Exhibit 14.1
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
A Letter from the CEO
At Aspen, our conduct as individuals and as an organization matters. Aspen is committed to conducting business ethically, with integrity, and in full compliance with applicable laws in the jurisdictions where we operate. Aspen’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics (this “
Code of Conduct
”) reflects this commitment and our reputation and continued success depends on your support.
We must continue to cultivate a company culture that attracts and inspires the very best. We must always comply with the spirit and the letter of the laws, regulations and policies that govern our activities and take appropriate action if something needs to be corrected. Often, the right course of action will be apparent to you; if not, this Code of Conduct can serve as a compass and guide you in making the right choices.Every Aspen employee, director and officer, regardless of location or position, has an obligation to read and comply with this Code of Conduct without exception. If you have any questions, I encourage you to speak immediately with your line manager, the Group General Counsel or the Group and UK Compliance Director.
The Code of Conduct is a living document and the example you set day to day brings it to life. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the values that define our success.
Yours sincerely,
Chris O’Kane
Chief Executive Officer
CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Scope 3
Compliance 3
Policies 4
Integrity 4
Compliance with laws, rules, regulations,
this code of conduct and Aspen policies 5
Whistleblowing 5
Conflict of interest 5
Prohibition against insider trading 6
Protection and proper use of corporate assets 6
Confidential information 7
Data protection 7
Fair dealing 8
Integrity of records, accounting procedures
and document retention 9
Competition laws 9
Anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing
and economic sanctions 10
Entertainment, gifts and payments 11
Political contributions and involvement in
political activity 11
Social media 11
Waivers and amendments 11
INTRODUCTION
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (“
Aspen
”) are committed to integrity in the conduct of their business and require that all Employees (as defined below) act lawfully, honestly, ethically and in the best interests of Aspen while performing duties on behalf of Aspen. To help implement Aspen’s commitment to integrity in the conduct of its business, Aspen has adopted this Code of Conduct.
This Code of Conduct does not seek to cover every law, rule, regulation and Aspen policy in full detail. Instead, it offers Employees guidance in areas of potential risk and outlines the behaviors and conduct expected of Employees while working on behalf of Aspen. If Employees are not certain how to proceed, the decision chart below can help ensure that ethical conclusions are reached that are consistent with Aspen’s commitment to integrity.
SCOPE
This Code of Conduct applies to all directors, officers and employees of Aspen (collectively, “
Employees
”). In addition, Aspen’s representatives, agents and consultants represent Aspen to the public and they are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct and any applicable contractual provisions when working on behalf of Aspen.
COMPLIANCE
Compliance with this Code of Conduct, together with any additional requirements applicable to any subsidiary, branch or other local operation of Aspen under applicable laws, is mandatory. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct or other Aspen policies, some of which are described in this Code of Conduct, may be grounds for disciplinary action including, but not limited to the following: warnings, reprimands, probation,
demotion, temporary suspension, reimbursement of Aspen’s losses or damages, summary dismissal or any other actions as appropriate. It is therefore crucial that each Employee read and understand the information presented in this Code of Conduct. It is the obligation of each Employee to become familiar with the goals and policies of Aspen and to integrate them into every aspect of Aspen's business. As part of that obligation, Aspen may require from time to time that Employees certify as to the following:
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that they have reviewed, understood and agreed to comply with the contents of this Code of Conduct;
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that they may confidentially and/or anonymously report any concerns regarding the Code of Conduct;
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that they understand that they are expected to report any existing or potential violation of any law, regulation or the Code of Conduct; and
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that to the best of their knowledge, they have not violated any provisions of the Code of Conduct.
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In the event a law, rule or regulation conflicts with this Code of Conduct, Employees must comply with the local law, rule or regulation and report such conflicts to their local Head of Compliance.
POLICIES
While not part of this Code of Conduct, Aspen’s other policies and standards of conduct, some of which are referenced in the Code of Conduct, are developed to support and reinforce the principles set forth in this Code of Conduct. These various policies can be accessed via hyperlinks in this Code of Conduct or electronically through the Policy Tree.
INTEGRITY
Aspen is committed to uncompromising integrity in all it does.
Aspen’s commitment to integrity is a key feature of its business. All Employees are expected to carry out their responsibilities and dealings in a lawful and ethical manner. This Code of Conduct provides guidance and rules to explain many of the issues surrounding such requirements and everyone working at Aspen is expected to comply with the detail and the spirit of this Code of Conduct. Ethical conduct is not always clear cut. This Code of Conduct cannot cover every situation that may occur but identifies many of the issues that may arise and seeks to explain how those issues should be handled. Employees should consult with managers, supervisors, or other appropriate personnel when in doubt about the best course of action.
To cultivate a culture of honesty, accountability and transparency, Employees are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct, which includes the following behaviors:
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avoiding situations where personal interests are, or appear to be, in conflict with Aspen’s interests;
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protecting and properly using Aspen’s assets, including preserving the confidentiality of non-public information and not acting on such information for personal benefit;
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dealing fairly and honestly with all insureds, brokers, suppliers, competitors, and colleagues;
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conducting relationships with public officials and political candidates in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations; and
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being honest, accurate, and fair in all reports, records, and communications.
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COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS, THIS CODE OF CONDUCT AND ASPEN POLICIES
Aspen intends to conduct its business lawfully in every respect.
Employees are required to comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, this Code of Conduct and Aspen policies. Employees are not expected to know the details of every law but are expected to know enough to determine when to seek assistance from supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel. Compliance with laws, rules, regulations, this Code of Conduct and Aspen policies includes, but is not limited to, compliance with any insurance company laws and regulations, securities laws, antitrust laws, foreign corrupt practices laws, anti-discrimination laws, anti-harrassment laws and Aspen’s standard policies and procedures (including those referenced in this Code of Conduct), applicable Employee handbook and as otherwise may be adopted by Aspen from time to time.
If an Employee knows or suspects a violation of applicable laws, rules, regulations, this Code of Conduct or Aspen policies, whether unintentional or deliberate, he or she must immediately report that information to Aspen’s Group General Counsel or Group and UK Compliance Director.
WHISTLEBLOWING
Employees are strongly encouraged to report any wrongdoing or suspicions of wrongdoing, including fraud, by Aspen or its Employees that falls short of its business principles.
Aspen takes concerns seriously and investigates all reports of actual or suspected misconduct promptly and thoroughly. Aspen maintains a separate
Group
Whistleblowing Policy
which describes the procedures that govern the process by which Employees may openly, confidentially or anonymously report potential violations of, or concerns relating to
,
any law, regulation or Aspen policy. These procedures also provide a mechanism for responding to, and retaining records of, any reports from Employees regarding such potential violations or concerns, and prohibit retaliation against individuals raising such potential violations or concerns made in good faith. A good faith report is one that is accurate, complete and believed to be truthful. An Employee who suspects illegal or unethical conduct at Aspen need not be correct in order to report it. All Employees are required to read, understand and adhere to the Group Whistleblowing Policy.
Any violations or potential violations of law, regulation or Aspen policy may be reported by phone to the Head of Internal Audit, the Group Head of Compliance or the Group Audit Committee Chair, e-mail at whistleblowing@aspen-re.com, or anonymously through Aspen’s Intranet. Requests for confidentiality will be respected to the extent permitted by law.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The activities of Employees must be lawful and not conflict with Aspen or their duties to Aspen.
Conflicts of interest arise in circumstances where a person or entity in a position of trust has competing professional or personal interests. Such competing interests can make it difficult for the individual or entity to perform its duties impartially. Any situation that creates, or appears to create, a conflict of interest must be avoided. For example, conflicts of interest occur where:
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the interests of Aspen (including its Employees or any person directly or indirectly linked to them) conflicts with a client of Aspen;
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the interests of a client of Aspen conflicts with those of another Aspen client;
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the interests of an Employee conflicts with Aspen; or
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the interests of an Employee give that individual an incentive to act in a manner which is inconsistent with such Employee’s obligations to Aspen, including the potential for a member of his or her family to receive an improper benefit.
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For example, a conflict of interest can arise when an Employee takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work at Aspen objectively and effectively. Such a conflict may arise if an Employee (or a person connected to such Employee) receives improper benefits as a result of the Employee's position at Aspen, accepts an appointment at a competitor firm or receives gifts or benefits which may influence Aspen's business decisions.
Aspen maintains a separate
Conflicts of Interest Policy
that specifies that conflicts, and the appearance of conflicts, are prohibited if not disclosed to Aspen in accordance with such policy. If an activity may or will cause a conflict of interest which is inconsistent with such policy, Employees must refrain from such activity and consult the local Head of Compliance. All Employees are required to read, understand and adhere to the Conflicts of Interest Policy.
PROHIBITION AGAINST INSIDER TRADING
Insider trading and the sharing of material, non-public information is illegal and against Aspen’s Policy on Insider Trading and Misuse of Inside Information.
Trading in the stock or securities of a company, such as Aspen, by an Employee or an immediate family member who is aware of material non-public information may constitute “insider trading” which is illegal and against the
Group Policy on Insider Trading and Misuse of Inside Information
. Information is material if a reasonable investor would consider such information important in a decision to buy, hold or sell Aspen securities. Information is non-public until it has been broadly disclosed to the marketplace (such as through a public filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or the issuance of a press release) and the marketplace has had time to absorb the information.
The sharing of material, non-public information with any person (“tipping”), other than Employee who needs to know the information to perform their duties, may also be illegal and is against the
Group Policy on Insider Trading and Misuse of Inside Information
. Questions about the propriety of any transaction in Aspen’s stock should be directed to Group Legal before undertaking the transaction. All Employees are required to read, understand and adhere to the Group Policy on Insider Trading and Misuse of Inside Information.
PROTECTION AND PROPER USE OF CORPORATE ASSETS
Employees are responsible for safeguarding Aspen’s assets, including physical assets, information and intellectual property rights.
Aspen’s assets must be used for legitimate business purposes only, other than for incidental personal use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on Aspen’s profitability. Employees who discover misuse of Aspen’s assets should report such violation to a supervisor or manager.
No Employee shall take, sell, or give away Aspen’s property, regardless of its condition or value, without general or specific authorization from a supervisor or manager. In addition, no Employee shall have the right to receive or provide Aspen’s services or use Aspen’s equipment or facilities without authorization from a supervisor or manager.
Information Resources.
Aspen’s information resources, such as e-mail and the internet, are to be used for business purposes only, other than for incidental personal use. Aspen reserves the right to inspect all electronic communications involving the use of Aspen’s equipment, software, systems, or other facilities
within the confines of applicable local law. Employees should not have an expectation of privacy when using Aspen’s equipment, software, systems, or other facilities. The access of inappropriate or pornographic websites and sending inappropriate or pornographic emails is strictly prohibited. All Employees are required to read, understand and adhere to the
Group IT Acceptable Use Policy
.
Your Knowledge of Aspen.
One of Aspen's most valuable assets is information about its business. Unless in the public domain, such information is regarded as confidential information. Employees are expected to guard such information and not make it available to others outside of Aspen.
Intellectual Property.
Employees must respect and protect the intellectual property of Aspen and Aspen’s customers and business partners. Intellectual property includes trademarks, copyrights, domain names, patents, trade secrets, branding, logos and trade secrets. Employees must not copy or use Aspen’s protected intellectual property without appropriate approval or use third parties' intellectual property without their consent.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Employees must comply with relevant laws regarding confidential information.
Confidential Information includes all non-public information - written, verbal or electronic - that might be of use to competitors or might be harmful to Aspen, its Employees or its customers if disclosed. Aspen’s services reach deep into the personal and business life of others who trust Aspen to protect their privacy. Violating that privacy may result in criminal charges and civil liability for Aspen and the Employee responsible.
Employees are expected to maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by Aspen and customers, except when disclosure is specifically authorized or legally mandated. Employees are prohibited from using confidential information in ways that might be detrimental to the interests of Aspen, its Employees or its customers.
Aspen has a duty to its customers to safeguard the confidential information and data they share with Aspen (“
Customer Confidential Information
”). Employees must collect and process all Customer Confidential Information in accordance with the applicable privacy laws in each relevant jurisdiction. Customer Confidential Information should not be shared, other than to authorized persons who have a legitimate need to receive the Customer Confidential Information.
Employees are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of information about Aspen and its Employees and Customer Confidential Information
during
their course of employment or service as a director or consultant and
after
any termination of employment or engagement or resignation from Aspen’s Board of Directors. Aspen may pursue legal remedies to prevent any former Employee and/or a subsequent employer from benefiting from confidential information about Aspen whose use is or may be detrimental to the interests of Aspen.
DATA PROTECTION
Providing appropriate treatment to personal data is vital to Aspen’s successful operations and reputation.
Aspen recognizes that the lawful and correct treatment of personal data, including Customer Confidential Information, is vital to its successful operations and to maintaining the confidence of its customers and Employees. In addition, the treatment of personal data is governed by various laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where Aspen operates. As detailed in the Group Data Protection Policy, Employees may collect and hold personal data only if there is a legitimate business reason for doing so. In addition, personal data
must be held and used in a secure environment until it is destroyed. Employees must not transfer personal data between Aspen entities or to third parties without undertaking steps to ensure that any such transfer is in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Particular care must be taken if Customer Confidential Information is transferred across national borders. The particular rules surrounding the transfer of personal data will depend not only on the physical location of the Employee processing the data but also where the data is sent, the domicile of the company on whose behalf the processing is being carried out and the domicile of the person to whom the personal data refers. Any questions regarding data protection should be sent to the Group Data Protection Officer. All Employees are required to read, understand and adhere to the
Group
Data Protection Policy
and the
Group
Information Security Policy
which provides guidance on how to maintain the security of all of Aspen’s data.
FAIR DEALING
Aspen bases its relationships with insureds, brokers, suppliers, competitors, and colleagues on honest, ethical practices complying with applicable laws.
Customers
.
Aspen’s dealings with its customers are essential to its success. When working with clients, Employees must ensure that the information provided is honest and accurate. Under no circumstances should Employees attempt to deceive Aspen’s clients or misrepresent to them any aspect of Aspen’s services. Employees must not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practice.
Workplace Conduct.
Aspen’s broad range of talents, experiences and backgrounds puts it in a unique position to meet its clients’ needs in creative and innovative ways. Employees have a responsibility to themselves, their colleagues and clients to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times, never allowing personal biases to detract from the value of Aspen’s diverse workplace.
In an effort to maintain a diverse workplace where all individuals feel comfortable, safe and valued, Aspen does not permit unlawful discrimination in any of its operations. This means that Aspen only makes employment decisions based on qualifications and merit. Each Employee is entitled to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect by others at Aspen. Aspen does not tolerate any discrimination or harassment of any kind, including derogatory comments or behavior based on characteristics of race, ethnic origin, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law.
Aspen does not tolerate violence or threatening behavior of any kind. Employees are required to perform their duties free from the influence of any substance, including alcohol or illegal drugs, which would impair performance or negatively impact the performance of others. Unless part of an Aspen-sponsored social event or business-related event, consumption of alcohol on Aspen’s premises is prohibited. In such situations, Employees are expected to exercise good judgment and moderation. The possession, sale, use or distribution of illegal drugs in the workplace is not tolerated.
Health and Safety.
Aspen is committed to providing each Employee with a safe and healthy work environment. Each Employee likewise has a responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace by following health and safety rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions to a supervisor or manager.
Suppliers
. Aspen does not tolerate slavery or human trafficking. Employees should ensure there is no slavery or human trafficking in Aspen’s business or supply chains when selecting or dealing with suppliers.
INTEGRITY OF RECORDS, ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENT RETENTION
A vital component of Aspen’s credibility is that it records and reports its results honestly, fully, accurately and on a timely basis complying with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Aspen reports to a number of different stakeholders in a number of different jurisdictions. Such reports are governed by numerous laws, rules and regulations and it is crucial that Employees comply with these requirements. Books, accounts, financial statements, and records must reflect Aspen’s transactions in full, fair and accurate detail. In addition, Aspen’s books, records, and reports must conform to the appropriate systems of internal controls, disclosure controls, and other legal and regulatory requirements.
Aspen’s obligation to its investors, customers and the general public mandates a strong commitment to maintaining integrity and confidence in the markets for its securities. Aspen maintains a separate
Group Disclosure Policy
to ensure that Employees do not violate public disclosure requirements when communicating with investors, analysts or the press. All Employees are required to read, understand and adhere to the Disclosure Policy, which is part of Aspen’s commitment to prohibit the selective disclosure of material non-public information relating to Aspen. Among other things, Aspen’s Disclosure Policy requires that the information disclosed in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulators and in other public communications must be full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable.
Examples of unacceptable practices include, but are not limited to, the following:
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undisclosed or unrecorded funds or assets;
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false or artificial entries made in any books or records for any reason and no employee, officer or director shall engage in any arrangement that results in such prohibited act;
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non-disclosure of off balance sheet arrangements;
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a payment approved or made with the intention or understanding that it is to be used for any purpose other than that described by the document supporting the payment; and
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an Employee taking any action that fraudulently influences, coerces, manipulates, or misleads any independent public or certified accountant involved in an audit of Aspen.
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Any Employee who has knowledge or a suspicion of a possible violation of any of the above provisions or any similar instances of non-compliance with this Code of Conduct or concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters shall promptly report such matter in accordance with Aspen’s Whistleblowing Policy.
In addition, Employees must comply with applicable records and management information laws, regulations and internal policies which apply to the retention and disposition of information.
COMPETITION LAWS
Aspen advocates fair competition in global markets and does not condone anti-competitive practices or the sharing of competitively sensitive information.
Aspen is subject to competition laws - sometimes referred to as “antitrust” laws - which are designed to encourage free, fair and open competition. Employees are expected to comply with all laws and regulations that promote fair and open competition among companies and to read, understand and adhere to Aspen’s
Group Competition Policy
. Any activity that limits, reduces or eliminates such free competition could constitute unlawful anti-competitive conduct and must be avoided.
The consequences of breaching competition law can be significant. Criminal antitrust violations are punishable by large fines and incarceration. Civil antitrust violations could result in fines for Employees and Aspen as well as the disqualification of individuals from serving as directors of a company. Suspected problems should therefore be brought to the attention of the Group General Counsel without delay.
In general, antitrust and competition laws prohibit understandings, agreements or actions that may restrain trade or reduce competition. Violations include agreements among competitors or others to fix or control prices, rig bids or to allocate territories, markets or customers or abuse of a dominant position.
Antitrust activities include, but are not limited to, understandings or agreements with a competitor or potential competitor that relate to the following:
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price fixing or colluding as to other terms of sale;
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allocation of markets, territories or potential insureds, reinsureds or other customers;;
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share price or other competitive marketing information or trade secrets such as pricing policies, costs, identifiable customers and marketing strategies;
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rigging bids (i.e. agreeing not to submit offers for new business); or
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concerted actions with competitors such as refusing to do business with third parties (such as entering into group boycotts).
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It does not matter whether these agreements are written and formally documented or merely come up as a topic of casual conversation during a trade association meeting. Even the appearance of an agreement can be a violation of competition laws. Competition laws vary by jurisdiction and what may be permissible in one jurisdiction may be illegal in others.
If a competitor attempts to discuss inappropriate topics with an Employee in any setting, stop the conversation immediately and make clear to anyone who may be listening that you will not participate. Any offer to provide competitively sensitive information, or receipt of competitively sensitive information, through improper means must be reported to Aspen’s Group General Counsel or Group and UK Compliance Director. Any Employee who becomes aware of improper practices being used by any other Employee should report such conduct in accordance with Aspen’s Whistleblowing Policy.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING, COUNTER TERRORIST FINANCING AND ECONOMIC SANCTIONS
Aspen requires that Employees remain vigilant for potentially suspicious activity.
Aspen is committed to preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, and requires
that Employees and appointed representatives read, understand and adhere to relevant applicable laws and trade sanctions and Aspen's
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Policy
. Employees must be vigilant in order to protect Aspen from being unknowingly swept into a money laundering transaction. Money laundering is a term used to describe the process of integrating proceeds from illegal activities into the legitimate financial system so that the proceeds appear to have originated from a legitimate source.
Employees must establish clients’ identities, monitor client activity and report suspicious or unusual activity consistent with applicable laws. Suspicious transactions include, but are not limited to, one that is inconsistent with a customer’s known legitimate business or activities, one involving unusual payment methods or one involving early termination with the proceeds directed to a third party. Any Employee who knowingly permits illegal conduct or ignores suspicious activity that indicates potential money laundering will be subject to discipline by Aspen but may also subject himself or herself and Aspen to criminal and civil penalties.
In addition, many of the countries in which Aspen transacts business have enacted prohibitions against financial transactions involving terrorist financing, designated countries, persons or entities. Terrorist financing includes the financing of terrorists, terrorist acts and terrorist organizations. As a result, it is essential that Employees know their customers and that thorough and frequent checks are made to ensure that transactions involving those customers are not restricted by applicable laws. If an Employee has any knowledge or suspicion regarding any such restricted transaction, the relevant details must be reported immediately to the
local Head of Compliance and the transaction must be halted pending further investigation. All Employees are required to read, understand and adhere to Aspen’s separate
Group Sanctions Policy
.
ENTERTAINMENT, GIFTS AND PAYMENTS
Aspen is committed to procuring goods and services and selling its products and services on an impartial basis, free from outside influence.
Receiving or providing gifts, entertainment, loans or special favours that may influence, or give the appearance of influencing, Aspen’s business decisions is not allowed without prior approval. Additional care must be given in relation to gifts to and from public authorities and politically exposed persons, including government employees, agents, officials or representatives. Aspen maintains a separate
Gifts and Hospitality Policy
, which all Employees are required to read, understand and adhere to, which addresses principles and procedures for receiving and providing gifts, hospitality or other benefits in the course of association with Aspen and takes into account Aspen’s
Anti-Bribery Policy
and
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Policy
.
POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICAL ACTIVITY
Employees participation in the political arena must be conducted in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
Aspen respects and encourages individual involvement in the political process. However, Employees must not give the impression that any political views expressed are shared or supported by Aspen. Employees who wish to perform work for personal political activities must do so on their own time and may not use Aspen resources, including technologies or supplies, to draft or distribute political correspondence or support political campaigns. In all instances, it is imperative for Employees to seek proper guidance and obtain required approvals before engaging in government or political activities.
When dealing with public officials, Employees must avoid any activity that is, or is likely to be perceived as, illegal or unethical. The appearance of impropriety is as damaging to Aspen as an actual misdeed. Employees who interact with government officials as part of their role with Aspen must report these activities to the local Head of Compliance.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Employees must comply with Aspen’s Social Media Policy when they use social media for either commercial or personal use.
Many Employees use various forms of social media, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and blogs. In any form, social media can have a significant impact - positive or negative - on the reputation of Aspen or the individual user. As a result, Aspen maintains a separate
Group
Social Media Policy
which aims to provide guidance on best practice behaviour when using social media, either for commercial or personal use. As detailed in the Social Media Policy, Employees who engage in social media should not attribute personal opinions and beliefs to Aspen unless authorized to do so. Any questions regarding the use of social media should be directed to the Corporations Team and/or Group Legal. All Employees are required to read, understand and adhere to the Group Social Media Policy.
WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS
No Employee is exempt from any provision of this Code of Conduct regardless of position. However, in certain limited circumstances, a provision of this Code of Conduct may be waived by the Audit Committee or the Group General Counsel after careful review and consideration. Any waiver of this Code of Conduct for executive officers, financial officers, accounting officers or controllers, or directors may be made only by the
Audit Committee. Any waiver applicable to such persons, including implicit waivers, must be promptly disclosed to shareholders in accordance with all laws and regulations.
Aspen maintains the right to amend or modify any provision of this Code of Conduct at any time consistent with stock exchange listing requirements.
ASPEN REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS AND SECOND QUARTER ENDED
JUNE 30, 2017
Annualized Net Income Return on Equity of
10.2%
for First Half
2017
and
8.8%
for the
Second
Quarter
2017
Annualized Operating Return on Equity of
5.4%
for First Half
2017
and
4.0%
for the
Second
Quarter
2017
Diluted Book Value Per Share of
$48.64
, up
4.1%
from December 31, 2016
Hamilton, Bermuda, July 26, 2017
-
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (“Aspen”) (NYSE: AHL) reported today net income after tax of
$75.8 million
, or
$1.07
per diluted ordinary share, and operating income after tax of
$39.2 million
, or
$0.47
per diluted ordinary share, for the
second
quarter of
2017
.
Chris O’Kane, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “With a strong regional network and deep local relationships, the Aspen Re team has been able to capture new opportunities and again deliver strong results in an operating environment that remains challenging. The Aspen Insurance team continued to make progress, showing significant profitable growth in areas such as Excess Casualty, Environmental Liability, Professional Liability and related lines.
“I am pleased that our investment performance contributed positively to diluted book value per share growth.”
(1)
_____________________
Non-GAAP financial measures are used throughout this release as defined at the end of this press release.
(1) Refer to "Forward-looking Statements Safe Harbor" at the end of this press release.
Operating highlights for the quarter ended
June 30, 2017
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Gross written premiums
of
$822.1 million
in the
second
quarter of
2017
, an increase of
2.5%
compared with
$801.7 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
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Insurance
: Gross written premiums of
$486.5 million
,
an increase
of
3.7%
compared with
$469.1 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
, primarily due to growth in the Financial and Professional lines sub-segment, offset by decreases in the Property and Casualty and Marine, Aviation and Energy sub-segments
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Reinsurance
: Gross written premiums of
$335.6 million
,
an increase
of
0.9%
from
$332.6 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
, primarily due to growth in the Specialty sub-segment, offset by decreases in the Property Catastrophe, Other Property, and Casualty sub-segments
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Net written premiums
of
$578.7 million
in the
second
quarter of
2017
, a decrease of
20.2%
compared with
$724.8 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
as Aspen is making more efficient use of reinsurance to reduce volatility. The retention ratio in the
second
quarter of
2017
was
70.4%
compared with
90.4%
in the
second
quarter of
2016
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Insurance
: Net written premiums of
$293.2 million
, a decrease of
29.9%
from
$418.0 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
, primarily due to increased use of quota share reinsurance to reduce volatility across our businesses. The retention ratio in the
second
quarter of
2017
was
60.3%
compared with
89.1%
in the
second
quarter of
2016
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Reinsurance
: Net written premiums of
$285.5 million
, a decrease of
6.9%
from
$306.8 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
, primarily due to increased cessions to Aspen Capital Markets. The retention ratio in the
second
quarter of
2017
was
85.1%
compared with
92.2%
in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Loss ratio
of
61.6%
in the
second
quarter of
2017
compared with
65.0%
in the
second
quarter of 2016. The loss ratio included pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries, of
$37.4 million
, or
6.7
percentage points, in the
second
quarter of
2017
. Pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, totaled
$65.1 million
, or
10.1
percentage points, in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
◦
|
Insurance
: Loss ratio of
66.9%
compared with
68.5%
in the
second
quarter of
2016
. Pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries, of
$27.1 million
, totaled
9.4
percentage points in the
second
quarter of
2017
due to weather-related events in the U.S. Pre-tax catastrophe losses net of reinsurance recoveries totaled
$16.5 million
, or
4.3
percentage points, in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
◦
|
Reinsurance
: Loss ratio of
56.0%
compared with
60.5%
in the
second
quarter of
2016
. The loss ratio included pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries, of
$10.3 million
, or
3.8
percentage points, in the
second
quarter of
2017
primarily due to weather-related events in the U.S. and Australia. Pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, totaled
$48.6 million
, or
17.4%
percentage points, in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Net favorable development
on prior year loss reserves in the
second
quarter of
2017
benefited from a
$28.5 million
reinsurance recovery in respect of an offshore energy-related loss that occurred in Africa in 2016. The reinsurance recovery benefited the Insurance and Reinsurance segments largely evenly. Net favorable development on prior year loss reserves, excluding this reinsurance recovery, in the
second
quarter of
2017
was
$20.2 million
compared with
$21.2 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
◦
|
Insurance
: Prior year net favorable reserve development of
$16.1 million
benefited the loss ratio by
5.6
percentage points in the
second
quarter of
2017
. Prior year net favorable development of
$7.4 million
benefited the loss ratio by
1.9
percentage points in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
◦
|
Reinsurance
: Prior year net favorable reserve development of
$32.6 million
benefited the loss ratio by
12.0
percentage points in the
second
quarter of
2017
. Prior year net favorable development of
$13.8 million
benefited the loss ratio by
4.6
percentage points in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes
was
63.6%
in the
second
quarter of
2017
compared with
58.0%
in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
◦
|
Insurance
: Accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes for the quarter ended
June 30, 2017
was
63.1%
. This was affected by a surety loss of
$10.7 million
, net of reinstatement premiums, and a fire loss of
$9.8 million
, which together equated to
7.1
percentage points on the accident year ex-cat loss ratio. The accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes in the
second
quarter of
2016
was
66.1%
|
|
|
|
|
◦
|
Reinsurance
: Accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes for the quarter ended
June 30, 2017
was
64.2%
compared with
47.7%
a year ago. In the
second
quarter of
2017
, there were
$16.5 million
of mid-sized losses, the largest of which was a fire at a chemical plant. These losses equated to
6.1
percentage points on the accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Total expense ratio
of
38.4%
and
total expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
of
38.1%
in the
second
quarter of
2017
compared with
35.7%
and
35.7%
, respectively, in the
second
quarter of
2016
. The policy acquisition expense ratio was
17.1%
in the
second
quarter of
2017
, compared with
18.6%
in the
second
quarter of
2016
. General and administrative expenses (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses) were
$117.8 million
in the
second
quarter of
2017
, largely in-line with
$116.4 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
. The general and administrative expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses) increased to
21.0%
from
17.1%
in the
second
quarter of
2016
due primarily to lower net earned premiums
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Net income after tax
of
$75.8 million
, or
$1.07
per diluted ordinary share, in the
second
quarter of
2017
compared with net income of
$64.9 million
, or
$0.89
per diluted ordinary share, in the
second
quarter of
2016
.
Net income included
$42.0 million
of net realized and unrealized investment gains in the
second
quarter of
2017
compared with
$36.5 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
.
Operating income after tax
of
$39.2 million
, or
$0.47
per diluted ordinary share, in the
second
quarter of
2017
compared with operating income of
$34.1 million
, or
$0.40
per diluted ordinary share, in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Annualized net income return on average equity
of
8.8%
and
annualized operating return on average
equity
of
4.0%
for the quarter ended
June 30, 2017
compared with
7.2%
and
3.2%
, respectively, for the
second
quarter of
2016
|
Operating highlights for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2017
|
|
|
|
•
|
Gross written premiums
increased by
2.4%
to
$1,820.1 million
in the
first half
of
2017
compared with
$1,777.4 million
in the
first half
of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Net written premiums
decreased by
17.0%
to
$1,264.9 million
in the
first half
of
2017
compared with
$1,524.5 million
in the
first half
of
2016
. The retention ratio in the
first half
of
2017
was
69.5%
compared with
85.8%
in the
first half
of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Loss ratio
of
59.0%
for the
first half
of
2017
compared with
59.5%
for the
first half
of
2016
. The loss ratio included pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, of
$66.5 million
, or
5.8
percentage points, in the
first half
of
2017
. This compared with
$83.8 million
, or
6.5
percentage points, of pre-tax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums, in the
first half
of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Net favorable development
on prior year loss reserves of
$74.9 million
benefited the loss ratio by
6.6
percentage points in the
first half
of
2017
. This included an additional
$28.5 million
reinsurance recovery in respect of an offshore energy-related loss that occurred in Africa in 2016, and which benefited the Insurance and Reinsurance segments largely evenly. In the
first half
of
2016
, net favorable development of
$42.8 million
benefited the loss ratio by
3.2
percentage points
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes
of
59.8%
for the
first half
of
2017
compared with
56.2%
for the
first half
of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Total expense ratio
of
39.5%
and
total expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses) of
39.1%
for the
first half
of
2017
compared with
36.7%
and
36.7%
, respectively, for the
first half
of
2016
, reflecting an increase in the general and administrative expense ratio and a decrease in the policy acquisition expense ratio. The increase in the general and administrative expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses) is due primarily to lower net earned premiums in the
first half
of
2017
compared with the
first half
of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Net income after tax
of
$172.3 million
or
$2.43
per diluted ordinary share for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2017
compared with
$179.3 million
or
$2.57
per diluted ordinary share for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
. Net income included
$88.2 million
of net realized and unrealized investment gains in the
first half
of
2017
compared with
$78.7 million
in the
first half
of
2016
.
Operating income after tax
of
$99.0 million
or
$1.27
per diluted ordinary share for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2017
compared with operating income of
$124.0 million
, or
$1.68
per diluted ordinary share for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Annualized net income return on average equity
of
10.2%
and
annualized operating return on average equity
of
5.4%
for the
first half
of
2017
compared with
10.8%
and
7.0%
, respectively, for the
first half
of
2016
|
Investment performance
|
|
|
|
•
|
Investment income of
$47.4 million
in the
second
quarter of
2017
decreased
by
1.3%
compared with
$48.0 million
in the
second
quarter of
2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The total return on Aspen’s aggregate investment portfolio was
1.20%
for the three months ended
June 30, 2017
and reflects net realized and unrealized gains and losses in both the fixed income and equity portfolios
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Aspen’s investment portfolio continues to be comprised primarily of high quality fixed income securities with an average credit quality of “AA-”. The average duration of the fixed income portfolio was
3.89
years as at
June 30, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Book yield on the fixed income portfolio as at
June 30, 2017
was
2.53%
compared with
2.49%
as at December 31, 2016
|
Capital
|
|
|
|
•
|
Total shareholders’ equity was
$3.6 billion
as at
June 30, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Diluted book value per share was
$48.64
as at
June 30, 2017
, up
4.1%
from December 31, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
During the
second
quarter of
2017
, Aspen repurchased
197,673
ordinary shares at an average price of
$50.59
per share for a cost of
$10.0 million
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
On July 3, 2017, Aspen redeemed its outstanding 7.250% Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Shares for $160.0 million. This redemption was primarily funded by proceeds from Aspen's 5.625% Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Share issue
|
Earnings conference call and webcast
Aspen will host a conference call to discuss the results at 8:00 am (ET) on Thursday, July 27, 2017.
To participate in the July 27 conference call by phone
Please call to register at least 10 minutes before the conference call begins by dialing:
+1 (844) 378 6481 (US toll free) or
+1 (412) 542 4176 (international)
Conference ID 10109382
To listen live online
Aspen will provide a live webcast on Aspen’s website at
www.aspen.co.
To download the materials
The earnings press release and a detailed financial supplement will also be published on Aspen’s website at
www.aspen.co
.
To listen later
A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the end of the live call for 14 days via phone. To listen to the replay by phone please dial:
+1 (877) 344 7529 (US toll free) or
+1 (412) 317 0088 (international)
Replay ID 10109382
The webcast will be also available at
www.aspen.co
on the
Event Calendar
page within the Investor Relations section.
For further information please contact
Investors
Mark Jones, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Aspen
mark.p.jones@aspen.co
+1 (646) 289 4945
Media
Steve Colton, Group Head of Communications, Aspen
steve.colton@aspen.co
+44 20 7184 8337
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Summary consolidated balance sheet (unaudited)
$ in millions, except per share data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at
June 30,
2017
|
|
|
As at
December 31,
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments
|
$
|
7,661.3
|
|
|
$
|
7,900.3
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
1,228.4
|
|
|
1,273.8
|
|
|
Reinsurance recoverables
|
1,243.5
|
|
|
815.9
|
|
|
Premiums receivable
|
1,614.1
|
|
|
1,399.4
|
|
|
Other assets
|
769.2
|
|
|
700.7
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
12,516.5
|
|
|
$
|
12,090.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
|
$
|
5,571.4
|
|
|
$
|
5,319.9
|
|
|
Unearned premiums
|
1,981.5
|
|
|
1,618.6
|
|
|
Other payables
|
682.5
|
|
|
839.0
|
|
|
Silverton loan notes
|
110.8
|
|
|
115.0
|
|
|
Long-term debt
|
549.4
|
|
|
549.3
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
8,895.6
|
|
|
$
|
8,441.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders’ equity
|
3,620.9
|
|
|
3,648.3
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
|
$
|
12,516.5
|
|
|
$
|
12,090.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book value per share
|
$
|
49.34
|
|
|
$
|
47.68
|
|
|
Diluted book value per share (treasury stock method)
|
$
|
48.64
|
|
|
$
|
46.72
|
|
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Summary consolidated statement of income (unaudited)
$ in millions, except ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
June 30, 2017
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
|
UNDERWRITING REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
Gross written premiums
|
$
|
822.1
|
|
|
$
|
801.7
|
|
|
Premiums ceded
|
(243.4
|
)
|
|
(76.9
|
)
|
|
Net written premiums
|
578.7
|
|
|
724.8
|
|
|
Change in unearned premiums
|
(16.7
|
)
|
|
(44.0
|
)
|
|
Net earned premiums
|
562.0
|
|
|
680.8
|
|
|
UNDERWRITING EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
|
346.1
|
|
|
442.2
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
|
96.3
|
|
|
126.7
|
|
|
General, administrative and corporate expenses
|
117.8
|
|
|
116.4
|
|
|
Total underwriting expenses
|
560.2
|
|
|
685.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting income (loss) including corporate expenses
|
1.8
|
|
|
(4.5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
47.4
|
|
|
48.0
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
(7.4
|
)
|
|
(7.4
|
)
|
|
Other expenses
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
Total other revenue
|
38.3
|
|
|
39.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization and non-recurring expenses
|
(2.1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
Net realized and unrealized exchange (losses)
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
(5.4
|
)
|
|
Net realized and unrealized investment gains
|
42.0
|
|
|
36.5
|
|
|
INCOME BEFORE TAX
|
77.0
|
|
|
66.2
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
(1.2
|
)
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
NET INCOME AFTER TAX
|
75.8
|
|
|
64.9
|
|
|
Dividends paid on ordinary shares
|
(14.4
|
)
|
|
(13.4
|
)
|
|
Dividends paid on preference shares
|
(10.5
|
)
|
|
(9.4
|
)
|
|
Preference share redemption costs
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Proportion due to non-controlling interest
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
Retained income
|
$
|
50.8
|
|
|
$
|
41.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
61.6
|
%
|
|
65.0
|
%
|
|
Policy acquisition expense ratio
|
17.1
|
%
|
|
18.6
|
%
|
|
General, administrative and corporate expense ratio
|
21.3
|
%
|
|
17.1
|
%
|
|
General, administrative and corporate expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
21.0
|
%
|
|
17.1
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio
|
38.4
|
%
|
|
35.7
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
38.1
|
%
|
|
35.7
|
%
|
|
Combined ratio
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.7
|
%
|
|
Combined ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
99.7
|
%
|
|
100.7
|
%
|
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Summary consolidated statement of income (unaudited)
$ in millions, except ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
June 30, 2017
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
|
UNDERWRITING REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
Gross written premiums
|
$
|
1,820.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,777.4
|
|
|
Premiums ceded
|
(555.2
|
)
|
|
(252.9
|
)
|
|
Net written premiums
|
1,264.9
|
|
|
1,524.5
|
|
|
Change in unearned premiums
|
(121.8
|
)
|
|
(180.6
|
)
|
|
Net earned premiums
|
1,143.1
|
|
|
1,343.9
|
|
|
UNDERWRITING EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
|
674.3
|
|
|
799.6
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
|
210.0
|
|
|
256.9
|
|
|
General, administrative and corporate expenses
|
236.9
|
|
|
236.2
|
|
|
Total underwriting expenses
|
1,121.2
|
|
|
1,292.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting income including corporate expenses
|
21.9
|
|
|
51.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
95.1
|
|
|
97.5
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
(14.8
|
)
|
|
(14.8
|
)
|
|
Other expenses
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
(4.0
|
)
|
|
Total other revenue
|
79.3
|
|
|
78.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization and non-recurring expenses
|
(4.3
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
Net realized and unrealized exchange (losses)
|
(8.8
|
)
|
|
(25.5
|
)
|
|
Net realized and unrealized investment gains
|
88.2
|
|
|
78.7
|
|
|
INCOME BEFORE TAX
|
176.3
|
|
|
183.1
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
(4.0
|
)
|
|
(3.8
|
)
|
|
NET INCOME AFTER TAX
|
172.3
|
|
|
179.3
|
|
|
Dividends paid on ordinary shares
|
(27.6
|
)
|
|
(26.2
|
)
|
|
Dividends paid on preference shares
|
(21.0
|
)
|
|
(18.9
|
)
|
|
Preference share redemption costs
|
(2.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
Proportion due to non-controlling interest
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
Retained income
|
$
|
121.1
|
|
|
$
|
134.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
59.0
|
%
|
|
59.5
|
%
|
|
Policy acquisition expense ratio
|
18.4
|
%
|
|
19.1
|
%
|
|
General, administrative and corporate expense ratio
|
21.1
|
%
|
|
17.6
|
%
|
|
General, administrative and corporate expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
20.7
|
%
|
|
17.6
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio
|
39.5
|
%
|
|
36.7
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
39.1
|
%
|
|
36.7
|
%
|
|
Combined ratio
|
98.5
|
%
|
|
96.2
|
%
|
|
Combined ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
98.1
|
%
|
|
96.2
|
%
|
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Operating income reconciliation (unaudited)
$ in millions, except per share amounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
(in US$ millions except where stated)
|
|
June 30, 2017
|
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
June 30, 2017
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income as reported
|
$
|
75.8
|
|
|
$
|
64.9
|
|
$
|
172.3
|
|
|
$
|
179.3
|
|
|
Change in redemption value of preference shares
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
(2.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
Net change attributable to non-controlling interest
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
Preference share dividends
|
(10.5
|
)
|
|
(9.4
|
)
|
(21.0
|
)
|
|
(18.9
|
)
|
|
Net income available to ordinary shareholders
|
65.2
|
|
|
55.1
|
|
148.7
|
|
|
160.2
|
|
|
Add (deduct) after tax income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net foreign exchange losses
|
3.0
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
8.1
|
|
|
21.8
|
|
|
|
Net realized (gains) on investments
|
(41.4
|
)
|
|
(35.7
|
)
|
(85.2
|
)
|
|
(77.1
|
)
|
|
|
Change in redemption value of preference shares
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
Amortization and non-recurring expenses
|
1.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
3.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Operating income after tax available to ordinary shareholders
|
28.6
|
|
|
24.3
|
|
77.8
|
|
|
104.9
|
|
|
Tax expense on operating income
|
0.9
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
2.2
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
Operating income before tax available to ordinary shareholders
|
$
|
29.5
|
|
|
$
|
25.3
|
|
$
|
80.0
|
|
|
$
|
110.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per ordinary share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income adjusted for preference share dividends and non-controlling interest
|
$
|
1.09
|
|
|
$
|
0.91
|
|
$
|
2.48
|
|
|
$
|
2.64
|
|
|
Add (deduct) after tax income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net foreign exchange losses
|
0.05
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
0.36
|
|
|
|
Net realized (gains) on investments
|
(0.69
|
)
|
|
(0.59
|
)
|
(1.42
|
)
|
|
(1.27
|
)
|
|
|
Change in redemption value of preference shares
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
Amortization and non-recurring expenses
|
0.03
|
|
|
—
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Operating income adjusted for preference shares dividends and non-controlling interest
|
$
|
0.48
|
|
|
$
|
0.40
|
|
$
|
1.29
|
|
|
$
|
1.73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per ordinary share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income adjusted for preference share dividends and non-controlling interest
|
$
|
1.07
|
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
$
|
2.43
|
|
|
$
|
2.57
|
|
|
Add (deduct) after tax income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net foreign exchange losses
|
0.05
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
0.35
|
|
|
|
Net realized (gains) on investments
|
(0.68
|
)
|
|
(0.57
|
)
|
(1.39
|
)
|
|
(1.24
|
)
|
|
|
Change in redemption value of preference shares
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
Amortization and non-recurring expenses
|
0.03
|
|
|
—
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Operating income adjusted for preference shares dividends and non-controlling interest
|
$
|
0.47
|
|
|
$
|
0.40
|
|
$
|
1.27
|
|
|
$
|
1.68
|
|
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Summary consolidated financial data (unaudited)
$ in millions, except number of shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
June 30,
2017
|
June 30,
2016
|
|
June 30,
2017
|
June 30,
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per ordinary share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income adjusted for preference share dividend and non-controlling interest
|
|
$1.09
|
|
|
$0.91
|
|
|
|
$2.48
|
|
|
$2.64
|
|
|
|
Operating income adjusted for preference share dividend and non-controlling interest
|
|
$0.48
|
|
|
$0.40
|
|
|
|
$1.29
|
|
|
$1.73
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per ordinary share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income adjusted for preference share dividend and non-controlling interest
|
|
$1.07
|
|
|
$0.89
|
|
|
|
$2.43
|
|
|
$2.57
|
|
|
|
Operating income adjusted for preference share dividend and non-controlling interest
|
|
$0.47
|
|
|
$0.40
|
|
|
|
$1.27
|
|
|
$1.68
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (in millions)
|
59.966
|
|
60.705
|
|
|
59.915
|
|
60.772
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding and dilutive potential ordinary shares (in millions)
|
61.023
|
|
62.192
|
|
|
61.096
|
|
62.263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book value per ordinary share
|
|
$49.34
|
|
|
$50.71
|
|
|
|
$49.34
|
|
|
$50.71
|
|
|
Diluted book value per ordinary share (treasury stock method)
|
|
$48.64
|
|
|
$49.53
|
|
|
|
$48.64
|
|
|
$49.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares outstanding at end of the period (in millions)
|
59.844
|
|
60.329
|
|
|
59.844
|
|
60.329
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares outstanding and dilutive potential ordinary shares at end of the period (treasury stock method) (in millions)
|
60.712
|
|
61.767
|
|
|
60.712
|
|
61.767
|
|
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Summary consolidated segment information (unaudited)
$ in millions, except ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
|
|
|
Reinsurance
|
|
Insurance
|
|
Total
|
|
Reinsurance
|
|
Insurance
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross written premiums
|
$
|
335.6
|
|
$
|
486.5
|
|
$
|
822.1
|
|
|
$
|
332.6
|
|
$
|
469.1
|
|
$
|
801.7
|
|
|
Net written premiums
|
285.5
|
|
293.2
|
|
578.7
|
|
|
306.8
|
|
418.0
|
|
724.8
|
|
|
Gross earned premiums
|
320.6
|
|
429.1
|
|
749.7
|
|
|
329.8
|
|
454.7
|
|
784.5
|
|
|
Net earned premiums
|
272.7
|
|
289.3
|
|
562.0
|
|
|
299.4
|
|
381.4
|
|
680.8
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
|
152.6
|
|
193.5
|
|
346.1
|
|
|
181.1
|
|
261.1
|
|
442.2
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition expenses
|
53.4
|
|
42.9
|
|
96.3
|
|
|
50.7
|
|
76.0
|
|
126.7
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses
|
40.7
|
|
65.7
|
|
106.4
|
|
|
39.1
|
|
57.2
|
|
96.3
|
|
|
Underwriting income (loss)
|
$
|
26.0
|
|
$
|
(12.8
|
)
|
$
|
13.2
|
|
|
$
|
28.5
|
|
$
|
(12.9
|
)
|
$
|
15.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
47.4
|
|
|
|
|
48.0
|
|
|
Net realized and unrealized investment gains
(1)
|
42.0
|
|
|
|
|
36.5
|
|
|
Corporate expenses
|
|
|
(11.4
|
)
|
|
|
|
(20.1
|
)
|
|
Amortization and non-recurring expenses
|
|
(2.1
|
)
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Other expenses
(2)
|
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(7.4
|
)
|
|
|
|
(7.4
|
)
|
|
Net realized and unrealized foreign exchange (losses)
(3)
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
|
|
(5.4
|
)
|
|
Income before tax
|
|
|
$
|
77.0
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
66.2
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(1.2
|
)
|
|
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
$
|
75.8
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
64.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
56.0
|
%
|
66.9
|
%
|
61.6
|
%
|
|
60.5
|
%
|
68.5
|
%
|
65.0
|
%
|
|
|
Policy acquisition expense ratio
|
19.6
|
%
|
14.8
|
%
|
17.1
|
%
|
|
16.9
|
%
|
19.9
|
%
|
18.6
|
%
|
|
|
General and administrative expense ratio
(4)
|
14.9
|
%
|
22.7
|
%
|
21.3
|
%
|
|
13.1
|
%
|
15.0
|
%
|
17.1
|
%
|
|
|
General and administrative expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
(4)
|
14.9
|
%
|
22.7
|
%
|
21.0
|
%
|
|
13.1
|
%
|
15.0
|
%
|
17.1
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio
|
34.5
|
%
|
37.5
|
%
|
38.4
|
%
|
|
30.0
|
%
|
34.9
|
%
|
35.7
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
34.5
|
%
|
37.5
|
%
|
38.1
|
%
|
|
30.0
|
%
|
34.9
|
%
|
35.7
|
%
|
|
Combined ratio
|
90.5
|
%
|
104.4
|
%
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
90.5
|
%
|
103.4
|
%
|
100.7
|
%
|
|
Combined ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
90.5
|
%
|
104.4
|
%
|
99.7
|
%
|
|
90.5
|
%
|
103.4
|
%
|
100.7
|
%
|
|
Accident Year Ex-cat Loss Ratio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
56.0
|
%
|
66.9
|
%
|
61.6
|
%
|
|
60.5
|
%
|
68.5
|
%
|
65.0
|
%
|
|
Prior year loss development
|
12.0
|
%
|
5.6
|
%
|
8.7
|
%
|
|
4.6
|
%
|
1.9
|
%
|
3.1
|
%
|
|
Catastrophe losses
|
(3.8
|
)%
|
(9.4
|
)%
|
(6.7
|
)%
|
|
(17.4
|
)%
|
(4.3
|
)%
|
(10.1
|
)%
|
|
Accident year ex-cat loss ratio
|
64.2
|
%
|
63.1
|
%
|
63.6
|
%
|
|
47.7
|
%
|
66.1
|
%
|
58.0
|
%
|
(1)
Includes realized and unrealized capital gains and losses and realized and unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps
(2)
Other expenses in the
second
quarter of
2017
and
second
quarter of
2016
included
$3.3 million
of expense and
$0.5 million
of income, respectively, related to a change in the fair value of loan notes issued by Silverton Re
(3)
Includes realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses and realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts
(4)
The total group general and administrative expense ratio includes the impact from corporate and non-recurring expenses
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Summary consolidated segment information (unaudited)
$ in millions, except ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
|
|
|
Reinsurance
|
|
Insurance
|
|
Total
|
|
Reinsurance
|
|
Insurance
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross written premiums
|
$
|
900.9
|
|
$
|
919.2
|
|
$
|
1,820.1
|
|
|
$
|
850.2
|
|
$
|
927.2
|
|
$
|
1,777.4
|
|
|
Net written premiums
|
733.7
|
|
531.2
|
|
1,264.9
|
|
|
756.3
|
|
768.2
|
|
1,524.5
|
|
|
Gross earned premiums
|
648.2
|
|
852.8
|
|
1,501.0
|
|
|
636.6
|
|
900.3
|
|
1,536.9
|
|
|
Net earned premiums
|
550.2
|
|
592.9
|
|
1,143.1
|
|
|
579.7
|
|
764.2
|
|
1,343.9
|
|
|
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
|
295.7
|
|
378.6
|
|
674.3
|
|
|
315.6
|
|
484.0
|
|
799.6
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition expenses
|
112.9
|
|
97.1
|
|
210.0
|
|
|
110.1
|
|
146.8
|
|
256.9
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses
|
84.6
|
|
127.5
|
|
212.1
|
|
|
83.2
|
|
115.8
|
|
199.0
|
|
|
Underwriting income (loss)
|
$
|
57.0
|
|
$
|
(10.3
|
)
|
$
|
46.7
|
|
|
$
|
70.8
|
|
$
|
17.6
|
|
$
|
88.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
95.1
|
|
|
|
|
97.5
|
|
|
Net realized and unrealized investment gains
(1)
|
88.2
|
|
|
|
|
78.7
|
|
|
Corporate expenses
|
|
|
(24.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
(37.2
|
)
|
|
Amortization and non-recurring expenses
|
|
(4.3
|
)
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Other expenses
(2)
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
|
|
(4.0
|
)
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(14.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
(14.8
|
)
|
|
Net realized and unrealized foreign exchange (losses)
(3)
|
(8.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
(25.5
|
)
|
|
Income before tax
|
|
|
$
|
176.3
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
183.1
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(4.0
|
)
|
|
|
|
(3.8
|
)
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
$
|
172.3
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
179.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
53.7
|
%
|
63.9
|
%
|
59.0
|
%
|
|
54.4
|
%
|
63.3
|
%
|
59.5
|
%
|
|
|
Policy acquisition expense ratio
|
20.5
|
%
|
16.4
|
%
|
18.4
|
%
|
|
19.0
|
%
|
19.2
|
%
|
19.1
|
%
|
|
|
General and administrative expense ratio
(4)
|
15.4
|
%
|
21.5
|
%
|
21.1
|
%
|
|
14.4
|
%
|
15.2
|
%
|
17.6
|
%
|
|
|
General and administrative expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
(4)
|
15.4
|
%
|
21.5
|
%
|
20.7
|
%
|
|
14.4
|
%
|
15.2
|
%
|
17.6
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio
|
35.9
|
%
|
37.9
|
%
|
39.5
|
%
|
|
33.4
|
%
|
34.4
|
%
|
36.7
|
%
|
|
Expense ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
35.9
|
%
|
37.9
|
%
|
39.1
|
%
|
|
33.4
|
%
|
34.4
|
%
|
36.7
|
%
|
|
Combined ratio
|
89.6
|
%
|
101.8
|
%
|
98.5
|
%
|
|
87.8
|
%
|
97.7
|
%
|
96.2
|
%
|
|
Combined ratio (excluding amortization and non-recurring expenses)
|
89.6
|
%
|
101.8
|
%
|
98.1
|
%
|
|
87.8
|
%
|
97.7
|
%
|
96.2
|
%
|
|
Accident Year Ex-cat Loss Ratio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss ratio
|
53.7
|
%
|
63.9
|
%
|
59.0
|
%
|
|
54.4
|
%
|
63.3
|
%
|
59.5
|
%
|
|
Prior year loss development
|
9.8
|
%
|
3.6
|
%
|
6.6
|
%
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
1.4
|
%
|
3.2
|
%
|
|
Catastrophe losses
|
(6.3
|
)%
|
(5.3
|
)%
|
(5.8
|
)%
|
|
(10.8
|
)%
|
(3.2
|
)%
|
(6.5
|
)%
|
|
Accident year ex-cat loss ratio
|
57.2
|
%
|
62.2
|
%
|
59.8
|
%
|
|
49.1
|
%
|
61.5
|
%
|
56.2
|
%
|
(1)
Includes realized and unrealized capital gains and losses and realized and unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps
(2)
Other expenses in the
first half
of
2017
and
first half
of
2016
included
$6.2 million
and
$3.9 million
, respectively, related to a change in the fair value of loan notes issued by Silverton Re
(3)
Includes realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses and realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts
(4)
The total group general and administrative expense ratio includes the impact from corporate and non-recurring expenses
About Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited
Aspen provides reinsurance and insurance coverage to clients in various domestic and global markets through wholly-owned subsidiaries and offices in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. For the year ended December 31, 2016, Aspen reported $12.1 billion in total assets, $5.3 billion in gross reserves, $3.6 billion in total shareholders’ equity and $3.1 billion in gross written premiums. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a rating of “A” by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”), an “A” (“Excellent”) by A.M. Best Company Inc. (“A.M. Best”) and an “A2” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”).
For more information about Aspen, please visit
www.aspen.co
.
(1) Forward-looking Statements Safe Harbor
This press release contains, and Aspen’s earnings conference call will contain, written or oral “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “do not believe,” “aim,” “project,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “will,” “likely,” “assume,” “estimate,” “may,” “continue,” “guidance,” “objective,” “outlook,” “trends,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “target,” “on track” and similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature.
All forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions, estimates and data concerning future results and events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Aspen’s control that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements.
All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Aspen believes these factors include, but are not limited to: our ability to successfully implement steps to further optimize the business portfolio, ensure capital efficiency and enhance investment returns; the possibility of greater frequency or severity of claims and loss activity, including as a result of natural or man-made (including economic and political risks) catastrophic or material loss events, than our underwriting, reserving, reinsurance purchasing or investment practices have anticipated; the assumptions and uncertainties underlying reserve levels that may be impacted by future payments for settlements of claims and expenses or by other factors causing adverse or favorable development, including our assumptions on inflation costs associated with long-tail casualty business which could differ materially from actual experience; the political, regulatory and economic effects arising from the vote by the U.K. electorate in favor of a U.K. exit from the European Union in the referendum held in June 2016 and resulting negotiations; the reliability of, and changes in assumptions to, natural and man-made catastrophe pricing, accumulation and estimated loss models; decreased demand for our insurance or reinsurance products; cyclical changes in the insurance and reinsurance industry; the models we use to assess our exposure to losses from future natural catastrophes ("catastrophes") contain inherent uncertainties and our actual losses may differ significantly from expectations; our capital models may provide materially different indications than actual results; increased competition from existing (re)insurers and from alternative capital providers and insurance-linked funds and collateralized special purpose insurers on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms, new capital, binding authorities to brokers or other factors and the related demand and supply dynamics as contracts come up for renewal; our ability to execute our business plan to enter new markets, introduce new products and teams and develop new distribution channels, including their integration into our existing operations; our acquisition strategy; changes in market conditions in the agriculture industry, which may vary depending upon demand for agricultural products, weather, commodity prices, natural disasters, and changes in legislation and policies related to agricultural products and producers; termination of, or changes in, the terms of the U.S. Federal Multiple Peril Crop Insurance Program or the U.S. Farm Bill, including modifications to the Standard Reinsurance Agreement put in place by the Risk Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; the recent consolidation in the (re)insurance industry; loss of one or more of our senior underwriters or key personnel; our ability to exercise capital management initiatives, including capital available to pursue our share repurchase program at various levels or to declare dividends, or to arrange banking facilities as a result of prevailing market conditions, the level of catastrophes or other losses or changes in our financial results; changes in general economic conditions, including inflation, deflation, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and other factors that could affect our financial results; the risk of a material decline in the value or liquidity of all or parts of our investment portfolio; the risks associated with the management of capital on behalf of investors; a failure in our operational systems or infrastructure or those of third parties, including those caused by security breaches or
cyber attacks; evolving issues with respect to interpretation of coverage after major loss events; our ability to adequately model and price the effects of climate cycles and climate change; any intervening legislative or governmental action and changing judicial interpretation and judgments on insurers’ liability to various risks; the risks related to litigation; the effectiveness of our risk management loss limitation methods, including our reinsurance purchasing; changes in the availability, cost or quality of reinsurance or retrocessional coverage; changes in the total industry losses or our share of total industry losses resulting from events, such as catastrophes, that have occurred in prior years or may occur and, with respect to such events, our reliance on loss reports received from cedants and loss adjustors, our reliance on industry loss estimates and those generated by modeling techniques, changes in rulings on flood damage or other exclusions as a result of prevailing lawsuits and case law; the impact of one or more large losses from events other than catastrophes or by an unexpected accumulation of attritional losses and deterioration in loss estimates; the impact of acts of terrorism, acts of war and related legislation; any changes in our reinsurers’ credit quality and the amount and timing of reinsurance recoverables; the continuing and uncertain impact of the current depressed lower growth economic environment in many of the countries in which we operate; our reliance on information and technology and third-party service providers for our operations and systems; the level of inflation in repair costs due to limited availability of labor and materials after catastrophes; a decline in our operating subsidiaries’ ratings with S&P, A.M. Best or Moody’s; the failure of our reinsurers, policyholders, brokers or other intermediaries to honor their payment obligations; our reliance on the assessment and pricing of individual risks by third parties; our dependence on a few brokers for a large portion of our revenues; the persistence of heightened financial risks, including excess sovereign debt, the banking system and the Eurozone crisis; changes in government regulations or tax laws in jurisdictions where we conduct business; changes in accounting principles or policies or in the application of such accounting principles or policies; increased counterparty risk due to the credit impairment of financial institutions; and Aspen or Aspen Bermuda Limited becoming subject to income taxes in the United States or the United Kingdom. For a more detailed description of these uncertainties and other factors, please see the “Risk Factors” section in Aspen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 22, 2017. Aspen undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made.
In addition, any estimates relating to loss events involve the exercise of considerable judgment and reflect a combination of ground-up evaluations, information available to date from brokers and cedants, market intelligence, initial tentative loss reports and other sources. The actuarial range of reserves and management’s best estimate represents a distribution from our internal capital model for reserving risk based on our current state of knowledge and explicit and implicit assumptions relating to the incurred pattern of claims, the expected ultimate settlement amount, inflation and dependencies between lines of business. Due to the complexity of factors contributing to losses and the preliminary nature of the information used to prepare estimates, there can be no assurance that Aspen’s ultimate losses will remain within the stated amounts.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In presenting Aspen’s results, management has included and discussed certain “non-GAAP financial measures.” Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, better explain Aspen’s results of operations in a manner that allows for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in Aspen’s business. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP. The reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures to their respective most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included in the financial supplement or this release. Aspen’s financial supplement and
second
quarter
2017
earnings press release, which were filed with the SEC on Form 8-K on
July 26, 2017
, can be obtained from the Investor Relations section of Aspen’s website at
www.aspen.co
.
Annualized Operating Return on Average Equity (“Operating ROE”)
is a non-GAAP financial measure. Operating ROE is calculated using operating income, as defined below, and average equity is calculated as the arithmetic average on a monthly basis for the stated periods of shareholders’ equity excluding the aggregate value of the liquidation preferences of our preference shares net of issuance costs and the total amount of non-controlling interest. Aspen presents Operating ROE as a measure that is commonly recognized as a standard of performance by investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial information. Please see page 22 of Aspen’s financial supplement for a reconciliation of net income to operating income and page 7 for a reconciliation of average shareholders’ equity to average ordinary shareholders’ equity.
Operating Income
is a non-GAAP financial measure. Operating income is an internal performance measure used by Aspen in the management of its operations and represents after-tax operational results excluding, as applicable, after-tax net realized and unrealized gains or losses, including net realized and unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps, after-tax net foreign exchange gains or losses, including net realized and unrealized gains and losses from foreign exchange contracts, net realized gains or losses on investments, amortization of intangible assets and certain non-recurring income and expenses. Operating income in the first half of 2017 also included the issue cost associated with the redemption of the 7.401% Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Shares.
Aspen excludes the items above from its calculation of operating income because they are either not expected to recur and therefore are not reflective of underlying performance or the amount of these gains or losses is heavily influenced by, and fluctuates in part, according to the availability of market opportunities. Aspen believes these amounts are largely independent of its business and underwriting process and including them would distort the analysis of trends in its operations. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with GAAP, Aspen believes that showing operating income enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial information to more easily analyze Aspen’s results of operations in a manner similar to how management analyzes Aspen’s underlying business performance. Operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP net income. Please see page 22 of Aspen’s financial supplement for a reconciliation of net income to operating income.
Diluted Book Value per Ordinary Share
is not a non-GAAP financial measure. Aspen has included diluted book value per ordinary share as it illustrates the effect on basic book value per share of dilutive securities thereby providing a better benchmark for comparison with other companies. Diluted book value per share is calculated using the treasury stock method, defined on page 21 of Aspen’s financial supplement.
Diluted Operating Earnings per Share and Basic Operating Earnings per Share
are non-GAAP financial measures. Aspen believes that the presentation of diluted operating earnings per share and basic operating earnings per share supports meaningful comparison from period to period and the analysis of normal business operations. Diluted operating earnings per share and basic operating earnings per share are calculated by dividing operating income by the diluted or basic weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Please see page 22 of Aspen’s financial supplement for a reconciliation of basic earnings per share to diluted and basic operating earnings per share.
Accident Year Loss Ratio Excluding Catastrophes
is a non-GAAP financial measure. Aspen believes that the presentation of loss ratios excluding catastrophes and prior year reserve movements supports meaningful comparison from period to period of the underlying performance of the business. Accident year loss ratios excluding catastrophes are calculated by dividing net losses excluding catastrophe losses, net expenses and prior year reserve movements by net earned premiums excluding
catastrophe-related reinstatement premiums. Aspen has defined catastrophe losses in the
first half
of
2017
as losses associated with a tornado in Mississippi, Cyclone Debbie in Australia and other U.S. weather-related events. Catastrophe losses in the
first half
of
2016
were defined as losses associated with wildfires in Canada, weather-related events in the U.S. and several earthquakes. Please see pages 11 and 12 of this release for a reconciliation of loss ratios to accident year loss ratios excluding catastrophes.
