We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.
Register for Free to get streaming real-time quotes, interactive charts, live options flow, and more.
| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catco Reinsurance Opportunities Fund Limited | LSE:CAT | London | Ordinary Share | BMG1961Q3242 | ORD USD0.00013716 (DI) |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00% | 24.00 | 13.00 | 35.00 | 24.00 | 24.00 | 24.00 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Inv Tr, Closed-end Mgmt | 31.88M | 27.12M | 18.1652 | 1.32 | 35.84M |
From Apr 2022 to Apr 2024
TIDMCAT
RNS Number : 6203J
CATCo Reinsurance Opps Fund Ltd
28 April 2022
27 April 2022
CATCo Reinsurance Opportunities Fund Ltd. (the "Company")
Annual Financial Report
For the 12 month period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021
To: Specialist Fund Segment, London Stock Exchange and Bermuda Stock Exchange
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
As the investment portfolios of CATCo Reinsurance Opportunities Fund Ltd. (the "Company") are in run-off (the "Run-Off"), all remaining investments held by the Company are exposed to risk relating to reinsurance contracts entered into from 2016 to 2019 only, and Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. (the "Investment Manager") remains focused on proactively managing the trapped capital and returning it to Shareholders in as timely and orderly a manner as possible.
On 27 September 2021, the Company announced a buy-out transaction (the "Buy-Out Transaction") which was subsequently improved. This was approved by investors, sanctioned by the Bermuda court and implemented in March 2022. The Buy-Out Transaction effected an early return to investors in the Company at a premium to the NAV per share attributable to the Company's assets, while allowing investors to retain the right to receive any upside at the end of the run-off period if currently held reserves are more than sufficient to repay the amount advanced to fund the early return of capital after ultimate claims related to reinsurance loss events have been settled.
NET ASSET VALUE ("NAV")
The Company opened the year with a total NAV of $111.8m which consisted of $47.8m Ordinary Share NAV and $64.0m of C Share NAV. During the year, the NAV reduced to $106.8m, of which $50.6m relates to the Ordinary Share NAV and $56.2m to the C Share NAV. The overall reduction in the NAV is due to the return of capital to Shareholders in 2021 of $27.2m split between the Ordinary Shares and the C Shares, offset by a reduction in claims and favourable development on the loss reserves related to 2016-2019 catastrophe events.
During the same period, the NAV per Share of the Ordinary Shares increased to $0.3389 ($0.2828: 1 Jan 2021) and the C Share NAV per Share increased to $0.6750 ($0.5071: 1 Jan 2021).
The increase in the NAV per Ordinary Share and C Share, as reflected in the December 2021 NAV, was due to the proactive management of the portfolio by the Investment Manager combined with favourable developments in underlying loss exposures.
Side Pocket Investments ("SPIs")
As at 31 December 2021, the SPIs in total represent c. 97.66 per cent of Ordinary Share NAV (31 December 2020: c. 92.4 per cent) and c. 92.36 per cent of the C Share NAV (31 December 2020: c. 83.07 per cent).
The position of the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 SPIs was as follows, as at 31 December 2021:
-- 2016 SPIs, initially established for the Fort McMurray Wildfire, Jubilee Oil Field, Hurricane Matthew, and the South Island earthquake in New Zealand, amount to c. 9.94 per cent of the Company's Ordinary Share NAV (31 December 2020: c. 10.51 per cent of Ordinary Share NAV)
-- 2017 SPIs, principally relating to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California Wildfires, amount to c. 67.28 per cent of the Company's Ordinary Share NAV (31 December 2020: c. 58.38 per cent of Ordinary Share NAV)
-- 2018 SPIs, principally relating to Hurricanes Michael and Florence, Typhoon Jebi and the 2018 California Wildfires, amount to c. 12.38 per cent of Ordinary Share NAV and c. 62.41 per cent of C Share NAV (31 December 2020: c. 10.56 per cent and c. 43.24 per cent of Ordinary Share and C Share NAV respectively)
-- 2019 SPIs relating to Hurricane Dorian, Typhoons Faxai and Hagibis and the Australian bushfires, amount to c. 8.06 per cent of Ordinary Share NAV and c. 29.95 per cent of C Share NAV (31 December 2020: c. 12.95 per cent and c. 39.83 per cent of Ordinary Share and C Share NAV respectively).
In respect of the underlying investments related to underwriting years 2016-2019, the Investment Manager relies on the latest available claim information from cedants which, at this point in time, post the loss events, supersedes the modelled losses or the insured loss estimates provided by third parties. Whilst the Investment Manager deems the existing loss reserves are sufficient, there is an ongoing element of uncertainty in relation to underlying prior year loss event contracts which may lead to favourable or adverse loss development in the future.
The Investment Manager believes at the time of this report that the benefit of California wildfire subrogation recoveries on reported losses on indemnity contracts has been substantially realised.
Overview of Investments
The following table outlines the investments held by the Ordinary Shares and C Shares respectively:
Investments Held by Share Class as at 31 December 2021
SPIs % of Share NAV Value in $m Ordinary Shares ---------------- -------------- ----------- SPI 2016 9.94% 5.0 SPI 2017 67.28% 34.0 SPI 2018 12.38% 6.3 SPI 2019 8.06% 4.1 C Shares ---------------- -------------- ----------- SPI 2018 62.41% 35.1 SPI 2019 29.95% 16.8
Additionally, as at 31 December 2021, cash of $1.2m and $4.3m was held for the benefit of the Ordinary Shares and C Shares respectively.
Whilst it is not now possible to determine the ultimate value of SPIs to be realised, the Investment Manager will continue to report the fair value of underlying investments through the issuance of Ordinary and C Share NAVs.
RETURN OF CAPITAL TO SHAREHOLDERS
Prior to the completion of the Buy-Out Transaction in March 2022, the return of capital to the Company by Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund Ltd (the "Master Fund SAC") was subject to the approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority ("BMA") and driven by the contractual arrangements between cedants and Markel CATCo Re Ltd. ("the Reinsurer"), with such cedants typically releasing capital that is held in a Side Pocket Investment ("SPI") on the earlier of:
i. the capital no longer being needed to cover potential losses (in accordance with the terms of the relevant reinsurance contract); or
ii. upon settlement commutation (the negotiation of which will begin no later than 36 months after the end of the risk period).
From the commencement of the Run-Off (26 March 2019) to 31 December 2021, the Company has successfully returned $290.5m of capital to Shareholders by means of dividends, tender offer, share buybacks and compulsory share redemptions.
During the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021, the Company returned $27.2m of capital to Shareholders by means of two compulsory share redemptions.
Total Capital Return since 26 March 2019 (date on which Shareholders approved the Run-Off) to
31 December 2021:
Hot Features
Premium
Form of Return Payment or Ordinary C Shares Total
Redemption Shares ($m) ($m)
Date / Period ($m)
------------------------------ ---------------- --------- --------- ------
23 September
Tender Offer 2019 15.3 28.0 43.3
Interim Dividend 1 November 2019 4.0 11.9 15.9
Share Buyback Oct to Dec 2019 1.9 5.9 7.8
Partial Compulsory Redemption
1 20 April 2020 5.3 24.0 29.3
Partial Compulsory Redemption
2 18 May 2020 4.6 14.2 18.8
Partial Compulsory Redemption
3 1 July 2020 3.6 12.2 15.8
Partial Compulsory Redemption 2 September
4 2020 7.0 30.9 37.9
Partial Compulsory Redemption
5 7 October 2020 15.9 78.6 94.5
Partial Compulsory Redemption
6 11 January 2021 2.0 6.0 8.0
Partial Compulsory Redemption
7 11 May 2021 3.4 15.8 19.2
------------------------------ ---------------- --------- --------- ------
Total Capital Return 63 227.5 290.5
CONCLUSION TO GOVERNMENT ENQUIRIES
On 6 December 2018, Markel Corporation reported that the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the BMA (collectively, the "Governmental Authorities") were conducting inquiries (the "Markel CATCo Inquiries") into loss reserves recorded in late 2017 and early 2018 at the Investment Manager and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Markel CATCo"). These inquiries were limited to Markel CATCo and did not involve Markel Corporation or its other subsidiaries.
Markel Corporation previously disclosed that it had retained outside counsel to conduct an internal review of Markel CATCo's loss reserving in late 2017 and early 2018. The internal review was completed in April 2019 and found no evidence that Markel CATCo personnel acted in bad faith in exercising business judgment in the setting of reserves and making related disclosures during late 2017 and early 2018. Markel Corporation's outside counsel met with the Governmental Authorities and reported the findings from the internal review.
On 27 September 2021, the SEC notified Markel Corporation that it had concluded its investigation and it did not intend to recommend an enforcement action against Markel CATCo. On 28 September 2021, Markel was advised by the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") that it had concluded its investigation and will not take any action against Markel CATCo.
Throughout the inquiries, the BMA was kept informed of the status of the SEC and DOJ investigations, including the conclusion of those investigations. There are currently no pending requests from the BMA and it has been over a year since it has contacted Markel Corporation in relation to the governmental inquiries.
Buy-OUT TRANSACTION
On 27 September 2021 the Company announced a proposal for a Buy-Out Transaction, which would provide for, inter alia, an accelerated return of substantially all the NAV in the Master Fund SAC and the Company (together, the "Funds") to investors in exchange for mutual releases more fully described in the announcement. The Buy-Out Transaction was to be implemented with funding provided by Markel Corporation, through Bermuda schemes of arrangement (the "Schemes") to be proposed by both the Company and Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund Ltd. Investors were given the opportunity to undertake to support the Buy-Out Transaction before the Early Consent Deadline, with investors that did so being entitled to an additional consent fee at completion.
To support the implementation of the Buy-Out Transaction through the Schemes, each of the Company, the Master Fund SAC, the Investment Manager and the Reinsurer filed applications with the Supreme Court of Bermuda for the appointment of joint provisional liquidators with limited powers (the "JPLs"). On 1 October 2021 the JPLs were appointed. On 5 October 2021, the JPLs petitioned for the provisional liquidation proceedings to be recognised by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York. This request was subsequently granted along with other ancillary relief.
The appointment of the JPLs and U.S. recognition allowed, along with the necessary investor support, for the smooth implementation of the Buy-Out Transaction and approval of the Schemes. The Company did not make any further returns of capital while the JPLs were appointed and the Buy-Out Transaction was being considered and implemented.
Upon the expiry of the Early Consent Deadline for the Buy-Out Transaction on 22 October 2021, investors representing over 90% of the Master Fund SAC and investors representing over 95% of the Company had entered into support undertakings or otherwise indicated their support for the Buy-Out Transaction.
On 26 October 2021, it was announced that Markel Corporation had agreed to increase the funding it would provide in order to facilitate certain improvements to the terms of the Buy-Out Transaction. The improvements resulted in the buy-out of all segregated accounts of the Funds, plus an additional cash distribution to investors by way of an increased consent fee and other cash consideration provided by Markel Corporation and its affiliates. On 28 October 2021, the Funds launched the schemes of arrangement to implement the Buy-Out Transaction.
Under the improved terms of the Buy-Out Transaction, investors in the Funds retained the right to receive any possible upside at the end of the applicable run-off period if currently held reserves exceed the amounts ultimately necessary to pay claims and after the repayment of the "Buy-Out Amount" provided by affiliates of Markel Corporation to fund the return of NAV to investors. The affiliates of Markel Corporation financing the Buy-Out Transaction expect to receive a return of the Buy-Out Amount by the end of the run-off periods.
On 3 February 2022, the Investment Manager, the Master Fund SAC and Markel Corporation entered into a settlement agreement with certain investors that had opposed the Schemes (the "Litigation Claimants"), which resolved their opposition to the Schemes and certain litigation brought against a former officer of the Manager in the US (the "Settlement"). Pursuant to the Settlement, the Litigation Claimants withdrew their opposition to the Schemes and, following the Closing Date of the Buy-Out Transaction the Litigation Claimants received (i) the NAV of their shares in full and final satisfaction of their interests in the Master Fund SAC and (ii) an aggregate additional payment of $20 million funded by Markel Corporation and D&O insurance coverage in consideration for granting the releases of their claims and dismissing with prejudice the US litigation. On 7 March 2022 at scheme meetings convened by Bermuda Court order, the Funds' respective investors voted overwhelmingly to approve the Schemes to implement the Buy-Out Transaction . On 11 March 2022, the Supreme Court of Bermuda entered orders approving the Schemes . On 16 March 2022, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York entered orders approving the enforcement in the United States of the Bermuda court sanctioning orders pursuant to Chapter 15 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The Closing Date of the Buy-Out Transaction occurred on 28 March 2022 in accordance with the terms of the Schemes.
Under the Buy-Out Transaction, the Funds' investors received an accelerated return of 100% of the net asset value (NAV) of the Funds as at 31 January 2022, with investors retaining the right to any upside at the end of the applicable run-off period if currently-held reserves exceed the amounts advanced by affiliates of Markel Corporation to fund the return of capital after ultimate claims related to reinsurance loss events have been settled. Investors in the Master Fund SAC, including the Company, also received their pro rata share of an additional cash contribution of approximately $54 million from a Markel Corporation affiliate, which will be used to off-set transaction costs and future running costs of the Master Fund SAC, and to provide additional cash consideration to investors.
In relation to the Company, the Buy-Out Transaction was implemented by way of a redemption of 99% of the holdings of each investor, the proceeds of which were paid to investors on 11 April 2022 amounting to $51.7m and $53.9m for the Ordinary Shares and C Shares respectively. Investors remain entitled, through their retained interest in the Company, to receive the remaining assets of the Company (as and when such assets become available for distribution and the Board determines it is appropriate to make such distributions), including any surplus from the existing cash reserves held by the Company and any upside following the repayment of the Buy-Out Amount and settlement of reinsurance claims.
Commutations
The Investment Manager is continuing proactively to pursue the run-off of the remaining 2017-2019 risk portfolios having closed out the 2016 contracts and, whilst the underlying risk contracts typically have a 36-month reporting period post expiry of the risk period, the Investment Manager has the discretion to either commute the contract or continue to hold it open if they consider that to do so is in the best interest of the investors.
As at the time of this report, there were 18 open contracts remaining at the Reinsurer, the majority of which relate to 2018 and 2019 underwriting years. The 2017 SPIs were all subject to commutation negotiations on or before mid-year 2021.
Approximately 50 per cent of the remaining 2018 SPIs were subject to commutation at 31 December 2021 and the other 50 per cent due for negotiation from 30 June 2022. Finally, the remaining 2019 SPIs are subject to commutation negotiation from 31 December 2022.
OUTLOOK
The Board has been in regular discussion with the Investment Manager to determine the outlook for the Company and evaluate the future potential for further upside from the underlying portfolio. Whilst it is not possible to determine the ultimate future value of these contracts, the Investment Manager has indicated that it is likely that some commutations will be achieved within the next six months. Any resulting upside (after repayment of the Buy-Out Amount) will be reflected in the future reported NAVs and such proceeds will be distributed to Shareholders thereafter. The Investment Manager will continue to work on the remaining commutations with the cedants.
Board and ongoing costs
The Board has been working with the Investment Manager to reduce the ongoing operational expenses of the Company and will continue to ensure that these ongoing expenses are monitored carefully in order to maximise value for Shareholders. The Board will be reducing in size from three to two.
The Board has sought to reduce the total cost of running the Fund and has reduced costs materially which is expected to take annual costs down by approximately 40 per cent.
The Company currently holds approximately $5m for working capital purposes, and the Board believes that it is prudent to retain a material cash buffer on account of projected run-off costs. As visibility on valuations, commutations and any resulting upside become clear, any residual amount will be distributed to Shareholders at the Board's discretion.
The Board has considered the benefits of maintaining a UK listing and, while a number of contracts remain open and the scope for valuation upside remains, the Board has determined it is appropriate to remain listed at this point in time.
James Keyes
Chairman,
CATCo Reinsurance Opportunities Fund Ltd.
27 April 2022
REVIEW OF BUSINESS
A review of the Company's activities is given in the Chairman's Statement. This includes a review of the business of the Company and its principal activities, and likely future developments of the business.
The Company is a limited liability, closed-ended fund, registered and incorporated as an exempted mutual fund company in Bermuda with an indefinite life. The Company's Ordinary Shares and C Shares are admitted to trading on the specialist fund segment of the London Stock Exchange.
STRATEGY
The management of the investment portfolio is conducted by the Investment Manager. The Company is a feeder fund and invests substantially all of its assets in Markel CATCo Diversified Fund (the "Master Fund"), a segregated account of the Master Fund SAC, a segregated accounts company incorporated in Bermuda. The Investment Manager also manages the Master Fund and the Master Fund SAC. The Master Fund in turn accesses all of its exposure to fully collateralised Reinsurance Agreements through the Reinsurer. As noted in the section below headed "Efficient Capital Management during Run-Off of Portfolio and Distributions", the Company has elected to redeem 100% of its Master Fund Shares and will distribute the proceeds of any such redemption to shareholders of the applicable class (after payment of any costs and save for any amount required for reserves in respect of anticipated liabilities and for working capital purposes).
The Board is responsible for the stewardship of the Company, including overall strategy, investment policy, borrowings, dividends, corporate governance procedures and risk management.
efficient capital management during run-off of PORTFOLIO and distributions
During the period from inception of the Company to 26 March 2019, the investment objective of the Company and the Master Fund was to give their Shareholders the opportunity to participate in the returns from investments linked to catastrophe reinsurance risks, principally by investing in fully collateralised Reinsurance Agreements accessed by investments in Preference Shares of the Reinsurer.
With effect from 26 March 2019, the Company's Shareholders approved an amendment to the Company's investment policy so as to allow an orderly Run-Off of the Company's portfolios with the effect that the Company's investment policy is now limited to realising the Company's assets and distributing any net proceeds to the relevant shareholders (after repayment of the Buy-Out Amount, as described below).
Consequently, the Company exercised a special redemption right in respect of 100 per cent of its holding in the Master Fund (the "Master Fund Shares") with effect from 30 June 2019 (the "Special Redemption").
The Investment Manager announced on 25 July 2019 that it would cease accepting new investments in the Master Fund SAC and would not write any new business going forward through the Reinsurer. The Investment Manager has commenced the orderly Run-Off of the Reinsurer's existing portfolio, which is expected to take approximately three years from 1 January 2020. As part of this Run-Off, the Master Fund SAC will return capital to its investors, including the Company (after repayment of the Buy-Out Amount, as described below). The Company distributed the net proceeds of the Special Redemption received during the year ended 31 December 2019 by means of special dividend, tender offer and share buybacks. On 6 April 2020, Shareholders approved the proposals set out in the Shareholder Circular dated 13 March 2020 to permit the Company to return further capital to Shareholders by means of compulsory share redemptions. During the year ended 31 December 2021, the Company returned $27.2m to Shareholders by means of compulsory share redemptions.
On 27 September 2021, the Company announced a proposal for a buy-out transaction (the "Buy-Out Transaction") that would provide for, inter alia, an accelerated return of substantially all the net asset value (NAV) in Funds to investors. In order to implement the Buy-Out Transaction, Schemes of Arrangement in Bermuda (the "Schemes") were overwhelmingly approved by the Funds' respective investors at scheme meetings convened by Bermuda court order on 7 March 2022, and sanctioned by the Bermuda court on 11 March 2022. The "Closing Date" of the Buy-Out Transaction occurred on 28 March 2022 in accordance with the terms of the Schemes.
Under the Buy-Out Transaction, the Funds' investors received an accelerated return of 100% of the net asset value (NAV) of the Funds as at 31 January 2022, with investors retaining the right to any upside at the end of the applicable run-off period if currently-held reserves exceed the amounts advanced by affiliates of Markel Corporation to fund the return of capital (the "Buy-Out Amount") after the settlement of reinsurance related claims. Investors in the Master Fund SAC, including the Company, also received their pro rata share of an additional cash contribution of approximately $54 million from a Markel Corporation affiliate to off-set transaction costs and future running costs of the Master Fund SAC and to provide additional cash consideration to investors. In relation to the Company, the Buy-Out Transaction was implemented by way of a redemption of 99% of the holdings of each investor, the proceeds of which were paid to investors via CREST on 11 April 2022.
Investors remain entitled, through their retained interest in the Company, to receive the remaining assets of the Company (as and when such assets become available for distribution and the Board determines it is appropriate to make such distributions), including any surplus from the existing cash reserves held by the Company and any upside following the repayment of the Buy-Out Amount.
The Directors have concluded that the Company will not raise further capital in any circumstances, and so the Company is being wound down by means of a managed process leading to liquidation in due course. Accordingly, the only further business that will be undertaken is that necessary to complete the Run-Off of each of the Company's portfolios. The Directors remain of the view that it is currently in the best interests of the Company for the Investment Manager to continue to manage the Run-Off, rather than to commence a formal members' voluntary liquidation. The Directors will keep this approach under review and currently anticipate that they will not look to put the Company into member's voluntary liquidation until the Run-Off is substantially completed. At such time, a further circular will be delivered to Shareholders to convene a further meeting at which the Shareholders will be asked to approve the liquidation.
REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE
An outline of the performance, market background, investment activity and portfolio during the year under review, as well as the investment outlook, are provided in the Chairman's Statement. The distribution of the Company's investments is shown in Note 6 to the Financial Statements.
MANAGEMENT OF RISK
The Board of Directors regularly reviews the major strategic and emerging risks that the Board and the Investment Manager have identified, and against these, the Board sets out the delegated controls designed to manage those risks. The principal risks facing the Company relate to share price, liquidity and interest rate risk and the efficient management of the Run-Off process. Such key risks relating to investment underwriting and strategy are managed through investment policy guidelines and restrictions, and by the process of formal oversight at each Board meeting. Operational disruption, accounting and legal risks are also covered annually, and regulatory compliance is reviewed at each Board meeting. The emergence of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") at the start of January 2020 has not to date had a significant financial impact on the Company, and is not expected to do so in the foreseeable future (please refer to Note 5 to the Financial Statements ("COVID-19 Considerations"). The Board is assured that the operational activities of the Investment Manager continue to be substantially unaffected by COVID-19 in terms of quality and continuity, that there are sufficient systems and controls in place to ensure the continuity and adequacy of the services provided by the Investment Manager, and that the Run-Off process, including returns of capital to Shareholders (after repayment of the Buy-Out Amount, as described above) and the management of costs and expenses, will continue to be managed efficiently. In the view of the Board, there have not been any changes to the fundamental nature of these risks since the previous Report. Additionally, emerging risks in the reinsurance market are not relevant to the underlying portfolio that is in Run-Off.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Board is responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended, requires the Board to prepare financial statements for each financial year.
Under those laws, the Board has elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US GAAP"). The financial statements are required by the Bermuda Companies Act 1981 to present fairly in all material respects the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Board is required to:
-- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; -- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
-- state whether applicable Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The Board is responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to disclose the Company's transactions and that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Bermuda Companies Act. The Board is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Board considers that the Annual Report and Financial Statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable, and provide the information necessary for Shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy.
The financial statements will be published on www.catcoreoppsfund.com, which is maintained by the Investment Manager, Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. The maintenance and integrity of the website maintained by the Investment Manager is, so far as it relates to the Company, the responsibility of the Investment Manager.
The Board is responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in Bermuda governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
In accordance with Chapter 4 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Guidance, and to the best of their knowledge, each Director confirms that the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards and present fairly the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company.
Furthermore, each Director confirms that, to the best of his or her knowledge, the management report (which consists of the Chairman's Report, the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report) includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Company faces.
Arthur Jones
Chairman of the Audit Committee
27 April 2022
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
(Expressed in United States Dollars) 31 Dec. 2021 31 Dec. 2020
$ $
Assets
Investments in Markel CATCo Reinsurance
Fund -
Markel CATCo Diversified Fund, at fair
value (Notes 2 and 6) 101,307,151 97,370,089
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 3) 5,606,161 4,268,386
Due from Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund
-
Markel CATCo Diversified Fund (Note 10) - 10,696,244
Other assets 59,963 53,369
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Total assets 106,973,275 112,388,088
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Liabilities
Management fee payable 3,420 9,053
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 193,343 532,664
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Total liabilities 196,763 541,717
Net assets 106,776,512 111,846,371
----------------------------------------- ------------
NAV per Share (Note 8)
STATEMENTS OF operations
(Expressed in United States Dollars) Year ended Year ended
31 Dec. 2021 31 Dec. 2020
$ $
Net investment loss allocated from Master
Fund
Interest income 1,074 436,586
Management fee waived (Note 10) 684,764 1,516,824
Management fee (Note 10) (1,369,528) (3,033,648)
Administrative fee (Note 11) (112,234) (181,302)
Professional fees and other (116,558) (150,707)
Schemes of arrangement cost (Note 14) (4,437,070) -
------------------------------------------------ ------------- --------------
Net investment loss allocated from Master
Fund (5,349,552) (1,412,247)
------------------------------------------------ ------------- --------------
Investment income
Interest 657 53,416
------------------------------------------------ ------------- --------------
Total investment income 657 53,416
------------------------------------------------ ------------- --------------
Company expenses
Management fee waived (Note 10) 56,526 224,034
Professional fees and other (659,723) (1,415,303)
Management fee (Note 10) (113,052) (448,068)
Administrative fee (Note 11) (75,000) (75,000)
Schemes of arrangement cost (Note 14) (229,415) -
------------- --------------
Total Company expenses (1,020,664) (1,714,337)
------------------------------------------------ ------------- --------------
Net investment loss (6,369,559) (3,073,168)
------------------------------------------------ ------------- --------------
Net realised loss and net change in unrealised
gain / (loss) on securities allocated from
Master Fund
Net realised loss on securities (63,096,478) (169,722,417)
Net change in unrealised loss on securities 91,596,068 174,126,929
------------- --------------
Net gain on securities allocated from Master
Fund 28,499,590 4,404,512
------------------------------------------------ ------------- --------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations 22,130,031 1,331,344
------------------------------------------------ ------------- --------------
STATEMENTS OF changes in net assets
(Expressed in United States Dollars) Year ended
31 Dec. Year ended
2021 31 Dec. 2020
$ $
Operations
Net investment loss (6,369,559) (3,073,168)
Net realised loss on securities allocated
from Master Fund (63,096,478) (169,722,417)
Net change in unrealised loss on securities
allocated from
Master Fund 91,596,068 174,126,929
------------- --------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations 22,130,031 1,331,344
-------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
Capital share transactions
Repurchase of Class Ordinary Shares (Note
8) (5,399,961) (36,433,899)
Repurchase of Class C Shares (Note 8) (21,799,929) (159,929,806)
-------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from
capital share transactions (27,199,890) (196,363,705)
-------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
Net decrease in net assets (5,069,859) (195,032,361)
-------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
Net assets, at 1 January 111,846,371 306,878,732
------------- --------------
Net assets, at 31 December 106,776,512 111,846,371
-------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
STATEMENTS OF cash flows
(Expressed in United States Dollars) Year ended Year ended
31 Dec. 2021 31 Dec. 2020
$ $
Cash flows from operating activities
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations 22,130,031 1,331,344
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in
net assets resulting from operations to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Net investment loss, net realised loss
and net change in unrealised gain/(loss)
on securities allocated from Master Fund (23,150,038) (2,992,265)
Sale of investment in Master Fund 19,212,976 188,262,647
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Due from Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund
Ltd. -
Markel CATCo Diversified Fund 10,696,244 11,428,695
Other assets (6,594) 24,415
Management fee payable (5,633) 4,316
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (339,321) (61,780)
------------- --------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 28,537,665 197,997,372
---------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of Class Ordinary Shares (5,399,961) (36,433,899)
Repurchase of Class C Shares (21,799,929) (159,929,806)
---------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
Net cash used in financing activities (27,199,890) (196,363,705)
---------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,337,775 1,633,667
---------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents, at 1 January 4,268,386 2,634,719
---------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents, at 31 December 5,606,161 4,268,386
---------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
CATCo Reinsurance Opportunities Fund Ltd. (the "Company") is a closed-ended mutual fund company, registered and incorporated as an exempted mutual fund company under the laws of Bermuda on 30 November 2010, which commenced operations on 20 December 2010. The Company is organised as a feeder fund to invest substantially all of its assets in Markel CATCo Diversified Fund (the "Master Fund"). The Master Fund is a segregated account of Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund Ltd. (the "Private Fund"), a mutual fund company incorporated in Bermuda and registered as a segregated account company under the Segregated Accounts Company Act 2000, as amended (the "SAC Act"). Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund Ltd. establishes a separate account for each class of shares comprised in each segregated account (each, a "SAC Fund"). Each SAC Fund is a separate individually managed pool of assets constituting, in effect, a separate fund with its own investment objective and policies. The assets attributable to each SAC Fund of Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund Ltd. shall only be available to creditors in respect of that segregated account.
The objective of the Master Fund is to provide shareholders the opportunity to participate in the investment returns of various fully-collateralised reinsurance-based instruments, securities (such as notes, swaps and other derivatives), and other financial instruments. The majority of the Master Fund's exposure to reinsurance risk is obtained through its investment (via preference shares) in Markel CATCo Re Ltd. (the "Reinsurer"). At 31 December 2021, the Company's ownership is 16.35 per cent of the Master Fund.
On 25 July 2019, the Board of Directors (the "Board") announced that the Company will cease accepting new investments and will not write any new business going forward through the Reinsurer. As of this date, the Investment Manager commenced the orderly Run-Off (the "Run-Off") of the Reinsurer's existing portfolio, which is reasonably expected to be completed in the first half of 2023. As part of this Run-Off, the Company will return capital (which will continue to be subject to side pockets) to investors as such capital becomes available (after repayment of the Buy-Out Amount, as described below). Refer to Going Concern Considerations under Basis of Presentation below.
On 27 September 2021 the Company announced a proposal for a buy-out transaction (the "Buy-Out Transaction") that would provide for, inter alia, an accelerated return of substantially all the net asset value ("NAV") in the Master Fund SAC and the Company (together, the "Funds") to investors (further details of the Buy-Out Transaction appear in the Chairman's Statement and the Directors' Report). To support the implementation of the Buy-Out Transaction through the Schemes of Arrangement in Bermuda (the "Schemes"), each of the Company, the Private Fund, the Investment Manager and the Reinsurer filed applications with the Supreme Court of Bermuda for the appointment of joint provisional liquidators with limited powers (the "JPLs"). On 1 October 2021 the JPLs were appointed. On 5 October 2021, the JPLs petitioned for the provisional liquidation proceedings to be recognised by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York, which request was subsequently granted along with other ancillary relief.
The appointment of the JPLs and U.S. recognition allowed, along with the necessary investor support, for the smooth implementation of the Buy-Out Transaction and approval of the Schemes. The Company did not make any further returns of capital while the JPLs were appointed and the Buy-Out Transaction was being considered and implemented.
Upon the expiry of the "Early Consent Deadline" for the Buy-Out Transaction on 22 October 2021 investors representing over 90% of the Private Fund investors representing over 95% of the Company had entered into support undertakings or otherwise indicated their support for the Buy-Out Transaction.
On 26 October 2021, it was announced that Markel Corporation had agreed to increase the funding it would provide, to facilitate certain improvements to the terms of the Buy-Out Transaction. The improvements resulted in the buy-out of all segregated accounts of the Funds, plus an additional cash distribution to investors by way of an increased consent fee and other cash consideration provided by Markel Corporation and its affiliates. On 28 October 2021, the Funds launched the Schemes to implement the Buy-Out Transaction.
Under the improved terms of the Buy-Out Transaction, investors in the Funds retained the right to receive any possible upside at the end of the applicable Run-Off period if currently held reserves exceed the amounts ultimately necessary to pay claims and after the repayment of the "Buy-Out Amount" provided by affiliates of Markel Corporation to fund the return to NAV of investors. The affiliates of Markel Corporation financing the Buy-Out Transaction expect to receive a return of all the Buy-Out Amount by the end of the Run-Off periods.
On 3 February 2022, the Manager, the Private Fund and Markel Corporation entered into a settlement agreement with certain investors that had opposed the Schemes (the "Litigation Claimants"), which resolved their opposition to the Schemes and certain litigation brought against a former officer of the Manager in the US (the "Settlement"). Pursuant to the Settlement, the Litigation Claimants withdrew their opposition to the Schemes and, following the Closing Date of the Buy-Out Transaction, the Litigation Claimants received (i) the NAV of their Private Fund shares in full and final satisfaction of their interests in the Private Fund and (ii) an aggregate additional payment of $20 million funded by Markel Corporation and D&O insurance coverage in consideration for granting the releases of their claims and dismissing with prejudice the US litigation.
On 7 March 2022 at scheme meetings convened by Bermuda court order, the Funds' respective investors voted overwhelmingly to approve the Schemes to implement the Buy-Out Transaction. On 11 March 2022, the Supreme Court of Bermuda entered orders approving the Schemes. On 16 March 2022, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York entered orders approving the enforcement in the United States of the Bermuda court sanctioning orders pursuant to Chapter 15 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The Closing Date of the Buy-Out Transaction occurred on 28 March 2022 in accordance with the terms of the Schemes.
Under the Buy-Out Transaction, the Funds' investors received an accelerated return of 100% of the NAV of the Funds as at 31 January 2022, with investors retaining the right to any upside at the end of the applicable Run-Off period if currently-held reserves exceed the amounts advanced by affiliates of Markel Corporation to fund the return of capital after the ultimate claims related to reinsurance loss events have been settled. Investors in the Master Fund SAC, including the Company, also received their pro rata share of an additional cash contribution of approximately $54 million from a Markel Corporation affiliate to off-set transaction costs and future running costs of the Master Fund and to provide additional cash consideration to investors.
In relation to the Company, the Buy-Out Transaction was implemented by way of a redemption of 99% of the holdings of each investor, the proceeds of which were paid to investors on 11 April 2022 amounting to $51.7m and $53.9m for Ordinary Shares and C Shares respectively.
Investors remain entitled, through their retained interest in the Company, to receive the remaining assets of the Company (as and when such assets become available for distribution and the Board determines it is appropriate to make such distributions), including any surplus from the existing cash reserves held by the Company and any upside following the repayment of the Buy-Out Amount.
The Investment Management is subject to the ultimate supervision of the Board, and is responsible for all of the Company's investment decisions. On 1 January 2020, the Investment Manager entered into a Run-Off Services Agreement with Lodgepine Capital Management Limited ("LCML"), under which LCML will provide services relating to the management of the Run-Off business of the Investment Manager. On 15 November 2021, Markel announced its intention to wind down LCML, its retrocessional Insurance Linked Securities (ILS) fund manager based in Bermuda.
The Reinsurer is a Bermuda licensed Class 3 reinsurance company, registered as a segregated account company under the SAC Act, through which the Master Fund access the majority of its reinsurance risk exposure. The Reinsurer forms a segregated account that corresponds solely to the Master Fund's investment in the Reinsurer with respect to each particular reinsurance agreement.
The Reinsurer focuses primarily on property catastrophe insurance and may be exposed to losses arising from hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, hailstorms, winter storms, floods, tsunamis, tornados, windstorms, extreme temperatures, aviation accidents, fires, wildfires, explosions, marine accidents, terrorism, satellite, energy and other perils.
The Company's shares are listed and traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange ("SFS"). The Company's shares are also listed on the Bermuda Stock Exchange ("BSX").
Basis of Presentation
The audited Financial Statements are expressed in United States dollars and have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The Company is an investment company and follows the accounting and reporting guidance contained within Topic 946, "Financial Services Investment Companies", of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC").
Going Concern Considerations
In accordance with ASC 205-40-50, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern, the Investment Manager and the Board have reviewed the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and have confirmed their intent to continue to Run-Off the Company's portfolios as a going concern with no imminent plans to liquidate the Company. The Investment Manager and the Board have concluded that the Company has sufficient financial resources to continue as a going concern based on the following key considerations: (i) the Company holds investments in the Master Fund which are supported by underlying fully collateralised reinsurance contracts in the Reinsurer that are expected to be settled on or around 31 December 2022, and (ii) the Investment Manager and the Board have reviewed the Company's cash forecast for 18 months from the date of this report and have determined that the Company has sufficient cash to adequately meet operational expenses. Based on the aforementioned reasons, the Company continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments, such as money market funds, that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and have original maturities of three months or less.
Valuation of Investments in the Master Fund
The Company records its investments in the Master Fund at fair value based upon an estimate made by the Investment Manager, in good faith and in consultation or coordination with Centaur Fund Services (Bermuda) Limited (the "Administrator"), as defined in Note 11, where practicable, using what the Investment Manager believes in its discretion are appropriate techniques consistent with market practices for the relevant type of investment. Fair value in this context depends on the facts and circumstances of the particular investment, including but not limited to prevailing market and other relevant conditions, and refers to the amount for which a financial instrument could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction. Fair value is not the amount that an entity would receive or pay in a forced transaction or involuntary liquidation.
Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy (Master Fund)
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
In determining fair value, the Investment Manager uses various valuation approaches. A fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximises the use of observable inputs and minimises the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs are to be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Investment Manager. Unobservable inputs reflect the assumptions of the Investment Manager in conjunction with the Board of Directors of the Master Fund (the "Board of the Master Fund") about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
The fair value hierarchy is categorised into three levels based on the inputs as follows:
Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Master Fund has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments are not applied to Level 1 investments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these investments does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and are affected by a wide variety of factors, including the type of investment, whether the investment 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 more judgment. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realised due to the occurrence of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Investment Manager in determining fair value is greatest for investments categorised in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Master Fund's own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Master Fund uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many investments. This condition could cause an investment to be reclassified to a lower level within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value - Valuation Techniques and Inputs
Investments in Securities (Master Fund)
The value of preference shares issued by the Reinsurers and subscribed for by the Master Funds and held with respect to a reinsurance agreement will equal:
i. the amount of capital invested in such preference shares; plus
ii. the amount of net earned premium (as described below) that has been earned period-to-date for such contract; plus
iii. the amount of the investment earnings earned to date on both the capital invested in such preference shares and the associated reinsurance premiums in respect of such contract; minus
iv. the amount of any loss estimates associated with potential claims triggering covered events (see "Estimates" below); minus
v. the amount of any risk margin considered necessary to reflect uncertainty and to compensate a market participant for bearing the uncertainty of cash flows in an exit of the reinsurance transaction.
As a result of the Reinsurer conducting reinsurance activities, it incurs expenses. The Reinsurer established a separate preference share (the "Expense Cell") to allocate these expenses to the Master Fund. To the extent that the inputs into the valuation of preference shares are unobservable, the preference shares would be classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Reinsurance Protections
The Reinsurer also issues preference shares in relation to reinsurance protections purchased specifically to meet the desired level of risk as set out in the Master Fund's investment strategy ("Reinsurance Protections"). The Master Fund subscribes for Protections on behalf of itself and the Feeder Fund. The underlying premiums are amortised over the duration of the contracts.
As of 31 December 2021 and 2020, the Master Fund has no remaining reinsurance protections.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Master Fund invests in derivative financial instruments such as industry loss warranties ("ILWs"), which are recorded at fair value as at the reporting date. The Master Fund generally records a realised gain or loss on the expiration, termination or settlement of a derivative financial instrument. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recorded as net change in unrealised gain or loss on derivative financial instruments in the Statement of Operations in the year.
The fair value of derivative financial instruments at the reporting date generally reflects the amount that the Master Fund would receive or pay to terminate the contract at the reporting date.
These derivative financial instruments used by the Master Fund are fair valued similar to preference shares held with respect to reinsurance agreements, unless otherwise unavailable, except that following a Covered Event (as defined below), loss information from the index provider on the trade will be used.
As of 31 December 2021 and 2020, the Master Fund held no ILW contracts.
Investment in Securities issued by the Reinsurer and subscribed to by the Master Fund
Earned Premiums
Premiums are considered earned with respect to computing the Master Fund's net asset value in direct proportion to the percentage of the risk that is deemed to have expired year-to-date. Generally, all premiums, net of acquisition costs, are earned uniformly over each month of the risk period. However, for certain risks, there is a clearly demonstrable seasonality associated with these risks. Accordingly, seasonality factors are utilised for the recognition of certain instruments, including preference shares relating to reinsurance agreements, ILWs and risk transfer derivative agreements, where applicable. Prior to the investment in any seasonal contract, the Investment Manager is required to produce a schedule of seasonality factors, which will govern the income recognition and related fair value price for such seasonal contract in the absence of a covered event. The Investment Manager may rely on catastrophe modeling software, historical catastrophe loss information or other information sources it deems reliable to produce the seasonality factors for each seasonal contract. As a result of the Run-Off of the Company's existing portfolio, as discussed in Note 1, no new premiums were written in 2021 and 2020.
Estimates
The Investment Manager provides monthly loss estimates of all incurred loss events ("Covered Events") potentially affecting investments relating to a retrocessional reinsurance agreement of the Reinsurer to the Administrator for review. As the Reinsurer's reinsurance agreements are fully collateralised, any loss estimates above the contractual thresholds as contained in the reinsurance agreements will require capital to be held in a continuing reinsurance trust account with respect to the maximum contract exposure with respect to the applicable Covered Event.
"Fair Value" Pricing used by the Master Fund
Any investment that cannot be reliably valued using the principles set forth above (a "Fair Value Instrument") is marked at its fair value, based upon an estimate made by the Investment Manager, in good faith and in consultation or coordination with the Administrator, as defined in Note 10, where practicable, using what the Investment Manager believes in its discretion are appropriate techniques consistent with market practices for the relevant type of investment. Fair valuation in this context depends on the facts and circumstances of the particular investment, including but not limited to prevailing market and other relevant conditions, and refers to the amount for which a financial instrument could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction. Fair value is not the amount that an entity would receive or pay in a forced transaction or involuntary liquidation.
The process used to estimate a fair value for an investment may include a single technique or, where appropriate, multiple valuation techniques, and may include (without limitation and in the discretion of the Investment Manager, or in the discretion of the Administrator subject to review by the Investment Manager where practicable) the consideration of one or more of the following factors (to the extent relevant): the cost of the investment to the Master Funds, a review of comparable sales (if any), a discounted cash flow analysis, an analysis of cash flow multiples, a review of third-party appraisals, other material developments in the investment (even if subsequent to the valuation date), and other factors.
For each Fair Value Instrument, the Investment Manager and/or the Administrator, may as practicable, endeavor to obtain quotes from broker-dealers that are market makers in the related asset class, counterparties, the Master Fund's prime brokers or lending agents and/or pricing services. The Investment Manager, may, but will not be required to, input pricing information into models (including models that are developed by the Investment Manager or by third parties) to determine whether the quotations accurately reflect fair value.
From time to time, the Investment Manager may change its fair valuation technique as applied to any investment if the change would result in an estimate that the Investment Manager in good faith believes is more representative of fair value under the circumstances.
The determination of fair value is inherently subjective in nature, and the Investment Manager has a conflict of interest in determining fair value in light of the fact that the valuation determination may affect the amount of the Investment Manager's management and performance fee. This risk of conflict of interest is mitigated through the rigorous quarterly loss reserving process, which includes a review of the loss reserves by Markel Corporation's executives.
At any given time, a substantial portion of the Master Fund's portfolio positions may be valued by the Investment Manager using the fair value pricing policies. Prices assigned to portfolio positions by the Administrator or the Investment Manager may not necessarily conform to the prices assigned to the same financial instruments if held by other accounts or by affiliates of the Investment Manager.
Side Pocket Investments
The Board of the Master Fund, in consultation with the Investment Manager, may classify certain Insurance-Linked Instruments as Side Pocket Investments in which only investors who are shareholders at the time of such classification can participate ("Side Pocket Investments"). This typically will happen if a Covered Event has recently occurred or seems likely to occur under an Insurance-Linked Instrument, because determining the fair value of losses once a Covered Event has occurred under an Insurance-Linked Instrument is often both a highly uncertain and a protracted process. When a Side Pocket Investment is established, the Master Fund converts a corresponding portion of each investor's Ordinary Shares into Side Pocket Shares (Note 7).
Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC 825, "Financial Instruments", approximate the carrying amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income and Expenses
The Company records its proportionate share of the Master Fund's income, expenses, realised and unrealised gains and losses on investment in securities on a monthly basis. In addition, the Company incurs and accrues its own income and expenses.
Investment transactions of the Master Funds are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Realised gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated using the specific identification method of accounting. Interest income and expense are recognised on the accrual basis.
Translation of Foreign Currency
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into United States dollar amounts at the period-end exchange rates. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies, including purchases and sales of investments, and income and expenses, are translated into United States dollar amounts on the transaction date. Adjustments arising from foreign currency transactions are reflected in the Statements of Operations.
The Company does not isolate the portion of the results of operations arising from the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of investments held. Such fluctuations are included in net gains or losses on securities in the Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes
Under the laws of Bermuda, the Company is generally not subject to income taxes. The Company has received an undertaking from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda, under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that in the event that there is enacted in Bermuda any legislation imposing income or capital gains tax, such tax shall not until 31 March 2035 be applicable to the Company. However, certain United States dividend income and interest income may be subject to a 30% withholding tax. Further, certain United States dividend income may be subject to a tax at prevailing treaty or standard withholding rates with the applicable country or local jurisdiction.
The Company is required to determine whether its tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit recognised is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than fifty per cent likelihood of being realised upon ultimate settlement with the relevant taxing authority. De-recognition of a tax benefit previously recognised results in the Company recording a tax liability that reduces ending net assets. Based on its analysis, the Company has determined that it has not incurred any liability for unrecognised tax benefits as of 31 December 2021. However, the Company's conclusions may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analyses of and changes to tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.
The Company recognises interest and penalties related to unrecognised tax benefits in interest expense and other expenses, respectively. No tax-related interest expense or penalties have been recognised as of and for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020.
Generally, the Company may be subjected to income tax examinations by relevant major taxing authorities for all tax years since its inception.
The Company may be subject to potential examination by United States federal or foreign jurisdiction authorities in the areas of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and compliance with United States federal or foreign tax laws.
The Company was not subjected to any tax examinations during the years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company's management to make estimates and assumptions in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including fair value of investments, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Offering Costs
The costs associated with each capital raise are expensed against paid-in capital and the Company's existing cash reserves as incurred.
Premium and Discount on Share Issuance
Issuance of shares at a price in excess of the Net Asset Value (the "NAV") per share at the transaction date results in a premium and is recorded as paid-in capital. Discounts on share issuance are treated as a deduction from paid-in capital.
Other Matters
Markel CATCo Governmental Inquiries
Markel Corporation previously reported that the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Bermuda Monetary Authority (together, the Governmental Authorities) are conducting inquiries into loss reserves recorded in late 2017 and early 2018 at our Markel CATCo. Those reserves are held at Markel CATCo Re Ltd., an unconsolidated subsidiary of Markel CATCo Investment Management ("MCIM"). The Markel CATCo Inquiries are limited to MCIM and its subsidiaries (together, Markel CATCo) and do not involve other Markel Corporation subsidiaries.
Markel Corporation retained outside counsel to conduct an internal review of Markel CATCo's loss reserving in late 2017 and early 2018. The internal review was completed in April 2019 and found no evidence that Markel CATCo personnel acted in bad faith in exercising business judgment in the setting of reserves and making related disclosures during late 2017 and early 2018. Markel Corporation's outside counsel has met with the Governmental Authorities and reported the findings from the internal review.
On September 27, 2021, Markel Corporation was notified by the, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it has concluded its investigation and it does not intend to recommend an enforcement action against MCIM. Additionally, On September 28, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice advised Markel Corporation that it has concluded its investigation and will not take any action against MCIM. There are currently no pending requests from the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
California Bankruptcy Court and the PG&E Settlement (at 19 April 2022)
The Investment Manager closely monitored the procedural developments in the California Bankruptcy Court with the assistance of external counsel. The information contained in this section is a summary of publicly available information and further detailed information regarding the PG&E chapter 11 case can be found on https://restructuring.primeclerk.com/pge/ .
As reported earlier, effective 1 July 2020, the California Bankruptcy Court formally approved the PG&E reorganization plan. Part of that plan included an $11 billion settlement with the Ad Hoc Subrogation Group (originally, primary insurers only, now primary insurers and hedge funds that bought subrogation rights from primary insurers).
It was estimated that the $11 billion plan represents a 55% recovery on an aggregate basis to those primary insurers, such distributions are subject to a confidential allocation formula based upon the applicable fire (defined as claims relating to the 2017 North fires and 2018 Camp fire). Thus not all 2017 and 2018 California Wildfire losses are in scope for PG&E subrogation proceeds.
There remains uncertainty with regards to the allocation of recoveries across the insurance sector. Many primary insurers sold their claims during the course of the chapter 11 proceeding at what may have been at discounted rates, which would have ultimately decreased the amount available to reinsurers.
Contractually, any reduction due to subrogation in ground up loss (or recovery) to the original Insurance companies flows through to the reinsurance placements. Any potential recoveries are based on the reduction in loss to treaty reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance programs and are also based on the level of each applicable layer - the order of recovery flows from the top down. For companies that have sold their subrogation rights, any reduction in cedant reported loss would have been computed already by the flow of any sale price, and the likelihood of any additional recovery flowing through to Markel CATCo as a result of the $11 billion payment is improbable.
As at 31 December 2021, the Manager believes that any subrogation benefitting Markel CATCo has been substantially realised through reductions in updated cedant loss reports, therefore the benefits of such subrogation are reflected in the Company's investments in the underlying participating shares of the Reinsurer.
2. SCHEDULE OF THE COMPANY'S SHARE OF THE INVESTMENTS HELD IN THE MASTER FUND AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following table reflects the Company's proportionate share of the fair value of investments in the Reinsurer held by the Master Fund at 31 December 2021.
Preference Shares - Investments $ Fair Value Preference Shares $ Fair Value
in Markel CATCo Re Ltd. - Investments
in Markel CATCo
Re Ltd.
-------------------------------- ----------- ------------------- -----------
Class P 3,332 Class DR 4,391
Class Z 4 Class DS 25,857
Class BY 189,729 Class DZ 2,481,453
Class BZ 6 Class EB 827,397
Class CB 9,468,390 Class ED 1,464
Class CD 1,049,768 Class EG 210
Class CE 2,112,789 Class EI 430
Class CI 32 Class EK 2,646,721
Class CL 2,893,982 Class EL 1,299
Class CM 1,548,225 Class EM 198,735
Class CQ 2,679,089 Class EQ 1,145
Class CT 2,032,338 Class ER 1,036
Class CW 743,309 Class EX 178
Class DC 2,822,531 Class EY 190,901
Class DE 5,572 Class FA 2,487,081
Class DF 8 Class FB 1,658,063
Class DG 829 Class FC 1,431
Class DH 31 Class FD 2,099
Class DI 21 Class FE 1,598,531
Class DK 15 Class FG 1,195
Class DL 795 Class FN 420,877
Class DN 993 Class FO 213,371
Class DO 2,588 Class FQ 672,968
Class DQ 167 Expense Cell 104,161
Total Investments in Markel CATCo Re Ltd. Preference
Shares $ 39,095,537
The following table reflects the Company's proportionate share of the fair value of investments in the Reinsurer held by the Master Fund at 31 December 2020.
Preference Shares $ Fair Value Preference Shares $Fair Value - Investments - Investments in Markel CATCo in Markel CATCo Re Ltd. Re Ltd. -------------------- ----------- --------------------- ---------- Class D 874,235 Class DP 885,163 Class P 3,021 Class DQ 64 Class S 3,615,936 Class DR 1,055,090 Class U 582,149 Class DS 39,464 Class Z 701,779 Class DT 1,349,569 Class BB 17,027 Class DY 645 Class BQ 1,549,134 Class DZ 1,662,082 Class BR 1,187,890 Class EA 2,438 Class BX 158,696 Class EB 890,698 Class BY 214,491 Class EC 183 Class BZ 6 Class ED 62,865 Class CA 382 Class EG 652,377 Class CB 7,864,225 Class EH 434,859 Class CC 1,958,820 Class EI 92,246 Class CD 1,024,262 Class EK 435,207 Class CE 1,921,558 Class EL 435,624 Class CF 330,869 Class EM 1,463,651 Class CI 1,898,899 Class EQ 522,647 Class CJ 2,052,077 Class ER 2,181,660 Class CK 209,579 Class ET 878,608 Class CL 2,770,841 Class EU 8,895,840 Class CM 580,856 Class EX 132 Class CQ 3,312,584 Class EY 339,857 Class CS 800,937 Class FA 3,075,054
Class CT 1,176,096 Class FB 2,050,036 Class CW 971,363 Class FC 930 Class CX 37,565 Class FD 1,384,229 Class DB 952 Class FE 3,951,449 Class DC 2,738,401 Class FG 1,828,845 Class DE 5,786,124 Class FH 517,507 Class DF 429,726 Class FI 199,767 Class DG 517 Class FJ 14,508 Class DH 31 Class FK 104 Class DI 20 Class FL 8,293,724 Class DK 581 Class FM 2,780,991 Class DL 356 Class FN 367,462 Class DM 694 Class FO 565,295 Class DN 59,339 Class FQ 1,293,084 Class DO 2,127,799 Expense Cell 156,026 Total Investments in Markel CATCo Re Ltd. Preference Shares $95,719,797
As at 31 December 2021, the Company's proportionate share of the Master Fund's cash and cash equivalents was $1,169,848 (2020: $5,440,338).
As at 31 December 2021, 100.00 per cent of total investments held by the Master Fund were classified as Side Pocket Investments (31 December 2020: 100.00 per cent).
In accordance with FASB ASC Sub-topic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient are not required to be classified within the fair value hierarchy. As the Company's investments as at 31 December 2021 comprised solely of investments in another investment company, the Master Fund, which are valued using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient, no fair value hierarchy has been disclosed.
The Company considers all short-term investments with daily liquidity as cash equivalents and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
As at 31 December 2021 and 2020, The Master Fund's investment in securities are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The table below summarises information about the significant unobservable inputs used in determining the fair value of the Master Fund's Level 3 assets:
Type of Investment Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range
-------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- -----------------
Preference Shares Premium earned Straight line 12 months
for uniform perils
Seasonality adjusted 5 to 6 months
for
non-uniform perils
Loss reserves Loss reserves* 0 to contractual
limit
--------------------- ---------------------- -----------------
Risk margin Risk margin 0% to 30%
--------------------- ------------------------------------------- -----------------
* Based on underlying cedant loss notifications with management judgement applied as deemed appropriate
Master Fund's Other Assets and Liabilities
As at 31 December 2021, the Company's proportionate share in the Master Fund's other net assets amounted to approximately $61,840,690 (2020 net assets: $61,209) and is included in 'Investments in Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund - Markel CATCo Diversified Fund' on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. This includes amounts due to other segregated accounts of the Master Fund SAC, and other accrued expenses (net of other assets and due from the Reinsurer).
3. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
In the normal course of business, the Company maintains its cash balances (not assets supporting retrocessional reinsurance transactions) in financial institutions, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company is subject to credit risk to the extent any financial institution with which it conducts business is unable to fulfill contractual obligations on its behalf. Management monitors the financial condition of such financial institutions and does not anticipate any losses from these counterparties. At 31 December 2021, cash and cash equivalents were held with HSBC Bank Bermuda Ltd., which has a credit rating of A-/A-2, and with HSBC Global Asset Management (USA) Inc., which has a credit rating of A/A-2 as issued by Standard & Poor's.
4. CONCENTRATION OF REINSURANCE RISK
The principal exposure of the Fund's portfolio is primarily through its investment in the Reinsurer as the performance of the Fund is directly affected by the performance of the Reinsurer and its underlying reinsurance contracts. For the year ended 31 December 2021, the Reinsurer's unsettled contracts provided reinsurance property protection against natural catastrophe perils for financial years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Geographically, these contracts cover locations including, but not limited to, the US (49.00 per cent; 2020:70.00 per cent), Japan (41.00 per cent; 2020: 25.00 per cent) and the rest of the world (10.0 per cent; 2020: 5.00 per cent). Prior year comparatives have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
5. COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS
As at 31 December 2021, the Board and the Investment Manager have concluded that the recent outbreak of the novel Coronavirus ("COVID-19") at the start of January 2020 did not have a significant financial impact on the Company's going concern assessment. There was minimal disruption in operational activities. The fluidity of COVID-19 precludes any prediction to its ultimate impact, which may have a continued adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger a period of global economic slowdown.
The Investment Manager is monitoring developments relating to COVID-19 and is coordinating its operational response based on existing business continuity plans and on guidance from global health organisations, relevant governments, and general pandemic response best practices.
6. INVESTMENTS IN MASTER FUND, AT FAIR VALUE
The net investment loss allocated from the Master Fund, and the net realised loss and net change in unrealised loss on securities allocated from Master Fund in the Statements of Operations consisted of the results from the Company's Investments in the Master Fund. Net realised loss on securities includes gross realised gain on securities of $15,332,410 (2020: $25,435,700) and gross realised loss on securities of $78,428,888 (2020: $195,158,117). Net change in unrealised loss on securities includes gross change in unrealised gain on securities of $104,247,330 (2020: $217,026,799) and gross change in unrealised loss on securities of $12,651,262 (2020: $42,899,870).
31 Dec. 2021 31 Dec. 2020
---------------------------------------- --- ------------- -------------
Investment in Markel CATCo Reinsurance
Fund Ltd. -
Markel CATCo Diversified Fund,
at fair value $ 101,307,151 $ 97,370,089
7. LOSS RESERVES
The following disclosures on loss reserves are included for information purposes and relate specifically to the Reinsurer and are reflected through the valuations of investments held by the Company through the Master Fund.
The reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses recorded by the Reinsurer includes estimates for losses incurred but not reported as well as losses pending settlement. The Reinsurer makes a provision for losses on contracts only when an event that is covered by the contract has occurred. When a potential loss event has occurred, the Reinsurer uses the underlying cedant loss notifications along with management's judgement as deemed appropriate to estimate the level of reserves required. The process of estimating loss reserves is a complex exercise, involving many variables and a reliance on actuarial modeled catastrophe loss analysis. However, there is no precise method for evaluating the adequacy of loss reserves when industry loss estimates are not final, and actual results could differ from original estimates. In addition, the Reinsurer's reserves include an implicit risk margin to reflect uncertainty surrounding cash flows relating to loss reserves. The risk margin is set by the actuarial team of the Investment Manager.
Future adjustments to the amounts recorded as of year-end, resulting from the continual review process, as well as differences between estimates and ultimate settlements, will be reflected in the Reinsurer's Statements of Operations in future periods when such adjustments become known. Future developments may result in losses and loss expenses materially greater or less than the reserve provided.
Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd, (the "Insurance Manager"), believes that the total loss reserve established from the previous years' loss events mainly on the 2019 losses pertaining to Hurricane Dorian, Typhoon Faxai and Typhoon Hagibis, the 2018 losses pertaining to Hurricane Michael, Typhoon Jebi, Hurricane Florence, the 2018 California Wildfires and the 2017 losses pertaining to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and the 2017 California Wildfires is sufficient to provide for all unpaid losses and loss expenses based on best estimates of ultimate settlement values and on the industry loss information currently available. Inherent uncertainty with regard to the final insured loss impact of the 2019 and 2018 loss events continues. Therefore, actual results may materially differ if actual reinsured client losses differ from the established loss reserves. The significant uncertainty underlying the industry loss estimates could result in the need to further adjust loss reserves, either in the event that reserves are found to be insufficient or, conversely, if loss reserves are found to be too conservative.
As part of the ongoing reserving process, the Insurance Manager reviews loss reserves on a monthly basis and will make adjustments, if necessary and such future adjustments in loss reserves could have further material impact either favourably or adversely on investor earnings.
As at 31 December 2021 and 2020, all of the Company's investments were in Side Pocket Investments in the Master Fund, which reflect the remaining investments held by the Master Fund in respect of each investment year.
During 2021, the Reinsurer paid claims of $395,922,603 (December 2020: $627,919,002). Of this amount $9,035,459 related to the 2016 events, $201,648,528 related to the 2017 events, $151,311,847 related to the 2018 loss events and $33,926,769 was in respect of 2019 events.
8. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
As of 31 December 2021, the Company has authorised share capital of 1,500,000,000 (31 December 2020: 1,500,000,000) unclassified shares of US$0.0001 each and Class B Shares ("B Shares") of such nominal value as the Board may determine upon issue.
As of 31 December 2021, the Company had issued 149,305,187 (31 December 2020: 168,898,993) Class 1 Ordinary Shares (the "Ordinary Shares") and 83,230,467 (31 December 2020: 126,369,585) Class C Shares (the "C Shares").
Transactions in shares during the year, shares outstanding, NAV and NAV per share are as follows:
31 December
2021
----------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Beginning Share Ending Ending Net Ending NAV
Shares Repurchase Shares Assets Per Share
----------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Class 1 Ordinary
Shares 168,898,993 (19,593,806) 149,305,187 $ 50,598,834 $ 0.3389
Class C Shares 126,369,585 (43,139,118) 83,230,467 $ 56,177,678 $ 0.6750
------------
$ 106,776,512
------------
31 December
2020
----------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Beginning Share Ending Ending Net Ending NAV
Shares Repurchase Shares Assets Per Share
----------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
Class 1 Ordinary
Shares 305,811,860 (136,912,867) 168,898,993 $ 47,764,929 $ 0.2828
Class C Shares 437,412,476 (311,042,891) 126,369,585 $ 64,081,442 $ 0.5071
------------
$ 111,846,371
------------
The Company has been established as a closed-ended mutual fund and, as such, shareholders do not have the right to redeem their shares. The shares are held in trust by Link Market Services (the "Depository") in accordance with the Depository Agreement between the Company and the Depository. The Depository holds the shares and in turn issues depository interests in respect of the underlying shares.
The Board has the ability to issue one or more classes of C Share during any period when the Master Fund has designated one or more investments as Side Pocket Investments. This typically will happen if a covered or other pre-determined event has recently occurred or seems likely to occur under an Insurance-Linked Instrument. In such circumstances, only those shareholders on the date that the investment has been designated as a Side Pocket Investment will participate in the potential losses and premiums attributable to such Side Pocket Investment. Any shares issued when Side Pocket Investments exist will be as one or more classes of C Share that will participate in all of the Master Fund's portfolio other than in respect of potential losses and premiums attributable to any Side Pocket Investments in existence at the time of issue. If no Side Pocket Investments are in existence at the time of proposed issue, it is expected that the Company will issue further Ordinary Shares.
The Company's existing portfolio is currently in Run-Off and as a result has only SPI Shares outstanding.
The Company issued a circular to Shareholders dated 28 February 2019 (the "February 2019 Circular") concerning the proposed implementation of the orderly Run-Off of the Company's portfolios by means of a change to the Company's investment policy to enable the Company to redeem all of the Company's Master Fund Shares attributable to the Ordinary or C Shares, as the case may be (the "Proposals"), and distributing the net proceeds thereof to the relevant class of Shareholders. The Proposals were approved at class meetings of the Ordinary and C shareholders of the Company held on 26 March 2019.
On 13 March 2020 the Company issued a circular to Shareholder announcing that the Company will not raise further capital in any circumstances, and so the Company is being terminated by means of a managed process ("Compulsory Redemptions") leading to liquidation in due course. As discussed in Note 1, on 27 September 2021 the Company announced the terms of the Buy-Out transaction, which facilitated an accelerated return of substantially all the net asset value to the shareholders of the Company. Accordingly, the only further business that will be undertaken is that necessary to complete the Buy-Out of the Company's portfolios.
9. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Prior to the implementation of the Buy-Out Transaction, the Company's investments were managed pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement dated 8 December 2015 (the "Old Investment Management Agreement"). In connection with the Buy-Out Transaction, on 28 March 2022 the Old Investment Management Agreement was terminated and the Company and the Investment Manager entered into a new Investment Management Agreement (the "Investment Management Agreement"), the terms of which substantially mirrored those of the Old Investment Management Agreement. Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, the Investment Manager is empowered to formulate the overall investment strategy to be carried out by the Company and to exercise full discretion in the management of the trading, investment transactions and related borrowing activities of the Company in order to implement such strategy. The Investment Manager earns a fee for such services (Note 10).
The Investment Manager also acts as the Master Fund's investment manager and the Reinsurer's insurance manager.
On 1 January 2020, the Investment Manager entered into a Run-Off Services Agreement with Lodgepine Capital Management Limited ("LCML"), a subsidiary of Markel Corporation, under which, LCML will provide services relating to the management of the Run-Off business of Markel CATCo Investment Management. LCML earns a fee from the Investment Manager for such services. On 15 November 2021, Markel announced that its intention to wind down LCML, its retrocessional Insurance Linked Securities ("ILS") fund manager based in Bermuda, effective 1 January 2022.
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Investment Manager is entitled to a management fee, calculated and payable monthly in arrears equal to 1/12 of 1.5 per cent of the net asset value, which is not attributable to the Company's investment in the Master Fund's shares as at the last calendar day of each calendar month. Management fees related to the investment in the Master Fund shares are charged in the Master Fund and allocated to the Company. Performance fees are charged in the Master Fund and allocated to the Company. The fees payable under the Investment Management Agreement are the same as those which had been payable under the Old Investment Management Agreement.
On 28 January 2021, the Investment Manager agreed to maintain the partial waiver of 50.00 per cent of the Management Fee on Side Pocket Investments for the financial year 2021 (2020: 50.00 per cent) of the original fee of 1.50 per cent. This is equal to an annual Management Fee of 0.75 per cent.
Markel Corporation, which holds the entire share capital of the Investment Manager, holds 6.61 per cent (31 December 2020: 3.86 per cent) of the voting rights of the Ordinary Shares and 0.00 per cent (31 December 2020: 0.00 per cent) of the voting rights of the C Shares issued in the Company as of 31 December 2021.
As noted in Note 9, on 1 January 2020, the Investment Manager entered into a Run-Off Services Agreement with LCML, a subsidiary of Markel Corporation. LCML receives a monthly service fee of 75.00 per cent of the net management fees due to the Investment Manager.
In addition, as at 31 December 2021, two of the Directors are also shareholders of the Company. The Directors' holdings are immaterial, representing below 1.00 per cent of the Company NAV.
As at 31 December 2021, the Company had no receivable due from Markel CATCo Diversified Fund (2020: $10,696,244, which was exclusively related to 1 December 2020 Side Pocket Releases).
11. ADMINISTRATIVE FEE
Centaur Fund Services (Bermuda) Limited serves as the Company's Administrator. As a licensed fund administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Bermuda Investment Funds Act, the Administrator performs certain administrative services on behalf of the Company. The Administrator receives a fixed monthly fee.
12. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Financial highlights for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
2021 2020
--------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Class Class Class Class
1 Ordinary C Shares 1 Ordinary C Shares
Shares Shares
----------------------- -------------- --------------
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of year $ 0.2828 $ 0.5071 $ 0.2659 $ 0.5157
Loss from investment operations:
Net investment (loss) (0.0193) (0.0329) (0.0023) (0.0044)
Management fee (0.0022) (0.0038) (0.0019) (0.0033)
Net gain on investments 0.0763 0.2052 0.0210 0.0010
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations $ 0.0548 $ 0.1685 $ 0.0168 $ (0.0067)
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Discount on Share Buy-Back 0.0013 (0.0006) 0.0001 (0.0019)
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year $ 0.3389 $ 0.6750 $ 0.2828 $ 0.5071
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Total net asset value return
Total net asset value return before
performance
fee* 19.38% 33.23% $ 6.32% (1.29)%
Performance fee -% -% -% -%
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------ --------- --------- ---------
Total net asset value return after
performance
fee 19.38% 33.23% 6.32% (1.29)%
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------ --------- --------- ---------
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses other than performance
fee** (6.94)% (6.15)% (1.67)% (1.32)%
Performance fee -% -% -% -%
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------ --------- --------- ---------
Total expenses after performance fee (6.94)% (6.15)% (1.67)% (1.32)%
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------ --------- --------- ---------
Net investment loss (7.60)% (7.24)% (1.58)% (1.49)%
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------ --------- --------- ---------
Management fee waived (0.76)% (0.76)% (0.72)% (0.65)%
------------------------------------- ---- -------- ------ --------- --------- ---------
* Exclusive of discount on share buy backs
** Expenses presented above is net of management fees waived by the Master Fund
Financial highlights are calculated for each class of shares. An individual shareholder's return may vary based on the timing of capital transactions. Returns and ratios shown above are for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020. The per share amounts and ratios reflect income and expenses allocated from the Master Funds.
13. INDEMNITIES OR WARRANTIES
In the ordinary course of its business, the Company may enter into contracts or agreements that contain indemnifications or warranties. Future events could occur that lead to the execution of these provisions against the Company. Based on its history and experience, management believes that the likelihood of such an event is remote.
14. SCHEMES OF ARRANGEMENT Cost
As at 31 December 2021, the Master Fund recorded an amount of $27,232,774 for legal fees and restructuring cost in relation to the Schemes of Arrangement, of which $4,437,070 was allocated to the Company. Additionally, the Company incurred direct expenses relating to the finalisation of the Schemes of Arrangement in the amount of $229,415.
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Following the completion of the applicable conditions precedent, the Closing Date of the Schemes of Arrangement to implement the Buy-Out Transaction occurred on 28 March 2022. Under the Buy-Out Transaction, the Company's investors received an accelerated return of 100% of the NAV of the Company as at 31 January 2022, with investors retaining the right to any upside at the end of the applicable Run-Off period if currently-held reserves exceed the Buy-Out Amount ; and their pro rata share of an additional cash contribution of approximately $54 million from a Markel Corporation affiliate, to off-set transaction costs and future running costs of the Master Fund and to provide additional cash consideration to investors.
In relation to the Company, the Buy-Out Transaction was implemented by way of a redemption of 99% of the holdings of each investor.
Consent Fees
The Early Consent Fee due to investors was paid on 30 March 2022 mostly through CREST to the accounts of holders of shares that issued a valid Transfer to Escrow Instruction, irrespective of whether such accounts continue to hold Public Fund Shares.
The Early Consent Fee paid per Share was:
Early Consent Fee per Ordinary Share: $0.00676446 Early Consent Fee per C Share: $0.01347267
Redemption of Shares
On the 6 April 2022, the Company redeemed 147,812,056 Ordinary Shares at a rate of USD 0.349957 per Ordinary Share (approximately USD 0.3465 per Ordinary Share held on the basis of 100% of each Shareholder's then outstanding Shares) and 82,398,091 C Shares at a rate of USD 0.653616 per C Share (approximately USD 0.6471 per C Share held on the basis of 100% of each Shareholder's then outstanding Shares). Following this redemption, the Company now has 1,493,131 Ordinary Shares in issue and 832,376 C Shares in issue with the Company's Ordinary Shares trading under the new ISIN number BMG1961Q4075 and the C Shares will trade under the new ISIN number BMG1961Q5064.
The resulting proceeds from the redemption were paid to shareholders on 11 April 2022 amounting to $51.7m and $53.9m for Ordinary Shares and C Shares respectively.
These Financial Statements were approved by the Board and available for issuance on 27 April 2022. Subsequent events have been evaluated through this date.
For further information: -------------------------------------- Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. Judith Wynne, General Counsel Telephone: +1 441 493 9005 Email: judith.wynne@markelcatco.com Mark Way, Chief of Investor Marketing Telephone: +1 441 493 9001 Email: mark.way@markelcatco.com Numis Securities Limited David Benda / Hugh Jonathan Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7260 1000
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.
END
FR SEAEDWEESEDL
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 28, 2022 02:02 ET (06:02 GMT)
1 Year Catco Reinsurance Opport... Chart |
1 Month Catco Reinsurance Opport... Chart |
It looks like you are not logged in. Click the button below to log in and keep track of your recent history.
Support: +44 (0) 203 8794 460 | support@advfn.com
By accessing the services available at ADVFN you are agreeing to be bound by ADVFN's Terms & Conditions
