Watford Announces Declaration of Quarterly Dividend on Preference Shares

Rhea-AI Summary

Watford Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: WTRE) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.47859 per share on its 8½% Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares (WTREP), to be paid on June 30, 2021, to holders of record as of June 15, 2021. The dividend rate will adjust quarterly based on the 3-month USD LIBOR plus a margin of 6.6785%. As of March 31, 2021, Watford reported approximately $1.202 billion in capital, with ratings of “A-” from A.M. Best and “A” from Kroll Bond Rating Agency. The company urges investors to consider tax implications before investing.

Positive

• Quarterly dividend of $0.47859 per share boosts shareholder income.
• Company maintains strong financial position with approximately $1.202 billion in capital.
• Positive financial strength ratings from A.M. Best and Kroll Bond Rating Agency.

Negative

• A.M. Best placed financial strength ratings under review with negative implications.
• Pending regulatory approval for a merger could introduce uncertainty.

PEMBROKE, Bermuda, June 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Watford Holdings Ltd. ("Watford") (Nasdaq: WTRE) announced today that on June 30, 2021, it intends to pay to holders of record as of June 15, 2021 (the "Record Date") a quarterly dividend on its 8½% Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares, which trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "WTREP" (the "Preference Shares").   

From and after the calendar quarter starting July 1, 2019, at the beginning of each calendar quarter the dividend rate on the Preference Shares will be adjusted for such calendar quarter to a rate equal to the 3-month USD LIBOR on the first calendar day of the quarter (or the next business day, if such first day is not a business day) plus a margin of 6.6785%, and the dividend paid for that calendar quarter shall be based on the actual number of days in such quarter.

Pursuant to their terms, Watford intends to pay a quarterly dividend (the "2Q2021 Dividend") on the Preference Shares of $0.47859 per share on June 30, 2021 to holders of record of the Preference Shares who held such shares on the Record Date.  

PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF THE PREFERENCE SHARES BASED ON THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES PRIOR TO MAKING AN INVESTMENT.

About Watford Holdings Ltd.

Watford Holdings Ltd. is a global property and casualty insurance and reinsurance company with approximately $1.202 billion in capital as of March 31, 2021, comprised of: $172.8 million of senior notes, $52.4 million of contingently redeemable preference shares and $977.0 million of common shareholders’ equity, with operations in Bermuda, the United States and Europe. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned financial strength ratings of “A-” (Excellent) from A.M. Best and “A” from Kroll Bond Rating Agency. On May 1, 2020, A.M. Best announced that it had placed under review with negative implications the financial strength ratings of Watford's operating subsidiaries. On April 6, 2021, Kroll Bond Rating Agency maintained the Watch Developing status on the “A” insurance financial strength ratings of Watford's operating subsidiaries as well as the “BBB+” credit rating of Watford Holdings Ltd, pending regulatory approval for the Agreement and Plan of Merger that was approved by Watford’s shareholders on March 30, 2021.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, for purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise, generally can be identified by the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” or similar expressions that indicate future events. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the expected timing of the 2Q2021 Dividend. Such statements are based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including: uncertainties with respect to the timing of the 2Q2021 Dividend; market conditions; and other risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and in the Company’s other periodic reports filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Watford disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or circumstances or other factors.

Contact: Laurence Richardson (Investor Contact): lbr@watfordholdings.com

FAQ

What is the dividend amount for Watford Holdings Ltd. in Q2 2021?

The dividend amount for Q2 2021 is $0.47859 per share.

When will Watford Holdings Ltd. pay the Q2 2021 dividend?

The Q2 2021 dividend will be paid on June 30, 2021.

What is the record date for the Q2 2021 dividend for WTREP?

The record date for the Q2 2021 dividend is June 15, 2021.

How is the dividend rate for Watford's Preference Shares calculated?

The dividend rate is calculated based on the 3-month USD LIBOR plus a margin of 6.6785%.

What are the tax considerations for investing in Watford's Preference Shares?

Investors are urged to consult tax advisors regarding U.S. and non-U.S. tax implications.