Edgar Filing: VALIDUS HOLDINGS LTD

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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

Commission file number 001-33606

VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


BERMUDA		98-0501001
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

29 Richmond Road, Pembroke, Bermuda HM 08
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(441) 278-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of Each Class:		Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:
Common Shares, $0.175 par value per share		New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer þ	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2010 was $1,797.4 million computed upon the basis of the closing sales price of the Common Shares on June 30, 2010. For the purposes of this computation, shares held by directors and officers of the registrant have been excluded. Such exclusion is not intended, nor shall it be deemed, to be an admission that such persons are affiliates of the registrant.

As of February 16, 2011, there were 97,944,724 outstanding Common Shares, $0.175 par value per share, of the registrant.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III incorporates information from certain portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.


PART I			2
Item 1. Business			2
Item 1A. Risk Factors			21
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments			38
Item 2. Properties			38
Item 3. Legal Proceedings			39
PART II			40
Item 5. Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities			40
Item 6. Selected Financial Data			44
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			47
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			115
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data			117
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure			117
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures			118
Item 9B. Other Information			118
PART III			118
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance			118
Item 11. Executive Compensation			119
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters			119
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence			119
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services			119
PART IV			119
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules			119
Signatures			123

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules			125
EX-10.17
EX-10.21.1
EX-10.28
EX-10.31
EX-10.36
EX-10.37
EX-21
EX-23
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “Forward-Looking Statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. A non-exclusive list of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such Forward-Looking Statements is set forth herein under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

PART I

All amounts presented in this part are in U.S. dollars except as otherwise noted.

Item 1. Business

Overview

Validus Holdings, Ltd. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of Bermuda on October 19, 2005. Our initial investor, which we refer to as our founding investor, is Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a private equity firm dedicated to investing in financial services companies. Other sponsoring investors included private equity funds managed by Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, Vestar Capital Partners, New Mountain Capital and Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity. The Company conducts its operations worldwide through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Validus Re”) and Talbot Holdings Ltd. (“Talbot”). The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance coverage in the Property, Marine and Specialty lines markets, effective January 1, 2006, and insurance coverage in the same markets effective July 2, 2007.

We seek to establish ourselves as a leader in the global insurance and reinsurance markets. Our principal operating objective is to use our capital efficiently by underwriting primarily short-tail insurance and reinsurance contracts with superior risk and return characteristics. Our primary underwriting objective is to construct a portfolio of short-tail insurance and reinsurance contracts which maximize our return on equity subject to prudent risk constraints on the amount of capital we expose to any single extreme event. We manage our risks through a variety of means, including contract terms, portfolio selection, diversification criteria, including geographic diversification criteria, and proprietary and commercially available third-party vendor models.

Since our formation in 2005, we have been able to achieve substantial success in the development of our business. Selected examples of our accomplishments are as follows:

Raising approximately $1.0 billion of initial equity capital in December 2005 and underwriting $217.4 million in gross premiums written for the January 2006 renewal season;

At the time of the Company’s formation an executive management team was assembled with an average of 20 years of industry experience and senior expertise spanning multiple aspects of the global insurance and reinsurance business;

Building a risk analytics staff comprised of over 40 experts, many of whom have PhDs and Masters degrees in related fields;

Developing Validus Capital Allocation and Pricing System (“VCAPS”), a proprietary computer-based system for modeling, pricing, allocating capital and analyzing catastrophe-exposed risks;

Acquiring all of the outstanding shares of Talbot Holdings Ltd. on July 2, 2007;

Completing an initial public offering (“IPO”) on July 30, 2007;

Acquiring all of the outstanding shares of IPC Holdings Ltd. (“IPC”) on September 4, 2009; and

Commencing in November of 2009, repurchasing $941.2 million or 34.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock, representing 35.5% of the outstanding common stock at December 31, 2010.

Our Operating Subsidiaries

The following chart shows how our Company and its principal operating subsidiaries are organized.

For a complete list of the Company’s subsidiaries, see Exhibit 21.

Our Segments

Validus Re: Validus Re, the Company’s principal reinsurance operating subsidiary, operates as a Bermuda-based provider of short-tail reinsurance products on a global basis. Validus Re concentrates on first-party risks, which are property risks and other reinsurance lines commonly referred to as short-tail in nature due to the relatively brief period between the occurrence and payment of a claim.

Validus Re was registered as a Class 4 insurer under The Insurance Act 1978 of Bermuda, amendments thereto and related regulations (the “Insurance Act”) in November 2005. It commenced operations with approximately $1.0 billion of equity capital and a balance sheet unencumbered by any historical losses relating to the 2005 hurricane season, the events of September 11, 2001, asbestos or other legacy exposures affecting our industry.

Validus Re entered the global reinsurance market in 2006 during a period of imbalance between the supply of underwriting capacity available for reinsurance on catastrophe-exposed property, marine and energy risks and demand for such reinsurance coverage.

On September 4, 2009, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of IPC. The primary lines in which IPC conducted business were property catastrophe reinsurance and, to a limited extent, property-per-risk excess, aviation (including satellite) and other short-tail reinsurance on a worldwide basis. For segmental reporting purposes, the results of IPC’s operations since the acquisition date have been included within the Validus Re segment in the consolidated financial statements.

The following are the primary lines in which Validus Re conducts its business. Details of gross premiums written by line of business are provided below:


	Year Ended					Year Ended					Year Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
	Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross
	Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)
Property	$	790,590		71.8	%	$	526,428		68.5	%	$	492,967		71.7	%
Marine		227,135		20.6	%		152,853		19.9	%		117,744		17.1	%
Specialty		83,514		7.6	%		88,803		11.6	%		77,060		11.2	%

Total	$	1,101,239		100.0	%	$	768,084		100.0	%	$	687,771		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September, 2009 date of acquisition.

Property: Validus Re underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance, property per risk reinsurance and property pro rata reinsurance.

Property catastrophe: Property catastrophe provides reinsurance for insurance companies’ exposures to an accumulation of property and related losses from separate policies, typically relating to natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Property catastrophe reinsurance is generally written on an excess of loss basis, which provides coverage to primary insurance companies when aggregate claims and claim expenses from a single occurrence from a covered peril exceed a certain amount specified in a particular contract. Under these contracts, the Company provides protection to an insurer for a portion of the total losses in excess of a specified loss amount, up to a maximum amount per loss specified in the contract. In the event of a loss, most contracts provide for coverage of a second occurrence following the payment of a premium to reinstate the coverage under the contract, which is referred to as a reinstatement premium. The coverage provided under excess of loss reinsurance contracts may be on a worldwide basis or limited in scope to specific regions or geographical areas. Coverage can also vary from “all property” perils, which is the most expansive form of coverage, to more limited coverage of specified perils such as windstorm-only coverage. Property catastrophe reinsurance contracts are typically “all risk” in nature, providing protection against losses from earthquakes and hurricanes, as well as other natural and man-made catastrophes such as floods, tornadoes, fires and storms. The predominant exposures covered are losses stemming from property damage and business interruption coverage resulting from a covered peril. Certain risks, such as war or nuclear contamination may be excluded, partially or wholly, from certain contracts. Gross premiums written on property catastrophe business during the year ended December 31, 2010 were $571.9 million.

Property per risk: Property per risk provides reinsurance for insurance companies’ excess retention on individual property and related risks, such as highly-valued buildings. Risk excess of loss reinsurance protects insurance companies on their primary insurance risks on a “single risk” basis. A “risk” in this context might mean the insurance coverage on one building or a group of buildings or the insurance coverage under a single policy which the reinsured treats as a single risk. Coverage is usually triggered by a large loss sustained by an individual risk rather than by smaller losses which fall below the specified retention of the reinsurance contract. Such property risk coverages are generally written on an excess of loss basis, which provides the reinsured protection beyond a specified amount up to the limit set within the reinsurance contract. Gross premiums written on property per risk business during the year ended December 31, 2010 were $67.8 million.

Property pro rata: Property pro rata contracts require that the reinsurer share the premiums as well as the losses and expenses in an agreed proportion with the cedant. Gross premiums written on property pro rata business during the year ended December 31, 2010 were $150.9 million.

Marine: Validus Re underwrites reinsurance on marine risks covering damage to or losses of marine vessels and cargo, third-party liability for marine accidents and physical loss and liability from principally offshore energy properties. Validus Re underwrites marine on an excess of loss basis, and on a pro rata basis. Gross premiums written on marine business during the year ended December 31, 2010 were $227.1 million.

Specialty: Validus Re underwrites other lines of business depending on an evaluation of pricing and market conditions, which include aerospace and aviation, agriculture, terrorism, life and accident & health, financial lines, nuclear, workers’ compensation catastrophe and crisis management. The Company seeks to underwrite other specialty lines with very limited exposure correlation with its property, marine and energy portfolios. With the exception of the aerospace line of business, which has a meaningful portion of its gross premiums written volume on a proportional basis, the Company’s other specialty lines are written on an excess of loss basis. Gross premiums written on specialty business during the year ended December 31, 2010 were $83.5 million.

Talbot: On July 2, 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Talbot. Talbot is the Bermuda parent of a specialty insurance group primarily operating within the Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) insurance market through Syndicate 1183. The acquisition of Talbot provides the Company with significant benefits in terms of product line and geographic diversification as well as offering the Company broader access to underwriting expertise. Similar to Validus Re, Talbot writes primarily short-tail lines of business but, as a complement to Validus Re, focuses mostly on insurance, as opposed to reinsurance risks, and on specialty lines where Validus Re currently has limited or no presence (e.g., war, financial institutions, contingency, accident and health). In addition, Talbot provides the Company with access to the Lloyd’s marketplace where Validus Re does not operate. As a London-based insurer, Talbot also writes the majority of its premiums on risks outside the United States. Talbot’s team of underwriters have, in many cases, spent most of their careers writing niche, short-tail business and bring their expertise to bear on expanding the Company’s short-tail insurance franchise.

The Company has expanded and diversified its business through Syndicate 1183’s access to Lloyd’s license agreements with regulators around the world. Underwriting Risk Services, Inc., Underwriting Risk Services (Middle East) Ltd., Validus Reaseguros, Inc., Validus Re Chile S.A. and Talbot Risk Services Pte Ltd, act as approved Lloyd’s coverholders for Syndicate 1183.

The following are the primary lines in which Talbot conducts its business. Details of gross premiums written by line of business are provided below:


	Year Ended					Year Ended					Year Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009					December 31, 2008
	Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross
	Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)
Property	$	314,769		32.1	%	$	269,583		29.3	%	$	152,143		21.4	%
Marine		315,102		32.1	%		307,385		33.4	%		287,696		40.6	%
Specialty		351,202		35.8	%		342,938		37.3	%		269,157		38.0	%

Total	$	981,073		100.0	%	$	919,906		100.0	%	$	708,996		100.0	%

Property: The main sub-classes within property are international and North American direct and facultative contracts, onshore energy, lineslips and binding authorities together with a book of business written on a treaty reinsurance basis. The business written is mostly commercial and industrial insurance though there is a modest personal lines component. The business is short-tail with premiums for reinsurance and, direct and facultative business, substantially earned within 12 months and premiums for lineslips and binding authorities substantially earned within 12 months of the expiry of the contract. Gross premiums written on property business during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $314.8 million, including $88.5 million of treaty reinsurance.

Marine: The main types of business within marine are hull, cargo, energy, marine and energy liabilities, yachts and marinas and other treaty. Hull consists primarily of ocean going vessels and cargo and covers worldwide risks. Energy covers a variety of oil and gas industry risks. The marine and energy liability account provides cover for protection and indemnity clubs and a wide range of companies operating in the marine and energy sector. Yacht and marina policies are primarily written through Underwriting Risk Services Ltd., an underwriting agency that is a subsidiary of Talbot. Each of the sub-classes within marine has a different profile of contracts written – some, such as energy, derive up to 41.7% of their business through writing facultative contracts while others, such as cargo, only derive 15.8% of their business from this method. Each of the sub-classes also has a different geographical risk allocation. Most business written is short-tail enabling a quicker and more accurate picture of expected profitability than is the case for long tail business. The marine and energy liability account, which makes up $41.9 million of the $315.1 million of gross premiums written during the year ended December 31, 2010, is the primary long-tail class in this line. The business written is mainly on a direct and facultative basis with a small element written on a reinsurance basis either as excess of loss reinsurance or proportional reinsurance.

Specialty: This class consists of war (comprising marine & aviation war, political risks and political violence, including war on land), financial institutions, contingency, accident and health, airlines and aviation treaty. With the exception of aviation treaty, most of the business written under the specialty accounts is written on a direct or facultative basis or under a binding authority through a coverholder. Gross premiums written on specialty business during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $351.2 million.

War. The marine & aviation war account covers physical damage to aircraft and marine vessels caused by acts of war and terrorism. The political risk account deals primarily with expropriation, contract frustration/trade credit, kidnap and ransom, and malicious and accidental product tamper. The political violence account mainly insures physical loss to property or goods anywhere in the world, caused by war, terrorism or civil unrest. This class is often written in conjunction with cargo, specie, property, energy, contingency and political risk. The period of the risks can extend up to 36 months and beyond, particularly with construction risks. The attritional losses on the account are traditionally low but the account can be affected by large individual losses. Talbot is a leader in the war and political violence classes. Gross premiums written for war business during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $146.2 million.

Financial Institutions. Talbot’s financial institutions team predominantly underwrites bankers blanket bond, professional indemnity and directors’ and officers’ coverage for various types of financial institutions and similar companies. Bankers blanket bond insurance products are specifically designed to protect against direct financial loss caused by fraud/criminal actions and mitigate the damage such activities may have on the asset base of these institutions. Professional indemnity insurance protects businesses in the event that legal action is taken against them by third parties claiming to have suffered a loss as a result of advice received. Directors’ and officers’ insurance protects directors and officers against personal liability for losses incurred by a third party due to negligent performance by the director or officer. Gross premiums written in financial institutions for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $39.6 million, comprising:


	Year Ended
	December 31, 2010
	Gross		Gross
	Premiums		Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)
Bankers blanket bond	$	24,116		60.8	%
Professional indemnity		13,684		34.5	%
Directors’ and Officers’		1,846		4.7	%

Total	$	39,646		100.0	%

The risks covered in financial institutions are primarily fraud related and are principally written on an excess of loss basis. Talbot’s financial institutions account is concentrated on non-U.S. based clients, with 35.7% of gross

premiums written in 2010 generated in Europe, 9.7% from the U.S and 54.6% from other geographical regions. In addition, Talbot seeks to write regional accounts rather than global financial institutions with exposure in multiple jurisdictions and has only limited participation in exposures to publicly listed U.S. companies. The underwriters actively avoid writing U.S. directors’ and officers’ risks. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had gross reserves related to the financial institutions business of $171.5 million, comprised of $83.0 million, or 48.4% of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) and $88.5 million, or 51.6% of case reserves. For comparison, as at December 31, 2009 the Company had gross reserves related to the financial institutions business of $143.4 million, comprising $80.8 million, or 56.3% of IBNR and $62.6 million, or 43.7% of case reserves.

Contingency. The main types of covers written under the contingency account are event cancellation and non-appearance business. Gross premiums written for contingency business during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $18.4 million.

Accident and Health. The accident and health account provides insurance in respect of individuals in both their personal and business activity together with corporations where they have an insurable interest relating to death or disability of employees or those under contract. Gross premiums written for accident and health business during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $19.7 million.

Aviation. The aviation account insures major airlines, general aviation, aviation hull war and satellites. The coverage includes excess of loss treaty with medium to high attachment points. Gross premiums written for the aviation business during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $113.8 million.

Underwriting and Risk Management

We underwrite and manage risk by paying close attention to risk selection and analysis. Through a detailed examination of contract terms, diversification criteria, contract experience and exposure, we aim to outperform our peers. We strive to provide our experienced underwriters with technically sound and objective information. We believe a strong working relationship between the underwriting, catastrophe modeling and actuarial disciplines is critical to long-term success and solid decision-making.

A principal focus of the Company is to develop and apply sophisticated computer models and other analytical tools to assess the risks and aggregation of the risks that we underwrite and to optimize our portfolio of contracts. In particular, we devote a substantial amount of our efforts to the optimization of our catastrophe risk profile. In addition to using Probable Maximum Loss (“PML”) and other risk metrics that measure the maximum amount of loss expected from our portfolio over various return periods or measured probabilistically, our approach to risk control imposes a limit on our net maximum potential loss for any single event in any one risk zone, which reduces the risks inherent in probabilistic modeling. Further, we recognize that the reliability and credibility of the models is contingent upon the accuracy, reliability and quality of the data that is used in modeling efforts.

The Company has chartered a Group Risk Management Committee (the “GRMC”) chaired by its Chief Risk Officer and composed of senior management of the Company. The GRMC was established as part of the Company’s implementation of enterprise risk management. The GRMC is responsible for monitoring and managing risks in close coordination with risk management committees and personnel within our operating subsidiaries. The GRMC meets monthly to review and discuss key risks, make decisions to manage those risks and oversee implementation of those decisions. The GRMC also has oversight over the risk management of the organization, ensuring the availability of appropriate risk management resources.

Underwriting

All of the Company’s underwriters are subject to a set of underwriting guidelines that are established by the Chief Executive Officers of Validus Re and Talbot. These guidelines are then subject to review and approval by the Risk Committee of our Board of Directors. Underwriters are also issued letters of authority that specifically address the limits of their underwriting authority and their referral criteria. The Company’s current underwriting guidelines and letters of authority include:

•

lines of business that a particular underwriter is authorized to write;

•

exposure limits by line of business;

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contractual exposures and limits requiring mandatory referrals to the Chief Executive Officer at Validus Re and the Chief Executive Officer at Talbot; and

•

level of analysis to be performed by lines of business.

In general, our underwriting approach is to:

•

seek high quality clients who have demonstrated superior performance over an extended period;

•

evaluate our clients’ exposures and make adjustments where their exposure is not adequately reflected;

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apply the comprehensive knowledge and experience of our entire underwriting team to make progressive and cohesive decisions about the business they underwrite;

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employ our well-founded and carefully maintained market contacts within the group to enhance our robust distribution capabilities; and

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refer submissions to the Chief Underwriting Officer at Validus Re, the Chief Executive Officer at Talbot, Chief Executive Officer at Validus Re and the Risk Committee of our Board of Directors according to our underwriting guidelines.

The underwriting guidelines are subject to waiver or change by the Chief Executive Officer at Validus Re or the Chief Executive Officer at Talbot subject to their authority as overseen by their respective Risk Committees.

Our underwriters have the responsibility to analyze all submissions and determine if the related potential exposures meet with both the Company’s risk profile line size and aggregate limitations. In order to ensure compliance, we run underwriting reports and conduct periodic audits. Further, our treaty reinsurance operation has the authority limits of individual underwriters built into VCAPS while Talbot maintains separate compliance procedures to ensure that the appropriate policies and guidelines are followed.

Validus Re: We have established a referral process whereby business exceeding set exposure or premium limits is referred to the Chief Executive Officer for review. As the reviewer of such potential business, the Chief Executive Officer has the ability to determine if the business meets the Company’s overall desired risk profile. The Chief Executive Officer has defined underwriting authority for each underwriter, and risks outside of this authority must be referred to the Chief Executive Officer. The Risk Committee of our Board of Directors reviews business that is outside the authority of the Chief Executive Officer.

Talbot: Our risk review and control processes have been designed to ensure that all written risks comply with underwriting and risk control strategies. The various types of review are sequential in timing and emphasize the application of an appropriate level of scrutiny. A workflow system automates the referral of risks to relevant reviewers. These reviews are monitored and reports prepared on a regular basis.

Collectively, the various peer review procedures serve numerous objectives, including:

•

Validating that underwriting decisions are in accordance with risk appetite, authorities, agreed business plans and standards for type, quality and profitability of risk;

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Providing an experienced and suitably qualified second review of individual risks;

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Ensuring that risks identified as higher risks undergo the highest level of technical underwriting review;

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Elevating technical underwriting queries and/or need for remedial actions on a timely basis; and

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Improving database accuracy and coding for subsequent management reporting.

The principal elements of the underwriting review process are as follows:

Underwriter Review: The underwriting team must evidence data entry review by confirming review and agreement on the workflow system within a specified number of working days of entry being completed by the contracted third party.

Peer Review: The majority of risks are peer reviewed by a peer review underwriter within a specified number of working days of data entry being completed. There is an agreed matrix of peer review underwriters who are authorized to peer review. Endorsements that increase identified exposures are also subject to the current peer review procedures.

Class of business review: Risks written into a class by an underwriter other than the nominated class underwriter are subsequently forwarded to, and reviewed by, the nominated class underwriter.

Exceptions review: Risks that exceed a set of pre-determined criteria will also be referred to the Active Underwriter or the Underwriting Risk Officer for review. Such risks are discussed by the underwriters at regular underwriting meetings in the presence of at least one of the above. In certain circumstances, some risks may be referred to the Insurance Management Committee or the Talbot Underwriting Ltd (“TUL”) Board for final approval. These reviews also commonly include reports of risks renewed where there has been a large loss ratio in the recent past.

Insurance Management Committee: At its regular meetings, the Committee reviews a range of key performance indicators including: premium income written versus plan; movements in syndicate cash and investments; and aggregate exposures in a number of accounts. The Committee also reviews claim movements over a financial threshold.

Expert Review Subcommittee (“ERC”): The ERC is a committee that meets regularly to review the underwriting activities of Syndicate 1183 and other related activities to provide assurance that the underwriting risks assumed are within the parameters of the business plan. This is achieved with the help of eight external expert reviewers who report their findings to the ERC.

The expert reviewers obtain and review a sample of risks underwritten in each class and report their findings to the quarterly meetings of the ERC. Findings range from general comments on approach and processes to specific points in respect of individual risks.

Risk Management

A pivotal factor in determining whether to found and fund the Company was the opportunity for differentiation based upon superior risk management expertise; specifically, managing catastrophe risk and optimizing our portfolio to generate attractive returns on capital while controlling our exposure to risk, and assembling a management team with the experience and expertise to do so. The Company’s proprietary models are current with emerging scientific trends. This has enabled the Company to gain a competitive advantage over those reinsurers who rely exclusively on commercial models for pricing and portfolio management. The Company has made a significant investment in expertise in the risk modeling area to capitalize on this opportunity. The Company has assembled an experienced group of professional experts who operate in an environment designed to allow them to use their expertise as a competitive advantage. While the Company uses both proprietary and commercial probabilistic models, risk is ultimately subject to absolute aggregate limitations based on risk levels determined by the Risk Committee of our Board of Directors.

Vendor Models: The Company has global licenses for all three major vendor models (RMS, AIR and EQECAT) to assess the adequacy of risk pricing and to monitor our overall exposure to risk in correlated geographic zones. The Company models property exposures that could potentially lead to an over-aggregation of property risks (i.e., catastrophe-exposed business) using the vendor models. The vendor models enable us to aggregate exposures by correlated event loss scenarios, which are probability-weighted. This enables the generation of exceedance probability curves for the portfolio and major geographic areas. Once exposures are modeled using one of the

vendor models, the two other models are used as a reasonability check and validation of the loss scenarios developed and reported by the first. The three commercial models each have unique strengths and weaknesses. It is necessary to impose changes to frequency and severity ahead of changes made by the model vendors.

The Company’s review of market practice revealed a number of areas where quantitative expertise can be used to improve the reliability of the vendor model outputs:

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Ceding companies may often report insufficient data and many reinsurers may not be sufficiently critical in their analysis of this data. The Company generally scrutinizes data for anomalies that may indicate insufficient data quality. These circumstances are addressed by either declining the program or, if the variances are manageable, by modifying the model output and pricing to reflect insufficient data quality;

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Prior to making overall adjustments for changes in climate variables, other variables are carefully examined (for example, demand surge, storm surge, and secondary uncertainty); and

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Pricing individual contracts frequently requires further adjustments to the three vendor models. Examples include bias in damage curves for commercial structures and occupancies and frequency of specific perils.

In addition, many risks, such as second-event covers, aggregate excess of loss, or attritional loss components cannot be fully evaluated using the vendor models. In order to better evaluate and price these risks, the Company has developed proprietary analytical tools, such as VCAPS and other models and data sets.

Proprietary Models: In addition to making frequency and severity adjustments to the vendor model outputs, the Company has implemented a proprietary pricing and risk management tool, VCAPS, to assist in pricing submissions and monitoring risk aggregation.

To supplement the analysis performed using vendor models, VCAPS uses the gross loss output of catastrophe models to generate a 100,000-year simulation set, which is used for both pricing and risk management. This approach allows more precise measurement and pricing of exposures. The two primary benefits of this approach are:

•

VCAPS takes into account annual limits, event/franchise/annual aggregate deductibles, and reinstatement premiums. This allows for more accurate evaluation of treaties with a broad range of features, including both common (reinstatement premium and annual limits) and complex features (second or third event coverage, aggregate excess of loss, attritional loss components covers with varying attachment across different geographical zones or lines of businesses and covers with complicated structures); and

•

VCAPS use of 100,000-year simulations enables robust pricing of catastrophe-exposed business. This is possible in real-time operation because the Company has designed a computing hardware platform and software environment to accommodate the significant computing needs.

In addition to VCAPS, the Company uses other proprietary models and other data in evaluating exposures. The Company cannot assure that the models and assumptions used by the software will accurately predict losses. Further, the Company cannot assure that the software is free of defects in the modeling logic or in the software code. In addition, the Company has not sought copyright or other legal protection for VCAPS.

Program Limits: Overall exposure to risk is controlled by limiting the amount of reinsurance underwritten in a particular program or contract. This helps to diversify within and across risk zones. The Risk Committee sets these limits, which may be exceeded only with its approval.

Geographic Diversification: The Company actively manages its aggregate exposures by geographic or risk zone (“zones”) to maintain a balanced and diverse portfolio of underlying risks. The coverage the Company is willing to provide for any risk located in a particular zone is limited to a predetermined level, thus limiting the net aggregate loss exposure from all contracts covering risks believed to be located in any zone. Contracts that have “worldwide” territorial limits have exposures in several geographic zones. Generally, if a proposed reinsurance program would cause the limit to be exceeded, the program would be declined, regardless of its desirability, unless the Company buys retrocessional coverage, thereby reducing the net aggregate exposure to the maximum limit permitted or less. The following table summarizes our Gross Premiums Written by geographic zone:


	Year ended December 31, 2010
	Gross Premiums Written
(Dollars in thousands)	Validus Re		Talbot		Eliminations			Total		%
United States	$	486,133	$	110,944	$	(8,543	)	$	588,534		29.6	%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)		55,462		265,760		(7,051	)		314,171		15.8	%
Europe		105,321		50,074		(1,239	)		154,156		7.7	%
Latin America and Caribbean		70,650		83,274		(52,632	)		101,292		5.1	%
Japan		26,449		5,982		(177	)		32,254		1.6	%
Canada		177		11,892		(177	)		11,892		0.6	%
Rest of the world (b)		23,006		—		—			23,006		1.2	%

Sub-total, non United States		281,065		416,982		(61,276	)		636,771		32.0	%
Worldwide including United States		91,259		49,212		(2,492	)		137,979		6.9	%
Marine and Aerospace (c)		242,782		403,935		(19,435	)		627,282		31.5	%

Total	$	1,101,239	$	981,073	$	(91,746	)	$	1,990,566		100.0	%


(a)		Represents risks in two or more geographic zones.

(b)		Represents risk in one geographic zone.

(c)		Not classified by geographic area as marine and aerospace risks can span multiple geographic areas and are not fixed locations in some instances.

The effectiveness of geographic zone limits in managing risk exposure depends on the degree to which an actual event is confined to the zone in question and on the Company’s ability to determine the actual location of the risks believed to be covered under a particular reinsurance program. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that risk exposure in any particular zone will not exceed that zone’s limits. Further control over diversification is achieved through guidelines covering the types and amount of business written in product classes and lines within a class.

Within Talbot, the TUL Board is responsible for creating the environment and structures for risk management to operate effectively. The Talbot Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring the risk management process is implemented.

The TUL Board has several committees responsible for monitoring risk. The TUL Board approves the risk appetite as part of the syndicate business plan process which sets targets for premium volume, pricing, line sizes, aggregate exposures and retention by class of business.

The TUL Executive Committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive risk register and key controls for TUL. It is responsible for formulating a risk appetite consistent with the Company’s risk appetite, for approval by the TUL Board.

The key focuses of each committee are as follows:

	•		The TUL Executive Committee manages key risks with regard to strategy and reserves;

	•		The Talbot Insurance Management Committee manages insurance risks;

	•		Operational Risk Committee manages risk related to people, processes, systems and external events; and

	•		Financial Risk Committee manages credit risk associated with investments and reinsurance counterparties, capital markets risk and liquidity risk.

Performance against underwriting targets is measured regularly throughout the year. Risks written are subject to peer review, an internal quality control process. Pricing is controlled by the monitoring of rate movements and the comparison of technical prices to actual prices for certain classes of business. Controls over aggregation of claims exposures vary by class of business. They include limiting coastal risks, monitoring aggregation by county/region/blast zones and applying line size limits in all cases. Catastrophe modeling software and techniques are used to model expected loss outcomes for Lloyd’s Realistic Disaster Scenario returns and in-house catastrophe event scenarios. Reserves are reviewed for adequacy on a quarterly basis. The syndicate also purchases reinsurance, with an appropriate number of reinstatements, to arrive at an acceptable net retained risk.

Validus Re Retrocession: Validus Re monitors the opportunity to purchase retrocessional coverage on a continual basis and employs the VCAPS modeling system to evaluate the effectiveness of risk mitigation and exposure management relative to the cost. This coverage may be purchased on an indemnity basis as well as on an index basis (e.g., industry loss warranties (“ILWs”)). Validus Re also considers alternative retrocessional structures, including collateralized quota share (“sidecar”) and capital markets products.

When Validus Re buys retrocessional coverage on an indemnity basis, payment is for an agreed upon portion of the losses actually suffered. In contrast, when Validus Re buys an ILW cover, which is a reinsurance contract in which the payout is dependent on both the insured loss of the policy purchaser and the measure of the industry-wide loss, payment is made only if both Validus Re and the industry suffer a loss, as reported by one of a number of independent agencies, in excess of specified threshold amounts. With an ILW, Validus Re bears the risk of suffering a loss while receiving no payment under the ILW if the industry loss was less than the specified threshold amount.

Validus Re may use capital markets instruments for risk management in the future (e.g., catastrophe bonds, sidecar facilities and other forms of risk securitization) where the pricing and terms are attractive.

Talbot Ceded Reinsurance: Talbot enters into reinsurance agreements in order to mitigate its accumulation of loss, reduce its liability on individual risks and enable it to underwrite policies with higher limits. The ceding of the insurance does not legally discharge Talbot from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, and Talbot is required to pay the loss and bear collection risk if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance agreement.

The following describes the Talbot Group’s process in the purchase and authorization of treaty reinsurance policies only. It does not cover the purchase of facultative business because these premiums are not significant.

The reinsurance program is reviewed by the reinsurance purchasing team on an on-going basis in line with the main business planning process. This process incorporates advice and analytical work from our brokers, actuarial and capital modeling teams.

The review and modification is based upon the following:

•

budgeted underwriting for the coming year;

•

loss experience from prior years;

•

loss information from the coming year’s individual capital assessment calculations;

•

changes to risk limits and aggregation limits expected and any other changes to Talbot’s risk tolerance;

•

scenario planning;

•

changes to capital requirements; and

•

Realistic Disaster Scenarios (“RDSs”) prescribed by Lloyd’s.

The main type of reinsurance purchased is losses occurring; however, for a few lines of business, where the timing of the loss event is less easily verified or where such cover is available, risk attaching policies are purchased.

The type, quantity and cost of cover of the proposed reinsurance program is discussed and reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Talbot group, and ultimately authorized by the TUL Board.

Once this has occurred, the reinsurance program is purchased in the months prior to the beginning of the covered period. All reinsurance contracts arranged are authorized for purchase by the Talbot Chief Executive Officer. Slips are developed prior to inception to ensure the best possible cover is achieved. After purchase, cover notes are reviewed by the relevant class underwriters and presentations made to all underwriting staff to ensure they are aware of the boundaries of the cover.

Distribution

Although we conduct some business on a direct basis with our treaty and facultative reinsurance clients, most of our business is derived through insurance and reinsurance intermediaries (“brokers”), who access business from clients and coverholders. We are able to attract business through our recognized lead capability in most classes we underwrite, particularly in classes where such lead ability is rare.

Currently, our largest broker relationships, as measured by gross premiums written, are with Aon Benfield Group Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc./Guy Carpenter & Co., and Willis Group Holdings Ltd. The following table sets forth the Company’s gross premiums written by broker:


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Gross Premiums Written
(Dollars in thousands)	Validus Re		Talbot		Eliminations			Total		%
Name of Broker
Marsh Inc./Guy Carpenter & Co.	$	378,368	$	141,927	$	(13,272	)	$	507,023		25.5	%
Aon Benfield Group Ltd.		318,372		145,635		(13,619	)		450,388		22.6	%
Willis Group Holdings Ltd.		212,358		142,304		(13,308	)		341,354		17.1	%

Sub-total		909,098		429,866		(40,199	)		1,298,765		65.2	%
All Others		192,141		551,207		(51,547	)		691,801		34.8	%

Total	$	1,101,239	$	981,073	$	(91,746	)	$	1,990,566		100.0	%

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

For insurance and reinsurance companies, a significant judgment made by management is the estimation of the reserve for losses and loss expenses. The Company establishes its reserve for losses and loss expenses to cover the estimated incurred liability for both reported and unreported claims.

The following tables show certain information with respect to the Company’s reserves:


	As at December 31, 2010
					Total Gross
					Reserve for Loss
(Dollars in thousands)	Gross case reserves		Gross IBNR		and Loss Expenses
Property	$	506,506	$	397,941	$	904,447
Marine		317,469		322,259		639,728
Specialty		211,906		279,892		491,798

Total	$	1,035,881	$	1,000,092	$	2,035,973


	As at December 31, 2010
					Total Net
					Reserve for Loss
(Dollars in thousands)	Net case reserves		Net IBNR		and Loss Expenses
Property	$	458,087	$	358,895	$	816,982
Marine		275,877		261,390		537,267
Specialty		165,302		233,288		398,590

Total	$	899,266	$	853,573	$	1,752,839

Loss reserves are established due to the significant periods of time that may lapse between the occurrence, reporting and payment of a loss. To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses and loss expenses, the Company estimates future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses with respect to insured events. The Company’s reserving practices and the establishment of any particular reserve reflects management’s judgment concerning sound financial practice and does not represent any admission of liability with respect to any claim. Unpaid losses and loss expense reserves are established for reported claims (“case reserves”) and IBNR claims.

The nature of the Company’s high excess of loss liability and catastrophe business can result in loss payments that are both irregular and significant. Such loss payments are part of the normal course of business for the Company. Adjustments to reserves for individual years can also be irregular and significant. Conditions and trends that have affected development of liabilities in the past may not necessarily occur in the future. Accordingly, it is inappropriate to extrapolate future redundancies or deficiencies based upon historical experience. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

The tables below present the development of the Company’s unpaid losses and loss expense reserves on both a net and gross basis. The cumulative redundancy (deficiency) calculated on a net basis differs from that calculated on a gross basis. As different reinsurance programs cover different underwriting years, net and gross loss experience will not develop proportionately. The top line of the tables shows the estimated liability, net and gross of reinsurance recoveries, as at the year end balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This represents the estimated amounts of losses and loss expenses, including IBNR, arising in the current and all prior years that are unpaid at the year end balance sheet date of the indicated year. The tables also show the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded reserve liability based on experience as of the year end balance sheet date of each succeeding year. The estimate changes as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years. The cumulative redundancy (deficiency) represents the aggregate change with respect to that liability originally estimated. The lower portion of each table also reflects the cumulative paid losses relating to these reserves. Conditions and trends that have affected development of liabilities in the past may not necessarily occur in the future. Accordingly, it is not appropriate to extrapolate redundancies or deficiencies into the future, based on the tables below. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Analysis of Losses and Loss Expense Reserve Development Net of Recoveries


	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2006		2007		2008		2009		2010
Estimated liability for unpaid losses and loss expense, net of reinsurance recoverable	$	77,363	$	791,713	$	1,096,507	$	1,440,369	$	1,752,839
Liability — estimated as of:
One year later		60,106		722,010		1,018,930		1,283,759
Two years later		54,302		670,069		937,696


	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2006		2007		2008		2009		2010
Three years later		50,149		606,387
Four years later		46,851
Cumulative redundancy (deficiency) (a)		30,512		185,326		158,811		156,610

Cumulative paid losses, net of reinsurance recoveries, as of:
One year later	$	27,180	$	216,469	$	353,476		384,828
Two years later		34,935		320,803		562,831
Three years later		39,520		350,521
Four years later		41,746


(a)		See Part II Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion.

Analysis of Losses and Loss Expense Reserve Development Gross of Recoveries


	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2006		2007		2008		2009		2010
Estimated gross liability for unpaid losses and loss expense	$	77,363	$	926,117	$	1,305,303	$	1,622,134	$	2,035,973
Liability — estimated as of:
One year later		60,106		846,863		1,223,018		1,484,646
Two years later		54,302		791,438		1,164,923
Three years later		50,149		745,624
Four years later		46,851
Cumulative redundancy (deficiency) (a)		30,512		180,493		140,380		137,488

Cumulative paid losses, gross of reinsurance recoveries, as of:
One year later	$	27,180	$	245,240	$	437,210		455,182
Two years later		34,935		394,685		709,218
Three years later		39,520		452,559
Four years later		41,746


(a)		See Part II Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion.

The following table presents an analysis of the Company’s paid, unpaid and incurred losses and loss expenses and a reconciliation of beginning and ending unpaid losses and loss expenses for the years indicated:


	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2010			2009			2008
Gross reserves at beginning of year	$	1,622,134		$	1,305,303		$	926,117
Losses recoverable at beginning of year		181,765			208,796			134,404

Net reserves at beginning of year		1,440,369			1,096,507			791,713
Net loss reserves acquired in purchase of IPC		—			304,957			—

Incurred losses – current year		1,144,196			625,810			841,856
Incurred losses – change in prior accident years		(156,610	)		(102,053	)		(69,702	)

Incurred losses		987,586			523,757			772,154

Paid losses		(673,422	)		(507,435	)		(406,469	)
Foreign exchange		(1,694	)		22,583			(60,891	)

Net reserves at year end		1,752,839			1,440,369			1,096,507
Losses recoverable at year end		283,134			181,765			208,796

Gross reserves at year end	$	2,035,973		$	1,622,134		$	1,305,303

Validus Re: Validus Re’s loss reserves are established based upon an estimate of the total cost of claims that have been incurred, including estimates of unpaid liability on known individual claims, the costs of additional case reserves on claims reported but not considered to be adequately reserved in such reporting (“ACRs”) and amounts that have been incurred but not yet reported. ACRs are used in certain cases and may be calculated based on management’s estimate of the required case reserve on an individual claim less the case reserves reported by the client. The Validus Re Event Committee follows material catastrophe event ultimate loss reserve estimation procedures for the investigation, analysis, estimation and approval of ultimate loss reserving resulting from any material catastrophe event. U.S. GAAP does not permit the establishment of loss reserves until an event occurs that gives rise to a loss.

For reported losses, Validus Re establishes case reserves within the parameters of the coverage provided in the reinsurance contracts. Where there is a reported claim for which the reported case reserve is determined to be insufficient, Validus Re may book an ACR or individual claim IBNR estimate that is adjusted as claims notifications are received. Information may be obtained from various sources including brokers, proprietary and third party vendor models and internal data regarding reinsured exposures related to the geographic location of the event, as well as other sources. Validus Re uses generally accepted actuarial techniques in its IBNR estimation process. Validus Re also uses historical insurance industry loss emergence patterns, as well as estimates of future trends in claims severity, frequency and other factors, to aid it in establishing loss reserves.

Loss reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time, of the expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of claims incurred. Such estimates are not precise in that, among other things, they are based on predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends in loss severity and frequency and other variable factors such as inflation, litigation and tort reform. This uncertainty is heightened by the short time in which Validus Re has operated, thereby providing limited claims loss emergence patterns that directly pertain to Validus Re’s operations. This has necessitated the use of industry loss emergence patterns in deriving IBNR, which despite management’s and our actuaries’ care in selecting them, will differ from actual experience. Further, expected losses and loss ratios are typically developed using vendor and proprietary computer models and these expected losses and loss ratios are a significant component in the calculation deriving IBNR. Finally, the uncertainty surrounding estimated costs is greater in cases where large, unique events have been reported and the associated claims are in early stages of resolution. As a result of these uncertainties, it is likely that the ultimate liability will differ from such estimates, perhaps significantly.

Loss reserves are reviewed regularly and adjustments to reserves, if any, will be recorded in earnings in the period in which they are determined. Even after such adjustments, the ultimate liability may exceed or be less than the revised estimates.

Talbot: Talbot’s loss reserves are established based upon an estimate of the total cost of claims that have been incurred, including case reserves and IBNR. Talbot uses generally accepted actuarial techniques in its IBNR estimation process. ACRs are not generally used.

Talbot performs internal assessments of liabilities on a quarterly basis. Talbot’s loss reserving process involves the assessment of actuarial estimates of gross ultimate losses on both an ultimate basis (i.e., ignoring the period during which premium earns) and an earned basis, split by underwriting year and class of business, and generally also between attritional, large and catastrophe losses. These estimates are made using a variety of generally accepted actuarial projection methodologies, as well as additional qualitative consideration of future trends in frequency, severity and other factors. The gross estimates are used to estimate ceded reinsurance recoveries, which are in turn used to calculate net ultimate losses and ultimate losses as the difference between gross and ceded. These figures are subsequently used by Talbot’s management to help it assess its best estimate of gross and net ultimate losses.

As with Validus Re, Talbot’s loss reserves represent estimates, including actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time, of the expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of claims incurred. Such estimates are not precise in that, among other things, they are based on predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends in loss severity and frequency and other variable factors such as inflation, litigation and tort reform. The uncertainty surrounding estimated costs is also greater in cases where large, unique events have been reported and the associated claims are in the early stages of resolution. As a result of these uncertainties, it is likely that the ultimate liability will differ from such estimates, perhaps significantly.

Talbot’s loss reserves are reviewed regularly and adjustments to reserves, if any, will be recorded in earnings in the period in which they are determined. Even after such adjustments, the ultimate liability may exceed or be less than the revised estimates. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Claims Management

Claims management includes the receipt of initial loss notifications, generation of appropriate responses to claim reports, identification and handling of coverage issues, determination of whether further investigation is required and, where appropriate retention of legal representation, establishment of case reserves, approval of loss payments and notification to reinsurers.

Validus Re: The role of our claims department is to investigate, evaluate and pay claims efficiently. Our claims director has implemented claims handling guidelines, and reporting and control procedures. The primary objectives of the claims department are to ensure that each claim is addressed, evaluated, processed and appropriately documented in a timely and efficient manner and information relevant to the management of the claim is retained.

Talbot: Where Talbot is the lead syndicate on business written, the claims adjusters will deal with the broker representing the insured. This may involve appointing attorneys, loss adjusters or other experts. The central Lloyd’s market claims bureau will respond on behalf of syndicates other than the leading syndicate.

Where Talbot is not the lead underwriter on syndicate business, the case reserves are established by the lead underwriter in conjunction with third party/bureau input who then advise regarding movements in loss reserves to all syndicates participating on the risk. Material claims and claims movements are subject to review by Talbot.

Investments

The Company manages its investment portfolio on a consolidated basis. As we provide short-tail insurance and reinsurance coverage, we could become liable to pay substantial claims on short notice. Accordingly, we follow a conservative investment strategy designed to emphasize the preservation of invested assets and provide sufficient

liquidity for the prompt payment of claims. Our Board of Directors, led by our Finance Committee, oversees our investment strategy, and in consultation with BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Conning, Inc. and Pinebridge Investments Europe Ltd., our portfolio advisors, has established investment guidelines for us. The investment guidelines dictate the portfolio’s overall objective, benchmark portfolio, eligible securities, duration, use of derivatives, inclusion of foreign securities, diversification requirements and average portfolio rating. Management and the Finance Committee periodically review these guidelines in light of our investment goals and consequently they may change at any time.

Substantially all of the fixed maturity investments held at December 31, 2010 were publicly traded. At December 31, 2010, the average duration of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was 2.27 years (December 31, 2009: 2.24 years). Management emphasizes capital preservation for the portfolio and maintains a significant allocation of short-term investments. At December 31, 2010, the average rating of the portfolio was AA+ (December 31, 2009 AA+). At December 31, 2010, the total fixed maturity portfolio was $4,823.9 million (December 31, 2009: $4,869.4 million), of which $2,946.5 million (December 31, 2009: $3,287.9 million) were rated AAA.

Please refer to our Current Report on Form 8-K furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 10, 2011 for additional disclosure with respect to the composition of our investment portfolio.

Competition

The insurance and reinsurance industries are highly competitive. We compete with major U.S., Bermuda, European and other international insurers and reinsurers and certain underwriting syndicates and insurers. We encounter competition in all of our classes of business but there is less competition in those of our lines where we are a specialist underwriter. The Company competes with insurance and reinsurance providers such as:

•

ACE Tempest Re, Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Allied World Assurance Company Holdings Limited, Alterra Capital Holdings, Ltd., Arch Capital Group Limited, Axis Capital Holdings Limited, Endurance Specialty Holdings Limited, Everest Re Group Limited, Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Group Limited, Munich Re, PartnerRe Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd., Renaissance Reinsurance Holdings Ltd., Swiss Re and XL Re;

•

Amlin plc, Catlin Group Limited, Hiscox and others in the Lloyd’s market;

•

Direct insurers who compete with Lloyd’s on a worldwide basis;

•

Various capital markets participants who access insurance and reinsurance business in securitized form, through special purpose entities or derivative transactions; and

•

Government-sponsored insurers and reinsurers.

Competition varies depending on the type of business being insured or reinsured and whether the Company is in a leading or following position. Competition in the types of business that the Company underwrites is based on many factors, including:

•

Premiums charged and other terms and conditions offered;

•

Services provided;

•

Financial ratings assigned by independent rating agencies;

•

Speed of claims payment;

•

Reputation;

•

Perceived financial strength; and

•

The experience of the underwriter in the line of insurance or reinsurance written.

Increased competition could result in fewer submissions, lower premium rates, lower share of allocated cover, and less favorable policy terms, which could adversely impact the Company’s growth and profitability. Capital market participants have created alternative products such as catastrophe bonds that are intended to compete with reinsurance products. The Company is unable to predict the extent to which these new, proposed or potential initiatives may affect the demand for products or the risks that may be available to consider underwriting.

Regulation

United States

Talbot operates primarily within the Lloyd’s insurance market through Syndicate 1183, and Lloyd’s operations are subject to regulation in the United States in addition to being regulated in the United Kingdom, as discussed below. The Lloyd’s of London market is licensed to engage in insurance business in Illinois, Kentucky and the U.S. Virgin Islands and operates as an eligible excess and surplus lines insurer in all states and territories except Kentucky and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lloyd’s is also an accredited reinsurer in all states and territories of the United States. Lloyd’s maintains various trust funds in the state of New York to protect its United States business and is therefore subject to regulation by the New York Insurance Department, which acts as the domiciliary department for Lloyd’s U.S. trust funds. There are deposit trust funds in other states to support Lloyd’s reinsurance and excess and surplus lines insurance business.

Talbot is subject to a Closing Agreement between Lloyd’s and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service pursuant to which Talbot is subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent its income is attributable to U.S. agents who have authority to bind Talbot. Specifically, U.S. federal income tax is imposed on 35% of its income attributable to U.S. binding authorities (70% for Illinois or Kentucky business).

We currently conduct our business in a manner such that we expect that Validus Re will not be subject to insurance and/or reinsurance licensing requirements or regulations in the United States. Although we do not currently intend for Validus Re to engage in activities which would require it to comply with insurance and reinsurance licensing requirements in the United States, should we choose to engage in activities that would require Validus Re to become licensed in the United States, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so or to do so in a timely manner. Furthermore, the laws and regulations applicable to direct insurers could indirectly affect us, such as collateral requirements in various U.S. states to enable such insurers to receive credit for reinsurance ceded to us.

In addition, the insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework of Bermuda and the insurance of U.S. risk by companies based in Bermuda and not licensed or authorized in the United States recently has become the subject of increased scrutiny in many jurisdictions, including the United States. We are not able to predict the future impact of changes in the laws and regulation to which we are or may become subject on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

United Kingdom

The financial services industry in the UK is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (“FSA”). The FSA is an independent non-governmental body, given statutory powers by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Although accountable to treasury ministers and through them to Parliament, it is funded entirely by the firms it regulates. The FSA has wide ranging powers in relation to rule-making, investigation and enforcement to enable it to meet its four statutory objectives, which are summarized as one overall aim: “to promote efficient, orderly and fair markets and to help retail consumers achieve a fair deal.”

In relation to insurance business, the FSA regulates insurers, insurance intermediaries and Lloyd’s itself. The FSA and Lloyd’s have common objectives in ensuring that Lloyd’s market is appropriately regulated and, to minimize duplication, the FSA has agreed arrangements with Lloyd’s for co-operation on supervision and enforcement.

Talbot’s underwriting activities are therefore regulated by the FSA as well as being subject to the Lloyd’s “franchise”. Both FSA and Lloyd’s have powers to remove their respective authorization to manage Lloyd’s syndicates. Lloyd’s approves annually Syndicate 1183’s business plan and any subsequent material changes, and the amount of capital required to support that plan. Lloyd’s may require changes to any business plan presented to it or additional capital to be provided to support the underwriting (known as Funds as Lloyd’s).

In addition, Talbot’s intermediary company, Underwriting Risk Services Ltd. is regulated by the FSA as an insurance intermediary.

In November 2007 Talbot established Talbot Risk Services Pte Ltd in Singapore to source business in the Far East under the Lloyd’s Asia Scheme. The Lloyds Asia Scheme was established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to encourage members of Lloyd’s to expand insurance activities in Asia.

An EU directive covering the capital adequacy, risk management and regulatory reporting for insurers, known as Solvency II was adopted by the European Parliament in April 2009. Based on a recent EU directive, we expect that insurers and reinsurers within the EEA will need to be compliant with Solvency II by January 1, 2013. Insurers and reinsurers are undertaking a significant amount of work to ensure that they meet the new requirements and this may divert finite resources from other operational roles. Final Solvency II guidelines have been published and the Company and Talbot’s implementation plans are well underway.

Bermuda

The Insurance Act 1978 regulates the Company’s operating subsidiaries in Bermuda, and it provides that no person may carry on any insurance business in or from within Bermuda unless registered as an insurer by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) under the Insurance Act. Insurance as well as reinsurance is regulated under the Insurance Act.

The Insurance Act imposes on Bermuda insurance companies solvency and liquidity standards, certain restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends and distributions, certain restrictions on the reduction of statutory capital, auditing and reporting requirements, and grants the BMA powers to supervise, investigate and intervene in the affairs of insurance companies. Significant requirements include the appointment of an independent auditor, the appointment of a loss reserve specialist and the filing of an Annual Statutory Financial Return with the BMA. The Supervisor of Insurance is the chief administrative officer under the Insurance Act.

Under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended, a Bermuda company may not declare or pay a dividend or make a distribution out of contributed surplus if there are reasonable grounds for believing that: (a) the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due; or (b) the realizable value of the company’s assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium accounts.

Effective for statutory filings for the year ended December 31, 2008, the BMA introduced a risk-based capital model, or Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (“BSCR”), as a tool to assist the BMA in measuring risk and determining appropriate capitalization. In 2009, the BMA launched its Bermuda Insurance Solvency Framework, which is designed to enable Bermuda to achieve “equivalence” with Solvency II. The impact of this initiative is currently being monitored by the Company.

Employees

The following table details our personnel by geographic location as at December 31, 2010:


Location	Validus Re		Talbot		Corporate		Total		%
London, England		—		273		—		273		59.4	%
Hamilton, Bermuda		56		1		41		98		21.3	%
Waterloo, Canada		—		—		24		24		5.2	%
Republic of Singapore		8		11		—		19		4.1	%
Miami, United States		17		—		—		17		3.7	%
New York, United States		—		—		18		18		3.9	%
Dubai, United Arab Emirates		—		4		—		4		0.9	%
Santiago, Chile		—		—		6		6		1.3	%
Hamburg, Germany		1		—		—		1		0.2	%

Total		82		289		89		460		100.0	%

We believe our relations with our employees are excellent.

Available Information

The Company files periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s website address is http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s common shares are traded on the NYSE with the symbol “VR”. Similar information concerning the Company can be reviewed at the office of the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York, 10005. The Company’s website address is http://www.validusholdings.com. Information contained in this website is not part of this report.

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge, including through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Copies of the charters for the audit committee, the compensation committee, the corporate governance and nominating committee, the finance committee and the risk committee, as well as the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees (the “Code”), which applies to all of the Company’s Directors, officers and employees, and Code of Ethics for Senior Officers, which applies to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal accounting officer and other persons holding a comparable position, are available free of charge on the Company’s website at http://www.validusholdings.com or by writing to Investor Relations, Validus Holdings, Ltd., 29 Richmond Road, Pembroke, HM 08, Bermuda. The Company will also post on its website any amendment to the Code and any waiver of the Code granted to any of its directors or executive officers to the extent required by applicable rules.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risks Related to Our Company

Claims on policies written under our short-tail insurance lines that arise from unpredictable and severe catastrophic events could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

Substantially all of our gross premiums written to date are in short-tail lines, many of which have the potential to accumulate, which means we could become liable for a significant amount of losses in a brief period. The short-tail policies we write expose us to claims arising out of unpredictable natural and other catastrophic events, whether arising from natural causes such as hurricanes, windstorms, tsunamis, severe winter weather, earthquakes and floods, or man-made causes such as fires, explosions, acts of terrorism, war or political unrest. Many observers believe that the Atlantic basin is in the active phase of a multi-decade cycle in which conditions in the ocean and atmosphere, including warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures and low wind shear, enhance hurricane activity. This increase in the number and intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes can span multiple decades (approximately 20 to 30 years). These conditions may translate to a greater potential for hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S. at higher intensities over the next five years. In addition, climate change may be causing changes in global temperatures, which may in the future increase the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes and the losses resulting therefrom. Although the frequency and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable, we use state-of-science understanding of climate change and other climate signals for pricing and risk aggregation.

The extent of losses from catastrophes is a function of both the number and severity of the insured events and the total amount of insured exposure in the areas affected. Increases in the value and concentrations of insured property, the effects of inflation and changes in cyclical weather patterns may increase the severity of claims from natural catastrophic events in the future. Similarly, changes in global political and economic conditions may increase both the frequency and severity of man-made catastrophic events in the future. Claims from catastrophic events could reduce our earnings and cause substantial volatility in our results of operations for any fiscal quarter or year, which

could adversely affect our financial condition, possibly to the extent of eliminating our shareholders’ equity. Our ability to write new reinsurance policies could also be affected as a result of corresponding reductions in our capital.

Underwriting is inherently a matter of judgment, involving important assumptions about matters that are unpredictable and beyond our control, and for which historical experience and probability analysis may not provide sufficient guidance. One or more catastrophic or other events could result in claims that substantially exceed our expectations and which would become due in a short period of time, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Emerging claim and coverage issues could adversely affect our business.

As industry practices and legal, judicial, social and other environmental conditions change, unexpected and unintended issues related to claims and coverage may emerge. These issues may adversely affect our business by either extending coverage beyond our underwriting intent or by increasing the number or size of claims. In some instances, these changes may not become apparent until sometime after we have issued insurance or reinsurance contracts that are affected by the changes. For example, a (re)insurance contract might limit the amount that can be recovered as a result of flooding. However, if the flood damage was caused by an event that also caused extensive wind damage, the quantification of the two types of damage is often a matter of judgment. Similarly, one geographic zone could be affected by more than one catastrophic event. In this case, the amount recoverable from an insurer or reinsurer may in part be determined by the judgmental allocation of damage between the storms. Given the magnitude of the amounts at stake involved with a catastrophic event, these types of issues occasionally necessitate judicial resolution. In addition, our actual losses may vary materially from our current estimate of the loss based on a number of factors, including receipt of additional information from insureds or brokers, the attribution of losses to coverages that had not previously been considered as exposed and inflation in repair costs due to additional demand for labor and materials. As a result, the full extent of liability under an insurance or reinsurance contract may not be known for many years after such contract is issued and a loss occurs. Our exposure to this uncertainty is greater in our longer tail lines (marine and energy liabilities and financial institutions).

We depend on ratings from third party rating agencies. Our financial strength rating could be revised downward, which could affect our standing among brokers and customers, cause our premiums and earnings to decrease and limit our ability to pay dividends on our common shares.

Third-party rating agencies assess and rate the financial strength of insurers and reinsurers based upon criteria established by the rating agencies, which criteria are subject to change. The financial strength ratings assigned by rating agencies to insurance and reinsurance companies represent independent opinions of financial strength and ability to meet policyholder obligations and are not directed toward the protection of investors. Ratings have become an increasingly important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance and reinsurance companies. Insurers and intermediaries use these ratings as one measure by which to assess the financial strength and quality of insurers and reinsurers. These ratings are often a key factor in the decision by an insured or intermediary of whether to place business with a particular insurance or reinsurance provider. These ratings are not an evaluation directed toward the protection of investors or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our common shares.

If our financial strength rating is reduced from current levels, our competitive position in the reinsurance industry would suffer, and it would be more difficult for us to market our products. A downgrade could result in a significant reduction in the number of reinsurance contracts we write and in a substantial loss of business as our customers and brokers that place such business, move to other competitors with higher financial strength ratings. The substantial majority of reinsurance contracts issued through reinsurance brokers contain provisions permitting the ceding company to cancel such contracts in the event of a downgrade of the reinsurer by A.M. Best below “A—” (Excellent).

We cannot predict in advance the extent to which this cancellation right would be exercised, if at all, or what effect any such cancellations would have on our financial condition or future operations, but such effect could be material and adverse. Consequently, substantially all of Validus Re’s business could be affected by a downgrade of our A.M. Best rating.

The indenture governing our Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures would restrict us from declaring or paying dividends on our common shares if we are downgraded by A.M. Best to a financial strength rating of “B”

(Fair) or below or if A.M. Best withdraws its financial strength rating on any of our material insurance subsidiaries. A downgrade of the Company’s A.M. Best financial strength rating below “B++” (Fair) would also constitute an event of default under our credit facilities. Either of these events could, among other things, reduce the Company’s financial flexibility.

If the Company’s risk management and loss limitation methods fail to adequately manage exposure to losses from catastrophic events, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Validus Re manages exposure to catastrophic losses by analyzing the probability and severity of the occurrence of catastrophic events and the impact of such events on our overall (re)insurance and investment portfolio. Validus Re uses various tools to analyze and manage the reinsurance exposures assumed from insureds and ceding companies and risks from a catastrophic event that could have an adverse effect on the investment portfolio. VCAPS, a proprietary risk modeling software, enables Validus Re to assess the adequacy of reinsurance risk pricing and to monitor the overall exposure to insurance and reinsurance risk in correlated geographic zones. Validus Re cannot assure the models and assumptions used by the software will accurately predict losses. Further, Validus Re cannot assure that it is free of defects in the modeling logic or in the software code. In addition, Validus Re has not sought copyright or other legal protection for VCAPS.

In addition, much of the information that Validus Re enters into the risk modeling software is based on third-party data that we cannot assure to be reliable, as well as estimates and assumptions that are dependent on many variables, such as assumptions about building material and labor demand surge, storm surge, the expenses of settling claims (known as loss adjustment expenses), insurance-to-value and storm intensity. Accordingly, if the estimates and assumptions that are entered into the proprietary risk model are incorrect, or if the proprietary risk model proves to be an inaccurate forecasting tool, the losses Validus Re might incur from an actual catastrophe could be materially higher than its expectation of losses generated from modeled catastrophe scenarios, and its financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

A modeled outcome of net loss from a single event also relies in significant part on the reinsurance and retrocessional arrangements in place, or expected to be in place at the time of the analysis, and may change during the year. Modeled outcomes assume that the reinsurance in place responds as expected with minimal reinsurance failure or dispute. Reinsurance and retrocessional coverage is purchased to protect the inwards exposure in line with the Company’s risk appetite, but it is possible for there to be a mismatch or gap in cover which could result in higher than modeled losses to Validus Re. In addition, many parts of the reinsurance program are purchased with limited reinstatements and, therefore, the number of claims or events which may be recovered from second or subsequent events is limited. It should also be noted that renewal dates of the reinsurance and retrocessional program do not necessarily coincide with those of the inwards business written. Where inwards business is not protected by risks attaching reinsurance and retrocessional programs, the programs could expire resulting in an increase in the possible net loss retained by Validus Re and as such, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Validus Re also seeks to limit loss exposure through loss limitation provisions in its policies, such as limitations on the amount of losses that can be claimed under a policy, limitations or exclusions from coverage and provisions relating to choice of forum, which are intended to assure that their policies are legally interpreted as intended. Validus Re cannot assure that these contractual provisions will be enforceable in the manner expected or that disputes relating to coverage will be resolved in its favor. If the loss limitation provisions in the policies are not enforceable or disputes arise concerning the application of such provisions, the losses it might incur from a catastrophic event could be materially higher than expectation and its financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

The insurance and reinsurance business is historically cyclical, and we expect to experience periods with excess underwriting capacity and unfavorable premium rates and policy terms and conditions, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The insurance and reinsurance industry has historically been cyclical. Insurers and reinsurers have experienced significant fluctuations in operating results due to competition, frequency of occurrence or severity of catastrophic events, levels of underwriting capacity, underwriting results of primary insurers, general economic conditions and

other factors. The supply of insurance and reinsurance is related to prevailing prices, the level of insured losses and the level of industry surplus which, in turn, may fluctuate, including in response to changes in rates of return on investments being earned in the reinsurance industry.

The insurance and reinsurance pricing cycle has historically been a market phenomenon, driven by supply and demand rather than by the actual cost of coverage. The upward phase of a cycle is often triggered when a major event forces insurers and reinsurers to make large claim payments, thereby drawing down capital. This, combined with increased demand for insurance against the risk associated with the event, pushes prices upwards. Over time, insurers’ and reinsurers’ capital is replenished with the higher revenues. At the same time, new entrants flock to the industry seeking a part of the profitable business. This combination prompts a slide in prices —the downward cycle —until a major insured event restarts the upward phase. As a result, the insurance and reinsurance business has been characterized by periods of intense competition on price and policy terms due to excessive underwriting capacity, which is the percentage of surplus or the dollar amount of exposure that a reinsurer is willing to place at risk, as well as periods when shortages of capacity result in favorable premium rates and policy terms and conditions.

Premium levels may be adversely affected by a number of factors which fluctuate and may contribute to price declines generally in the reinsurance industry. For example, as premium levels for many products increased subsequent to the significant natural catastrophes of 2004 and 2005, the supply of reinsurance increased, either as a result of capital provided by new entrants or by the commitment of additional capital by existing reinsurers. Increases in the supply of insurance and reinsurance may have consequences for the reinsurance industry generally and for us including fewer contracts written, lower premium rates, increased expenses for customer acquisition and retention, and less favorable policy terms and conditions. As a consequence, the Company may experience greater competition on most insurance and reinsurance lines. This could adversely affect the rates we receive for our reinsurance and our gross premiums written.

The cyclical trends in the industry and the industry’s profitability can also be affected significantly by volatile and unpredictable developments, such as natural disasters (such as catastrophic hurricanes, windstorms, tornados, earthquakes and floods), courts granting large awards for certain damages, fluctuations in interest rates, changes in the investment environment that affect market prices of investments and inflationary pressures that may tend to affect the size of losses experienced by insureds and primary insurance companies. We expect to experience the effects of cyclicality, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Competition for business in our industry is intense, and if we are unable to compete effectively, we may not be able to retain market share and our business may be materially adversely affected.

The insurance and reinsurance industries are highly competitive. We face intense competition, based upon (among other things) global capacity, product breadth, reputation and experience with respect to particular lines of business, relationships with (re)insurance intermediaries, quality of service, capital and perceived financial strength (including independent rating agencies’ ratings), innovation and price. We compete with major global insurance and reinsurance companies and underwriting syndicates, many of which have extensive experience in (re)insurance and may have greater financial, marketing and employee resources available to them than us. Other financial institutions, such as banks and hedge funds, now offer products and services similar to our products and services through alternative capital markets products that are structured to provide protections similar to those provided by reinsurers. These products, such as catastrophe-linked bonds, compete with our products. In the future, underwriting capacity will continue to enter the market from these identified competitors and perhaps other sources. After the events of September 11, 2001, and then again following the three major hurricanes of 2005 (Katrina, Rita and Wilma), new capital flowed into Bermuda, and much of these new proceeds went to a variety of Bermuda-based start-up companies. Since markets have softened and capital has increased, market conditions have become less favorable. Increased competition could result in fewer submissions and lower rates, which could have an adverse effect on our growth and profitability. If we are unable to compete effectively against these competitors, we may not be able to retain market share.

Insureds have been retaining a greater proportion of their risk portfolios than previously, and industrial and commercial companies have been increasingly relying upon their own subsidiary insurance companies, known as captive insurance companies, self-insurance pools, risk retention groups, mutual insurance companies and other

mechanisms for funding their risks, rather than risk transferring insurance. This has put downward pressure on insurance premiums.

If we underestimate our reserve for losses and loss expenses, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our success depends on our ability to accurately assess the risks associated with the businesses and properties that we insure/reinsure. If unpredictable catastrophic events occur, or if we fail to adequately manage our exposure to losses or fail to adequately estimate our reserve requirements, our actual losses and loss expenses may deviate, perhaps substantially, from our reserve estimates.

We estimate the risks associated with our outstanding obligations, including the risk embedded within our unearned premiums. To do this, we establish reserves for losses and loss expenses (or loss reserves), which are liabilities that we record to reflect the estimated costs of claim payment and the related expenses that we will ultimately be required to pay in respect of premiums written and include case reserves and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves. However, under U.S. GAAP, we are not permitted to establish reserves for losses until an event which gives rise to a claim occurs. As a result, only reserves applicable to losses incurred up to the reporting date may be set aside on our financial statements, with no allowance for the provision of loss reserves to account for possible other future losses. Case reserves are reserves established with respect to specific individual reported claims. IBNR reserves are reserves for estimated losses that we have incurred but that have not yet been reported to us.

Our reserve estimates do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, they are estimates of what we expect the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost. These estimates are based upon actuarial and statistical projections and on our assessment of currently available data, predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends and other variable factors such as inflation. Establishing an appropriate level of our loss reserve estimates is an inherently uncertain process. It is likely that the ultimate liability will be greater or less than these estimates and that, at times, this variance will be material. Our reserve estimates are regularly refined as experience develops and claims are reported and settled. Establishing an appropriate level for our reserve estimates is an inherently uncertain process. In addition, as we operate largely through intermediaries, reserving for our business can involve added uncertainty arising from our dependence on information from ceding companies which, in addition to the risk of receiving inaccurate information involves an inherent time lag between reporting information from the primary insurer to us. Additionally, ceding companies employ differing reserving practices which add further uncertainty to the establishment of our reserves. Moreover, these uncertainties are greater for reinsurers like us than for reinsurers with a longer operating history, because we do not yet have an established loss history. The lack of historical information for the Company has necessitated the use of industry loss emergence patterns in deriving IBNR. Loss emergence patterns are development patterns used to project current reported or paid loss amounts to their ultimate settlement value or amount. Further, expected losses and loss ratios are typically developed using vendor and proprietary computer models and these expected loss ratios are a material component in the calculation deriving IBNR. Actual loss ratios will deviate from expected loss ratios and ultimate loss ratios will be greater or less than expected loss ratios. Because of these uncertainties, it is possible that our estimates for reserves at any given time could prove inadequate.

To the extent we determine that actual losses and loss adjustment expenses from events which have occurred exceed our expectations and the loss reserves reflected in our financial statements, we will be required to reflect these changes in the current reporting period. This could cause a sudden and material increase in our liabilities and a reduction in our profitability, including operating losses and reduction of capital, which could materially restrict our ability to write new business and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and potentially our A.M. Best rating.

The preparation of our financial statements will require us to make many estimates and judgments, which are even more difficult than those made in a mature company, and which, if inaccurate, could cause volatility in our results.

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management believes the item that requires the most subjective and complex estimates is the reserve for losses and loss expenses. Due to the Company’s relatively short operating history, loss experience is limited and reliable evidence of changes in

trends of numbers of claims incurred, average settlement amounts, numbers of claims outstanding and average losses per claim will necessarily take many years to develop. Following a major catastrophic event, the possibility of future litigation or legislative change that may affect interpretation of policy terms further increases the degree of uncertainty in the reserving process. The uncertainties inherent in the reserving process, together with the potential for unforeseen developments, including changes in laws and the prevailing interpretation of policy terms, may result in losses and loss expenses materially different than the reserves initially established. Changes to prior year reserves will affect current underwriting results by increasing net income if the prior year reserves prove to be redundant or by decreasing net income if the prior year reserves prove to be insufficient. We expect volatility in results in periods in which significant loss events occur because U.S. GAAP does not permit insurers or reinsurers to reserve for loss events until they have occurred and are expected to give rise to a claim. As a result, we are not allowed to record contingency reserves to account for expected future losses. We anticipate that claims arising from future events will require the establishment of substantial reserves from time to time.

We rely on key personnel and the loss of their services may adversely affect us. The Bermuda location of our head office may be an impediment to attracting and retaining experienced personnel.

Various aspects of our business depend on the services and skills of key personnel of the Company. We believe there are only a limited number of available qualified executives in the business lines in which we compete. We rely substantially upon the services of Edward J. Noonan, Chairman of our Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer; Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino, President and Chief Financial Officer; C.N. Rupert Atkin, Chief Executive Officer of the Talbot Group; Michael E.A. Carpenter, Chairman of the Talbot Group; C. Jerome Dill, Executive Vice President and General Counsel; Stuart W. Mercer, Executive Vice President; Jonathan P. Ritz, Executive Vice President, Business Operations; Julian G. Ross, Chief Risk Officer; and Conan M. Ward, Executive Vice President of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., among other key employees. The loss of any of their services or the services of other members of our management team or any difficulty in attracting and retaining other talented personnel could impede the further implementation of our business strategy, reduce our revenues and decrease our operational effectiveness. Although we have an employment agreement with each of the above named executives, there is a possibility that these employment agreements may not be enforceable in the event any of these employees leave. The employment agreements for each of the above-named executives provide that the terms of the agreement will continue for a defined period after either party giving notice of termination, and will terminate immediately upon the Company giving notice of termination for cause. We do not currently maintain key man life insurance policies with respect to them or any of our other employees.

The operating location of our head office and our Validus Re subsidiary may be an impediment to attracting and retaining experienced personnel. Under Bermuda law, non-Bermudians (other than spouses of Bermudians) may not engage in any gainful occupation in Bermuda without an appropriate governmental work permit. Our success may depend in part on the continued services of key employees in Bermuda. A work permit may be granted or renewed upon demonstrating that, after proper public advertisement, no Bermudian (or spouse of a Bermudian or a holder of a permanent resident’s certificate or holder of a working resident’s certificate) is available who meets the minimum standards reasonably required by the employer. The Bermuda government’s policy places a six-year term limit on individuals with work permits, subject to certain exemptions for key employees. A work permit is issued with an expiry date (up to five years) and no assurances can be given that any work permit will be issued or, if issued, renewed upon the expiration of the relevant term. If work permits are not obtained, or are not renewed, for our principal employees, we would lose their services, which could materially affect our business. Work permits are currently required for 44 of our Bermuda employees, all of whom have obtained three- or five-year work permits.

Certain of our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest with us.

Entities affiliated with some of our directors have sponsored or invested in, and may in the future sponsor or invest in, other entities engaged in or intending to engage in insurance and reinsurance underwriting, some of which compete with us. They have also entered into, or may in the future enter into, agreements with companies that compete with us.

We have a policy in place applicable to each of our directors and officers which provides for the resolution of potential conflicts of interest. However, we may not be in a position to influence any party’s decision to engage in

activities that would give rise to a conflict of interest, and they may take actions that are not in our shareholders’ best interests.

We may require additional capital or credit in the future, which may not be available or only available on unfavorable terms.

We monitor our capital adequacy on a regular basis. The capital requirements of our business depend on many factors, including our premiums written, loss reserves, investment portfolio composition and risk exposures, as well as satisfying regulatory and rating agency capital requirements. Our ability to underwrite is largely dependent upon the quality of our claims paying and financial strength ratings as evaluated by independent rating agencies. To the extent that our existing capital is insufficient to fund our future operating requirements and/or cover claim losses, we may need to raise additional funds through financings or limit our growth. Any equity or debt financing, if available at all, may be on terms that are unfavorable to us. In the case of equity financings, dilution to our shareholders could result, and, in any case, such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our outstanding securities. In addition, the capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption for more than one year. In some cases, the markets have exerted downward pressure on the availability of liquidity and credit capacity for certain issuers. If we are not able to obtain adequate capital, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

In addition, as an alien insurer and reinsurer (not licensed in the U.S.), we are required to post collateral security with respect to any (re)insurance liabilities that we assume from insureds or ceding insurers domiciled in the U.S. in order for U.S. ceding companies to obtain full statutory and regulatory credit for our reinsurance. Other jurisdictions may have similar collateral requirements. Under applicable statutory provisions, these security arrangements may be in the form of letters of credit, insurance or reinsurance trusts maintained by trustees or funds-withheld arrangements where assets are held by the ceding company. We intend to satisfy such statutory requirements by maintaining the trust fund requirements for Talbot’s underwriting at Lloyd’s and by providing to primary insurers letters of credit issued under our credit facilities. To the extent that we are required to post additional security in the future, we may require additional letter of credit capacity and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such additional capacity or arrange for other types of security on commercially acceptable terms or on terms as favorable as under our current letter of credit facilities. Our inability to provide collateral satisfying the statutory and regulatory guidelines applicable to insureds and primary insurers would have a material adverse effect on our ability to provide (re)insurance to third parties and negatively affect our financial position and results of operations.

Security arrangements may subject our assets to security interests and/or require that a portion of our assets be pledged to, or otherwise held by, third parties. Although the investment income derived from our assets while held in trust typically accrues to our benefit, the investment of these assets is governed by the investment regulations of the state of domicile of the ceding insurer and therefore the investment returns on these assets may not be as high as they otherwise would be.

Loss of business from one or more major brokers could adversely affect us.

We market our insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis primarily through brokers, and we depend on a small number of brokers for a large portion of our revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2010, our business was primarily sourced from the following brokers: Marsh Inc./Guy Carpenter & Co. 25.5%, Aon Benfield Group Ltd. 22.6% and Willis Group Holdings Ltd. 17.1%. These three brokers provided a total of 65.2% of our gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010. Loss of all or a substantial portion of the business provided by one or more of these brokers could adversely affect our business.

We assume a degree of credit risk associated with substantially all of our brokers.

In accordance with industry practice, we frequently pay amounts owed on claims under our policies to brokers and the brokers, in turn, pay these amounts over to the ceding insurers and reinsurers that have reinsured a portion of their liabilities with us. In some jurisdictions, if a broker fails to make such a payment, we might remain liable to the ceding insurer or reinsurer for the deficiency notwithstanding the broker’s obligation to make such payment. Conversely, in certain jurisdictions, when the ceding insurer or reinsurer pays premiums for these policies to reinsurance brokers for payment to us, these premiums are considered to have been paid and the ceding insurer or

reinsurer will no longer be liable to us for these premiums, whether or not we have actually received them. Consequently, we assume a degree of credit risk associated with substantially all of our brokers.

Our utilization of brokers, managing general agents and other third parties to support our business exposes us to operational and financial risks

Talbot’s business at Lloyd’s relies upon brokers, managing general agents and other third parties to produce and service a proportion of its operations. In these arrangements, we typically grant the third party the right to bind us to new and renewal policies, subject to underwriting guidelines we provide and other contractual restrictions and obligations. Should these third parties issue policies that contravene these guidelines, restrictions or obligations, we could nonetheless be deemed liable for such policies. Although we would intend to resist claims that exceed or expand on our underwriting intention, it is possible that we would not prevail in such an action, or that our managing general agent would be unable adequately to indemnify us for their contractual breach.

We also rely on managing general agents, third party administrators or other third parties we retain, to collect premiums and to pay valid claims. We could also be exposed to their or their producer’s operational risk, including, but not limited to, contract wording errors, technological and staffing deficiencies and inadequate disaster recovery plans. We could also be exposed to potential liabilities relating to the claims practices of the third party administrators we have retained to manage the claims activity on this business. Although we have implemented monitoring and other oversight protocols, we cannot assure you that these measures will be sufficient to mitigate all of these exposures.

Our success depends on our ability to establish and maintain effective operating procedures and internal controls. Failure to detect control issues and any instances of fraud could adversely affect us.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to establish and maintain operating procedures and internal controls (including the timely and successful implementation of information technology systems and programs) to effectively support our business and our regulatory and reporting requirements. We may not be successful in such efforts. Even when implemented, as a result of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide full assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company will be detected.

We may be unable to purchase reinsurance or retrocessional reinsurance in the future, and if we do successfully purchase reinsurance or retrocessional reinsurance, we may be unable to collect on claims submitted under such policies, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We purchase reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance in order that we may offer insureds and cedants greater capacity, and to mitigate the effect of large and multiple losses on our financial condition. Reinsurance is a transaction whereby an insurer or reinsurer cedes to a reinsurer all or part of the insurance it has written or reinsurance it has assumed. A reinsurer’s or retrocessional reinsurer’s insolvency or inability or refusal to make timely payments under the terms of its reinsurance agreement with us could have an adverse effect on us because we remain liable to our client. From time to time, market conditions have limited, and in some cases have prevented, insurers and reinsurers from obtaining the types and amounts of reinsurance or retrocessional reinsurance that they consider adequate for their business needs. Accordingly, we may not be able to obtain our desired amounts of reinsurance or retrocessional reinsurance or negotiate terms that we deem appropriate or acceptable or obtain reinsurance or retrocessional reinsurance from entities with satisfactory creditworthiness.

Our investment portfolio may suffer reduced returns or losses which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Any increase in interest rates or volatility in the fixed income markets could result in significant unrealized losses in the fair value of our investment portfolio which would reduce our net income.

Our operating results depend in part on the performance of our investment portfolio, which currently consists of fixed maturity securities, as well as the ability of our investment managers to effectively implement our investment strategy. Our Board of Directors, led by our Finance Committee, oversees our investment strategy, and in consultation with our portfolio advisors, has established investment guidelines. The investment guidelines dictate the portfolio’s overall objective, benchmark portfolio, eligible securities, duration, limitations on the use of derivatives

and inclusion of foreign securities, diversification requirements and average portfolio rating. Management and the Finance Committee periodically review these guidelines in light of our investment goals and consequently they may change at any time.

The investment return, including net investment income, net realized gains (losses) on investments, net unrealized (losses) gains on investments, on our invested assets was $212.6 million, or 4.2% for the year ended December 31, 2010. While we follow a conservative investment strategy designed to emphasize the preservation of invested assets and to provide sufficient liquidity for the prompt payment of claims, we will nevertheless be subject to market-wide risks including illiquidity and pricing uncertainty and fluctuations, as well as to risks inherent in particular securities. Our investment performance may vary substantially over time, and we cannot assure that we will achieve our investment objectives. See “Business —Investments.”

Investment results will also be affected by general economic conditions, market volatility, interest rate fluctuations, liquidity and credit risks beyond our control. In addition, our need for liquidity may result in investment returns below our expectations. Also, with respect to certain of our investments, we are subject to prepayment or reinvestment risk. In particular, our fixed income portfolio is subject to reinvestment risk, and as at December 31, 2010, 13.4% of our fixed income portfolio is comprised of mortgage backed and asset backed securities which are subject to prepayment risk. Although we attempt to manage the risks of investing in a changing interest rate environment, a significant increase in interest rates could result in significant losses, realized or unrealized, in the fair value of our investment portfolio and, consequently, could have an adverse affect on our results of operations.

Our operating results may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations.

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Many of our companies maintain both assets and liabilities in local currencies. Therefore, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk on the assets denominated in those foreign currencies. Foreign exchange risk is reviewed as part of our risk management process. Locally required capital levels may be invested in home currencies in order to satisfy regulatory requirements and to support local insurance operations. The principal currencies creating foreign exchange risk are the British pound sterling and the Euro. As of December 31, 2010, $545.2 million, or 7.7% of our total assets and $638.3 million, or 18.0% of our total liabilities were held in foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2010, $87.0 million, or 2.4% of our total net liabilities held in foreign currencies was non-monetary items which do not require revaluation at each reporting date. We look to manage our foreign currency exposure through the use of currency derivatives as well as matching of our major foreign denominated assets and liabilities. However, there is no guarantee that we will effectively mitigate our exposure to foreign exchange losses. Please refer to Part II, Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for further discussion of foreign currency risk.

Risks Related to Acquisitions and New Ventures

Any future acquisitions or new ventures may expose us to operational risks.

We may in the future make strategic acquisitions, either of other companies or selected books of business, or grow our business organically. Any future acquisitions or new ventures may expose us to operational challenges and risks, including:

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integrating financial and operational reporting systems;

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establishing satisfactory budgetary and other financial controls;

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funding increased capital needs and overhead expenses;

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obtaining management personnel required for expanded operations;

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funding cash flow shortages that may occur if anticipated sales and revenues are not realized or are delayed, whether by general economic or market conditions or unforeseen internal difficulties;

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the value of assets related to acquisitions or new ventures may be lower than expected or may diminish due to credit defaults or changes in interest rates and liabilities assumed may be greater than expected;

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the assets and liabilities related to acquisitions or new ventures may be subject to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation; and

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financial exposures in the event that the sellers of the entities we acquire are unable or unwilling to meet their indemnification, reinsurance and other obligations to us.

Our failure to manage successfully these operational challenges and risks may adversely impact our results of operations.

Risks Relating to Lloyd’s and Other U.K. Regulatory Matters

The regulation of Lloyd’s members and of Lloyd’s by the U.K. Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) and under European Directives and other local laws may result in intervention that could have a significant negative impact on Talbot.

Talbot operates in a regulated jurisdiction. Its underwriting activities are regulated by the FSA and franchised by Lloyd’s. The FSA has substantial powers of intervention in relation to the Lloyd’s managing agents (such as Talbot Underwriting Ltd.) which it regulates, including the power to remove their authorization to manage Lloyd’s syndicates. In addition, the Lloyd’s Franchise Board requires annual approval of Syndicate 1183’s business plan, including a maximum underwriting capacity, and may require changes to any business plan presented to it or additional capital to be provided to support underwriting (known as Funds at Lloyd’s or “FAL”). An adverse determination in any of these cases could lead to a change in business strategy which may have an adverse effect on Talbot’s financial condition and operating results.

An EU directive covering the capital adequacy, risk management and regulatory reporting for insurers, known as Solvency II was adopted by the European Parliament in April 2009. The proposed Solvency II insurance directive is currently expected to come into force on January 1, 2013. Insurers and reinsurers are undertaking a significant amount of work to ensure that they meet the new requirements and this may divert resources from other operational roles. Final Solvency II guidelines have been published and the Company and Talbot’s implementation plans are well underway. There can be no assurance that future legislation will not have an adverse effect on Talbot or the Company.

Additionally, Lloyd’s worldwide insurance and reinsurance business is subject to local regulation. Changes in such regulation may have an adverse effect on Lloyd’s generally and on Talbot.

The future structure of U.K. financial regulation

The U.K. Government has set out proposals to replace the current system of financial regulation, which it believes has weaknesses, with a new regulatory framework. The key weakness it identified was that no single institution has the responsibility, authority and tools to monitor the financial system as a whole, and respond accordingly. That power will be given to the Bank of England. The Government will create a new Financial Policy Committee (FPC) within the Bank, which will look at the wider economic and financial risks to the stability of the system.

In addition, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) will cease to exist in its current form, and the Government will create two new focused financial regulators:

• A new Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of financial institutions that are subject to significant prudential regulation. It will adopt a more judgment-focused approach to regulation so that business models can be challenged, risks identified and action taken to preserve financial stability.

• An independent consumer protection and markets authority (CPMA) will take a tough approach to regulating how firms conduct their business. It will have a strong mandate for promoting confidence and transparency in financial services and to give greater protection for consumers of financial services.

The consultation on the proposed reforms closed in October 2010 and the Government will present more detailed policy and legislative proposals for further consultation early in 2011. The Government intends to introduce legislation to implement its proposals in mid-2011 and the passage of legislation is expected to take approximately one year. The new regulatory framework is anticipated to be in place by the end of 2012.

Lloyd’s is keeping abreast of these developments and lobbying on behalf of the market when necessary. It is likely that Lloyd’s itself and managing agency businesses will come under the day-to-day supervision of the PRA in due course. We are unable to determine the impact, if any, the change in U.K. financial regulation will have on Talbot’s financial condition and results of operations.

Should Lloyd’s Council decide additional levies are required to support the central fund, this could adversely affect Talbot.

The central fund, which is funded by annual contributions and loans from Lloyd’s members, acts as a policyholders’ protection fund to make payments where any Lloyd’s member has failed to pay, or is unable to pay, valid claims. The Lloyd’s Council may resolve to make payments from the central fund for the advancement and protection of policyholders, which could lead to additional or special contributions being payable by Lloyd’s members, including Talbot. This, in turn, could adversely affect Talbot and the Company

Lloyd’s 1992 and prior liabilities.

Lloyd’s currently has a number of contingent liabilities in respect of risks under certain policies allocated to 1992 or prior years of account.

Notwithstanding the “firebreak” introduced when Lloyd’s implemented the Reconstruction and Renewal Plan in 1996 and the phase II completion which was effective June 30, 2009 which, as a result Equitas and relevant policyholders now benefit from $7.0 billion of reinsurance cover provided under this arrangement Lloyd’s members, including Talbot subsidiaries, remain indirectly exposed in a number of ways to 1992 and prior business then reinsured by Equitas, including through the application of overseas deposits and the central fund.

The statutory transfer of 1992 and prior non-life business from Names to Equitas Insurance Limited, relieved the members and former members concerned from those liabilities under U.K. law and the law of every other state within the EEA, however, if the limit of retrocessional cover from National Indemnity Company in respect of that business proves to be insufficient and as a consequence Equitas is unable to pay the 1992 and prior liabilities in full, Lloyd’s will be liable to meet any shortfall arising in respect of certain policies. The central fund, which Lloyd’s can replenish, subject to its Bye-laws, by issuing calls on current underwriting members of Lloyd’s (which will include Talbot subsidiaries), may be applied for these purposes. Lloyd’s also has contingent liabilities under indemnities in respect of claims against certain persons.

The failure of Lloyd’s to satisfy the FSA’s annual solvency test could result in limitations on managing agents’ ability, including Talbot’s ability to underwrite or to commence legal proceedings against Lloyd’s.

The FSA requires Lloyd’s to satisfy an annual solvency test. The solvency requirement in essence measures whether Lloyd’s has sufficient assets in the aggregate to meet all outstanding liabilities of its members, both current and in run-off. If Lloyd’s fails to satisfy the test in any year, the FSA may require Lloyd’s to cease trading and/or its members to cease or reduce underwriting. In the event of Lloyd’s failing to meet any solvency requirement, either the Society of Lloyd’s or the FSA may apply to the court for a Lloyd’s Market Reorganisation Order (“LMRO”). On the making of an order a “reorganisation controller” is appointed, and for its duration, a moratorium is imposed preventing any proceedings or legal process from being commenced or continued against any party that is the subject of such an order, which, if made, would apply to the market as a whole, including members, former members, managing agents, members’ agents, Lloyd’s brokers, approved run-off companies and managing general agents unless individual parties are specifically excluded.

A downgrade in Lloyd’s ratings would have an adverse effect on Syndicate 1183’s standing among brokers and customers and cause its premiums and earnings to decrease.

The ability of Lloyd’s syndicates to trade in certain classes of business at current levels is dependent on the maintenance of a satisfactory credit rating issued by an accredited rating agency. The financial security of the Lloyd’s market is regularly assessed by three independent rating agencies, A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. Syndicate 1183 benefits from Lloyd’s current ratings and would be adversely affected if the current ratings were downgraded from their present levels.

An increase in the charges paid by Talbot to participate in the Lloyd’s market could adversely affect Talbot’s financial and operating results.

Lloyd’s imposes a number of charges on businesses operating in the Lloyd’s market, including, for example, annual subscriptions and central fund contributions for members and policy signing charges. The basis and amounts of charges may be varied by Lloyd’s and could adversely affect Talbot and the Company.

An increase in the level or type of deposits required by U.S. Situs Trust Deeds to be maintained by Lloyd’s syndicates could result in Syndicate 1183 being required to make a cash call which could adversely affect Talbot’s financial performance.

The U.S. Situs Trust Deeds require syndicates transacting certain types of business in the United States to maintain minimum deposits as protection for U.S. policyholders. These deposits represent the syndicates’ estimates of unpaid claims liabilities (less premiums receivable) relating to this business, adjusted for provisions for potential bad debt on premiums earned but not received and for any anticipated profit on unearned premiums. No credit is generally allowed for potential reinsurance recoveries. The New York Insurance Department and the U.S. National Association of Insurance Commissioners currently require funding of 30% of gross liabilities in relation to insurance business classified as “Surplus Lines.” The “Credit for Reinsurance” trust fund is usually required to be funded at 100% of gross liabilities. The funds contained within the deposits are not ordinarily available to meet trading expenses. U.S. regulators may increase the level of funding required or change the requirements as to the nature of funding. Accordingly, in the event of a major claim arising in the United States, for example from a major catastrophe, syndicates participating in such U.S. business may be required to make cash calls on their members to meet claims payments and deposit funding obligations. This could adversely affect Talbot.

Risks Related to Taxation

We may be subject to U.S. tax.

We are organized under the laws of Bermuda and presently intend to structure our activities to minimize the risk that we would be considered engaged in a U.S. trade or business. No definitive standards, however, are provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury regulations or court decisions regarding activities that constitute the conduct of a U.S. trade or business. Because that determination is essentially factual, we cannot assure that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will not contend that we are engaged in a U.S. trade or business. If we were found to be so engaged, we would be subject to U.S. corporate income and branch profits tax on our earnings that are effectively connected to such U.S. trade or business.

If Validus Re is entitled to the benefits of the income tax treaty between the U.S. and Bermuda (the “Bermuda Treaty”), it would not be subject to U.S. income tax on any income protected by the Bermuda Treaty unless that income is attributable to a permanent establishment in the U.S. The Bermuda Treaty clearly applies to premium income, but may be construed as not protecting other income such as investment income. If Validus Re were found to be engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. and were entitled to the benefits of the Bermuda Treaty in general, but the Bermuda Treaty was found not to protect investment income, a portion of Validus Re’s investment income could be subject to U.S. tax.

U.S. persons who hold common shares may be subject to U.S. income taxation at ordinary income rates on our undistributed earnings and profits.

Controlled Foreign Corporation Status: The Company should not be a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) because its organizational documents provide that if the common shares owned, directly, indirectly or by attribution, by any person would otherwise represent more than 9.09% of the aggregate voting power of all the Company’s common shares, the voting rights attached to those common shares will be reduced so that such person may not exercise and is not attributed more than 9.09% of the total voting power of the common shares. We cannot assure, however, that the provisions of the Organizational Documents will operate as intended and that the Company will not be considered a CFC. If the Company were considered a CFC, any shareholder that is a U.S. person that owns directly, indirectly or by attribution, 10% or more of the voting power of the Company may be subject to current U.S. income taxation at ordinary income tax rates on all or a portion of the Company’s undistributed earnings and profits attributable to Validus Re’s insurance and reinsurance income, including underwriting and investment income. Any gain realized on sale of common shares by such shareholder may also be taxed as a dividend to the extent of the Company’s earnings and profits attributed to such shares during the period that the shareholder held the shares and while the Company was a CFC (with certain adjustments).

Related Person Insurance Income: If the related person insurance income (“RPII”) of any of the Company’s non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries were to equal or exceed 20% of that subsidiary’s gross insurance income in any taxable year, and U.S. persons were treated as owning 25% or more of the subsidiary’s stock, by vote or value, a U.S. person who directly or indirectly owns any common shares on the last day of such taxable year on which the 25% threshold is met would be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes that person’s ratable share of that subsidiary’s RPII for the taxable year. The amount to be included in income is determined as if the RPII were distributed proportionately to U.S. shareholders on that date, regardless of whether that income is distributed. The amount of RPII to be included in income is limited by such shareholder’s share of the subsidiary’s current-year earnings and profits, and possibly reduced by the shareholder’s share of prior year deficits in earnings and profits. The amount of RPII earned by a subsidiary will depend on several factors, including the identity of persons directly or indirectly insured or reinsured by that subsidiary. Although we do not believe that the 20% threshold will be met for our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries, some of the factors that might affect that determination in any period may be beyond our control. Consequently, we cannot assure that we will not exceed the RPII threshold in any taxable year.

If a U.S. person disposes of shares in a non-U.S. insurance corporation that had RPII (even if the 20% threshold was not met) and the 25% threshold is met at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of disposition, and the U.S. person owned any shares at such time, any gain from the disposition will generally be treated as a dividend to the extent of the holder’s share of the corporation’s undistributed earnings and profits that were accumulated during the period that the holder owned the shares (possibly whether or not those earnings and profits are attributable to RPII). In addition, the shareholder will be required to comply with specified reporting requirements, regardless of the amount of shares owned. We believe that those rules should not apply to a disposition of common shares because the Company is not itself directly engaged in the insurance business. We cannot assure, however, that the IRS will not successfully assert that those rules apply to a disposition of common shares.

U.S. persons who hold common shares will be subject to adverse tax consequences if the Company is considered a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If the Company is considered a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder who owns common shares will be subject to adverse tax consequences, including a greater tax liability than might otherwise apply and an interest charge on certain taxes that are deferred as a result of the Company’s non-U.S. status. We currently do not expect that the Company will be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the current taxable year or the foreseeable future because, through Validus Re, Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd. and Talbot Underwriting Ltd., it intends to be predominantly engaged in the active conduct of a global insurance and reinsurance business. We cannot assure you, however, that the Company will not be deemed to be a PFIC by the IRS. No regulations currently exist regarding the application of the PFIC provisions to an insurance company.

Changes in U.S. tax laws may be retroactive and could subject a U.S. holder of common shares to other adverse tax consequences.

The tax treatment of non-U.S. companies and their U.S. and non-U.S. insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries has been the subject of Congressional discussion and legislative proposals in the U.S. We cannot assure that future legislative action will not increase the amount of U.S. tax payable by us.

In addition, the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations, including those regarding whether a company is engaged in a U.S. trade or business or is a PFIC, or whether U.S. holders would be required to include “subpart F income” or RPII in their gross income, are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. No regulations regarding the application of the PFIC rules to insurance companies are currently in effect, and the regulations regarding RPII are still in proposed form. New regulations or pronouncements interpreting or clarifying such rules may be forthcoming. We cannot be certain if, when, or in what form, such regulations or pronouncements may be provided, and whether such guidance will have a retroactive effect.

The Obama administration’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012 could subject a U.S. holder of our common shares to adverse tax consequences.

Under current U.S. law, non-corporate U.S. holders of our common shares generally are taxed on dividends at a capital gains tax rate of 15% rather than ordinary income tax rates. The Obama administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2012 contains a proposal that would extend the current 0% and 15% tax rates for qualified dividends and long-term net capital gains permanently for middleclass taxpayers. The proposal would apply a 20% rate on qualified dividends that would otherwise be taxed at a 36% or 39.6% income tax rate. This is the same rate as will apply to net long-term capital gains for upper-income taxpayers under current law after 2012. This proposal would be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. If this proposal becomes law, certain individual U.S. shareholders would no longer benefit from the current tax rate of 15% on dividend paid by us.

The Obama administration’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012 could disallow a deduction for premiums paid for reinsurance.

Insurance companies are generally allowed a deduction for premiums paid for reinsurance. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2012 contains a proposal that would deny U.S. (re)insurance companies a deduction for certain reinsurance premiums paid to affiliated foreign reinsurance companies with respect to U.S. risks insured or reinsured by the U.S. company or its U.S. affiliates. The U.S. (re)insurance company would not be allowed a deduction to the extent that the foreign reinsurers are not subject to U.S. income tax with respect to premiums received. Furthermore, the U.S. (re)insurance company would exclude both ceding commissions and any related reinsurance recoveries from income. The current proposal would only apply to policies issued in tax years beginning after December 31, 2011. Based on information currently available to us, it is uncertain whether this legislation will adversely impact us.

We may become subject to taxes in Bermuda after March 28, 2016, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Under current Bermuda law, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains. We have received from the Minister of Finance under The Exempted Undertaking Tax Protection Act 1966, as amended, an assurance that, in the event that Bermuda enacts legislation imposing tax computed on profits, income, any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance, then the imposition of any such tax shall not be applicable to us or to any of our operations or shares, debentures or other obligations, until March 28, 2016. We could be subject to taxes in Bermuda after that date. This assurance is subject to the proviso that it is not to be construed to prevent the application of any tax or duty to such persons as are ordinarily resident in Bermuda or to prevent the application of any tax payable in accordance with the provisions of the Land Tax Act 1967 or otherwise payable in relation to any property leased to us. We and Validus Re each pay annual Bermuda government fees; Validus Re pays annual insurance license fees. In addition, all entities employing individuals in Bermuda are required to pay a payroll tax and there are other sundry taxes payable, directly or indirectly, to the Bermuda government. During the 2010 Speech From the Throne, the Bermuda government noted that they would bring a bill to extend the tax protection regime to 2035.

Our non-U.K. companies may be subject to U.K. tax.

We intend to operate in such a manner that none of our non-U.K. companies would be resident in the U.K. for tax purposes. A company incorporated outside the U.K. will be resident in the U.K. if its business is centrally managed and controlled from the U.K.. Because the concept of central management and control is not defined in statute but derives from case law and the determination of residence is subjective, the U.K. Inland Revenue might contend successfully that one or more of our companies is resident in the U.K..

Furthermore, we intend to operate in such a manner that none of our non-U.K. companies carry on a trade wholly or partly in the U.K.. Case law has held that whether or not a trade is being carried on is a matter of fact and emphasis is placed on where operations take place from which the profits in substance arise. This judgment is subjective, U.K. Inland Revenue might contend successfully that one or more of our non-U.K. companies, is conducting business in the U.K. Some of our companies will benefit from treaty protection. In those situations, a taxable presence is only created when the non-U.K. company trades in the U.K. through a permanent establishment.

On July 1, 2010, the U.K. government published the Finance Bill 2010 (effective April 1, 2011), which reduced the U.K. corporate income tax rate from 28% to 27%. In addition, the government also announced its intent to continue reducing the corporate income tax rate from 27% to 24%, through a series of future legislative enactments. The effect of a change in an enacted tax law should be recognized through an adjustment to income from continuing operations in the period that legislation is enacted.

Risks Related to Laws and Regulations Applicable to Us

If we become subject to insurance statutes and regulations in addition to the statutes and regulations that currently apply to us, there could be a significant and negative impact on our business.

We currently conduct our business in a manner such that we expect the Company will not be subject to insurance and/or reinsurance licensing requirements or regulations in any jurisdiction other than Bermuda, in limited circumstances, the United States, and, with respect to Talbot, the U.K. and jurisdictions to which Lloyds is subject. See “Business —Regulation —United States and Bermuda.” Although we do not currently intend to engage in activities which would require us to comply with insurance and reinsurance licensing requirements of other jurisdictions, should we choose to engage in activities that would require us to become licensed in such jurisdictions, we cannot assure that we will be able to do so or to do so in a timely manner. Furthermore, the laws and regulations applicable to direct insurers could indirectly affect us, such as collateral requirements in various U.S. states to enable such insurers to receive credit for reinsurance ceded to us.

The insurance and reinsurance regulatory framework of Bermuda and the insurance of U.S. risk by companies based in Bermuda that are not licensed or authorized in the U.S. have recently become subject to increased scrutiny in many jurisdictions, including the United States. In the past, there have been U.S. Congressional and other initiatives in the United States regarding increased supervision and regulation of the insurance industry, including proposals to supervise and regulate offshore reinsurers. Government regulators are generally concerned with the protection of policyholders rather than other constituencies, such as our shareholders. We are not able to predict the future impact on our operations of changes in the laws and regulations to which we are or may become subject.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Shares

Because we are a holding company and substantially all of our operations are conducted by our main operating subsidiaries, Validus Re and Talbot, our ability to meet any ongoing cash requirements and to pay dividends will depend on our ability to obtain cash dividends or other cash payments or obtain loans from Validus Re and Talbot.

We conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. Our ability to meet our ongoing cash requirements, including any debt service payments or other expenses, and pay dividends on our common shares in the future, will depend on our ability to obtain cash dividends or other cash payments or obtain loans from these subsidiaries and as a result will depend on the financial condition of these subsidiaries. The inability of these subsidiaries to pay dividends in an amount sufficient to enable us to meet our cash requirements could have a material adverse effect on us and the value of our common shares. Each of these subsidiaries is a separate and

distinct legal entity that has no obligation to pay any dividends or to lend or advance us funds and may be restricted from doing so by contract, including other financing arrangements, charter provisions or applicable legal and regulatory requirements or rating agency constraints. The payment of dividends by these subsidiaries to us is limited under Bermuda law and regulations. The Insurance Act provides that our Bermuda subsidiaries may not declare or pay in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its statutory balance sheet in relation to the previous financial year) unless it files an affidavit with the BMA at least seven days prior to the payment signed by at least two directors and such subsidiary’s principal representative, stating that in their opinion such subsidiaries will continue to satisfy the required margins following declaration of those dividends, though there is no additional requirement for BMA approval. In addition, before reducing its total statutory capital by 15% or more (as set out in its previous years’ statutory financial statements) each of these subsidiaries must make application to the BMA for permission to do so, such application to consist of an affidavit signed by at least two directors and such subsidiary’s principal representative stating that in their opinion the proposed reduction in capital will not cause such subsidiaries to fail to meet its relevant margins, and such other information as the BMA may require. At December 31, 2010, the excesses of statutory capital and surplus above minimum solvency margins for Validus Re and Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd., a Talbot subsidiary, were $4,345.3 million and $417.4 million, respectively. These amounts are available for distribution as dividend payments to the Company, subject to approval of the BMA. The BMA’s approval is required for distributions greater than 25% of total statutory capital and surplus.

The timing and amount of any cash dividends on our common shares are at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations and cash flows, our financial position and capital requirements, general business conditions, legal, tax, regulatory, rating agency and contractual constraints or restrictions and any other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, the indenture governing our Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures would restrict us from declaring or paying dividends on our common shares if we are downgraded by A.M. Best to a financial strength rating of “B” (Fair) or below or if A.M. Best withdraws its financial strength rating on any of our material insurance subsidiaries.

Future sales of our common shares and grants of restricted shares may affect the market price of our common shares and the future exercise of options and warrants may result in immediate and substantial dilution of the common shares.

As of February 16, 2011 (but without giving effect to unvested restricted shares), we had 97,944,724 common shares outstanding and 7,934,860 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants. Approximately 31,279,146 of these outstanding shares were subject to the volume limitations and other conditions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the “Securities Act.” Furthermore, certain of our sponsoring shareholders and their transferees have the right to require us to register these common shares under the Securities Act for sale to the public, either in an independent offering pursuant to a demand registration or in conjunction with a public offering, subject to a “lock-up” agreement of no more than 90 days. Following any registration of this type, the common shares to which the registration relates will be freely transferable. In addition, we have filed one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register common shares issued or reserved for issuance under our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The number of common shares that have been reserved for issuance under the Plan is equal to 13,126,896 of which 7,595,957 shares remain outstanding as of December 31, 2010. We cannot predict what effect, if any, future sales of our common shares, or the availability of common shares for future sale, will have on the market price of our common shares. Sales of substantial amounts of our common shares in the public market, or the perception that sales of this type could occur, could depress the market price of our common shares and may make it more difficult for our shareholders to sell their common shares at a time and price that they deem appropriate.

Our Bye-laws authorize our Board of Directors to issue one or more series of common shares and preferred shares without stockholder approval. Specifically, we have an authorized share capital of 571,428,571 shares ($0.175 par value per share), which can consist of common shares and/or preference shares, as determined by our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has the right to issue the remaining shares without obtaining any approval from our stockholders and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or designation of such series. Any issuance of our preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common shares and could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or

preventing the payment of any dividends (including any liquidating dividends) and any change in control of us. If a significant number of either common or preferred shares are issued, it may cause the market price of our common shares to decline.

Our classified board structure may prevent a change in our control.

Our board of directors is divided into three classes of directors. Each year one class of directors is elected by the shareholders for a three year term. The staggered terms of our directors may reduce the possibility of a tender offer or an attempt at a change in control, even though a tender offer or change in control might be in the best interest of our shareholders.

There are provisions in our Bye-laws that reduce the voting rights of voting common shares that are held by a person or group to the extent that such person or group holds more than 9.09% of the aggregate voting power of all common shares entitled to vote on a matter.

In general, and except as provided below, shareholders have one vote for each voting common share held by them and are entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders. However, if, and for so long as, the common shares of a shareholder, including any votes conferred by “controlled shares” (as defined below), would otherwise represent more than 9.09% of the aggregate voting power of all common shares entitled to vote on a matter, including an election of directors, the votes conferred by such shares will be reduced by whatever amount is necessary such that, after giving effect to any such reduction (and any other reductions in voting power required by our Bye-laws), the votes conferred by such shares represent 9.09% of the aggregate voting power of all common shares entitled to vote on such matter. “Controlled shares” include, among other things, all shares that a person is deemed to own directly, indirectly or constructively (within the meaning of Section 958 of the Code, or Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). At December 31, 2010, there were 85,964,077 voting common shares, of which 7,814,135 voting common shares would confer votes that represent 9.09% of the aggregate voting power of all common shares entitled to vote generally at an election of directors. An investor who does not hold, and is not deemed under the provisions of our Bye-laws to own, any of our common shares may therefore purchase up to such amount without being subject to voting cutback provisions in our Bye-laws.

In addition, we have the authority under our Bye-laws to request information from any shareholder for the purpose of determining ownership of controlled shares by such shareholder.

There are regulatory limitations on the ownership and transfer of our common shares which could result in the delay or denial of any transfers shareholders might seek to make.

The BMA must approve all issuances and transfers of securities of a Bermuda exempt company. We have received permission from the BMA to issue our common shares, and for the free transferability of our common shares as long as the common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange or other appointed exchange, to and among persons who are residents and non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes. Any other transfers remain subject to approval by the BMA and such approval may be denied or delayed.

A shareholder of our company may have greater difficulties in protecting its interests than as a shareholder of a U.S. corporation.

The Companies Act 1981 (the “Companies Act”), which applies to us, differs in material respects from laws generally applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. Taken together with the provisions of our Bye-laws, some of these differences may result in a shareholder having greater difficulties in protecting its interests as a shareholder of our company than it would have as a shareholder of a U.S. corporation. This affects, among other things, the circumstances under which transactions involving an interested director are voidable, whether an interested director can be held accountable for any benefit realized in a transaction with our company, what approvals are required for business combinations by our company with a large shareholder or a wholly owned subsidiary, what rights a shareholder may have as a shareholder to enforce specified provisions of the Companies Act or our Bye-laws, and the circumstances under which we may indemnify our directors and officers.

We are a Bermuda company and it may be difficult for our shareholders to enforce judgments against us or against our directors and executive officers.

We were incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and our business is based in Bermuda. In addition, certain of our directors and officers reside outside the United States, and a portion of our assets and the assets of such persons may be located in jurisdictions outside the United States. As such, it may be difficult or impossible to effect service of process within the United States upon us or those persons, or to recover against us or them on judgments of U.S. courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. Further, no claim may be brought in Bermuda against us or our directors and officers in the first instance for violation of U.S. federal securities laws because these laws have no extraterritorial application under Bermuda law and do not have force of law in Bermuda; however, a Bermuda court may impose civil liability, including the possibility of monetary damages, on us or our directors and officers if the facts alleged in a complaint constitute or give rise to a cause of action under Bermuda law. Currently, of our executive officers, Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino, C. Jerome Dill and Conan Ward reside in Bermuda, Edward Noonan and Stuart Mercer maintain residences in both Bermuda and the United States and Rupert Atkin, Michael Carpenter and Julian Ross reside in the United Kingdom. Of our directors, Edward Noonan maintains residences in both Bermuda and the United States, Jean-Marie Nessi resides in France and the remainder reside in the United States.

We have been advised by Bermuda counsel, that there is doubt as to whether the courts of Bermuda would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us or our directors and officers, as well as the experts named herein, predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws, or original actions brought in Bermuda against us or such persons predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws. Further, we have been advised by Bermuda counsel that there is no treaty in effect between the United States and Bermuda providing for the enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts in civil and commercial matters, and there are grounds upon which Bermuda courts may decline to enforce the judgments of U.S. courts. Some remedies available under the laws of U.S. jurisdictions, including some remedies available under the U.S. federal securities laws, may not be allowed in Bermuda courts as contrary to public policy in Bermuda. Because judgments of U.S. courts are not automatically enforceable in Bermuda, it may be difficult for our shareholders to recover against us based upon such judgments.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

The Company does not own any real property. The Company and its subsidiaries currently occupy office space as described below. We believe our current facilities and the leaseholds with respect thereto are sufficient for us to conduct our operations.


Legal entity	Location	Expiration date
Validus Holdings, Ltd.	Pembroke, Bermuda	August 31, 2011
Validus Re	Hamilton, Bermuda	August 31, 2011
Validus Re	Hamburg, Germany	July 1, 2011
Validus Research Inc.	Waterloo, Canada	March 31, 2015
Validus Reaseguros, Inc.	Miami, Florida, USA	April 1, 2018
Validus Services, Inc.	New York, New York, USA	November 8, 2015
Underwriting Risk Services, Inc.	New York, New York, USA	November 8, 2015
Talbot	London, England	June 22, 2019
Validus Reinsurance, Ltd.	Republic of Singapore	December 14, 2011
Talbot	Republic of Singapore	December 14, 2011
Underwriting Services (Middle East) Ltd.	Dubai, United Arab Emirates	July 31, 2012
Validus Re Chile S.A.	Santiago, Chile	May 1, 2014

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, we are subject to litigation and arbitration in the ordinary course of business.

Executive Officers of the Company

The following table provides information regarding our executive officers and key employees as of February 18, 2011:


Name	Age		Position
Edward J. Noonan		52	Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Validus Group

Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino		44	President and Chief Financial Officer

C.N. Rupert Atkin		52	Chief Executive Officer of the Talbot Group

Michael E.A. Carpenter		61	Chairman of the Talbot Group

C. Jerome Dill		50	Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Stuart W. Mercer		51	Executive Vice President

Jonathan P. Ritz		43	Executive Vice President, Business Operations

Julian G. Ross		45	Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

Conan M. Ward		43	Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Validus Reinsurance Group

Edward J. Noonan has been chairman of our Board and the chief executive officer of the Company since its formation. Mr. Noonan has 30 years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry, serving most recently as the acting chief executive officer of United America Indemnity Ltd. (Nasdaq: INDM) from February 2005 through October 2005 and as a member of the Board of Directors from December 2003 to May 2007. Mr. Noonan served as president and chief executive officer of American Re-Insurance Company from 1997 to 2002, having joined American Re in 1983. Mr. Noonan also served as chairman of Inter-Ocean Reinsurance Holdings of Hamilton, Bermuda from 1997 to 2002. Mr. Noonan is also a director of Central Mutual Insurance Company and All American Insurance Company, both of which are property and casualty companies based in Ohio.

Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino was appointed President of the Company on November 15, 2010 and continues to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, a position that he has held since March 2006. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Consolino served as a managing director in Merrill Lynch’s investment banking division. He serves as a Director of National Interstate Corporation, a property and casualty company based in Ohio and of AmWINS Group, Inc., a wholesale insurance broker based in North Carolina.

C. N. Rupert Atkin began his career at the Alexander Howden Group in 1980 before moving to Catlin Underwriting Agencies in 1984. After six years at Catlin he left to join Talbot, then Venton Underwriting Ltd, heading up the marine classes of business within Syndicate 376. In 1995 Syndicate 1183 was constituted with Mr. Atkin as the Active Underwriter. In 2000 Syndicate 1183 was merged back into Syndicate 376. The syndicate was

reconstituted once again following the management led buyout of the Talbot group in November 2001. Following the sale of Talbot to Validus in the summer of 2007 Mr. Atkin was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Talbot. Mr. Atkin is also a director of 1384 Capital Ltd, a company incorporated in England & Wales and supporting the underwriting of the Talbot Group’s syndicate for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 years of account. Mr. Atkin was appointed to the Council of Lloyd’s in 2007.

Michael E. A. Carpenter joined Talbot in June 2001 as the chief executive officer. Following the sale of Talbot to Validus in the summer of 2007 Mr. Carpenter was appointed as Chairman. Mr. Carpenter is also a director of 1384 Capital Ltd, a company incorporated in England & Wales and supporting the underwriting of the Talbot Group’s syndicate for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 years of account.

C. Jerome Dill has been executive vice president and general counsel of the Company since April 1, 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Dill was a partner with the law firm of Appleby Hunter Bailhache, which he joined in 1986. Mr. Dill serves on the Board of Directors of Bermuda Commercial Bank.

Stuart W. Mercer has been executive vice president of the Company since its formation. Mr. Mercer has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry focusing on structured derivatives, energy finance and reinsurance. Previously, Mr. Mercer was a senior advisor to DTE Energy Trading.

Jonathan P. Ritz serves as Executive Vice President, Business Operations of the Company. Mr. Ritz has over 20 years of experience in the (re)insurance and brokerage industries. Most recently, Mr. Ritz served as chief operating officer of IFG Companies – Burlington Insurance Group. Prior to IFG, Mr. Ritz served as chief operating officer of the specialty lines division of ICAT Holdings LLC. From 2007 to 2008, Mr. Ritz was a managing director at Guy Carpenter and from 1997 to 2007 he held various positions with United America Insurance Group including chief operating officer and senior vice president of ceded reinsurance.

Julian G. Ross has been the chief risk officer of the Company since January 2010. Mr. Ross joined the Talbot group in June 1997 as the Group Actuary. He qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in 1993 having graduated from Merton College, Oxford, with a MA (Oxon) in mathematics in 1998. At Talbot, Julian has responsibility to the Board for the Risk team, which includes risk management, exposure management and capital modeling. Outside of Talbot, Julian was the Chairman of the Lloyd’s Market Association Committee of Actuaries in the Lloyd’s Market for 2006/2007, having previously been the Deputy Chairman for 2005/2006, and before that a member since 1997. He was also a member of the Lloyd’s Market Association Finance Committee for 2006/2007.

Conan M. Ward has been chief executive officer of Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. since July of 2009. Prior to that time, Mr. Ward served as executive vice president and chief underwriting officer of the Company since January 2006. Mr. Ward has over 16 years of insurance industry experience. Mr. Ward was executive vice president of the Global Reinsurance division of Axis Capital Holdings, Ltd. from November 2001 until November 2005, where he oversaw the division’s worldwide property catastrophe, property per risk, property pro rata portfolios. He is one of the founders of Axis Specialty, Ltd and was a member of the operating board and senior management committee of Axis Capital. From July 2000 to November 2001, Mr. Ward was a senior vice president at Guy Carpenter & Co.

PART II

All amounts presented in this part are in U.S. dollars except as otherwise noted.


Item 5.		Market for Registrants, Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s common shares, $0.175 par value per share, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VR.”

The following tables sets forth the high and low sales prices per share, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape, of the Company’s common shares per fiscal quarter for the two most recent fiscal years.


	High		Low
2010:
1st Quarter	$	27.99	$	25.64
2nd Quarter	$	27.42	$	23.14
3rd Quarter	$	26.78	$	24.45
4th Quarter	$	30.66	$	26.64


	High		Low
2009:
1st Quarter	$	26.30	$	21.25
2nd Quarter	$	24.55	$	20.93
3rd Quarter	$	25.94	$	21.17
4th Quarter	$	27.24	$	24.81

There were approximately 70 record holders of our common shares as of December 31, 2010. This figure does not represent the actual number of beneficial owners of our common shares because such shares are frequently held in “street name” by securities dealers and others for the benefit of individual owners who may vote the shares.

Performance Graph

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return, assuming the reinvestment of dividends, over the period from the Company’s IPO on July 25, 2007, through December 31, 2010 as compared to the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Stock Index and the cumulative total return of an index of the Company’s peer group. The peer group index is comprised of the following companies*: Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG., Arch Capital Group Ltd., Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Axis Capital Holdings Limited, Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd., Everest Re Group, Ltd., Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings SA, Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd., PartnerRe Ltd., Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd., RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., and Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.

Dividend Policy

On February 9, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had increased the Company’s annual dividend by 13.6% from $0.88 to $1.00 per common share and per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable. The first quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent is payable on March 31, 2011 to holders of record on March 15, 2011.

On February 17, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had increased the Company’s annual dividend by 10% from $0.80 to $0.88 per common share and per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable. During 2010, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.22 per each common share and $0.22 per common share equivalent, for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 to holders of record on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, 2010, respectively. The timing and amount of any future cash dividends, however, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations and cash flows, our financial position and capital requirements, general business conditions, legal, tax, regulatory, rating agency and contractual constraints or restrictions and any other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant.

We are a holding company and have no direct operations. Our ability to pay dividends depends, in part, on the ability of Validus Re and Talbot to pay dividends to us. Each of the subsidiaries is subject to significant regulatory restrictions limiting its ability to declare and pay dividends. The Insurance Act provides that these subsidiaries may not declare or pay in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its statutory balance sheet in relation to the previous financial year) unless it files an affidavit with the BMA at least seven days prior to the payment signed by at least two directors and such subsidiary’s principal representative, stating that in their opinion such subsidiaries will continue to satisfy the required margins following declaration of those dividends, though there is no additional requirement for BMA approval. In addition, before reducing its total statutory capital by 15% or more (as set out in its previous years’ statutory financial statements) each of these subsidiaries must make application to the BMA for permission to do so, such application to consist of an affidavit signed by at least two directors and such subsidiary’s principal representative stating that in their

opinion the proposed reduction in capital will not cause such subsidiary to fail to meet its relevant margins, and such other information as the BMA may require. At December 31, 2010, the excesses of statutory capital and surplus above minimum solvency margins for Validus Re and Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd., a Talbot subsidiary, were $4,345.3 million and $417.4 million, respectively. These amounts are available for distribution as dividend payments to the Company, subject to approval of the BMA. The BMA’s approval is required for distributions greater than 25% of total statutory capital and surplus.

Talbot manages Syndicate 1183 (the “Syndicate”) at Lloyd’s. Lloyd’s requires Talbot to hold cash and investments in trust for the benefit of policyholders either as Syndicate trust funds or as Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”). Talbot may not distribute funds from the Syndicate into its corporate member’s trust accounts unless, firstly, they are represented by audited profits and, secondly, the Syndicate has adequate future cash flow to service its policyholders. Talbot’s corporate member may not distribute funds to Talbot’s unregulated bank or investment accounts unless they are represented by a surplus of cash and investments over the FAL requirement. Additionally, U.K. company law prohibits Talbot’s corporate name from declaring a dividend to the Company unless it has “profits available for distribution”. The determination of whether a company has profits available for distribution is based on its accumulated realized profits less its accumulated realized losses. While the U.K. insurance regulatory laws do not impose statutory restrictions on a corporate name’s ability to declare a dividend, the U.K. Financial Services Authority’s (“FSA”) rules require maintenance of each insurance company’s solvency margin within its jurisdiction.

In addition, the indenture governing our Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures would restrict us from declaring or paying dividends on our common shares if we are downgraded by A.M. Best to a financial strength rating of “B” (Fair) or below or if A.M. Best withdraws its financial strength rating on any of our material insurance subsidiaries. On September 9, 2009, A.M. Best affirmed our financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook. See “Business —Regulation —Bermuda,” “Risk Factors —Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Shares —Because we are a holding company and substantially all of our operations are conducted by our main operating subsidiaries, Validus Re and Talbot, our ability to meet any ongoing cash requirements and to pay dividends will depend on our ability to obtain cash dividends or other cash payments or obtain loans from Validus Re and Talbot,” “Risk Factors —Risks Related to Our Company —We depend on ratings by A.M. Best Company. Our financial strength rating could be revised downward, which could affect our standing among brokers and customers, cause our premiums and earnings to decrease and limit our ability to pay dividends on our common shares.”

Share Repurchase Program

In November 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an initial $400.0 million share repurchase program. On February 17, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to return up to $750.0 million to shareholders. This amount was in addition to, and in excess of, the $135.5 million of common shares purchased by the Company through February 17, 2010 under its previously authorized $400.0 million share repurchase program. On May 6, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a self tender offer pursuant to which the Company has repurchased $300.0 million in common shares. On November 4, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved share repurchase transactions aggregating $300.0 million. These repurchases were effected by a tender offer which the Company commenced on Monday November 8, 2010, for up to 7,945,400 of its common shares at a price of $30.00 per share. In addition, the Company entered into separate repurchase agreements with funds affiliated with or managed by each of Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, New Mountain Capital, LLC and Vestar Capital Partners to purchase 2,054,600 common shares in the aggregate at the same price per share as the tender offer, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $61.6 million, subject to completion of the tender offer. The tender offer and share repurchases were part of the Company’s ongoing program to return capital to shareholders through share repurchases or other means. As a result of these transactions, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 10.0 million common shares. This amount was in addition to the $929.2 million of common shares purchased by the Company through December 23, 2010 under its previously authorized share repurchase program. On December 20, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to return up to $400.0 million to shareholders.

The Company expects the purchases under its share repurchase program to be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing, form and amount of the share repurchases under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, the Company’s capital position relative to internal and rating agency targets, legal requirements and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.


	As at December 31,		Share Repurchase Activity by Quarter
Effect of share repurchases:	2009 (cumulative)		March 31, 2010		June 30, 2010		September 30, 2010		December 31, 2010
Aggregate purchase price (a)	$	84,243	$	128,278	$	316,084	$	62,443	$	350,122
Shares repurchased		3,156,871		4,826,600		12,615,123		2,471,673		11,766,618
Average price (a)	$	26.69	$	26.58	$	25.06	$	25.26	$	29.76
Estimated net accretive (dilutive) impact on:
Diluted BV per common share (b)			$	0.10	$	0.66	$	1.00	$	1.41
Diluted EPS — Quarter (c)			$	—	$	0.07	$	0.30	$	0.15


			Share Repurchase Activity Post Year End
	As at December 31,						As at February 9,		Cumulative to Date
Effect of share repurchases:	2010 (cumulative)		January 31, 2011		February 9, 2011		2011		Effect
Aggregate purchase price (a)	$	941,170	$	6,000	$	—	$	6,000	$	947,170
Shares repurchased		34,836,885		195,100		—		195,100		35,031,985
Average price (a)	$	27.02	$	30.75	$	—	$	30.75	$	27.04


(a)		Share transactions are on a trade date basis through February 9, 2011 and are inclusive of commissions. Average share price is rounded to two decimal places.

(b)		As the average price per share repurchased during the periods 2009 and 2010 was lower than the book value per common share, the repurchase of shares increased the ending book value per share.

(c)		The estimated impact on diluted earnings per share was calculated by comparing reported results versus i) net income per share plus an estimate of lost net investment income on the cumulative share repurchases divided by ii) weighted average diluted shares outstanding excluding the weighted average impact of cumulative share repurchases. The impact of cumulative share repurchases was accretive to diluted earnings per share.

Share repurchases includes repurchases by the Company of shares, from time to time, from employees in order to facilitate the payment of withholding taxes on restricted shares. We purchased these shares at their fair market value, as determined by reference to the closing price of our common shares on the day the restricted shares vested or the stock appreciation rights were exercised.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The summary consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009, December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and the summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009, December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The Company was formed on October 19, 2005 and completed the acquisitions of Talbot and IPC on July 2, 2007 and September 4, 2009, respectively. Talbot is included in the Company’s consolidated results only for the six months ended December 31, 2007 and subsequent fiscal year ends. Talbot is not included in consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2006. IPC is included in the Company’s consolidated results only for the four months ended December 31, 2009. IPC is not included in consolidated results for the years ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2008.

You should read the following summary consolidated financial information together with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere herein.


	Year Ended December 31,
	2010			2009			2008			2007			2006
	(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$	1,990,566		$	1,621,241		$	1,362,484		$	988,637		$	540,789
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(229,482	)		(232,883	)		(124,160	)		(70,210	)		(63,696	)

Net premiums written		1,761,084			1,388,358			1,238,324			918,427			477,093
Change in unearned premiums		39			61,219			18,194			(60,348	)		(170,579	)

Net premiums earned		1,761,123			1,449,577			1,256,518			858,079			306,514
Gain on bargain purchase, net of espenses(a)		—			287,099			—			—			—
Net investment income		134,103			118,773			139,528			112,324			58,021
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			4,444			8,752			—			—
Net realized (losses) gains on investments		32,498			(11,543	)		(1,591	)		1,608			(1,102	)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments(b)		45,952			84,796			(79,707	)		12,364			—
Other income		5,219			4,634			5,264			3,301			—
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		1,351			(674	)		(49,397	)		6,696			2,157


Total revenues		1,980,246			1,937,106			1,279,367			994,372			365,590

Expenses
Losses and loss expenses		987,586			523,757			772,154			283,993			91,323
Policy acquisition costs		292,899			262,966			234,951			134,277			36,072
General and administrative expenses(c)		209,290			185,568			123,948			100,765			38,354
Share compensation expenses		28,911			27,037			27,097			16,189			7,878
Finance expenses		55,870			44,130			57,318			51,754			8,789
Fair value of warrants issued		—			—			—			2,893			77


Total expenses		1,574,556			1,043,458			1,215,468			589,871			182,493


Net income (loss) before taxes		405,690			893,648			63,899			404,501			183,097
Tax benefit (expense)		(3,126	)		3,759			(10,788	)		(1,505	)		—


Net income (loss)		402,564			897,407			53,111			402,996			183,097


Comprehensive income

Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period(b)		—			—			—			—			(332	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(604	)		3,007			(7,809	)		(49	)		—
Adjustment for reclassification of gains (losses) realized in income		—			—			—			—			1,102


Comprehensive income (loss)	$	401,960		$	900,414		$	45,302		$	402,947		$	183,867


Earnings per share(d)

Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic		116,018,364			93,697,194			74,677,903			65,068,093			58,477,130
Diluted		120,630,945			97,168,409			75,819,413			67,786,673			58,874,567
Basic earnings per share	$	3.41		$	9.51		$	0.62		$	6.19		$	3.13

Diluted earnings per share	$	3.34		$	9.24		$	0.61		$	5.95		$	3.11

Cash dividends declared per share	$	0.88		$	0.80		$	0.80		$	—		$	—

Selected financial ratios
Losses and loss expenses (e)		56.1	%		36.1	%		61.5	%		33.1	%		29.8	%
Policy acquisition cost (f)		16.6	%		18.1	%		18.7	%		15.6	%		11.8	%
General and administrative expense (g)		13.5	%		14.7	%		12.0	%		13.3	%		15.1	%

Expense ratio(h)		30.1	%		32.8	%		30.7	%		28.9	%		26.9	%

Combined ratio(i)		86.2	%		68.9	%		92.2	%		62.0	%		56.7	%


Return on average equity(j)		10.8	%		31.8	%		2.7	%		26.9	%		17.0	%

The following table sets forth summarized balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006:


	As at December 31,
	2010		2009		2008		2007		2006
	(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Summary Balance Sheet Data:
Investments at fair value	$	5,118,859	$	5,388,759	$	2,831,537	$	2,662,021	$	1,376,387
Cash and cash equivalents		620,740		387,585		449,848		444,698		63,643
Total assets		7,060,878		7,019,140		4,322,480		4,144,224		1,646,423
Reserve for losses and loss expenses		2,035,973		1,622,134		1,305,303		926,117		77,363
Unearned premiums		728,516		724,104		539,450		557,344		178,824
Senior notes payable		246,874		—		—		—		—
Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		289,800		289,800		304,300		350,000		150,000
Total shareholders’ equity		3,504,831		4,031,120		1,978,734		1,934,800		1,192,523
Book value per common share(k)		35.76		31.38		25.64		26.08		20.39
Diluted book value per common share(l)		32.98		29.68		23.78		24.00		19.73


(a)		The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arises from the acquisition of IPC Holdings, Ltd. on September 4, 2009 and is net of transaction related expenses.

(b)		During the first quarter of 2007, the Company adopted authoritative guidance on “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” and “Financial Instruments” and elected the fair value option on all securities previously accounted for as available-for-sale. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2006 of $875,000, previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income, were treated as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of January 1, 2007. The cumulative-effect adjustment transferred the balance of unrealized gains and losses from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings and has no impact on the results of operations for the annual or interim periods beginning January 1, 2007. The Company’s investments were accounted for as trading for the annual or interim periods beginning January 1, 2007 and as such all unrealized gains and losses are included in net income.

(c)		General and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 include $4,000,000 and $1,000,000 respectively, related to our Advisory Agreement with Aquiline. Our Advisory Agreement with Aquiline terminated upon completion of our IPO, in connection with which the Company recorded general and administrative expense of $3,000,000 in the third quarter of the year ended December 31, 2007.

(d)		U.S. GAAP fair value recognition provisions for “Stock Compensation” require that any unrecognized stock-based compensation expense that will be recorded in future periods be included as proceeds for purposes of treasury stock repurchases, which is applied against the unvested restricted shares balance. On March 1, 2007, we effected a 1.75 for one reverse stock split of our outstanding common shares. The stock split does not affect our financial statements other than to the extent it decreases the number of outstanding shares and correspondingly increases per share information for all periods presented. The share consolidation has been reflected retroactively in these financial statements.

(e)		The loss and loss expense ratio is calculated by dividing losses and loss expenses by net premiums earned.

(f)		The policy acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing policy acquisition costs by net premiums earned.

(g)		The general and administrative expense ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of general and administrative expenses and share compensation expenses by net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio for the year ended December 31, 2007 is calculated by dividing the total of general and administrative expenses plus share compensation expenses less the $3,000,000 Aquiline termination fee by net premiums earned.

(h)		The expense ratio is calculated by combining the policy acquisition cost ratio and the general and administrative expense ratio.

(i)		The combined ratio is calculated by combining the loss ratio, the policy acquisition cost ratio and the general and administrative expense ratio.

(j)		Return on average equity is calculated by dividing the net income for the period by the average shareholders’ equity during the period. Quarterly average shareholders’ equity is the annualized average of the beginning and ending shareholders’ equity balances. Annual average shareholders’ equity is the average of the beginning, ending and intervening quarter end shareholders’ equity balances.

(k)		Book value per common share is defined as total shareholders’ equity divided by the number of common shares outstanding as at the end of the period, giving no effect to dilutive securities.

(l)		Diluted book value per common share is calculated based on total shareholders’ equity plus the assumed proceeds from the exercise of outstanding options and warrants, divided by the sum of common shares, unvested restricted shares, options and warrants outstanding (assuming their exercise).

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is a discussion and analysis of the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 and for years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity and capital resources at December 31, 2010 and 2009. The Company completed the acquisition of IPC on September 4, 2009. IPC is included in the Company’s consolidated results only for the four months ended December 31, 2009. This discussion and analysis pertains to the results of the Company inclusive of IPC from the date of acquisition. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere within this filing.

For a variety of reasons, the Company’s historical financial results may not accurately indicate future performance. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” The Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A above present a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein.

Executive Overview

The Company underwrites from two distinct global operating subsidiaries, Validus Re and Talbot. Validus Re, the Company’s principal reinsurance operating subsidiary, operates as a Bermuda-based provider of short-tail reinsurance products on a global basis and incorporates historical IPC business. Talbot, the Company’s principal insurance operating subsidiary, operates through its two underwriting platforms: Talbot Underwriting Ltd, which manages Syndicate 1183 at Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) which writes short-tail insurance products on a worldwide basis and Underwriting Risk Services Ltd, which is an underwriting agency writing primarily yachts and onshore energy business on behalf of the Talbot syndicate and others.

The Company’s strategy is to concentrate primarily on short-tail risks, which is an area where management believes current prices and terms provide an attractive risk adjusted return and the management team has proven expertise. The Company’s profitability in any given period is based upon premium and investment revenues less net losses and loss expenses, acquisition expenses and operating expenses. Financial results in the insurance and reinsurance industry are influenced by the frequency and/or severity of claims and losses, including as a result of catastrophic events, changes in interest rates, financial markets and general economic conditions, the supply of insurance and reinsurance capacity and changes in legal, regulatory and judicial environments.

On September 4, 2009, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of IPC (the “IPC Acquisition”). Pursuant to an Amalgamation Agreement dated July 9, 2009 among IPC, Validus Holdings, Ltd and Validus, Ltd. (the “Amalgamation Agreement”), the Company acquired all of IPC’s outstanding common shares in exchange for the Company’s common shares and cash. IPC’s operations focused on short-tail lines of reinsurance. The primary lines in which IPC conducted business were property catastrophe reinsurance and, to a limited extent, property-per-risk excess, aviation (including satellite) and other short-tail reinsurance on a worldwide basis. The acquisition of IPC was undertaken to increase the Company’s capital base and gain a strategic advantage in the then current reinsurance market, where capital and capacity had been depleted. This acquisition allowed the Company to become a leading Bermuda carrier in the short-tail reinsurance and insurance market that facilitates stronger relationships with major reinsurance intermediaries. For segmental reporting purposes, the results of IPC’s operations since the acquisition date have been included within the Validus Re segment in the consolidated financial statements.

Written premiums are a function of the number and type of contracts written and the prevailing market prices. Renewal dates for reinsurance business tend to be concentrated at the beginning of quarters, with the timing of premiums written varying by line of business. Most property catastrophe business incepts January 1, April 1, June 1 and July 1 with an annual policy, while most insurance and specialty lines renewals are more evenly spread throughout the year. Written premiums are generally highest in the first quarter and lowest during the fourth quarter of the year. Gross premiums written for pro rata programs are initially recorded as estimates and are then adjusted as actual results become known. Pro rata reinsurance is a type of reinsurance whereby the reinsurer indemnifies the policyholder against a predetermined portion of losses in return for a proportional share of the direct premiums. Premiums are then generally earned over a 24 month period and paid in monthly or quarterly installments.

The following are the primary lines in which the Company conducts business:

Property: Validus Re underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance, property per risk reinsurance and property pro rata reinsurance. Property catastrophe includes reinsurance for insurance companies’ exposures to an accumulation of property and related losses from separate policies, typically relating to natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Property per risk provides reinsurance for insurance companies’ excess retention on individual property and related risks, such as highly-valued buildings. In property pro rata contracts the reinsurer shares the premiums as well as the losses and expenses in an agreed proportion with the cedant. Talbot primarily writes direct and facultative property insurance, lineslips and binding authorities and property treaty. The business written is principally commercial and industrial insurance. The business is short-tail with premiums generally earned within one year and claims generally paid within two years.

Marine: The Company underwrites insurance and reinsurance on marine risks covering damage to or losses of marine vessels or cargo, yachts and marinas, third-party liability for marine accidents and physical loss and liability from principally offshore energy properties. Talbot primarily underwrites marine insurance on a direct and facultative basis. Validus Re underwrites marine reinsurance on an excess of loss basis, and to a lesser extent, on a pro rata basis.

Specialty: The Company underwrites other specialty lines with very limited exposure correlation with its property, marine and energy portfolios. Validus Re underwrites other lines of business depending on an evaluation of pricing and market conditions, which include aerospace, terrorism, life and accident & health and workers’ compensation catastrophe. With the exception of the aerospace line of business, which has a meaningful portion of its gross premiums written volume on a proportional basis, Validus Re’s other specialty lines are primarily written on an excess of loss basis. Talbot underwrites war, political risks, political violence, financial institutions, contingency, accident and health, and aviation. Most of the Talbot specialty business is written on a direct or facultative basis or through a binding authority or coverholder.

Income from the Company’s investment portfolio primarily comprises interest income on fixed maturity investments net of investment expenses and net realized/unrealized gains/losses on investments. A significant portion of the Company’s contracts provide short-tail coverage for damages resulting mainly from natural and man-made catastrophes, which means that the Company could become liable for a significant amount of losses on short notice. Accordingly, the Company has structured its investment portfolio to preserve capital and maintain a high level of liquidity, which means that the large majority of the Company’s investment portfolio consists of short-term fixed maturity investments. The Company’s fixed income investments are classified as trading. Under U.S. GAAP, these securities are carried at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses are included in net income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

The Company’s expenses consist primarily of losses and loss expenses, acquisition costs, general and administrative expenses, and finance expenses related to debentures, senior notes and our credit facilities.

Losses and loss expenses are a function of the amount and type of insurance and reinsurance contracts written and of the loss experience of the underlying risks. Reserves for losses and loss expense include a component for outstanding case reserves for claims which have been reported and a component for losses incurred but not reported. The uncertainties inherent in the reserving process, together with the potential for unforeseen developments, may result in losses and loss expenses materially different than the reserve initially established. Changes to prior year loss reserves will affect current underwriting results by increasing net income if a portion of the prior year reserves prove to be redundant or decreasing net income if the prior year reserves prove to be insufficient. Adjustments

resulting from new information will be reflected in income in the period in which they become known. The Company’s ability to estimate losses and loss expenses accurately, and the resulting impact on contract pricing, is a critical factor in determining profitability.

Since most of the lines of business underwritten have large aggregate exposures to natural and man-made catastrophes, the Company expects that claims experience will often be the result of irregular and significant events. The occurrence of claims from catastrophic events is likely to result in substantial volatility in, and could potentially have a material adverse effect on, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and ability to write new business. The business written by Talbot helps to mitigate these risks by providing us with significant benefits in terms of product line and geographic diversification.

Acquisition costs consist principally of brokerage expenses and commissions which are driven by contract terms on reinsurance contracts written, and are normally a specific percentage of premiums. Under certain contracts, cedants may also receive profit commissions which will vary depending on the loss experience on the contract. Acquisition costs are presented net of commissions or fees received on any ceded premium.

General and administrative expenses are generally comprised of expenses which do not vary with the amount of premiums written or losses incurred. Applicable expenses include salaries and benefits, professional fees, office expenses, risk management, and stock compensation expenses. Stock compensation expenses include costs related to the Company’s long-term incentive plan, under which restricted stock are granted to certain employees.

Business Outlook and Trends

We underwrite global specialty property insurance and reinsurance and have large aggregate exposures to natural and man-made disasters. The occurrence of claims from catastrophic events results in substantial volatility, and can have material adverse effects on the Company’s financial condition and results and ability to write new business. This volatility affects results for the period in which the loss occurs because U.S. accounting principles do not permit reinsurers to reserve for such catastrophic events until they occur. Catastrophic events of significant magnitude historically have been relatively infrequent, although management believes the property catastrophe reinsurance market has experienced a higher level of worldwide catastrophic losses in terms of both frequency and severity in the period from 1992 to the present. We also expect that increases in the values and concentrations of insured property will increase the severity of such occurrences in the future. The Company seeks to reflect these trends when pricing contracts.

Property and other reinsurance premiums have historically risen in the aftermath of significant catastrophic losses. As loss reserves are established, industry surplus is depleted and the industry’s capacity to write new business diminishes. At the same time, management believes that there is a heightened awareness of exposure to natural catastrophes on the part of cedants, rating agencies and catastrophe modeling firms, resulting in an increase in the demand for reinsurance protection.

The global property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry has historically been highly cyclical. The Company was formed in October 2005 in response to the supply/demand imbalance resulting from the large industry losses in 2004 and 2005. In the aggregate, the Company observed substantial increases in premium rates in 2006 compared to 2005 levels. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company experienced increased competition in most lines of business. Capital provided by new entrants or by the commitment of additional capital by existing insurers and reinsurers increased the supply of insurance and reinsurance which resulted in a softening of rates in most lines. However, during 2008, the insurance and reinsurance industry incurred material losses and capital declines due to Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and the global financial crisis. In the wake of these events, the January 2009 renewal season saw decreased competition and increased premium rates due to relatively scarce capital and increased demand. During 2009, the Company observed reinsurance demand stabilization and industry capital recovery from investment portfolio gains. In 2009, there were few notable large losses affecting the worldwide (re)insurance industry and no major hurricanes making landfall in the United States.

The January 2010 renewal period saw business being withdrawn from the market, notably catastrophe excess of loss, resulting in the Company writing less business in these lines and reducing the Company’s aggregate loss exposure. Despite the elevated level of catastrophe activity during the first quarter of 2010, principally the Chilean earthquake which stands among the most costly industry losses in history outside of the United States, the Company

continued to see increased competition and decreased premium rates in most classes of business. During the year ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re experienced rate decreases in most classes of business with the exception of offshore energy and Latin America. The Talbot segment also experienced pricing pressure in most classes of business, the exceptions being the offshore energy, financial institutions and political risk lines. These lines experienced favorable renewal terms and conditions following recent losses.

Claims activity during the three months ended December 31, 2010 remained relatively benign, though the Queensland floods in Australia remain a potentially significant market event, as rain continued to hit Queensland with flood waters still rising. The business written in the three months ended December 31, 2010 saw a similar pattern with pricing pressure across much of the Talbot sector, the exception being the Offshore Energy account and the Energy Liability account that saw rises following the Deepwater Horizon event in the Gulf of Mexico.

During the January 2011 renewal season, the Validus Re segment underwrote $525.3 million in gross premiums written, a decrease of 8.5% from the prior period. This renewal data does not include Talbot’s operations as its business is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year.

During the January 2011 renewal season, Validus Re increased gross premiums written on the U.S. Cat XOL lines and decreased gross premiums written in the proportional lines. In addition, Validus Re decreased gross premiums written in the International Property lines as market conditions dictated. In the aftermath of 2010’s Deepwater Horizon loss, Validus Re saw additional opportunities and rate increases in the marine lines. Within the specialty lines, Validus Re increased gross premiums written in the terrorism lines among other sub-classes.

Financial Measures

The Company believes the following financial indicators are important in evaluating performance and measuring the overall growth in value generated for shareholders:

Annualized return on average equity represents the level of net income available to shareholders generated from the average shareholders’ equity during the period. Annualized return on average equity is calculated by dividing the net income for the period by the average shareholders’ equity during the period. Average shareholders’ equity is the average of the beginning, ending and intervening quarter end shareholders’ equity balances. The Company’s objective is to generate superior returns on capital that appropriately reward shareholders for the risks assumed and to grow revenue only when returns meet or exceed internal requirements. Details of annualized return on average equity are provided below.


	Three Months Ended December 31,									Year Ended December 31,
	2010			2009			2008			2010			2009			2008
Annualized return on average equity		11.3	%		16.6	%		7.7	%		10.8	%		31.8	%		2.7	%

The decrease in annualized return on average equity were driven primarily by a decrease in net income for the three months and year ended December 31, 2010. Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 decreased by $63.1 million, or 38.1% compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009 due primarily to realized and unrealized losses on fixed income securities caused by rising interest rates. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 decreased by $494.8 million, or 55.1% compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 due primarily to the gain on bargain purchase of IPC in 2009 and increased notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Diluted book value per common share is considered by management to be an appropriate measure of our returns to common shareholders, as we believe growth in our book value on a diluted basis ultimately translates into growth of our stock price. Diluted book value per common share increased by $3.30, or 11.1%, from $29.68 at December 31, 2009 to $32.98 at December 31, 2010. The increase was substantially due to earnings generated in the year ended December 31, 2010, partially offset by dividend payments totaling $0.88 per share and per share equivalent in

the period. Diluted book value per common share is a Non-GAAP financial measure. The most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure is book value per common share. Diluted book value per common share is calculated based on total shareholders’ equity plus the assumed proceeds from the exercise of outstanding options and warrants, divided by the sum of common shares, unvested restricted shares, options and warrants outstanding (assuming their exercise). A reconciliation of diluted book value per common share to book value per common share is presented below in the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Cash dividends per common share are an integral part of the value created for shareholders. The Company declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.22 per common share and common share equivalent in each of the four quarters of 2010. On February 9, 2011, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on March 31, 2011 to holders of record on March 15, 2011.

Underwriting income measures the performance of the Company’s core underwriting function, excluding revenues and expenses such as net investment income (loss), other income, finance expenses, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments, foreign exchange gains (losses) and gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses. The Company believes the reporting of underwriting income enhances the understanding of our results by highlighting the underlying profitability of the Company’s core insurance and reinsurance operations. Underwriting income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $139.7 million and $153.6 million, respectively. Underwriting income for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $242.4 million and $450.2 million, respectively. Underwriting income is a Non-GAAP financial measure as described in detail and reconciled in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported and disclosed amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management believes the following accounting policies are critical to the Company’s financial reporting as the application of these policies requires management to make significant judgments. Management believes the items that require the most subjective and complex estimates are (1) reserve for losses and loss expenses, (2) premiums, (3) reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoverable, and (4) investment valuation.

Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses. For insurance and reinsurance companies, a significant judgment made by management is the estimation of the reserve for losses and loss expenses. The Company establishes its reserve for losses and loss expenses to cover the estimated remaining liability incurred for both reported claims (“case reserves”) and unreported amounts (“incurred but not reported” or “IBNR reserves”). For insurance and reinsurance business, the IBNR reserves include provision for loss incidents that have occurred but have not yet been reported to the Company as well as for future variation in case reserves (where the claim has been reported but the ultimate cost is not yet known). Within the reinsurance business, the portion of total IBNR related to future variation on known claims is calculated at the individual claim level in some instances (an additional case reserve or individual claim IBNR). Within the insurance business, the provision for future variation in current case reserves is generally calculated using actuarial estimates of total IBNR, while individual claim IBNR amounts are sometimes calculated for larger claims. During 2010, given the complexity and severity of notable loss events in the year, an explicit reserve for development on 2010 notable loss events was included within the Company’s IBNR reserving process. As uncertainties surrounding initial notable loss events develop, it is expected that the reserve will be allocated to specific notable loss events.

Loss reserve estimates for insurance and reinsurance business are not precise in that they deal with the inherent uncertainty in the outcome of insurance and reinsurance claims made on the Company, many of which have not yet been reported to the Company. Estimating loss reserves requires management to make assumptions, both explicit and implicit, regarding future paid and reported loss development patterns, frequency and severity trends, claims settlement practices, potential changes in the legal environment and other factors. These estimates and judgments are based on numerous factors, and may be revised over time as additional experience or other data becomes available, as new or improved methodologies are developed or as current laws change.

As predominantly a broker market insurer and reinsurer, the Company must rely on loss information reported to us by brokers from clients, where such information is often incomplete or changing. The quality and type of information received varies by client and by the nature of the business, insurance or reinsurance.

In the insurance business, for risks that the Company leads, the Company receives from brokers details of potential claims, on the basis of which the Company’s loss adjusters make estimates of the likely ultimate outcome of the claims. In determining these reserves, the Company takes into account a number of factors including the facts and circumstances of the individual claim, the nature of the coverage and historical information about its experience on similar types of claims. For insurance business where another company is the lead, the case reserves are established by the lead underwriter and validated centrally by the Lloyd’s market claims bureau, with a sample reviewed by the Company. The sum of the individual claim estimates for lead and follow business constitutes the case reserves.

For reinsurance business, the Company typically receives from brokers details of paid losses and estimated case reserves recorded by the ceding company. In addition to this, the ceding company’s estimated provision for IBNR losses is sometimes also available, although this in itself introduces additional uncertainty owing to the differing and typically unknown reserving practices of ceding companies.

There will also be a time lag between a loss occurring and it being reported, first by the original claimant to its insurer, via the insurance broker, and for reinsurance business, subsequently from the insurer to the reinsurer via the reinsurance broker.

The Company writes a mix of predominantly short-tail business, both insurance and reinsurance. The combination of low claim frequency and high claim severity that is characteristic of much of this short-tail business makes the available data more volatile and less reliable for predicting ultimate losses. For example, in property lines, there can be additional uncertainty in loss estimation related to large catastrophe events, whether natural or man-made. With winds events, such as hurricanes, the damage assessment process may take more than a year. The cost of claims is also subject to volatility due to supply shortages for construction materials and labor. In the case of earthquakes, the damage assessment process may take longer as buildings are discovered to have structural weaknesses not initially detected.

The Company also writes longer tail insurance lines of business, predominantly financial institutions ($39.6 million of gross premiums written on a claims made basis) and marine and energy liabilities ($41.9 million of gross premiums substantially written on a losses occurring basis) for the year ended December 31, 2010. These longer tail lines represent 8.3% of Talbot’s gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010. For marine and energy liability, the time from the occurrence of a claim to its first report to the Company can be years. For both marine and energy liability and financial institutions, the subsequent time between reporting of a claim and its settlement can be years. In these intervening periods between occurrence, reporting and settlement, additional facts regarding individual claims and trends often will become known and current laws and case law may change, affecting the ultimate value of the claim.

Taken together, these issues add considerable uncertainty to the process of estimating ultimate losses, hence loss reserves, and this uncertainty is increased for reinsurance business compared with insurance business due to the additional parties in the chain of reporting from the original claimant to the reinsurer.

As a result of the uncertainties described above, the Company must estimate IBNR reserves, which consist of a provision for future development on known loss events, as well as a provision for claims which have occurred but which have not yet been reported to us by clients. Because of the degree of reliance that is necessarily placed on brokers and (re)insured companies for claims reporting, the associated time lag, the low frequency/high severity nature of much of the business underwritten, the rapidly emerging and changing nature of facts and circumstances surrounding large events and, for reinsurance business, the varying reserving practices among ceding companies as described above, reserve estimates are highly dependent on management’s judgment and are subject to uncertainty.

The Company strives to take account of these uncertainties in the judgments and assumptions made when establishing loss reserves, but it is not possible to eliminate the uncertainties. As a result, there is a risk that the Company’s actual losses may be higher or lower than the reserves booked.

For the Company’s insurance business written by Talbot, where a longer reserving history exists, the Company examines the development of its own historical paid and incurred losses to identify trends, which it then incorporates into the reserving process where it deems appropriate.

For the Company’s reinsurance business, especially that written by Validus Re where the Company relies more heavily on information provided by clients in order to assist it in estimating reserves, the Company performs certain processes in order to help assess the completeness and accuracy of such information as follows:

1. In addition to information received from clients on reported claims, the Company also uses information on the patterns of client loss reporting and loss settlements from previous events in order to estimate the Company’s ultimate liability related to these events;

2. The Company uses reinsurance industry information in order to perform consistency checks on the data provided by ceding companies and to identify trends in loss reporting and settlement activity. Where it deems appropriate, the Company incorporates such information in establishing reinsurance reserves; and

3. For both insurance and reinsurance business, the Company supplements the loss information received from clients with loss estimates developed by market share techniques and third party catastrophe models when such information is available.

Although there is normally a lag in receiving reinsurance data from cedants, the Company currently has no backlog related to the processing of assumed reinsurance information. The Company actively manages its relationships with brokers and clients and considers existing disputes with counterparties to be in the normal course of business.

As described above, the reserve for losses and loss expenses includes both a component for outstanding case reserves for claims which have been reported and a component for IBNR reserves. IBNR reserves are the difference between ultimate losses and reported losses, where reported losses are the sum of paid losses and outstanding case reserves. Ultimate losses are estimated by management using various actuarial methods, including exposure-based and loss-based methods, as well as other qualitative assessments regarding claim trends.

The Company uses a reserving methodology that establishes a point estimate for ultimate losses. The point estimate represents management’s best estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses. The Company does not select a range as part of its loss reserving process. The extent of reliance on management judgment in the reserving process differs depending on the circumstances surrounding the estimations, including the volume and credibility of data, the perceived relevance of historical data to future conditions, the stability or lack of stability in the Company’s operational processes for handling losses (including claims practices and systems) and other factors. The Company reviews its reserving assumptions and methodologies on a quarterly basis. Two of the most critical assumptions in establishing reserves are loss emergence patterns and expected (or “prior”) loss ratios. Loss emergence patterns are critical to the reserving process as they can be one key indicator of the ultimate liability. A pattern of reported loss emergence different from expectations may indicate a change in the loss climate and may thus influence the estimate of future payments that should be reflected in reserves. Expected loss ratios are a primary component in the Company’s calculation of estimated ultimate losses for business at an early stage in its development.

Loss emergence patterns for the business written by Talbot are generally derived from Talbot’s own historic loss development triangulations, supplemented in some instances by Lloyd’s market data. For the business written by Validus Re, where its own historic loss development triangulations are currently more limited, greater use is made of market data including reinsurance industry data available from organizations such as statistical bureaus and consulting firms, where appropriate. Expected loss ratios are estimated in a variety of ways, largely dependent upon the data available. Wherever it deems appropriate, management incorporates the Company’s own loss experience in establishing initial expected loss ratios and reserves. This is particularly true for the business written by Talbot

where a longer reserving history exists and expected losses and loss ratios consider, among other things, rate increases and changes in terms and conditions that have been observed in the market. For reinsurance business, expected losses and loss ratios are typically developed using vendor and proprietary computer models. The information used in these models is collected by underwriters and actuaries during the initial pricing of the business.

The Company has catastrophe event ultimate loss reserve estimation procedures for the investigation, analysis, and estimation of ultimate losses resulting from large catastrophe events. The determination regarding which events follow these procedures is made by members of senior management from relevant departments within the Company. The procedures are designed to facilitate the communication of information between various relevant functions and provide an efficient approach to determining the estimated loss for the event.

In developing estimates for large catastrophe events, the Company considers various sources of information including; specific loss estimates reported by our cedants and policyholders, ceding company and overall industry loss estimates reported by our brokers and by claims reporting services, proprietary and third party vendor models and internal data regarding insured or reinsured exposures related to the geographical location of the event. Use of these various sources enables management to estimate the ultimate loss for known events with a higher degree of accuracy and timeliness than if the Company relied solely on one data source. Generally, catastrophe event ultimate loss estimates are established without regard to whether we may subsequently contest any claim resulting from the event. Indicated ultimate loss estimates for catastrophe events are compiled by a committee of management, and these indicated ultimate losses are incorporated into the process of selecting management’s best estimate of reserves.

As with large catastrophe events, the Company separately estimates ultimate losses for certain large claims using a number of methods, including estimation based on vendor models, analyses of specific industry occurrences and facts, as well as information from cedants and policyholders on individual contract involvements.

Management’s loss estimates are subject to annual corroborative review by independent actuaries using generally accepted actuarial techniques and other analytical and qualitative methods.

The Company’s three lines of business, property, marine and specialty, are exposed to event-related risks that are generally reported and paid within three years of the event except for financial institutions and energy and marine liability. The Company estimates that 83.6% of its current reserves will be paid within three years. The Company writes longer tail business in its financial institutions marine and energy liabilities lines. Factors contributing to uncertainty in reserving for these lines include longer duration of loss development patterns, difficulty applying older loss experience to newer years, and the possibility of future litigation. The Company considers these factors when reserving for longer tail lines.

As described above, for all lines of business, the Company’s reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses and loss reserves recoverable consist of three categories: (1) case reserves, (2) in certain circumstances, additional case reserves (ACR), and (3) IBNR reserves. For both Talbot and Validus Re, IBNR is established separately for large or catastrophe losses and smaller “attritional” losses. The reserves and recoverables for attritional and large or catastrophe losses are established on an annual and interim basis as follows:

1. Case reserves: Case reserves generally are analyzed and established by each segment’s claims department on all lines, making use of third party input where appropriate (including, for the reinsurance business, reports of losses from the ceding companies). For insurance business where Talbot is not the lead underwriter on the business, the case reserves are established by the lead underwriter and validated by central Lloyd’s market claims bureau, with a sample reviewed by Talbot.

2. ACR reserves: ACRs are established for Validus Re business by our claims department in cases where we believe the case reserves reported by the cedant require adjustment. ACRs supplement case reserves based on information obtained through ceding company audits or other sources. ACRs are not generally used at Talbot as claim volumes are generally greater and thus the potential for future variation in case reserve estimates on known claims often can be analyzed at an aggregate level using historical data.

3. IBNR reserves:

a. Large or catastrophe events — IBNR reserves are established for all lines based on the each segment’s estimates for known loss events for which not all claims have been reported to the Company. In establishing such IBNR reserves, the Company accumulates loss information from modeling agencies, where possible, publicly available sources and information contained in client reports and estimates. The loss information is applied to the Company’s book of in-force contracts to establish an estimate of the Company’s ultimate exposure to the loss event. For some large loss events, the Company estimates an ultimate loss expectation for the individual event. Paid losses, case reserves and any additional case reserves are deducted from the ultimate loss to ascertain the IBNR estimate for individual large claims or catastrophe events. The size of event for which the Company establishes a separate ultimate loss estimate may vary based on an assessment of the materiality of the event, as well as on other factors. During 2010, given the complexity and severity of notable loss events in the year, an explicit reserve for development on 2010 notable loss events was included within the Company’s IBNR reserving process. As uncertainties surrounding initial notable loss events develop, it is expected that the reserve will be allocated to specific notable loss events.

b. Attritional losses — IBNR reserves are established using some combination of the actuarial methods described above, including the Chain Ladder method, the Generalized Cape Cod method and the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method. In situations where limited historic development data is available and/or the year being analyzed is more recent (less mature), the expected loss method and the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method are more commonly used. Under all methods used at both Validus Re and Talbot, an ultimate loss amount is established. Paid losses, case reserves and any additional case reserves are then deducted from the ultimate loss to ascertain the attritional IBNR reserves.

For all sources of IBNR, net reserves are estimated by first estimating gross IBNR reserves, then estimating reinsurance recoverables on IBNR.

The Company’s reserving methodology was not changed materially in the year ended December 31, 2010 from the methodology used in the year ended December 31, 2009 for either Validus Re or Talbot. Management’s best estimate of the gross reserve for losses and loss expenses and loss reserves recoverable at December 31, 2010 were $2,036.0 million and $283.1 million, respectively. The following table sets forth a breakdown between gross case reserves and gross IBNR by segment at December 31, 2010.


	As at December 31, 2010
							Total Gross
							Reserve for
	Gross Case			Gross			Losses and
(Dollars in thousands)	Reserves			IBNR			Loss Expenses
Validus Re	$	523,388		$	474,777		$	998,165
Talbot		601,760			589,788			1,191,548
Eliminations		(89,267	)		(64,473	)		(153,740	)

Total	$	1,035,881		$	1,000,092		$	2,035,973

Management’s best estimate of the gross reserve for losses and loss expenses and loss reserves recoverable at December 31, 2009 were $1,622.1 and $181.8 million, respectively. The following table sets forth a breakdown between gross case reserves and gross IBNR by segment at December 31, 2009.


	As at December 31, 2009
							Total Gross
							Reserve for
	Gross Case			Gross			Losses and
(Dollars in thousands)	Reserves			IBNR			Loss Expenses
Validus Re	$	397,133		$	345,377		$	742,510
Talbot		440,881			463,105			903,986
Eliminations		(6,689	)		(17,673	)		(24,362	)

Total	$	831,325		$	790,809		$	1,622,134

To the extent insurance and reinsurance industry data is relied upon to aid in establishing reserve estimates, there is a risk that the data may not match the Company’s risk profile or that the industry’s reserving practices overall differ from those of the Company and its clients. In addition, reserving can prove especially difficult should a significant loss event take place near the end of an accounting period, particularly if it involves a catastrophic event. These factors further contribute to the degree of uncertainty in the reserving process.

The uncertainties inherent in the reserving process, together with the potential for unforeseen developments, including changes in laws and the prevailing interpretation of policy terms, may result in losses and loss expenses materially different from the reserves initially established. Changes to prior year reserves will affect current period underwriting income by increasing income if the prior year ultimate losses are reduced or decreasing income if the prior year ultimate losses are increased. The Company expects volatility in results in periods when significant loss events occur because U.S. GAAP does not permit insurers or reinsurers to reserve for loss events until they have both occurred and are expected to give rise to a claim. As a result, the Company is not allowed to record contingency reserves to account for expected future losses. The Company anticipates that claims arising from future events will require the establishment of substantial reserves in future periods.

Given the risks and uncertainties associated with the process for estimating reserves for losses and loss expenses, management has performed an evaluation of the potential variability in loss reserves and the impact this variability may have on reported results, financial condition and liquidity. Management’s best estimate of the net reserve for losses and loss expenses at December 31, 2010 is $1,752.8 million. The following tables show the effect on estimated net reserves for losses and loss expenses as of December 31, 2010 of a change in two of the most critical assumptions in establishing reserves: (1) loss emergence patterns, accelerated or decelerated by three and six months; and (2) expected loss ratios varied by plus or minus five and ten percent. Management believes that a reasonably likely scenario is represented by such a standard, as used by some professional actuaries as part of their review of an insurer’s or reinsurer’s reserves. Utilizing this standard as a guide, management has selected these variances to determine reasonably likely scenarios of variability in the loss emergence and loss ratio assumptions. These scenarios consider normal levels of catastrophe events. Loss reserves may vary beyond these scenarios in periods of heightened or reduced claim activity. The reserves resulting from the changes in the assumptions are not additive and should be considered separately. The following tables vary the assumptions employed therein independently. In addition, the tables below do not adjust any parameters other than the ones described above. Specifically, reinsurance collectability was not explicitly stressed as part of the calculations below.

Net reserve for losses and loss expenses at December 31, 2010 — Sensitivity to loss emergence patterns


	Reserve for losses and loss
Change in assumption	expenses
	(Dollars in thousands)
Six month acceleration	$	1,489,435
Three month acceleration		1,599,119
No change (selected)		1,752,839
Three month deceleration		1,932,189
Six month deceleration		2,190,845

Net reserve for losses and loss expenses at December 31, 2010 — Sensitivity to expected loss expenses


	Reserve for losses and loss
Change in assumption	expenses
	(Dollars in thousands)
10% favorable	$	1,670,181
5% favorable		1,707,336
No change (selected)		1,752,839
5% unfavorable		1,798,342
10% unfavorable		1,835,497

The most significant variance in the above scenarios, six month deceleration in loss emergence patterns, would have the effect of increasing losses and loss expenses by $438.0 million.

Management believes that the reserve for losses and loss expenses is sufficient to cover expected claims incurred before the evaluation date on the basis of the methodologies and judgments used to support its estimates. However, there can be no assurance that actual payments will not vary significantly from total reserves. The reserve for losses and loss expenses and the methodology of estimating such reserve are regularly reviewed and updated as new information becomes known. Any resulting adjustments are reflected in income in the period in which they become known.

Premiums. For insurance business, written premium estimates are determined from the business plan estimates of premiums by class, the aggregate of underwriters’ estimates on a policy-by-policy basis, and projections of ultimate premiums using generally accepted actuarial methods. In particular, direct insurance premiums are recognized in accordance with the type of contract written.

The majority of our insurance premium is accepted on a direct open market or facultative basis. We receive a premium which is identified in the policy and recorded as unearned premium on the inception date of the contract. This premium will typically adjust only if the underlying insured values adjust. We actively monitor underlying insured values and record adjustment premiums in the period in which amounts are reasonably determinable.

For business written on a facultative basis, although a premium estimate is not contractually stated for the amount of business to be written under any particular facility, an initial estimate of the expected premium written is received from the coverholder via the broker. Our estimate of premium is derived by reference to one or more of the following: the historical premium volume experienced by any facility; historical premium volume of similar facilities; the estimates provided by the broker; and industry information on the underlying business. We actively monitor the development of actual reported premium against the estimates made; where actual reported premiums deviate from the estimate, we carry out an analysis to determine the cause and may, if necessary, adjust the estimated premiums. In the year ended December 31, 2010, premiums written on a facultative basis accounted for approximately $337.8 million of total gross premiums written at Talbot.

For contracts written on a losses occurring basis or claims made basis, premium income is generally earned proportionately over the expected risk period, usually 12 months. For all other contracts, comprising contracts written on a risks attaching basis, premiums are generally earned over a 24 month period due to the fact that some of the underlying exposures may attach towards the end of the contract, and such underlying exposures generally have a 12 month coverage period. The portion of the premium related to the unexpired portion of the policy at the end of any reporting period is presented on the consolidated balance sheet as unearned premiums.


	Year Ended					Year Ended					Year Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
	Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross
	Written		Written			Written		Written			Written		Written
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums		Premiums (%)			Premiums		Premiums (%)			Premiums		Premiums (%)
Proportional	$	260,149		13.1	%	$	180,752		11.1	%	$	179,530		13.2	%
Non-proportional		1,730,417		86.9	%		1,440,489		88.9	%		1,182,954		86.8	%

Total	$	1,990,566		100.0	%	$	1,621,241		100.0	%	$	1,362,484		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition. No pre-acquisition results of operations for IPC are presented in the analysis above.

For reinsurance business where the assumed reinsurance premium is written on an excess of loss or on a pro rata basis, reinsurance contracts are generally written prior to the time the underlying direct policies are written by cedants and accordingly cedants must estimate such premiums when purchasing reinsurance coverage. For excess of loss contracts, the deposit premium is defined in the contract. The deposit premium is based on the client’s estimated premiums, and this estimate is the amount recorded as written premium in the period the risk incepts. In the majority of cases, these contracts are adjustable at the end of the contract period to reflect the changes in underlying risks during the contract period. Subsequent adjustments, based on reports by the clients of actual premium, are recorded in the period in which the cedant reports are received, which would normally be reported within six months to one year subsequent to the expiration of the contract. For pro rata reinsurance contracts, an estimate of written premium is recorded in the period in which the risk incepts. The written premiums estimate is based on the pro rata cession percentage, on information provided by ceding companies and on management’s judgment. Management critically evaluates the information provided by ceding companies based on experience with the cedant, broker and the underlying book of business.

Throughout the term of the policy, periodic review of the estimated premium takes place based on the latest information available, which may include actual reported premium to date, the latest premium estimates as provided by cedants and brokers, historical experience, management’s professional judgment, information obtained during the underwriting renewal process, as well as an assessment of relevant economic conditions. If necessary, subsequent adjustments are recorded at the time of review.

Reporting of actual premiums ceded by the ceding company may be on a one to three month lag and may lead to revised estimates significantly different from the original figure.

On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the appropriateness of these premium estimates based on the latest information available, which may include actual reported premium to date, the latest premium estimates as provided by cedants and brokers, historical experience, management’s professional judgment, information obtained during the underwriting renewal process, as well as an assessment of relevant economic conditions. As the Company’s reinsurance lines have a short operating history, we have limited past history that reflects how our premium estimates will develop. Furthermore, past experience may not be indicative of how future premium estimates develop. The Company believes that reasonably likely changes in assumptions made in the estimation process would not have a significant impact on gross premiums written as recorded.

Where contract terms on excess of loss contracts require the mandatory reinstatement of coverage after a client’s loss, the mandatory reinstatement premiums are recorded as written and earned premiums when the loss event occurs.

Management includes an assessment of the creditworthiness of cedants in the review process above, primarily based on market knowledge, reports from rating agencies, the timeliness of cedants’ payments and the status of current balances owing. Based on this assessment, management believes that as at December 31, 2010 no provision for doubtful accounts is necessary for receivables from cedants.

Reinsurance Premiums Ceded and Reinsurance Recoverables. As discussed in Item 1 “Business – Risk Management,” the Company primarily uses ceded reinsurance for risk mitigation purposes. Talbot purchases reinsurance on an excess of loss and a proportional basis together with a relatively small amount of facultative reinsurance and ILWs. Validus Re purchases reinsurance on an excess of loss and a proportional basis together with ILW coverage.

For excess of loss business, the amount of premium payable is usually contractually documented at inception and management judgment is only necessary in respect of any loss-related elements of the premium, for example

reinstatement or adjustment premiums, and loss-related commissions. The full premium is recorded at inception and if the contract is purchased on a “losses occurring during” basis, the premium is earned on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. If the policy is purchased on a “risks attaching during” basis, the premium is earned in line with the inwards gross premiums to which the risk attaching relates. After the contract has expired, a No Claims Bonus may be received for certain policies, and this is recorded as a reinsurance premium adjustment in the period in which it can be reasonably determined.

Reinsurance receivable and reinsurance recoverable balances include amounts owed to us in respect of paid and unpaid ceded losses and loss expenses, respectively. The balances are presented net of a reserve for non-recoverability. As at December 31, 2010, reinsurance recoverable balances were $283.1 million and paid losses recoverable balances were $28.0 million. In establishing our reinsurance recoverable balances, significant judgment is exercised by management in determining the amount of unpaid losses and loss expenses to be ceded as well as our ability to cede losses and loss expenses under our reinsurance contracts.

Our ceded unpaid losses and loss expense consists of two elements, those for reported losses and those for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). Ceded amounts for IBNR are developed as part of our loss reserving process. Consequently, the estimation of ceded unpaid losses and loss expenses is subject to similar risks and uncertainties in the estimation of gross IBNR (see “Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses”). As at December 31, 2010, ceded IBNR recoverable balances were $146.5 million.

Although our reinsurance receivable and reinsurance recoverable balances are derived from our determination of contractual provisions, the recoverability of such amounts may ultimately differ due to the potential for a reinsurer to become financially impaired or insolvent or for a contractual dispute over contract language or coverage. Consequently, we review our reinsurance recoverable balances on a regular basis to determine if there is a need to establish a provision for non-recoverability. In performing this review, we use judgment in assessing the credit worthiness of our reinsurers and the contractual provisions of our reinsurance agreements. As at December 31, 2010, we had a provision for non-recoverability of $5.7 million. In the event that the credit worthiness of our reinsurers were to deteriorate, actual uncollectible amounts could be significantly greater than our provision for non-recoverability.

The Company uses a default analysis to estimate uncollectible reinsurance. The primary components of the default analysis are reinsurance recoverable balances by reinsurer and default factors used to determine the portion of a reinsurer’s balance deemed to be uncollectible. Default factors require considerable judgment and are determined using the current rating, or rating equivalent, of each reinsurer as well as other key considerations and assumptions.

At December 31, 2010, the use of different assumptions within the model could have an effect on the provision for uncollectible reinsurance reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. To the extent the creditworthiness of the Company’s reinsurers was to deteriorate due to an adverse event affecting the reinsurance industry, such as a large number of major catastrophes, actual uncollectible amounts could be significantly greater than the Company’s provision.

Investment Valuation. Consistent with U.S. GAAP, the Company recognizes fixed maturity and short-term investments at their fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP also established a three level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon whether the inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability are observable or unobservable in the market at the measurement date, with quoted market prices being the highest level (“Level 1”) and unobservable inputs being the lowest level (“Level 3”). Generally, the degree of judgment used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments inversely correlates with the availability of observable inputs. All of the Company’s fixed maturity and short-term investment fair value measurements have either quoted market prices or other observable inputs.

The Company’s external investment accounting service provider receives prices from independent pricing sources to measure the fair values of its fixed maturity investments. These independent pricing sources are prioritized with respect to reliability to ensure that only the highest priority pricing inputs are used. The independent pricing sources are received via automated feeds from indices, pricing and broker-dealers services. Pricing is also

obtained from other external investment managers. This information is applied consistently across all portfolios. The Company’s external investment accounting service provider confirms and documents all prices received from broker-dealers on a daily basis for quality control and audit purposes.

In addition to internal controls, management relies on the effectiveness of the valuation controls in place at the Company’s external investment accounting service provider (supported by a SAS 70 Type II Report) in conjunction with regular discussion and analysis of the investment portfolio’s structure and performance. To date, management has not noted any issues or discrepancies related to investment valuation. The Company’s investment custodian performs independent monthly valuations of the investment portfolio using available market prices. Management obtains this information from the Company’s investment custodian’s internet-based reporting system and compares it to valuations received from the Company’s external investment accounting service provider.

Other investments consist of an investment in a fund of hedge funds and a deferred compensation trust. The fund investment manager provides monthly reported net asset values (“NAV”) with a one-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the fund investment manager’s November 30, 2010 NAV was used as a partial basis for fair value measurement in the Company’s December 31, 2010 balance sheet. The fund investment manager’s NAV relies on an estimate of the performance of the fund based on the month end positions from the underlying third-party funds. The Company utilizes the fund investment manager’s primarily market approach estimated NAV that incorporates relevant valuation sources on a timelier basis. As this valuation technique incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the fund of hedge funds is classified as a Level 3 asset. To determine the reasonableness of the estimated NAV, the Company assesses the variance between the estimated NAV and the one-month delayed fund investment manager’s NAV. These variances are recorded in the following reporting period. During the fourth quarter of 2009, a majority of the fund of hedge funds was redeemed. The remaining portion is a side pocket of $12.9 million at December 31, 2010. While a redemption request has been submitted, the timing of receipt of proceeds on the side pocket is indeterminable

Refer to Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for further discussion of interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis of the impact of interest rate variances on the valuation of the Company’s fixed maturity and short-term investments.

Segment Reporting

Management has determined that the Company operates in two reportable segments. The two segments are its significant operating subsidiaries, Validus Re and Talbot. For segmental reporting purposes, the results of IPC’s operations since the acquisition date have been included within the Validus Re segment in the consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

The Company commenced operations on December 16, 2005. On September 4, 2009, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of IPC. The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31. Financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and relevant SEC guidance.

The following table presents results of operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:


	Three Months Ended December						Year Ended December 31,
	31,												Pro Forma 2009
(Dollars in thousands)	2010			2009			2010			2009 (a)			(c)			2008
Gross premiums written	$	258,731		$	255,289		$	1,990,566		$	1,621,241			2,008,578		$	1,362,484
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(35,376	)		(30,393	)		(229,482	)		(232,883	)		(239,412	)		(124,160	)

Net premiums written		223,355			224,896			1,761,084			1,388,358			1,769,166			1,238,324
Change in unearned premiums		209,456			203,005			39			61,219			(57,338	)		18,194

Net premiums earned		432,811			427,901			1,761,123			1,449,577			1,711,828			1,256,518

Losses and loss expenses		155,225			133,020			987,586			523,757			556,550			772,154
Policy acquisition costs		75,523			72,843			292,899			262,966			289,600			234,951
General and administrative expenses		54,511			60,253			209,290			185,568			209,510			123,948
Share compensation expenses		7,871			8,189			28,911			27,037			33,751			27,097

Total underwriting deductions		293,130			274,305			1,518,686			999,328			1,089,411			1,158,150

Underwriting income (b)		139,681			153,596			242,437			450,249			622,417			98,368

Net investment income		30,962			35,506			134,103			118,773			163,944			139,528
Other income		552			1,759			5,219			4,634			4,603			5,264
Finance expenses		(13,786	)		(14,398	)		(55,870	)		(44,130	)		(44,513	)		(57,318	)

Operating income before taxes (b)		157,409			176,463			325,889			529,526			746,451			185,842
Tax (expense) benefit		(1,058	)		458			(3,126	)		3,759			3,759			(10,788	)

Net operating income (b)		156,351			176,921			322,763			533,285			750,210			175,054

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses		—			—			—			287,099			—			—
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			4,444			—			4,444			4,444			8,752
Net realized (losses) gains on investments		(14,399	)		9,099			32,498			(11,543	)		(4,717	)		(1,591	)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments		(42,689	)		(25,043	)		45,952			84,796			189,789			(79,707	)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		3,424			338			1,351			(674	)		4,294			(49,397	)

Net income	$	102,687		$	165,759		$	402,564		$	897,407			944,020		$	53,111

Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		86.3	%		88.1	%		88.5	%		85.6	%		88.1	%		90.9	%

Losses and loss expenses		35.9	%		31.1	%		56.1	%		36.1	%		32.5	%		61.5	%
Policy acquisition costs		17.4	%		17.0	%		16.6	%		18.1	%		16.9	%		18.7	%
General and administrative expenses (d)		14.4	%		16.0	%		13.5	%		14.7	%		14.2	%		12.0	%

Expense ratio		31.8	%		33.0	%		30.1	%		32.8	%		31.1	%		30.7	%

Combined ratio		67.7	%		64.1	%		86.2	%		68.9	%		63.6	%		92.2	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

(b)		Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income and operating income that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Reconciliations of these measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, are presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

(c)		Pro Forma combined Validus Holdings, Ltd. and IPC Holdings Ltd. income statement for the year ended December 31, 2009.

(d)		The general and administrative ratio includes share compensation expenses.


	Three Months Ended December						Year Ended December 31, 2010
	31,												Pro Forma 2009
(Dollars in thousands)	2010			2009			2010			2009 (a)			(c)			2008
Validus Re
Gross premiums written	$	33,986		$	33,694		$	1,101,239		$	768,084		$	1,155,421		$	687,771
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(399	)		(652	)		(63,147	)		(95,446	)		(101,975	)		(62,933	)

Net premiums written		33,587			33,042			1,038,092			672,638			1,053,446			624,838
Change in unearned premiums		212,737			224,596			13,108			122,912			4,305			28,693

Net premiums earned		246,324			257,638			1,051,200			795,550			1,057,751			653,531

Losses and loss expenses		49,799			44,134			601,610			186,704			219,497			420,645
Policy acquisition costs		39,299			37,088			160,599			127,433			154,127			100,243
General and administrative expenses		12,659			19,782			45,617			65,710			89,652			34,607
Share compensation expenses		1,934			2,590			7,181			7,576			14,290			6,829

Total underwriting deductions		103,691			103,594			815,007			387,423			477,566			562,324

Underwriting income (b)		142,633			154,044			236,193			408,127			580,185			91,207


Talbot
Gross premiums written	$	238,100		$	229,548		$	981,073		$	919,906		$	919,906		$	708,996
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(48,332	)		(37,694	)		(258,081	)		(204,186	)		(204,186	)		(95,510	)

Net premiums written		189,768			191,854			722,992			715,720			715,720			613,486
Change in unearned premiums		(3,281	)		(21,591	)		(13,069	)		(61,693	)		(61,693	)		(10,499	)

Net premiums earned		186,487			170,263			709,923			654,027			654,027			602,987

Losses and loss expenses		105,426			88,886			385,976			337,053			337,053			351,509
Policy acquisition costs		37,726			37,555			143,769			139,932			139,932			135,017
General and administrative expenses		30,334			30,787			114,043			96,352			96,352			71,443
Share compensation expenses		2,142			1,367			6,923			7,171			7,171			4,702

Total underwriting deductions		175,628			158,595			650,711			580,508			580,508			562,671

Underwriting income (b)		10,859			11,668			59,212			73,519			73,519			40,316


Corporate & Eliminations
Gross premiums written	$	(13,355	)	$	(7,953	)	$	(91,746	)	$	(66,749	)	$	(66,749	)	$	(34,283	)
Reinsurance premiums ceded		13,355			7,953			91,746			66,749			66,749			34,283

Net premiums written		—			—			—			—			—			—
Change in unearned premiums		—			—			—			—			—			—

Net premiums earned		—			—			—			—			—			—

Losses and loss expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs		(1,502	)		(1,800	)		(11,469	)		(4,399	)		(4,399	)		(309	)
General and administrative expenses		11,518			9,684			49,630			23,506			23,506			17,898
Share compensation expenses		3,795			4,232			14,807			12,290			12,290			15,566

Total underwriting deductions		13,811			12,116			52,968			31,397			31,397			33,155

Underwriting (loss) (b)		(13,811	)		(12,116	)		(52,968	)		(31,397	)		(31,397	)		(33,155	)

Total underwriting income (b)	$	139,681		$	153,596		$	242,437		$	450,249		$	622,307		$	98,368


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

(b)		Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income that is not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by


		other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

(c)		Pro Forma combined Validus Holdings, Ltd. and IPC Holdings Ltd. income statement for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2009

Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $102.7 million compared to net income of $165.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $63.1 million or 38.1%. The primary factors driving the decrease in net income were:

•

Increase in net realized and unrealized losses on investments of $23.5 million and $17.6 million, respectively;

•

Decrease in underwriting income of $13.9 million due primarily to a $22.2 million increase in losses and loss expenses, partially offset by an increase in net premiums earned of $4.9 million and a $6.1 million decrease in general and administrative expenses and share compensation expenses; and

•

Decrease in net investment income of $4.5 million.

The above items were partially offset by the following factor:

•

A favorable movement in foreign exchange of $3.1 million.

The change in net income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 of $63.1 million as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009 is described in the following table:


	Three Months Ended December 31, 2010
	Increase (Decrease) Over the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2009
							Corporate and
(Dollars in thousands)	Validus Re			Talbot			Eliminations			Total (a)
Notable losses — net loss and loss expenses (a)	$	(22,572	)	$	(23,469	)	$	—		$	(46,041	)
Notable losses — net reinstatement premiums (a)		1,901			(3,813	)		—			(1,912	)
Other underwriting income (loss)		9,260			26,473			(1,695	)		34,038

Underwriting income (loss) (b)		(11,411	)		(809	)		(1,695	)		(13,915	)
Net investment income		(3,858	)		(196	)		(490	)		(4,544	)
Other income		(1,350	)		1,667			(1,524	)		(1,207	)
Finance expenses		(1,025	)		7,037			(5,400	)		612

		(17,644	)		7,699			(9,109	)		(19,054	)
Taxes		66			(1,489	)		(93	)		(1,516	)

		(17,578	)		6,210			(9,202	)		(20,570	)

Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			—			(4,444	)		(4,444	)
Net realized gains on investments		(25,656	)		2,158			—			(23,498	)
Net unrealized (losses) on investments		(7,637	)		(10,009	)		—			(17,646	)
Net foreign exchange gains		2,667			235			184			3,086


Net income (loss)	$	(48,204	)	$	(1,406	)	$	(13,462	)	$	(63,072	)


(a)		Notable losses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 include: the Queensland floods, a political violence loss, satellite failure and financial institutions loss. Excludes the reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events.

(b)		Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income (loss) that is not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

Gross Premiums Written

Gross premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $258.7 million compared to $255.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $3.4 million or 1.3%. The marine lines increased by $10.9 million, while the property and specialty lines decreased by $2.2 million and $5.3 million, respectively. Details of gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Gross Premiums		Gross Premiums			Gross Premiums		Gross Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			% Change
Property	$	63,253		24.4	%	$	65,453		25.6	%		(3.4	)%
Marine		71,555		27.7	%		60,659		23.8	%		18.0	%
Specialty		123,923		47.9	%		129,177		50.6	%		(4.1	)%

Total	$	258,731		100.0	%	$	255,289		100.0	%		1.3	%

Validus Re. Validus Re gross premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $34.0 million compared to $33.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $0.3 million or 0.9%. Details of Validus Re gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Gross Premiums		Gross Premiums			Gross Premiums			Gross Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written			Written (%)			% Change
Property	$	17,301		50.9	%	$	21,204			62.9	%		(18.4	)%
Marine		4,244		12.5	%		(1,060	)		(3.1	)%		500.4	%
Specialty		12,441		36.6	%		13,550			40.2	%		(8.2	)%

Total	$	33,986		100.0	%	$	33,694			100.0	%		0.9	%

During the three months ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re increased lines on renewing business resulting in additional gross premiums written of $10.7 million offset by a $13.9 million reduction in premium from new business.

The decrease in gross premiums written in the property lines of $3.9 million was primarily due to a $7.9 million decrease in new business, a $5.0 million decrease in premium adjustments in the Singapore branch, partially offset by a $3.6 million increase in renewing business. The increase in gross premiums written of $5.3 million in the marine lines was primarily due to a $3.0 million increase in premium adjustments and a $1.8 million increase in reinstatement premiums.

Gross premiums written under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts between Validus Re and Talbot increased by $5.4 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009. These reinsurance agreements with Talbot are eliminated upon consolidation.

Talbot. Talbot gross premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $238.1 million compared to $229.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $8.6 million or 3.7%. The $238.1 million of gross premiums written translated at 2009 rates of exchange would have been $235.7 million during the three months ended December 31, 2010. Details of Talbot gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Gross Premiums		Gross Premiums			Gross Premiums		Gross Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			% Change
Property	$	58,165		24.5	%	$	50,933		22.2	%		14.2	%
Marine		68,452		28.7	%		62,697		27.3	%		9.2	%
Specialty		111,483		46.8	%		115,918		50.5	%		(3.8	)%

Total	$	238,100		100.0	%	$	229,548		100.0	%		3.7	%

The increase in gross premiums written in the property lines of $7.2 million was primarily due to a $5.4 million increase in gross premiums written in the property treaty lines and a $3.8 million increase in new and renewing business written in the construction lines. The increase of $5.8 million in the marine lines is primarily due to a $9.8 million increase in new and renewing business written in the cargo lines, offset by a $3.7 million reduction in premium adjustments in the energy lines. The decrease of $4.4 million in the specialty lines is due to a $4.4 million reduction in premium adjustments.

Reinsurance Premiums Ceded

Reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $35.4 million compared to $30.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $5.0 million or 16.4%. Reinsurance premiums ceded in the property and specialty lines increased by $1.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively, while reinsurance premiums ceded on the marines lines decreased by $1.3 million. Details of reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are described below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
			Reinsurance					Reinsurance
	Reinsurance		Premiums Ceded			Reinsurance		Premiums Ceded
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums Ceded		(%)			Premiums Ceded		(%)			% Change
Property	$	14,221		40.2	%	$	12,858		42.3	%		10.6	%
Marine		1,774		5.0	%		3,042		10.0	%		(41.7	)%
Specialty		19,381		54.8	%		14,493		47.7	%		33.7	%

Total	$	35,376		100.0	%	$	30,393		100.0	%		16.4	%

Validus Re. Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $0.4 million compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $0.3 million or 38.8%. Details of Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are described below.


	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010						December 31, 2009
				Reinsurance						Reinsurance
	Reinsurance			Premiums Ceded			Reinsurance			Premiums Ceded
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums Ceded			(%)			Premiums Ceded			(%)			% Change
Property	$	2,084			522.3	%	$	459			70.4	%		354.0	%
Marine		(1,685	)		(422.3	)%		(90	)		(13.8	)%	NM
Specialty		—			0.0	%		283			43.4	%		(100.0	)%

Total	$	399			100.0	%	$	652			100.0	%		(38.8	)%

NM: Not meaningful

Reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines increased by $1.6 million and the marine lines decreased by $1.6 million. This was primarily caused by a reclassification of a reinsurance contract between property and marine in the amount of $1.8 million. Reinsurance premiums ceded in the specialty lines decreased by $0.3 million, due to the prior period containing a reinstatement premium.

Talbot. Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $48.3 million compared to $37.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $10.6 million or 28.2%. Details of Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are described below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
			Reinsurance					Reinsurance
	Reinsurance		Premiums Ceded			Reinsurance		Premiums Ceded
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums Ceded		(%)			Premiums Ceded		(%)			% Change
Property	$	24,350		50.4	%	$	19,083		50.6	%		27.6	%
Marine		4,600		9.5	%		4,110		10.9	%		11.9	%
Specialty		19,382		40.1	%		14,501		38.5	%		33.7	%

Total	$	48,332		100.0	%	$	37,694		100.0	%		28.2	%

Reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines increased by $5.3 million, primarily due to a $5.5 million increase in premiums ceded under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts between Talbot and Validus Re. Reinsurance premiums ceded in the specialty lines increased by $4.9 million due to the purchase of additional reinsurance under the excess of loss program in the direct aviation lines. Reinsurance premiums ceded under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts with Validus Re for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $13.4 million compared to $8.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $5.4 million. These reinsurance agreements with Validus Re are eliminated upon consolidation.

Net Premiums Written

Net premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $223.4 million compared to $224.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 0.7%. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 86.3% and 88.1%, respectively. Details of net premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			% Change
Property	$	49,032		22.0	%	$	52,595		23.4	%		(6.8	)%
Marine		69,781		31.2	%		57,617		25.6	%		21.1	%
Specialty		104,542		46.8	%		114,684		51.0	%		(8.8	)%

Total	$	223,355		100.0	%	$	224,896		100.0	%		(0.7	)%

Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $33.6 million compared to $33.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $0.5 million or 1.6%. Details of Validus Re net premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums			Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written			Written (%)			% Change
Property	$	15,217		45.3	%	$	20,745			62.8	%		(26.6	)%
Marine		5,929		17.7	%		(970	)		(2.9	)%		711.2	%
Specialty		12,441		37.0	%		13,267			40.1	%		(6.2	)%

Total	$	33,587		100.0	%	$	33,042			100.0	%		1.6	%

The increase in Validus Re net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written were 98.8% and 98.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot net premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $189.8 million compared to $191.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $2.1 million or 1.1%. Details of Talbot net premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			% Change
Property	$	33,815		17.9	%	$	31,850		16.6	%		6.2	%
Marine		63,852		33.6	%		58,587		30.5	%		9.0	%
Specialty		92,101		48.5	%		101,417		52.9	%		(9.2	)%

Total	$	189,768		100.0	%	$	191,854		100.0	%		(1.1	)%

The decrease in net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded, in particular the lower net premium resulting from increased ceded premiums during the three months ended December 31, 2010. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 79.7% and 83.6%, respectively, reflecting the increased ceded premiums.

Change in Unearned Premiums

Change in unearned premiums for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $209.5 million compared to $203.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $6.5 million or 3.2%.


	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009
	Net Change in Unearned			Net Change in Unearned
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums			Premiums			% Change
Change in gross unearned premium	$	226,720		$	238,460			(4.9	)%
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium		(17,264	)		(35,455	)		(51.3	)%

Net change in unearned premium	$	209,456		$	203,005			3.2	%

Validus Re. Validus Re’s net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $212.7 million compared to $224.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $11.9 million or 5.3%.


	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009
	Net Change in Unearned			Net Change in Unearned
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums			Premiums			% Change
Change in gross unearned premium	$	219,981		$	251,205			(12.4	)%
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium		(7,244	)		(26,609	)		(72.8	)%

Net change in unearned premium	$	212,737		$	224,596			(5.3	)%

Talbot. The Talbot net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was ($3.3) million compared to ($21.6) million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $18.3 million, or 84.8%.


	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009
	Net Change in Unearned			Net Change in Unearned
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums			Premiums			% Change
Change in gross unearned premium	$	6,739		$	(12,745	)		152.9	%
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium		(10,020	)		(8,846	)		(13.3	)%

Net change in unearned premium	$	(3,281	)	$	(21,591	)		84.8	%

Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $432.8 million compared to $427.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $4.9 million or 1.1%. The increase in net premiums earned was driven by an increase of $16.2 million in the Talbot segment, partially offset by decreased premiums earned of $11.3 million in the Validus Re segment. Details of net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Earned		Earned (%)			Earned		Earned (%)			% Change
Property	$	218,171		50.4	%	$	240,787		56.3	%		(9.4	)%
Marine		119,704		27.7	%		93,693		21.9	%		27.8	%
Specialty		94,936		21.9	%		93,421		21.8	%		1.6	%

Total	$	432,811		100.0	%	$	427,901		100.0	%		1.1	%

Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $246.3 million compared to $257.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $11.3 million or 4.4%. Details of Validus Re net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Earned		Earned (%)			Earned		Earned (%)			% Change
Property	$	176,750		71.7	%	$	204,255		79.3	%		(13.5	)%
Marine		45,524		18.5	%		28,888		11.2	%		57.6	%
Specialty		24,050		9.8	%		24,495		9.5	%		(1.8	)%

Total	$	246,324		100.0	%	$	257,638		100.0	%		(4.4	)%

Net premiums earned in the property lines decreased by $27.5 million, primarily due to an increase of $57.6 million from new business written offset by a $94.9 million reduction as a result of the earning out of the IPC book of business in force at the time of the IPC Acquisition. Net premiums earned in the marine lines increased by $16.6 million, this is in-line with the increase in business written during 2010 compared to 2009.

Talbot. Talbot net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $186.5 million compared to $170.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $16.2 million or 9.5%. Details of Talbot net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Earned		Earned (%)			Earned		Earned (%)			% Change
Property	$	41,421		22.2	%	$	36,532		21.5	%		13.4	%
Marine		74,180		39.8	%		64,805		38.1	%		14.5	%
Specialty		70,886		38.0	%		68,926		40.4	%		2.8	%

Total	$	186,487		100.0	%	$	170,263		100.0	%		9.5	%

The increase in net premiums earned is primarily due to higher levels of gross premiums written by the onshore energy team and in the cargo lines, over the three months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009. Talbot commenced writing business in the onshore energy lines in the first quarter of 2009.

Losses and Loss Expenses

Losses and loss expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $155.2 million compared to $133.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $22.2 million or 16.7%. The loss ratios, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 35.9% and 31.1%, respectively. Details of loss ratios by line of business are provided below.


	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009			% Change
Property		25.2	%		12.5	%		12.7
Marine		27.9	%		58.0	%		(30.1	)
Specialty		70.4	%		52.0	%		18.4
All lines		35.9	%		31.1	%		4.8

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, gross and net reserves for losses and loss expenses were estimated using the methodology as outlined in the critical accounting policies and estimates as discussed in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition-Critical Accounting Policies. The Company did not make any significant changes in the assumptions or methodology used in its reserving process for the three months ended December 31, 2010.


	As at December 31, 2010
					Total Gross Reserve for
(Dollars in thousands)	Gross Case Reserves		Gross IBNR		Losses and Loss Expenses
Property	$	506,506	$	397,941	$	904,447
Marine		317,469		322,259		639,728
Specialty		211,906		279,892		491,798

Total	$	1,035,881	$	1,000,092	$	2,035,973


	As at December 31, 2010
					Total Net Reserve for
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Case Reserves		Net IBNR		Losses and Loss Expenses
Property	$	458,087	$	358,895	$	816,982
Marine		275,877		261,390		537,267
Specialty		165,302		233,288		398,590

Total	$	899,266	$	853,573	$	1,752,839

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of gross and net reserves for losses and loss expenses by segment for the three months ended December 31, 2010:


	Three Months Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in thousands)	Validus Re			Talbot			Eliminations			Total
Gross reserves at period beginning	$	1,035,227		$	1,153,943		$	(168,325	)	$	2,020,845
Losses recoverable		(81,368	)		(355,778	)		168,325			(268,821	)

Net reserves at period beginning		953,859			798,165			—			1,752,024


Incurred losses- current year		71,864			113,926			—			185,790
Change in prior accident years		(22,065	)		(8,500	)		—			(30,565	)

Incurred losses		49,799			105,426			—			155,225


Foreign exchange		2,140			(3,058	)		—			(918	)
Paid losses		(87,852	)		(65,640	)		—			(153,492	)

Net reserves at period end		917,946			834,893			—			1,752,839

Losses recoverable		80,219			356,655			(153,740	)		283,134

Gross reserves at period end		998,165			1,191,548			(153,740	)		2,035,973

The amount of recorded reserves represents management’s best estimate of expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. Favorable loss development on prior years totaled $30.6 million. Of this, $22.1 million related to the Validus Re segment and $8.5 million related to the Talbot segment. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company’s loss ratio by 7.1 percentage points for the three months ended December 31, 2010. For the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company incurred losses of $51.8 million from the notable loss events described below, which represented 12.0 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events, as described below. Net of $(1.6) million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was $53.4 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, the Company incurred losses of $5.7 million from the notable loss events described below, which represented 1.3 percentage points of the loss ratio. The Company’s loss ratio, excluding prior year development and notable loss events for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 32.3% and 41.2%, respectively.


Fourth Quarter 2010 Notable Loss Events (1)		Three months ended December 31, 2010
		Validus Re					Talbot					Total
		Losses and					Losses and					Losses and
		Loss					Loss					Loss
		Expenses					Expenses					Expenses
(Dollars in thousands)	Description	(2)		% of NPE			(2)		% of NPE			(2)		% of NPE
Queensland floods	Flood	$	10,000		4.0	%	$	15,000		8.0	%	$	25,000		5.8	%
Political violence	Terror attack		12,500		5.1	%		—		—			12,500		2.9	%


Fourth Quarter 2010 Notable Loss Events (a)		Three months ended December 31, 2010
		Validus Re					Talbot					Total
		Losses and					Losses and					Losses and
		Loss					Loss					Loss
		Expenses					Expenses					Expenses
(Dollars in thousands)	Description	(b)		% of NPE			(b)		% of NPE			(b)		% of NPE
Satellite loss	Failure		5,804		2.4	%		2,982		1.6	%		8,786		2.0	%
Financial institution	Investment house failure		—		—			5,487		3.0	%		5,487		1.3	%

Total		$	28,304		11.5	%	$	23,469		12.6	%	$	51,773		12.0	%

Fourth Quarter 2009 Notable Loss Events

Three months ended December 31, 2009

Validus Re

Talbot

Total

Losses and

Loss

Expenses

(Dollars in thousands)

Description

(b)

% of NPE

(b)

% of NPE

(b)

% of NPE

Dublin floods

Flood

5,732

2.2

—

5,732

1.3

Total

5,732

2.2

—

5,732

1.3


(a)		These 2010 notable loss event amounts are based on management’s estimates following a review of the Company’s potential exposure and discussions with certain clients and brokers. Given the magnitude and recent occurrence of these events, and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, uncertainty remains regarding losses from these events and the Company’s actual ultimate net losses from these events may vary materially from these estimates.

(b)		Net of reinsurance but not net of reinstatement premiums. Reinstatement premiums were $(1.6) million and $0.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 respectively.

Validus Re. Validus Re losses and loss expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $49.8 million compared to $44.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $5.7 million or 12.8%. The loss ratio, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 20.2% and 17.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Favorable loss development on prior years totaled $22.1 million and benefited the Validus Re loss ratio by 9.0 percentage points. For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re incurred notable loss events as identified above of $28.3 million, which represented 11.5 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, Validus Re incurred $5.7 million in notable losses. Validus Re segment loss ratios, excluding prior year development and the notable loss events identified above, for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 17.7% and 26.1%, respectively. Details of loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.


	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2010			2009			% Change
Property — current year		16.3	%		21.4	%		(5.1	)
Property — change in prior accident years		(6.1	)%		(11.8	)%		5.7

Property — loss ratio		10.2	%		9.6	%		0.6

Marine — current year		42.0	%		53.3	%		(11.3	)
Marine — change in prior accident years		(20.4	)%		(7.8	)%		(12.6	)

Marine — loss ratio		21.6	%		45.5	%		(23.9	)

Specialty — current year		99.1	%		56.9	%		42.2
Specialty — change in prior accident years		(8.2	)%		(10.4	)%		2.2

Specialty — loss ratio		90.9	%		46.5	%		44.4

All lines — current year		29.2	%		28.3	%		0.9
All lines — change in prior accident years		(9.0	)%		(11.2	)%		2.2

All lines — loss ratio		20.2	%		17.1	%		3.1

For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re property lines losses and loss expenses include $28.9 million related to current year losses and $10.8 million of favorable development relating to prior accident years. This favorable development is attributable to lower than expected claims development. For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re’s property lines incurred $10.0 million of notable losses, which represented 5.7 percentage points of the property line loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, Validus Re’s property lines incurred $5.7 million of notable losses, which represented 2.8 percentage points of the property line loss ratio. Validus Re property lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development and the notable loss events identified above, for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 10.6% and 18.6%, respectively.

For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re marine lines losses and loss expenses include $19.1 million related to current year losses and $9.3 million of favorable development relating to prior accident years. This favorable development is attributable to higher than anticipated recoveries associated with the 2007 California Wildfires, as well as lower than expected claims development. For the three months ended December 31, 2010 and three months ended December 31, 2009, Validus Re’s marine lines did not experience any notable loss events. Validus Re marine lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development, for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 42.0% and 53.3%, respectively.

For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses include $23.8 million related to current year losses and $2.0 million of favorable development relating to prior accident years. This favorable development is attributable to lower than expected claims development. For the three months ended December 31, 2010 Validus Re’s specialty lines incurred $18.3 million of notable losses, which represented 76.1 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio, excluding the reserve for development on 2010 notable loss events. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, Validus Re’s specialty lines did not experience any notable loss events. Validus Re specialty lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development and the notable loss events identified above, for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 23.0% and 56.9%, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot losses and loss expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $105.4 million compared to $88.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $16.5 million, or 18.6%. The Talbot loss ratio was 56.5% and 52.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Talbot incurred losses of $113.9 million related to current year losses and $8.5 million in favorable development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Talbot incurred $23.5 million of notable losses, which represented 12.6 percentage points of the loss ratio. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, Talbot did not experience any notable loss events. Talbot loss ratios, excluding prior year loss development and the notable loss events identified above, for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and three months ended December 31, 2009 were 51.5% and 63.9%, respectively. Details of loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.


	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2010			2009			% Change
Property — current year		95.0	%		51.0	%		44.0
Property — change in prior accident years		(6.1	)%		(22.2	)%		16.1

Property — loss ratio		88.9	%		28.8	%		60.1

Marine — current year		42.8	%		81.3	%		(38.5	)
Marine — change in prior accident years		(11.0	)%		(17.8	)%		6.8

Marine — loss ratio		31.8	%		63.5	%		(31.7	)

Specialty — current year		60.4	%		54.2	%		6.2
Specialty — change in prior accident years		3.1	%		(0.3	)%		3.4

Specialty — loss ratio		63.5	%		53.9	%		9.6

All lines — current year		61.1	%		63.9	%		(2.8	)
All lines — change in prior accident years		(4.6	)%		(11.7	)%		7.1

All lines — loss ratio		56.5	%		52.2	%		4.3

For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Talbot property lines losses and loss expenses include $39.4 million related to current year losses and $2.5 million of favorable development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable development is primarily attributable to a favorable settlement on Hurricane Katrina. For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Talbot’s property lines incurred $15.0 million of notable losses, which represented 36.2 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, Talbot’s property lines did not experience any notable loss events. Talbot property lines loss ratio, excluding prior year development and the notable loss events noted above for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 58.8% and 51.0%, respectively.

For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Talbot marine lines losses and loss expenses include $31.7 million related to current year losses and $8.2 million of favorable development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable development is primarily due to lower than expected claim development across a number of lines, most notably on the marine, energy liability and hull lines, partially offset by a deterioration in the cargo lines. Talbot marine lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development, for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 42.8% and 81.3%, respectively.

For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Talbot specialty lines losses and loss expenses include $42.8 million relating to current year losses and $2.2 million of adverse development on prior accident years. The prior year adverse development is primarily attributable to the financial institutions lines, one of which is classified as a notable loss in the current quarter, partially offset by lower than expected claims development on the other specialty lines. For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Talbot’s specialty lines incurred $8.5 million of notable losses, which represented 11.9 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, Talbot’s specialty lines did not experience any notable loss events. Talbot specialty lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development and the notable loss events noted above for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 56.2% and 54.2%, respectively.

Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $75.5 million compared to $72.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $2.7 million or 3.7%. Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 17.4% and 17.0%, respectively. The changes in policy acquisition costs are due to the factors described below.


	Three Months Ended								Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010								December 31, 2009
	Policy		Policy						Policy		Policy
	Acquisition		Acquisition			Acquisition			Acquisition		Acquisition			Acquisition
(Dollars in thousands)	Costs		Costs (%)			Cost Ratio			Costs		Costs (%)			Cost Ratio			% Change
Property	$	29,488		39.1	%		13.5	%	$	31,694		43.5	%		13.2	%		(7.0	)%
Marine		26,765		35.4	%		22.4	%		21,780		29.9	%		23.2	%		22.9	%
Specialty		19,270		25.5	%		20.3	%		19,369		26.6	%		20.7	%		(0.5	)%

Total	$	75,523		100.0	%		17.4	%	$	72,843		100.0	%		17.0	%		3.7	%

Validus Re. Validus Re policy acquisition costs for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $39.3 million compared to $37.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $2.2 million or 6.0%.


	Three Months Ended								Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010								December 31, 2009
	Policy		Policy						Policy		Policy
	Acquisition		Acquisition			Acquisition			Acquisition		Acquisition			Acquisition
(Dollars in thousands)	Costs		Costs (%)			Cost Ratio			Costs		Costs (%)			Cost Ratio			% Change
Property	$	25,775		65.6	%		14.6	%	$	27,463		74.0	%		13.4	%		(6.1	)%
Marine		10,062		25.6	%		22.1	%		5,257		14.2	%		18.2	%		91.4	%
Specialty		3,462		8.8	%		14.4	%		4,368		11.8	%		17.8	%		(20.7	)%

Total	$	39,299		100.0	%		16.0	%	$	37,088		100.0	%		14.4	%		6.0	%

Policy acquisition costs include brokerage, commission and excise tax, are generally driven by contract terms, are normally a set percentage of premiums and are also net of ceding commission income on retrocessions. Validus Re policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 16.0% and 14.4%, respectively. The Validus Re policy acquisition cost ratio has increased for the three months ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009 primarily due to the increase policy acquisition costs in the marine lines. The increase in the marine lines was due primarily to an increase in the proportional premiums written which attract higher policy acquisition costs. Items such as ceded premium, earned premium adjustments and reinstatement premiums that are recognized in the period have an effect on policy acquisition costs.

Talbot. Talbot policy acquisition costs for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $37.7 million compared to $37.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $0.2 million or 0.5%.


	Three Months Ended								Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010								December 31, 2009
	Policy		Policy						Policy		Policy
	Acquisition		Acquisition			Acquisition			Acquisition		Acquisition			Acquisition
(Dollars in thousands)	Costs		Costs (%)			Cost Ratio			Costs		Costs (%)			Cost Ratio			% Change
Property	$	5,315		14.1	%		12.8	%	$	6,031		16.1	%		16.5	%		(11.9	)%
Marine		16,603		44.0	%		22.4	%		16,523		44.0	%		25.5	%		0.5	%
Specialty		15,808		41.9	%		22.3	%		15,001		39.9	%		21.8	%		5.4	%

Total	$	37,726		100.0	%		20.2	%	$	37,555		100.0	%		22.1	%		0.5	%

Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 20.2% and 22.1%, respectively.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $54.5 million compared to $60.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $5.7 million or 9.5%. The decrease was a result of increased expenses in the Corporate segment, offset by a decreases in the Validus Re segment and Talbot segments.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	General and		General and			General and		General and
	Administrative		Administrative			Administrative		Administrative
(Dollars in thousands)	Expenses		Expenses (%)			Expenses		Expenses (%)			% Change
Validus Re	$	12,659		23.3	%	$	19,782		32.8	%		(36.0	)%
Talbot		30,334		55.6	%		30,787		51.1	%		(1.5	)%
Corporate & Eliminations		11,518		21.1	%		9,684		16.1	%		18.9	%

Total	$	54,511		100.0	%	$	60,253		100.0	%		(9.5	)%

General and administrative expenses of $54.5 million in the three months ended December 31, 2010 represents 12.3 percentage points of the expense ratio. Share compensation expense is discussed in the following section.

Validus Re. Validus Re general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $12.7 million compared to $19.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $7.1 million or 36.0%. General and administrative expenses have decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in salaries and benefits driven by the reallocation of staff, starting in the first quarter of 2010, into the Corporate segment from the Validus Re segment compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009. In addition, there was a reduction of performance bonus accrual during the quarter and a reduction in employee severance costs relating to the IPC Acquisition compared to the prior year. General and administrative expenses include salaries and benefits, professional fees, rent and office expenses. Validus Re’s general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 5.1% and 7.7%, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $30.3 million compared to $30.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $0.5 million or 1.5%. Talbot’s general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 16.3% and 18.1%, respectively.

Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $11.5 million compared to $9.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $1.8 million or 18.9%. During the first quarter of 2010, to better align the Company’s operating and reporting structure with its current strategy, there was a change in segment structure. This change was to allocate certain ‘non-core underwriting’ expenses, predominantly general and administration and stock compensation expenses to the Corporate segment. Prior periods have not been restated as the change is immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Corporate general and administrative expenses include executive and board expenses, internal and external audit expenses and other costs relating to the Company as a whole. In addition, general and administrative expenses have increased as a result of an increase in staff from 62 at December 31, 2009, on a comparative basis to 89 at December 31, 2010.

Share Compensation Expenses

Share compensation expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $7.9 million compared to $8.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $0.3 million or 3.9%. This expense is non-cash and has no net effect on total shareholders’ equity, as it is balanced by an increase in additional paid-in capital.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Share		Share			Share		Share
	Compensation		Compensation			Compensation		Compensation
(Dollars in thousands)	Expenses		Expenses (%)			Expenses		Expenses (%)			% Change
Validus Re	$	1,934		24.6	%	$	2,590		31.6	%		(25.3	)%
Talbot		2,142		27.2	%		1,367		16.7	%		56.7	%
Corporate & Eliminations		3,795		48.2	%		4,232		51.7	%		(10.3	)%

Total	$	7,871		100.0	%	$	8,189		100.0	%		(3.9	)%

Share compensation expenses of $7.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2010 represents 1.8 percentage points of the general and administrative expense ratio.

Validus Re. Validus Re share compensation expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $1.9 million compared to $2.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 a decrease of $0.7 million or 25.3%. Share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 0.8% and 1.0%, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot share compensation expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $2.1 million compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 an increase of $0.8 million or 56.7%. Share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively.

Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate share compensation expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $3.8 million compared to $4.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $1.3 million or 10.3%.

Selected Ratios

The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are often measured by reference to its combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. The net loss ratio is calculated by dividing losses and loss expenses incurred (including estimates for incurred but not reported losses) by net premiums earned. The expense ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs combined with general and administrative expenses (including share compensation expenses) by net premiums earned. The following table presents the losses and loss expenses ratio, policy acquisition cost ratio, general and administrative expense ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.


	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009			% Change
Consolidated
Losses and loss expense ratio		35.9	%		31.1	%		4.8
Policy acquisition cost ratio		17.4	%		17.0	%		0.4
General and administrative expense ratio (a)		14.4	%		16.0	%		(1.6	)

Expense ratio		31.8	%		33.0	%		(1.2	)

Combined ratio		67.7	%		64.1	%		3.6


Validus Re
Losses and loss expense ratio		20.2	%		17.1	%		3.1
Policy acquisition cost ratio		16.0	%		14.4	%		1.6
General and administrative expense ratio (a)		5.9	%		8.7	%		(2.8	)

Expense ratio		21.9	%		23.1	%		(1.2	)

Combined ratio		42.1	%		40.2	%		1.9


Talbot
Losses and loss expense ratio		56.5	%		52.2	%		4.3
Policy acquisition cost ratio		20.2	%		22.1	%		(1.8	)
General and administrative expense ratio (a)		17.4	%		18.9	%		(1.5	)

Expense ratio		37.6	%		41.0	%		(3.4	)

Combined ratio		94.1	%		93.2	%		0.9


(a)		Includes general and administrative expenses and share compensation expenses.

General and administrative expense ratios for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 14.4% and 16.0%, respectively. General and administrative expense ratio is the sum of general and administrative expenses and share compensation expense divided by net premiums earned.


	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
			Expenses as % of					Expenses as % of
			Net Earned					Net Earned
(Dollars in thousands)	Expenses		Premiums			Expenses		Premiums
General and administrative expenses	$	54,511		12.6	%	$	60,253		14.1	%
Share compensation expenses		7,871		1.8	%		8,189		1.9	%

Total	$	62,382		14.4	%	$	68,442		16.0	%

Underwriting Income

Underwriting income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $139.7 million compared to underwriting income of $153.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $13.9 million, or 9.1%.


	Three Months						Three Months
	Ended December						Ended December
(Dollars in thousands)	31, 2010			% of Sub-total			31, 2009			% of Sub-total			% Change
Validus Re	$	142,633			92.9	%	$	154,044			93.0	%		(7.4	)%
Talbot		10,859			7.1	%		11,668			7.0	%		(6.9	)%

Sub-total		153,492			100.0	%		165,712			100.0	%		(7.4	)%

Corporate & Eliminations		(13,811	)					(12,116	)					14.0	%

Total	$	139,681					$	153,596						(9.1	)%

The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are also often measured by reference to its underwriting income, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Underwriting income, as set out in the table below, is reconciled to net income (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) by the addition or subtraction of certain Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income line items, as illustrated below.


	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009
Underwriting income	$	139,681		$	153,596
Net investment income		30,962			35,506
Other income		552			1,759
Finance expenses		(13,786	)		(14,398	)
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			4,444
Net realized (losses) gains on investments		(14,399	)		9,099
Net unrealized (losses) on investments		(42,689	)		(25,043	)
Foreign exchange gains		3,424			338

Net income before tax	$	103,745		$	165,301

Underwriting income indicates the performance of the Company’s core underwriting function, excluding revenues and expenses such as the reconciling items in the table above. The Company believes the reporting of underwriting income enhances the understanding of our results by highlighting the underlying profitability of the Company’s core insurance and reinsurance business. Underwriting profitability is influenced significantly by earned premium growth, adequacy of the Company’s pricing and loss frequency and severity. Underwriting profitability over time is also influenced by the Company’s underwriting discipline, which seeks to manage exposure to loss through favorable risk selection and diversification, its management of claims, its use of reinsurance and its ability to manage its expense ratio, which it accomplishes through its management of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. The Company believes that underwriting income provides investors with a valuable measure of profitability derived from underwriting activities.

the analysis of trends in its operations. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company believes that showing underwriting income enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial information to more easily analyze the Company’s results of operations in a manner similar to how management analyzes the Company’s underlying business performance. The Company uses underwriting income as a primary measure of underwriting results in its analysis of historical financial information and when performing its budgeting and forecasting processes. Analysts, investors and rating agencies who follow the Company request this non-GAAP financial information on a regular basis. In addition, underwriting income is one of the factors considered by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors in determining the total annual incentive compensation.

Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net income as there are inherent material limitations associated with the use of underwriting income as compared to using net income, which is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. The most significant limitation is the ability of users of the financial information to make comparable assessments of underwriting income with other companies, particularly as underwriting income may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. Therefore, the Company provides more prominence in this filing to the use of the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, net income, which includes the reconciling items in the table above. The Company compensates for these limitations by providing both clear and transparent disclosure of net income and reconciliation of underwriting income to net income.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $31.0 million compared to $35.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $4.5 million or 12.8%. Net investment income decreased due to falling yields in fixed maturity investments. Net investment income includes accretion of premium or discount on fixed maturities, interest on coupon-paying bonds, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by investment management fees. The components of net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as presented below.


	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009			% Change
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	30,033		$	35,290			(14.9	)%
Cash and cash equivalents		2,328			751			209.9	%
Securities lending income		32			89			(64.3	)%


Total gross investment income		32,393			36,130			(10.3	)%
Investment expenses		(1,431	)		(624	)		129.4	%


Net investment income	$	30,962		$	35,506			(12.8	)%

Annualized effective investment yield is based on the weighted average investments held calculated on a simple period average and excludes net unrealized gains (losses), realized gains (losses) on investments, foreign exchange gains (losses) on investments and the foreign exchange effect of insurance balances. The Company’s annualized effective investment yield was 2.12% and 2.47% for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and the average duration at December 31, 2010 was 2.27 years (December 31, 2009 — 2.24 years).

Other Income

Other income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $0.6 million compared to $1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Finance Expenses

Finance expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $13.8 million compared to $14.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $0.6 million or 4.3%. The decrease was primarily driven by a $6.7 million decrease in payments under the Talbot third party FAL facility, partially offset by a $5.6

million increase in interest expense on the 8.875% Senior Notes due 2040 which were issued in the first quarter of 2010.

Finance expenses also include the amortization of debt offering costs and discounts, and fees related to our credit facilities.


	Three Months Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2010		2009		% Change
9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	3,589	$	3,589		0.0	%
8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		3,028		2,688		12.6	%
8.875% Senior Notes due 2040		5,598		—	NM
Credit facilities		1,571		1,084		44.9	%
Talbot FAL facility		—		375	NM
Talbot third party FAL facility		—		6,662	NM

Finance expenses	$	13,786	$	14,398		(4.3	)%

NM: Not Meaningful

Capital in Lloyd’s entities, whether personal or corporate, is required to be set annually for the prospective year and held by Lloyd’s in trust (“Funds at Lloyd’s” or “FAL”). In underwriting years up to and including 2007, Talbot’s FAL has been provided both by Talbot and by third parties, thereafter Talbot’s FAL has been provided exclusively by the Company. Because the third party FAL providers remain “on risk” until each year of account that their support closes (normally after three years). Talbot must retain third party FAL even if a third party FAL provider has ceased to support the active underwriting year. This is achieved by placing such FAL in escrow outside Lloyd’s. Thus, the total FAL facility available to the Company is the total FAL for active and prior underwriting years, although the Company can only apply specific FAL against losses incurred by an underwriting year that such FAL is contracted to support. As of December 31, 2009, the 2007 year of account, which was the last year of account supported by the Talbot third party FAL facility, closed and all third party FAL was returned to its providers.

For each year of account up to and including the 2007 year of account, between 30% and 40% of an amount equivalent to each underwriting years’ profit is payable to Talbot third party FAL providers. However, some of these costs are fixed. The FAL finance charges relate to total syndicate profit (underwriting income, investment income and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses). There are no third party FAL finance charges related to the 2008, 2009 and 2010 years of account as there were no third party FAL providers in those periods.

Third party FAL finance charges for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $nil compared to $6.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009. This decrease was due to the closure of all third party supported years of account and the final settlement, in 2010, of all remaining liabilities.

Tax Expense (Benefit)

Tax expense for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $1.1 million compared to a benefit of ($0.5) million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $1.5 million or 331.0%.

Realized Gain on Repurchase of Debentures

On December 1, 2009, the Company repurchased from an unaffiliated financial institution $14.5 million principal amount of its 8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures due 2037 at an aggregate price of $9.9 million plus accrued and unpaid interest of $0.3 million. The repurchase resulted in the recognition of a realized gain of $4.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Net Realized (Losses) Gains on Investments

Net realized losses on investments for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were ($14.4) million compared to gains of $9.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $23.5 million or 258.2%.

Net Unrealized (Losses) on Investments

Net unrealized losses on investments for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were ($42.7) million compared to losses of ($25.0) million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 an unfavorable movement of $17.7 million or 70.8%. The net unrealized losses in the three months ended December 31, 2010 experienced an unfavorable movement due to increasing interest rates which reduced the value of the fixed income portfolio.

Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses)

Foreign exchange gains for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $3.4 million compared to gains of $0.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a favorable movement of $3.1 million. The favorable movement in foreign exchange was due primarily to the increased value of assets denominated in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar reporting currency for the three months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009.

For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re segment foreign exchange gains were $1.9 million compared to losses of $(0.8) million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a favorable movement of $2.7 million. The favorable movement in Validus Re segment is primarily due to a $2.9 million gain on a forward exchange contract entered into to hedge currency movements between US dollars and Chilean pesos. Validus Re hedges Chilean pesos due to reserves for losses arising from the Chilean earthquake, for further information see Note 8, “Derivative Instruments Used in Hedging Activities” to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

For the three months ended December 31, 2010, Talbot segment foreign exchange gains were $1.3 million compared to gains of $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, a favorable movement of $0.2 million The favorable movement in Talbot segment foreign exchange was primarily due to the small fluctuations of the British pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rate during the three months ended December 31, 2010. The British pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rates was 1.58 and 1.55 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2010, respectively. During the quarter, the British pound sterling depreciated by 1.9 percent. Certain premiums receivable and liabilities for losses incurred in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are exposed to the risk of changes in value resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and may affect financial results in the future.

At December 31, 2010, Talbot’s balance sheet includes net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs denominated in foreign currencies of approximately $89.0 million and $20.1 million, respectively. This net balance consisted of British pound sterling and Canadian dollars of $59.9 million and $9.0 million, respectively. Net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs are classified as non-monetary items and are translated at historic exchange rates. All of Talbot’s other balance sheet items are classified as monetary items and are translated at period end exchange rates.

The following table presents results of operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:


	Three Months Ended December						Year Ended December 31,
	31,												Pro Forma 2009
(Dollars in thousands)	2010			2009			2010			2009 (a)			(c)			2008
Gross premiums written	$	258,731		$	255,289		$	1,990,566		$	1,621,241			2,008,578		$	1,362,484
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(35,376	)		(30,393	)		(229,482	)		(232,883	)		(239,412	)		(124,160	)

Net premiums written		223,355			224,896			1,761,084			1,388,358			1,769,166			1,238,324
Change in unearned premiums		209,456			203,005			39			61,219			(57,338	)		18,194

Net premiums earned		432,811			427,901			1,761,123			1,449,577			1,711,828			1,256,518

Losses and loss expenses		155,225			133,020			987,586			523,757			556,550			772,154
Policy acquisition costs		75,523			72,843			292,899			262,966			289,600			234,951
General and administrative expenses		54,511			60,253			209,290			185,568			209,510			123,948
Share compensation expenses		7,871			8,189			28,911			27,037			33,751			27,097

Total underwriting deductions		293,130			274,305			1,518,686			999,328			1,089,411			1,158,150

Underwriting income (b)		139,681			153,596			242,437			450,249			622,417			98,368

Net investment income		30,962			35,506			134,103			118,773			163,944			139,528
Other income		552			1,759			5,219			4,634			4,603			5,264
Finance expenses		(13,786	)		(14,398	)		(55,870	)		(44,130	)		(44,513	)		(57,318	)

Operating income before taxes (b)		157,409			176,463			325,889			529,526			746,451			185,842
Tax (expense) benefit		(1,058	)		458			(3,126	)		3,759			3,759			(10,788	)

Net operating income (b)		156,351			176,921			322,763			533,285			750,210			175,054

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses		—			—			—			287,099			—			—
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			4,444			—			4,444			4,444			8,752
Net realized (losses) gains on investments		(14,399	)		9,099			32,498			(11,543	)		(4,717	)		(1,591	)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments		(42,689	)		(25,043	)		45,952			84,796			189,789			(79,707	)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		3,424			338			1,351			(674	)		4,294			(49,397	)

Net income	$	102,687		$	165,759		$	402,564		$	897,407			944,020		$	53,111

Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		86.3	%		88.1	%		88.5	%		85.6	%		88.1	%		90.9	%

Losses and loss expenses		35.9	%		31.1	%		56.1	%		36.1	%		32.5	%		61.5	%
Policy acquisition costs		17.4	%		17.0	%		16.6	%		18.1	%		16.9	%		18.7	%
General and administrative expenses (d)		14.4	%		16.0	%		13.5	%		14.7	%		14.2	%		12.0	%

Expense ratio		31.8	%		33.0	%		30.1	%		32.8	%		31.1	%		30.7	%

Combined ratio		67.7	%		64.1	%		86.2	%		68.9	%		63.6	%		92.2	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

(b)		Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income and operating income that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Reconciliations of these measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, are presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

(c)		Pro Forma combined Validus Holdings, Ltd. and IPC Holdings Ltd. income statement for the year ended December 31, 2009.

(d)		The general and administrative ratio includes share compensation expenses.


	Three Months Ended December						Year Ended December 31, 2010
	31,												Pro Forma 2009
(Dollars in thousands)	2010			2009			2010			2009 (a)			(c)			2008
Validus Re
Gross premiums written	$	33,986		$	33,694		$	1,101,239		$	768,084		$	1,155,421		$	687,771
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(399	)		(652	)		(63,147	)		(95,446	)		(101,975	)		(62,933	)

Net premiums written		33,587			33,042			1,038,092			672,638			1,053,446			624,838
Change in unearned premiums		212,737			224,596			13,108			122,912			4,305			28,693

Net premiums earned		246,324			257,638			1,051,200			795,550			1,057,751			653,531

Losses and loss expenses		49,799			44,134			601,610			186,704			219,497			420,645
Policy acquisition costs		39,299			37,088			160,599			127,433			154,127			100,243
General and administrative expenses		12,659			19,782			45,617			65,710			89,652			34,607
Share compensation expenses		1,934			2,590			7,181			7,576			14,290			6,829

Total underwriting deductions		103,691			103,594			815,007			387,423			477,566			562,324

Underwriting income (b)		142,633			154,044			236,193			408,127			580,185			91,207


Talbot
Gross premiums written	$	238,100		$	229,548		$	981,073		$	919,906		$	919,906		$	708,996
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(48,332	)		(37,694	)		(258,081	)		(204,186	)		(204,186	)		(95,510	)

Net premiums written		189,768			191,854			722,992			715,720			715,720			613,486
Change in unearned premiums		(3,281	)		(21,591	)		(13,069	)		(61,693	)		(61,693	)		(10,499	)

Net premiums earned		186,487			170,263			709,923			654,027			654,027			602,987

Losses and loss expenses		105,426			88,886			385,976			337,053			337,053			351,509
Policy acquisition costs		37,726			37,555			143,769			139,932			139,932			135,017
General and administrative expenses		30,334			30,787			114,043			96,352			96,352			71,443
Share compensation expenses		2,142			1,367			6,923			7,171			7,171			4,702

Total underwriting deductions		175,628			158,595			650,711			580,508			580,508			562,671

Underwriting income (b)		10,859			11,668			59,212			73,519			73,519			40,316


Corporate & Eliminations
Gross premiums written	$	(13,355	)	$	(7,953	)	$	(91,746	)	$	(66,749	)	$	(66,749	)	$	(34,283	)
Reinsurance premiums ceded		13,355			7,953			91,746			66,749			66,749			34,283

Net premiums written		—			—			—			—			—			—
Change in unearned premiums		—			—			—			—			—			—

Net premiums earned		—			—			—			—			—			—

Losses and loss expenses		—			—			—			—			—			—
Policy acquisition costs		(1,502	)		(1,800	)		(11,469	)		(4,399	)		(4,399	)		(309	)
General and administrative expenses		11,518			9,684			49,630			23,506			23,506			17,898
Share compensation expenses		3,795			4,232			14,807			12,290			12,290			15,566

Total underwriting deductions		13,811			12,116			52,968			31,397			31,397			33,155

Underwriting (loss) (b)		(13,811	)		(12,116	)		(52,968	)		(31,397	)		(31,397	)		(33,155	)

Total underwriting income (b)	$	139,681		$	153,596		$	242,437		$	450,249		$	622,307		$	98,368


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

(b)		Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income that is not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

(c)		Pro Forma combined Validus Holdings, Ltd. and IPC Holdings Ltd. income statement for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Year Ended December 31, 2010 compared to year ended December 31, 2009

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $402.6 million compared to net income of $897.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $494.8 million. The primary factors driving the decrease in net income were:

•

Decrease in the gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses of $287.1 million relating to the IPC Acquisition;

•

Decrease in underwriting income of $207.8 million due primarily to increased notable loss events. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company incurred a $463.8 million increase in losses and loss expenses over the year ended December 31, 2009. This was partially offset by a $311.5 million increase in net premiums earned primarily relating to the IPC Acquisition;

•

Decrease in unrealized gains on investments of $38.8 million; and

•

Increase in finance expenses of $11.7 million.

The items above were partially offset by the following factor:

•

Increase in net investment income and net realized gains on investments of $15.3 million and $44.0 million, respectively.

The change in net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $494.8 million is described in the following table:


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	(Decrease) increase over the year ended December 31, 2009 (a)
							Corporate and
							other reconciling
(Dollars in thousands)	Validus Re			Talbot			items			Total
Notable losses — net losses and loss expenses (b)	$	(402,320	)	$	(101,631	)	$	—		$	(503,951	)
Notable losses — net reinstatement premiums (b)		28,722			(9,037	)		—			19,685
Other underwriting income (loss)		201,664			96,361			(21,571	)		276,454

Underwriting income (c)		(171,934	)		(14,307	)		(21,571	)		(207,812	)
Net investment income		18,995			(827	)		(2,838	)		15,330
Other income		(938	)		7,577			(6,054	)		585
Finance expenses		(3,697	)		11,585			(19,628	)		(11,740	)

		(157,574	)		4,028			(50,091	)		(203,637	)
Taxes		(12	)		(6,652	)		(221	)		(6,885	)

		(157,586	)		(2,624	)		(50,312	)		(210,522	)

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses		—			—			(287,099	)		(287,099	)
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			—			(4,444	)		(4,444	)
Net realized gains on investments		29,065			14,976			—			44,041
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments		(29,933	)		(8,911	)		—			(38,844	)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		221			1,415			389			2,025


Net income	$	(158,233	)	$	4,856		$	(341,466	)	$	(494,843	)


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

(b)		Notable losses for the year ended December 31, 2010 include: the Chilean earthquake, Melbourne hailstorm, windstorm Xynthia, Deepwater Horizon, Aban Pearl, Bangkok riots, Perth hailstorm, New Zealand earthquake, Oklahoma windstorm, two Political risk losses, Hurricane Karl, Queensland floods, a Political violence loss, a Satellite failure and a Financial institutions loss. Excludes reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events.

(c)		Non-Gaap Financial Measures. In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income (loss) that is not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

Gross Premiums Written

Gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1,990.6 million compared to $1,621.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $369.3 million or 22.8%. The increase in gross premiums written was driven primarily by the impact of the IPC Acquisition and the increase in reinstatement premiums relating to the notable loss events for the year ended December 31, 2010. The property, marine and specialty lines increased by $286.3 million, $78.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Details of gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
	Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross
	Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)
Property	$	1,037,061		52.1	%	$	750,741		46.3	%	$	623,386		45.8	%
Marine		525,307		26.4	%		446,962		27.6	%		396,897		29.1	%
Specialty		428,198		21.5	%		423,538		26.1	%		342,201		25.1	%

Total	$	1,990,566		100.0	%	$	1,621,241		100.0	%	$	1,362,484		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Validus Re. Validus Re gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1,101.2 million compared to $768.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $333.2 million or 43.4%. Details of Validus Re gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
	Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross
	Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)
Property	$	790,590		71.8	%	$	526,428		68.5	%	$	492,967		71.7	%
Marine		227,135		20.6	%		152,853		19.9	%		117,744		17.1	%
Specialty		83,514		7.6	%		88,803		11.6	%		77,060		11.2	%

Total	$	1,101,239		100.0	%	$	768,084		100.0	%	$	687,771		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

The impact of the IPC Acquisition was the primary driver for the increase in gross premiums written. The additional capacity was used to increase lines on renewing deals and to write new business resulting in additional gross premiums written of $271.2 million from business incepting during the twelve months ended December 31, 2010.

Validus Re gross premiums written increased across the property and marine lines by $264.2 million, $74.3 million, respectively, and decreased by $5.3 million on the specialty lines. The increase in the Validus Re property lines was due primarily to a $199.7 million increase in new and renewing business and an increase of $9.9 million contributed by the Validus Re Singapore branch, which commenced writing business in January 2010. In addition, there was a $7.0 million increase in premium adjustments and a $9.9 million increase in reinstatement premiums relating to the notable loss events for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to year ended December 31, 2009. The increase in gross premiums written in the Validus Re marine lines was due primarily to a $68.8 million increase in new and renewing business, as described above. In addition, there was a $13.9 million increase in reinstatement premiums relating to the notable loss events, offset by a $12.3 million reduction in premium adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in gross premiums written in the Validus Re specialty lines was due primarily to a $6.1 million decrease in premium adjustments, partially offset by a $2.1 million increase in new and renewing business.

Gross premiums written under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts with Talbot increased by $23.0 million and $3.6 million in the property and marine lines respectively and decreased by $1.7 million in the specialty lines, for the year ended December 31, 2010. These reinsurance agreements with Talbot are eliminated upon consolidation.

Talbot. Talbot gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $981.1 million compared to $919.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $61.2 million or 6.6%. The $981.1 million of gross premiums written translated at fourth quarter 2009 rates of exchange would have been $980.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, a decrease of $0.3 million. Details of Talbot gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009					December 31, 2008
	Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross			Gross		Gross
	Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
(Dollars in thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)
Property	$	314,769		32.1	%	$	269,583		29.3	%	$	152,143		21.5	%
Marine		315,102		32.1	%		307,385		33.4	%		287,696		40.5	%
Specialty		351,202		35.8	%		342,938		37.3	%		269,157		38.0	%

Total	$	981,073		100.0	%	$	919,906		100.0	%	$	708,996		100.0	%

Talbot gross premiums written increased across the property, marine and specialty lines by $45.2 million, $7.7 million and $8.3 million, respectively. The increase in the Talbot property line was due primarily to the addition of the onshore energy team which commenced writing business in the first quarter of 2009, and contributed a $26.2 million increase in premiums written over the year ended December 31, 2009. New business on the property treaty lines contributed $16.0 million and an increase in premiums written in the construction lines contributed $6.2 million. In addition, there was a $6.2 million increase in reinstatement premiums on 2010 notable losses. This was offset by an $11.0 million decrease in the direct property lines. The increase in the Talbot marine lines of $7.7 million was due primarily to a $10.2 million increase in the treaty lines, $8.6 million increase in the cargo lines, offset by a $6.9 million decrease in energy lines. The increase in the Talbot specialty lines of $8.3 million was due primarily to a $14.3 million increase in gross premiums written by the new aviation team, offset by a $6.0 million decrease in other specialty lines.

Reinsurance Premiums Ceded

Reinsurance premiums ceded for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $229.5 million compared to $232.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $3.4 million, or 1.5%. Reinsurance premiums ceded on the property lines decreased by $26.6 million and increased by $7.6 million and $15.6 million, on the marine and specialty lines, respectively. Details of reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
	Reinsurance		Reinsurance			Reinsurance		Reinsurance			Reinsurance		Reinsurance
(Dollars in	Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
thousands)	Ceded		Ceded (%)			Ceded		Ceded (%)			Ceded		Ceded (%)
Property	$	123,383		53.7	%	$	149,979		64.4	%	$	46,360		37.4	%
Marine		38,701		16.9	%		31,140		13.4	%		39,406		31.7	%
Specialty		67,398		29.4	%		51,764		22.2	%		38,394		30.9	%

Total	$	229,482		100.0	%	$	232,883		100.0	%	$	124,160		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Validus Re. Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $63.1 million compared to $95.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $32.3 million, or 33.8%. Details of Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended						Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010						December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
	Reinsurance			Reinsurance			Reinsurance		Reinsurance			Reinsurance		Reinsurance
(Dollars in	Premiums			Premiums			Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
thousands)	Ceded			Ceded (%)			Ceded		Ceded (%)			Ceded		Ceded (%)
Property	$	45,536			72.2	%	$	80,475		84.3	%	$	34,712		55.2	%
Marine		17,643			27.9	%		13,120		13.7	%		27,652		43.9	%
Specialty		(32	)		(0.1	)%		1,851		2.0	%		569		0.9	%

Total	$	63,147			100.0	%	$	95,446		100.0	%	$	62,933		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Reinsurance premiums ceded in the Validus Re property line decreased by $34.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to the purchase of $34.0 million in catastrophe retrocessional coverage in the third quarter of 2009 for IPC’s U.S. property exposures which was not renewed in 2010. Reinsurance premiums ceded on the Validus Re marine lines increased by $4.5 million due primarily to the purchase of additional industry loss warranties following notable loss events in the year and reinstatement premiums.

Talbot. Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $258.1 million compared to $204.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $53.9 million or 26.4%. Details of Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
	Reinsurance		Reinsurance			Reinsurance		Reinsurance			Reinsurance		Reinsurance
(Dollars in	Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
thousands)	Ceded		Ceded (%)			Ceded		Ceded (%)			Ceded		Ceded (%)
Property	$	146,145		56.6	%	$	114,774		56.2	%	$	33,372		34.9	%
Marine		37,988		14.7	%		31,296		15.3	%		20,297		21.3	%
Specialty		73,948		28.7	%		58,116		28.5	%		41,841		43.8	%

Total	$	258,081		100.0	%	$	204,186		100.0	%	$	95,510		100.0	%

Reinsurance premiums ceded in the Talbot property lines increased by $31.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to a $8.4 million increase in premiums ceded in the onshore energy lines, a $17.3 million increase in premiums ceded under the property quota share and surplus lines treaty of which $6.2 million related to reinstatement premiums following the Chilean earthquake and Deepwater Horizon. Reinsurance premiums ceded in the Talbot marine lines increased by $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to $5.1 million in additional quota share cessions over the year ended December 31, 2009. Reinsurance premiums ceded in the Talbot specialty lines increased by $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to an increase in excess of loss cessions relating to the aviation, political risk and financial institutions lines.

Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts with Validus Re for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased by $25.0 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase was primarily due to increased business written in the onshore energy lines. Reinsurance premiums ceded in the property and marine lines under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts with Validus Re increased by $23.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. These reinsurance contracts are eliminated upon consolidation.

Net Premiums Written

Net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1,761.1 million compared to $1,388.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $372.7 million, or 26.8%. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 88.5% and 85.6%, respectively. Details of net premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
(Dollars in	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)
Property	$	913,678		51.9	%	$	600,762		43.2	%	$	577,026		46.6	%
Marine		486,606		27.6	%		415,822		30.0	%		357,491		28.9	%
Specialty		360,800		20.5	%		371,774		26.8	%		303,807		24.5	%

Total	$	1,761,084		100.0	%	$	1,388,358		100.0	%	$	1,238,324		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1,038.1 million compared to $672.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $365.5 million or 54.3%. Details of Validus Re net premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
(Dollars in	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)
Property	$	745,054		71.8	%	$	445,953		66.3	%	$	458,255		73.4	%
Marine		209,492		20.2	%		139,733		20.8	%		90,092		14.4	%
Specialty		83,546		8.0	%		86,952		12.9	%		76,491		12.2	%

Total	$	1,038,092		100.0	%	$	672,638		100.0	%	$	624,838		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

The increase in Validus Re net premiums written was primarily driven by the impact of the IPC Acquisition highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written were 94.3% and 87.6% for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in the ratio of net premiums written to gross premiums written reflects the specific decrease in reinsurance premiums ceded relating to the third quarter 2009 purchase of the $34.0 million retrocessional coverage following the IPC Acquisition.

Talbot. Talbot net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $723.0 million compared to $715.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $7.3 million or 1.0%. Details of Talbot net premiums written by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
(Dollars in	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
thousands)	Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)			Written		Written (%)
Property	$	168,624		23.4	%	$	154,809		21.6	%	$	118,771		19.3	%
Marine		277,114		38.3	%		276,089		38.6	%		267,399		43.6	%
Specialty		277,254		38.3	%		284,822		39.8	%		227,316		37.1	%

Total	$	722,992		100.0	%	$	715,720		100.0	%	$	613,486		100.0	%

The increase in Talbot net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 73.7% and 77.8%, respectively. The decrease in the ratio of net premiums written to gross premiums written was due primarily to the increase in quota share cessions in the onshore energy lines, marine treaty lines and reinstatement premiums following the Chilean earthquake and Deepwater Horizon events.

Change in Unearned Premiums

Change in unearned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $0.0 million compared to $61.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $61.2 million or 99.9%.


	Year Ended			Year Ended		Year Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31,2009(a)		December 31, 2008
	Net Change in			Net Change in		Net Change in
	Unearned			Unearned		Unearned
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
Change in gross unearned premium	$	(12,079	)	$	2,258	$	7,164
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium		12,118			58,961		11,030

Net change in unearned premium	$	39		$	61,219	$	18,194


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Validus Re. Validus Re’s change in unearned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $13.1 million compared to $122.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $109.8 million, or 89.3%.


	Year Ended			Year Ended		Year Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009 (a)		December 31, 2008
	Net Change in			Net Change in		Net Change in
	Unearned			Unearned		Unearned
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums			Premiums		Premiums
Change in gross unearned premium	$	15,563		$	112,349	$	27,482
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium		(2,455	)		10,563		1,211

Net change in unearned premium	$	13,108		$	122,912	$	28,693


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

The rate of change in the Validus Re unearned premiums has decreased compared to the prior year due to the earnings effect of the increased unearned premiums assumed as a result of the IPC Acquisition in 2009. The change in prepaid reinsurance is reflective of the lower level of ceded reinsurance, due to additional retrocessional coverage being placed in the three months ended September 30, 2009 as a result of the IPC Acquisition.

Talbot. The Talbot change in unearned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2010 was ($13.1) million compared to ($61.7) million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $48.6 million, or 78.8%.


	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009			December 31, 2008
	Net Change in			Net Change in			Net Change in
	Unearned			Unearned			Unearned
(Dollars in thousands)	Premiums			Premiums			Premiums
Change in gross unearned premium	$	(27,642	)	$	(110,091	)		(20,318	)
Change in prepaid reinsurance premium		14,573			48,398			9,819

Net change in unearned premium	$	(13,069	)	$	(61,693	)		(10,499	)

Talbot’s change in gross unearned premiums and prepaid reinsurance reflects the decrease in the growth rate of gross premiums written and reinsurance premium ceded.

Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1,761.1 million compared to $1,449.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $311.5 million or 21.5%. The increase in net premiums earned was driven by increased premiums earned in the Validus Re segment of $255.7 million and increased premiums earned in the Talbot segment of $55.9 million. Details of net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
(Dollars in	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
thousands)	Earned		Earned (%)			Earned		Earned (%)			Earned		Earned (%)
Property	$	923,370		52.4	%	$	712,662		49.2	%	$	598,407		47.7	%
Marine		445,426		25.3	%		397,061		27.4	%		367,449		29.2	%
Specialty		392,327		22.3	%		339,854		23.4	%		290,662		23.1	%

Total	$	1,761,123		100.0	%	$	1,449,577		100.0	%	$	1,256,518		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1,051.2 million compared to $795.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $255.7 million or 32.1%. The increase in Validus Re net premiums earned was primarily due to the IPC Acquisition. Details of Validus Re net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
(Dollars in	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
thousands)	Earned		Earned (%)			Earned		Earned (%)			Earned		Earned (%)
Property	$	765,665		72.8	%	$	578,452		72.7	%	$	478,523		73.2	%
Marine		176,601		16.8	%		123,273		15.5	%		104,479		16.0	%
Specialty		108,934		10.4	%		93,825		11.8	%		70,529		10.8	%

Total	$	1,051,200		100.0	%	$	795,550		100.0	%	$	653,531		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Net premiums earned on the property lines increased primarily due to a $122.9 million increase in premiums earned on new and renewing business and a $44.5 million increase in inter-company premiums earned. Net premiums earned on the marine lines increased primarily due to a $42.6 million increase in premiums earned on new and renewing business, in-line with an increase in business written during 2010 compared to 2009. Net premiums earned on the specialty lines increased primarily due to a $16.6 million increase resulting from proportional specialty treaties incepting prior to the acquisition of IPC that were earned over 24 months.

Talbot. Talbot net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $709.9 million compared to $654.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $55.9 million or 8.5%. Details of Talbot net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.


	Year ended					Year ended					Year ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
(Dollars in	Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums			Net Premiums		Net Premiums
thousands)	Earned		Earned (%)			Earned		Earned (%)			Earned		Earned (%)
Property	$	157,705		22.2	%	$	134,210		20.5	%	$	119,884		19.9	%
Marine		268,825		37.9	%		273,788		41.9	%		262,970		43.6	%
Specialty		283,393		39.9	%		246,029		37.6	%		220,133		36.5	%

Total	$	709,923		100.0	%	$	654,027		100.0	%	$	602,987		100.0	%

Net premiums earned on the property lines increased primarily due to a $26.8 million increase in premiums earned on the onshore energy lines. Net premiums earned on the specialty lines increased primarily due to a $44.7 million increase in premiums earned on the aviation lines.

Losses and Loss Expenses

Losses and loss expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $987.6 million compared to $523.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $463.8 million or 88.6%. The loss ratios, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 56.1% and 36.1%, respectively. Details of loss ratios by line of business are provided below.


	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009(a)			December 31, 2008
Property		60.5	%		15.9	%		69.7	%
Marine		50.3	%		61.1	%		68.7	%
Specialty		52.2	%		49.4	%		35.2	%
All lines		56.1	%		36.1	%		61.5	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, gross and net reserves for losses and loss expenses were estimated using the methodology as outlined in the critical accounting policies and estimates as discussed in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition — Critical Accounting Policies. The Company did not make any significant changes in the assumptions or methodology used in its reserving process for the year ended December 31, 2010.


	As at December 31, 2010
					Total Gross Reserve for
(Dollars in thousands)	Gross Case Reserves		Gross IBNR		Losses and Loss Expenses
Property	$	506,506	$	397,941	$	904,447
Marine		317,469		322,259		639,728
Specialty		211,906		279,892		491,798

Total	$	1,035,881	$	1,000,092	$	2,035,973


	As at December 31, 2010
					Total Net Reserve for
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Case Reserves		Net IBNR		Losses and Loss Expenses
Property	$	458,087	$	358,895	$	816,982
Marine		275,877		261,390		537,267
Specialty		165,302		233,288		398,590

Total	$	899,266	$	853,573	$	1,752,839

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of gross and net reserves for losses and loss expenses by segment for the year ended December 31, 2010.


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in thousands)	Validus Re			Talbot			Eliminations			Total
Gross reserves at period beginning	$	742,510		$	903,986		$	(24,362	)	$	1,622,134
Losses recoverable		(49,808	)		(156,319	)		24,362			(181,765	)

Net reserves at period beginning		692,702			747,667			—			1,440,369

Incurred losses- current year		672,227			471,969			—			1,144,196
Change in prior accident years		(70,617	)		(85,993	)		—			(156,610	)

Incurred losses		601,610			385,976			—			987,586


Foreign exchange		2,908			(4,602	)		—			(1,694	)
Paid losses		(379,274	)		(294,148	)		—			(673,422	)

Net reserves at period end		917,946			834,893			—			1,752,839

Losses recoverable		80,219			356,655			(153,740	)		283,134

Gross reserves at period end	$	998,165		$	1,191,548		$	(153,740	)	$	2,035,973

The amount of recorded reserves represents management’s best estimate of expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. Favorable loss reserve development on prior years totaled $156.6 million. Of this $70.6 million related to the Validus Re segment and $86.0 million related to the Talbot segment. This favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company’s loss ratio by 8.9 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company incurred $536.2 million of notable losses, excluding reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events, which represented 30.4 percentage points of the loss ratio. Net of $21.1 million in reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was $515.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company incurred $32.2 million of notable losses which represented 2.2 percentage points of the loss ratio. The Company’s loss ratios, excluding prior year development and notable loss events for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 34.9% and 40.9%, respectively.

Management of insurance and reinsurance companies use significant judgment in the estimation of reserves for losses and loss expenses. Given the magnitude of recent loss events and other uncertainties inherent in loss estimation, meaningful uncertainty remains regarding the estimation of recent notable loss events. The Company’s actual ultimate net loss may vary materially from estimates. Validus Re ultimate losses for notable loss events are estimated through detailed review of contracts which are identified by the Company as potentially exposed to the specific notable loss event. However, there can be no assurance that the ultimate loss amount estimated for a specific contract will be accurate, or that all contracts with exposure to a specific notable loss event will be identified in a timely manner. Potential losses in excess of the estimated ultimate loss assigned to a contract on the basis of a specific review, or loss amounts from contracts not specifically included in the detailed review are reserved for in the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. In the first quarter of 2010, the Company incurred $19.2 million for a reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events, which in the second quarter of 2010 was allocated to development on the Chilean Earthquake. In the second quarter of 2010, the Company made a provision for losses and loss expenses of $20.0 million in the reserve for development on 2010 notable loss events. In the third quarter of 2010, the reserve was increased by an additional provision of $30.0 million. In the fourth quarter of 2010, no further provisions were made and the Company allocated $16.6 million of the reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events to development on the New Zealand Earthquake. Therefore, as at December 31, 2010, the reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events is $33.4 million.

Validus Re. Validus Re losses and loss expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $601.6 million compared to $186.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $414.9 million or 222.2%. The Validus Re loss ratio, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 57.2% and 23.5% for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re incurred $427.8 million of notable losses, which represented 40.7 percentage points of the Validus Re segment loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Validus Re incurred $25.5 million of notable losses, which represented 3.2 percentage points of the Validus Re segment loss ratio. Validus Re segment loss ratios, excluding prior year development and loss events identified above, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 23.2% and 27.0%, respectively.


	Year Ended December 31,
	2010			2009 (a)			2008
Property — current year		63.3	%		24.0	%		65.8	%
Property — change in prior accident years		(6.5	)%		(11.3	)%		(3.7	)%

Property — loss ratio		56.8	%		12.7	%		62.1	%

Marine — current year		79.8	%		49.1	%		90.5	%
Marine — change in prior accident years		(10.0	)%		15.9	%		3.9	%

Marine — loss ratio		69.8	%		65.0	%		94.4	%


	Year Ended December 31,
	2010			2009 (a)			2008
Specialty — current year		42.9	%		43.2	%		37.1	%
Specialty — change in prior accident years		(2.9	)%		(8.0	)%		(2.3	)%

Specialty — loss ratio		40.0	%		35.2	%		34.8	%

All lines — current year		63.9	%		30.2	%		66.7	%
All lines — change in prior accident years		(6.7	)%		(6.7	)%		(2.3	)%

All lines — loss ratio		57.2	%		23.5	%		64.4	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Validus Re property lines losses and loss expenses include $484.6 million related to current year losses and $49.8 million of favorable development relating to prior accident years. This favorable development is attributable to lower than expected claims development. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re’s property lines incurred $350.7 million of notable losses, excluding the reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events, which represented 45.8 percentage points of the Validus Re property loss ratio. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Validus Re’s property lines incurred $23.5 million of notable losses, which represented 4.1 percentage points of the Validus Re property lines loss ratio. Validus Re property lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development and loss events identified above, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 17.5% and 19.9%, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Validus Re marine lines losses and loss expenses include $140.8 million related to current year losses and $17.6 million of favorable development relating to prior accident years. This favorable development is attributable to higher than expected recoveries associated with the 2007 California Wildfires, as well as lower than expected claims development. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re marine lines incurred $51.3 million of notable losses, excluding reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events, which represented 29.1 percentage points of the Validus Re marine lines loss ratio. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Validus Re marine lines did not experience any notable losses. Validus Re marine lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development and loss events identified above, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 50.7% and 49.1%, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses include $46.7 million related to current year losses and $3.2 million of favorable development relating to prior accident years. This favorable development is attributable to lower than expected claims development. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Validus Re specialty lines incurred $25.8 million of notable losses, which represented 23.7 percentage points of the Validus Re specialty lines loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on 2010 notable loss events. For the year ended December 31, 2009 the Validus Re specialty lines incurred $2.1 million of notable losses, which represented 2.2 percentage points of the Validus Re specialty lines loss ratio. Validus Re specialty lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development and loss events identified above, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 19.2% and 41.0%, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot losses and loss expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $386.0 million compared to $337.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $48.9 million, or 14.5%. Talbot losses and loss expenses include $472.0 million related to current year losses and $86.0 million of favorable loss development relating to prior accident years. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Talbot segment loss ratio by 12.1 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Talbot incurred $108.4 million of notable losses, which represented 15.3 percentage points of the Talbot segment loss ratio. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Talbot incurred $6.7 million of notable losses, which represented 1.0 percentage points of the Talbot segment loss ratio. Talbot loss ratios, excluding prior year development and loss events identified above, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 52.0% and 58.0%, respectively. Details of loss ratios by line of business and calendar period are provided below.


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	2010			2009			2008
Property — current year		92.8	%		50.0	%		104.9	%
Property — change in prior accident years		(14.2	)%		(20.6	)%		(4.9	)%

Property — loss ratio		78.6	%		29.4	%		100.0	%

Marine — current year		57.1	%		65.0	%		64.8	%
Marine — change in prior accident years		(19.5	)%		(5.6	)%		(6.3	)%

Marine — loss ratio		37.6	%		59.4	%		58.5	%

Specialty — current year		60.7	%		57.4	%		50.0	%
Specialty — change in prior accident years		(3.9	)%		(2.5	)%		(14.6	)%

Specialty — loss ratio		56.8	%		54.9	%		35.4	%

All lines — current year		66.5	%		59.0	%		67.4	%
All lines — change in prior accident years		(12.1	)%		(7.5	)%		(9.1	)%

All lines — loss ratio		54.4	%		51.5	%		58.3	%

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Talbot property lines losses and loss expenses include $146.3 million related to current year losses and $22.5 million of favorable loss development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable development is primarily due lower than expected claim development on the property facultative and binder lines, together with favorable development on hurricanes Katrina and Ike. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Talbot property lines incurred $71.4 million of notable losses, which represented 45.3 percentage points of the Talbot property lines loss ratio. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Talbot property lines incurred $0.3 million of notable losses, which represented 0.2 percentage points of the Talbot property lines loss ratio. Talbot property lines loss ratio, excluding prior year development and the loss events identified above, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 47.5% and 49.8%, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Talbot marine lines losses and loss expenses include $153.4 million related to current year losses and $52.4 million of favorable development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable development is due to lower than expected attritional loss development across a number of lines, in particular on the hull and energy lines. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Talbot marine lines incurred $17.6 million of notable losses, which represented 6.6 percentage points of the Talbot marine lines loss ratio. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Talbot marine lines did not experience any notable loss events. Talbot marine lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development and the loss events identified above, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 50.5% and 65.0%, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Talbot specialty lines losses and loss expenses include $172.2 million relating to current year losses and $11.1 million of favorable development on prior accident years. The prior year favorable development is primarily due to lower than expected claims across most of the specialty sub-classes, partially offset by one notable loss on the financial institutions lines. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Talbot incurred $19.3 million of notable losses, which represented 6.8 percentage points of the Talbot specialty lines loss ratio. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Talbot specialty lines incurred $6.4 million of notable losses, which represented 2.6 percentage points of the Talbot loss ratio. Talbot specialty lines loss ratios, excluding prior year development and the loss events identified above, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 55.8% and 54.8%, respectively.

Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $292.9 million compared to $263.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $29.9 million or 11.4%. Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 16.6% and 18.1%, respectively. Details of policy acquisition costs by line of business are provided below.


	Year Ended								Year Ended								Year Ended
	December 31, 2010								December 31, 2009 (a)								December 31, 2008
			Policy								Policy								Policy
(Dollars in	Policy		Acquisition			Acquisition Cost			Policy		Acquisition			Acquisition Cost			Policy Acquisition		Acquisition			Acquisition Cost
thousands)	Acquisition Costs		Costs (%)			Ratio			Acquisition Costs		Costs (%)			Ratio			Costs		Costs (%)			Ratio
Property	$	119,894		40.9	%		13.0	%	$	104,912		39.9	%		14.7	%	$	97,345		41.3	%		16.3	%
Marine		92,271		31.5	%		20.7	%		86,295		32.8	%		21.7	%		74,372		31.7	%		20.2	%
Specialty		80,734		27.6	%		20.6	%		71,759		27.3	%		21.1	%		63,234		26.9	%		21.8	%

Total	$	292,899		100.0	%		16.6	%	$	262,966		100.0	%		18.1	%	$	234,951		100.0	%		18.7	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Validus Re. Validus Re policy acquisition costs for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $160.6 million compared to $127.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $33.2 million or 26.0%. Details of Validus Re policy acquisition costs by line of business are provided below.


	Year Ended								Year Ended								Year Ended
	December 31, 2010								December 31, 2009 (a)								December 31, 2008
			Policy								Policy								Policy
(Dollars in	Policy		Acquisition			Acquisition Cost			Policy		Acquisition			Acquisition Cost			Policy Acquisition		Acquisition			Acquisition Cost
thousands)	Acquisition Costs		Costs (%)			Ratio			Acquisition Costs		Costs (%)			Ratio			Costs		Costs (%)			Ratio
Property	$	112,550		70.1	%		14.7	%	$	88,589		69.5	%		15.3	%	$	75,717		75.5	%		15.8	%
Marine		33,691		21.0	%		19.1	%		25,311		19.9	%		20.5	%		14,718		14.7	%		14.1	%
Specialty		14,358		8.9	%		13.2	%		13,533		10.6	%		14.4	%		9,808		9.8	%		13.9	%

Total	$	160,599		100.0	%		15.3	%	$	127,433		100.0	%		16.0	%	$	100,243		100.0	%		15.3	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Policy acquisition costs include brokerage, commission and excise tax, are generally driven by contract terms, are normally a set percentage of premiums and are also net of ceding commission income on retrocessions. Items such as ceded premium, earned premium adjustments and reinstatement premiums that are recognized in the period have an effect on policy acquisition costs. Validus Re policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 15.3% and 16.0%, respectively. The Validus Re policy acquisition ratio has remained relatively stable for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in the marine policy acquisition ratio was due to an increase in 2010 in the proportion of net earned premium from reinstatement premiums which experience lower, or zero, acquisition costs.

Talbot. Talbot policy acquisition costs for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $143.8 million compared to $139.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $3.8 million or 2.7%. Details of Talbot policy acquisition costs by line of business are provided below.


	Year Ended								Year Ended								Year Ended
	December 31, 2010								December 31, 2009 (a)								December 31, 2008
			Policy								Policy								Policy
(Dollars in	Policy		Acquisition			Acquisition Cost			Policy		Acquisition			Acquisition Cost			Policy Acquisition		Acquisition			Acquisition Cost
thousands)	Acquisition Costs		Costs (%)			Ratio			Acquisition Costs		Costs (%)			Ratio			Costs		Costs (%)			Ratio
Property	$	18,628		12.9	%		11.8	%	$	20,722		14.8	%		15.4	%	$	21,937		16.2	%		18.3	%
Marine		58,614		40.8	%		21.8	%		60,984		43.6	%		22.3	%		59,654		44.2	%		22.7	%
Specialty		66,527		46.3	%		23.5	%		58,226		41.6	%		23.7	%		53,426		39.6	%		24.3	%

Total	$	143,769		100.0	%		20.3	%	$	139,932		100.0	%		21.4	%	$	135,017		100.0	%		22.4	%

Talbot policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned were 20.3% and 21.4%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $209.3 million compared to $185.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $23.7 million or 12.8%. The increase was primarily a result of increased Corporate segment expenses of $26.1 million, increased Talbot expenses of $17.7 million partially offset by a $20.1 million decrease in the Validus Re segment.


	Year Ended					Year Ended					Year Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
	General and		General and			General and		General and			General and		General and
(Dollars in	Administrative		Administrative			Administrative		Administrative			Administrative		Administrative
thousands)	Expenses		Expenses (%)			Expenses		Expenses (%)			Expenses		Expenses (%)
Validus Re	$	45,617		21.8	%	$	65,710		35.4	%	$	34,607		28.0	%
Talbot		114,043		54.5	%		96,352		51.9	%		71,443		57.6	%
Corporate & Eliminations		49,630		23.7	%		23,506		12.7	%		17,898		14.4	%

Total	$	209,290		100.0	%	$	185,568		100.0	%	$	123,948		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

General and administrative expenses of $209.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 represents 11.9 percentage points of the expense ratio. Share compensation expenses are discussed in the following section.

Validus Re. Validus Re general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $45.6 million compared to $65.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $20.1 million or 30.6%. General and administrative expenses include salaries and benefits, professional fees, rent and office expenses. General and administrative expenses have decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in salaries and benefits driven by the reallocation of staff during the first quarter of 2010, into the Corporate segment from the Validus Re segment compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. In addition, there was a reduction of the performance bonus accrual and a reduction in employee severance costs relating to the IPC Acquisition compared to the prior year. Validus Re’s general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 4.3% and 8.3%, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $114.0 million compared to $96.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $17.7 million or 18.4%. Talbot general and administrative expenses have increased primarily as a result of the increase in staff costs and performance bonus accruals. There was an increase in staff from 238 at December 31, 2009 to 289 at December 31, 2010. In addition there was an increase of $5.6 million in Talbot’s syndicate costs, Lloyd’s subscription and central fund costs due to higher gross premiums written. Talbot’s general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 16.1% and 14.7%, respectively.

Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $49.6 million compared to $23.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $26.1 million or 113.6%. During the first quarter of 2010, to better align the Company’s operating and reporting structure with its current strategy, there was a change in segment structure. This change was to allocate all ‘non-core underwriting’ expenses, predominantly general and administration and stock compensation expenses to the Corporate segment. Prior periods have not been restated as the change is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements. Corporate general and administrative expenses include executive and board expenses, internal and external audit expenses and other costs relating to the Company as a whole. In addition, general and administrative expenses have increased as a result of an increase in staff from 62 at December 31, 2009, to 89 at December 31, 2010.

Share Compensation Expenses

Share compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $28.9 million compared to $27.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $1.9 million or 6.9%. This expense is non-cash and has no net effect on total shareholders’ equity, as it is balanced by an increase in additional paid-in capital.


	Year Ended					Year Ended					Year Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
			Share					Share					Share
	Share		Compensation			Share		Compensation			Share		Compensation
(Dollars in	Compensation		Expense			Compensation		Expense			Compensation		Expense
thousands)	Expense		Expenses (%)			Expense		Expenses (%)			Expense		Expenses (%)
Validus Re	$	7,181		24.9	%	$	7,576		28.0	%	$	6,829		25.2	%
Talbot		6,923		23.9	%		7,171		26.5	%		4,702		17.4	%
Corporate & Eliminations		14,807		51.2	%		12,290		45.5	%		15,566		57.4	%

Total	$	28,911		100.0	%	$	27,037		100.0	%	$	27,097		100.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Share compensation expenses of $28.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 represents 1.6 percentage points of the general and administrative expense ratio.

Validus Re. Validus Re share compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $7.2 million compared to $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $0.4 million or 5.2%. Share compensation expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 0.7% and 1.0%, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot share compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $6.9 million compared to $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 a decrease of $0.2 million or 3.5%. Share compensation expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 1.0% and 1.1%, respectively.

Corporate & Eliminations. Corporate share compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $14.8 million compared to $12.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $2.5 million or 20.5%, primarily due to the change in allocation of corporate expenses referred to above.

Selected Ratios

The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are often measured by reference to its combined ratio, which is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. The loss ratio is calculated by dividing losses and loss expenses incurred (including estimates for incurred but not reported losses) by net premiums earned. The expense ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs combined with general and administrative expenses by net premiums earned. The following table presents the losses and loss expenses ratio, policy acquisition cost ratio, general and administrative expense ratio, expense ratio and combined ratio for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.


	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009 (a)			December 31, 2008
Losses and loss expenses ratio		56.1	%		36.1	%		61.5	%
Policy acquisition costs ratio		16.6	%		18.1	%		18.7	%
General and administrative expenses ratio (b)		13.5	%		14.7	%		12.0	%

Expense ratio		30.1	%		32.8	%		30.7	%

Combined ratio		86.2	%		68.9	%		92.2	%


	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009 (a)			December 31, 2008
Validus Re
Losses and loss expenses ratio		57.2	%		23.5	%		64.4	%
Policy acquisition costs ratio		15.3	%		16.0	%		15.3	%
General and administrative expenses ratio (b)		5.0	%		9.2	%		6.3	%

Expense ratio		20.3	%		25.2	%		21.6	%

Combined ratio		77.5	%		48.7	%		86.0	%


Talbot
Losses and loss expenses ratio		54.4	%		51.5	%		58.3	%
Policy acquisition costs ratio		20.3	%		21.4	%		22.4	%
General and administrative expenses ratio (b)		17.0	%		15.8	%		12.6	%

Expense ratio		37.3	%		37.2	%		35.0	%

Combined ratio		91.7	%		88.7	%		93.3	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

(b)		Includes general and administrative expenses and share compensation expenses.

General and administrative expense ratios for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were 13.5% and 14.7%, respectively. General and administrative expense ratio is the sum of general and administrative expenses and share compensation expense divided by net premiums earned.


	Year Ended					Year Ended					Year Ended
	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009 (a)					December 31, 2008
			Expenses as					Expenses as					Expenses as
			% of Net					% of Net					% of Net
			Earned					Earned					Earned
(Dollars in thousands)	Expenses		Premiums			Expenses		Premiums			Expenses		Premiums
General and administrative expenses	$	209,290		11.9	%	$	185,568		12.8	%	$	123,948		9.8	%
Share compensation expenses		28,911		1.6	%		27,037		1.9	%		27,097		2.2	%

Total	$	238,201		13.5	%	$	212,605		14.7	%	$	151,045		12.0	%


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Underwriting Income

Underwriting income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $242.4 million compared to $450.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $207.8 million or 46.2%.


	Year ended						Year ended						Year ended
	December 31,			% of Sub-			December 31,			% of Sub-			December 31,			% of Sub-
(Dollars in thousands)	2010			total			2009 (a)			total			2008			total
Validus Re	$	236,193			80.0	%	$	408,127			84.7	%	$	91,207			69.3	%
Talbot		59,212			20.0	%		73,519			15.3	%		40,316			30.7	%

Sub total		295,405			100.0	%		481,646			100.0	%		131,523			100.0	%

Corporate & Eliminations		(52,968	)					(31,397	)					(33,155	)

Total	$	242,437					$	450,249					$	98,368


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

The underwriting results of an insurance or reinsurance company are also often measured by reference to its underwriting income, which is a non-GAAP measure as previously defined. Underwriting income, as set out in the table

below, is reconciled to net income (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) by the addition or subtraction of net investment income, other income, finance expenses, transaction expenses, realized gain on repurchase of debentures, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and foreign exchange gains (losses).


	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009 (a)			December 31, 2008
Underwriting income	$	242,437		$	450,249		$	98,368
Net investment income		134,103			118,773			139,528
Other income		5,219			4,634			5,264
Finance expenses		(55,870	)		(44,130	)		(57,318	)
Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses		—			287,099			—
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			4,444			8,752
Net realized gains (losses) on investments		32,498			(11,543	)		(1,591	)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		45,952			84,796			(79,707	)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		1,351			(674	)		(49,397	)

Net income before taxes	$	405,690		$	893,648		$	63,899


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

The Company excludes the U.S. GAAP measures noted above, in particular net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, from its calculation of underwriting income because the amount of these gains and losses is heavily influenced by, and fluctuates in part, according to availability of investment market opportunities. The Company believes these amounts are largely independent of its underwriting business and including them distorts the analysis of trends in its operations. In addition to presenting net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company believes that showing underwriting income enables investors, analysts, rating agencies and other users of its financial information to more easily analyze the Company’s results of operations in a manner similar to how management analyzes the Company’s underlying business performance. The Company uses underwriting income as a primary measure of underwriting results in its analysis of historical financial information and when performing its budgeting and forecasting processes. Analysts, investors and rating agencies who follow the Company request this non-GAAP financial information on a regular basis. In addition, underwriting income is one of the factors considered by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors in determining total annual incentive compensation.

100

includes the reconciling items in the table above. The Company compensates for these limitations by providing both clear and transparent disclosure of net income and reconciliation of underwriting income to net income.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $134.1 million compared to $118.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $15.3 million or 12.9%. Net investment income increased due primarily to a larger fixed maturity portfolio as a result of the IPC Acquisition. Net investment income includes accretion of premium or discount on fixed maturities, interest on coupon-paying bonds, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by investment management fees. The components of net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as presented below.


	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009 (a)			December 31, 2008
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	132,669		$	117,631		$	127,689
Cash and cash equivalents		8,180			3,374			13,416
Securities lending income		200			772			1,775

Total investment income		141,049			121,777			142,880
Investment expenses		(6,946	)		(3,004	)		(3,352	)

Net investment income	$	134,103		$	118,773		$	139,528


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Annualized effective investment yield is based on the weighted average investments held calculated on a simple period average and excludes net unrealized gains (losses), realized gains (losses) on investments, foreign exchange gains (losses) on investments and the foreign exchange effect of insurance balances. The Company’s annualized effective investment yield was 2.29% and 2.73% for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively and the average duration at December 31, 2010 was 2.27 years (December 31, 2009 — 2.24 years).

Other Income

Other income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $5.2 million compared to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $0.6 million or 12.6%.

Finance Expenses

Finance expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $55.9 million compared to $44.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $11.7 million or 26.6%. The increase was primarily driven by $20.8 million in interest expense relating to the 8.875% Senior Notes due 2040 which were issued in the first quarter of 2010, a $3.2 million increase in interest expense on the credit facilities, partially offset by a $11.4 million decrease in Talbot third party FAL facility charges.

Finance expenses consist of interest on our junior subordinated deferrable debentures and senior notes, the amortization of debt offering costs, fees relating to our credit facilities and the costs of FAL as follows:


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in thousands)	2010		2009 (a)		2008
9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	14,354	$	14,354		14,354
8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		12,114		12,732		14,704
8.875% Senior Notes due 2040		20,770		—		—
Credit facilities		5,492		2,319		910
Talbot FAL Facility		333		542		255
Talbot other interest		—		—		(186	)

101


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
(Dollars in thousands)	2010		2009 (a)		2008
Talbot third party FAL facility		2,807		14,183		27,281

Finance expenses	$	55,870	$	44,130		57,318


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

Capital in Lloyd’s entities, whether personal or corporate, is required to be set annually for the prospective year and held by Lloyd’s in trust (“Funds at Lloyd’s” or “FAL”). In underwriting years up to and including 2007, Talbot’s FAL has been provided both by Talbot and by third parties, thereafter Talbot’s FAL has been provided exclusively by the Company. Because the third party FAL providers remain “on risk” until each year of account that their support closes (normally after three years). Talbot must retain third party FAL even if a third party FAL provider has ceased to support the active underwriting year. This is achieved by placing such FAL in escrow outside Lloyd’s. Thus the total FAL facility available to the Company is the total FAL for active and prior underwriting years, although the Company can only apply specific FAL against losses incurred by an underwriting year that such FAL is contracted to support. As of December 31, 2009, the 2007 year of account, which was the last year of account supported by the Talbot third party FAL facility, closed and all third party FAL was returned to its providers.

FAL finance charges are based on syndicate profit but include fixed elements. Third party FAL finance charges for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $2.8 million compared to $14.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $11.4 million. This decrease was due to the closure of all third party supported years of account and the final settlement in 2010, of all remaining liabilities.

Tax (Expense) Benefit

Tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $3.1 million compared to a benefit of ($3.8) million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a change of $6.9 million or 183.2%. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, the Talbot tax expense increased primarily due to the increase in profit commission within the Talbot segment compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. This was partially offset by an additional accrual of performance bonus and the effect of a reduced U.K corporate tax rate from 28% to 27% on deferred tax balances in the Talbot segment. The tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2009 was primarily due to an $8.7 million adjustment to the U.K. tax basis of net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs, $3.7 million of U.K. tax credits on performance bonus and share compensation offset by ($8.3) million of U.K tax expenses on profit commissions and managing agency fees within the Talbot segment.

Gain on Bargain Purchase, Net of Expenses

On September 4, 2009, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of IPC from a group of institutional and other investors. Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, the Company acquired all of IPC’s outstanding common shares in exchange for the Company’s common shares and cash. The purchase price paid by the Company was $1,746.2 million for net assets acquired of $2,076.9 million. The Company expensed as incurred $29.4 million of transaction expenses, $21.7 million for amortization of intangibles and $14.1 million of termination expenses related to the acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2009, resulting in a gain on bargain purchase of $287.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Transaction expenses are comprised of primarily legal, corporate advisory, IPC employee termination benefits and audit related services.

Realized Gain on Repurchase of Debentures

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million plus accrued and unpaid interest of $0.3 million. The repurchase resulted in the recognition of a realized gain of $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments

Net realized gains on investments for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $32.5 million compared to losses of ($11.5) million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $44.0 million or 381.5%.

Net Unrealized Gains on Investments

Net unrealized gains on investments for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $46.0 million compared to gains of $84.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $38.8 million or 45.8%.

Net unrealized gains on investments are recorded as a component of net income. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance on U.S. GAAP fair value measurements in effect as of the balance sheet date. Consistent with these standards, certain market conditions allow for fair value measurements that incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based measurements are unavailable. Certain non-Agency RMBS securities were previously identified as trading in inactive markets. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, management, with assistance from external investment advisors, determined that market activity had increased substantially for the identified non-Agency RMBS securities. Further details are provided in the Investments section below.

Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses)

Foreign exchange gains for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1.4 million compared to losses of ($0.7) million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a favorable movement of $2.0 million. The favorable movement in foreign exchange was due primarily to the increased value of assets denominated in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar reporting currency for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Validus Re segment foreign exchange losses were ($1.2) million compared to losses of ($1.4) million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a favorable movement of $0.2 million. The favorable movement in Validus Re foreign exchange was due to a $2.9 million gain on a forward exchange contract entered into to hedge currency movements between US dollars and Chilean pesos, offset by a the net long position on premium receivable assets denominated in Euro and British pound sterling. The Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rates were 1.43 and 1.33 at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The British pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rates were 1.59 and 1.55 at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Euro depreciated by 7.0 percent, while the British pound sterling depreciated by 2.5 percent.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Talbot segment foreign exchange gains were $2.1 million compared to gains of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a favorable movement of $1.4 million. The favorable movement in Talbot foreign exchange was due primarily to revaluation of syndicate overseas deposits held in Lloyd’s. The Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rates were 1.43 and 1.33 at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The British pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rates were 1.59 and 1.55 at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Certain premiums receivable and liabilities for losses incurred in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are exposed to the risk of changes in value resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and may affect financial results in the future.

At December 31, 2010, Talbot’s balance sheet includes net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs denominated in foreign currencies of approximately $89.0 million and $20.1 million, respectively. The net balance consisted of British pounds sterling and Canadian dollars of $59.9 million and $9.0 million, respectively. Net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs are classified as non-monetary items and are translated at historic exchange rates. All of Talbot’s other balance sheet items are classified as monetary items and are translated at period end exchange rates.

Year Ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2008

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $897.4 million compared to net income of $53.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of $844.3 million. The primary factors driving the increase in net income

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•

Increase in underwriting income of $351.9 million due primarily to reduced losses and loss expenses of $248.4 million and increased net premiums earned of $193.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company incurred losses of $260.6 million and $22.1 million, respectively, as a result of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav;

•

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses of $287.1 million on the IPC Acquisition;

•

Increase in net unrealized gains on investments of $164.5 million due to improved market conditions for fixed income securities;

•

Decrease in foreign exchange (losses) of $48.7 million was due to the increased value of assets denominated in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar reporting currency for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. Foreign exchange (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2009 were ($0.7) million, as compared to ($49.4) million for the year ended December 31, 2008; and

•

Reduced finance expenses of $13.2 million due to reduced FAL costs.

The item noted above were partially offset by the following factor:

•

Decrease in net investment income of $20.8 million due to lower yields on cash and fixed income investments.


	Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Increase (decrease) over the year ended December 31, 2008 (a)
							Corporate and
							other reconciling
(Dollars in thousands)	Validus Re			Talbot			items			Total
Notable losses — net losses and loss expenses (b)	$	231,573		$	51,135		$	—		$	282,708
Notable losses — net reinstatement premiums (b)		(25,860	)		(897	)		—			(26,757	)
Other underwriting income (loss)		111,207			(17,035	)		1,758			95,930

Underwriting income (c)		316,920			33,203			1,758			351,881
Net investment income		(7,021	)		(11,406	)		(2,328	)		(20,755	)
Other income		4,840			(39	)		(5,431	)		(630	)
Finance expenses		(895	)		12,626			1,457			13,188

		313,844			34,384			(4,544	)		343,684
Taxes		(75	)		14,622			—			14,547

		313,769			49,006			(4,544	)		358,231

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses		—			—			287,099			287,099
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			—			(4,308	)		(4,308	)
Net realized gains on investments		4,290			(14,242	)		—			(9,952	)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments		159,923			4,580			—			164,503
Foreign exchange (losses)		15,295			33,372			56			48,723


Net income	$	493,277		$	72,716		$	278,303		$	844,296


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition. No pre-acquisition results of operations for IPC are presented in the analysis above.

(b)		Hurricanes Ike and Gustav net losses and loss expenses and net reinstatement premiums recognized for the year ended December 31, 2008; therefore, figures exclude loss development in subsequent periods.

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(c)		Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income (loss) that is not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of this measure to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

Other Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed certain schedules containing net operating income, underwriting income (loss), annualized return on average equity and diluted book value per common share that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise U.S. GAAP. Such measures are referred to as non-GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. These measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The calculation of annualized return on average equity is discussed in the section above entitled “Financial Measures.” A reconciliation of underwriting income to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented above in the section entitled “Underwriting Income.” A reconciliation of diluted book value per share to book value per share, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented below. Operating income is calculated based on net income (loss) excluding net realized gains (losses), net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, gains (losses) arising from translation of non-US$ denominated balances and non-recurring items. A reconciliation of operating income to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is embedded in the table presenting results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 in the section above entitled “Results of Operations.” Realized gains (losses) from the sale of investments are driven by the timing of the disposition of investments, not by our operating performance. Gains (losses) arising from translation of non-US$ denominated balances are unrelated to our underlying business.

The following tables present reconciliations of diluted book value per share to book value per share, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.


	As at December 31, 2010
							Book Value Per
	Equity Amount		Shares		Exercise Price		Share
Book value per common share
Total shareholders’ equity	$	3,504,831		98,001,226			$	35.76


Diluted book value per common share
Total shareholders’ equity		3,504,831		98,001,226
Assumed exercise of outstanding warrants		139,272		7,934,860	$	17.55
Assumed exercise of outstanding stock options		54,997		2,723,684	$	20.19
Unvested restricted shares		—		3,496,096

Diluted book value per common share	$	3,699,100		112,155,866			$	32.98


	As at December 31, 2009
							Book Value Per
	Equity Amount		Shares		Exercise Price		Share
Book value per common share
Total shareholders’ equity	$	4,031,120		128,459,478			$	31.38


Diluted book value per common share
Total shareholders’ equity		4,031,120		128,459,478
Assumed exercise of outstanding warrants		139,576		7,952,138	$	17.55
Assumed exercise of outstanding stock options		65,159		3,278,015	$	19.88
Unvested restricted shares		—		3,020,651

Diluted book value per common share	$	4,235,855		142,710,282			$	29.68

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Financial Condition and Liquidity

Validus Holdings, Ltd. is a holding company and conducts no operations of its own. The Company relies primarily on cash dividends and other permitted payments from Validus Re and Talbot to pay finance expenses and other holding company expenses. There are restrictions on the payment of dividends from Validus Re and Talbot to the Company. Please refer to Part II, Item 5, “Market for Registrants, Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” for further discussion of the Company’s dividend policy.

Three main sources provide cash flows for the Company: operating activities, investing activities and financing activities. Cash flow from operating activities is derived primarily from the net receipt of premiums less claims and expenses related to underwriting activities. Cash flow from investing activities is derived primarily from the receipt of net proceeds on the Company’s investment portfolio. Cash flow from financing activities is derived primarily from the issuance of common shares and debentures payable. The movement in net cash provided by operating activities, net cash provided by (used in) investing activities, net cash (used in) provided by financing activities and the effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is described in the following table.


	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2010			2009 (a)			2008
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	630,001		$	555,116		$	485,983
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		378,426			(442,633	)		(269,810	)
Net cash (used in) financing activities		(774,842	)		(187,067	)		(162,334	)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(430	)		12,321			(48,689	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash	$	233,155		$	(62,263	)	$	5,150


(a)		The results of operations for IPC are consolidated only from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, net cash provided by operating activities of $630.0 million was driven primarily by increased levels of underwriting net premiums written arising from the impact of the IPC Acquisition in late 2009. A significant portion of the 2010 incurred losses have yet to be paid as of December 31, 2010, which resulted in cash provided from operating activities for the period being higher than net income for the period. Net cash provided by investing activities of $378.4 million was driven primarily by the net sales of short term securities of $208.3 million and a decrease in securities lending collateral of $67.0 million. The decrease in securities lending collateral was due to the winding down of the securities lending program beginning in the third quarter of 2010. Net cash used in financing activities of $774.8 million was driven primarily by the purchase of $856.9 million of common shares under the Company’s share repurchase program and the payment of $105.7 million in quarterly dividends, partially offset by the issuance $246.8 million of 8.875% Senior Notes due 2040.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, net cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by net income of $897.4 million. Cash provided by operating activities, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, was affected by the relative movement in change in reserves for losses and loss expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009, due primarily to the settlement of 2008 loss reserves. Net cash used in investing activities was driven primarily by the proceeds on sales of investments to finance the IPC Acquisition and the investment of operating surpluses. Net cash used in financing activities was driven primarily by share repurchases of $84.2 million and aggregate quarterly dividend payments of $78.5 million. The decrease in the effect of foreign currency rate changes in cash and cash equivalents is due to relatively stable major currency exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.

As at December 31, 2010, the Company’s portfolio was composed of fixed income investments, short-term and other investments amounting to $5,118.9 million or 89.2% of total cash and investments. Details of the Company’s debt and financing arrangements at December 31, 2010 are provided below.

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	Maturity Date /	In Use/
(Dollars in thousands)	Term	Outstanding
9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2036	$	150,000
8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2037		139,800
8.875% Senior Notes due 2040	January 26, 2040		250,000
$340,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	March 12, 2013		—
$60,000 bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility	March 12, 2013		—
$500,000 secured letter of credit facility	March 12, 2012		268,944
Talbot FAL facility	April 13, 2011		25,000
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility	December 31, 2010		68,063

Total		$	901,807

Capital Resources

Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2010 was $3,504.8 million.

On February 9, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) had increased the Company’s annual dividend by 13.6% from $0.88 to $1.00 per common share and common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable.

On February 9, 2011, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on March 31, 2011 to holders of record on March 15, 2011. During 2010, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.22 per each common share and $0.22 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable on March 31, June 30 and September 30 to holders of record on March 15, June 15 and September 15, 2010 respectively.

The timing and amount of any future cash dividends, however, will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend upon our results of operations and cash flows, our financial position and capital requirements, general business conditions, legal, tax, regulatory, rating agency and contractual constraints or restrictions and any other factors that the Board deems relevant.

The Company may from time to time repurchase its securities, including common shares, Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures and Senior Notes. In November 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an initial $400.0 million share repurchase program. On February 17, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to return up to $750.0 million to shareholders. This amount is in addition to, and in excess of, the $135.5 million of common shares purchased by the Company through February 17, 2010 under its previously authorized $400.0 million share repurchase program. On May 6, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a self tender offer pursuant to which the Company has repurchased $300.0 million in common shares. On November 4, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a self tender offer pursuant to which the Company has repurchased $300.0 million in common shares. In addition, the Board of Directors authorized separate repurchase agreements with funds affiliated with or managed by each of Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, New Mountain Capital LLC, and Vestar Capital Partners pursuant to which the Company has repurchased $61.6 million in common shares. On December 20, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to return up to $400.0 million to shareholders. This amount is in addition to the $929.2 million of common shares purchased by the Company through December 23, 2010 under its previously authorized share repurchase program.

On November 4, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved share repurchase transactions aggregating $300.0 million. These repurchases were effected by a tender offer which the Company

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For the period November 4, 2009 through February 9, 2011 the Company repurchased 35.0 million shares at a cost of $947.2 million under the share repurchase program.

On August 7, 2008, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-152856) with the U.S Securities Exchange Committee in which we may offer from time to time common shares, preference shares, depository shares representing common shares or preference shares, senior or subordinated debt securities, warrants to purchase common shares, preference shares and debt securities, share purchase contracts, share purchase units and units which may consist of any combination of the securities listed above. In addition, the shelf registration statement will provide for secondary sales of common shares sold by the Company’s shareholders. The registration statement is intended to provide the Company with additional flexibility to access capital markets for general corporate purposes, subject to market conditions and the Company’s capital needs.

The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments as at December 31, 2010 are set out below:


	Payment Due by Period
			Less Than						More Than
(Dollars in thousands)	Total		1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		5 Years
Reserve for losses and loss expenses (a)	$	2,035,973	$	1,014,779	$	687,468	$	254,252		79,474
Senior Notes (b)		654,531		22,187		44,374		44,374		543,596
Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (including interest payments) (c)		314,384		168,657		145,727		—		—
Operating lease obligations		26,149		2,168		5,673		7,728		10,580

Total	$	3,031,037	$	1,207,791	$	883,242	$	306,354	$	633,650


(a)		The reserve for losses and loss expenses represents an estimate, including actuarial and statistical projections at a given point in time of an insurer’s or reinsurer’s expectations of the ultimate settlement and administration costs of claims incurred. As a result, it is likely that the ultimate liability will differ from such estimates, perhaps significantly. Such estimates are not precise in that, among other things, they are based on predictions of future developments and estimates of future trends in loss severity and frequency and other variable factors such as inflation, litigation and tort reform. This uncertainty is heightened by the short time in which the Company has operated, thereby providing limited claims loss emergence patterns specifically for the Company. The lack of historical information for the Company has necessitated the use of industry loss emergence patterns in deriving IBNR. Further, expected losses and loss ratios are typically developed using vendor and proprietary computer models and these expected loss ratios are a material component in the calculation deriving IBNR. Actual loss ratios will deviate from expected loss ratios and ultimate loss ratios will be greater or less than expected loss ratios. During the loss settlement period, it often becomes necessary to refine and adjust the estimates of liability on a claim either upward or downward. Even after such adjustments, ultimate liability will exceed or be less than the revised estimates. The actual payment of the reserve for losses and loss expenses will differ from estimated payouts.

(b)		The 8.875% Senior Notes mature on January 26, 2040.

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(c)		The 9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures and the 8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures mature on June 15, 2036 and June 15, 2037, respectively.

The following table details the capital resources of the Company’s more significant subsidiaries on an unconsolidated basis:


	Capital at
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2010
Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (consolidated), excluding IPCRe, Ltd.	$	3,107,749
IPCRe, Ltd		306,659

Total Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (consolidated)		3,414,408
Talbot Holdings, Ltd		719,267
Other subsidiaries, net		8,647

Total consolidated capitalization		4,142,322
Other, net		(40,617	)
Senior notes payable		(246,874	)
Debentures payable		(350,000	)

Total shareholders’ equity	$	3,504,831

Ratings

The following table summarizes the financial strength ratings of the Company and its principal reinsurance and insurance subsidiaries from internationally recognized rating agencies as of February 18, 2011:


	A.M. Best (a)	S&P (b)	Moody’s (c)	Fitch (d)

*Validus Holdings, Ltd.*
Issuer credit rating	bbb-	BBB	Baa2	BBB+
Senior debt	bbb-	BBB	—	BBB
Subordinated debt	bb+	BBB-	—	BB+
Preferred stock	bb	BB+	—	—
Outlook on ratings	Positive	Stable	Stable	Stable

*Validus Reinsurance, Ltd.*
Financial strength rating	A-	A-	A3	A-
Issuer credit rating	a-	—	—	—
Outlook on ratings	Positive	Stable	Stable	Stable

*IPCRe Ltd.*
Financial strength rating	A-	—	—	—
Issuer credit rating	a-	—	—	—
Outlook on rating	Stable	—	—	—

*Validus Re Europe Ltd.*
Financial strength rating	A-	—	—	—
Issuer credit rating	a-	—	—	—
Outlook on rating	Stable	—	—	—

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	A.M. Best (a)	S&P (b)	Moody’s (c)	Fitch (d)

*Talbot*
Financial strength rating applicable to all Lloyds syndicates	A	A+	—	A+


(a)		The A.M. Best ratings were most recently affirmed on November 3, 2010

(b)		The S&P ratings were upgraded to the levels noted above on August 24, 2010

(c)		All Moody’s ratings were most recently referred to in a November 16, 2010 Credit opinion on the Validus Holdings, Ltd.

(d)		All Fitch ratings were most recently affirmed on January 10, 2011

Recent accounting pronouncements

Please refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8) for further discussion of relevant recent accounting pronouncements.

Debt and Financing Arrangements

The following table details the Company’s borrowings and credit facilities as at December 31, 2010.


(Dollars in thousands)	Commitments (a)		Outstanding
9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000	$	150,000
8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		200,000		139,800
8.875% Senior Notes due 2040		250,000		250,000
$340,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility		340,000		—
$60,000 bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility		60,000		—
$500,000 secured letter of credit facility		500,000		268,944
Talbot FAL Facility (b)		25,000		25,000
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility		80,000		68,063

Total	$	1,605,000	$	901,807


(a)		Indicates utilization of commitment amount, not drawn borrowings.

(b)		Talbot operates in Lloyd’s through a corporate member, Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd (“T02”), which is the sole participant in Syndicate 1183. Lloyd’s sets T02’s required capital annually based on syndicate 1183’s business plan, rating environment, reserving environment together with input arising from Lloyd’s discussions with, inter alia, regulatory and rating agencies. Such capital, called Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”), comprises: cash, investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks.

Please refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8) for further discussion of the Company’s debt and financing arrangements.

On January 21, 2010, the Company offered and sold $250.0 million of Senior Notes due 2040 (the “8.875% Senior Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 8.875% Senior Notes mature on January 26, 2040, and are redeemable at the Company’s option in whole any time or in part from time to time at a make-whole redemption price. Interest on the 8.875% Senior Notes is payable at 8.875% per annum through January 26, 2040. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 26 and July 26 of each year, commencing on July 26, 2010. The net proceeds of $244.0 million from the sale of the 8.875% Senior Notes, after the deduction of commissions paid to the underwriters in the transaction and other expenses, were used by the Company for general corporate purposes, which included the repurchase of our outstanding capital stock and dividends to our shareholders.

Regulation

Validus Re, IPCRe Limited, AlphaCat Reinsurance and Talbot Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd. (“TIBL”) (the “Bermuda registered companies”) are registered under the Insurance Act 1978 of Bermuda (“the Act”). Under the Act, the Bermuda registered companies are required annually to prepare and file Statutory Financial Statements and a Statutory Financial Return. The Act also requires the Bermuda registered companies to meet minimum solvency and liquidity requirements. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Bermuda registered companies satisfied these

110

requirements. Please refer to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part II, Item 8) for further discussion of statutory and regulatory requirements.

Bermuda law limits the maximum amount of annual dividends or distributions payable by Bermuda registered companies to the Company and in certain cases requires the prior notification to, or the approval of, the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Subject to such laws, the directors of the Bermuda registered companies have the unilateral authority to declare or not declare dividends to the Company. There is no assurance that dividends will be declared or paid in the future.

Talbot’s underwriting activities are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (“FSA”). The FSA has substantial powers of intervention in relation to the Lloyd’s managing agents which it regulates including the power to remove their authorization to manage Lloyd’s syndicates. In addition, Talbot’s managing agent operates under the Lloyd’s “franchise.” Lloyd’s approves annually Syndicate 1183’s business plan and any subsequent material changes, and the amount of capital required to support that plan. Lloyd’s may require changes to any business plan presented to it or additional capital to be provided to support the underwriting (known as Funds at Lloyd’s).

The UK Government has set out proposals to replace the current system of financial regulation, which it believes has weaknesses, with a new regulatory framework. The key weakness it identified was that no single institution has the responsibility, authority and tools to monitor the financial system as a whole, and respond accordingly. That power will be given to the Bank of England. The Government will create a new Financial Policy Committee (FPC) within the Bank, which will look at the wider economic and financial risks to the stability of the system.

In addition, the FSA will cease to exist in its current form, and the Government will create two new focused financial regulators:

• A new Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) which will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of financial institutions that are subject to significant prudential regulation. The PRA will adopt a more judgment-focused approach to regulation so that business models can be challenged, risks identified and action taken to preserve financial stability.

• An independent consumer protection and markets authority (CPMA) which will take a tough approach to regulating how firms conduct their business. The CPMA will have a strong mandate for promoting confidence and transparency in financial services and to give greater protection for consumers of financial services.

The consultation on the proposed reforms closed in October 2010 and the UK Government will present more detailed policy and legislative proposals for further consultation early in 2011. The UK Government intends to introduce legislation to implement its proposals in mid-2011 and the passage of legislation is expected to take approximately one year. The new regulatory framework is anticipated to be in place by the end of 2012.

Lloyd’s is keeping abreast of these developments and lobbying on behalf of the Market when necessary. It is likely that Lloyd’s itself and managing agency businesses will come under the day-to-day supervision of the PRA in due course.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is not party to any off-balance sheet transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement as defined by Item 303(a) (4) of Regulation S-K to which an entity unconsolidated with the Company is a party that management believes is reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on its financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that the Company believes is material to investors.

Investments

A significant portion of (re)insurance contracts written by the Company provide short-tail reinsurance coverage for losses resulting mainly from natural and man-made catastrophes, which could result in a significant amount of losses on short notice. Accordingly, the Company’s investment portfolio is structured to provide significant liquidity and preserve capital, which means the investment portfolio contains a significant amount of relatively short-term

111

fixed maturity investments, such as U.S. government securities, U.S. government-sponsored enterprises securities, corporate debt securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.

Substantially all of the fixed maturity investments held at December 31, 2010 were publicly traded. At December 31, 2010, the average duration of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was 2.27 years (December 31, 2009: 2.24 years) and the average rating of the portfolio was AA+ (December 31, 2009: AA+). At December 31, 2010, the total fixed maturity portfolio was $4,823.9 million (December 31, 2009: $4,869.4 million), of which $2,946.5 million (December 31, 2009: $3,287.9 million) were rated AAA.

On September 4, 2009, as part of the IPC Acquisition, the Company assumed IPC’s investment portfolio containing $1,820.9 million of corporate bonds, $112.9 million of agency residential mortgage-backed securities, $234.7 million of equity mutual funds, $114.8 million fund of hedge funds and $11.0 million of equity mutual funds contained within a deferred compensation trust. On September 9, 2009, the Company realized a gain of $4.5 million on the disposition of $234.7 million of equity mutual funds. A redemption request for the fund of hedge funds has been submitted for value as at October 31, 2009. The redemption amounted to $89.4 million and the company has received full proceeds. As of December 31, 2010, the Company held a fund of hedge fund side pocket of $12.9 million. While a redemption request has been submitted, the timing of receipt of proceeds on the side pocket is indeterminable.

With the exception of the bank loan portfolio, the Company’s investment guidelines require that investments be rated BBB- or higher at the time of purchase. The Company reports the ratings of its investment portfolio securities at the lower of Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating for each investment security and, as a result, the Company’s investment portfolio now has $38.1 million of non-agency mortgage backed securities rated less than investment grade. The other components of less than investment grade securities held by the Company at December 31, 2010 were $58.7 million of catastrophe bonds, $52.6 million of bank loans and $2.1 million of corporate bonds.

Cash and cash equivalents and investments held by Talbot of $1,489.2 million at December 31, 2010 were held in trust for the benefit of cedants and policyholders and to facilitate the accreditation as an alien insurer/reinsurer by certain regulators (December 31, 2009: $1,408.1 million). Total cash and cash equivalents and investments in Talbot were $1,592.1 million at December 31, 2010 (December 31, 2009: $1,420.4 million).

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $1.6 million of asset-backed securities with sub-prime collateral (December 31, 2009: $4.2 million) and $9.9 million of Alt-A RMBS (December 31, 2009: $82.3 million).

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company has performed an impairment analysis of its carried goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets as required by U.S. GAAP. The analysis included a comparison of the Company’s market capitalization to book value ratio. Management has also evaluated the fair value of Talbot relative to its book value on the following basis:

1) Gross premium written for 2009 and 2010;

2) Internal demand for and valuation of syndicate capacity, and utilization of Lloyd’s licenses; and

3) External demand for syndicate capacity.

Reporting units are consistent with the segmental basis. Based on its analysis, management has concluded that an impairment valuation is not required against the carried goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets.

Cash Flows

During the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $630.0 million and $551.1 million, respectively. Cash flows from operations generally represent premiums collected, investment earnings realized and investment gains realized less losses and loss expenses paid and underwriting and other expenses paid. Cash flows from operations may differ substantially from net income.

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As of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $620.7 million and $387.6 million, respectively.

The Company has written certain (re)insurance business that has loss experience generally characterized as having low frequency and high severity. This results in volatility in both results and operational cash flows. The potential for large claims or a series of claims under one or more reinsurance contracts means that substantial and unpredictable payments may be required within relatively short periods of time. As a result, cash flows from operating activities may fluctuate, perhaps significantly, between individual quarters and years. Management believes the Company’s unused credit facility amounts and highly liquid investment portfolio are sufficient to support any potential operating cash flow deficiencies. Please refer to the table detailing the Company’s borrowings and credit facilities as at December 31, 2010, presented above.

In addition to relying on premiums received and investment income from the investment portfolio, the Company intends to meet these cash flow demands by carrying a substantial amount of short and medium term investments that would mature, or possibly be sold, prior to the settlement of expected liabilities. The Company cannot provide assurance, however, that it will successfully match the structure of its investments with its liabilities due to uncertainty related to the timing and severity of loss events.

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Any prospectus, prospectus supplement, the Company’s Annual Report to shareholders, any proxy statement, any other Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K of the Company or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company may include forward-looking statements that reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such statements include forward-looking statements both with respect to the Company in general, and to the insurance and reinsurance sectors in particular. Statements that include the words “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “project”, “anticipate”, “will”, “may”, and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the PSLRA or otherwise. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statement.

We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

•

unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events;

•

our ability to obtain and maintain ratings, which may affect by our ability to raise additional equity or debt financings, as well as other factors described herein;

•

adequacy of the Company’s risk management and loss limitation methods;

•

cyclicality of demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets;

•

the Company’s ability to implement its business strategy during “soft” as well as “hard” markets;

•

adequacy of the Company’s loss reserves;

•

continued availability of capital and financing;

•

the Company’s ability to identify, hire and retain, on a timely and unimpeded basis and on anticipated economic and other terms, experienced and capable senior management, as well as underwriters, claims professionals and support staff;

•

acceptance of our business strategy, security and financial condition by rating agencies and regulators, as well as by brokers and (re)insureds;

•

competition, including increased competition, on the basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors;

•

potential loss of business from one or more major insurance or reinsurance brokers;

•

the Company’s ability to implement, successfully and on a timely basis, complex infrastructure, distribution capabilities, systems, procedures and internal controls, and to develop accurate actuarial data to support the business and regulatory and reporting requirements;

•

general economic and market conditions (including inflation, volatility in the credit and capital markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates) and conditions specific to the insurance and reinsurance markets in which we operate;

•

the integration of businesses we may acquire or new business ventures, including overseas offices, we may start;

•

accuracy of those estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our financial statements, including those related to revenue recognition, insurance and other reserves, reinsurance recoverables, investment valuations, intangible assets, bad debts, taxes, contingencies, litigation and any determination to use the deposit method of accounting, which, for a relatively new insurance and reinsurance company like our

114

company, are even more difficult to make than those made in a mature company because of limited historical information;

•

the effect on the Company’s investment portfolio of changing financial market conditions including inflation, interest rates, liquidity and other factors;

•

acts of terrorism, political unrest, outbreak of war and other hostilities or other non-forecasted and unpredictable events;

•

availability and cost of reinsurance and retrocession coverage;

•

the failure of reinsurers, retrocessionaires, producers or others to meet their obligations to us;

•

the timing of loss payments being faster or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being slower than anticipated by us;

•

changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their interpretations;

•

changes in accounting principles or the application of such principles by regulators;

•

statutory or regulatory or rating agency developments, including as to tax policy and reinsurance and other regulatory matters such as the adoption of proposed legislation that would affect Bermuda-headquartered companies and/or Bermuda-based insurers or reinsurers; and

•

the other factors set forth herein under Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” and under Part II Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as well as the risk and other factors set forth in the Company’s other filings with the SEC, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors.

In addition, other general factors could affect our results, including: (a) developments in the world’s financial and capital markets and our access to such markets; (b) changes in regulations or tax laws applicable to us, including, without limitation, any such changes resulting from the recent investigations relating to the insurance industry and any attendant litigation; and (c) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to terrorism or other hostilities.

The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. Any forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business or operations. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

ITEM 7A. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are principally exposed to five types of market risk:

•

interest rate risk;

•

foreign currency risk;

•

credit risk;

•

liquidity risk; and

•

inflation risk.

115

Interest Rate Risk: The Company’s fixed maturity portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these investments. As interest rates rise, the market value of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio falls and the Company has the risk that cash outflows will have to be funded by selling assets, which will be trading at depreciated values. As interest rates decline, the market value of the Company’s fixed income portfolio increases and the Company has reinvestment risk, as funds reinvested will earn less than is necessary to match anticipated liabilities. We manage interest rate risk by selecting investments with characteristics such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity tailored to the anticipated cash outflow characteristics of the insurance and reinsurance liabilities the Company assumes.

As at December 31, 2010, the impact on the Company’s fixed maturity and short-term investments from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates (based on U.S. treasury yield) would have resulted in an estimated decrease in market value of 2.3%, or approximately $118.7 million. As at December 31, 2010, the impact on the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated increase in market value of 2.0% or approximately $103.8 million.

As at December 31, 2009, the impact on the Company’s fixed maturity and short-term investments from an immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated decrease in market value of 2.3%, or approximately $123.8 million. As at December 31, 2009, the impact on the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio from an immediate 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in an estimated increase in market value of 2.1% or approximately $111.9 million.

As at December 31, 2010, the Company held $644.4 million (December 31, 2009: $768.6 million), or 13.4% (December 31, 2009: 15.8%), of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. These assets are exposed to prepayment risk, which occurs when holders of underlying loans increase the frequency with which they prepay the outstanding principal before the maturity date and refinance at a lower interest rate cost. The adverse impact of prepayment is more evident in a declining interest rate environment. As a result, the Company will be exposed to reinvestment risk, as cash flows received by the Company will be accelerated and will be reinvested at the prevailing interest rates.

Foreign Currency Risk: Certain of the Company’s reinsurance contracts provide that ultimate losses may be payable in foreign currencies depending on the country of original loss. Foreign currency exchange rate risk exists to the extent that there is an increase in the exchange rate of the foreign currency in which losses are ultimately owed. Therefore, we manage our foreign currency risk by seeking to match our liabilities under insurance and reinsurance policies that are payable in foreign currencies with cash and investments that are denominated in such currencies. As of December 31, 2010, $545.2 million, or 7.7% of our total assets and $638.3 million, or 18.0% of our total liabilities were held in foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2010, $87.0 million, or 2.4% of our total liabilities held in foreign currencies was non-monetary items which do not require revaluation at each reporting date. As of December 31, 2009, $405.4 million, or 5.8% of our total assets and $413.9 million, or 13.9% of our total liabilities were held in foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2009, $81.2 million, or 2.7% of our total liabilities held in foreign currencies were non-monetary items which do not require revaluation at each reporting date. When necessary, we may also use derivatives to economically hedge un-matched foreign currency exposures, specifically forward contracts. Foreign currency forward contracts do not eliminate fluctuations in the value of our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies but rather allow us to establish a rate of exchange for a future point in time. For further information on the accounting treatment of our foreign currency derivatives, refer to Item 8, Note 8 “Derivative Instruments Used in Hedging Activities”, of the Consolidated Financial Statements. To the extent foreign currency exposure is not hedged or otherwise matched, the Company may experience exchange losses, which in turn would adversely affect the results of operations and financial condition.

Credit Risk: We are exposed to credit risk from the possibility that counterparties may default on their obligations to us. The Company’s primary credit risks reside in investment in U.S. corporate bonds and recoverable from reinsurers. We limit our credit exposure by purchasing high quality fixed income investments to maintain an average portfolio credit quality of AA- or higher with mortgage and commercial mortgage-backed issues having an aggregate weighted average credit quality of AAA. In addition, we have limited our exposure to any single issuer to 3.0% or less of total investments, excluding treasury and agency securities. With the exception of the bank loan portfolio the Company’s investment guidelines require that investments be rated BBB- or higher at the time of purchase. Where investments are downgraded below BBB-/Baa3, we permit our investment managers to hold up to

116

2.0% in aggregate market value, or up to 10.0% with written authorization of the Company. At December 31, 2010, 1.9% of the portfolio, excluding bank loans was below BBB-/Baa3 and we did not have an aggregate exposure to any single issuer of more than 1.2% of total investments, other than with respect to government securities.

The amount of the maximum exposure to credit risk is indicated by the carrying value of the Company’s financial assets. The Company’s primary credit risks reside in investment in U.S. corporate bonds and recoverables from reinsurers at the Talbot segment. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentration of credit risk arising from its exposure to individual reinsurers. The reinsurance program is generally placed with reinsurers whose rating, at the time of placement, was A- or better rated by S & P or the equivalent with other rating agencies. Exposure to a single reinsurer is also controlled with restrictions dependent on rating. At December 31, 2010, 97.4% of reinsurance recoverables (which includes loss reserves recoverable and recoverables on paid losses) were from reinsurers rated A- or above, (December 31, 2009 99.3% rated A-) or from reinsurers posting full collateral.

Liquidity risk: Certain of the Company’s investments may become illiquid. Disruption in the credit markets may materially affect the liquidity of the Company’s investments, including residential mortgage-backed securities which represent 8.8% (December 31, 2009: 11.9%) of total cash and investments. If the Company requires significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of normal cash requirements (which could include claims on a major catastrophic event) in a period of market illiquidity, the investments may be difficult to sell in a timely manner and may have to be disposed of for less than what may otherwise have been possible under other conditions. At December 31, 2010, the Company had $2,102.1 million of unrestricted, liquid assets, defined as unpledged cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, government and government agency securities. Details of the Company’s debt and financing arrangements at December 31, 2010 are provided below.


	Maturity Date /	In Use/
(Dollars in thousands)	Term	Outstanding
9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2036	$	150,000
8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2037		139,800
8.875% Senior Notes due 2040	January 26, 2040		250,000
$340,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	March 12, 2013		—
$60,000 bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility	March 12, 2013		—
$500,000 secured letter of credit facility	March 12, 2012		268,944
Talbot FAL facility	April 13, 2011		25,000
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility	December 31, 2010		68,063

Total		$	901,807

Inflation Risk: We do not believe that inflation has had or will have a material effect on our combined results of operations, except insofar as (a) inflation may affect interest rates, and (b) losses and loss expenses may be affected by inflation.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Reference is made to Item 15 (a) of this Report for the Consolidated Financial Statements of Validus Holdings, Ltd. and the Notes thereto, as well as the Schedules to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

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Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that all material information relating to the Company required to be filed in this report has been made known to them in a timely fashion.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (the “Framework”). Based on its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the Framework criteria.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included in this filing.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the Company’s evaluation required pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Certain of the information required by this item relating to the executive officers of the Company may be found starting at page 39. The balance of the information required by this item is omitted because a definitive proxy statement that involves the election of directors will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A, which proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.

118

Item 11. Executive Compensation

This item is omitted because a definitive proxy statement that involves the election of directors will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A, which proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table displays certain information regarding our equity compensation plan at December 31, 2010:

Number of Securities

Number of Securities to

Remaining Available

be Issued Upon Exercise of

Weighted-Average

for Future Issuance

Outstanding Options and

Exercise Price of

Under Equity

(Dollars in thousands)

Restricted Stock

Outstanding Options

compensation plans

2005 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan

5,530,939

20.19

7,595,957

Director Stock Compensation Plan

4,727

—

52,416

The balance of the information required by this item is omitted because a definitive proxy statement that involves the election of directors will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A, which proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

PART IV


Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits.

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Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules are included as pages F-1 to F-66.

The exhibits numbers followed by an asterisk (*) indicate exhibits physically filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All other exhibit numbers indicate exhibits filed by incorporation by reference.

EXHIBITS


Exhibit
Number		Description of Document
3.1		Memorandum of Association dated October 10, 2005 (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

3.2		Amended and Restated Bye-laws (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

4.1		Specimen Common Share Certificate (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

4.2		Certificate of Deposit of Memorandum of Increase of Share Capital dated October 28, 2005 (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

4.3		Form of Warrant (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

4.4		Form of Amendment to Warrants dated as of December 21, 2007 (Incorporated by Reference from 8-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2007)

4.5		9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures Indenture dated as of June 15, 2006 (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

4.6		Form of 9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (Included in Exhibit 10.8 hereto) (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

4.7		First Supplemental Indenture to the above Indenture dated as of September 15, 2006 (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

4.8		8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures Indenture dated as of June 29, 2007 (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

4.9		Form 8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (Included in Exhibit 10.8 hereto) (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

4.10		Senior Note Indenture, by and between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 26, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 26, 2010)

4.11		8.875% Senior Notes Supplemental Indenture, by and between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 26, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 26, 2010)

4.12		Form of 8.875% Senior Note (Included in Exhibit 4.9 hereto) (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 26, 2010)

10.1		Shareholders’ Agreement dated as of December 12, 2005 among Validus Holdings, Ltd. and the Shareholders Named Therein (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.2		Repurchase Agreement, entered into as of November 4, 2010, by and between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and the Aquiline Capital Partners LLC entities listed on Schedule A thereto (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 5, 2010)

10.3		Repurchase Agreement, entered into as of November 4, 2010, by and between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and the New Mountain Capital, LLC entities listed on Schedule A thereto (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 5, 2010)

10.4		Repurchase Agreement, entered into as of November 4, 2010, by and between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and the Vestar Capital Partners entities listed on Schedule A thereto (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 5, 2010)

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Exhibit
Number		Description of Document
10.5		Five-Year Secured Letter of Credit Facility Agreement (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.6		Three-Year Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility Agreement (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.7		First Amendment to each of the Three-Year Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility Agreement and the Five-Year Secured Letter of Credit Facility Agreement (Incorporated by Reference from 8-K filed with the SEC on October 26, 2007)

10.8		Second Amendment, dated as of July 24, 2009, to each of the Three-Year Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of March 12, 2007, as amended by the First Amendment dated October 25, 2007, and the Five-Year Secured Letter of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of March 12, 2007, as amended by the First Amendment dated October 25, 2007, among Validus Holdings, Ltd., Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 23, 2009)

10.9		Third Amendment, dated as of March 12, 2010, to the Five-Year Secured Letter of Credit Facility dated as of March 12, 2007, as amended by the First Amendment dated October 25, 2007 and the Second Amendment dated as of July 24, 2009, among Validus Holdings, Ltd., Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2010)

10.10		Talbot Standby Letter of Credit Facility dated as of November 28, 2007 (Incorporated by Reference from 8-K filed with the SEC on December 4, 2007)

10.11		Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 23, 2009, to the $100 million Standby Letter of Credit Facility dated as of November 28, 2007, among Talbot Holdings Ltd., Validus Holdings, Ltd., the Lenders party thereto and Lloyds TSB Bank plc, as Agent (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 23, 2009)

10.12		Amendment and Restatement Agreement dated as of November 19, 2009 relating to a $100 million Standby Letter of Credit Facility dated as of 28 November 2007, among Talbot Holdings Ltd., as Borrower, Validus Holdings, Ltd., as Guarantor, Lloyds TSB Bank plc, as joint Mandated Lead Arranger, Agent, and Security Trustee, and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, as joint Mandated Lead Arranger (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20, 2009)

10.13		Three-Year Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility, dated as of March 12, 2010, among Validus Holdings, Ltd., Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc, as syndication agent (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2010)

10.14		Three-Year Unsecured Bi-Lateral Revolving Credit Facility, dated as of March 12, 2010, among Talbot Holdings Ltd., as Borrower, Validus Holdings, Ltd., as Guarantor and Lloyds TSB Bank plc (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 17, 2010)

10.15		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Edward J. Noonan (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.15.1		Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Edward J. Noonan (Incorporated by Reference from Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2008)

10.16		Retirement and Advisory Agreement dated as of October 20, 2010 between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and George P. Reeth (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 22, 2010)

10.17 *		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino dated as of February 17, 2011

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Exhibit
Number		Description of Document
10.18		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Stuart W. Mercer (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.18.1		Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Stuart W. Mercer (Incorporated by Reference from Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2008)

10.19		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Conan M. Ward dated as of March 17, 2010 (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2010)

10.20		Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Jerome Dill (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.21		Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 2010 between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Jonathan P. Ritz. (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 8, 2010)

10.21.1*		Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Jonathan P. Ritz dated as of October 1, 2010

10.22		Service Agreement between Talbot Underwriting Services, Ltd. and Charles Neville Rupert Atkin (Incorporated by Reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2008)

10.23		Service Agreement between Talbot Underwriting Services, Ltd. and Michael Edward Arscott Carpenter (Incorporated by Reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2008)

10.23.1		Amendment No. 1 to Service Agreement between Talbot Underwriting Services, Ltd. and Michael Edward Arscott Carpenter (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on August 13, 2008)

10.24		Investment Manager Agreement with BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.25		Risk Reporting & Investment Accounting Services Agreement with BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.26		Discretionary Advisory Agreement with Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.27		Validus Holdings, Ltd. 2005 Amended & Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.28*		Form of Amended Post-IPO Restricted Share Award Agreement for Validus Executive Officers

10.29		Form of Pre-IPO Restricted Share Agreement for Executive Officers (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.30		Form of Restricted Share Agreement at Talbot Acquisition Date for Messrs. Atkin, Bonvarlet and Carpenter (Incorporated by Reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2008)

10.31*		Form of Amended Restricted Share Agreement for Talbot Executive Officers

10.32		Amended and Restated Restricted Share Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Edward J. Noonan (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.33		Stock Option Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Edward J. Noonan (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.34		Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers prior to 2008 (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.35		Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers commencing in 2008 (Incorporated by Reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2008)

10.36*		Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Validus Executive Officers

122


Exhibit
Number		Description of Document
10.37*		Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Talbot Executive Officers

10.38		Nonqualified Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.39		Validus Holdings, Ltd. Director Stock Compensation Plan (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.39.1		Amendment No. 1 to Validus Holdings, Ltd. Directors Stock Compensation Plan dated as of January 5, 2009 (Incorporated by Reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009)

10.40		Share Sale Agreement between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and the Shareholders of Talbot Holdings Ltd. (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.41		Agreement to Provide Information between Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Talbot Holdings Ltd. (Incorporated by Reference from S-1 SEC File No. 333-139989)

10.42		Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of July 9, 2009, among IPC Holdings, Ltd., Validus Holdings, Ltd. and Validus Ltd. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 9, 2009).

21*		Subsidiaries of the Registrant

23*		Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers

24		Power of attorney (Incorporated by Reference from signature page)

31*		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

32*		Section 1350 Certification

101.1 INS*		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL*		XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


*		Filed herewith

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hamilton, Bermuda, on February 18, 2011.


Validus Holdings, Ltd.
By:	/s/ Edward J. Noonan
	Name:	Edward J. Noonan
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer

123

POWER OF ATTORNEY

We, the undersigned directors and executive officers of Validus Holdings, Ltd. hereby severally constitute Edward J. Noonan and Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino, and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to them and each of them to sign for us, and in our names in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by our said attorneys to any and all amendments to said Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature	Title	Date

/s/ Edward J. Noonan Name: Edward J. Noonan	Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)	February 18, 2011

/s/ Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino Name: Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino	President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)	February 18, 2011

/s/ John Fitzpatrick Name: John Fitzpatrick	Director	February 18, 2011

/s/ Matthew J. Grayson Name: Matthew J. Grayson	Director	February 18, 2011

/s/ Jeffrey W. Greenberg Name: Jeffrey W. Greenberg	Director	February 18, 2011

/s/ John J. Hendrickson Name: John J. Hendrickson	Director	February 18, 2011

/s/ Sander Levy Name: Sander Levy	Director	February 18, 2011

/s/ Jean-Marie Nessi Name: Jean-Marie Nessi	Director	February 18, 2011

/s/ Mandakini Puri Name: Mandakini Puri	Director	February 18, 2011

/s/ Christopher E. Watson Name: Christopher E. Watson	Director	February 18, 2011

124

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


	Page No.
Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		126

Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2010 and 2009		F-1

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008		F-2

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008		F-3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008		F-4

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-5

Financial Statement Schedules:

I. Summary of Investments Other than Investments in Related Parties		F-60

II. Condensed Financial Information (Parent Only)		F-61

III. Supplementary Insurance Information		F-64

IV. Supplementary Reinsurance Information		F-65

VI. Supplementary Information Concerning Property/Casualty (Re)insurance Information		F-66

Schedules other than those listed are omitted for the reason that they are not required, are not applicable or that equivalent information has been included in the financial statements, notes thereto, or elsewhere herein.

125

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Validus Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that

126

controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Hamilton, Bermuda
February 18, 2011

127

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM I.		FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at December 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009
Assets
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2010 - $4,772,037; 2009 - $4,870,395)	$	4,823,867		$	4,869,378
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2010 - $273,444; 2009 - $482,632)		273,514			481,766
Other investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2010 - $18,392; 2009 - $35,941)		21,478			37,615
Cash and cash equivalents		620,740			387,585

Total investments and cash		5,739,599			5,776,344
Premiums receivable		568,761			551,616
Deferred acquisition costs		123,897			112,329
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		71,417			73,164
Securities lending collateral		22,328			90,350
Loss reserves recoverable		283,134			181,765
Paid losses recoverable		27,996			14,782
Income taxes recoverable		1,142			2,043
Intangible assets		118,893			123,055
Goodwill		20,393			20,393
Accrued investment income		33,726			38,077
Other assets		49,592			35,222

Total assets	$	7,060,878		$	7,019,140


Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	$	2,035,973		$	1,622,134
Unearned premiums		728,516			724,104
Reinsurance balances payable		63,667			65,414
Securities lending payable		23,093			90,106
Deferred income taxes		24,908			24,508
Net payable for investments purchased		43,896			44,145
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		99,320			127,809
Senior notes payable		246,874			—
Debentures payable		289,800			289,800

Total liabilities		3,556,047			2,988,020


Commitments and contingent liabilities

Shareholders’ equity
Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2010 - 132,838,111; 2009 - 131,616,349; Outstanding: 2010 - 98,001,226; 2009 - 128,459,478)		23,247			23,033
Treasury shares (2010 - 34,836,885; 2009 - 3,156,871)		(6,096	)		(553	)
Additional paid-in-capital		1,860,960			2,675,680
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)		(5,455	)		(4,851	)
Retained earnings		1,632,175			1,337,811

Total shareholders’ equity		3,504,831			4,031,120


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	7,060,878		$	7,019,140

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-1

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$	1,990,566		$	1,621,241		$	1,362,484
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(229,482	)		(232,883	)		(124,160	)

Net premiums written		1,761,084			1,388,358			1,238,324
Change in unearned premiums		39			61,219			18,194

Net premiums earned		1,761,123			1,449,577			1,256,518
Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses		—			287,099			—
Net investment income		134,103			118,773			139,528
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			4,444			8,752
Net realized gains (losses) on investments		32,498			(11,543	)		(1,591	)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		45,952			84,796			(79,707	)
Other income		5,219			4,634			5,264
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		1,351			(674	)		(49,397	)

Total revenues		1,980,246			1,937,106			1,279,367


Expenses
Losses and loss expenses		987,586			523,757			772,154
Policy acquisition costs		292,899			262,966			234,951
General and administrative expenses		209,290			185,568			123,948
Share compensation expenses		28,911			27,037			27,097
Finance expenses		55,870			44,130			57,318

Total expenses		1,574,556			1,043,458			1,215,468


Net income before taxes		405,690			893,648			63,899
Tax (expense) benefit		(3,126	)		3,759			(10,788	)

Net income	$	402,564		$	897,407		$	53,111


Comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(604	)		3,007			(7,809	)

Comprehensive income	$	401,960		$	900,414		$	45,302


Earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic		116,018,364			93,697,194			74,677,903
Diluted		120,630,945			97,168,409			75,819,413

Basic earnings per share	$	3.41		$	9.51		$	0.62

Diluted earnings per share	$	3.34		$	9.24		$	0.61


Cash dividends declared per share	$	0.88		$	0.80		$	0.80

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-2

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Common shares
Balance — Beginning of period	$	23,033		$	13,235		$	12,985
Common shares issued, net		214			9,798			250

Balance — End of period	$	23,247		$	23,033		$	13,235


Treasury shares
Balance — Beginning of period	$	(553	)	$	—		$	—
Repurchase of common shares		(5,543	)		(553	)		—

Balance — End of period	$	(6,096	)	$	(553	)	$	—


Additional paid-in capital
Balance — Beginning of period	$	2,675,680		$	1,412,635		$	1,384,604
Common shares issued, net		7,752			1,314,188			934
Repurchase of common shares		(851,383	)		(83,611	)		—
Share compensation expenses		28,911			32,468			27,097

Balance — End of period	$	1,860,960		$	2,675,680		$	1,412,635


Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
Balance — Beginning of period	$	(4,851	)	$	(7,858	)	$	(49	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(604	)		3,007			(7,809	)

Balance — End of period	$	(5,455	)	$	(4,851	)	$	(7,858	)


Retained earnings
Balance — Beginning of period	$	1,337,811		$	520,722		$	537,260
Dividends		(108,200	)		(80,318	)		(69,649	)
Net income		402,564			897,407			53,111

Balance — End of period	$	1,632,175		$	1,337,811		$	520,722


Total shareholders’ equity	$	3,504,831		$	4,031,120		$	1,938,734

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-3

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
Net income	$	402,564		$	897,407		$	53,111
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Share compensation expenses		28,911			32,468			27,097
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			(4,444	)		(8,752	)
Gain on bargain purchase		—			(352,349	)		—
Amortization of discount on senior notes		81			—			—
Net realized (gains) losses on investments		(32,498	)		11,543			1,591
Net unrealized (gains) losses on investments		(45,952	)		(84,796	)		79,707
Amortization of intangible assets		4,162			25,833			4,162
Foreign exchange (gains) losses on cash and cash equivalents included in net income		(1,451	)		(9,579	)		40,474
Amortization of premium on fixed maturities		32,175			16,277			3,710
Change in:
Premiums receivable		(19,011	)		37,163			(23,833	)
Deferred acquisition costs		(11,568	)		17,914			(2,790	)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		1,747			(47,070	)		(1,162	)
Loss reserves recoverable		(102,268	)		32,922			(82,685	)
Paid losses recoverable		(13,244	)		(13,424	)		6,281
Income taxes recoverable		994			(546	)		1,845
Accrued investment income		4,351			5,176			(473	)
Other assets		(13,198	)		(3,622	)		12,908
Reserve for losses and loss expenses		419,350			(10,238	)		444,149
Unearned premiums		4,412			(20,846	)		(17,032	)
Reinsurance balances payable		(659	)		28,733			(1,401	)
Deferred income taxes		277			3,089			11,921
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(29,174	)		(6,495	)		(62,845	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		630,001			555,116			485,983

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds on sales of investments		5,349,053			3,481,772			2,266,000
Proceeds on maturities of investments		349,851			568,030			799,775
Purchases of fixed maturities		(5,612,979	)		(4,421,787	)		(3,284,971	)
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments, net		208,278			200,253			(109,250	)
Sales of other investments		17,210			90,395			—
Decrease in securities lending collateral		67,013			15,582			58,636
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired		—			(376,878	)		—

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		378,426			(442,633	)		(269,810	)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Net proceeds on issuance of senior notes		246,793			—			—
Repurchase of debentures		—			(10,056	)		(36,948	)
Issuance of common shares, net		7,966			1,250			1,184
Purchases of common shares under share repurchase program		(856,926	)		(84,164	)		—
Dividends paid		(105,662	)		(78,515	)		(67,934	)
Decrease in securities lending payable		(67,013	)		(15,582	)		(58,636	)

Net cash (used in) financing activities		(774,842	)		(187,067	)		(162,334	)

Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(430	)		12,321			(48,689	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash		233,155			(62,263	)		5,150
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period		387,585			449,848			444,698

Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	$	620,740		$	387,585		$	449,848

Taxes paid (recovered) during the period	$	2,379		$	1,673		$	(2,510	)

Interest paid during the period	$	36,552		$	26,575		$	27,474

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

1. Nature of the business

Validus Holdings, Ltd. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of Bermuda on October 19, 2005. The Company conducts its operations worldwide through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Validus Re”) and Talbot Holdings Ltd. (“Talbot”). Validus Re is registered as a Class 4 insurer under The Insurance Act 1978 of Bermuda, amendments thereto and related regulations (“The Act”). On July 2, 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Talbot from a group of institutional and other investors, and Talbot employees, management, former employees and trusts on behalf of certain employees and their families. Talbot is the Bermuda parent of a specialty insurance group primarily operating within the Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) insurance market through Syndicate 1183. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance coverage in the Property, Marine and Specialty lines markets, effective January 1, 2006, and insurance coverage in the same markets effective July 2, 2007.

On July 30, 2007, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”), selling 15,244,888 common shares at a price of $22.00 per share. The net proceeds to the Company from the IPO were approximately $310,731, after deducting the underwriters’ discount and fees. On August 27, 2007, the Company issued an additional 453,933 common shares at a price of $22.00 per share pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional common shares; the net proceeds to the Company were approximately $9,349 and total IPO proceeds inclusive of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional common shares were $320,080.

On September 4, 2009, pursuant to an Amalgamation Agreement, the Company acquired all of IPC Holdings, Ltd. (“IPC”) outstanding common shares in exchange for 0.9727 Company common shares and $7.50 cash per IPC common share (the “IPC Acquisition”). IPC’s operations were focused on short-tail lines of reinsurance. The primary lines in which IPC conducted business were property catastrophe reinsurance and, to a limited extent, property-per-risk excess, aviation (including satellite) and other short-tail reinsurance on a worldwide basis. The acquisition of IPC was undertaken to gain a strategic advantage in the then current reinsurance market and increase the Company’s capital base.

2. Basis of preparation and consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include Validus Holdings, Ltd. and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The major estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the reserve for losses and loss expenses, premium estimates for business written on a line slip or proportional basis, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, reinsurance recoverable balances including the provision for unrecoverable reinsurance recoverable balances and investment valuation. The term “ASC” used in these notes refers to Accounting Standard Codifications issued by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

F-5

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations and cash flows of IPC Holdings Ltd. (“IPC”), since the date of acquisition on September 4, 2009 and not any prior periods (including for comparative purposes), except with respect to “Supplemental Pro Forma Information” included in Note 5.

3. Significant accounting policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies adopted by the Company.

Premiums

Insurance premiums written are recorded in accordance with the terms of underlying policies. Reinsurance premiums written are recorded at the inception of the policy and are estimated based on information received from brokers, ceding companies and reinsureds, and any subsequent differences arising on such estimates will be recorded in the periods in which they are determined. Premiums written are earned on a pro-rata basis over the term of the policy. For contracts and policies written on a losses occurring basis, the risk period is generally the same as the contract or policy terms. For contracts written on a policies attaching basis, the risk period is based on the terms of the underlying contracts and policies and is generally assumed to be 24 months. The portion of the premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the underlying contracts and policies in force are recorded as unearned premiums. Mandatory reinstatement premiums are recorded at the time a loss event occurs.

Policy acquisition costs

Policy acquisition costs are costs that vary with, and are directly related to, the production of new and renewal business, and consist principally of commissions and brokerage expenses. Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions earned on reinsurance ceded. These costs are deferred and amortized over the periods in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premiums and anticipated claims expenses. The realizable value of the Company’s deferred acquisition costs is determined without consideration of investment income. Policy acquisition costs also include profit commission. Profit commissions are recognized when earned.

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

The reserve for losses and loss expenses includes reserves for unpaid reported losses and for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). The reserve for unpaid reported losses and loss expenses is established by management based on reports from brokers, ceding companies and insureds and represents the estimated ultimate cost of events or conditions that have been reported to, or specifically identified by the Company. The reserve for incurred but not reported losses and loss expenses is established by management based on actuarially determined estimates of ultimate losses and loss expenses. Inherent in the estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which may vary significantly as claims are settled. Accordingly, ultimate losses and loss expenses may differ materially from the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, will be recorded in earnings in the period in which they become known. Prior period development arises from changes to loss estimates recognized in the current year that relate to loss reserves established in previous calendar years.

F-6

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Reinsurance

In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the potential amount of loss arising from claims events by reinsuring certain levels of risk assumed in various areas of exposure with other insurers or reinsurers. The accounting for reinsurance ceded depends on the method of reinsurance. If the policy is on a “losses occurring during” basis, reinsurance premiums ceded are expensed (and any commissions thereon are earned) on a pro-rata basis over the period the reinsurance coverage is provided. If the policy is a “risks attaching during” policy, reinsurance premiums ceded are expensed (and any commissions thereon are earned) in line with the gross premiums earned to which the risk attaching policy relates. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of premiums ceded applicable to the unexpired term of policies in force. Mandatory reinstatement premiums ceded are recorded and expensed at the time a loss event occurs. Reinsurance recoverables are based on contracts in force. The method for determining the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expenses involves actuarial estimates of unpaid losses and loss expenses as well as a determination of the Company’s ability to cede unpaid losses and loss expenses under its reinsurance treaties. The use of different assumptions could have a material effect on the provision for uncollectible reinsurance. To the extent the creditworthiness of the Company’s reinsurers was to deteriorate due to adverse event affecting the reinsurance industry, such as a large number of major catastrophes, actual uncollectible amounts could be significantly greater than the Company’s provision. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the underlying liabilities.

Investments

Fair value is defined as the price received to transfer an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date reflecting the highest and best use valuation concepts. The guidance for “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure” provides a framework for measuring fair value by creating a hierarchy of fair value measurements that distinguishes market data between observable independent market inputs and unobservable market assumptions by the reporting entity. The guidance further expands disclosures about such fair value measurements. The guidance applies broadly to most existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements (including both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities) but does not require any new fair value measurements. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance in effect as of the balance sheet date regarding certain market conditions that allow for fair value measurements that incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based measurements are unavailable.

Short-term investments comprise investments with a remaining maturity of less than 90 days at time of purchase and money market funds held at the Company’s investment managers.

All investment transactions are recorded on a first-in-first-out basis and realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of amortized cost. Interest on fixed maturity securities is recorded in net investment income when earned and is adjusted for any amortization of premium or discount.

For mortgage-backed securities, and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the resultant change in effective yields and maturities are recognized retrospectively. Prepayment fees or call premiums that are only payable to the Company when a security is called prior to its maturity, are earned when received and reflected in net investment income.

F-7

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Derivative instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency risk. A foreign currency forward exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts will not eliminate fluctuations in the value of our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies but rather allow the Company to establish a rate of exchange for a future point in time. The foreign currency forward exchange contracts are recorded as derivatives at fair value with changes recorded as a net foreign exchange gain or loss in the Company’s statement of operations.

To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated changes in value or cash flow of the hedged item. The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The documentation process includes linking derivatives to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges on an individual currency basis. If the ratio obtained with this method is within the range of 80% to 125%, the Company considers the hedge effective.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument; or the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. To the extent that the Company discontinues hedge accounting, because, based on management’s assessment, the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative will continue to be carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its fair value, with changes in its fair value recognized in current period net income through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers time deposits and money market funds with an original maturity of 30 days or less as equivalent to cash.

Foreign exchange

The U.S. Dollar is the functional currency of the Company and the majority of the subsidiaries. For these companies, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses included in earnings.

Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated at prevailing year end exchange rates. Revenue and expenses of such foreign operations are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The net effect of translation differences between functional and reporting currencies in foreign operations, net of applicable deferred income taxes, are included in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).”

F-8

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Stock plans

The Company accounts for its share plans in accordance with the U.S. GAAP fair value recognition provisions for “Stock Compensation.” Accordingly, the Company recognizes the compensation expense for stock option grants, restricted share grants and performance share awards based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant over the requisite service period.

Warrants

The Company has accounted for certain warrant contracts issued to our sponsoring investors in conjunction with the capitalization of the Company, and which may be settled by the Company using either the physical settlement or net-share settlement methods, in accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging.” Accordingly, the fair value of these warrants has been recorded in equity as an addition to additional paid-in capital.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and share equivalents excluding any anti-dilutive effects of warrants and options.

Income taxes and uncertain tax provisions

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP “Income Taxes” guidance. Consistent with this guidance, the Company records deferred income taxes which reflect the tax effect of the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their respective tax bases.

The Company is not subject to any income, withholding or capital gains taxes under current Bermuda law. The Company has operations in subsidiary form in various other jurisdictions around the world, including but not limited to the U.K., U.S. and Canada that are subject to relevant taxes in those jurisdictions.

The Company recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. The Company did not recognize any resulting liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.

Business combinations

On September 4, 2009, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of IPC. The transaction was accounted for as an acquisition method business combination. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair value at the acquisition date. The consideration for the net assets acquired was concluded upon prior to the assessment of the fair value of the net assets at the acquisition date. Therefore, the excess of the value of the net assets acquired over the purchase price was recorded as gain on bargain purchase and is shown as a separate component of revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for year ended December 31, 2009. IPC’s accounting policies have been conformed to those of the Company.

F-9

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Goodwill and other intangible assets

The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in business combinations in accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance. A purchase price paid that is in excess of net assets (“goodwill”) arising from a business combination is recorded as an asset, and is not amortized. Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite life and is not amortized, but tested at least annually for impairment. Where the total fair value of net assets acquired exceeds consideration paid (“negative goodwill”), the acquirer will record a gain as a result of the bargain purchase, to be recognized through the income statement at the close of the transaction.

Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Syndicate capacity is deemed to have an indefinite life. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives. Trademark and Distribution Network are deemed to have definite lives and are therefore amortized. Refer also to Note 5 “Business combinations.’’

Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or change in the assessment of future operations. The goodwill impairment test has two steps. The first step identifies potential impairments by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its book value, including goodwill. Reporting units are consistent with the segmental basis. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the second step calculates the possible impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount. If the implied goodwill is less than the carrying amount, a write-down would be recorded. The measurement of fair values in reporting units is determined on a number of factors and assumptions including ranges of future discounted earnings, forecast revenue and operating expenses and effective tax rates.

If the goodwill or intangible asset is impaired, it is written down to its realizable value with a corresponding expense reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

Other investments

Other investments consist of an investment in a fund of hedge funds and a deferred compensation trust. All investment transactions are recorded on a first-in-first-out basis and realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of amortized cost. Other investments are carried at fair value with interest and dividend income, income distributions and realized and unrealized gains and losses included in net investment income. The fair value of other investments is generally established on the basis of the net valuation criteria established by the managers of the investments. These net valuations are determined based upon the valuation criteria established by the governing documents of such investments. In addition, due to a lag in reporting, some of the Company’s fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of the Company’s current reporting date. In these circumstances, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month’s fund valuation, adjusting these valuations for capital calls, redemptions or distributions and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, it uses all credible information available. This principally includes preliminary estimates reported by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has reported results, or other

F-10

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

valuation methods, as necessary. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from the Company’s estimates and these differences are recorded in the period they become known as a change in estimate.

4. Recent accounting pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on accounting for “Transfers and Servicing” (ASC 860). This update addresses practices that have developed that are not consistent with the original intent and key requirements and concerns that derecognized financial assets and related obligations should continue to be reported in the transferors’ financial statements. This update is effective for financial asset transfers in the interim and annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which amends the “Consolidation” guidance that applies to Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) (ASC 810). This update amends the guidance for the identification of VIEs and their primary beneficiaries and the financial statement disclosures required. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this update has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (ASC 820). This update requires additional disclosures regarding (1) significant transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and the reasons that such transfers were made; (2) inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for financial assets and liabilities that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3; (3) the activity within Level 3 fair value measurements, including information on a gross basis for purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements; and (4) disaggregation of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value into classes of financial assets and liabilities. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for Level 3 reconciliation disclosures which are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this update has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which amends the “Subsequent Events” guidance (ASC 855). The guidance requires SEC filers to evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued, and also exempts SEC filers from disclosing the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. This update was effective immediately for financial statements that are (1) issued or available to be issued or (2) revised. The adoption of this update has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which clarifies the “Embedded Derivatives” guidance (ASC 815). All entities that enter into contracts containing an embedded credit derivative feature related to the transfer of credit risk that is not only in the form of subordination of one financial instrument to another will be affected by the amendments. The amendments in this update are effective for interim periods beginning after June 15, 2010. As the Company has not entered into contracts containing an embedded credit derivative feature related to the transfer of credit risk that is not only in the form of subordination of one financial instrument to another, the adoption of this update did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which clarifies the “Stock Compensation” guidance (ASC 718). This guidance clarifies the accounting for certain employee share-based payment awards. Awards with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades would not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance or service condition.

F-11

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. This accounting guidance is effective for accounting periods beginning after December 15, 2010, with earlier application permitted. The adoption of this update did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In October 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-26, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts” (“ASU 2010-26”). The objective of ASU 2010-26 is to address diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. ASU 2010-26 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company has assessed the impact of this guidance and has concluded that it does not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company early adopted this update effective January 1, 2011.

5. Business combination

On September 4, 2009, pursuant to an amalgamation agreement, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of IPC in exchange for 0.9727 Company common shares and $7.50 cash per IPC common share. IPC’s operations were focused on short-tail lines of reinsurance. The primary lines in which IPC conducted business were property catastrophe reinsurance and, to a limited extent, property-per-risk excess, aviation (including satellite) and other short-tail reinsurance on a worldwide basis. The IPC Acquisition was undertaken to gain a strategic advantage in the then current reinsurance market where capacity had been depleted and to increase the Company’s capital base.

The aggregate purchase price paid by the Company was $1,746,224 for adjusted tangible net assets acquired of $2,076,902. During 2009, the global financial crisis and related market illiquidity led to several publicly traded companies trading at substantial discounts. This was the primary factor responsible for a purchase price less than the book value of IPC’s net assets, and the recognition of a bargain purchase gain on acquisition.

The estimates of fair values for tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined by management based on various market and income analyses and asset appraisals. Significant judgment was required to arrive at these estimates of fair value and changes to assumptions used could have led to materially different results.

An adjustment of $50,000 was made to IPC’s net assets acquired in respect of the termination fee (the “Max Termination Fee”) paid under the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation among Max Capital Group Ltd. (“Max”), IPC and IPC Limited. The Max Termination Fee was advanced to IPC by the Company on July 9, 2009, but was repayable in certain circumstances.

In addition, at closing, the Company recorded a $21,671 intangible asset for the acquired IPC customer relationships. This intangible asset was related to the acquired broker distribution network and was fair valued using a variation of the income approach. Under this approach, the Company estimated the present value of expected future cash flows to an assumed hypothetical market participant resulting from the existing IPC customer relationships, considering attrition, and discounting at a weighted average cost of capital.

The composition of purchase price and fair value of net assets acquired is summarized as follows:


Total allocable purchase price
IPC shares outstanding at September 4, 2009			56,110,096
Exchange ratio			0.9727
Validus common shares issued			54,578,268

F-12

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


Validus closing share price on September 4, 2009	$	24.10
Total value of Validus shares to be issued			$	1,315,337
Total cash consideration paid at $7.50 per IPC share				420,826
Share compensation awards issued to IPC employees pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement and earned prior to the Amalgamation				10,061

Total allocable purchase price				1,746,224

Tangible Assets Acquired
Cash and investments	$	2,463,374
Receivables (a)		202,278

Tangible Assets Acquired				2,665,652

Liabilities Acquired
Net loss reserves and paid losses recoverable	$	304,957
Unearned premiums, net of expenses		180,370
Other liabilities		53,423

Liabilities acquired				538,750


Net tangible assets acquired, at fair value				2,126,902
Max Termination Fee				(50,000	)

Net tangible assets acquired, at fair value, adjusted				2,076,902

Bargain purchase gain before establishment of intangible assets				330,678
Intangible asset — customer relationships				21,671

Bargain purchase gain on acquisition of IPC			$	352,349


(a)		The fair value of receivables approximates the gross contractual amounts receivable.

The Company also incurred transaction and termination expenses related to the IPC Acquisition. Transaction expenses included legal, corporate advisory, and audit related services. Termination expenses included severance costs and accelerated share compensation costs in connection with certain IPC employment contracts that have been terminated. Finally, the customer relationships intangible asset has been fully amortized as it was not expected to significantly contribute to the Company’s future cash flows beyond December 31, 2009. The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses has been presented as a separate line item in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, and is composed of the following:


	Year ended
	December 31, 2009
Bargain purchase gain on acquisition of IPC	$	352,349
Transaction expenses		(29,448	)
Termination expenses		(14,131	)
Amortization of intangible asset — customer relationships		(21,671	)

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses	$	287,099

F-13

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The following selected audited information has been provided to present a summary of the results of IPC since the acquisition date, that have been included within the Validus Re segment in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009.


	From Acquisition Date to
	December 31, 2009
Net premiums written	$	(4,974	)
Total revenue		161,188
Total expenses		33,370

Net income	$	127,818

Supplemental Pro Forma Information

Operating results of IPC have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the September 4, 2009 acquisition date. The following selected unaudited pro forma financial information has been provided to present a summary of the combined results of the Company and IPC, assuming the transaction had been effected on January 1, 2008. The unaudited pro forma data is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily represent results that would have occurred if the transaction had taken place on the basis assumed above.


	Year ended
	December 31, 2009			December 31, 2008
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$	2,008,578		$	1,765,628
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(239,412	)		(130,031	)

Net premiums written		1,769,166			1,635,597
Change in unearned premiums		(57,338	)		8,288

Net premiums earned		1,711,828			1,643,885
Net investment income		163,944			213,430
Net realized (losses) on investments		(4,717	)		(169,799	)
Net unrealized gains on investments		189,789			(79,707	)
Other income		4,603			5,329
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		4,444			8,752
Foreign exchange gains		4,294			(51,245	)

Total revenues		2,074,185			1,570,645


Expenses
Losses and loss expenses		556,550			927,786
Policy acquisition costs		289,600			271,380
General and administrative expenses		209,510			144,637
Share compensation expenses		33,751			32,722
Finance expenses		44,513			59,977


Total expenses		1,133,924			1,436,502


Net income before taxes		940,261			134,143

Tax benefit		3,759			(10,788	)

F-14

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	Year ended
	December 31, 2009		December 31, 2008
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Net income		944,020		123,355


Basic earnings per share	$	10.01	$	1.56

Diluted earnings per share	$	9.72	$	1.63

6. Goodwill and other intangible assets

Following the acquisition of IPC on September 4, 2009, the Company recorded intangible assets (including certain amortization thereon) and negative goodwill. Intangible assets of $21,671 were recognized as a result of the acquisition of IPC (relating to customer relationships). As of December 31, 2009, the customer relationships intangible asset had been fully amortized.

Following the acquisition of Talbot Holdings Ltd. on July 2, 2007, the Company recorded intangible assets in the name of Syndicate Capacity, Trademark and Distribution Network (including certain amortization thereon) and goodwill. Syndicate Capacity represents Talbot’s authorized premium income limit to write insurance business in the Lloyd’s market. Talbot has owned 100% of Syndicate 1183’s capacity since 2002 and there are no third party tenure rights. The capacity is renewed annually at no cost to Talbot, but may be freely purchased or sold, subject to Lloyd’s approval. The ability to write insurance business under the syndicate capacity is indefinite with the premium income limit being set yearly by Talbot, subject to Lloyd’s approval. Trademark and Distribution Network are estimated to have finite useful lives of 10 years and are amortized on a straight line basis over such periods. Syndicate Capacity and goodwill are estimated to have indefinite useful lives. Goodwill includes amounts related to the value of the workforce. The goodwill and intangibles are recorded entirely in the Company’s Talbot segment. The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets included in the Talbot segment:


			Intangible Assets		Intangible Assets
			With an		With a
	Goodwill		Indefinite Life		Finite Life			Total
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	31,212		$	143,448
Accumulated amortization		—		—		(4,162	)		(4,162	)

Balance at December 31, 2010	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	27,050		$	139,286


Balance at December 31, 2008	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	35,374		$	147,610
Accumulated amortization		—		—		(4,162	)		(4,162	)

Balance at December 31, 2009	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	31,212		$	143,448

The estimated remaining amortization expense for the Trademark and Distribution network is as follows:


2011	$	4,162
2012		4,162
2013		4,162
2014		4,162
2015 and there after		10,402

	$	27,050

As described in “Significant accounting policies”, the annual impairment test was performed and neither goodwill nor the intangible assets were deemed to be impaired.

F-15

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

7. Investments

The Company’s investments in fixed maturities are classified as trading and carried at fair value, with related net unrealized gains or losses included in earnings. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance in effect as of the balance sheet date regarding certain market conditions that allow for fair value measurements that incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based measurements are unavailable.

(a) Classification within the fair value hierarchy

Under U.S. GAAP, a company must determine the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy for each fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs, which refer broadly to assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, into three levels. It gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. A significant adjustment to a Level 2 input could result in the Level 2 measurement becoming a Level 3 measurement. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices or alternative indices including overnight repos and commercial paper. Level 2 includes financial instruments that are valued through independent external sources using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curve, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. The Company performs internal procedures on the valuations received from independent external sources. Financial instruments in this category include U.S. and U.K. Treasuries, sovereign debt, corporate debt, catastrophe bonds, U.S. agency and non-agency mortgage, asset-backed securities and bank loans. Level 3 includes financial instruments that are valued using market approach and income approach valuation techniques. These models incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs. A hedge fund is the only financial instrument in this category as at December 31, 2010.

The Company’s external investment advisors had noted illiquidity and dislocation in the non-Agency RMBS market for the period September 30, 2008 through to June 30, 2010. During this period, the Company identified certain non-Agency RMBS securities in its portfolio trading in inactive markets (“identified RMBS securities”). In order to gauge market activity for the identified RMBS securities, the Company, with assistance from external investment advisors, reviewed the pricing sources for each security in the portfolio. The Company utilized various pricing vendors to obtain market pricing information for investment securities.

Consistent with U.S. GAAP, market approach fair value measurements for securities trading in inactive markets are not determinative. In weighing the fair value measurements resulting from market approach and income approach valuation techniques, the Company previously placed less reliance on the market approach fair value

F-16

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

measurements. The income approach valuation technique determines the fair value of each security on the basis of contractual cash flows, discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate. As the income approach valuation technique incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the securities were included as Level 3 assets with respect to the fair value hierarchy. The foundation for the income approach was the amount and timing of future cash flows.

During the three month period ended September 30, 2010, the Company, with assistance from external investment advisors, determined that market activity had increased for the identified RMBS securities. Therefore, a market approach valuation technique was adopted for the identified RMBS securities. Because the market approach incorporates observable inputs, the identified RMBS securities were classified as Level 2 with respect to the fair value hierarchy at September 30, 2010. During the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company liquidated substantially all of the identified RMBS securities which had previously been classified as Level 3 securities.

Other investments consist of an investment in a fund of hedge funds and a deferred compensation trust held in mutual funds. During the fourth quarter of 2009, a majority of the fund of hedge funds was redeemed. The remaining portion is a side pocket valued at $12,892 at December 31, 2010. While a redemption request has been submitted, the timing of receipt of proceeds on the side pocket is unknown. The fund investment manager provides monthly reported net asset values (“NAV”) with a one-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the fund investment manager’s November 30, 2010 NAV was used as a partial basis for fair value measurement in the Company’s December 31, 2010 balance sheet. The fund investment manager’s NAV relies on an estimate of the performance of the fund based on the month end positions from the underlying third-party funds. The Company utilizes the fund investment manager’s primary market approach estimated NAV that incorporates relevant valuation sources on a timely basis. As this valuation technique incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the fund of hedge funds is classified as a Level 3 asset. To determine the reasonableness of the estimated NAV, the Company assesses the variance between the estimated NAV and the one-month delayed fund investment manager’s NAV. Immaterial variances are recorded in the following reporting period.

At December 31, 2010, the Company’s investments were allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	—	$	1,677,166	$	—	$	1,677,166
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency		—		554,199		—		554,199
States, municipalities, political subdivision		—		26,285		—		26,285
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		—		445,859		—		445,859
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		—		56,470		—		56,470
U.S. corporate		—		1,308,406		—		1,308,406
Non-U.S. corporate		—		502,067		—		502,067
Bank loans		—		52,566		—		52,566
Catastrophe bonds		—		58,737		—		58,737
Asset-backed securities		—		123,569		—		123,569
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		—		18,543		—		18,543

Total fixed maturities		—		4,823,867		—		4,823,867
Short-term investments		259,261		14,253		—		273,514
Hedge fund		—		—		12,892		12,892
Mutual funds		—		8,586		—		8,586

Total	$	259,261	$	4,846,706	$	12,892	$	5,118,859

F-17

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

At December 31, 2009, the Company’s investments were allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	—	$	1,918,811	$	—	$	1,918,811
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency		—		673,680		—		673,680
States, municipalities, political subdivision		—		19,359		—		19,359
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		—		551,610		—		551,610
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		—		52,233		85,336		137,569
U.S. corporate		—		1,027,225		—		1,027,225
Non-U.S. corporate		—		409,398		—		409,398
Bank loans		—		—		—		—
Catastrophe bonds		—		52,351		—		52,351
Asset-backed securities		—		36,712		—		36,712
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		—		42,663		—		42,663

Total fixed maturities		—		4,784,042		85,336		4,869,378
Short-term investments		479,552		2,214		—		481,766
Hedge fund		—		—		25,670		25,670
Mutual funds		—		11,945		—		11,945

Total	$	479,552	$	4,798,201	$	111,006	$	5,388,759

At December 31, 2010, Level 3 investments totaled $12,892, representing 0.3% of total investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2009, Level 3 investments totaled $111,006 representing 2.1% of total investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Fixed Maturity
	Investments			Other Investments			Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments — Beginning of period	$	85,336		$	25,670		$	111,006
Payments and purchases		—			—			—
Sales and maturities		—			(13,850	)		(13,850	)
Realized gains		—			662			662
Unrealized (losses) gains		(6,307	)		410			(5,897	)
Amortization		(11,841	)		—			(11,841	)
Transfers (out)		(67,188	)		—			(67,188	)

Level 3 investments — End of period	$	—		$	12,892		$	12,892

F-18

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Fixed Maturity
	Investments			Other Investments			Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments — Beginning of period	$	111,318		$	—		$	111,318
Payments and purchases		—			115,351			115,351
Sales and maturities		(822	)		(92,004	)		(92,826	)
Realized (losses) gains		(1,284	)		1,609			325
Unrealized (losses) gains		(7,329	)		714			(6,615	)
Amortization		(16,547	)		—			(16,547	)
Transfers (out)		—			—			—

Level 3 investments — End of period	$	85,336		$	25,670		$	111,006

(b) Net investment income

Net investment income was derived from the following sources:


	Years Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	132,669		$	117,631		$	127,689
Cash and cash equivalents		8,180			3,374			13,416
Securities lending income		200			772			1,775

Total gross investment income		141,049			121,777			142,880
Investment expenses		(6,946	)		(3,004	)		(3,352	)

Net investment income	$	134,103		$	118,773		$	139,528

(c) Fixed maturity and short-term investments

The following represents an analysis of net realized gains (losses) and the change in net unrealized (losses) gains on investments:


	Years Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents
Gross realized gains	$	76,920		$	33,063		$	24,520
Gross realized (losses)		(44,422	)		(44,606	)		(26,111	)

Net realized gains (losses) on investments		32,498			(11,543	)		(1,591	)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities lending		(1,009	)		6,978			(6,734	)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		46,961			77,818			(72,973	)

Total net realized gains (losses) and change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$	78,450		$	73,253		$	(81,298	)

F-19

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2010 were as follows:


			Gross Unrealized		Gross Unrealized			Estimated Fair
	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	1,665,050	$	20,134	$	(8,018	)	$	1,677,166
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency		550,759		11,635		(8,195	)		554,199
States, municipalities, political subdivision		26,365		90		(170	)		26,285
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		430,873		15,491		(505	)		445,859
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		62,020		64		(5,614	)		56,470
U.S. corporate		1,288,078		28,526		(8,198	)		1,308,406
Non-U.S. corporate		497,689		7,939		(3,561	)		502,067
Bank loans		52,612		58		(104	)		52,566
Catastrophe bonds		56,991		2,042		(296	)		58,737
Asset-backed securities		123,354		605		(390	)		123,569
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		18,246		299		(2	)		18,543

Total fixed maturities		4,772,037		86,883		(35,053	)		4,823,867
Total short-term investments		273,444		70		—			273,514
Total other investments		18,392		3,086		—			21,478

Total	$	5,063,873	$	90,039	$	(35,053	)	$	5,118,859

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2009 were as follows:


			Gross Unrealized		Gross Unrealized			Estimated Fair
	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	1,912,081	$	12,308	$	(5,578	)	$	1,918,811
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency		678,555		7,552		(12,427	)		673,680
States, municipalities, political subdivision		19,310		105		(56	)		19,359
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		537,876		14,643		(909	)		551,610
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		176,853		481		(39,765	)		137,569
U.S. corporate		1,004,464		23,895		(1,134	)		1,027,225
Non-U.S. corporate		411,499		4,781		(6,882	)		409,398
Catastrophe bonds		51,236		1,244		(129	)		52,351
Asset-backed securities		36,828		411		(527	)		36,712
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		41,693		971		(1	)		42,663

Total fixed maturities		4,870,395		66,391		(67,408	)		4,869,378
Total short-term investments		482,632		33		(899	)		481,766
Total other investments		35,941		1,674		—			37,615

Total	$	5,388,968	$	68,098	$	(68,307	)	$	5,388,759

F-20

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Investment ratings are the lower of Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating for each investment security, presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating. For investments where Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s ratings are not available, Fitch ratings are used and presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating.


	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Estimated Fair					Estimated Fair
	Value		% of Total			Value		% of Total
AAA	$	2,946,514		61.2	%	$	3,287,879		67.5	%
AA		428,972		8.9	%		487,364		10.0	%
A		1,077,389		22.3	%		925,532		19.0	%
BBB		219,523		4.6	%		14,416		0.3	%

Investment grade		4,672,398		97.0	%		4,715,191		96.8	%
BB		74,475		1.5	%		45,191		0.9	%
B		45,660		0.9	%		59,116		1.2	%
CCC		29,219		0.6	%		45,194		1.0	%
CC		—		0.0	%		—		0.0	%
D/NR		2,115		0.0	%		4,686		0.1	%

Non-Investment grade		151,469		3.0	%		154,187		3.2	%


Total Fixed Maturities	$	4,823,867		100.0	%	$	4,869,378		100.0	%

The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for fixed maturity securities held at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are shown by contractual maturity. Actual maturity may differ from contractual maturity because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.


	December 31, 2010				December 31, 2009
			Estimated Fair				Estimated Fair
	Amortized Cost		Value		Amortized Cost		Value
Due in one year or less	$	424,327	$	426,167	$	269,889	$	270,688
Due after one year through five years		3,498,334		3,540,408		3,498,792		3,521,167
Due after five years through ten years		207,918		206,317		306,065		306,502
Due after ten years		6,965		6,534		2,399		2,467

		4,137,544		4,179,426		4,077,145		4,100,824
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities		634,493		644,441		793,250		768,554

Total	$	4,772,037	$	4,823,867	$	4,870,395	$	4,869,378

F-21

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The Company has a five year, $500,000 secured letter of credit facility provided by a syndicate of commercial banks. At December 31, 2010, approximately $268,944 (December 31, 2009: $225,823) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under this facility for which $325,532 of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2009: $314,857). In 2007, the Company entered into a $100,000 standby letter of credit facility which provides Funds at Lloyd’s (the “Talbot FAL Facility”). On November 19, 2009, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the Talbot FAL Facility to reduce the commitment from $100,000 to $25,000. At December 31, 2010, $25,000 (December 31, 2009: $25,000) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under the Talbot FAL Facility for which $45,504 of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2009: $128,798). In addition, $1,729,631 of investments were held in trust at December 31, 2010 (December 31, 2009: $1,517,249). Of those, $1,489,243 were held in trust for the benefit of Talbot’s cedants and policyholders, and to facilitate the accreditation of Talbot as an alien insurer/reinsurer by certain regulators (December 31, 2009: $1,408,084).

The Company assumed two letters of credit facilities as part of the IPC Acquisition. A Credit Facility between IPC, IPCRe Limited, the Lenders party thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “IPC Syndicated Facility”) and a Letters of Credit Master Agreement between Citibank N.A. and IPCRe Limited (the “IPC Bi-Lateral Facility”). At March 31, 2010, the IPC Syndicated Facility was closed. At December 31, 2010, the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility had $68,063 (December 31, 2009: $96,047) letters of credit issued and outstanding for which $105,310 (December 31, 2009: $219,004) of investments were held in an associated collateral account.

(d) Securities lending

The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby certain securities from its portfolio are loaned to third parties for short periods of time through a lending agent. The Company retains all economic interest in the securities it lends and receives a fee from the borrower for the temporary use of the securities. Collateral in the form of cash, government securities and letters of credit is required at a rate of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities and is held by a third party. As at December 31, 2010, the Company had $22,566 (December 31, 2009: $88,146) in securities on loan. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded a $1,009 unrealized loss on this collateral in its Statements of Operations (December 31, 2009: unrealized gain $6,978).

Securities lending collateral reinvested includes corporate floating rate securities and overnight repo with an average reset period of 17.6 days (December 31, 2009: 26.1 days). As at December 31, 2010, the securities lending collateral reinvested by the Company in connection with its securities lending program was allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Corporate	$	—	$	229	$	—	$	229
Agency		—		—		—		—
Asset-backed securities		—		5,005		—		5,005
Short-term investments		2,644		14,450		—		17,094

Total	$	2,644	$	19,684	$	—	$	22,328

As at December 31, 2009, the securities lending collateral reinvested by the Company in connection with its securities program was allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:

F-22

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Corporate	$	—	$	14,123	$	—	$	14,123
Agency		—		9,363		—		9,363
Asset-backed securities		—		6,153		—		6,153
Short-term investments		730		59,981		—		60,711

Total	$	730	$	89,620	$	—	$	90,350

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s securities lending collateral reinvested as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Investment ratings are the lower of Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating for each investment security, presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating. For investments where Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s ratings are not available, Fitch ratings are used and presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating.


	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Estimated Fair					Estimated Fair
	Value		% of Total			Value		% of Total
AAA	$	5,454		24.4	%	$	33,501		37.1	%
AA+		11,003		49.3	%		12,011		13.3	%
AA		—		0.0	%		4,998		5.5	%
AA-		2,998		13.5	%		19,910		22.0	%
A+		—		0.0	%		9,999		11.1	%
A		—		0.0	%		9,006		10.0	%
NR		229		1.0	%		195		0.2	%

		19,684		88.2	%		89,620		99.2	%
NR- Short-term investments (1)		2,644		11.8	%		730		0.8	%

Total	$	22,328		100.0	%	$	90,350		100.0	%


(1)		This amount relates to short-term investments and is therefore not a rated security.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for securities lending collateral reinvested by the Company at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are shown by contractual maturity below. Actual maturity may differ from contractual maturity because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.


	December 31, 2010				December 31, 2009
			Estimated Fair				Estimated Fair
	Amortized Cost		Value		Amortized Cost		Value
Due in one year or less	$	17,094	$	17,095	$	68,895	$	70,074
Due after one year through five years		6,000		5,233		21,211		20,276

Total	$	23,094	$	22,328	$	90,106	$	90,350

F-23

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

8. Derivative Instruments Used in Hedging Activities

The Company enters into derivative instruments for risk management purposes, specifically to economically hedge unmatched foreign currency exposures. During the year, the Company entered into a foreign currency forward exchange contract to mitigate the foreign currency exposure of unpaid losses denominated in Chilean Pesos (CLP). The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the derivative fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010:

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Derivatives designated as hedging

Balance Sheet

instruments:

Notional Amount

location

Fair value

location

Fair value

Foreign exchange contract

75,000

Other assets

2,905

Other liabilities

—

There were no derivatives on the balance sheet at December 31, 2009.

(a) Classification within the fair value hierarchy

As described in Note 7 “Investments”, under U.S. GAAP, a company must determine the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy for each fair value measurement. We estimate the fair value for this asset derivative using a valuation obtained from an independent external source. The assumptions used within the valuation are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Accordingly, we classified this derivative within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(b) Derivative instruments designated as a fair value hedge

The Company designates its derivative instrument as a fair value hedge and formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items and links the hedging derivative to specific assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge, both at inception and on an on-going basis and determines whether the hedge is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the linked hedged item.

The following table provides the total impact on earnings relating to the derivative instrument formally designated as a fair value hedge along with the impact of the related hedged item for the year end December 31, 2010:

Year ended December 31, 2010

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

on Hedged Item

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Derivatives designated as fair

Location of Gain

(Loss) Recognized in

Recognized in Income

value hedges and related

(Loss) Recognized in

Income on

Attributable to Risk

on Derivative

hedged item:

Income

Derivative

Being Hedged

(Ineffective Portion)

Foreign exchange

Foreign exchange
gain (loss)

2,905

(2,905

)

—

F-24

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

9. Premiums receivable

Premiums receivable are composed of premiums in the course of collection, net of commissions and brokerage, and premiums accrued but unbilled, net of commissions and brokerage. The following is a breakdown of the components of receivables at December 31, 2010 and 2009:


	Premiums			Premiums
	in Course			Accrued
	of Collection			But Unbilled		Total
Balance as at December 31, 2009	$	243,930		$	307,686	$	551,616
Change during 2010		(125,588	)		142,733		17,145

Balance as at December 31, 2010		118,342			450,419		568,761


Balance as at December 31, 2008		160,455			247,804		408,259
Change during 2009		83,475			59,882		143,357

Balance as at December 31, 2009		243,930			307,686		551,616

10. Reserve for losses and loss expenses

Reserves for losses and loss expenses are based in part upon the estimation of case losses reported from brokers, insureds and ceding companies. The Company also uses statistical and actuarial methods to estimate ultimate expected losses and loss expenses. The period of time from the occurrence of a loss, the reporting of a loss to the Company and the settlement of the Company’s liability may be several months or years. During this period, additional facts and trends may be revealed. As these factors become apparent, case reserves will be adjusted, sometimes requiring an increase or decrease in the overall reserves of the Company, and at other times requiring a reallocation of incurred but not reported reserves to specific case reserves. These estimates are reviewed regularly, and such adjustments, if any, are reflected in earnings in the period in which they become known. While management believes that it has made a reasonable estimate of ultimate losses, there can be no assurances that ultimate losses and loss expenses will not exceed the total reserves.

The following table represents an analysis of paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses incurred and a reconciliation of the beginning and ending unpaid loss expenses as at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:


	Years Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period	$	1,622,134		$	1,305,303		$	926,117
Losses and loss expenses recoverable		(181,765	)		(208,796	)		(134,404	)

Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period		1,440,369			1,096,507			791,713
Net reserves acquired in purchase of IPC		—			304,957			—
Increase (decrease) in net losses and loss expenses incurred in respect of losses occurring in:
Current year		1,144,196			625,810			841,856
Prior years		(156,610	)		(102,053	)		(69,702	)

Total incurred losses and loss expenses		987,586			523,757			772,154
Total net paid losses		(673,422	)		(507,435	)		(406,469	)
Foreign exchange		(1,694	)		22,583			(60,891	)

F-25

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	Years Ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
	2010		2009		2008
Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period		1,752,839		1,440,369		1,096,507
Losses and loss expenses recoverable		283,134		181,765		208,796

Reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period	$	2,035,973	$	1,622,134	$	1,305,303

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses comprise:


	Years Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Gross losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	1,411,192		$	598,877		$	907,254
Reinsurance recoverable		(423,606	)		(75,120	)		(135,100	)

Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	987,586		$	523,757		$	772,154

The December 31, 2010 and 2009 gross reserves balance comprises reserves for reported claims of $1,035,881 and $831,325, respectively, and reserves for claims incurred but not reported of $1,000,092 and $790,809, respectively. The net favorable development on prior years by segment and line of business is as follows:


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Property			Marine			Specialty			Total
Validus Re	$	(49,831	)	$	(17,616	)	$	(3,170	)	$	(70,617	)
Talbot		(22,450	)		(52,415	)		(11,128	)		(85,993	)

Net favorable development	$	(72,281	)	$	(70,031	)	$	(14,298	)	$	(156,610	)

The amount recorded represents management’s best estimate of expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. Favorable loss development on prior years totaled $156,610. For Validus Re, the property and specialty lines experienced favorable development of $49,831 and $3,170, respectively, primarily due to lower than expected claims development. The marine lines experienced $17,616 of favorable development primarily due to higher than expected recoveries associated with the 2007 California wildfires, as well as lower than expected claims development. For Talbot, the property lines experienced $22,450 of favorable development primarily due to lower than expected claims development on the property facultative and binder lines, together with favorable development on hurricanes Katrina and Ike. The marine lines experienced $52,415 of favorable development primarily due to lower than expected attritional loss development across a number of lines, in particular on the hull and energy lines. The specialty lines experienced $11,128 of favorable development primarily due to lower than expected claims across most of the specialty sub-classes, partially offset by one notable loss on the financial institutions lines.


	Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Property			Marine			Specialty			Total
Validus Re	$	(65,109	)	$	19,628		$	(7,491	)	$	(52,972	)
Talbot		(27,630	)		(15,306	)		(6,145	)		(49,081	)

Net favorable development	$	(92,739	)	$	4,322		$	(13,636	)	$	(102,053	)

The amount recorded represents management’s best estimate of expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. Favorable loss development on prior years totaled $102,053. For Validus Re, the property lines experienced $65,109 of favorable development primarily due to the reclassification of losses from onshore energy exposures

F-26

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

during the 2007 California wildfires to the marine line and reduced loss estimates for Hurricane Ike, the June 2008 Midwest flood event and October 2007 Peruvian mining loss, as well as lower than expected claim development elsewhere. The marine lines experienced $19,628 of adverse development primarily due to the reclassification from the property line and increased loss estimates for Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. For Talbot, the property lines experienced $27,630 of favorable loss development primarily due to lower than expected claims development together with a favorable development relating to Hurricane Katrina. The marine lines experienced $15,306 of favorable development due to continued low claims activity and reduced provisions for late reported claims in the more developed underwriting years of the marine liabilities lines.


	Year Ended December 31, 2008
	Property			Marine			Specialty			Total
Validus Re	$	(17,573	)	$	4,119		$	(1,596	)	$	(15,050	)
Talbot		(5,868	)		(16,604	)		(32,180	)		(54,652	)

Net favorable development	$	(23,441	)	$	(12,485	)	$	(33,776	)	$	(69,702	)

The amount recorded represents management’s best estimate of expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. Favorable loss development on prior years totaled $69,702. For Validus Re, the property lines experienced favorable development of $17,573 due primarily to favorable development on the 2007 UK floods, Australian storm losses, and several other smaller events. For Talbot, the marine lines experienced favorable development of $16,604 due primarily to low claims activity in the cargo and hull classes in the 2006 and prior underwriting years. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the specialty lines experienced favorable development of $32,180, due primarily to a reduction in losses in the political violence, political risk, marine and aviation war, and aviation treaty lines due to continued low claims activity and reduced provisions for late reported claims in the more developed underwriting years of the financial institutions line.

11. Accounts payable and accrued expenses

The following are components of accounts payable and accrued expenses:


	December 31,		December 31,
	2010		2009
Amounts due to third party funds at Lloyd’s providers	$	—	$	17,746
Amounts due to brokers		21,524		12,963
Trade and compensation payables		77,796		97,100

Total	$	99,320	$	127,809

12. Reinsurance

The Company enters into reinsurance and retrocession agreements in order to mitigate its accumulation of loss, reduce its liability on individual risks, enable it to underwrite policies with higher limits, and increase its aggregate capacity. The cession of insurance and reinsurance does not legally discharge the Company from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, and the Company is required to pay the loss and bear collection risk if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance or retrocession agreement. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the underlying liabilities.

F-27

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

a) Effects of reinsurance on premiums written and earned

The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Validus Re						Talbot						Total
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Elimination			Written			Earned
Direct	$	—		$	—		$	460,337		$	450,348		$	—		$	460,337		$	450,348
Assumed		1,101,239			1,127,249			520,736			503,021			(91,746	)		1,530,229			1,630,270
Ceded		(63,147	)		(76,049	)		(258,081	)		(243,446	)		91,746			(229,482	)		(319,495	)

Total	$	1,038,092		$	1,051,200		$	722,992		$	709,923		$	—		$	1,761,084		$	1,761,123


	Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Validus Re						Talbot						Total
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Elimination			Written			Earned
Direct	$	—		$	—		$	459,771		$	427,280		$	—		$	459,771		$	427,280
Assumed		768,084			880,434			460,135			382,535			(66,749	)		1,161,470			1,262,969
Ceded		(95,446	)		(84,884	)		(204,186	)		(155,788	)		66,749			(232,883	)		(240,672	)

Total	$	672,638		$	795,550		$	715,720		$	654,027		$	—		$	1,388,358		$	1,449,577


	Year Ended December 31, 2008
	Validus Re						Talbot						Total
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Elimination			Written			Earned
Direct	$	—		$	—		$	393,003		$	389,389		$	—		$	393,003		$	389,389
Assumed		687,771			715,253			315,993			299,291			(34,283	)		969,481			1,014,544
Ceded		(62,933	)		(61,722	)		(95,510	)		(85,693	)		34,283			(124,160	)		(147,415	)

Total	$	624,838		$	653,531		$	613,486		$	602,987		$	—		$	1,238,324		$	1,256,518

b) Credit risk

The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentration of credit risk arising from its exposure to individual reinsurers. The reinsurance program is generally placed with reinsurers whose rating, at the time of placement, was A- or better rated by Standard & Poor’s or the equivalent with other rating agencies. Exposure to a single reinsurer is also controlled with restrictions dependent on rating. At December 31, 2010, 97.4% of reinsurance recoverables (which includes loss reserves recoverable and recoverables on paid losses) were from reinsurers rated A- or better and included $146,519 of IBNR recoverable (December 31, 2009: $99,587). Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer are as follows:


	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Reinsurance					Reinsurance
	Recoverable		% of Total			Recoverable		% of Total
Top 10 reinsurers	$	222,420		71.5	%		170,810		86.9	%
Other reinsurers’ balances > $1 million		80,221		25.8	%		19,818		10.1	%
Other reinsurers’ balances < $1 million		8,489		2.7	%		5,919		3.0	%

Total	$	311,130		100.0	%		196,547		100.0	%

F-28

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	December 31, 2010
		Reinsurance
Top 10 Reinsurers	Rating	Recoverable		% of Total
Lloyd’s Syndicates	A+	$	60,716		27.2	%
Hannover Re	AA-		32,392		14.6	%
Fully collateralized reinsurers	NR		23,750		10.7	%
Montpelier Re	A-		20,000		9.0	%
Munich Re	AA-		17,411		7.8	%
Everest Re	A+		16,611		7.5	%
Allianz	AA		14,184		6.4	%
Transatlantic Re	A+		13,758		6.2	%
Tokio Millennium Re	AA		11,980		5.4	%
Platinum Re	A		11,618		5.2	%

Total		$	222,420		100.0	%


	December 31, 2009
		Reinsurance
Top 10 Reinsurers	Rating	Recoverable		% of Total
Fully collateralized reinsurers	NR	$	50,840		29.8	%
Lloyd’s Syndicates	A+		33,103		19.4	%
Munich Re	AA-		19,921		11.7	%
Hannover Re	AA-		13,427		7.8	%
Aspen	A		11,417		6.7	%
Allianz	AA		9,645		5.6	%
Swiss Re	A+		8,995		5.3	%
Transatlantic Re	A+		8,804		5.1	%
Brit Insurance Limited	A		8,159		4.8	%
Platinum Underwriters	A		6,499		3.8	%

Total		$	170,810		100.0	%

At December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the provision for uncollectible reinsurance relating to losses recoverable was $5,652 and $3,477, respectively. To estimate the provision for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable, the reinsurance recoverable is first allocated to applicable reinsurers. This determination is based on a process rather than an estimate, although an element of judgment is applied. As part of this process, ceded IBNR is allocated by reinsurer. Of the $311,130 reinsurance recoverable at December 31, 2010, $23,750 was fully collateralized (December 31, 2009: $50,840).

F-29

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

determined using the current rating, or rating equivalent, of each reinsurer as well as other key considerations and assumptions.

13. Share capital

a) Authorized and issued

The Company’s authorized share capital is 571,428,571 voting and non-voting shares with a par value of $0.175 per share. The holders of voting and non-voting common shares are entitled to receive dividends and voting common shares are allocated one vote per share, provided that, if the controlled shares of any shareholder or group of related shareholders constitute more than 9.09 percent of the outstanding common shares of the Company, their voting power will be reduced to 9.09 percent.

The Company may from time to time repurchase its securities, including common shares, Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures and Senior Notes. In November 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an initial $400,000 share repurchase program. On February 17, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to return up to $750,000 to shareholders. This amount is in addition to, and in excess of, the $135,494 of common shares purchased by the Company through February 17, 2010 under its previously authorized $400,000 share repurchase program. On May 6, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a self tender offer pursuant to which the Company has repurchased $300,000 in common shares. On November 4, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a self tender offer pursuant to which the Company has repurchased $300,000 in common shares. In addition, the Board of Directors authorized separate repurchase agreements with funds affiliated with or managed by each of Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, New Mountain Capital LLC, and Vestar Capital Partners pursuant to which the Company has repurchased $61,638 in common shares. On December 20, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to return up to $400,000 to shareholders. This amount is in addition to the $929,173 of common shares purchased by the Company through December 23, 2010 under its previously authorized share repurchase program.

The following table is a summary of the common shares issued and outstanding:


	Common Shares
Common shares issued, December 31, 2009		131,616,349
Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld		405,055
Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld		57,192
Employee seller shares vested		203,544

F-30

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	Common Shares
Options exercised		550,014
Warrants exercised		5,957

Common shares issued, December 31, 2010		132,838,111
Shares repurchased, December 31, 2010		(34,836,885	)

Common shares outstanding, December 31, 2010		98,001,226


	Common Shares
Common shares issued and outstanding, December 31, 2008		75,624,697
IPC acquisition issuance		54,556,762
Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld		423,746
Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld		360,383
Employee seller shares vested		248,085
Options exercised		164,834
Warrants exercised		237,842

Common shares issued, December 31, 2009		131,616,349
Shares repurchased, December 31, 2009		(3,156,871	)

Common shares outstanding, December 31, 2009		128,459,478

b) Warrants

In consideration for the founder’s and sponsoring investors’ commitments, the Company had issued as at December 31, 2010 warrants to the founding shareholder and sponsoring investors to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 7,934,860 (December 31, 2009: 7,952,138) common shares. Of those issued, 2,090,815 (December 31, 2009: 2,090,815) of the warrants are to purchase non-voting common shares. No further warrants are anticipated to be issued.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, 17,278 (2009: 728,010) warrants were exercised which resulted in the net share issuance of 5,957 (2009: 237,842) common shares.

c) Deferred share units

Under the terms of the Company’s Director Stock Compensation Plan, non-management directors may elect to receive their director fees in deferred share units rather than cash. The number of share units distributed in case of election under the plan is equal to the amount of the annual retainer fee otherwise payable to the director on such payment date divided by 100% of the fair market value of a share on such payment date. Additional deferred share units are issued in lieu of dividends that accrue on these deferred share units. The total outstanding deferred share units at December 31, 2010 were 4,727 (December 31, 2009: 4,577).

d) Dividends

On February 17, 2010, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 (2009: $0.20) per common share and $0.22 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is then exercisable, payable on March 31, 2010 to holders of record on March 15, 2010.

F-31

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

On May 5, 2010, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 (2009: $0.20) per common share and $0.22 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is then exercisable, payable on June 30, 2010 to holders of record on June 15, 2010.

On August 4, 2010, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 (2009: $0.20) per common share and $0.22 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is then exercisable, payable on September 30, 2010 to holders of record on September 15, 2010.

On November 3, 2010, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 (2009: $0.20) per common share and $0.22 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is then exercisable, payable on December 31, 2010 to holders of record on December 15, 2010.

14. Retirement plans

The Company provides pension benefits to eligible employees through various plans which are managed externally and sponsored by the Company. All pension plans are structured as defined contribution retirement plans. The Company’s contributions are expensed as incurred. The Company’s expenses for its defined contribution retirement plans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $5,505, $5,606 and $4,732, respectively.

15. Stock plans

a) Long Term Incentive Plan and Short Term Incentive Plan

The Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) provides for grants to employees of options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares, dividend equivalents or other share-based awards. In addition, the Company may issue restricted share awards or restricted share units in connection with awards issued under its annual Short Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”). The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP and STIP are 13,126,896 shares of which 7,595,957 shares are remaining. The LTIP and STIP are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. No SARs have been granted to date. Grant prices are established at the fair market value of the Company’s common shares at the date of grant.

i. Options

Options may be exercised for voting common shares upon vesting. Options have a life of 10 years and vest either ratably or at the end of the required service period from the date of grant. All options granted in 2009 were as a result of the IPC Acquisition. Grant prices are established at the estimated fair value of the Company’s common shares at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used for all grants to date:


	Weighted average
	risk free			Weighted average
Year	interest rate			dividend yield			Expected life (years)		Expected volatility
2008		3.5	%		3.2	%		7		30.0	%
2009		3.9	%		3.7	%		2		34.6	%
2010 (1)		n/a			n/a			n/a		n/a

F-32

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


(1)		The Company did not grant any stock option awards during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Expected volatility is based on stock price volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies. The Company used the simplified method consistent with U.S. GAAP authoritative guidance on stock compensation expenses to estimate expected lives for options granted during the period as historical exercise data was not available and the options met the requirement as set out in the guidance.

Share compensation expenses of $3,845 were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009: $4,158, 2008: $4,251). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.

Activity with respect to options for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as follows:


				Weighted Average		Weighted Average
				Grant Date		Grant Date
	Options			Fair Value		Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2009		3,278,015		$	6.83	$	19.88
Options granted		—			—		—
Options exercised		(550,014	)		7.22		18.32
Options forfeited		(4,317	)		10.30		20.39

Options outstanding, December 31, 2010		2,723,684		$	6.74	$	20.19

Options exercisable at December 31, 2010		2,505,905		$	6.61	$	20.07

Activity with respect to options for year ended December 31, 2009 was as follows:


				Weighted Average		Weighted Average
				Grant Date		Grant Date
	Options			Fair Value		Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2008		2,799,938		$	7.57	$	18.23
Options granted		650,557			3.42		27.27
Options exercised		(164,834	)		5.80		21.01
Options forfeited		(7,646	)		10.30		20.39

Options outstanding, December 31, 2009		3,278,015		$	6.83	$	19.88

Options exercisable at December 31, 2009		2,468,944		$	5.83	$	20.10

F-33

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Activity with respect to options for year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:


				Weighted Average		Weighted Average
				Grant Date		Grant Date
	Options			Fair Value		Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2007		2,761,176		$	7.61	$	17.82
Options granted		164,166			6.73		24.73
Options exercised		(112,825	)		7.36		17.57
Options forfeited		(12,579	)		8.56		18.69

Options outstanding, December 31, 2008		2,799,938		$	7.57	$	18.23

Options exercisable at December 31, 2008		1,396,353		$	7.46	$	17.63

At December 31, 2010, there were $823 (2009: $4,713, 2008: $9,139) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years (2009: 1.3 years; 2008: 2.2 years).

ii. Restricted share awards

Restricted shares granted under the LTIP and STIP vest either ratably or at the end of the required service period and contain certain restrictions for the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expenses of $20,038 were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009: $16,775, 2008: $15,060). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.

Activity with respect to unvested restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as follows:


	Restricted			Weighted Average
	Share			Grant Date
	Awards			Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2009		2,525,958		$	23.43
Restricted share awards granted		1,191,873			25.94
Restricted share awards vested		(503,322	)		23.44
Restricted share awards forfeited		(100,470	)		24.22

Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010		3,114,039		$	24.36

Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2009 was as follows:


	Restricted			Weighted Average
	Share			Grant Date
	Awards			Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2008		2,307,402		$	22.73
Restricted share awards granted		772,672			24.68
Restricted share awards vested		(512,847	)		22.11
Restricted share awards forfeited		(41,269	)		24.05

Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2009		2,525,958		$	23.43

F-34

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:


	Restricted			Weighted Average
	Share			Grant Date
	Awards			Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2007		2,158,220		$	20.44
Restricted share awards granted		1,007,083			24.09
Restricted share awards vested		(822,370	)		18.55
Restricted share awards forfeited		(35,531	)		21.87

Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2008		2,307,402		$	22.73

At December 31, 2010, there were $44,778 (2009: $38,395, 2008: $35,915) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years (2009: 2.8 years; 2008: 3.2 years).

iii. Restricted share units

Restricted share units under the LTIP and STIP vest either ratably or at the end of the required service period and contain certain restrictions for the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expenses of $393 were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009: $5,513, 2008: $43). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.

Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as follows:


				Weighted Average
	Restricted			Grant Date
	Share Units			Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2009		78,591		$	24.84
Restricted share units granted		26,782			25.65
Restricted share units vested		(59,019	)		24.76
Restricted share units forfeited		(1,094	)		21.49

Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2010		45,260		$	25.50

Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2009 was as follows:


				Weighted Average
	Restricted			Grant Date
	Share Units			Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2008		11,853		$	25.28
Restricted share units granted		427,451			24.76
Restricted share units vested		(360,713	)		24.76
Restricted share units forfeited		—			—

Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2009		78,591		$	24.84

F-35

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:


			Weighted Average
	Restricted		Grant Date
	Share Units		Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2007		—	$	—
Restricted share units granted		11,853		25.28
Restricted share units vested		—		—
Restricted share units forfeited		—		—

Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2008		11,853	$	25.28

At December 31, 2010, there were $810 (2009: $578, 2008: $227) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years (2009: 2.5 years; 2008: 4.3 years). Additional restricted share units are issued in lieu of accrued dividends for each unvested restricted share unit. As at December 31, 2010, unvested restricted share units issued in lieu of dividends were 1,789 (2009: 858, 2008: 410).

iv. Performance share awards

The Performance Share Awards (“PSAs”) contain a performance based component. The performance component relates to the compounded growth in the Dividend Adjusted Diluted Book Value per Share over a three year period. For PSAs granted in 2010, the grant date Diluted Book Value per Share (“DBVPS”) is $29.68, the DBVPS as at December 31, 2009. The Dividend Adjusted Performance Period End DBVPS will be the DBVPS as at December 31, 2012. The fair value estimate earns over the requisite attribution period and the estimate will be reassessed at the end of each performance period which will reflect any adjustments in the consolidated statements of income in the period in which they are determined.

Share compensation expenses of $232 were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009: $nil; 2008: $nil) for the PSAs. The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.

Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as follows:


			Weighted Average
	Performance		Grant Date
	Share Awards		Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2009		—	$	—
Performance share awards granted		132,401		28.70
Performance share awards vested		—		—
Performance share awards forfeited		—		—

Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010		132,401	$	28.70

At December 31, 2010, there were $3,362 (2009: $nil; 2008: $nil) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years (2009: 0 years; 2008: 0 years).

F-36

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

b) Employee seller shares

Pursuant to the Share Sale Agreement for the purchase of Talbot Holdings, Ltd. (“Talbot”), the Company issued 1,209,741 restricted shares to Talbot employees (the “employee seller shares”). Upon consummation of the acquisition, the employee seller shares were validly issued, fully-paid and non-assessable and entitled to vote and participate in distributions and dividends in accordance with the Company’s Bye-laws. However, the employee seller shares are subject to a restricted period during which they are subject to forfeiture (as implemented by repurchase by the Company for a nominal amount). Forfeiture of employee seller shares will generally occur in the event that any such Talbot employee’s employment terminates, with certain exceptions, prior to the end of the restricted period. The restricted period will end for 25% of the employee seller shares on each anniversary of the closing date of July 2, 2007 for all Talbot employees other than Talbot’s Chairman, such that after four years the potential for forfeiture will be completely extinguished.

Share compensation expenses of $4,403 were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009: $6,022, 2008: $7,743). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.

Activity with respect to unvested employee seller shares for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as follows:


				Weighted Average
	Employee			Grant Date
	Seller Shares			Fair Value
Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2009		410,667		$	22.01
Employee seller shares granted		—			—
Employee seller shares vested		(203,544	)		22.01
Employee seller shares forfeited		(9,244	)		22.01

Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2010		197,879		$	22.01

Activity with respect to unvested employee seller shares for the year ended December 31, 2009 was as follows:


				Weighted Average
	Employee			Grant Date
	Seller Shares			Fair Value
Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2008		663,375		$	22.01
Employee seller shares granted		—			—
Employee seller shares vested		(248,085	)		22.01
Employee seller shares forfeited		(4,623	)		22.01

Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2009		410,667		$	22.01

Activity with respect to unvested employee seller shares for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:


				Weighted Average
	Employee			Grant Date
	Seller Shares			Fair Value
Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2007		1,209,741		$	22.01
Employee seller shares granted		—			—
Employee seller shares vested		(515,103	)		22.01
Employee seller shares forfeited		(31,263	)		22.01

Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2008		663,375		$	22.01

F-37

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

At December 31, 2010, there were $1,732 (2009: $6,135, 2008: $12,157) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.5 years (2009: 1.5 years; 2008: 2.5 years).

c) Total share compensation expenses

Total share compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 included $5,431 of IPC related termination expenses which were included in the gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, in the Statement of Operations. The breakdown of share compensation expenses by award type for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:


	Year Ended
	December 31, 2010		December 31, 2009		December 31, 2008
Options	$	3,845	$	4,158	$	4,251
Restricted share awards		20,038		16,775		15,060
Restricted share units		393		5,513		43
Performance share awards		232		—		—
Employee seller shares		4,403		6,022		7,743

Total	$	28,911	$	32,468	$	27,097

16. Debt and financing arrangements

a) Financing structure and finance expenses

The financing structure at December 31, 2010 was:


	Commitment		Outstanding (1)		Drawn
9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000	$	150,000	$	150,000
8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		200,000		139,800		139,800
8.875% Senior Notes due 2040		250,000		250,000		246,874
$340,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility		340,000		—		—
$60,000 bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility		60,000		—		—
$500,000 secured letter of credit facility		500,000		268,944		—
Talbot FAL Facility (2)		25,000		25,000		—
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility		80,000		68,063		—

Total	$	1,605,000	$	901,807	$	536,674

F-38

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The financing structure at December 31, 2009 was:


	Commitment		Outstanding (1)		Drawn
9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000	$	150,000	$	150,000
8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		200,000		139,800		139,800
$200,000 unsecured letter of credit facility		200,000		—		—
$500,000 secured letter of credit facility		500,000		225,823		—
Talbot FAL Facility (2)		25,000		25,000		—
IPC Syndicated Facility		16,537		16,537		—
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility		350,000		96,047		—

Total	$	1,441,537	$	653,207	$	289,800


(1)		Indicates utilization of commitment amount, not drawn borrowings.

(2)		Talbot operates in Lloyd’s through a corporate member, Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd (“T02”), which is the sole participant in Syndicate 1183. Lloyd’s sets T02’s required capital annually based on syndicate 1183’s business plan, rating environment, reserving environment together with input arising from Lloyd’s discussions with, inter alia, regulatory and rating agencies. Such capital, called Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”), comprises: cash, investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks.


	Year Ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
	2010		2009		2008
9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		14,354		14,354		14,354
8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		12,114		12,732		14,704
8.875% Senior Notes due 2040		20,770		—		—
Credit facilities		5,492		2,319		910
Talbot FAL Facility		333		542		255
Talbot other interest		—		—		(186	)
Talbot third party FAL facility		2,807		14,183		27,281

Total		55,870	$	44,130	$	57,318

(b) $250,000 8.875% Senior Notes due 2040

On January 21, 2010, the Company offered and sold $250,000 of Senior Notes due 2040 (the “8.875% Senior Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 8.875% Senior Notes mature on January 26, 2040, and are redeemable at the Company’s option in whole any time or in part from time to time at a make-whole redemption price. The Company may redeem the notes in whole, but not in part, at any time upon the occurrence of certain tax events as described in the notes prospectus supplement. The 8.875% Senior Notes bear interest at the rate of 8.875% per annum from January 26, 2010 to maturity or early redemption. Interest on the 8.875% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 26 and July 26 of each year, commencing on July 26, 2010. The net proceeds of $243,967 from the sale of the 8.875% Senior Notes, after the deduction of commissions paid to the underwriters in the transaction and other expenses, was used by the Company for general corporate purposes, which included the repurchase of its outstanding capital stock and payment of dividends to shareholders. Debt issuance costs of $2,808 were deferred as an asset and amortized over the life of the 8.875% Senior Notes.

F-39

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The 8.875% Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The 8.875% Senior Notes will be effectively junior to all of the Company’s future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt, and will rank senior to all our existing and future subordinated debt. The 8.875% Senior Notes will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries.

Future expected payments of interest on the 8.875% Senior Notes are as follows:


2011		22,187
2012		22,187
2013		22,187
2014		22,187
2015 and thereafter		565,783

Total minimum future payments	$	654,531

(c) Junior subordinated deferrable debentures

On June 15, 2006, the Company participated in a private placement of $150,000 of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures due 2036 (the “9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures”). The 9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures mature on June 15, 2036, are redeemable at the Company’s option at par beginning June 15, 2011, and require quarterly interest payments by the Company to the holders of the 9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures. Interest is payable at 9.069% per annum through June 15, 2011, and thereafter at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 355 basis points, reset quarterly. The proceeds of $150,000 from the sale of the 9.069% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures, after the deduction of commissions paid to the placement agents in the transaction and other expenses, were used by the Company to fund Validus Re segment operations and for general working capital purposes. Debt issuance costs of $3,750 were deferred as an asset and are amortized to income over the five year optional redemption period.

On June 21, 2007, the Company participated in a private placement of $200,000 of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures due 2037 (the “8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures”). The 8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures mature on June 15, 2037, are redeemable at the Company’s option at par beginning June 15, 2012, and require quarterly interest payments by the Company to the holders of the 8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures. Interest will be payable at 8.480% per annum through June 15, 2012, and thereafter at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 295 basis points, reset quarterly. The proceeds of $200,000 from the sale of the 8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures, after the deduction of commissions paid to the placement agents in the transaction and other expenses, were used by the Company to fund the purchase of Talbot Holdings Ltd. Debt issuance costs of $2,000 were deferred as an asset and are amortized to income over the five year optional redemption period.

On April 29, 2008, the Company repurchased from an unaffiliated financial institution $45,700 principal amount of its 8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures due 2037 at an aggregate price of $36,560, plus accrued and unpaid interest of $474. The repurchase resulted in the recognition of a realized gain of $8,752 for the year ended December 31, 2008.

On December 1, 2009, the Company repurchased from an unaffiliated financial institution $14,500 principal amount of its 8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures due 2037 at an aggregate price of $9,933, plus

F-40

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

accrued and unpaid interest of $246. The repurchase resulted in the recognition of a realized gain of $4,444 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Future expected payments of interest and principal on the 9.069% and 8.480% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures are as follows:


2011	$	168,657
2012		145,727
2013 and thereafter		—

Total minimum future payments	$	314,384

(d) Credit facilities

(i) $340,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility, $60,000 bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility and $500,000 secured letter of credit facility

On March 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $200,000 three-year unsecured facility, as subsequently amended on October 25, 2007 and September 4, 2009. The facility was refinanced at maturity on March 12, 2010 with a three-year $340,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility and a $60,000 bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility which provides for letter of credit availability for Validus Re and our other subsidiaries and revolving credit availability for the Company (the “Three Year Facilities”) (the full $400,000 of which is available for letters of credit and/or revolving loans).

On March 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $500,000 five-year secured letter of credit facility, as subsequently amended on October 25, 2007, July 24, 2009, and March 12, 2010, which provides for letter of credit availability for Validus Re and our other subsidiaries (the “Five Year Facility” and, together with the Three Year Facilities, the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities were provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. On October 25, 2007, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the Credit Facilities to provide for, among other things, additional capacity to incur up to $100,000 under a new Funds at Lloyd’s Letter of Credit Facility (as described below) to support underwriting capacity provided to Talbot 2002 Underwriting Ltd through Syndicate 1183 at Lloyd’s of London for the 2008 and 2009 underwriting years of account. The amendment also modified certain provisions in the Credit Facilities in order to permit dividend payments on existing and future preferred and hybrid securities notwithstanding certain events of default.

On September 4, 2009, the Company announced that it had entered into Amendments to each of its $500,000 five-year secured letter of credit facility; $200,000 three-year unsecured facility and $100,000 Talbot FAL facility to amend a specific investment restriction clause in order to permit the completion of the IPC Acquisition. The amendment also modified and updated certain pricing and covenant terms.

As amended, the Credit Facilities contain covenants that include, among other things, (i) the requirement that the Company initially maintain a minimum level of consolidated net worth of at least 70% of consolidated net worth ($2,925,590) and, commencing with the end of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2009 to be increased quarterly by an amount equal to 50% of its consolidated net income (if positive) for such quarter plus 50% of any net proceeds received from any issuance of common shares during such quarter, (ii) the requirement that the Company maintain at all times a consolidated total debt to consolidated total capitalization ratio not greater than 0.35:1.00, and (iii) the requirement that Validus Re and any other material insurance subsidiaries maintain a

F-41

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

financial strength rating by A.M. Best of not less than “B++” (Fair). For purposes of covenant compliance (i) “net worth is calculated with investments carried at amortized cost and (ii) “consolidated total debt” does not include the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable debentures. The credit facilities also contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests at any time that we are otherwise in default with respect to certain provisions under the credit facilities, make investments, incur debt at our subsidiaries, incur liens, sell assets and merge or consolidate with others.

As of December 31, 2010, there was $268,944 in outstanding letters of credit under the Five Year Facility (December 31, 2009: $225,823) and $nil outstanding under the Three Year Facilities (December 31, 2009: $nil).

As of December 31, 2010 and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Credit Facilities.

(ii) Talbot FAL Facility

On November 28, 2007, Talbot entered into a $100,000 standby Letter of Credit facility (the “Talbot FAL Facility”) to provide Funds at Lloyd’s for the 2008 and 2009 underwriting years of account; this facility is guaranteed by the Company and is secured against the assets of Validus Re. The Talbot FAL Facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by Lloyds TSB Bank plc and ING Bank N.V., London Branch.

On November 19, 2009, the Company entered into an Amendment and Restatement of the Talbot FAL Facility to reduce the commitment from $100,000 to $25,000, and to extend the support to the 2010 and 2011 underwriting years of account.

As amended, the Talbot FAL Facility contains affirmative covenants that include, among other things, (i) the requirement that the Company initially maintain a minimum level of consolidated net worth of at least 70% of consolidated net worth ($2,607,219), and commencing with the end of the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2009 to be increased quarterly by an amount equal to 50% of our consolidated net income (if positive) for such quarter plus 50% of any net proceeds received from any issuance of common shares during such quarter, and (ii) the requirement that we maintain at all times a consolidated total debt to consolidated total capitalization ratio not greater than 0.35:1.00.

The Talbot FAL Facility also contains restrictions on our ability to incur debt at our subsidiaries, incur liens, sell assets and merge or consolidate with others. Other than in respect of existing and future preferred and hybrid securities, the payment of dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests are not permitted at any time that we are in default with respect to certain provisions under the Credit Facilities. As of December 31, 2010 the Company had $25,000 in outstanding letters of credit under this facility.

As of December 31, 2010 and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Talbot FAL Facility.

(iii) IPC Syndicated Facility and IPC Bi-Lateral Facility

IPC obtained letters of credit through the IPC Syndicated Facility and the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility (the “IPC Facilities”). In July 2009, certain terms of these facilities were amended including suspending IPC’s ability to increase existing letters of credit or to issue new letters of credit. Effective March 31, 2010, the IPC Syndicated Facility was closed. As of December 31, 2010, $68,063 of outstanding letters of credit were issued under the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility.

F-42

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

As of December 31, 2010 and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the IPC Facilities.

(e) Funds at Lloyds

Talbot’s underwriting at Lloyd’s is supported by Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”) comprising: cash, investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks on behalf of various companies and persons under reinsurance and other agreements. The FAL are provided in exchange for payment calculated principally by reference to the syndicate’s results, as appropriate, when they are declared. The amounts of cash, investments and letters of credit at December 31, 2010 supporting the 2011 underwriting year amount to $441,000, all of which is provided by the Company.

17. Income taxes

The Company provides for income taxes based upon amounts reported in the financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws. The Company is registered in Bermuda and is subject to Bermuda law with respect to taxation. Under current Bermuda law, the Company is not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains taxes and has received an undertaking from the Bermuda Minister of Finance that, in the event of any Bermuda income or capital gains taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempt from those taxes until March 28, 2016.

The Company has subsidiaries with operations in several locations outside Bermuda, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Chile, Dubai, Ireland and Canada that are subject to the tax laws of those countries. Under current law, corporate income tax losses incurred in the United Kingdom can be carried forward, for application against future income, indefinitely. On July 1, 2010, the U.K. government published the Finance Bill 2010 (effective April 1, 2011), which reduces the U.K. corporate income tax rate from 28% to 27%.


	Years Ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
	2010		2009		2008
Income before tax — Bermuda		400,631	$	892,425	$	39,302
Income before tax — United Kingdom		4,275		814		24,358
Income before tax — Canada		784		409		239

Income before tax — Total		405,690	$	893,648	$	63,899

Income tax expense (benefit) is comprised of current and deferred tax. Income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:


	Years Ended
	December 31,		December 31,			December 31,
	2010		2009			2008
Current	$	2,941	$	(9	)	$	(73	)
Deferred		185		(3,750	)		10,861

Income tax expense (benefit)	$	3,126	$	(3,759	)	$	10,788

F-43

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The table below details the tax charge by jurisdiction:


	Years Ended
	December 31,		December 31,			December 31,
	2010		2009			2008
Expected tax provision at Bermuda Statutory Rate of 0%	$	—	$	—		$	—
Effect of taxable income generated in:
United Kingdom		1,374		4,158			8,277
Canada		1,231		760			479
Other jurisdictions		114		38			295

		2,719		4,956			9,051
Adjustments to prior period tax		407		(8,715	)		1,737

Income tax expense (benefit)	$	3,126	$	(3,759	)	$	10,788


	Years Ended
	December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009
Deferred tax asset
UK tax losses carried forward	$	(9,684	)	$	(8,627	)
Timing differences		(780	)		(2,689	)

Deferred tax asset		(10,464	)		(11,316	)


Deferred tax liability
Underwriting profit taxable in future periods		35,372			34,731
Revenue to be taxed in future periods		—			1,093

Deferred tax liability		35,372			35,824


Net deferred tax liability	$	24,908		$	24,508

Net deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the tax effect of temporary differences between the value of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and such values as measured by tax laws and regulations in countries in which the operations are taxable.

In assessing whether deferred tax assets can be realized, management considers whether it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of the deferred tax asset will be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in the period during which those temporary differences and operating losses become deductible. Management considers the reversal of the deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be reduced in the future if estimates of future taxable income are reduced.

As of December 31, 2010, net operating loss carry forwards in the U.K. were approximately $34,408 (inclusive of cumulative currency translation adjustments) and have no expiration.

F-44

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

18. Commitments and contingencies

a) Concentrations of credit risk

The Company’s investments are managed following prudent standards of diversification. The Company attempts to limit its credit exposure by purchasing high quality fixed income investments to maintain an average portfolio credit quality of AA- or higher with mortgage and commercial mortgage-backed issues having an aggregate weighted average credit quality of AAA. In addition, the Company limits its exposure to any single issuer to 3% or less, excluding treasury and agency securities. With the exception of the Company’s bank loan portfolio, the minimum credit rating of any security purchased is Baa3/BBB- and where investments are downgraded, the Company permits a holding of up to 2% in aggregate market value, or 10% with written pre-authorization. At December 31, 2010, 1.9% of the portfolio, excluding bank loans, had a split rating below Baa3/BBB- and the Company did not have an aggregate exposure to any single issuer of more than 1.2% of its investment portfolio, other than with respect to government and agency securities.

The Company underwrites a significant amount of its reinsurance business through brokers and credit risk exists should any of these brokers be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations with respect to the payments of insurance and reinsurance balances to the Company. These companies are large, well established, and there are no indications that any of them are financially troubled. No other broker and no one insured or reinsured accounted for more than 10% of gross premiums written for the periods mentioned.

The following table shows the percentage of gross premiums written by broker for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:


	Years Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Marsh & McLennan		25.5	%		23.3	%		21.9	%
Willis Group Holdings Ltd.		17.1	%		14.0	%		13.8	%
Aon Benfield Group Ltd.		22.6	%		25.7	%		25.5	%

b) Employment agreements

The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain individuals that provide for option awards, executive benefits and severance payments under certain circumstances.

c) Operating leases

The Company leases office space and office equipment under operating leases. Total rent expense with respect to these operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2010 was approximately $5,309 (2009: $4,308, 2008: $2,314). Future minimum lease commitments are as follows:


2011	$	2,168
2012		1,587
2013		4,086
2014		3,993
2015 and thereafter		14,315

	$	26,149

F-45

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

d) Funds at Lloyd’s

Talbot operates in Lloyd’s through a corporate member, Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd (“T02”), which is the sole participant in Syndicate 1183. Lloyd’s sets T02’s required capital annually based on syndicate 1183’s business plan, rating environment, reserving environment together with input arising from Lloyd’s discussions with, inter alia, regulatory and rating agencies. Such capital, called Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”), comprises: cash, investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks. The amounts of cash, investments and letters of credit at December 31, 2010 amount to $441,000 (December 31, 2009: $452,000) of which $25,000 is provided under the Talbot FAL Facility (December 31, 2009: $25,000).

The FAL are provided for each year of account as follows:


	2011		2010		2009
	Underwriting		Underwriting		Underwriting
	Year		Year		Year
Talbot FAL facility	$	25,000	$	25,000	$	25,000
Group funds		416,000		427,000		326,394

Total	$	441,000	$	452,000	$	351,394

The amounts which the Company provides as FAL are not available for distribution to the Company for the payment of dividends. Talbot’s corporate member may also be required to maintain funds under the control of Lloyd’s in excess of its capital requirement and such funds also may not be available for distribution to the Company for the payment of dividends.

The amounts provided under the Talbot FAL facility would become a liability of the group in the event of the syndicate declaring a loss at a level which would call on this arrangement.

e) Lloyd’s central fund

Whenever a member of Lloyd’s is unable to pay its debts to policyholders, such debts may be payable by the Lloyd’s central fund. If Lloyd’s determines that the central fund needs to be increased, it has the power to assess premium levies on current Lloyd’s members up to 3% of a member’s underwriting capacity in any one year. The Company does not believe that any assessment is likely in the foreseeable future and has not provided any allowance for such an assessment. However, based on the Company’s 2011 estimated premium income at Lloyd’s of £560,000, the December 31, 2010 exchange rate of £1 equals $1.5468 and assuming the maximum 3% assessment the Company would be assessed approximately $25,986.

19. Related party transactions

The transactions listed below are classified as related party transactions as each counterparty has either a direct or indirect shareholding in the Company.

a) On December 8, 2005, the Company entered into agreements with BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (“BlackRock”) under which BlackRock provided investment management services for part of the Company’s investment portfolio. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, BlackRock was deemed to be a related party due to a combination of Merrill Lynch (a shareholder of BlackRock) being a shareholder in the Company and having an employee on the Company’s Board of Directors during this period. For the year ended December 31, 2010, BlackRock was no longer a related party. Investment management

F-46

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

fees earned by BlackRock for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $2,036 and $2,243, respectively. Management believes that the fees charged were consistent with those that would have been charged in arm’s-length transactions with unrelated third parties.

b) On December 8, 2005, the Company entered into agreements with Goldman Sachs Asset Management and its affiliates (“GSAM”) under which GSAM provides investment management services for a portion of the Company’s investment portfolio. Goldman Sachs entities, own 9,634,782 non-voting shares in the Company, hold warrants to purchase 1,604,410 non-voting shares, and have an employee on the Company’s Board of Directors who does not receive compensation from the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, Sumit Rajpal, a director of the Company, served as Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs and Co., GSAM’s parent company. Subsequent to year end Mr. Rajpal resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company. Investment management fees earned by GSAM for the year end December 31, 2010 were $1,728 (2009: $1,280; 2008: $1,404), of which $359 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2010 (2009: $371). Management believes that the fees charged were consistent with those that would have been charged in arm’s-length transactions with unrelated third parties.

c) Vestar Capital entities own 7,786,770 shares in the Company, hold warrants to purchase 972,810 shares and have an employee on the Company’s Board of Directors who does not receive compensation from the Company. Sander M. Levy, a director of the Company, serves as Managing Director of Vestar Capital Partners. During 2009, Vestar Capital entities were shareholders of PARIS RE Holdings, Limited (“Paris Re”). On July 4, 2009, PartnerRe Ltd. (“PartnerRe”) acquired the outstanding shares of Paris Re and as a result Paris Re was not a related party of the Company during the year ended December 31, 2010. However, for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, pursuant to reinsurance agreements with Paris Re, the Company recognized gross premiums written of $5,176 and $6,807, and earned premium adjustments of $5,918 and $4,457, respectively.

d) Aquiline Capital Partners, LLC and its related companies (“Aquiline”), which own 6,255,943 shares in the Company, hold warrants to purchase 3,043,246 shares, and has two employees on the Board of Directors who do not receive compensation from the Company, are shareholders of Group Ark Insurance Holdings Ltd. (“Group Ark”). Christopher E. Watson, a director of the Company, also serves as a director of Group Ark. Pursuant to reinsurance agreements with a subsidiary of Group Ark, the Company recognized gross premiums written during the year ended December 31, 2010 of $2,239 (2009 and 2008: $nil) of which $378 was included in premiums receivable at December 31, 2010 (2009: $nil). The Company also recognized reinsurance premiums ceded during the year ended December 31, 2010 of $738 (2009: $953; 2008: $1,348), of which $132 was included in reinsurance balances payable at December 31, 2010 (2009: $nil). Earned premium adjustments of $1,024 were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2010 (2009 and 2008: $nil).

Aquiline is also a shareholder of Tiger Risk Partners LLC (“Tiger Risk”). Christopher E. Watson, a director of the Company serves as a director of Tiger Risk. Pursuant to certain reinsurance contracts, the Company recognized brokerage expenses paid to Tiger Risk during the year ended December 31, 2010 of $1,461 (2009: $1,231; 2008: $nil), of which $792 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2010 (2009: $643).

On November 24, 2009, the Company entered into an Investment Management Agreement with Conning, Inc. (“Conning”) to manage a portion of the Company’s investment portfolio. Aquiline acquired Conning on June 16, 2009. John J. Hendrickson and Jeffrey W. Greenberg, directors of the Company, each serve as a director of Conning Holdings Corp., the parent company of Conning, and Michael Carpenter, the Chairman of Talbot Holdings, Ltd. serves as director of a subsidiary of Conning Holdings Corp. Investment management fees earned by Conning for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $379 (2009: $13; 2008: $nil), of which $97 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2010 (2009: $13).

F-47

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

20. Earnings per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:


	Year Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Basic earnings per share
Income	$	402,564		$	897,407		$	53,111

less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants		(6,991	)		(6,507	)		(6,947	)

Income available to common shareholders	$	395,573		$	890,900		$	46,164


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		116,018,364			93,697,194			74,677,903


Basic earnings per share	$	3.41		$	9.51		$	0.62


Diluted earnings per share
Income	$	402,564		$	897,407		$	53,111

less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants		—			—			(6,947	)

Income available to common shareholders	$	402,564		$	897,407		$	46,164


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		116,018,364			93,697,194			74,677,903
Share equivalents:
Warrants		2,657,258			2,220,096			—
Stock options		888,281			478,472			136,701
Unvested restricted shares		1,067,042			772,647			1,004,809


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		120,630,945			97,168,409			75,819,413


Diluted earnings per share	$	3.34		$	9.24		$	0.61

Share equivalents that would result in the issuance of common shares of 136,881, 172,425 and 220,512 were outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be antidilutive.

21. Segment information

The Company conducts its operations worldwide through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. and Talbot Holdings Ltd. from which two operating segments have been determined under U.S. GAAP segment reporting. The Company’s operating segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed and have capital allocated separately because each business requires different strategies.

F-48

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Validus Re

The Validus Re segment is focused on short-tail lines of reinsurance. The primary lines in which the segment conducts business are property, marine and specialty, which include agriculture, aerospace & aviation, financial lines of business, nuclear, terrorism, life, accident & health, workers’ compensation and crisis management.

On September 4, 2009, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of IPC from a group of institutional and other investors. The primary lines in which IPC conducted business were property catastrophe reinsurance and, to a limited extent, property-per-risk excess, aviation (including satellite) and other short-tail reinsurance on a worldwide basis. For segmental reporting purposes, the results of IPC’s operations since the acquisition date have been included within the Validus Re segment in the consolidated financial statements.

Talbot

The Talbot segment focuses on a wide range of marine and energy, war, political violence, commercial property, financial institutions, contingency, bloodstock, accident & health and aviation classes of business on an insurance or facultative reinsurance basis and principally property, aerospace and marine classes of business on a treaty reinsurance basis.

Corporate and other reconciling items

The Company has a “Corporate” function, which includes the activities of the parent company, and which carries out certain functions for the group. “Corporate” includes ‘non-core’ underwriting expenses, predominantly general and administrative and stock compensation expenses. “Corporate” also denotes the activities of certain key executives such as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. For internal reporting purposes, “Corporate” is reflected separately, however “Corporate” is not considered an operating segment under these circumstances. Other reconciling items include, but are not limited to, the elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses and unusual items that are not allocated to segments.

F-49

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


							Corporate &
Year Ended December 31, 2010	Validus Re			Talbot			Eliminations			Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	1,101,239		$	981,073		$	(91,746	)	$	1,990,566
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(63,147	)		(258,081	)		91,746			(229,482	)

Net premiums written		1,038,092			722,992			—			1,761,084
Change in unearned premiums		13,108			(13,069	)		—			39

Net premiums earned		1,051,200			709,923			—			1,761,123


Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		601,610			385,976			—			987,586
Policy acquisition costs		160,599			143,769			(11,469	)		292,899
General and administrative expenses		45,617			114,043			49,630			209,290
Share compensation expenses		7,181			6,923			14,807			28,911

Total underwriting deductions		815,007			650,711			52,968			1,518,686


Underwriting income (loss)	$	236,193		$	59,212		$	(52,968	)	$	242,437

Net investment income		113,968			29,287			(9,152	)		134,103
Other income		4,211			12,802			(11,794	)		5,219
Finance expenses		(5,471	)		(3,140	)		(47,259	)		(55,870	)

Operating income (loss) before taxes		348,901			98,161			(121,173	)		325,889
Tax (expense)		(175	)		(2,730	)		(221	)		(3,126	)

Net operating income (loss)	$	348,726		$	95,431		$	(121,394	)	$	322,763

Net realized gains on investments		23,637			8,861			—			32,498
Net unrealized gains on investments		45,276			676			—			45,952
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		(1,185	)		2,091			445			1,351


Net income (loss)	$	416,454		$	107,059		$	(120,949	)	$	402,564


Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		94.3	%		73.7	%					88.5	%

Losses and loss expenses		57.2	%		54.4	%					56.1	%

Policy acquisition costs		15.3	%		20.3	%					16.6	%
General and administrative expenses (1)		5.0	%		17.0	%					13.5	%

Expense ratio		20.3	%		37.3	%					30.1	%


Combined ratio		77.5	%		91.7	%					86.2	%


Total assets	$	4,431,001		$	2,599,158		$	30,719		$	7,060,878


(1)		Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

F-50

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


							Corporate &
Year Ended December 31, 2009	Validus Re (2)			Talbot			Eliminations			Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	768,084		$	919,906		$	(66,749	)	$	1,621,241
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(95,446	)		(204,186	)		66,749			(232,883	)

Net premiums written		672,638			715,720			—			1,388,358
Change in unearned premiums		122,912			(61,693	)		—			61,219

Net premiums earned		795,550			654,027			—			1,449,577


Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		186,704			337,053			—			523,757
Policy acquisition costs		127,433			139,932			(4,399	)		262,966
General and administrative expenses		65,710			96,352			23,506			185,568
Share compensation expenses		7,576			7,171			12,290			27,037

Total underwriting deductions		387,423			580,508			31,397			999,328


Underwriting income (loss)	$	408,127		$	73,519		$	(31,397	)	$	450,249

Net investment income		94,973			30,114			(6,314	)		118,773
Other income		5,149			5,225			(5,740	)		4,634
Finance expenses		(1,774	)		(14,725	)		(27,631	)		(44,130	)

Operating income (loss) before taxes		506,475			94,133			(71,082	)		529,526
Tax (expense) benefit		(163	)		3,922			—			3,759

Net operating income (loss)	$	506,312		$	98,055		$	(71,082	)	$	533,285

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses		—			—			287,099			287,099
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			—			4,444			4,444
Net realized (losses) on investments		(5,428	)		(6,115	)		—			(11,543	)
Net unrealized gains on investments		75,209			9,587			—			84,796
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		(1,406	)		676			56			(674	)


Net income	$	574,687		$	102,203		$	220,517		$	897,407


Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		87.6	%		77.8	%					85.6	%

Losses and loss expenses		23.5	%		51.5	%					36.1	%

Policy acquisition costs		16.0	%		21.4	%					18.1	%
General and administrative expenses (1)		9.2	%		15.8	%					14.7	%

Expense ratio		25.2	%		37.2	%					32.8	%


Combined ratio		48.7	%		88.7	%					68.9	%


Total assets	$	4,865,771		$	2,137,393		$	15,976		$	7,019,140

F-51

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


(1)		Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

(2)		Operating results of IPC have been included from the September 2009 date of acquisition.


							Corporate &
Year Ended December 31, 2008	Validus Re			Talbot			Eliminations			Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	687,771		$	708,996		$	(34,283	)	$	1,362,484
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(62,933	)		(95,510	)		34,283			(124,160	)

Net premiums written		624,838			613,486			—			1,238,324
Change in unearned premiums		28,693			(10,499	)		—			18,194

Net premiums earned		653,531			602,987			—			1,256,518


Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		420,645			351,509			—			772,154
Policy acquisition costs		100,243			135,017			(309	)		234,951
General and administrative expenses		34,607			71,443			17,898			123,948
Share compensation expenses		6,829			4,702			15,566			27,097

Total underwriting deductions		562,324			562,671			33,155			1,158,150


Underwriting income (loss)		91,207		$	40,316		$	(33,155	)	$	98,368

Net investment income (loss)		101,994			41,520			(3,986	)		139,528
Other income (loss)		309			5,264			(309	)		5,264
Finance expenses		(879	)		(27,351	)		(29,088	)		(57,318	)

Operating income (loss) before taxes		192,631			59,749			(66,538	)		185,842
Tax (expense)		(88	)		(10,700	)		—			(10,788	)

Net operating income (loss)		192,543			49,049			(66,538	)		175,054

Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			—			8,752			8,752
Net realized (losses) gains on investments		(9,718	)		8,127			—			(1,591	)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments		(84,714	)		5,007			—			(79,707	)
Foreign exchange (losses)		(16,701	)		(32,696	)					(49,397	)


Net income (loss)		81,410			29,487			(57,786	)		53,111


Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		90.8	%		86.5	%					90.9	%

Losses and loss expenses		64.4	%		58.3	%					61.5	%

Policy acquisition costs		15.3	%		22.4	%					18.7	%
General and administrative expenses (1)		6.3	%		12.6	%					12.0	%

Expense ratio		21.6	%		35.0	%					30.7	%

Combined ratio		86.0	%		93.3	%					92.2	%


Total assets	$	2,583,290		$	1,732,832		$	6,358		$	4,322,480

F-52

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


(1)		Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

The Company’s exposures are generally diversified across geographic zones. The following tables set forth the gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure for the periods indicated:


	Year ended December 31, 2010
	Gross premiums written
	Validus Re		Talbot		Eliminations			Total		%
United States	$	486,133	$	110,944	$	(8,543	)	$	588,534		29.6	%
Worldwide excluding United States (1)		55,462		265,760		(7,051	)		314,171		15.8	%
Europe		105,321		50,074		(1,239	)		154,156		7.7	%
Latin America and Caribbean		70,650		83,274		(52,632	)		101,292		5.1	%
Japan		26,449		5,982		(177	)		32,254		1.6	%
Canada		177		11,892		(177	)		11,892		0.6	%
Rest of the world (2)		23,006		—		—			23,006		1.2	%

Sub-total, non United States		281,065		416,982		(61,276	)		636,771		32.0	%
Worldwide including United States		91,259		49,212		(2,492	)		137,979		6.9	%
Marine and Aerospace (3)		242,782		403,935		(19,435	)		627,282		31.5	%

Total	$	1,101,239	$	981,073	$	(91,746	)	$	1,990,566		100.0	%


	Year ended December 31, 2009
	Gross premiums written
	Validus Re		Talbot		Eliminations			Total		%
United States	$	353,119	$	77,528	$	(7,031	)	$	423,616		26.1	%
Worldwide excluding United States (1)		39,970		264,057		(13,385	)		290,642		17.9	%
Europe		56,806		65,013		(3,287	)		118,532		7.3	%
Latin America and Caribbean		39,745		83,909		(36,592	)		87,062		5.4	%
Japan		19,812		4,986		(470	)		24,328		1.5	%
Canada		463		9,303		(470	)		9,296		0.6	%
Rest of the world (2)		24,303		—		—			24,303		1.5	%

Sub-total, non United States		181,099		427,268		(54,204	)		554,163		34.2	%
Worldwide including United States		56,962		50,118		(3,053	)		104,027		6.4	%
Marine and Aerospace (3)		176,904		364,992		(2,461	)		539,435		33.3	%

Total	$	768,084	$	919,906	$	(66,749	)	$	1,621,241		100.0	%


	Year ended December 31, 2008
	Gross premiums written
	Validus Re		Talbot		Eliminations			Total		%
United States	$	356,902	$	62,098	$	—		$	419,000		30.8	%
Worldwide excluding United States (1)		27,512		221,260		(20,870	)		227,902		16.7	%
Europe		44,079		57,132		—			101,211		7.4	%
Latin America and Caribbean		18,404		46,721		(13,413	)		51,712		3.8	%
Japan		9,416		3,955		—			13,371		1.0	%

F-53

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	Year ended December 31, 2008
	Gross premiums written
	Validus Re		Talbot		Eliminations			Total		%
Canada		—		9,630		—			9,630		0.7	%
Rest of the world (2)		—		—		—			—		0.0	%

Sub-total, non United States		99,411		338,698		(34,283	)		403,826		29.6	%
Worldwide including United States		74,391		58,079		—			132,470		9.7	%
Marine and Aerospace (3)		157,067		250,121		—			407,188		29.9	%

Total	$	687,771	$	708,996	$	(34,283	)	$	1,362,484		100.0	%


(1)		Represents risks in two or more geographic zones.

(2)		Represents risks in one geographic zone.

(3)		Not classified as geographic area as marine and aerospace risks can span multiple geographic areas and are not fixed locations in some instances.

F-54

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

22. Statutory and regulatory requirements

As disclosed in Note 18 (d), Syndicate 1183 and Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd (“T02”) are subject to regulation by the Council of Lloyd’s. Syndicate 1183 and T02 are also subject to regulation by the U.K. Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

T02 is a corporate member of Lloyd’s. As a corporate member of Lloyd’s, T02 is bound by the rules of the Society of Lloyd’s, which are prescribed by Bye-laws and Requirements made by the Council of Lloyd’s under powers conferred by the Lloyd’s Act 1982. These rules (among other matters) prescribe T02’s membership subscription, the level of its contribution to the Lloyd’s central fund and the assets it must deposit with Lloyd’s in support of its underwriting. The Council of Lloyd’s has broad powers to sanction breaches of its rules, including the power to restrict or prohibit a member’s participation on Lloyd’s syndicates.

The Company has four Bermuda-based subsidiaries, Validus Re, IPCRe Limited, AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd. and Talbot Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd. (“TIBL”) registered under The Insurance Act 1978 (Bermuda), Amendments Thereto and Related Regulations (“The Act”). Under the Insurance Act, these subsidiaries are required to prepare Statutory Financial Statements and to file Statutory Financial Returns. These subsidiaries have to meet certain requirements for minimum solvency and liquidity ratios. Effective for statutory filings for the year ended December 31, 2008, the BMA introduced a risk-based capital model, or Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (“BSCR”), as a tool to assist the BMA in measuring risk and determining appropriate capitalization. As at December 31, 2010 and 2009, these requirements were met.

Statutory requirements based on draft regulatory filings for Validus Re, IPCRe Limited, TIBL and AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd. are set out below:


	Validus Re				IPCRe Limited				TIBL				AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
	2010		2009		2010		2009		2010		2009		2010		2009
Minimum statutory capital and surplus	$	505,574	$	335,802	$	29,972	$	187,690	$	14,924	$	13,315	$	120	$	120
Actual statutory capital and surplus		4,850,860		3,576,958		300,487		1,952,038		432,281		341,316		123		120
Minimum share capital		1,000		1,000		1,000		1,000		120		120		120		120
Actual share capital		2,667,249		2,659,942		1,452,059		1,461,609		62,731		62,731		120		120
Minimum relevant assets		796,711		582,002		184,643		268,643		66,618		161,902		71,061		35,019
Actual relevant assets		3,848,938		2,283,968		512,509		2,248,900		520,671		556,816		94,870		46,812

The Bermuda Companies Act 1981 (the “Companies Act”) limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends and distributions to shareholders.

F-55

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

23. Subsequent events

The Company has evaluated the following subsequent events:

•

During late December 2010 and continuing into early January 2011, persistent rains in Eastern Australia caused severe flooding. There was damage throughout much of the state of Queensland, including the state capital city of Brisbane;

•

During late January 2011, and continuing in February 2011, civil unrest and violence occurred in several North African and Middle Eastern countries;

•

During January 2011, persistent rains in South Eastern Australia caused severe flooding in the city of Victoria; and

•

On February 3, 2011, Cyclone Yasi, classified as a category 5 cyclone, made landfall in northern Queensland, Australia. The storm caused widespread damage to property and crops which was followed by severe flooding.

The Company is continuing to review its in-force contracts and preliminary loss information from clients for the events described above and does not expect that 2011 losses, either individually or when aggregated, will have a material impact on its shareholders equity or liquidity.

On February 9, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had increased the Company’s annual dividend by 13.6% from $0.88 to $1.00 per common share and per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable. The first quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per each common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent is payable on March 31, 2011 to holders of record on March 15, 2011.

F-56

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

24. Condensed unaudited quarterly financial data


	Quarters Ended (a)
	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,
	2010			2010			2010			2010
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	258,731		$	344,040		$	516,861		$	870,934
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(35,376	)		(35,641	)		(67,726	)		(90,739	)

Net premiums written		223,355			308,399			449,135			780,195
Change in unearned premiums		209,456			124,275			(11,191	)		(322,501	)

Net premiums earned		432,811			432,674			437,944			457,694


Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		155,225			158,936			194,894			478,531
Policy acquisition costs		75,523			67,074			74,126			76,176
General and administrative expenses		54,511			48,831			52,379			53,569
Share compensation expenses		7,871			7,618			6,846			6,576

Total underwriting deductions		293,130			282,459			328,245			614,852


Underwriting income (loss)	$	139,681		$	150,215		$	109,699		$	(157,158	)

Net investment income		30,962			34,033			34,809			34,299
Other income		552			1,082			2,697			888
Finance expenses		(13,786	)		(13,715	)		(13,218	)		(15,151	)

Operating income (loss) before taxes		157,409			171,615			133,987			(137,122	)
Tax (expense) benefit		(1,058	)		1,422			(4,187	)		697

Net operating income (loss)	$	156,351		$	173,037		$	129,800		$	(136,425	)

Net realized (losses) gains on investments		(14,399	)		23,058			12,441			11,398
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments		(42,689	)		31,588			41,640			15,413
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		3,424			10,790			(4,099	)		(8,764	)

Net income (loss)	$	102,687		$	238,473		$	179,782		$	(118,378	)


Earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic		105,828,739			110,601,888			121,009,553			126,633,277
Diluted		111,316,736			114,842,742			125,152,300			126,633,277

Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.95		$	2.14		$	1.47		$	(0.95	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.92		$	2.08		$	1.44		$	(0.95	)

Selected ratios:
Losses and loss expenses		35.9	%		36.7	%		44.5	%		104.6	%
Expense ratio		31.8	%		28.5	%		30.4	%		29.7	%

Combined ratio		67.7	%		65.2	%		74.9	%		134.3	%

F-57

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	Quarters Ended
	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,
	2009			2009			2009			2009
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	255,289		$	331,028		$	425,032		$	609,892
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(30,393	)		(67,687	)		(62,291	)		(72,512	)

Net premiums written		224,896			263,341			362,741			537,380
Change in unearned premiums		203,005			111,376			(34,541	)		(218,621	)

Net premiums earned		427,901			374,717			328,200			318,759


Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		133,020			134,152			124,751			131,834
Policy acquisition costs		72,843			64,236			64,438			61,449
General and administrative expenses		60,253			46,036			41,200			38,079
Share compensation expenses		8,189			5,862			5,632			7,354

Total underwriting deductions		274,305			250,286			236,021			238,716


Underwriting income	$	153,596		$	124,431		$	92,179		$	80,043

Net investment income		35,506			29,532			26,963			26,772
Other income		1,759			1,101			1,017			757
Finance expenses		(14,398	)		(11,257	)		(10,752	)		(7,723	)

Operating income before taxes		176,463			143,807			109,407			99,849
Tax benefit		458			1,799			976			526

Net operating income	$	176,921		$	145,606		$	110,383		$	100,375

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses		—			302,950			(15,851	)		—
Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		4,444			—			—			—
Net realized gains (losses) on investments		9,099			5,429			(2,650	)		(23,421	)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments		(25,043	)		50,437			37,249			22,153
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		338			(5,244	)		8,432			(4,200	)


Net income	$	165,759		$	499,178		$	137,563		$	94,907


Earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic		130,413,790			92,492,373			76,138,038			75,744,577
Diluted		134,794,120			95,834,809			78,942,065			79,102,643

Basic earnings per share	$	1.26		$	5.38		$	1.79		$	1.23
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.23		$	5.21		$	1.74		$	1.20

Selected Ratios:
Losses and loss expenses		31.1	%		35.8	%		38.0	%		41.4	%
Expense ratio		33.0	%		30.9	%		33.9	%		33.6	%

Combined ratio		64.1	%		66.7	%		71.9	%		75.0	%


(a)		Operating results of IPC have been included from the September 2009 date of acquisition.

F-58

Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)


	Quarters Ended
	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,
	2008			2008			2008			2008
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	191,736		$	269,236		$	379,919		$	521,594
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(2,722	)		(35,139	)		(1,399	)		(84,900	)

Net premiums written		189,014			234,097			378,520			436,694
Change in unearned premiums		127,017			105,229			(69,222	)		(144,830	)

Net premiums earned		316,031			339,326			309,298			291,864


Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		191,576			318,464			122,089			140,024
Policy acquisition costs		61,407			60,425			56,419			56,701
General and administrative expenses		22,809			30,120			33,912			37,107
Share compensation expenses		7,279			6,012			7,271			6,535

Total underwriting deductions		283,071			415,021			219,691			240,367


Underwriting income (loss)	$	32,960		$	(75,695	)	$	89,607		$	51,497

Net investment income		30,671			36,379			36,435			36,043
Other income		1,598			1,269			1,462			935
Finance expenses		(8,522	)		(14,517	)		(12,762	)		(21,517	)

Operating income (loss) before taxes		56,707			(52,564	)		114,742			66,958
Tax (expense)		(5,796	)		(487	)		(3,077	)		(1,429	)

Net operating income (loss)	$	50,911		$	(53,051	)	$	111,665		$	65,529

Realized gain on repurchase of debentures		—			—			8,752			—
Net realized gains (losses) on investments		6,757			(13,667	)		(2,425	)		7,744
Net unrealized (losses) on investments		(7,099	)		(14,649	)		(42,982	)		(14,977	)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		(13,554	)		(44,933	)		911			8,179


Net income (loss)	$	37,015		$	(126,300	)	$	75,921		$	66,475


Earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic		75,404,091			74,864,724			74,233,425			74,209,371
Diluted		75,740,546			74,864,724			77,257,545			78,329,727

Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.47		$	(1.71	)	$	1.00		$	0.87
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.47		$	(1.71	)	$	0.98		$	0.85

Selected Ratios:
Losses and loss expenses		60.6	%		93.9	%		39.5	%		48.0	%
Expense ratio		28.9	%		28.4	%		31.5	%		34.4	%

Combined ratio		89.5	%		122.3	%		71.0	%		82.4	%

F-59

SCHEDULE I
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES

At December 31, 2010

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)


					Amount at Which
	Amortized		Fair		Shown on the
	Cost		Value		Balance Sheet
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	1,665,050	$	1,677,166	$	1,677,166
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency		550,759		554,199		554,199
States, municipalities, political subdivision		26,365		26,285		26,285
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		430,873		445,859		445,859
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities		62,020		56,470		56,470
U.S. corporate		1,288,078		1,308,406		1,308,406
Non-U.S. corporate		497,689		502,067		502,067
Bank loans		52,612		52,566		52,566
Catastrophe bonds		56,991		58,737		58,737
Asset-backed securities		123,354		123,569		123,569
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		18,246		18,543		18,543

Total fixed maturities		4,772,037		4,823,867		4,823,867
Total short-term investments		273,444		273,514		273,514
Total other investments		18,392		21,478		21,478

Total	$	5,063,873	$	5,118,859	$	5,118,859

F-60

SCHEDULE II

VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD. (Parent Company Only)

BALANCE SHEETS

As at December 31, 2010 and 2009

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)


	December 31,			December 31,
	2010			2009
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	22,235		$	6,646
Investment in subsidiaries on an equity basis		4,142,322			4,381,882
Balances due from subsidiaries		—			5,336
Other assets		5,805			3,602

Total assets	$	4,170,362		$	4,397,466


LIABILITIES
Balances due to subsidiaries	$	46,537		$	—
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		22,120			16,346
Senior notes payable		246,874			—
Debentures payable		350,000			350,000

Total liabilities		665,531			366,346


Commitments and contingent liabilities

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2010 - 132,838,111; 2009 - 131,616,349; Outstanding: 2010 - 98,001,226; 2009 - 128,459,478)		23,247			23,033
Treasury shares (2010 - 34,836,885; 2009 - 3,156,871)		(6,096	)		(553	)
Additional paid-in capital		1,860,960			2,675,680
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)		(5,455	)		(4,851	)
Retained earnings		1,632,175			1,337,811

Total shareholders’ equity		3,504,831			4,031,120


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,170,362		$	4,397,466

F-61

VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD. (Parent Company Only)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)


	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009			December 31, 2008
Revenues
Net investment income	$	2		$	14		$	71
Foreign exchange gains		154			56			—


Total revenues		156			70			71

Expenses
General and administrative expenses		37,601			25,404			4,181
Share compensation expenses		8,899			—			—
Finance expenses		52,485			31,716			31,745


Total expenses		98,985		$	57,120			35,926


(Loss) before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries		(98,829	)		(57,050	)		(35,855	)

Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries		501,393			954,457			88,966


Net income	$	402,564		$	897,407		$	53,111

F-62

VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD. (Parent Company Only)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)


	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009			December 31, 2008
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
Net income	$	402,564		$	897,407		$	53,111
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in net earnings of subsidiary		(501,393	)		(954,457	)		(88,966	)
Dividends received from subsidiaries		760,000			223,959			105,100
Share compensation expenses		8,899			—			—
Amortization of discount on senior notes		81			—			—
Change in:
Other assets		(2,203	)		52			1,326
Balances due from subsidiaries		5,336			(5,336	)		—
Balances due to subsidiaries		46,537			(679	)		(888	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		3,236			13,360			1,732

Net cash provided by operating activities		723,057			174,306			71,415


Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Investment in subsidiaries		(19,655	)		(7,459	)		—

Net cash (used in) investing activities		(19,655	)		(7,459	)		—


Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Net proceeds on issuance of senior notes		246,793			—			—
Issuance of common shares, net		27,982			1,250			1,184
Purchases of common shares under repurchase program		(856,926	)		(84,164	)		—
Dividends paid		(105,662	)		(80,318	)		(69,649	)

Net cash (used in) financing activities		(687,813	)		(163,232	)		(68,465	)


Net increase in cash		15,589			3,615			2,950

Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period		6,646			3,031			81


Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	$	22,235		$	6,646		$	3,031

F-63

SCHEDULE III
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.

SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

As at and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)


	As at and for the year ended December 31, 2010
				Reserve													Amortization
	Deferred			for Losses						Net		Net			Losses		of Deferred			Other		Net
	Acquisition			and Loss			Unearned			Premiums		Investment			and Loss		Acquisition			Operating		Premiums
	Costs			Expenses			Premiums			Earned		Income			Expenses		Costs			Expenses		Written
Validus Re	$	57,982		$	998,165		$	299,250		$	1,051,200	$	113,968		$	601,610	$	160,599		$	52,798	$	1,038,092
Talbot		74,846			1,191,548			454,927			709,923		29,287			385,976		143,769			120,966		722,992
Corporate & Eliminations		(8,931	)		(153,740	)		(25,661	)		—		(9,152	)		—		(11,469	)		64,437		—

Total	$	123,897		$	2,035,973		$	728,516		$	1,761,123	$	134,103		$	987,586	$	292,899		$	238,201	$	1,761,084


	As at and for the year ended December 31, 2009
				Reserve													Amortization
	Deferred			for Losses						Net		Net			Losses		of Deferred			Other		Net
	Acquisition			and Loss			Unearned			Premiums		Investment			and Loss		Acquisition			Operating		Premiums
	Costs			Expenses			Premiums			Earned		Income			Expenses		Costs			Expenses		Written
Validus Re	$	54,325		$	742,510		$	325,260		$	795,550	$	94,973		$	186,704	$	127,433		$	73,286	$	672,638
Talbot		68,341			903,986			427,284			654,027		30,114			337,053		139,932			103,523		715,720
Corporate & Eliminations		(10,337	)		(24,362	)		(28,440	)		—		(6,314	)		—		(4,399	)		35,796		—

Total	$	112,329		$	1,622,134		$	724,104		$	1,449,577	$	118,773		$	523,757	$	262,966		$	212,605	$	1,388,358


	As at and for the year ended December 31, 2008
				Reserve													Amortization
	Deferred			for Losses						Net		Net			Losses		of Deferred			Other		Net
	Acquisition			and Loss			Unearned			Premiums		Investment			and Loss		Acquisition			Operating		Premiums
	Costs			Expenses			Premiums			Earned		Income			Expenses		Costs			Expenses		Written
Validus Re	$	46,415		$	535,888		$	232,522		$	653,531	$	101,994		$	420,645	$	100,243		$	41,436	$	624,838
Talbot		62,153			790,199			317,207			602,987		41,520			351,509		135,017			76,145		613,486
Corporate & Eliminations		(412	)		(20,784	)		(10,279	)		—		(3,986	)		—		(309	)		33,464		—

Total	$	108,156		$	1,305,303		$	539,450		$	1,256,518	$	139,528		$	772,154	$	234,951		$	151,045	$	1,238,324

F-64

SCHEDULE IV
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.

SUPPLEMENTARY REINSURANCE INFORMATION

As at and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)


					Assumed				Percentage
			Ceded to		from Other				of Amount
	Gross		Other Companies		Companies		Net Amount		Assumed to Net
Year Ended December 31, 2010	$	460,337	$	229,482	$	1,530,229	$	1,761,084		87	%
Year Ended December 31, 2009		459,771		232,883		1,161,470		1,388,358		84	%
Year Ended December 31, 2008		393,003		124,160		969,481		1,238,324		78	%

F-65

SCHEDULE VI
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY

(RE)INSURANCE INFORMATION

As at and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)


			Reserves for								Losses and Loss Expenses					Net Paid		Amortization
	Deferred		Losses		Reserves for		Net		Net		incurred related to					Losses		of Deferred		Net
	Acquisition		and Loss		Unearned		Earned		Investment		Current		Prior			and Loss		Acquisition		Premiums
	Costs		Expenses		Premiums		Premiums		Income		Year		Year			Expenses		Costs		Written
2010	$	123,897	$	2,035,973	$	728,516	$	1,761,123	$	134,103	$	1,144,196	$	(156,610	)	$	673,422	$	292,899	$	1,761,084
2009		112,329		1,622,134		724,104		1,449,577		118,773		625,810		(102,053	)		507,435		262,966		1,388,358
2008		108,156		1,305,303		539,450		1,256,518		139,528		841,856		(69,702	)		406,469		234,951		1,238,324

F-66