10-Q 1 axs10-qq12019.htm FORM 10-Q
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
OR
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 001-31721
AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
BERMUDA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
98-0395986
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
92 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, Bermuda HM 08
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(441) 496-2600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company ¨
| Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered
Common shares, par value $0.0125 per share | AXS | New York Stock Exchange
5.50% Series D preferred shares | AXS PRD | New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/100 th interest in a 5.50% Series E preferred share | AXS PRE | New York Stock Exchange

At April 26 2019, there were 83,935,148 Common Shares, $0.0125 par value per share, of the registrant outstanding.

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

|  | Page
| PART I |
| Financial Information | 3
Item 1. | Consolidated Financial Statements | 5
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 46
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 84
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 84
| PART II |
| Other Information | 85
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 85
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 85
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 85
Item 5. | Other Information | 86
Item 6. | Exhibits | 86
| Signatures | 87

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PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this report, including statements regarding our estimates, beliefs, expectations, intentions, strategies or projections are "forward-looking statements". We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the United States federal securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "plan", "believe", "predict", "potential" and "intend" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon current expectations, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond management's control.
Forward-looking statements contained in this report may include, but are not limited to, information regarding our estimates of losses related to catastrophes and other large losses, measurements of potential losses in the fair market value of our investment portfolio and derivative contracts, our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, the outcome of our strategic initiatives, our expectations regarding estimated synergies and the success of the integration of acquired entities, our expectations regarding the estimated benefits and synergies related to the Company's transformation program, our expectations regarding pricing and other market conditions, our growth prospects, and valuations of the potential impact of movements in interest rates, equity securities prices, credit spreads and foreign currency rates.
Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

• | the cyclical nature of the insurance and reinsurance business leading to periods with excess underwriting capacity and unfavorable premium rates,

• | the occurrence and magnitude of natural and man-made disasters,

• | the impact of global climate change on our business, including the possibility that we do not adequately assess or reserve for the increased frequency and severity of natural catastrophes,

• | losses from war, terrorism and political unrest or other unanticipated losses,

• | actual claims exceeding our loss reserves,

• | general economic, capital and credit market conditions,

• | the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ,

• | the effects of emerging claims, coverage and regulatory issues, including uncertainty related to coverage definitions, limits, terms and conditions,

• | our inability to purchase reinsurance or collect amounts due to us,

• | the breach by third parties in our program business of their obligations to us,

• | difficulties with technology and/or data security,

• | the failure of our policyholders and intermediaries to pay premiums,

• | the failure of our cedants to adequately evaluate risks,

• | inability to obtain additional capital on favorable terms, or at all,

• | the loss of one or more key executives,

• | a decline in our ratings with rating agencies,

• | loss of business provided to us by our major brokers and credit risk due to our reliance on brokers,

• | changes in accounting policies or practices,

• | the use of industry catastrophe models and changes to these models,

• | changes in governmental regulations and potential government intervention in our industry,

• | failure to comply with certain laws and regulations relating to sanctions and foreign corrupt practices,

• | increased competition,

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• | changes in the political environment of certain countries in which we operate or underwrite business including the United Kingdom's expected withdrawal from the European Union,

• | fluctuations in interest rates, credit spreads, equity securities' prices and/or currency values,

• | the failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses or realize the expected synergies resulting from such acquisitions,

• | the failure to realize the expected benefits or synergies relating to the Company's transformation initiative,

• | changes in tax laws, and

• | the other factors including but not limited to those described under Item 1A, 'Risk Factors' and Item 7, 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as those factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic and other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Website and Social Media Disclosure
We use our website (www.axiscapital.com) and our corporate Twitter (@AXIS_Capital) and LinkedIn (AXIS Capital) accounts as channels of distribution of Company information. The information we post through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. In addition, you may automatically receive e-mail alerts and other information about AXIS Capital when you enroll your e-mail address by visiting the “E-mail Alerts” in the Investor Information section of our website (www.axiscapital.com). The contents of our website and social media channels are not, however, a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| Page
Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2018 | 6
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) | 7
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) | 8
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) | 9
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) | 9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) | 10
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies | 10
Note 2 - Segment Information | 12
Note 3 - Investments | 14
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements | 23
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments | 33
Note 6 - Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses | 36
Note 7 - Earnings Per Common Share | 39
Note 8 - Share-Based Compensation | 40
Note 9 - Shareholders' Equity | 41
Note 10 - Debt and Financing Arrangements | 42
Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies | 42
Note 12 - Leases | 42
Note 13 - Transaction and Reorganization Expenses | 44
Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | 44
Note 15 - Subsequent Events | 45

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 2019 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2018

| 2019 |  | 2018
| (in thousands)
Assets |  |  |
Investments: |  |  |
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost 2019: $11,834,207; 2018: $11,616,312) | $ | 11,874,518 |  |  | $ | 11,435,347 |
Equity securities, at fair value (Cost 2019: $376,493; 2018: $365,905) | 418,863 |  |  | 381,633 |
Mortgage loans, held for investment, at fair value | 313,421 |  |  | 298,650 |
Other investments, at fair value | 795,331 |  |  | 787,787 |
Equity method investments | 110,322 |  |  | 108,103 |
Short-term investments, at fair value | 41,853 |  |  | 144,040 |
Total investments | 13,554,308 |  |  | 13,155,560 |
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,151,182 |  |  | 1,232,814 |
Restricted cash and cash equivalents | 455,076 |  |  | 597,206 |
Accrued interest receivable | 78,594 |  |  | 80,335 |
Insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable | 3,667,923 |  |  | 3,007,296 |
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses | 3,555,341 |  |  | 3,501,669 |
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses | 321,798 |  |  | 280,233 |
Deferred acquisition costs | 703,028 |  |  | 566,622 |
Prepaid reinsurance premiums | 1,271,303 |  |  | 1,013,573 |
Receivable for investments sold | 10,888 |  |  | 32,627 |
Goodwill | 102,003 |  |  | 102,003 |
Intangible assets | 238,763 |  |  | 241,568 |
Value of business acquired | 22,610 |  |  | 35,714 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 143,887 |  |  | — |
Other assets | 280,878 |  |  | 285,346 |
Total assets | $ | 25,557,582 |  |  | $ | 24,132,566 |
Liabilities |  |  |
Reserve for losses and loss expenses | $ | 12,275,771 |  |  | $ | 12,280,769 |
Unearned premiums | 4,535,163 |  |  | 3,635,758 |
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable | 1,440,942 |  |  | 1,338,991 |
Senior notes | 1,342,345 |  |  | 1,341,961 |
Payable for investments purchased | 159,544 |  |  | 111,838 |
Operating lease liabilities | 144,298 |  |  | — |
Other liabilities | 359,363 |  |  | 393,178 |
Total liabilities | 20,257,426 |  |  | 19,102,495 |
Shareholders’ equity |  |  |
Preferred shares | 775,000 |  |  | 775,000 |
Common shares (shares issued 2019: 176,580; 2018: 176,580 shares outstanding 2019: 83,934; 2018: 83,586) | 2,206 |  |  | 2,206 |
Additional paid-in capital | 2,296,639 |  |  | 2,308,583 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 29,096 |  |  | (177,110 | )
Retained earnings | 5,976,603 |  |  | 5,912,812 |
Treasury shares, at cost (2019: 92,646; 2018: 92,994 shares) | (3,779,388 | ) |  | (3,791,420 | )
Total shareholders’ equity | 5,300,156 |  |  | 5,030,071 |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 25,557,582 |  |  | $ | 24,132,566 |

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018

| Three months ended
| 2019 |  | 2018
| (in thousands, except for per share amounts)
Revenues |  |  |
Net premiums earned | $ | 1,134,212 |  |  | $ | 1,167,402 |
Net investment income | 107,303 |  |  | 100,999 |
Other insurance related income | 6,929 |  |  | 6,606 |
Net investment gains (losses): |  |  |
Other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses | (4,036 | ) |  | (414 | )
Other realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) | 16,803 |  |  | (14,416 | )
Total net investment gains (losses) | 12,767 |  |  | (14,830 | )
Total revenues | 1,261,211 |  |  | 1,260,177 |
Expenses |  |  |
Net losses and loss expenses | 664,028 |  |  | 661,345 |
Acquisition costs | 260,418 |  |  | 229,260 |
General and administrative expenses | 175,091 |  |  | 169,837 |
Foreign exchange losses | 7,056 |  |  | 37,860 |
Interest expense and financing costs | 15,895 |  |  | 16,763 |
Transaction and reorganization expenses | 14,820 |  |  | 13,054 |
Amortization of value of business acquired | 13,104 |  |  | 57,110 |
Amortization of intangible assets | 3,003 |  |  | 2,782 |
Total expenses | 1,153,415 |  |  | 1,188,011 |
Income before income taxes and interest in income of equity method investments | 107,796 |  |  | 72,166 |
Income tax (expense) benefit | (1,234 | ) |  | 1,036 |
Interest in income of equity method investments | 2,219 |  |  | — |
Net income | 108,781 |  |  | 73,202 |
Preferred share dividends | 10,656 |  |  | 10,656 |
Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 98,125 |  |  | $ | 62,546 |
Per share data |  |  |
Earnings per common share: |  |  |
Earnings per common share | $ | 1.17 |  |  | $ | 0.75 |
Earnings per diluted common share | $ | 1.16 |  |  | $ | 0.75 |
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 83,725 |  |  | 83,322 |
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding | 84,272 |  |  | 83,721 |

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018

| Three months ended
| 2019 |  | 2018
| (in thousands)
Net income | $ | 108,781 |  |  | $ | 73,202 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |  |  |
Available for sale investments: |  |  |
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the period | 190,173 |  |  | (112,191 | )
Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment (gains) losses and OTTI losses recognized in net income | 13,370 |  |  | 785 |
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the period, net of reclassification adjustment | 203,543 |  |  | (111,406 | )
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 2,662 |  |  | 1,270 |
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 206,205 |  |  | (110,136 | )
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 314,986 |  |  | $ | (36,934 | )

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018

| 2019 |  | 2018
| (in thousands)
Preferred shares |  |  |
Balance at beginning and end of period | $ | 775,000 |  |  | $ | 775,000 |
Common shares (par value) |  |  |
Balance at beginning and end of period | 2,206 |  |  | 2,206 |
Additional paid-in capital |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 2,308,583 |  |  | 2,299,166 |
Treasury shares reissued | (19,302 | ) |  | (19,272 | )
Share-based compensation expense | 7,358 |  |  | 9,603 |
Balance at end of period | 2,296,639 |  |  | 2,289,497 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | (177,110 | ) |  | 92,382 |
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale investments, net of tax: |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | (168,365 | ) |  | 89,962 |
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 | — |  |  | 2,142 |
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, net of taxes | — |  |  | (69,604 | )
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of reclassification adjustment | 203,543 |  |  | (111,406 | )
Balance at end of period | 35,178 |  |  | (88,906 | )
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax: |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | (8,745 | ) |  | 2,420 |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 2,663 |  |  | 1,270 |
Balance at end of period | (6,082 | ) |  | 3,690 |
Balance at end of period | 29,096 |  |  | (85,216 | )
Retained earnings |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 5,912,812 |  |  | 5,979,666 |
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 | — |  |  | (2,142 | )
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, net of taxes | — |  |  | 69,604 |
Net income | 108,781 |  |  | 73,202 |
Preferred share dividends | (10,656 | ) |  | (10,656 | )
Common share dividends | (34,334 | ) |  | (33,380 | )
Balance at end of period | 5,976,603 |  |  | 6,076,294 |
Treasury shares, at cost |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | (3,791,420 | ) |  | (3,807,156 | )
Shares repurchased | (9,003 | ) |  | (7,163 | )
Shares reissued | 21,035 |  |  | 20,933 |
Balance at end of period | (3,779,388 | ) |  | (3,793,386 | )
Total shareholders’ equity | $ | 5,300,156 |  |  | $ | 5,264,395 |

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 AND 2018

| Three months ended
| 2019 |  | 2018
| (in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net income | $ | 108,781 |  |  | $ | 73,202 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: |  |  |
Net investment (gains) losses | (12,767 | ) |  | 8,909 |
Net realized and unrealized gains on other investments | (6,528 | ) |  | (12,950 | )
Amortization of fixed maturities | 5,832 |  |  | 9,895 |
Interest in income of equity method investments | (2,219 | ) |  | — |
Amortization of value of business acquired | 13,104 |  |  | 57,110 |
Other amortization and depreciation | 23,742 |  |  | 11,287 |
Share-based compensation expense, net of cash payments | (3,679 | ) |  | (1,481 | )
Changes in: |  |  |
Accrued interest receivable | 1,544 |  |  | 3,350 |
Reinsurance recoverable balances on unpaid and paid losses | (98,425 | ) |  | (113,656 | )
Deferred acquisition costs | (136,906 | ) |  | (253,369 | )
Prepaid reinsurance premiums | (260,567 | ) |  | (218,772 | )
Reserve for losses and loss expenses | 4,829 |  |  | 184,511 |
Unearned premiums | 903,253 |  |  | 1,056,045 |
Insurance and reinsurance balances, net | (559,150 | ) |  | (854,993 | )
Other items | (38,536 | ) |  | (36,973 | )
Net cash used in operating activities | (57,692 | ) |  | (87,885 | )
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Purchases of: |  |  |
Fixed maturities | (2,425,086 | ) |  | (2,474,418 | )
Equity securities | (23,503 | ) |  | (42,522 | )
Mortgage loans | (14,965 | ) |  | (59,838 | )
Other investments | (70,039 | ) |  | (31,755 | )
Short-term investments | (85,045 | ) |  | (57,688 | )
Proceeds from the sale of: |  |  |
Fixed maturities | 1,978,928 |  |  | 2,442,673 |
Equity securities | 14,875 |  |  | 194,970 |
Other investments | 67,865 |  |  | 44,493 |
Short-term investments | 185,445 |  |  | 46,719 |
Proceeds from redemption of fixed maturities | 278,150 |  |  | 319,526 |
Proceeds from redemption of short-term investments | 2,413 |  |  | 16,022 |
Proceeds from the repayment of mortgage loans | 243 |  |  | 20,237 |
Purchase of other assets | (12,051 | ) |  | — |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (102,770 | ) |  | 418,419 |
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Taxes paid on withholding shares | (9,003 | ) |  | (7,163 | )
Dividends paid - common shares | (36,260 | ) |  | (35,273 | )
Dividends paid - preferred shares | (10,656 | ) |  | (10,656 | )
Net cash used in financing activities | (55,919 | ) |  | (53,092 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | (7,381 | ) |  | 3,354 |
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | (223,762 | ) |  | 280,796 |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - beginning of period | 1,830,020 |  |  | 1,363,786 |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash - end of period | $ | 1,606,258 |  |  | $ | 1,644,582 |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |  |  |
Income taxes paid | $ | 1,321 |  |  | $ | 4,412 |
Interest paid | $ | — |  |  | $ | 10,306 |

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: In 2018, total consideration paid for an agreement for the Reinsurance to Close ("RITC") of the 2015 and prior years of account of Syndicate 2007 was $819 million of which $600 million was settled by way of a transfer of securities and was treated as a non-cash activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows (refer to Note 6 'Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses').
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. | BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation
These unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (the "financial statements") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and include AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital") and its subsidiaries (the "Company"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in AXIS Capital's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the SEC.
In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position and results of operations for the periods presented.
The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
To facilitate comparison of information across periods, certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year's presentation. These reclassifications did not impact results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Tabular dollar and share amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts. All amounts are reported in U.S. dollars.
Significant Accounting Policies
There was no notable change to the Company's significant accounting policies subsequent to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
New Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019
Leases
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)", which provides a new comprehensive model for lease accounting. Topic 842 requires a lessee to recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The adoption of this standard resulted in the recognition of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets of $144 million in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2019, related to office property and equipment leases.
In addition, the Company adopted ASU 2018-11, "Leases (Topic 842) - Targeted Improvements", which provides an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new lease guidance. Under the alternative transition method, the Company's reporting for the comparative periods presented in its financial statements will be in accordance with the pre-effective date lease accounting requirements (Topic 840).
The Company also elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance of Topic 842, which were elected as a package and applied consistently to all leases. At the adoption date, the package of practical expedients permitted the Company not to reassess the following:

1. | whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases;

2. | the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and

3. | initial direct costs for any existing leases.

In addition to electing the package of practical expedients, the Company made an accounting policy election to account for non-lease components separately from lease components. As a result, the non-lease components associated with the Company's leases are not included in the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets in the Company's consolidated balance at March 31, 2019.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. | BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Further, the Company made an accounting policy election not to record office property and equipment leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short-term) in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized expense for short-term leases of $0.6 million in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company's retained earnings, results of operations, or liquidity.
Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2017-08 "Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) - Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities" which shortens the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Changes to Disclosures on Fair Value Measurement
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2018-13 "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement" which aims to improve the effectiveness of fair value measurement disclosures. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instrument
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" which replaces the "incurred loss" impairment methodology with an approach based on "expected losses" to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The guidance requires financial assets to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the cost of the financial asset to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. The guidance also provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

2. | SEGMENT INFORMATION

AXIS Capital's underwriting operations are organized around its global underwriting platforms, AXIS Insurance and AXIS Re. The Company has determined that it has two reportable segments, insurance and reinsurance. The Company does not allocate its assets by segment, with the exception of goodwill and intangible assets, as it evaluates the underwriting results of each segment separately from the results of its investment portfolio.
Insurance
The Company's insurance segment offers specialty insurance products to a variety of niche markets on a worldwide basis. The product lines in this segment are property, marine, terrorism, aviation, credit and political risk, professional lines, liability, accident and health, and discontinued lines - Novae.
Reinsurance
The Company's reinsurance segment provides treaty reinsurance to insurance companies on a worldwide basis. The product lines in this segment are catastrophe, property, professional lines, credit and surety, motor, liability, agriculture, engineering, marine and other, accident and health, and discontinued lines - Novae.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

2. | SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

The following tables present the underwriting results of the Company's reportable segments, as well as the carrying values of allocated goodwill and intangible assets:

|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Three months ended and at March 31, | Insurance |  | Reinsurance |  | Total |  | Insurance |  | Reinsurance |  | Total |
| Gross premiums written | $ | 851,096 |  |  | $ | 1,732,130 |  |  | $ | 2,583,226 |  |  | $ | 880,848 |  |  | $ | 1,781,947 |  |  | $ | 2,662,795 |  |
| Net premiums written | 529,239 |  |  | 1,247,820 |  |  | 1,777,059 |  |  | 547,893 |  |  | 1,437,978 |  |  | 1,985,871 |  |
| Net premiums earned | 556,762 |  |  | 577,450 |  |  | 1,134,212 |  |  | 580,059 |  |  | 587,343 |  |  | 1,167,402 |  |
| Other insurance related income | 1,742 |  |  | 5,187 |  |  | 6,929 |  |  | 620 |  |  | 5,986 |  |  | 6,606 |  |
| Net losses and loss expenses | (313,776 | ) |  | (350,252 | ) |  | (664,028 | ) |  | (321,538 | ) |  | (339,807 | ) |  | (661,345 | ) |
| Acquisition costs | (117,775 | ) |  | (142,643 | ) |  | (260,418 | ) |  | (87,329 | ) |  | (141,931 | ) |  | (229,260 | ) |
| General and administrative expenses | (106,034 | ) |  | (32,839 | ) |  | (138,873 | ) |  | (102,370 | ) |  | (37,296 | ) |  | (139,666 | ) |
| Underwriting income | $ | 20,919 |  |  | $ | 56,903 |  |  | 77,822 |  |  | $ | 69,442 |  |  | $ | 74,295 |  |  | 143,737 |  |
| Net investment income |  |  |  |  | 107,303 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 100,999 |  |
| Net investment gains (losses) |  |  |  |  | 12,767 |  |  |  |  |  |  | (14,830 | ) |
| Corporate expenses |  |  |  |  | (36,218 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | (30,171 | ) |
| Foreign exchange losses |  |  |  |  | (7,056 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | (37,860 | ) |
| Interest expense and financing costs |  |  |  |  | (15,895 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | (16,763 | ) |
| Transaction and reorganization expenses |  |  |  |  | (14,820 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | (13,054 | ) |
| Amortization of value of business acquired |  |  |  |  | (13,104 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | (57,110 | ) |
| Amortization of intangible assets |  |  |  |  | (3,003 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | (2,782 | ) |
| Income before income taxes and interest in income of equity method investments |  |  |  |  | $ | 107,796 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 72,166 |  |
| Net loss and loss expense ratio | 56.4 | % |  | 60.7 | % |  | 58.5 | % |  | 55.4 | % |  | 57.9 | % |  | 56.7 | % |
| Acquisition cost ratio | 21.2 | % |  | 24.7 | % |  | 23.0 | % |  | 15.1 | % |  | 24.2 | % |  | 19.6 | % |
| General and administrative expense ratio | 19.0 | % |  | 5.6 | % |  | 15.4 | % |  | 17.6 | % |  | 6.3 | % |  | 14.5 | % |
| Combined ratio | 96.6 | % |  | 91.0 | % |  | 96.9 | % |  | 88.1 | % |  | 88.4 | % |  | 90.8 | % |
| Total intangible assets | $ | 363,376 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 363,376 |  |  | $ | 506,747 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 506,747 |  |

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3. | INVESTMENTS

a) Fixed Maturities and Equity securities
Fixed maturities
The amortized cost and fair values of the Company's fixed maturities classified as available for sale were as follows:

|  | Amortized cost |  | Gross unrealized gains |  | Gross unrealized losses |  | Fair value |  | Non-credit OTTI in AOCI(5) |
| At March 31, 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. government and agency | $ | 1,965,801 |  |  | $ | 12,365 |  |  | $ | (4,512 | ) |  | $ | 1,973,654 |  |  | $ | — |  |
| Non-U.S. government | 488,056 |  |  | 6,448 |  |  | (6,841 | ) |  | 487,663 |  |  | — |  |
| Corporate debt | 4,809,079 |  |  | 62,910 |  |  | (33,724 | ) |  | 4,838,265 |  |  | — |  |
| Agency RMBS(1) | 1,708,610 |  |  | 14,430 |  |  | (17,078 | ) |  | 1,705,962 |  |  | — |  |
| CMBS(2) | 1,040,474 |  |  | 13,491 |  |  | (1,825 | ) |  | 1,052,140 |  |  | — |  |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 47,125 |  |  | 1,307 |  |  | (1,021 | ) |  | 47,411 |  |  | (819 | ) |
| ABS(3) | 1,619,648 |  |  | 2,710 |  |  | (9,348 | ) |  | 1,613,010 |  |  | — |  |
| Municipals(4) | 155,414 |  |  | 1,481 |  |  | (482 | ) |  | 156,413 |  |  | — |  |
| Total fixed maturities | $ | 11,834,207 |  |  | $ | 115,142 |  |  | $ | (74,831 | ) |  | $ | 11,874,518 |  |  | $ | (819 | ) |
| At December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. government and agency | $ | 1,520,142 |  |  | $ | 4,232 |  |  | $ | (8,677 | ) |  | $ | 1,515,697 |  |  | $ | — |  |
| Non-U.S. government | 507,550 |  |  | 1,586 |  |  | (16,120 | ) |  | 493,016 |  |  | — |  |
| Corporate debt | 4,990,279 |  |  | 15,086 |  |  | (128,444 | ) |  | 4,876,921 |  |  | — |  |
| Agency RMBS(1) | 1,666,684 |  |  | 6,508 |  |  | (29,884 | ) |  | 1,643,308 |  |  | — |  |
| CMBS(2) | 1,103,507 |  |  | 2,818 |  |  | (13,795 | ) |  | 1,092,530 |  |  | — |  |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 40,732 |  |  | 1,237 |  |  | (1,282 | ) |  | 40,687 |  |  | (857 | ) |
| ABS(3) | 1,651,350 |  |  | 1,493 |  |  | (15,240 | ) |  | 1,637,603 |  |  | — |  |
| Municipals(4) | 136,068 |  |  | 914 |  |  | (1,397 | ) |  | 135,585 |  |  | — |  |
| Total fixed maturities | $ | 11,616,312 |  |  | $ | 33,874 |  |  | $ | (214,839 | ) |  | $ | 11,435,347 |  |  | $ | (857 | ) |

(1) | Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") originated by U.S. government-sponsored agencies.

(2) | Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS").

(3) | Asset-backed securities ("ABS") include debt tranched securities collateralized primarily by auto loans, student loans, credit card receivables, collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs") and collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs").

(4) | Municipals include bonds issued by states, municipalities and political subdivisions.

(5) | Represents the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses, adjusted for subsequent sales, maturities and redemptions. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3. | INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

Equity Securities
The cost and fair values of the Company's equity securities were as follows:

|  | Cost |  | Gross unrealized gains |  | Gross unrealized losses |  | Fair value |
| At March 31, 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Equity securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Common stocks | $ | 693 |  |  | $ | 207 |  |  | $ | (315 | ) |  | $ | 585 |  |
| Exchange-traded funds | 221,337 |  |  | 54,511 |  |  | (4,240 | ) |  | 271,608 |  |
| Bond mutual funds | 154,463 |  |  | — |  |  | (7,793 | ) |  | 146,670 |  |
| Total equity securities | $ | 376,493 |  |  | $ | 54,718 |  |  | $ | (12,348 | ) |  | $ | 418,863 |  |
| At December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Equity securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Common stocks | $ | 790 |  |  | $ | 112 |  |  | $ | (375 | ) |  | $ | 527 |  |
| Exchange-traded funds | 213,420 |  |  | 33,498 |  |  | (10,079 | ) |  | 236,839 |  |
| Bond mutual funds | 151,695 |  |  | — |  |  | (7,428 | ) |  | 144,267 |  |
| Total equity securities | $ | 365,905 |  |  | $ | 33,610 |  |  | $ | (17,882 | ) |  | $ | 381,633 |  |

In the normal course of investing activities, the Company actively manages allocations to non-controlling tranches of structured securities which are variable interests issued by Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs"). These structured securities include RMBS, CMBS and ABS. The Company also invests in limited partnerships including hedge funds, direct lending funds, private equity funds and real estate funds as well as CLO equity tranched securities, which are all variable interests issued by VIEs (refer to Note 3(c) 'Other Investments'). The Company does not have the power to direct the activities that are most significant to the economic performance of the VIEs therefore the Company is not the primary beneficiary of any of these VIEs. The maximum exposure to loss on these interests is limited to the amount of investment made by the Company. The Company has not provided financial or other support with respect to these structured securities other than the original investment.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3. | INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

Contractual Maturities
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The contractual maturities of fixed maturities are shown below:

|  | Amortized cost |  | Fair value |  | % of Total fair value |
| At March 31, 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Maturity |  |  |  |  |  |
| Due in one year or less | $ | 408,537 |  |  | $ | 407,667 |  |  | 3.4 | % |
| Due after one year through five years | 4,952,184 |  |  | 4,978,429 |  |  | 41.9 | % |
| Due after five years through ten years | 1,710,102 |  |  | 1,719,806 |  |  | 14.5 | % |
| Due after ten years | 347,527 |  |  | 350,093 |  |  | 2.9 | % |
|  | 7,418,350 |  |  | 7,455,995 |  |  | 62.7 | % |
| Agency RMBS | 1,708,610 |  |  | 1,705,962 |  |  | 14.4 | % |
| CMBS | 1,040,474 |  |  | 1,052,140 |  |  | 8.9 | % |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 47,125 |  |  | 47,411 |  |  | 0.4 | % |
| ABS | 1,619,648 |  |  | 1,613,010 |  |  | 13.6 | % |
| Total | $ | 11,834,207 |  |  | $ | 11,874,518 |  |  | 100.0 | % |
| At December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Maturity |  |  |  |  |  |
| Due in one year or less | $ | 430,390 |  |  | $ | 426,142 |  |  | 3.7 | % |
| Due after one year through five years | 4,751,064 |  |  | 4,691,263 |  |  | 41.0 | % |
| Due after five years through ten years | 1,762,452 |  |  | 1,697,737 |  |  | 14.8 | % |
| Due after ten years | 210,133 |  |  | 206,077 |  |  | 1.8 | % |
|  | 7,154,039 |  |  | 7,021,219 |  |  | 61.3 | % |
| Agency RMBS | 1,666,684 |  |  | 1,643,308 |  |  | 14.4 | % |
| CMBS | 1,103,507 |  |  | 1,092,530 |  |  | 9.6 | % |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 40,732 |  |  | 40,687 |  |  | 0.4 | % |
| ABS | 1,651,350 |  |  | 1,637,603 |  |  | 14.3 | % |
| Total | $ | 11,616,312 |  |  | $ | 11,435,347 |  |  | 100.0 | % |

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3. | INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

Gross Unrealized Losses
The following table summarizes fixed maturities and equity securities in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position:

|  | 12 months or greater |  | Less than 12 months |  | Total |
|  | Fair value |  | Unrealized losses |  | Fair value |  | Unrealized losses |  | Fair value |  | Unrealized losses |
| At March 31, 2019(1) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. government and agency | $ | 371,995 |  |  | $ | (4,194 | ) |  | $ | 220,718 |  |  | $ | (318 | ) |  | $ | 592,713 |  |  | $ | (4,512 | ) |
| Non-U.S. government | 95,715 |  |  | (3,368 | ) |  | 136,310 |  |  | (3,473 | ) |  | 232,025 |  |  | (6,841 | ) |
| Corporate debt | 1,134,227 |  |  | (20,122 | ) |  | 727,267 |  |  | (13,602 | ) |  | 1,861,494 |  |  | (33,724 | ) |
| Agency RMBS | 849,681 |  |  | (16,949 | ) |  | 26,971 |  |  | (129 | ) |  | 876,652 |  |  | (17,078 | ) |
| CMBS | 244,188 |  |  | (1,500 | ) |  | 85,473 |  |  | (325 | ) |  | 329,661 |  |  | (1,825 | ) |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 9,360 |  |  | (905 | ) |  | 12,111 |  |  | (116 | ) |  | 21,471 |  |  | (1,021 | ) |
| ABS | 273,759 |  |  | (2,757 | ) |  | 846,715 |  |  | (6,591 | ) |  | 1,120,474 |  |  | (9,348 | ) |
| Municipals | 42,745 |  |  | (452 | ) |  | 15,779 |  |  | (30 | ) |  | 58,524 |  |  | (482 | ) |
| Total fixed maturities | $ | 3,021,670 |  |  | $ | (50,247 | ) |  | $ | 2,071,344 |  |  | $ | (24,584 | ) |  | $ | 5,093,014 |  |  | $ | (74,831 | ) |
| At December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. government and agency | $ | 374,030 |  |  | $ | (7,659 | ) |  | $ | 424,439 |  |  | $ | (1,018 | ) |  | $ | 798,469 |  |  | $ | (8,677 | ) |
| Non-U.S. government | 44,339 |  |  | (2,004 | ) |  | 303,376 |  |  | (14,116 | ) |  | 347,715 |  |  | (16,120 | ) |
| Corporate debt | 1,439,378 |  |  | (58,915 | ) |  | 2,547,135 |  |  | (69,529 | ) |  | 3,986,513 |  |  | (128,444 | ) |
| Agency RMBS | 940,645 |  |  | (29,255 | ) |  | 117,181 |  |  | (629 | ) |  | 1,057,826 |  |  | (29,884 | ) |
| CMBS | 455,582 |  |  | (11,430 | ) |  | 353,802 |  |  | (2,365 | ) |  | 809,384 |  |  | (13,795 | ) |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 9,494 |  |  | (1,170 | ) |  | 11,432 |  |  | (112 | ) |  | 20,926 |  |  | (1,282 | ) |
| ABS | 237,237 |  |  | (2,755 | ) |  | 1,150,692 |  |  | (12,485 | ) |  | 1,387,929 |  |  | (15,240 | ) |
| Municipals | 68,814 |  |  | (1,373 | ) |  | 9,894 |  |  | (24 | ) |  | 78,708 |  |  | (1,397 | ) |
| Total fixed maturities | $ | 3,569,519 |  |  | $ | (114,561 | ) |  | $ | 4,917,951 |  |  | $ | (100,278 | ) |  | $ | 8,487,470 |  |  | $ | (214,839 | ) |

Fixed Maturities
At March 31, 2019, 2,521 fixed maturities (2018: 3,599) were in an unrealized loss position of $75 million (2018: $215 million), of which $15 million (2018: $49 million) was related to securities below investment grade or not rated.
At March 31, 2019, 1,553 fixed maturities (2018: 1,656) had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and had a fair value of $3,022 million (2018: $3,570 million). Following a credit impairment review, it was concluded that these securities as well as the remaining securities in an unrealized loss position were temporarily impaired at March 31, 2019, and were expected to recover in value as the securities approach maturity. At March 31, 2019, the Company did not intend to sell the securities in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of their amortized costs.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3. | INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

b) Mortgage Loans
The following table provides details of the Company's mortgage loans held-for-investment:

|  | March 31, 2019 |  | December 31, 2018 |
|  | Carrying value |  | % of Total |  | Carrying value |  | % of Total |
| Mortgage Loans held-for-investment: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Commercial | $ | 313,421 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 298,650 |  |  | 100 | % |
| Total Mortgage Loans held-for-investment | $ | 313,421 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 298,650 |  |  | 100 | % |

The primary credit quality indicator for commercial mortgage loans is the debt service coverage ratio which compares a property’s net operating income to amounts needed to service the principal and interest due under the loan, (generally, the lower the debt service coverage ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss) and the loan-to-value ratio which compares the unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral (generally, the higher the loan-to-value ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss). The debt service coverage ratio and loan-to-value ratio, as well as the values utilized in calculating these ratios, are updated annually, on a rolling basis.
The Company has a high quality mortgage loan portfolio with weighted average debt service coverage ratios in excess of 2.2 x and weighted average loan-to-value ratios of less than 60%. At March 31, 2019, there are no credit losses or past due amounts associated with the commercial mortgage loans held by the Company.
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3. | INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

c) Other Investments
The following tables provide a summary of the Company's other investments, together with additional information relating to the liquidity of each category:

|  | Fair value |  | Redemption frequency (if currently eligible) |  | Redemption notice period |
| At March 31, 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Long/short equity funds | $ | 29,324 |  |  | 4 | % |  | Annually |  | 60 days |
| Multi-strategy funds | 149,509 |  |  | 19 | % |  | Quarterly, Semi-annually |  | 60-90 days |
| Event-driven funds | 5,914 |  |  | 1 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Direct lending funds | 272,752 |  |  | 34 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Private equity funds | 61,526 |  |  | 8 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Real estate funds | 111,169 |  |  | 14 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| CLO-Equities | 18,022 |  |  | 1 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Other privately held investments | 47,685 |  |  | 6 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Overseas deposits | 99,430 |  |  | 13 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Total other investments | $ | 795,331 |  |  | 100 | % |  |  |  |  |
| At December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Long/short equity funds | $ | 26,779 |  |  | 3 | % |  | Annually |  | 60 days |
| Multi-strategy funds | 153,883 |  |  | 20 | % |  | Quarterly, Semi-annually |  | 60-95 days |
| Event-driven funds | 13,936 |  |  | 2 | % |  | Annually |  | 45 days |
| Direct lending funds | 274,478 |  |  | 35 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Private equity funds | 64,566 |  |  | 8 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Real estate funds | 84,202 |  |  | 11 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| CLO-Equities | 21,271 |  |  | 2 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Other privately held investments | 44,518 |  |  | 6 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Overseas deposits | 104,154 |  |  | 13 | % |  | n/a |  | n/a |
| Total other investments | $ | 787,787 |  |  | 100 | % |  |  |  |  |

n/a - not applicable
The investment strategies for the above funds are as follows:

• | Long/short equity funds: Seek to achieve attractive returns primarily by executing an equity trading strategy involving long and short investments in publicly-traded equity securities.

• | Multi-strategy funds: Seek to achieve above-market returns by pursuing multiple investment strategies to diversify risks and reduce volatility. This category includes funds of hedge funds which invest in a large pool of hedge funds across a diversified range of hedge fund strategies.

• | Event-driven funds: Seek to achieve attractive returns by exploiting situations where announced or anticipated events create opportunities.

• | Direct lending funds: Seek to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns, including current income generation, by investing in funds which provide financing directly to borrowers.

• | Private equity funds: Seek to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns by investing in private transactions over the course of several years.

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3. | INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

• | Real estate funds: Seek to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns by making and managing investments in real estate and real estate securities and businesses.

Two common redemption restrictions which may impact the Company's ability to redeem hedge funds are gates and lockups. A gate is a suspension of redemptions which may be implemented by the general partner or investment manager of the fund in order to defer, in whole or in part, the redemption request in the event the aggregate amount of redemption requests exceeds a predetermined percentage of the fund's net assets which may otherwise hinder the general partner or investment manager's ability to liquidate holdings in an orderly fashion in order to generate the cash necessary to fund extraordinarily large redemption payouts. A lockup period is the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to hold the security before having the ability to redeem. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, neither of these restrictions impacted the Company's redemption requests. At March 31, 2019, $42 million (2018: $27 million), representing 23% (2018: 14%) of total hedge funds, relate to holdings where the Company is still within the lockup period. The expiration of these lockup periods range from October 2020 to March 2022.
At March 31, 2019, the Company had $200 million (2018: $210 million) of unfunded commitments as a limited partner in direct lending funds. Once the full amount of committed capital has been called by the General Partner of each of these funds, the assets will not be fully returned until the completion of the fund's investment term. These funds have investment terms ranging from five to ten years and the General Partners of certain funds have the option to extend the term by up to three years.
At March 31, 2019, the Company had $53 million (2018: $84 million) of unfunded commitments as a limited partner in multi-strategy hedge funds. Once the full amount of committed capital has been called by the General Partner of each of these funds, the assets will not be fully returned until after the completion of the funds' investment term. These funds have investment terms ranging from two years to the dissolution of the underlying fund.
At March 31, 2019, the Company had $115 million (2018: $147 million) of unfunded commitments as a limited partner in funds which invest in real estate and real estate securities and businesses. These funds include an open-ended fund and funds with investment terms ranging from seven years to the dissolution of the underlying fund.
At March 31, 2019, the Company had $16 million (2018: $16 million) of unfunded commitments as a limited partner in a private equity fund. The life of the fund is subject to the dissolution of the underlying funds. The Company expects the overall holding period to be over ten years.
During 2015, the Company made a $50 million commitment as a limited partner of a bank revolver opportunity fund. The fund has an investment term of seven years and the General Partners have the option to extend the term by up to two years. At March 31, 2019, this commitment remains unfunded. It is not anticipated that the full amount of this fund will be drawn.
Syndicate 2007 holds overseas deposits which include investments in private funds where the underlying investments are primarily U.S. government, Non-U.S. government and corporate debt securities. The funds do not trade on an exchange therefore are not included within available for sale investments.
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3. | INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

d) Equity Method Investments
During 2016, the Company paid $108 million including direct transaction costs to acquire 19% of the common equity of Harrington Reinsurance Holdings Limited ("Harrington"), the parent company of Harrington Re Ltd. ("Harrington Re"), an independent reinsurance company jointly sponsored by AXIS Capital and The Blackstone Group L.P. ("Blackstone"). Through long-term service agreements, AXIS Capital will serve as Harrington Re's reinsurance underwriting manager and Blackstone will serve as exclusive investment management service provider. As an investor, the Company expects to benefit from underwriting profit generated by Harrington Re and the income and capital appreciation Blackstone seeks to deliver through its investment management services. In addition, the Company has entered into an arrangement with Blackstone under which underwriting and investment related fees will be shared equally. Harrington is not a VIE that is required to be included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for its ownership interest in Harrington under the equity method of accounting. The Company's proportionate share of the underlying equity in net assets resulted in a basis difference of $5 million which represents initial transactions costs.
e) Net Investment Income
Net investment income was derived from the following sources:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Fixed maturities | $ | 91,382 |  |  | $ | 83,958 |  |
| Other investments | 6,895 |  |  | 13,704 |  |
| Equity securities | 2,328 |  |  | 1,758 |  |
| Mortgage loans | 3,063 |  |  | 3,125 |  |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 5,801 |  |  | 4,153 |  |
| Short-term investments | 3,894 |  |  | 875 |  |
| Gross investment income | 113,363 |  |  | 107,573 |  |
| Investment expenses | (6,060 | ) |  | (6,574 | ) |
| Net investment income | $ | 107,303 |  |  | $ | 100,999 |  |

f) Net Investment Gains (Losses)
The following table provides an analysis of net investment gains (losses):

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Gross realized investment gains |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities and short-term investments | $ | 10,437 |  |  | $ | 31,628 |  |
| Equity securities | 1,445 |  |  | 17,557 |  |
| Gross realized investment gains | 11,882 |  |  | 49,185 |  |
| Gross realized investment losses |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities and short-term investments | (20,279 | ) |  | (43,535 | ) |
| Equity securities | (93 | ) |  | (1,276 | ) |
| Gross realized investment losses | (20,372 | ) |  | (44,811 | ) |
| Net OTTI recognized in net income | (4,036 | ) |  | (414 | ) |
| Change in fair value of investment derivatives(1) | (2,102 | ) |  | 2,023 |  |
| Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities | 27,395 |  |  | (20,813 | ) |
| Net investment gains (losses) | $ | 12,767 |  |  | $ | (14,830 | ) |

(1) Refer to Note 5 'Derivative Instruments'.
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3. | INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table summarizes the OTTI recognized in net income by asset class:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Fixed maturities: |  |  |  |
| Non-U.S. government | $ | 60 |  |  | $ | — |  |
| Corporate debt | 3,976 |  |  | 414 |  |
| Total OTTI recognized in net income | $ | 4,036 |  |  | $ | 414 |  |

The following table provides a roll forward of the credit losses ("credit loss table") before income taxes, for which a component of the OTTI charge was recognized in AOCI:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 510 |  |  | $ | 1,494 |  |
| Credit impairments recognized on securities not previously impaired | — |  |  | — |  |
| Additional credit impairments recognized on securities previously impaired | — |  |  | — |  |
| Change in timing of future cash flows on securities previously impaired | — |  |  | — |  |
| Intent to sell of securities previously impaired | — |  |  | — |  |
| Securities sold/redeemed/matured | (38 | ) |  | (10 | ) |
| Balance at end of period | $ | 472 |  |  | $ | 1,484 |  |

g) Reverse Repurchase Agreements
At March 31, 2019, the Company held $97 million (2018: $189 million) of reverse repurchase agreements. These loans are fully collateralized, are generally outstanding for a short period of time and are presented on a gross basis as part of cash and cash equivalents in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The required collateral for these loans is either cash or U.S. Treasuries at a minimum rate of 102% of the loan principal. Upon maturity, the Company receives principal and interest income. The Company monitors the estimated fair value of the securities loaned and borrowed on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained as necessary throughout the duration of the transaction.
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value Hierarchy
Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability (i.e. the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants. U.S. GAAP prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels as follows:

• | Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.

• | Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or for which significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.

• | Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own judgments about assumptions that market participants might use.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment.
Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments categorized in Level 3. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many financial instruments. This may lead the Company to change the selection of valuation technique (from market to cash flow approach) or may cause the Company to use multiple valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of a financial instrument. This circumstance could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels within the fair value hierarchy.
Valuation Techniques
The valuation techniques, including significant inputs and assumptions generally used to determine the fair values of the Company's financial instruments as well as the classification of the fair values of its financial instruments in the fair value hierarchy are described in detail below.
Fixed Maturities
At each valuation date, the Company uses the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value of its fixed maturities portfolio, when possible. This market approach includes, but is not limited to, prices obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable securities and the use of "pricing matrix models" using observable market inputs such as yield curves, credit risks and spreads, measures of volatility, and prepayment speeds. Pricing from third party pricing services is sourced from multiple vendors, when available, and the Company maintains a vendor hierarchy by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. When prices are unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets. The valuation techniques including significant inputs and assumptions generally used to determine the fair values of the Company's fixed maturities by asset class as well as the classifications of the fair values of these securities in the fair value hierarchy are described in detail below.
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

U.S. Government and Agency
U.S. government and agency securities consist primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and mortgage pass-through agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association. As the fair values of U.S. Treasury securities are based on unadjusted market prices in active markets, these securities are classified as Level 1. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are classified as Level 2.
Non-U.S. Government
Non-U.S. government securities include bonds issued by non-U.S. governments and their agencies along with supranational organizations (collectively also known as sovereign debt securities). The fair values of these securities are based on prices obtained from international indices or valuation models that include inputs such as interest rate yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads, and country credit spreads for structures similar to the sovereign bond in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of non-U.S. government securities are classified as Level 2.
Corporate Debt
Corporate debt securities consist primarily of investment-grade debt of a wide variety of corporate issuers and industries. The fair values of these securities are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate debt securities are generally classified as Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. In this event, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 3.
Agency RMBS
Agency RMBS consist of bonds issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association. The fair values of these securities are priced using a mortgage pool specific model which uses daily inputs from the active to be announced market and the spread associated with each mortgage pool based on vintage. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of Agency RMBS are classified as Level 2.
CMBS
CMBS include mostly investment-grade bonds originated by non-agencies. The fair values of these securities are determined using a pricing model which uses dealer quotes and other available trade information along with security level characteristics to determine deal specific spreads. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of CMBS securities are generally classified as Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. I n this event, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 3.
Non-Agency RMBS
Non-Agency RMBS include mostly investment-grade bonds originated by non-agencies. The fair values of these securities are determined using an option adjusted spread model or other relevant models, which use inputs including available trade information or broker quotes, prepayment and default projections based on historical statistics of the underlying collateral and current market data. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of Non-Agency RMBS are generally classified as Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. I n this event, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 3.
ABS
ABS include mostly investment-grade bonds backed by pools of loans with a variety of underlying collateral, including auto loans, student loans, credit card receivables, CDOs and CLO debt originated by a variety of financial institutions. The fair values of these securities are determined using a model which uses prepayment speeds and spreads sourced primarily from the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of ABS are generally classified as Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers t o estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. I n this event, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 3.
Municipals
Municipals comprise revenue and general obligation bonds issued by U.S. domiciled state and municipal entities. The fair values of these securities are determined using spreads obtained from the new issue market, trade prices and broker-dealers quotes. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of municipals are classified as Level 2.
Equity Securities
Equity securities include common stocks, exchange-traded funds and bond mutual funds. As the fair values of common stocks and exchange-traded funds are based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets, the fair value of these securities are classified as Level 1. As bond mutual funds have daily liquidity, the fair values of these securities are classified as Level 2.
Other Investments
Other privately held securities include convertible preferred shares, convertible notes and notes payable. These securities are initially valued at cost which approximates fair value. In subsequent measurement periods, the fair values of these securities are determined using an income approach valuation technique, specifically an internally developed discounted cash flow model. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are unobservable, the fair values of other investments are classified as Level 3.
The fair value of the indirect investment in CLO-Equities is classified as Level 3 as the fair value of this security is estimated using an income approach valuation technique, specifically an externally developed discounted cash flow model due to the lack of observable and relevant trades in secondary markets.
Overseas deposits include investments in private funds held by Syndicate 2007 where the underlying investments are primarily U.S. government, Non-U.S. government and corporate debt securities. The funds do not trade on an exchange therefore are not included within available for sale investments. As the significant inputs used to price the underlying investments are observable market inputs, the fair values of overseas deposits are classified as Level 2.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments primarily comprise highly liquid securities with maturities greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase. The fair values of these securities are classified as Level 2 because these securities are typically not actively traded due to their approaching maturity and, as such, their amortized cost approximates fair value.
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments include foreign exchange forward contracts and exchange traded interest rate swaps that are customized to the Company's economic hedging strategies and trade in the over-the-counter derivative market. The fair values of these derivatives are determined using a market approach valuation technique based on significant observable market inputs from third party pricing vendors, non-binding broker-dealer quotes and/or recent trading activity. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of these derivatives are classified as Level 2.
Other underwriting-related derivatives include insurance and reinsurance contracts that are accounted for as derivatives. These derivative contracts are initially valued at cost which approximates fair value. In subsequent measurement periods, the fair values of these derivatives are determined using an income approach valuation technique, specifically internally developed discounted cash flow models. As the significant inputs used to price these derivatives are unobservable, the fair values of these contracts are classified as Level 3.
Insurance-linked Securities
Insurance-linked securities comprise an investment in a catastrophe bond. As pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate the fair value of this security. Pricing is generally unavailable when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly therefore the fair value of this security is classified as Level 3.
Cash Settled Awards
Cash settled awards comprise restricted stock units that form part of the Company's compensation program. Although the fair values of these awards are determined using observable quoted market prices in active markets, the restricted stock units are not actively traded. As the significant inputs used to price these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of these liabilities are classified as Level 2.
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

The tables below present the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated:

|  | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) |  | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) |  | Fair value based on NAV practical expedient |  | Total fair value |
| At March 31, 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. government and agency | $ | 1,958,315 |  |  | $ | 15,339 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,973,654 |  |
| Non-U.S. government | — |  |  | 487,663 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 487,663 |  |
| Corporate debt | — |  |  | 4,797,140 |  |  | 41,125 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,838,265 |  |
| Agency RMBS | — |  |  | 1,705,962 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,705,962 |  |
| CMBS | — |  |  | 1,040,995 |  |  | 11,145 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,052,140 |  |
| Non-Agency RMBS | — |  |  | 47,411 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 47,411 |  |
| ABS | — |  |  | 1,600,967 |  |  | 12,043 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,613,010 |  |
| Municipals | — |  |  | 156,413 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 156,413 |  |
|  | 1,958,315 |  |  | 9,851,890 |  |  | 64,313 |  |  | — |  |  | 11,874,518 |  |
| Equity securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Common stocks | 585 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 585 |  |
| Exchange-traded funds | 271,608 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 271,608 |  |
| Bond mutual funds | — |  |  | 146,670 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 146,670 |  |
|  | 272,193 |  |  | 146,670 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 418,863 |  |
| Other investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Hedge funds (1) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 184,747 |  |  | 184,747 |  |
| Direct lending funds | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 272,752 |  |  | 272,752 |  |
| Private equity funds | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 61,526 |  |  | 61,526 |  |
| Real estate funds | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 111,169 |  |  | 111,169 |  |
| Other privately held investments | — |  |  | — |  |  | 47,685 |  |  | — |  |  | 47,685 |  |
| CLO-Equities | — |  |  | — |  |  | 18,022 |  |  | — |  |  | 18,022 |  |
| Overseas deposits | — |  |  | 99,430 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 99,430 |  |
|  | — |  |  | 99,430 |  |  | 65,707 |  |  | 630,194 |  |  | 795,331 |  |
| Short-term investments | — |  |  | 41,853 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 41,853 |  |
| Other assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Derivative instruments (refer to Note 5) | — |  |  | 3,468 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,468 |  |
| Total Assets | $ | 2,230,508 |  |  | $ | 10,143,311 |  |  | $ | 130,020 |  |  | $ | 630,194 |  |  | $ | 13,134,033 |  |
| Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Derivative instruments (refer to Note 5) | $ | — |  |  | $ | 3,604 |  |  | $ | 10,233 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 13,837 |  |
| Cash settled awards (refer to Note 8) | — |  |  | 7,878 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 7,878 |  |
| Total Liabilities | $ | — |  |  | $ | 11,482 |  |  | $ | 10,233 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 21,715 |  |

(1) Includes Long/short equity, Multi-strategy and Event-driven funds.
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

|  | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) |  | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) |  | Fair value based on NAV practical expedient |  | Total fair value |
| At December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. government and agency | $ | 1,480,466 |  |  | $ | 35,231 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,515,697 |  |
| Non-U.S. government | — |  |  | 493,016 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 493,016 |  |
| Corporate debt | — |  |  | 4,827,909 |  |  | 49,012 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,876,921 |  |
| Agency RMBS | — |  |  | 1,643,308 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,643,308 |  |
| CMBS | — |  |  | 1,073,396 |  |  | 19,134 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,092,530 |  |
| Non-Agency RMBS | — |  |  | 40,687 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 40,687 |  |
| ABS | — |  |  | 1,619,070 |  |  | 18,533 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,637,603 |  |
| Municipals | — |  |  | 135,585 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 135,585 |  |
|  | 1,480,466 |  |  | 9,868,202 |  |  | 86,679 |  |  | — |  |  | 11,435,347 |  |
| Equity securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Common stocks | 527 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 527 |  |
| Exchange-traded funds | 236,839 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 236,839 |  |
| Bond mutual funds | — |  |  | 144,267 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 144,267 |  |
|  | 237,366 |  |  | 144,267 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 381,633 |  |
| Other investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Hedge funds (1) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 194,598 |  |  | 194,598 |  |
| Direct lending funds | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 274,478 |  |  | 274,478 |  |
| Private equity funds | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 64,566 |  |  | 64,566 |  |
| Real estate funds | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 84,202 |  |  | 84,202 |  |
| Other privately held investments | — |  |  | — |  |  | 44,518 |  |  | — |  |  | 44,518 |  |
| CLO-Equities | — |  |  | — |  |  | 21,271 |  |  | — |  |  | 21,271 |  |
| Overseas deposits | — |  |  | 104,154 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 104,154 |  |
|  | — |  |  | 104,154 |  |  | 65,789 |  |  | 617,844 |  |  | 787,787 |  |
| Short-term investments | — |  |  | 144,040 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 144,040 |  |
| Other assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Derivative instruments (refer to Note 5) | — |  |  | 8,237 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 8,237 |  |
| Total Assets | $ | 1,717,832 |  |  | $ | 10,268,900 |  |  | $ | 152,468 |  |  | $ | 617,844 |  |  | $ | 12,757,044 |  |
| Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Derivative instruments (refer to Note 5) | $ | — |  |  | $ | 4,223 |  |  | $ | 10,299 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 14,522 |  |
| Cash settled awards (refer to Note 8) | — |  |  | 20,648 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 20,648 |  |
| Total Liabilities | $ | — |  |  | $ | 24,871 |  |  | $ | 10,299 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 35,170 |  |

(1) Includes Long/short equity, Multi-strategy and Event-driven funds.
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table quantifies the significant unobservable inputs used in estimating fair values at March 31, 2019 of investments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

|  | Fair value | Valuation technique | Unobservable input | Range | Weighted average |
| Other investments - CLO-Equities | $ | 18,022 |  | Discounted cash flow | Default rates | 3.0% | 3.0% |
|  |  |  | Loss severity rate | 35.0% | 35.0% |
|  |  |  | Collateral spreads | 3.0% | 3.0% |
|  |  |  | Estimated maturity dates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Other investments - Other privately held investments | $ | 47,685 |  | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 3.0% - 8.0% | 6.5% |
| Derivatives - Other underwriting-related derivatives | $ | (10,233 | ) | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 2.3% | 2.3% |

Note: Fixed maturities and insurance-linked securities that are classified as Level 3 are excluded from the above table as these securities are priced using broker-dealer quotes.
Other Investments - CLO-Equities
The CLO-Equities market continues to be relatively inactive with only a small number of transactions being observed, particularly as it relates to transactions involving CLO-Equities held by the Company. Accordingly, the fair value of the Company's indirect investment in CLO-Equities is determined using a discounted cash flow model prepared by an external investment manager.
The default and loss severity rates are the most judgmental unobservable market inputs to the discounted cash flow model to which the valuation of the Company's indirect investment in CLO-Equities is most sensitive. A significant increase (decrease) in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in a lower (higher) fair value estimate for the investment in CLO-Equities and, in general, a change in default rate assumptions would be accompanied by a directionally similar change in loss severity rate assumptions. Collateral spreads and estimated maturity dates are less judgmental inputs as they are based on the historical average of actual spreads and the weighted average life of the current underlying portfolios, respectively. A significant increase (decrease) in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in a higher (lower) fair value estimate for the investment in CLO-Equities. In general, these inputs have no significant interrelationship with each other or with default and loss severity rates.
On a quarterly basis, the Company's valuation process for its indirect investment in CLO-Equities includes a review of the underlying cash flows and key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model. The above significant unobservable inputs are reviewed and updated based on information obtained from secondary markets, including information received from the managers of the Company's CLO-Equities portfolio. In order to assess the reasonableness of the inputs the Company uses in its models, the Company maintains an understanding of current market conditions, historical results, as well as emerging trends that may impact future cash flows. In addition, the assumptions the Company uses in its models are updated through regular communication with industry participants and ongoing monitoring of the deals in which the Company participates (e.g. default and loss severity rate trends).
Other Investments - Other Privately Held Securities
Other privately held securities are initially valued at cost which approximates fair value. In subsequent measurement periods, the fair values of these securities are determined using internally developed discounted cash flow models. These models include inputs that are specific to each investment. The inputs used in the fair value measurements include dividend or interest rates and appropriate discount rates. The selection of an appropriate discount rate is judgmental and is the most significant unobservable input used in the valuation of these securities. A significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation could result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement for other privately held securities. Where relevant, the Company also considers the contractual agreements which stipulate methodologies for calculating the dividend rate to be paid upon liquidation, conversion or redemption. In order to assess the reasonableness of the inputs the Company uses in the discounted cash flow models, the Company maintains an understanding of current market conditions, historical results, as well as investee specific information that may impact future cash flows.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

Derivatives - Other Underwriting-related Derivatives
Other underwriting-related derivatives are initially valued at cost which approximates fair value. In subsequent measurement periods, the fair values of these derivatives are determined using internally developed discounted cash flow models which uses appropriate discount rates. The selection of an appropriate discount rate is judgmental and is the most significant unobservable input used in the valuation of these derivatives. A significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement for the derivative contracts. In order to assess the reasonableness of the inputs the Company uses in the discounted cash flow model, the Company maintains an understanding of current market conditions, historical results, as well as contract specific information that may impact future cash flows.
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4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following tables present changes in Level 3 for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated:

|  | Opening balance |  | Transfers into Level 3 |  | Transfers out of Level 3 |  | Included in net income(1) |  | Included in OCI (2) |  | Purchases |  | Sales |  | Settlements/ distributions |  | Closing balance |  | Change in unrealized investment gains/(losses) (3) |
| Three months ended March 31, 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Corporate debt | $ | 49,012 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (696 | ) |  | $ | 624 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (5,547 | ) |  | $ | (2,268 | ) |  | $ | 41,125 |  |  | $ | — |  |
| CMBS | 19,134 |  |  | — |  |  | (4,767 | ) |  | — |  |  | 143 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (3,365 | ) |  | 11,145 |  |  | — |  |
| ABS | 18,533 |  |  | — |  |  | (16,402 | ) |  | — |  |  | 162 |  |  | 9,750 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 12,043 |  |  | — |  |
|  | 86,679 |  |  | — |  |  | (21,169 | ) |  | (696 | ) |  | 929 |  |  | 9,750 |  |  | (5,547 | ) |  | (5,633 | ) |  | 64,313 |  |  | — |  |
| Other investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other privately held investments | 44,518 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 667 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,500 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 47,685 |  |  | 667 |  |
| CLO - Equities | 21,271 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 415 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (3,664 | ) |  | 18,022 |  |  | 415 |  |
|  | 65,789 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,082 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,500 |  |  | — |  |  | (3,664 | ) |  | 65,707 |  |  | 1,082 |  |
| Other assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Insurance-linked securities | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
|  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
| Total assets | $ | 152,468 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (21,169 | ) |  | $ | 386 |  |  | $ | 929 |  |  | $ | 12,250 |  |  | $ | (5,547 | ) |  | $ | (9,297 | ) |  | $ | 130,020 |  |  | $ | 1,082 |  |
| Other liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Derivative instruments | $ | 10,299 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (66 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 10,233 |  |  | $ | (66 | ) |
| Total liabilities | $ | 10,299 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (66 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 10,233 |  |  | $ | (66 | ) |

|  | Opening balance |  | Transfers into Level 3 |  | Transfers out of Level 3 |  | Included in net income(1) |  | Included in OCI (2) |  | Purchases |  | Sales |  | Settlements/ distributions |  | Closing balance |  | Change in unrealized investment gains/(losses) (3) |
| Three months ended March 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Corporate debt | $ | 52,897 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (4,279 | ) |  | $ | (118 | ) |  | $ | 1,403 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (2,536 | ) |  | $ | (3,896 | ) |  | $ | 43,471 |  |  | $ | — |  |
| CMBS | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
| ABS | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
|  | 52,897 |  |  | — |  |  | (4,279 | ) |  | (118 | ) |  | 1,403 |  |  | — |  |  | (2,536 | ) |  | (3,896 | ) |  | 43,471 |  |  | — |  |
| Other investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other privately held investments | 46,430 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 746 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,111 |  |  | (1,500 | ) |  | — |  |  | 48,787 |  |  | 746 |  |
| CLO - Equities | 31,413 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,616 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (4,473 | ) |  | 28,556 |  |  | 1,616 |  |
|  | 77,843 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,362 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,111 |  |  | (1,500 | ) |  | (4,473 | ) |  | 77,343 |  |  | 2,362 |  |
| Other assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Insurance-linked securities | 25,090 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (90 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 25,000 |  |  | (90 | ) |
|  | 25,090 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (90 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 25,000 |  |  | (90 | ) |
| Total assets | $ | 155,830 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (4,279 | ) |  | $ | 2,154 |  |  | $ | 1,403 |  |  | $ | 3,111 |  |  | $ | (4,036 | ) |  | $ | (8,369 | ) |  | $ | 145,814 |  |  | $ | 2,272 |  |
| Other liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Derivative instruments | $ | 11,510 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (568 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 10,942 |  |  | $ | (568 | ) |
| Total liabilities | $ | 11,510 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (568 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 10,942 |  |  | $ | (568 | ) |

(1) | Realized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on other assets and other liabilities included in net income are included in net investment gains (losses). Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on other investments included in net income are included in net investment income.

(2) | Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities are included in other comprehensive income ("OCI").

(3) | Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to assets held at the reporting date.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2
There were no transfers into Level 3 from Level 2 made during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
Transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2
The transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2 made during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were primarily due to the availability of observable market inputs and multiple quotes from pricing vendors for certain fixed maturities.
Measuring the Fair Value of Other Investments Using Net Asset Valuations
The fair values of hedge funds, direct lending funds, private equity funds and real estate funds are estimated using NAVs as advised by external fund managers or third party administrators. For these funds, NAVs are based on the manager's or administrator's valuation of the underlying holdings in accordance with the fund's governing documents and in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
If there is a reporting lag between the current period end and reporting date of the latest available fund valuation for any hedge fund, the Company estimates fair values by starting with the most recently available fund valuation and adjusting for return estimates as well as any subscriptions, redemptions and distributions that took place during the current period. Return estimates are obtained from the relevant fund managers therefore the Company does not typically have a reporting lag in fair value measurements of these funds. Historically, the Company's valuation estimates incorporating these return estimates have not significantly diverged from the subsequently received NAVs.
For direct lending funds, private equity funds, real estate funds and two of the Company's hedge funds, valuation statements are typically released on a reporting lag therefore the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the most recent fund valuations and adjusting for capital calls, redemptions, drawdowns and distributions. Return estimates are not available from the relevant fund managers for these funds therefore the Company typically has a reporting lag in its fair value measurements of these funds. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, funds reported on a lag represented 62% (2018: 61%) of the Company's total other investments balance.
The Company often does not have access to financial information relating to the underlying securities held within the funds, therefore management is unable to corroborate the fair values placed on the securities underlying the asset valuations provided by fund managers or fund administrators. In order to assess the reasonableness of the NAVs, the Company performs a number of monitoring procedures on a quarterly basis, to assess the quality of the information provided by fund managers and fund administrators. These procedures include, but are not limited to, regular review and discussion of each fund's performance with its manager, regular evaluation of fund performance against applicable benchmarks and the backtesting of the Company's fair value estimates against subsequently received NAVs. Backtesting involves comparing the Company's previously reported fair values for each fund against NAVs per audited financial statements (for year-end values) and final NAVs from fund managers and fund administrators (for interim values).
The fair values of hedge funds, direct lending funds, private equity funds and real estate funds are measured using the NAV practical expedient, therefore the fair values of these funds have not been categorized within the fair value hierarchy.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, at Fair Value
The fair value of financial instruments accounting guidance also applies to financial instruments disclosed, but not carried, at fair value, except for certain financial instruments, including insurance contracts.
At March 31, 2019, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents including restricted amounts, accrued investment income, receivable for investments sold, certain other assets, payable for investments purchased and certain other liabilities approximated their fair values due to their respective short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their fair values are classified as Level 2.
At March 31, 2019, the carrying value of mortgage loans held-for-investment approximated their fair value. The fair values of mortgage loans are primarily determined by estimating expected future cash flows and discounting them using current interest rates for similar mortgage loans with similar credit risk, or are determined from pricing for similar loans. As mortgage loans are not actively traded their fair values are classified as Level 3.
At March 31, 2019, senior notes are recorded at amortized cost with a carrying value of $1,342 million (2018: $1,342 million) and a fair value of $1,360 million (2018: $1,334 million). The fair values of these senior notes are based on prices obtained from a third party pricing service and are determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads are observable market inputs, the fair values of senior notes are classified as Level 2.

5. | DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The balance sheet classifications of derivatives recorded at fair value are shown in the following table.

|  | March 31, 2019 |  | December 31, 2018 |
|  | Derivative notional amount |  | Derivative asset fair value(1) |  | Derivative liability fair value(1) |  | Derivative notional amount |  | Derivative asset fair value(1) |  | Derivative liability fair value(1) |
| Relating to investment portfolio: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Foreign exchange forward contracts | $ | 172,306 |  |  | $ | 818 |  |  | $ | 284 |  |  | $ | 79,336 |  |  | $ | 262 |  |  | $ | 531 |  |
| Interest rate swaps | 85,000 |  |  | 984 |  |  | — |  |  | 150,000 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,116 |  |
| Relating to underwriting portfolio: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Foreign exchange forward contracts | 543,174 |  |  | 1,666 |  |  | 3,320 |  |  | 737,419 |  |  | 7,975 |  |  | 2,576 |  |
| Other underwriting-related contracts | 85,000 |  |  | — |  |  | 10,233 |  |  | 85,000 |  |  | — |  |  | 10,299 |  |
| Total derivatives |  |  | $ | 3,468 |  |  | $ | 13,837 |  |  |  |  | $ | 8,237 |  |  | $ | 14,522 |  |

(1) | Asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

The notional amounts of derivative contracts which represent the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and are presented in the above table to quantify the volume of the Company's derivative activities. Notional amounts are not reflective of credit risk.
None of the Company's derivative instruments are designated as hedges under current accounting guidance.
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5. | DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
The Company's derivative instruments are generally traded under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master netting agreements, which establish terms that apply to all transactions. In the event of a bankruptcy or other stipulated event, master netting agreements provide that individual positions be replaced with a new amount, usually referred to as the termination amount, determined by taking into account market prices and converting into a single currency. Effectively, this contractual close-out netting reduces credit exposure from gross to net exposure. A reconciliation of gross derivative assets and liabilities to the net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets, with the difference being attributable to the impact of master netting agreements, is shown in the following table.

|  | March 31, 2019 |  | December 31, 2018 |
|  | Gross amounts | Gross amounts offset | Net amounts(1) |  | Gross amounts | Gross amounts offset | Net amounts(1) |
| Derivative assets | $ | 6,115 |  | $ | (2,647 | ) | $ | 3,468 |  |  | $ | 11,967 |  | $ | (3,730 | ) | $ | 8,237 |  |
| Derivative liabilities | $ | 16,484 |  | $ | (2,647 | ) | $ | 13,837 |  |  | $ | 18,252 |  | $ | (3,730 | ) | $ | 14,522 |  |

(1) | Net asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Refer to Note 3 'Investments' for information on reverse repurchase agreements.
a) Relating to Investment Portfolio
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company's investment portfolio is exposed to foreign currency risk therefore the fair values of its investments are partially influenced by the change in foreign exchange rates. The Company may enter into foreign currency forward contracts to manage the effect of this foreign currency risk. These foreign currency hedging activities are not designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company's investment portfolio contains a large percentage of fixed maturities which exposes it to significant interest rate risk. As part of overall management of this risk, the Company may use interest rate swaps.
b) Relating to Underwriting Portfolio
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company's (re)insurance subsidiaries and branches operate in various countries. Some of its business is written in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, therefore the underwriting portfolio is exposed to significant foreign currency risk. The Company manages foreign currency risk by seeking to match its foreign-denominated net liabilities under (re)insurance contracts with cash and investments that are denominated in the same currencies. The Company uses derivative instruments, specifically, forward contracts to economically hedge foreign currency exposures.
Other Underwriting-related Risks
The Company enters into insurance and reinsurance contracts that are accounted for as derivatives. These insurance or reinsurance contracts provide indemnification to an insured or cedant as a result of a change in a variable as opposed to an identifiable insurable event. The Company considers these contracts to be part of its underwriting operations.
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5. | DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

The total unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in net income for derivatives not designated as hedges are shown in the following table:

|  | Location of gain (loss) recognized in net income | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Relating to investment portfolio: |  |  |  |  |
| Foreign exchange forward contracts | Net investment gains (losses) | $ | 752 |  |  | $ | (1,191 | ) |
| Interest rate swaps | Net investment gains (losses) | (2,854 | ) |  | 3,214 |  |
| Relating to underwriting portfolio: |  |  |  |  |
| Foreign exchange forward contracts | Foreign exchange gains (losses) | (10,517 | ) |  | 7,768 |  |
| Other underwriting-related contracts | Other insurance related income (losses) | 347 |  |  | 901 |  |
| Total |  | $ | (12,272 | ) |  | $ | 10,692 |  |

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
6. RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES
Reserve Roll-Forward
The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company's beginning and ending gross reserve for losses and loss expenses and net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses for the periods indicated:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period | $ | 12,280,769 |  |  | $ | 12,997,553 |  |
| Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, beginning of period | (3,501,669 | ) |  | (3,159,514 | ) |
| Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, beginning of period | 8,779,100 |  |  | 9,838,039 |  |
| Net incurred losses and loss expenses related to: |  |  |  |
| Current year | 678,700 |  |  | 715,652 |  |
| Prior years | (14,672 | ) |  | (54,307 | ) |
|  | 664,028 |  |  | 661,345 |  |
| Net paid losses and loss expenses related to: |  |  |  |
| Current year | (37,600 | ) |  | (48,814 | ) |
| Prior years | (691,558 | ) |  | (675,393 | ) |
|  | (729,158 | ) |  | (724,207 | ) |
| Foreign exchange and other | 6,460 |  |  | (726,781 | ) |
| Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, end of period | 8,720,430 |  |  | 9,048,396 |  |
| Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, end of period | 3,555,341 |  |  | 2,986,247 |  |
| Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period | $ | 12,275,771 |  |  | $ | 12,034,643 |  |

The Company writes business with loss experience generally characterized as low frequency and high severity in nature, which can result in volatility in its financial results. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized net losses and loss expenses of $11 million (2018: $35 million) attributable to catastrophe and weather-related events.
On January 1, 2018, AXIS Managing Agency Limited, the managing agent of Syndicate 2007 entered into an agreement for the RITC of the 2015 and prior years of account of Syndicate 2007. This agreement was accounted for as a novation reinsurance contract. At March 31, 2018, foreign exchange and other included a reduction in reserves for losses and loss expenses of $819 million related to this transaction.
Prior Year Development
The Company's net favorable prior year reserve development arises from changes to loss and loss expense estimates related to loss events that occurred in previous calendar years. The following table presents net prior year reserve development by segment:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Insurance | $ | 6,913 |  |  | $ | 22,775 |  |
| Reinsurance | 7,759 |  |  | 31,532 |  |
| Total | $ | 14,672 |  |  | $ | 54,307 |  |

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6. | RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (CONTINUED)

The following tables map the Company's line of business to reserve classes and the expected claim tails:

Insurance segment |  |  |  |  |
| Reserve class and tail
| Property and other | Marine | Aviation | Credit and political risk | Professional lines | Liability
| Short | Short | Short/Medium | Medium | Medium | Long
Reported lines of business |  |  |  |  |  |
Property | X |  |  |  |  |
Marine |  | X |  |  |  |
Terrorism | X |  |  |  |  |
Aviation |  |  | X |  |  |
Credit and political risk |  |  |  | X |  |
Professional lines |  |  |  |  | X |
Liability |  |  |  |  |  | X
Accident and health | X |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued lines - Novae | X |  |  |  | X | X

Reinsurance segment |  |  |  |
| Reserve class and tail
| Property and other | Credit and surety | Professional lines | Motor | Liability
| Short | Medium | Medium | Long | Long
Reported lines of business |  |  |  |  |
Catastrophe | X |  |  |  |
Property | X |  |  |  |
Credit and surety |  | X |  |  |
Professional lines |  |  | X |  |
Motor |  |  |  | X |
Liability |  |  |  |  | X
Engineering | X |  |  |  |
Agriculture | X |  |  |  |
Marine and other | X |  |  |  |
Accident and health | X |  |  |  |
Discontinued lines - Novae | X |  |  | X | X

Short-tail business
Short-tail business includes the underlying exposures in property and other, marine and aviation reserve classes within the insurance segment, and the property and other reserve class within the reinsurance segment.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, these reserve classes recognized net adverse prior year reserve development of $33 million including $22 million of net adverse prior year reserve development recognized by the insurance property and other reserve class and $29 million of net adverse prior year reserve development recognized by the reinsurance property and other reserve class, partially offset by net favorable prior year development of $16 million contributed by the insurance marine class.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, these reserve classes contributed net favorable prior year reserve development of $37 million reflecting the recognition of better than expected loss emergence.
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6. | RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (CONTINUED)

Medium-tail business
Medium-tail business consists primarily of insurance and reinsurance professional lines reserve classes, credit and political risk insurance reserve class and credit and surety reinsurance reserve class.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the credit and surety reinsurance reserve class recorded net favorable prior year reserve development of $10 million (2018: $6 million) reflecting the recognition of better than expected loss emergence.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the insurance professional lines reserve class recognized net favorable prior year development of $6 million (2018: $4 million). For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the reinsurance professional lines reserve class recognized net favorable prior year reserve development of $9 million. The net favorable prior year loss development on these reserve classes continued to reflect generally favorable experience on older accident years as the Company continued to transition to more experienced based methods.
Long-tail business
Long-tail business consists primarily of insurance and reinsurance liability reserve classes and reinsurance motor reserve classes.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the reinsurance liability reserve class contributed net favorable prior year reserve development of $12 million (2018: $2 million). For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the net favorable prior year reserve development was due to increased weight given by management to experience based indications on older accident years.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the insurance liability reserve class recorded net adverse prior year development of $7 million primarily related to reserve strengthening within the Company's U.S. excess casualty book of business reflecting slightly higher than expected prior year emerging loss experience.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the motor reinsurance reserve class contributed net favorable prior year reserve development of $12 million (2018: $3 million). For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the net favorable prior year reserve development was primarily attributable to non proportional treaty business on older accident years.
At March 31, 2019, net reserves for losses and loss expenses included estimated amounts for numerous catastrophe events. The magnitude and/or complexity of losses arising from these events, in particular California Wildfires, Hurricanes Michael and Florence, and Typhoons Jebi and Trami which occurred in 2018 as well as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the two earthquakes in Mexico and the California Wildfires which occurred in 2017 inherently increase the level of uncertainty and, therefore, the level of management judgment involved in arriving at the estimated net reserves for losses and loss expenses. As a result, actual losses for these events may ultimately differ materially from the Company's current estimates.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

7. | EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table presents a comparison of earnings per common share and earnings per diluted common share:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Earnings per common share |  |  |  |
| Net income | $ | 108,781 |  |  | $ | 73,202 |  |
| Less: Preferred share dividends | 10,656 |  |  | 10,656 |  |
| Net income available to common shareholders | 98,125 |  |  | 62,546 |  |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | 83,725 |  |  | 83,322 |  |
| Earnings per common share | $ | 1.17 |  |  | $ | 0.75 |  |
| Earnings per diluted common share |  |  |  |
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 98,125 |  |  | $ | 62,546 |  |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | 83,725 |  |  | 83,322 |  |
| Share-based compensation plans | 547 |  |  | 399 |  |
| Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding | 84,272 |  |  | 83,721 |  |
| Earnings per diluted common share | $ | 1.16 |  |  | $ | 0.75 |  |
| Weighted average anti-dilutive shares excluded from the dilutive computation | 601 |  |  | 810 |  |

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

8. | SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company incurred share-based compensation costs of $15 million (2018: $16 million) related to share-settled restricted stock units and cash-settled restricted stock units. In addition, the Company recorded associated tax benefits of $2 million (2018: $2 million).
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the fair value of share-settled restricted stock units and cash-settled restricted stock units that vested was $48 million (2018: $42 million). At March 31, 2019 there was $121 million of unrecognized share-based compensation costs (2018: $137 million) which are expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 2.9 years (2018 3.0 years).
Share-Settled Awards
The following table provides an activity summary of the Company's share-settled restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2019:

|  | Share-Settled Performance Vesting Restricted Stock Units |  | Share-Settled Service Based Restricted Stock Units |
|  | Number of restricted stock units |  | Weighted average grant date fair value(1) |  | Number of restricted stock units |  | Weighted average grant date fair value(1) |
| Nonvested restricted stock units - beginning of period | 232 |  |  | $ | 54.54 |  |  | 1,411 |  |  | $ | 54.12 |  |
| Granted | 127 |  |  | 54.70 |  |  | 508 |  |  | 54.67 |  |
| Vested | (61 | ) |  | 53.82 |  |  | (445 | ) |  | 54.04 |  |
| Forfeited | — |  |  | — |  |  | (74 | ) |  | 54.84 |  |
| Nonvested restricted stock units - end of period | 298 |  |  | $ | 54.76 |  |  | 1,400 |  |  | $ | 54.31 |  |

(1) Fair value is based on the closing price of the Company's common shares on the grant date.
Cash-Settled awards
The following table provides an activity summary of the Company's cash-settled restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2019:

|  | Cash-Settled Performance Vesting Restricted Stock Units |  | Cash-Settled Service Based Restricted Stock Units |
|  | Number of restricted stock units |  | Number of restricted stock units |
| Nonvested restricted stock units - beginning of period | 27 |  |  | 932 |  |
| Granted | — |  |  | 349 |  |
| Vested | (12 | ) |  | (320 | ) |
| Forfeited | — |  |  | (35 | ) |
| Nonvested restricted stock units - end of period | 15 |  |  | 926 |  |

At March 31, 2019, the liability for cash-settled restricted stock units, included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, was $8 million (2018: $9 million).
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
9. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The following table presents changes in common shares issued and outstanding:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Shares issued, balance at beginning of period | 176,580 |  |  | 176,580 |  |
| Shares issued | — |  |  | — |  |
| Total shares issued at end of period | 176,580 |  |  | 176,580 |  |
| Treasury shares, balance at beginning of period | (92,994 | ) |  | (93,419 | ) |
| Shares repurchased | (157 | ) |  | (149 | ) |
| Shares reissued | 505 |  |  | 506 |  |
| Total treasury shares at end of period | (92,646 | ) |  | (93,062 | ) |
| Total shares outstanding | 83,934 |  |  | 83,518 |  |

In the three months ended March 31, 2019, the total cash dividends declared per common share were $0.40 (2018: $0.39). In the three months ended March 31, 2019, the total dividends declared on Series D preferred shares were $0.34375 per share, payable in June 2019 (2018: $0.34375, paid in June 2018). In the three months ended March 31, 2019, the total dividends declared on Series E preferred shares were $34.375 per share, paid in April 2019 (2018: $34.375, paid in April 2018).
Treasury Shares
The following table presents common share repurchased from shares held in Treasury:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| In the open market: |  |  |  |
| Total shares | — |  |  | — |  |
| Total cost | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |
| Average price per share(1) | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |
| From employees:(2) |  |  |  |
| Total shares | 157 |  |  | 149 |  |
| Total cost | $ | 9,003 |  |  | $ | 7,163 |  |
| Average price per share(1) | $ | 57.17 |  |  | $ | 48.08 |  |
| Total shares repurchased: |  |  |  |
| Total shares | 157 |  |  | 149 |  |
| Total cost | $ | 9,003 |  |  | $ | 7,163 |  |
| Average price per share(1) | $ | 57.17 |  |  | $ | 48.08 |  |

(1) Calculated using whole numbers.

(2) | Shares are repurchased from employees to satisfy withholding tax liabilities related to the vesting of share-settled restricted stock units.

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

10. | DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

On March 28, 2019, certain of AXIS Capital’s operating subsidiaries (the "Participating Subsidiaries") amended their existing $250 million secured letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc (the "$250 Million Facility") under their aggregate $750 million secured letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc (the "$750 Million Facility") to extend the expiration date to March 31, 2020.
The terms and conditions of the additional $500 million secured letter of credit facility under the $750 Million Facility remain unchanged. The $500 million secured letter of credit facility expires December 31, 2019.
Letters of credit issued under the $750 Million Facility will principally be used to support the reinsurance obligations of the Participating Subsidiaries. The Participating Subsidiaries are subject to certain covenants, including the requirement to maintain sufficient collateral to cover obligations outstanding under the $750 Million Facility. In the event of default, Citibank Europe plc may exercise certain remedies, including the exercise of control over pledged collateral and the termination of the availability of the $750 Million Facility to any or all of the Participating Subsidiaries.

11. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company is subject to routine legal proceedings, including arbitrations, arising in the ordinary course of business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against the Company in the ordinary course of insurance or reinsurance operations. Estimated amounts payable under such proceedings are included in the reserve for losses and loss expenses in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company is not party to any material legal proceedings arising outside the ordinary course of business.
Investments
Refer to Note 3 - 'Investments' for information on the Company's unfunded investment commitments related to the Company's other investment portfolio.

12. | LEASES

In the ordinary course of business, the Company renews and enters into new leases for office property and equipment, which expire at various dates.
At the lease inception date, the Company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease. At the commencement date, the Company determines the classification of each separate lease component as either a finance lease or an operating lease. The Company's leases are all currently classified as operating leases. For operating leases that have a lease term of more than 12 months, the Company recognizes a lease liability and a right-of-use asset in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at the present value of the lease payments at the lease commencement date.
At the commencement date, the Company determines lease terms by assuming the exercise of those renewal options that are deemed to be reasonably certain. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the sole discretion of the Company.
As the lease contracts generally do not provide an implicit discount rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is based on a borrowing with a term that is similar to the term of the associated lease. The Company has made an accounting policy election not to include renewal, termination, or purchase options that are not reasonably certain of exercise when determining the term of the borrowing.
The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
Operating lease rentals are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease beginning on the commencement date. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the total lease expense was $7 million.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

12. | LEASES (CONTINUED)

The following table summarizes the amounts related to the Company’s total lease expense and the cash flows arising from lease transactions.

|  | Three months ended |
|  | March 31, 2019 |
| Lease cost: |  |
| Operating lease expense | $ | 6,930 |  |
| Short-term lease expense(1) | 646 |  |
| Sublease income(2) | (542 | ) |
| Total lease expense | $ | 7,034 |  |
| Other information: |  |
| Operating cash outflows from operating leases | $ | 6,536 |  |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | $ | — |  |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases(3) | 8.8 years |  |
| Weighted-average discount rate - operating lease(4) | 4.7 | % |

(1) Short-term lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
(2) Sublease income largely relates to office property in London, England.
(3) Weighted-average remaining lease term was calculated on the basis of the remaining lease term and the lease liability balance for each lease at the reporting date.
(4) Weighted-average discount was calculated on the basis of the discount rate for the lease that was used to calculate the lease liability balance for each lease at the reporting date and the remaining balance of the lease payments for each lease at the reporting date.
At March 31, 2019, the scheduled maturity of the Company's operating lease liabilities are expected to be as follows:

|  | Expected |
|  | Cash Flows |
| Remainder of 2019 | $ | 19,818 |  |
| 2020 | 22,545 |  |
| 2021 | 22,451 |  |
| 2022 | 23,165 |  |
| 2023 | 19,042 |  |
| Later years | 72,536 |  |
| Discount | (35,259 | ) |
| Total discounted operating lease liabilities | $ | 144,298 |  |

The Company's lease for its current office property in Alpharetta, Georgia, expires on December 31, 2019. As a result, the Company executed a 15 year lease for a new office property in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Company is not involved in the construction or design of this office property and will not move into this property until January 1, 2020, the commencement date of the lease. Given that the commencement date is after the balance sheet date, the Company has not reflected this lease in the maturity table above or in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2019. The total contractual lease costs over the 15 year lease is $40 million.
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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

12. | LEASES (CONTINUED)

At December 31, 2018, the Company's future minimum lease payments were expected to be as follows:

| Year ended December 31, |  |
| 2019 | $ | 28,240 |  |
| 2020 | 25,331 |  |
| 2021 | 27,025 |  |
| 2022 | 28,012 |  |
| 2023 | 23,801 |  |
| Later years | 118,497 |  |
| Total future minimum lease payments | $ | 250,906 |  |

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the total lease expense was $7 million.

13. | TRANSACTION AND REORGANIZATION EXPENSES

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized transaction and reorganization expenses of $15 million
(2018: $13 million) related to its transformation program which was launched in 2017. This program encompasses the integration of
Novae which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017, the realignment of the Company's accident and health business, together with
other initiatives designed to increase efficiency and enhance profitability while delivering a customer-centric operating model.

14. | OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table presents the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss):

|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
|  | Before tax amount |  | Tax (expense) benefit |  | Net of tax amount |  | Before tax amount |  | Tax (expense) benefit |  | Net of Tax Amount |
| Three months ended March 31, |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Available for sale investments: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the period | $ | 206,806 |  |  | $ | (16,633 | ) |  | $ | 190,173 |  |  | $ | (105,675 | ) |  | $ | (6,516 | ) |  | $ | (112,191 | ) |
| Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment (gains) losses and OTTI losses recognized in net income | 13,874 |  |  | (504 | ) |  | 13,370 |  |  | (4,112 | ) |  | 4,897 |  |  | 785 |  |
| Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the period, net of reclassification adjustment | 220,680 |  |  | (17,137 | ) |  | 203,543 |  |  | (109,787 | ) |  | (1,619 | ) |  | (111,406 | ) |
| Non-credit portion of OTTI losses | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | 2,662 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,662 |  |  | 1,270 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,270 |  |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | $ | 223,342 |  |  | $ | (17,137 | ) |  | $ | 206,205 |  |  | $ | (108,517 | ) |  | $ | (1,619 | ) |  | $ | (110,136 | ) |

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AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
14. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (CONTINUED)
The following table presents reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to net income available to common shareholders:

|  |  | Amount reclassified from AOCI(1) |
| Details about AOCI Components | Consolidated statement of operations line item that includes reclassification | Three months ended March 31, |
| 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Unrealized investment gains (losses) on available for sale investments |  |  |  |  |
|  | Other realized investment gains (losses) | $ | (9,838 | ) |  | $ | 4,526 |  |
|  | OTTI losses | (4,036 | ) |  | (414 | ) |
|  | Total before tax | (13,874 | ) |  | 4,112 |  |
|  | Income tax (expense) benefit | 504 |  |  | (4,897 | ) |
|  | Net of tax | $ | (13,370 | ) |  | $ | (785 | ) |

(1) | Amounts in parentheses are debits to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders.

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On April 1, 2019, AXIS Specialty Finance PLC, a 100% owned finance subsidiary, repaid $250 million aggregate principal amount of 2.65% Senior Notes.
On April 3, 2019, AXIS Capital and AXIS Specialty Finance PLC ("AXIS Finance") entered into a first supplemental indenture (the "First Supplemental Indenture") among AXIS Finance, as issuer, AXIS Capital, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee"), to the senior indenture dated March 13, 2014 (the "Indenture") relating to $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5.15% Senior Notes due 2045 (the "5.15% Senior Notes") issued by AXIS Finance and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by AXIS Capital.
The changes described below were made to permit the 5.15% Senior Notes to qualify as Tier 3 ancillary capital under eligible capital requirements of the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Because this amendment does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the 5.15% Senior Notes, the First Supplemental Indenture was entered into without consent of any holders of the 5.15% Senior Notes. The First Supplemental Indenture relates to the 5.15% Senior Notes only and does not affect any other series of securities issued under the Indenture.
Under the terms of the senior indenture, the 5.15% Senior Notes are redeemable at any time at the option of AXIS Finance at a redemption price equal to a make-whole premium or, in the event that, as a result of certain tax law changes, AXIS Finance or AXIS Capital becomes obligated to pay additional amounts with respect to the 5.15% Senior Notes, at par, plus in each case, accrued and unpaid interest. The First Supplemental Indenture limits this optional redemption right to provide that the 5.15% Senior Notes are not redeemable at the option of AXIS Finance on or before March 13, 2017, except in the limited circumstances set forth in the First Supplemental Indenture and prior to maturity unless certain conditions are satisfied.
The First Supplemental Indenture also clarifies, for the avoidance of doubt, that the 5.15% Senior Notes are free of encumbrances and that neither the Indenture nor the 5.15% Senior Notes contain any terms or conditions designed to accelerate or induce AXIS Capital or any of its subsidiary’s insolvency or effect similar proceedings.
The holders of the 5.15% Senior Notes should note that the 5.15% Senior Notes do not in any way give rise to any rights of set-off against any claims and obligations of AXIS Capital, AXIS Finance or any of AXIS Capital’s regulated operating subsidiaries to any holder or creditor.
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ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 and our financial condition March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. This should be read in conjunction with Item 1 'Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes' of this report and our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Tabular dollars are in thousands, except per share amounts. Amounts in tables may not reconcile due to rounding differences.

| Page
First Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights | 47
Executive Summary | 48
Underwriting Results – Consolidated | 60
Results by Segment: For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 | 68
i) Insurance Segment | 68
ii) Reinsurance Segment | 71
Other Expenses (Revenues), Net | 74
Net Investment Income and Net Investment Gains (Losses) | 76
Cash and Investments | 78
Liquidity and Capital Resources | 81
Critical Accounting Estimates | 83
Recent Accounting Pronouncements | 83
Off-Balance Sheet and Special Purpose Entity Arrangements | 83

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FIRST QUARTER 2019 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

First Quarter 2019 Consolidated Results of Operations

• | Net income available to common shareholders of $98 million, or $1.17 per common share and $1.16 per diluted common share

• | Operating income(1) of $105 million, or $1.24 per diluted common share(1)

• | Gross premiums written of $2.6 billion

• | Net premiums written of $1.8 billion

• | Net premiums earned of $1.1 billion

• | Estimated pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses of $11 million (insurance: $8 million and reinsurance: $3 million), or 0.9 points on current accident year loss ratio related to weather-related events

• | Net favorable prior year reserve development of $15 million

• | Underwriting income(2) of $78 million and combined ratio of 96.9%

• | Net investment income of $107 million

• | Net investment gains of $13 million

• | Amortization of value of business acquired ("VOBA") of $13 million

• | Transaction and reorganization expenses of $15 million

• | Foreign exchange losses of $7 million

First Quarter 2019 Consolidated Financial Condition

• | Total cash and investments of $15.2 billion; fixed maturities, cash and short-term securities comprise 89% of total cash and investments and have an average credit rating of AA-

• | Total assets of $25.6 billion

• | Reserve for losses and loss expenses of $12.3 billion and reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses of $3.9 billion

• | Total debt of $1.3 billion and debt to total capital ratio of 20.2%

• | Total common shares repurchased from employees to satisfy withholding tax liabilities related to the vesting of share-settled restricted stock units were 0.2 million for $9 million

• | Common shareholders’ equity of $4.5 billion; book value per diluted common share of $52.84

(1) | Operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) per diluted common share are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders and earnings per diluted common share, respectively, are provided in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.

(2) | Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to net income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, the most comparable GAAP measure, is presented in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Business Overview
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital"), through its operating subsidiaries, is a global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance products with operations in Bermuda, the U.S., Europe, Singapore, Canada, Latin America and the Middle East. Our underwriting operations are organized around our global underwriting platforms, AXIS Insurance and AXIS Re.
We provide our clients and distribution partners with a broad range of risk transfer products and services and meaningful capacity, backed by significant financial strength. We manage our portfolio holistically, aiming to construct the optimum consolidated portfolio of risks, consistent with our risk appetite and development of our franchise. We nurture an ethical, entrepreneurial and disciplined culture that promotes outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and the achievement of superior risk-adjusted returns for our shareholders. We believe that the achievement of our objectives will position us as a global leader in specialty risks. Our execution on this strategy for the first three months of 2019 included the following:

• | increasing our relevance in a select number of attractive specialty insurance and global reinsurance markets and continuing the implementation of a more focused distribution strategy;

• | continuing to grow a leadership position in business lines with strong growth potential including U.S. excess and surplus lines, and North America professional lines;

• | increasing our presence at Lloyd's of London ("Lloyd's") achieved through our acquisition of Novae Group plc ("Novae") in 2017 which provides us with access to Lloyd's worldwide licenses and an extensive distribution network;

• | continuing to re-balance our portfolio towards less volatile lines of business that carry attractive rates;

• | launching a new phase of our transformation efforts, an enterprise-wide program to enhance all of our functions and position us to lead in a transforming industry;

• | continuing to improve in the effectiveness and efficiency of our operating platforms and processes;

• | increasing investment in data and analytics; and

• | broadening risk-funding sources and the development of vehicles that utilize third-party capital.

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Outlook
We are committed to leadership in specialty insurance risk and global reinsurance, areas where we have depth of talent and expertise and have earned a strong reputation for client service and intelligent risk-taking. As a mid-sized player that is both sophisticated and agile, we believe we are well-positioned to succeed in the rapidly evolving insurance and reinsurance marketplace. Through our hybrid strategy, we have developed substantial platforms in insurance and reinsurance, providing us with both balance and diversification. We believe our market positioning, underwriting expertise, best-in-class claims management capabilities, and strong relationships with our distributors and clients will provide opportunities for increased profitability in 2019 and beyond, with variances among our lines driven by our tactical response to market conditions.
Rates across most insurance lines generally continued to improve into 2019, with U.S. excess and primary casualty, catastrophe exposed property insurance lines, and U.K. directors & officers liability and professional liability experiencing the most upward rate momentum. While the insurance market remains competitive with capacity and capital willing to support business with a broad range of return hurdles in certain pockets, there has been more consistent signs of hardening rates. We expect many specialty segments will experience further pricing improvements as carriers assess pricing, portfolio construction and account preferences through the course of the year. In this competitive market environment with mixed market conditions, we are focusing on lines of business and market segments that are adequately priced, and we are trading off growth for profitability in other areas. In addition, our acquisition of Novae increases our leadership and relevance in the London marketplace, and we expect to be well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities and benefit from improved market conditions emerging through the international specialty insurance market, including Lloyd's.
The reinsurance market is also experiencing increased momentum in rates due to adjustments to both supply and demand. Given the above average market losses in the last couple of years; we continue to emphasize underwriting discipline to actively manage our portfolio profitability. In parallel, we also see opportunities to support clients in a world of changing exposures, regulation and reinsurance panels. We believe that there is a real opportunity to achieve more relevance by focusing on our clients to produce new streams of income in the future while still defending the quality of our existing portfolio. We are also focused on managing the volatility and capital efficiency of our portfolio by further expanding our already strong group of strategic capital partners. Taken together, we balance short term needs and long term priorities, with the ultimate goal of adding value to our clients, communities and shareholders.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We present our results of operations in the way we believe will be most meaningful and useful to investors, analysts, rating agencies and others who use our financial information to evaluate our performance. Some of the measurements we use are considered non-GAAP financial measures under SEC rules and regulations. In this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A"), we present underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, consolidated underwriting income (loss), operating income (loss) (in total and on a per share basis), annualized operating return on average common equity ("operating ROACE"), amounts presented on a constant currency basis, pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements, ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) (in total and on a per share basis) and annualized ex-PGAAP operating ROACE which are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, which may be defined and calculated differently by other companies, better explain and enhance the understanding of our results of operations. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
Underwriting-Related General and Administrative Expenses
Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses include those general and administrative expenses that are incremental and/or directly attributable to our individual underwriting operations. While this measure is presented in Item 1, Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Segment Information', it is considered a non-GAAP financial measure when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis.
Corporate expenses include holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide insurance and reinsurance operations and costs associated with operating as a publicly-traded company. As these costs are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our individual underwriting operations, these costs are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and, therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss). General and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure to underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, also includes corporate expenses.
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The reconciliation of underwriting-related general and administrative expenses to general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.
Consolidated Underwriting Income (Loss)
Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a pre-tax measure of underwriting profitability that takes into account net premiums earned and other insurance related income (losses) as revenues and net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and underwriting-related general and administrative expenses as expenses. While this measure is presented in Item 1, Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Segment Information', it is considered a non-GAAP financial measure when presented elsewhere on a consolidated basis.
We evaluate our underwriting results separately from the performance of our investment portfolio. As a result, we believe it is appropriate to exclude net investment income and net investment gains (losses) from our underwriting profitability measure.
Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations primarily relate to the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on our net insurance-related liabilities. However, we manage our investment portfolio in such a way that unrealized and realized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our investment portfolio generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) arising from our underwriting portfolio. As a result, we believe that foreign exchange losses (gains) are not a meaningful contributor to our underwriting performance, therefore, foreign exchange losses (gains) are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).
Interest expense and financing costs primarily relate to interest payable on our senior notes. As these expenses are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our individual underwriting operations, these expenses are excluded from underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, and therefore, consolidated underwriting income (loss).
Transaction and reorganization expenses are primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process, therefore, these expenses are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).
Amortization of intangible assets including VOBA arose from business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process, therefore, these expenses are excluded from consolidated underwriting income (loss).
We believe that the presentation of underwriting-related general and administrative expenses and consolidated underwriting income (loss) provides investors with an enhanced understanding of our results of operations, by highlighting the underlying pre-tax profitability of our underwriting activities. The reconciliation of consolidated underwriting income (loss) to income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income (loss) represents after-tax operational results exclusive of net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), transaction and reorganization expenses, and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments.
Although the investment of premiums to generate income and investment gains (losses) is an integral part of our operations, the determination to realize investment gains (losses) is independent of the underwriting process and is heavily influenced by the availability of market opportunities. Furthermore, many users believe that the timing of the realization of investment gains (losses) is somewhat opportunistic for many companies.
Foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations primarily relate to the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on net insurance related-liabilities. However, this movement is only one element of the overall impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our financial position. We recognize unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our available-for-sale investments in other comprehensive income (loss) and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized upon the sale of these investments in net investments gains (losses). In addition, we recognize unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) on our equity securities and foreign exchange losses (gains) realized upon the sale of these investment in net investment gains (losses).These unrealized and
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realized foreign exchange losses (gains) generally offset a large portion of the foreign exchange losses (gains) reported separately in net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on total shareholders' equity. As such, foreign exchange losses (gains) in our consolidated statements of operations in isolation are not a fair representation of the performance of our business.
Transaction and reorganization expenses are primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process, therefore, these expenses are excluded from operating income (loss).
Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments is primarily driven by business decisions, the nature and timing of which are not related to the underwriting process, therefore, this income (loss) is excluded from operating income (loss).
Certain users of our financial statements evaluate performance exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), transaction and reorganization expenses, and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments to understand the profitability of recurring sources of income.
We believe that showing net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders exclusive of after-tax net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), transaction and reorganization expenses, and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments reflects the underlying fundamentals of our business. In addition, we believe that this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze performance in a manner similar to how our management analyzes the underlying business performance. We also believe this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, facilitates comparison of our performance with our peer group. We believe that equity analysts and certain rating agencies that follow us, and the insurance industry as a whole, generally exclude these items from their analyses for the same reasons. The reconciliation of operating income (loss) to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.
We also present operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized operating ROACE, which are derived from the operating income (loss) measure and are reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, earnings per diluted common share and annualized return on average common equity ("ROACE"), respectively, in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.
Constant Currency Basis
We present gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned on a constant currency basis in this MD&A. The amounts presented on a constant currency basis are calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate from the current year to the prior year amounts. We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to analyze growth in gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned on a constant basis. The reconciliation to gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned on a GAAP basis is presented in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Underwriting Results – Consolidated'.
Pre-Tax Total Return on Cash and Investments excluding Foreign Exchange Movement
Pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements measures net investment income (loss), net investments gains (losses), interest in income (loss) of equity method investments, and change in unrealized gains (losses) generated by our average cash and investment balances. The reconciliation of pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements to pre-tax total return on cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in the 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Net Investment Income and Net Investment Gains (Losses)'. We believe this presentation enables investors and other users of our financial information to better analyze the performance of our investment portfolio.
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Ex-PGAAP Operating Income (Loss)
Ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) represents operating income (loss) exclusive of amortization of VOBA and intangible assets, net of tax and amortization of acquisition costs, net of tax associated with Novae's balance sheet at October 2, 2017 (the "closing date" or "acquisition date"). The reconciliation of ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) to net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.
We also present ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized ex-PGAAP operating ROACE, which are derived from the ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) measure and are reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, earnings per diluted common share and annualized ROACE, respectively, are also presented in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.
We believe the presentation of ex-PGAAP operating income (loss), ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized ex-PGAAP operating ROACE enables investors and other users of our financial information to better analyze the performance of our business.
Acquisition of Novae
On October 2, 2017, we acquired Novae. We identified VOBA which represents the present value of the expected underwriting profit within policies that were in-force at the closing date of the transaction. In addition, the allocation of the acquisition price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Novae based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date, resulted in the write-off of the deferred acquisition cost asset on Novae's balance sheet at the acquisition date as the value of policies in-force on that date are considered within VOBA. Consequently, underwriting income (loss) in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 included the recognition of premium attributable to Novae's balance sheet at the acquisition date without the recognition of the associated acquisition costs.
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Results of Operations

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Change |  | 2018 |
| Underwriting revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net premiums earned | $ | 1,134,212 |  |  | (3%) |  | $ | 1,167,402 |  |
| Other insurance related income | 6,929 |  |  | 5% |  | 6,606 |  |
| Underwriting expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net losses and loss expenses | (664,028 | ) |  | —% |  | (661,345 | ) |
| Acquisition costs | (260,418 | ) |  | 14% |  | (229,260 | ) |
| Underwriting general and administrative expenses(1) | (138,873 | ) |  | (1%) |  | (139,666 | ) |
| Underwriting Income | $ | 77,822 |  |  |  |  | $ | 143,737 |  |
| Net investment income | 107,303 |  |  | 6% |  | 100,999 |  |
| Net investment gains (losses) | 12,767 |  |  | nm |  | (14,830 | ) |
| Corporate expenses(1) | (36,218 | ) |  | 20% |  | (30,171 | ) |
| Other expenses, net | (22,951 | ) |  | (58%) |  | (54,623 | ) |
| Transaction and reorganization expenses | (14,820 | ) |  | 14% |  | (13,054 | ) |
| Amortization of value of business acquired | (13,104 | ) |  | (77%) |  | (57,110 | ) |
| Amortization of intangible assets | (3,003 | ) | — |  | 8% |  | (2,782 | ) |
| Income before income taxes and interest in income of equity method investments | 107,796 |  |  |  |  | 72,166 |  |
| Income tax (expense) benefit | (1,234 | ) |  | nm |  | 1,036 |  |
| Interest in income of equity method investments | 2,219 |  |  | nm |  | — |  |
| Net income | $ | 108,781 |  |  |  |  | $ | 73,202 |  |
| Preferred share dividends | (10,656 | ) |  | —% |  | (10,656 | ) |
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 98,125 |  |  | 57% |  | $ | 62,546 |  |
| Net investment (gains) losses(2) | $ | (12,767 | ) |  | nm |  | $ | 14,830 |  |
| Foreign exchange losses(3) | 7,056 |  |  | (81%) |  | 37,860 |  |
| Transaction and reorganization expenses(4) | 14,820 |  |  | 14% |  | 13,054 |  |
| Interest in income of equity method investments(5) | (2,219 | ) |  | nm |  | — |  |
| Income tax benefit | (405 | ) |  | (93%) |  | (5,653 | ) |
| Operating income (6) | $ | 104,610 |  |  | (15%) |  | $ | 122,637 |  |

nm – not meaningful

(1) | Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to total general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP measure, also included corporate expenses of $36,218 and $30,171 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Refer to 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Other Expenses (Revenues), Net' for additional information related to the corporate expenses. Refer also to 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures' for additional information.

(2) | Tax cost (benefit) of $2,835 and $1,143 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions, after consideration of other relevant factors including the ability to utilize capital losses.

(3) | Tax cost (benefit) of ($582) and ($4,325) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions, after consideration of other relevant factors including the tax status of specific foreign exchange transactions.

(4) | Tax cost (benefit) of ($2,658) and ($2,471) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.

(5) | Tax cost (benefit) of $nil for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.

(6) | Operating income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, is presented in the table above, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of this item is included in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures'.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We also present operating income per diluted common share and annualized operating return on average common equity ("annualized operating ROACE"), which are derived from the operating income measure and can be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measures as follows:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 98,125 |  |  | $ | 62,546 |  |
| Operating income | 104,610 |  |  | 122,637 |  |
| Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding(1) | 84,272 |  |  | 83,721 |  |
| Earnings per diluted common share | $ | 1.16 |  |  | $ | 0.75 |  |
| Operating income per diluted common share(2) | $ | 1.24 |  |  | $ | 1.46 |  |
| Average common shareholders’ equity | $ | 4,390,114 |  |  | $ | 4,527,830 |  |
| Annualized return on average common equity(3) | 8.9 | % |  | 5.5 | % |
| Annualized operating return on average common equity(4) | 9.5 | % |  | 10.8 | % |

(1) | Refer to Item 1, Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements 'Earnings per Common Share' for additional information on the dilution calculation.

(2) | Operating income (loss) per diluted common share is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure, earnings per diluted common share, is presented in the table above, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of this item is included in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures'.

(3) | Annualized ROACE is calculated by dividing annualized net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders for the period by the average common shareholders' equity determined by using the common shareholders' equity balances at the beginning and end of the period.

(4) | Annualized operating ROACE, a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K, is calculated by dividing annualized operating income (loss) for the period by the average common shareholders' equity. The reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, ROACE, is presented in the table above. Refer also to 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures' for additional information.

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Ex-PGAAP Operating Income
We also present ex-PGAAP operating income (loss), ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) per diluted common share and ex-PGAAP operating ROACE which are derived from the operating income measure and can be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measures as follows:

| Three months ended |
| 2019 |  | 2018 |
Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 98,125 |  |  | $ | 62,546 |  |
Net investment (gains) losses | (12,767 | ) |  | 14,830 |  |
Foreign exchange losses | 7,056 |  |  | 37,860 |  |
Transaction and reorganization expenses | 14,820 |  |  | 13,054 |  |
Interest in income of equity method investments | (2,219 | ) |  | — |  |
Income tax benefit | (405 | ) |  | (5,653 | ) |
Operating income | $ | 104,610 |  |  | $ | 122,637 |  |
Amortization of VOBA and intangible assets(2) | 16,002 |  |  | 59,892 |  |
Amortization of acquisition costs(3) | (6,267 | ) |  | (40,450 | ) |
Income tax benefit | (1,849 | ) |  | (3,693 | ) |
Ex-PGAAP operating income(1) | $ | 112,496 |  |  | $ | 138,386 |  |
Earnings per diluted common share | $ | 1.16 |  |  | $ | 0.75 |  |
Net investment (gains) losses | (0.15 | ) |  | 0.18 |  |
Foreign exchange losses | 0.08 |  |  | 0.45 |  |
Transaction and reorganization expenses | 0.18 |  |  | 0.16 |  |
Interest in income of equity method investments | (0.03 | ) |  | — |  |
Income tax expense (benefit) | — |  |  | (0.08 | ) |
Operating income per diluted common share | $ | 1.24 |  |  | $ | 1.46 |  |
Amortization of VOBA and intangible assets(2) | 0.19 |  |  | 0.72 |  |
Amortization of acquisition cost(3) | (0.07 | ) |  | (0.48 | ) |
Income tax expense (benefit) | (0.02 | ) |  | (0.05 | ) |
Ex-PGAAP operating income per diluted common share(1) | $ | 1.33 |  |  | $ | 1.65 |  |
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding | 84,272 |  |  | 83,721 |  |
Average common shareholders' equity | $ | 4,390,114 |  |  | $ | 4,527,830 |  |
Annualized return on average common equity | 8.9 | % |  | 5.5 | % |
Annualized operating return on average common equity | 9.5 | % |  | 10.8 | % |
Annualized ex-PGAAP operating return on average common equity(1) | 10.2 | % |  | 12.2 | % |

(1) | Ex-PGAAP operating income (loss), ex-PGAAP operating income (loss) per diluted common share and annualized ex-PGAAP operating return on average common equity are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders, earnings (loss) per diluted common share, and annualized ROACE, respectively, are provided in the table above, and a discussion of the rationale for the presentation of these items is included in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures'.

(2) | Tax cost (benefit) of $(3,040) and $(11,379) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.

(3) | Tax cost (benefit) of $1,191 and $7,686 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Tax impact is estimated by applying the statutory rates of applicable jurisdictions.

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Underwriting Results
Total underwriting income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $78 million, a decrease of $66 million compared to the underwriting income of $144 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease in underwriting income was primarily driven by a decrease in net premiums earned, an increase in the current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses, a decrease in prior year reserve development, an increase in acquisition cost ratio and underwriting related general and administrative expense ratio, partially offset by a decrease in catastrophe and weather-related losses.
The reinsurance segment underwriting income decreased by $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease in underwriting income was primarily driven by decreases in net premiums earned and net favorable prior year reserve development and an increase in acquisition cost ratio, partially offset by a decrease in catastrophe and weather-related losses, a decrease in the current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses and a decrease in underwriting related general and administrative expense ratio.
The insurance segment underwriting income decreased by $49 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease in underwriting income was primarily driven by decreases in net premiums earned and prior year reserve development, an increase in current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses, an increase in the acquisition cost ratio and an increase in underwriting related general and administrative expense ratio, partially offset by a decrease in catastrophe and weather-related losses.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income was $107 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 an increase of $6 million compared to the same period of 2018 mainly attributable to an increase in income from fixed maturities due to the increase in yields, partially offset by a decrease in income from other investments due to lower returns from direct lending funds reflecting lower returns from credit markets.
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
Net investment gains were $13 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to net investment losses of $15 million for the same period of 2018, an increase of $28 million. Net investment gains for the three months ended March 31, 2019, were mainly attributable to net unrealized investment gains on equity securities of $27 million, partially offset by net realized investment losses on the sale of corporate debt securities.
Net investment losses of $15 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were mainly attributable to net unrealized investment losses on equity securities.
Other Expenses (Revenues), Net
Corporate expenses were $36 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $30 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in performance-related compensation costs and information technology costs, partially offset by an increase in allocations of corporate costs to the insurance and reinsurance segments.
Foreign exchange losses were $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to foreign exchange losses of $38 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
Foreign exchange losses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were primarily attributable to the impact of the weakening of the U.S. dollar on the remeasurement of net insurance-related liabilities denominated in pound sterling, partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar on the remeasurement of net insurance-related liabilities denominated in euro.
Foreign exchange losses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were primarily attributable to the impact of the weakening of the U.S. dollar on the remeasurement of net insurance-related liabilities mainly denominated in pound sterling and euro.
Interest expenses and financing costs were $16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily attributable to the repayment of the Dekania Notes.
The financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 resulted in a tax expense of $1 million compared to a tax benefit of $1 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
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The tax expense of $1 million recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily driven by the generation of pre-tax income in our U.S. operations, largely offset by pre-tax losses in our U.K. operations.
The tax benefit of $1 million recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily driven by the generation of pre-tax losses in our U.K. operations, largely offset by the generation of pre-tax income in our U.S. operations.
Transaction and Reorganization Expenses
Transaction and reorganization expenses were $15 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $13 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 related to the transformation program launched in 2017. This program encompasses the integration of Novae which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017, the realignment of our accident and health business, together with other initiatives designed to increase our efficiency and enhance our profitability while delivering a customer-centric operating model. These expenses are not included in operating income.
At March 31, 2019, we achieved an annual run-rate pre-tax cost savings of $69 million, compared to the 2017 run-rate, against a target of $100 million, which we intend to deliver by the end of 2020. Th ese expense savings will be achieved through the elimination of redundant roles, efficiencies introduced through organizational redesign, operating efficiency improvements, integration of systems, and the rationalization of third party contracts and professional fees.
Amortization of Value of Business Acquired
On October 2, 2017, we acquired Novae. The acquisition of Novae was undertaken to accelerate the growth strategy of our international insurance business, and to significantly scale up its capabilities to enable us to even better serve our clients and brokers. At the acquisition date, we identified VOBA, which represents the present value of the expected underwriting profit within policies that were in-force at the closing date of the transaction, of $257 million.
VOBA is amortized over its economic useful life and this expense is included in amortization of value of business acquired in the consolidated statement of operations.
Interest in Income of Equity Method Investments
Interest income (loss) of equity method investments represents our share of income (loss) related to investments where we have significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee.
Interest in income of equity method investments was $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
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Financial Measures
We believe the following financial indicators are important in evaluating our performance and measuring the overall growth in value generated for our common shareholders:

|  | Three months ended and at March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Annualized ROACE | 8.9 | % |  | 5.5 | % |
| Annualized operating ROACE | 9.5 | % |  | 10.8 | % |
| Annualized ex-PGAAP operating ROACE | 10.2 | % |  | 12.2 | % |
| Book value per diluted common share(1) | $ | 52.84 |  |  | $ | 52.57 |  |
| Cash dividends declared per common share | 0.40 |  |  | 0.39 |  |
| Increase (decrease) in book value per diluted common share adjusted for dividends | $ | 3.31 |  |  | $ | (0.92 | ) |

(1) | Book value per diluted common share represents total common shareholders’ equity divided by the number of common shares and diluted common shares outstanding, determined using the treasury stock method. Cash settled awards are excluded.

Return on Equity
Our objective is to generate superior returns on capital that appropriately reward our common shareholders for the risks we assume and to grow revenue only when we expect the returns will meet or exceed our requirements. We recognize that the nature of underwriting cycles and the frequency or severity of large loss events in any one year may challenge the ability to achieve a profitability target in any specific period.
ROACE reflects the impact of net income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders including net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), transaction and reorganization expenses, and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments.
The increase in ROACE for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018, was primarily driven by increases in net investment income and net investment gains, together with decreases in foreign exchange losses and amortization of VOBA associated with the acquisition of Novae, partially offset by a decrease in underwriting income, as well as an increase in corporate expenses. In addition, ROACE was impacted by a decrease in average common equity.
Operating ROACE excludes the impact of net investment gains (losses), foreign exchange losses (gains), transaction and reorganization expenses, and interest in income (loss) of equity method investments.
The decrease in operating ROACE for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018, was primarily driven by a decrease in underwriting income, as well as an increase in corporate expenses, partially offset by an increase in net investment income and a decrease in amortization of VOBA associated with the acquisition of Novae. The decrease in operating ROACE compared to an increase in ROACE occurred primarily due to excluding the impact of foreign exchange losses and net investment gains.
Ex-PGAAP operating ROACE excludes the impact of amortization of VOBA and intangible assets, net of tax, and amortization of acquisition costs, net of tax, associated with Novae's balance sheet at October 2, 2017. Ex-PGAAP operating ROACE for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was 10.2% and 12.2%, respectively.
Book Value per Diluted Common Share
We consider book value per diluted common share to be an appropriate measure of our returns to common shareholders, as we believe growth in our book value on a diluted basis will ultimately translate into appreciation of our stock price.
Book value per diluted common share increased to $52.84 at March 31, 2019, from $52.57 at March 31, 2018, an increase of 1%, due to net income generated during the period and net unrealized investment gains reported in other comprehensive income, partially offset by common share dividends declared.
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Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share
We believe in returning excess capital to our shareholders by way of dividends and share repurchases. Accordingly, our dividend policy is an integral part of the value we create for our shareholders. Our cumulative strong earnings have permitted our Board of Directors to approve fifteen successive increases in quarterly common share dividends.
Book Value per Diluted Common Share Adjusted for Dividends
Book value per diluted common share adjusted for dividends increased by $3.31 or 7% per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Taken together, we believe that growth in book value per diluted common share and common share dividends declared represent the total value created for our common shareholders. As companies in the insurance industry have differing dividend payout policies, we believe investors use the book value per diluted common share adjusted for dividends metric to measure comparable performance across the industry.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the increase in book value per diluted common share adjusted for dividends was driven by the net income generated in the quarter and unrealized gains reported in accumulated other comprehensive income.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the decrease in book value per diluted common share adjusted for dividends was primarily driven by the unrealized investment losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, partially offset by the net income generated in the quarter.
Book value per diluted common share adjusted for dividends increased by $1.85, or 4%, per common share over the past twelve months, attributable to net income generated during the period and net unrealized investment gains reported in other comprehensive income.
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UNDERWRITING RESULTS – CONSOLIDATED

The following table provides our underwriting results for the periods indicated. Underwriting income is a pre-tax measure of underwriting profitability that takes into account net premiums earned and other insurance related income (loss) as revenues and net losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs and underwriting-related general and administrative costs as expenses.

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Change |  | 2018 |
| Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Gross premiums written | $ | 2,583,226 |  |  | (3%) |  | $ | 2,662,795 |  |
| Net premiums written | 1,777,059 |  |  | (11%) |  | 1,985,871 |  |
| Net premiums earned | 1,134,212 |  |  | (3%) |  | 1,167,402 |  |
| Other insurance related income | 6,929 |  |  | 5% |  | 6,606 |  |
| Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Current year net losses and loss expenses | (678,700 | ) |  |  |  | (715,652 | ) |
| Prior year reserve development | 14,672 |  |  |  |  | 54,307 |  |
| Acquisition costs | (260,418 | ) |  |  |  | (229,260 | ) |
| Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses(1) | (138,873 | ) |  |  |  | (139,666 | ) |
| Underwriting income (2) | $ | 77,822 |  |  | (46%) |  | $ | 143,737 |  |
| General and administrative expenses(1) | $ | 175,091 |  |  |  |  | $ | 169,837 |  |
| Income before income taxes and interest in income of equity method investments(2) | $ | 107,796 |  |  |  |  | $ | 72,166 |  |

(1) | Underwriting-related general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to total general and administrative expenses, the most comparable GAAP measure, is presented in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.

(2) | Consolidated underwriting income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes and interest in income (loss) of equity investments, the most comparable GAAP measure, is presented in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Executive Summary – Results of Operations'.

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Underwriting Revenues
Gross and net premiums written by segment were as follows:

|  | Gross premiums written |
|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Change |  | 2018 |
| Insurance | $ | 851,096 |  |  | (3%) |  | $ | 880,848 |  |
| Reinsurance | 1,732,130 |  |  | (3%) |  | 1,781,947 |  |
| Total | $ | 2,583,226 |  |  | (3%) |  | $ | 2,662,795 |  |
| % ceded |  |  |  |  |  |
| Insurance | 38% |  | 0 pts |  | 38% |
| Reinsurance | 28% |  | 9 pts |  | 19% |
| Total | 31% |  | 6 pts |  | 25% |
|  | Net premiums written |
|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Change |  | 2018 |
| Insurance | $ | 529,239 |  |  | (3%) |  | $ | 547,893 |  |
| Reinsurance | 1,247,820 |  |  | (13%) |  | 1,437,978 |  |
| Total | $ | 1,777,059 |  |  | (11%) |  | $ | 1,985,871 |  |

Gross Premiums Written:
Gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2019 decreased by $80 million or 3% ($28 million or 1% on a constant currency basis 1), compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same periods in 2018, was due to decreases in both segments.
The insurance segment's gross premiums written decreased by $30 million or 3% ($19 million or 2% on a constant currency basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was attributable to property, and accident and health lines, partially offset by increases in liability, marine and professional lines.
The reinsurance segment's gross premiums written decreased by $50 million or 3% ($9 million or 1% on a constant currency basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was attributable to motor, credit and surety, and property lines, partially offset by increases in catastrophe, accident and health, and liability lines.
(1) Amounts presented on a constant currency basis are non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Item10 (e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The constant currency basis is calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate from the current year to the prior year balance.
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Ceded Premiums Written:
Ceded premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $806 million or 31% of gross premiums written, compared to ceded premiums of $677 million or 25% of gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in the ceded premiums written was attributable to the reinsurance segment, partially offset by a decrease in the insurance segment.
The increase in the reinsurance segment ceded premiums written of $140 million or 41% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, was attributable to catastrophe, accident and health, credit and surety, and liability lines, partially offset by a decrease in property lines.
The decrease in the insurance segment ceded premiums written of $11 million or 3% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, primarily driven by property lines, partially offset by an increase in liability lines.
Net Premiums Earned:
Net premiums earned by segment were as follows:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |  |  |
|  | 2019 |  |  |  | 2018 |  |  |  | % Change |
| Insurance | $ | 556,762 |  |  | 49 | % |  | $ | 580,059 |  |  | 50 | % |  | (4%) |
| Reinsurance | 577,450 |  |  | 51 | % |  | 587,343 |  |  | 50 | % |  | (2%) |
| Total | $ | 1,134,212 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 1,167,402 |  |  | 100 | % |  | (3%) |

Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2019 decreased by $33 million or 3% ($24 million or 2% on a constant currency basis), compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, was driven by decreases in both segments.
Net premiums earned decreased by $23 million or 4% ($17 million or 3% on a constant currency basis) in the insurance segment for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was driven by property, and accident and health lines, partially offset by increases in professional lines and liability lines.
Net premiums earned decreased by $10 million or 2% ($7 million or 1% on a constant currency basis) in the reinsurance segment for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was driven by professional lines and discontinued lines - Novae, partially offset by increases in catastrophe, and marine and other lines.
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Other Insurance Related Income (Loss):
Other insurance related income was $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $7 million for the same period in 2018.
Underwriting Expenses
The following table provides a breakdown of our combined ratio:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Point Change |  | 2018 |
| Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 58.9 | % |  | 0.6 |  | 58.3 | % |
| Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio | 0.9 | % |  | (2.1) |  | 3.0 | % |
| Current accident year loss ratio | 59.8 | % |  | (1.5) |  | 61.3 | % |
| Prior year reserve development ratio | (1.3 | %) |  | 3.3 |  | (4.6 | %) |
| Net loss and loss expense ratio | 58.5 | % |  | 1.8 |  | 56.7 | % |
| Acquisition cost ratio | 23.0 | % |  | 3.4 |  | 19.6 | % |
| General and administrative expense ratio(1) | 15.4 | % |  | 0.9 |  | 14.5 | % |
| Combined ratio | 96.9 | % |  | 6.1 |  | 90.8 | % |

(1) | The general and administrative expense ratio includes corporate expenses not allocated to reportable segments of 3.2% and 2.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These costs are further discussed in 'Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Other Expenses (Revenues), Net'.

Current Accident Year Loss Ratio:
The current accident year loss ratio decreased to 59.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, from 61.3% for the same period in 2018.
The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same periods in 2018, was impacted by a lower level of catastrophe and weather-related losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we incurred $11 million or 0.9 points in pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses primarily attributable to weather-related events. Comparatively, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, we incurred pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses, net of reinstatement premiums, of $35 million or 3.0 points.
After adjusting for the impact of catastrophe and weather-related losses, our current accident year loss ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was 58.9%, compared to 58.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in the current accident year loss ratio after adjusting for the impact of catastrophe and weather-related losses for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same periods in 2018, was primarily driven by a mid-size loss in insurance aviation and marine lines, together with a mid-size aviation loss in the reinsurance segment marine and other lines, partially offset by rate and trend.
For further discussion on current accident year loss ratios, refer to the insurance and reinsurance segment discussions below.
Estimates of Significant Catastrophe Events:
Our March 31, 2019 net reserves for losses and loss expenses included estimated amounts for numerous catastrophe events. We caution that the magnitude and/or complexity of losses arising from certain of these events, in particular California Wildfires, Hurricanes Michael and Florence, and Typhoons Jebi and Trami which occurred in 2018 as well as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the two earthquakes in Mexico and the California Wildfires which occurred in 2017 inherently increase the level of uncertainty and, therefore, the level of management judgment involved in arriving at our estimated net reserves for losses and loss expenses. As a result, our actual losses for these events may ultimately differ materially from our current estimates.
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Our estimated net losses in relation to the catastrophe events described above were derived from ground-up assessments of our in-force contracts and treaties providing coverage in the affected regions. These assessments take into account the latest information available from clients, brokers and loss adjusters. In addition, we consider industry insured loss estimates, market share analyses and catastrophe modeling analyses, when appropriate. Our estimates remain subject to change, as additional loss data becomes available.
We continue to monitor paid and incurred loss development for catastrophe events of prior years and update our estimates of ultimate losses accordingly.
Prior Year Reserve Development:
Our net favorable prior year reserve development arises from changes to losses and loss expense estimates related to loss events that occurred in previous calendar years. The following table presents net prior year reserve development by segment:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Insurance | $ | 6,913 |  |  | $ | 22,775 |  |
| Reinsurance | 7,759 |  |  | 31,532 |  |
| Total | $ | 14,672 |  |  | $ | 54,307 |  |

Overview
Short-tail business
Short-tail business includes the underlying exposures in the property and other, marine and aviation reserve classes within the insurance segment, and the property and other reserve class within the reinsurance segment.
These reserve classes recognized net adverse prior year reserve development of $33 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 including $22 million of net adverse prior year reserve development recognized by the insurance property and other reserve class, and $29 million of net adverse prior year reserve development recognized by the reinsurance property and other reserve class, partially offset by net favorable prior year development of $16 million contributed by the insurance marine reserve class.
These reserve classes contributed net favorable prior year reserve development of $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 reflecting the recognition of better than expected loss emergence.
Medium-tail business
Medium-tail business consists primarily of insurance and reinsurance professional lines reserve classes, insurance credit and political risk reserve class and reinsurance credit and surety reserve class.
Our reinsurance credit and surety reserve class recorded net favorable prior year reserve development of $10 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, reflecting the recognition of better than expected loss emergence.
Our insurance professional lines reserve class recognized net favorable prior year reserve development of $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Our reinsurance professional lines reserve class recognized net favorable prior year reserve development of $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The net favorable prior year reserve development on these reserve classes continued to reflect generally favorable experience on older accident years as we continued to transition to more experienced based methods.
Long-tail business
Long-tail business consists primarily of insurance and reinsurance liability reserve classes and reinsurance motor reserve class.
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Our reinsurance liability reserve class contributed net favorable prior year reserve development of $12 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 due to increased weight given by management to experience based indications on older accident years.
Our insurance liability reserve class recorded net adverse prior year development of $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 primarily related to reserve strengthening within our U.S. excess casualty book of business reflecting slightly higher than expected prior year emerging loss experience.
Our motor reinsurance reserve class recognized net favorable prior year reserve development of $12 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 primarily attributable to non proportional treaty business on older accident years.
We caution that conditions and trends that impacted the development of our liabilities in the past may not necessarily occur in the future.
The following tables map our lines of business to reserve classes and the expected claim tails:

Insurance segment |  |  |  |  |
| Reserve class and tail
| Property and other | Marine | Aviation | Credit and political risk | Professional lines | Liability
| Short | Short | Short/Medium | Medium | Medium | Long
Reported lines of business |  |  |  |  |  |
Property | X |  |  |  |  |
Marine |  | X |  |  |  |
Terrorism | X |  |  |  |  |
Aviation |  |  | X |  |  |
Credit and political risk |  |  |  | X |  |
Professional lines |  |  |  |  | X |
Liability |  |  |  |  |  | X
Accident and health | X |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued lines - Novae | X |  |  |  | X | X

Reinsurance segment |  |  |  |
| Reserve class and tail
| Property and other | Credit and surety | Professional lines | Motor | Liability
| Short | Medium | Medium | Long | Long
Reported lines of business |  |  |  |  |
Catastrophe | X |  |  |  |
Property | X |  |  |  |
Credit and surety |  | X |  |  |
Professional lines |  |  | X |  |
Motor |  |  |  | X |
Liability |  |  |  |  | X
Engineering | X |  |  |  |
Agriculture | X |  |  |  |
Marine and other | X |  |  |  |
Accident and health | X |  |  |  |
Discontinued lines - Novae | X |  |  | X | X

The following sections provide further details on prior year reserve development by segment, reserving class and accident year.
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Insurance Segment:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Property and other | $ | (21,720 | ) |  | $ | 17,188 |  |
| Marine | 16,478 |  |  | 11,272 |  |
| Aviation | 1,188 |  |  | (3,692 | ) |
| Credit and political risk | 2,501 |  |  | 765 |  |
| Professional lines | 5,965 |  |  | 3,907 |  |
| Liability | 2,501 |  |  | (6,665 | ) |
| Total | $ | 6,913 |  |  | $ | 22,775 |  |

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized $7 million of net favorable prior year reserve development, the principal components of which were:

• | $16 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on marine business primarily due to the recognition of better than expected loss emergence on more recent accident years.

• | $6 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on professional lines business due to the recognition of better than expected loss emergence particularly on the 2011 and 2014 accident years.

• | $22 million of net adverse prior year reserve development on property and other business primarily due to reserve strengthening within our international book of business mainly related to accident year 2018.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recognized $23 million of net favorable prior year reserve development, the principal components of which were:

• | $17 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on property and other business primarily due to generally better than expected loss emergence related to the 2017 catastrophe events.

• | $11 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on marine business due to better than expected loss emergence on recent accident years.

• | $7 million of net adverse prior year reserve development on liability business due to reserve strengthening within our U.S. excess casualty book of business mainly driven by a higher frequency of large auto and general liability claims primarily related to 2015 and 2017 accident years.

Reinsurance Segment:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Property and other | $ | (28,851 | ) |  | $ | 12,092 |  |
| Credit and surety | 10,363 |  |  | 5,956 |  |
| Professional lines | 1,479 |  |  | 8,573 |  |
| Motor | 12,305 |  |  | 3,191 |  |
| Liability | 12,463 |  |  | 1,720 |  |
| Total | $ | 7,759 |  |  | $ | 31,532 |  |

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized $8 million of net favorable prior year reserve development, the principal components of which were:
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• | $12 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on liability business due to increased weight given by management to experience based indications on older accident years.

• | $12 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on motor business largely due to non proportional treaty business related to older accident years.

• | $10 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on credit and surety business primarily due to generally better than expected loss emergence primarily related to 2015 and 2016 accident years.

• | $29 million of net adverse prior year reserve development on property and other business mainly due to an increase in loss estimates attributable Typhoons Jebi and Trami consistent with updated industry insured loss estimates.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recognized $32 million of net favorable prior year reserve development, the principal components of which were:

• | $12 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on property and other business due to overall better than expected loss emergence related to the 2017 catastrophe events and better than expected loss emergence on our agriculture business.

• | $9 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on professional lines business reflecting the generally favorable experience on earlier accident years, particularly 2010 through 2011, as we continue to transition to more experience based methods.

• | $6 million of net favorable prior year reserve development on credit and surety due to better than expected loss emergence primarily related to accident years 2012 through 2015.

Acquisition Cost Ratio:
The acquisition cost ratio increased to 23.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 from 19.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to our insurance segment due to changes in business mix largely associated with the acquisition of Novae.
General and Administrative Expense Ratio:
The general and administrative expense ratio increased to 15.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 from 14.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 driven by an increase in performance-related compensation costs and information technology costs, partially offset by an increase in fees associated with arrangements with strategic capital partners.
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RESULTS BY SEGMENT

Insurance Segment
Results from our insurance segment were as follows:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Change |  | 2018 |
| Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Gross premiums written | $ | 851,096 |  |  | (3%) |  | $ | 880,848 |  |
| Net premiums written | 529,239 |  |  | (3%) |  | 547,893 |  |
| Net premiums earned | 556,762 |  |  | (4%) |  | 580,059 |  |
| Other insurance related income | 1,742 |  |  | nm |  | 620 |  |
| Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Current year net losses and loss expenses | (320,689 | ) |  |  |  | (344,313 | ) |
| Prior year reserve development | 6,913 |  |  |  |  | 22,775 |  |
| Acquisition costs | (117,775 | ) |  |  |  | (87,329 | ) |
| General and administrative expenses | (106,034 | ) |  |  |  | (102,370 | ) |
| Underwriting income | $ | 20,919 |  |  | (70%) |  | $ | 69,442 |  |
| Ratios: |  |  | % Point Change |  |  |
| Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 56.2 | % |  | 1.7 |  | 54.5 | % |
| Catastrophe and weather-related losses | 1.4 | % |  | (3.5) |  | 4.9 | % |
| Current accident year loss ratio | 57.6 | % |  | (1.8) |  | 59.4 | % |
| Prior year reserve development ratio | (1.2 | %) |  | 2.8 |  | (4.0 | %) |
| Net loss and loss expense ratio | 56.4 | % |  | 1.0 |  | 55.4 | % |
| Acquisition cost ratio | 21.2 | % |  | 6.1 |  | 15.1 | % |
| General and administrative expense ratio | 19.0 | % |  | 1.4 |  | 17.6 | % |
| Combined ratio | 96.6 | % |  | 8.5 |  | 88.1 | % |

nm – not meaningful
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Gross Premiums Written:
The following table provides gross premiums written by line of business:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |  |  |
|  | 2019 |  |  |  | 2018 |  |  |  | % Change |
| Property | $ | 200,502 |  |  | 23 | % |  | $ | 295,206 |  |  | 34 | % |  | (32%) |
| Marine | 146,979 |  |  | 17 | % |  | 126,743 |  |  | 14 | % |  | 16% |
| Terrorism | 14,362 |  |  | 2 | % |  | 16,900 |  |  | 2 | % |  | (15%) |
| Aviation | 17,670 |  |  | 2 | % |  | 21,013 |  |  | 2 | % |  | (16%) |
| Credit and political risk | 45,907 |  |  | 5 | % |  | 44,731 |  |  | 5 | % |  | 3% |
| Professional lines | 227,308 |  |  | 27 | % |  | 207,965 |  |  | 24 | % |  | 9% |
| Liability | 142,642 |  |  | 17 | % |  | 105,661 |  |  | 12 | % |  | 35% |
| Accident and health | 51,048 |  |  | 6 | % |  | 60,674 |  |  | 7 | % |  | (16%) |
| Discontinued lines - Novae | 4,678 |  |  | 1 | % |  | 1,955 |  |  | — | % |  | nm |
| Total | $ | 851,096 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 880,848 |  |  | 100 | % |  | (3%) |

nm – not meaningful
Gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2019 decreased by $30 million or 3% ($19 million or 2% on a constant currency basis), compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was attributable to property, and accident and health lines, partially offset by increases in liability, marine and professional lines. The decrease in property lines was due to the non-renewals and timing differences. The decrease in accident and health lines was due to the cancellation of certain program business. The increase in gross premiums written in liability lines was driven by new business and favorable rate changes. The increase in marine lines was due to favorable rate changes, the timing of the renewal of a large contract and favorable premium adjustments. The increase in professional lines was due to new business.
Ceded Premiums Written:
Ceded premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $322 million or 38% of gross premiums written, compared to $333 million or 38% of gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease in ceded premiums written of $11 million or 3% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, was primarily driven by property lines, partially offset by an increase in liability lines.
Net Premiums Earned:
The following table provides net premiums earned by line of business:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |  |  |
|  | 2019 |  |  |  | 2018 |  |  |  | % Change |
| Property | $ | 171,133 |  |  | 32 | % |  | $ | 196,613 |  |  | 34 | % |  | (13%) |
| Marine | 73,815 |  |  | 13 | % |  | 76,376 |  |  | 13 | % |  | (3%) |
| Terrorism | 11,162 |  |  | 2 | % |  | 14,507 |  |  | 3 | % |  | (23%) |
| Aviation | 12,871 |  |  | 2 | % |  | 18,488 |  |  | 3 | % |  | (30%) |
| Credit and political risk | 22,805 |  |  | 4 | % |  | 27,721 |  |  | 5 | % |  | (18%) |
| Professional lines | 157,125 |  |  | 28 | % |  | 135,612 |  |  | 23 | % |  | 16% |
| Liability | 62,208 |  |  | 11 | % |  | 51,096 |  |  | 9 | % |  | 22% |
| Accident and health | 40,424 |  |  | 7 | % |  | 48,578 |  |  | 8 | % |  | (17%) |
| Discontinued lines - Novae | 5,219 |  |  | 1 | % |  | 11,068 |  |  | 2 | % |  | (53%) |
| Total | $ | 556,762 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 580,059 |  |  | 100 | % |  | (4%) |

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Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2019 decreased by $23 million or 4% ($17 million or 3% on a constant currency basis), compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was by driven by increases in ceded premiums earned in property and liability lines, together with decreases in gross premiums earned in accident and health, and property lines, partially offset by increases in gross premiums earned in professional lines and liability lines.
Loss Ratio:
The table below shows the components of our loss ratio:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Point Change |  | 2018 |
| Current accident year | 57.6 | % |  | (1.8) |  | 59.4 | % |
| Prior year reserve development | (1.2 | %) |  | 2.8 |  | (4.0 | %) |
| Loss ratio | 56.4 | % |  | 1.0 |  | 55.4 | % |

C urrent Accident Year Loss Ratio:
The current accident year loss ratios decreased to 57.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, from 59.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, was impacted by a lower level of catastrophe and weather-related losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we incurred$8 million, or 1.4 points, in pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses primarily attributable to weather-related events. Comparatively, during the three months ended March 31, 2018 we incurred $28 million, or 4.9 points, in pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses.
After adjusting for the impact of the catastrophe and weather-related losses, our current accident year loss ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was 56.2%, compared to 54.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in the current accident year loss ratio after adjusting for the impact of the catastrophe and weather-related losses for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, was principally due to mid-size losses in aviation and marine lines, together with changes in business mix, partially offset by the impact of rate and trend.
Refer to the ‘Prior Year Reserve Development’ section for further details.
Acquisition Cost Ratio:
The acquisition cost ratio increased to 21.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, from 15.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily attributable to changes in business mix largely associated with the acquisition of Novae.
General and Administrative Expense Ratio:
The general and administrative expense ratio increased to 19.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, from 17.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, driven by a decrease in net premiums earned, an increase in the allocation of corporate costs to the segment, together with increases in information technology costs and professional fees, partially offset by a decrease in personnel costs.
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Reinsurance Segment
Results from our reinsurance segment were as follows:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Change |  | 2018 |
| Revenues: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Gross premiums written | $ | 1,732,130 |  |  | (3%) |  | $ | 1,781,947 |  |
| Net premiums written | 1,247,820 |  |  | (13%) |  | 1,437,978 |  |
| Net premiums earned | 577,450 |  |  | (2%) |  | 587,343 |  |
| Other insurance related income (losses) | 5,187 |  |  | (13%) |  | 5,986 |  |
| Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Current year net losses and loss expenses | (358,011 | ) |  |  |  | (371,339 | ) |
| Prior year reserve development | 7,759 |  |  |  |  | 31,532 |  |
| Acquisition costs | (142,643 | ) |  |  |  | (141,931 | ) |
| General and administrative expenses | (32,839 | ) |  |  |  | (37,296 | ) |
| Underwriting income (loss) | $ | 56,903 |  |  | (23%) |  | $ | 74,295 |  |
| Ratios: |  |  | % Point Change |  |  |
| Current accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophe and weather-related losses | 61.5 | % |  | (0.6) |  | 62.1 | % |
| Catastrophe and weather-related losses ratio | 0.5 | % |  | (0.6) |  | 1.1 | % |
| Current accident year loss ratio | 62.0 | % |  | (1.2) |  | 63.2 | % |
| Prior year reserve development ratio | (1.3 | %) |  | 4.0 |  | (5.3 | %) |
| Net loss and loss expense ratio | 60.7 | % |  | 2.8 |  | 57.9 | % |
| Acquisition cost ratio | 24.7 | % |  | 0.5 |  | 24.2 | % |
| General and administrative expense ratio | 5.6 | % |  | (0.7) |  | 6.3 | % |
| Combined ratio | 91.0 | % |  | 2.6 |  | 88.4 | % |

nm – not meaningful
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Gross Premiums Written:
The following table provides gross premiums written by line of business for the periods indicated:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |  |  |
|  | 2019 |  |  |  | 2018 |  |  |  | % Change |
| Catastrophe | $ | 358,133 |  |  | 21 | % |  | $ | 281,883 |  |  | 17 | % |  | 27% |
| Property | 172,742 |  |  | 10 | % |  | 200,707 |  |  | 11 | % |  | (14%) |
| Professional lines | 109,828 |  |  | 6 | % |  | 106,178 |  |  | 6 | % |  | 3% |
| Credit and surety | 151,904 |  |  | 9 | % |  | 196,316 |  |  | 11 | % |  | (23%) |
| Motor | 281,401 |  |  | 16 | % |  | 412,077 |  |  | 23 | % |  | (32%) |
| Liability | 185,320 |  |  | 11 | % |  | 159,009 |  |  | 9 | % |  | 17% |
| Agriculture | 126,440 |  |  | 7 | % |  | 145,397 |  |  | 8 | % |  | (13%) |
| Engineering | 22,766 |  |  | 1 | % |  | 26,506 |  |  | 1 | % |  | (14%) |
| Marine and other | 36,336 |  |  | 2 | % |  | 26,647 |  |  | 1 | % |  | 36% |
| Accident and health | 287,592 |  |  | 17 | % |  | 227,689 |  |  | 13 | % |  | 26% |
| Discontinued lines - Novae | (332 | ) |  | — | % |  | (462 | ) |  | — | % |  | (28%) |
| Total | $ | 1,732,130 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 1,781,947 |  |  | 100 | % |  | (3%) |

Gross premiums written decreased by $50 million or 3% ($9 million or 1% on a constant currency basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in motor, credit and surety, and property lines, partially offset by increases in catastrophe, accident and health, and liability lines.
The decrease in motor, credit and surety, and property lines was due to non-renewals. In addition, the decrease in motor lines was impacted by foreign exchange movements as the strengthening of the U.S. dollar drove comparative premium decreases in treaties denominated in foreign currencies. Decreased line sizes and unfavorable premium adjustments also contributed to the decrease in property lines. The increase in catastrophe, accident and health, and liability lines was driven by new business, partially offset by non-renewals. Increased lines sizes and favorable treaty restructuring also contributed to the increase in catastrophe lines. The increase in liability lines was due to timing differences and favorable premiums adjustments.
Ceded Premiums Written:
Ceded premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $484 million or 28%, of gross premiums written compared to $344 million or 19% of gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The increase in ceded premiums written of $140 million or 41% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, was attributable to catastrophe, accident and health, credit and surety, and liability lines, partially offset by a decrease in property lines.
The increase in catastrophe lines was attributable to an increase in premiums ceded to a new aggregate excess of loss treaty and premiums ceded to the new quota share retrocessional treaty with Alturas Re Ltd. ("Alturas"). In addition, there was an increase in premiums ceded to the retrocessional cover entered into with Harrington Re Ltd. in accident and health, and liability lines, together with an increase in premiums ceded to a new quota share retrocessional treaty which covers credit and surety lines. The decrease in ceded premiums written in property lines was attributable to the non-renewals of two significant fronting arrangements.
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Net Premiums Earned:
The following table provides net premiums earned by line of business:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |  |  |
|  | 2019 |  |  |  | 2018 |  |  |  | % Change |
| Catastrophe | $ | 68,052 |  |  | 12 | % |  | $ | 61,854 |  |  | 10 | % |  | 10% |
| Property | 76,906 |  |  | 13 | % |  | 78,456 |  |  | 13 | % |  | (2%) |
| Professional lines | 51,899 |  |  | 9 | % |  | 56,190 |  |  | 10 | % |  | (8%) |
| Credit and surety | 50,082 |  |  | 9 | % |  | 52,736 |  |  | 9 | % |  | (5%) |
| Motor | 101,235 |  |  | 18 | % |  | 103,533 |  |  | 18 | % |  | (2%) |
| Liability | 88,862 |  |  | 15 | % |  | 89,592 |  |  | 15 | % |  | (1%) |
| Agriculture | 37,068 |  |  | 6 | % |  | 38,559 |  |  | 7 | % |  | (4%) |
| Engineering | 14,675 |  |  | 3 | % |  | 17,705 |  |  | 3 | % |  | (17%) |
| Marine and other | 11,439 |  |  | 2 | % |  | 6,457 |  |  | 1 | % |  | 77% |
| Accident and health | 77,468 |  |  | 13 | % |  | 78,558 |  |  | 13 | % |  | (1%) |
| Discontinued lines - Novae | (236 | ) |  | — | % |  | 3,703 |  |  | 1 | % |  | nm |
| Total | $ | 577,450 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 587,343 |  |  | 100 | % |  | (2%) |

nm – not meaningful
Net premiums earned decreased by $10 million or 2% ($7 million or 1% on a constant currency basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same periods in 2018.
The decrease was driven by an increase in ceded premiums earned in catastrophe and professional lines, together with a decrease in gross premiums earned in discontinued lines - Novae, partially offset by increases in gross premiums earned in catastrophe and marine and other lines.
Other Insurance Related Income (Loss):
Other insurance related income was $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to other insurance related income of $6 million for the same period in 2018. The decrease of $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, reflected an increase in fees associated with arrangements with strategic capital partners fees, largely offset by a decrease in retrocessional profit commissions.
Loss Ratio:
The table below shows the components of our loss ratio:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Point Change |  | 2018 |
| Current accident year | 62.0 | % |  | (1.2) |  | 63.2 | % |
| Prior year reserve development | (1.3 | %) |  | 4.0 |  | (5.3 | %) |
| Loss ratio | 60.7 | % |  | 2.8 |  | 57.9 | % |

Current Accident Year Loss Ratio:
The current accident year loss ratio decreased to 62.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, from 63.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio for three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, was impacted by a lower level of catastrophe and weather-related losses. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we incurred $3
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million or 0.5 points, in pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses primarily attributable to weather-related events. Comparatively, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, we incurred $7 million or 1.1 points, in pre-tax catastrophe and weather-related losses.
After adjusting for the impact of the catastrophe and weather-related losses, our current accident year loss ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was 61.5%, compared to 62.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio after adjusting for the impact of catastrophe and weather-related losses for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, was principally due to a decrease in attritional loss experience in credit and surety lines, partially offset by a mid-size aviation loss in the marine and other lines.
Refer to ‘Prior Year Reserve Development’ for further details.
Acquisition Cost Ratio:
The acquisition cost ratio increased to 24.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 from 24.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily attributable to the impact of retrocessional contracts with lower acquisition costs, partially offset by a decrease in adjustments related to loss sensitive features.
General and Administrative Expense Ratio:
The general and administrative expense ratio decreased to 5.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 from 6.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, driven by an increase in fees associated with arrangements with strategic capital partners, together with a decrease in performance-related compensation costs, partially offset by an increase in the allocation of corporate costs to the segment.

OTHER EXPENSES (REVENUES), NET

The following table provides a summary of our other expenses (revenues), net:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Change |  | 2018 |
| Corporate expenses | $ | 36,218 |  |  | 20% |  | $ | 30,171 |  |
| Foreign exchange losses | 7,056 |  |  | nm |  | 37,860 |  |
| Interest expense and financing costs | 15,895 |  |  | (5%) |  | 16,763 |  |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 1,234 |  |  | nm |  | (1,036 | ) |
| Total | $ | 60,403 |  |  | (28%) |  | $ | 83,758 |  |

nm – not meaningful
Corporate Expenses
Our corporate expenses include holding company costs necessary to support our worldwide insurance and reinsurance operations and costs associated with operating as a publicly-traded company. As a percentage of net premiums earned, corporate expenses were 3.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to 2.6% for the same periods in 2018.
The increase in corporate expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to an increase in performance-related compensation costs and information technology costs, partially offset by an increase in allocations of corporate costs to the insurance and reinsurance segments.
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Foreign Exchange Losses (Gains)
Some of our business is written in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Foreign exchange losses of $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were primarily attributable to the impact of the weakening of the U.S. dollar on the remeasurement of net insurance-related liabilities denominated in pound sterling, partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar on the remeasurement of net insurance-related liabilities denominated in euro.
The foreign exchange losses of $38 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were primarily attributable to the impact of the weakening of the U.S. dollar on the remeasurement of net insurance-related liabilities mainly denominated in pound sterling and euro.
Interest Expense and Financing Costs
Interest expense and financing costs are related to interest due on 5.875% Senior Notes issued in 2010, 2.65% Senior Notes and the 5.15% Senior Notes issued in 2014, and 4.0% Senior Notes issued in 2017. Interest expenses and financing costs decreased by $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same periods in 2018, primarily attributable to the repayment of the Dekania Notes on November 15, 2018.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit) primarily results from income (loss) generated by our foreign operations in the U.S. and Europe. Our effective tax rate is calculated as income tax expense (benefit) divided by income (loss) before tax including interest in income (loss) of equity method investments. This effective rate can vary between periods depending on the distribution of net income (loss) among tax jurisdictions, as well as other factors.
The tax expense of $1 million recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2019, was driven by pre-tax income in our U.S. operations, largely offset by the generation of pre-tax losses in our U.K. operations.
The tax benefit of $1 million recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily driven by the generation of pre-tax losses in our U.K. operations, largely offset by the generation of pre-tax income in our U.S. operations.
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NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND NET INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

Net Investment Income
The following table provides details of income earned from our cash and investment portfolio by major asset class:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | % Change |  | 2018 |
| Fixed maturities | $ | 91,382 |  |  | 9% |  | $ | 83,958 |  |
| Other investments | 6,895 |  |  | (50%) |  | 13,704 |  |
| Equity securities | 2,328 |  |  | 32% |  | 1,758 |  |
| Mortgage loans | 3,063 |  |  | (2%) |  | 3,125 |  |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 5,801 |  |  | 40% |  | 4,153 |  |
| Short-term investments | 3,894 |  |  | nm |  | 875 |  |
| Gross investment income | 113,363 |  |  | 5% |  | 107,573 |  |
| Investment expense | (6,060 | ) |  | (8%) |  | (6,574 | ) |
| Net investment income | $ | 107,303 |  |  | 6% |  | $ | 100,999 |  |
| Pre-tax yield:(1) |  |  |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities | 3.1 | % |  |  |  | 2.7 | % |

nm - not meaningful

(1) | Pre-tax yield is calculated by dividing annualized net investment income by the average month-end amortized cost balances for the periods indicated.

Fixed Maturities
Net investment income attributable to fixed maturities for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $91 million, compared to net investment income of $84 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase was due to the increase in yields.
Other Investments
The following table provides details of total net investment income from other investments:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Hedge, direct lending, private equity and real estate funds | $ | 5,446 |  |  | $ | 10,589 |  |
| Other privately held investments | 1,034 |  |  | 1,499 |  |
| CLO-Equities | 415 |  |  | 1,616 |  |
| Total net investment income from other investments (1) | $ | 6,895 |  |  | $ | 13,704 |  |
| Pre-tax return on other investments(2) | 1.0 | % |  | 1.7 | % |

(1) | Excluding overseas deposits.

(2) | The pre-tax return on other investments is calculated by dividing total net investment income from other investments (non-annualized) by the average month-end fair value balances held for the periods indicated, excluding overseas deposits.

Net investment income attributable to other investments for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $7 million, compared to net investment income of $14 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was due to lower returns from direct lending funds reflecting lower returns from credit markets.
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Net Investment Gains (Losses)
The following table provides details of net investment gains (losses):

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| On sale of investments: |  |  |  |
| Fixed maturities and short-term investments | $ | (9,842 | ) |  | $ | (11,907 | ) |
| Equity securities | 1,352 |  |  | 16,281 |  |
|  | (8,490 | ) |  | 4,374 |  |
| OTTI charges recognized in net income | (4,036 | ) |  | (414 | ) |
| Change in fair value of investment derivatives | (2,102 | ) |  | 2,023 |  |
| Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities | 27,395 |  |  | (20,813 | ) |
| Net investment gains (losses) | $ | 12,767 |  |  | $ | (14,830 | ) |

Net investment gains for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $13 million compared to net investment losses of $15 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $28 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the net investment gains were primarily due to net unrealized gains on equity securities, partially offset by net realized investment losses on the sale of corporate debt securities. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net investment losses were primarily due to net unrealized losses on equity securities.
On Sale of Investments
Generally, sales of individual securities occur when there are changes in the relative value, credit quality or duration of a particular issue. We may also sell securities to re-balance our investment portfolio in order to change exposure to particular asset classes or sectors.
OTTI Charges
The OTTI charges for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were $4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, an increase of $4 million. These OTTI charges were primarily due to impairments of non-U.S. denominated securities due to the impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar.
Change in Fair Value of Investment Derivatives
From time to time, we economically hedge foreign exchange exposure and interest rate risk with derivative contracts.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded gains of $1 million relating to foreign exchange contracts and losses of $3 million relating to interest rates swaps. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded losses of $1 million relating to foreign exchange contracts and gains of $3 million relating to interest rates swaps.
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Total Return
The following table provides details of the total return on cash and investments for the period indicated:

|  | Three months ended March 31, |
|  | 2019 |  | 2018 |
| Net investment income | $ | 107,303 |  |  | $ | 100,999 |  |
| Net investments gains (losses) | 12,767 |  |  | (14,830 | ) |
| Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities (1) | 220,680 |  |  | (107,265 | ) |
| Interest in income (loss) of equity method investments | 2,219 |  |  | — |  |
| Total | $ | 342,969 |  |  | $ | (21,096 | ) |
| Average cash and investments(2) | $ | 15,068,255 |  |  | $ | 15,679,134 |  |
| Total return on average cash and investments, pre-tax: |  |  |  |
| Including investment related foreign exchange movements | 2.3 | % |  | (0.1 | %) |
| Excluding investment related foreign exchange movements(3) | 2.2 | % |  | (0.4 | %) |

(1) | Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities is calculated by taking net unrealized investment gains (losses) at period end less net unrealized investment gains (losses) at the prior period end.

(2) | The average cash and investments balance is calculated by taking the average of the month-end fair value balances held for the periods indicated.

(3) | Pre-tax total return on cash and investments excluding foreign exchange movements is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K. The reconciliation to pre-tax total return on cash and investments, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, included foreign exchange gains of $11 million and $40 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

CASH AND INVESTMENTS

The table below provides details of our cash and investments:

|  | March 31, 2019 |  | December 31, 2018 |
|  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Fair Value |
| Fixed maturities |  | $ | 11,874,518 |  |  |  | $ | 11,435,347 |  |
| Equity securities |  | 418,863 |  |  |  | 381,633 |  |
| Mortgage loans |  | 313,421 |  |  |  | 298,650 |  |
| Other investments |  | 795,331 |  |  |  | 787,787 |  |
| Equity method investments |  | 110,322 |  |  |  | 108,103 |  |
| Short-term investments |  | 41,853 |  |  |  | 144,040 |  |
| Total investments |  | $ | 13,554,308 |  |  |  | $ | 13,155,560 |  |
| Cash and cash equivalents(1) |  | $ | 1,606,258 |  |  |  | $ | 1,830,020 |  |

(1) | Includes restricted cash and cash equivalents of $455 million and $597 million at March 31, 2019 and at December 31, 2018, respectively.

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Overview
The fair value of total investments increased by $0.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2019, driven by the increase in market value of fixed maturities due to the tightening of credit spreads.
The following provides further analysis on our investment portfolio by asset class:
Fixed Maturities
The table below provides details of our fixed maturities portfolio:

|  | March 31, 2019 |  | December 31, 2018 |
|  | Fair Value |  | % of Total |  | Fair Value |  | % of Total |
| Fixed maturities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. government and agency | $ | 1,973,654 |  |  | 17 | % |  | $ | 1,515,697 |  |  | 13 | % |
| Non-U.S. government | 487,663 |  |  | 4 | % |  | 493,016 |  |  | 4 | % |
| Corporate debt | 4,838,265 |  |  | 41 | % |  | 4,876,921 |  |  | 44 | % |
| Agency RMBS | 1,705,962 |  |  | 14 | % |  | 1,643,308 |  |  | 14 | % |
| CMBS | 1,052,140 |  |  | 9 | % |  | 1,092,530 |  |  | 10 | % |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 47,411 |  |  | — | % |  | 40,687 |  |  | — | % |
| ABS | 1,613,010 |  |  | 14 | % |  | 1,637,603 |  |  | 14 | % |
| Municipals(1) | 156,413 |  |  | 1 | % |  | 135,585 |  |  | 1 | % |
| Total | $ | 11,874,518 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 11,435,347 |  |  | 100 | % |
| Credit ratings: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. government and agency | $ | 1,973,654 |  |  | 17 | % |  | $ | 1,515,697 |  |  | 13 | % |
| AAA(2) | 4,595,597 |  |  | 39 | % |  | 4,569,632 |  |  | 40 | % |
| AA | 837,903 |  |  | 7 | % |  | 874,932 |  |  | 8 | % |
| A | 1,775,533 |  |  | 15 | % |  | 1,769,686 |  |  | 15 | % |
| BBB | 1,573,749 |  |  | 13 | % |  | 1,678,962 |  |  | 15 | % |
| Below BBB(3) | 1,118,082 |  |  | 9 | % |  | 1,026,438 |  |  | 9 | % |
| Total | $ | 11,874,518 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 11,435,347 |  |  | 100 | % |

(1) | Includes bonds issued by states, municipalities, and political subdivisions.

(2) | Includes U.S. government-sponsored agencies, Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") and Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS").

(3) | Non-investment grade and non-rated securities.

At March 31, 2019, fixed maturities had a weighted average credit rating of AA- (2018: AA-), a book yield of 3.1% (2018: 3.1%), an average duration of 2.9 years (2018: 3.0 years), and duration inclusive of interest rate swaps of 2.9 years (2018: 2.8 years). At March 31, 2019, fixed maturities together with short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents (i.e. total investments of $13.6 billion), had an average credit rating of AA- (2018: AA-), an average duration of 2.6 years (2018: 2.6 years) and duration inclusive of interest rate swaps was 2.5 years (2018: 2.5 years).
At March 31, 2019, net unrealized investment gains on fixed maturities were $40 million, compared to net unrealized investment losses of $181 million at December 31, 2018, an increase of $221 million primarily due to the tightening of credit spreads.
Equity Securities
At March 31, 2019, net unrealized investment gains on equity securities were $42 million, compared to unrealized gains of $16 million at December 31, 2018, an increase of $26 million driven by the rally in equity markets.
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Mortgage Loans
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, our investment in commercial mortgage loans increased by $15 million. The commercial mortgage loans are high quality and collateralized by a variety of commercial properties and are diversified both geographically throughout the U.S. and by property type to reduce the risk of concentration. At March 31, 2019, there were no credit losses or past due amounts associated with our commercial mortgage loans portfolio.
Other Investments
The table below provides details of our other investments portfolio:

|  | March 31, 2019 |  | December 31, 2018 |
|  | Fair Value |  | % of Total |  | Fair Value |  | % of Total |
| Hedge funds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Long/short equity funds | $ | 29,324 |  |  | 4 | % |  | $ | 26,779 |  |  | 3 | % |
| Multi-strategy funds | 149,509 |  |  | 19 | % |  | 153,883 |  |  | 20 | % |
| Event-driven funds | 5,914 |  |  | 1 | % |  | 13,936 |  |  | 2 | % |
| Total hedge funds | 184,747 |  |  | 24 | % |  | 194,598 |  |  | 25 | % |
| Direct lending funds | 272,752 |  |  | 34 | % |  | 274,478 |  |  | 35 | % |
| Private equity funds | 61,526 |  |  | 8 | % |  | 64,566 |  |  | 8 | % |
| Real estate funds | 111,169 |  |  | 14 | % |  | 84,202 |  |  | 11 | % |
| Total hedge, direct lending, private equity and real estate funds | 630,194 |  |  | 80 | % |  | 617,844 |  |  | 79 | % |
| CLO-Equities | 18,022 |  |  | 1 | % |  | 21,271 |  |  | 2 | % |
| Other privately held investments | 47,685 |  |  | 6 | % |  | 44,518 |  |  | 6 | % |
| Overseas deposits | 99,430 |  |  | 13 | % |  | 104,154 |  |  | 13 | % |
| Total other investments | $ | 795,331 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 787,787 |  |  | 100 | % |

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the fair value of total hedge funds decreased by $10 million driven by $13 million of net redemptions, partially offset by $3 million of price appreciation. Certain of these funds may be subject to restrictions on redemptions which may limit our ability to liquidate these investments in the short term. See Note 3(c) to the Consolidated Financial Statements 'Investments' for further details on these restrictions and details on unfunded commitments relating to our other investment portfolio.
Overseas deposits include investments in private funds held by Syndicate 2007 where the underlying investments are primarily U.S. government, non-U.S. government and corporate debt securities. The funds do not trade on an exchange therefore are not included within the available for sale investments category.
Equity Method Investments
During 2016, we paid $108 million including direct transactions costs to acquire 19% of the common equity of Harrington Reinsurance Holdings Limited ("Harrington"), the parent company of Harrington Re Ltd. ("Harrington Re"), an independent reinsurance company jointly sponsored by AXIS Capital and The Blackstone Group L.P. ("Blackstone"). Harrington is not a variable interest entity that is required to be included in our consolidated financial statements. We account for our ownership interest in Harrington under the equity method of accounting.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Refer to the ‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’ section included under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for a general discussion of our liquidity and capital resources. The following table summarizes our consolidated capital at:

|  | March 31, 2019 |  | December 31, 2018 |
| Debt | $ | 1,342,345 |  |  | $ | 1,341,961 |  |
| Preferred shares | 775,000 |  |  | 775,000 |  |
| Common equity | 4,525,156 |  |  | 4,255,071 |  |
| Shareholders’ equity | 5,300,156 |  |  | 5,030,071 |  |
| Total capital | $ | 6,642,501 |  |  | $ | 6,372,032 |  |
| Ratio of debt to total capital | 20.2 | % |  | 21.1 | % |
| Ratio of debt and preferred equity to total capital | 31.9 | % |  | 33.2 | % |

We finance our operations with a combination of debt and equity capital. Our debt to total capital and debt and preferred equity to total capital ratios provide an indication of our capital structure, along with some insight into our financial strength.
On April 1, 2019, we repaid $250 million aggregate principal amount of 2.65% senior unsecured notes (the "2.65% Senior Notes"). While the 2.65% Senior Notes remain on our consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2019, our debt and preferred equity to total capital ratio will decrease in the second quarter of 2019.
We believe that our financial flexibility remains strong.
Secured Letter of Credit Facility
On March 28, 2019, certain of AXIS Capital’s operating subsidiaries (the "Participating Subsidiaries") amended their existing $250 million secured letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc (the "$250 Million Facility") under their aggregate $750 million secured letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc (the "$750 Million Facility") to extend the expiration date to March 31, 2020.
The terms and conditions of the additional $500 million secured letter of credit facility under the $750 Million Facility remain unchanged. The $500 million secured letter of credit facility expires December 31, 2019.
Letters of credit issued under the $750 Million Facility will principally be used to support the reinsurance obligations of the Participating Subsidiaries. The Participating Subsidiaries are subject to certain covenants, including the requirement to maintain sufficient collateral to cover the obligations outstanding under the $750 Million Facility. In the event of default, Citibank Europe plc may exercise certain remedies, including the exercise of control over pledged collateral and the termination of the availability of the $750 Million Facility to any or all of the Participating Subsidiaries.
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Common Equity
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, our common equity increased by $270 million. The following table reconciles our opening and closing common equity positions:

| Three months ended March 31, | 2019 |
| Common equity - opening | $ | 4,255,071 |  |
| Treasury shares reissued | 1,733 |  |
| Share-based compensation expense | 7,358 |  |
| Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale investments, net of tax | 203,543 |  |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | 2,663 |  |
| Net income | 108,781 |  |
| Preferred share dividends | (10,656 | ) |
| Common share dividends | (34,334 | ) |
| Treasury shares repurchased | (9,003 | ) |
| Common equity - closing | $ | 4,525,156 |  |

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we repurchased 157,000 common shares for a total cost of $9 million in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards granted under our 2007 and 2017 Long-Term Equity Compensation Plans.
A common share repurchase plan has not been authorized for 2019.
We continue to expect that cash flows generated from our operations, combined with the liquidity provided by our investment portfolio, will be sufficient to cover our required cash outflows and other contractual commitments through the foreseeable future.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include certain amounts that are inherently uncertain and judgmental in nature. As a result, the Company is required to make assumptions and best estimates in order to determine the reported values. The Company considers an accounting estimate to be critical if: (1) it requires that significant assumptions be made in order to deal with uncertainties and (2) changes in the estimate could have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
As disclosed in the Company's 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company believes the material items requiring such subjective and complex estimates are:

• | reserves for losses and loss expenses;

• | reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, including the provision for uncollectible amounts;

• | gross premiums written;

• | fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities; and

• | other-than-temporary impairments ("OTTI") in the carrying value of available-for-sale securities.

The Company believes that the critical accounting estimates discussion in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, continues to describe the significant estimates and judgments included in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Refer to Item 1, Note 1 'Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies' to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 8, Note 2 'Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies' to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET AND SPECIAL PURPOSE ENTITY ARRANGEMENTS

At March 31, 2019, the Company had not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Refer to Item 7A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. There have been no material changes to this item since December 31, 2018, with the exception of the changes in exposure to foreign currency risk presented below.
Foreign Currency Risk
The table below provides a sensitivity analysis of our total net foreign currency exposures.

|  | AUD |  | NZD |  | CAD |  | EUR |  | GBP |  | JPY |  | Other |  | Total |
| At March 31, 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net managed assets (liabilities), excluding derivatives | $ | 36,395 |  |  | $ | (7,641 | ) |  | $ | 125,340 |  |  | $ | (166,455 | ) |  | $ | (12,176 | ) |  | $ | (32,894 | ) |  | $ | 116,334 |  |  | $ | 58,903 |  |
| Foreign currency derivatives, net | (63,520 | ) |  | 5,107 |  |  | (124,373 | ) |  | 240,126 |  |  | 5,198 |  |  | (17,604 | ) |  | (2,881 | ) |  | 42,053 |  |
| Net managed foreign currency exposure | (27,125 | ) |  | (2,534 | ) |  | 967 |  |  | 73,671 |  |  | (6,978 | ) |  | (50,498 | ) |  | 113,453 |  |  | 100,956 |  |
| Other net foreign currency exposure | 1 |  |  | — |  |  | 113 |  |  | 209 |  |  | 177 |  |  | — |  |  | 51,411 |  |  | 51,911 |  |
| Total net foreign currency exposure | $ | (27,124 | ) |  | $ | (2,534 | ) |  | $ | 1,080 |  |  | $ | 73,880 |  |  | $ | (6,801 | ) |  | $ | (50,498 | ) |  | $ | 164,864 |  |  | $ | 152,867 |  |
| Net foreign currency exposure as a percentage of total shareholders’ equity | (0.5 | %) |  | — | % |  | — | % |  | 1.4 | % |  | (0.1 | %) |  | (1.0 | %) |  | 3.1 | % |  | 2.9 | % |
| Pre-tax impact of net foreign currency exposure on shareholders’ equity given a hypothetical 10% rate movement(1) | $ | (2,712 | ) |  | $ | (253 | ) |  | $ | 108 |  |  | $ | 7,388 |  |  | $ | (680 | ) |  | $ | (5,050 | ) |  | $ | 16,486 |  |  | $ | 15,287 |  |

(1) | Assumes 10% change in underlying currencies relative to the U.S. dollar.

Total Net Foreign Currency Exposure
At March 31, 2019, our total net foreign currency exposure was $153 million net long, driven by increases in our exposures to the euro and other non-core currencies primarily due to new business written during the three months ended March 31, 2019. Of this balance, $51 million is from other net foreign currency exposures including assets managed by specific investment managers who have the discretion to hold foreign currency exposures as part of their total return strategy. Our emerging market debt portfolio is the primary contributor to this group of assets.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management has performed an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) at March 31, 2019. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, at March 31, 2019, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and is accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management has performed an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2019. Based upon that evaluation, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, the Company is subject to routine legal proceedings, including arbitrations, arising in the ordinary course of business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against the Company in the ordinary course of insurance or reinsurance operations. Estimated amounts payable under such proceedings are included in the reserve for losses and loss expenses in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company is not party to any material legal proceedings arising outside the ordinary course of business.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There were no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Common Shares
Information regarding the number of common shares repurchased in the quarter March 31, 2019 is shown in the following table:

Period | Total number of shares purchased(a) (b) |  | Average price paid per share |  | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs |  | Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs(b) |
January 1-31, 2019 | — |  |  |  | $— |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
February 1-28, 2019 | 5 |  |  | 55.29 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
March 1-31, 2019 | 152 |  |  | 57.24 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
Total | 157 |  |  |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |

(a) | In thousands.

(b) | Shares are repurchased from employees to satisfy withholding tax liabilities that arise upon the vesting of restricted stock units.

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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Disclosure of Certain Activities Under Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires issuers to disclose in their annual and quarterly reports whether they or any of their affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities with Iran or with individuals or entities that are subject to certain sanctions under U.S. law. Issuers are required to provide this disclosure even where the activities, transactions or dealings are conducted outside of the U.S. in compliance with applicable law.
As and when allowed by the applicable law and regulations, certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries provide treaty reinsurance coverage to non-U.S. insurers on a worldwide basis, including insurers of liability, marine, aviation and energy risks, and as a result, these underlying reinsurance portfolios may have some exposure to Iran. In addition, we underwrite insurance and facultative reinsurance on a global basis to non-U.S. insureds and insurers, including for liability, marine, aviation and energy risks. Coverage provided to non-Iranian business may indirectly cover an exposure in Iran. For example, certain of our operations underwrite global marine hull and cargo policies that provide coverage for vessels navigating into and out of ports worldwide, including Iran. For the quarter ended March 31, 2019, there has been no material amount of premium allocated or apportioned to activities relating to Iran. We intend for our non-U.S. subsidiaries to continue to provide such coverage only to the extent permitted by applicable law.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

2.1 | Rule 2.7 Announcement, dated July 5, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2017).
2.2 | Rule 2.7 Announcement, dated August 24, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 25, 2017).
3.1 | Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1(Amendment No. 1) (No. 333-103620) filed on April 16, 2003).
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bye-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 15, 2009).
4.1 | Specimen Common Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Amendment No. 3) (No. 333-103620) filed on June 10, 2003).
4.2 | Certificate of Designations establishing the specific rights, preferences, limitations and other terms of the Series D Preferred Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 20, 2013).
4.3 | Certificate of Designations establishing the specific rights, preferences, limitations and other terms of the Series E Preferred Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2016).
4.4 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 3, 2019, among AXIS Specialty Finance PLC, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., relating to the 5.150% Senior Notes due 2045 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2019).
10.1 | Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K filed on February 26, 2019).
10.2 | Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K filed on February 26, 2019).
10.3 | Deed of Amendment to $250 million secured letter of credit facility dated March 28, 2019 by and among AXIS Specialty Limited, AXIS Re SE, AXIS Specialty Europe SE, AXIS Insurance Company, AXIS Surplus Insurance Company, AXIS Reinsurance Company and Citibank Europe plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 3, 2019).
10.4 | 2018 Executive Long-Term Equity Compensation Program (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K filed on February 26, 2019).
†31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
†31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
†32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
†32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
†101 | The following financial information from AXIS Capital Holdings Limited’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail.

† | Filed herewith.

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: May 3, 2019

AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
By: | /S/ ALBERT BENCHIMOL
| Albert Benchimol
| President and Chief Executive Officer
| (Principal Executive Officer)
| /S/ PETER VOGT
| Peter Vogt
| Chief Financial Officer
| (Principal Financial Officer)

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