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BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICATION ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Tabular dollar and share amounts are in thousands, with the exception of per share amounts. All amounts are reported in U.S. dollars.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and include AXIS Capital and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Consolidation/VIEs All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassification
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company realigned its accident and health business by integrating this business and its operations into the Company's insurance and reinsurance segments. Through this realignment, the Company's accident and health business benefited from the greater scale and market presence of the Company's property and casualty insurance and reinsurance businesses and operations. Financial results relating to the Company's accident and health lines of business were previously included in the Company's insurance segment. Effective January 1, 2018, accident and health results are included in the results of both the insurance and reinsurance segments of the Company. As a result of the realignment, gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $313 million and underwriting income for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $14 million were reclassified from the Company's insurance segment to the Company's reinsurance segment.
At December 31, 2018 the Company represented reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses separately from reinsurance recoverable on paid losses in the consolidated balance sheets. This presentation was adopted to facilitate comparison to the reconciliation of beginning and ending net reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses (refer to Note 8 'Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses').
These reclassifications did not impact results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes that the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements reflect its best estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s principal estimates include: 
reserve for losses and loss expenses;
reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, including the provision for uncollectible amounts;
gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned;
fair value measurements of financial assets and liabilities; and
other-than-temporary impairments ("OTTI") in the carrying value of available-for-sale securities. 
Investments
Fixed Maturities, Available-for-sale, at Fair Value
Fixed maturities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value (refer to Note 6 'Fair Value Measurements'). The change in fair values of fixed maturities, net of tax is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") in the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.
Net investment income includes interest income and the amortization of market premiums and discounts and is presented net of investment expenses. Investment income is recognized when earned. Purchases and sales of fixed maturities are recorded on a trade-date basis and realized investment gains (losses) on sales of fixed maturities are determined based on the specific identification method. Realized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities are included in net investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company recognizes investment income from fixed maturities based on the constant effective yield method, which includes an adjustment for estimated principal repayments, if applicable. The effective yield used to determine the amortization of fixed maturities subject to prepayment risk (e.g. asset-backed, mortgage-backed and other structured securities) is recalculated and adjusted periodically based on historical and/or projected future cash flows. Adjustments to the yield for highly rated prepayable fixed maturities are accounted for using the retrospective method. Adjustments to the yield for other prepayable fixed maturities are accounted for using the prospective method.
A fixed maturity is impaired if the fair value of the investment is below amortized cost. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether unrealized losses on fixed maturities represent impairments that are other-than-temporary. The Company's impairment review process begins with a quantitative analysis to identify securities to be evaluated for potential OTTI. For identified securities, fundamental analysis is performed that considers the following quantitative and qualitative factors:
a.
the duration and the extent of the decline;         
b.
the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects of the issuer of the security;
c.
the reason for the decline (e.g. credit spread widening, credit event, foreign exchange rate movements);
d.
the historical and implied future volatility of the fair value; and 
e.
the collateral structure and credit support of the security, if applicable.
If a fixed maturity is impaired and the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary. In these instances, the full amount of the impairment is charged to net income and is included in net investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations.
In instances where the Company intends to hold the impaired fixed maturity, the Company estimates the anticipated credit loss on the security and this component of the impairment is charged to net income and is included in net investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations. On recognition of an OTTI charge, the new cost basis for the security is the amortized cost basis less the OTTI charge recognized in net income. The new cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent increases in fair value. The difference between the new cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted or amortized on a quarterly basis to net investment income over the remaining life of the fixed maturity.
The Company recognizes the non-credit component of the impairment (i.e. related to interest rates, market conditions, etc.) in other comprehensive income.

Equity Securities, at Fair Value
Equity securities are reported at fair value (refer to Note 6 'Fair Value Measurements'). Subsequent to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," on January 1, 2018, the change in the fair values of equity securities, net of tax is recognized in net investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations.
Net investment income includes dividend income and is presented net of investment expenses. Investment income is recognized when earned. Purchases and sales of equity securities are recorded on a trade-date basis and realized gains (losses) on sales of equity securities are determined based on the specific identification method. Realized gains (losses) on equity securities are included in net investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations.
Prior to the Adoption of ASU 2016-01
Equity securities are reported at fair value. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the change in the fair values of equity securities, net of tax was recognized in AOCI in the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. An equity security is impaired if the fair value of the investment is below cost. On a quarterly basis, the Company assessed whether unrealized losses on equity securities represented impairments that were other-than-temporary and recognized impairments on equity securities in an unrealized loss position when the Company did not have the ability and intent to hold the security for a reasonable period of time to allow for a full recovery. The full amount of the impairment was charged to net income and was included in net investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations. On recognition of an OTTI charge, the new cost basis for the equity security was the cost for an equity security less the OTTI charge recognized in net income. The new cost basis was not adjusted for subsequent increases in fair value.
Mortgage Loans Held-for-investment
Mortgage loans held-for-investment are reported at amortized cost which is calculated as the unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, deferred fees or expenses, and is net of valuation allowances. Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Interest income is recognized based on an effective yield method which gives effect to the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
Other Investments
Other investments are recorded at fair value (refer to Note 6 'Fair Value Measurements'), with changes in fair value and realized gains (losses) reported in net investment income in the consolidated statements of operations.
Equity Method Investments
Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are classified as equity method investments and are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In applying the equity method of accounting, investments are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently adjusted based on the Company’s proportionate share of net income or loss of the investee. Adjustments are based on the most recently available financial information from the investee. Changes in the carrying value of these investments are recorded in net income as interest in income (loss) of equity method investments.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments primarily comprise highly liquid debt securities with maturities greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase. These investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include money-market funds, fixed interest deposits and reverse repurchase agreements with a maturity of under 90 days when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term, liquid nature of these securities. Restricted cash primarily relates to funds held in trust to support of obligations in regulatory jurisdictions where the Company operates as a non-admitted carrier and to support the underwriting activities of Syndicate 1686 and Syndicate 2007 at Lloyd's.
Premiums - Gross Premiums Written
Insurance premiums written are recorded in accordance with the terms of the underlying policies.
Reinsurance premiums are recorded at the inception of the contract and are estimated based on information received from ceding companies. For multi-year contracts insurance and reinsurance premiums are recorded at the inception of the contract based on management’s best estimate of total premiums to be received. Premiums are recognized on an annual basis for multi-year contracts where the cedant has the ability to unilaterally commute or cancel coverage within the term of the contract.
Any adjustments to insurance and reinsurance premium estimates are recognized in the period in which they are determined.
Premiums - Net Premiums Earned
Insurance and reinsurance premiums are earned evenly over the period during which the Company is exposed to the underlying risk, which is generally one to two years with the exception of multi-year contracts. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums which relate to the unexpired risks under contracts in force.
Reinstatement premiums are recognized and earned at the time a loss event occurs and losses are recorded, where the coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract terms. The recognition of reinstatement premiums is based on estimates of losses and loss expenses, which reflects management’s judgment, as described in Note 2(d) 'Losses and Loss Expenses' below.
Premiums - Receivables
 Insurance and reinsurance premiums balances receivable are reviewed for impairment at least quarterly and an allowance is established for amounts considered uncollectible.
Acquisition Costs
Acquisition costs vary with and are directly related to the successful acquisition efforts of acquiring new or renewing existing insurance and reinsurance contracts and consist primarily of fees and commissions paid to brokers and premium taxes. Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions on reinsurance purchased. Net acquisition costs are deferred and charged to net income as the related premium is earned. Insurance and reinsurance premiums balance receivable is presented net of acquisition costs when contract terms provide for the right of offset.
Anticipated losses and loss expenses, other costs and investment income related to these premiums are considered in assessing the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs. If deferred amounts are estimated to be unrecoverable, they are expensed. Compensation expenses for personnel involved in contract acquisition, as well as advertising costs, are expensed as incurred.
Losses and Loss Expenses
Reserve for losses and loss expenses represents an estimate of the unpaid portion of the ultimate liability for losses and loss expenses for insured and reinsured events that have occurred at or before the balance sheet date. These amounts reflect claims that have been reported ("case reserves") and claims that have been incurred but have not yet been reported ("IBNR") and are reduced for estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation recoveries.
The Company reviews its reserve for losses and loss expenses on a quarterly basis. Case reserves are primarily established based on amounts reported by insureds and/or their brokers. Management estimates IBNR after reviewing detailed actuarial analyses and applying informed judgment regarding qualitative factors that may not be fully captured in the actuarial estimates. A variety of actuarial methods are utilized in this process, including the Expected Loss Ratio, Chain Ladder and Bornhuetter Ferguson methods. The estimate is highly dependent on management’s judgment as to which method(s) are most appropriate for a particular accident/underwriting year and line of business. Historical claims data is often supplemented with industry benchmarks when applying these methodologies.
Any adjustments to reserve for losses and loss expenses estimates are recognized in the period in which they are determined. While the Company believes that its reserves for losses and loss expenses are adequate, this estimate requires significant judgment and new information, events or circumstances may result in ultimate losses that are materially greater or less than provided for in the consolidated balance sheets.
Reinsurance
In the normal course of business, the Company purchases treaty and facultative reinsurance protection to limit its ultimate losses from catastrophic events and to reduce its loss aggregation risk. The premiums paid to reinsurers (i.e. ceded premiums written) are recognized over the coverage period. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of premiums ceded which relate to the unexpired term of the contracts in force. Reinstatement premiums are recognized and earned at the time a loss event occurs and losses are recorded, where the coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract terms.
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses and loss expenses ("reinsurance recoverable") related to case reserves is estimated on a case-by-case basis by applying the terms of applicable reinsurance cover to individual case reserve estimates. Reinsurance recoverable related to IBNR is generally developed as part of the Company's loss reserving process, therefore, its estimation is subject to similar risks and uncertainties as the estimation of IBNR.
Reinsurance recoverable is presented net of a provision for uncollectible amounts, reflecting the amount the Company believes ultimately will not be recovered from reinsurers due to insolvency, contractual disputes over contract language or coverage and/or some other reason. The Company applies case specific provisions against reinsurance recoverable balances that it deems unlikely to be collected in full. In addition, the Company uses a default analysis to estimate the provision for uncollectible amounts on the remainder of the reinsurance recoverable balance.
The estimates of reinsurance recoverable and the provision for uncollectible amounts require management’s judgment and are reviewed in detail on a quarterly basis. Any adjustments to the provision for uncollectible amounts are recognized in the period in which they are determined.
Retroactive Reinsurance
Retroactive reinsurance reimburses a ceding company for liabilities incurred as a result of past insurable events covered under contracts subject to the reinsurance. In certain instances, reinsurance contracts cover losses both on a prospective basis and on a retroactive basis and where practical the Company bifurcates the prospective and retrospective elements of these reinsurance contracts and accounts for each element separately. Initial gains in connection with retroactive reinsurance contracts are deferred and amortized into income over the settlement period while losses are recognized immediately. When changes in the estimated amount recoverable from the reinsurer or in the timing of receipts related to that amount occur, a cumulative amortization adjustment is recognized in net income in the period in which the change is determined so that the
deferred gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised estimate been available at the inception of the reinsurance transaction.
Foreign Exchange
The functional currency of the Company and the majority of its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. All foreign currency transactions are initially measured and recorded in functional currency using the rates of exchange prevailing at the transaction date.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are remeasured to functional currency at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date with the resulting foreign exchange losses (gains) generally being recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign exchange losses (gains) related to available for sale investments denominated in foreign currency represent an unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the market value of the securities and are included in AOCI. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are not subsequently remeasured.
The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries and branches where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, are translated into U.S. dollars using the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenue and expenses are translated using the weighted average foreign exchange rates for the period. The effect of translation adjustments is reported as a separate component of AOCI in the consolidated statements of change shareholders’ equity.
Share-based Compensation
The Company is authorized to issue restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance units, stock options, stock appreciation rights and other equity-based awards to its employees and directors. The Company's plan includes share-settled and cash-settled service and performance awards.
The fair value of share-settled and cash-settled service and performance awards is based on the market value of the Company's common share measured at the grant date and is expensed over the requisite service period. Compensation expense associated with share-settled and cash-settled performance awards is also subject to periodic adjustment based on the achievement of established performance criteria during the applicable performance period.
The fair value of the cash-settled service and performance awards is recognized as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets and is remeasured at the end of each reporting period.
The Company recognizes forfeitures when they occur.
Derivative Instruments
The Company may enter into derivative instruments such as futures, options, interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts as part of its overall foreign currency risk management strategy, to obtain exposure to a particular financial market or for yield enhancement.
During 2013, the Company began to write derivative based risk management products designed to address weather and commodity price risks, with the objective of generating profits on a portfolio basis. Effective July 1, 2017, the Company ceased writing derivative-based risk management products which address weather risks.
From time to time the Company may also enter into insurance and reinsurance contracts that meet the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") definition of a derivative contract.
The Company measures all derivative instruments at fair value (refer to Note 6 'Fair Value Measurements') and recognizes these instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Subsequent changes in fair value and any realized gains or losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company recognizes goodwill and other intangible assets in connection with certain acquisitions. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in these acquisitions and is not amortized. Other intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful live of the intangible asset. Other intangible assets with an indefinite life are not amortized.
The Company tests goodwill and indefinite intangible assets for potential impairment during the fourth quarter each year and between annual tests if an event occurs or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset is impaired. Such events or circumstances may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations.
For the purpose of evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If determined to be necessary, the quantitative test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
For the purpose of evaluating indefinite lived intangibles for impairment, the Company may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment, it first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired, the Company performs the quantitative impairment test.
For the purposes of evaluating goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. The Company may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period.
For other definite lived intangible asset the Company tests for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company recognizes an impairment loss if the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a definite lived intangible asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.
If goodwill or an intangible asset is impaired, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to fair value and a corresponding expense is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes
Certain subsidiaries and branches of the Company operate in jurisdictions where they are subject to taxation. Current and deferred income taxes are charged or credited to net income, or in certain cases to AOCI, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable in the relevant jurisdiction in the period in which the tax becomes accruable or realizable. Deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities used in the consolidated balance sheets and those used in the various jurisdictional tax returns. When the assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized in the foreseeable future, a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded. The Company recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained on audit by the relevant taxing authorities.
Treasury Shares
Common shares repurchased by the Company and not subsequently canceled are classified as treasury shares and are recorded at cost. This results in a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses the average cost method to determine the cost of shares reissued from treasury.
New Accounting Standards Adopted, Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
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 $150 million in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at January 1, 2019, which are 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 to not 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 sheet at December 31, 2019.
Further, the Company made an accounting policy election to not 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 year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized expenses for short-term leases of $1.1 million in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company's retained earnings or liquidity and it did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations.
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.
m)
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 Company's mortgage loans, held for investment, insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable and its reinsurance recoverables on unpaid and paid losses and loss expenses are its more significant financial assets within the scope of ASU 2016-13. 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. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
The Company will also be impacted by the targeted changes to the impairment model for available for sale securities introduced in ASU 2016-13. Credit losses relating to available for sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.