400,551
152,567

414,483

2,097,021
762,232
222,733
256,417
950,267

(175,069)

135,822

1,120,018
432,989
178,267
244,855
268,917

1,861,428
346,892
160,778
(651,523)
(354,671)

141,328

530,831
289,323
197,749
385,527
630,048

(68,918)

448,238
238,592
219,112
494,609
542,242

712,042

197,276

(244,770)

480,581

408,811

16.29

1.36

4.91

1.32

(6.15)

1.28

11.43

1.24

9.28

1.20

43,175

39,755

39,854

41,559

43,526

14.1%
92.3%

4.7%
87.6%

(5.7)%
137.9 %

11.0%
72.5%

9.8%
64.7%

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$17,368,789
26,330,094
9,384,349
2,530,975
1,384,105
25,072
650,000

$11,885,747
18,676,196
6,076,271
1,716,021
991,127
25,853
650,000

$ 9,503,439
15,226,131
5,080,408
1,477,609
989,623
26,387
400,000

$ 9,316,968
12,352,082
2,848,294
1,231,573
948,663
26,073
400,000

$ 8,999,068
11,555,287
2,767,045
889,102
960,495
26,463
400,000

5,971,367

5,045,080

4,391,375

4,866,577

4,732,184

44,148
120.53
20.68

141.21

$

$

42,207
104.13
19.32

123.45

40,024
99.72
18.00

117.72

$

$

$

$

41,187
108.45
16.72

125.17

$

$

43,701
99.13
15.48

114.61

$

$

Change in book value per common share plus

change in accumulated dividends

17.1%

5.7%

(6.9)%

10.7%

11.3%

61

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

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for 2019 compared to 2018 and 2018 
compared to 2017, respectively as well as our liquidity and capital resources at December 31, 2019. This 
discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements 
and notes thereto included in this filing. This filing contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and 
uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results described or implied by these forward-
looking statements. See “Note on Forward-Looking Statements.”

On March 22, 2019, we acquired TMR, including RenaissanceRe Europe, RenaissanceRe UK and their 
subsidiaries. As a result of the acquisition, each of the TMR entities became our wholly owned subsidiary. 
We accounted for the acquisition of TMR under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with 
FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic Business Combinations. 

Our results of operations and financial condition for 2019 include TMR for the period from March 22, 2019 
through December 31, 2019. The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations for 2019, 
compared to 2018, as well as our liquidity and capital resources at December 31, 2019, should be read in 
that context. In addition, the results of operations for 2019 and financial condition at December 31, 2019 
may not be reflective of the ultimate ongoing business of the combined entities.

Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements” for additional information with respect to the acquisition of TMR.

INDEX TO MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Claims and Claim Expense Reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Premiums and Related Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reinsurance Recoverables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fair Value Measurements and Impairments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SUMMARY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Liquidity and Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EFFECTS OF INFLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OFF-BALANCE SHEET AND SPECIAL PURPOSE ENTITY ARRANGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CURRENT OUTLOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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62

 
OVERVIEW 

RenaissanceRe is a global provider of reinsurance and insurance. We provide property, casualty and 
specialty reinsurance and certain insurance solutions to customers, principally through intermediaries. 
Established in 1993, we have offices in Bermuda, Australia, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland, the U.K. and 
the U.S. Our operating subsidiaries include Renaissance Reinsurance, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S., 
RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., RenaissanceRe Europe, RenaissanceRe UK, Renaissance 
Reinsurance of Europe and Syndicate 1458. We also underwrite reinsurance on behalf of joint ventures, 
including DaVinci, Fibonacci Re, Top Layer Re, Upsilon RFO and Vermeer. In addition, through Medici, we 
invest in various insurance based investment instruments that have returns primarily tied to property 
catastrophe risk. 

We aspire to be the world’s best underwriter by matching well-structured risks with efficient sources of 
capital and our mission is to produce superior returns for our shareholders over the long term. We seek to 
accomplish these goals by being a trusted, long-term partner to our customers for assessing and managing 
risk, delivering responsive and innovative solutions, leveraging our core capabilities of risk assessment and 
information management, investing in these core capabilities in order to serve our customers across market 
cycles, and keeping our promises. Our strategy focuses on superior risk selection, superior customer 
relationships and superior capital management. We provide value to our customers and joint venture 
partners in the form of financial security, innovative products, and responsive service. We are known as a 
leader in paying valid claims promptly. We principally measure our financial success through long-term 
growth in tangible book value per common share plus the change in accumulated dividends, which we 
believe is the most appropriate measure of our financial performance, and in respect of which we believe 
we have delivered superior performance over time.

Our core products include property, casualty and specialty reinsurance, and certain insurance products 
principally distributed through intermediaries, with whom we have cultivated strong long-term relationships. 
We believe we have been one of the world’s leading providers of catastrophe reinsurance since our 
founding. In recent years, through the strategic execution of several initiatives, including organic growth and 
acquisitions, we have expanded and diversified our casualty and specialty platform and products and 
believe we are a leader in certain casualty and specialty lines of business. We have determined our 
business consists of the following reportable segments: (1) Property, which is comprised of catastrophe and 
other property reinsurance and insurance written on behalf of our operating subsidiaries and certain joint 
ventures managed by our ventures unit, and (2) Casualty and Specialty, which is comprised of casualty and 
specialty reinsurance and insurance written on behalf of our operating subsidiaries and certain joint 
ventures managed by our ventures unit. We also pursue a number of other opportunities through our 
ventures unit, which has responsibility for creating and managing our joint ventures, executing customized 
reinsurance transactions to assume or cede risk, and managing certain strategic investments directed at 
classes of risk other than catastrophe reinsurance. From time to time we consider diversification into new 
ventures, either through organic growth, the formation of new joint ventures, or the acquisition of, or the 
investment in, other companies or books of business of other companies.

To best serve our clients in the places they do business, we have operating subsidiaries, branches, joint 
ventures and underwriting platforms around the world, including DaVinci, Fibonacci Re, Renaissance 
Reinsurance, Top Layer Re, Upsilon RFO and Vermeer in Bermuda, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. in the 
U.S., Syndicate 1458 in the U.K. and RenaissanceRe Europe in Switzerland, which has branches in 
Australia, Bermuda, the U.K. and the U.S. We write property and casualty and specialty reinsurance 
through our wholly owned operating subsidiaries, joint ventures and Syndicate 1458 and certain insurance 
products primarily through Syndicate 1458. Syndicate 1458 provides us with access to Lloyd’s extensive 
distribution network and worldwide licenses and also writes business through delegated authority 
arrangements. The underwriting results of our operating subsidiaries and underwriting platforms are 
included in our Property and Casualty and Specialty segment results as appropriate.

Since a meaningful portion of the reinsurance and insurance we write provides protection from damages 
relating to natural and man-made catastrophes, our results depend to a large extent on the frequency and 
severity of such catastrophic events, and the coverages we offer to customers affected by these events. We 
are exposed to significant losses from these catastrophic events and other exposures we cover. 
Accordingly, we expect a significant degree of volatility in our financial results and our financial results may 
vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and from year-to-year, based on the level of insured catastrophic 

63

losses occurring around the world. We view our exposure to casualty and specialty lines of business as an 
efficient use of capital given these risks are generally less correlated with our property lines of business. 
This has allowed us to bring additional capacity to our clients, across a wider range of product offerings, 
while continuing to be good stewards of our shareholders’ capital. 

We continually explore appropriate and efficient ways to address the risk needs of our clients and the 
impact of various regulatory and legislative changes on our operations. We have created and managed, 
and continue to manage, multiple capital vehicles across several jurisdictions and may create additional risk 
bearing vehicles or enter into additional jurisdictions in the future. In addition, our differentiated strategy and 
capabilities position us to pursue bespoke or large solutions for clients, which may be non-recurring. This, 
and other factors including the timing of contract inception, could result in significant volatility of premiums in 
both our Property and Casualty and Specialty segments. As our product and geographical diversity 
increases, we may be exposed to new risks, uncertainties and sources of volatility.

Our revenues are principally derived from three sources: (1) net premiums earned from the reinsurance and 
insurance policies we sell; (2) net investment income and realized and unrealized gains from the investment 
of our capital funds and the investment of the cash we receive on the policies which we sell; and (3) fees 
and other income received from our joint ventures, advisory services and various other items.

Our expenses primarily consist of: (1) net claims and claim expenses incurred on the policies of reinsurance 
and insurance we sell; (2) acquisition costs which typically represent a percentage of the premiums we 
write; (3) operating expenses which primarily consist of personnel expenses, rent and other operating 
expenses; (4) corporate expenses which include certain executive, legal and consulting expenses, costs for 
research and development, transaction and integration-related expenses, and other miscellaneous costs, 
including those associated with operating as a publicly traded company; (5) redeemable noncontrolling 
interests, which represent the interests of third parties with respect to the net income of DaVinciRe, Medici 
and Vermeer; and (6) interest and dividend costs related to our debt and preference shares. We are also 
subject to taxes in certain jurisdictions in which we operate. Since the majority of our income is currently 
earned in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax, the tax impact to our operations has 
historically been minimal. In the future, our net tax exposure may increase as our operations expand 
geographically, or as a result of adverse tax developments.

The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are discussed frequently by reference to 
its net claims and claim expense ratio, underwriting expense ratio, and combined ratio. The net claims and 
claim expense ratio is calculated by dividing net claims and claim expenses incurred by net premiums 
earned. The underwriting expense ratio is calculated by dividing underwriting expenses (acquisition 
expenses and operational expenses) by net premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the net 
claims and claim expense ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. A combined ratio below 100% indicates 
profitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income. A combined ratio over 100% 
indicates unprofitable underwriting prior to the consideration of investment income. We also discuss our net 
claims and claim expense ratio on a current accident year basis and a prior accident years basis. The 
current accident year net claims and claim expense ratio is calculated by taking current accident year net 
claims and claim expenses incurred, divided by net premiums earned. The prior accident years net claims 
and claim expense ratio is calculated by taking prior accident years net claims and claim expenses incurred, 
divided by net premiums earned.

SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Claims and Claim Expense Reserves

General Description

We believe the most significant accounting judgment made by management is our estimate of claims and 
claim expense reserves. Claims and claim expense reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and 
statistical projections at a given point in time, of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for unpaid 
claims and claim expenses arising from the insurance and reinsurance contracts we sell. We establish our 
claims and claim expense reserves by taking case reserves, adding estimates for IBNR and, if deemed 
necessary, adding costs for additional case reserves which represent our estimates for claims related to 
specific contracts which we believe may not be adequately estimated by the client as of that date, or 

64

adequately covered in the application of IBNR. Our reserving committee, which includes members of our 
senior management, reviews, discusses, and assesses the reasonableness and adequacy of the reserving 
estimates included in our audited financial statements.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations, we allocated the total consideration paid for 
TMR among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values. These assets and liabilities 
include TMR’s claims and claim expense reserves, which totaled $2.4 billion at March 22, 2019, and 
consisted of $783.3 million and $1.6 billion included in our Property and Casualty and Specialty segments, 
respectively. 

The following table summarizes our claims and claim expense reserves by line of business, allocated 
between case reserves, additional case reserves and IBNR:

At December 31, 2019

(in thousands)
Property
Casualty and Specialty
Other
Total

At December 31, 2018
(in thousands)
Property
Casualty and Specialty
Other
Total

Case
Reserves

Additional
Case Reserves

IBNR

Total

$ 1,253,406 $ 1,631,223 $ 1,189,221 $ 4,073,850
5,310,059
440
$ 2,850,272 $ 1,760,943 $ 4,773,134 $ 9,384,349

3,583,913
—

1,596,426
440

129,720
—

$

690,718 $ 1,308,307 $ 1,087,229 $ 3,086,254
2,985,393
771,537
4,624
1,458
$ 1,463,713 $ 1,425,184 $ 3,187,374 $ 6,076,271

2,096,979
3,166

116,877
—

Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses is summarized as follows:

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)
Net reserves as of January 1
Net incurred related to:

Current year
Prior years

Total net incurred
Net paid related to:

Current year
Prior years
Total net paid
Amounts acquired (1)
Foreign exchange
Net reserves as of December 31
Reinsurance recoverable as of December 31
Gross reserves as of December 31

2019

2018

2017

$ 3,704,050 $ 3,493,778 $ 2,568,730

2,123,876
(26,855)
2,097,021

1,390,767
(270,749)
1,120,018

1,902,424
(40,996)
1,861,428

265,649
832,405
1,098,054
1,858,775
31,260
6,593,052
2,791,297

450,527
391,061
524,298
503,708
974,825
894,769
—
—
38,445
(14,977)
3,493,778
3,704,050
1,586,630
2,372,221
$ 9,384,349 $ 6,076,271 $ 5,080,408

(1)  Represents the fair value of TMR's reserves for claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables, 

acquired at March 22, 2019.  

65

 
 
 
 
The following table details our prior year development by segment of its liability for unpaid claims and claim 
expenses:

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)

Property
Casualty and Specialty
Other
Total favorable development of prior accident years net claims

and claim expenses

(Favorable)
adverse
development
$

2019

2018

2017

(Favorable)
adverse
development

(Favorable)
adverse
development

(2,933) $ (221,290) $

(23,882)
(40)

(49,262)
(197)

(45,596)
6,183
(1,583)

$

(26,855) $ (270,749) $

(40,996)

Our reserving methodology for each line of business uses a loss reserving process that calculates a point 
estimate for our ultimate settlement and administration costs for claims and claim expenses. We do not 
calculate a range of estimates and do not discount any of our reserves for claims and claim expenses. We 
use this point estimate, along with paid claims and case reserves, to record our best estimate of additional 
case reserves and IBNR in our consolidated financial statements. Under GAAP, we are not permitted to 
establish estimates for catastrophe claims and claim expense reserves until an event occurs that gives rise 
to a loss. 

Reserving for our reinsurance claims involves other uncertainties, such as the dependence on information 
from ceding companies, the time lag inherent in reporting information from the primary insurer to us or to 
our ceding companies, and differing reserving practices among ceding companies. The information 
received from ceding companies is typically in the form of bordereaux, broker notifications of loss and/or 
discussions with ceding companies or their brokers. This information may be received on a monthly, 
quarterly or transactional basis and normally includes paid claims and estimates of case reserves. We 
sometimes also receive an estimate or provision for IBNR. This information is often updated and adjusted 
from time to time during the loss settlement period as new data or facts in respect of initial claims, client 
accounts, industry or event trends may be reported or emerge in addition to changes in applicable statutory 
and case laws. 

Our estimates of losses from large events are based on factors including currently available information 
derived from claims information from certain customers and brokers, industry assessments of losses from 
the events, proprietary models, and the terms and conditions of our contracts. The uncertainty of our 
estimates for large events is also impacted by the preliminary nature of the information available, the 
magnitude and relative infrequency of the events, the expected duration of the respective claims 
development period, inadequacies in the data provided to the relevant date by industry participants, the 
potential for further reporting lags or insufficiencies and, in certain cases, the form of the claims and legal 
issues under the relevant terms of insurance and reinsurance contracts. In addition, a significant portion of 
the net claims and claim expenses associated with certain large events can be concentrated with a few 
large clients and therefore the loss estimates for these events may vary significantly based on the claims 
experience of those clients. The contingent nature of business interruption and other exposures will also 
impact losses in a meaningful way, which we believe may give rise to significant complexity in respect of 
claims handling, claims adjustment and other coverage issues, over time. Given the magnitude of certain 
events, there can be meaningful uncertainty regarding total covered losses for the insurance industry and, 
accordingly, several of the key assumptions underlying our loss estimates. Loss reserve estimation in 
respect of our retrocessional contracts poses further challenges compared to directly assumed reinsurance. 
In addition, our actual net losses from these events may increase if our reinsurers or other obligors fail to 
meet their obligations.

Because of the inherent uncertainties discussed above, we have developed a reserving philosophy which 
attempts to incorporate prudent assumptions and estimates, and we have generally experienced favorable 
net development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses in the last several years. However, 
there is no assurance that this favorable development on prior accident years net claims and claim 
expenses will occur in future periods.

Our reserving techniques, assumptions and processes differ among our Property and Casualty and 
Specialty segments. Refer to “Note 8. Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses” in our “Notes to the 

66

Consolidated Financial Statements” for more information on the risks we insure and reinsure, the reserving 
techniques, assumptions and processes we follow to estimate our claims and claim expense reserves, prior 
year development of the reserve for claims and claim expenses, analysis of our incurred and paid claims 
development and claims duration information for each of our Property and Casualty and Specialty 
segments.

Property Segment

Actual Results vs. Initial Estimates

As discussed above, the key assumption in estimating reserves for our Property segment is our estimate of 
incurred claims and claim expenses. The table below shows our initial estimates of incurred claims and 
claim expenses for each accident year and how these initial estimates have developed over time. The initial 
estimate of accident year incurred claims and claim expenses represents our estimate of the ultimate 
settlement and administration costs for claims incurred in our Property segment occurring during a 
particular accident year, and as reported as of December 31 of that year. The re-estimated incurred claims 
and claim expenses as of December 31 of subsequent years, represent our revised estimates as reported 
as of those dates. Our most recent estimates as reported at December 31, 2019 differ from our initial 
accident year estimates and demonstrate that our initial estimate of incurred claims and claim expenses are 
reasonably likely to vary from our most recent estimate, perhaps significantly. Changes in this estimate will 
be recorded in the period in which they occur. In accident years where our current estimates are lower than 
our initial estimates, we have experienced favorable development while accident years where our current 
estimates are higher than our original estimates indicates adverse development. The table is presented on 
a net basis and, therefore, includes the benefit of reinsurance recoverable. In addition, we have included 
historical incurred claims and claim expenses development information related to Platinum and TMR in the 
table below. For incurred accident year claims denominated in foreign currency, we have used the current 
year-end balance sheet foreign exchange rate for all periods provided, thereby eliminating the effects of 
changes in foreign currency translation rates from the incurred accident year claims development 
information included in the table below.

The following table details our Property segment incurred claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance, as 
of December 31, 2019.

(in thousands)

Accident 
Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Incurred claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

For the year ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

$ 720,159

$ 681,287

$ 636,962

$ 657,719

$ 691,473

$ 696,844

$ 706,258

$ 708,343

$ 681,435

$

731,179

— 1,559,069

1,491,770

1,422,659

1,393,110

1,369,567

1,338,187

1,333,982

1,321,137

1,302,141

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

559,946

429,425

395,203

375,098

356,310

344,535

336,719

331,865

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

317,258

287,694

265,570

240,945

228,622

224,748

222,939

—

—

—

—

—

—

306,731

283,608

270,618

265,820

264,754

265,229

—

—

—

—

—

368,766

334,572

317,865

307,088

301,733

—

—

—

—

445,532

458,525

443,135

432,269

— 1,640,129

1,446,566

1,348,260

—

—

—

—

945,829

1,054,884

—

1,000,190

$ 6,990,689

Our initial and subsequent estimates of incurred claims and claim expenses are impacted by available 
information derived from claims information from certain customers and brokers, industry assessments of 
losses from the events, proprietary models, and the terms and conditions of our contracts. As described 
above, given the complexity in reserving for claims and claims expenses associated with property losses, 
and catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance contracts in particular, which make up a significant proportion of 
our Property segment, we have experienced development, both favorable and unfavorable, in any given 
accident year. For example, net claims and claim expenses associated with the 2017 accident year

67

have experienced favorable development. This is largely driven by reductions in estimated ultimate claims 
and claim expenses associated with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the Mexico City Earthquake, the 
wildfires in California during the fourth quarter of 2017 and certain losses associated with aggregate loss 
contracts (collectively, the “2017 Large Loss Events”). In comparison, net claims and claim expenses 
associated with 2018 accident year have experienced adverse development. The adverse development 
was driven by a deterioration in expected net claims and claim expenses as new and additional claims 
information was received associated with Typhoons Jebi, Mangkhut and Trami, Hurricane Florence, the 
wildfires in California during the third and fourth quarters of 2018, Hurricane Michael and certain losses 
associated with aggregate loss contracts (the ”2018 Large Loss Events”). 

In accident years with a low level of insured catastrophe losses, our other property lines of business would 
contribute a greater proportion of our overall incurred claims and claim expenses within our Property 
segment, compared to years with a high level of insured catastrophe losses. Our other property lines of 
business tend to generate less volatility in future accident years and as such we would expect to see a 
slower more stable increase or decrease in estimated incurred net claims and claim expenses over time. 
However, certain of our other property contracts are exposed to catastrophe events, resulting in increased 
volatility of incurred claims and claim expenses driven by the occurrence of catastrophe events. In addition, 
volatility of the initial estimate associated with large catastrophe losses and the speed at which we settle 
claims can vary dramatically based on the type of event.  

Sensitivity Analysis

The table below shows the impact on our gross reserve for claims and claim expenses, net income and 
shareholders’ equity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 of a reasonable range of possible 
outcomes associated with our estimates of gross ultimate losses for claims and claim expenses incurred 
within our Property segment. The reasonable range of possible outcomes is based on a distribution of 
outcomes of our ultimate incurred claims and claim expenses from catastrophic events. In addition, we 
adjust the loss ratios and development curves in our other property lines of business in a similar fashion to 
the sensitivity analysis performed for our Casualty and Specialty segment, discussed in greater detail 
below. In general, our reserve for claims and claim expenses for more recent events are subject to greater 
uncertainty and, therefore, greater variability and are likely to experience material changes from one period 
to the next. This is due to the uncertainty as to the size of the industry losses from the event, which 
contracts have been exposed to the catastrophic event and the magnitude of claims incurred by our clients. 
As our claims age, more information becomes available and we believe our estimates become more 
certain, although there is no assurance this trend will continue in the future. As a result, the sensitivity 
analysis below is based on the age of each accident year, our current estimated incurred claims and claim 
expenses for the catastrophic events occurring in each accident year, and a reasonable range of possible 
outcomes of our current estimates of claims and claim expenses by accident year. The impact on net 
income and shareholders’ equity assumes no increase or decrease in reinsurance recoveries, loss related 
premium or redeemable noncontrolling interest.

Property Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Sensitivity Analysis

(in thousands, except
percentages)
Higher

Recorded

Lower

% Impact of 
Change
on Reserve for 
Claims
and Claim 
Expenses
at 
December 31,
2019

% Impact of 
Change on Net 
Income for
the Year Ended
December 31, 
2019

% Impact of 
Change on 
Shareholders’
Equity at
December 31, 
2019

5.6 %

— %

(3.9)%

(55.2)%

— %

38.3 %

(8.8)%

— %

6.1 %

Reserve for 
Claims and 
Claim 
Expenses at
December 31,
2019

$ 4,598,682 $
4,073,850

$ Impact of 
Change 
Reserve for 
Claims
and Claim 
Expenses
at 
December 31,
2019
524,832

—

3,710,019

(363,831)

68

We believe the changes we made to our estimated incurred claims and claim expenses represent a 
reasonable range of possible outcomes based on our experience to date and our future expectations. While 
we believe these are a reasonable range of possible outcomes, we do not believe the above sensitivity 
analysis should be considered an actuarial reserve range. Excluded from the impact on our reserves for 
claims and claim expenses, net income and shareholders’ equity, in the table above, are reserves for claims 
and claim expenses associated with the TMR managed third-party capital vehicles as these reserves for 
claims and claim expenses are fully ceded and have no impact on our net income or shareholders’ equity. In 
addition, the sensitivity analysis only reflects a reasonable range of possible outcomes in our underlying 
assumptions. It is possible that our estimated incurred claims and claim expenses could be significantly 
higher or lower than the sensitivity analysis described above. For example, we could be liable for events for 
which we have not estimated claims and claim expenses or for exposures we do not currently believe are 
covered under our policies. These changes could result in significantly larger changes to our estimated 
incurred claims and claim expenses, net income and shareholders’ equity than those noted above, and 
could be recorded across multiple periods. We also caution that the above sensitivity analysis is not used 
by management in developing our reserve estimates and is also not used by management in managing the 
business.

Casualty and Specialty Segment

Actual Results vs. Initial Estimates

As discussed above, the key assumption in estimating reserves for our Casualty and Specialty segment is 
our estimate of incurred claims and claim expenses. Standard actuarial techniques are used to calculate the 
ultimate claims and claim expenses and two key assumptions include the estimated incurred claims and 
claim expenses ratio and the estimated loss reporting patterns. The table below shows our initial estimates 
of incurred claims and claim expenses for each accident year and how these initial estimates have 
developed over time. The initial estimate of accident year incurred claims and claim expenses represents 
our estimate of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for claims incurred in our Casualty and 
Specialty segment occurring during a particular accident year, and as reported as of December 31 of that 
year. The re-estimated incurred claims and claim expenses as of December 31 of subsequent years, 
represent our revised estimates as reported as of those dates. Our most recent estimates as reported at 
December 31, 2019 differ from our initial accident year estimates and demonstrate that our initial estimate 
of incurred claims and claim expenses are reasonably likely to vary from our most recent estimate, perhaps 
significantly. Changes in this estimate will be recorded in the period in which they occur. In accident years 
where our current estimates are lower than our initial estimates, we have experienced favorable 
development while accident years where our current estimates are higher than our original estimates 
indicates adverse development. The table is presented on a net basis and, therefore, includes the benefit of 
reinsurance recoverable. In addition, we have included historical incurred claims and claim expenses 
development information related to Platinum and TMR in the table below. For incurred accident year claims 
denominated in foreign currency, we have used the current year-end balance sheet foreign exchange rate 
for all periods provided, thereby eliminating the effects of changes in foreign currency translation rates from 
the incurred accident year claims development information included in the table below.

69

The following table details our Casualty and Specialty segment incurred claims and claim expenses, net of 
reinsurance, as of December 31, 2019.

(in thousands)

Accident 
Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Incurred claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

For the year ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

$ 411,733

$ 423,754

$ 411,785

$ 375,622

$ 354,254

$ 340,881

$ 339,232

$ 335,222

$ 334,105

$

321,752

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

429,955

434,736

404,599

375,683

368,885

360,191

349,632

356,878

362,728

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

578,072

592,243

562,936

552,340

535,671

549,633

564,330

575,347

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

595,287

573,399

545,364

520,088

508,536

493,815

476,828

—

—

—

—

—

—

718,082

714,298

719,432

700,982

683,510

688,675

—

—

—

—

—

802,257

822,284

858,062

838,895

831,899

—

—

—

—

955,919

1,000,242

988,866

994,306

— 1,300,584

1,278,229

1,284,136

—

—

— 1,253,151

1,283,407

—

—

1,279,854

$ 8,098,932

As each underwriting year has developed, our estimated expected incurred claims and claim expenses 
have changed. As an example, our re-estimated incurred claims and claim expenses decreased for the
2013 accident year from the initial estimates. This decrease was principally driven by actual reported and
paid net claims and claim expenses associated with the 2013 accident year coming in less than expected,
which has resulted in a reduction in our expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratio for this accident
year. In comparison, the 2018 accident year has developed adversely compared to our initial estimates of
incurred claims and claim expenses and our current estimates are higher than our initial estimates. The
increase in incurred claims and claim expenses for the 2018 accident year is due to reported losses higher 
than expected.

The reserving methodology for our Casualty and Specialty segment is weighted more heavily to our initial 
estimate in the early periods immediately following the contracts’ inception through the use of the expected 
loss ratio method. The expected loss ratio method estimates the incurred losses by multiplying the initial 
expected loss ratio by the earned premium. Under the expected loss ratio method, no reliance is placed on 
the development of claims and claim expenses. The determination of when reported losses are sufficient 
and credible to warrant selection of an ultimate loss ratio different from the initial expected loss ratio also 
requires judgment. We generally make adjustments for reported loss experience indicating unfavorable 
variances from the initial expected loss ratio sooner than reported loss experience indicating favorable 
variances as reporting of losses in excess of expectations tends to have greater credibility than an absence 
of or lower than expected level of reported losses. Over time, as a greater number of claims are reported 
and the credibility of reported losses improves, actuarial estimates of IBNR are typically based on the 
Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method places weight on claims and 
claim expenses development experience. If there is adverse development of prior accident years claims 
and claim expenses, we generally select the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method to ensure the claim experience 
is considered in the determination of our estimated claims and claim expenses with the associated 
business. If we believe we lack the claims experience in the early stages of development of a line of 
business, we may not select the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method until such time as we believe there is 
greater credibility in the level of reported losses. As prior accident years claims and claim expenses 
development experience becomes credible, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method is generally selected which 
places greater weight on this experience as it develops. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method estimates our 
expected ultimate claims and claim expenses by applying our initial estimated loss ratio to our undeveloped 
premium, and adding the reported losses to the estimate. The impact of these methodologies can be 
observed in the table above. For example, the 2014 accident year ultimate loss remained relatively 
consistent for the first two years of development (i.e., the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016), 
before experiencing favorable development in years three and four (i.e., the years ended December 31, 
2017 and 2018). This reflects the reserving methodology where we use the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method 
as the experience became more credible.

70

Sensitivity Analysis

The table below quantifies the impact on our gross reserves for claims and claim expenses, net income and 
shareholders’ equity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 of a reasonable range of possible 
outcomes in the actuarial assumptions used to estimate our December 31, 2019 claims and claim expense 
reserves within our Casualty and Specialty segment. The table quantifies a reasonable range of possible 
outcomes in our initial estimated gross ultimate claims and claim expense ratios and estimated loss 
reporting patterns. The impact on net income and shareholders’ equity assumes no increase or decrease in 
reinsurance recoveries, loss related premium or redeemable noncontrolling interest.

Casualty and Specialty Claims and Claim Expense Reserve Sensitivity Analysis

$ Impact of 
Change
on Reserves 
for
Claims and 
Claim
Expenses at
December 31,
2019

% Impact of 
Change
on Reserve 
for
Claims and 
Claim
Expenses at
December 31,
2019

% Impact of
Change on
Net Income
for the Year
Ended
December 31,
2019

% Impact of
Change on
Shareholders’
Equity at
December 31,
2019

$

748,368

8.0 %

(78.8)%

(12.5)%

405,659

4.3 %

(42.7)%

(6.8)%

172,705

1.8 %

(18.2)%

(2.9)%

306,798

3.3 %

(32.3)%

(5.1)%

—

— %

— %

— %

(208,570)

(2.2)%

21.9 %

3.5 %

(139,232)

(1.5)%

14.7 %

2.3 %

(410,623)

(4.4)%

43.2 %

6.9 %

(594,629)

(6.3)%

62.6 %

10.0 %

Estimated 
Loss
Reporting 
Pattern
Slower
reporting

Expected 
reporting

Faster 
reporting

Slower
reporting

Expected 
reporting

Faster 
reporting

Slower 
reporting

Expected 
reporting

Faster 
reporting

(in thousands, except percentages)
Increase expected claims and
claim expense ratio by 10%

Increase expected claims and
claim expense ratio by 10%

Increase expected claims and
claim expense ratio by 10%

Expected claims and claim

expense ratio

Expected claims and claim

expense ratio

Expected claims and claim

expense ratio

Decrease expected claims and
claim expense ratio by 10%

Decrease expected claims and
claim expense ratio by 10%

Decrease expected claims and
claim expense ratio by 10%

We believe that ultimate claims and claim expense ratios 10.0 percentage points above or below our 
estimated assumptions constitute a reasonable range of possible outcomes based on our experience to 
date and our future expectations. In addition, we believe that the adjustments we made to speed up or slow 
down our estimated loss reporting patterns represent a reasonable range of possible outcomes. While we 
believe these are a reasonable range of possible outcomes, we do not believe the above sensitivity analysis 
should be considered an actuarial reserve range. In addition, the sensitivity analysis only reflects a 
reasonable range of possible outcomes in our underlying assumptions. It is possible that our initial 
estimated claims and claim expense ratios and loss reporting patterns could be significantly different from 
the sensitivity analysis described above. For example, we could be liable for events that we have not 
estimated reserves for, or for exposures we do not currently believe are covered under our contracts. These 
changes could result in significantly larger changes to reserves for claims and claim expenses, net income 
and shareholders’ equity than those noted above, and could be recorded across multiple periods. We also 
caution that the above sensitivity analysis is not used by management in developing our reserve estimates 
and is also not used by management in managing the business.

Other 

Included in the Other category are the remnants of our former Bermuda-based insurance operations. These 
operations are in run-off and no new business is being underwritten. Our outstanding claims and claim 
expense reserves for these operations include insurance policies and proportional reinsurance with respect 
71

to risks including: (1) commercial property, which principally included catastrophe-exposed commercial 
property products; (2) commercial multi-line, which included commercial property and liability coverage, 
such as general liability, automobile liability and physical damage, building and contents, professional 
liability and various specialty products; and (3) personal lines property, which principally included 
homeowners personal lines property coverage and catastrophe exposed personal lines property coverage 
and totaled $0.4 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $4.6 million).

Our reserving techniques and processes for our Casualty and Specialty segment also apply to our Other 
category. In addition, certain of our coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. 
We estimate claim reserves for these losses after the event giving rise to these losses occurs, following a 
process that is similar to that used in our Property segment.

Premiums and Related Expenses

Premiums are recognized as income, net of any applicable reinsurance or retrocessional coverage 
purchased, over the terms of the related contracts and policies. Premiums written are based on contract 
and policy terms and include estimates based on information received from both insureds and ceding 
companies. Unearned premiums represents the portion of premiums written that relate to the unexpired 
terms of contracts and policies in force. Amounts are computed by pro rata methods based on statistical 
data or reports received from ceding companies. Reinstatement premiums are estimated after the 
occurrence of a significant loss and are recorded in accordance with the contract terms based upon paid 
losses and case reserves. Reinstatement premiums are earned when written.

Due to the nature of reinsurance, ceding companies routinely report and remit premiums to us subsequent 
to the contract coverage period. Consequently, premiums written and receivable include amounts reported 
by the ceding companies, supplemented by our estimates of premiums that are written but not reported. 
The estimation of written premiums may be affected by early cancellation, election of contract provisions for 
cut-off and return of unearned premiums or other contract disruptions. The time lag involved in the process 
of reporting premiums is shorter than the lag in reporting losses. In addition to estimating premiums written, 
we estimate the earned portion of premiums written which is subject to judgment and uncertainty. Any 
adjustments to written and earned premiums, and the related losses and acquisition expenses, are 
accounted for as changes in estimates and are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which 
they are made.  

Lines of business that are similar in both the nature of their business and estimation process may be 
grouped for purposes of estimating premiums. Premiums are estimated based on ceding company 
estimates and our own judgment after considering factors such as: (1) the ceding company's historical 
premium versus projected premium, (2) the ceding company's history of providing accurate estimates, 
(3) anticipated changes in the marketplace and the ceding company's competitive position therein, 
(4) reported premiums to date and (5) the anticipated impact of proposed underwriting changes. Estimates 
of premiums written and earned are based on the selected ultimate premium estimate, the terms and 
conditions of the reinsurance contracts and the remaining exposure from the underlying policies. We 
evaluate the appropriateness of these estimates in light of the actual premium reported by the ceding 
companies, information obtained during audits and other information received from ceding companies.

Reinsurance Recoverables

We enter into retrocessional reinsurance agreements in order to help reduce our exposure to large losses 
and to help manage our risk portfolio. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner 
consistent with the claims and claim expense reserves associated with the related assumed reinsurance. 
For multi-year retrospectively rated contracts, we accrue amounts (either assets or liabilities) that are due to 
or from our retrocessionaires based on estimated contract experience. If we determine that adjustments to 
earlier estimates are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are 
determined.

The estimate of reinsurance recoverables can be more subjective than estimating the underlying claims and 
claim expense reserves as discussed under the heading “Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” above. In 
particular, reinsurance recoverables may be affected by deemed inuring reinsurance, industry losses 
reported by various statistical reporting services, and other factors. Reinsurance recoverables on dual 
trigger reinsurance contracts require us to estimate our ultimate losses applicable to these contracts as well 

72

as estimate the ultimate amount of insured industry losses that will be reported by the applicable statistical 
reporting agency, as per the contract terms. In addition, the level of our additional case reserves and IBNR 
reserves has a significant impact on reinsurance recoverables. These factors can impact the amount and 
timing of the reinsurance recoverables to be recorded.

The majority of the balance we have accrued as recoverable will not be due for collection until some point in 
the future. The amounts recoverable ultimately collected are open to uncertainty due to the ultimate ability 
and willingness of reinsurers to pay our claims, for reasons including insolvency and elective run-off, 
contractual dispute and various other reasons. In addition, because the majority of the balances 
recoverable will not be collected for some time, economic conditions as well as the financial and operational 
performance of a particular reinsurer may change, and these changes may affect the reinsurer’s willingness 
and ability to meet their contractual obligations to us. To reflect these uncertainties, we estimate and record 
a valuation allowance for potential uncollectible reinsurance recoverables which reduces reinsurance 
recoverables and net income.

We estimate our valuation allowance by applying specific percentages against each reinsurance 
recoverable based on our counterparty’s credit rating. The percentages applied are based on historical 
industry default statistics developed by major rating agencies and are then adjusted by us based on 
industry knowledge and our judgment and estimates. We also apply case-specific valuation allowances 
against certain recoveries we deem unlikely to be collected in full. We then evaluate the overall adequacy of 
the valuation allowance based on other qualitative and judgmental factors. At December 31, 2019, our 
reinsurance recoverable balance was $2.8 billion (2018 - $2.4 billion). Of this amount, 57.5% is fully 
collateralized by our reinsurers, 41.0% is recoverable from reinsurers rated A- or higher by major rating 
agencies and 1.5% is recoverable from reinsurers rated lower than A- by major rating agencies (2018 - 
60.8%, 38.0% and 1.2%, respectively). The reinsurers with the three largest balances accounted for 12.7%, 
7.2% and 7.0%, respectively, of our reinsurance recoverable balance at December 31, 2019 (2018 - 15.5%, 
6.7% and 6.5%, respectively). The valuation allowance recorded against reinsurance recoverable was $7.3 
million at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $9.0 million). The three largest company-specific components of the 
valuation allowance represented 18.1%, 7.9% and 7.2%, respectively, of our total valuation allowance at 
December 31, 2019 (2018 - 16.2%, 14.8% and 12.3%, respectively).

Fair Value Measurements and Impairments

Fair Value

The use of fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities with resulting unrealized gains or losses is 
pervasive within our consolidated financial statements. Fair value is defined under accounting guidance 
currently applicable to us to be the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer 
a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. We 
recognize the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in our consolidated 
statements of operations. 

FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes 
the inputs to the respective valuation techniques 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) and 
the lowest priority to valuation techniques that use at least one significant input that is unobservable (Level 
3).

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value 
hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its 
entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement of the asset or liability. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair 
value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and we consider factors specific to the asset or 
liability.

In order to determine if a market is active or inactive for a security, we consider a number of factors, including, 
but not limited to, the spread between what a seller is asking for a security and what a buyer is bidding for the 
same security, the volume of trading activity for the security in question, the price of the security compared to 
its par value (for fixed maturity investments), and other factors that may be indicative of market activity.  

73

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations, we allocated the total consideration paid for 
TMR among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values. These assets included 
TMR’s investments of $2.3 billion, including $2.2 billion of fixed maturity investments trading, $108.6 million 
of short term investments and $41.2 million of other investments. These assets are subject to the fair value 
measurement methodology outlined herein.

At December 31, 2019, we classified $107.6 million and $28.2 million of our assets and liabilities, 
respectively, at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. This represented 0.4% and 0.2% of our 
total assets and liabilities, respectively. Level 3 fair value measurements are based on valuation techniques 
that use at least one significant input that is unobservable. These measurements are made under 
circumstances in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. We use valuation models 
or other pricing techniques that require a variety of inputs including contractual terms, market prices and 
rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, prepayment rates and correlations of such inputs, 
some of which may be unobservable, to value these Level 3 assets and liabilities. Our assessment of the 
significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment. In making 
the assessment, we considered factors specific to the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to 
measure fair value of an asset or a liability may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such 
cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety is classified 
is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset 
or liability.

Refer to “Note 6. Fair Value Measurements” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for 
additional information about fair value measurements.

Impairments

The amount and timing of asset impairment is subject to significant estimation techniques and is a critical 
accounting estimate for us. The significant impairment reviews we complete are for our goodwill and other 
intangible assets and equity method investments, as described in more detail below. 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired are initially recorded at fair value. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, finite lived other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life, subject to 
impairment, and goodwill and indefinite lived other intangible assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair 
value, subject to impairment. If goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, they are written down to 
their estimated fair values with a corresponding expense reflected in our consolidated statements of 
operations.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations, we allocated the total consideration paid for 
TMR among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values. We recognized identifiable 
finite lived intangible assets of $11.2 million, which will be amortized over a weighted average period of 10.5 
years, identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets of $6.8 million, and certain other adjustments to the fair 
values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and shareholders’ equity of TMR at March 22, 2019, 
based on foreign exchange rates on March 22, 2019.

In addition, we recognized goodwill of $13.1 million, based on foreign exchange rates on March 22, 2019, 
attributable to the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of TMR. Goodwill 
resulting from the acquisition of TMR will not be amortized but instead will be tested for impairment at least 
annually, as outlined below (more frequently if certain indicators are present). Goodwill is assigned to the 
applicable reporting unit of the acquired entities giving rise to the goodwill and other intangible assets.

We assess goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 
For purposes of the annual impairment evaluation, we assess qualitative factors to determine if events or 
circumstances exist that would lead us to conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a 
reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair 
value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we do not perform a quantitative evaluation. 
Should we determine that a quantitative analysis is required, we will first determine the fair value of the 
reporting unit and compare that with the carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting 

74

unit exceeds its carrying amount, then goodwill is not considered impaired and no further analysis is 
required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we then proceed to determine the 
amount of the impairment charge, if any. There are many assumptions and estimates underlying the fair 
value calculation. Principally, we identify the reporting unit or business entity that the goodwill or other 
intangible asset is attributed to, and review historical and forecasted operating and financial performance 
and other underlying factors affecting such analysis, including market conditions. Other assumptions used 
could produce significantly different results which may result in a change in the value of goodwill or our 
other intangible assets and a related charge in our consolidated statements of operations. An impairment 
charge could be recognized in the event of a significant decline in the implied fair value of those operations 
where the goodwill or other intangible assets are applicable. In the event we determine that the value of 
goodwill has become impaired, an accounting charge will be taken in the fiscal quarter in which such 
determination is made, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period 
in which the impairment charge is recorded. As at December 31, 2019, excluding the amounts recorded in 
investments in other ventures, under the equity method, as noted below, our consolidated balance sheets 
include $210.7 million of goodwill (2018 - $197.6 million) and $51.5 million of other intangible assets (2018 - 
$39.8 million). Impairment charges related to these balances were $Nil during the year ended 
December 31, 2019 (2018 - $Nil, 2017 - $Nil). In the future, it is possible we will hold more goodwill, which 
would increase the degree of judgment and uncertainty embedded in our financial statements, and 
potentially increase the volatility of our reported results.

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired (“VOBA”)

VOBA was initially recorded to reflect the establishment of the value of business acquired asset, which 
represents the estimated present value of the expected underwriting profit within the unearned premiums 
liability, net of reinsurance, less costs to service the related policies and a risk premium. VOBA is derived 
using, among other things, estimated loss ratios by line of business to calculate the underwriting profit, 
weighted average cost of capital, risk premium and expected payout patterns. The adjustment for VOBA will 
be amortized to acquisition expenses over approximately two years, as the contracts for business in-force 
as of the acquisition date expire. 

Investments in Other Ventures, Under Equity Method

Investments in which we have significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee 
are classified as investments in other ventures, under equity method, and are accounted for under the 
equity method of accounting. Under this method, we record our proportionate share of income or loss from 
such investments in our results for the period. Any decline in the value of investments in other ventures, 
under equity method, including goodwill and other intangible assets arising upon acquisition of the investee, 
considered by management to be other-than-temporary, is reflected in our consolidated statements of 
operations in the period in which it is determined. As of December 31, 2019, we had $106.5 million (2018 - 
$115.2 million) in investments in other ventures, under equity method on our consolidated balance sheets, 
including $10.6 million of goodwill and $14.3 million of other intangible assets (2018 - $10.6 million and 
$17.1 million). The carrying value of our investments in other ventures, under equity method, individually or 
in the aggregate, may, and likely will, differ from the realized value we may ultimately attain, perhaps 
significantly so.

In determining whether an equity method investment is impaired, we take into consideration a variety of 
factors including the operating and financial performance of the investee, the investee’s future business 
plans and projections, recent transactions and market valuations of publicly traded companies where 
available, discussions with the investee’s management, and our intent and ability to hold the investment 
until it recovers in value. Accordingly, we make assumptions and estimates in assessing whether an 
impairment has occurred and if, in the future, our assumptions and estimates made in assessing the fair 
value of these investments change, this could result in a material decrease in the carrying value of these 
investments. This would cause us to write-down the carrying value of these investments and could have a 
material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period the impairment charge is taken. We do not 
have any current plans to dispose of these investments, and cannot assure you we will consummate future 
transactions in which we realize the value at which these holdings are reflected in our financial statements. 
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded $Nil (2018 - $Nil, 2017 - $Nil) of other-than-
temporary impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets associated with our 

75

investments in other ventures, under the equity method. See “Note 4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” 
in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.

Income Taxes

Income taxes have been provided in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes. 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the amounts recorded in our 
consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Such temporary differences 
are primarily due to net operating loss carryforwards and GAAP versus tax basis accounting differences 
relating to unearned premiums, deferred finance charges, reserves for claims and claim expenses, accrued 
expenses, deferred underwriting results, premiums receivable, deferred acquisition expenses, VOBA, 
investments, intangible assets and amortization and depreciation. The effect on deferred tax assets and 
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A 
valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded if it is more likely than not that all, or some 
portion, of the benefits related to deferred tax assets will not be realized.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations, we allocated the total consideration paid for 
TMR among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values. This included the 
establishment of a net deferred tax liability of $5.7 million and the recording of a valuation allowance against 
TMR’s deferred tax assets of $35.7 million in our consolidated financial statements.

As a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 
pursuant to the Tax Bill, which was enacted on December 22, 2017, we recorded a $36.7 million write-down 
of its deferred tax asset during the fourth quarter of 2017.

At December 31, 2019, our net deferred tax asset (prior to our valuation allowance) and valuation allowance 
were $119.6 million (2018 - $99.9 million) and $75.7 million (2018 - $35.3 million), respectively. See “Note 
15. Taxation” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information. At each 
balance sheet date, we assess the need to establish a valuation allowance that reduces the net deferred 
tax asset when it is more likely than not that all, or some portion, of the deferred tax assets will not be 
realized. The valuation allowance assessment is performed separately in each taxable jurisdiction based on 
all available information including projections of future GAAP taxable income from each tax-paying 
component in each tax jurisdiction. The valuation allowance relates to a substantial portion of our deferred 
tax assets in most jurisdictions in which we do business. It excludes Bermuda and our U.S. operations that 
existed prior to the TMR acquisition, which only have a small valuation allowance against finite lived tax 
carryforwards.

We have unrecognized tax benefits of $Nil as of December 31, 2019 (2018 - $Nil). Interest and penalties 
related to unrecognized tax benefits, would be recognized in income tax expense. At December 31, 2019, 
interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits were $Nil (2018 - $Nil).

The following filed income tax returns are open for examination with the applicable tax authorities: tax years 
2016 through 2018 with the IRS; 2015 through 2018 with Ireland; 2018 with the U.K.; 2015 through 2018 
with Singapore; 2018 with Switzerland; and 2015 through 2018 with Australia. We do not expect the 
resolution of these open years to have a significant impact on our consolidated statements of operations 
and financial condition.

76

SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)
Statements of operations highlights
Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

Acquisition expenses

Operational expenses

Underwriting income (loss)

Net investment income

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on

investments

Total investment result

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to
RenaissanceRe common shareholders
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to

RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common
share – diluted

Dividends per common share

Key ratios
Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident

year

Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident

years

Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year

Underwriting expense ratio

Combined ratio

Return on average common equity

$ 4,807,750

$ 3,310,427

$ 2,797,540

$ 3,381,493

$ 2,131,902

$ 1,871,325

$ 3,338,403

$ 1,976,129

$ 1,717,575

2,097,021

1,120,018

1,861,428

762,232

222,733

256,417

423,833

414,483

838,316

950,267

712,042

16.29

1.36

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

432,989

178,267

244,855

346,892

160,778

$ (651,523)

261,866

$

222,209

(175,069)

135,822

86,797

$

358,031

268,917

$ (354,671)

197,276

$ (244,770)

4.91

1.32

$

$

(6.15)

1.28

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

63.6 %

(0.8)%

62.8 %

29.5 %

92.3 %

14.1 %

70.4 %

110.8 %

(13.7)%

56.7 %

30.9 %

87.6 %

4.7 %

(2.4)%

108.4 %

29.5 %

137.9 %

(5.7)%

Book value
Book value per common share

Accumulated dividends per common share

Book value per common share plus accumulated

dividends

Change in book value per common share plus change

in accumulated dividends

December 31,
2019
120.53

$

December 31,
2018
104.13

$

20.68

19.32

$

141.21

$

123.45

December 31,
2017

$

$

99.72

18.00

117.72

17.1 %

5.7 %

(6.9)%

Balance sheet highlights
Total assets

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to

RenaissanceRe

December 31,
2019
$26,330,094

December 31,
2018
$18,676,196

December 31,
2017
$15,226,131

$ 5,971,367

$ 5,045,080

$ 4,391,375

77

 
 
Results of operations for 2019 compared to 2018

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $712.0 million in 2019, compared to 
$197.3 million in 2018, an increase of $514.8 million. As a result of our net income available to 
RenaissanceRe common shareholders in 2019, we generated an annualized return on average common 
equity of 14.1% and our book value per common share increased from $104.13 at December 31, 2018 to 
$120.53 at December 31, 2019, a 17.1% increase, after considering the change in accumulated dividends 
paid to our common shareholders.

The most significant events affecting our financial performance during 2019, on a comparative basis to 
2018, include:

•  TMR - the second quarter of 2019 was the first quarter that reflected the results of TMR in our results of 
operations. As such, our results of operations for 2019, compared to 2018, should be viewed in that 
context;

• 

Impact of Catastrophe Events - in 2019, we had a net negative impact on our net income available to 
RenaissanceRe common shareholders of $348.2 million from Hurricane Dorian and Typhoon Faxai (the 
“Q3 2019 Catastrophe Events”), Typhoon Hagibis and losses associated with aggregate loss contracts 
(collectively, the “2019 Large Loss Events”). This compares to a net negative impact on our net income 
available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders of $86.4 million from the combined impacts of the 
2018 Large Loss Events and changes in estimates of the 2017 Large Loss Events, in 2018;

•  Underwriting Results - we generated underwriting income of $256.4 million and had a combined ratio of 
92.3% in 2019, compared to underwriting income of $244.9 million and a combined ratio of 87.6% in 
2018. Our underwriting income in 2019 was comprised of $209.3 million of underwriting income in our 
Property segment and $46.0 million of underwriting income in our Casualty and Specialty segment. In 
comparison, our underwriting income in 2018 was comprised of our Property segment, which generated 
underwriting income of $262.1 million, and our Casualty and Specialty segment, which incurred an 
underwriting loss of $17.0 million.

Included in our underwriting result is the net negative impact associated with the 2019 Large Loss 
Events of $418.9 million and a corresponding increase of 12.9 percentage points to the combined ratio. 
In comparison, in 2018, the underwriting result included the net negative impact associated with the 
combined impacts of the 2018 Large Loss Events and changes in estimates of the 2017 Large Loss 
Events of $182.5 million and a corresponding increase in the combined ratio of 10.0 percentage points;

•  Gross Premiums Written - our gross premiums written increased by $1.5 billion, or 45.2%, to $4.8 

billion, in 2019, compared to 2018, with an increase of $670.1 million in the Property segment and an 
increase of $827.3 million in the Casualty and Specialty segment. These increases were primarily 
driven by expanded participation on existing transactions, certain new transactions, rate improvements, 
and the impact of the acquisition of TMR;

• 

Investment Results - our total investment result, which includes the sum of net investment income and 
net realized and unrealized gains on investments, was a gain of $838.3 million in 2019, compared to a 
gain of $86.8 million in 2018, an increase of $751.5 million. Impacting the investment results were 
higher returns on portfolios of fixed maturity and short term investments, equity investments trading, 
catastrophe bonds and investments-related derivatives. Also driving the investment result for 2019 was 
higher average invested assets, primarily resulting from the acquisition of TMR, combined with capital 
raised in certain of our consolidated third-party capital vehicles during 2019, including DaVinciRe, 
Upsilon RFO, Vermeer and Medici, and the subsequent investment of those funds as part of our 
consolidated investment portfolio; and

•  Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - our net income attributable to 

redeemable noncontrolling interests was $201.5 million in 2019, compared to $41.6 million in 2018. This 
increase was principally due to improved performance from DaVinciRe and the addition of net income 
attributable to Vermeer in 2019, compared to 2018, which was negatively impacted by significant losses 
in DaVinciRe associated with Hurricane Michael, the wildfires in California during the fourth quarter of 
2018 (the “Q4 2018 California Wildfires”) and changes in certain losses associated with aggregate loss 
contracts in 2018 (the “2018 Aggregate Losses”). 

78

Results of operations for 2018 compared to 2017

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders was $197.3 million in 2018, compared to a 
net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders of $244.8 million in 2017, an increase of 
$442.0 million. As a result of our net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders in 2018, we 
generated an annualized return on average common equity of 4.7% and our book value per common share 
increased from $99.72 at December 31, 2017 to $104.13 at December 31, 2018, a 5.7% increase, after 
considering the change in accumulated dividends paid to our common shareholders.

The most significant events affecting our financial performance during 2018, on a comparative basis to 
2017, include:

• 

Impact of Catastrophe Events - we had a net negative impact on our net income available to 
RenaissanceRe common shareholders of $216.1 million from the 2018 Large Loss Events, partially 
offset by a net positive impact of $129.8 million resulting from decreases in the estimates of the net 
negative impact of the 2017 Large Loss Events, compared to a net negative impact of $720.2 million 
associated with the 2017 Large Loss Events recorded in 2017;

•  Underwriting Results - we generated underwriting income of $244.9 million and had a combined ratio of 

87.6% in 2018, compared to an underwriting loss of $651.5 million and a combined ratio of 137.9%, in 
2017. Our underwriting income in 2018 was comprised of $262.1 million of underwriting income in our 
Property segment, partially offset by a $17.0 million underwriting loss in our Casualty and Specialty 
segment.

Included in our underwriting results for 2018 were the 2018 Large Loss Events, which had a net 
negative impact on our underwriting result of $340.2 million and added 18.6 percentage points to the 
combined ratio, partially offset by changes in the estimates of the 2017 Large Loss Events, which had a 
positive impact on the underwriting result of $157.8 million and reduced the combined ratio by 8.0 
percentage points. In addition, as a result of the Q4 2018 California Wildfires, our underwriting result 
was negatively impacted by certain casualty liability exposures within the Casualty and Specialty 
segment. In comparison, in 2017 the underwriting result experienced a net negative impact of $989.2 
million, or an increase in the combined ratio of 59.4 percentage points, associated with the 2017 Large 
Loss Events;

• 

Large Reinsurance Transactions - our results for 2018 include certain large reinsurance transactions, 
which are reflected in our Property segment and increased net premiums earned by $72.3 million and 
contributed $56.2 million to our net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders. While 
we expect large transactions from time to time, we believe they reflect our differentiated strategy, our 
capability to provide bespoke or large solutions for our clients and our continued focus on serving our 
clients with unique coverages;

•  Gross Premiums Written - our gross premiums written increased by $512.9 million, or 18.3%, to $3.3 
billion in 2018, compared to 2017, driven primarily by increases of $320.5 million in the Property 
segment and $192.4 million in the Casualty and Specialty segment. Included in gross premiums written 
in 2018 were $94.5 million of reinstatement premiums written associated with the 2018 Large Loss 
Events and changes in the estimates of the 2017 Large Loss Events, and $102.3 million of gross 
premiums written associated with a large reinsurance transaction, each principally within the Property 
segment. Included in the gross premiums written in 2017 were $180.2 million of reinstatement 
premiums written associated with the 2017 Large Loss Events; 

• 

Investment Results - our total investment result, which includes the sum of net investment income and 
net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, was $86.8 million in 2018, compared to 
$358.0 million in 2017, a decrease of $271.2 million. The decrease was primarily driven by net realized 
and unrealized losses on investments of $175.1 million in 2018, compared to net realized and 
unrealized gains on investments of $135.8 million in 2017. The net realized and unrealized losses on 
investments in 2018 were driven by net realized and unrealized losses on the fixed maturity 
investments portfolio, and net realized and unrealized losses on the equity investments trading portfolio. 
Partially offsetting these items was higher net investment income from our portfolios of fixed maturity 
investments trading and short term investments, primarily driven by higher average invested assets and 
the impact of interest rate increases during recent periods; and

79

 
•  Net Income Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - our net income attributable to 

redeemable noncontrolling interests was $41.6 million in 2018, compared to a net loss attributable to 
redeemable noncontrolling interests of $132.3 million in 2017. The increase was principally due to 
DaVinciRe generating underwriting income in 2018 compared to significant underwriting losses in 2017. 
Our ownership in DaVinciRe was 22.1% at both December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Net Negative Impact

Net negative impact includes the sum of estimates of net claims and claim expenses incurred, earned 
reinstatement premiums assumed and ceded, lost profit commissions and redeemable noncontrolling 
interest. Our estimates of net negative impact are based on a review of our potential exposures, preliminary 
discussions with certain counterparties and catastrophe modeling techniques. Our actual net negative 
impact, both individually and in the aggregate, may vary from these estimates, perhaps materially. Changes 
in these estimates will be recorded in the period in which they occur.

Meaningful uncertainty regarding the estimates and the nature and extent of the losses from these events 
remains, driven by the magnitude and recent occurrence of each event, the geographic areas in which the 
events occurred, relatively limited claims data received to date, the contingent nature of business 
interruption and other exposures, potential uncertainties relating to reinsurance recoveries and other factors 
inherent in loss estimation, among other things. 

The financial data below provides additional information detailing the net negative impact of certain events 
on our consolidated results of operations in 2019.

Year ended December 31, 2019

(in thousands)

Typhoon
Hagibis

Q3 2019
Catastrophe
Events

2019
Aggregate
Losses

Total 2019
Large Loss
Events

Net claims and claims expenses incurred

$ (199,305) $ (187,188) $ (97,591) $ (484,084)

Assumed reinstatement premiums earned

Ceded reinstatement premiums earned

Lost profit commissions

Net negative impact on underwriting result

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

Net negative impact on net income available to

RenaissanceRe common shareholders

28,829
(219)
7,509

(163,186)
35,078

24,596

(574)

3,100

183

—

53,608

(793)

1,740

12,349

(160,066)

(95,668)

(418,920)

22,677

12,932

70,687

$ (128,108) $ (137,389) $ (82,736) $ (348,233)

The financial data below provides additional information detailing the net negative impact of certain events 
on our segment underwriting results and consolidated combined ratio in 2019.

Year ended December 31, 2019

(in thousands, except percentages)

Net negative impact on Property segment

underwriting result

Net negative impact on Casualty and Specialty

segment underwriting result

Typhoon
Hagibis

Q3 2019
Catastrophe
Events

2019
Aggregate
Losses

Total 2019
Large Loss
Events

$ (161,654) $ (157,064) $ (95,668) $ (414,386)

(1,532)

(3,002)

—

(4,534)

Net negative impact on underwriting result

$ (163,186) $ (160,066) $ (95,668) $ (418,920)

Percentage point impact on consolidated combined

ratio

5.0

4.9

2.8

12.9

80

The financial data below provides additional details regarding the net negative impact of certain events on 
our consolidated results of operations in 2018.

Year ended December 31, 2018

(in thousands)

(Increase) decrease in net claims
and claims expenses incurred

Assumed reinstatement premiums

earned

Ceded reinstatement premiums

earned

Lost (earned) profit commissions

Net (negative) positive impact on

underwriting result

Redeemable noncontrolling

interest - DaVinciRe

Net (negative) positive impact on

net income available to
RenaissanceRe common
shareholders

Q3 2018
Catastrophe
Events (1)

Q4 2018
Catastrophe
Events (2)

2018
Aggregate
Losses

Total 2018
Large Loss
Events

Changes in
Estimates
of the 2017
Large Loss
Events (3)

Total

$

(152,672) $

(232,702) $

(54,818) $

(440,192) $

187,484

$

(252,708)

27,165

85,663

(209)

2,279

(26,003)

11,971

2

—

(900)

112,830

(18,374)

94,456

(26,212)

13,350

(2)

(26,214)

(11,355)

1,995

(123,437)

(161,071)

(55,716)

(340,224)

157,753

(182,471)

20,815

87,245

16,035

124,095

(27,983)

96,112

$

(102,622) $

(73,826) $

(39,681) $

(216,129) $

129,770

$

(86,359)

(1)   Q3 2018 Catastrophe Events includes Typhoons Jebi, Mangkhut and Trami, Hurricane Florence and the wildfires in California 

during the third quarter of 2018.

(2)  Q4 2018 Catastrophe Events includes Hurricane Michael and the Q4 2018 California Wildfires.

(3)   An initial estimate of the net negative impact of the 2017 Large Loss Events was recorded in our consolidated financial 

statements during 2017. The amounts noted in the table above reflect changes in the estimates of the net negative impact of the 
2017 Large Loss Events recorded in 2018.

The financial data below provides additional details regarding the net negative impact of certain events on 
our segment underwriting results and consolidated combined ratio in 2018.

Year ended December 31, 2018

(in thousands, except percentages)

Net (negative) positive impact on
Property segment underwriting
result

Net (negative) positive impact on

Casualty and Specialty segment
underwriting result (2)

Net (negative) positive impact on

underwriting result

Percentage point impact on

consolidated combined ratio

Q3 2018
Catastrophe
Events

Q4 2018
Catastrophe
Events

2018
Aggregate
Losses

Total 2018
Large Loss
Events

Changes in
Estimates
of the 2017
Large Loss
Events (1)

Total

$

(121,875) $

(161,071) $

(55,716) $

(338,662) $

145,724

$

(192,938)

(1,562)

—

—

(1,562)

12,029

10,467

$

(123,437) $

(161,071) $

(55,716) $

(340,224) $

157,753

$

(182,471)

6.5

8.8

2.8

18.6

(8.0)

10.0

(1)   An initial estimate of the net negative impact of the 2017 Large Loss Events was recorded in our consolidated financial 

statements during 2017. The amounts noted in the table above reflect changes in the estimates of the net negative impact of the 
2017 Large Loss Events recorded in 2018.

(2)   Impact on Casualty and Specialty segment result includes loss estimates from catastrophe exposed contracts within certain 

specialty lines of business (i.e., energy, marine, and regional multi-line business). Amounts shown for the Q4 2018 Catastrophe 
Events, which includes the Q4 2018 California Wildfires, do not reflect impacts from certain casualty liability exposures within the 
Casualty and Specialty segment associated with the Q4 2018 California Wildfires, as different actuarial techniques are used to 
estimate losses related to such exposures.

81

Underwriting Results by Segment

Property Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Property segment:

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands, except percentages)
Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

Acquisition expenses

Operational expenses

Underwriting income (loss)

2019

2018

2017

$2,430,985

$1,760,926

$1,440,437

$1,654,259

$1,055,188

$ 978,014

$1,627,494

$1,050,831

$ 931,070

965,424

313,761

139,015

497,895

177,912

112,954

1,297,985

113,816

94,194

$ 209,294

$ 262,070

$ (574,925)

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident

year

$ 968,357

$ 719,185

$1,343,581

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior

accident years

(2,933)

(221,290)

(45,596)

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total

$ 965,424

$ 497,895

$1,297,985

Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year

Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years

Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year

Underwriting expense ratio

Combined ratio

Property Gross Premiums Written

59.5 %

(0.2)%

59.3 %

27.8 %

87.1 %

68.4 %

(21.0)%

47.4 %

27.7 %

75.1 %

144.3 %

(4.9)%

139.4 %

22.3 %

161.7 %

In 2019, our Property segment gross premiums written increased by $670.1 million, or 38.1%, to $2.4 
billion, compared to $1.8 billion in 2018. 

Gross premiums written in the catastrophe class of business were $1.6 billion in 2019, an increase of 
$246.1 million, or 18.2%, compared to 2018. The increase in gross premiums written in the catastrophe 
class of business was primarily driven by expanded participation on existing transactions, certain new 
transactions, rate improvements, and the acquisition of TMR.

Gross premiums written in the other property class of business were $835.5 million in 2019, an increase of 
$423.9 million, or 103.0%, compared to 2018. The increase in gross premiums written in the other property 
class of business was primarily driven by growth across our underwriting platforms, both from existing 
relationships and through new opportunities we believe have comparably attractive risk-return attributes, 
rate improvements, and business acquired in connection with the acquisition of TMR.

In 2018, our Property segment gross premiums written increased by $320.5 million, or 22.2%, to $1.8 
billion, compared to $1.4 billion in 2017. 

Gross premiums written in the catastrophe class of business were $1.3 billion in 2018, an increase of 
$244.9 million, or 22.2%, compared to 2017. Included in the catastrophe class of business in 2018 were 
$102.3 million of gross premiums written associated with large reinsurance transactions and $95.5 million of 
reinstatement premiums written primarily associated with the 2018 Large Loss Events and changes in the 
estimates of the net negative impact of the 2017 Large Loss Events. In comparison, 2017 included $172.4 
million of reinstatement premiums written associated with the 2017 Large Loss Events. Excluding the 
reinstatement premiums written in each period associated with the respective catastrophe events, gross 
premiums written in the catastrophe class of business would have increased $321.8 million, or 34.5%, 

82

 
 
 
which was primarily a result of expanded participation on existing transactions and certain new transactions 
we believe have comparably attractive risk-return attributes, including the large reinsurance transactions 
noted above. 

Gross premiums written in the other property class of business were $411.6 million in 2018, an increase of 
$75.6 million, or 22.5%, compared to 2017. The increase in gross premiums written in the other property 
class of business was primarily driven by growth across our underwriting platforms, both from existing 
relationships and through new opportunities we believe have comparably attractive risk-return attributes.

As the other property class of business has become a larger percentage of our Property segment gross 
premiums written, the amount of proportional business has increased. Proportional business typically has 
relatively higher premiums per unit of expected underwriting income, together with a higher acquisition 
expense ratio and combined ratio, than traditional excess of loss reinsurance.

Our Property segment gross premiums written continue to be characterized by a large percentage of U.S. 
and Caribbean premium, as we have found business derived from exposures in Europe, Asia and the rest 
of the world to be, in general, less attractive on a risk-adjusted basis during recent periods. A significant 
amount of our U.S. and Caribbean premium provides coverage against windstorms, notably U.S. Atlantic 
windstorms, as well as earthquakes and other natural and man-made catastrophes.

Property Ceded Premiums Written 

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)

2019

2018

2017

Ceded premiums written - Property

$

776,726 $

705,738 $

462,423

Ceded premiums written in our Property segment increased $71.0 million, to $776.7 million, in 2019, 
compared to $705.7 million in 2018. The increase in ceded premiums written was principally due to a 
significant portion of the increase in gross premiums written in the catastrophe class of business noted 
above being ceded to third-party investors in our managed vehicles, in particular Upsilon RFO, as well as 
an overall increase in ceded purchases.

Ceded premiums written in our Property segment increased by $243.3 million, to $705.7 million, in 2018, 
compared to $462.4 million in 2017. The increase in ceded premiums written was principally due to a 
significant portion of the increase in gross premiums written in the catastrophe class of business noted 
above being ceded through our managed joint venture, Upsilon RFO, combined with increased purchases 
of retrocessional reinsurance as part of the management of our risk portfolio.

Due to the potential volatility of the reinsurance contracts which we sell, we purchase reinsurance to reduce 
our exposure to large losses and to help manage our risk portfolio. To the extent that appropriately priced 
coverage is available, we anticipate continued use of retrocessional reinsurance to reduce the impact of 
large losses on our financial results and to manage our portfolio of risk; however, the buying of ceded 
reinsurance in our Property segment is based on market opportunities and is not based on placing a 
specific reinsurance program each year. In addition, in future periods we may utilize the growing market for 
insurance-linked securities to expand our purchases of retrocessional reinsurance if we find the pricing and 
terms of such coverages attractive.

Property Underwriting Results

Our Property segment generated underwriting income of $209.3 million in 2019, compared to $262.1 million 
in 2018, a decrease of $52.8 million. In 2019, our Property segment generated a net claims and claim 
expense ratio of 59.3%, an underwriting expense ratio of 27.8% and a combined ratio of 87.1%, compared 
to 47.4%, 27.7% and 75.1%, respectively, in 2018.

83

Principally impacting the Property segment underwriting result and combined ratio in 2019 were the 2019 
Large Loss Events, which resulted in a net negative impact on the Property segment underwriting result of 
$414.4 million and a corresponding increase in the Property segment combined ratio of 26.7 percentage 
points. In comparison, 2018 was impacted by the 2018 Large Loss Events, which resulted in a net negative 
impact on the underwriting result of $338.7 million, and a corresponding increase in the combined ratio of 
37.4 percentage points. This was partially offset by a net positive impact on the underwriting result 
associated with changes in the estimates of the net negative impact on the underwriting result of the 2017 
Large Loss Events of $145.7 million, and a corresponding decrease in the combined ratio of 14.0 
percentage points.

In addition, in 2019, net favorable development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses of 
$2.9 million, or a decrease in the combined ratio of 0.2 percentage points, was primarily driven by favorable 
development on the 2017 Large Loss Events, which was mostly offset by adverse development on the 2018 
Large Loss Events, compared to net favorable development of $221.3 million, or 21.0 percentage points, in 
2018. The net favorable development in 2018 included the decreases in the estimates of the net negative 
impact of the 2017 Large Loss Events noted above. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Summary of Critical 
Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” and “Note 8. Reserve for Claims and Claim 
Expenses” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional discussion of our 
reserving techniques and prior year development of net claims and claim expenses.

Our Property segment generated underwriting income of $262.1 million in 2018, compared to an 
underwriting loss of $574.9 million in 2017, an improvement of $837.0 million. In 2018, our Property 
segment generated a net claims and claim expense ratio of 47.4%, an underwriting expense ratio of 27.7% 
and a combined ratio of 75.1%, compared to 139.4%, 22.3% and 161.7%, respectively, in 2017.

Principally impacting the Property segment underwriting result and combined ratio in 2018 were the 2018 
Large Loss Events, which resulted in a net negative impact on the underwriting result of $338.7 million, and 
a corresponding increase in the combined ratio of 37.4 percentage points. This was partially offset by a net 
positive impact on the underwriting result associated with changes in the estimates of the net negative 
impact on the underwriting result of the 2017 Large Loss Events of $145.7 million, and a corresponding 
decrease in the combined ratio of 14.0 percentage points. In comparison, 2017 was impacted by the 2017 
Large Loss Events which resulted in a net negative impact on the underwriting result of $959.8 million and 
added 110.5 percentage points to the Property segment combined ratio.

Primarily as a result of changes in the estimates of the net negative impact of the 2017 Large Loss Events 
noted above, the Property segment experienced net favorable development on prior accident years net 
claims and claim expenses of $221.3 million, or 21.0 percentage points, during 2018, compared to $45.6 
million, or 4.9 percentage points, in 2017. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Summary of Critical Accounting 
Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” and “Note 8. Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses” in 
our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional discussion of our reserving techniques 
and prior year development of net claims and claim expenses.

84

Casualty and Specialty Segment

Below is a summary of the underwriting results and ratios for our Casualty and Specialty segment:

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands, except percentages)
Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

Acquisition expenses

Operational expenses

Underwriting income (loss)

2019

2018

2017

$2,376,765

$1,549,501

$ 1,357,110

$1,727,234

$1,076,714

$1,710,909

$ 925,298

$

$

1,131,637

448,678

84,546

622,320

255,079

64,883

893,307

786,501

565,026

233,077

66,548

$

46,048

$ (16,984)

$

(78,150)

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident

year

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident

years

$1,155,519

$ 671,582

$

558,843

(23,882)

(49,262)

6,183

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total

$1,131,637

$ 622,320

$

565,026

Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year

Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years

Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year

Underwriting expense ratio

Combined ratio

67.5 %

(1.4)%

66.1 %

31.2 %

97.3 %

72.6 %

(5.3)%

67.3 %

34.5 %

71.1%

0.7%

71.8%

38.1%

101.8 %

109.9%

Casualty and Specialty Gross Premiums Written – In 2019, our Casualty and Specialty segment gross 
premiums written increased by $827.3 million, or 53.4%, to $2.4 billion, compared to $1.5 billion in 2018. 
The increase in gross premiums written in the Casualty and Specialty segment was primarily due to growth 
from new and existing business opportunities written in the current and prior periods across various classes 
of business within the segment, and business acquired in connection with the acquisition of TMR.

In 2018, our Casualty and Specialty segment gross premiums written increased by $192.4 million, or 
14.2%, to $1.5 billion, compared to $1.4 billion in 2017. The increase was principally due to selective growth 
from new business opportunities across various classes of business in our Casualty and Specialty segment. 
Much of this growth is a result of our differentiated strategy to provide bespoke customer solutions, which 
may be non-recurring.

Our relative mix of business between proportional business and excess of loss business has fluctuated in 
the past and will likely continue to do so in the future. Proportional business typically has relatively higher 
premiums per unit of expected underwriting income, together with a higher combined ratio, than traditional 
excess of loss reinsurance. In addition, proportional coverage tends to be exposed to relatively more 
attritional, and frequent, losses, while being subject to less expected severity. 

Casualty and Specialty Ceded Premiums Written 

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)

2019

2018

2017

Ceded premiums written - Casualty and Specialty

$

649,531 $

472,787 $

463,803

Ceded premiums written in our Casualty and Specialty segment increased by $176.7 million, to $649.5 
million, in 2019, compared to $472.8 million in 2018, primarily resulting from increased gross premiums 
written subject to our retrocessional quota share reinsurance programs.

85

 
 
 
Ceded premiums written in our Casualty and Specialty segment increased by $9.0 million, to $472.8 million, 
in 2018, compared to $463.8 million in 2017, primarily resulting from increases in gross premiums written 
subject to our retrocessional quota share reinsurance programs utilized as part of the management of our 
risk portfolio. 

As in our Property segment, the buying of ceded reinsurance in our Casualty and Specialty segment is 
based on market opportunities and is not based on placing a specific reinsurance program each year.

Casualty and Specialty Underwriting Results 

Our Casualty and Specialty segment generated underwriting income of $46.0 million in 2019, compared to 
an underwriting loss of $17.0 million in 2018. In 2019, our Casualty and Specialty segment generated a net 
claims and claim expense ratio of 66.1%, an underwriting expense ratio of 31.2% and a combined ratio of 
97.3%, compared to 67.3%, 34.5% and 101.8%, respectively, in 2018.

The decrease in the Casualty and Specialty segment combined ratio in 2019 was primarily driven by an 
improved underwriting expense ratio as well as an overall decrease in the net claims and claims expense 
ratio. The decrease in the net claims and claim expense ratio was principally due to lower current accident 
year losses, which reduced the net claims and claim expense ratio by 5.1 percentage points in 2019, as 
compared to 2018 which was adversely impacted by liability exposures associated with the wildfires in 
California in 2018. The underwriting expense ratio in the Casualty and Specialty segment decreased 3.3 
percentage points to 31.2% in 2019, compared to 34.5% in 2018, primarily due to a decrease in the 
operating expense ratio as a result of improved operating leverage. 

Our Casualty and Specialty segment experienced net favorable development on prior accident years net 
claims and claim expenses of $23.9 million, or 1.4 percentage points, during 2019, compared to $49.3 
million, or 5.3 percentage points, respectively, in 2018. The net favorable development during 2019 and 
2018 was principally driven by reported losses coming in lower than expected. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. 
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim Expense Reserves” and “Note 8. Reserve for 
Claims and Claim Expenses” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional 
discussion of our reserving techniques and prior year development of net claims and claim expenses.

Our Casualty and Specialty segment incurred an underwriting loss of $17.0 million in 2018, compared to an 
underwriting loss of $78.2 million in 2017. In 2018, our Casualty and Specialty segment generated a net 
claims and claim expense ratio of 67.3%, an underwriting expense ratio of 34.5% and a combined ratio of 
101.8%, compared to 71.8%, 38.1% and 109.9%, respectively, in 2017.

The decrease in our Casualty and Specialty segment’s combined ratio was driven by decreases of 4.5 
percentage points in the net claims and claim expense ratio and 3.6 percentage points in the underwriting 
expense ratio in 2018, compared to 2017.

The decrease in our Casualty and Specialty segment net claims and claim expense ratio was principally 
due to favorable development of prior accident year losses of $49.3 million, or 5.3 percentage points during 
2018, as compared to net adverse development of $6.2 million, or 0.7 percentage points, in 2017. The net 
favorable development during 2018 was principally driven by reported losses coming in lower than expected 
compared to 2017, which experienced adverse development associated with the decrease in the Ogden 
Rate during the period. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and 
Claim Expense Reserves” and “Note 8. Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses” in our “Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional discussion of our reserving techniques and prior year 
development of net claims and claim expenses.

The underwriting expense ratio in our Casualty and Specialty segment decreased 3.6 percentage points to 
34.5% in 2018, compared to 38.1% in 2017, due to decreases in both the net acquisition ratio and the 
operating expense ratio, with the latter being due to improved operating leverage.

86

Fee Income 

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)

Management fee income
Joint ventures

Managed funds

Structured reinsurance products

Total management fee income

Performance fee income
Joint ventures

Managed funds

Structured reinsurance products

Total performance fee income

Total fee income

2019

2018

2017

$

42,546

$

26,387

$

15,358

18,636

35,238

96,420

11,462

33,312

71,161

$

9,660

$

15,093

$

420

7,693

17,773

62

3,580

18,735

$

114,193

$

89,896

$

3,659

31,177

50,194

9,429

197

4,719

14,345

64,539

The table above shows total fee income earned through third-party capital management, as well as various 
joint ventures and certain structured retrocession agreements to which we are a party. Performance fees 
are based on the performance of the individual vehicles or products, and may be negative in a particular 
period if, for example, large losses occur, which can potentially result in no performance fees or the reversal 
of previously accrued performance fees. Joint ventures include DaVinciRe, Top Layer Re, Vermeer and 
certain entities investing in Langhorne. Managed funds include Upsilon Fund and Medici. Structured 
reinsurance products and other includes Fibonacci Re, as well as certain other vehicles and reinsurance 
contracts which transfer risk to capital. The TMR third-party capital vehicles which we manage in connection 
with the acquisition of TMR also generate management fee income, though this fee income was not 
material to our results of operations in 2019. The fees earned through third-party capital management are 
principally recorded through redeemable noncontrolling interest, or as a reduction to operating expenses 
and acquisition expenses, as applicable.

In 2019, total fee income earned through third-party capital management increased $24.3 million, to $114.2 
million, compared to $89.9 million in 2018, primarily driven by an increase in the dollar value of capital being 
managed combined with improved underlying performance.

In 2018, total fee income earned through third-party capital management increased $25.4 million, to $89.9 
million, compared to $64.5 million in 2017, primarily driven by an increase in the dollar value of capital being 
managed. In addition, certain of our joint ventures, namely DaVinciRe, were significantly more profitable in 
2018 compared to 2017.

In addition to the fee income earned through third-party capital management, various joint ventures and 
certain structured retrocession agreements to which we are a party, as detailed in the table above, we also 
earn fee income on certain other underwriting-related activities. These fees, in the aggregate, are recorded 
as a reduction to operating expenses or acquisition expenses, as applicable. The total fees, as described 
above, earned by us in 2019 that were recorded as a reduction to operating expenses or acquisition 
expenses were $92.6 million and $15.3 million, respectively, resulting in a reduction to the combined ratio of 
3.2% (2018 - $81.6 million, $15.0 million and 4.9%, respectively, 2017 - $69.8 million, $45.4 million and 
6.7%, respectively).

87

Net Investment Income

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Fixed maturity investments
Short term investments
Equity investments trading
Other investments

Private equity investments
Other

Cash and cash equivalents

Investment expenses

Net investment income

2019

2018

2017

$

318,503 $

211,973 $

56,264
4,808

33,571
4,474

14,981
39,246
7,676
441,478
(17,645)
423,833 $

477
22,475
3,810
276,780
(14,914)
261,866 $

$

179,624
11,082
3,628

33,999
8,067
1,196
237,596
(15,387)
222,209

Net investment income was $423.8 million in 2019, compared to $261.9 million in 2018, an increase of 
$162.0 million. Impacting our net investment income for 2019 was improved performance in our fixed 
maturity and short term investment portfolios, combined with higher average invested assets, primarily 
resulting from the acquisition of TMR and additional capital raised in certain of our consolidated third-party 
capital vehicles.

Our private equity and other investment portfolios are accounted for at fair value with the change in fair 
value recorded in net investment income, which included net unrealized gains of $12.2 million in 2019, and 
net unrealized gains of $8.3 million and $24.7 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Net investment income was $261.9 million in 2018, compared to $222.2 million in 2017, an increase of 
$39.7 million. Impacting our net investment income for 2018 were higher average invested assets in our 
fixed maturity and short term investment portfolios, combined with the impact of interest rate increases 
during recent periods. In addition, our catastrophe bonds, which are included in other investments, 
experienced an increase in net investment income as these investments benefited from higher interest rates 
and higher invested assets, and were less impacted by the catastrophe events in 2018, compared to 2017. 
Partially offsetting these items were lower returns in our portfolio of private equity investments in 2018 
compared to 2017.

Low interest rates in 2019 have lowered the yields at which assets have been invested relative to 2018 and 
longer-term historical levels. If the current lower yield environment should persist, we would expect that the 
yield on our portfolio would be adversely impacted by this low interest rate environment.

88

 
 
 
 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)
Gross realized gains

Gross realized losses

Net realized gains (losses) on fixed maturity investments

Net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity

investments trading

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on

investments-related derivatives

Net realized gains on equity investments trading

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity investments

trading

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on

investments

2019

2018

2017

$

133,409 $

21,284 $

49,121

(43,149)

90,260

(91,098)

(69,814)

(38,832)

10,289

170,183

(57,310)

8,479

58,891

31,062

(8,784)

27,739

(2,490)

80,027

64,087

(66,900)

39,517

$

414,483 $

(175,069) $

135,822

Our investment portfolio strategy seeks to preserve capital and provide us with a high level of liquidity. A 
large majority of our investments are invested in the fixed income markets and, therefore, our realized and 
unrealized holding gains and losses on investments are highly correlated to fluctuations in interest rates. 
Therefore, as interest rates decline, we will tend to have realized and unrealized gains from our investment 
portfolio, and as interest rates rise, we will tend to have realized and unrealized losses from our investment 
portfolio.

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments were $414.5 million in 2019, compared to net realized 
and unrealized losses of $175.1 million in 2018, an increase of $589.6 million. Principally impacting our net 
realized and unrealized gains on investments in 2019 were:

• 

• 

• 

net realized and unrealized gains on our fixed maturity investments trading of $260.4 million in 2019, 
compared to net realized and unrealized losses of $127.1 million in 2018, an increase of $387.6 million, 
principally driven by a downward shift in the interest rate yield curve during 2019, compared to an 
upward shift in the yield curve in 2018; 

net realized and unrealized gains on our investment-related derivatives of $58.9 million in 2019, 
compared to losses of $8.8 million in 2018, an increase of $67.7 million, principally driven by higher 
derivative exposure during 2019, in addition to the interest rate activity noted above; and

net realized and unrealized gains on equity investments trading of $95.1 million in 2019, compared to 
net realized and unrealized losses of $39.2 million in 2018, an improvement of $134.3 million, 
principally driven by higher returns on certain of our larger equity positions during 2019, compared to 
2018.

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments were $175.1 million in 2018, compared to net realized 
and unrealized gains of $135.8 million in 2017, a decrease of $310.9 million. Principally impacting our net 
realized and unrealized losses on investments in 2018 were:

• 

• 

net realized and unrealized losses on our fixed maturity investments trading of $127.1 million in 
2018, compared to net realized and unrealized gains of $18.8 million in 2017, a decrease of $145.9 
million, principally driven by an upward shift in the interest rate yield curve and a widening of credit 
spreads during 2018, compared to a tightening of credit spreads and a decrease in interest rates at 
the longer end of the yield curve in 2017; and

net realized and unrealized losses on equity investments trading of $39.2 million in 2018, compared 
to net realized and unrealized gains of $119.5 million in 2017, a decrease of $158.7 million, 
principally driven by lower returns on certain of our larger equity positions during 2018.

89

 
 
 
Net Foreign Exchange (Losses) Gains 

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)

2019

2018

2017

Total foreign exchange (losses) gains

$

(2,938) $

(12,428) $

10,628

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. We routinely write a portion of our business in currencies other 
than U.S. dollars and invest a portion of our cash and investment portfolio in those currencies. In addition, 
and in connection with the acquisition of TMR, we acquired certain entities with non-U.S. dollar functional 
currencies. As a result, we may experience foreign exchange gains and losses in our consolidated financial 
statements. We are primarily impacted by the foreign currency risk exposures associated with our 
underwriting operations, investment portfolio, and our operations with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies, 
and may, from time to time, enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the effect of 
fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities. 

Refer to “Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for additional 
information related to our exposure to foreign currency risk and “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” in our 
“Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to foreign currency 
forward and option contracts we have entered into.

Equity in Earnings of Other Ventures

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Tower Hill Companies
Top Layer Re
Other

Total equity in earnings of other ventures

2019

2018

2017

$

$

10,337 $

8,801
4,086

23,224 $

9,605 $
8,852
17
18,474 $

(1,647)
9,851
(174)
8,030

Equity in earnings of other ventures primarily represents our pro-rata share of the net income (loss) from 
our investments in the Tower Hill Companies and Top Layer Re, and, except for Top Layer Re, is recorded 
one quarter in arrears. The carrying value of these investments on our consolidated balance sheets, 
individually or in the aggregate, may differ from the realized value we may ultimately attain, perhaps 
significantly so. The other category includes our equity investments in a select group of insurance and 
insurance-related companies.

Equity in earnings of other ventures was $23.2 million in 2019, compared to $18.5 million in 2018, an 
increase of $4.8 million, principally driven by improved profitability of the Tower Hill Companies, as well as 
our equity investments in a select group of insurance and insurance-related companies within the other 
category.

Equity in earnings of other ventures was $18.5 million in 2018, compared to $8.0 million in 2017, an 
increase of $10.4 million, principally driven by improved profitability of the Tower Hill Companies.

Other Income

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

(in thousands)
Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for

as derivatives and deposits

Other

Total other income

$

$

4,473 $

4,807 $

476

1,162

4,949 $

5,969 $

8,655

760

9,415

In 2019, we generated other income of $4.9 million, compared to $6.0 million in 2018, a decrease of $1.0 
million, driven by our assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and deposits.

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2018, we generated other income of $6.0 million, compared to $9.4 million in 2017, a decrease of $3.4 
million, driven by a reduction in our assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts accounted for as derivatives 
and deposits.

Corporate Expenses

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)

Total corporate expenses

2019

2018

2017

$

94,122 $

33,983 $

18,572

Corporate expenses include certain executive, director, legal and consulting expenses, costs for research 
and development, impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets, and other 
miscellaneous costs, including those associated with operating as a publicly traded company, as well as 
costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of TMR. From time to time, we may revise the allocation of 
certain expenses between corporate and operating expenses to better reflect the characteristic of the 
underlying expense.

Corporate expenses increased $60.1 million to $94.1 million, in 2019, compared to $34.0 million in 2018. 
During 2019, we recorded $49.7 million of corporate expenses associated with the acquisition of TMR, 
comprised of $24.0 million of compensation-related costs, $13.8 million of transaction-related costs and 
$11.9 million of integration-related costs.

Corporate expenses increased $15.4 million, to $34.0 million, in 2018, compared to $18.6 million in 2017, 
principally as a result of changes in the allocation of operating and corporate expenses to better reflect the 
nature of those expenses. In addition, during 2018, we incurred $3.4 million of costs in connection with the 
acquisition of TMR.

Interest Expense and Preferred Share Dividends

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)
Interest expense

2019

2018

2017

$250.0 million Series B 7.50% Senior Notes due 2017

$

— $

— $

$250.0 million 5.75% Senior Notes due 2020

$300.0 million 3.700% Senior Notes due 2025

$300.0 million 3.450% Senior Notes due 2027

$400.0 million 3.600% Senior Notes due 2029

$150.0 million 4.750% Senior Notes due 2025 (DaVinciRe)

Other

Total interest expense

Preferred share dividends

$125.0 million 6.08% Series C Preference Shares

$275.0 million 5.375% Series E Preference Shares

$250.0 million 5.750% Series F Preference Shares

Total preferred share dividends

14,375

11,100

10,350

10,720

7,125

4,694

58,364

7,600

14,781

14,375

36,756

14,375

11,100

10,350

—

7,125

4,119

47,069

7,600

14,781

7,707

30,088

Total interest expense and preferred share dividends

$

95,120 $

77,157 $

7,813

14,375

11,100

5,482

—

7,125

(1,702)

44,193

7,600

14,781

—

22,381

66,574

Interest expense increased $11.3 million to $58.4 million in 2019, compared to $47.1 million in 2018, 
primarily driven by additional interest expense due to the April 2019 issuance of $400.0 million principal 
amount of 3.600% Senior Notes due 2029, resulting in nearly nine months of interest expense in 2019, 
compared to no interest on these notes in 2018.

Interest expense increased $2.9 million to $47.1 million in 2018, compared to $44.2 million in 2017, 
primarily driven by additional interest expense due to twelve months of interest expense in 2018 on the 

91

 
 
 
 
 
 
$300.0 million principal amount of 3.450% Senior Notes due 2027 issued in June 2017, compared to seven 
months of interest expense on these notes in 2017.

Preferred share dividends increased by $6.7 million to $36.8 million in 2019, compared to $30.1 million in 
2018, primarily driven by dividends on the $250.0 million principal amount of 5.750% Series F Preference 
Shares issued in June 2018 resulting in twelve months of dividends in 2019 compared to six months of 
dividends on these preference shares in 2018. 

Preferred share dividends increased by $7.7 million to $30.1 million in 2018, compared to $22.4 million in 
2017, primarily driven by dividends on the $250.0 million of 5.750% Series F Preference Shares issued in 
June 2018.

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Income tax (expense) benefit

2019

2018

2017

$

(17,215) $

6,302 $

(26,487)

We are subject to income taxes in certain jurisdictions in which we operate; however, since the majority of 
our income is currently earned in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax, the tax impact to 
our operations has historically been minimal. 

In 2019, we recognized an income tax expense of $17.2 million, compared to an income tax benefit of $6.3 
million in 2018. The income tax expense in 2019 was principally driven by investment gains in our U.S. 
operations and income in the taxable jurisdictions of the newly acquired TMR entities.

In 2018, we recognized an income tax benefit of $6.3 million, compared to an income tax expense of $26.5 
million in 2017. The income tax benefit in 2018 was principally driven by pre-tax GAAP losses in our U.S.-
based operations associated with the 2018 Large Loss Events and unrealized losses on our investment 
portfolio, compared to pre-tax GAAP losses in our U.S.-based operations, offset by the impact of a $36.7 
million increase in income tax expense due to the write-down of a portion of our deferred tax asset during 
2017, as a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate pursuant to the Tax Bill, which was enacted 
on December 22, 2017.

At December 31, 2019, our U.S. tax-paying subsidiaries had a net deferred tax asset (after valuation 
allowance) of $48.2 million. Our operations in Ireland, the U.K., Singapore and the U.S. operations of TMR 
have historically produced GAAP taxable losses and we currently do not believe it is more likely than not 
that we will be able to recover the predominant amount of our net deferred tax assets in these jurisdictions. 
Our valuation allowance totaled $75.7 million and $35.3 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively.

Our effective income tax rate, which we calculate as income tax benefit (expense) divided by income or loss 
before taxes, may fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on the geographic distribution of 
pre-tax income or loss in any given period between different jurisdictions with comparatively higher tax rates 
and those with comparatively lower tax rates. The geographic distribution of pre-tax income or loss can vary 
significantly between periods due to, but not limited to, the following factors: the business mix of net 
premiums written and earned; the size and nature of net claims and claim expenses incurred; the amount 
and geographic location of operating expenses, net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains 
(losses) on investments; outstanding debt and related interest expense; and the amount of specific 
adjustments to determine the income tax basis in each of our operating jurisdictions. In addition, a 
significant portion of our gross and net premiums are currently written and earned in Bermuda, which does 
not have a corporate income tax, including the majority of our catastrophe business, which can result in 
significant volatility to our pre-tax income or loss in any given period. We expect our consolidated effective 
tax rate to increase in the future, as our global operations outside of Bermuda expand, including in 
connection with the acquisition of TMR. In addition, it is possible we could be adversely affected by changes 
in tax laws, regulation, or enforcement, any of which could increase our effective tax rate more rapidly or 
steeply than we currently anticipate.

Generally, the preponderance of our revenue and pre-tax income or loss is generated by our domestic (i.e., 
Bermuda) operations, in the form of underwriting income or loss and net investment income or loss, rather 

92

 
 
 
than our foreign operations. However, the geographic distribution of pre-tax income or loss can vary 
significantly between periods for a variety of reasons, including the business mix of net premiums written 
and earned, the size and nature of net claims and claim expenses incurred, the amount and geographic 
location of operating expenses, net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on 
investments and the amount of specific adjustments to determine the income tax basis in each of our 
operating jurisdictions. Pre-tax income for our domestic operations was higher compared to our foreign 
operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 primarily as a result of the more volatile 
catastrophe business underwritten in our Bermuda operations during these periods incurring a 
comparatively lower level of catastrophe losses and thus generating higher levels of net underwriting 
income than our foreign operations, which underwrite primarily less volatile business with higher attritional 
net claims and claim expenses and as a result produce lower levels of net underwriting income in benign 
loss years. For 2017, our domestic operations generated an underwriting loss due to the significant 
catastrophe loss activity during the year and the underwriting loss in our domestic operations was 
significantly greater than the underwriting loss that was generated by our foreign operations.

Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable

noncontrolling interests

2019

2018

2017

$

(201,469) $

(41,553) $

132,282

Our net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests was $201.5 million in 2019, compared to 
$41.6 million in 2018, a change of $159.9 million. The increase was primarily driven by the results of 
operations of Vermeer being included in net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in 
2019, combined with DaVinciRe generating higher net income.

Our net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests was $41.6 million in 2018, compared to 
a net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests of $132.3 million in 2017, a change of $173.8 
million, principally due to DaVinciRe generating underwriting income in 2018, compared to significant 
underwriting losses in 2017 driven by the 2017 Large Loss Events.

Refer to “Note 10. Noncontrolling Interests” in our “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for 
additional information regarding our redeemable noncontrolling interests.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Financial Condition

As a Bermuda-domiciled holding company, RenaissanceRe has limited operations of its own. Its assets 
consist primarily of investments in subsidiaries, and, to a degree, cash and securities in amounts which 
fluctuate over time. We therefore rely on dividends, distributions and other statutorily permissible payments 
from our subsidiaries, investment income and fee income to meet our liquidity requirements, which primarily 
include making principal and interest payments on our debt and dividend payments to our preference and 
common shareholders. 

The payment of dividends by our subsidiaries is, under certain circumstances, limited by the applicable laws 
and regulations in the various jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate, including Bermuda, the U.S., 
the U.K., Switzerland, Australia and Ireland. In addition, insurance laws require our insurance subsidiaries 
to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity. We believe that each of our insurance subsidiaries 
and branches exceeded the minimum solvency, capital and surplus requirements in their applicable 
jurisdictions at December 31, 2019. Certain of our subsidiaries and branches are required to file financial 
condition reports, or FCRs, with their regulators, which provide details on solvency and financial 
performance. Where required, these FCRs will be posted on our website. The regulations governing our 
and our principal operating subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends and to maintain certain measures of 
solvency and liquidity, requirements to file FCRs and are discussed in detail in “Part I, Item 1. Regulation” 
and “Note 18. Statutory Requirements” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”

93

 
 
 
Liquidity and Cash Flows

Holding Company Liquidity 

RenaissanceRe’s principal uses of liquidity are: (1) common share related transactions including dividend 
payments to our common shareholders and common share repurchases, (2) preference share related 
transactions including dividend payments to our preference shareholders and preference share 
redemptions, (3) interest and principal payments on debt, (4) capital investments in our subsidiaries, (5) 
acquisition of new or existing companies or businesses, such as our acquisition of TMR and (6) certain 
corporate and operating expenses.

We attempt to structure our organization in a way that facilitates efficient capital movements between 
RenaissanceRe and our operating subsidiaries and to ensure that adequate liquidity is available when 
required, giving consideration to applicable laws and regulations, and the domiciliary location of sources of 
liquidity and related obligations.

In the aggregate, our principal operating subsidiaries have historically produced sufficient cash flows to 
meet their expected claims payments and operational expenses and to provide dividend payments to us. In 
addition, our subsidiaries maintain a concentration of investments in high quality liquid securities, which 
management believes will provide additional liquidity for extraordinary claims payments should the need 
arise. However, in some circumstances, RenaissanceRe may contribute capital to its subsidiaries. For 
example, during 2018 and 2017 we experienced significant losses from large catastrophe events, and as 
we would expect following events of this magnitude, it was necessary for RenaissanceRe to contribute 
capital to certain of our principal operating subsidiaries to ensure they were able to maintain levels of capital 
adequacy and liquidity in compliance with various laws and regulations, support rating agency capital 
requirements, pay valid claims quickly and be adequately capitalized to pursue business opportunities as 
they arise. During 2019, RenaissanceRe contributed capital to RenaissanceRe Specialty Holdings to fund 
the acquisition of TMR and made a capital contribution to Renaissance Reinsurance to increase its 
shareholders’ equity, consistent with past practice following a significant acquisition and to support growth in 
premiums. In addition, from time to time we invest in new managed joint ventures, increase our investments 
in certain of our managed joint ventures and contribute cash to investment subsidiaries. In certain 
instances, we are required to make capital contributions to our subsidiaries, for example, Renaissance 
Reinsurance is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a 
loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital below a specified level.

Sources of Liquidity

Historically, cash receipts from operations, consisting primarily of premiums, investment income and fee 
income, have provided sufficient funds to pay losses and operating expenses of our subsidiaries and to 
fund dividends and distributions to RenaissanceRe. Other potential sources of liquidity include borrowings 
under our credit facilities and issuances of securities.

The premiums received by our operating subsidiaries are generally received months or even years before 
losses are paid under the policies related to such premiums. Premiums and acquisition expenses generally 
are received within the first two years of inception of a contract while operating expenses are generally paid 
within a year of being incurred. It generally takes much longer for claims and claims expenses to be 
reported and ultimately settled, requiring the establishment of reserves for claims and claim expenses. 
Therefore, the amount of claims paid in any one year is not necessarily related to the amount of net claims 
incurred in that year, as reported in the consolidated statement of operations.

While we expect that our liquidity needs will continue to be met by our cash receipts from operations, as a 
result of the combination of current market conditions, lower than usual investment yields, and the nature of 
our business where a large portion of the coverages we provide can produce losses of high severity and 
low frequency, future cash flows from operating activities cannot be accurately predicted and may fluctuate 
significantly between individual quarters and years. In addition, due to the magnitude and complexity of 
certain large loss events, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events and our actual 
ultimate net losses from these events may vary materially from preliminary estimates, which would impact 
our cash flows from operations.

94

Our “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act allows for the public offering of 
various types of securities, including common shares, preference shares and debt securities, and thus 
provides a source of liquidity. Because we are a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined by the rules 
promulgated under the Securities Act, we are also eligible to file additional automatically effective 
registration statements on Form S-3 in the future for the potential offering and sale of an unlimited amount 
of debt and equity securities.

Credit Facilities

In addition, we maintain letter of credit facilities which provide liquidity and allow us to satisfy certain 
collateral requirements. The outstanding amounts drawn under each of our significant credit facilities are set 
forth below:

At December 31, 2019

(in thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility (1)

Bilateral Letter of Credit Facilities

Secured
Unsecured

Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facility

TMR Letters of Credit (2)

Issued or
Drawn

$

—

298,063
381,770

290,000

140,923

$ 1,110,756

(1)   At December 31, 2019, no amounts were issued or drawn under this facility.

(2)  These letters of credit were transferred to us in connection with the acquisition of TMR. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio 
Millennium Re” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to the acquisition of 
TMR.

Refer to “Note 9. Debt and Credit Facilities” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for 
additional information related to our debt and credit facilities and “Note 12. Shareholders’ Equity” in our 
“Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to our common and 
preference shares.

Funds at Lloyd’s

As a member of Lloyd’s, the underwriting capacity, or stamp capacity, of Syndicate 1458 must be supported 
by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit, which are referred to as Funds at 
Lloyd’s. At December 31, 2019, the FAL required to support the underwriting activities at Lloyd’s through 
Syndicate 1458 was £524.3 million (2018 - £427.5 million). Actual FAL posted for Syndicate 1458 at 
December 31, 2019 by RenaissanceRe CCL was £522.5 million (2018 - £481.0 million), supported by a 
$290.0 million letter of credit and a $385.9 million deposit of cash and fixed maturity securities (2018 - 
$180.0 million and $390.8 million, respectively). On November 7, 2019, Renaissance Reinsurance 
amended and restated a letter of credit reimbursement agreement supporting business written by Syndicate 
1458 to increase the size of the facility from $255.0 million to $290.0 million and to reduce certain collateral 
pledge requirements. Refer to “Note 9. Debt and Credit Facilities” in our “Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements” for additional information related to this letter of credit facility.

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trusts and Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trusts

Refer to “Note 18. Statutory Requirements” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for 
additional information related to our multi-beneficiary reinsurance trusts and multi-beneficiary reduced 
collateral reinsurance trust, which certain of our insurance subsidiaries use to collateralize reinsurance 
liabilities.

95

Cash Flows

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

2019

2018

2017

$ 2,137,195 $ 1,221,701 $ 1,025,787

(2,988,644)

(2,536,613)

(122,434)

1,120,117

1,066,340

2,478

271,146

(5,098)

(253,670)

1,107,922

1,361,592

28,860

8,222

940,435

421,157

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$ 1,379,068 $ 1,107,922 $ 1,361,592

2019

During 2019, our cash and cash equivalents increased by $271.1 million, to $1.4 billion at December 31, 
2019, compared to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2018.

Cash flows provided by operating activities. Cash flows provided by operating activities during 2019 were 
$2.1 billion, compared to $1.2 billion during 2018. Cash flows provided by operating activities during 2019 
were primarily the result of certain adjustments to reconcile our net income of $950.3 million to net cash 
provided by operating activities, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

an increase in reserve for claims and claim expenses of $900.6 million as a result of claims and 
claims expenses incurred of $3.2 billion during 2019 principally driven by current accident year 
losses, partially offset by claims payments of $2.3 billion primarily associated with prior accident 
years losses;

an increase in reinsurance balances payable of $658.5 million principally driven by the issuance of 
non-voting preference shares to investors in Upsilon RFO, which are accounted for as prospective 
reinsurance and included in reinsurance balances payable on our consolidated balance sheet. 
Refer to “Note 11. Variable Interest Entities” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” 
for additional information related to Upsilon RFO’s non-voting preference shares;

an increase in other operating cash flows of $251.4 million primarily reflecting the movement in 
subscriptions received in advance of the issuance of Upsilon RFO’s non-voting preference shares 
effective January 1, 2020 and 2019, which were recorded in other liabilities at December 31, 2019 
and 2018, respectively. Refer to “Note 11. Variable Interest Entities” in our “Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to Upsilon RFO’s non-voting 
preference shares;

a net decrease in reinsurance recoverable of $129.7 million primarily resulting from the collection of 
$1.2 billion during 2019, partially offset by increases to reinsurance recoverable principally driven 
by increases in net claims and claim expenses associated with current accident year losses, 
combined with the continued execution of our gross-to-net strategy; partially offset by

an increase in premiums receivable of $425.0 million due to the increase in gross premiums written 
combined with the timing of receipts of those premiums; and

net realized and unrealized gains on investments of $414.5 million principally due to improved 
performances from our fixed maturity, public equity and investments-related derivative portfolios.

Cash flows used in investing activities. During 2019, our cash flows used in investing activities were $3.0 
billion, principally reflecting net purchases of short term investments, fixed maturity investments and other 
investments of $1.9 billion, $605.4 million and $202.9 million, respectively. The net purchase of short term 
investments was funded in part by the capital received from investors in DaVinciRe, Medici, Upsilon RFO 
and Vermeer, and other net cash flows provided by operating activities. The net purchase of other 
investments during 2019, was primarily driven by an increased allocation to catastrophe bonds. In addition, 
we completed our acquisition of TMR on March 22, 2019, resulting in a net cash outflow of $276.2 million, 
comprised of cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe as acquisition consideration of $813.6 million, net 

96

 
 
 
of cash acquired from TMR of $537.4 million. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” in our 
“Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to the acquisition of 
TMR.

Cash flows provided by financing activities. Our cash flows provided by financing activities in 2019 were 
$1.1 billion, and were principally the result of:

net inflows of $827.1 million related to net third-party redeemable noncontrolling interest share 
transactions in DaVinciRe, Medici and Vermeer;

net inflows of $396.4 million associated with the April 2, 2019 issuance of $400.0 million principal 
amount of our 3.600% Senior Notes due April 15, 2029; partially offset by

dividends paid on our common and preference shares of $59.4 million and $36.8 million, 
respectively.

• 

• 

• 

2018

During 2018, our cash and cash equivalents decreased by $253.7 million, to $1.1 billion at December 31, 
2018, compared to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2017.

Cash flows provided by operating activities. Cash flows provided by operating activities during 2018 were 
$1.2 billion, compared to $1.0 billion during 2017. Cash flows provided by operating activities during 2018 
were primarily the result of certain adjustments to reconcile our net income of $268.9 million to net cash 
provided by operating activities, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

an increase in reserve for claims and claim expenses of $995.9 million as a result of claims and 
claims expenses incurred of $2.6 billion during 2018 principally driven by the 2018 Large Loss 
Events, partially offset by claims payments of $1.6 billion primarily associated with the 2017 Large 
Loss Events;

an increase in reinsurance balances payable of $913.0 million principally driven by the issuance of 
non-voting preference shares to investors in Upsilon RFO, following capital being deployed in the 
vehicle, which are accounted for as prospective reinsurance and included in reinsurance balances 
payable on our consolidated balance sheet. Refer to “Note 11. Variable Interest Entities” in our 
“Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to Upsilon 
RFO’s non-voting preference shares;

an increase in unearned premiums of $238.4 million due to the timing of renewals and the increase 
in gross premiums written in 2018, compared to 2017; partially offset by

an increase in reinsurance recoverable of $785.6 million primarily resulting from the increase in net 
claims and claim expenses principally driven by the 2018 Large Loss Events, noted above, as we 
continue to execute our gross-to-net strategy;

a decrease in other operating cash flows of $223.3 million primarily associated with movements in 
subscriptions received in advance associated with the issuance of Upsilon RFO’s non-voting 
preference shares effective January 1, 2019 and 2018. Refer to “Note 11. Variable Interest Entities” 
and “Note. 23 Subsequent Events” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for 
additional information related to Upsilon RFO’s non-voting preference shares;

increases in premiums receivable and deferred acquisition costs of $232.6 million and $50.1 million, 
respectively, due to the timing of payments of our gross premiums written and amortization of 
deferred acquisition costs, respectively;

net realized and unrealized losses on investments of $175.1 million principally related to our fixed 
maturity investments portfolio which experienced an upward shift in the interest rate yield curve and 
a widening of credit spreads during 2018, and our equity investments trading portfolio which was 
impacted by lower returns on certain of our larger equity positions during 2018; and

an increase of $82.6 million in our prepaid reinsurance premiums due to ceded premiums written 
associated renewals in 2018.

97

Cash flows used in investing activities. During 2018, our cash flows used in investing activities were $2.5 
billion, principally reflecting net purchases of short term, fixed maturity and other investments of $1.4 billion, 
$904.4 million and $199.5 million, respectively. The net purchase of short term and fixed maturity 
investments was funded in part by the capital received from investors in Upsilon RFO and Vermeer, and the 
proceeds from the issuance of our 5.750% Series F Preference Shares and the issuance of $250.0 million 
of our common shares to State Farm, each as discussed below. In addition, we increased our allocation to 
other investments during 2018.

Cash flows provided by financing activities. Our cash flows provided by financing activities in 2018 were 
$1.1 billion, and were principally the result of:

• 

• 

• 

• 

net inflows of $665.7 million related to a net contribution of capital from third-party shareholders, 
primarily related to the creation of Vermeer, which was initially capitalized with $600.0 million of 
participating, non-voting common shares;

net inflows of $241.4 million associated with the issuance of $250.0 million of Depositary Shares 
(each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of our 5.750% Series F Preference Shares), net of 
expenses;

net inflows of $250.0 million associated with the issuance of 1,947,496 of our common shares to 
State Farm; partially offset by

dividends paid on our common and preference shares of $52.8 million and $30.1 million, 
respectively.

Capital Resources

We monitor our capital adequacy on a regular basis and seek to adjust our capital according to the needs of 
our business. In particular, we require capital sufficient to meet or exceed the capital adequacy ratios 
established by rating agencies for maintenance of appropriate financial strength ratings, the capital 
adequacy tests performed by regulatory authorities and the capital requirements under our credit facilities. 
We may seek to raise additional capital or return capital to our shareholders through common share 
repurchases and cash dividends (or a combination of such methods). In the normal course of our 
operations, we may from time to time evaluate additional share or debt issuances given prevailing market 
conditions and capital management strategies, including for our operating subsidiaries and joint ventures. In 
addition, as noted above, we enter into agreements with financial institutions to obtain letter of credit 
facilities for the benefit of our operating subsidiaries in their reinsurance and insurance business. 

Our total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe and debt as of December 31, 2019 and 
December 31, 2018 was as follows:

At December
31, 2019

At December
31, 2018

Change

$ 5,321,367 $ 4,395,080 $

926,287

650,000

650,000

(in thousands)
Common shareholders’ equity

Preference shares

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe

5,971,367

5,045,080

3.600% Senior Notes due 2029

3.450% Senior Notes due 2027

3.700% Senior Notes due 2025

5.750% Senior Notes due 2020

4.750% Senior Notes due 2025 (DaVinciRe) (1)

Total debt

391,475

296,292

298,057

249,931

148,350

1,384,105

—

295,797

297,688

249,602

148,040

991,127

—

926,287

391,475

495

369

329

310

392,978

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe

and debt

$ 7,355,472 $ 6,036,207 $ 1,319,265

(1)    RenaissanceRe owns a noncontrolling economic interest in its joint venture DaVinciRe. Because RenaissanceRe controls a 
majority of DaVinciRe’s outstanding voting rights, the consolidated financial statements of DaVinciRe are included in the 
consolidated financial statements of RenaissanceRe. However, RenaissanceRe does not guarantee or provide credit support for 

98

 
 
DaVinciRe and RenaissanceRe’s financial exposure to DaVinciRe is limited to its investment in DaVinciRe’s shares and 
counterparty credit risk arising from reinsurance transactions.

During 2019, our total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe and debt increased by $1.3 
billion, to $7.4 billion. 

Our shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe increased $926.3 million during 2019 principally as 
a result of:

• 

• 

our comprehensive income attributable to RenaissanceRe of $748.3 million; 

the issuance of 1,739,071 of our common shares to Tokio in connection with the acquisition of TMR; 
and partially offset by

• 

$59.4 million and $36.8 million of dividends on our common and preference shares, respectively.

Our debt increased $393.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 principally as a result of the 
April 2, 2019 issuance of $400.0 million principal amount of 3.600% Senior Notes due April 15, 2029. The 
net proceeds from this offering were used to repay, in full, the $200.0 million that was outstanding under our 
revolving credit agreement at March 31, 2019, and the remainder of the net proceeds will be used for 
general corporate purposes. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” in our “Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the acquisition of TMR and “Note 9. 
Debt and Credit Facilities” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information 
regarding the issuance of our 3.600% Senior Notes due 2029.

Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses

We believe the most significant accounting judgment made by management is our estimate of claims and 
claim expense reserves. Claims and claim expense reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and 
statistical projections at a given point in time, of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for unpaid 
claims and claim expenses arising from the insurance and reinsurance contracts we sell. Our actual net 
claims and claim expenses paid will differ, perhaps materially, from the estimates reflected in our financial 
statements, which may adversely impact our financial condition, liquidity and capital resources.

 Refer to “Note 8. Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements” for more information on the risks we insure and reinsure, the reserving techniques, 
assumptions and processes we follow to estimate our claims and claim expense reserves, prior year 
development of the reserve for claims and claim expenses, analysis of our incurred and paid claims 
development and claims duration information for each of our Property and Casualty and Specialty 
segments. In addition, refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, Claims and Claim 
Expense Reserves” for more information on the reserving techniques, assumptions and processes we 
follow to estimate our claims and claim expense reserves, our current estimates versus our initial estimates 
of our claims reserves, and sensitivity analysis for each of our Property and Casualty and Specialty 
segments.

99

Investments

The table below shows our invested assets:

At December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)
U.S. treasuries

Agencies

Municipal

Non-U.S. government

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

Corporate

Agency mortgage-backed

Non-agency mortgage-backed

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Total fixed maturity investments, at fair

value

Short term investments, at fair value

Equity investments trading, at fair value

Other investments, at fair value

$ 4,467,345
343,031

—

497,392

321,356

1,148,499

294,604

468,698

555,070

11,171,655
4,566,277

436,931

1,087,377

3,075,660

17.7% 2,450,244

20.6%

2019

2018

Change

25.7% $ 3,331,411

28.0% $1,135,934

1.9%

—%

2.9%

1.9%

174,883

6,854

279,818

160,063

1.5%

0.1%

2.4%

1.3%

6.6%

1.7%

2.7%

3.2%

817,880

278,680

282,294

306,743

6.8%

2.4%

2.4%

2.6%

168,148

(6,854)

217,574

161,293

625,416

330,619

15,924

186,404

248,327

64.3% 8,088,870

68.1% 3,082,785

26.3% 2,586,520

21.8% 1,979,757

2.5%

6.3%

310,252

784,933

2.6%

6.5%

126,679

302,444

Total managed investment portfolio

17,262,240

99.4% 11,770,575

99.0% 5,491,665

Investments in other ventures, under

equity method

Total investments

106,549

0.6%

115,172

1.0%

(8,623)

$17,368,789

100.0% $11,885,747

100.0% $5,483,042

At December 31, 2019, we held investments totaling $17.4 billion, compared to $11.9 billion at 
December 31, 2018. In connection with the acquisition of TMR, we acquired total investments with a fair 
market value of $2.3 billion on March 22, 2019, the date of acquisition. Our investment guidelines stress 
preservation of capital, market liquidity, and diversification of risk. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our 
investments are subject to market-wide risks and fluctuations, as well as to risks inherent in particular 
securities. In addition to the information presented above and below, refer to “Note 5. Investments” and 
“Note 6. Fair Value Measurements” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional 
information regarding our investments and the fair value measurement of our investments, respectively.

As the reinsurance coverages we sell include substantial protection for damages resulting from natural and 
man-made catastrophes, as well as for potentially large casualty and specialty exposures, we expect from 
time to time to become liable for substantial claim payments on short notice. Accordingly, our investment 
portfolio as a whole is structured to seek to preserve capital and provide a high level of liquidity, which 
means that the large majority of our investment portfolio consists of highly rated fixed income securities, 
including U.S. treasuries, agencies, highly rated sovereign and supranational securities, high-grade 
corporate securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. We also have an allocation to 
publicly traded equities reflected on our consolidated balance sheet as equity investments trading and an 
allocation to other investments (including catastrophe bonds, private equity investments, senior secured 
bank loan funds and hedge funds). At December 31, 2019, our portfolio of equity investments trading 
totaled $436.9 million or 2.5%, of our total investments (2018 - $310.3 million or 2.6%). Our portfolio of 
other investments totaled $1.1 billion, or 6.3%, of our total investments (2018 - $784.9 million or 6.5%).

100

 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the composition of our investment portfolio, including the amortized cost 
and fair value of our investment portfolio and the ratings as assigned by S&P and/or other rating agencies 
when S&P ratings were not available, and the respective effective yield.

Amortized
Cost

Fair Value

% of Total
Investment
Portfolio

Weighted
Average
Yield to
Maturity

AAA

AA

A

BBB

Non-
Investment
Grade

Not Rated

Credit Rating (1)

investments

$ 4,566,277

$ 4,566,277

26.3%

1.6% $4,293,369

$ 258,477

$

12,480

$

1,376

$

545

$

100.0%

94.0%

5.7%

0.3%

—%

—%

Fixed maturity
investments

U.S. treasuries

4,439,533

4,467,345

342,162

343,031

25.7%

1.9%

1.7%

2.1%

—

—

4,467,345

343,031

—

—

—

—

—

—

495,465

497,392

2.9%

1.6%

262,457

204,036

11,292

18,259

1,348

30

—%

—

—

—

—

321,303

321,356

3,010,615

3,075,660

1.9%

17.7%

2.0%

3.0%

169,357

113,459

37,300

550

690

47,337

221,494

1,395,626

802,372

593,371

15,460

1,130,746

1,148,499

6.6%

2.5%

—

1,148,499

—

—

—

—

218,846

229,055

1.3%

3.8%

32,026

6,671

2,227

8,000

146,434

33,697

63,421

65,549

0.4%

3.3%

23,535

3,142

2,657

582

20,814

14,819

489,352

555,971

468,698

555,070

2.7%

3.2%

2.6%

3.3%

365,272

438,281

84,859

84,683

2,701

1,409

14,270

30,697

1,596

—

—

—

11,067,414

11,171,655

64.3%

2.3% 1,338,265

6,677,219

1,453,212

874,730

764,253

63,976

100.0%

12.0%

59.8%

13.0%

7.8%

6.8%

0.6%

436,931

2.5%

100.0%

781,641

271,047

22,598

12,091

1,087,377

100.0%

4.5%

1.6%

0.1%

0.1%

6.3%

106,549

0.6%

100.0%

—

—%

—

—

—

—

—

—%

—

—%

—

—%

—

—

—

—

—

—%

—

—%

—

—%

—

—

—

—

—

—%

—

—%

—

—%

—

—%

436,931

100.0%

—

—

—

—

—

781,641

—

—

—

—

271,047

22,598

12,091

781,641

305,736

—%

71.9%

28.1%

—

—%

—

—%

106,549

100.0%

$17,368,789

100.0%

$5,631,634

$6,935,696

$1,465,692

$ 876,106

$1,546,439

$ 913,222

100.0%

32.4%

40.0%

8.4%

5.0%

8.9%

5.3%

December 31,
2019

(in thousands,
except
percentages)

Short term

Agencies

Non-U.S.

government

Non-U.S.

government-
backed
corporate

Corporate

Agency

mortgage-
backed

Non-agency

securities - Alt
A

Non-agency

securities -
Prime

Commercial

mortgage-
backed

Asset-backed

Total fixed

maturity
investments

Equity

investments
trading

Other

investments

Catastrophe
bonds

Private equity

investments

Senior secured
bank loan
funds

Hedge funds

Total other

investments

Investments in

other
ventures

Total investment
portfolio

(1)   The credit ratings included in this table are those assigned by S&P. When ratings provided by S&P were not available, ratings from other nationally 
recognized rating agencies were used. We have grouped short term investments with an A-1+ and A-1 short term issue credit rating as AAA, short 
term investments with an A-2 short term issue credit rating as AA and short term investments with an A-3 short term issue credit rating as A.

Fixed Maturity Investments and Short Term Investments

At December 31, 2019, our fixed maturity investments and short term investment portfolio had a dollar-
weighted average credit quality rating of AA (2018 – AA) and a weighted average effective yield of 2.1% 
(2018 – 3.2%). At December 31, 2019, our non-investment grade and not rated fixed maturity investments 
totaled $828.2 million or 7.4% of our fixed maturity investments (2018 - $1.0 billion or 12.2%, respectively). 

101

  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
In addition, within our other investments category we have funds that invest in non-investment grade and 
not rated fixed income securities and non-investment grade cat-linked securities. At December 31, 2019, 
the funds that invest in non-investment grade and not rated fixed income securities and non-investment 
grade cat-linked securities totaled $816.3 million (2018 – $531.1 million).

At December 31, 2019, we had $4.6 billion of short term investments (2018 – $2.6 billion). Short term 
investments are managed as part of our investment portfolio and have a maturity of one year or less when 
purchased. Short term investments are carried at fair value. The increase in our allocation to short term 
investments at December 31, 2019, compared to December 31, 2018, is principally driven by the additional 
invested assets in certain of our managed joint ventures and third-party capital vehicles that limit investment 
allocation to shorter term securities.

The duration of our fixed maturity investments and short term investments at December 31, 2019 was 2.9 
years (2018 - 2.1 years). From time to time, we may reevaluate the duration of our portfolio in light of the 
duration of our liabilities and market conditions. The longer duration of our fixed maturity investments and 
short term investments at December 31, 2019, compared to December 31, 2018, is principally the result of 
a strategic evaluation of the interest rate sensitivity across our consolidated balance sheet and the duration 
contribution from our investments portfolio.

The value of our fixed maturity investments will fluctuate with changes in the interest rate environment and 
when changes occur in economic conditions or the investment markets. Additionally, our differing asset 
classes expose us to other risks which could cause a reduction in the value of our investments. Examples 
of some of these risks include:

•  Changes in the overall interest rate environment can expose us to “prepayment risk” on our mortgage-
backed investments. When interest rates decline, consumers will generally make prepayments on their 
mortgages and, as a result, our investments in mortgage-backed securities will be repaid to us more 
quickly than we might have originally anticipated. When we receive these prepayments, our 
opportunities to reinvest these proceeds back into the investment markets will likely be at reduced 
interest rates. Conversely, when interest rates increase, consumers will generally make fewer 
prepayments on their mortgages and, as a result, our investments in mortgage-backed securities will be 
repaid to us less quickly than we might have originally anticipated. This will increase the duration of our 
portfolio, which is disadvantageous to us in a rising interest rate environment.

•  Our investments in mortgage-backed securities are also subject to default risk. This risk is due in part to 
defaults on the underlying securitized mortgages, which would decrease the fair value of the investment 
and be disadvantageous to us. Similar risks apply to other asset-backed securities in which we may 
invest from time to time.

•  Our investments in debt securities of other corporations are exposed to losses from insolvencies of 

these corporations, and our investment portfolio can also deteriorate based on reduced credit quality of 
these corporations. We are also exposed to the impact of widening credit spreads even if specific 
securities are not downgraded.

•  Our investments in asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risks, as noted above, and to the 

structural risks of these securities. The structural risks primarily emanate from the priority of each 
security in the issuer’s overall capital structure. We are also exposed to the impact of widening credit 
spreads.

•  Within our other investments category, we have funds that invest in non-investment grade fixed income 
securities as well as securities denominated in foreign currencies. These investments expose us to 
losses from insolvencies and other credit-related issues and also to widening of credit spreads. We are 
also exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates that may result in realized losses to us if our 
exposures are not hedged or if our hedging strategies are not effective.

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Equity Investments Trading

The following table summarizes the fair value of equity investments trading:

At December 31,

(in thousands)
Financials
Communications and technology
Industrial, utilities and energy
Consumer
Healthcare
Basic materials

Total

2019

2018

Change

$

248,189 $

200,357 $

79,206
38,583
35,987
29,510
5,456
436,931 $

42,333
24,520
20,639
18,925
3,478
310,252 $

$

47,832
36,873
14,063
15,348
10,585
1,978
126,679

We have a diversified public equity securities mandate with a third-party investment manager which 
currently comprises a portion of our investments included in equity investments trading. In addition, we can 
also strategically invest in certain more concentrated public equity positions internally, primarily through our 
ventures business unit. It is possible our equity allocation will increase in the future, and it could, from time 
to time, have a material effect on our financial results for the reasonably foreseeable future.

Other Investments

The table below shows our portfolio of other investments: 

At December 31,

(in thousands)
Catastrophe bonds

Private equity investments

Senior secured bank loan funds

Hedge funds

Total other investments

2019

2018

Change

$

781,641 $

516,571 $

265,070

271,047

242,647

22,598

12,091

14,482

11,233

28,400

8,116

858

$ 1,087,377 $

784,933 $

302,444

We account for our other investments at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial 
Instruments. The fair value of certain of our fund investments, which principally include private equity funds, 
senior secured bank loan funds and hedge funds, is recorded on our consolidated balance sheet in other 
investments, and is generally established on the basis of the net valuation criteria established by the 
managers of such investments, if applicable. The net valuation criteria established by the managers of such 
investments is established in accordance with the governing documents of such investments. Many of our 
fund investments are subject to restrictions on redemptions and sales which are determined by the 
governing documents and limit our ability to liquidate these investments in the short term. 

Some of our fund managers and fund administrators are unable to provide final fund valuations as of our 
current reporting date. We typically experience a reporting lag to receive a final net asset value report of 
one month for our hedge funds and senior secured bank loan funds and three months for private equity 
funds, although we have occasionally experienced delays of up to six months at year end, as the private 
equity funds typically complete their year-end audits before releasing their final net asset value statements.

In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the 
reporting date of the latest fund valuation, we estimate the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior 
month or quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, redemptions or 
distributions, and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return 
for the current period. In circumstances in which we estimate the return for the current period, all 
information available to us is utilized. This principally includes using preliminary estimates reported to us by 
our fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying 
investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is 
available to us with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments 

103

 
 
or asset classes, and estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which we 
have obtained reported results, or other valuation methods, where possible. Actual final fund valuations may 
differ, perhaps materially so, from our estimates and these differences are recorded in our consolidated 
statement of operations in the period in which they are reported to us, as a change in estimate. Included in 
net investment income for 2019 is a loss of $5.5 million (2018 - income of $0.3 million) representing the 
change in estimate during the period related to the difference between our estimated net investment income 
due to the lag in reporting discussed above and the actual amount as reported in the final net asset values 
provided by our fund managers.

Our estimate of the fair value of catastrophe bonds is based on quoted market prices, or when such prices 
are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications. Refer to “Note 6. Fair Value 
Measurements” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding 
the fair value measurement of our investments.

We have committed capital to private equity investments, other investments and investments in other 
ventures of $1.1 billion, of which $708.4 million has been contributed at December 31, 2019. Our remaining 
commitments to these investments at December 31, 2019 totaled $411.3 million. In the future, we may enter 
into additional commitments in respect of private equity investments or individual portfolio company 
investment opportunities.

Investments in Other Ventures, under Equity Method

The table below shows our investments in other ventures, under equity method: 

At December 31,

(in thousands, except percentages)
Total Tower Hill Companies

Top Layer Re

Other

Total investments in other
ventures, under equity
method

2019

Ownership 
%
24.9%

50.0%

26.6%

Investment
64,750

65,375

38,964

Carrying 
Value
36,779

35,363

34,407

Investment
64,750

65,375

35,862

2018

Ownership 
%
24.9%

50.0%

30.6%

Carrying 
Value
38,241

46,562

30,369

$ 169,089

$ 106,549 $ 165,987

$ 115,172

Except for Top Layer Re, the equity in earnings of the Tower Hill Companies and our other category of 
investments in other ventures are reported one quarter in arrears. The carrying value of our investments in 
other ventures, under equity method, individually or in the aggregate may, and likely will, differ from the 
realized value we may ultimately attain, perhaps significantly so.

Ratings

Financial strength ratings are important to the competitive position of reinsurance and insurance 
companies. We have received high long-term issuer credit and financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, 
S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, as applicable. These ratings represent independent opinions of an insurer’s 
financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet policyholder obligations, and are not an 
evaluation directed toward the protection of investors or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any of our 
securities. Rating organizations continually review the financial positions of our principal operating 
subsidiaries and joint ventures and ratings may be revised or revoked by the agencies which issue them.

104

The ratings of our principal operating subsidiaries and joint ventures and the ERM ratings of 
RenaissanceRe as of February 3, 2020 are presented below. 

A.M. Best (1)

S&P (2)

Moody's (3)

Fitch (4)

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd.
DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd.
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe 
Unlimited Company
Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc.
RenaissanceRe Europe AG
RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.
Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd.
Vermeer Reinsurance Ltd.

RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458
Lloyd's Overall Market Rating

A+
A

A+
A+
A+
A+
A+
A

—
A

A+
A+

A+
A+
A+
A+
AA
—

—
A+

RenaissanceRe

Very Strong

Very Strong

A1
A3

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—

—

A+
—

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
AA-

—

(1)  The A.M. Best ratings for our principal operating subsidiaries and joint ventures represent the insurer’s financial strength rating. 

The Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating represents RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458’s financial strength rating. The A.M. Best rating for 
RenaissanceRe represents its Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) score.

(2)  The S&P ratings for our principal operating subsidiaries and joint ventures represent the insurer’s financial strength rating and the 
issuer’s long-term issuer credit rating. The Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating represents RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458’s financial 
strength rating. The S&P rating for RenaissanceRe represents the rating on its ERM practices. 

(3)  The Moody’s ratings represent the insurer’s financial strength rating.

(4)   The Fitch rating for Renaissance Reinsurance represents the insurer’s financial strength rating. The Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating 

represents RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458’s financial strength rating.

A.M. Best

The outlook for all of our A.M. Best ratings is stable. “A+” is the second highest designation of A.M. Best’s 
rating levels. “A+” rated insurance companies are defined as “Superior” companies and are considered by 
A.M. Best to have a very strong ability to meet their obligations to policyholders. “A” is the third highest 
designation assigned by A.M. Best, representing A.M. Best’s opinion that the insurer has an “Excellent” 
ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders.

S&P

The outlook for all of our S&P ratings is stable. The “A” range (“A+”,”A”, “A-“), which is the third highest 
rating assigned by S&P, indicates that S&P believes the insurers have strong capacity to meet their 
respective financial commitments but they are somewhat more susceptible to adverse effects or changes in 
circumstances and economic conditions than insurers rated higher.

Moody’s

The outlook for all of our Moody’s ratings is stable. Moody’s Insurance Financial Strength Ratings represent 
its opinions of the ability of insurance companies to pay punctually policyholder claims and obligations and 
senior unsecured debt instruments. Moody’s believes that insurance companies rated “A1” and “A3” offer 
good financial security.

Fitch

The outlook for all of our Fitch ratings is stable. Fitch believes that insurance companies rated “A+” have 
“Strong” capacity to meet policyholders and contract obligations on a timely basis with a low expectation of 
ceased or interrupted payments. Insurers rated “AA-“ by Fitch are believed to have a very low expectation 
of ceased or interrupted payments and very strong capital to meet policyholder obligations.

105

Lloyd’s Overall Market Rating

A.M. Best, S&P and Fitch have each assigned a financial strength rating to the Lloyd’s overall market. The 
financial risks to policy holders of syndicates within the Lloyd’s market are partially mutualized through the 
Lloyd’s Central Fund, to which all underwriting members contribute. Because of the presence of the Lloyd’s 
Central Fund, and the current legal and regulatory structure of the Lloyd’s market, financial strength ratings 
on individual syndicates would not be particularly meaningful and in any event would not be lower than the 
financial strength rating of the Lloyd’s overall market.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION

The potential exists, after a catastrophe loss, for the development of inflationary pressures in a local 
economy. We consider the anticipated effects on us in our catastrophe loss models. Our estimates of the 
potential effects of inflation are also considered in pricing and in estimating reserves for unpaid claims and 
claim expenses. In addition, it is possible that the risk of general economic inflation has increased which 
could, among other things, cause claims and claim expenses to increase and also impact the performance 
of our investment portfolio. The actual effects of this potential increase in inflation on our results cannot be 
accurately known until, among other items, claims are ultimately settled. The onset, duration and severity of 
an inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET AND SPECIAL PURPOSE ENTITY ARRANGEMENTS

At December 31, 2019, we had not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in 
Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

In the normal course of business, we are party to a variety of contractual obligations and these are 
considered by us when assessing our liquidity requirements. In certain circumstances, our contractual 
obligations may be accelerated due to defaults under the agreements governing those obligations (including 
pursuant to cross-default provisions in such agreements) or in connection with certain changes in control of 
the Company, for example. In addition, in certain circumstances, in the event of a default these obligations 
may bear an increased interest rate or be subject to penalties.

On March 22, 2019 we acquired TMR and the transaction was accounted under the acquisition method of 
accounting in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business Combinations. Total consideration paid was 
allocated among acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair values. Refer to “Note 3. 
Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional 
information related to the acquisition of TMR.

106

The table below shows our contractual obligations:

At December 31, 2019

(in thousands)
Long term debt obligations (1)

Total

Less than 1 
year

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than 5
years

3.600% Senior Notes due 2029 $
3.450% Senior Notes due 2027 $
3.700% Senior Notes due 2025

533,747 $
377,615 $
358,264

14,400 $
10,350 $
11,100

28,800 $

28,800 $ 461,747

20,700 $

20,700 $ 325,865

22,200

22,200

302,764

5.750% Senior Notes due 2020

252,918

252,918

—

—

—

4.750% Senior Notes due 2025

(DaVinciRe) (1)

187,991

7,125

Total long term debt obligations

1,710,535

295,893

411,262

411,262

40,657

25,628

7,912

3,336

225,275

225,275

—

14,250

85,950

—

14,651

6,672

14,250

85,950

152,366

1,242,742

—

6,809

5,491

—

—

11,285

10,129

—

Private equity and investment

commitments (2)

Operating lease obligations

Capital lease obligations
Payable for investments

purchased

Reserve for claims and claim

expenses (3)

9,384,349

2,627,618

4,410,643

3,002,993

(656,905)

Total contractual obligations

$11,797,706 $ 3,571,296 $ 4,517,916 $ 3,101,243 $ 607,251

(1) 

Includes contractual interest payments. 

(2)  The private equity and investment commitments do not have a defined contractual commitment date and we have therefore 

included them in the less than one year category.

(3)  Because of the nature of the coverages we provide, the amount and timing of the cash flows associated with our policy liabilities 
will fluctuate, perhaps significantly, and therefore are highly uncertain. We have based our estimates of future claim payments on 
available relevant sources of loss and allocated loss adjustment expense development data and benchmark industry payment 
patterns. These benchmarks are revised periodically as new trends emerge. We believe that it is likely that this benchmark data 
will not be predictive of our future claim payments and that material fluctuations can occur due to the nature of the losses which 
we insure and the coverages which we provide.

CURRENT OUTLOOK

Property Exposed Market Developments

We estimate that the insurance and reinsurance markets experienced approximately $75 billion of insured 
catastrophe loss in 2019 from events including Hurricane Dorian, Typhoons Faxai and Hagibis, and the 
significant wildfires in California. These events follow a number of significant large loss events in 2018, 
including Typhoons Jebi, Mangkhut and Trami, Hurricanes Florence and Michael, and wildfires across the 
state of California, as well as the significant natural disasters in 2017, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma 
and Maria, the Mexico City Earthquake, and wildfires in many areas of California. In addition, the market 
has been impacted by continuing, significant adverse developments from these events, particularly Typhoon 
Jebi and Hurricanes Irma and Michael. In sum, we estimate that 2017 and 2018 represent the largest back-
to-back years for insured natural disaster losses in history, and view the incidents experienced in 2019 as 
consistent with this trend.

Given the nature and breadth of these events, the associated losses over this period affected an unusually 
large number of regions, and, accordingly, insureds, reinsurance lines and reinsurers. In addition, the 
ultimate scale of the losses, difficulty of loss estimation, length of payout periods, social inflation risk and 
other factors have contributed to uncertainty around these loss events, both individually and in the 
aggregate. Moreover, we believe a large number of our clients and competitors have been impacted by 
significant ongoing adverse developments on these large events; in particular, we estimate that the 
industry’s reported adverse developments on Typhoon Jebi and on Hurricane Irma would each represent, 
by themselves, historically large insured loss events. We believe that the adverse development in respect of 
these various disasters arises from factors including: underestimations of exposure and incurred loss; loss 

107

 
 
 
 
 
reporting delays in the regions impacted by Typhoon Jebi; aggressive litigation and adjustment practices, 
particularly, but not limited to, in the state of Florida; other elevated loss adjustment expenses; and other 
factors. We continue to estimate that Typhoon Faxai will approach a $10 billion industry event and currently 
estimate likely industry-wide insured losses arising from Typhoon Hagibis at approximately $15 billion, 
subject in each case to significant uncertainty. 

We believe that revised views of risk as a result of these experiences, both in respect of the Japanese and 
U.S. markets and perils, and the potential diminishment of capacity or risk appetite from the insurance-
linked securities market, may contribute favorably to market conditions in future periods, although there can 
be no assurance that these developments will occur or be sustained.

Based on our experience, intermediary reports and other industry commentary, in respect of the January 
2020 renewal, rates for retrocessional reinsurance and some lines of primary insurance were up 
substantially, while rates on other layers of reinsurance, if loss free in expiring periods, were up less 
markedly. Loss affected reinsurance programs and lines, such as treaties exposed to the California 
wildfires, did manifest more substantially improved terms. These developments facilitated our growth in 
gross premiums written, both in our existing operations and more particularly by presenting opportunities to 
deploy additional third-party capital. Nonetheless, in respect of certain regions and perils we continue to 
assess that prevailing rate increases were not sufficient to offset increases in exposure, continuing risks 
from social inflation and the potential for sustained elevation in exposure due to changes in climate 
conditions and demographics. Moreover, we believe that the adverse impact of years of sustained 
reinsurance rate decreases have not yet been offset by the recent positive rate environment. Accordingly, 
we sought to re-balance our portfolio, and to access forms of portfolio protection to further our capacity to 
support our clients while maximizing the estimated efficiency of our retained risk portfolio.

We believe it is possible that these large loss events, the scale and pace of adverse developments and 
other market dynamics may contribute to sustained general market dynamics that could continue to support 
improving market conditions in lines and regions we target, and in which we have differentiating expertise. 
In addition, public rate filings, reports from intermediaries and public reports from primary insurance 
companies reflect rate increases in the U.S. in respect of property-exposed direct insurance coverages, as 
well as complex commercial lines. We also expect that the broader market will reflect rate increases in 
respect of retrocessional coverages. Accordingly, we currently intend to allocate relatively more capital in 
coming periods to our assumed retrocessional portfolio, target products in the U.S. excess and surplus lines 
direct insurance market, and our other property business. We also anticipate continuing improvements in 
the reinsurance sector overall, in particular, with respect to the complex, holistic and bespoke product 
coverages for which we believe we have competitive advantages. However, at this time we cannot know 
with certainty whether any such positive developments will transpire or be sustained, or the degree to which 
we will continue to benefit from them. Moreover, we are carefully monitoring ongoing, adverse trends in the 
Florida market with respect to claims practices, litigation risks, and exposure growth, and are prepared to 
continue to reduce our exposure to risks and accounts exposed to these trends. 

We expect that over time reinsurance demand for many coverages and solutions will continue to lag the 
pace of growth in available capital. We believe we are well positioned to benefit from these developments 
as shown, for example, in our efforts to optimize our gross-to-net portfolio. However, we estimate that in 
2019, and in respect of the January 2020 renewal season, capital supply from alternative capital providers 
was more constrained than in past periods. It is possible that the recent large loss events, and the 
uncertainty relating to the ultimate insured losses arising from these events, may contribute to a 
continuation of this trend for the capital raising cycle in respect of the April and June 1, 2020 market 
renewals. Nonetheless, over the medium and longer term, we anticipate the market will continue to be 
characterized by an ample supply of capital, including third-party capital, notwithstanding the significant 
impacts of the large loss events of 2017, 2018 and 2019, and the continuing adverse developments 
therefrom.

Furthermore, cedants in many of the key markets we serve are large and increasingly sophisticated. They 
may be able to manage large and growing retentions, access risk transfer capital in expanding forms, and 
may seek to focus their reinsurance relationships on a core group of well-capitalized, highly-rated reinsurers 
who can provide a complete product suite as well as value-added service. While we believe we are well 
positioned to compete for business we find attractive, these dynamics may limit the degree to which the 

108

market sustains favorable improvements in the near-term or continue to introduce or exacerbate long-term 
challenges in our markets.

Casualty and Specialty Exposed Market Developments

Certain of the markets in which our Casualty and Specialty segment operate generally experienced 
favorable rate trends in respect of the January 2020 renewals. Moreover, we also saw meaningful 
improvements in terms and conditions, including broad-based reductions in ceding commissions. 
Concurrently, however, the casualty and specialty markets have continued to broadly exhibit adverse loss 
development and negative exposure trends, including a meaningful increase in both the incidence and 
severity of civil jury awards. In 2019, we observed favorable conditions for accounts that exhibited elevated 
loss emergence or underlying rate deterioration, but we also estimate that the favorable market trends have 
extended more broadly. In the near term, we expect that current pricing trends exhibited during the year are 
likely to continue, with terms and conditions for loss-affected lines of business continuing to show moderate 
improvement and certain other areas of the casualty and specialty market potentially maintaining less 
pronounced but positive adjustments. As a whole, we continue to believe that pockets of casualty and 
specialty lines may provide attractive opportunities for stronger or well-positioned reinsurers, and that, given 
our strong ratings, expanded product offerings, and increased U.S. market presence, we are well positioned 
to compete for business that we find attractive. At the same time, we also estimate that underlying loss 
costs for many casualty and specialty lines of business will continue to rise. We plan to continue to seek 
unique or differentiated opportunities to provide coverage on large programs open to us on a differentiated 
basis or to select markets. However, we cannot assure you that positive market trends will continue, that we 
will succeed in identifying and expanding on attractive programs or obtain potentially attractive new 
programs, or that future, currently unforeseen, developments will not adversely impact the casualty and 
specialty markets.

Relatedly, specific renewal terms vary widely by insured account and our ability to shape our portfolio to 
improve its estimated risk and return characteristics is subject to a range of competitive and commercial 
factors. We cannot assure you that these positive dynamics will be sustained, or that we will participate fully 
in improving terms. We intend to seek to maintain strong underwriting discipline and, in light of prevailing 
market conditions, cannot provide assurance that we will succeed in growing or maintaining our current 
combined in-force book of business.

General Economic Conditions

Underlying economic conditions in several of the key markets we serve remained generally stable in 2019, 
with certain of our core markets, including the U.S., experiencing economic growth supported by decreases 
in some prevailing interest rates, and continued quantitative easing policies by some major central banks, 
partly offset by reporting declines in manufacturing activity in certain key markets and a reduction in trade 
flows. Economic growth contributes positively to demand for our coverages and services, particularly in 
jurisdictions with high insurance penetration and the potential for risk concentration. We also continue to 
seek and participate in efforts to enhance insurance penetration in respect of select perils and regions, 
although such efforts are complex and frequently long-term and uncertain in nature.

We continue to believe that meaningful risk remains related to political and economic uncertainty, economic 
weakness, or adverse disruptions in general economic and financial market conditions. Moreover, any 
future economic growth may be at a comparatively suppressed rate for a relatively extended period of time, 
particularly given the length of the U.S. economic cycle. Declining or weak economic conditions could 
reduce demand for the products sold by us or our customers, impact the risk-adjusted attractiveness and 
absolute returns and yields of our investment portfolio, or weaken our overall ability to write business at risk-
adequate rates. Persistent low levels of economic activity could also adversely impact other areas of our 
financial performance, by contributing to unforeseen premium adjustments, mid-term policy cancellations, 
commutations or asset devaluations, among other things. In addition, it is possible that increasing 
uncertainties related to cross-border trade may reduce economic growth for specific sectors which drive the 
insurance market disproportionately. In particular, our specialty and casualty reinsurance and Lloyd’s 
portfolios could be exposed to risks arising from economic weakness or dislocations, including with respect 
to a potential increase of claims in directors and officers, errors and omissions, surety, casualty clash and 
other lines of business. In addition, we believe our consolidated credit risk, reflecting our counterparty 
dealings with customers, agents, brokers, retrocessionaires, capital providers and parties associated with 

109

our investment portfolio, among others, is likely to be higher during a period of economic weakness. Any of 
the foregoing or other outcomes of a period of economic weakness could adversely impact our financial 
position or results of operations.

The sustained environment of low interest rates in recent years lowered the yields at which we invest our 
assets relative to longer-term historical levels. In 2019, decreases in prevailing interest rates contributed 
significantly to comparably high net realized and unrealized gains from our invested assets. However, as we 
invest cash from new premiums written or reinvest the proceeds of invested assets that mature or that we 
choose to sell, we expect the yield on our portfolio to be adversely impacted by a declining interest rate 
environment. While it is possible that yields will improve in future periods, we currently anticipate a period of 
declining interest rates and broader uncertainty. We are unable to predict with certainty when conditions will 
substantially and sustainably improve, or the pace of any such improvement.

We continue to monitor the risk that our principal markets will experience increased inflationary conditions, 
potentially exacerbated by interest rate cuts. Inflationary conditions would cause costs related to our claims 
and claim expenses to increase and impact the performance of our investment portfolio, among other 
things. The onset, duration and severity of an inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

In prior Congressional sessions, Congress has considered a range of potential legislation which would, if 
enacted, provide for matters such as the creation of (i) a federal reinsurance catastrophe fund; (ii) a federal 
consortium to facilitate qualifying state residual markets and catastrophe funds in securing reinsurance; and 
(iii) a federal bond guarantee program for state catastrophe funds in qualifying state residual markets. In 
April 2016, H.R.4947, the Natural Disaster Reinsurance Act of 2016, which would create a federal 
reinsurance program to cover any losses insured or reinsured by eligible state programs arising from 
natural catastrophes, including losses from floods, earthquakes, tropical storms, tornadoes, volcanic 
eruption and winter storms, was introduced. If enacted, this bill, or legislation, similar to any of these 
proposals, would, we believe, likely contribute to the growth of state entities offering below-market priced 
insurance and reinsurance in a manner adverse to us and market participants more generally. Such 
legislation could also encourage cessation, or even reversal, of reforms and stabilization initiatives that 
have been enacted in the state of Florida and other catastrophe-exposed states in recent years. While we 
believe such legislation will continue to be vigorously opposed, if adopted these bills would likely diminish 
the role of private market catastrophe reinsurers and could adversely impact our financial results, perhaps 
materially.

In June 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Bill, which provided for a five-year renewal of the 
National Flood Insurance Program (the “NFIP”) and, among other things, authorized the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) to carry out initiatives to determine the capacity of private 
insurers, reinsurers, and financial markets to assume a greater portion of the flood risk exposure in the 
U.S., and to assess the capacity of the private reinsurance market to assume some of the program’s risk. 
Commencing in January 2017, FEMA has, acting under authority contemplated by the Biggert-Waters Bill, 
secured annual reinsurance protection for the NFIP. Most recently, in January 2020, FEMA announced that 
it had renewed its reinsurance program to provide for $1.33 billion of protection in respect of 2020, covering 
10.25% of NFIP’s losses between $4 billion and $6 billion, 34.7% of its losses between $6 billion and $8 
billion, and 21.8% of its losses between $8 billion and $10 billion. In addition, NFIP has procured an 
additional $500 million of private market protection via the FloodSmart Re $500 million Series 2018-1 
Notes. It is possible this program will continue and potentially expand in future periods and may encourage 
other U.S. federal programs to explore private market risk transfer initiatives; however, we cannot assure 
you that any such developments will in fact occur, or that if they do transpire we will succeed in 
participating.

110

The statutory authorization for the operation and continuation of the NFIP has expired and received a series 
of short-term extensions. The NFIP’s current authorization has been extended to September 30, 2020. In 
January 2019, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued 
rules requiring lenders to accept private flood insurance policies that have coverage at least as 
comprehensive as that offered by NFIP, and providing a framework to evaluate alternative flood coverage; 
these rules went into effect on July 1, 2019. Congress is also considering legislative language that would 
direct FEMA to consider policyholders who discontinue an NFIP policy and then later return to the NFIP as 
having continuous coverage if they can demonstrate that a flood insurance policy from a private firm was 
maintained throughout the interim period. To the extent these laws, rules and regulations are adopted and 
enforced, they could incrementally contribute to the growth of private residential flood opportunities and the 
financial stabilization of the NFIP. However, reauthorization of the NFIP remains subject to meaningful 
uncertainty; and whether a successful reauthorization would continue market-enhancing reforms is 
significantly uncertain. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that legislation to reform the NFIP will indeed be 
enacted or that the private market for residential flood protection will be enhanced if it is.

In recent years, market conditions for insurance in the state of Florida have been significantly impacted by 
the increasingly prevalent utilization of a practice referred to as “assignment of benefits,” or “AOB.” We 
currently estimate that the impacts of AOB have contributed adversely and significantly to the ultimate 
economic losses borne by the insurance market in light of recent large Florida loss events, including 
Hurricanes Irma and Michael. An AOB is an instrument executed by a primary policyholder that is deemed 
to permit certain third parties, such as water extraction companies, roofers or plumbers, to “stand in the 
shoes” of the insured and seek direct payments from the policyholder’s insurance company.

In April 2019, SB 122: The Insurance Assignment Agreements Act (the “AOB Reform Bill”) became law in 
Florida, effective July 1, 2019. Among other things, the AOB Reform Bill is intended to change the way 
attorneys’ fees are calculated to provide less incentive for plaintiff attorneys to file frivolous suits; requires 
written notice to the insurer of a filing; more clearly informs insureds of their rights; allows Florida domestic 
insurers the option of offering policies with and without AOB language included; and requires service 
providers in Florida to give an insurer and the consumer prior written notice of at least 10 business days 
before filing suit on a claim. While we are cautiously optimistic that this law could somewhat mitigate, in 
respect of losses subsequent to July 2019, some of the more egregious practices that have contributed to 
adverse industry results in Florida, we continue believe that the likely estimated impact to exposed loss in 
reinsurance treaties and programs will not be material. In addition, the AOB Reform Bill is not intended to 
remediate the adverse impacts of earlier events, such as the large losses in 2017 and 2018, which continue 
to exhibit loss development well beyond modeled expectations. Moreover, industry organizations have 
reported that there was a measurable spike in AOB filings before the bill’s effective date of July 1, 2019 and 
that plaintiff firms have announced identified “workarounds” to the AOB Reform Bill provisions. In general, 
we continue to estimate that the dynamics and practices we refer to as “social inflation” will continue to 
adversely impact loss trends in Florida. Moreover, reforms of social inflation trends in Florida or other 
jurisdictions do not impact the increased risks attributable to changes in climate, demographics and other 
factors which we estimate are increasing the probability and severity of meteorologically-driven hazards. 

In January 2020 media reports announced that the rating agency responsible for assigning financial stability 
ratings (“FSR”) to more than 40 Florida domestic insurers had warned that several carriers would be 
expected to receive downgrades due to deteriorating conditions in the state’s property insurance market, 
and that more than a dozen of such carriers could be downgraded in the next few months. Factors cited by 
this agency included what the firm deemed to be the cumulative impact of prolonged periods of inadequate 
rate revisions by these carriers, as well as state judicial rulings adversely impacting claims awards, 
including in respect of the natural disasters of recent years.

Further, in February 2020, legislation was introduced in the Florida Senate, Bill No. SB 1334, which would, if 
ultimately adopted, significantly expand the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund for a statutory period of 
several years. This bill was just introduced, and we cannot assess yet its likelihood of passage or the 
impact it would have on the market or us if adopted. However, in general, expansion of state programs such 
as that contemplated by the bill reduce private market opportunities. In sum, taken together, these ongoing 
challenges have impacted our own risk selection criteria with respect to Florida exposures, and our 
estimation of the number of programs we believe are likely to be submitted at attractive risk-adjusted terms 
in respect of the June 2020 renewal.

111

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The following risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from sensitivities 
presented are forward-looking statements of market risk assuming certain market conditions occur. Actual 
results in the future may differ materially from these estimated results due to, among other things, actual 
developments in the global financial markets and changes in the composition of our investment portfolio, 
derivatives and product offerings. The results of analysis used by us to assess and mitigate risk should not 
be considered projections of future events or losses. Refer to “Note On Forward-Looking Statements” for 
additional discussion regarding forward-looking statements included herein.

We are principally exposed to four types of market risk: interest rate risk; foreign currency risk; credit risk; 
and equity price risk. As a result of the acquisition of TMR expanding the geographic scope of our 
operations and the size of our investment portfolio, our exposure to each of these market risks increased. 
Our policies to address these risks in 2019 were not materially different than those used in 2018.  

Our investment guidelines permit, subject to approval, investments in derivative instruments such as 
futures, options, foreign currency forward contracts and swap agreements, which may be used to assume 
risks or for hedging purposes. Refer to “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” in our “Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements” for additional information related to derivatives we have entered into.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the price sensitivity of a security to changes in interest rates. Our investment portfolio 
includes fixed maturity investments and short term investments, whose fair values will fluctuate with 
changes in interest rates. Our liabilities are accrued at a static rate in accordance with GAAP. However, we 
consider our liabilities, namely our net claims and claims expenses, to have an economic exposure to 
inflation and interest rate risk. As a result, we are exposed to interest rate risk with respect to our overall net 
economic asset position and more generally from an accounting standpoint since the assets are carried at 
fair value, while liabilities are accrued at a static rate. 

We may utilize derivative instruments via an interest rate overlay strategy, for example, to manage or 
optimize our duration and curve exposures. In addition, we attempt to maintain adequate liquidity in our 
fixed maturity investments portfolio to fund operations, pay reinsurance and insurance liabilities and claims 
and provide funding for unexpected events.

112

The following tables summarize the aggregate hypothetical increase (decrease) in fair value from an 
immediate parallel shift in the treasury yield curve, assuming credit spreads remain constant, reflecting the 
use of an immediate time horizon since this presents the worst-case scenario, in our fixed maturity 
investment and short term investments portfolio for the years indicated:

At December 31, 2019

-100

-50

Base

50

100

Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points

(in thousands, except
percentages)

Fair value of fixed

maturity and short
term investments

Net increase

(decrease) in fair
value

Percentage change in

fair value

$ 16,099,052

$ 15,918,493

$ 15,737,932

$15,557,371

$15,376,808

$

361,120

$

180,561

$

— $ (180,561)

$ (361,124)

2.3%

1.1%

—%

(1.1)%

(2.3)%

At December 31, 2018

-100

-50

Base

50

100

Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points

(in thousands, except
percentages)

Fair value of fixed

maturity and short
term investments

Net increase

(decrease) in fair
value

Percentage change in

fair value

$ 10,877,855

$ 10,777,893

$ 10,675,390

$10,571,175

$10,466,211

$

202,465

$

102,503

$

— $ (104,215)

$ (209,179)

1.9%

1.0%

—%

(1.0)%

(2.0)%

As noted above, we use derivative instruments, namely interest rate futures, within our portfolio of fixed 
maturity investments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk, which can include increasing or 
decreasing our exposure to this risk. At December 31, 2019, we had $2.5 billion of notional long positions 
and $1.0 billion of notional short positions of primarily Eurodollar, U.S. Treasury and non-U.S. dollar futures 
contracts (2018 - $1.9 billion and $545.8 million, respectively). At December 31, 2019, we had $27.9 million 
of notional positions paying a fixed rate and $25.5 million receiving a fixed rate denominated in U.S. dollar 
swap contracts (2018 - $78.4 million and $32.1 million, respectively). Refer to “Note 19. Derivative 
Instruments” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to 
interest rate futures and swaps entered into by us. 

At December 31, 2019, the aggregate hypothetical impact of an immediate upward parallel shift in the 
treasury yield curve of 100 basis points would be a decrease in the market value of our net position in 
interest rate futures of approximately $75.6 million and a decrease in the market value of our net position in 
interest rate swaps of approximately $1.6 million. Conversely, at December 31, 2019, the aggregate 
hypothetical impact of an immediate downward parallel shift in the treasury yield curve of 100 basis points 
would be an increase in the market value of our net position in interest rate futures of approximately $81.5 
million and an increase in the market value of our net position in interest rate swaps of approximately $1.6 
million. The foregoing reflects the use of an immediate time horizon, since this presents the worst-case 
scenario. Credit spreads are assumed to remain constant in these hypothetical examples.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our functional currency for consolidated reporting purposes is the U.S. dollar. We routinely write a portion of 
our business in currencies other than U.S. dollars and invest a portion of our cash and investment portfolio 
in those currencies. In addition, and in connection with the acquisition of TMR, we acquired certain entities 
with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies. As a result, we may experience foreign exchange gains and 

113

losses in our consolidated financial statements. We are primarily impacted by the foreign currency risk 
exposures noted below, and may, from time to time, enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts 
to minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets 
and liabilities. Refer to “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” in our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements” for additional information related to foreign currency forward and option contracts we have 
entered into. We may determine to not match a portion of our projected liabilities in foreign currencies with 
investments in the same currencies, which would increase our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and 
increase the volatility of our results of operations.

Underwriting Operations

Our foreign currency policy with regard to our underwriting operations is generally to enter into foreign 
currency forward and option contracts for notional values that approximate the foreign currency liabilities, 
including claims and claim expense reserves and reinsurance balances payable, net of any cash, 
investments and receivables held in the respective foreign currency. Our use of foreign currency forward 
and option contracts is intended to minimize the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-
U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities associated with our underwriting operations. 

Investment Portfolio

Our investment portfolio is exposed to currency fluctuations through our investments in non-U.S. dollar fixed 
maturity investments, short term investments and other investments. To economically hedge our exposure 
to currency fluctuations from these investments, we may enter into foreign currency forward contracts. In 
certain instances, we may assume foreign exchange risk as part of our investment strategy. Realized and 
unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses from the sale of our non-U.S. dollar fixed maturity investments 
trading and other investments, and foreign exchange gains or losses associated with our hedging of these 
non-U.S. dollar investments are recorded in net foreign exchange (losses) gains in our consolidated 
statements of operations. In the future, we may choose to increase our exposure to non-U.S. dollar 
investments.

114

The following tables summarize the principal currencies creating foreign exchange risk for us and our net 
foreign currency exposures and the impact of a hypothetical 10% change in our net foreign currency 
exposure, keeping all other variables constant, as of the dates indicated:

At December 31,
2019

(in thousands,
except for
percentages)

Net assets

(liabilities)
denominated in
foreign
currencies

Net foreign
currency
derivatives
notional amounts

Total net foreign

currency
exposure

Net foreign
currency
exposure as a
percentage of
total
shareholders’
equity
attributable to
RenaissanceRe

Impact of a

hypothetical 10%
change in total
net foreign
currency
exposure

At December 31,
2018

(in thousands,
except for
percentages)

Net (liabilities)

assets
denominated in
foreign
currencies

Net foreign
currency
derivatives
notional amounts

Total net foreign

currency
exposure

Net foreign
currency
exposure as a
percentage of
total
shareholders’
equity
attributable to
RenaissanceRe

Impact of a

hypothetical 10%
change in total
net foreign
currency
exposure

AUD

CAD

EUR

GBP

JPY

NZD

Other

Total

$109,915

$ 63,473

$217,652

$ (12,856)

$ (361,083)

$ (74,042)

$(44,393)

$ (101,334)

(74,862)

(48,918)

(255,935)

135,296

412,590

64,332

5,369

237,872

$ 35,053

$ 14,555

$ (38,283)

$122,440

$

51,507

$ (9,710)

$(39,024)

$ 136,538

0.6%

0.2%

(0.6)%

2.1%

0.9%

(0.2)%

(0.7)%

2.3%

$ (3,505)

$ (1,456)

$ 3,828

$ (12,244)

$

(5,151)

$

971

$ 3,902

$ (13,654)

AUD

CAD

EUR

GBP

JPY

NZD

Other

Total

$ (7,428)

$ 57,425

$190,573

$ (94,769)

$(233,041)

$ (15,495)

$(36,968)

$(139,703)

(2,360)

(54,656)

(136,404)

98,195

163,909

16,413

10,030

95,127

$ (9,788)

$ 2,769

$ 54,169

$ 3,426

$ (69,132)

$

918

$(26,938)

$ (44,576)

(0.2)%

0.1%

1.1%

0.1%

(1.4)%

—%

(0.5)%

(0.9)%

$

979

$

(277)

$ (5,417)

$

(343)

$

6,913

$

(92)

$ 2,694

$

4,458

115

 
 
 
 
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 and market risk associated with changes in credit spreads. 
We are primarily exposed to direct credit risk within our portfolios of fixed maturity and short term 
investments, and through customers and reinsurers in the form of premiums receivable and reinsurance 
recoverables, respectively, as discussed below.  

Fixed Maturity Investments and Short Term Investments

Credit risk related to our fixed maturity investments and short term investments is the exposure to adverse 
changes in the creditworthiness of individual investment holdings, issuers, groups of issuers, industries and 
countries. We manage credit risk in our fixed maturity investments and short term investments through the 
credit research performed primarily by the investment management service providers and our evaluation of 
these investment managers adherence to investment mandates provided to them. The management of 
credit risk in the investment portfolio is integrated in our credit risk management governance framework and 
the management of credit exposures and concentrations within the investment portfolio are carried out in 
accordance with our risk policies, limits and risk concentrations as overseen by the Investment and Risk 
Management Committee of our Board of Directors. In the investment portfolio, we review on a regular basis 
our asset concentration, credit quality and adherence to credit limit guidelines. At December 31, 2019, our 
fixed maturity investments and short term investment portfolio had a dollar-weighted average credit quality 
rating of AA (2018 - AA). In addition, we limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution 
and, except for the securities of the U.S. Government and U.S. Government related entities, and money 
market securities, none of our investments exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2019.

The following table summarizes the ratings of our fixed maturity investments and short term investments 
(using ratings assigned by S&P and/or other rating agencies when S&P ratings were not available) as a 
percentage of total fixed maturity investments and short term investments as of the dates indicated:

At December 31,

2019

2018

AAA

AA

A

BBB

Non-investment grade

Not rated

Total

35.8%

44.0%

9.3%

5.6%

4.9%

0.4%

31.4%

44.5%

8.7%

6.2%

8.4%

0.8%

100.0%

100.0%

We consider the impact of credit spread movements on the fair value of our fixed maturity and short term 
investments portfolio. As credit spreads widen, the fair value of our fixed maturity and short term 
investments decreases, and vice versa. 

116

 
 
The following tables summarize the aggregate hypothetical increase (decrease) in fair value from an 
immediate parallel shift in credit spreads, assuming the treasury yield curve remains constant, reflecting the 
use of an immediate time horizon since this presents the worst-case scenario, in our fixed maturity 
investments and short term investments portfolio for the years indicated:

At December 31, 2019

-100

-50

Base

50

100

Credit Spread Shift in Basis Points

(in thousands, except
percentages)

Fair value of fixed

income and short
term investments $ 15,879,718

$ 15,833,057

$ 15,737,932

$ 15,626,356

$ 15,514,779

Net increase

(decrease) in fair
value

Percentage change

in fair value

$

141,786

$

95,125

$

— $

(111,576)

$

(223,153)

0.9%

0.6%

—%

(0.7)%

(1.4)%

At December 31, 2018

-100

-50

Base

50

100

Credit Spread Shift in Basis Points

(in thousands, except
percentages)

Fair value of fixed

income and short
term investments $ 10,804,654

$ 10,750,213

$ 10,675,390

$ 10,589,321

$ 10,503,252

Net increase

(decrease) in fair
value

Percentage change

in fair value

$

129,264

$

74,823

$

— $

(86,069)

$

(172,138)

1.2%

0.7%

—%

(0.8)%

(1.6)%

We also employ credit derivatives in our investment portfolio to either assume credit risk or hedge our credit 
exposure. At December 31, 2019, we had outstanding credit derivatives of $0.5 million in notional long 
positions (short credit) and $143.4 million in notional short positions (long credit), denominated in U.S. 
dollars (2018 - $1.0 million and $126.2 million, respectively). Refer to “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” in 
our “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information related to credit derivatives 
entered into by us. The aggregate hypothetical market value impact from an immediate upward shift in 
credit spreads of 100 basis points would cause a decrease in the market value of our net position in these 
derivatives of approximately $8.9 million at December 31, 2019. Conversely, the aggregate hypothetical 
market value impact from an immediate downward shift in credit spreads of 100 basis points would cause 
an increase in the market value of our net position in these derivatives of approximately $8.9 million at 
December 31, 2019. For an immediate downward shift in credit spreads, we do not allow credit spreads to 
go negative in calculating the impact. The foregoing reflects the use of an immediate time horizon, since 
this presents the worst-case scenario.

Premiums Receivable and Reinsurance Recoverable

Premiums receivable from ceding companies are subject to credit risk. To mitigate credit risk related to 
reinsurance premiums receivable, we have established standards for ceding companies and, in most cases, 
have a contractual right of offset allowing us to settle claims net of any reinsurance premiums receivable. 
We also have reinsurance recoverable amounts from our reinsurers. To mitigate credit risk related to our 
reinsurance recoverable amounts, we consider the financial strength of our reinsurers when determining 
whether to purchase coverage from them. We generally obtain reinsurance coverage from companies rated 
“A-“ or better by S&P unless the obligations are collateralized. We routinely monitor the financial 
performance and rating status of all material reinsurers. Refer to “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates, 
Reinsurance Recoverables” for additional information with respect to reinsurance recoverable.

117

Equity Price Risk

Equity price risk is the potential loss arising from changes in the market value of equities. As detailed in the 
table below, we are directly exposed to this risk through our investment in equity investments trading which 
are traded on nationally recognized stock exchanges; and indirectly exposed to this risk through our 
investments in: (1) private equity investments whose exit strategies often depend on the equity markets; 
and (2) other ventures, under equity method. We may use equity derivatives in our investment portfolio to 
either assume equity risk or hedge our equity exposure. The following table summarizes a hypothetical 10% 
increase and decline in the carrying value of our equity investments trading, private equity investments, 
hedge funds and investments in other ventures, under equity method, holding all other factors constant, at 
the dates indicated:

At December 31,
(in thousands, except for percentages)
Equity investments trading, at fair value

Private equity investments, at fair value

Investments in other ventures, under equity method

Hedge funds, at fair value

Total carrying value of investments exposed to equity price risk

Impact of a hypothetical 10% increase in the carrying value of investments

exposed to equity price risk

Impact of a hypothetical 10% decrease in the carrying value of

investments exposed to equity price risk

2019

2018

$

436,931 $

310,252

271,047

106,549

12,091

242,647

115,172

11,233

826,618 $

679,304

82,662 $

67,930

(82,662) $

(67,930)

$

$

$

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Reference is made to Item 15 of this Report for the Consolidated Financial Statements of RenaissanceRe 
and the Notes thereto, as well as the Schedules to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our 
disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act, as of 
the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our management, including our 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, at December 31, 2019, our disclosure 
controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be 
disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, 
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated 
and communicated to our management, including our 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

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial 
reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended. Our internal control over financial reporting was designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external 

118

 
 
purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect management’s 
judgments and estimates concerning effects of events and transactions that are accounted for or disclosed. 

Our 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 our transactions and the 
dispositions of our assets; (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 our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our 
management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection 
of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our 
financial statements.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any controls. Our Board of Directors and management, 
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls 
and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. Controls, no 
matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the 
objectives of the controls are met. Further, we believe that the design of controls must reflect appropriate 
resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the 
inherent limitations in controls, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control 
issues and instances of fraud, if any, within RenaissanceRe have been detected.

Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed our 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 using the criteria set forth by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management concluded that RenaissanceRe’s 
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.

Under guidelines established by the SEC, companies are allowed to exclude acquisitions from their first 
assessment of internal control over financial reporting following the date of acquisition. Based on those 
guidelines, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of RenaissanceRe’s internal control over 
financial reporting excluded TMR, which was acquired on March 22, 2019. TMR represented approximately 
17.3% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2019 and approximately 16.8% of the Company’s net 
income for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” in our 
“Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the acquisition of 
TMR.

Ernst & Young Ltd., the independent registered public accountants who audited our consolidated financial 
statements included in this Form 10-K, audited our internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2019 and their attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting appears 
below.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended 
December 31, 2019, which were identified in connection with our evaluation required pursuant to Rules 
13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to 
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

119

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

We have audited RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as 
of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO 
criteria). In our opinion, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all 
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the 
COSO criteria.

As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial 
Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over 
financial reporting did not include the internal controls of TMR, which is included in the 2019 consolidated 
financial statements of the Company and constituted approximately 17.3% of total assets, as of 
December 31, 2019 and approximately 16.8% net income for the year then ended. Our audit of internal 
control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over 
financial reporting of TMR.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and 
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, 
comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in 
the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and schedules of the Company and our reports 
dated February 7, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion 

The Company’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 Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on 
our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent 
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules 
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal 
control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in 
the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

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. 

120

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. 

/s/ Ernst & Young Ltd.

Hamilton, Bermuda
February 7, 2020

121

ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item relating to our directors, executive officers and corporate governance 
is incorporated herein by reference to information found in our Proxy Statement for the Annual General 
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18, 2020 (our “Proxy Statement”). We intend to file our Proxy 
Statement no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year. 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics within the meaning of Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act 
that applies to all of our directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial 
officer, principal accounting officer, controller and other persons performing similar functions. The Code of 
Ethics is available free of charge on our website www.renre.com. We will also provide a printed version of 
the Code of Ethics to any shareholder who requests it. We intend to disclose any amendments to our Code 
of Ethics by posting such information on our website. Any waivers of our Code of Ethics applicable to our 
directors, principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and 
other persons who perform similar functions will be disclosed on our website or by filing a Form 8-K, as 
required.

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item relating to executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference 
to information included in our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 
RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and 
management and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is incorporated 
herein by reference to information included in our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 
INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item relating to certain relationships and related transactions and director 
independence is incorporated herein by reference to information included in our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item relating to principal accountant fees and services is incorporated 
herein by reference to information included in our Proxy Statement.

PART IV

ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Financial Statements 
The Consolidated Financial Statements of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and related Notes thereto are 
listed in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and are filed as part of this Form 
10-K. 

Financial Statement Schedules 
The Schedules to the Consolidated Financial Statements of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. are listed in the 
accompanying Index to Schedules to Consolidated Financial Statements and are filed as a part of this Form 
10-K.

122

 
Exhibit Index 

Exhibit 
Number  Description
2.1 

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2018, by and among Tokio Marine & Nichido 
Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc., and RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., including 
the exhibits thereto. (41)

3.1 

3.2 

3.3 

3.4 

4.1 

4.2 

Memorandum of Association. (P) (1)

Amended and Restated Bye-Laws. (2)

Memorandum of Increase in Share Capital of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (3)

Specimen Common Share certificate. (P) (1)

Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of 6.08% Series C Preference Shares. (4)

Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of 5.375% Series E Preference Shares. (5)

4.2(a) 

Form of Stock Certificate Evidencing the 5.375% Series E Preference Shares. (5)

4.3 

4.3(a) 

4.3(b) 

Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of 5.750% Series F Preference Shares. (40)

Form of Stock Certificate Evidencing the 5.750% Series F Preference Shares. (40)

Deposit Agreement, dated June 18, 2018, among RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., Computershare, 
Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (40)

4.3(c) 

Form of Depositary Receipt. (40)

4.4 

4.4(a) 

4.4(b) 

Senior Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2010, among RenRe North America Holdings Inc., as 
issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Companies 
America, as trustee. (6)

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2010, among RenRe North America 
Holdings Inc., as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust 
Companies America, as trustee. (6)

Senior Debt Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2010, between 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Companies America, as 
guarantee trustee. (6)

4.4(c)  Waiver Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2011, by and among RenRe North America 

4.4(d) 

4.5 

4.5(a) 

4.5(b) 

4.6 

4.6(a) 

Holdings Inc., RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as 
trustee. (7)

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 3, 2015, among RenRe North America 
Holdings, Inc., as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, RenaissanceRe Finance 
Inc., as co-obligor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Companies America, as trustee. (24)

Senior Indenture, dated as of March 24, 2015, among RenaissanceRe Finance Inc., as issuer, 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as 
trustee. (22)

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 24, 2015, among RenaissanceRe Finance Inc., 
as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company 
Americas, as trustee. (22)

Senior Debt Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2015, between 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as 
guarantee trustee. (22)

Senior Indenture, dated as of June 29, 2017, among RenaissanceRe Finance Inc., as issuer, 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as 
trustee. (35)

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 29, 2017, among RenaissanceRe Finance Inc., 
as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company 
Americas, as trustee. (35)

123

4.6(b) 

4.6(c)  

4.7 

4.7(a) 

4.8 

10.1* 

10.2* 

10.3* 

10.4*  

10.5*  

Second Supplemental Indenture, March 25, 2019, by and among RenaissanceRe Finance Inc., 
as issuer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor and Deutsche Bank Trust Company 
Americas, as trustee. (48)

Senior Debt Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2017, between 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as 
guarantee trustee. (35)  

Senior Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2019, by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as 
issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. (49)

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2019, by and between RenaissanceRe 
Holdings Ltd., as issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. (49)

Description of Securities.

Further Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2016, by and 
between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Kevin J. O’Donnell. (28)

Legacy Form of Further Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for Named Executive 
Officers (other than our Chief Executive Officer). (28)**

Form of Employment Agreement for Named Executive Officers (other than our Chief Executive 
Officer). (28)***
Letter agreement, dated July 6, 2016, between Ian Branagan and RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 
regarding secondment to the U.K. (28) 

Letter agreement, dated April 11, 2013, between Ian Branagan and RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 
regarding secondment to the U.K. (28)

10.6*  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan. (38) 

10.6(a)*   Form of Director Restricted Stock Agreement under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2016 Long-

Term Incentive Plan. (28)

10.6(b)*   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2016 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan. (28)

10.6(c)*  Form of Performance Share Agreement under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2016 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan (for awards made in 2017 and March 2018). (33)

10.6(d)*  Form of Performance Share Agreement under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2016 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan (for awards made in May 2018 and March 2019). (39)

10.6(e)*  Form of Performance Share Agreement under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2016 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan (for awards to be made in March 2020).

10.7 

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Deferred Cash Award Plan. (36)

10.7(a)  Form of Deferred Cash Award Agreement pursuant to which Deferred Cash Awards are granted 

under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. Deferred Cash Award Plan. (36)

10.8* 

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Plan. (39)

10.8(a)*  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement pursuant to which restricted stock unit grants are made 

under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Plan. (30)

10.9* 

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (15)

10.9(a)*  Amendment No. 1 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (16)

10.9(b)*  Amendment No. 2 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (16)

10.9(c)*  Amendment No. 3 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (8)

10.9(d)*  Amendment No. 4 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (13)

10.9(e)*  Amendment No. 5 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (17)

10.9(f)*  Amendment No. 6 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (11)

10.9(g)*  UK Schedule to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (8)

10.9(h)*  UK Sub-Plan to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (8)

10.9(i)*  Form of Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Agreement pursuant to which restricted stock grants 
were made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. (27)

124

10.10*  RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2010 Restricted Stock Unit Plan. (14)

10.10(a)*  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, pursuant to which restricted stock unit grants were 
made under the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2010 Restricted Stock Unit Plan. (14)

10.11* 

Form of Tax Reimbursement Waiver Letter with the Named Executive Officers. (19)

10.12* 

10.13* 

10.14 

Form of Agreement Regarding Use of Aircraft Interest by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings 
Ltd. and Certain Executive Officers of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (12)

Form of Director Retention Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2002, entered into by each of 
the non-employee directors of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (20)

Amended and Restated Standby Letter of Credit Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2019, by and 
among Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Inc., DaVinci Reinsurance 
Ltd., RenaissanceRe Europe AG, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., as Guarantor, and Wells Fargo 
Bank, National Association. (51)

10.15 

Facility Letter, dated September 17, 2010, from Citibank Europe plc to Renaissance Reinsurance 
Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. and Glencoe Insurance Ltd. (9)

10.15(a)  Insurance Letters of Credit - Master Agreement, dated September 17, 2010, between 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and Citibank Europe plc. DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., Glencoe 
Insurance Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, Renaissance Specialty U.S. Ltd., Platinum 
Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. each entered into an 
agreement with Citibank Europe plc that is identical to the foregoing agreement, except with 
respect to party names and dates. (9)

10.15(b)  Amendment to Facility Letter, dated July 14, 2011, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd and Glencoe Insurance Ltd. (45)

10.15(c)  Amendment to Facility Letter, dated October 1, 2013, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., 
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. (10)

10.15(d)  Amendment to Facility Letter, dated December 23, 2014, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., 
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe and RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. (27)

10.15(e)  Amendment to Facility Letter, dated March 31, 2015, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., 
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Platinum Underwriters 
Bermuda, Ltd. and Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. (27)

10.15(f)  Amendment to Facility Letter, dated December 30, 2015, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., 
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Platinum Underwriters 
Bermuda, Ltd. and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. (26)

10.15(g)  Amendment to Facility Letter, dated January 14, 2016, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty Risks Ltd., 
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Platinum Underwriters 
Bermuda, Ltd. and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. (27)

10.15(h)   Termination of Master Agreements, Control Agreements and Pledge Agreements, dated October 

1, 2016, between Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. and Citibank Europe plc. (29)

10.15(i)  Amendment to Facility Letter, dated December 31, 2016, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, 
RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. (32)

10.15(j)  Amendment to Facility Letter, dated December 29, 2017, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe 
Unlimited Company, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. 
(37)

10.15(k)  Amendment to Facility Letter, dated December 31, 2018, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe 

125

Unlimited Company, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. and Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. 
(44)

10.15(l)  Deed of Amendment and Accession, dated June 24, 2019, by and among Citibank Europe plc, 
Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., 
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc and RenaissanceRe 
Europe AG. (52)

10.15(m)  Deed of Amendment to Facility Letter, dated December 31, 2019, by and among Citibank Europe 

10.16 

10.17 

plc, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance of 
Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. and 
RenaissanceRe Europe AG. (54)

Amended and Restated Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of November 7, 
2019, by and among Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., as borrower, ING Bank N.V., London 
Branch, as agent and as lender, Bank of Montreal, London Branch, as a lender, and Citibank 
Europe plc, as a lender. (53)

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2018, by and among 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. 
Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc., various banks and financial institutions parties thereto, 
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Fronting Bank, LC Administrator and 
Administrative Agent for the Lenders. (43)

10.17(a)  Guaranty Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2018, by and among RenRe North America 
Holdings Inc., RenaissanceRe Finance Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as 
Administrative Agent. (43)

10.17(b)  First Amendment to Loan Documents, dated June 11, 2019, by and among RenaissanceRe 

Holdings Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Renaissance 
Reinsurance U.S. Inc., various banks and financial institutions parties thereto, and Wells Fargo 
Bank, National Association, as Fronting Bank, LC Administrator, a Swingline Lender and 
Administrative Agent for the Lenders. (52)

10.18 

Master Agreement for Issuance of Payment Instruments, dated March 22, 2019, between 
Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance 
Inc., RenaissanceRe Europe AG and Citibank Europe plc. (47)

10.18(a)  Facility Letter for Issuance of Payment Instruments, dated March 22, 2019, by and among 

Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance 
Inc., RenaissanceRe Europe AG and Citibank Europe plc. (47)

10.18(b)  Accession Undertaking, dated as of April 26, 2019, by and between RenaissanceRe (UK) Limited 

and Citibank Europe plc. (50)

10.19  Waiver, dated as of November 15, 2016, by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and 

BlackRock, Inc. (31)

10.20  Waiver, dated as of May 11, 2018, by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and The 

Vanguard Group, Inc. (39)

10.21 

10.22 

Investment Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2018, by and between RenaissanceRe Holdings 
Ltd. And State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, including the exhibits thereto. (41)

Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 30, 2018, by and between RenaissanceRe 
Holdings Ltd. and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. Ltd. (41)

10.23+  Reserve Development Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2019, by and between Tokio Millennium 

Re AG, and Tokio Millennium Re (UK) Limited and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., 
Ltd. (46)

10.24+  Retrocession Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2019, by and between Tokio Millennium Re AG 

and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (46)

21.1 

23.1 

List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

Consent of Ernst & Young Ltd.

126

31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

32.2 

Certification of Kevin J. O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., 
pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended.

Certification of Robert Qutub, Chief Financial Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to 
Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Certification of Kevin J. O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., 
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002.

Certification of Robert Qutub, Chief Financial Officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., pursuant to 
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS 

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data 
File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document 

101.SCH  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

104 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document and included in 
Exhibit 101)

* 
** 
*** 
+  

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

Represents management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Applicable to Stephen H. Weinstein and Ian D. Branagan.
Applicable to Ross A. Curtis and Robert Qutub.
Certain schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The 
Company hereby undertakes to furnish supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules 
upon request by the SEC.

Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of RenaissanceRe Holdings 
Ltd. (Registration No. 33-70008) which was declared effective by the SEC on July 26, 1995.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the period ended June 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2002.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 1998, filed with the SEC on May 14, 1998.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on March 18, 2004.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on May 28, 2013.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on March 18, 2010.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on January 24, 2011.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the period ended March 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on May 1, 2009.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on September 23, 2010.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on October 4, 2013.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the period ended September 30, 2013, filed with the SEC on November 6, 2013.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2013.

127

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

(17) 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

(21) 

(22) 

(23) 

(24) 

(25) 

(26) 

(27) 

(28) 

(29) 

(30) 

(31) 

(32) 

(33) 

(34)  

(35)  

Amendment No. 4 to the RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated 
by reference to Appendix B to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.'s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed 
with the SEC on April 8, 2010. The RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 2010 Performance-Based 
Equity Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference to Appendix A to RenaissanceRe Holdings 
Ltd.'s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the SEC on April 8, 2010.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on February 19, 2010.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration 
No. 333-90758) dated June 19, 2002.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the period ended March 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on May 2, 2007.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on August 13, 2010.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for 
the period ended September 30, 2004, filed with the SEC on November 9, 2004.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2012.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2003 (SEC File Number 
001-14428).

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on December 30, 2014.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on March 25, 2015.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on May 21, 2015.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on July 8, 2015.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on November 25, 2015.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on December 31, 2015.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 19, 2016.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the period ended June 30, 2016, filed with the SEC on July 27, 2016.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the period ended September 30, 2016, filed with the SEC on November 2, 2016.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on November 10, 2016.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on November 18, 2016.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on January 5, 2017.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2017.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on May 26, 2017.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on June 29, 2017.

128

(36)  

(37) 

(38) 

(39) 

(40) 

(41)  

(42) 

(43) 

(44) 

(45)  

(46) 

(47) 

(48) 

(49) 

(50) 

(51) 

(52) 

(53) 

(54) 

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on November 13, 2017.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on January 3, 2018.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on May 16, 2018.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on June 19, 2018.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on November 5, 2018.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on November 9, 2018.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holding Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on November 14, 2018.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on January 3, 2019. 

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on February 7, 2019.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the Commission on March 22, 2019.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on March 25, 2019.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the Commission on March 26, 2019.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the Commission on April 2, 2019.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the period ended March 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on May 8, 2019.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on June 24, 2019.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the period ended June 30, 2019, filed with the SEC on July 25, 2019.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on November 12, 2019.

Incorporated by reference to RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed 
with the SEC on January 3, 2020.

ITEM 16.    FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

129

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.

SIGNATURES

Date: February 7, 2020

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
/s/ Kevin J. O’Donnell
Kevin J. O’Donnell
Chief Executive Officer and President

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 and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

February 7, 2020

(Principal Executive Officer)

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

February 7, 2020

(Principal Financial Officer)

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

February 7, 2020

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Directors

February 7, 2020

/s/ Kevin J. O’Donnell
Kevin J. O’Donnell

/s/ Robert Qutub
Robert Qutub

/s/ James C. Fraser
James C. Fraser

/s/ James L. Gibbons
James L. Gibbons

/s/ David C. Bushnell
David C. Bushnell

/s/ Brian G. J. Gray
Brian G. J. Gray

/s/ Jean D. Hamilton
Jean D. Hamilton

/s/ Duncan P. Hennes
Duncan P. Hennes

/s/ Henry Klehm, III
Henry Klehm, III

/s/ Valerie Rahmani
Valerie Rahmani

/s/ Carol P. Sanders
Carol P. Sanders

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

/s/ Anthony M. Santomero Director
Anthony M. Santomero

/s/ Cynthia Trudell
Cynthia Trudell

Director

130

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

February 7, 2020

 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 

2019, 2018 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 
2019, 2018 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 

2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 1. Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 5. Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 6. Fair Value Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 7. Reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 8. Reserve for Claims and Claim Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 9. Debt and Credit Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 10. Noncontrolling Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 11. Variable Interest Entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 12. Shareholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 13. Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 14. Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 15. Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 16. Segment Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 17. Stock Incentive Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 18. Statutory Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 19. Derivative Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 20. Commitments and Contingencies and Other Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 21. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 22. Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Provided in Connection with 

Outstanding Debt of Subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 23. Subsequent Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page

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F-1

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Opinion on the Financial Statements 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and 
subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of 
operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the 
three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the 
“consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in 
all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results 
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in 
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 7, 
2020, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting 
firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in 
accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities 
and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free 
of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to 
assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and 
performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, 
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included 
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as 
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters 

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the 
financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and 
that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our 
especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does 
not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, 
by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters 
or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

F-2

Description
of the Matter

Valuation of Reserve for Incurred But Not Reported Claim Reserves

At December 31, 2019, the liability for incurred but not reported claim reserves, including
additional case reserves (ACR) for the property segment (collectively referred to as IBNR
claim reserves), represented $6,404.4 million of the total $9,384.3 million of reserves for
claims and claim expenses. As disclosed in Notes 2 and 8 of the consolidated financial
statements, reserves for claims and claim expenses represent estimates that are
established by management based on actuarially and statistical projections at a given point
in time, of the ultimate settlement and administration costs for unpaid claims and claim
expenses arising from the insurance and reinsurance contracts the Company sells for both
their casualty and specialty segment and their property segment.

There is significant uncertainty inherent in estimating IBNR claim reserves. In determining
management’s estimate of the IBNR claim reserves for the casualty and specialty segment,
management’s analysis includes consideration of loss development patterns; historical
ultimate loss ratios; and the presence of individual large losses. In particular, the estimate is
sensitive to the selection and weighting of actuarial methods, expected trends in claim
severity and frequency, the time lag inherent in reporting information and industry or event
trends. In determining management’s estimate of the ultimate loss settlement costs which is
used to determine the IBNR claim reserves for the property segment, which generally
involve catastrophic events, management’s analysis includes available information derived
from claims information from certain customers and brokers, industry assessments of losses
from the events, proprietary models, and the terms and conditions of the Company’s
contracts. In particular, the estimate is sensitive to the preliminary nature of the information
available, the magnitude and relative infrequency of the events, the expected duration of the
respective claims development period, inadequacies in the data provided to the relevant
date by industry participants and the potential for further reporting lags or insufficiencies,
and in certain large events, significant uncertainty as to the form of the claims and legal
issues under the relevant terms of insurance and reinsurance contracts.

Auditing management’s estimate for IBNR claim reserves was complex and required the
involvement of our actuarial specialists due to the high degree of subjectivity inherent in
management’s methods and assumptions used in the calculations which have a significant
effect on the valuation of the reserves.

How We
Addressed
the Matter in
Our Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness
of the relevant controls over the estimation process for IBNR claim reserves. This included,
among others, evaluating management’s review controls over the actuarial methods
selected to determine the estimate and the assumptions and methods used for the
Company’s determination of their recorded estimate.

To test the IBNR claim reserves that are included in claims and claim expense reserves, our
audit procedures included, among others, utilizing the assistance of actuarial specialists.
Our actuarial specialists evaluated the selection of standard reserving methods applied,
considering the methods used in prior periods and those applied in the broader insurance
industry. To evaluate the significant assumptions used by management in the reserving
methods for the casualty and specialty segment, we compared the significant assumptions,
including loss development patterns, ultimate loss ratios, and the impact of individual large
losses, to company experience and current industry benchmarks. To evaluate the significant
assumptions used by management in their actuarial methods in the property segment we
compared the significant assumptions, including the severity of industry losses by event and
development patterns, to current industry benchmarks such as incurred to ultimate loss
ratios and industry loss levels. In addition, for casualty, specialty and property claims and
claims expense reserves, we developed a range of reasonable reserve estimates including
performing independent projections for a significant portion of the Company’s classes of
business and compared the range of reserve estimates to the Company’s recorded claims
and claim expense reserves.

F-3

Description 
of the Matter

Valuation of Value of Business Acquired for TMR Acquisition

As disclosed in Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements, on March 22, 2019, the
Company completed its acquisitions of Tokio Millennium Re AG and Tokio Millennium Re
(UK) Ltd (collectively referred to as TMR) for the net purchase price of $1.1 billion. The
purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of TMR, which resulted in
the Company recording an asset for the Value of Business Acquired (VOBA) of $287.6
million at the acquisition date. The Company’s December 31, 2019 balance of VOBA
represents the unamortized present value of the expected underwriting profit, net of
reinsurance less the costs to service the related expenses. VOBA is expected to amortize
over approximately two years from the acquisition date, as the in-force contracts as of the
acquisition date expire.

There is significant uncertainty inherent in determining the VOBA asset, primarily due to the
sensitivity of the valuation to estimate loss ratios by line of business used to calculate the
underwriting profit, weighted average cost of capital, risk premium and expected payout
patterns.

Auditing management’s VOBA asset as a result of its acquisition of TMR was complex and
required the involvement of our actuarial specialists due to the high degree of subjectivity
inherent in management’s assumptions used in the model which have a significant effect on
the valuation of VOBA.

How We
Addressed
the Matter in
Our Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness
of the Company’s controls over the process to calculate VOBA, which included, among
others, evaluating management’s review controls over the assumptions used to develop
such estimate.

To test the VOBA asset, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, the
involvement of our actuarial specialists to assist in evaluating management’s calculation of
VOBA. To evaluate the significant assumptions used by management in the model, we
compared their loss ratio estimate selections to a range of reasonable actuarial estimates
based on data as of the acquisition date, the expected payout patterns of the claims and
claim expenses and the expected investment yields used in the determination of the
discount rate to both industry benchmarks and historical data, and the risk premium used to
a margin derived using appropriate industry capital factors by type of business and
jurisdiction. We independently calculated a range of reasonable valuations of the VOBA
asset, which we compared to management’s estimate of VOBA. We also evaluated the
amortization period selected by management and compared it to the remaining duration of
the contracts of business in-force that were acquired.

/s/ Ernst & Young Ltd.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1993.

Hamilton, Bermuda
February 7, 2020 

F-4

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
At December 31, 2019 and 2018
(in thousands of United States Dollars, except share and per share amounts)

Assets
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value - amortized cost

$11,067,414 at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $8,163,962) (Notes 5 and 6)

$ 11,171,655 $ 8,088,870

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

Short term investments, at fair value (Notes 5 and 6)

Equity investments trading, at fair value (Notes 5 and 6)

Other investments, at fair value (Notes 5 and 6)

Investments in other ventures, under equity method (Note 5)

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Premiums receivable

Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Note 7)

Reinsurance recoverable (Notes 7 and 8)

Accrued investment income

Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

Receivable for investments sold

Other assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Note 4)

Total assets

Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders’ Equity

Liabilities
Reserve for claims and claim expenses (Note 8)

Unearned premiums

Debt (Note 9)

Reinsurance balances payable

Payable for investments purchased

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 20)

Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 10)
Shareholders’ Equity (Note 12)
Preference shares: $1.00 par value – 16,010,000 shares issued and

outstanding at December 31, 2019 (2018 – 16,010,000)

Common shares: $1.00 par value – 44,148,116 shares issued and

outstanding at December 31, 2019 (2018 – 42,207,390)

Additional paid-in capital

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to RenaissanceRe
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity

4,566,277

2,586,520

436,931

1,087,377

106,549

310,252

784,933

115,172

17,368,789

11,885,747

1,379,068

2,599,896

767,781

1,107,922

1,537,188

616,185

2,791,297

2,372,221

72,461

663,991

78,369

346,216

262,226

51,311

476,661

256,416

135,127

237,418

$ 26,330,094 $ 18,676,196

$ 9,384,349 $ 6,076,271

2,530,975

1,384,105

2,830,691

225,275

932,024

1,716,021

991,127

1,902,056

380,332

513,609

17,287,419

11,579,416

3,071,308

2,051,700

650,000

650,000

44,148

568,277

42,207

296,099

(1,939)

(1,433)

4,710,881
5,971,367

4,058,207
5,045,080
$ 26,330,094 $ 18,676,196

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

F-5

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 
(in thousands of United States Dollars, except per share amounts)

2019

2018

2017

Revenues
Gross premiums written
Net premiums written (Note 7)
Increase in unearned premiums
Net premiums earned (Note 7)
Net investment income (Note 5)
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains
Equity in earnings of other ventures (Note 5)
Other income
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments (Note

5)

Total revenues

Expenses

Net claims and claim expenses incurred (Notes 7 and 8)
Acquisition expenses
Operational expenses
Corporate expenses
Interest expense (Note 9)
Total expenses

Income (loss) before taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit (Note 15)

Net income (loss)

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling

interests (Note 10)

Net income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe

Dividends on preference shares (Note 12)

$ 4,807,750 $ 3,310,427 $ 2,797,540
$ 3,381,493 $ 2,131,902 $ 1,871,325
(153,750)
1,717,575
222,209
10,628
8,030
9,415

(43,090)
3,338,403
423,833
(2,938)
23,224
4,949

(155,773)
1,976,129
261,866
(12,428)
18,474
5,969

414,483
4,201,954

(175,069)
2,074,941

135,822
2,103,679

2,097,021
762,232
222,733
94,122
58,364
3,234,472
967,482
(17,215)
950,267

(201,469)
748,798
(36,756)

1,120,018
432,989
178,267
33,983
47,069
1,812,326
262,615
6,302
268,917

(41,553)
227,364
(30,088)

1,861,428
346,892
160,778
18,572
44,193
2,431,863
(328,184)
(26,487)
(354,671)

132,282
(222,389)
(22,381)

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe

common shareholders

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe

common shareholders per common share – basic (Note 13)

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe

common shareholders per common share – diluted (Note 13)

$

$

$

712,042 $

197,276 $

(244,770)

16.32 $

4.91 $

(6.15)

16.29 $

4.91 $

(6.15)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

F-6

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 
(in thousands of United States Dollars) 

Comprehensive income (loss)

Net income (loss)

Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

Comprehensive income (loss)

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling

interests

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable

noncontrolling interests

2019

2018

2017

$

950,267 $

268,917 $ (354,671)

2,173

(2,679)

(1,657)

—

(909)

—

949,761

267,260

(355,580)

(201,469)

(41,553)

132,282

(201,469)

(41,553)

132,282

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to RenaissanceRe $

748,292 $

225,707 $ (223,298)

Disclosure regarding net unrealized gains (losses)

Total net realized and unrealized holding gains (losses) on

investments

Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on investments

$

$

2,173 $

2,173 $

(1,657) $

(1,657) $

(909)

(909)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

F-7

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(in thousands of United States Dollars) 

Preference shares

Balance – January 1

Issuance of shares (Note 12)

Balance – December 31

Common shares

Balance – January 1

Issuance of shares (Note 12)

Repurchase of shares

Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards

(Notes 12 and 17)

Balance – December 31

Additional paid-in capital

Balance – January 1

Issuance of shares (Note 12)

Repurchase of shares

Offering expenses

Change in redeemable noncontrolling interest

Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards

(Notes 12 and 17)

Balance – December 31

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

Balance – January 1

Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

Balance – December 31

Retained earnings

Balance – January 1

2019

2018

2017

$

650,000 $

400,000 $

400,000

—

650,000

250,000

650,000

—

400,000

42,207

1,739

—

202

44,148

40,024

1,947

—

236

42,207

41,187

—

(1,322)

159

40,024

296,099

248,259

37,355

248,053

216,558

—

—

(187,269)

—

—

(342)

(8,552)

837

24,261

568,277

18,406

296,099

(1,433)

2,173

(2,679)

(1,939)

224

(1,657)

—

(1,433)

—

119

7,947

37,355

1,133

(909)

—

224

4,058,207

3,913,772

4,207,699

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-09 (Note 2)

—

—

2,213

Net income (loss)

950,267

268,917

(354,671)

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling

interests (Note 10)

Dividends on common shares

Dividends on preference shares

Balance – December 31

Total shareholders’ equity

(201,469)

(59,368)

(36,756)

(41,553)

(52,841)

(30,088)

132,282

(51,370)

(22,381)

4,710,881

4,058,207
$ 5,971,367 $ 5,045,080 $ 4,391,375  

3,913,772

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

F-8

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
(in thousands of United States Dollars)

Cash flows provided by operating activities

Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash

provided by operating activities

Amortization, accretion and depreciation
Equity in undistributed (earnings) losses of other ventures
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments
Net unrealized (gains) losses included in net investment

income
Change in:

Premiums receivable
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
Reinsurance recoverable
Deferred acquisition costs
Reserve for claims and claim expenses
Unearned premiums
Reinsurance balances payable
Other
Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows used in investing activities

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity

investments trading

Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading
Net (purchases) sales of equity investments trading
Net (purchases) sales of short term investments
Net purchases of other investments
Net purchases of investments in other ventures
Return of investment from investment in other ventures
Net (purchases) sales of other assets
Net purchase of TMR

Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows provided by financing activities

Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares
Dividends paid – preference shares
RenaissanceRe common share repurchases
RenaissanceRe common share issuance
Issuance of debt, net of expenses
Repayment of debt
Issuance of preference shares, net of expenses
Net third-party redeemable noncontrolling interest share

transactions

Taxes paid on withholding shares

Net cash provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash

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

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

2019

2018

2017

$

950,267 $

268,917 $

(354,671)

(58,964)
(762)
(414,483)

123
(3,772)
175,069

31,242
6,295
(135,822)

(12,221)

8,309

(24,737)

(424,973)
(11,798)
129,665
118,676
900,562
51,343
658,532
251,351
2,137,195

(232,566)
(82,639)
(785,591)
(50,110)
995,863
238,412
912,966
(223,280)
1,221,701

(317,299)
(92,286)
(1,307,066)
(91,226)
2,232,114
246,036
315,107
518,100
1,025,787

17,313,940
(17,919,343)
(7,841)
(1,900,741)
(202,878)
(2,717)
11,250
(4,108)
(276,206)
(2,988,644)

11,585,576
(12,489,972)
14,156
(1,436,389)
(199,475)
(21,473)
8,464
2,500
—
(2,536,613)

9,490,669
(10,093,532)
115,837
364,011
(19,419)
—
20,000
—
—
(122,434)

(59,368)
(36,756)
—
—
396,411
—
—

(52,841)
(30,088)
—
250,000
—
—
241,448

(51,370)
(22,381)
(188,591)
—
295,866
(250,000)
—

827,083
(7,253)
1,120,117
2,478
271,146
1,107,922

260,475
(15,139)
28,860
8,222
940,435
421,157
$ 1,379,068 $ 1,107,922 $ 1,361,592

665,683
(7,862)
1,066,340
(5,098)
(253,670)
1,361,592

Income taxes paid
Interest paid

$
$

9,749 $
53,220 $

341 $
45,623 $

343
44,171

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

F-9

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2019 

(unless otherwise noted, amounts in tables expressed in thousands of United States (“U.S.”) dollars, except per share 
amounts and percentages)

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (“RenaissanceRe” or the “Company”) was formed under the laws of Bermuda 
on June 7, 1993. Together with its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures, the 
Company provides property, casualty and specialty reinsurance and certain insurance solutions to its 
customers.

•  On March 22, 2019, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, RenaissanceRe Specialty Holdings 

(UK) Limited (“RenaissanceRe Specialty Holdings”), completed its previously announced purchase of 
all of the share capital of RenaissanceRe Europe AG (formerly known as Tokio Millennium Re AG) 
(“RenaissanceRe Europe”), RenaissanceRe (UK) Limited (formerly known as Tokio Millennium Re 
(UK) Limited) (“RenaissanceRe UK”), and their respective subsidiaries (collectively, “TMR”) pursuant 
to a Stock Purchase Agreement by and among the Company, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance 
Co. Ltd. (“Tokio”) and, with respect to certain sections only, Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. entered into 
on October 30, 2018 (the “TMR Stock Purchase Agreement”) (the “TMR Stock Purchase”). TMR 
comprised the treaty reinsurance business of Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. The results of operations of 
TMR from March 22, 2019, through December 31, 2019, are reflected in the Company’s results of 
operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium 
Re” for additional information regarding the TMR Stock Purchase.

•  Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. (“Renaissance Reinsurance”), a Bermuda-domiciled reinsurance 
company, is the Company’s principal reinsurance subsidiary and provides property, casualty and 
specialty reinsurance coverages to insurers and reinsurers on a worldwide basis.

•  Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc. (“Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.”) is a reinsurance company 

domiciled in the state of Maryland that provides property, casualty and specialty reinsurance 
coverages to insurers and reinsurers, primarily in the Americas.

•  RenaissanceRe Underwriting Managers U.S. LLC, a specialty reinsurance agency domiciled in the 
state of Connecticut, provides specialty treaty reinsurance solutions on both a quota share and 
excess of loss basis; and writes business on behalf of RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. Ltd. 
(“RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S.”), a Bermuda-domiciled reinsurer, which operates subject to U.S. 
federal income tax, and RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458 (“Syndicate 1458”).

•  Syndicate 1458 is the Company’s Lloyd’s syndicate. RenaissanceRe Corporate Capital (UK) Limited 
(“RenaissanceRe CCL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, is Syndicate 1458’s sole 
corporate member. RenaissanceRe Syndicate Management Ltd. (“RSML”), a wholly owned 
subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, is the managing agent for Syndicate 1458.

•  RenaissanceRe Europe, a Swiss-domiciled reinsurance company, which has branches in Australia, 
Bermuda, the U.K. and the U.S., provides property, casualty and specialty reinsurance coverages to 
insurers and reinsurers on a worldwide basis. 

•  RenaissanceRe UK, a U.K.-domiciled reinsurance company in run-off, provided property, casualty 

and specialty reinsurance coverages on a worldwide basis. RenaissanceRe UK was placed into run-
off effective July 1, 2015, from which date all new and renewal business was written by the U.K. 
branch of RenaissanceRe Europe. On February 4, 2020, RenaissanceRe Specialty Holdings entered 
into an agreement to sell RenaissanceRe UK to an investment vehicle managed by AXA Liabilities 
Managers, an affiliate of AXA XL. The sale is expected to close in 2020 and is subject to regulatory 
approval.

•  The Company also manages property, casualty and specialty reinsurance business written on behalf 
of joint ventures, which include Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd. (“Top Layer Re”), recorded under the 
equity method of accounting, and DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. (“DaVinci”). Because the Company owns 
a noncontrolling equity interest in, but controls a majority of the outstanding voting power of DaVinci’s 

F-10

parent, DaVinciRe Holdings Ltd. (“DaVinciRe”), the results of DaVinci and DaVinciRe are 
consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and all significant intercompany 
transactions have been eliminated. Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe represents the 
interests of external parties with respect to the net income and shareholders’ equity of DaVinciRe. 
Renaissance Underwriting Managers, Ltd. (“RUM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe, 
acts as exclusive underwriting manager for these joint ventures in return for fee-based income and 
profit participation.

•  RenaissanceRe Medici Fund Ltd. (“Medici”) is an exempted fund, incorporated under the laws of 
Bermuda. Medici’s objective is to seek to invest substantially all of its assets in various insurance-
based investment instruments that have returns primarily tied to property catastrophe risk. Third-party 
investors have subscribed for a portion of the participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. 
Because the Company owns a noncontrolling equity interest in, but controls a majority of the 
outstanding voting power of Medici, through its wholly-owned parent, RenaissanceRe Fund Holdings 
Ltd. (“Fund Holdings”), the results of Medici and Fund Holdings are consolidated in the Company’s 
consolidated financial statements and all significant inter-company transactions have been 
eliminated. Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici represents the interests of external parties 
with respect to the net income and shareholders’ equity of Medici.

•  Upsilon RFO Re Ltd., formerly known as Upsilon Reinsurance II Ltd. (“Upsilon RFO”), a Bermuda 
domiciled special purpose insurer (“SPI”), is a managed joint venture formed by the Company 
principally to provide additional capacity to the worldwide aggregate and per-occurrence primary and 
retrocessional property catastrophe excess of loss market. Upsilon RFO is considered a variable 
interest entity (“VIE”) and the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. As a result, Upsilon 
RFO is consolidated by the Company and all significant inter-company transactions have been 
eliminated.

•  RenaissanceRe Upsilon Fund Ltd. (“Upsilon Fund”), an exempted Bermuda segregated accounts 

company was formed by the Company to provide a fund structure through which third-party investors 
can invest in reinsurance risk managed by the Company. As a segregated accounts company, 
Upsilon Fund is permitted to establish segregated accounts to invest in and hold identified pools of 
assets and liabilities. Each pool of assets and liabilities in each segregated account is structured to be 
ring-fenced from any claims from the creditors of Upsilon Fund’s general account and from the 
creditors of other segregated accounts within Upsilon Fund. Third-party investors purchase 
redeemable, non-voting preference shares linked to specific segregated accounts of Upsilon Fund 
and own 100% of these shares. Upsilon Fund is an investment company and is considered a VIE. 
The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of Upsilon Fund and, as a result, the 
Company does not consolidate the financial position and results of operations of Upsilon Fund.

•  Effective December 17, 2018, the Company formed Vermeer Reinsurance Ltd. (“Vermeer”), an 
exempted Bermuda reinsurer, with PGGM, a Dutch pension fund manager. Vermeer provides 
capacity focused on risk remote layers in the U.S. property catastrophe market. Vermeer is managed 
by RUM in return for a management fee. The Company maintains a majority voting control of 
Vermeer, while PGGM retains economic benefits. Vermeer is considered a VIE, as it has voting rights 
that are not proportional to its participating rights and the Company is the primary beneficiary. As a 
result, the Company consolidates Vermeer and all significant inter-company transactions have been 
eliminated. The Company does not currently expect its voting or economic interest in Vermeer to 
fluctuate.

•  Fibonacci Reinsurance Ltd. ("Fibonacci Re"), a Bermuda-domiciled SPI, was formed in 2016 to 

provide collateralized capacity to Renaissance Reinsurance and its affiliates. Fibonacci Re raises 
capital from third-party investors and the Company, via private placements of participating notes 
which are listed on the Bermuda Stock Exchange. Fibonacci Re is considered a VIE. The Company is 
not considered the primary beneficiary of Fibonacci Re and, as a result, the Company does not 
consolidate the financial position and results of operations of Fibonacci Re.

•  Effective December 22, 2017, the Company and Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated closed 
an initiative (“Langhorne”) to source third-party capital to support reinsurers targeting large in-force 
life and annuity blocks. Langhorne Holdings LLC (“Langhorne Holdings”) is a company that owns and 
manages certain reinsurance entities within Langhorne. Langhorne Partners LLC (“Langhorne 

F-11

Partners”) is the general partner for Langhorne and the entity which manages the third-parties 
investing in Langhorne Holdings. The Company concluded that Langhorne Holdings meets the 
definition of a VIE. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of Langhorne Holdings and as a 
result, the Company does not consolidate the financial position or results of operations of Langhorne 
Holdings. The Company concluded that Langhorne Partners is not a VIE. The Company will account 
for its investments in Langhorne Holdings and Langhorne Partners under the equity method of 
accounting, one quarter in arrears.

•  In connection with the acquisition of TMR, the Company manages Shima Reinsurance Ltd. (“Shima 
Re”), Norwood Re Ltd. (“Norwood Re”) and Blizzard Re Ltd. (“Blizzard Re”) (together, the “TMR 
managed third-party capital vehicles”), which provide third-party investors with access to reinsurance 
risk formerly managed by TMR. Following the closing of the acquisition, the retrocessionaires 
providing reinsurance to TMR on certain TMR managed third-party capital vehicles’ legacy portfolios 
of in-force and expired contracts were replaced. The TMR managed third-party capital vehicles no 
longer write new business.

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions 
have been eliminated from these statements.

Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

USE OF ESTIMATES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to 
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported and disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities 
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and 
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ 
materially from those estimates. The major estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements include, but are not limited to, the reserve for claims and claim expenses; reinsurance 
recoverables, including allowances for reinsurance recoverables deemed uncollectible; estimates of written 
and earned premiums; fair value, including the fair value of investments, financial instruments and 
derivatives; impairment charges; deferred acquisition costs and the value of business acquired (“VOBA”) 
and the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance.

PREMIUMS AND RELATED EXPENSES

Premiums are recognized as income, net of any applicable reinsurance or retrocessional coverage 
purchased, over the terms of the related contracts and policies. Premiums written are based on contract 
and policy terms and include estimates based on information received from both insureds and ceding 
companies. Subsequent differences arising on such estimates are recorded in the period in which they are 
determined. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that relate to the unexpired 
terms of contracts and policies in force. Amounts are computed by pro rata methods based on statistical 
data or reports received from ceding companies. Reinstatement premiums are estimated after the 
occurrence of a significant loss and are recorded in accordance with the contract terms based upon paid 
losses and case reserves. Reinstatement premiums are earned when written.

Acquisition costs are incurred when a contract or policy is issued and only the costs directly related to the 
successful acquisition of new and renewal contract or policies are deferred and amortized over the same 
period in which the related premiums are earned. Acquisition costs consist principally of commissions, 
brokerage and premium tax expenses. Certain of our assumed contracts contain profit sharing provisions or 
adjustable commissions that are estimated based on the expected loss and loss adjustment expense on 
those contracts. Acquisition costs include accruals for such estimates of commissions and are shown net of 
commissions and profit commissions earned on ceded reinsurance. Deferred policy acquisition costs are 
limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premiums. Anticipated claims and 

F-12

claim expenses, based on historical and current experience, and anticipated investment income related to 
those premiums are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs.

CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES

The reserve for claims and claim expenses includes estimates for unpaid claims and claim expenses on 
reported losses as well as an estimate of losses incurred but not reported. The reserve is based on 
individual claims, case reserves and other reserve estimates reported by insureds and ceding companies 
as well as management estimates of ultimate losses. Inherent in the estimates of ultimate losses are 
expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which could vary significantly as claims 
are settled. Also, during the past few years, the Company has increased its casualty and specialty 
reinsurance businesses, but does not have the benefit of a significant amount of its own historical 
experience in certain of these lines of business. Accordingly, the reserving for incurred losses in these lines 
of business could be subject to greater variability.

Ultimate losses may vary materially from the amounts provided 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, are reflected in the consolidated 
statements of operations in the period in which they become known and are accounted for as changes in 
estimates.

REINSURANCE

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability 
associated with the reinsured policies. For multi-year retrospectively rated contracts, the Company accrues 
amounts (either assets or liabilities) that are due to or from assuming companies based on estimated 
contract experience. If the Company determines that adjustments to earlier estimates are appropriate, such 
adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Reinsurance recoverables on dual 
trigger reinsurance contracts require the Company to estimate its ultimate losses applicable to these 
contracts as well as estimate the ultimate amount of insured industry losses that will be reported by the 
applicable statistical reporting agency, as per the contract terms. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are 
recorded net of a valuation allowance for estimated uncollectible recoveries.

Assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts that lack a significant transfer of risk are treated as deposits.

Certain assumed and ceded reinsurance contracts that do not meet all of the criteria to be accounted for as 
reinsurance in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards 
Codification (“ASC”) Topic Financial Services - Insurance have been accounted for at fair value under the 
fair value option in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments.

INVESTMENTS, CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Fixed Maturity Investments

Investments in fixed maturities are classified as trading and are reported at fair value. Investment 
transactions are recorded on the trade date with balances pending settlement reflected in the balance sheet 
as a receivable for investments sold or a payable for investments purchased. Net investment income 
includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts and is 
net of investment management and custody fees. The amortization of premium and accretion of discount for 
fixed maturity securities is computed using the effective yield method. For mortgage-backed securities and 
other holdings for which there is prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated quarterly and 
revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are 
recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments. Fair values of investments are based on 
quoted market prices, or when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid 
indications and/or internal pricing valuation techniques. The net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on 
fixed maturity investments trading is included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments 
in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are 
determined on the basis of the first in first out cost method.

F-13

Short Term Investments

Short term investments, which are managed as part of the Company’s investment portfolio and have a 
maturity of one year or less when purchased, are carried at fair value. The net unrealized appreciation or 
depreciation on short term investments is included in net realized and unrealized gains on investments in 
the consolidated statements of operations.

Equity Investments, Classified as Trading

Equity investments are accounted for at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial 
Instruments. Fair values are primarily priced by pricing services, reflecting the closing price quoted for the 
final trading day of the period. Net investment income includes dividend income and the net realized and 
unrealized appreciation or depreciation on equity investments is included in net realized and unrealized 
gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.

Other Investments

The Company accounts for its other investments at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Financial 
Instruments with interest, dividend income, income distributions and realized and unrealized gains and 
losses included in net investment income. The fair value of certain of the Company’s fund investments, 
which principally include private equity investments, senior secured bank loan funds and hedge funds, is 
recorded on its balance sheet in other investments, and is generally established on the basis of the net 
valuation criteria established by the managers of such investments, if applicable. The net valuation criteria 
established by the managers of such investments is established in accordance with the governing 
documents of such investments. Certain of the Company’s fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are 
unable to provide final fund valuations as of the Company’s current reporting date. The typical reporting lag 
experienced by the Company to receive a final net asset value report is one month for hedge funds and 
senior secured bank loan funds and three months for private equity investments, although, in the past, in 
respect of certain of the Company’s private equity investments, the Company has on occasion experienced 
delays of up to six months at year end, as the private equity investments typically complete their respective 
year-end audits before releasing their final net asset value statements.

In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the 
reporting date of the latest fund valuation, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting 
with the prior month or quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, 
redemptions or distributions, as well as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then 
estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for 
the current period, all information available to the Company is utilized. This principally includes preliminary 
estimates reported to the Company by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio 
investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable 
price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, 
reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on 
the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has obtained reported results, or other 
valuation methods, where possible. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from the 
Company’s estimates and these differences are recorded in the Company’s statement of operations in the 
period in which they are reported to the Company as a change in estimate. 

The Company’s other investments also include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded at fair 
value and the fair value is based on broker or underwriter bid indications.

Investments in Other Ventures, Under Equity Method

Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the 
investee are classified as investments in other ventures, under equity method, and are accounted for under 
the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportionate share of 
income or loss from such investments in its results for the period. Any decline in value of investments in 
other ventures, under equity method considered by management to be other-than-temporary is charged to 
income in the period in which it is determined.

F-14

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include money market instruments with a maturity of ninety days or less when purchased.

STOCK INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

The Company is authorized to issue restricted stock awards and units, performance shares, stock options 
and other equity-based awards to its employees and directors. The fair value of the compensation cost is 
measured at the grant date and expensed over the period for which the employee is required to provide 
services in exchange for the award.

In addition, the Company is authorized to issue cash settled restricted stock units (“CSRSU”) to its 
employees. The fair value of CSRSUs is determined using the fair market value of RenaissanceRe common 
shares at the end of each reporting period and is expensed over the period for which the employee is 
required to provide service in exchange for the award. The fair value of these awards is recorded on the 
Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a liability as it is expensed and until the point payment is made 
to the employee.

The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur rather than estimating service-based 
forfeitures over the requisite service period.

DERIVATIVES

From time to time, the Company enters into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, forward 
contracts and other derivative contracts primarily to manage its foreign currency exposure, obtain exposure 
to a particular financial market, for yield enhancement, or for trading and to assume risk. The Company 
accounts for its derivatives in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Derivatives and Hedging, which requires all 
derivatives to be recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet as either assets or liabilities, 
depending on their rights or obligations, with changes in fair value reflected in current earnings. 
Commencing in 2019, the Company elected to adopt hedge accounting for certain of its derivative 
instruments used as hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, as discussed below. The fair value 
of the Company’s derivatives is estimated by reference to quoted prices or broker quotes, where available, 
or in the absence of quoted prices or broker quotes, the use of industry or internal valuation models.

Hedges of the Net Investment in a Foreign Operation

Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments used to hedge the net investment in a foreign operation, 
to the extent effective as a hedge, are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss) in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax. Cumulative changes in fair value 
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified into earnings upon the sale, or 
complete or substantially complete liquidation, of the foreign operation. Any hedge ineffectiveness is 
recorded immediately in current period earnings as net foreign exchange gains (losses). 

Hedge Documentation and Effectiveness Testing

To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated 
changes in value or cash flow of the hedged item. At the inception of a hedge, the Company formally 
documents relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management 
objective and strategy for undertaking each hedge transaction. The documentation process includes linking 
derivatives that are designated as net investment hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the consolidated 
balance sheet. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing 
basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting 
changes in the net investment in a foreign operation. The Company will discontinue hedge accounting 
prospectively if it determines that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the net 
investment in a foreign operation, the derivative is no longer designated as a hedging instrument, or the 
derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. If hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative 
continues to be carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with changes in its fair value 
recognized in current period earnings through net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments.

F-15

FAIR VALUE

The Company accounts for certain of its assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 
Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains 
and losses arising from changes in fair value in its statements of operations.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Business 
Combinations, and goodwill and other intangible assets that arise from business combinations in 
accordance with FASB ASC Topic Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. A purchase price that is in excess of 
the fair value of the net assets acquired arising from a business combination is recorded as goodwill, and is 
not amortized. Other intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the 
asset. Other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized.

Goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 
Finite life intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment on an annual basis or more frequently 
if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, and tested 
for impairment if appropriate. For purposes of the annual impairment evaluation, goodwill is assigned to the 
applicable reporting unit of the acquired entities giving rise to the goodwill. Goodwill and other intangible 
assets recorded in connection with investments accounted for under the equity method, are recorded as 
“Investments in other ventures, under equity method” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The Company has established the beginning of the fourth quarter as the date for performing its annual 
impairment tests. The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is 
necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this option, the Company would not 
be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the Company determines, based on its 
qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying 
amount. If goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, they are written down to their estimated fair 
value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The Company initially recorded VOBA to reflect the establishment of the value of business acquired asset, 
which represents the estimated present value of the expected underwriting profit within the unearned 
premiums liability, net of reinsurance, less costs to service the related policies and a risk premium. VOBA is 
derived using, among other things, estimated loss ratios by line of business to calculate the underwriting 
profit, weighted average cost of capital, risk premium and expected payout patterns. The adjustment for 
VOBA will be amortized to acquisition expenses over approximately two years, as the contracts for business 
in-force as of the acquisition date expire. 

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

The Company accounts for redeemable noncontrolling interests in the mezzanine section of the Company’s 
consolidated balance sheet in accordance with United States Securities and Exchange Commission 
(“SEC”) guidance which is applicable to SEC registrants. The SEC guidance requires shares, not required 
to be accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and having 
redemption features that are not solely within the control of the issuer, to be classified outside of permanent 
equity in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet. Because the share classes related to the redeemable 
noncontrolling interest portion of the issuer are not considered liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC 
Topic Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and have redemption features that are not solely within the 
control of the issuer, the redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented in the mezzanine section on the 
Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with the SEC guidance noted above. The SEC 
guidance does not impact the accounting for redeemable noncontrolling interest on the consolidated 
statements of operations; therefore, the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Consolidation with respect to the 
consolidated statements of operations still apply, and net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling 
interests is presented separately in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

F-16

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The Company accounts for VIEs in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Consolidation, which requires the 
consolidation of all VIEs by the primary beneficiary, that being the investor that has the power to direct the 
activities of the VIE and that will absorb a portion of the VIE’s expected losses or residual returns that could 
potentially be significant to the VIE. For VIEs the Company determines it has a variable interest in, it 
determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by performing an analysis that principally 
considers: (i) the VIE’s purpose and design, including the risks the VIE was designed to create and pass 
through to its variable interest holders; (ii) the VIE’s capital structure; (iii) the terms between the VIE and its 
variable interest holders and other parties involved with the VIE; (iv) which variable interest holders have 
the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; 
(v) which variable interest holders have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from 
the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE; and (vi) related party relationships. The Company 
reassesses its initial determination of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE upon 
changes in facts and circumstances that could potentially alter the Company’s assessment.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Earnings per Share. 
Basic earnings per share are based on weighted average common shares and exclude any dilutive effects 
of options and restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share assumes the exercise of all dilutive stock options 
and restricted stock grants.

The two-class method is used to determine earnings per share based on dividends declared on common 
shares and participating securities (i.e., distributed earnings) and participation rights of participating 
securities in any undistributed earnings. Each unvested restricted share granted by the Company to its 
employees is considered a participating security and the Company uses the two-class method to calculate 
its net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders per common share – basic and diluted.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the 
Company’s subsidiaries in which those monetary assets and liabilities reside are revalued into such 
subsidiary’s functional currency at the prevailing exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues and 
expenses denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries, are 
valued at the exchange rate on the date on which the underlying revenue or expense transaction occurred. 
The net effect of these revaluation adjustments are recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of 
operations as part of net foreign exchange (gains) losses.

The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have a 
functional currency other than the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations whose functional 
currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated into the Company's U.S. dollar reporting currency at prevailing 
balance sheet-date exchange rates, while revenue and expenses of such foreign operations are translated 
into the Company's U.S. dollar functional currency at monthly average exchange rates during the year. The 
net effect of these translation adjustments, as well as any gains or losses on intercompany balances for 
which settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future, net of applicable deferred income 
taxes, is included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as currency translation adjustments and 
reflected within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

TAXATION

Income taxes have been provided for in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes. 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the amounts recorded in the 
consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Such temporary 
differences are primarily due to net operating loss carryforwards and GAAP versus tax basis accounting 
differences relating to interest expense, underwriting results, accrued expenses and investments. The effect 
on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that 
includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded if it is more 
likely than not that all, or some portion, of the benefits related to deferred tax assets will not be realized.

F-17

Uncertain tax positions are also accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic Income Taxes. 
Uncertain tax positions must meet a more likely than not recognition threshold to be recognized.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases and 
subsequently issued a number of other ASUs to amend the guidance, each ultimately reflected in FASB 
ASC Topic Leases. FASB ASC Topic Leases requires, among other items, lessees to recognize lease 
assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under the 
previous guidance. FASB ASC Topic Leases was effective for public business entities for annual and interim 
periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company has adopted FASB ASC Topic Leases through 
the application of the modified retrospective transition approach. In addition, the Company employed certain 
practical expedients permitted under the guidance and utilized its incremental borrowing rate in determining 
the present value of lease payments, not yet paid. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material 
impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position. The Company 
determined there was no material impact and as a result, there was no cumulative effect adjustment to 
opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2019.

Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory 
(“ASU 2016-16”). ASU 2016-16 requires entities to recognize the income tax consequences of intra-entity 
transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfers occur; this is a change from current guidance 
which prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes until the underlying assets have been 
sold to outside entities. ASU 2016-16 was effective for public business entities for annual and interim 
periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact 
on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.

Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment 
Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 was issued to simplify several aspects of the accounting for 
share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, treatment of forfeitures, 
classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and the classification of taxes paid on the statements of 
cash flows. ASU 2016-09 became effective for the Company in annual and interim periods beginning after 
December 15, 2016. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 was a $2.2 million increase to 
opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2017.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 
2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 provides comprehensive guidance on the recognition of revenue from customers 
arising from the transfer of goods and services. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should 
recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that 
reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. 
ASU 2014-09 also provides guidance on accounting for certain contract costs and had also required new 
disclosures. ASU 2014-09 was to be effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods 
beginning after December 15, 2016, however in July 2015, the FASB decided to defer by one year the 
effective dates of ASU 2014-09, and as a result, ASU 2014-09 is effective for public business entities in 
annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2014-09 notably excludes the 
accounting for insurance contracts, leases, financial instruments and guarantees. As a result, the 
Company’s implementation efforts primarily focused on other income and operational expenses on its 
consolidated statements of operations. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the 
Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial position.

F-18

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets 
and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments (except those 
accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in the consolidation of the 
investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, simplifies the 
impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable values by requiring a qualitative 
assessment to identify impairment, eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and significant 
assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost, requires 
the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure 
purposes, requires separate presentation in other comprehensive income of the portion of the total change 
in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the 
organization has elected to measure the liabilities in accordance with the fair value option, requires the 
separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of 
financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements and clarifies that 
the reporting organization should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset 
related to available for sale securities in combination with the organization’s other deferred tax assets. ASU 
2016-01 is effective for public business entities in annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 
2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated 
statements of operations and financial position.

Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash 
Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 clarifies the classification of receipts and payments in the 
statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 provides guidance related to (1) settlement and payment of zero 
coupon debt instruments, (2) contingent consideration, (3) proceeds from settlement of insurance claims, 
(4) proceeds from settlement of corporate and bank owned life insurance policies, (5) distributions from 
equity method investees, (6) cash receipts from beneficial interests obtained by a transferor, and (7) general 
guidelines for cash receipts and payments that have more than one aspect of classification. ASU 2016-15 is 
effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim 
periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 resulted in the reclassification of $20.0 
million of cash inflows from cash flows provided by operating activities, to cash flows used in investing 
activities for 2017. This amount related to a return of investment associated with the Company’s investment 
in Top Layer Reinsurance Ltd, recorded under the equity method of accounting.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments 
(“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 modifies the recognition of credit losses by replacing the incurred loss 
impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration 
of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 
is applicable to financial assets such as loans, debt securities, trade receivables, off-balance sheet credit 
exposures, reinsurance receivables, and other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive 
cash. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, 
including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the 
collectability of the reported amount. The Company's invested assets are measured at fair value through net 
income, and therefore those invested assets would not be impacted by the adoption of ASU 2016-13. The 
Company has other financial assets, such as reinsurance recoverables, that could be impacted by the 
adoption of ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public business entities that are SEC filers for 
annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the 
impact of this guidance; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s 
consolidated statements of operations and financial position.

F-19

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 
2017-04”). Among other things, ASU 2017-04 requires the following: (1) the elimination of step two of the 
goodwill impairment test; entities will no longer utilize the implied fair value of their assets and liabilities for 
purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, (2) the quantitative portion of the goodwill impairment test will 
be performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount; an impairment charge 
is to be recognized for the excess of carrying amount over fair value, but only to the extent of the amount of 
goodwill allocated to that reporting unit, and (3) foreign currency translation adjustments are not to be 
allocated to a reporting unit from an entity’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss); the reporting 
unit’s carrying amount should include only the currently translated balances of the assets and liabilities 
assigned to the reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for public business entities that are SEC filers for 
annual periods, or any interim goodwill impairment tests in annual periods, beginning after December 15, 
2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates 
after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, it is not 
expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial 
position.

Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure 
Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). The ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure 
requirements of fair value measurements as part of the disclosure framework project with the objective to 
improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. ASU 2018-13 allows for 
removal of the amount and reasons for transfer between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the 
policy for transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 
2018-13 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods 
within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, it is not 
expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial 
position.

NOTE 3.  

ACQUISITION OF TOKIO MILLENNIUM RE 

Overview

The aggregate consideration for the TMR Stock Purchase, which closed on March 22, 2019, was $1.6 
billion, consisting of cash, RenaissanceRe common shares and a special dividend from TMR, as described 
in more detail below. The aggregate consideration paid at closing for the TMR Stock Purchase was based 
on the closing tangible book value of TMR, subject to a post-closing adjustment under the terms of the TMR 
Stock Purchase Agreement. The parties determined that no closing adjustment was required.

In connection with the closing of the TMR Stock Purchase, Tokio, RenaissanceRe Europe and 
RenaissanceRe UK entered into a reserve development agreement whereby RenaissanceRe Europe and 
RenaissanceRe UK agreed to cede to Tokio, and Tokio agreed to indemnify and reimburse RenaissanceRe 
Europe and RenaissanceRe UK for, substantially all of RenaissanceRe Europe and RenaissanceRe UK’s 
adverse development on stated reserves at time of the closing, including unearned premium reserves, 
subject to certain terms and conditions. The reserve development agreement provides the Company with 
indemnification on stated reserves, including unearned premium reserves, for RenaissanceRe Europe and 
RenaissanceRe UK, on a whole-account basis, and takes into consideration adverse performance across 
the Company’s reportable segments. To the extent the combined performance of acquired reserves for 
claims and claim expenses or unearned premiums is worse than expected on an aggregate basis across 
reportable segments, the Company is indemnified under the terms of the reserve development agreement 
and would expect to collect under the reserve development agreement.

At closing, RenaissanceRe Europe and Tokio entered into a retrocessional agreement pursuant to which 
RenaissanceRe Europe ceded to Tokio all of its liabilities arising from certain stop loss reinsurance 
contracts RenaissanceRe Europe entered into with third-party capital partners which were either in force as 
of the closing date or which incept prior to December 31, 2021.

F-20

The Company recorded $49.7 million of corporate expenses associated with the acquisition of TMR during 
2019 (2018 - $3.4 million). Included in these expenses are compensation, transaction and integration-
related costs.

Purchase Price

The Company's total purchase price for TMR was calculated as follows:

Special Dividend

Special Dividend paid to common shareholders of Tokio and holders of

Tokio equity awards

RenaissanceRe common shares

Common shares issued by RenaissanceRe to Tokio

Common share price of RenaissanceRe (1)

Market value of RenaissanceRe common shares issued by

1,739,071

$

143.75

RenaissanceRe to Tokio

Cash consideration

Cash consideration paid by RenaissanceRe as acquisition consideration

Total purchase price

Less: Special Dividend paid to Tokio

Net purchase price

$

500,000

249,998

813,595

1,563,593

(500,000)

$ 1,063,593

(1)   RenaissanceRe common share price was based on the 30-day trailing volume weighted average price of $143.7539 as of market 

close on March 15, 2019, which approximates fair value.

F-21

Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of the Company based on estimated 
fair values on March 22, 2019, the date the transaction closed, as detailed below. During the quarter ended 
March 31, 2019, the Company recognized goodwill of $13.1 million, based on foreign exchange rates on 
March 22, 2019, attributable to the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of 
TMR. The Company recognized identifiable finite lived intangible assets of $11.2 million, which will be 
amortized over a weighted average period of 10.5 years, identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets of 
$6.8 million, and certain other adjustments to the fair values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and 
shareholders’ equity of TMR at March 22, 2019, based on foreign exchange rates on March 22, 2019, as 
summarized in the table below:

Shareholders’ equity of TMR at March 22, 2019

$ 1,032,961

Adjustments for fair value, by applicable balance sheet caption:

Net deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired

Net reserve for claims and claim expenses

Goodwill and intangible assets at March 22, 2019 of TMR

Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption before tax impact
Other assets - net deferred tax liability related to fair value adjustments and value of

business acquired

Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption, net of tax

Adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets:

Identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets (insurance licenses)

Identifiable finite lived intangible assets (top broker relationships and renewal rights)

Identifiable intangible assets before tax impact

Other assets - deferred tax liability on identifiable intangible assets

Total adjustments for fair value of the identifiable intangible assets and value of business

acquired, net of tax

Total adjustments for fair value by applicable balance sheet caption, identifiable intangible

assets and value of business acquired, net of tax

Shareholders’ equity of TMR at fair value

Total net purchase price paid by RenaissanceRe

(56,788)

67,782

(6,569)

4,425

(2,606)

1,819

6,800

11,200

18,000

(2,281)

15,719

17,538

1,050,499

1,063,593

Excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired assigned to goodwill

$

13,094

An explanation of the significant fair value adjustments and related future amortization is as follows:

•  Net deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) - to reflect the elimination 

of TMR’s net deferred acquisition costs, partially offset by the establishment of the value of 
business acquired asset, which represents the present value of the expected underwriting profit 
within the unearned premiums liability, net of reinsurance, less costs to service the related policies 
and a risk premium. The adjustment for VOBA will be amortized to acquisition expenses over 
approximately two years, as the contracts for business in-force as of the acquisition date expire. 
VOBA at March 22, 2019 was $287.6 million;

•  Reserve for claims and claim expenses - to reflect a decrease related to the present value of the 

net unpaid claims and claim expenses based on the estimated payout pattern, partially offset by an 
increase in net claims and claim expenses related to the estimated market based risk margin. The 
risk margin represents the estimated cost of capital required by a market participant to assume the 
net claims and claim expenses. This will be amortized using the projected discount and risk margin 
patterns of the net claims and claims expenses as of the acquisition date;

• 

Identifiable indefinite lived and finite lived intangible assets - to establish the fair value of identifiable 
intangible assets related to the acquisition of TMR described in detail below; and

F-22

•  Other assets - to reflect the net deferred tax liability on identifiable intangible assets.

Identifiable intangible assets and accumulated amortization at December 31, 2019, consisted of the 
following, based on foreign exchange rates on March 22, 2019, and are included in goodwill and other 
intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:

Top broker relationships
Renewal rights
Insurance licenses

Gross identifiable intangible assets related to the acquisition of TMR, at

March 22, 2019

Accumulated amortization (from March 22, 2019 through December 31,

2019)

Net identifiable intangible assets related to the acquisition of TMR at

December 31, 2019

Economic 
Useful Life
10.0 years
15.0 years
Indefinite

$

Amount

10,000
1,200
6,800

18,000

810

$

17,190

Amortization from the acquisition date, March 22, 2019, through December 31, 2019 was included in the 
Company's consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019.

An explanation of the identifiable intangible assets is as follows:

•  Top broker relationships - the value of TMR’s relationships with their top four brokers (Marsh & 

McLennan Companies, Inc., Aon plc, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company and Jardine 
Lloyd Thompson Group plc.) after taking into consideration the expectation of the renewal of these 
relationships and the associated expenses. These will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the 
economic useful life as of the acquisition date;

•  Renewal rights - the value of policy renewal rights after taking into consideration written premiums 
on assumed retention ratios and the insurance cash flows and the associated equity cash flows 
from these renewal policies over the expected life of the renewals. These will be amortized on a 
straight-line basis over the economic useful life as of the acquisition date; and

• 

Insurance licenses - the value of acquired insurance licenses, which provide the ability to write 
reinsurance in all 50 states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia.

As part of the allocation of the purchase price, included in the adjustment to other assets in the table above 
is a deferred tax liability of $2.3 million related to the estimated fair value of the intangible assets recorded, 
as well as a net deferred tax liability of $2.6 million related to certain other adjustments to the fair values of 
the assets acquired, VOBA, liabilities assumed and shareholders’ equity. Other net deferred tax liabilities 
recorded primarily relate to differences between financial reporting and tax bases of the acquired assets 
and liabilities as of the acquisition date, March 22, 2019. The Company estimates that none of the goodwill 
that was recorded will be deductible for income tax purposes.

Financial Results

The following table summarizes the net contribution from the acquisition of TMR since March 22, 2019 that 
has been included in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for 
the year ended December 31, 2019. Operating activities of TMR from the acquisition date, March 22, 2019, 
through December 31, 2019 are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the 
year ended December 31, 2019. 

The unaudited net contribution of the acquisition and integration of TMR is provided for informational 
purposes only and is not necessarily, and should not be assumed to be, an indication of the results that may 
be achieved in the future. These results are not used as a part of management analysis of the financial 
performance of the Company’s business. These results primarily reflect items recorded directly by TMR, 
including: 1) net earned premium and net underwriting income on the in-force portfolio acquired with the 
acquisition of TMR and currently retained on TMR entities’ balance sheets; 2) net earned premium and net 
underwriting income for those contracts which have renewed post-acquisition on one of the acquired TMR 

F-23

entities’ balance sheets; 3) net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains recorded directly 
by TMR; and 4) certain direct costs incurred directly by TMR. In addition, these results, where possible, are 
adjusted for transaction and integration related costs incurred by the Company. However, these results do 
not reflect on-going operating costs incurred by the Company in supporting TMR unless such costs are 
incurred directly by TMR. These results also do not give consideration to the impact of possible revenue 
enhancements, expense efficiencies, synergies or asset dispositions that may be achieved in the future. 
These results involve significant estimates and are not indicative of the future results of the acquired TMR 
entities which will be further impacted by potential changes in targeted business mix, investment 
management strategies, and synergies recognized from changes in the combined entity’s operating 
structure, as well as the impact of changes in other business and capital management strategies. 

Since the acquisition date, a growing number of underlying policies have been underwritten onto different 
legal entities, staffing has been allocated to new activities, and reinsurance has been purchased to cover 
combined risks, only some of which would have been reflected in the underlying legacy TMR results. In 
future quarters, the summary results of TMR will become increasingly impracticable to produce, and even 
less indicative of the results of the acquired TMR entities, given the significant estimates involved and the 
nature and pace of our integration activities, which are intended to integrate TMR as quickly as possible.

Total revenues

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders (2)

Year ended
December 31,
2019 (1)

$

$

922,727

99,169

(1) 

(2) 

Includes the net contribution from the acquisition of TMR since March 22, 2019 that has been included in the Company’s 
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income through December 31, 2019. 

Includes $49.7 million of corporate expenses associated with the acquisition and integration of TMR for the year ended 
December 31, 2019.

Taxation

At the date of acquisition and in conjunction with the acquisition of TMR, the Company established a net 
deferred tax liability of $5.7 million and recorded a valuation allowance against TMR’s deferred tax assets of 
$35.7 million in its consolidated financial statements. A predominant amount of the valuation allowance 
related to the U.S. operations of TMR was recorded by TMR prior to the acquisition.

Supplemental Pro Forma Information

The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for the years ended 
December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and assumes the acquisition of TMR occurred on January 1, 
2018. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is provided for informational purposes 
only and is not necessarily, and should not be assumed to be, an indication of the results that would have 
been achieved had the transaction been completed as of January 1, 2018 or that may be achieved in the 
future. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not give consideration to the impact 
of possible revenue enhancements, expense efficiencies, synergies or asset dispositions that may result 
from the acquisition of TMR. In addition, unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information does not 
include the effects of costs associated with any restructuring or integration activities resulting from the 
acquisition of TMR, as they are nonrecurring.

Year ended December 31,
Total revenues

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

2019

2018

$ 4,542,979 $ 3,338,903

$

768,719 $

281,974

Among other adjustments, and in addition to the fair value adjustments and recognition of goodwill, VOBA 
and identifiable intangible assets noted above, other material nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly 
attributable to the acquisition of TMR principally included certain adjustments to recognize transaction 
related costs, align accounting policies, and amortize fair value adjustments, VOBA, and identifiable definite 
lived intangible assets, net of related tax impacts.

F-24

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

TMR has a contributory defined benefit pension plan for certain employees, which was not material to 
RenaissanceRe’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows for the year ended December 31, 
2019.

The plan offers mandatory benefits as prescribed by the applicable law, as well as voluntary benefits. These 
mandatory benefits include guarantees regarding the level of interest paid annually on accrued pension 
savings. TMR and the members of the plan contribute a defined percentage of salary to the pension 
arrangement and the rates on these accrued savings are converted into a pension payment at the time of 
retirement, and credit accumulation is earned on these contributions. At retirement, the accumulated 
contributions and interest credits are converted into a pension. 

At December 31, 2019, the net balance sheet liability was $6.5 million, comprising $20.4 million of projected 
benefit obligation and $13.9 million of plan assets at fair value.

NOTE 4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets included in goodwill and other 
intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:

Balance as of December 31, 2017

Gross amount

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill

Other
intangible
assets

Total

$

199,889 $

96,599 $

296,488

Accumulated impairment losses and amortization

(2,299)

(51,044)

Amortization

Balance as of December 31, 2018

Gross amount

Accumulated impairment losses and amortization

Acquired during the year

Amortization

Balance as of December 31, 2019

Gross amount

Accumulated impairment losses and amortization

197,590

—

199,889

(2,299)

197,590

13,094

—

45,555

(5,727)

96,599

(56,771)

39,828

18,000

(6,286)

(53,343)

243,145

(5,727)

296,488

(59,070)

237,418

31,094

(6,286)

212,983

(2,299)

114,599

(63,057)

327,582

(65,356)

$

210,684 $

51,542 $

262,226

During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized goodwill of $13.1 million, based on 
foreign exchange rates on March 22, 2019, attributable to the excess of the purchase price over the fair 
value of the net assets acquired in the TMR Stock Purchase. In addition, the Company recognized 
identifiable finite lived intangible assets of $11.2 million and identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets of 
$6.8 million associated with TMR. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” for additional 
information related to goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the acquisition of TMR.

F-25

  
 
 
 
The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets included in investments in 
other ventures, under equity method on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:

Balance as of December 31, 2017

Gross amount

Goodwill and other intangible assets included
in investments in other  
ventures, under equity method

Goodwill    

Other
intangible 
assets    

Total    

$

12,318 $

51,796 $

64,114

Accumulated impairment losses and amortization

(4,500)

(42,880)

(47,380)

Acquired during the year

Amortization

Balance as of December 31, 2018

Gross amount

Accumulated impairment losses and amortization

Acquired during the year

Amortization

Balance as of December 31, 2019

Gross amount

Accumulated impairment losses and amortization

7,818

2,780

—

15,098

(4,500)
10,598

—

—

8,916

11,108

(2,886)

62,904

(45,766)
17,138

4

16,734

13,888

(2,886)

78,002

(50,266)
27,736

4

(2,816)

(2,816)

15,098

(4,500)

62,908

(48,582)

78,006

(53,082)

$

10,598 $

14,326 $

24,924

On March 23, 2018, the Company made an equity investment in TWFG Holding Company LLC (“TWFG”) 
and the transaction was accounted under the equity method of accounting. Total consideration paid was 
allocated to the Company’s proportionate share of the net assets of TWFG, other identifiable intangible 
assets and goodwill. In connection with the acquisition of TWFG, the Company recognized identifiable finite 
lived intangible assets of $2.0 million and identifiable indefinite lived intangible assets of $9.1 million. In 
addition, the Company recognized goodwill of $2.8 million.

In accordance with the Company’s established accounting policy, the beginning of the fourth quarter was 
used as the date for performing the annual impairment test. The Company first assessed qualitative factors 
to determine whether it was necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. Based on its qualitative 
assessment, the Company determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the goodwill and 
other intangible assets in question were less than their respective carrying amounts. The qualitative 
assessment included the following factors which the Company determined had not significantly deteriorated 
given specific facts and circumstances: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market conditions; costs 
factors; and overall financial performance. The Company also performed a quantitative analysis using a 
discounted cash flow model and concluded that the full amount of the goodwill and other intangible assets 
were not impaired. Other than the goodwill and other intangible assets acquired during the year as noted 
above and normal course amortization of intangible assets, in accordance with the Company’s established 
accounting policy, there were no adjustments to carried goodwill and other intangible assets during the year 
ended December 31, 2019.

F-26

  
 
 
 
The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by major category of other intangible assets 
included in goodwill and other intangible assets and investments in other ventures, under equity method on 
the Company’s consolidated balance sheets is shown below:

Other intangible assets

Total

39,353
—
—
26,186
—
—
329
65,868

Total

37,198
—
—
19,414
—
—
354
56,966

Accumulated
amortization 
and 
impairment 
losses

Gross 
carrying  
value
108,651 $

At December 31, 2019
Customer relationships and customer lists
Value of business acquired
Software
Licenses
Patents and intellectual property
Covenants not-to-compete
Trademarks and trade names

$

20,200
12,230
26,186
4,500
4,030
1,710

(69,298) $
(20,200)
(12,230)
—
(4,500)
(4,030)
(1,381)

At December 31, 2018
Customer relationships and customer lists
Value of business acquired
Software
Licenses
Patents and intellectual property
Covenants not-to-compete
Trademarks and trade names

$

177,507 $ (111,639) $

$

Other intangible assets

Gross 
carrying  
value

Accumulated
amortization 
and 
impairment 
losses

97,419 $
20,200
12,230
19,414
4,500
4,030
1,710

(60,221) $
(20,200)
(12,230)
—
(4,500)
(4,030)
(1,356)

$

159,503 $ (102,537) $

F-27

The remaining useful life of intangible assets with finite lives ranges from 0.5 to 14.2 years, with a weighted-
average amortization period of 7.0 years. Expected amortization of the other intangible assets, including 
other intangible assets recorded in investments in other ventures, under equity method, is shown below:

Other
intangible
assets 
included
in 
investments
in other
ventures, 
under
equity 
method

Other
intangibles

$

$

6,317 $
5,990
5,602
5,173
4,716
6,705
34,503
17,039
51,542 $

1,955 $
1,095
1,095
631
194
209
5,179
9,147

14,326 $

Total

8,272
7,085
6,697
5,804
4,910
6,914
39,682
26,186
65,868

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2024 and thereafter
Total remaining amortization expense
Indefinite lived

Total

NOTE 5. INVESTMENTS 

Fixed Maturity Investments Trading

The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed maturity investments trading:

U.S. treasuries
Agencies
Municipal
Non-U.S. government
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate
Corporate
Agency mortgage-backed
Non-agency mortgage-backed
Commercial mortgage-backed
Asset-backed

Total fixed maturity investments trading

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

$ 4,467,345 $ 3,331,411
174,883
6,854
279,818
160,063
2,450,244
817,880
278,680
282,294
306,743
$11,171,655 $ 8,088,870

343,031
—
497,392
321,356
3,075,660
1,148,499
294,604
468,698
555,070

F-28

Contractual maturities of fixed maturity investments trading are described in the following table. Expected 
maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay 
obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

At December 31, 2019
Due in less than one year

Due after one through five years

Due after five through ten years

Due after ten years

Mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Total

Equity Investments Trading

The following table summarizes the fair value of equity investments trading:

Amortized 
Cost
543,687 $

$

Fair Value

544,636

5,467,501

5,522,769

2,386,467

2,420,602

211,424

216,777

1,902,365

1,911,801

555,970

555,070

$11,067,414 $11,171,655

Financials
Communications and technology
Industrial, utilities and energy
Consumer
Healthcare
Basic materials

Total

Pledged Investments

December 31,
2019
248,189 $

$

December 31,
2018
200,357
42,333
24,520
20,639
18,925
3,478
310,252

79,206
38,583
35,987
29,510
5,456
436,931 $

$

At December 31, 2019, $7.0 billion of cash and investments at fair value were on deposit with, or in trust 
accounts for the benefit of, various counterparties, including with respect to the Company’s letter of credit 
facilities (2018 - $5.7 billion). Of this amount, $2.0 billion is on deposit with, or in trust accounts for the 
benefit of, U.S. state regulatory authorities (2018 - $2.0 billion).

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

At December 31, 2019, the Company held $57.6 million (2018 - $3.7 million) of reverse repurchase 
agreements. These loans are fully collateralized, are generally outstanding for a short period of time and 
are presented on a gross basis as part of short term investments on the Company’s consolidated balance 
sheets. The required collateral for these loans typically includes high-quality, readily marketable instruments 
at a minimum amount of 102% of the loan principal. Upon maturity, the Company receives principal and 
interest income.

F-29

Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income are as follows:

Year ended December 31,
Fixed maturity investments

Short term investments

Equity investments

Other investments

Private equity investments

Other

Cash and cash equivalents

Investment expenses

Net investment income

2019
318,503 $

2018
211,973 $

2017
179,624

$

56,264

4,808

33,571

4,474

11,082

3,628

14,981

39,246

7,676

441,478

(17,645)

477

22,475

3,810

276,780

(14,914)

33,999

8,067

1,196

237,596

(15,387)

$

423,833 $

261,866 $

222,209

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are as follows:

Year ended December 31,
Gross realized gains

Gross realized losses

Net realized gains (losses) on fixed maturity investments

Net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity investments

trading

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments-

related derivatives

Net realized gains on equity investments trading sold during

the period

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity investments trading

still held at reporting date

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity

investments trading

2019
133,409 $

2018
21,284 $

2017
49,121

$

(43,149)

90,260

(91,098)

(69,814)

(38,832)

10,289

170,183

(57,310)

8,479

58,891

(8,784)

(2,490)

31,062

27,739

80,027

64,087

(66,900)

39,517

95,149

(39,161)

119,544

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

$

414,483 $ (175,069) $

135,822

Other Investments

The table below shows the fair value of the Company’s portfolio of other investments:

At December 31,
Catastrophe bonds

Private equity investments

Senior secured bank loan funds

Hedge funds

Total other investments

2019
781,641 $

$

271,047

22,598

12,091

2018
516,571

242,647

14,482

11,233

$ 1,087,377 $

784,933

Interest income, income distributions and net realized and unrealized gains on other investments are 
included in net investment income and totaled $54.2 million (2018 – $23.0 million, 2017 – $42.1 million) of 
which $12.2 million related to net unrealized gains (2018 – losses of $8.3 million, 2017 – gains of $24.7 
million). Included in net investment income for 2019 is a loss of $5.5 million (2018 - income of $0.3 million, 
2017 - income of $1.9 million) representing the change in estimate during the period related to the 

F-30

 
difference between the Company’s estimated fair value due to the lag in reporting, as discussed in “Note 2. 
Significant Accounting Policies,” and the actual amount as reported in the final net asset values provided by 
the Company’s fund managers. 

The Company has committed capital to private equity investments, other investments and investments in 
other ventures of $1.1 billion, of which $708.4 million has been contributed at December 31, 2019. The 
Company’s remaining commitments to these investments at December 31, 2019 totaled $411.3 million. In 
the future, the Company may enter into additional commitments in respect of private equity investments or 
individual portfolio company investment opportunities.

Investments in Other Ventures, under Equity Method

The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of investments in other ventures, under equity method:

At December 31,
Tower Hill Companies

Top Layer Re

Other

2019

2018

Ownership %
24.9%

50.0%

26.6%

Carrying 
Value

36,779

35,363

34,407

Ownership %
24.9%

50.0%

30.6%

Carrying 
Value

38,241

46,562

30,369

Total investments in other ventures, under

equity method

$

106,549

$

115,172

The table below shows the Company’s equity in earnings of other ventures, under equity method:

Year ended December 31,
Tower Hill Companies

Top Layer Re

Other

2019
10,337 $

$

2018

2017

9,605 $

(1,647)

8,801

4,086

8,852

17

9,851

(174)

8,030

Total equity in earnings of other ventures

$

23,224 $

18,474 $

During 2019, the Company received $36.5 million of distributions from its investments in other ventures, 
under equity method (2018 – $26.1 million, 2017 – $29.7 million). Losses from the Company’s investments 
in other ventures, under equity method, net of distributions received, were $0.8 million at December 31, 
2019 (2018 - earnings of $3.8 million, 2017 - losses of $6.3 million). Except for Top Layer Re, the equity in 
earnings of the Company’s investments in other ventures are reported one quarter in arrears.

F-31

NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS 

The use of fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities with resulting unrealized gains or losses is 
pervasive within the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Fair value is defined under accounting 
guidance currently applicable to the Company to be the price that would be received upon the sale of an 
asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the 
measurement date. The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from 
changes in fair value in its consolidated statements of operations. 

FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes 
the inputs to the respective valuation techniques 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) and 
the lowest priority to valuation techniques that use at least one significant input that is unobservable (Level 
3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

•  Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities for which the Company has access. The fair value is 
determined by multiplying the quoted price by the quantity held by the Company;

•  Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 

that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted 
prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are 
observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at 
commonly quoted intervals, broker quotes and certain pricing indices; and 

•  Level 3 inputs are based all or in part on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and 
include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In these cases, 
significant management assumptions can be used to establish management’s best estimate of the 
assumptions used by other market participants in determining the fair value of the asset or liability. 

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value 
hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its 
entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement of the asset or liability. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to 
the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and the Company considers factors specific to 
the asset or liability.

In order to determine if a market is active or inactive for a security, the Company considers a number of factors, 
including, but not limited to, the spread between what a seller is asking for a security and what a buyer is 
bidding for the same security, the volume of trading activity for the security in question, the price of the security 
compared to its par value (for fixed maturity investments), and other factors that may be indicative of market 
activity.  

There have been no material changes in the Company’s valuation techniques, nor have there been any 
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 3 during the period represented by these 
consolidated financial statements.

F-32

Below is a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and 
also represents the carrying amount on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:

At December 31, 2019
Fixed maturity investments

U.S. treasuries

Agencies

Non-U.S. government

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

Corporate

Agency mortgage-backed

Non-agency mortgage-backed

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Total fixed maturity investments

Short term investments

Equity investments trading

Other investments

Catastrophe bonds

Private equity investments (1)

Senior secured bank loan funds (1)

Hedge funds (1)

Total other investments

Other assets and (liabilities)

Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts

(2)

Derivatives (3)

Total other assets and (liabilities)

Quoted
Prices in 
Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)

Total

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

$ 4,467,345 $ 4,467,345 $

— $

343,031

497,392

321,356

3,075,660

1,148,499

294,604

468,698

555,070

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

343,031

497,392

321,356

3,075,660

1,148,499

294,604

468,698

555,070

11,171,655

4,467,345

6,704,310

4,566,277

—

4,566,277

436,931

436,931

—

781,641

271,047
22,598

12,091

1,087,377

4,731
16,937

21,668

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,020)

(1,020)

781,641

—

—

—

781,641

74,634

—

17,957

17,957

4,731

—

4,731

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

74,634

—

—

$17,283,908 $ 4,903,256 $12,070,185 $

79,365

(1)    Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient 
have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit 
reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.

(2) 

Included in assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts at December 31, 2019 was $32.9 million of other assets and $28.2 
million of other liabilities.

(3)  Refer to “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value, by type of contract, of derivatives 

entered into by the Company.

F-33

 
At December 31, 2018
Fixed maturity investments

U.S. treasuries

Agencies

Municipal

Non-U.S. government

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

Corporate

Agency mortgage-backed

Non-agency mortgage-backed

Commercial mortgage-backed

Asset-backed

Total fixed maturity investments

Short term investments

Equity investments trading

Other investments

Catastrophe bonds

Private equity investments (1)

Senior secured bank loan funds (1)

Hedge funds (1)

Total other investments

Other assets and (liabilities)

Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts

(2)

Derivatives (3)

Total other assets and (liabilities)

Quoted
Prices in 
Active
Markets for
Identical
 Assets
(Level 1)

Total

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

$ 3,331,411 $ 3,331,411 $

— $

174,883
6,854

279,818

160,063

—

—

—

—

174,883

6,854

279,818

160,063

2,450,244

— 2,450,244

817,880

278,680

282,294

306,743

—

—

—

—

817,880

278,680

282,294

306,743

8,088,870

3,331,411

4,757,459

2,586,520

— 2,586,520

310,252

310,252

—

516,571

242,647
14,482

11,233

784,933

(8,359)
12,399

4,040

—

—

—

—

—

—

484

484

516,571

—

—

—

516,571

54,545

—

(8,359)

11,915

11,915

—

(8,359)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

54,545

—

—

$11,774,615 $ 3,642,147 $ 7,872,465 $

46,186

(1)    Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient 
have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit 
reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.

(2) 

Included in assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts at December 31, 2018 was $5.0 million of other assets and $13.3 million 
of other liabilities.

(3)   Refer to “Note 19. Derivative Instruments” for additional information related to the fair value, by type of contract, of derivatives 

entered into by the Company.

Level 1 and Level 2 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Fixed Maturity Investments

Fixed maturity investments included in Level 1 consist of the Company’s investments in U.S. treasuries. 
Fixed maturity investments included in Level 2 are agencies, municipal, non-U.S. government, non-U.S. 
government-backed corporate, corporate, agency mortgage-backed, non-agency mortgage-backed, 
commercial mortgage-backed and asset-backed.

The Company’s fixed maturity investments are primarily priced using pricing services, such as index 
providers and pricing vendors, as well as broker quotations. In general, the pricing vendors provide pricing 
for a high volume of liquid securities that are actively traded. For securities that do not trade on an 

F-34

 
exchange, the pricing services generally utilize market data and other observable inputs in matrix pricing 
models to determine month end prices. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, 
broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, reference data and industry and economic events. Index 
pricing generally relies on market traders as the primary source for pricing; however, models are also 
utilized to provide prices for all index eligible securities. The models use a variety of observable inputs such 
as benchmark yields, transactional data, dealer runs, broker-dealer quotes and corporate actions. Prices 
are generally verified using third-party data. Securities which are priced by an index provider are generally 
included in the index. 

In general, broker-dealers value securities through their trading desks based on observable inputs. The 
methodologies include mapping securities based on trade data, bids or offers, observed spreads, and 
performance on newly issued securities. Broker-dealers also determine valuations by observing secondary 
trading of similar securities. Prices obtained from broker quotations are considered non-binding, however 
they are based on observable inputs and by observing secondary trading of similar securities obtained from 
active, non-distressed markets. 

The Company considers these broker quotations to be Level 2 inputs as they are corroborated with other 
market observable inputs. The techniques generally used to determine the fair value of the Company’s fixed 
maturity investments are detailed below by asset class.

U.S. treasuries

Level 1 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s U.S. treasuries fixed maturity investments were primarily 
priced by pricing services and had a weighted average yield to maturity of 1.7% and a weighted average 
credit quality of AA (2018 - 2.5% and AA, respectively). When pricing these securities, the pricing services 
utilize daily data from many real time market sources, including active broker-dealers. Certain data sources 
are regularly reviewed for accuracy to attempt to ensure the most reliable price source is used for each 
issue and maturity date.

Agencies

Level 2 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s agency fixed maturity investments had a weighted average 
yield to maturity of 2.1% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (2018 - 3.0% and AA, respectively). 
The issuers of the Company’s agency fixed maturity investments primarily consist of the Federal National 
Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other agencies. Fixed maturity 
investments included in agencies are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, 
the pricing services gather information from market sources and integrate other observations from markets 
and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker-dealer quotes and other market information 
including actual trade volumes, when available. The fair value of each security is individually computed 
using analytical models which incorporate option adjusted spreads and other daily interest rate data.

Municipal

Level 2 - At December 31, 2019, the Company did not hold any material positions in municipal fixed 
maturity investments. At December 31, 2018, the Company’s municipal fixed maturity investments had a 
weighted average yield to maturity of 4.8% and a weighted average credit quality of A. The Company’s 
municipal fixed maturity investments were primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these 
securities, the pricing services gathered information regarding the security from third-party sources such as 
trustees, paying agents or issuers. Evaluations were updated by obtaining broker-dealer quotes and other 
market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing services also considered the 
specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may have influenced 
risk. In certain instances, securities were individually evaluated using a spread over widely accepted market 
benchmarks.

Non-U.S. government

Level 2 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s non-U.S. government fixed maturity investments had a 
weighted average yield to maturity of 1.6% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (2018 - 2.7% and 
AAA, respectively). The issuers of securities in this sector are non-U.S. governments and their respective 
agencies as well as supranational organizations. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by 

F-35

pricing services that employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key 
quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high 
issuance credits. The pricing services then apply a credit spread for each security which is developed by in-
depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing services utilize 
data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be 
supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets.

Non-U.S. government-backed corporate

Level 2 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s non-U.S. government-backed corporate fixed maturity 
investments had a weighted average yield to maturity of 2.0% and a weighted average credit quality of AA 
(2018 - 2.8% and AA, respectively). Non-U.S. government-backed corporate fixed maturity investments are 
primarily priced by pricing services that employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the 
securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap 
and high issuance credits. The pricing services then apply a credit spread to the respective curve for each 
security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume 
is low, the pricing services utilize data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These 
models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets.

Corporate

Level 2 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments principally consisted 
of U.S. and international corporations and had a weighted average yield to maturity of 3.0% and a weighted 
average credit quality of BBB (2018 - 4.9% and BBB, respectively). The Company’s corporate fixed maturity 
investments are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services 
gather information from market sources regarding the issuer of the security and obtain credit data, as well 
as other observations, from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker-dealer 
quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing services 
also consider the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may 
influence risk. In certain instances, securities are individually evaluated using a spread which is added to 
the U.S. treasury curve or a security specific swap curve as appropriate.

Agency mortgage-backed

Level 2 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments 
included agency residential mortgage-backed securities with a weighted average yield to maturity of 2.5%, 
a weighted average credit quality of AA and a weighted average life of 4.9 years (2018 - 3.5%, AA and 7.1 
years, respectively). The Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily 
priced by pricing services using a mortgage pool specific model which utilizes daily inputs from the active 
to-be-announced market which is very liquid, as well as the U.S. treasury market. The model also utilizes 
additional information, such as the weighted average maturity, weighted average coupon and other 
available pool level data which is provided by the sponsoring agency. Valuations are also corroborated with 
daily active market quotes. 

Non-agency mortgage-backed

Level 2 - The Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments include non-agency 
prime, non-agency Alt-A and other non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 
2019, the Company’s non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments had a 
weighted average yield to maturity of 3.3%, a weighted average credit quality of BBB, and a weighted 
average life of 4.8 years (2018 - 4.4%, non-investment grade and 4.7 years, respectively). The Company’s 
non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments held at December 31, 2019 had a weighted average yield to 
maturity of 3.8%, a weighted average credit quality of non-investment grade and a weighted average life of 
6.3 years (2018 - 4.7%, non-investment grade and 6.3 years, respectively). Securities held in these sectors 
are primarily priced by pricing services using an option adjusted spread model or other relevant models, 
which principally utilize inputs including benchmark yields, available trade information or broker quotes, and 
issuer spreads. The pricing services also review collateral prepayment speeds, loss severity and 
delinquencies among other collateral performance indicators for the securities valuation, when applicable.

F-36

Commercial mortgage-backed

Level 2 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s commercial mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments 
had a weighted average yield to maturity of 2.6%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA, and a weighted 
average life of 5.7 years (2018 - 3.6%, AAA and 5.0 years, respectively). Securities held in these sectors 
are primarily priced by pricing services. The pricing services apply dealer quotes and other available trade 
information such as bids and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral 
or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve and swap curve as well as cash settlement. The pricing 
services discount the expected cash flows for each security held in this sector using a spread adjusted 
benchmark yield based on the characteristics of the security.

Asset-backed

Level 2 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted 
average yield to maturity of 3.3%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA and a weighted average life of 
3.2 years (2018 - 4.3%, AAA and 3.2 years, respectively). The underlying collateral for the Company’s 
asset-backed fixed maturity investments primarily consists of bank loans, student loans, credit card 
receivables, auto loans and other receivables. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by 
pricing services. The pricing services apply dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bids 
and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the 
U.S. treasury curve and swap curve as well as cash settlement. The pricing services determine the 
expected cash flows for each security held in this sector using historical prepayment and default projections 
for the underlying collateral and current market data. In addition, a spread is applied to the relevant 
benchmark and used to discount the cash flows noted above to determine the fair value of the securities 
held in this sector. 

Short Term Investments

Level 2 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s short term investments had a weighted average yield to 
maturity of 1.6% and a weighted average credit quality of AAA (2018 - 2.1% and AAA, respectively). The fair 
value of the Company’s portfolio of short term investments is generally determined using amortized cost 
which approximates fair value and, in certain cases, in a manner similar to the Company’s fixed maturity 
investments noted above.

Equity Investments, Classified as Trading

Level 1 - The fair value of the Company’s portfolio of equity investments, classified as trading is primarily 
priced by pricing services, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. When 
pricing these securities, the pricing services utilize daily data from many real time market sources, including 
applicable securities exchanges. All data sources are regularly reviewed for accuracy to attempt to ensure 
the most reliable price source was used for each security.

Other investments

Catastrophe bonds

Level 2 - The Company’s other investments include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded 
at fair value based on broker or underwriter bid indications.

Other assets and liabilities

Derivatives

Level 1 and Level 2 - Other assets and liabilities include certain derivatives entered into by the Company. 
The fair value of these transactions includes certain exchange traded futures contracts which are 
considered Level 1, and foreign currency contracts and certain credit derivatives, determined using 
standard industry valuation models and considered Level 2, as the inputs to the valuation model are based 
on observable market inputs. For credit derivatives, these inputs include credit spreads, credit ratings of the 
underlying referenced security, the risk free rate and the contract term. For foreign currency contracts, these 
inputs include spot rates and interest rate curves.

F-37

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Below is a summary of quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) used 
in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

At December 31, 2019

Fair Value
(Level 3)

Valuation
Technique

Unobservable
Inputs

Low

High

Weighted
Average
or Actual

Other investments

Private equity investment

$

10,327

Private equity investments

64,307

External
valuation model

Internal
valuation model

Manager pricing

$ 103.20

$ 103.77

$ 103.20

Discount rate

8.0%

10.0%

9.0%

Liquidity discount

n/a

n/a

15.0%

Total other investments

74,634

Other assets and (liabilities)

Assumed and ceded

(re)insurance contracts

501

Internal
valuation model

Bond price

$ 100.29

$ 106.26

$ 103.58

Assumed and ceded

(re)insurance contracts

(8,767)

Internal
valuation model

Liquidity discount

Net undiscounted
cash flows

Expected loss ratio

Discount rate

Internal
valuation model

Expected loss ratio

Assumed and ceded

(re)insurance contracts

Total other assets and

(liabilities)

Total other assets and

(liabilities) measured at fair
value on a recurring basis
using Level 3 inputs

12,997

4,731

$

79,365

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

1.3%

$ (11,179)

33.1%

1.7%

0.0%

Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, for the periods shown, of assets and 
liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. Interest and dividend income are 
included in net investment income and are excluded from the reconciliation.

Balance - January 1, 2019

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)

Included in other income

Total foreign exchange gains

Purchases

Settlements

Amounts acquired (1)

Balance - December 31, 2019

Other assets
and
(liabilities)

Total

Other
investments
$

54,545 $

2,126

5

17,958

—

—

(8,359) $

46,186

(2,347)

—

(221)

5

(4,553)

13,405

20

19,970

20

19,970

79,365

$

74,634 $

4,731 $

(1)  Represents the fair value of the other assets acquired from TMR, measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs 
at March 22, 2019. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” for additional information related to the acquisition of 
TMR.

F-38

  
Balance - January 1, 2018

Total realized and unrealized gains

Included in other income

Purchases

Settlements

Other
investments
$

Other assets 
and
(liabilities)

Total

— $

(2,952) $

(2,952)

—
54,545

—

2,901
(9,291)

983

2,901
45,254

983

Balance - December 31, 2018

$

54,545 $

(8,359) $

46,186

Other investments

Private equity investment

Level 3 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s other investments included a $10.3 million private equity 
investment which is recorded at fair value, with the fair value obtained through the receipt of an indicative 
pricing obtained from the insurance manager of the security. The Company considers the price obtained to 
be unobservable, as there is little, if any, market activity for this security. This unobservable input in isolation 
can cause significant increases or decreases in fair value. Generally, an increase in the indicative pricing 
would result in an increase in the fair value of this private equity investment. 

Level 3 - At December 31, 2019, the Company’s other investments included $64.3 million of private equity 
investments which are recorded at fair value, with the fair value obtained through the use of internal 
valuation models. The Company measured the fair value of these investments using multiples of net 
tangible book value of the underlying entity. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value 
measurement of these investments are liquidity discount rates applied to each of the net tangible book 
value multiples used in the internal valuation models, and discount rates applied to the expected cash flows 
of the underlying entity in various scenarios. These unobservable inputs in isolation can cause significant 
increases or decreases in fair value. Generally, an increase in the liquidity discount rate or discount rates 
would result in a decrease in the fair value of these private equity investments.

Other assets and liabilities

Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts

Level 3 - At December 31, 2019, the Company had a $0.5 million net asset related to an assumed 
reinsurance contract accounted for at fair value, with the fair value obtained through the use of an internal 
valuation model. The inputs to the internal valuation model are principally based on indicative pricing 
obtained from independent brokers and pricing vendors for similarly structured marketable securities. The 
most significant unobservable inputs include prices for similar marketable securities and a liquidity premium. 
The Company considers the prices for similar securities to be unobservable, as there is little, if any market 
activity for these similar assets. In addition, the Company has estimated a liquidity premium that would be 
required if the Company attempted to effectively exit its position by executing a short sale of these 
securities. Generally, an increase in the prices for similar marketable securities or a decrease in the liquidity 
premium would result in an increase in the expected profit and ultimate fair value of this assumed 
reinsurance contract.

Level 3 - At December 31, 2019, the Company had a $8.8 million net liability related to assumed and ceded 
(re)insurance contracts accounted for at fair value, with the fair value obtained through the use of an 
internal valuation model. The inputs to the internal valuation model are principally based on proprietary data 
as observable market inputs are generally not available. The most significant unobservable inputs include 
the assumed and ceded expected net cash flows related to the contracts, including the expected premium, 
acquisition expenses and losses; the expected loss ratio and the relevant discount rate used to present 
value the net cash flows. The contract period and acquisition expense ratio are considered an observable 
input as each is defined in the contract. Generally, an increase in the net expected cash flows and expected 
term of the contract and a decrease in the discount rate, expected loss ratio or acquisition expense ratio, 

F-39

  
would result in an increase in the expected profit and ultimate fair value of these assumed and ceded 
(re)insurance contracts.

Level 3 - At December 31, 2019, the Company had a $13.0 million net asset related to assumed and ceded 
(re)insurance contracts accounted for at fair value, with the fair value obtained through the use of internal 
valuation models. The inputs to the models are primarily based on the unexpired period of risk and an 
evaluation of the probability of loss. The fair value of the contracts are sensitive to loss-triggering events. In 
the event of a loss, the Company would adjust the fair value of the contract to account for a recovery or 
liability in accordance with the contract terms and the estimate of exposure under the contract. The inputs 
for the contracts are based on management’s evaluation and are unobservable.

Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, at Fair Value

The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The Company’s 
insurance contracts are excluded from the fair value of financial instruments accounting guidance, unless 
the Company elects the fair value option, and therefore, are not included in the amounts discussed herein. 
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, receivables for investments 
sold, certain other assets, payables for investments purchased, certain other liabilities, and other financial 
instruments not included herein approximated their fair values. 

Debt

Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 were debt obligations of 
$1.4 billion (2018 - $991.1 million). At December 31, 2019, the fair value of the Company’s debt obligations 
was $1.5 billion (2018 – $974.7 million).

The fair value of the Company’s debt obligations is determined using indicative market pricing obtained 
from third-party service providers, which the Company considers Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. There 
have been no changes during the period in the Company’s valuation technique used to determine the fair 
value of the Company’s debt obligations. Refer to “Note 9. Debt and Credit Facilities” for additional 
information related to the Company’s debt obligations.

The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

The Company has elected to account for certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value using 
the guidance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments as the Company believes it represents the most 
meaningful measurement basis for these assets and liabilities. Below is a summary of the balances the 
Company has elected to account for at fair value:

Other investments
Other assets
Other liabilities

2019

$ 1,087,377 $
32,944 $
$
28,213 $
$

2018
784,933
4,968
13,327

Included in net investment income for 2019 was net unrealized gains of $12.2 million related to the changes 
in fair value of other investments (2018 – losses of $8.3 million, 2017 – gains of $24.7 million). Included in 
other income for 2019 were net unrealized gains of $Nil related to the changes in the fair value of other 
assets and liabilities (2018 – $Nil, 2017 – $Nil).

F-40

Measuring the Fair Value of Other Investments Using Net Asset Valuations

The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of other investments measured using net asset valuations 
as a practical expedient:

Fair Value

196,413 $

Unfunded
Commitments
351,028

Redemption
Frequency
See below

Redemption
Notice Period
(Minimum
Days)
See below

Redemption
Notice Period
(Maximum
Days)
See below

22,598

12,091

8,702

See below

See below

See below

— See below

See below

See below

At December 31, 2019
Private equity investments

$

Senior secured bank loan funds

Hedge funds

Total other investments

measured using net asset
valuations

$

231,102 $

359,730

Private equity investments – A significant portion of the Company’s investments in private equity 
investments include alternative asset limited partnerships (or similar corporate structures) that invest in 
certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts, mezzanine investments, 
distressed securities, real estate, and oil, gas and power. The Company generally has no right to redeem its 
interest in any of these private equity investments in advance of dissolution of the applicable private equity 
investment. Instead, the nature of these investments is that distributions are received by the Company in 
connection with the liquidation of the underlying assets of the respective private equity investment. It is 
estimated that the majority of the underlying assets of the limited partnerships would liquidate over 7 to 10 
years from inception of the respective limited partnership.

Senior secured bank loan funds – At December 31, 2019 the Company had $22.6 million invested in closed 
end funds which invest primarily in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in these 
funds. It is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets in these closed end funds would begin to 
liquidate over 4 to 5 years from inception of the applicable fund.

Hedge funds – At December 31, 2019, the Company had $12.1 million of investments in hedge funds that 
are primarily focused on global credit opportunities which are generally redeemable at the option of the 
shareholder.

NOTE 7. REINSURANCE 

The Company purchases reinsurance and other protection to manage its risk portfolio and to reduce its 
exposure to large losses. The Company currently has in place contracts that provide for recovery of a 
portion of certain claims and claim expenses, generally in excess of various retentions or on a proportional 
basis. In addition to loss recoveries, certain of the Company’s ceded reinsurance contracts provide for 
payments of additional premiums, for reinstatement premiums and for lost no-claims bonuses, which are 
incurred when losses are ceded to the respective reinsurance contracts. The Company remains liable to the 
extent that any reinsurer fails to meet its obligations.

F-41

The following table sets forth the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional activity on premiums written and 
earned and on net claims and claim expenses incurred:

Year ended December 31,
Premiums written

Direct

Assumed

Ceded

Net premiums written

Premiums earned

Direct

Assumed

Ceded

Net premiums earned

Claims and claim expenses

Gross claims and claim expenses incurred
Claims and claim expenses recovered

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

2019

2018

2017

$

461,409 $

337,587 $

290,730

4,346,341

2,972,840

2,506,810

(1,426,257)

(1,178,525)

(926,215)

$ 3,381,493 $ 2,131,902 $ 1,871,325

$

404,525 $

292,219 $

244,285

4,348,261

2,779,796

2,307,219

(1,414,383)

(1,095,886)

(833,929)

$ 3,338,403 $ 1,976,129 $ 1,717,575

$ 3,221,778 $ 2,578,536 $ 3,420,388
(1,558,960)
(1,458,518)

(1,124,757)

$ 2,097,021 $ 1,120,018 $ 1,861,428

At December 31, 2019, the Company’s reinsurance recoverable balance was $2.8 billion (2018 - $2.4 
billion). Of the Company’s reinsurance recoverable balance at December 31, 2019, 57.5% is fully 
collateralized by our reinsurers, 41.0% is recoverable from reinsurers rated A- or higher by major rating 
agencies and 1.5% is recoverable from reinsurers rated lower than A- by major rating agencies (2018 - 
60.8%, 38.0% and 1.2%, respectively). The reinsurers with the three largest balances accounted for 12.7%, 
7.2% and 7.0%, respectively, of the Company’s reinsurance recoverable balance at December 31, 2019 
(2018 - 15.5%, 6.7% and 6.5%, respectively). The valuation allowance recorded against reinsurance 
recoverable was $7.3 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $9.0 million). The three largest company-
specific components of the valuation allowance represented 18.1%, 7.9% and 7.2%, respectively, of the 
Company’s total valuation allowance at December 31, 2019 (2018 - 16.2%, 14.8% and 12.3%, 
respectively).

F-42

NOTE 8. RESERVE FOR CLAIMS AND CLAIM EXPENSES 

The Company believes the most significant accounting judgment made by management is its estimate of 
claims and claim expense reserves. Claims and claim expense reserves represent estimates, including 
actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time, of the ultimate settlement and administration 
costs for unpaid claims and claim expenses arising from the insurance and reinsurance contracts the 
Company sells. The Company establishes its claims and claim expense reserves by taking claims reported 
to the Company by insureds and ceding companies, but which have not yet been paid (“case reserves”), 
adding estimates for the anticipated cost of claims incurred but not yet reported to the Company, or incurred 
but not enough reported to the Company (collectively referred to as “IBNR”) and, if deemed necessary, 
adding costs for additional case reserves which represent the Company’s estimates for claims related to 
specific contracts previously reported to the Company which it believes may not be adequately estimated by 
the client as of that date, or adequately covered in the application of IBNR. The Company’s reserving 
committee, which includes members of the Company’s senior management, reviews, discusses, and 
assesses the reasonableness and adequacy of the reserving estimates included in our audited financial 
statements.

The following table summarizes the Company’s claims and claim expense reserves by segment, allocated 
between case reserves, additional case reserves and IBNR:

At December 31, 2019
Property

Casualty and Specialty

Other

Total

At December 31, 2018
Property

Casualty and Specialty

Other

Total

Case
Reserves

Additional
Case Reserves

IBNR

Total

$ 1,253,406 $ 1,631,223 $ 1,189,221 $ 4,073,850

1,596,426

129,720

3,583,913

5,310,059

440

—

—

440

$ 2,850,272 $ 1,760,943 $ 4,773,134 $ 9,384,349

$

690,718 $ 1,308,307 $ 1,087,229 $ 3,086,254

771,537

1,458

116,877

2,096,979

2,985,393

—

3,166

4,624

$ 1,463,713 $ 1,425,184 $ 3,187,374 $ 6,076,271

F-43

Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses is summarized as follows:

Year ended December 31,
Net reserves as of beginning of period

Net incurred related to:

Current year

Prior years

Total net incurred

Net paid related to:

Current year

Prior years

Total net paid

Amounts acquired (1)

Foreign exchange (2)

Net reserves as of end of period
Reinsurance recoverable as of end of period

Gross reserves as of end of period

2019

2018
$ 3,704,050 $ 3,493,778 $ 2,568,730

2017

2,123,876

1,390,767

1,902,424

(26,855)

(270,749)

(40,996)

2,097,021

1,120,018

1,861,428

265,649

832,405

1,098,054

1,858,775

391,061

503,708

894,769

—

450,527

524,298

974,825

—

31,260

(14,977)

38,445

6,593,052

3,704,050

3,493,778

2,791,297

2,372,221

1,586,630

$ 9,384,349 $ 6,076,271 $ 5,080,408

(1)  Represents the fair value of TMR's reserves for claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables, acquired at March 
22, 2019. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” for additional information related to the acquisition of TMR.

(2)  Reflects the impact of the foreign exchange revaluation of net reserves denominated in non-U.S. dollars as at the balance sheet 

date.

The Company’s reserving methodology for each line of business uses a loss reserving process that 
calculates a point estimate for its ultimate settlement and administration costs for claims and claim 
expenses. The Company does not calculate a range of estimates and does not discount any of its reserves 
for claims and claim expenses. The Company uses this point estimate, along with paid claims and case 
reserves, to record its best estimate of additional case reserves and IBNR in its consolidated financial 
statements. Under GAAP, the Company is not permitted to establish estimates for catastrophe claims and 
claim expense reserves until an event occurs that gives rise to a loss.

Reserving for reinsurance claims involves other uncertainties, such as the dependence on information from 
ceding companies, the time lag inherent in reporting information from the primary insurer to the Company or 
to the Company’s ceding companies, and differing reserving practices among ceding companies. The 
information received from ceding companies is typically in the form of bordereaux, broker notifications of 
loss and/or discussions with ceding companies or their brokers. This information may be received on a 
monthly, quarterly or transactional basis and normally includes paid claims and estimates of case reserves. 
The Company sometimes also receives an estimate or provision for IBNR. This information is often updated 
and adjusted from time to time during the loss settlement period as new data or facts in respect of initial 
claims, client accounts, industry or event trends may be reported or emerge in addition to changes in 
applicable statutory and case laws. 

The Company’s estimates of losses from large events are based on factors including currently available 
information derived from claims information from certain customers and brokers, industry assessments of 
losses from the events, proprietary models, and the terms and conditions of the Company’s contracts. The 
uncertainty of the Company’s estimates for large events is also impacted by the preliminary nature of the 
information available, the magnitude and relative infrequency of the events, the expected duration of the 
respective claims development period, inadequacies in the data provided to the relevant date by industry 
participants and the potential for further reporting lags or insufficiencies; and in certain large events, 
significant uncertainty as to the form of the claims and legal issues, under the relevant terms of insurance 
and reinsurance contracts. In addition, a significant portion of the net claims and claim expenses associated 
with certain large events can be concentrated with a few large clients and therefore the loss estimates for 
these events may vary significantly based on the claims experience of those clients. The contingent nature 
of business interruption and other exposures will also impact losses in a meaningful way, which may give 
rise to significant complexity in respect of claims handling, claims adjustment and other coverage issues, 

F-44

over time. Given the magnitude of certain events, there can be meaningful uncertainty regarding total 
covered losses for the insurance industry and, accordingly, several of the key assumptions underlying the 
Company's loss estimates. Loss reserve estimation in respect of the Company's retrocessional contracts 
poses further challenges compared to directly assumed reinsurance. In addition, the Company’s actual net 
losses from these events may increase if the Company’s reinsurers or other obligors fail to meet their 
obligations.

Because of the inherent uncertainties discussed above, the Company has developed a reserving 
philosophy that attempts to incorporate prudent assumptions and estimates, and the Company has 
generally experienced favorable net development on prior accident years net claims and claim expenses in 
the last several years. However, there is no assurance that this favorable development on prior accident 
years net claims and claim expenses will occur in future periods.

The Company establishes a provision for unallocated loss adjustment expenses ("ULAE") when the related 
reserve for claims and claim expenses is established. ULAE are expenses that cannot be associated with a 
specific claim but are related to claims paid or in the process of settlement, such as internal costs of the 
claims function, and are included in the reserve for claims and claim expenses. The determination of the 
ULAE provision is subject to judgment.

The Company reevaluates its actuarial reserving techniques on a periodic basis. Typically, the quarterly 
review procedures include reviewing paid and reported claims in the most recent reporting period, reviewing 
the development of paid and reported claims from prior periods, and reviewing the Company’s overall 
experience by underwriting year and in the aggregate. The Company monitors its expected ultimate claims 
and claim expense ratios and expected claims reporting assumptions on a quarterly basis and compares 
them to its actual experience. These actuarial assumptions are generally reviewed annually, based on input 
from the Company’s actuaries, underwriters, claims personnel and finance professionals, although 
adjustments may be made more frequently if needed. Assumption changes are made to adjust for changes 
in the pricing and terms of coverage the Company provides, changes in industry results for similar business, 
as well as its actual experience to the extent the Company has enough data to rely on its own experience. If 
the Company determines that adjustments to an earlier estimate are appropriate, such adjustments are 
recorded in the period in which they are identified.

Incurred and Paid Claims Development and Reserving Methodology

The information provided herein about incurred and paid accident year claims development for the years 
ended prior to December 31, 2019 on a consolidated basis and by segment is presented as supplementary 
information. The Company has applied a retrospective approach with respect to its acquisitions, presenting 
all relevant historical information for all periods presented. In addition, included in the incurred claims and 
claim expenses and cumulated paid claims and claim expenses tables below is a reconciling item that 
represents the unamortized balance of fair value adjustments recorded in connection with the acquisitions 
of Platinum and TMR, respectively, to reflect an increase in net claims and claim expenses due to the 
addition of a market based risk margin that represented the cost of capital required by a market participant 
to assume the net claims and claim expenses of Platinum and TMR, partially offset by a decrease from 
discounting in connection with the acquisitions of Platinum and TMR, to reflect the time value of money.

For incurred and paid accident year claims denominated in foreign currency, the Company used the current 
year-end balance sheet foreign exchange rate for all periods provided, thereby eliminating the effects of 
changes in foreign currency translation rates from the incurred and paid accident year claims development 
information included in the tables below.

F-45

The following table details the Company’s consolidated incurred claims and claim expenses and cumulative 
paid claims and claim expenses as of December 31, 2019, net of reinsurance, as well as IBNR plus ACR 
included within the net incurred claims amounts.

Incurred claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

For the year ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

At
December
31, 2019

IBNR
 and ACR

$1,131,892

$1,105,041

$1,048,747

$1,033,341

$1,045,727

$1,037,725

$1,045,490

$1,043,565

$1,015,540

$ 1,052,931

$

60,342

— 1,989,024

1,926,506

1,827,258

1,768,793

1,738,452

1,698,378

1,683,614

1,678,015

1,664,869

— 1,138,018

1,021,668

958,139

927,438

891,981

894,168

901,049

907,212

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

912,545

861,093

810,934

761,033

737,158

718,563

699,767

1,024,813

997,906

990,050

966,802

948,264

953,904

1,171,023

1,156,856

1,175,927

1,145,983

1,133,632

— 1,401,451

1,458,767

1,432,001

1,426,575

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,940,713

2,724,795

2,632,396

— 2,198,980

2,338,291

—

—

2,280,044

1,764,899

$15,089,621

$ 4,142,784

55,191

48,297

43,792

114,985

131,005

251,952

731,975

940,346

Cumulative paid claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

For the year ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

$ 146,890

$ 334,347

$ 518,162

$ 603,060

$ 670,935

$ 746,454

$ 859,745

$ 892,480

$ 912,776

$

928,552

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

311,906

728,464

1,143,829

1,330,492

1,449,060

1,493,174

1,530,030

1,550,195

1,565,359

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

267,764

416,808

522,264

596,634

647,618

721,942

752,614

783,106

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

131,829

340,652

434,508

496,380

554,686

587,978

615,463

—

—

—

—

—

—

230,826

432,761

554,398

630,417

691,774

741,844

—

—

—

—

—

262,085

495,119

662,001

781,622

879,950

—

—

—

—

286,317

623,440

826,502

971,424

—

—

—

745,098

1,067,481

1,371,477

—

—

587,619

804,566

—

284,842

$ 8,946,583

Outstanding liabilities from accident year 2009 and prior, net of reinsurance

270,317

Accident 
Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Accident 
Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance, from the Company's former Bermuda-based insurance operations

Unamortized fair value adjustments recorded in connection with acquisitions

Adjustment for unallocated claim expenses

229

51,876

(69,219)

Liability for claims and claim expense, net of reinsurance, associated with RenaissanceRe UK

196,811

Liability for claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

$ 6,593,052

Property Segment

Within the Property segment, the Company principally writes property catastrophe excess of loss 
reinsurance contracts to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made 
catastrophes. Under these contracts, the Company indemnifies an insurer or reinsurer when its aggregate 
paid claims and claim expenses from a single occurrence of a covered peril exceeds the attachment point 
specified in the contract, up to an amount per loss specified in the contract. The Company's most significant 
exposure is to losses from hurricanes, earthquakes and other windstorms, although the Company is also 
exposed to claims arising from other catastrophes, such as tsunamis, winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, 
tornadoes, explosions and acts of terrorism. The Company's predominant exposure under such coverage is 
to property damage. However, other risks, including business interruption and other non-property losses, 

F-46

may also be covered under the Company's catastrophe contracts when arising from a covered peril. The 
Company's coverages are offered on either a worldwide basis or are limited to selected geographic areas.

Coverage can also vary from “all property” perils to limited coverage on selected perils, such as “earthquake 
only” coverage. The Company also enters into retrocessional contracts that provide property catastrophe 
coverage to other reinsurers or retrocedants. This coverage is generally in the form of excess of loss 
retrocessional contracts and may cover all perils and exposures on a worldwide basis or be limited in scope 
to selected geographic areas, perils and/or exposures. The exposures the Company assumes from 
retrocessional business can change within a contract term as the underwriters of a retrocedant may alter 
their book of business after the retrocessional coverage has been bound. The Company also offers dual 
trigger reinsurance contracts which require the Company to pay claims based on claims incurred by 
insurers and reinsurers in addition to the estimate of insured industry losses as reported by referenced 
statistical reporting agencies.

Also included in the Property segment is property per risk, property (re)insurance, binding facilities and 
regional U.S. multi-line reinsurance. The Company's predominant exposure under such coverage is to 
property damage. However, other risks, including business interruption and other non-property losses, may 
also be covered when arising from a covered peril. The Company's coverages are offered on either a 
worldwide basis or are limited to selected geographic areas. The exposures assumed from retrocessional 
business can change within a contract term as the underwriters of a retrocedant may alter their book of 
business after the retrocessional coverage has been bound. The Company offers these products principally 
through proportional coverage. In a proportional reinsurance arrangement (also referred to as quota share 
reinsurance or pro rata reinsurance), the reinsurer shares a proportional part of the original premiums and 
losses of the reinsured.

Claims and claim expenses in the Company's Property segment are generally characterized by loss events 
of low frequency and high severity. Initial reporting of paid and incurred claims in general, tends to be 
relatively prompt. The Company considers this business “short-tail” as compared to the reporting of claims 
for “long-tail” products, which tends to be slower. However, the timing of claims payment and reporting also 
varies depending on various factors, including: whether the claims arise under reinsurance of primary 
insurance companies or reinsurance of other reinsurance companies; the nature of the events (e.g., 
hurricanes, earthquakes or terrorism); the geographic area involved; post-event inflation which may cause 
the cost to repair damaged property to increase significantly from current estimates, or for property claims 
to remain open for a longer period of time, due to limitations on the supply of building materials, labor and 
other resources; complex policy coverage and other legal issues; and the quality of each client’s claims 
management and reserving practices. Management’s judgments regarding these factors are reflected in the 
Company's reserve for claims and claim expenses.

Reserving for most of the Company's Property segment generally does not involve the use of traditional 
actuarial techniques. Rather, claims and claim expense reserves are estimated by management after a 
catastrophe occurs by completing an in-depth analysis of the individual contracts which may potentially be 
impacted by the catastrophic event. The in-depth analysis generally involves: 1) estimating the size of 
insured industry losses from the catastrophic event; 2) reviewing reinsurance contract portfolios to identify 
contracts which are exposed to the catastrophic event; 3) reviewing information reported by customers and 
brokers; 4) discussing the event with customers and brokers; and 5) estimating the ultimate expected cost 
to settle all claims and administrative costs arising from the catastrophic event on a contract-by-contract 
basis and in aggregate for the event. Once an event has occurred, during the then current reporting period, 
the Company records its best estimate of the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims arising from the 
event. The Company's estimate of claims and claim expense reserves is then determined by deducting 
cumulative paid losses from its estimate of the ultimate expected loss for an event. The Company’s 
estimate of IBNR is determined by deducting cumulative paid losses, case reserves and additional case 
reserves from its estimate of the ultimate expected loss for an event. Once the Company receives a valid 
notice of loss or payment request under a catastrophe reinsurance contract, it is generally able to process 
and pay such claims promptly.

Because the events from which claims arise under policies written within the Property segment are typically 
prominent, public occurrences such as hurricanes and earthquakes, the Company is often able to use 
independent reports as part of its loss reserve estimation process. The Company also reviews catastrophe 

F-47

bulletins published by various statistical reporting agencies to assist in determining the size of the industry 
loss, although these reports may not be available for some time after an event.

For smaller events including localized severe weather events such as windstorms, hail, ice, snow, flooding, 
freezing and tornadoes, which are not necessarily prominent, public occurrences, the Company initially 
places greater reliance on catastrophe bulletins published by statistical reporting agencies to assist in 
determining what events occurred during the reporting period than the Company does for large events. This 
includes reviewing catastrophe bulletins published by Property Claim Services (“PCS”) for U.S. 
catastrophes. The Company sets its initial estimates of reserves for claims and claim expenses for these 
smaller events based on a combination of its historical market share for these types of losses and the 
estimate of the total insured industry property losses as reported by statistical reporting agencies, although 
management may make significant adjustments based on the Company's current exposure to the 
geographic region involved as well as the size of the loss and the peril involved. This approach 
supplements the Company's approach for estimating losses for larger catastrophes, which as discussed 
above, includes discussions with brokers and ceding companies and reviewing individual contracts 
impacted by the event. Approximately one year from the date of loss for these small events, the Company 
typically estimates IBNR for these events by using the paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method. The 
loss development factors for the paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson actuarial method are selected based on a 
review of the Company's historical experience. There were no significant changes to the Company's paid 
loss development factors over the last three years.

In general, reserves for the Company's more recent reinsured catastrophic events are subject to greater 
uncertainty and, therefore, greater potential variability, and are likely to experience material changes from 
one period to the next. This is due to the uncertainty as to the size of the industry losses from the event, 
uncertainty as to which contracts have been exposed to the catastrophic event, uncertainty due to complex 
legal and coverage issues that can arise out of large or complex catastrophic events, and uncertainty as to 
the magnitude of claims incurred by the Company's customers. As the Company's claims age, more 
information becomes available and the Company believes its estimates become more certain.

F-48

The following table details the Company’s Property segment incurred claims and claim expenses and 
cumulative paid claims and claim expenses as of December 31, 2019, net of reinsurance, as well as IBNR 
plus ACR included within the net incurred claims amounts.

Accident 
Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Accident 
Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Incurred claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

For the year ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

At
December
31, 2019

IBNR
 and ACR

$ 720,159

$ 681,287

$ 636,962

$ 657,719

$ 691,473

$ 696,844

$ 706,258

$ 708,343

$ 681,435

$ 731,179

$

50,422

— 1,559,069

1,491,770

1,422,659

1,393,110

1,369,567

1,338,187

1,333,982

1,321,137

1,302,141

559,946

429,425

395,203

375,098

356,310

344,535

336,719

331,865

317,258

287,694

265,570

240,945

228,622

224,748

222,939

306,731

283,608

270,618

265,820

264,754

265,229

368,766

334,572

317,865

307,088

301,733

445,532

458,525

443,135

432,269

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,640,129

1,446,566

1,348,260

295,210

—

—

945,829

1,054,884

273,477

—

1,000,190

719,847

$ 6,990,689

$ 1,446,950

24,335

12,351

1,092

4,554

11,672

53,990

Cumulative paid claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

For the year ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

$ 104,859

$ 230,552

$ 345,574

$ 401,977

$ 450,624

$ 481,489

$ 581,160

$ 595,131

$ 612,013

$ 623,231

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

262,987

590,346

965,668

1,121,374

1,207,136

1,230,503

1,252,204

1,257,516

1,264,414

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

165,850

205,567

253,699

280,195

291,027

305,627

308,822

313,976

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

80,083

155,459

191,181

206,376

213,351

216,176

219,231

—

—

—

—

—

—

106,618

184,140

222,509

234,144

241,139

247,663

—

—

—

—

—

126,831

215,134

249,182

268,545

279,165

—

—

—

—

119,908

258,355

324,296

350,646

—

—

—

534,097

660,491

824,443

—

—

432,201

450,125

—

159,585

$ 4,732,479

Outstanding liabilities from accident year 2009 and prior, net of reinsurance

Adjustment for unallocated claim expenses

4,283

19,339

Unamortized fair value adjustments recorded in connection with acquisitions

(10,606)

Liability for claims and claim expense, net of reinsurance, associated with RenaissanceRe UK

17,536

Liability for claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

$ 2,288,762

Casualty and Specialty Segment

The Company offers its casualty and specialty reinsurance products principally on a proportional basis, and 
it also provides excess of loss coverage. The Company offers casualty and specialty reinsurance products 
to insurance and reinsurance companies and provides coverage for specific geographic regions or on a 
worldwide basis. Principally all of the business is reinsurance, although the Company also writes insurance 
business.

As with the Company's Property segment, its Casualty and Specialty segment reinsurance contracts can 
include coverage for relatively large limits or exposures. As a result, the Company's casualty and specialty 
reinsurance business can be subject to significant claims volatility. In periods of low claims frequency or 

F-49

severity, the Company's results will generally be favorably impacted while in periods of high claims 
frequency or severity the Company's results will generally be negatively impacted.

The Company has accepted a wide range of proportional risks, facilitating the Company's efforts to expand 
its product offerings. While the Company remains focused on underwriting discipline, and seeks to remain 
focused on opportunities amenable to stochastic representation and supported by strong data and 
analytics, the Company's expanded casualty and specialty product suite, may pose new, unmodelled or 
unforeseen risks for which the Company may not be adequately compensated and may also result in a 
higher level of attritional claims and claim expenses and the potential for reserve development, either 
adverse or favorable.

The Company's processes and methodologies in respect of loss estimation for the coverages offered 
through its Casualty and Specialty segment differ from those used for its Property segment. For example, 
the Company's casualty and specialty coverages are more likely to be impacted by factors such as long-
term inflation and changes in the social and legal environment, which the Company believes gives rise to 
greater uncertainty in its reserves for claims and claim expenses. Moreover, in many lines of business the 
Company does not have the benefit of a significant amount of its own historical experience and may have 
little or no related corporate reserving history in many of its newer or growing lines of business. The 
Company believes this makes its Casualty and Specialty segment reserving subject to greater uncertainty 
than its Property segment.

The Company calculates multiple point estimates for claims and claim expense reserves using a variety of 
actuarial reserving techniques for many, but not all, of its classes of business for each underwriting year 
within the Casualty and Specialty segment. The Company does not believe that these multiple point 
estimates are, or should be considered, a range. Rather, the Company considers each class of business 
and determines the most appropriate point estimate for each underwriting year based on the characteristics 
of the particular class including: (1) loss development patterns derived from historical data; (2) the credibility 
of the selected loss development pattern; (3) the stability of the loss development patterns; (4) how 
developed the underwriting year is; and (5) the observed loss development of other underwriting years for 
the same class. The Company also considers other relevant factors, including: (1) historical ultimate loss 
ratios; (2) the presence of individual large losses; and (3) known occurrences that have not yet resulted in 
reported losses. The Company makes determinations of the most appropriate point estimate of loss for 
each class based on an evaluation of relevant information and do not ascribe any particular portion of the 
estimate to a particular factor or consideration. In addition, the Company believes that a review of individual 
contract information improves the loss estimates for some classes of business.

When developing claims and claims expense reserves for the Company's Casualty and Specialty segment, 
it considers several actuarial techniques such as the expected loss ratio method, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson 
actuarial method and the paid and reported chain ladder actuarial method. 

For classes of business and underwriting years where the Company has limited historical claims 
experience, estimates of ultimate losses that are not related to a specific event are generally initially 
determined based on the loss ratio method applied to each underwriting year and to each class of business. 
Unless the Company has credible claims experience or unfavorable development, it generally selects an 
ultimate loss based on its initial view of the loss. The selected ultimate losses are determined by multiplying 
the initial expected loss ratio by the earned premium. The initial expected loss ratios are key inputs that 
involve management judgment and are based on a variety of factors, including: (1) contract by contract 
expected loss ratios developed during the Company’s pricing process; (2) historical loss ratios and 
combined ratios adjusted for rate change and trend; and (3) industry benchmarks for similar business. 
These judgments take into account management’s view of past, current and future factors that may 
influence ultimate losses, including: (1) market conditions; (2) changes in the business underwritten; (3) 
changes in timing of the emergence of claims; and (4) other factors that may influence ultimate loss ratios 
and losses. 

The determination of when reported losses are sufficient and credible to warrant selection of an ultimate 
loss ratio different from the initial expected loss ratios also requires judgment. The Company generally 
makes adjustments for reported loss experience indicating unfavorable variances from initial expected loss 
ratios sooner than reported loss experience indicating favorable variances. This is because the reporting of 
losses in excess of expectations tends to have greater credibility than an absence or lower than expected 
level of reported losses. Over time, as a greater number of claims are reported and the credibility of 

F-50

reported losses improves, actuarial estimates of IBNR are typically based on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson 
actuarial method or the reported chain ladder actuarial method. 

The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method allows for greater weight to be applied to expected results in periods 
where little or no actual experience is available, and, hence, is less susceptible to the potential pitfall of 
being excessively swayed by one year or one quarter of actual paid and/or reported loss data, compared to 
the chain ladder actuarial method. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method uses the initial expected loss ratio to 
estimate IBNR, and it assumes that past experience is not fully representative of the future. As the 
Company’s reserves for claims and claim expenses age, and actual claims experience becomes available, 
this method places less weight on expected experience and places more weight on actual experience. This 
experience, which represents the difference between expected reported claims and actual reported claims, 
is reflected in the respective reporting period as a change in estimate. The utilization of the Bornhuetter-
Ferguson method requires the Company to estimate an expected ultimate claims and claim expense ratio 
and select an expected loss reporting pattern. The Company selects its estimates of the expected ultimate 
claims and claim expense ratios as described above and selects its expected loss reporting patterns by 
utilizing actuarial analysis, including management’s judgment, and historical patterns of paid losses and 
reporting of case reserves to the Company, as well as industry loss development patterns. The estimated 
expected claims and claim expense ratio may be modified to the extent that reported losses at a given point 
in time differ from what would be expected based on the selected loss reporting pattern.

The reported chain ladder actuarial method utilizes actual reported losses and a loss development pattern 
to determine an estimate of ultimate losses that is independent of the initial expected ultimate loss ratio and 
earned premium. The Company believes this technique is most appropriate when there are a large number 
of reported losses with significant statistical credibility and a relatively stable loss development pattern. 
Information that may cause future loss development patterns to differ from historical loss development 
patterns is considered and reflected in the Company’s selected loss development patterns as appropriate. 
For certain reinsurance contracts, historical loss development patterns may be developed from ceding 
company data or other sources.

In addition, certain specialty coverages may be impacted by natural and man-made catastrophes. The 
Company estimates reserves for claim and claim expenses for these losses after the event giving rise to 
these losses occurs, following a process that is similar to its Property segment described above.

F-51

The following table details the Company’s Casualty and Specialty segment incurred claims and claim 
expenses and cumulative paid claims and claim expenses as of December 31, 2019, net of reinsurance, as 
well as IBNR plus ACR included within the net incurred claims amounts.

Incurred claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

For the year ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

At
December
31, 2019

IBNR
 and ACR

$ 411,733

$ 423,754

$ 411,785

$ 375,622

$ 354,254

$ 340,881

$ 339,232

$ 335,222

$ 334,105

$ 321,752

$

9,920

429,955

434,736

404,599

375,683

368,885

360,191

349,632

356,878

362,728

578,072

592,243

562,936

552,340

535,671

549,633

564,330

575,347

595,287

573,399

545,364

520,088

508,536

493,815

476,828

30,856

35,946

42,700

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

718,082

714,298

719,432

700,982

683,510

688,675

110,431

—

—

—

—

—

802,257

822,284

858,062

838,895

831,899

119,333

—

—

—

—

955,919

1,000,242

988,866

994,306

197,962

—

—

—

1,300,584

1,278,229

1,284,136

436,765

— 1,253,151

1,283,407

666,869

—

—

1,279,854

1,045,052

$ 8,098,932

$ 2,695,834

Cumulative paid claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

For the year ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

$

42,031

$ 103,795

$ 172,588

$ 201,083

$ 220,311

$ 264,965

$ 278,585

$ 297,349

$ 300,763

$ 305,321

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

48,919

138,118

178,161

209,118

241,924

262,671

277,826

292,679

300,945

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

101,914

211,241

268,565

316,439

356,591

416,315

443,792

469,130

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

51,746

185,193

243,327

290,004

341,335

371,802

396,232

—

—

—

—

—

—

124,208

248,621

331,889

396,273

450,635

494,181

—

—

—

—

—

135,254

279,985

412,819

513,077

600,785

—

—

—

—

166,409

365,085

502,206

620,778

—

—

—

211,001

406,990

547,034

—

—

155,418

354,441

—

125,257

$ 4,214,104

Outstanding liabilities from accident year 2009 and prior, net of reinsurance

266,034

Unamortized fair value adjustments recorded in connection with acquisitions

Adjustment for unallocated claim expenses

32,537

(58,613)

Liability for claims and claim expense, net of reinsurance, associated with RenaissanceRe UK

179,275

Liability for claims and claim expenses, net of reinsurance

$ 4,304,061

Accident 
Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Accident 
Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total

Prior Year Development of the Reserve for Net Claims and Claim Expenses

The Company’s estimates of claims and claim expense reserves are not precise in that, among other 
things, they are based on predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends and other 
variable factors. Some, but not all, of the Company’s reserves are further subject to the uncertainty inherent 
in actuarial methodologies and estimates. Because a reserve estimate is simply an insurer’s estimate at a 
point in time of its ultimate liability, and because there are numerous factors that affect reserves and claims 
payments that cannot be determined with certainty in advance, the Company’s ultimate payments will vary, 
perhaps materially, from its estimates of reserves. If the Company determines in a subsequent period that 
adjustments to its previously established reserves are appropriate, such adjustments are recorded in the 

F-52

period in which they are identified. On a net basis, the Company’s cumulative favorable or unfavorable 
development is generally reduced by offsetting changes in its reinsurance recoverables, as well as changes 
to loss related premiums such as reinstatement premiums and redeemable noncontrolling interest for 
changes in claims and claim expenses that impact DaVinciRe, all of which generally move in the opposite 
direction to changes in the Company’s ultimate claims and claim expenses.

The following table details the Company’s prior year development by segment of its liability for unpaid 
claims and claim expenses:

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

Property
Casualty and Specialty
Other

(Favorable)
adverse
development
$

(Favorable)
adverse
development

(Favorable)
adverse
development

(2,933) $ (221,290) $

(23,882)
(40)

(49,262)
(197)

(45,596)
6,183
(1,583)

Total net favorable development of prior accident years net

claims and claim expenses

$

(26,855) $ (270,749) $

(40,996)

Changes to prior year estimated claims reserves increased net income by $26.9 million during 2019 (2018 - 
increased net income by $270.7 million, 2017 - decreased net loss by $41.0 million), excluding the 
consideration of changes in reinstatement, adjustment or other premium changes, profit commissions, 
redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe and income tax.

Property Segment

The following tables detail the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses 
for its Property segment, allocated between large and small catastrophe net claims and claim expenses and 
attritional net claims and claim expenses, included in the other line item:

Year ended December 31,

Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses

Large catastrophe events
2017 Large Loss Events

New Zealand Earthquake (2011)

Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)

New Zealand Earthquake (2010)

2018 Large Loss Events

Other

Total large catastrophe events

Small catastrophe events and attritional loss movements

Other small catastrophe events and attritional loss movements

Total small catastrophe events and attritional loss movements
Total catastrophe and attritional net claims and claim expenses

Actuarial assumption changes

2019

(Favorable)
adverse
development

$ (101,572)

(7,497)

(5,198)

47,071

81,555

(31,916)

(17,557)

5,379

5,379

(12,178)

9,245

Total net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses

$

(2,933)

The net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s 
Property segment in 2019 of $2.9 million was comprised of net favorable development of $17.6 million 
related to large catastrophe events, net adverse development of $5.4 million related to small catastrophe 
events and attritional loss movements and net adverse development of $9.2 million related to actuarial 

F-53

assumption changes principally related to the Company’s other property class of business. Included in net 
favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses from large catastrophe events 
was $101.6 million of net decreases in the estimated ultimate losses associated with Hurricanes Harvey, 
Irma and Maria, the Mexico City Earthquake, the wildfires in California during the fourth quarter of 2017 and 
certain losses associated with aggregate loss contracts (collectively, the “2017 Large Loss Events”), 
partially offset by $81.6 million of net increases in the estimated ultimate losses associated with Typhoons 
Jebi, Mangkhut and Trami, Hurricane Florence, the wildfires in California during the third and fourth quarters 
of 2018, Hurricane Michael and certain losses associated with aggregate loss contracts (collectively, the 
“2018 Large Loss Events”) and $47.1 million of net increases in the estimated ultimate losses associated 
with the 2010 New Zealand Earthquake.

Year ended December 31,

Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses

Large catastrophe events
2017 Large Loss Events
Other

Total large catastrophe events

Small catastrophe events and attritional loss movements

Other small catastrophe events and attritional loss movements

Total small catastrophe events and attritional loss movements
Total catastrophe and attritional net claims and claim expenses

Actuarial assumption changes

2018

(Favorable)
adverse
development

$ (172,512)
(9,517)

(182,029)

(33,579)

(33,579)

(215,608)

(5,682)

Total net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses

$ (221,290)

The net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s 
Property segment in 2018 of $221.3 million was comprised of net favorable development of $182.0 million 
related to large catastrophe events, net favorable development of $33.6 million related to small catastrophe 
events and attritional loss movements and $5.7 million of net favorable development associated with 
actuarial assumption changes. Included in net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and 
claim expenses from large events was $172.5 million of net decreases in the estimated ultimate losses 
associated with the 2017 Large Loss Events. The Company’s Property segment also experienced net 
favorable development of $33.6 million associated with a number of other small catastrophe events as well 
as attritional loss movements related to lines of business where the Company principally estimates net 
claims and claim expenses using traditional actuarial methods.

F-54

Year ended December 31,

Catastrophe net claims and claim expenses

Large catastrophe events
Storm Sandy (2012)

April and May U.S. Tornadoes (2011)

New Zealand Earthquake (2010)

New Zealand Earthquake (2011)

Other

Total large catastrophe events

Small catastrophe events and attritional loss movements

Tianjin Explosion (2015)

Fort McMurray Wildfire (2016)

Other small catastrophe events and attritional loss movements

Total small catastrophe events and attritional loss movements
Total catastrophe and attritional net claims and claim expenses

Actuarial assumption changes

2017

(Favorable)
adverse
development

$

(4,395)

(4,177)

4,061

5,807

(8,936)

(7,640)

(8,002)

(6,364)

(24,432)
(38,798)

(46,438)

842

Total net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses

$

(45,596)

The net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s 
Property segment in 2017 of $45.6 million was comprised of net favorable development of $7.6 million 
related to large catastrophe events, net favorable development of $38.8 million related to small catastrophe 
events and attritional loss movements and $0.8 million of adverse development associated with actuarial 
assumption changes. Included in net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim 
expenses from large events was a number of relatively small net decreases in the estimated ultimate losses 
associated with a number of events from prior accident years. Included in net favorable development of 
prior accident years net claims and claims expenses from small events and attritional loss movements was 
a reduction in the estimated ultimate losses associated with a number of small catastrophes and attritional 
loss movements of $24.4 million, the 2015 Tianjin Explosion of $8.0 million and the 2016 Fort McMurray 
Wildfire of $6.4 million.

Casualty and Specialty Segment

The following table details the development of the Company’s liability for unpaid claims and claim expenses 
for its Casualty and Specialty segment:

Year ended December 31,

Actuarial methods - actual reported claims less than

expected claims

Ogden Rate change

Actuarial assumption changes

2019

2018

2017

(Favorable)
adverse
development

(Favorable)
adverse
development

(Favorable)
adverse
development

$

(52,796) $

(41,476) $

(24,836)

—

28,914

—

(7,786)

33,481

(2,462)

Total net (favorable) adverse development of prior accident

years net claims and claim expenses

$

(23,882) $

(49,262) $

6,183

The net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s 
Casualty and Specialty segment in 2019 of $23.9 million was driven by reported losses generally coming in 
lower than expected on attritional net claims and claim expenses, partially offset by adverse development 
associated with certain assumption changes across a number of lines of business.

F-55

The net favorable development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s 
Casualty and Specialty segment in 2018 of $49.3 million was driven by reported losses generally coming in 
lower than expected on attritional net claims and claim expenses and certain assumption changes across a 
number of lines of business.

The net adverse development of prior accident years net claims and claim expenses within the Company’s 
Casualty and Specialty segment in 2017 of $6.2 million was driven by $33.5 million of adverse development 
associated with the change in the discount rate used to calculate lump sum awards in U.K. bodily injury 
cases (the “Ogden Rate”), from 2.5%, to minus 0.75%. Notwithstanding the impact of the Ogden Rate 
change was $24.8 million of net favorable development in 2017 related to actual reported losses coming in 
lower than expected on attritional net claims and claim expenses across a number of lines of business and 
$2.5 million of net favorable development associated with actuarial assumption changes.

Reconciliation of the Disclosure of Incurred and Paid Claims Development to the Reserve for Claims 
and Claim Expenses

The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the reserve for claims and 
claim expenses in the consolidated balance sheet is as follows:

At December 31, 2019
Net reserve for claims and claim expenses
Property
Casualty and Specialty
Other

Total net reserve for claims and claim expenses

Reinsurance recoverable
Property
Casualty and Specialty
Other

Total reinsurance recoverable
Total gross reserve for claims and claim expenses

Historical Claims Duration

$ 2,288,762
4,304,061
229
6,593,052

$ 1,785,088
1,005,998
211
2,791,297
$ 9,384,349

The following is unaudited supplementary information about average historical claims duration by segment: 

Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of reinsurance (number of years)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

29.9% 17.0% 17.8% 8.7% 5.4% 2.7% 4.9% 1.0% 1.2% 1.5%

14.3% 18.4% 13.0% 10.3% 8.8% 8.2% 4.6% 4.7% 1.7% 1.4%

At December 31, 2019
Property

Casualty and
Specialty

Claims Frequency

Each of the Company’s reportable segments are broadly considered to be assumed reinsurance, where 
multiple claims are often aggregated, perhaps multiple times through retrocessional reinsurance, before 
ultimately being ceded to the Company. In addition, the nature, size, terms and conditions of contracts 
entered into by the Company changes from one accident year to the next and the quantum of contractual or 
policy limits, and accordingly the potential amount of claims and claim expenses associated with a reported 
claim, can range from nominal, to significant. These factors can impact the amount and timing of the claims 
and claim expenses to be recorded and accordingly, developing claim frequency information is highly 
subjective and is not prepared or utilized for internal purposes. In addition, the Company does not have 
direct access to claim frequency information underlying certain of its proportional contracts given the nature 

F-56

of that business. As a result, the Company does not believe providing claim frequency information is 
practicable as it relates to its proportional contracts.

Notwithstanding the factors noted above, the Company has developed claims frequency information 
associated with its excess of loss reinsurance contracts. As each accident year develops, the Company 
would expect the cumulative number of reported claims to increase in certain of its excess of loss 
reinsurance contracts, most notably in its Casualty and Specialty segment. In determining claims frequency 
for its excess of loss reinsurance contracts, the Company has made the following assumptions:

•  Claims below the insured layer of a contract are excluded;

• 

• 

If an insured loss event results in claims associated with a number of layers of a contract, the 
Company would consider this to be a single claim; and

If an insured loss event results in claims associated with a number of the Company's operating 
subsidiaries, the Company considers each operating subsidiary to have a reported claim. 

The following table details the Company's cumulative number of reported claims for its excess of loss 
reinsurance contracts allocated by segment:

At December 31, 2019

Cumulative number of reported claims

Accident Year
2010

Property

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Casualty and Specialty
1,215

1,964

2,263

2,712

3,421

3,783

4,135

3,294

2,148

816

835

1,388

922

799

744

758

1,089

2,215

2,050

861

Assumed Reinsurance Contracts Classified As Deposit Contracts

Net claims and claim expenses incurred were reduced by $Nil during 2019 (2018 – $0.2 million, 2017 – 
$0.2 million) related to income earned on assumed reinsurance contracts that were classified as deposit 
contracts with underwriting risk only. Other income was increased by $1.3 million during 2019 (2018 – $11.2 
million, 2017 – $3.7 million) related to premiums and losses incurred on assumed reinsurance contracts that 
were classified as deposit contracts with timing risk only. Aggregate deposit liabilities of $9.0 million are 
included in reinsurance balances payable at December 31, 2019 (2018 – $10.3 million) and aggregate 
deposit assets of $Nil are included in other assets at December 31, 2019 (2018 – $Nil) associated with 
these contracts.

F-57

NOTE 9. DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES 

Debt Obligations

A summary of the Company’s debt obligations on its consolidated balance sheets is set forth below:

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Fair Value

3.600% Senior Notes due 2029
3.450% Senior Notes due 2027
3.700% Senior Notes due 2025
5.750% Senior Notes due 2020
4.750% Senior Notes due 2025 (DaVinciRe) (1)

$

424,920 $
314,070
318,567
251,030
160,031

Carrying
Value
391,475 $
296,292
298,057
249,931
148,350

$ 1,468,618 $ 1,384,105 $

Fair Value

Carrying
Value

— $

283,680
292,557
255,938
142,539
974,714 $

—
295,797
297,688
249,602
148,040
991,127

(1)    RenaissanceRe owns a noncontrolling economic interest in its joint venture DaVinciRe. Because RenaissanceRe controls a 
majority of DaVinciRe’s outstanding voting rights, the consolidated financial statements of DaVinciRe are included in the 
consolidated financial statements of RenaissanceRe. However, RenaissanceRe does not guarantee or provide credit support for 
DaVinciRe and RenaissanceRe’s financial exposure to DaVinciRe is limited to its investment in DaVinciRe’s shares and 
counterparty credit risk arising from reinsurance transactions. 

3.600% Senior Notes Due 2029 

On April 2, 2019, RenaissanceRe issued $400.0 million principal amount of its 3.600% Senior Notes due 
April 15, 2029, with interest on the notes payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on 
October 15, 2019. The notes are redeemable at the applicable redemption price, subject to the terms 
described in the indenture for the notes. However, the notes may not be redeemed prior to April 15, 2022 
without approval from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) and may not be redeemed at any time 
prior to their maturity if enhanced capital requirements, as established by the BMA, would be breached 
immediately before or after giving effect to the redemption of such notes, unless, in each case, 
RenaissanceRe replaces the capital represented by the notes to be redeemed with capital having equal or 
better capital treatment as the notes under applicable BMA rules. The notes contain various covenants 
including limitations on mergers and consolidations, and restrictions as to the disposition of, and the placing 
of liens on, the stock of designated subsidiaries. The net proceeds from this offering were used to repay, in 
full, the $200.0 million outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility at March 31, 2019, which 
the Company used to partially fund the purchase price for the TMR Stock Purchase, and the remainder of 
the net proceeds was used for general corporate purposes. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium 
Re” for additional information related to the acquisition of TMR.

3.450% Senior Notes due 2027 of RenaissanceRe Finance Inc.

On June 29, 2017, RenaissanceRe Finance Inc. (“RenaissanceRe Finance”) issued $300.0 million principal 
amount of its 3.450% Senior Notes due July 1, 2027, with interest on the notes payable on July 1 and 
January 1 of each year. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by RenaissanceRe and may be 
redeemed by RenaissanceRe Finance prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium 
if the notes are redeemed prior to April 1, 2027. The notes contain various covenants, including limitations 
on mergers and consolidations, and restrictions as to the disposition of, and the placing of liens on, stock of 
designated subsidiaries. 

3.700% Senior Notes due 2025 of RenaissanceRe Finance

On March 24, 2015, RenaissanceRe Finance issued $300.0 million principal amount of its 3.700% Senior 
Notes due April 1, 2025, with interest on the notes payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The notes 
are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by RenaissanceRe and may be redeemed by RenaissanceRe 
Finance prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium if the notes are redeemed 
prior to January 1, 2025. The notes contain various covenants, including limitations on mergers and 
consolidations, and restrictions as to the disposition of, and the placing of liens on, stock of designated 
subsidiaries.

F-58

The net proceeds from the offering of the notes (together with cash on hand) were applied by 
RenaissanceRe to repay in full a $300.0 million bridge loan that Barclays Bank PLC provided to 
RenaissanceRe on February 25, 2015 in order to finance a portion of the cash consideration paid by 
RenaissanceRe in connection with the acquisition of Platinum.

5.75% Senior Notes due 2020 of RenRe North America Holdings Inc. and RenaissanceRe Finance

On March 17, 2010, RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (“RRNAH”) issued $250.0 million principal amount 
of its 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020 (the “RRNAH Notes”), with interest on the notes payable on 
March 15 and September 15 of each year. RenaissanceRe Finance became a co-obligor of the notes as of 
July 3, 2015. The notes, which are senior obligations, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by 
RenaissanceRe and may be redeemed prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” 
premium. The notes contain various covenants, including limitations on mergers and consolidations, and 
restrictions as to the disposition of, and the placing of liens on, stock of designated subsidiaries.

Series B 7.50% Notes due 2017 of Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc.

On November 2, 2005, Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. (“Platinum Finance”) issued $250.0 million 
principal amount of its Series B 7.50% Notes due June 1, 2017 (the “Platinum Finance Notes”). On June 1, 
2017, the Platinum Finance Notes matured and the Company repaid the aggregate principal amount of 
$250.0 million plus applicable accrued interest in full. Platinum Finance was subsequently dissolved on 
November 30, 2017. Interest on the Platinum Finance Notes was payable on June 1 and December 1 of 
each year. The Platinum Finance Notes, which were senior obligations, were fully and unconditionally 
guaranteed by RenaissanceRe. 

DaVinciRe Senior Notes

On May 4, 2015, DaVinciRe issued $150.0 million principal amount of its 4.750% Senior Notes due May 1, 
2025, with interest on the notes payable on May 1 and November 1, commencing with November 1, 2015 
(the “DaVinciRe Senior Notes”). The DaVinciRe Senior Notes, which are senior obligations, may be 
redeemed prior to maturity, subject to the payment of a “make-whole” premium if the notes are redeemed 
before February 1, 2025. The DaVinciRe Senior Notes contain various covenants including restrictions as to 
the disposition of, and the placing of liens on, the stock of designated subsidiaries, limitations on mergers, 
amalgamations and consolidations, limitations on third-party investor redemptions, a leverage covenant and 
a covenant to maintain certain ratings. The net proceeds from this offering were used to repay, in full, 
$100.0 million outstanding under the loan agreement, dated as of March 30, 2011, between DaVinciRe and 
RenaissanceRe, and the remainder of the net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

F-59

Scheduled Debt Maturity

The following table sets forth the scheduled maturity of the Company’s aggregate amount of its debt 
obligation reflected on its consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019:

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
After 2024
Unamortized discount and debt issuance expenses

$

250,000
—
—
—
—
1,150,000
(15,895)
$ 1,384,105

Credit Facilities

The outstanding amounts issued or drawn under each of the Company’s significant credit facilities is set 
forth below: 

At December 31, 2019
Revolving Credit Facility (1)

Bilateral Letter of Credit Facilities

Secured

Unsecured

Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facility

TMR Letters of Credit (2)

Issued or
Drawn

$

—

298,063

381,770

290,000

140,923

$ 1,110,756

(1)   At December 31, 2019, no amounts were issued or drawn under this facility.

(2)  These letters of credit were transferred to us in connection with the acquisition of TMR. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio 

Millennium Re” for additional information related to the acquisition of TMR.

Revolving Credit Facility

RenaissanceRe, Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., Renaissance Reinsurance 
U.S. and RenaissanceRe Europe are parties to a second amended and restated credit agreement dated 
November 9, 2018 (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) with various banks, financial 
institutions and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) as administrative agent, which 
amended and restated a previous credit agreement. The Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a 
revolving commitment to RenaissanceRe of $500.0 million, with a right, subject to satisfying certain 
conditions, to increase the size of the facility to $750.0 million. Amounts borrowed under the Revolving 
Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate selected by RenaissanceRe equal to the Base Rate or LIBOR 
(each as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) plus a margin. In addition to revolving loans, the 
Revolving Credit Agreement provides that the entire facility will also be available for the issuance of standby 
letters of credit, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, and swingline loans, which are capped 
at $50.0 million for each of the swingline lenders. At December 31, 2019, RenaissanceRe had $Nil 
outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

The Revolving Credit Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants customary for bank 
loan facilities of this type, including limits on the ability of RenaissanceRe and its subsidiaries to merge, 
consolidate, sell a substantial amount of assets, incur liens and declare or pay dividends under certain 
circumstances. The Revolving Credit Agreement also contains certain financial covenants which generally 
provide that the ratio of consolidated debt to capital shall not exceed 0.35:1 and that the consolidated net 
worth of RenaissanceRe shall equal or exceed approximately $2.9 billion. The net worth requirement is 
recalculated effective as of the end of each fiscal year. 

F-60

 
 
 
If certain events of default occur, in some circumstances the lenders’ obligations to make loans may be 
terminated and the outstanding obligations of RenaissanceRe under the Revolving Credit Agreement may 
be accelerated. The scheduled commitment maturity date of the Revolving Credit Agreement is November 
9, 2023.

RRNAH and RenaissanceRe Finance guarantee RenaissanceRe’s obligations under the Revolving Credit 
Agreement. Subject to certain exceptions, additional subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe are required to become 
guarantors if such subsidiaries issue or incur certain types of indebtedness.

Bilateral Letter of Credit Facilities

Uncommitted, Secured Standby Letter of Credit Facility with Wells Fargo

RenaissanceRe and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, 
Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. and RenaissanceRe Europe are parties to an Amended and Restated 
Standby Letter of Credit Agreement dated June 21, 2019 with Wells Fargo, which provides for a secured, 
uncommitted facility under which letters of credit may be issued from time to time for the respective 
accounts of the subsidiaries. Pursuant to the agreement, the applicants may request secured letter of credit 
issuances, and also have an option to request the issuance of up to $25.0 million of unsecured letters of 
credit (outstanding on such request date). RenaissanceRe has unconditionally guaranteed the payment 
obligations of the applicants other than DaVinci.

The agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for facilities of this 
type. Under the agreement, each applicant is required to pledge eligible collateral having a value sufficient 
to cover all of its obligations under the agreement with respect to secured letters of credit issued for its 
account. In the case of an event of default under the agreement, Wells Fargo may exercise certain 
remedies, including conversion of collateral of a defaulting applicant into cash.

At December 31, 2019, there were $31.5 million of secured letters of credit outstanding and $Nil of 
unsecured letters of credit outstanding under this agreement. 

Secured Letter of Credit Facility with Citibank Europe

Certain subsidiaries and affiliates of RenaissanceRe, including Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, 
Renaissance Reinsurance of Europe, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. and 
RenaissanceRe Europe, are parties to a facility letter, dated September 17, 2010, as amended, with 
Citibank Europe plc (“Citibank Europe”), pursuant to which Citibank Europe has established a letter of credit 
facility under which Citibank Europe provides a commitment to issue letters of credit for the accounts of the 
participants in multiple currencies. The aggregate commitment amount is $300.0 million, subject to a 
sublimit of $25.0 million for letters of credit issued for the account of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.

The letter of credit facility is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2021. At all times during which it is a 
party to the facility, each participant is obligated to pledge to Citibank Europe securities with a value that 
equals or exceeds the aggregate face amount of its then-outstanding letters of credit. In the case of an 
event of default under the facility with respect to a participant, Citibank Europe may exercise certain 
remedies, including terminating its commitment to such participant and taking certain actions with respect to 
the collateral pledged by such participant (including the sale thereof). In the facility letter, each participant 
makes representations and warranties that are customary for facilities of this type and agrees that it will 
comply with certain informational and other undertakings. 

At December 31, 2019, $266.5 million aggregate face amount of letters of credit was outstanding and, 
subject to the sublimits described above, $33.5 million remained unused and available to the participants 
under this facility.

Uncommitted, Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility with Citibank Europe

Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S., Renaissance Reinsurance U.S., 
RenaissanceRe Europe and RenaissanceRe UK are parties to a Master Agreement for Issuance of 
Payment Instruments and a Facility Letter for Issuance of Payment Instruments with Citibank Europe dated 
March 22, 2019, as amended, which established an uncommitted, unsecured letter of credit facility pursuant 
to which Citibank Europe or one of its correspondents may issue standby letters of credit or similar 

F-61

instruments in multiple currencies for the account of one or more of the applicants. The obligations of the 
applicants under this facility are guaranteed by RenaissanceRe.

Pursuant to the master agreement, each applicant makes representations and warranties that are 
customary for facilities of this type and agrees that it will comply with certain informational and other 
customary undertakings. The master agreement contains events of default customary for facilities of this 
type. In the case of an event of default under the facility, Citibank Europe may exercise certain remedies, 
including requiring that the relevant applicant pledge cash collateral in an amount equal to the maximum 
actual and contingent liability of the issuing bank under the letters of credit and similar instruments issued 
for such applicant under the facility, and taking certain actions with respect to the collateral pledged by such 
applicant (including the sale thereof). In addition, Citibank Europe may require that the relevant applicant 
pledge cash collateral if certain minimum ratings are not satisfied.  

At December 31, 2019, the aggregate face amount of the payment instruments issued and outstanding 
under this facility was $270.7 million.

Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility with Credit Suisse

RenaissanceRe Europe and RenaissanceRe are parties to an amended and restated letter of credit facility 
agreement with Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd. (“Credit Suisse”) dated March 22, 2019 which provides for 
a $125.0 million committed, unsecured letter of credit facility pursuant to which Credit Suisse (or any other 
fronting bank acting on behalf of Credit Suisse) may issue letters of credit or similar instruments in multiple 
currencies for the account of RenaissanceRe Europe. The obligations of RenaissanceRe Europe under the 
agreement are guaranteed by RenaissanceRe. The facility is scheduled to expire on December 21, 2022.  

In the agreement, RenaissanceRe Europe and RenaissanceRe make representations, warranties and 
covenants that are customary for facilities of this type, and agree to comply with certain informational and 
other customary undertakings. The agreement also contains certain financial covenants applicable to the 
RenaissanceRe, including the requirement to maintain the ratio of consolidated debt to capital of not more 
than 0.35:1, to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth initially of approximately $3.0 billion, subject to 
an annual adjustment, and to maintain RenaissanceRe’s credit rating with S&P and A.M. Best of at least A-.

The agreement contains events of default customary for facilities of this type. At any time on or after the 
occurrence of an event of default, Credit Suisse may exercise remedies, including canceling the 
commitment, requiring that RenaissanceRe Europe pledge cash collateral in an amount equal to the 
maximum liability of the issuing bank under the letters of credit and similar instruments issued under the 
agreement, and demanding that RenaissanceRe Europe procure the release by the beneficiaries of the 
letters of credit and similar instruments issued under the agreement.

At December 31, 2019, letters of credit issued by Credit Suisse under the agreement were outstanding in 
the face amount of $111.1 million.

Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facility

Renaissance Reinsurance is party to a letter of credit facility with Bank of Montreal, Citibank Europe and 
ING Bank N.V. evidenced by an Amended and Restated Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement dated 
November 7, 2019, which provides for the issuance of letters of credit to support business written by 
Renaissance Reinsurance’s Lloyd’s syndicate, Syndicate 1458. Effective November 7, 2019, the stated 
amount of the outstanding Funds at Lloyd’s letter of credit increased from $255.0 million to $290.0 
million. Renaissance Reinsurance may request that the outstanding letter of credit be amended to increase 
the stated amount or that a new letter of credit denominated in U.S. dollars be issued, in an aggregate 
amount for all such increases or issuances not to exceed $140.0 million. The facility terminates four years 
from the date of notice from the lenders to the beneficiary of the letter of credit, unless extended.

Generally, Renaissance Reinsurance is not required to post any collateral for letters of credit issued 
pursuant to this facility. However, following the occurrence of a partial collateralization event or a full 
collateralization event, as provided in the agreement, Renaissance Reinsurance is required to pledge 
eligible securities with a collateral value of at least 60% or 100%, respectively, of the aggregate amount of 
its then-outstanding letters of credit. The latest date upon which Renaissance Reinsurance will become 
obligated to collateralize the facility at 100% is December 31, 2020.

F-62

In the agreement, Renaissance Reinsurance makes representations and warranties that are customary for 
facilities of this type and agrees that it will comply with certain informational undertakings and other 
covenants, including maintaining a minimum net worth. In the case of an event of default under the FAL 
facility, the lenders may exercise certain remedies, including declaring all outstanding obligations of 
Renaissance Reinsurance under the agreement and related credit documents due and payable and taking 
certain actions with respect to the collateral pledged by Renaissance Reinsurance (including the sale 
thereof). 

At December 31, 2019, the face amount of the outstanding letter of credit issued under the FAL facility was 
$290.0 million.

TMR Letters of Credit

In connection with the acquisition of TMR, certain letters of credit were transferred to the Company, as 
follows: (a) Mizuho Bank, Ltd. issued certain letters of credit for the account of RenaissanceRe Europe 
pursuant to a Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2012, as previously 
amended, (b) The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., Düsseldorf Branch, issued certain letters of credit for 
the account of RenaissanceRe Europe pursuant to a Committed Revolving Standby Letter of Credit 
Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2017, and (c) The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. issued certain 
letters of credit for the account of RenaissanceRe UK pursuant to a Facility Letter, dated as of December 
21, 2006. The parties have agreed that no new letters of credit will be issued under these facilities.

Top Layer Re

Renaissance Reinsurance is party to a collateralized letter of credit and reimbursement agreement in the 
amount of $37.5 million that supports the Company’s Top Layer Re joint venture. Renaissance Reinsurance 
is obligated to make a mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces 
Top Layer Re’s capital below a specified level.

NOTE 10. NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 

A summary of the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests on its consolidated balance sheets is set 
forth below:

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Vermeer

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

$ 1,435,581 $ 1,034,946

632,112

1,003,615

416,765

599,989

$ 3,071,308 $ 2,051,700

A summary of the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests on its consolidated statements of 
operations is set forth below:

Year ended December 31,
Redeemable noncontrolling interest - DaVinciRe

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Medici

Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Vermeer

2019
127,084 $

2018
27,638 $ (134,860)

2017

$

25,759

48,626

13,926

(11)

2,578

—

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling

interests

$

201,469 $

41,553 $ (132,282)

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – DaVinciRe

RenaissanceRe owns a noncontrolling economic interest in DaVinciRe; however, because RenaissanceRe 
controls a majority of DaVinciRe’s outstanding voting rights, the consolidated financial statements of 
DaVinciRe are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The portion of 
DaVinciRe’s earnings owned by third parties is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net 

F-63

income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests. The Company’s noncontrolling economic 
ownership in DaVinciRe was 21.9% at December 31, 2019 (2018 - 22.1%).

DaVinciRe shareholders are party to a shareholders agreement which provides DaVinciRe shareholders, 
excluding RenaissanceRe, with certain redemption rights that enable each shareholder to notify DaVinciRe 
of such shareholder’s desire for DaVinciRe to repurchase up to half of such shareholder’s initial aggregate 
number of shares held, subject to certain limitations, such as limiting the aggregate of all share repurchase 
requests to 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital in any given year and satisfying all applicable regulatory 
requirements. If total shareholder requests exceed 25% of DaVinciRe’s capital, the number of shares 
repurchased will be reduced among the requesting shareholders pro-rata, based on the amounts desired to 
be repurchased. Shareholders desiring to have DaVinci repurchase their shares must notify DaVinciRe 
before March 1 of each year. The repurchase price will be based on GAAP book value as of the end of the 
year in which the shareholder notice is given, and the repurchase will be effective as of January 1 of the 
following year. The repurchase price is generally subject to a true-up for potential development on 
outstanding loss reserves after settlement of all claims relating to the applicable years.

2019

Effective June 1, 2019, DaVinciRe completed an equity capital raise of $349.2 million, comprised of $263.1 
million from third-party investors and $86.1 million from RenaissanceRe. In addition, RenaissanceRe sold 
an aggregate of $11.6 million of its shares in DaVinciRe to a third-party investor. The Company’s 
noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe subsequent to these transactions was 21.9%, effective 
June 1, 2019.

The Company expects its noncontrolling economic ownership in DaVinciRe to fluctuate over time.

The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – DaVinciRe is detailed in the table below:

Year ended December 31,
Beginning balance

Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interests, net of

adjustments

Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

Ending balance

2019

2018

$ 1,034,946 $ 1,011,659

(1,148)

(4,351)

274,699

127,084

—

27,638

$ 1,435,581 $ 1,034,946

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - Medici

Medici is an exempted company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and its objective is to seek to 
invest substantially all of its assets in various insurance-based investment instruments that have returns 
primarily tied to property catastrophe risk. RenaissanceRe owns a noncontrolling economic interest in 
Medici; however, because RenaissanceRe controls all of Medici’s outstanding voting rights, the financial 
statements of Medici are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The portion of 
Medici’s earnings owned by third parties is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net 
income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests. Any shareholder may redeem all or any portion 
of its shares as of the last day of any calendar month, upon at least 30 calendar days’ prior irrevocable 
written notice to Medici.

2019

During 2019, third-party investors subscribed for $237.0 million and redeemed $47.4 million of the 
participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. As a result of these net subscriptions, the Company’s 
noncontrolling economic ownership in Medici was 12.1% at December 31, 2019.

2018

During 2018, third-party investors subscribed for $208.5 million and redeemed $90.5 million of the 
participating, non-voting common shares of Medici. As a result of these net subscriptions, the Company’s 
noncontrolling economic ownership in Medici was 16.6%, at December 31, 2018.

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The Company expects its noncontrolling economic ownership in Medici to fluctuate over time.

The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – Medici is detailed in the table below:

Year ended December 31,
Beginning balance

Redemption of shares from redeemable noncontrolling interests, net of

adjustments

Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

Ending balance

2019
416,765 $

2018
284,847

$

(47,401)

(90,490)

236,989

25,759

208,482

13,926

$

632,112 $

416,765

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest – Vermeer

Vermeer is an exempted Bermuda reinsurer that provides capacity focused on risk remote layers in the U.S. 
property catastrophe market. Vermeer is managed by RUM in return for a management fee. The Company 
maintains majority voting control of Vermeer, while the sole third-party investor, PGGM, retains all of the 
economic benefits. The Company concluded that Vermeer is a VIE as it has voting rights that are not 
proportional to its participating rights, and the Company is the primary beneficiary. As a result, the Company 
consolidates Vermeer and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated. The portion of 
Vermeer’s earnings owned by PGGM is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as net 
income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests. The Company has not provided any financial or 
other support to Vermeer that it was not contractually required to provide.

2019

During 2019, PGGM subscribed for $355.0 million of the participating, non-voting common shares of 
Vermeer.

2018

During 2018, PGGM subscribed for $600.0 million of the participating, non-voting common shares of 
Vermeer and the Company subscribed for $1 thousand of all the voting, non-participating shares of 
Vermeer.

The Company does not expect its noncontrolling economic ownership in Vermeer to fluctuate over time.

The activity in redeemable noncontrolling interest – Vermeer is detailed in the table below:

Year ended December 31,
Beginning balance

Sale of shares to redeemable noncontrolling interest

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

Ending balance

2019
599,989 $

$

355,000

48,626

2018

—

600,000

(11)

$ 1,003,615 $

599,989

NOTE 11. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES 

Upsilon RFO

Upsilon RFO is a managed joint venture and a Bermuda domiciled SPI that was formed by the Company 
principally to provide additional capacity to the worldwide aggregate and per-occurrence retrocessional 
property catastrophe excess of loss market.

The shareholders (other than the Class A shareholder) participate in substantially all of the profits or losses 
of Upsilon RFO while their shares remain outstanding. The shareholders (other than the Class A 
shareholder) indemnify Upsilon RFO against losses relating to insurance risk and therefore these shares 

F-65

have been accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - 
Insurance.

Upsilon RFO is considered a VIE as it has insufficient equity capital to finance its activities without 
additional financial support. The Company is the primary beneficiary of Upsilon RFO as it has the power 
over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Upsilon RFO and has the 
obligation to absorb expected losses and the right to receive expected benefits that could be significant to 
Upsilon RFO, in accordance with the accounting guidance. As a result, the Company consolidates Upsilon 
RFO and all significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated. Other than its equity investment 
in Upsilon RFO, the Company has not provided financial or other support to Upsilon RFO that it was not 
contractually required to provide.

2019

During 2019, Upsilon RFO returned $279.2 million of capital to its investors, including $31.0 million to the 
Company. In addition, during 2019, $618.7 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting preference shares were 
issued to new and existing investors, including $100.0 million to the Company. At December 31, 2019, the 
Company’s participation in the risks assumed by Upsilon RFO was 16.5%.

Payments for certain of the shares issued during 2019 that were received by the Company prior to January 
1, 2019 were included in other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 
2018, and in other operating cash flows on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows for 2018. 
During 2019, in connection with the issuance of the non-voting preference shares of Upsilon RFO, other 
liabilities were reduced by this amount, and reinsurance balances payable were increased by an offsetting 
amount, with corresponding impacts to other operating cash flows and the change in reinsurance balances 
payable on the Company consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019.

At December 31, 2019, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included total assets and total liabilities 
of Upsilon RFO of $3.1 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively (December 31, 2018 - $2.2 billion and $2.2 
billion, respectively).

2018

During 2018, $856.7 million of Upsilon RFO non-voting preference shares were issued to existing investors, 
including $109.8 million to the Company. At December 31, 2018, the Company’s participation in the risks 
assumed by Upsilon RFO was 14.0%.

Payments for certain of the shares issued during 2018 that were received by the Company prior to January 
1, 2018 were included in other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 
2017, and in other operating cash flows on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows for 2017. 
During 2018, in connection with the issuance of the non-voting preference shares of Upsilon RFO, other 
liabilities were reduced by this amount, and reinsurance balances payable were increased by an offsetting 
amount, with corresponding impacts to other operating cash flows and the change in reinsurance balances 
payable on the Company consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Refer to “Note 23. Subsequent Events” for additional information related to Upsilon RFO’s non-voting 
preference shares subsequent to December 31, 2019.

Vermeer

Vermeer is an exempted Bermuda reinsurer that provides capacity focused on risk remote layers in the U.S. 
property catastrophe market. Vermeer is considered a VIE as it has voting rights that are not proportional to 
its participating rights. The Company is the primary beneficiary of Vermeer as it has power over the 
activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Vermeer and has the obligation to 
absorb expected losses and the right to receive expected benefits that could be significant to Vermeer, in 
accordance with the accounting guidance. The portion of Vermeer’s earnings owned by PGGM is recorded 
in the consolidated statements of operations as net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling 
interests. Refer to “Note 10. Noncontrolling Interests” for additional information regarding Vermeer. Other 
than the Company’s minimal equity investment, it has not provided any financial or other support to 
Vermeer that it was not contractually required to provide.

F-66

At December 31, 2019, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included total assets and total liabilities 
of Vermeer of $1.0 billion and $23.2 million, respectively (2018 - $600.4 million and $0.4 million, 
respectively). In addition, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included redeemable noncontrolling 
interests associated with Vermeer of $1.0 billion at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $600.0 million).

Mona Lisa Re Ltd.

Mona Lisa Re Ltd. (“Mona Lisa Re”) is licensed as a Bermuda domiciled SPI to provide reinsurance 
capacity to subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe, namely Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, through 
reinsurance agreements which will be collateralized and funded by Mona Lisa Re through the issuance of 
one or more series of principal-at-risk variable rate notes to third-party investors.

Upon issuance of a series of notes by Mona Lisa Re, all of the proceeds from the issuance are deposited 
into collateral accounts, separated by series, to fund any potential obligation under the reinsurance 
agreements entered into with Renaissance Reinsurance and/or DaVinci underlying such series of notes. 
The outstanding principal amount of each series of notes generally will be returned to holders of such notes 
upon the expiration of the risk period underlying such notes, unless an event occurs which causes a loss 
under the applicable series of notes, in which case the amount returned will be reduced by such 
noteholder’s pro rata share of such loss, as specified in the applicable governing documents of such notes. 
In addition, holders of such notes are generally entitled to interest payments, payable quarterly, as 
determined by the applicable governing documents of each series of notes.

The Company concluded that Mona Lisa Re meets the definition of a VIE as it does not have sufficient 
equity capital to finance its activities. The Company evaluated its relationship with Mona Lisa Re and 
concluded it does not have a variable interest in Mona Lisa Re. As a result, the financial position and results 
of operations of Mona Lisa Re are not consolidated by the Company. The Company has not provided 
financial or other support to Mona Lisa Re that it was not contractually required to provide.

On July 6, 2018, all previously outstanding series of notes issued by Mona Lisa Re were redeemed and the 
proceeds were returned to the holders of such notes. At December 31, 2019, the total assets and total 
liabilities of Mona Lisa Re were $6 thousand and $6 thousand, respectively (2018 - $41 thousand and $41 
thousand, respectively).

The only transactions related to Mona Lisa Re that are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements are the ceded reinsurance agreements entered into by Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci 
which are accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - Insurance. 
Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci have together entered into ceded reinsurance contracts with Mona 
Lisa Re with gross premiums ceded of $Nil and $Nil, respectively, during 2019 (2018 - $0.2 million and $0.2 
million, respectively, 2017 - $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively). In addition, Renaissance 
Reinsurance and DaVinci recognized ceded premiums earned related to the ceded reinsurance contracts 
with Mona Lisa Re of $Nil and $Nil, respectively, during 2019 (2018 - $0.2 million and $0.2 million, 
respectively, 2017 - $4.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively).

Refer to “Note 23. Subsequent Events” for additional information related to the issuance of principal-at-risk 
variable rate notes by Mona Lisa Re subsequent to December 31, 2019.

Fibonacci Re

Fibonacci Re, a Bermuda-domiciled SPI, was formed to provide collateralized capacity to Renaissance 
Reinsurance and its affiliates.

Upon issuance of a series of notes by Fibonacci Re, all of the proceeds from the issuance are deposited 
into collateral accounts, separated by series, to fund any potential obligation under the reinsurance 
agreements entered into with Renaissance Reinsurance underlying such series of notes. The outstanding 
principal amount of each series of notes generally is expected to be returned to holders of such notes upon 
the expiration of the risk period underlying such notes, unless an event occurs which causes a loss under 
the applicable series of notes, in which case the amount returned is expected to be reduced by such 
noteholder’s pro rata share of such loss, as specified in the applicable governing documents of such notes. 
In addition, holders of such notes are generally entitled to interest payments, payable quarterly, as 
determined by the applicable governing documents of each series of notes. RUM receives an origination 
and structuring fee in connection with the formation and operation of Fibonacci Re.

F-67

The Company concluded that Fibonacci Re meets the definition of a VIE as it does not have sufficient 
equity capital to finance its activities. The Company evaluated its relationship with Fibonacci Re and 
concluded it is not the primary beneficiary of Fibonacci Re as it does not have power over the activities that 
most significantly impact the economic performance of Fibonacci Re. As a result, the Company does not 
consolidate the financial position or results of operations of Fibonacci Re.

The only transactions related to Fibonacci Re that will be recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements will be the ceded reinsurance agreements entered into by Renaissance Reinsurance that are 
accounted for as prospective reinsurance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Services - Insurance, and the 
fair value of the participating notes owned by the Company. Other than its investment in the participating 
notes of Fibonacci Re, the Company has not provided financial or other support to Fibonacci Re that it was 
not contractually required to provide.

The fair value of the Company’s investment in the participating notes of Fibonacci Re is included in other 
investments. Net of third-party investors, the fair value of the Company’s investment in Fibonacci Re was 
$0.4 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $6.0 million).

Renaissance Reinsurance entered into ceded reinsurance contracts with Fibonacci Re with ceded 
premiums of $0.1 million and ceded premiums earned of $0.1 million during 2019 (2018 - $9.1 million and 
$10.0 million, respectively). During 2019, Renaissance Reinsurance ceded $7.5 million of net claims and 
claim expenses to Fibonacci Re (2018 - $Nil) and as of December 31, 2019 had a net reinsurance 
recoverable of $7.5 million from Fibonacci Re (December 31, 2018 - $Nil).

Langhorne

The Company and Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated formed Langhorne, an initiative to source 
third-party capital to support reinsurers targeting large in-force life and annuity blocks. In connection with 
Langhorne, as of December 31, 2019 the Company has invested $1.7 million in Langhorne Holdings (2018 
- $1.3 million), a company that owns and manages certain reinsurance entities within Langhorne. In 
addition, as of December 31, 2019 the Company has invested $0.1 million in Langhorne Partners (2018 - 
$0.1 million), the general partner for Langhorne and the entity which manages the third-party investors 
investing into Langhorne Holdings.

The Company concluded that Langhorne Holdings meets the definition of a VIE as the voting rights are not 
proportional with the obligations to absorb losses and rights to receive residual returns. The Company 
evaluated its relationship with Langhorne Holdings and concluded it is not the primary beneficiary of 
Langhorne Holdings, as it does not have power over the activities that most significantly impact the 
economic performance of Langhorne Holdings. As a result, the Company does not consolidate the financial 
position or results of operations of Langhorne Holdings. The Company separately evaluated Langhorne 
Partners and concluded that it was not a VIE. The Company accounts for its investments in Langhorne 
Holdings and Langhorne Partners under the equity method of accounting, one quarter in arrears.

The Company anticipates that its absolute investment in Langhorne will increase, perhaps materially, as in-
force life and annuity blocks of businesses are written. The Company expects its absolute and relative 
ownership in Langhorne Partners to remain stable. Other than its current and committed future equity 
investment in Langhorne, the Company has not provided financial or other support to Langhorne that it was 
not contractually required to provide.

Shima Re

Shima Re was acquired on March 22, 2019 in connection with the acquisition of TMR. Refer to “Note 3. 
Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” for additional information related to the acquisition of TMR. Shima Re is 
a Bermuda domiciled Class 3 insurer. Shima Re is registered as a segregated accounts company and 
provides third-party investors with access to reinsurance risk formerly managed by TMR. Following the 
closing of the acquisition, the retrocessionaires providing reinsurance to TMR on certain of the TMR 
managed third-party capital vehicles’ legacy portfolios of in-force and expired contracts were replaced. The 
maximum remaining exposure of each segregated account is fully collateralized and is funded by cash and 
term deposits or investments as prescribed by the participant thereto. Shima Re no longer writes new 
business and the last in-force contract written by Shima Re expired on December 31, 2019.

F-68

Shima Re is considered a VIE as it has voting rights that are not proportional to its participating rights. The 
Company evaluated its relationship with Shima Re and concluded it is not the primary beneficiary of any 
segregated account, as it does not have power over the activities that most significantly impact the 
economic performance of any segregated account. As a result, the Company does not consolidate the 
financial position or results of operations of Shima Re or its segregated accounts. The Company has not 
provided any financial or other support to any segregated account of Shima Re that it was not contractually 
required to provide.

Norwood Re

A subsidiary of RenaissanceRe Europe that the Company acquired in the acquisition of TMR manages 
Norwood Re. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” for additional information related to the 
acquisition of TMR. Norwood Re is a Bermuda domiciled SPI registered as a segregated accounts 
company formed to provide solutions for reinsurance-linked asset investors. Norwood Re is wholly owned 
by the Norwood Re Purpose Trust. Risks assumed by the segregated accounts of Norwood Re are fronted 
by or ceded from only one cedant - RenaissanceRe Europe and/or its insurance affiliates. The obligations of 
each segregated account are funded through the issuance of non-voting preference shares to third-party 
investors. The maximum exposure of each segregated account is fully collateralized and is funded by cash 
and term deposits or investments as prescribed by the participant thereto. Norwood Re no longer writes 
new business, and the last in-force contract written by Norwood will expire no later than May 31, 2020.

Norwood Re is considered a VIE as it has voting rights that are not proportional to its participating rights. 
The Company evaluated its relationship with Norwood Re and concluded it is not the primary beneficiary of 
Norwood Re and its segregated accounts, as it does not have power over the activities that most 
significantly impact the economic performance of Norwood Re and its segregated accounts. As a result, the 
Company does not consolidate the financial position or results of operations of Norwood Re and its 
segregated accounts. The Company has not provided any financial or other support to Norwood Re that it 
was not contractually required to provide.

NOTE 12. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Authorized Capital

The aggregate authorized capital of RenaissanceRe is 325 million shares consisting of 225 million common 
shares and 100 million preference shares. The following table is a summary of changes in common shares 
issued and outstanding:

Year ended December 31,
(thousands of shares)
Issued and outstanding shares – January 1

Issuance of shares

Repurchase of shares

Exercise of options and issuance of restricted stock awards

2019

2018

2017

42,207

1,739

—

202

40,024

1,947

—

236

41,187

—

(1,322)

159

40,024

Issued and outstanding shares – December 31

44,148

42,207

Dividends

The Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe declared dividends of $0.34 per common share, payable to 
common shareholders of record on March 15, 2019, June 14, 2019 and September 13, 2019 and 
December 13, 2019, and the Company paid the dividends on March 29, 2019, June 28, 2019 and 
September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The declaration and payment of dividends on 
the Company’s common shares are subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and 
depend on the Company’s financial condition, general business conditions, legal, contractual and regulatory 
restrictions regarding the payment of dividends by the Company and its subsidiaries and other factors which 
the Board of Directors may consider to be relevant.

F-69

 
 
 
The Board of Directors approved the payment of quarterly dividends on the Series C 6.08% Preference 
Shares, Series E 5.375% Preference Shares and 5.750% Series F Preference Shares to preference 
shareholders of record in the amounts and on the quarterly record dates and dividend payment dates set 
forth in the prospectus supplement and Certificate of Designation for the applicable series of preference 
shares, unless and until further action is taken by the Board of Directors. The dividend payment dates for 
the preference shares will be the first day of March, June, September and December of each year (or if this 
date is not a business day, on the business day immediately following this date). The record dates for the 
preference share dividends are one day prior to the dividend payment dates. The amount of the dividend on 
the Series C 6.08% Preference Shares is an amount per share equal to 6.08% of the liquidation preference 
per annum (the equivalent to $1.52 per share per annum, or $0.38 per share per quarter). The amount of 
the dividend on the Series E 5.375% Preference Shares is an amount per share equal to 5.375% of the 
liquidation preference per annum (the equivalent to $1.34375 per share per annum, or $0.3359375 per 
share per quarter). The amount of the dividend on the 5.750% Series F Preference Shares is an amount 
per share equal to 5.750% of the liquidation preference per annum (the equivalent to $1,437.50 per 5.750% 
Series F Preference Share per annum, or $359.375 per 5.750% Series F Preference Share per quarter, or 
$1.4375 per Depositary Share per annum, or $0.359375 per Depositary Share per quarter).

During 2019, the Company paid $36.8 million in preference share dividends (2018 - $30.1 million, 2017 - 
$22.4 million) and $59.4 million in common share dividends (2018 - $52.8 million, 2017 - $51.4 million).

Common Shares

On March 22, 2019, in connection with the closing of the TMR Stock Purchase, the Company issued 
1,739,071 of its common shares to Tokio as part of the aggregate consideration payable to Tokio under the 
TMR Stock Purchase Agreement. Refer to “Note 3. Acquisition of Tokio Millennium Re” for additional 
information related to the acquisition of TMR. On January 9, 2020, Tokio completed a secondary public 
offering of these common shares, which represented all of Tokio's remaining ownership in the Company. 
The Company did not receive any proceeds from Tokio’s sale of its common shares.

On December 20, 2018, the Company issued 1,947,496 of its common shares to State Farm Mutual 
Automobile Insurance Company (“State Farm”) in exchange for $250.0 million in a private placement 
pursuant to an Investment Agreement between the Company and State Farm entered into on October 30, 
2018.

Preference Shares

In March 2004, RenaissanceRe raised $250.0 million through the issuance of 10 million Series C 
Preference Shares at $25 per share and in May 2013, RenaissanceRe raised $275.0 million through the 
issuance of 11 million Series E Preference Shares at $25 per share. On June 27, 2013, RenaissanceRe 
redeemed 5 million Series C Preference Shares for $125.0 million plus accrued and unpaid dividends 
thereon. Following the redemption, 5 million Series C Preference Shares remain outstanding. In June 2018, 
RenaissanceRe raised $250.0 million through the issuance of 10,000 Series F Preference Shares at 
$25,000 share (equivalent to 10,000,000 Depositary Shares, each of which represents a 1/1,000th interest 
in a Series F Preference Share).

The Series E Preference Shares and the remaining Series C Preference Shares may be redeemed at any 
time at $25 per share plus declared and unpaid dividends at RenaissanceRe’s option. The Series F 
Preference Shares may be redeemed at $25,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per Depositary Share), plus 
declared and unpaid dividends, at RenaissanceRe’s option on or after June 30, 2023, provided that no 
redemption may occur prior to June 30, 2028 unless certain redemption requirements are met. 

Dividends on the Series C Preference Shares are cumulative from the date of original issuance and are 
payable quarterly in arrears at 6.08% per annum, when, if, and as declared by the Board of Directors. 
Dividends on the Series E Preference Shares are payable from the date of original issuance on a non-
cumulative basis, only when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, quarterly in arrears at 5.375% per 
annum. Dividends on the Series F Preference Shares are payable on a non-cumulative basis, only when, 
as and if declared by the Board of Directors, quarterly in arrears at 5.750% per annum. Unless certain 
dividend payments are made on the preference shares, RenaissanceRe will be restricted from paying any 
dividends on its common shares. As stated above, the Board of Directors approved the payment of 
quarterly dividends on the Series C Preference Shares, Series E Preference Shares and Series F 

F-70

Preference Shares in the amounts and on the quarterly record dates and dividend payment dates set forth 
in the prospectus supplement and Certificate of Designation for the applicable series of preference shares, 
unless and until further action is taken by the Board of Directors. 

The preference shares have no stated maturity and are not convertible into any other securities of 
RenaissanceRe. Generally, the preference shares have no voting rights. Whenever dividends payable on 
the preference shares are in arrears (whether or not such dividends have been earned or declared) in an 
amount equivalent to dividends for six full dividend periods (whether or not consecutive), the holders of the 
preference shares, voting as a single class regardless of class or series, will have the right to elect two 
directors to the Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe.

Share Repurchases

The Company’s share repurchase program may be effected from time to time, depending on market 
conditions and other factors, through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. On 
November 10, 2017, RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors approved a renewal of its authorized share 
repurchase program for an aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million. Unless terminated earlier by 
RenaissanceRe’s Board of Directors, the program will expire when the Company has repurchased the full 
value of the common shares authorized. The Company’s decision to repurchase common shares will 
depend on, among other matters, the market price of the common shares and the capital requirements of 
the Company. During 2019, the Company did not repurchase any of its common shares under the share 
repurchase program. At December 31, 2019, $500.0 million remained available for repurchase under the 
share repurchase program.

NOTE 13. EARNINGS PER SHARE 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

Year ended December 31,

(common shares in thousands)
Numerator:

2019

2018

2017

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe

common shareholders

$ 712,042 $ 197,276 $ (244,770)

Amount allocated to participating common shareholders (1)

(8,545)

(2,121)

(457)

Net income (loss) allocated to RenaissanceRe common

shareholders

Denominator:

$ 703,497 $ 195,155 $ (245,227)

Denominator for basic income (loss) per RenaissanceRe
common share - weighted average common shares

Per common share equivalents of employee stock options

and performance shares

Denominator for diluted income (loss) per RenaissanceRe
common share - adjusted weighted average common
shares and assumed conversions

43,119

39,732

39,854

56

23

—

43,175

39,755

39,854

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe 

common shareholders per common share – basic

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to RenaissanceRe

common shareholders per common share – diluted

$

$

16.32 $

4.91 $

(6.15)

16.29 $

4.91 $

(6.15)

(1)  Represents earnings attributable to holders of unvested shares issued pursuant to the Company’s stock compensation plans and 

to the Company’s non-employee directors.

NOTE 14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS 

Tower Hill

The Company has equity interests in the Tower Hill Companies as described in “Note 5. Investments.” The 
Company has entered into reinsurance arrangements with certain subsidiaries and affiliates of Tower Hill 
and has also entered into reinsurance arrangements with respect to business produced by the Tower Hill 

F-71

 
 
Companies. As part of the acquisition of TMR, the Company acquired certain assumed and ceded 
reinsurance arrangements with certain subsidiaries and affiliates of Tower Hill and other assumed and 
ceded reinsurance arrangements with respect to business produced by the Tower Hill Companies. The 
impact of these reinsurance arrangements is included in the Company’s results of operation since the date 
of acquisition of TMR, March 22, 2019, through December 31, 2019, and on the Company’s consolidated 
balance sheet at December 31, 2019.

During 2019, the Company recorded $39.8 million (2018 - $45.5 million, 2017 - $39.1 million) of gross 
premiums written assumed from the Tower Hill Companies and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Gross 
premiums earned totaled $40.7 million (2018 - $43.8 million, 2017 - $35.7 million) and expenses incurred 
were $6.1 million (2018 - $7.1 million, 2017 - $5.1 million) for 2019. The Company had a net related 
outstanding receivable balance of $14.8 million as of December 31, 2019 (2018 - receivable of $19.3 
million). During 2019, the Company assumed net claims and claim expenses of $37.7 million (2018 - 
assumed net claims and claim expenses of $111.2 million, 2017 - assumed net claims and claim expenses 
of $94.4 million) and, as of December 31, 2019, had a net reserve for claims and claim expenses of $71.8 
million (2018 - $98.8 million). 

During 2019, the Company recorded $0.5 million of ceded premium written to the Tower Hill Companies and 
its subsidiaries and affiliates. Ceded premiums earned totaled $0.4 million and expenses ceded were $Nil 
for 2019. The Company had a net related outstanding payable balance of $Nil as of December 31, 2019. 
During 2019, the Company recovered net claims and claim expenses of $41.8 million and, as of 
December 31, 2019, had a reinsurance recoverable balance of $21.8 million.

In addition, the Company received distributions of $13.4 million from the Tower Hill Companies during 2019 
(2018 - $12.1 million, 2017 - $8.3 million).

Top Layer Re

During 2019, the Company received distributions from Top Layer Re of $20.0 million (2018 - $12.5 million, 
2017 - $20.0 million), and recorded a management fee of $2.3 million (2018 - $2.7 million, 2017 - $2.7 
million). The management fee reimburses the Company for services it provides to Top Layer Re.

Broker Concentration

During 2019, the Company received 79.6% of its gross premiums written (2018 - 75.2%, 2017 - 76.4%) 
from three brokers. Subsidiaries and affiliates of AON, Marsh, and Willis Towers Watson accounted for 
41.7%, 27.1% and 10.8%, respectively, of gross premiums written in 2019 (2018 - 40.7%, 24.6% and 9.9%, 
respectively, 2017 - 42.8%, 23.8% and 9.8%, respectively).

NOTE 15. TAXATION 

Under current Bermuda law, RenaissanceRe and its Bermuda subsidiaries are not subject to any income or 
capital gains taxes. In the event that such taxes are imposed, RenaissanceRe and its Bermuda subsidiaries 
would be exempted from any such tax until March 2035 pursuant to the Bermuda Exempted Undertakings 
Tax Protection Act 1966, and Amended Acts of 1987 and 2011, respectively.

RenaissanceRe Finance and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes imposed by U.S. federal and state 
authorities and file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Should the U.S. subsidiaries pay a 
dividend to RenaissanceRe, withholding taxes would apply to the extent of current year or accumulated 
earnings and profits at an expected tax rate of 5.0%. The Company also has operations in Ireland, the U.K., 
Singapore, Switzerland and Australia which are subject to income taxes imposed by the respective 
jurisdictions in which they operate. Withholding taxes would not be expected to apply to dividends paid to 
RenaissanceRe from its subsidiaries in Ireland, the U.K., Singapore Switzerland and Australia.

F-72

The following is a summary of the Company’s income (loss) before taxes allocated between domestic and 
foreign operations:

Year ended December 31,
Domestic

Bermuda

Foreign

U.S.

Australia

Switzerland

Ireland

Singapore

U.K.

2019

2018

2017

$

861,068 $

349,959 $ (262,827)

102,724

(56,261)

(11,897)

3,390

14,255

(388)

(6,334)

(7,233)

—

166

551

—

—

617

(3,226)

(28,574)

(12,421)

(41,656)

Income (loss) before taxes

$

967,482 $

262,615 $ (328,184)

Income tax (expense) benefit is comprised as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2019
Total income tax expense

Year ended December 31, 2018

Total income tax (expense) benefit

Year ended December 31, 2017
Total income tax expense

Current

Deferred

(2,128) $

(15,087) $

Total
(17,215)

(1,668) $

7,970 $

6,302

(844) $

(25,643) $

(26,487)

$

$

$

The Company’s expected income tax provision computed on pre-tax income at the weighted average tax 
rate has been calculated as the sum of the pre-tax income in each jurisdiction multiplied by that 
jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate. Statutory tax rates of 0.0%, 21.0%, 12.5%, 19.0%, 17.0%, 21.2% 
and 30.0% have been used for Bermuda, the U.S., Ireland, the U.K., Singapore, Switzerland and Australia, 
respectively.

The Company’s effective income tax rate, which it calculates as income tax expense divided by net income 
before taxes, may fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on the geographic distribution of 
pre-tax net income (loss) in any given period between different jurisdictions with comparatively higher tax 
rates and those with comparatively lower tax rates. The geographic distribution of pre-tax net income (loss) 
can vary significantly between periods due to, but not limited to, the following factors: the business mix of 
net premiums written and earned; the geographic location, the size and the nature of net claims and claim 
expenses incurred; the amount and geographic location of operating expenses, net investment income, net 
realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments; outstanding debt and related interest expense; and 
the amount of specific adjustments to determine the income tax basis in each of the Company’s operating 
jurisdictions. In addition, a significant portion of the Company’s gross and net premiums are currently written 
and earned in Bermuda, which does not have a corporate income tax, including the majority of the 
Company’s catastrophe business, which can result in significant volatility to its pre-tax net income (loss) in 
any given period.

F-73

 
 
 
 
 
 
A reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at 
the weighted average tax rate is as follows:

Year ended December 31,
Expected income tax (expense) benefit
Nondeductible expenses
Change in valuation allowance
Withholding tax
Effect of change in tax rate
Non-taxable foreign exchange gains (losses)
Tax exempt income
Transfer pricing
GAAP to statutory accounting difference
Foreign branch adjustments
U.S. base erosion and anti-abuse tax
Other

Income tax (expense) benefit

2019
(22,874) $
(7,059)
(5,481)
(665)
(262)
(4)
400
2,503
6,553
7,315
—
2,359
(17,215) $

2018
17,697 $
(370)
(5,255)
(1,831)
(708)
586
944
(2,481)
—
—
(1,271)
(1,009)
6,302 $

2017
14,216
(276)
(11,718)
(216)
(38,083)
2,574
3,794
(11)
—
—
—
3,233
(26,487)

$

$

As a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 
pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Company recorded a partial write-down of its U.S. 
deferred tax asset of $36.7 million in 2017. This adjustment is included in effect of change in tax rate in the 
table above.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and 
deferred tax liabilities are presented below:

At December 31,
Deferred tax assets

Tax loss and credit carryforwards
Unearned premiums
Deferred finance charges
Reserve for claims and claim expenses
Accrued expenses
Deferred underwriting results
Premiums receivable
Investments

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred acquisition expenses
VOBA
Investments
Intangible assets
Amortization and depreciation

Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance
Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax asset

2019

2018

$

111,835 $

14,430
10,160
8,984
7,196
4,033
3,412
—
160,050

(16,296)
(12,673)
(6,468)
(2,891)
(2,133)
(40,461)
119,589
(75,685)
43,904 $

$

60,395
10,108
14,646
17,345
4,292
3,514
—
4,427
114,727

(11,801)
—
—
—
(2,992)
(14,793)
99,934
(35,271)
64,663

The Company’s net deferred tax asset is included in other assets on its consolidated balance sheets.

During 2019, the Company recorded a net increase to the valuation allowance of $40.4 million (2018 – 
increase of $5.3 million, 2017 – increase of $11.2 million). The Company’s net deferred tax asset primarily 

F-74

 
 
relates to net operating loss carryforwards and GAAP versus tax basis accounting differences relating to 
unearned premiums, deferred finance charges, reserves for claims and claim expenses, accrued expenses,  
deferred underwriting results, premiums receivable, deferred acquisition expenses, VOBA, investments, 
intangible assets and amortization and depreciation. The Company’s valuation allowance assessment is 
based on all available information including projections of future GAAP taxable income from each tax-
paying component in each tax jurisdiction.

A valuation allowance has been provided against deferred tax assets in the U.S., Ireland, the U.K., 
Singapore and Switzerland. These deferred tax assets relate primarily to net operating loss carryforwards. 
The acquired valuation allowance of TMR as of March 22, 2019 was $35.7 million, the majority of which 
was established in the U.S.

In the U.S., the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $338.6 million. Under applicable law, the 
U.S. net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2031. The Company has net operating loss 
carryforwards of $115.4 million in the U.K., $25.4 million in Singapore, $186.6 million in Switzerland, and 
$5.6 million in Ireland. Under applicable law, the U.K., Singapore and Irish net operating losses can be 
carried forward for an indefinite period, while the net operating losses in Switzerland will begin to expire in 
2020.

The Company had a net payment for U.S. federal, Irish, U.K., Singapore, Switzerland and Australia income 
taxes of $9.7 million for the year ended 2019 (2018 – net payment of $0.3 million, 2017 – net payment of 
$0.3 million).

The Company has unrecognized tax benefits of $Nil as of December 31, 2019 (2018 – $Nil). Interest and 
penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits would be recognized in income tax expense. At 
December 31, 2019, interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits were $Nil (2018 – $Nil). 
The following filed income tax returns are open for examination with the applicable tax authorities: tax years 
2016 through 2018 with the IRS; 2015 through 2018 with Ireland; 2018 with the U.K.; 2015 through 2018 
with Singapore; 2018 with Switzerland; and 2015 through 2018 with Australia. The Company does not 
expect the resolution of these open years to have a significant impact on its results from operations and 
financial condition.

NOTE 16. SEGMENT REPORTING 

The Company’s reportable segments are defined as follows: (1) Property, which is comprised of 
catastrophe and other property reinsurance and insurance written on behalf of the Company’s operating 
subsidiaries and certain joint ventures managed by the Company’s ventures unit, and (2) Casualty and 
Specialty, which is comprised of casualty and specialty reinsurance and insurance written on behalf of the 
Company’s operating subsidiaries and certain joint ventures managed by the Company’s ventures unit. In 
addition to its reportable segments, the Company has an Other category, which primarily includes its 
strategic investments, investments unit, corporate expenses, capital servicing costs, noncontrolling 
interests, certain expenses related to acquisitions and the remnants of its former Bermuda-based insurance 
operations. The results of operations of TMR are reflected in the Company’s existing reportable segments 
for the year ended December 31, 2019 from March 22, 2019.

The Company’s Property segment is managed by the Chief Underwriting Officer - Property and the 
Casualty and Specialty segment is managed by the Chief Underwriting Officer - Casualty and Specialty, 
each of whom operate under the direction of the Company’s Group Chief Underwriting Officer, who in turn 
reports to the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Company does not manage its assets by segment; accordingly, net investment income and total assets 
are not allocated to the segments.

F-75

A summary of the significant components of the Company’s revenues and expenses by segment is as 
follows:

Year ended December 31, 2019

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

Acquisition expenses

Operational expenses

Underwriting income (loss)

Net investment income

Net foreign exchange losses

Equity in earnings of other ventures

Other income

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

Corporate expenses

Interest expense

Income before taxes and redeemable noncontrolling interests

Income tax expense

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

Dividends on preference shares

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common

shareholders

Property

Casualty and
Specialty

$ 2,430,985

$ 2,376,765

$ 1,654,259

$ 1,727,234

$ 1,627,494

$ 1,710,909

$

$

$

Other

Total

— $ 4,807,750

— $ 3,381,493

— $ 3,338,403

965,424

313,761

139,015

1,131,637

448,678

84,546

(40)

(207)

(828)

$

209,294

$

46,048

$

1,075

423,833

(2,938)

23,224

4,949

414,483

(94,122)

(58,364)

(17,215)

2,097,021

762,232

222,733

256,417

423,833

(2,938)

23,224

4,949

414,483

(94,122)

(58,364)

967,482

(17,215)

(201,469)

(201,469)

(36,756)

(36,756)

$

712,042

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year $

968,357

$ 1,155,519

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years

(2,933)

(23,882)

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total

$

965,424

$ 1,131,637

$

$

— $ 2,123,876

(40)

(40)

(26,855)

$ 2,097,021

Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year

Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years

Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year

Underwriting expense ratio

Combined ratio

59.5 %

(0.2)%

59.3 %

27.8 %

87.1 %

67.5 %

(1.4)%

66.1 %

31.2 %

97.3 %

63.6 %

(0.8)%

62.8 %

29.5 %

92.3 %

F-76

Year ended December 31, 2018

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

Acquisition expenses

Operational expenses

Underwriting income (loss)

Net investment income

Net foreign exchange losses

Equity in earnings of other ventures

Other income

Property

Casualty and
Specialty

$ 1,760,926

$ 1,549,501

$ 1,055,188

$ 1,076,714

$ 1,050,831

$

925,298

$

$

$

Other

Total

— $ 3,310,427

— $ 2,131,902

— $ 1,976,129

497,895

177,912

112,954

622,320

255,079

64,883

$

262,070

$

(16,984)

$

(197)

(2)

430

(231)

261,866

(12,428)

18,474

5,969

1,120,018

432,989

178,267

244,855

261,866

(12,428)

18,474

5,969

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments

(175,069)

(175,069)

Corporate expenses

Interest expense

Income before taxes and redeemable noncontrolling interests

Income tax benefit

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

Dividends on preference shares

Net income available to RenaissanceRe common

shareholders

(33,983)

(47,069)

6,302

(41,553)

(30,088)

(33,983)

(47,069)

262,615

6,302

(41,553)

(30,088)

$

197,276

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year $

719,185

$

671,582

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years

(221,290)

(49,262)

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total

$

497,895

$

622,320

$

$

— $ 1,390,767

(197)

(197)

(270,749)

$ 1,120,018

Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year

Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years

Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year

Underwriting expense ratio

Combined ratio

68.4 %

(21.0)%

47.4 %

27.7 %

75.1 %

72.6 %

(5.3)%

67.3 %

34.5 %

101.8 %

70.4 %

(13.7)%

56.7 %

30.9 %

87.6 %

F-77

Year ended December 31, 2017

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Net claims and claim expenses incurred

Acquisition expenses

Operational expenses

Underwriting (loss) income

Net investment income

Net foreign exchange gains

Equity in earnings of other ventures

Other income

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

Corporate expenses

Interest expense

Loss before taxes and redeemable noncontrolling interests

Income tax expense

Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

Dividends on preference shares

Property

Casualty and
Specialty

$ 1,440,437

$ 1,357,110

$

$

978,014

931,070

1,297,985

113,816

94,194

$

$

893,307

786,501

565,026

233,077

66,548

$

$

$

Other

Total

(7)

$ 2,797,540

4

4

$ 1,871,325

$ 1,717,575

(1,583)

1,861,428

(1)

36

346,892

160,778

$ (574,925)

$

(78,150)

$

1,552

(651,523)

222,209

10,628

8,030

9,415

135,822

(18,572)

(44,193)

(26,487)

132,282

(22,381)

222,209

10,628

8,030

9,415

135,822

(18,572)

(44,193)

(328,184)

(26,487)

132,282

(22,381)

Net loss attributable to RenaissanceRe common shareholders

$ (244,770)

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – current accident year $ 1,343,581

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – prior accident years

(45,596)

Net claims and claim expenses incurred – total

$ 1,297,985

$

$

558,843

6,183

565,026

$

$

— $ 1,902,424

(1,583)

(40,996)

(1,583)

$ 1,861,428

Net claims and claim expense ratio – current accident year

Net claims and claim expense ratio – prior accident years

Net claims and claim expense ratio – calendar year

Underwriting expense ratio

Combined ratio

144.3 %

(4.9)%

139.4 %

22.3 %

161.7 %

71.1%

0.7%

71.8%

38.1%

109.9%

110.8 %

(2.4)%

108.4 %

29.5 %

137.9 %

F-78

The following is a summary of the Company’s gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage 
exposure:

Year ended December 31,
Property

U.S. and Caribbean
Worldwide
Europe
Japan
Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)
Australia and New Zealand
Other
Total Property
Casualty and Specialty

Worldwide
U.S. and Caribbean
Worldwide (excluding U.S.) (1)
Europe
Australia and New Zealand
Other

Total Casualty and Specialty
Other category

Total gross premiums written

2019

2018

2017

$ 1,368,205 $
643,744
182,544
90,328
79,393
32,203
34,568
2,430,985

978,063 $
464,311
144,857
71,601
66,872
19,273
15,949
1,760,926

954,269
305,915
49,486
49,821
48,182
14,151
18,613
1,440,437

935,626
1,071,170
25,291
227,178
34,053
83,447
2,376,765
—

686,253
622,757
10,104
9,752
4,141
24,103
1,357,110
(7)
$ 4,807,750 $ 3,310,427 $ 2,797,540

776,976
667,125
31,734
15,296
3,667
54,703
1,549,501
—

(1)  The category “Worldwide (excluding U.S.)” consists of contracts that cover more than one geographic region (other than the 

U.S.).

NOTE 17. STOCK INCENTIVE COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Stock Incentive Compensation Plans and Awards

The Company is authorized to issue restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance share 
awards, stock options and other share-based awards to its employees and directors pursuant to various 
stock incentive compensation plans. 

On May 16, 2016, the Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan 
(the “2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan”). Pursuant to the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company is 
authorized to issue up to 1,625,000 common shares plus the number of shares that were subject to awards 
outstanding under the Company’s 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2001 Stock Incentive Plan”) 
and the Company’s 2010 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2010 Performance 
Plan”) as of the effective date of the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan that are forfeited, canceled, settled in 
cash, or otherwise terminated without delivery after the effective date. The 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan 
permits the grant of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance share awards (including 
cash-based performance awards), stock options and other share-based awards to employees, officers, non-
employee directors and consultants or advisors of the Company and its affiliates.

The 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, which permitted the grant of stock options, restricted stock awards and 
other share-based awards to employees of RenaissanceRe and its subsidiaries, expired in accordance with 
its terms on February 6, 2016 and no additional awards may be made under this plan. All outstanding 
awards made under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan will vest no later than March 1, 2020. The 2010 
Performance Plan, pursuant to which the Company granted performance share awards, was terminated on 
May 16, 2016 upon approval of the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and no additional awards will be made 
under this plan. All outstanding awards made under the 2010 Performance Share Plan vested no later than 
February 7, 2018. The terms and conditions of outstanding awards granted under the 2001 Share Incentive 
Plan and the 2010 Performance Plan were not affected by the respective expiration and termination of 
these plans. 

F-79

In 2010, the Company instituted a cash settled restricted stock unit (“CSRSU”) plan, the 2010 Restricted 
Stock Unit Plan, which allowed for the issuance of equity awards in the form of CSRSUs. In November 
2016, the 2010 Restricted Stock Plan was terminated and replaced with a new cash settled restricted stock 
unit plan, the 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Plan. The terms and conditions of CSRSU awards outstanding 
under the 2010 Restricted Stock Unit Plan at the time of termination were not affected, but no additional 
awards will be made under the 2010 Restricted Stock Unit Plan. All outstanding awards made under the 
2010 Restricted Stock Unit Plan will vest no later than March 1, 2020.

Stock Options

The Company has not granted stock options since 2008. Stock options were granted pursuant to the 2001 
Stock Incentive Plan and allowed for the purchase of RenaissanceRe common shares at a price that was 
equal to, or not less than, the fair market value of RenaissanceRe common shares as of the effective grant 
date. Stock options generally vested over 4 years and expired 10 years from the grant date. The final stock 
options outstanding were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock awards granted periodically under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2016 Long-Term 
Incentive Plan generally vest ratably over a four year period. The Company has also granted restricted 
stock awards to non-employee directors, which generally vest ratably over a three year period.

Performance Share Awards

Performance share awards have been granted periodically to certain of the Company’s executive officers 
pursuant to the 2010 Performance Plan, 2001 Share Incentive Plan and 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan. 
Outstanding performance share awards are subject to vesting conditions based on both continued service 
and the attainment of pre-established performance goals. If performance goals are achieved, the 
performance share awards will vest up to a maximum of 250% of target. Performance share awards 
generally cliff vest at the end of a three-year vesting period based on the attainment of annual performance 
goals over the vesting period. The performance share awards granted prior to May 2018 have a market 
condition, which is the Company’s total shareholder return relative to its peer group. The performance share 
awards granted in May 2018 and March 2019 have a performance condition, which is the percentage 
change in the Company’s tangible book value per common share plus accumulated dividends, or, in the 
event of a change in control, a market condition, which is the Company’s total shareholder return relative to 
its peer group. Total shareholder return is calculated in accordance with the terms of the applicable award 
agreement and is generally based on the average closing share price over the 20 trading days preceding 
and including the start and end of the annual performance period. The percentage change in tangible book 
value per share plus accumulated dividends is calculated in accordance with the terms of the applicable 
award agreement.

Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units

CSRSUs are liability awards with fair value measurement based on the fair market value of the Company’s 
common shares at the end of each reporting period. CSRSUs granted periodically pursuant to the 2010 
Restricted Stock Unit Plan and 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Plan generally vest ratably over 4 years.

F-80

Valuation Assumptions

Performance Share Awards Granted Prior to May 2018

The fair value of performance share awards granted prior to May 2018 is measured on the grant date using 
a Monte Carlo simulation model which requires the following inputs: share price; expected volatility; 
expected term; expected dividend yield; and risk-free interest rates. The following are the weighted 
average-assumptions used to estimate the fair value for all performance share awards issued in each 
respective year.

Year ended December 31,
Expected volatility (1)

Expected term (in years)

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate (1)

Performance Share Awards

2019
n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

2018
15.8%

n/a

n/a

1.85% - 2.36%

(1)  The expected volatility and risk-free interest rate applied are specific to each tranche of performance share awards.

Expected volatility: The expected volatility is estimated by the Company based on RenaissanceRe’s 
historical stock volatility.

Expected term: The expected term is not applicable as the length of the performance periods are fixed and 
not subject to future employee behavior. Each tranche of the performance share awards has a one year 
period during which performance is measured.

Expected dividend yield: The expected dividend yield is not applicable to performance share awards as 
dividends are paid at the end of the vesting period and do not affect the value of the performance shares.

Risk-free interest rate: The risk free rate is estimated based on the yield on a U.S. treasury zero-coupon 
issued with a remaining term equal to the vesting period of the performance share awards.

For performance share awards granted before May 2018, the total cost of the performance share awards is 
determined on the grant date based on the fair value calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation model. The 
Company recognizes cost equal to fair value per performance share award multiplied by the target number 
of performance share awards on the grant date. The cost is then amortized as an expense over the 
requisite service period. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occurred rather than 
estimating service-based forfeitures over the requisite service period.

Performance Share Awards Granted in May 2018 and March 2019

For performance share awards granted in May 2018 and March 2019, the performance metric relates to the 
percentage change in tangible book value per share plus accumulated dividends which is classified as a 
performance condition under FASB ASC Topic Compensation - Stock Compensation. As a result, the fair 
value of the performance share awards is determined based on the fair market value of RenaissanceRe’s 
common shares on the grant date. The estimated fair value of performance share awards is amortized as 
an expense over the requisite service period. 

Restricted Stock Awards

The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the fair market value of RenaissanceRe’s 
common shares on the grant date. The estimated fair value of restricted stock awards is amortized as an 
expense over the requisite service period. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they 
occurred rather than estimating service-based forfeitures over the requisite service period.

Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units

CSRSUs are revalued at the end of each quarterly reporting period based on the then fair market value of 
RenaissanceRe’s common shares. The total cost is adjusted each quarter for unvested CSRSUs to reflect 
the current share price, and this total cost is amortized as an expense over the requisite service period. The 

F-81

Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occurred rather than estimating service-based 
forfeitures over the requisite service period.

Summary of Stock Compensation Activity

The following is a summary of activity under the Company’s stock compensation plans. 

Stock Options

Weighted
options
outstanding

Weighted
average
exercise 
price

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
 life

Aggregate
intrinsic
value

Range of
exercise prices

Balance, December 31, 2016

206,795

$ 53.17

0.9

$ 17,174

$50.71 - $59.66

Options granted
Options forfeited
Options expired
Options exercised

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(174,794)

53.04

$ 15,945

$50.71 - $59.66

53.86

—

53.86

—

Number of
shares
308,344
98,067
(122,088)
(21,993)
262,330
—
(108,344)
(7,069)
146,917
—
(80,012)
(3,161)
63,744

Balance, December 31, 2017

32,001

$ 53.86

0.2

$

2,295

$

Options granted
Options forfeited
Options expired
Options exercised

—

—

—

—

—

—

(32,001)

53.86

Balance, December 31, 2018

— $

—

0.0

$

$

2,320

$

— $

Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units 

Nonvested at December 31, 2016

Awards granted
Awards vested
Awards forfeited

Nonvested at December 31, 2017

Awards granted
Awards vested
Awards forfeited

Nonvested at December 31, 2018

Awards granted
Awards vested
Awards forfeited

Nonvested at December 31, 2019

F-82

Performance Share Awards

Nonvested at December 31, 2016

Awards granted
Awards vested
Awards forfeited

Nonvested at December 31, 2017

Awards granted
Awards vested
Awards forfeited

Nonvested at December 31, 2018

Awards granted
Awards vested
Awards forfeited

Nonvested at December 31, 2019

Number of
shares (1)

Weighted
average 
grant-date 
fair value

211,381 $
64,947 $
(62,499) $
(46,156)
167,673 $
83,475 $
(16,456) $
(82,241)
152,451 $
58,050 $
(21,730) $
(43,924)
144,847 $

44.63
65.27
43.51

53.11
60.69
53.79

57.21
146.10
49.90

94.70

(1)    For performance share awards, the number of shares is stated at the maximum number that can be attained if the performance 

conditions are fully met. Forfeitures represent shares forfeited due to vesting below the maximum attainable as a result of the 
Company not fully meeting the performance conditions.

Restricted Stock Awards

Employee
restricted stock awards

Non-employee director
restricted stock awards

Total
restricted stock awards

Weighted
average 
grant
date fair 
value

Number of
shares

Weighted
average
grant
date fair 
value

Number of
shares

Weighted
average
grant
date fair 
value

Number of
shares

402,170 $ 103.34
148.66
116,345
100.17
(185,478)
—
—

333,037 $ 120.93
132.70
255,799
112.70
(139,454)
134.38
(1,642)

447,740 $ 130.37
146.92
242,832
124.71
(165,245)
136.16
(14,467)

25,545 $ 107.95
150.05
12,193
110.66
(17,612)
—
—

427,715 $ 103.61
148.79
128,538
101.08
(203,090)
—
—

20,126 $ 131.09
127.29
12,169
123.59
(9,761)
—
—

353,163 $ 121.51
132.79
267,968
113.41
(149,215)
134.38
(1,642)

22,534 $ 132.29
147.43
11,444
131.88
(12,972)
—
—

470,274 $ 130.46
146.94
254,276
125.23
(178,217)
136.16
(14,467)

510,860 $ 139.91

21,006 $ 140.79

531,866 $ 139.94

Nonvested at December 31,

2016
Awards granted
Awards vested
Awards forfeited

Nonvested at December 31,

2017
Awards granted
Awards vested
Awards forfeited

Nonvested at December 31,

2018
Awards granted
Awards vested
Awards forfeited

Nonvested at December 31,

2019

There were 1.3 million shares available for issuance under the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan at 
December 31, 2019 and no shares available for issuance under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan or 2010 
Performance Share Plan at December 31, 2019. 

The aggregate fair value of restricted stock awards, performance share awards and CSRSUs vested during 
2019 was $41.6 million (2018 – $37.2 million, 2017 – $56.9 million). Cash in the amount of $Nil was 
received from employees as a result of employee stock option exercises during 2019 (2018 – $Nil, 2017 – 

F-83

$Nil). In connection with share vestings and option exercises, there was a $0.2 million excess windfall tax 
benefit realized by the Company in 2019 (2018 – $Nil, 2017 – $Nil). RenaissanceRe issues new shares 
upon the exercise of an option.

The total stock compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations 
during 2019 was $41.4 million (2018 – $35.7 million, 2017 – $37.2 million). As of December 31, 2019, there 
was $52.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards, $5.4 million 
related to CSRSUs and $7.7 million related to performance share awards, which will be recognized, on a 
weighted average basis, during the next 1.7, 0.9 and 1.4 years, respectively.

All of the Company’s employees are eligible for defined contribution pension plans. Contributions are 
primarily based upon a percentage of eligible compensation. The Company contributed $4.9 million to its 
defined contribution pension plans in 2019 (2018 – $4.1 million, 2017 – $4.4 million).

NOTE 18. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

The Company’s (re)insurance operations are subject to insurance laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in 
which they operate, the most significant of which currently include Bermuda, Switzerland, the U.K. and the 
U.S. These regulations include certain restrictions on the amount of dividends or other distributions, such as 
loans or cash advances, available to shareholders without prior approval of the respective regulatory 
authorities.

Group Supervision

The Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) is the group supervisor of the Company. Under the Insurance Act 
1978, amendments thereto and related regulations of Bermuda (collectively, the “Insurance Act”), the 
Company shall ensure that it can meet its minimum solvency margin (“MSM”), defined as the prescribed 
minimum amount by which the value of the assets of the Company must exceed the value of its liabilities, 
the breach of which represents an unacceptable level of risk and triggers the strongest supervisory actions.

In addition, the Company is required to maintain statutory economic capital and surplus at a level equal to 
or in excess of its enhanced capital requirement (“ECR”) which is established by reference to the Bermuda 
Solvency Capital Requirement (the “BSCR”) model. The BSCR is a mathematical model designed to give 
the BMA robust methods for determining an insurer’s capital adequacy. The ECR is equal to the greater of 
the MSM or required capital calculated by reference to the BSCR. Effective January 1, 2016, the BMA 
embedded the Economic Balance Sheet (“EBS”) framework in the Bermuda legislative and regulatory 
regime. The EBS is an input to the BSCR which determines the Company’s ECR. The EBS regime 
prescribes the use of financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP as the basis on which 
statutory financial statements are prepared, and those statutory financial statements form the starting basis 
for the EBS.

The BMA has established a target capital level (“TCL”) which is set at 120% of the ECR. While the 
Company is not required to maintain statutory economic capital and surplus at this level, it serves as an 
early warning signal for the BMA, and failure to meet the TCL may result in additional reporting 
requirements or increased regulatory oversight. The Company is currently completing its 2019 group BSCR, 
which must be filed with the BMA on or before May 31, 2020, and at this time, the Company believes it will 
exceed the target level of required statutory economic capital and surplus.

F-84

The statutory capital and surplus, required minimum statutory capital and surplus and unrestricted net 
assets of the Company’s regulated insurance operations in its most significant regulatory jurisdictions are 
detailed below:

At December 31,

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

Bermuda (1)

Switzerland (2)

U.K. (3) (4)

U.S.

Statutory capital and

surplus

Required statutory

capital and
surplus

Unrestricted net

assets

$5,325,749

$4,366,089

$ 580,235

$

— $ 675,864

$ 519,689

$ 677,832

$ 502,803

1,201,529

957,650

465,900

1,107,586

931,387

102,943

—

—

675,864

519,689

397,447

306,628

—

—

46,630

31,228

(1)  The Company's Bermuda-domiciled insurance subsidiaries’ capital and surplus is based on the relevant insurer’s statutory 

financial statements and required statutory capital and surplus is based on the MSM.

(2)  RenaissanceRe Europe’s statutory capital and surplus and required statutory capital and surplus incorporate a full year of 

statutory net loss and risk capital, respectively.

(3)  With respect to statutory capital and surplus and required statutory capital and surplus, and as described below, underwriting 

capacity of a member of Lloyd’s must be supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit, which 
are referred to as Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”). FAL is determined by Lloyd’s and is based on Syndicate 1458’s solvency and capital 
requirements as calculated through its internal model.

(4)  Syndicate 1458 is capitalized by its FAL, with the related assets not held on its balance sheet. As such, unrestricted net assets is 
not applicable to Syndicate 1458; however, the Company can make an application to obtain approval from Lloyd’s to have funds 
released to RenaissanceRe from Syndicate 1458, subject to passing a Lloyd’s release test.

Statutory net income (loss) of the Company’s regulated insurance operations in its most significant 
regulatory jurisdictions are detailed below:

Year ended December 31, 2019

$

657,182 $

(14,679) $ (666,595) $

Year ended December 31, 2018

Year ended December 31, 2017

326,386

(334,142)

—

—

(6,692)

(57,050)

Statutory Net Income (Loss)

Bermuda

Switzerland

U.K.

U.S.
37,827

25,851

(3,627)

The difference between statutory financial statements and statements prepared in accordance with GAAP 
varies by jurisdiction; however, the primary difference is that for the Company’s regulated entities the 
statutory financial statements generally do not reflect goodwill and intangible assets. Also, in the U.S., fixed 
maturity investments are generally recorded at amortized cost and deferred income tax is charged directly 
to equity. In the U.S. deferred acquisition costs are generally not reflected in the statutory financial 
statements. In Switzerland, currency translation adjustment losses are directly charged to net income or 
loss, while translation gains are not admissible and reflected as translation reserve on the statutory balance 
sheet. In addition, fixed maturity investments are carried at the lower of amortized cost and market value 
and recognition of equalization reserves is allowed. The prudence principle standard also allows for 
valuating certain assets below their nominal value. None of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries used 
permitted practices that prevented the trigger of a regulatory event during the years ended December 31, 
2019, 2018 and 2017.

Dividend Restrictions of RenaissanceRe

As a Bermuda-domiciled holding company, RenaissanceRe has limited operations of its own and its assets 
consist primarily of investments in subsidiaries, and to a degree, cash and securities. Accordingly, 
RenaissanceRe’s future cash flows largely depend on the availability of dividends or other statutorily 
permissible payments from subsidiaries. The ability to pay such dividends is limited by the applicable laws 
and regulations of the various countries and states in which these subsidiaries operate, including, among 
others, Bermuda, Switzerland, the U.S., the U.K. and Ireland. RenaissanceRe’s ability to pay dividends and 
distribute capital to shareholders is limited by the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, insofar as both before and 
after the payment, RenaissanceRe must still be able to pay its liabilities as they come due and the 
realizable value of its assets must be greater than its liabilities.

F-85

Bermuda-Domiciled Insurance Entities

Under the Insurance Act, certain subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe are required to prepare and file statutory 
financial statements. The BMA prescribed the use of financial statements prepared in accordance with 
GAAP as the basis on which the statutory financial statements are prepared, subject to the application of 
certain prudential filters. These statutory financial statements are used to prepare the EBS. In addition, 
Bermuda insurance subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe are required to maintain certain measures of solvency 
and liquidity and file a BSCR return.

Class 3B and Class 4 Insurers

Under the Insurance Act, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. and Vermeer are defined as Class 3B insurers, 
and Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci are classified as Class 4 insurers, and therefore must maintain 
statutory economic capital and surplus at a level at least equal to its ECR which is the greater of its MSM 
and the required capital calculated by reference to the BSCR.

Class 3B and Class 4 insurers are prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends if in breach of the 
required minimum solvency margin or minimum liquidity ratio (the “Relevant Margins”) or if the declaration 
or payment of such dividend would cause the insurer to fail to meet the Relevant Margins. Where an insurer 
fails to meet its Relevant Margins on the last day of any financial year, it is prohibited from declaring or 
paying any dividends during the next financial year without the prior approval of the BMA. Further, Class 3B 
and Class 4 insurers are prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 
25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year’s statutory balance 
sheet) unless it files (at least seven days before payment of such dividends) with the BMA an affidavit 
stating that it will continue to meet its Relevant Margins. Class 3B and Class 4 insurers must obtain the 
BMA’s prior approval for a reduction by 15% or more of the total statutory capital as set forth in its previous 
year’s financial statements. These restrictions on declaring or paying dividends and distributions under the 
Insurance Act are in addition to the solvency requirements under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981 which 
apply to all Bermuda companies. In addition, an insurer engaged in general business is also required to 
maintain the value of its relevant assets at not less than 75% of the amount of its relevant liabilities.

The Company is currently completing its 2019 Bermuda-domiciled statutory filings for Renaissance 
Reinsurance, DaVinci, RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. and Vermeer, which must be filed with the BMA on or 
before April 30, 2020, and at this time, the Company believes each of Renaissance Reinsurance, DaVinci, 
RenaissanceRe Specialty U.S. and Vermeer will exceed the target level of required statutory economic 
capital.

SPIs

Under the Insurance Act, Upsilon RFO is considered an SPI. Refer to “Note 11. Variable Interest Entities” 
for additional information related to Upsilon RFO. Unlike other (re)insurers, such as the Class 3B and Class 
4 insurers discussed above, SPIs are fully funded to meet their (re)insurance obligations and are not 
exposed to insolvency, therefore the application and supervision processes are streamlined to facilitate the 
transparent structure. Further, the BMA has the discretion to modify such insurer’s reporting requirements 
under the Insurance Act. Like other (re)insurers, the principal representative of an SPI has a duty to inform 
the BMA in relation to solvency matters, where applicable. Upsilon RFO applied for and received a direction 
from the BMA, which, subject to specified conditions, modified its filing requirements in respect of statutory 
financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Switzerland Domiciled Insurance Entity

RenaissanceRe Europe is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”) 
pursuant to the Insurance Supervision Act. Its accounts are prepared in accordance with the Swiss Code of 
Obligations, the Insurance Supervision Act and the Insurance Supervision Ordinance. RenaissanceRe 
Europe is obligated to maintain a minimum level of capital based on the Swiss Code of Obligations and 
Insurance Supervision Act. In addition, it is required to perform a minimum solvency margin calculation 
based on the Swiss Solvency Test (“SST”) regulations as stipulated by the Insurance Supervision Act and 
the Insurance Supervision Ordinance. The SST is based on an economic view and required capital is 
derived from a combination of internal and standard models. While the minimum required capital under both 
the Swiss Code of Obligations and the Insurance Supervision Act might be met, the actual minimum 
threshold is the target capital as determined from the SST. The dividend amount that RenaissanceRe 

F-86

Europe is permitted to distribute is restricted to freely distributable reserves which consist of retained 
earnings and the current year profit. The solvency and capital requirements must still be met following any 
distribution. RenaissanceRe Europe is currently completing its 2019 statutory basis financial statements, 
which we expect to file with FINMA on or before April 30, 2020. At December 31, 2019, the Company 
believes that RenaissanceRe Europe will exceed the minimum solvency and capital requirements required 
to be maintained under Swiss law.

RenaissanceRe Europe has branches in Australia, Bermuda, the U.K. and the U.S.

RenaissanceRe Europe AG, Australia Branch is regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority 
(“APRA”) and is authorized to carry on insurance business under subsection 12(2) of the Insurance Act 
1973. RenaissanceRe Europe’s Australia branch’s regulatory reporting is prepared in accordance with the 
Australian Accounting Standards and APRA Prudential Standards. APRA Prudential Standards require the 
maintenance of net assets in Australia in excess of a calculated Prescribed Capital Amount (“PCA”). At 
December 31, 2019, the Company believes the net assets in Australia of RenaissanceRe Europe’s Australia 
branch were above the PCA estimated under the APRA Prudential Standards.

RenaissanceRe Europe AG, Bermuda Branch is registered as a Class 3B insurer under the Insurance Act. 
For the year ended December 31, 2019, it was granted exemptions and modifications to the requirements 
to file an annual statutory financial return, maintain minimum levels of statutory capital and surplus and file a 
capital and solvency return. These are the same exemptions and modifications granted for the year ended 
December 31, 2018.

RenaissanceRe Europe AG, UK Branch is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority (the “PRA”), 
and is regulated by both the PRA and Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”). It is subject to the Solvency 
II regime and applied for and was granted a modification of the rules for the year ended December 31, 
2019.

RenaissanceRe Europe AG, US Branch (“RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch”) is required to file statutory 
basis financial statements prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or 
permitted by the U.S. insurance regulators. RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch, whose port of entry is New 
York, is subject to statutory accounting principles as defined by the National Association of Insurance 
Commissions (“NAIC”). The NAIC uses a risk-based capital (“RBC”) model to monitor and regulate the 
solvency of licensed life, health, and property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies. The 
state of New York has adopted the NAIC’s model law.

Laws and regulations in the U.S. establish minimum capital adequacy levels and grant regulators the
authority to take specific actions based on the level of impairment. The RenaissanceRe Europe, US 
Branch’s minimum required statutory capital and surplus is based on Company Action Level (“CAL”) RBC or 
minimum requirements per state insurance regulation. The Company is currently completing the 2019 
statutory basis financial statements for the RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch, which must be filed with the 
state of New York, the NAIC and other state insurance regulators on or before March 1, 2020. At this time, 
the Company believes that the RenaissanceRe Europe, US Branch will exceed the minimum required 
statutory capital and surplus.

U.K.-Domiciled Syndicate 1458

RenaissanceRe CCL and Syndicate 1458 are subject to oversight by the Council of Lloyd’s. RSML is 
authorized by the U.K.’s Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 
under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Underwriting capacity of a member of Lloyd’s must be 
supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or letters of credit, which are referred to as 
FAL. This amount is determined by Lloyd’s and is based on Syndicate 1458’s solvency and capital 
requirement as calculated through its internal model. In addition, if the FAL are not sufficient to cover all 
losses, the Lloyd’s Central Fund provides an additional discretionary level of security for policyholders. 

U.S.-Domiciled Insurance Entities

Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is subject to statutory accounting principles as defined by the NAIC. As 
noted above, the NAIC uses a RBC model to monitor and regulate the solvency of licensed life, health, and 
property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies. Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is domiciled 
in Maryland, which has adopted the NAIC's model law.

F-87

Laws and regulations in the U.S. establish minimum capital adequacy levels and grant regulators the 
authority to take specific actions based on the level of impairment. Based on Maryland’s adoption of the 
RBC model of the NAIC, the first level at which action is required is CAL RBC. If Renaissance Reinsurance 
U.S.’s total adjusted capital is less than CAL RBC (but greater than Regulatory Action Level (“RAL”) RBC), 
then Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. must file an RBC plan with the Maryland Insurance Commissioner (the 
"Commissioner"). If Renaissance Reinsurance U.S.’s total adjusted capital is less than RAL RBC, then the 
Commissioner must take certain regulatory actions. 

Under Maryland insurance law, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. must notify the Commissioner within five 
business days after the declaration of any dividend or distribution, other than an extraordinary dividend or 
extraordinary distribution, and notify the Commissioner at least ten days prior to the payment or distribution 
thereof. The Commissioner has the right to prevent payment of such a dividend or such a distribution if the 
Commissioner determines, in the Commissioner's discretion, that after the payment thereof, the 
policyholders' surplus of Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. would be inadequate or could cause Renaissance 
Reinsurance U.S. to be in a hazardous financial condition. Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. must give at 
least 30 days prior notice to the Commissioner before paying an extraordinary dividend or making an 
extraordinary distribution. Extraordinary dividends and extraordinary distributions are dividends or 
distributions which, together with any other dividends and distributions paid during the immediately 
preceding twelve-month period, would exceed the lesser of:

• 

• 

10% of the insurer's statutory policyholders' surplus (as determined under statutory accounting 
principles) as of December 31 of the prior year; or

the insurer's net investment income excluding realized capital gains (as determined under statutory 
accounting principles) for the twelve-month period ending on December 31 of the prior year and pro 
rata distributions of any class of the insurer's securities, plus any amounts of net investment income 
(subject to the foregoing exclusions) in the three calendar years prior to the preceding year which 
have not been paid out as dividends.

At December 31, 2019, Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. had an ordinary dividend capacity of $46.6 million 
which can be paid in 2020.

Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. is required to file statutory basis financial statements with the Maryland 
Insurance Administration (“MIA”), as its domestic regulator, with the NAIC and with insurance regulators in 
certain other states where it is licensed, authorized or accredited to do business. The operations of 
Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. are subject to examination by those state insurance regulators at any time. 
The Company is currently completing the 2019 statutory basis financial statements for Renaissance 
Reinsurance U.S., which must be filed with the MIA, the NAIC, and other state insurance regulators on or 
before March 1, 2020. At this time, the Company believes Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. will exceed the 
minimum required statutory capital and surplus.

Multi-Beneficiary Reinsurance Trusts

Each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci was approved as a Trusteed Reinsurer in the state of New 
York and established a multi-beneficiary reinsurance trust (“MBRT”) to collateralize its (re)insurance 
liabilities associated with U.S. domiciled cedants. The MBRTs are subject to the rules and regulations of the 
state of New York and the respective deed of trust, including but not limited to certain minimum capital 
funding requirements, investment guidelines, capital distribution restrictions and regulatory reporting 
requirements. Assets held under trust at December 31, 2019 with respect to the MBRTs totaled $1.3 billion 
and $336.5 million for Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, respectively (2018 – $1.2 billion and $385.8 
million, respectively), compared to the minimum amount required under U.S. state regulations of $927.4 
million and $249.4 million, respectively (2018 – $1.1 billion and $356.9 million, respectively).

Multi-Beneficiary Reduced Collateral Reinsurance Trusts

Each of Renaissance Reinsurance, RenaissanceRe Europe and DaVinci has been approved as a “certified 
reinsurer” eligible for collateral reduction in certain states, and are authorized to provide reduced collateral 
equal to 20%, 20% and 50%, respectively, of their net outstanding insurance liabilities to insurers domiciled 
in each of those states. Each of Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci has established a multi-beneficiary 
reduced collateral reinsurance trust (“RCT”) to collateralize its (re)insurance liabilities associated with 
cedants domiciled in those states. Because the RCTs were established in New York, they are subject to the 
F-88

rules and regulations of the state of New York including but not limited to certain minimum capital funding 
requirements, investment guidelines, capital distribution restrictions and regulatory reporting requirements. 
Assets held under trust at December 31, 2019 with respect to the RCTs totaled $51.7 million and $43.8 
million for Renaissance Reinsurance and DaVinci, respectively (2018 - $50.3 million and $63.2 million, 
respectively), compared to the minimum amount required under U.S. state regulations of $40.3 million and 
$40.9 million, respectively (2018 - $36.8 million and $26.9 million, respectively).

NOTE 19. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS 

From time to time, the Company may enter into derivative instruments such as futures, options, swaps, 
forward contracts and other derivative contracts primarily to manage its foreign currency exposure, obtain 
exposure to a particular financial market, for yield enhancement, or for trading and to assume risk. The 
Company’s derivative instruments can be exchange traded or over-the-counter, with over-the-counter 
derivatives generally traded under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreements, 
which establish the terms of the transactions entered into with the Company’s derivative counterparties. In 
the event a party becomes insolvent or otherwise defaults on its obligations, a master agreement generally 
permits the non-defaulting party to accelerate and terminate all outstanding transactions and net the 
transactions’ marked-to-market values so that a single sum in a single currency will be owed by, or owed to, 
the non-defaulting party. Effectively, this contractual close-out netting reduces credit exposure from gross to 
net exposure. Where the Company has entered into master netting agreements with counterparties, or the 
Company has the legal and contractual right to offset positions, the derivative positions are generally netted 
by counterparty and are reported accordingly in other assets and other liabilities. Commencing in 2019, the 
Company elected to adopt hedge accounting for certain of its derivative instruments used as hedges of a 
net investment in a foreign operation.

F-89

The tables below show the gross and net amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities at fair 
value, including the location on the consolidated balance sheets of the Company’s principal derivative 
instruments:

Derivative Assets

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Balance
At December 31, 2019
Sheet
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets

 Net
Amounts of
Assets
Presented in
the Balance
Sheet

Interest rate futures
Foreign currency

forward contracts (1)

Foreign currency

forward contracts (2)

Credit default swaps

Total return swaps

Equity futures
Total derivative

instruments not
designated as hedges

$

234 $

122 $

112

22,702

2,418

20,284

1,082

622

37

3,744

291

—

—

—

460

37

3,744

291

Balance
Sheet
Location

Other
assets
Other
assets
Other
assets
Other
assets
Other
assets
Other
assets

Collateral

Net Amount

$

— $

112

—

—

—

3,601

—

20,284

460

37

143

291

28,090

3,162

24,928

3,601

21,327

Derivative instruments designated as hedges

Foreign currency

forward contracts (3)

Total derivative

instruments designated
as hedges

64

64

Total

$

28,154 $

667

(603)

Other
assets

667
3,829 $

(603)
24,325

—

—

(603)

(603)

$

3,601 $

20,724

Derivative Liabilities

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Balance
At December 31, 2019
Sheet
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities

 Net
Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented in
the Balance
Sheet

Interest rate futures

$

1,545 $

122 $

1,423

Interest rate swaps
Foreign currency

forward contracts (1)

Foreign currency

forward contracts (2)

Total derivative

instruments not
designated as hedges

50

3,808

939

—

28

622

50

3,780

317

Balance
Sheet
Location

Other
liabilities
Other
liabilities
Other
liabilities
Other
liabilities

Collateral
Pledged

Net Amount

$

1,423 $

50

—

—

—

—

3,780

317

6,342

772

5,570

1,473

4,097

Derivative instruments designated as hedges

Foreign currency

forward contracts (3)

Total

1,818
8,160 $

$

—

772 $

1,818

7,388

Other
liabilities

—

$

1,473 $

1,818

5,915

(1)  Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
(2)  Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.
(3)  Contracts designated as hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation.

F-90

Derivative Assets

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Balance
At December 31, 2018
Sheet
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets

 Net
Amounts of
Assets
Presented in
the Balance
Sheet

Interest rate futures

$

971 $

636 $

Interest rate swaps

860

—

335

860

Foreign currency forward

contracts (1)

Foreign currency forward

contracts (2)

Equity futures

Total

16,459

2,260

14,199

3,194

1,390

71

977

3,123

413

Balance
Sheet
Location

Other
assets

Other
assets

Other
assets

Other
assets

Other
assets

Collateral

Net Amount

$

— $

—

—

—

—

335

860

14,199

3,123

413

$

22,874 $

3,944 $

18,930

$

— $

18,930

Derivative Liabilities

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Balance
At December 31, 2018
Sheet
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities

 Net
Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented in
the Balance
Sheet

Interest rate futures

$

910 $

636 $

Interest rate swaps

Foreign currency forward

contracts (1)

Foreign currency forward

contracts (2)

Credit default swaps

506

4,154

72

1,606

—

—

71

—

Equity futures

Total

977
8,225 $

977
1,684 $

$

273

506

4,154

1

1,606

—
6,540

Balance
Sheet
Location

Other
liabilities

Other
liabilities

Other
liabilities

Other
liabilities

Other
liabilities

Other
liabilities

Collateral
Pledged

Net Amount

$

273 $

254

—

—

1,605

—

—

252

4,154

1

1

—

$

2,132 $

4,408

(1)  Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
(2)  Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.

Refer to “Note 5. Investments” for information on reverse repurchase agreements.

F-91

The location and amount of the gain (loss) recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of 
operations related to its principal derivative instruments are shown in the following table:

Year ended December 31,
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges

2019

2018

2017

Location of gain (loss)
recognized on derivatives

Amount of gain (loss) recognized on
derivatives

Interest rate futures

Interest rate swaps

Foreign currency forward

contracts (1)

Foreign currency forward

contracts (2)

Credit default swaps

Total return swaps

Equity futures

Net realized and unrealized 
gains (losses) on investments $
Net realized and unrealized 
gains (losses) on investments

16,848 $

6,109 $

(3,252)

1,488

(84)

436

Net foreign exchange losses

12,617

3,840

9,628

Net foreign exchange losses

(1,605)

5,736

(916)

Net realized and unrealized 
gains (losses) on investments

Net realized and unrealized 
gains (losses) on investments

Net realized and unrealized 
gains (losses) on investments

7,043

(3,106)

326

12,155

—

21,357

(515)

—

—

69,903

11,980

6,222

Total derivative instruments not

designated as hedges

Derivative instruments designated as hedges

Foreign currency forward

contracts (3)

Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)

Total

959

—

—

$

70,862 $

11,980 $

6,222

(1)  Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in underwriting and non-investment operations.
(2)  Contracts used to manage foreign currency risks in investment operations.
(3)  Contracts designated as hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation.

The Company is not aware of the existence of any credit-risk related contingent features that it believes 
would be triggered in its derivative instruments that are in a net liability position at December 31, 2019.

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges

Interest Rate Derivatives

The Company uses interest rate futures and swaps within its portfolio of fixed maturity investments to 
manage its exposure to interest rate risk, which may result in increasing or decreasing its exposure to this 
risk. 

Interest Rate Futures

The fair value of interest rate futures is determined using exchange traded prices. At December 31, 2019, 
the Company had $2.5 billion of notional long positions and $1.0 billion of notional short positions of 
primarily Eurodollar and U.S. treasury futures contracts (2018 – $1.9 billion and $545.8 million, 
respectively).

Interest Rate Swaps

The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the relevant exchange traded price where available 
or a discounted cash flow model based on the terms of the contract and inputs, including, where applicable, 
observable yield curves. At December 31, 2019, the Company had $27.9 million of notional positions paying 
a fixed rate and $25.5 million receiving a fixed rate denominated in U.S. dollar swap contracts (2018 - $78.4 
million and $32.1 million, respectively).

F-92

Foreign Currency Derivatives

The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company writes a portion of its business in 
currencies other than U.S. dollars and may, from time to time, experience foreign exchange gains and 
losses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. All changes in exchange rates, with the 
exception of non-monetary assets and liabilities, are recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements 
of operations.

Underwriting and Non-Investments Operations Related Foreign Currency Contracts

The Company’s foreign currency policy with regard to its underwriting operations is generally to hold foreign 
currency assets, including cash, investments and receivables that approximate the foreign currency 
liabilities, including claims and claim expense reserves and reinsurance balances payable. When 
necessary, the Company may use foreign currency forward and option contracts to minimize the effect of 
fluctuating foreign currencies on the value of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities associated 
with its underwriting operations.

The fair value of the Company’s underwriting operations related foreign currency contracts is determined 
using indicative pricing obtained from counterparties or broker quotes. At December 31, 2019, the Company 
had outstanding underwriting related foreign currency contracts of $722.6 million in notional long positions 
and $1.2 billion in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (2018 – $354.1 million and $601.2 
million, respectively).

Investment Portfolio Related Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

The Company’s investment operations are exposed to currency fluctuations through its investments in non-
U.S. dollar fixed maturity investments, short term investments and other investments. From time to time, the 
Company may employ foreign currency forward contracts in its investment portfolio to either assume foreign 
currency risk or to economically hedge its exposure to currency fluctuations from these investments. The 
fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio related foreign currency forward contracts is determined 
using an interpolated rate based on closing forward market rates. At December 31, 2019, the Company had 
outstanding investment portfolio related foreign currency contracts of $195.6 million in notional long 
positions and $61.0 million in notional short positions, denominated in U.S. dollars (2018 – $121.3 million 
and $42.9 million, respectively).

Credit Derivatives

The Company’s exposure to credit risk is primarily due to its fixed maturity investments, short term 
investments, premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverable. From time to time, the Company may 
purchase credit derivatives to hedge its exposures in the insurance industry, and to assist in managing the 
credit risk associated with ceded reinsurance. The Company also employs credit derivatives in its 
investment portfolio to either assume credit risk or hedge its credit exposure.

Credit Default Swaps

The fair value of the Company credit default swaps is determined using industry valuation models, broker 
bid indications or internal pricing valuation techniques. The fair value of these credit default swaps can 
change based on a variety of factors including changes in credit spreads, default rates and recovery rates, 
the correlation of credit risk between the referenced credit and the counterparty, and market rate inputs 
such as interest rates. At December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding credit default swaps of $0.5 
million in notional positions to hedge credit risk and $143.4 million in notional positions to assume credit 
risk, denominated in U.S. dollars (2018 – $1.0 million and $126.2 million, respectively).

Total Return Swaps

During 2019, the Company entered into certain total return swap contracts. The Company uses total return 
swaps as a means to manage spread duration and credit exposure in its investment portfolio. The fair value 
of the Company’s total return swaps is determined using broker-dealer bid quotations, market-based prices 
from pricing vendors or valuation models. At December 31, 2019, the Company had $173.5 million of 

F-93

notional long positions (long credit) and $Nil of notional short positions (short credit), denominated in U.S. 
dollars.

Equity Derivatives

Equity Futures

The Company uses equity derivatives in its investment portfolio from time to time to either assume equity 
risk or hedge its equity exposure. The fair value of the Company’s equity futures is determined using 
market-based prices from pricing vendors. At December 31, 2019, the Company had $122.0 million notional 
long position and $Nil notional short position of equity futures, denominated in U.S. dollars (2018 - $44.7 
million and $Nil, respectively).

Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation

Foreign Currency Derivatives

Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation

In connection with the acquisition of TMR, the Company acquired certain entities with non-U.S. dollar 
functional currencies, including RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia Branch, which has an Australian dollar 
functional currency. The Company has entered into foreign exchange forwards to hedge the Australian 
dollar net investment in foreign operations, on an after-tax basis, from changes in the exchange rate 
between the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar.

The Company utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the fair value of its net investment in a 
foreign operation. During 2019, the Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts that were 
formally designated as hedges of its investment in RenaissanceRe Europe, Australia Branch. There was no 
ineffectiveness in these transactions.

The table below provides a summary of derivative instruments designated as hedges of a net investment in 
a foreign operation, including the weighted average U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign denominated net 
assets that were hedged and the resulting derivative gain that was recorded in foreign currency translation 
adjustments, net of tax, within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Company’s 
consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity:

Year ended December 31,
Weighted average of U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign denominated net

assets

Derivative gains (1)

2019

2018

$

$

81,264 $

959 $

—

—

(1)  Derivative gains from derivative instruments designated as hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation are recorded in 
foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax, within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Company’s 
consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity.

NOTE 20. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER ITEMS 

Concentration of Credit Risk

Instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of 
investments, including the Company’s equity method investments, cash, premiums receivable and 
reinsurance balances. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution 
and, except for the securities of the U.S. Government and U.S. Government related entities, and money 
market securities, none of the Company’s investments exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at 
December 31, 2019. Refer to “Note 7. Reinsurance,” for information with respect to reinsurance 
recoverable.

F-94

Employment Agreements

The Board of Directors has authorized the execution of employment agreements between the Company 
and certain officers. These agreements provide for, among other things, severance payments under certain 
circumstances, as well as accelerated vesting of options and certain restricted stock grants, upon a change 
in control, as defined in the employment agreements and the Company’s stock incentive plans.

Letters of Credit and Other Commitments

At December 31, 2019, the Company’s banks have issued letters of credit of $1.1 billion in favor of certain 
ceding companies. In connection with the Company’s Top Layer Re joint venture, Renaissance 
Reinsurance has committed $37.5 million of collateral to support a letter of credit and is obligated to make a 
mandatory capital contribution of up to $50.0 million in the event that a loss reduces Top Layer Re’s capital 
and surplus below a specified level. The letters of credit are secured by cash and investments of similar 
amounts.

Refer to “Note 9. Debt and Credit Facilities” for additional information related to the Company’s debt and 
credit facilities.

Private Equity and Investment Commitments

The Company has committed capital to private equity investments, other investments and investments in 
other ventures of $1.1 billion, of which $708.4 million has been contributed at December 31, 2019. The 
Company’s remaining commitments to these investments at December 31, 2019 totaled $411.3 million. 
These commitments do not have a defined contractual commitment date.

Indemnifications and Warranties

In the ordinary course of its business, the Company may enter into contracts or agreements that contain 
indemnifications or warranties. Future events could occur that lead to the execution of these provisions 
against the Company. Based on past experience, management currently believes that the likelihood of such 
an event is remote.

Leases

The Company’s operating leases primarily relate to office space for its global underwriting platforms 
principally in Bermuda, Australia, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S. These leases 
expire at various dates through 2029 with a weighted average lease term of 4.0 years. Included in other 
assets and other liabilities at December 31, 2019 is a right-to-use asset of $42.8 million and a lease liability 
of $42.9 million, respectively, associated with the Company’s operating leases and reflected as a result of 
the Company’s adoption of FASB ASC Topic Leases (2018 - $Nil and $Nil, respectively). During 2019, the 
Company recorded an operating lease expense of $8.5 million included in operating expenses (2018 - $6.1 
million).

The Company’s financing leases primarily relate to office space in Bermuda with an initial lease term of 20 
years, ending in 2028, and a bargain renewal option for an additional 30 years. Included in other assets and 
other liabilities at December 31, 2019 is a right-to-use asset of $19.8 million and a lease liability of $25.1 
million, respectively, associated with the Company’s finance leases (2018 - $20.6 million and $25.6 million, 
respectively). During 2019, the Company recorded interest expense of $2.6 million associated with its 
finance leases (2018 - $2.6 million) included in other income and amortization of its finance leases right-to-
use asset of $0.9 million included in operating expenses (2018 - $0.9 million).

F-95

Future minimum lease payments under existing operating and finance leases are detailed below, excluding 
the bargain renewal option on the finance lease related to office space in Bermuda:

Future minimum lease
payments

Operating
leases

Finance
leases

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

After 2024

$

7,912 $

7,684

6,967

3,959

2,850

11,285

Future minimum lease payments under existing leases

$

40,657 $

3,336

3,336

3,336

2,830

2,661

10,129

25,628

Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits and regulatory actions in the normal course of 
business that do not arise from or directly relate to claims on reinsurance treaties or contracts or direct 
surplus lines insurance policies. In the Company’s industry, business litigation may involve allegations of 
underwriting or claims-handling errors or misconduct, disputes relating to the scope of, or compliance with, 
the terms of delegated underwriting agreements, employment claims, regulatory actions or disputes arising 
from the Company’s business ventures. The Company’s operating subsidiaries are subject to claims 
litigation involving, among other things, disputed interpretations of policy coverages. Generally, the 
Company’s direct surplus lines insurance operations are subject to greater frequency and diversity of claims 
and claims-related litigation than its reinsurance operations and, in some jurisdictions, may be subject to 
direct actions by allegedly injured persons or entities seeking damages from policyholders. These lawsuits, 
involving or arising out of claims on policies issued by the Company’s subsidiaries which are typical to the 
insurance industry in general and in the normal course of business, are considered in its loss and loss 
expense reserves. In addition, the Company may from time to time engage in litigation or arbitration related 
to its claims for payment in respect of ceded reinsurance, including disputes that challenge the Company’s 
ability to enforce its underwriting intent. Such matters could result, directly or indirectly, in providers of 
protection not meeting their obligations to the Company or not doing so on a timely basis. The Company 
may also be subject to other disputes from time to time, relating to operational or other matters distinct from 
insurance or reinsurance claims. Any litigation or arbitration, or regulatory process, contains an element of 
uncertainty, and the value of an exposure or a gain contingency related to a dispute is difficult to estimate. 
The Company believes that no individual litigation or arbitration to which it is presently a party is likely to 
have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, business or operations.

F-96

 
 
NOTE 21. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Quarter Ended
March 31,

Quarter Ended
June 30,

Quarter Ended
September 30,

Quarter Ended
December 31,

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

Revenues

Gross premiums written

$1,564,295

$1,159,652

$1,476,908

$ 977,343

$ 861,068

$ 625,677

$ 905,479

$547,755

Net premiums written

$ 929,031

$ 663,044

$1,022,965

$ 604,509

$ 704,130

$ 453,255

$ 725,367

$411,094

(Increase) decrease in
unearned premiums

Net premiums earned

Net investment income

Net foreign exchange
(losses) gains

Equity in earnings of other

ventures

Other income (loss)

Net realized and unrealized

gains (losses) on
investments

Total revenues

Expenses

Net claims and claim
expenses incurred

Acquisition costs

Operational expenses

Corporate expenses

Interest expense

Total expenses

Income (loss) before taxes

Income tax (expense)

benefit

Net income (loss)

Net (income) loss
attributable to
redeemable
noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss)

available (attributable)
to RenaissanceRe

Dividends on preference

shares

Net income (loss)

available (attributable)
to RenaissanceRe
common shareholders

Net income (loss) available

(attributable) to
RenaissanceRe common
shareholders per common
share – basic

Net income (loss) available

(attributable) to
RenaissanceRe common
shareholders per common
share – diluted

Average shares outstanding –

basic

Average shares outstanding –

diluted

(379,003)

(222,762)

(111,463)

(175,124)

550,028

81,462

440,282

56,476

911,502

115,832

429,385

71,356

202,618

906,748

113,844

78,594

531,849

80,696

244,758

163,519

970,125

574,613

112,695

53,338

(2,846)

3,757

9,309

(10,687)

(8,275)

(4,566)

(1,126)

(932)

4,661

3,171

857

(1,242)

6,812

922

5,826

1,225

5,877

1,016

7,648

497

5,874

(160)

4,143

5,489

170,645

807,121

227,035

123,951

44,933

38,789

11,754

446,462

360,659

(7,531)

353,128

(82,144)

194,003

(17,901)

31,938

13,630

17,897

(88,654)

417,986

1,238,380

479,204

1,051,148

629,754

1,105,305

547,997

171,703

97,711

41,272

6,733

11,767

329,186

88,800

3,407

92,207

453,373

227,482

59,814

23,847

15,534

780,050

458,330

60,167

105,052

37,543

8,301

11,768

222,831

256,373

654,520

202,181

53,415

13,844

15,580

939,540

111,608

410,510

109,761

40,593

6,841

11,769

762,093

477,638

208,618

120,465

64,571

17,642

15,496

58,859

12,108

11,765

579,474

1,068,420

680,835

50,280

36,885

(132,838)

(9,475)

(4,506)

(3,664)

448,855

251,867

107,944

(1,451)

48,829

3,455

8,852

40,340

(123,986)

(70,222)

(29,899)

(71,812)

(54,483)

(62,057)

(6,440)

2,622

49,269

282,906

62,308

377,043

197,384

45,887

42,389

42,962

(74,717)

(9,189)

(5,595)

(9,189)

(5,596)

(9,189)

(9,708)

(9,189)

(9,189)

$ 273,717

$

56,713

$ 367,854

$ 191,788

$ 36,698

$

32,681

$

33,773

$ (83,906)

$

6.43

$

1.42

$

8.36

$

4.78

$

0.83

$

0.82

$

0.77

$

(2.10)

$

6.43

$

1.42

$

8.35

$

4.78

$

0.83

$

0.82

$

0.77

$

(2.10)

42,065

39,552

43,483

39,641

43,462

39,624

43,467

40,111

42,091

39,599

43,521

39,654

43,537

39,637

43,552

40,111

F-97

  
NOTE 22. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION 
WITH OUTSTANDING DEBT OF SUBSIDIARIES

The following tables are provided in connection with outstanding debt of the Company’s subsidiaries and 
present condensed consolidating balance sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018, condensed 
consolidating statements of operations, condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income 
(loss) and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 
and 2017, respectively. Each of RRNAH and RenaissanceRe Finance is a 100% owned subsidiary of 
RenaissanceRe and has outstanding debt securities. On June 1, 2017, the Platinum Finance Notes 
matured and the Company repaid the aggregate principal amount plus applicable accrued interest in full. 
Platinum Finance was subsequently dissolved on November 30, 2017. Prior to the liquidation of Platinum 
Finance, it was a 100% owned subsidiary of RenaissanceRe and had outstanding debt securities. For 
additional information related to the terms of the Company’s outstanding debt securities, see “Note 9. Debt 
and Credit Facilities.”

RenRe
North
America
Holdings
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

RenaissanceRe
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries) 
(1)

Consolidating
Adjustments 
(2)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

$

190,451

$

123,792

$

288,137

$

16,766,409

$

— $

17,368,789

Condensed Consolidating Balance
Sheet at December 31, 2019

Assets

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Investments in subsidiaries

26,460

5,204,260

9,440

48,247

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates

10,725

101,579

Premiums receivable

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

Reinsurance recoverable

Accrued investment income

Deferred acquisition costs and value of

business acquired

Receivable for investments sold

Other assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets

—

—

—

—

—

173

847,406

116,212

—

—

—

270

—

—

10,978

—

8,731

1,334,437

—

1,379,068

1,426,838

—

—

—

—

1,171

—

—

12,211

—

—

—

(6,679,345)

(112,304)

2,599,896

767,781

2,791,297

71,020

663,991

78,196

301,578

146,014

—

—

—

—

—

—

(825,957)

—

—

—

2,599,896

767,781

2,791,297

72,461

663,991

78,369

346,216

262,226

Total assets

$

6,395,687

$

294,306

$

1,737,088

$

25,520,619

$

(7,617,606) $

26,330,094

Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests

and Shareholders’ Equity

Liabilities

Reserve for claims and claim

expenses

$

Unearned premiums

Debt

Amounts due to subsidiaries and

affiliates

Reinsurance balances payable

Payable for investments purchased

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

Shareholders’ Equity

— $

—

391,475

6,708

—

—

26,137

424,320

—

— $

— $

9,384,349

$

— $

9,384,349

—

—

51

—

—

278

329

—

—

970,255

102,493

—

—

14,162

2,530,975

148,349

—

(125,974)

—

(109,252)

2,830,691

225,275

899,682

—

—

(8,235)

2,530,975

1,384,105

—

2,830,691

225,275

932,024

1,086,910

16,019,321

(243,461)

17,287,419

—

3,071,308

—

3,071,308

Total shareholders’ equity

5,971,367

293,977

650,178

6,429,990

(7,374,145)

5,971,367

Total liabilities, noncontrolling
interests and shareholders’
equity

$

6,395,687

$

294,306

$

1,737,088

$

25,520,619

$

(7,617,606) $

26,330,094

(1) 
(2) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

F-98

RenRe
North
America
Holdings
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

RenaissanceRe
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries 
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries) 
(1)

Consolidating
Adjustments 
(2)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

$

313,360

$

77,842

$

28,885

$

11,465,660

$

— $

11,885,747

Condensed Consolidating Balance
Sheet at December 31, 2018

Assets

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Investments in subsidiaries

3,534

4,414,475

3,350

58,458

Due from subsidiaries and affiliates

57,039

101,579

Premiums receivable

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

Reinsurance recoverable

Accrued investment income

Deferred acquisition costs

Receivable for investments sold

Other assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets

—

—

—

1,046

—

203

458,842

120,476

—

—

—

310

—

23,885

22,571

—

9,604

1,091,434

—

1,107,922

1,215,663

—

—

—

—

127

—

—

—

—

(5,688,596)

(158,618)

1,537,188

616,185

2,372,221

49,828

476,661

232,328

—

—

—

—

—

—

313,636

(1,403,636)

743,714

—

116,942

—

—

—

1,537,188

616,185

2,372,221

51,311

476,661

256,416

135,127

237,418

Total assets

$

5,368,975

$

287,995

$

1,567,915

$

16,554,811

$

(5,103,500) $

18,676,196

Liabilities, Redeemable

Noncontrolling Interest and
Shareholders’ Equity

Liabilities

Reserve for claims and claim

expenses

$

Unearned premiums

Debt

Amounts due to subsidiaries and

affiliates

Reinsurance balances payable

Payable for investments purchased

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

Shareholders’ Equity

— $

—

300,000

6,453

—

—

17,442

323,895

—

— $

— $

6,076,271

$

— $

6,076,271

—

—

217

—

24

5,362

5,603

—

—

843,086

102,243

—

—

13,918

959,247

—

1,716,021

148,041

—

(300,000)

—

(108,913)

1,716,021

991,127

—

1,902,056

380,332

513,609

—

—

(5,535)

(414,448)

11,579,416

—

2,051,700

1,902,056

380,308

482,422

10,705,119

2,051,700

Total shareholders’ equity

5,045,080

282,392

608,668

3,797,992

(4,689,052)

5,045,080

Total liabilities, redeemable

noncontrolling interest and
shareholders’ equity

$

5,368,975

$

287,995

$

1,567,915

$

16,554,811

$

(5,103,500) $

18,676,196  

(1) 
(2) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

F-99

Condensed Consolidating
Statement of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 2019

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

RenRe
North
America
Holdings
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries) 
(1)

Consolidating
Adjustments 
(2)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

Revenues

Net premiums earned

Net investment income

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

Equity in earnings of other ventures

Other income

Net realized and unrealized gains on

investments

Total revenues

Expenses

Net claims and claim expenses

incurred

Acquisition expenses

Operational expenses

Corporate expenses

Interest expense

Total expenses

(Loss) income before equity in net

income of subsidiaries and taxes

Equity in net income of subsidiaries

Income before taxes

Income tax (expense) benefit

Net income

Net income attributable to redeemable

noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to

RenaissanceRe

Dividends on preference shares

Net income available to

RenaissanceRe common
shareholders

$

— $

— $

— $

3,338,403

$

— $

3,338,403

39,629

7,342

—

—

12,393

59,364

—

—

7,506

58,393

18,086

83,985

(24,621)

773,419

748,798

—

748,798

2,318

—

—

—

21,557

23,875

—

—

56

—

—

56

23,819

5,611

29,430

(4,872)

24,558

7,547

—

3,886

—

151

11,584

—

—

38,487

16

37,993

76,496

419,502

(10,280)

19,338

4,949

380,382

4,152,294

2,097,021

762,232

207,981

43,413

2,285

(45,163)

423,833

—

—

—

—

(45,163)

—

—

(31,297)

(7,700)

—

(2,938)

23,224

4,949

414,483

4,201,954

2,097,021

762,232

222,733

94,122

58,364

3,112,932

(38,997)

3,234,472

(64,912)

1,039,362

99,148

34,236

6,510

40,746

—

1,039,362

(18,853)

(6,166)

(878,178)

(884,344)

—

1,020,509

(884,344)

967,482

—

967,482

(17,215)

950,267

—

—

—

(201,469)

—

(201,469)

748,798

(36,756)

24,558

—

40,746

—

819,040

(884,344)

—

—

748,798

(36,756)

$

712,042

$

24,558

$

40,746

$

819,040

$

(884,344) $

712,042  

(1) 
(2) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

RenRe
North
America
Holdings
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

RenaissanceRe
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries) 
(1)

Consolidating
Adjustments 
(2)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

Condensed Consolidating
Statement of Comprehensive
Income for the year ended
December 31, 2019

Comprehensive income

Net income

$

748,798

$

24,558

$

40,746

$

1,020,509

$

(884,344) $

950,267

Change in net unrealized gains
on investments, net of tax

Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax

2,173

(2,679)

528

—

764

—

—

—

(1,292)

2,173

—

Comprehensive income

748,292

25,086

41,510

1,020,509

(885,636)

Net income attributable to

redeemable noncontrolling
interests

Comprehensive income attributable
to redeemable noncontrolling
interests

Comprehensive income available to

RenaissanceRe

—

—

—

—

—

—

(201,469)

(201,469)

—

—

$

748,292

$

25,086

$

41,510

$

819,040

$

(885,636) $

748,292

(2,679)

949,761

(201,469)

(201,469)

(1) 
(2) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

F-100

Condensed Consolidating
Statement of Operations for the
year ended December 31, 2018

Revenues

Net premiums earned

Net investment income

Net foreign exchange losses

Equity in earnings of other ventures

Other income

Net realized and unrealized gains

(losses) on investments

Total revenues

Expenses

Net claims and claim expenses

incurred

Acquisition expenses

Operational expenses

Corporate expenses

Interest expense

Total expenses

(Loss) income before equity in net

income (loss) of subsidiaries and
taxes

Equity in net income (loss) of

subsidiaries

Income (loss) before taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

Net income (loss)

Net income attributable to redeemable

noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to

RenaissanceRe

Dividends on preference shares

Net income (loss) available

(attributable) to RenaissanceRe
common shareholders

RenRe 
North
America
Holdings 
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

RenaissanceRe 
Finance, Inc. 
(Subsidiary 
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries) 
(1)

Consolidating
Adjustments 
(2)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

$

— $

— $

— $

1,976,129

$

— $

1,976,129

24,791

2,193

(3)

—

—

633

25,421

—

—

7,679

25,190

5,683

38,552

—

—

—

(4,360)

(2,167)

—

—

110

—

—

110

6,219

—

3,065

—

(329)

8,955

—

—

34,534

7

37,019

71,560

261,192

(12,425)

15,409

5,969

(171,013)

2,075,261

1,120,018

432,989

164,605

3,103

4,367

(32,529)

—

—

—

—

261,866

(12,428)

18,474

5,969

(175,069)

(32,529)

2,074,941

—

—

(28,661)

5,683

—

1,120,018

432,989

178,267

33,983

47,069

1,725,082

(22,978)

1,812,326

(13,131)

(2,277)

(62,605)

350,179

(9,551)

262,615

240,495

227,364

—

227,364

—

227,364

(30,088)

5,631

3,354

582

3,936

—

3,936

—

9,091

(53,514)

6,119

(47,395)

—

350,179

(399)

(255,217)

(264,768)

—

349,780

(264,768)

—

262,615

6,302

268,917

—

(41,553)

—

(41,553)

(47,395)

308,227

(264,768)

—

—

—

227,364

(30,088)

197,276  

$

197,276

$

3,936

$

(47,395) $

308,227

$

(264,768) $

(1) 
(2) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

Condensed Consolidating
Statement of Comprehensive
Income (Loss) for the year ended
December 31, 2018

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

Comprehensive income (loss)

RenRe 
North
America
Holdings 
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe 
Finance, Inc. 
(Subsidiary 
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries) 
(1)

Consolidating
Adjustments 
(2)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

Net income (loss)

$

227,364

$

3,936

$

(47,395) $

349,780

$

(264,768) $

268,917

Change in net unrealized gains
on investments, net of tax

Comprehensive income (loss)

Net income attributable to

redeemable noncontrolling
interests

Comprehensive income attributable
to redeemable noncontrolling
interests

Comprehensive income (loss)
available (attributable) to
RenaissanceRe

(1,657)

225,707

(160)

3,776

(162)

(47,557)

—

322

349,780

(264,446)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(41,553)

(41,553)

—

—

(1,657)

267,260

(41,553)

(41,553)

$

225,707

$

3,776

$

(47,557) $

308,227

$

(264,446) $

225,707

(1) 
(2) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

F-101

RenRe 
North
America
Holdings 
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

Platinum
Underwriters
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)

Consolidating
Adjustments
(2)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

1,717,575

$

— $

1,717,575

23,109

1,947

1,373

3,090

219,490

(26,800)

222,209

(1)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

10,629

(223)

—

8,253

9,415

(1,357)

21,751

9,621

11,568

4,916

6,289

(479)

2,388

123,121

2,088,483

—

—

—

—

(26,800)

10,628

8,030

9,415

135,822

2,103,679

—

—

11,314

18,546

1,572

31,432

—

—

103

—

—

103

—

—

85

—

2,461

2,546

—

—

26,063

—

31,657

57,720

1,861,428

346,892

—

—

1,861,428

346,892

141,572

(18,359)

160,778

26

10,075

2,359,993

—

(1,572)

(19,931)

18,572

44,193

2,431,863

(9,681)

11,465

3,743

(55,332)

(271,510)

(6,869)

(328,184)

(212,708)

756

28,028

9,298

—

174,626

—

(222,389)

12,221

31,771

(46,034)

(271,510)

167,757

(328,184)

Condensed
Consolidating
Statement of
Operations
for the year ended
December 31, 2017

Revenues

Net premiums
earned

Net investment
income

Net foreign

exchange
(losses) gains

Equity in (losses)
earnings of
other ventures

Other income

Net realized and
unrealized
(losses) gains
on investments

Total revenues

Expenses

Net claims and

claim expenses
incurred

Acquisition

expenses

Operational
expenses

Corporate

expenses

Interest expense

Total expenses

(Loss) income before
equity in net (loss)
income of
subsidiaries and
taxes

Equity in net (loss)

income of
subsidiaries

(Loss) income before

taxes

Income tax
(expense) benefit

Net (loss) income

(222,389)

—

(18,147)

(5,926)

(1,175)

30,596

7,163

(38,871)

(14,328)

(285,838)

—

167,757

(26,487)

(354,671)

Net loss attributable
to redeemable
noncontrolling
interests

Net (loss) income
attributable to
RenaissanceRe

Dividends on

preference shares

Net (loss) income
(attributable)
available to
RenaissanceRe
common
shareholders

—

—

—

—

132,282

—

132,282

(222,389)

(5,926)

30,596

(38,871)

(153,556)

167,757

(222,389)

(22,381)

—

—

—

—

—

(22,381)

$

(244,770) $

(5,926) $

30,596

$

(38,871) $

(153,556) $

167,757

$

(244,770)

(1) 
(2) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Includes Parent Guarantor, Subsidiary Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

F-102

RenRe 
North
America
Holdings 
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

Platinum
Underwriters
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)

Consolidating
Adjustments
(2)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

Condensed
Consolidating
Statement of
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) for
the year ended
December 31, 2017

Comprehensive
(loss) income

Net (loss) income

$

(222,389) $

(5,926) $

30,596

$

(38,871) $

(285,838) $

167,757

$

(354,671)

Change in net
unrealized
gains on
investments,
net of tax

Comprehensive
(loss) income

Net loss

attributable to
redeemable
noncontrolling
interests

Comprehensive

loss
attributable to
redeemable
noncontrolling
interests

Comprehensive
(loss) income
(attributable)
available to
RenaissanceRe

(909)

(89)

—

(89)

—

178

(909)

(223,298)

(6,015)

30,596

(38,960)

(285,838)

167,935

(355,580)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

132,282

—

132,282

—

132,282

—

132,282

$

(223,298) $

(6,015) $

30,596

$

(38,960) $

(153,556) $

167,935

$

(223,298)

(1) 
(2) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.
Includes Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer consolidating adjustments.

F-103

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash
Flows for the year ended December 31, 2019

Cash flows (used in) provided by operating

activities

Net cash (used in) provided by operating

activities

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing

activities

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity

investments trading

Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading

Net purchases of equity investments trading

Net (purchases) sales of short term investments

Net purchases of other investments

Net purchases of investments in other ventures

Return of investment from investment in other

ventures

Net sales of other assets

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

Contributions to subsidiaries

Due (from) to subsidiary

Net purchase of TMR

Net cash provided by (used in) investing

activities

Cash flows provided by financing activities

Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares

Dividends paid – preference shares

Issuance of debt, net of expenses

Net third-party redeemable noncontrolling interest

share transactions

Taxes paid on withholding shares

Net cash provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency

cash

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash

equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

RenRe North
America
Holdings Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries) 
(1)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

$

(2,861) $

3,872

$

366,934

$

1,769,250

$

2,137,195

306,579

(66,740)

—

(116,499)

—

—

—

—

1,400,944

(1,165,607)

(625,924)

—

77,798

(77,145)

(3,358)

739

—

—

—

—

4,350

—

(166)

—

60,737

16,868,826

17,313,940

(33,577)

(17,741,881)

(17,919,343)

—

(4,483)

(7,841)

(283,717)

(1,501,264)

(1,900,741)

—

—

—

—

(202,878)

(2,717)

11,250

(4,108)

13,500

(1,418,794)

(125,000)

1,290,607

250

—

625,840

(276,206)

(202,878)

(2,717)

11,250

(4,108)

—

—

—

(276,206)

(267,247)

2,218

(367,807)

(2,355,808)

(2,988,644)

(59,368)

(36,756)

396,411

—

(7,253)

293,034

—

22,926

3,534

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

827,083

—

(59,368)

(36,756)

396,411

827,083

(7,253)

827,083

1,120,117

2,478

2,478

6,090

3,350

(873)

9,604

243,003

1,091,434

271,146

1,107,922

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

26,460

$

9,440

$

8,731

$

1,334,437

$

1,379,068

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

F-104

 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash
Flows for the year ended December 31, 2018

Cash flows (used in) provided by operating

activities

Net cash (used in) provided by operating

activities

Cash flows used in investing activities

Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturity

investments trading

Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading

Net (purchases) sales of equity investments trading

Net sales (purchases) of short term investments

Net purchases of other investments

Net purchases of investments in other ventures

Return of investment from investment in other

ventures

Net sales of other assets

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

Contributions to subsidiaries

Due to (from) subsidiaries

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows provided by financing activities

Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares

Dividends paid – preference shares

RenaissanceRe common share issuance

Issuance of preference shares, net of expenses

Net third-party redeemable noncontrolling interest

share transactions

Taxes paid on withholding shares

Net cash provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency

cash

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash

equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

RenRe 
North
America
Holdings 
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe 
Finance, Inc. 
(Subsidiary 
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

$

17,187

$

6,315

$

62,645

$

1,135,554

$

1,221,701

384,818

(520,935)

—

48,600

—

—

—

—

672,098

(785,785)

(227,762)

(428,966)

(52,841)

(30,088)

250,000

241,448

—

(7,862)

400,657

—

(11,122)

14,656

97,272

(72,292)

(1,308)

(404)

—

—

—

—

—

(16,847)

(9,525)

(3,104)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

56,518

11,046,968

11,585,576

(55,932)

(11,840,813)

(12,489,972)

—

455

—

—

—

—

—

(65,000)

9,449

15,464

14,156

(1,485,040)

(1,436,389)

(199,475)

(21,473)

8,464

2,500

(672,098)

867,632

227,838

(199,475)

(21,473)

8,464

2,500

—

—

—

(54,510)

(2,050,033)

(2,536,613)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

665,683

—

(52,841)

(30,088)

250,000

241,448

665,683

(7,862)

665,683

1,066,340

(5,098)

(5,098)

3,211

139

8,135

1,469

(253,894)

1,345,328

(253,670)

1,361,592

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

3,534

$

3,350

$

9,604

$

1,091,434

$

1,107,922

(1) Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

F-105

Condensed Consolidating Statement
of Cash Flows for the year ended
December 31, 2017

Cash flows (used in) provided by

operating activities

Net cash (used in) provided by

operating activities

Cash flows provided by (used in)

investing activities

Proceeds from sales and maturities of
fixed maturity investments trading

Purchases of fixed maturity
investments trading

Net (purchases) sales of equity

investments trading

Net sales (purchases) of short term

investments

Net purchases of other investments

Return of investment from investment

in other ventures

Dividends and return of capital from

subsidiaries

Contributions to subsidiaries

Due to (from) subsidiary

Net cash provided by (used in)

investing activities

Cash flows (used in) provided by

financing activities

Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe

common shares

Dividends paid – preference shares

RenaissanceRe common share

repurchases

Net repayment of debt

Issuance of debt, net of expenses

Net third-party redeemable

noncontrolling interest share
transactions

Taxes paid on withholding shares

Net cash (used in) provided by

financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on

foreign currency cash

Net increase (decrease) in cash and

cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents,

beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of

year

RenRe
North
America
Holdings
Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
(Parent
Guarantor)

Platinum
Underwriters
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

RenaissanceRe
Finance, Inc.
(Subsidiary
Issuer)

Other
RenaissanceRe
Holdings Ltd.
Subsidiaries
and
Eliminations
(Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries)
(1)

RenaissanceRe
Consolidated

$

21,118

$

(8,253) $

(2,272) $

(347,890) $

1,363,084

$

1,025,787

261,601

100,248

289,741

288,900

8,550,179

9,490,669

(344,463)

(99,568)

(143,991)

(275,778)

(9,229,732)

(10,093,532)

—

(1,752)

85,324

243,571

—

—

478,496

(669,672)

294,419

114

—

—

9,175

—

13

41,299

—

—

—

(26,649)

(123)

—

(493)

—

—

41,866

(9,890)

(509)

32,265

115,837

79,520

(19,419)

364,011

(19,419)

20,000

20,000

(529,537)

706,211

(293,800)

—

—

—

263,952

8,230

245,601

44,096

(684,313)

(122,434)

(51,370)

(22,381)

(188,591)

—

—

—

(15,139)

(277,481)

—

7,589

7,067

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(23)

162

—

—

—

(250,000)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

295,866

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

260,475

—

(250,000)

295,866

260,475

—

—

8,222

(51,370)

(22,381)

(188,591)

(250,000)

295,866

260,475

(15,139)

28,860

8,222

(6,671)

(7,928)

947,468

940,435

6,671

9,397

397,860

421,157

$

14,656

$

139

$

— $

1,469

$

1,345,328

$

1,361,592

(1) 

Includes all other subsidiaries of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and eliminations.

F-106

NOTE 23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

Effective January 1, 2020, Upsilon RFO issued $620.9 million of non-voting preference shares to investors, 
including $103.1 million to the Company. Of the total amount, $512.8 million was received by the Company 
prior to December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, $462.8 million, representing the amount received from 
investors other than the Company prior to December 31, 2019, is included in other liabilities on the 
Company’s consolidated balance sheet, and also included in other operating cash flows on the Company’s 
consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019. Effective January 1, 2020, 
the Company’s participation in the risks assumed by Upsilon RFO was 16.5%.

Effective January 10, 2020, Mona Lisa Re issued two series of principal-at-risk variable rate notes to 
investors for a total principal amount of $400.0 million.

On February 4, 2020, RenaissanceRe Specialty Holdings entered into an agreement to sell its wholly 
owned subsidiary, RenaissanceRe UK, a U.K. run-off company, to an investment vehicle managed by AXA 
Liabilities Managers, an affiliate of AXA XL. The sale is expected to close in 2020 and is subject to 
regulatory approval.

F-107

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO SCHEDULES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I . Summary of Investments other than Investments in Related Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

II . Condensed Financial Information of Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

III Supplementary Insurance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IV Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

VI Supplementary Insurance Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations. .

Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable.

Page

S-2

S-3

S-4

S-7

S-8

S-8

S-1

 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and subsidiaries 
(the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2019, and have issued our report thereon dated February 7, 2020 included elsewhere in this 
Form 10-K. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedules 
listed in Item 15 of this Form 10-K (the schedules). These schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s 
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s schedules, based on our audits. 

In our opinion, the schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when 
considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ Ernst & Young Ltd.

Hamilton, Bermuda
February 7, 2020 

S-2

SCHEDULE I

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

December 31, 2019

Amortized
Cost or Cost

Fair Value

Amount at
which shown
in the
Balance Sheet

342,162
495,465
321,303
3,010,615
1,130,746
282,267
489,352
555,971
$11,067,414

$ 4,439,533 $ 4,467,345 $ 4,467,345
343,031
497,392
321,356
3,075,660
1,148,499
294,604
468,698
555,070
11,171,655
4,566,277
436,931
1,087,377
106,549
$17,368,789 $17,368,789

343,031
497,392
321,356
3,075,660
1,148,499
294,604
468,698
555,070
11,171,655
4,566,277
436,931
1,087,377
106,549

Type of investment:
Fixed maturity investments

U.S. treasuries
Agencies
Non-U.S. government
Non-U.S. government-backed corporate
Corporate
Agency mortgage-backed
Non-agency mortgage-backed
Commercial mortgage-backed
Asset-backed

Total fixed maturity investments

Short term investments
Equity investments
Other investments
Investments in other ventures, under equity method

Total investments

S-3

 
 
 
SCHEDULE II

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
BALANCE SHEETS
AT DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018 
(PARENT COMPANY)
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

Assets
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value - amortized cost $998 at

December 31, 2019 (2018 - $238,989)

Short term investments, at fair value

Cash and cash equivalents
Investments in subsidiaries

Due from subsidiaries

Accrued investment income

Receivable for investments sold

Other assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Liabilities
Notes and bank loans payable

Due to subsidiaries

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ Equity
Preference shares: $1.00 par value – 16,010,000 shares issued and

outstanding at December 31, 2019 (2018 – 16,010,000)

Common shares: $1.00 par value – 44,148,116 shares issued and outstanding

at December 31, 2019 (2018 – 42,207,390)

Additional paid-in capital

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

At December 31,

2019

2018

$

1,005 $

240,443

189,446

26,460

72,917

3,534

5,204,260

4,414,475

10,725

—

173

847,406

116,212

57,039

1,046

203

458,842

120,476

$ 6,395,687 $ 5,368,975

$

391,475 $

300,000

6,708

26,137

6,453

17,442

424,320

323,895

650,000

650,000

44,148

568,277

42,207

296,099

(1,939)

(1,433)

4,710,881

4,058,207

5,971,367

5,045,080

$ 6,395,687 $ 5,368,975

S-4

 
 
 
RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT – CONTINUED

SCHEDULE II

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017 
(PARENT COMPANY)
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS) 

Revenues
Net investment income

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

Total revenues

Expenses
Interest expense

Operational expenses

Corporate expenses

Total expenses

Loss before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

Net income (loss)

Dividends on preference shares

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to
RenaissanceRe common shareholders

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

$

39,629 $

24,791 $

23,109

7,342

12,393

59,364

18,086

7,506

58,393

83,985

(3)

633

25,421

5,683

7,679

25,190

38,552

(1)

(1,357)

21,751

1,572

11,314

18,546

31,432

(24,621)

(13,131)

773,419

748,798

240,495

227,364

(36,756)

(30,088)

(9,681)

(212,708)

(222,389)

(22,381)

$

712,042 $

197,276 $ (244,770)

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017 
(PARENT COMPANY)
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS) 

Comprehensive income (loss)

Net income (loss)

Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

Comprehensive income (loss) available (attributable) to

RenaissanceRe

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

$

748,798 $

227,364 $ (222,389)

2,173

(2,679)

(1,657)

—

(909)

—

$

748,292 $

225,707 $ (223,298)

S-5

 
 
 
RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT – CONTINUED

SCHEDULE II

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017 
(PARENT COMPANY)
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

Cash flows used in operating activities:

Net income (loss)

Less: equity in net (income) loss of subsidiaries

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in

operating activities

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments

Other

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:

Proceeds from maturities and sales of fixed maturity investments

trading

Purchases of fixed maturity investments trading

Net (purchases) sales of short term investments

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

Contributions to subsidiaries

Due to (from) subsidiary

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

Dividends paid – RenaissanceRe common shares

Dividends paid – preference shares

Issuance of debt, net of expenses

RenaissanceRe common share repurchases

RenaissanceRe common share issuance

Issuance of preference shares, net of expenses

Taxes paid on withholding shares

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

Year ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

$

748,798

$

227,364

$

(222,389)

(773,419)

(24,621)

(240,495)

(13,131)

212,708

(9,681)

(12,393)

34,153

(2,861)

(633)

30,951

17,187

1,357

29,442

21,118

306,579

(66,740)

(116,499)

1,400,944

(1,165,607)

(625,924)

(267,247)

(59,368)

(36,756)

396,411

—

—

—

(7,253)

293,034

22,926

3,534

384,818

261,601

(520,935)

(344,463)

48,600

672,098

(785,785)

(227,762)

(428,966)

(52,841)

(30,088)

—

—

250,000

241,448

(7,862)

400,657

(11,122)

14,656

243,571

478,496

(669,672)

294,419

263,952

(51,370)

(22,381)

—

(188,591)

—

—

(15,139)

(277,481)

7,589

7,067

$

26,460

$

3,534

$

14,656

S-6

 
 
 
SCHEDULE III

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

December 31, 2019

Year ended December 31, 2019

Future 
Policy
Benefits,
Losses,
Claims 
and
Loss 
Expenses

Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs

Unearned
Premiums

Premium
Revenue

Net
Investment
Income

Benefits,
Claims,
Losses 
and
Settlement
Expenses

Amortization
of Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs

Other
Operating
Expenses

Net 
Written
Premiums

Property

$

79,795

$4,073,850

$ 539,183

$1,627,494

$

— $

965,424

$

313,761

$ 139,015

$1,654,259

Casualty and
Specialty

Other

Total

584,196

5,310,059

1,991,792

1,710,909

—

1,131,637

448,678

84,546

1,727,234

—

440

—

—

423,833

(40)

(207)

(828)

—

$

663,991

$9,384,349

$2,530,975

$3,338,403

$

423,833

$ 2,097,021

$

762,232

$ 222,733

$3,381,493

December 31, 2018

Year ended December 31, 2018

Future
Policy
Benefits,
Losses,
Claims
and
Loss
Expenses

Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs

Unearned
Premiums

Premium
Revenue

Net
Investment
Income

Benefits,
Claims,
Losses
and
Settlement
Expenses

Amortization
of Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs

Other
Operating
Expenses

Net
Written
Premiums

Property

$

66,656

$3,086,254

$ 379,943

$1,050,831

$

— $

497,895

$

177,912

$ 112,954

$1,055,188

Casualty and
Specialty

Other

Total

410,005

2,985,393

1,336,078

925,298

—

622,320

255,079

64,883

1,076,714

—

4,624

—

—

261,866

(197)

(2)

430

—

$

476,661

$6,076,271

$1,716,021

$1,976,129

$

261,866

$ 1,120,018

$

432,989

$ 178,267

$2,131,902

December 31, 2017

Year ended December 31, 2017

Future
Policy
Benefits,
Losses,
Claims
and
Loss
Expenses

Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs

Unearned
Premiums

Premium
Revenue

Net
Investment
Income

Benefits,
Claims,
Losses
and
Settlement
Expenses

Amortization
of Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs

Other
Operating
Expenses

Net
Written
Premiums

Property

$

63,583

$2,486,390

$ 347,032

$ 931,070

$

— $ 1,297,985

$

113,816

$

94,194

$ 978,014

Casualty and
Specialty

Other

Total

362,968

2,575,492

1,130,577

786,501

—

565,026

233,077

66,548

893,307

—

18,526

—

4

222,209

(1,583)

(1)

36

4

$

426,551

$5,080,408

$1,477,609

$1,717,575

$

222,209

$ 1,861,428

$

346,892

$ 160,778

$1,871,325

S-7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCHEDULE IV

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF REINSURANCE PREMIUMS
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

Year ended December 31, 2019

Property and liability premiums

earned

Year ended December 31, 2018

Property and liability premiums

earned

Year ended December 31, 2017

Property and liability premiums

earned

Gross
Amounts

Ceded to
Other
Companies

Assumed
From Other
Companies

Net Amount

Percentage
of Amount
Assumed
to Net

$ 404,525 $1,414,383 $ 4,348,261 $3,338,403

130%

$ 292,219 $1,095,886 $ 2,779,796 $1,976,129

141%

$ 244,285 $ 833,929 $ 2,307,219 $1,717,575

134%

SCHEDULE VI

RENAISSANCERE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION CONCERNING
PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
(THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs

Reserves for
Unpaid 
Claims
and Claim
Adjustment
Expenses

Discount, if
any,
Deducted

Unearned
Premiums

Earned
Premiums

Net
Investment
Income

Affiliation with Registrant
Consolidated Subsidiaries

Year ended December 31, 2019

$ 663,991

$ 9,384,349

Year ended December 31, 2018

$ 476,661

$ 6,076,271

Year ended December 31, 2017

$ 426,551

$ 5,080,408

$

$

$

— $2,530,975

$3,338,403

$ 423,833

— $1,716,021

$1,976,129

$ 261,866

— $1,477,609

$1,717,575

$ 222,209

Affiliation with Registrant
Consolidated Subsidiaries

Claims and Claim
Adjustment Expenses
Incurred Related to

Current
Year

Prior Year

Amortization
of Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs

Paid 
Claims
and Claim
Adjustment
Expenses

Net
Premiums
Written

Year ended December 31, 2019

$2,123,876

$

(26,855) $

762,232

$1,098,054

$3,381,493

Year ended December 31, 2018

$1,390,767

$ (270,749) $

432,989

$ 894,769

$2,131,902

Year ended December 31, 2017

$1,902,424

$

(40,996) $

346,892

$ 974,825

$1,871,325

S-8

 
 
 
Office Locations

Leadership Team

RenaissanceRe	Holdings	Ltd.	and	Subsidiaries

RenaissanceRe	Holdings	Ltd.	and	Subsidiaries

Kevin J. O’Donnell
President and  
Chief Executive Officer 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Robert Qutub
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Ian D. Branagan
Senior Vice President 
and Group Chief Risk Officer 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Sean G. Brosnan
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Investment Officer 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Ross A. Curtis
Senior Vice President and 
Group Chief Underwriting Officer 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 

Bryan Dalton
Senior Vice President and  
Active Underwriter 
RenaissanceRe Syndicate 1458

Aditya K. Dutt
President  
Renaissance Underwriting  
Managers, Ltd. 
Senior Vice President, Ventures 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

James C. Fraser
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Accounting Officer 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

David E. Marra
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Underwriting Officer  
– Casualty and Specialty  
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 
President  
Renaissance Reinsurance U.S. Inc.

Justin D. O’Keefe
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Underwriting Officer  
– Property 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Jonathan D. A. Paradine
Chief Executive 
– Singapore Branch 
Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. 
DaVinci Reinsurance Ltd. 
Senior Vice President 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Stephen H. Weinstein
Senior Vice President, 
Chief Compliance Officer,  
Group General Counsel  
and Corporate Secretary 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Bermuda
Headquarters 
Renaissance House 
12 Crow Lane 
Pembroke HM 19 
Bermuda 
Tel: +1 441 295 4513

London
125 Old Broad Street 
London, EC2N 1AR 
United Kingdom 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7283 2646

Dublin
4th and 5th Floors 
Hardwicke House 
Upper Hatch Street 
Dublin 2, Ireland 
Tel: +353 1 678 7388

Singapore
50 Collyer Quay 
OUE Bayfront #11-02 
Singapore 049321 
Tel: +65 6572 8866

Zurich
Beethovenstrasse 33 
CH-8002 Zürich  
Switzerland 
Tel: +41 43 283 6000

Sydney
Level 21, Australia Square 
264 George Street 
Sydney, NSW 2000 
Australia 
Tel: +61 2 8247 7244

USA

New York
140 Broadway, Suite 4200 
New York, New York 10005 
Tel: +1 212 238 9600

Chicago
200 North Martingale Road 
Suite 510 
Schaumburg, Il 60173 
Tel: +1 847 310 5960

Connecticut
Two Stamford Plaza 
281 Tresser Blvd., 4th Floor 
Stamford, CT 06901 
Tel: +1 203 900 1200

North Carolina
WeatherPredict Consulting Inc. 
3128 Highwoods Boulevard  
Suite 230 
Raleigh, NC 27604  
Tel: +1 919 876 3633

Rhode Island
WeatherPredict Consulting Inc. 
26 South County Commons Way 
Unit A7 
South Kingstown, RI 02879  
Tel: +1 401 788 9031

Leadership Team

Board of Directors

Financial and Investor Information

RenaissanceRe	Holdings	Ltd.	and	Subsidiaries

RenaissanceRe	Holdings	Ltd.

RenaissanceRe	Holdings	Ltd.	and	Subsidiaries

General Information About the Company
For the Company’s Annual Report, press releases, Forms 10-K and 
10-Q or other filings, please visit our website: www.renre.com

Or Contact:
Kekst CNC  
437 Madison Avenue, 37th Floor  
New York, NY 10022 
Tel: +1 212 521 4800

Investor Inquiries Should be Directed to:
Investor Relations, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 
Tel: +1 441 295 4513    E-mail: investorrelations@renre.com

Additional Requests Can be Directed to:
The Corporate Secretary, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. 
Tel: +1 441 295 4513    E-mail: secretary@renre.com

Stock Information
The Company’s common shares are listed on The New York Stock 
Exchange under the symbol ‘RNR’.

Certifications
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have certified  
in writing to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as  
to the integrity of the Company’s financial statements included in this  
Annual Report and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC and as to 
the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures  
and internal control over financial reporting. The certifications are filed 
as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2 to our Form 10-K. 

Our Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York Stock  
Exchange in 2019 that he was not aware of any violation by the  
Company of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance  
listing standards.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda

Registrar and Transfer Agent
Computershare 
Tel: +1 866 245 5019 
Shareholder website 
www.computershare.com/investor

Shareholder online inquiries 
www-us.computershare.com/investor/Contact

Shareholder correspondence should be mailed to: 
Computershare 
PO Box 505000 
Louisville, KY 40233-5000 
Tel: +1 866 245 5019

James L. Gibbons
Non-Executive Chair 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Kevin J. O’Donnell
President and Chief Executive Officer 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

David C. Bushnell
Retired Chief Administrative Officer 
Citigroup Inc.

Brian G. J. Gray
Former Group Chief Underwriting Officer 
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd.

Jean D. Hamilton
Retired Chief Executive Officer  
Prudential Institutional and  
Executive Vice President  
Prudential Financial, Inc.

Duncan P. Hennes
Partner and Co-Founder 
Atrevida Partners, LLC

Henry Klehm III
Partner 
Jones Day

Valerie Rahmani
Former Chief Executive Officer 
Damballa, Inc.

Carol P. Sanders
Former Chief Financial Officer 
Sentry Insurance a Mutual Company

Anthony M. Santomero
Former President 
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

Cynthia Trudell
Former Chief Human Resources Officer 
PepsiCo, Inc.

All stocks used in this report are FSC certified.  
Printed at a zero-discharge facility using soy-based inks. 
Please recycle this publication. 

RenaissanceRe	Holdings	Ltd.
Renaissance House 
12 Crow Lane 
Pembroke HM 19 
Bermuda

Tel: +1 441 295 4513
renre.com