Skip to main content

James River Group Holdings Ltd

For the period ended Jun 30, 2024. Filed Aug 6, 2024.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Jun 30, 2024 · Filed Aug 6, 2024

JRVR$3.77-3.1%Stored close · as of Nov 9, 2026

Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.

See the whole filing, with its images and exhibits

Item 2. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes our results:

Three Months EndedJune 30, · % · Six Months EndedJune 30,
2024 · 2023 · Change · 2024 · 2023 · % Change
($ in thousands)
Gross written premiums$412,247$423,050(2.6)%$743,057$776,504(4.3)%
Net retention44.0%48.3%43.0%48.4%
Net written premiums$181,353$204,493(11.3)%$319,525$375,718(15.0)%
Net earned premiums$163,193$173,469(5.9)%$334,884$342,379(2.2)%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses excluding retroactive reinsurance(119,155)(122,692)(2.9)%(233,206)(237,373)(1.8)%
Other operating expenses(42,819)(48,899)(12.4)%(92,319)(95,814)(3.6)%
Underwriting profit (1), (2)1,2191,878(35.1)%9,3599,1921.8%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses - retroactive reinsurance3,6842,25263.6%7,686(9,448)—
Net investment income24,93118,23436.7%47,56336,65929.7%
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments(2,305)1,615—2,2781,77528.3%
Other income and expense(905)(53)—(726)(468)55.1%
Interest expense(6,344)(5,997)5.8%(12,829)(11,580)10.8%
Amortization of intangible assets(91)(91)—(182)(182)—
Income from continuing operations before taxes20,18917,83813.2%53,14925,948104.8%
Income tax expense on continuing operations5,7115,709—%15,1638,51778.0%
Net income from continuing operations14,47812,12919.4%37,98617,431117.9%
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations(6,853)3,785—(14,958)5,489—
Net income7,62515,914(52.1)%23,02822,9200.5%
Dividends on Series A Preferred Shares(2,625)(2,625)—(5,250)(5,250)—
Net income available to common shareholders$5,000$13,289(62.4)%$17,778$17,6700.6%
Adjusted net operating income (1)$12,664$6,64790.5%$27,496$19,01644.6%
Ratios:
Loss ratio73.0%70.7%69.6%69.3%
Expense ratio26.3%28.2%27.6%28.0%
Combined ratio99.3%98.9%97.2%97.3%
Accident year loss ratio66.0%67.5%66.3%67.3%

(1)Underwriting profit and adjusted net operating income are non-GAAP measures. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures.”

(2)Included in underwriting results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 is gross fee income of $5.6 million and$10.9 million, respectively ($5.8 million and $11.5 million in the respective prior year periods).

Three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

The Company produced net income from continuing operations of $14.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $12.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Adjusted net operating income was $12.7 million compared to $6.6 million in the respective prior year period.

Underwriting profits were $1.2 million and $1.9 million (combined ratios of 99.3% and 98.9%) for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The underwriting results for the respective periods were impacted by $1.2 million and $9.4 million of reinstatement premium in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment. The reinstatement premium reduced net written and net earned premiums, and underwriting profit. The impact of the reinstatement premium was a 0.7 and 5.1 percentage point increase in our combined ratios in the respective quarters.

The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was higher than the prior year period driven by net reserve development on prior accident years (excluding adverse prior year development on the legacy Rasier business subject to the commercial auto loss portfolio transfer and the impact of retroactive reinsurance - see discussion below) which was $10.7 million or 6.5 points adverse in the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $721,000 or 0.4 points favorable in the three months ended June 30, 2023. The impact of the higher adverse development on our loss ratio was partially offset by lower reinstatement premium which represented increases of 0.5 and 3.6 percentage points in the respective quarters.

Reserve development of $10.7 million in the E&S segment was primarily related to accident years 2017-2020 for the general liability and excess casualty lines of business. The unfavorable reserve development in the E&S segment for this quarter included $9.7 million that will be subject to the combined loss portfolio transfer and adverse development cover reinsurance transaction ("E&S LPT and ADC"). The E&S LPT and ADC is effective January 1, 2024, but closed on July 2, 2024. As such, any applicable recoveries will be recognized in the third quarter of 2024.

Our expense ratio decreased from 28.2% in the prior year quarter to 26.3% in the current year quarter largely driven by lower reinstatement premium which represented increases of 1.5 and 0.2 percentage points in the respective quarters, and a lower expense ratio for our Specialty Admitted Insurance segment. The Specialty Admitted Insurance segment benefited from lower commissions due to sliding scale and other adjustments on certain programs in the current quarter, as well as lower expenses for compensation and taxes, licenses, and fees following the reductions to our workers' compensation book in the prior year including the non-renewal of a large California workers' compensation program and the sale of the renewal rights to the IRWC business which included the transfer of employees associated with the business.

Investment income grew by $6.7 million or 36.7% in the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year driven by higher yields on fixed maturities and bank loans. Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2024 includes $1.8 million of adverse mark-to-market adjustments on our equity securities and bank loan participations reflecting decreases in their fair values in the period. This compares to $3.6 million of favorable mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities and bank loan participations in the prior year period (see Investing Results below).

The Company entered into a definitive agreement on November 8, 2023 to sell JRG Re. The sale closed on April 16, 2024 and discontinued operations for both periods include the operating results of JRG Re which were a loss of $5.7 million for the period April 1, 2024 to April 16, 2024 compared to income of $3.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2023. Discontinued operations in the current quarter also includes $2.1 million of certain transaction-related expenses associated with the sale and a reduction in the estimated loss on sale which together resulted in a $1.2 million loss on disposal in the current period.

Adjusted net operating income was higher in the current year quarter primarily due to the higher investment income. Our adjusted net operating return on tangible equity was 10.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a 4.8% return for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

The Company produced net income from continuing operations of $38.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $17.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Adjusted net operating income was $27.5 million compared to $19.0 million in the respective periods.

Underwriting profits were $9.4 million and $9.2 million (combined ratios of 97.2% and 97.3%) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Underwriting results for the six month periods include $1.2 million and $12.3 million of reinstatement premium in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment. The reinstatement premium reduced net written and net earned premiums, and underwriting profit. The impact of the reinstatement premium was a 0.3 and 3.4 percentage point increase in our combined ratios in the respective six month periods.

Our loss ratios for the six month periods include net reserve development on prior accident years (excluding adverse prior year development on the legacy Rasier business subject to the commercial auto loss portfolio transfer and the impact of retroactive reinsurance - see discussion below) that was $10.3 million or 3.1 points adverse in the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $1.2 million or 0.4 points favorable in the six months ended June 30, 2023. The reinstatement premium also impacted the loss ratios reflecting increases of 0.2 and 2.4 percentage points in the respective six month periods.

Reserve development of $10.7 million in the E&S segment was primarily related to accident years 2017-2020 for the general liability and excess casualty lines of business. The unfavorable reserve development in the E&S segment included $9.7 million that will be subject to the E&S LPT and ADC.

Our expense ratio decreased from 28.0% in the prior year to 27.6% in the current year reflecting the impact of reinstatement premium in the two periods (increases of 1.0 and 0.1 points, respectively) and a lower current year expense ratio for the Specialty Admitted Insurance segment driven by lower commissions and lower expenses for compensation and taxes, licenses, and fees (see discussion in three month section above).

Investment income grew by $10.9 million or 29.7% in the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year driven by higher yields on fixed maturities and bank loans, as well as higher invested assets in our continuing operations following the commutation of an internal quota share arrangement with JRG Re in the second and third quarters of 2023. Interest expense was $1.2 million higher in the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year driven by higher interest rates on our variable rate senior and trust preferred debt. The applicable rates on our debt reset periodically and are structured as SOFR plus a margin or spread.

The Company entered into a definitive agreement on November 8, 2023 to sell JRG Re. The sale closed on April 16, 2024 and discontinued operations for both periods include the operating results of JRG Re which were a loss of $13.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to income of $5.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023. The results for discontinued operations include net adverse development of $7.1 million and $4.9 million on treaties not subject to the Casualty Re loss portfolio transfer for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Discontinued operations in the current year also includes $3.8 million of certain transaction-related expenses associated with the sale and a change in the estimate of the loss on sale which together resulted in a $1.4 million loss on disposal in the current year.

Adjusted net operating income increased over the prior year reflecting the higher investment income partially offset by higher interest expense. Declines in tangible equity of 0.1% and tangible equity per share of 2.4% were modest in the current period as positive operating results were mostly offset by unrealized losses on fixed maturities in other comprehensive loss, dividends on both common and preferred shares, and the impact of retroactive reinsurance benefits. Our 11.3% adjusted net operating return on tangible equity for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compares to an 11.9% return for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

Commercial Auto Loss Portfolio Transfer

On September 27, 2021, James River Insurance Company and James River Casualty Company (together, “James River”) entered into a loss portfolio transfer transaction (the “Commercial Auto LPT”) with Aleka Insurance, Inc. (“Aleka”), a captive insurance company affiliate of Rasier LLC, to reinsure substantially all of the Excess and Surplus Lines segment's legacy portfolio of commercial auto policies previously issued to Rasier LLC and its affiliates (collectively, “Rasier”) for which James River is not otherwise indemnified by Rasier. The reinsurance coverage is structured to be fully collateralized, is not subject to an aggregate limit, and is subject to certain exclusions.

Retroactive Reinsurance Accounting

The Company periodically reevaluates the remaining reserves subject to the Commercial Auto LPT, and when recognized adverse prior year development on the subject business causes the cumulative amounts ceded under the loss portfolio transfer to exceed the consideration paid, the loss portfolio transfer moves into a gain position subject to retroactive reinsurance accounting under GAAP. Gains are deferred under retroactive reinsurance accounting and recognized in earnings in proportion to actual paid recoveries under the loss portfolio transfer using the recovery method. While the deferral of gains can introduce volatility in our results in the short-term, over the life of the contract, we would expect no economic impact to the Company as long as the counterparty performs under the contract. The impact of retroactive reinsurance accounting is not indicative of our current and ongoing operations.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, due to adverse paid and reported loss trends on the legacy Rasier business, the Company recognized adverse prior year development of $1.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively ($12.6 million and $53.6 million in the respective prior year periods), on the net reserves subject to the Commercial Auto LPT, resulting in corresponding additional amounts ceded under the Commercial Auto LPT. As a result, the cumulative amounts ceded under the Commercial Auto LPT exceed the consideration paid, putting the Commercial Auto LPT into a gain position. The Company has applied retroactive reinsurance accounting to the loss portfolio transfer. Retroactive reinsurance benefits of $5.1 million and $9.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively ($14.8 million and $44.1 million in the respective prior year periods), were recorded in losses and loss adjustment expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss) using the recovery method. The cumulative amounts ceded under the loss portfolio transfer were $458.1 million and $456.2 million as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The deferred retroactive reinsurance gain related to the Commercial Auto LPT separately presented on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $13.0 million and $20.7 million at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Premiums

Insurance premiums are earned ratably over the terms of our insurance policies, generally twelve months. The following table summarizes the change in premium volume by component and business segment:

Three Months EndedJune 30, · % · Six Months EndedJune 30,
20242023Change20242023% Change
($ in thousands)
Gross written premiums:
Excess and Surplus Lines$292,836$286,1262.3%$506,527$515,029(1.7)%
Specialty Admitted Insurance119,411136,924(12.8)%236,530261,475(9.5)%
$412,247$423,050(2.6)%$743,057$776,504(4.3)%
Net written premiums:
Excess and Surplus Lines$161,601$175,377(7.9)%$279,026$319,877(12.8)%
Specialty Admitted Insurance19,75229,116(32.2)%40,49955,841(27.5)%
$181,353$204,493(11.3)%$319,525$375,718(15.0)%
Net earned premiums:
Excess and Surplus Lines$140,447$149,611(6.1)%$286,070$298,040(4.0)%
Specialty Admitted Insurance22,74623,858(4.7)%48,81444,33910.1%
$163,193$173,469(5.9)%$334,884$342,379(2.2)%

Gross written premiums for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment (which represents 68.2% of our consolidated gross written premiums from continuing operations in the six months ended June 30, 2024) were 2.3% higher in the three months ended June 30, 2024 with growth in our casualty underwriting divisions of 5.3% compared to the prior year quarter, and led by General Casualty at 14.6%. Amid moderating rate increases and increased competition, we are remaining selective in our Excess Property portfolio, resulting in a gross written premium decline of 27.9% in that line of business. Year-to-date, gross written premiums for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment declined 1.7% primarily reflecting the non-renewal of a few larger accounts in the first quarter that did not meet our underwriting appetite. Submission growth for Core E&S lines (excluding commercial auto) increased 6.4% over the prior year, but the number of bound policies declined 5.1% and average premium size decreased 13.4%. Renewal rates for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment were up 9.1% and 9.7% compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The change in gross written premiums was notable in several divisions as shown below:

Three Months EndedJune 30, · % · Six Months EndedJune 30, · %
20242023Change20242023Change
($ in thousands)
Excess Casualty$96,462$92,9123.8%$166,292$174,306(4.6)%
General Casualty69,50660,66814.6%113,25898,27815.2%
Manufacturers & Contractors46,44546,873(0.9)%84,34989,055(5.3)%
Excess Property18,42625,560(27.9)%31,99542,088(24.0)%
All other Core E&S divisions54,66553,0363.1%98,50097,7100.8%
Total Core E&S divisions285,504279,0492.3%494,394501,437(1.4)%
Commercial Auto$7,332$7,0773.6%12,13313,592(10.7)%
Excess and Surplus Lines gross written premium$292,836$286,1262.3%$506,527$515,029(1.7)%

The components of gross written premiums for the Specialty Admitted Insurance segment (which represents 31.8% of our consolidated gross written premiums for the six months ended June 30, 2024) are as follows:

Three Months EndedJune 30, · % · Six Months EndedJune 30, · %
20242023Change20242023Change
($ in thousands)
Fronting and program premium$118,074$125,524(5.9)%233,230237,107(1.6)%
Individual risk workers’ compensation premium1,33711,400(88.3)%$3,300$24,368(86.5)%
Specialty Admitted gross written premium$119,411$136,924(12.8)%$236,530$261,475(9.5)%

Our fronting written premium decreased from the prior year driven by the non-renewal of a large California workers' compensation program in the prior year. Excluding the non-renewed program, our fronting written premium grew by 12.3% and 17.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. Our largest fronting relationship represented $53.8 million and $100.5 million (45.1% and 42.5%) of segment gross written premium for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $46.2 million and $80.6 million (33.7% and 30.8%) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. Individual risk workers' compensation premium declined due to the sale of the renewal rights to that business in the prior year third quarter.

Net Retention

Our net premium retention is summarized by segment as follows:

Three Months EndedJune 30,Six Months EndedJune 30,
2024202320242023
Excess and Surplus Lines55.2%61.3%55.1%62.1%
Specialty Admitted Insurance16.5%21.3%17.1%21.4%
Total44.0%48.3%43.0%48.4%

Lower net premium retention for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment was primarily driven by the renewal of a quota share treaty, effective July 1, 2023, that increased premium cessions across all underwriting divisions other than Excess Casualty and resulted in lower retentions for the segment.

The net premium retention for the Specialty Admitted Insurance segment decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 as fronting business, where we retain a much smaller percentage, represents a greater portion of the book following the sale of the renewal rights to the individual risk workers' compensation business in the prior year third quarter. The net retention on the fronting business was 16.0% and 16.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 16.5% and 16.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. Net retention on the individual risk workers' compensation business was 64.7% and 71.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to 73.9% and 73.6% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

Segment Results

The following table presents our combined ratios by segment:

Three Months EndedJune 30,Six Months EndedJune 30,
2024202320242023
Excess and Surplus Lines95.4%93.3%91.3%90.9%
Specialty Admitted Insurance85.0%98.4%91.4%100.2%
Total99.3%98.9%97.2%97.3%

Excess and Surplus Lines Segment

Results for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment are as follows:

Three Months EndedJune 30, · % · Six Months EndedJune 30, · %
2024 · 2023 · Change · 2024 · 2023 · Change
($ in thousands)
Gross written premiums$292,836$286,1262.3%$506,527$515,029(1.7)%
Net written premiums$161,601$175,377(7.9)%$279,026$319,877(12.8)%
Net earned premiums$140,447$149,611(6.1)%$286,070$298,040(4.0)%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses excluding retroactive reinsurance(101,533)(105,098)(3.4)%(195,138)(204,287)(4.5)%
Underwriting expenses(32,487)(34,471)(5.8)%(66,014)(66,646)(0.9)%
Underwriting profit (1)$6,427$10,042(36.0)%$24,918$27,107(8.1)%
Ratios:
Loss ratio72.3%70.2%68.2%68.5%
Expense ratio23.1%23.1%23.1%22.4%
Combined ratio95.4%93.3%91.3%90.9%
Accident year loss ratio64.2%66.0%64.2%65.9%

(1)Underwriting Profit is a non-GAAP Measure. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures.”

The Excess and Surplus Lines segment produced underwriting profits of $6.4 million and $10.0 million (combined ratios of 95.4% and 93.3%) in the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The underwriting results for the respective periods were impacted by $1.2 million and $9.4 million of reinstatement premium which reduced net written and net earned premiums, and underwriting profit. The impact of the reinstatement premium was a 0.8 and 5.5 percentage point increase in our combined ratios in the respective quarters.

The loss ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was higher than the prior year period driven by net reserve development on prior accident years (excluding adverse prior year development on the legacy Rasier business subject to the commercial auto loss portfolio transfer and the impact of retroactive reinsurance - see discussion above) which was $10.7 million or 7.6 percentage points adverse in the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $118,000 or 0.1 percentage points adverse in the three months ended June 30, 2023. The impact of the higher adverse development on our loss ratio was partially offset by lower reinstatement premium which represented increases of 0.6 and 4.1 percentage points in the respective quarters.

The unfavorable reserve development in the E&S segment for the quarter included $9.7 million that is subject to the E&S LPT and ADC. The E&S LPT and ADC is effective January 1, 2024, but closed on July 2, 2024. As such, any applicable recoveries will be recognized in the third quarter of 2024.

For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, segment underwriting profit was $24.9 million and $27.1 million (combined ratios of 91.3% and 90.9%), respectively. Underwriting results for the six month periods include $1.2 million and $12.3 million of reinstatement premium which reduced net written and net earned premiums, and underwriting profit. The impact of the reinstatement premium was a 0.4 and 3.6 percentage point increase in our combined ratios in the respective six month periods.

The loss ratios for the six month periods include net reserve development on prior accident years (excluding adverse prior year development on the legacy Rasier business subject to the commercial auto loss portfolio transfer and the impact of retroactive reinsurance - see discussion above) that was $10.7 million or 3.7 percentage points adverse in the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $206,000 or 0.1 percentage points favorable in the six months ended June 30, 2023. The reinstatement premium also impacted the loss ratios reflecting increases of 0.3 and 2.7 percentage points in the respective six month periods.

The six-month expense ratio increased from 22.4% in the prior year to 23.1% in the current year reflecting the impact of reinstatement premium in the two periods (increases of 0.9 and 0.1 points, respectively) and a higher current year expense ratio mainly due to higher compensation costs.

Specialty Admitted Insurance Segment

Results for the Specialty Admitted Insurance segment are as follows:

Three Months EndedJune 30, · % · Six Months EndedJune 30, · %
2024 · 2023 · Change · 2024 · 2023 · Change
($ in thousands)
Gross written premiums$119,411$136,924(12.8)%$236,530$261,475(9.5)%
Net written premiums$19,752$29,116(32.2)%$40,499$55,841(27.5)%
Net earned premiums$22,746$23,858(4.7)%$48,814$44,33910.1%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses(17,622)(17,594)0.2%(38,068)(33,086)15.1%
Underwriting expenses(1,708)(5,880)(71.0)%(6,544)(11,338)(42.3)%
Underwriting profit (loss) (1), (2)$3,416$384789.6%$4,202$(85)—
Ratios:
Loss ratio77.5%73.7%78.0%74.6%
Expense ratio7.5%24.7%13.4%25.6%
Combined ratio85.0%98.4%91.4%100.2%
Accident year loss ratio77.5%77.3%78.9%76.9%

(1)Underwriting Profit (Loss) is a non-GAAP Measure. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures.”

(2)Underwriting results include gross fee income of $5.6 million and$10.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively ($5.8 million and $11.5 million in the respective prior year periods).

The Specialty Admitted Insurance segment produced underwriting profits of $3.4 million and $384,000 (combined ratios of 85.0% and 98.4%) in the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the segment produced an underwriting profit of $4.2 million and combined ratio of 91.4% compared to an underwriting loss of $85,000 and combined ratio of 100.2% in the six months ended June 30, 2023. Net favorable development in our loss estimates for prior accident years was $4,000 and $442,000 (0.0 and 0.9 points) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $839,000 and $1.0 million (3.5 and 2.3 points) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The segment expense ratio for the current quarter and year to date benefited from lower commissions driven by sliding scale and other adjustments on certain programs in the current quarter, as well as lower expenses for compensation and taxes, licenses, and fees following the reductions to our workers' compensation book in the prior year including the non-renewal of a large California workers' compensation program and the sale of the renewal rights to the individual risk workers' compensation business which included the transfer of employees associated with the business. The year to date ratio also benefited from the 10.1% higher net earned premiums.

Corporate and Other Segment

Other operating expenses for the Corporate and Other segment include personnel costs associated with the Bermuda and U.S. holding companies, professional fees, share based compensation for the full Company, and various other corporate expenses that were not reimbursed by our subsidiaries, including costs associated with rating agencies and strategic initiatives. The expenses are included in our calculation of consolidated underwriting profit, and in our consolidated expense ratio and combined ratio. Total operating expenses of the Corporate and Other segment were $8.6 million and $19.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively ($8.5 million and $17.8 million in the respective prior year periods). The higher year to date expense is related to higher expenses for employee compensation, corporate insurance, and outside professional services.

Investing Results

Net investment income was $24.9 million and $47.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $18.2 million and $36.7 million in the respective prior year periods. The Company's private investments generated gains of $1.9 million and $1.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to gains of $232,000 and $1.8 million in the corresponding prior year periods. Excluding private investments, our net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased 27.9% and 31.5% over the prior year periods, respectively, principally due to higher yields on fixed maturities and bank loan participations. The average duration of our portfolio excluding restricted cash equivalents was 2.8 years at June 30, 2024.

Major categories of the Company’s net investment income are summarized as follows:

Three Months EndedJune 30,Six Months EndedJune 30,
2024202320242023
($ in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities$12,628$12,317$25,493$24,067
Bank loan participations4,6241,9869,0803,519
Equity securities1,6321,6583,5463,222
Other invested assets1,9092321,7641,823
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash equivalents and short-term investments5,0642,7229,5045,347
Gross investment income25,85718,91549,38737,978
Investment expense(926)(681)(1,824)(1,319)
Net investment income$24,931$18,234$47,563$36,659

The following table summarizes our annualized gross investment yields:

Three Months EndedJune 30,Six Months EndedJune 30,
2024202320242023
Cash and invested assets4.8%4.1%4.7%4.2%
Fixed maturity securities5.0%4.1%5.0%4.1%

Of our total cash and invested assets of $2,162.7 million at June 30, 2024 (excluding restricted cash equivalents), $672.5 million represents the cash and cash equivalents portion of the portfolio. The majority of the portfolio, or $1,114.5 million, is comprised of fixed maturity securities that are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses on these securities reported, net of applicable taxes, as a separate component of accumulated comprehensive income (loss). Also included in our investments are $165.3 million of bank loan participations, $128.6 million of equity securities, $46.0 million of short-term investments, and $35.8 million of other invested assets.

Bank loan participations generally provide a higher yield than our portfolio of fixed maturity securities and are primarily senior, secured floating-rate debt rated “BB”, “B”, or “CCC” by Standard & Poor’s or an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating organization, and are therefore below investment grade. Bank loans include assignments of and participations in performing and non-performing senior corporate debt generally acquired through primary bank syndications and in secondary markets. They consist of, but are not limited to, term loans, the funded and unfunded portions of revolving credit facilities, and similar loans and investments. Bank loan participations are measured at fair value pursuant to the Company's election of the fair value option, and changes in unrealized gains and losses in bank loan participations are reported in our income statement as net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair market value of these securities was $165.3 million and $156.2 million, respectively.

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recognized net realized and unrealized investment gains of $2.3 million ($2.3 million of net realized and unrealized investment losses for the three months ended June 30, 2024), including $394,000 of net unrealized losses on bank loan participations, $3.1 million of net unrealized gains for the change in the fair value of equity securities, $730,000 of net realized investment losses on the sale of bank loan participations, $1.4 million of net realized investment gains on the sale of equity securities, $902,000 of net realized investment losses on the sale of fixed maturity securities, and a $207,000 impairment for one fixed maturity security. In the three months ended June 30, 2024, $591,000 of net realized losses were recognized on sales of fixed maturities primarily to fund the premium due under the LPT-ADC Agreement.

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company recognized net realized and unrealized investment gains of $1.8 million ($1.6 million of net realized and unrealized investment gains for the three months ended June 30, 2023), including $4.7 million of net unrealized gains on bank loan participations, $912,000 of net unrealized losses for the change in the fair value of equity securities, $27,000 of net realized investment losses on the sale of fixed maturity securities, $2.7 million of net realized investment losses on the sale of bank loan participations, and $664,000 of net realized investment gains on the sale of equity securities.

In conjunction with its outside investment managers, the Company performs quarterly reviews of all securities within its investment portfolio to determine whether any impairment has occurred. As a result of this review, management concluded that there were no credit-related impairments of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, or June 30, 2023. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, management recognized an impairment loss of $207,000 for one fixed maturity security due to the Company’s inability to hold the security until a recovery in its value to the amortized cost basis. For the remainder of securities in an unrealized loss position, management does not intend to sell the securities, andit is not “more likely than not” that the Company will be required to sell these securities before a recovery in their value to their amortized cost basis occurs. At June 30, 2024, 100.0% of the Company’s fixed maturity security portfolio was rated “BBB-” or better (“investment grade”) by Standard & Poor’s or received an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized rating agency.

The amortized cost and fair value of our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities were as follows:

June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
Cost orAmortizedCostFairValue% ofTotalFair ValueCost orAmortizedCostFairValue% ofTotalFair Value
($ in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
State and municipal$229,975$202,92518.2%$273,462$248,83718.8%
Residential mortgage-backed310,235285,28325.6%336,064317,92824.0%
Corporate435,227405,31636.4%530,408505,72838.2%
Commercial mortgage and asset-backed209,115198,30417.8%235,302222,85316.8%
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations guaranteed by the U.S. government23,40822,6472.0%29,90029,1302.2%
Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale$1,207,960$1,114,475100.0%$1,405,136$1,324,476100.0%

’

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s portfolio of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by rating as of June 30, 2024:

Standard & Poor’s or Equivalent DesignationFair Value% of Total
($ in thousands)
AAA$242,49221.8%
AA467,70142.0%
A286,07325.7%
BBB118,20910.5%
Total$1,114,475100.0%

The amortized cost and fair value of our available-for-sale investments in fixed maturity securities summarized by contractual maturity are as follows:

June 30, 2024
AmortizedCostFairValue% ofTotal Value
($ in thousands)
Due in:
One year or less$19,661$19,4341.7%
After one year through five years308,786299,26826.9%
After five years through ten years230,535204,92918.4%
After ten years129,628107,2579.6%
Residential mortgage-backed310,235285,28325.6%
Commercial mortgage and asset-backed209,115198,30417.8%
Total$1,207,960$1,114,475100.0%

Other Income and Expense

Other income and expense items netted to expense of $905,000 and $726,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. Non-operating expenses were $2.1 million and $2.8 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, primarily consisting of legal and other professional fees and other expenses related to various strategic initiatives and litigation that the Company is involved in. The non-operating expenses were partially offset by $992,000 and $1.7 million of broker incentive rebates in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment, as well as other miscellaneous income in the respective periods. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, other income and expense items netted to expense of $53,000 and $468,000, respectively. Non-operating expenses of $223,000 and $826,000 in the respective periods were partially offset by other miscellaneous income.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $6.3 million and $12.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively ($6.0 million and $11.6 million in the respective prior year periods). The increase over the prior year reflects the impact of rising interest rates on our variable rate senior and trust preferred debt. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and Uses of Funds” for more information regarding our senior bank debt facilities and trust preferred securities.

Amortization of Intangibles and Impairment of Intangible Assets

The Company recorded $91,000 of amortization of intangible assets in each of the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 ($182,000 in each of the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023).

Income Tax Expense

Our effective tax rate fluctuates from period to period based on the relative mix of income from continuing operations reported by country and the respective tax rates imposed by each tax jurisdiction. Statutory tax rates are 0% and 21% for Bermuda and the U.S. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was 28.3% and 28.5%, respectively (32.0% and 32.8% in the respective prior year periods). The Company does not receive a U.S. tax deduction for losses in our Bermuda entities. Bermuda had losses in both periods primarily due to Bermuda holding company expenses and interest expense. For U.S.-sourced income, the Company’s U.S. federal income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to income before taxes due primarily to interest income on tax-advantaged state and municipal securities, dividends received income, and excess tax benefits and expenses on share based compensation.

Reserves

An indicator of reserve strength that we monitor closely is the percentage of our gross and net loss reserves that are comprised of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves.

The Company’s gross reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at June 30, 2024 was $2,720.2 million. Of this amount, 68.5% relates to amounts that are IBNR. This amount was 66.9% at December 31, 2023. The Company’s gross reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses by segment are summarized as follows:

Gross Reserves at June 30, 2024
CaseIBNRTotal
($ in thousands)
Excess and Surplus Lines$471,294$1,398,634$1,869,928
Specialty Admitted Insurance385,363464,907850,270
Total$856,657$1,863,541$2,720,198

At June 30, 2024, the amount of net reserves (prior to the $744,000 allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables) of $1,301.7 million that related to IBNR was 70.2%. This amount was 72.0% at December 31, 2023. The Company’s net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses by segment are summarized as follows:

Net Reserves at June 30, 2024
CaseIBNRTotal
($ in thousands)
Excess and Surplus Lines$321,717$838,640$1,160,357
Specialty Admitted Insurance65,85675,450141,306
Total$387,573$914,090$1,301,663

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Sources and Uses of Funds

Our sources of funds consist primarily of premiums written, investment income, reinsurance recoveries, proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments, borrowings on our credit facilities, and the issuance of common and 7% Series A Perpetual Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares, par value $0.00125 per share (the “Series A Preferred Shares”). We use operating cash flows primarily to pay operating expenses, losses and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance premiums, and income taxes. Cash flow from operations may differ substantially from net income. The potential for a large claim under an insurance or reinsurance contract means that substantial and unpredictable payments may need to be made within relatively short periods of time.

The following table summarizes our cash flows:

Six Months Ended June 30,
20242023
($ in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in):
Operating activities (excluding restricted cash equivalents)$59,883$40,334
Investing activities356,62827,070
Financing activities(31,488)(13,329)
Change in cash and cash equivalents385,02354,075
Change in restricted cash equivalents (operating activities)(44,486)2,287
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash equivalents$340,537$56,362

Cash provided by operating activities excluding restricted cash equivalents of $59.9 million and $40.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, was driven by the growth in our U.S. segments and the collection of premiums receivable at a quicker rate than payments of loss and loss adjustment expenses. Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations excluding restricted cash equivalents was $85.0 million and $89.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, compared to cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations of $25.1 million and $48.9 million in the respective periods. We believe the sale of JRG Re, which closed on April 16, 2024, will increase our future cash flows from operations relative to 2023. Proceeds from the sale of JRG Re will support additional growth in our U.S. continuing operations.

Cash provided by investing activities was $356.6 million and $27.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Included in the current year investing activities is $96.4 million of proceeds received from the sale of JRG Re (net of JRG Re's cash balances sold) and $198.0 million of proceeds from the sales of fixed maturities to provide funding for the premium due under the LPT-ADC Agreement. Cash and cash equivalents (excluding restricted cash equivalents) comprised 31.1% and 11.2% of total cash and invested assets at June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The higher cash at June 30, 2024 reflects the amounts raised to fund the LPT-ADC Agreement in early July 2024. Cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations was $197.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. This compares to cash used in investing activities from continuing operations of $32.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations was $63.1 million and $59.6 million in the respective periods. We believe the sale of JRG Re, which closed on April 16, 2024, will increase our future cash flows from operations relative to 2023 which will lead to higher amounts invested and more cash used in investing activities. Proceeds from the sale of JRG Re will support additional growth in our U.S. continuing operations and are expected to be invested which will increase the invested assets of our continuing operations.

Cash used in financing activities of $31.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 includes the $21.5 million repayment of an unsecured loan under the 2017 facility, $3.9 million of dividends paid to common shareholders, $5.3 million of dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Shares, and $837,000 of payroll taxes withheld and remitted on net settlement of RSUs. Cash used in financing activities of $13.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 includes $3.9 million of dividends paid to common shareholders, $7.9 million of dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Shares, and $1.5 million of payroll taxes withheld and remitted on net settlement of RSUs.

The activity in restricted cash equivalents for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 relates to a former insured, per the terms of a collateral trust. See Amounts Recoverable from an Indemnifying Party and Reinsurer on Legacy Commercial Auto Book below.

Dividends

We are organized as a Bermuda holding company with our operations conducted by our wholly-owned subsidiaries. Accordingly, our holding company may receive cash through loans from banks, issuance of equity and debt securities, corporate service fees or dividends received from our subsidiaries and/or other transactions. Our U.S. holding company may receive cash in a similar manner and also through payments from our subsidiaries pursuant to our U.S. consolidated tax allocation agreement.

The payment of dividends by our subsidiaries to us is limited by statute. In general, the laws and regulations applicable to our domestic insurance subsidiaries limit the aggregate amount of dividends or other distributions that they may declare or pay within any 12-month period without advance regulatory approval. Generally, the limitations are based on the greater of statutory net income for the preceding year or 10.0% of statutory surplus at the end of the preceding year. In addition, insurance regulators have broad powers to prevent reduction of statutory surplus to inadequate levels and could refuse to permit the payment of dividends calculated under any applicable formula. See “Item 1. Business – U.S. Insurance Regulation – State Regulation” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024 for additional information. The maximum amount of dividends available to the U.S. holding company from our U.S. insurance subsidiaries during 2024 without regulatory approval is $107.1 million.

Holders of the Series A Preferred Shares are entitled to a dividend at the initial rate of 7% of the Liquidation Preference per annum, paid in cash, in-kind in common shares or in Series A Preferred Shares, at our election. On the five-year anniversary of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Shares, and each five-year anniversary thereafter, the dividend rate will reset to a rate equal to the five-year U.S. treasury rate plus 5.2%. Dividends accrue and are payable quarterly. Cash dividends of $5.3 million were paid in the six months ended June 30, 2024 including cash dividends paid in January and April for the three month periods ended December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024. Cash dividends of $2.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 were paid on July 1, 2024. In the six months ended June 30, 2023, cash dividends of $7.9 million were paid including cash dividends paid in January, March, and June for the three month periods ended December 31, 2022, March 31, 2023, and June 30, 2023, respectively.

At June 30, 2024, the Bermuda holding company had $85.8 million of cash and cash equivalents. The U.S. holding company had $16.3 million of cash and invested assets, comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $12.7 million, equities of $3.0 million and other invested assets of $664,000, which are not subject to regulatory restrictions. Additionally, our U.K. intermediate holding company had no invested assets and cash of less than ten thousand dollars at June 30, 2024.

Credit Agreements

At June 30, 2024, the Company had a $257.5 million senior revolving credit facility (as amended or amended and restated, the “2013 Facility”). The 2013 Facility was comprised of the following at June 30, 2024:

A $212.5 million unsecured revolving facility to meet the working capital needs of the Company. All unpaid principal on the revolver is due at maturity. Interest accrues quarterly and is payable in arrears, currently at 1-month SOFR (the Company, per the terms of the credit agreement, can elect between one, three, or six month interest periods) plus a 0.1% SOFR index adjustment and a SOFR margin which is currently 1.75% and is subject to change according to terms in the credit agreement. At June 30, 2024, the Company had a drawn balance of $185.8 million outstanding on the unsecured revolver.

A $45.0 million secured revolving facility to issue letters of credit for the benefit of third-party reinsureds. At June 30, 2024, the Company had $36.0 million of letters of credit issued under the secured facility, all of which are collateralized by a back-to-back letter of credit issued by Comerica Bank on behalf of JRG Re.

On July 7, 2023, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement for the 2013 Facility which, among other things, extended the maturity date of such facility until July 7, 2026 and increased the applicable interest rate and letter of credit fees. The 2013 Facility has been amended from time to time, including on April 16, 2024 when the 2013 Facility was amended in connection with the closing of the sale of JRG Re by the Company to (i) release JRG Re as a borrower and release all collateral pledged by JRG Re thereunder, and (ii) decrease the secured revolving facility commitment from $102.5 million to $45.0 million.

The 2013 Facility contains certain financial and other covenants (including minimum net worth, maximum ratio of total adjusted debt outstanding to total capitalization, and financial strength ratings) with which the Company was in compliance at June 30, 2024.

On August 2, 2017, the Company, and its former wholly-owned subsidiary, JRG Re, together as borrowers, entered into a credit agreement (the "2017 Facility") that provided the Company with a revolving line of credit of up to $100.0 million, which may be used for loans and, until April 16, 2024, letters of credit made or issued, at the borrowers' option, on a secured or unsecured basis. Obligations under the 2017 Facility carry a variable rate of interest subject to terms in the credit agreement and will mature 30 days after notice of termination from the lender. The loans made under the revolving line of credit of the 2017 Facility may be used to finance the borrowers' general corporate purposes. Interest accrues and is payable in arrears at variable rates which are subject to change according to terms in the credit agreement. In the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company repaid $21.5 million of unsecured loans under the facility. At June 30, 2024, there were no loans outstanding and $24.7 million ofletters of credit were issued under the facility, all of which are collateralized by a back-to-back letter of credit issued by Comerica Bank on behalf of JRG Re.

The 2017 Facility has been amended from time to time since its inception in 2017, including on April 16, 2024 in connection with the closing of the sale of JRG Re by the Company to (i) release JRG Re as a borrower and release all collateral pledged by JRG Re thereunder, (ii) increase the applicable interest rates, (iii) eliminate the letter of credit portion of the facility, and (iv) to build in an automatic decrease of the facility amount by the amount of each letter of credit outstanding under the 2017 Facility as of the date of the amendment with effect from the date each such letter of credit is cancelled.

The 2017 Facility contains certain financial and other covenants (including minimum net worth, maximum ratio of total adjusted debt outstanding to total capitalization, and financial strength ratings) with which the Company was in compliance at June 30, 2024.

Senior Debt and Trust Preferred Securities

On May 26, 2004, we issued $15.0 million of senior debt due April 29, 2034. The senior debt is not redeemable by the holder or subject to sinking fund requirements. Interest accrues quarterly and is payable in arrears at a floating rate per annum equal to the 3-month SOFR plus 4.11%. This senior debt is redeemable at par prior to its stated maturity at our option in whole or in part. The terms of the senior debt contain certain covenants, with which we are in compliance at June 30, 2024, and which, among other things, restrict our ability to assume senior indebtedness secured by our U.S. holding company’s common stock or its subsidiaries’ capital stock or to issue shares of its subsidiaries’ capital stock.

From May 2004 through January 2008, we sold trust preferred securities through five Delaware statutory trusts sponsored and wholly-owned by the Company or its subsidiaries. Each trust used the net proceeds from the sale of its trust preferred securities to purchase our floating-rate junior subordinated debt.

The following table summarizes the nature and terms of the junior subordinated debt and trust preferred securities outstanding at June 30, 2024 (including the Company’s repurchases of a portion of these trust preferred securities):

James RiverCapitalTrust IJames RiverCapitalTrust IIJames RiverCapitalTrust IIIJames RiverCapitalTrust IVFranklinHoldings II(Bermuda)CapitalTrust I
($ in thousands)
Issue dateMay 26, 2004December 15, 2004June 15, 2006December 11, 2007January 10, 2008
Principal amount of trust preferred securities$7,000$15,000$20,000$54,000$30,000
Principal amount of junior subordinated debt$7,217$15,464$20,619$55,670$30,928
Carrying amount of junior subordinated debt net of repurchases$7,217$15,464$20,619$44,827$15,928
Maturity date of junior subordinated debt, unless accelerated earlierMay 24, 2034December 15, 2034June 15, 2036December 15, 2037March 15, 2038
Trust common stock$217$464$619$1,670$928
Interest rate, per annumThree-MonthSOFR plus4.3%Three-MonthSOFR plus3.7%Three-MonthSOFR plus3.3%Three-MonthSOFR plus3.4%Three-MonthSOFR plus4.3%

All of the junior subordinated debt is currently redeemable at 100.0% of the unpaid principal amount at our option.

The junior subordinated debt contains certain covenants with which we are in compliance as of June 30, 2024.

At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company's leverage ratio was 23.6% and 26.0%, respectively. The leverage ratio is defined in our senior credit agreements as the ratio of adjusted consolidated debt to total capital. Adjusted consolidated debt treats trust preferred securities as equity capital up to 15% of total capital. The Series A Preferred Shares represent equity capital for purposes of the leverage ratio calculation under the credit agreements. Total capital is defined as total debt plus tangible equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income. The maximum leverage ratio permitted by the agreements is 35.0%.

Ceded Reinsurance

Our insurance segments enter into reinsurance contracts to limit our exposure to potential losses arising from large risks, to protect against the aggregation of several risks in a common loss occurrence, and to provide additional capacity for growth. Our reinsurance is contracted under excess of loss and proportional quota share reinsurance contracts. In excess of loss reinsurance, the reinsurer agrees to assume all or a portion of the ceding company’s losses in excess of a specified amount. The premiums payable to the reinsurer are negotiated by the parties based on their assessment of the amount of risk being ceded to the reinsurer because the reinsurer does not share proportionately in the ceding company’s losses. In proportional quota share reinsurance, the reinsurer agrees to assume a specified percentage of the ceding company’s losses arising out of a defined class of business in exchange for a corresponding percentage of premiums. The Company also utilizes facultative reinsurance to reduce the amount of exposure it retains on individual accounts according to its guidelines for accepting risk across various industry segments, locations and types of exposure. For the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, our net premium retention was 44.0% and 48.3%, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, our net premium retention was 43.0% and 48.4%, respectively.

The following is a summary of our Excess and Surplus Lines segment’s ceded reinsurance in place as of June 30, 2024:

Line of BusinessCompany Retention
Casualty
Specialty CasualtyUp to $3.2 million per occurrence.(1)
Primary CasualtyUp to $1.38 million per occurrence.(2)
Excess CasualtyUp to $1.98 million per occurrence.
Property
Excess PropertyUp to $5.0 million per risk.(3)

(1) Excluding Excess Casualty.

(2) Total exposure to any one claim is generally $690,000.

(3) The property catastrophe reinsurance treaty has a limit of $20.0 million per event with one reinstatement.

We use catastrophe modeling software to analyze the risk of severe losses from hurricanes and earthquakes on our exposure. We utilize the model in our risk selection, pricing, and to manage our overall portfolio probable maximum loss (“PML”) accumulations. A PML is an estimate of the amount we would expect to pay in any one catastrophe event within a given annual probability of occurrence (i.e. a return period or loss exceedance probability).

In our Excess and Surplus Lines segment, we write a small book of excess property insurance, but we do not write primary property insurance. The Excess and Surplus Lines segment has a specific proportional quota share treaty in effect to cover property risks. The proportional quota share treaty along with facultative reinsurance helps ensure that our net retained limit per risk will be $5.0 million or less.

Also in our Excess and Surplus Lines segment, a specialty casualty treaty providing $9.0 million in excess of $2.0 million coverage is subject to reinstatement premiums for treaty years spanning July 1, 2017 through July 1, 2022.

Based upon the modeling of our Excess and Surplus Lines and Specialty Admitted segments, it would take an event greater than the 1 in 1,000 year PML to exhaust our $20.0 million property catastrophe reinsurance. In the event of a catastrophe loss exhausting our $20.0 million property catastrophe reinsurance, we estimate our pre-tax cost would not exceed 2.5% of shareholders’ equity, including reinstatement premiums and net retentions. In addition to this retention, we would retain any losses in excess of our reinsurance coverage limits.

The Commercial Auto LPT with Aleka reinsures substantially all of the Excess and Surplus Lines segment’s legacy portfolio of commercial auto policies previously issued to Rasier. See “Amounts Recoverable from an Indemnifying Party and Reinsurer on the Legacy Commercial Auto Book” below for further information on this reinsurance agreement.

The following is a summary of our Specialty Admitted Insurance segment’s ceded reinsurance in place as of June 30, 2024:

Line of BusinessCoverage
Casualty
Workers’ CompensationExcess of loss coverage for $29.5 million in excess of $500,000.
Auto ProgramsQuota share coverage for 62.5%-100% of limits up to $1.5 million liability and $7.5 million physical damage per occurrence.
General Liability & Professional Liability – ProgramsQuota share coverage for 62.5%-100% of limits up to $2.0 million per occurrence.
Umbrella and Excess Casualty - ProgramsQuota share coverage for at least 85% of limits up to $10.0 million per occurrence, and 82% of excess of loss coverage for $5.0 million in excess of $10.0 million.
Property
Property within Package - ProgramsQuota share coverage for 100% of limits up to $40.0 million per risk.
Excess PropertyQuota share coverage for 100% of limits up to $58.9 million per occurrence.
Aviation ProgramsQuota share coverage for 80% of limits up to $25 million liability, $5.0 million hull, and $5.0 million spares per occurrence, each aircraft; and excess of loss coverage for up to $8.7 million excess of $300,000 of our 20% share of the quota share each occurrence.

Our Specialty Admitted Insurance segment purchases reinsurance for at least 50% of the exposed limits on specialty admitted property-casualty business. The segment enters into reinsurance contracts for the fronting and program business. While the segment focuses on casualty business, incidental property risk is incurred in the fronting and program business. The segment is covered for $20.0 million in excess of $5.0 million per occurrence to manage its property exposure to an approximate 1 in 1,000 year PML.

In the aggregate, we believe our pre-tax group-wide PML from a 1 in 1,000 year property catastrophe event would not exceed 2.5% of shareholders’ equity, inclusive of reinstatement premiums payable.

We also had a contingency clash reinsurance treaty to cover both the Excess and Surplus Lines and Specialty Admitted Insurance segments in the event of a claim incident involving more than one of our insureds in addition to Extra Contractual and Excess Policy Limits protection. The treaty covered $10.0 million in excess of a $2.0 million retention for loss occurrences within the treaty term. This coverage was put into runoff effective July 1, 2022.

Effective January 1, 2020, we purchased an additional $10.0 million in claims made coverage for excess policy limits and extra contractual obligations exposures above the clash and contingency treaty for the period 2014 to its expiration on December 31, 2022. This treaty had one reinstatement.

The Company’s insurance segments remain liable to policyholders if its reinsurers are unable to meet their contractual obligations under applicable reinsurance agreements. We establish an allowance for credit losses for our current estimate of uncollectible reinsurance recoverables. At June 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses on reinsurance recoverables was $744,000. To minimize exposure to significant losses from reinsurance insolvencies, the Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk. The Company generally seeks to purchase reinsurance from reinsurers with A.M. Best financial strength ratings of “A-” (Excellent) or better. The Company’s reinsurance contracts generally require reinsurers that are not authorized as reinsurers under U.S. state insurance regulations or that experience rating downgrades from rating agencies below specified levels to fund their share of the Company’s ceded outstanding losses and loss adjustment expense reserves, typically through the use of irrevocable and unconditional letters of credit. In fronting arrangements, which the Company conducts through its Specialty Admitted Insurance segment, we are subject to credit risk with regard to insurance companies who act as reinsurers for us in such arrangements. We require collateral, in the form of a trust arrangement or letter of credit, to secure the obligations of the insurance entity for whom we are fronting.

At June 30, 2024, we had reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses of $1,417.8 million (net of a $744,000 allowance for credit losses) and reinsurance recoverables on paid losses of $160.6 million, and all material recoverable amounts were from companies with A.M. Best ratings of “A-" (Excellent) or better, or are collateralized by the reinsurer for our benefit through letters of credit or funds on deposit in trust accounts.

Amounts Recoverable from an Indemnifying Party and Reinsurer on Legacy Commercial Auto Book

James River previously issued a set of commercial auto insurance contracts to Rasier (the “Rasier Commercial Auto Policies”) under which James River pays losses and loss adjustment expenses on the contracts. James River has indemnity agreements with Rasier (non-insurance entities) (collectively, the “Indemnity Agreements”) and is contractually entitled to reimbursement for the portion of the losses and loss adjustment expenses paid on behalf of Rasier under the Rasier Commercial Auto Policies and other expenses incurred by James River. On September 27, 2021, James River entered into a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement (the “Commercial Auto LPT”) with Aleka to reinsure substantially all of the Rasier Commercial Auto Policies for which James River is not otherwise indemnified by Rasier under the Indemnity Agreements. Under the terms of the Commercial Auto LPT, effective as of July 1, 2021, James River ceded to Aleka approximately $345.1 million of commercial auto liabilities relating to Rasier Commercial Auto Policies written in the years 2013-2019, which amount constituted the reinsurance premium.

Each of Rasier and Aleka is required to post collateral under the Indemnity Agreements and the Commercial Auto LPT, respectively:

Pursuant to the Indemnity Agreements, Rasier is required to post collateral equal to 102% of James River's estimate of the amounts that are recoverable or may be recoverable under the indemnity agreements, including, among other things, case loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, IBNR loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, extra contractual obligations and excess policy limits liabilities. The collateral is provided through a collateral trust arrangement (the “Indemnity Trust”) in favor of James River by Aleka. In connection with the execution of the Commercial Auto LPT, James River returned $691.3 million to the Indemnity Trust, representing the remaining balance of the amount withdrawn in October 2019, as was permitted under the indemnification agreements with Rasier and the associated trust agreement. At June 30, 2024, the balance in the Indemnity Trust was $99.6 million, and, together with the balance of the Loss Fund Trust (as defined below) attributable to the Indemnity Agreements as described below, the total balance of collateral securing Rasier’s obligations under the Indemnity Agreements was $117.0 million.

Pursuant to the Commercial Auto LPT, Aleka is required to post collateral equal to 102% of James River's estimate of Aleka's obligations under the Commercial Auto LPT, calculated in accordance with statutory actuarial principles and based on reserves recorded in the Company's statutory financial statements. The collateral is provided through a collateral trust arrangement (the “LPT Trust”) established in favor of James River by Aleka. At June 30, 2024, the balance in the LPT Trust was $45.4 million, and, together with the balance of the Loss Fund Trust (as defined below) attributable to the Commercial Auto LPT as described below, the total balance of collateral securing Aleka’s obligations under the Commercial Auto LPT was $53.1 million. At June 30, 2024, the total reinsurance recoverables under the Commercial Auto LPT was $52.4 million.

In connection with the execution of the Commercial Auto LPT, James River and Aleka entered into an administrative services agreement (the “Administrative Services Agreement”) with a third party claims administrator (the “Administrator”) pursuant to which the Administrator handles the claims on the Rasier Commercial Auto Policies for the remaining life of those claims. The claims paid by the Administrator are reimbursable by James River, and pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement, James River established a loss fund trust account for the benefit of the Administrator (the “Loss Fund Trust”) to collateralize its claims payment reimbursement obligations. James River funds the Loss Fund Trust using funds withdrawn from the Indemnity Trust, funds withdrawn from the LPT Trust, and its own funds, in each case in an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the required Loss Fund Trust balance attributable to the Indemnity Agreements, the Commercial Auto LPT and James River’s existing third party reinsurance agreements, respectively. At June 30, 2024, the balance in the Loss Fund Trust was $28.0 million, including $17.4 million representing collateral supporting Rasier’s obligations under the Indemnity Agreements and $7.7 million representing collateral supporting Aleka’s obligations under the Commercial Auto LPT. Funds posted to the Loss Fund Trust are classified as restricted cash equivalents on the Company's balance sheet.

While the Commercial Auto LPT brings economic finality to substantially all of the Rasier Commercial Auto Policies, the Company has credit exposure to Rasier and Aleka under the Indemnity Agreements and the Commercial Auto LPT if the estimated losses and expenses of the Rasier Commercial Auto Policies grow at a faster pace than the growth in our collateral balances. In addition, we have credit exposure if our estimates of future losses and loss adjustment expenses and other amounts recoverable under the Indemnity Agreements and the Commercial Auto LPT, which are the basis for establishing the collateral balances, are lower than actual amounts paid or payable. The amount of our credit exposure in any of these instances could be material. To mitigate these risks, we closely and frequently monitor our exposure compared to our collateral held, and we request additional collateral in accordance with the terms of the Commercial Auto LPT and Indemnity Agreements when our analysis indicates that we have uncollateralized exposure.

Ratings

The A.M. Best financial strength rating for our group’s regulated U.S. insurance subsidiaries is “A-” (Excellent) with a negative outlook. This rating reflects A.M. Best’s opinion of our insurance subsidiaries’ financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet obligations to policyholders and is not an evaluation directed towards the protection of investors. The rating for our U.S. operating insurance companies of “A-” (Excellent) is the fourth highest rating of the thirteen ratings issued by A.M. Best and is assigned to insurers that have, in A.M. Best’s opinion, an excellent ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders.

The financial strength ratings assigned by A.M. Best have an impact on the ability of our regulated subsidiaries to attract and retain agents and brokers and on the risk profiles of the submissions for insurance that our subsidiaries receive. We believe the “A-” (Excellent) ratings assigned to our U.S. insurance subsidiaries allow our subsidiaries to actively pursue relationships with the agents and brokers identified in their marketing plans.

Series A Preferred Shares

The Company closed on the issuance and sale of 150,000 Series A Preferred Shares on March 1, 2022 for an aggregate purchase price of $150.0 million, or $1,000 per share, in a private placement. The Series A Preferred Shares are convertible into the Company’s common shares at the option of the holder at any time, or at the Company’s option under certain circumstances. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares accrue quarterly at the initial rate of 7% of the Liquidation Preference per annum, which may be paid in cash, in-kind in common shares or in Series A Preferred Shares, at the Company’s election.

EQUITY

Total common shares outstanding increased from 37,641,563 at December 31, 2023 to 37,825,767 at June 30, 2024, reflecting 184,204 common shares issued in the six months ended June 30, 2024 related to vesting of RSUs.

Share Based Compensation Expense

The Company recognized $1.6 million and $4.2 million of share based compensation expense in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively ($2.3 million and $5.0 million in the respective prior year periods). As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $10.0 million of unrecognized share based compensation expense expected to be charged to earnings over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Equity Incentive Plans

Options

The following table summarizes option activity:

Six Months Ended June 30,
20242023
SharesWeighted-AverageExercisePriceSharesWeighted-AverageExercisePrice
Outstanding:
Beginning of period74,390$42.17287,974$35.26
Granted—$——$—
Exercised—$——$—
Forfeited—$—(45,106)$34.92
Lapsed(74,390)$42.17(164,548)$32.07
End of period—$—78,320$42.17
Exercisable, end of period—$—78,320$42.17

The options outstanding at December 31, 2023 lapsed in the six months ended June 30, 2024. At June 30, 2024, no options remain outstanding.

RSUs

The following table summarizes RSU activity:

Six Months Ended June 30,
20242023
SharesWeighted-AverageGrant DateFair ValueSharesWeighted-AverageGrant DateFair Value
Unvested, beginning of period751,254$23.48665,458$25.98
Granted537,060$9.76363,484$24.83
Vested(268,993)$25.11(212,128)$28.93
Forfeited(76,305)$15.56(15,233)$23.10
Unvested, end of period943,016$15.84801,581$24.73

Outstanding RSUs granted to employees generally vest ratably over a three-year vesting period in the case of time-vest RSUs and cliff vest at the end of a three-year performance period in the case of PRSUs. RSUs granted to non-employee directors generally have a one year vesting period. The RSUs granted in 2024 and 2023 include 231,492 and 91,818 PRSU awards, respectively. The number of PRSUs is based upon the probable outcome of performance conditions.

Underwriting Performance Ratios

The following table provides the underwriting performance ratios of the Company's continuing operations inclusive of the business subject to retroactive reinsurance accounting for a loss portfolio transfer. There is no economic impact to the Company over the life of a loss portfolio transfer contract so long as any additional losses subject to the contract are within the limit of the loss portfolio transfer and the counterparty performs under the contract. Retroactive reinsurance accounting is not indicative of our current and ongoing operations. Management believes that providing loss ratios and combined ratios on business not subject to retroactive reinsurance accounting for loss portfolio transfers gives the users of our financial statements useful information in evaluating our current and ongoing operations.

Three Months EndedJune 30,Six Months EndedJune 30,
2024202320242023
Excess and Surplus Lines:
Loss Ratio72.3%70.2%68.2%68.5%
Impact of retroactive reinsurance(2.6)%(1.5)%(2.7)%3.2%
Loss Ratio including impact of retroactive reinsurance69.7%68.7%65.5%71.7%
Combined Ratio95.4%93.3%91.3%90.9%
Impact of retroactive reinsurance(2.6)%(1.5)%(2.7)%3.2%
Combined Ratio including impact of retroactive reinsurance92.8%91.8%88.6%94.1%
Consolidated:
Loss Ratio73.0%70.7%69.6%69.3%
Impact of retroactive reinsurance(2.3)%(1.3)%(2.3)%2.8%
Loss Ratio including impact of retroactive reinsurance70.7%69.4%67.3%72.1%
Combined Ratio99.3%98.9%97.2%97.3%
Impact of retroactive reinsurance(2.3)%(1.3)%(2.3)%2.8%
Combined Ratio including impact of retroactive reinsurance97.0%97.6%94.9%100.1%

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

See “Key Metrics” above for descriptions of why management believes the following Non-GAAP measures provide useful information about our financial condition and results of operation.

Reconciliation of Underwriting Profit

We define underwriting profit as net earned premiums and gross fee income (in specific instances when the Company is not retaining insurance risk) less losses and loss adjustment expenses on business from continuing operations not subject to retroactive reinsurance accounting for loss portfolio transfers and other operating expenses. Other operating expenses include the underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses of the operating segments and, for consolidated underwriting profit, the expenses of the Corporate and Other segment. Our definition of underwriting profit may not be comparable to that of other companies.

The following table reconciles the underwriting profit (loss) of the operating segments by individual segment to consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes:

Three Months EndedJune 30,Six Months EndedJune 30,
2024202320242023
(in thousands)
Underwriting profit (loss) of the operating segments:
Excess and Surplus Lines$6,427$10,042$24,918$27,107
Specialty Admitted Insurance3,4163844,202(85)
Total underwriting profit of operating segments9,84310,42629,12027,022
Other operating expenses of the Corporate and Other segment(8,624)(8,548)(19,761)(17,830)
Underwriting profit (1)1,2191,8789,3599,192
Losses and loss adjustment expenses - retroactive reinsurance3,6842,2527,686(9,448)
Net investment income24,93118,23447,56336,659
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments(2,305)1,6152,2781,775
Other income and expenses(905)(53)(726)(468)
Interest expense(6,344)(5,997)(12,829)(11,580)
Amortization of intangible assets(91)(91)(182)(182)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes$20,189$17,838$53,149$25,948

(1)Included in underwriting results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 is gross fee income of $5.6 million and$10.9 million, respectively ($5.8 million and $11.5 million in the respective prior year periods).

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Operating Income

Adjusted net operating income is defined as income available to common shareholders excluding a) income (loss) from discontinued operations, b) the impact of retroactive reinsurance accounting for a loss portfolio transfer, c) net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments, d) certain non-operating expenses such as professional service fees related to a class action lawsuit, various strategic initiatives, and the filing of registration statements for the offering of securities, and e) severance costs associated with terminated employees. Adjusted net operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and our definition of adjusted net operating income may not be comparable to that of other companies.

Our income available to common shareholders reconciles to our adjusted net operating income as follows:

Three Months Ended June 30,
20242023
IncomeBeforeTaxesNetIncomeIncomeBeforeTaxesNetIncome
($ in thousands)
Income available to common shareholders$10,711$5,000$18,998$13,289
Loss (income) from discontinued operations6,8536,853(3,785)(3,785)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses - retroactive reinsurance(3,684)(2,910)(2,252)(1,779)
Net realized and unrealized investment losses (gains)2,3051,821(1,615)(1,276)
Other expenses2,0981,900223198
Adjusted net operating income$18,283$12,664$11,569$6,647
Six Months Ended June 30,
20242023
IncomeBeforeTaxesNetIncomeIncomeBeforeTaxesNetIncome
($ in thousands)
Income available to common shareholders$32,941$17,778$26,187$17,670
Loss (income) from discontinued operations14,95814,958(5,489)(5,489)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses - retroactive reinsurance(7,686)(6,072)9,4487,464
Net realized and unrealized investment gains(2,278)(1,800)(1,775)(1,402)
Other expenses2,8302,632798773
Adjusted net operating income$40,765$27,496$29,169$19,016

Tangible Equity and Tangible Equity per Share

Tangible equity is defined as shareholders' equity plus mezzanine Series A Preferred Shares and the unrecognized deferred retroactive reinsurance gain on loss portfolio transfers less goodwill and intangible assets, net of amortization. Tangible equity per share represents tangible equity divided by the sum of total common shares outstanding plus the common shares resulting from an assumed conversion of the outstanding Series A Preferred Shares into common shares (at the conversion price effective as of the last day of the applicable period). Our definitions of tangible equity and tangible equity per share may not be comparable to that of other companies, and they should not be viewed as a substitute for shareholders’ equity and shareholders’ equity per share calculated in accordance with GAAP.

The following table reconciles shareholders’ equity to tangible equity as of June 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, and June 30, 2023:

June 30, 2024 · December 31, 2023 · June 30, 2023
Equity · Equity perShare · Equity · Equity perShare · Equity · Equity perShare
($ in thousands, except share amounts)
Shareholders’ equity$541,791$14.32$534,621$14.20$585,542$15.56
Series A redeemable preferred shares144,898144,898144,898
Deferred reinsurance gain13,04720,73337,572
Less:
Goodwill181,831181,831181,831
Intangible assets, net32,63132,81335,494
Tangible equity$485,274$10.86$485,608$11.13$550,687$12.73
Common shares outstanding37,825,76737,641,56337,619,226
Common shares from assumed conversion of Series A Preferred Shares6,848,7635,971,1845,640,158
Common shares outstanding after assumed conversion of Series A Preferred Shares44,674,53043,612,74743,259,384
ContentsView on SEC.gov

The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.