Aspen Insurance Holdings Reports Record Net Income for the Fourth Quarter and Twelve Months.* Full year net income of $489 million and fourth quarter net income of $135 million, up 29.3% on 2006 and 13.1% over the same quarter last year. * Full year net investment income of $299 million and fourth quarter net investment income of $80 million, up 46.3% on 2006 and 28.1% over the same quarter last year. * Book value per share of $27.95, up 25.1% on 2006. * EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) A PostScript file format used to transfer a graphic image between applications and platforms. EPS files contain PostScript code as well as an optional preview image in TIFF, WMF, PICT or EPSI, the latter being an ASCII-only format. of $5.11 for 2007 up 36% on 2006 and $1.44 for the quarter up 20% on the fourth quarter of 2006. * Operating ROE of 21.1% for the twelve months and annualized annualized Of or relating to a variable that has been mathematically converted to a yearly rate. Inflation and interest rates are generally annualized since it is on this basis that these two variables are ordinarily stated and compared. 23.2% for the quarter. * Combined ratio for the twelve months of 83.0% and 79.4% for the quarter. HAMILTON, Bermuda -- Aspen aspen, in botany aspen: see willow. Aspen, city, United States Aspen (ăs`pən), city (1990 pop. 5,049), alt. 7,850 ft (2,390 m), seat of Pitkin co., S central Colo. Insurance Holdings Limited (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :AHL AHL American Hockey League AHL Action Half-Life (Half-Life modification) AHL Acyl Homoserine Lactone AHL Aramark Harrison Lodging AHL Acylated Homoserine Lactone AHL Association for the History of Language AHL Architects Hawaii Ltd ) today reported net income for the fourth quarter of 2007 of $135.2 million, or $1.44 per diluted di·lute tr.v. di·lut·ed, di·lut·ing, di·lutes 1. To make thinner or less concentrated by adding a liquid such as water. 2. To lessen the force, strength, purity, or brilliance of, especially by admixture. ordinary share, an increase of 20% over the same quarter last year. Diluted operating income Operating Income The profit realized from a business' own operations. Notes: This would not include income from things such as investments in other firms. Also referred to as operating profit or recurring profit. per share is $1.47 compared to $1.22 in the fourth quarter of 2006. The combined ratio was 79.4%, compared to 76.8% in the prior year period. Annualized operating return on average equity increased to 23.2% from 22.8% in the fourth quarter of 2006. Book value per share increased 25.1% to $27.95. [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] Chris O'Kane, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "For the fourth quarter and full year 2007, Aspen delivered record net income and earnings per share. These outstanding results reflect that all areas of the Company are executing in-line with our strategy to diversify and leverage our underwriting Underwriting 1. The process by which investment bankers raise investment capital from investors on behalf of corporations and governments that are issuing securities (both equity and debt). 2. The process of issuing insurance policies. platforms, and generate strong consistent results from our investment portfolio. We are well positioned for the softening markets in 2008 and expect to continue delivering value for our shareholders." 2007 Operating Highlights * AM Best announced an upgrade of Aspen's Bermuda operation, Aspen Insurance Limited, to a financial strength rating of "A" and affirmed the U.K. operation's rating as "A", both with a "Stable" outlook. * Net investment income for the year was $299 million, up 46.3% on last year with the Funds of Hedge Funds hedge fund, in finance, a highly speculative, largely unregulated investment device. Originating in the 1950s, the funds "hedge" by offsetting "short" positions (borrowing a security and then selling it at a higher price before repaying the lender) against "long" producing an 11.4% return over the year. * Assets under management Assets Under Management (AUM) is a term used by financial services companies in the mutual fund and money management or investment management business to gauge how much money they are managing. increased to $5.9 billion at the end of 2007 from $5.2 billion at the end of 2006. * Cash flows from operating activities increased from $723 million in 2006 to $774 million in 2007. * Limited catastrophe losses for the year of $77 million, including $18 million of losses resulting from the California wildfires in the fourth quarter. * Following the $50 million share buyback in the third quarter, Aspen completed the final $50 million tranche Tranche One of several related securities offered at the same time. Tranches from the same offering usually have different risk, reward, and/or maturity characteristics. tranche A class of bonds. in the fourth quarter. This completes the $300 million buyback program authorized au·thor·ize tr.v. au·thor·ized, au·thor·iz·ing, au·thor·iz·es 1. To grant authority or power to. 2. To give permission for; sanction: by the Board in November 2006. * During 2007, Aspen continued to implement its successful diversification strategy across business lines and geographies, with new initiatives including entry into Political Risk, Global Excess Casualty and Professional Liability insurance markets, and the establishment of operating platforms in Zurich and Dublin. 2007 Business Segment Highlights In the third quarter of 2007, the Company announced a change in the composition of its business segments to reflect the manner in which the business is managed. The new segments are Property Reinsurance The contract made between an insurance company and a third party to protect the insurance company from losses. The contract provides for the third party to pay for the loss sustained by the insurance company when the company makes a payment on the original contract. , Casualty Reinsurance, International Insurance, and U.S. Insurance. A summary of the operating highlights for each of these segments is presented below. Property Reinsurance Segment The Property Reinsurance segment finished the year with a strong quarter recording a combined ratio of 74.8% compared with 80.1% last year, with the only substantial loss of $18 million attributable to the California wildfires. The full year combined ratio improved to 72.6% in 2007 from 79.2% in 2006. In 2006, there were virtually no catastrophic events whereas 2007 has produced losses from Windstorm wind·storm n. A storm with high winds or violent gusts but little or no rain. windstorm A storm with high winds or violent gusts but little or no rain. Kyrill, U.K. floods and the California wildfires. While not insignificant, losses from these events were comfortably within the initial catastrophe loss guidance of $135 million for the year. The loss ratio for the year was 39.7% versus 43.2% last year, and gross written premium fell by only 3% to $602 million despite pressure on prices. Casualty Reinsurance Segment Casualty Reinsurance finished the year with a combined ratio of 94.6% compared with 83.4% in the prior year reflecting increased loss experience and lower rate levels. In addition, 2006 included favorable fa·vor·a·ble adj. 1. Advantageous; helpful: favorable winds. 2. Encouraging; propitious: a favorable diagnosis. 3. reserve development of $60 million compared with $32 million in 2007. International Insurance Segment The International Insurance segment covers a wide range of classes of business with the overall combined ratio for the year of 80.7% compared with 79.1% last year. 2007 includes some moderate-sized losses in both the marine and aviation books, offset by strong prior year releases within the U.K. liability account from 2006 and prior years. In the fourth quarter of 2007, the new lines, excess casualty and professional liability, began contributing to the top line with increased contributions from all new teams and distribution platforms expected in 2008. U.S. Insurance Segment The U.S. Insurance operation has been strategically repositioned in 2007 against the backdrop of challenging market conditions in both the casualty and property lines. Full year combined ratio of 98.3% compared favorably fa·vor·a·ble adj. 1. Advantageous; helpful: favorable winds. 2. Encouraging; propitious: a favorable diagnosis. 3. to 111.4% last year and the segment moved from an underwriting loss of $12 million last year to a profit of $2 million in 2007. A reshaping of the property book in particular lowered gross written premium by 20% to $123 million. Share Repurchase Share Repurchase A program by which a company buys back its own shares from the marketplace, reducing the number of outstanding shares. This is usually an indication that the company's management thinks the shares are undervalued. Program On February 6, 2008 Aspen's Board authorized a new buyback program for up to $300 million of ordinary equity. The authorization covers the next two years and more details of the timing of these buybacks will be provided as the year progresses. Outlook for 2008 The Company expects a challenging pricing environment to continue in 2008. Given the prevailing market conditions and anticipated trading performance, the Company expects to report an ROE (return on average equity) in the range of 14% to 17% for 2008 assuming normal loss experience. Earnings conference call Aspen will hold a conference call February 7th, 2008 at 9:30am (Eastern Time). Dial in details: +1 888-459-5609 (toll-free domestic U.S.) or +1 973-321-1024 (international) conference ID: 30154447. A replay of the call will be available for 10 days starting immediately following the live call, and can be accessed at +1 800-642-1687 (toll-free domestic U.S.) or +1 706-645-9291 (international); digital pin: 30154447. The live call and a replay can also be heard via Aspen's website at www.aspen.bm. In addition, a financial supplement relating to relating to relate prep → concernant relating to relate prep → bezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc Aspen's financial results for the fourth quarter 2007 is available in the Investor Relations Investor relations The process by which the corporation communicates with its investors. section of Aspen's website at www.aspen.bm. A brief slide presentation which will be used for reference during the earnings call will also be available in the Investor Relations section of Aspen's website. [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] 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 Bermuda, France, Ireland, the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, Aspen reported gross written premiums of $1.8 billion, net income of $489.0 million and total assets of $7.2 billion. For more information about Aspen, please visit www.aspen.bm. Application of the Safe Harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995: This press release contains, and Aspen's earnings conference call will contain, written or oral "forward-looking statements forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. " 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," "project," "anticipate," "seek," "will," "estimate," "may," "continue," "guidance," and similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature. 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. Due to the complexity of factors contributing to the losses and the preliminary nature of the information used to prepare these estimates, there can be no assurance that Aspen's ultimate losses will remain within the stated amount. 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: the impact of deteriorating credit environment created by the sub-prime crisis; a decline in the value of our investment portfolio or a rating downgrade Downgrade A negative change in the rating of a security. Notes: For example, an analyst may downgrade a stock from strong buy to buy, or a bond rating agency may downgrade a bond from AAA to AA. of the securities in our portfolio; changes in the total industry losses resulting from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and any other events, and the actual number of Aspen's insureds incurring losses from these events; with respect to events such as Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, Aspen's reliance on loss reports received from cedants and loss adjustors, Aspen's reliance on industry loss estimates and those generated by modeling techniques, the impact of these events on Aspen's reinsurers, any changes in Aspen's reinsurers' credit quality, the amount and timing of reinsurance recoverables and reimbursements actually received by Aspen from its reinsurers and the overall level of competition and the related demand and supply dynamics as contracts come up for renewal; the impact that our future operating results, capital position and rating agency and other considerations have on the execution of any capital management initiatives; the impact of any capital management activities on our financial condition; the impact of acts of terrorism and related legislation and acts of war Tom Clancy's Op-Center: Acts of War is a technothriller by Jeff Rovin Plot introduction The mobile Regional Operations Center (ROC) in Turkey investigates a dam blown up by Kurdish terrorists. ; the possibility of greater frequency or severity of claims and loss activity, including as a result of natural or man-made catastrophic events than our underwriting, reserving or investment practices have anticipated; evolving interpretive in·ter·pre·tive also in·ter·pre·ta·tive adj. Relating to or marked by interpretation; explanatory. in·ter pre·tive·ly adv. issues with respect to coverage as a
result of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and any other events such
as the U.K. floods; the level of inflation in repair costs due to
limited availability When customers of the PSTN make telephone calls, they commonly make use of a telecommunications network called a switched-circuit network. In a switched-circuit network, devices known as switches are used to connect the caller to the callee. of labor and materials labor and materials (time and materials) n. what some builders or repair people contract to provide and be paid for, rather than a fixed price or a percentage of the costs. after catastrophes; the
effectiveness of Aspen's loss limitation methods; changes in the
availability, cost or quality of reinsurance or retrocessional coverage,
which may affect our decision to purchase such coverage; the reliability
of, and changes in assumptions to, catastrophe pricing, accumulation and
estimated loss models; loss of key personnel; a decline in our operating
subsidiaries' ratings with Standard & Poor's, A.M. Best
Company or Moody's Investors Service Moody's Investors ServiceA leading global credit rating, research and risk analysis firm. Moody's Investors Service A leading firm engaged in credit rating, risk analysis, and research of fixed-income securities and their issuers. ; changes in general economic conditions including inflation, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and other factors that could affect our investment portfolio; the number and type of insurance and reinsurance contracts that we wrote at the January 1st and other renewal periods in 2008 and the premium rates available at the time of such renewals within our targeted business lines; increased competition on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors; decreased demand for Aspen's insurance or reinsurance products and cyclical cyclical Of or relating to a variable, such as housing starts, car sales, or the price of a certain stock, that is subject to regular or irregular up-and-down movements. downturn of the industry; changes in governmental regulations, interpretations or tax laws in jurisdictions where Aspen conducts business; proposed and future changes to insurance laws and regulations, including with respect to U.S. state- and other government-sponsored reinsurance funds and primary insurers; Aspen or its Bermudian subsidiary becoming subject to income taxes in the United States or the United Kingdom; the effect on insurance markets, business practices and relationships of ongoing litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. , investigations and regulatory activity by the New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of State Attorney General's office and other authorities concerning contingent commission arrangements with brokers and bid solicitation solicitation In criminal law, the act of asking, inducing, or directing someone to commit a crime. The person soliciting another becomes an accomplice to the crime. The term also refers to the act of obtaining bribes, as well as to the crime of a prostitute who offers sexual activities. For a more detailed description of these uncertainties and other factors, please see the "Risk Factors" section in Aspen's Annual Reports on Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2007. 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. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In presenting Aspen's results, management has included and discussed certain "non-GAAP financial measures" as such term is defined in Regulation G. Management believes that these non-GAAP 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 GAAP See: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles GAAP See generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). . The reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures to their respective most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in accordance with Regulation G is included in the financial supplement, which can be obtained from the Investor Relations section of Aspen's website at www.aspen.bm. (1) Annualized Operating Return on Average Equity ("Operating ROAE ROAE Return on Average Equity ") is a non-GAAP financial measure. Annualized Operating Return on Average Equity 1) is calculated using operating income, as defined below and 2) excludes from average equity, the average after-tax unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments and the average after-tax unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses and the aggregate value of the liquidation The collection of assets belonging to a debtor to be applied to the discharge of his or her outstanding debts. A type of proceeding pursuant to federal Bankruptcy preferences of our preference shares. Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments is primarily the result of interest rate movements and the resultant impact on fixed income securities, and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign exchange is the result of exchange rate movements between the U.S. dollar and the British pound. Such appreciation (depreciation) is not related to management actions or operational performance (nor is it likely to be realized). Therefore, Aspen believes that excluding these unrealized appreciations (depreciations) provides a more consistent and useful measurement of operating performance, which supplements GAAP information. Average equity is calculated as the arithmetic average on a monthly basis for the stated periods. Aspen presents Operating ROAE as a measure that is commonly recognized as a standard of performance by investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial information. See page 25 of Aspen's financial supplement for a reconciliation of operating income to net income and page 18 for a reconciliation of average equity. (2) 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 capital gains or losses capital gains or losses n. particularly when calculating the tax liability of an individual or business, this is the difference between the original cost plus the cost of capital improvements, excluding maintenance, called "basis" and the sales price. and after-tax net foreign exchange gains or losses. Aspen excludes after-tax net realized capital gains or losses and after-tax net foreign exchange gains or losses from its calculation of operating income because the amount of these gains or losses is heavily influenced by, and fluctuates in part, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the availability of market opportunities. Aspen believes these amounts are largely independent of its business and underwriting process and including them distorts 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 above and page 25 of Aspen's financial supplement for a reconciliation of operating income to net income. Aspen's financial supplement can be obtained from the Investor Relations section of Aspen's website at www.aspen.bm. (3) Diluted book value per ordinary share is a non-GAAP financial measure. Aspen has included diluted book value per ordinary share because it takes into account the effect of dilutive securities; therefore, Aspen believes it is a better measure of calculating shareholder returns than book value per share. Please see page 25 of Aspen's financial supplement for a reconciliation of diluted book value per share to basic book value per share. Aspen's financial supplement can be obtained from the Investor Relations section of Aspen's website at www.aspen.bm. |
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