Watford Reports 2020 Third Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Watford Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: WTRE) reported a net income of $78.1 million for Q3 2020, a substantial increase from $0.2 million in Q3 2019. Book value per diluted common share rose 11.7% to $43.36. The combined ratio was 105.6%, up from 104.0% a year prior. Notably, net investment income surged to $92.8 million, compared to $14.0 million in 2019. However, gross premiums written fell by 21.0% year-on-year. The company continues to face uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Positive

• Net income increased to $78.1 million from $0.2 million year-on-year.
• Net investment income rose sharply to $92.8 million, vs. $14.0 million in the prior year.
• Book value per diluted share rose by 11.7% to $43.36.

Negative

• Gross premiums written decreased by 21.0% from $249.96 million to $197.48 million.
• Combined ratio worsened slightly to 105.6% from 104.0% year-over-year.

PEMBROKE, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WATFORD HOLDINGS LTD. (“Watford” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: WTRE) today reported net income of $78.1 million, after $1.1 million of preference dividends, for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net income of $0.2 million, after payment of $2.6 million of preference dividends and $4.2 million of accelerated amortization costs related to the redemption of preference shares, for the same period in 2019. Book value per diluted common share was $43.36 at September 30, 2020, an increase of 11.7% from June 30, 2020. The quarterly results include:

• Net income available to common shareholders of $78.1 million, or $3.92 per diluted common share, or a 9.5% return on average equity, compared to net income of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted common share, for the 2019 third quarter;
• Combined ratio of 105.6%, comprised of a 79.3% loss ratio, a 21.3% acquisition expense ratio and a 5.0% general and administrative expense ratio, compared to a combined ratio of 104.0% for the prior year third quarter, comprised of a 76.5% loss ratio, a 21.9% acquisition expense ratio and a 5.6% general and administrative expense ratio;

• Net interest income of $26.5 million, a 1.2% yield on average net assets, for the 2020 third quarter, compared to net interest income of $29.5 million and a 1.4% yield on average net assets for the 2019 third quarter; and

• Net investment income of $92.8 million, a 4.3% return on average net assets for the 2020 third quarter, compared to net investment income of $14.0 million and a 0.6% return on average net assets for the 2019 third quarter.

There continues to be significant uncertainties surrounding the ultimate number of insurance claims and scope of damage resulting from the continuing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Company’s estimates across its insurance and reinsurance lines of business are based on currently available information derived from modeling techniques, preliminary claims information obtained from the Company’s clients and brokers, a review of relevant in-force contracts with potential exposure to the pandemic and estimates of reinsurance recoverables. These estimates include losses only related to claims incurred as of September 30, 2020. Actual losses from these events may vary materially from the estimates due to several factors, including the inherent uncertainties in making such determinations and the evolving nature of this pandemic.

Commenting on the 2020 third quarter financial results, Jon Levy, CEO of Watford, said:

“We again express our gratitude to all individuals and their families who provide support to those affected by both the COVID-19 global pandemic as well as the natural catastrophe events which have occurred this year.

Watford continues to demonstrate our durability in the current economic environment, and we delivered strong financial results for the quarter. Our net income was $78.1 million, driven by net investment income of $92.8 million.

We are pleased to report that our net investment income is positive for the year, reversing the deficit driven by March’s COVID-19 market turmoil. The recovery over the last two quarters demonstrates the resilience of our strategy. This was achieved as we simultaneously upgraded the asset quality and made significant withdrawals from our non-investment grade portfolio.

Our combined ratio for the quarter was 105.6%, and 103.5% when adjusted for other underwriting income and certain corporate expenses. This was an active property catastrophe quarter for the industry, and our current year property catastrophe losses added $6.4 million or 4.4 points to our quarterly combined ratio.

Market conditions improved further in the quarter, with rates moving positively particularly in our insurance platforms.”

Underwriting

The following table summarizes the Company’s underwriting results on a consolidated basis:

	Three Months Ended September 30,											Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020				2019				% Change			2020				2019				% Change
	($ in thousands)
Gross premiums written	$	197,480			$	249,960			(21.0)	%		$	590,309			$	598,627			(1.4)	%
Net premiums written	147,316				155,752				(5.4)	%		439,872				420,509				4.6	%
Net premiums earned	146,031				125,832				16.1	%		417,605				423,244				(1.3)	%
Underwriting income (loss) (1)	(8,238)				(5,021)				(64.1)	%		(24,959)				(16,257)				(53.5)	%
									% Point Change											% Point Change
Loss ratio	79.3		%		76.5		%		2.8	%		79.3		%		75.2		%		4.1	%
Acquisition expense ratio	21.3		%		21.9		%		(0.6)	%		21.3		%		22.9		%		(1.6)	%
General & administrative expense ratio	5.0		%		5.6		%		(0.6)	%		5.4		%		5.7		%		(0.3)	%
Combined ratio	105.6		%		104.0		%		1.6	%		106.0		%		103.8		%		2.2	%
Adjusted combined ratio (2)	103.5		%		101.8		%		1.7	%		103.4		%		101.3		%		2.1	%

(1) Underwriting income (loss) is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure and is calculated as net premiums earned, less loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses. See “Comments on Regulation G” for further discussion, including a reconciliation of underwriting income (loss) to net income (loss) available to common shareholders.

(2) Adjusted combined ratio is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing the sum of loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses, less certain corporate expenses, by the sum of net premiums earned and other underwriting income (loss). See “Comments on Regulation G” for further discussion, including a reconciliation of our adjusted combined ratio to our combined ratio.

The following table provides summary information regarding premiums written and earned by line of business:

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020				2019				2020				2019
	($ in thousands)
Gross premiums written:
Casualty reinsurance	$	64,860			$	145,129			$	173,803			$	253,287
Other specialty reinsurance	31,549				22,453				89,509				84,587
Property catastrophe reinsurance	4,680				3,461				25,765				15,382
Insurance programs and coinsurance	96,391				78,917				301,232				245,371
Total	$	197,480			$	249,960			$	590,309			$	598,627
Net premiums written:
Casualty reinsurance	$	63,247			$	92,084			$	171,688			$	199,226
Other specialty reinsurance	30,157				22,093				85,484				81,798
Property catastrophe reinsurance	4,680				3,040				25,018				14,643
Insurance programs and coinsurance	49,232				38,535				157,682				124,842
Total	$	147,316			$	155,752			$	439,872			$	420,509
Net premiums earned:
Casualty reinsurance	$	54,566			$	52,266			$	155,477			$	183,085
Other specialty reinsurance	32,833				31,563				98,073				118,759
Property catastrophe reinsurance	6,589				3,617				17,297				9,707
Insurance programs and coinsurance	52,043				38,386				146,758				111,693
Total	$	146,031			$	125,832			$	417,605			$	423,244

The following table shows the components of our loss and loss adjustment expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended September 30,														Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020							2019							2020							2019
	Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses				% of Earned Premiums			Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses				% of Earned Premiums			Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses				% of Earned Premiums			Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses				% of Earned Premiums
	($ in thousands)
Current year	$	116,012			79.4	%		$	96,417			76.6	%		$	331,861			79.4	%		$	318,812			75.3	%
Prior year development (favorable)/adverse	(199)				(0.1)	%		(203)				(0.1)	%		(586)				(0.1)	%		(332)				(0.1)	%
Loss and loss adjustment expenses	$	115,813			79.3	%		$	96,214			76.5	%		$	331,275			79.3	%		$	318,480			75.2	%

Results for the three months ended September 30, 2020 versus 2019:

Gross premiums written in the 2020 third quarter were 21.0% lower than the 2019 third quarter. The decrease in gross premiums written reflected a decrease in casualty reinsurance premiums written, offset in part by an increase in insurance programs and coinsurance, and to a lesser extent, other specialty reinsurance and property catastrophe reinsurance in the 2020 third quarter.

The decrease in casualty reinsurance premiums written primarily related to an $81.1 million, three-year excess of loss contract written in the third quarter of 2019. The premium for this contract was recorded as written in the 2019 third quarter and will be earned over a three-year period. There was no comparable premium written in the 2020 third quarter.

Other specialty gross premiums were up $9.1 million, or 40.5%, to $31.5 million, over the prior year quarter. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the Irish motor book, as well as the fact that the prior year quarter was affected by a reduction in the estimated premium of one European motor program. Insurance programs and coinsurance line of business gross premiums written increased $17.5 million, or 22.1%, to $96.4 million. The premium growth was driven by the continued expansion of the U.S. and European insurance programs and coinsurance.

Net premiums written in the 2020 third quarter were 5.4% lower than the 2019 third quarter. The drivers of the decrease in net premiums written are the same as those impacting gross premiums written, as discussed above.

Net premiums earned in the 2020 third quarter were 16.1% higher than the 2019 third quarter. The increase in earned premiums primarily reflected increased writings in the U.S. insurance programs and coinsurance, and, to a lesser extent, greater assumed property catastrophe reinsurance.

The loss ratio was 79.3% in the 2020 third quarter compared to 76.5% in the 2019 third quarter. In the 2020 third quarter, the increase in loss ratio was primarily driven by current year natural catastrophes of $6.4 million, or 4.4 points, as compared to $2.4 million, or 1.9 points, in the 2019 third quarter. The prior year loss reserve development for both the 2020 and 2019 third quarters was essentially flat. The acquisition expense ratio was 21.3% in the 2020 third quarter, compared to 21.9% in the 2019 third quarter. These ratio movements also reflected changes in mix and the type of business.

The general and administrative expense ratio was 5.0% in the 2020 third quarter, compared to 5.6% in the 2019 third quarter. While the ratio decreased slightly, general and administrative expenses increased by $0.3 million in the 2020 third quarter compared to the 2019 third quarter. Removing certain corporate expenses, our adjusted general and administrative expense ratio was 3.3% in the 2020 third quarter, compared to 3.9% in the 2019 third quarter.

Investments

The following table summarizes the Company’s key investment returns on a consolidated basis:

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020				2019				2020				2019
	($ in thousands)
Interest income	$	34,553			$	41,376			$	108,830			$	123,113
Investment management fees - related parties	(4,380)				(4,606)				(12,994)				(13,585)
Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses	(3,657)				(7,234)				(14,089)				(23,143)
Net interest income	26,516				29,536				81,747				86,385
Realized gains (losses) on investments	13,425				645				2,378				2,716
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	54,570				(15,291)				(52,822)				15,422
Investment performance fees - related parties	(1,758)				(850)				(1,758)				(8,342)
Net investment income (loss)	$	92,753			$	14,040			$	29,545			$	96,181
Unrealized gains on investments (balance sheet)	$	67,746			$	46,193			$	67,746			$	46,193
Unrealized losses on investments (balance sheet)	(183,642)				(140,987)				(183,642)				(140,987)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments (balance sheet)	$	(115,896)			$	(94,794)			$	(115,896)			$	(94,794)
Net interest income yield on average net assets (1)	1.2		%		1.4		%		4.0		%		4.1		%
Non-investment grade portfolio (1)	1.7		%		1.7		%		5.2		%		5.2		%
Investment grade portfolio (1)	0.3		%		0.6		%		1.3		%		1.8		%
Net investment income return on average net assets (1)	4.3		%		0.6		%		1.4		%		4.5		%
Non-investment grade portfolio (1)	6.3		%		0.6		%		0.9		%		5.1		%
Investment grade portfolio (1)	0.2		%		0.8		%		2.6		%		2.9		%
Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) (2)	3.5		%		0.5		%		1.1		%		3.5		%
Non-investment grade portfolio (2)	4.9		%		0.5		%		0.8		%		4.3		%
Investment grade portfolio (2)	0.2		%		0.8		%		2.6		%		2.9		%

(1) Net interest income yield on average net assets and net investment income return on average net assets are calculated by dividing net interest income, and net investment income (loss), respectively, by average net assets. Net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payable for securities sold short. For the three- and nine-month periods, average net assets is calculated using the averages of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, revolving credit agreement borrowings are not subtracted from the net assets calculation. The separate components of these returns (non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio) are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures. See “Comments on Regulation G” for further discussion, including a reconciliation of these components of our net interest income yield on average net assets and net investment income return on average net assets.

(2) Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) is calculated by dividing net investment income by average total investments. For the three- and nine-month periods, average total investments is calculated using the averages of each quarterly period. The separate components of these returns (non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio) are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures. See “Comments on Regulation G” for further discussion, including a reconciliation of these components of our net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income).

Results for the three months ended September 30, 2020 versus 2019:

Net investment income was $92.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to net investment income of $14.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $78.8 million. The 2020 third quarter net investment income return on average net assets was 4.3% as compared to 0.6% for the prior year period.

The 2020 third quarter net investment income return was driven by net unrealized gains of $54.6 million as the credit markets partially recovered through the quarter. Net interest income decreased to $26.5 million from $29.5 million, a decrease of 10.2% quarter over quarter.

The 2020 third quarter non-investment grade portfolio net interest income yield on average net assets was 1.7%, consistent with the third quarter of 2019. The net realized and unrealized gains reported in the 2020 third quarter were $68.7 million, reflective of the credit market recovery discussed above.

The 2020 third quarter investment grade portfolio net interest income yield on average net assets was 0.3%, a decrease from 0.6% in the prior year period. In addition, the investment grade portfolio recognized $0.7 million of net realized and unrealized losses in the quarter as compared to net gains of $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2019.

The following tables summarize the composition of the Company's non-investment grade and investment grade portfolios by sector as of September 30, 2020 and June 30, 2020:

	September 30, 2020
	Total				Financials				Health Care				Technology				Consumer Services				Industrials				Consumer Goods				Oil & Gas				All Other (1)
	($ in thousands)
Non-Investment Grade Portfolio:
Term loan investments	$	893,030			$	188,791			$	155,104			$	154,834			$	136,778			$	121,996			$	27,779			$	29,779			$	77,969
Corporate bonds	456,655				44,767				50,186				32,676				95,102				41,723				66,282				36,173				89,746
Equities - sector specific	96,641				63,740				21,812				7,168				—				2,437				—				311				1,173
Short-term investments - sector specific	2,265				—				443				1,822				—				—				—				—				—
Subtotal	1,448,591				297,298				227,545				196,500				231,880				166,156				94,061				66,263				168,888
Equities - non-sector specific	17,139
Short-term investments - non-sector specific	250,636
Asset-backed securities	164,990
Mortgage-backed securities	8,600
Total Non-Investment Grade Portfolio	$	1,889,956			$	297,298			$	227,545			$	196,500			$	231,880			$	166,156			$	94,061			$	66,263			$	168,888
Investment Grade Portfolio:
Corporate bonds	$	193,357			$	52,606			$	10,390			$	18,844			$	24,440			$	14,713			$	42,506			$	15,221			$	14,637
Short-term investments	97,490
U.S. government and government agency bonds	203,452
Non-U.S. government and government agency bonds	150,782
Asset-backed securities	84,701
Mortgage-backed securities	18,115
Municipal government and government agency bonds	1,793
Total Investment Grade Portfolio	$	749,690			$	52,606			$	10,390			$	18,844			$	24,440			$	14,713			$	42,506			$	15,221			$	14,637
Total Investments	$	2,639,646			$	349,904			$	237,935			$	215,344			$	256,320			$	180,869			$	136,567			$	81,484			$	183,525

(1) Includes telecommunications, utilities and basic materials.

	June 30, 2020
	Total				Financials				Health Care				Technology				Consumer Services				Industrials				Consumer Goods				Oil & Gas				All Other (1)
	($ in thousands)
Non-Investment Grade Portfolio:
Term loan investments	$	875,560			$	188,970			$	170,442			$	186,367			$	113,733			$	90,250			$	36,455			$	29,573			$	59,770
Corporate bonds	378,183				44,898				26,626				16,720				105,543				33,870				68,314				29,516				52,696
Equities - sector specific	93,872				62,350				22,577				7,266				—				641				—				264				774
Short-term investments - sector specific	2,184				—				—				1,682				—				—				502				—				—
Subtotal	1,349,799				296,218				219,645				212,035				219,276				124,761				105,271				59,353				113,240
Equities - non-sector specific	27,470
Short-term investments - non-sector specific	267,904
Asset-backed securities	157,925
Other investments	34,142
Mortgage-backed securities	9,164
Total Non-Investment Grade Portfolio	$	1,846,404			$	296,218			$	219,645			$	212,035			$	219,276			$	124,761			$	105,271			$	59,353			$	113,240
Investment Grade Portfolio:
Corporate bonds	$	169,918			$	51,327			$	10,834			$	18,688			$	22,738			$	11,942			$	35,818			$	11,388			$	7,183
Short-term investments	99,978
U.S. government and government agency bonds	217,459
Non-U.S. government and government agency bonds	151,124
Asset-backed securities	130,327
Mortgage-backed securities	22,018
Municipal government and government agency bonds	2,117
Total Investment Grade Portfolio	$	792,941			$	51,327			$	10,834			$	18,688			$	22,738			$	11,942			$	35,818			$	11,388			$	7,183
Total Investments	$	2,639,345			$	347,545			$	230,479			$	230,723			$	242,014			$	136,703			$	141,089			$	70,741			$	120,423

(1) Includes telecommunications, utilities and basic materials.

The tables below summarize the credit quality of the Company's non-investment grade and investment grade portfolios as of September 30, 2020 and June 30, 2020, as rated by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC, or Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, or Moody’s, Fitch Ratings Inc., or Fitch, Kroll Bond Rating Agency, or KBRA, or DBRS Morningstar, or DBRS, as applicable:

	Credit Rating (1)
September 30, 2020	Fair Value				AAA				AA				A				BBB				BB				B				CCC				CC				C				D				Not Rated
	($ in thousands)
Non-Investment Grade Portfolio:
Term loan investments	$	893,030			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	11,074			$	27,214			$	533,876			$	233,186			$	8,970			$	4,469			$	13,325			$	60,916
Corporate bonds	456,655				—				—				—				14,037				68,968				207,670				126,388				6,070				1,171				14,415				17,936
Asset-backed securities	164,990				—				—				5,989				88,704				28,452				9,277				8,667				842				—				—				23,059
Mortgage-backed securities	8,600				—				—				—				—				1,182				—				—				—				—				3,149				4,269
Short-term investments	252,901				54,458				132,306				63,871				—				—				—				443				—				—				—				1,823
Total fixed income instruments and short-term investments	1,776,176				54,458				132,306				69,860				113,815				125,816				750,823				368,684				15,882				5,640				30,889				108,003
Equities	113,780
Total Non-Investment Grade Portfolio	$	1,889,956			$	54,458			$	132,306			$	69,860			$	113,815			$	125,816			$	750,823			$	368,684			$	15,882			$	5,640			$	30,889			$	108,003
Investment Grade Portfolio:
Corporate bonds	$	193,357			$	—			$	20,016			$	87,672			$	80,678			$	4,991			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
U.S. government and government agency bonds	203,452				—				203,452				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Asset-backed securities	84,701				—				—				16,757				63,216				4,728				—				—				—				—				—				—
Mortgage-backed securities	18,115				—				—				1,733				16,382				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Non-U.S. government and government agency bonds	150,782				—				150,782				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Municipal government and government agency bonds	1,793				784				595				414				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Short-term investments	97,490				5,116				43,889				—				48,485				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Total Investment Grade Portfolio	$	749,690			$	5,900			$	418,734			$	106,576			$	208,761			$	9,719			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Total	$	2,639,646			$	60,358			$	551,040			$	176,436			$	322,576			$	135,535			$	750,823			$	368,684			$	15,882			$	5,640			$	30,889			$	108,003

(1) For individual fixed maturity investments, Standard & Poor’s ratings are used. In the absence of a Standard & Poor’s rating, ratings from Moody’s are used, followed by ratings from Fitch, followed by ratings from KBRA, followed by ratings from DBRS.

	Credit Rating (1)
June 30, 2020	Fair Value				AAA				AA				A				BBB				BB				B				CCC				CC				C				D				Not Rated
	($ in thousands)
Non-Investment Grade Portfolio:
Term loan investments	$	875,560			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	23,218			$	530,118			$	247,478			$	15,191			$	2,192			$	28,046			$	29,317
Corporate bonds	378,183				—				—				—				37,373				50,125				152,648				113,723				6,268				5,585				3,956				8,505
Asset-backed securities	157,925				—				—				3,854				98,827				23,136				8,767				1,663				—				—				—				21,678
Mortgage-backed securities	9,164				—				—				—				—				1,292				—				—				—				—				3,224				4,648
Short-term investments	270,088				34,859				172,166				60,880				—				502				—				—				—				—				—				1,681
Total fixed income instruments and short-term investments	1,690,920				34,859				172,166				64,734				136,200				98,273				691,533				362,864				21,459				7,777				35,226				65,829
Other Investments	34,142
Equities	121,342
Total Non-Investment Grade Portfolio	$	1,846,404			$	34,859			$	172,166			$	64,734			$	136,200			$	98,273			$	691,533			$	362,864			$	21,459			$	7,777			$	35,226			$	65,829
Investment Grade Portfolio:
Corporate bonds	$	169,918			$	—			$	16,032			$	90,087			$	58,858			$	4,941			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
U.S. government and government agency bonds	217,459				—				217,459				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Asset-backed securities	130,327				1,377				—				19,621				108,790				539				—				—				—				—				—				—
Mortgage-backed securities	22,018				—				602				4,794				16,622				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Non-U.S. government and government agency bonds	151,124				—				151,124				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Municipal government and government agency bonds	2,117				1,039				586				492				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Short-term investments	99,978				3,448				22,656				—				73,874				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Total Investment Grade Portfolio	$	792,941			$	5,864			$	408,459			$	114,994			$	258,144			$	5,480			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Total	$	2,639,345			$	40,723			$	580,625			$	179,728			$	394,344			$	103,753			$	691,533			$	362,864			$	21,459			$	7,777			$	35,226			$	65,829

(1) For individual fixed maturity investments, Standard & Poor’s ratings are used. In the absence of a Standard & Poor’s rating, ratings from Moody’s are used, followed by ratings from Fitch, followed by ratings from KBRA, followed by ratings from DBRS.

Corporate Function

The Company has a corporate function that includes general and administrative expenses related to corporate activities, interest expense, net foreign exchange gains (losses), income tax expense and items related to the Company’s contingently redeemable preference shares.

The Company incurred an interest expense of $2.9 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, in relation to the Company’s 6.5% senior notes issued on July 2, 2019. Interest is paid semi-annually in arrears on January 2 and July 2.

Preference dividends were $1.1 million and $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. On August 1, 2019, the Company redeemed 6,919,998 of its preference shares for an aggregate redemption price of approximately $174.4 million. The 2019 third quarter preference dividends of $2.6 million included $1.3 million of dividends paid on the shares that were redeemed. Further, during the 2019 third quarter, the Company incurred an expense of $4.2 million related to the accelerated amortization of issuance and discount costs on the preference shares redeemed.

There were no common share repurchases during the 2020 third quarter. As of September 30, 2020, approximately $47.1 million of share repurchases were available under the Company’s previously announced $50 million share repurchase program.

Conference Call

The Company will not hold a conference call to discuss its 2020 third quarter results due to the previously announced proposed acquisition of the Company by Arch Capital Group Ltd. (“Arch”) and the unsolicited non-binding proposal from Enstar Group Limited (“Enstar”) to acquire the Company.

About Watford Holdings Ltd.

Watford Holdings Ltd. is a global property and casualty insurance and reinsurance company with approximately $1.1 billion in capital as of September 30, 2020, comprised of: $172.6 million of senior notes, $52.4 million of contingently redeemable preference shares and $866.9 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” with an Outlook of Negative 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 our operating subsidiaries.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

	(Unaudited)
	September 30,				December 31,
	2020				2019
Assets	($ in thousands)
Investments:
Term loans, fair value option (Amortized cost: $969,929 and $1,113,212)	$	893,030			$	1,061,934
Fixed maturities, fair value option (Amortized cost: $677,977 and $432,576)	632,664				416,594
Short-term investments, fair value option (Cost: $348,479 and $325,542)	350,391				329,303
Equity securities, fair value option	60,951				59,799
Other investments, fair value option	—				30,461
Investments, fair value option	1,937,036				1,898,091
Fixed maturities, available for sale (Amortized cost: $645,663 and $739,456)	649,781				745,708
Equity securities, fair value through net income	52,829				65,338
Total investments	2,639,646				2,709,137
Cash and cash equivalents	195,333				102,437
Accrued investment income	16,234				14,025
Premiums receivable	263,748				273,657
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses	263,293				170,974
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	131,885				132,577
Deferred acquisition costs, net	58,583				64,044
Receivable for securities sold	1,730				16,288
Intangible assets	7,650				7,650
Funds held by reinsurers	46,787				42,505
Other assets	28,331				17,562
Total assets	$	3,653,220			$	3,550,856
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	1,429,656			$	1,263,628
Unearned premiums	459,476				438,907
Losses payable	78,537				61,314
Reinsurance balances payable	68,339				77,066
Payable for securities purchased	67,602				18,180
Payable for securities sold short	24,909				66,257
Revolving credit agreement borrowings	390,195				484,287
Senior notes	172,621				172,418
Amounts due to affiliates	5,060				4,467
Investment management and performance fees payable	7,539				17,762
Other liabilities	30,012				21,912
Total liabilities	$	2,733,946			$	2,626,198
Commitments and contingencies
Contingently redeemable preference shares	52,375				52,305
Shareholders’ equity
Common shares ($0.01 par; shares authorized: 120 million; shares issued: 22,804,128 and 22,692,300)	228				227
Additional paid-in capital	899,213				898,083
Retained earnings (deficit)	42,184				43,470
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,197				5,629
Common shares held in treasury, at cost (shares: 2,917,149 and 2,789,405)	(77,923)				(75,056)
Total shareholders’ equity	866,899				872,353
Total liabilities, contingently redeemable preference shares and shareholders’ equity	$	3,653,220			$	3,550,856

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

	(Unaudited)								(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020				2019				2020				2019
Revenues	($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Gross premiums written	$	197,480			$	249,960			$	590,309			$	598,627
Gross premiums ceded	(50,164)				(94,208)				(150,437)				(178,118)
Net premiums written	147,316				155,752				439,872				420,509
Change in unearned premiums	(1,285)				(29,920)				(22,267)				2,735
Net premiums earned	146,031				125,832				417,605				423,244
Other underwriting income (loss)	546				579				1,547				1,844
Interest income	34,553				41,376				108,830				123,113
Investment management fees - related parties	(4,380)				(4,606)				(12,994)				(13,585)
Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses	(3,657)				(7,234)				(14,089)				(23,143)
Net interest income	26,516				29,536				81,747				86,385
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments	67,995				(14,646)				(50,444)				18,138
Investment performance fees - related parties	(1,758)				(850)				(1,758)				(8,342)
Net investment income (loss)	92,753				14,040				29,545				96,181
Total revenues	239,330				140,451				448,697				521,269
Expenses
Loss and loss adjustment expenses	(115,813)				(96,214)				(331,275)				(318,480)
Acquisition expenses	(31,110)				(27,612)				(88,963)				(97,003)
General and administrative expenses	(7,346)				(7,027)				(22,326)				(24,018)
Interest expense	(2,912)				(2,841)				(8,735)				(2,841)
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)	(2,926)				167				4,752				(711)
Total expenses	(160,107)				(133,527)				(446,547)				(443,053)
Income (loss) before income taxes	79,223				6,924				2,150				78,216
Income tax expense	(69)				—				333				(20)
Net income (loss) before preference dividends and redemption costs	79,154				6,924				2,483				78,196
Preference dividends	(1,061)				(2,608)				(3,341)				(12,423)
Accelerated amortization of costs related to the redemption of preference shares	—				(4,164)				—				(4,164)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	78,093			$	152			$	(858)			$	61,609
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income tax:
Available-for-sale investments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	$	6,631			$	3,785			$	9,440			$	14,398
Unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) arising during the period	5,729				(3,676)				(1,691)				(4,224)
Credit loss recognized in net income (loss)	59				—				410				—
Reclassification of net realized (gains) losses, net of income taxes, included in net income (loss)	368				(1,254)				(10,368)				(3,465)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) of available for sale investments	12,787				(1,145)				(2,209)				6,709
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(411)				286				(223)				333
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income tax	12,376				(859)				(2,432)				7,042
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	90,469			$	(707)			$	(3,290)			$	68,651
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	3.93			$	0.01			$	(0.04)			$	2.71
Diluted	$	3.92			$	0.01			$	(0.04)			$	2.71
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the determination of earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	19,890,784				22,765,802				19,901,921				22,729,848
Diluted	19,904,051				22,776,204				19,901,921				22,734,464

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020				2019				2020				2019
Numerator:	($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Net income (loss) before preference dividends and redemption costs	$	79,154			$	6,924			$	2,483			$	78,196
Preference dividends	(1,061)				(2,608)				(3,341)				(12,423)
Accelerated amortization of costs related to the redemption of preference shares	—				(4,164)				—				(4,164)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	78,093			$	152			$	(858)			$	61,609
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	19,890,784				22,765,802				19,901,921				22,729,848
Effect of dilutive common share equivalents:
Weighted average non-vested restricted share units (1)	13,267				10,402				—				4,616
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	19,904,051				22,776,204				19,901,921				22,734,464
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	3.93			$	0.01			$	(0.04)			$	2.71
Diluted	$	3.92			$	0.01			$	(0.04)			$	2.71

(1) The weighted average non-vested restricted share units are excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, due to a net loss reported.

	September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020 (1)				March 31, 2020 (2)				December 31, 2019				September 30, 2019
Numerator:	($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Total shareholders’ equity	$	866,899			$	776,151			$	564,054			$	872,353			$	960,773
Denominator:
Common shares outstanding - basic (1)(2)	19,890,784				19,890,784				19,863,328				19,976,397				22,765,802
Effect of dilutive common share equivalents:
Non-vested restricted share units (2)	103,820				103,820				131,277				82,360				82,360
Common shares outstanding - diluted	19,994,604				19,994,604				19,994,605				20,058,757				22,848,162
Book value per common share	$43.58				$39.02				$28.40				$43.67				$42.20
Book value per diluted common share	$43.36				$38.82				$28.21				$43.49				$42.05

(1) During the second quarter of 2020, the Company issued 100,958 common shares, related to the restricted share units granted to certain employees and directors in the second quarter of 2019. Of these shares, 27,456 common shares vested in the second quarter of 2020.

(2) During the first quarter of 2020, the Company granted 63,591 restricted share units and common shares to certain employees and directors, 48,916 of which are non-vested as of September 30, 2020.

Comments on Regulation G

Throughout this release, the Company presents its operations in the way it believes will be the most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use the Company’s financial information in evaluating the performance of the Company 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-U.S. GAAP financial measures in assessing the Company’s overall financial performance.

This presentation includes the use of “underwriting income (loss)” (which is defined as net premiums earned less loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses), “adjusted underwriting income (loss)” (which is defined as underwriting income (loss) plus other underwriting income (loss) less certain corporate expenses), and “adjusted combined ratio” (which is calculated by dividing the sum of loss and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses and general and administrative expenses, less certain corporate expenses, by the sum of net premiums earned and other underwriting income (loss)). Certain corporate expenses are generally comprised of certain non-recurring costs associated with the ongoing operations of the holding company, such as compensation of certain executives and costs associated with the initial setup of subsidiaries.

The presentation of underwriting income (loss), adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measures to net income (loss) available to common shareholders (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure) in accordance with Regulation G is included on the following pages of this release.

Underwriting income (loss) is useful in evaluating our underwriting performance, without regard to other underwriting income (losses), net investment income (losses), net foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, income tax expenses and preference dividends, and adjusted underwriting income (loss) is useful in evaluating our underwriting performance, without regard to net investment income (losses), net foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, income tax expenses, preference dividends and certain corporate expenses, and the adjusted combined ratio is a key indicator of our profitability, without regard to certain corporate expenses. The Company believes that preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss), other underwriting income (loss) and certain corporate expenses in any particular period are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, the Company’s underwriting performance. Although preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss) and other underwriting income (loss) are an integral part of the Company’s operations, the decision to realize investment gains or losses, the recognition of the change in the carrying value of investments accounted for using the fair value option in net realized gains or losses, and the recognition of foreign exchange gains or losses are independent of the underwriting process and result, in large part, from general economic and financial market conditions. Furthermore, certain users of the Company’s financial information believe that, for many companies, the timing of the realization of investment gains or losses is largely opportunistic. The Company believes that certain corporate expenses, due to their non-recurring nature, are not indicative of the performance of, or trends in, the Company’s business performance. Due to these reasons, the Company excludes preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss), other underwriting income (loss) from the calculation of underwriting income (loss), and excludes preference dividends, income tax expense, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest expense, net investment income (loss) and certain corporate expenses from the calculation of adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio.

The Company believes that showing underwriting income (loss), adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio exclusive of the items referred to above reflects the underlying fundamentals of the Company’s business since the Company evaluates the performance of its business using underwriting income (loss), adjusted underwriting income (loss) and the adjusted combined ratio. The Company believes that this presentation enables investors and other users of the Company’s financial information to analyze the Company’s performance in a manner similar to how the Company’s management analyzes performance. The Company also believes that this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, allows the users of the Company’s financial information to compare the Company’s performance with its industry peer group. The Company believes that the equity analysts and certain rating agencies, which follow the Company and the insurance industry as a whole generally exclude these items from their analysis for the same reasons.

This presentation also includes the non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio components of our investment returns: “net interest income yield on average net assets” (calculated as net interest income divided by average net assets), “net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income)” (calculated as net investment income divided by average total investments), and “net investment income return on average net assets” (calculated as net investment income divided by average net assets). Net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payables for securities sold short. For the three- and nine-month periods, average net assets is calculated using the averages of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of the revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net interest income, net investment income (loss) or the net assets calculation.

The presentation of the separate components of our investment returns (non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio) are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G. The reconciliation of such measures to net interest income and net investment income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, in accordance with Regulation G is included on the following pages of this release.

The non-investment grade portfolio and investment grade portfolio components of our investment returns (net interest income yield on average net assets, net investment income return on average net assets and on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income), respectively) are useful in evaluating our investment performance. The non-investment grade portfolio components of these investment returns reflect the performance of our investment strategy under HPS Investment Partners, LLC (“HPS”), which includes the use of leverage. The investment grade portfolio component of these returns reflects the performance of the investment portfolios that predominantly support our underwriting collateral.

The following tables present a reconciliation of underwriting income (loss) to net income (loss) available to common shareholders, and a reconciliation of adjusted underwriting income (loss) to underwriting income (loss):

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020				2019				2020				2019
	($ in thousands)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	78,093			$	152			$	(858)			$	61,609
Preference dividends	1,061				2,608				3,341				12,423
Accelerated amortization of costs related to the redemption of preference shares	—				4,164				—				4,164
Net income (loss) before preference dividends and redemption costs	79,154				6,924				2,483				78,196
Income tax expense	69				—				(333)				20
Interest expense	2,912				2,841				8,735				2,841
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses	2,926				(167)				(4,752)				711
Net investment (income) loss	(92,753)				(14,040)				(29,545)				(96,181)
Other underwriting (income) loss	(546)				(579)				(1,547)				(1,844)
Underwriting income (loss)	(8,238)				(5,021)				(24,959)				(16,257)
Certain corporate expenses	2,592				2,172				9,031				8,930
Other underwriting income (loss)	546				579				1,547				1,844
Adjusted underwriting income (loss)	$	(5,100)			$	(2,270)			$	(14,381)			$	(5,483)

The adjusted combined ratio reconciles to the combined ratio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2020												2019
	Amount				Adjustment				As Adjusted				Amount				Adjustment				As Adjusted
	($ in thousands)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	115,813			$	—			$	115,813			$	96,214			$	—			$	96,214
Acquisition expenses	31,110				—				31,110				27,612				—				27,612
General & administrative expenses (1)	7,346				(2,592)				4,754				7,027				(2,172)				4,855
Net premiums earned (1)	146,031				546				146,577				125,832				579				126,411
Loss ratio	79.3		%										76.5		%
Acquisition expense ratio	21.3		%										21.9		%
General & administrative expense ratio	5.0		%										5.6		%
Combined ratio	105.6		%										104.0		%
Adjusted loss ratio									79.0		%										76.1		%
Adjusted acquisition expense ratio									21.2		%										21.8		%
Adjusted general & administrative expense ratio									3.3		%										3.9		%
Adjusted combined ratio									103.5		%										101.8		%

(1) Adjustments include certain corporate expenses, which are deducted from general and administrative expenses, and other underwriting income (loss), which is added to net premiums earned.

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020												2019
	Amount				Adjustment				As Adjusted				Amount				Adjustment				As Adjusted
	($ in thousands)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	331,275			$	—			$	331,275			$	318,480			$	—			$	318,480
Acquisition expenses	88,963				—				88,963				97,003				—				97,003
General & administrative expenses (1)	22,326				(9,031)				13,295				24,018				(8,930)				15,088
Net premiums earned (1)	417,605				1,547				419,152				423,244				1,844				425,088
Loss ratio	79.3		%										75.2		%
Acquisition expense ratio	21.3		%										22.9		%
General & administrative expense ratio	5.4		%										5.7		%
Combined ratio	106.0		%										103.8		%
Adjusted loss ratio									79.0		%										74.9		%
Adjusted acquisition expense ratio									21.2		%										22.8		%
Adjusted general & administrative expense ratio									3.2		%										3.6		%
Adjusted combined ratio									103.4		%										101.3		%

(1) Adjustments include certain corporate expenses, which are deducted from general and administrative expenses, and other underwriting income (loss), which is added to net premiums earned.

The following tables summarize the components of our total investment return for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2020																Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Non-Investment Grade				Investment Grade				Cost of U/W Collateral (4)				Total				Non-Investment Grade				Investment Grade				Cost of U/W Collateral (4)				Total
	($ in thousands)
Interest income	$	31,473			$	3,080			$	—			$	34,553			$	35,014			$	6,362			$	—			$	41,376
Investment management fees - related parties	(4,024)				(356)				—				(4,380)				(4,204)				(402)				—				(4,606)
Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses	(2,678)				(270)				(709)				(3,657)				(3,573)				(225)				(3,436)				(7,234)
Net interest income	24,771				2,454				(709)				26,516				27,237				5,735				(3,436)				29,536
Net realized gains (losses) on investments	14,131				(706)				—				13,425				(750)				1,395				—				645
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments (1)	54,574				(4)				—				54,570				(15,668)				377				—				(15,291)
Investment performance fees - related parties	(1,758)				—				—				(1,758)				(850)				—				—				(850)
Net investment income (loss)	$	91,718			$	1,744			$	(709)			$	92,753			$	9,969			$	7,507			$	(3,436)			$	14,040
Average total investments (2)	$	1,868,180			$	771,316			$	—			$	2,639,496			$	1,854,911			$	915,081			$	—			$	2,769,992
Average net assets (3)	$	1,463,905			$	775,848			$	(94,250)			$	2,145,503			$	1,586,134			$	915,632			$	(328,751)			$	2,173,015
Net interest income yield on average net assets (3)	1.7		%		0.3		%						1.2		%		1.7		%		0.6		%						1.4		%
Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) (2)	4.9		%		0.2		%						3.5		%		0.5		%		0.8		%						0.5		%
Net investment income return on average net assets (3)	6.3		%		0.2		%		(0.8)		%		4.3		%		0.6		%		0.8		%		(1.0)		%		0.6		%

(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments excludes unrealized gains and losses from the available for sale portfolios, which are recorded in other comprehensive income.

(2) Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) is calculated by dividing net investment income by average total investments. For the three-month period, average total investments is calculated using the average of the beginning and ending balance of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net investment income.

(3) Net interest income yield on average net assets and net investment income return on average net assets are calculated by dividing net interest income, and net investment income (loss), respectively, by average net assets. For the non-investment grade component of investment returns and total investment returns, net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less total revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payable for securities sold short. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of the revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net interest income, net investment income (loss), or the net assets calculation.

(4) The cost of underwriting collateral is calculated as the revolving credit agreement expenses for the investment grade portfolios divided by the average total revolving credit agreement borrowings for the investment grade portfolios during the period.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020																Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Non-Investment Grade				Investment Grade				Cost of U/W Collateral (4)				Total				Non-Investment Grade				Investment Grade				Cost of U/W Collateral (4)				Total
	($ in thousands)
Interest income	$	96,647			$	12,183			$	—			$	108,830			$	104,845			$	18,268			$	—			$	123,113
Investment management fees - related parties	(11,940)				(1,054)				—				(12,994)				(12,446)				(1,139)				—				(13,585)
Borrowing and miscellaneous other investment expenses	(8,010)				(707)				(5,372)				(14,089)				(12,240)				(667)				(10,236)				(23,143)
Net interest income	76,697				10,422				(5,372)				81,747				80,159				16,462				(10,236)				86,385
Net realized gains (losses) on investments	(8,006)				10,384				—				2,378				392				2,324				—				2,716
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments (1)	(52,869)				47				—				(52,822)				7,446				7,976				—				15,422
Investment performance fees - related parties	(1,758)				—				—				(1,758)				(8,342)				—				—				(8,342)
Net investment income (loss)	$	14,064			$	20,853			$	(5,372)			$	29,545			$	79,655			$	26,762			$	(10,236)			$	96,181
Average total investments (2)	$1,813,645				$795,203				$	—			$2,608,848				$1,874,014				$910,784				$	—			$2,784,798
Average net assets (3)	$1,480,543				$800,695				$(223,083)				$2,058,155				$1,546,871				$909,169				$(324,452)				$2,131,588
Net interest income yield on average net assets (3)	5.2		%		1.3		%						4.0		%		5.2		%		1.8		%						4.1		%
Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) (2)	0.8		%		2.6		%						1.1		%		4.3		%		2.9		%						3.5		%
Net investment income return on average net assets (3)	0.9		%		2.6		%		(2.4)		%		1.4		%		5.1		%		2.9		%		(3.2)		%		4.5		%

(1) Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments excludes unrealized gains and losses from the available for sale portfolios, which are recorded in other comprehensive income.

(2) Net investment income return on average total investments (excluding accrued investment income) is calculated by dividing net investment income by average total investments. For the nine-month period, average total investments is calculated using the average of the beginning and ending balance of each quarterly period. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net investment income.

(3) Net interest income yield on average net assets and net investment income return on average net assets are calculated by dividing net interest income, and net investment income (loss), respectively, by average net assets. For the non-investment grade component of investment returns and total investment returns, net assets is calculated as the sum of total investments, accrued investment income and receivables for securities sold, less total revolving credit agreement borrowings, payable for securities purchased and payable for securities sold short. However, for the investment grade portfolio component of these returns, the impact of the revolving credit agreement borrowings is not subtracted from net interest income, net investment income (loss), or the net assets calculation.

(4) The cost of underwriting collateral is calculated as the revolving credit agreement expenses for the investment grade portfolios divided by the average total revolving credit agreement borrowings for the investment grade portfolios during the period.

	As of September 30, 2020																As of September 30, 2019
	Non-Investment Grade				Investment Grade				Borrowings for U/W Collateral				Total				Non-Investment Grade				Investment Grade				Borrowings for U/W Collateral				Total
	($ in thousands)
Average total investments - QTD	$	1,868,180			$	771,316			$	—			$	2,639,496			$	1,854,911			$	915,081			$	—			$	2,769,992
Average total investments - YTD	1,813,645				795,203				—				2,608,848				1,874,014				910,784				—				2,784,798
Average net assets - QTD	1,463,905				775,848				(94,250)				2,145,503				1,586,134				915,632				(328,751)				2,173,015
Average net assets - YTD	1,480,543				800,695				(223,083)				2,058,155				1,546,871				909,169				(324,452)				2,131,588
Total investments	$	1,889,956			$	749,690			$	—			$	2,639,646			$	1,876,346			$	893,532			$	—			$	2,769,878
Accrued investment income	13,745				2,489				—				16,234				13,805				4,472				—				18,277
Receivable for securities sold	1,681				49				—				1,730				25,274				9				—				25,283
Less: Payable for securities purchased	67,602				—				—				67,602				36,870				3,716				—				40,586
Less: Payable for securities sold short	24,909				—				—				24,909				65,736				—				—				65,736
Less: Revolving credit agreement borrowings	365,445				—				24,750				390,195				190,447				—				328,750				519,197
Net assets	$	1,447,426			$	752,228			$	(24,750)			$	2,174,904			$	1,622,372			$	894,297			$	(328,750)			$	2,187,919
Non-investment grade borrowing ratio (1)	25.2		%														11.7		%
Unrealized gains on investments	$	52,176			$	15,570			$	—			$	67,746			$	34,794			$	11,399			$	—			$	46,193
Unrealized losses on investments	(172,198)				(11,444)				—				(183,642)				(131,453)				(9,534)				—				(140,987)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$	(120,022)			$	4,126			$	—			$	(115,896)			$	(96,659)			$	1,865			$	—			$	(94,794)

(1) The non-investment grade borrowing ratio is calculated as revolving credit agreement borrowings divided by net assets.

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 release or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company may include forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, for purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” or “continue” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature or their negative or variations or similar terminology. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company’s return on equity potential and prospects for further book value growth.

Forward-looking statements involve the Company’s current assessment of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements are discussed below and elsewhere in this release and in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and include:

• our limited operating history;
• fluctuations in the results of our operations;
• our ability to compete successfully with more established competitors;
• our losses exceeding our reserves;
• downgrades, potential downgrades or other negative actions by rating agencies, including A.M. Best’s recent announcement that it has placed under review with negative implications the financial strength and credit ratings of our operating subsidiaries;
• our dependence on key executives and inability to attract qualified personnel, or the potential loss of Bermudian personnel as a result of Bermuda employment restrictions;
• our dependence on letter of credit facilities that may not be available on commercially acceptable terms;
• our potential inability to pay dividends or distributions;
• our potential need for additional capital in the future and the potential unavailability of such capital to us on favorable terms or at all;
• our dependence on clients’ evaluations of risks associated with such clients’ insurance underwriting;
• the suspension or revocation of our subsidiaries’ insurance licenses;
• Watford Holdings potentially being deemed an investment company under U.S. federal securities law;
• the potential characterization of us and/or any of our subsidiaries as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”);
• our dependence on certain subsidiaries of Arch for services critical to our underwriting operations;
• changes to our strategic relationship with Arch or the termination by Arch of any of our services agreements or quota share agreements;
• our dependence on HPS and Arch Investment Management Ltd. (“AIM”) to implement our investment strategy;
• the termination by HPS or AIM of any of our investment management agreements;
• risks associated with our investment strategy being greater than those faced by competitors;
• changes in the regulatory environment;
• our potentially becoming subject to U.S. federal income taxation;
• our potentially becoming subject to U.S. withholding and information reporting requirements under the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) provisions;
• our ability to complete acquisitions and integrate businesses successfully;
• adverse general, societal, economic and market conditions, including those caused by pandemics, including COVID-19, and government actions in response thereto;
• uncertainties regarding the proposed acquisition of the Company by Arch and the unsolicited non-binding proposal from Enstar to acquire the Company;
• legal proceedings may be initiated against the Company or its directors related to the proposed transactions with Arch or Enstar;
• the business of the Company may suffer as a result of uncertainty surrounding the proposed transactions with Arch or Enstar, and there may be challenges with employee retention as a result of the proposed transactions with Arch or Enstar;
• the proposed transactions with Arch or Enstar may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; and
• the other matters set forth under Item 1A “Risk Factors,” Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and other sections of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the other factors set forth in the Company’s other documents on file with the SEC, and management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors.

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.