10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

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	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	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)

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 x  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 x  No 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 x	Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes oNo x

As of May 1, 2012 there were 99,343,415 outstanding Common Shares, $0.175 par value per share, of the registrant.

INDEX

	Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011	2
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)	3
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)	4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)	5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	6
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	36
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	72
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	74
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	75
Item 1A. Risk Factors	75
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	75
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	76
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure	76
Item 5. Other Information	76
Item 6. Exhibits	77
Signatures	78

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As at March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	March 31,			December 31,
	2012			2011
	(unaudited)
Assets
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 - $4,951,881; 2011 - $4,859,705)	$	5,015,210		$	4,894,145
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 - $304,150; 2011 - $280,299)	304,149			280,191
Other investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 - $15,938; 2011 - $15,002)	16,803			16,787
Cash and cash equivalents	917,396			832,844
Total investments and cash	6,253,558			6,023,967
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate	56,398			53,031
Premiums receivable	894,698			646,354
Deferred acquisition costs	170,722			121,505
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	125,407			91,381
Securities lending collateral	419			7,736
Loss reserves recoverable	351,292			372,485
Paid losses recoverable	47,657			90,495
Income taxes recoverable	967			—
Intangible assets	113,691			114,731
Goodwill	20,393			20,393
Accrued investment income	24,387			25,906
Other assets	62,280			50,487
Total assets	$	8,121,869		$	7,618,471
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	$	2,649,610		$	2,631,143
Unearned premiums	1,085,446			772,382
Reinsurance balances payable	152,724			119,899
Securities lending payable	1,108			8,462
Deferred income taxes	17,556			16,720
Net payable for investments purchased	63,427			1,256
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	75,678			83,402
Senior notes payable	247,009			246,982
Debentures payable	289,800			289,800
Total liabilities	$	4,582,358		$	4,170,046
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Shareholders’ equity
Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2012 - 134,745,003; 2011 - 134,503,065; Outstanding: 2012 - 99,340,458; 2011 - 99,471,080)	$	23,580		$	23,538
Treasury shares (2012 - 35,404,545; 2011 - 35,031,985)	(6,196		)	(6,131		)
Additional paid-in-capital	1,886,776			1,893,890
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	(5,208		)	(6,601		)
Retained earnings	1,640,559			1,543,729
Total shareholders’ equity	$	3,539,511		$	3,448,425
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,121,869		$	7,618,471

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

2

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$	837,289		$	849,896
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(107,052		)	(109,820		)
Net premiums written	730,237			740,076
Change in unearned premiums	(279,038		)	(310,543		)
Net premiums earned	451,199			429,533
Net investment income	27,760			29,975
Net realized gains on investments	7,532			6,379
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	20,671			(12,828		)
Other income	8,891			1,606
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	3,166			(467		)
Total revenues	519,219			454,198
Expenses
Losses and loss expenses	231,989			476,198
Policy acquisition costs	78,132			77,296
General and administrative expenses	66,375			48,477
Share compensation expenses	5,438			12,049
Finance expenses	16,279			14,001
Total expenses	398,213			628,021
Net income (loss) before taxes	121,006			(173,823		)
Tax (expense) benefit	(139		)	1,459
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	3,367			—
Net income (loss)	$	124,234		$	(172,364	)
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,393			957
Other comprehensive income	1,393			957
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	125,627		$	(171,407	)
Earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic	99,425,140			97,944,340
Diluted	105,096,090			97,944,340
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	1.23		$	(1.78	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	1.18		$	(1.78	)
Cash dividends declared per share	$	0.25		$	0.25

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

3

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Common shares
Balance - Beginning of period	$	23,538		$	23,247
Common shares issued, net	42			84
Balance - End of period	$	23,580		$	23,331
Treasury shares
Balance - Beginning of period	$	(6,131	)	$	(6,096	)
Repurchase of common shares	(65		)	(35		)
Balance - End of period	$	(6,196	)	$	(6,131	)
Additional paid-in capital
Balance - Beginning of period	$	1,893,890		$	1,860,960
Common shares (redeemed) issued, net	(1,309		)	3,055
Repurchase of common shares	(11,243		)	(5,960		)
Share compensation expenses	5,438			12,049
Balance - End of period	$	1,886,776		$	1,870,104
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
Balance - Beginning of period	$	(6,601	)	$	(5,455	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,393			957
Balance - End of period	$	(5,208	)	$	(4,498	)
Retained earnings
Balance - Beginning of period	$	1,543,729		$	1,632,175
Dividends	(27,404		)	(27,296		)
Net income (loss)	124,234			(172,364		)
Balance - End of period	$	1,640,559		$	1,432,515
Total shareholders’ equity	$	3,539,511		$	3,315,321

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

4

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	March 31,			March 31,
	2012			2011
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	124,234		$	(172,364	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Share compensation expenses	5,438			12,049
Amortization of discount on senior notes	27			27
Net realized (gains) on investments	(7,532		)	(6,379		)
Net unrealized (gains) losses on investments	(20,671		)	12,828
Amortization of intangible assets	1,040			1,040
Equity earnings in investment in non-consolidated affiliate	(3,367		)	—
Foreign exchange (gains) included in net income	(13,070		)	(4,694		)
Amortization of premium on fixed maturities	7,517			8,542
Change in:
Premiums receivable	(246,039		)	(345,025		)
Deferred acquisition costs	(49,217		)	(50,464		)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(34,026		)	(44,105		)
Loss reserves recoverable	22,916			(168,836		)
Paid losses recoverable	42,903			1,546
Income taxes recoverable	(1,004		)	306
Accrued investment income	1,565			444
Other assets	(10,880		)	5,409
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	8,702			489,356
Unearned premiums	313,064			354,648
Reinsurance balances payable	31,701			92,655
Deferred income taxes	1,029			(3,891		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(9,425		)	(14,535		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	164,905			168,557
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds on sales of investments	939,646			1,581,206
Proceeds on maturities of investments	108,360			108,629
Purchases of fixed maturities	(1,080,442		)	(1,449,698		)
Purchases of short-term investments, net	(23,943		)	(292,131		)
Purchases of other investments	(947		)	—
Decrease (increase) in securities lending collateral	7,354			(10,785		)
Net cash (used in) investing activities	(49,972		)	(62,779		)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
(Redemption) issuance of common shares, net	(1,267		)	3,139
Purchases of common shares under share repurchase program	(11,308		)	(5,995		)
Dividends paid	(26,997		)	(27,196		)
(Decrease) increase in securities lending payable	(7,354		)	10,785
Net cash (used in) financing activities	(46,926		)	(19,267		)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	16,545			10,193
Net increase in cash	84,552			96,704
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	$	832,844		$	620,740
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	917,396		$	717,444
Taxes paid during the period	$	3,194		$	26
Interest paid during the period	$	15,611		$	17,458

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

5

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

1.  Basis of preparation and consolidation

These unaudited consolidated financial statements include Validus Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 in Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In addition, the year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. This Quarterly Report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.  The term “ASC” used in these notes refers to Accounting Standard Codifications issued by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

2.  Recent accounting pronouncements

(a) Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”). The objective of ASU 2011-05 is to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, “Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05”. ASU 2011-12 indefinitely defers certain reclassification adjustment provisions of ASU 2011-05. ASU 2011-12 is also effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company retrospectively adopted this guidance.  The adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (“ASU 2011-04”). The objective of ASU 2011-04 is to provide common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. For many of the requirements, the amendments do not result in a change in the application of the requirements in ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements”. ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted this amended guidance.  The adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the current disclosures included in Note 3 — Investments.

(b) Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” (“ASU 2011-11”). The objective of ASU 2011-11 is to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments in relation to netting arrangements. ASU 2011-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, since this update affects disclosures only, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3.  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

6

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

(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 and 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 fund of hedge funds and a private equity investment are the only financial instruments in this category as at March 31, 2012.

Other investments consist of an investment in a fund of hedge funds, a private equity investment and a deferred compensation trust held in mutual funds. The fund of hedge funds is a side pocket valued at $4,978 at March 31, 2012. While a redemption request has been submitted, the timing of receipt of proceeds on the side pocket is unknown. The fund’s administrator provides monthly reported net asset values (“NAV”) with a one-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the funds administrator’s February 29, 2012 NAV was used as a partial basis for fair value measurement in the Company’s March 31, 2012 balance sheet. The fund manager provides an estimate of the performance of the fund for the following month based on the estimated performance provided 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 administrator’s NAV. Immaterial variances are recorded in the following reporting period. The private equity investment is also valued using both observable and significant unobservable inputs.

At March 31, 2012, 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	$	—	$	1,216,891	$	—	$	1,216,891
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency	—		406,754		—		406,754
States, municipalities, political subdivision	—		25,784		—		25,784
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—		470,868		—		470,868
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—		33,449		—		33,449
U.S. corporate	—		1,354,566		—		1,354,566
Non-U.S. corporate	—		631,522		—		631,522
Bank loans	—		490,147		—		490,147
Catastrophe bonds	—		29,355		—		29,355
Asset-backed securities	—		355,874		—		355,874
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		—		—		—
Total fixed maturities	—		5,015,210		—		5,015,210
Short-term investments	297,303		6,846		—		304,149
Fund of hedge funds / Private equity investment	—		—		8,325		8,325
Mutual funds	—		8,478		—		8,478
Total	$	297,303	$	5,030,534	$	8,325	$	5,336,162

7

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

At December 31, 2011, 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	$	—	$	1,182,393	$	—	$	1,182,393
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency	—		449,358		—		449,358
States, municipalities, political subdivision	—		26,291		—		26,291
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—		468,054		—		468,054
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—		32,706		—		32,706
U.S. corporate	—		1,329,758		—		1,329,758
Non-U.S. corporate	—		579,675		—		579,675
Bank loans	—		467,256		—		467,256
Catastrophe bonds	—		29,952		—		29,952
Asset-backed securities	—		328,299		—		328,299
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		403		—		403
Total fixed maturities	—		4,894,145		—		4,894,145
Short-term investments	257,854		22,337		—		280,191
Fund of hedge funds / Private equity investment	—		—		8,880		8,880
Mutual funds	—		7,907		—		7,907
Total	$	257,854	$	4,924,389	$	8,880	$	5,191,123

At March 31, 2012, Level 3 investments totaled $8,325, representing 0.2% of total investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2011, Level 3 investments totaled $8,880 representing 0.2% of total investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the three months ending March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Fixed Maturity Investments		Other Investments			Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period	$	—	$	8,880		$	8,880
Purchases	—		1,529			1,529
Sales	—		(620		)	(620		)
Issuances	—		—			—
Settlements	—		—			—
Realized gains	—		28			28
Unrealized (losses)	—		(1,492		)	(1,492		)
Amortization	—		—			—
Transfers	—		—			—
Level 3 investments - End of period	$	—	$	8,325		$	8,325

8

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Fixed Maturity Investments		Other Investments			Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period	$	—	$	12,892		$	12,892
Purchases	—		—			—
Sales	—		(2,562		)	(2,562		)
Issuances	—		—			—
Settlements	—		—			—
Realized gains	—		260			260
Unrealized (losses)	—		123			123
Amortization	—		—			—
Transfers	—		—			—
Level 3 investments - End of period	$	—	$	10,713		$	10,713

(b) Net investment income

Net investment income was derived from the following sources:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,			March 31,
	2012			2011
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	27,276		$	28,935
Cash and cash equivalents	2,317			2,581
Securities lending income	5			16
Total gross investment income	29,598			31,532
Investment expenses	(1,838		)	(1,557		)
Net investment income	$	27,760		$	29,975

(c) Fixed maturity and short-term investments

The following represents an analysis of net realized gains and the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments:

9

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,			March 31,
	2012			2011
Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents
Gross realized gains	$	10,008		$	15,765
Gross realized (losses)	(2,476		)	(9,386		)
Net realized gains on investments	7,532			6,379
Net unrealized gains on securities lending	37			30
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	20,634			(12,858		)
Total net realized gains and change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$	28,203		$	(6,449	)

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at March 31, 2012 were as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	1,211,508	$	6,900	$	(1,517	)	$	1,216,891
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency	398,550		9,100		(896		)	406,754
States, municipalities, political subdivision	25,101		683		—			25,784
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	454,249		16,837		(218		)	470,868
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	37,711		259		(4,521		)	33,449
U.S. corporate	1,327,830		28,697		(1,961		)	1,354,566
Non-U.S. corporate	623,577		8,905		(960		)	631,522
Bank loans	489,058		4,331		(3,242		)	490,147
Catastrophe bonds	29,250		166		(61		)	29,355
Asset-backed securities	355,047		1,586		(759		)	355,874
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		—		—			—
Total fixed maturities	4,951,881		77,464		(14,135		)	5,015,210
Total short-term investments	304,150		3		(4		)	304,149
Total other investments	15,938		2,301		(1,436		)	16,803
Total	$	5,271,969	$	79,768	$	(15,575	)	$	5,336,162

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2011 were as follows:

10

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized  Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	1,170,810	$	11,630	$	(47	)	$	1,182,393
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency	446,258		9,173		(6,073		)	449,358
States, municipalities, political subdivision	25,715		586		(10		)	26,291
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	451,751		16,622		(319		)	468,054
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	39,134		143		(6,571		)	32,706
U.S. corporate	1,314,375		24,932		(9,549		)	1,329,758
Non-U.S. corporate	577,743		6,320		(4,388		)	579,675
Bank loans	475,770		2,435		(10,949		)	467,256
Catastrophe bonds	29,250		702		—			29,952
Asset-backed securities	328,497		900		(1,098		)	328,299
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	402		1		—			403
Total fixed maturities	4,859,705		73,444		(39,004		)	4,894,145
Total short-term investments	280,299		1		(109		)	280,191
Total other investments	15,002		1,785		—			16,787
Total	$	5,155,006	$	75,230	$	(39,113	)	$	5,191,123

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio as at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. 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.

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Estimated Fair Value		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
AAA	$	852,954	17.0	%	$	882,912	18.0	%
AA	2,114,001		42.2	%	2,077,981		42.5	%
A	1,192,091		23.8	%	1,078,793		22.0	%
BBB	323,226		6.4	%	345,091		7.1	%
Investment grade	4,482,272		89.4	%	4,384,777		89.6	%
BB	285,476		5.7	%	254,409		5.2	%
B	223,175		4.4	%	231,420		4.7	%
CCC	12,760		0.3	%	12,578		0.3	%
CC	4,944		0.1	%	4,605		0.1	%
D/NR	6,583		0.1	%	6,356		0.1	%
Non-Investment grade	532,938		10.6	%	509,368		10.4	%
Total Fixed Maturities	$	5,015,210	100.0	%	$	4,894,145	100.0	%

The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for fixed maturity securities held at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 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.

11

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	498,365	$	503,282	$	520,631	$	523,107
Due after one year through five years	3,208,987		3,251,358		3,160,647		3,186,711
Due after five years through ten years	383,404		386,216		350,459		346,654
Due after ten years	14,118		14,163		8,184		8,211
	4,104,874		4,155,019		4,039,921		4,064,683
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities	847,007		860,191		819,784		829,462
Total	$	4,951,881	$	5,015,210	$	4,859,705	$	4,894,145

The Company has a four year, $525,000 secured letter of credit facility provided by a syndicate of commercial banks (the “Four Year Secured Facility”). At March 31, 2012, approximately $327,829 (December 31, 2011: $nil) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under this facility for which $458,980 of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2011: $nil). 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 March 31, 2012, $25,000 (December 31, 2011: $25,000) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under the Talbot FAL Facility for which $44,384 of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2011: $44,623). In addition, $2,064,780 of investments were held in trust at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $2,129,570). Of those, $1,730,946 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, 2011: $1,686,586). In 2009, the Company entered into a $500,000 secured letter of credit facility provided by Citibank Europe plc (the “Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility”).  At March 31, 2012 approximately $116 (December 31, 2011: $nil) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under this facility for which $1,010 of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2011: $nil).

The Company assumed two letters of credit facilities as part of the acquisition of IPC Holdings, Ltd. (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 March 31, 2012, the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility had $51,583 (December 31, 2011: $57,146) letters of credit issued and outstanding for which $107,674 (December 31, 2011: $105,428) 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 March 31, 2012, the Company had $1,083 (December 31, 2011: $8,286) in securities on loan. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a $37 unrealized gain on this collateral on its Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (March 31, 2011: unrealized gain $30).

Securities lending collateral reinvested includes corporate floating rate securities and overnight repos with an average reset period of 1.0 days (December 31, 2011: 3.9 days). As at March 31, 2012, 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	$	—	$	292	$	—	$	292
Short-term investments	127		—		—		127
Total	$	127	$	292	$	—	$	419

12

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

As at December 31, 2011, 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	$	—	$	255	$	—	$	255
Cash and cash equivalents	7,481		—		—		7,481
Total	$	7,481	$	255	$	—	$	7,736

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s securities lending collateral reinvested as at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. 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.

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Estimated Fair Value		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
NR	292		69.7	%	255		3.3	%
	292		69.7	%	255		3.3	%
NR- Short-term investments (a)	127		30.3	%	7,481		96.7	%
Total	$	419	100.0	%	$	7,736	100.0	%

(a) This amount relates to certain short-term investments with short original maturities which are generally not rated.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for securities lending collateral reinvested by the Company at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 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.

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	108	$	127	$	7,462	$	7,481
Due after one year through five years	1,000		292		1,000		255
Total	$	1,108	$	419	$	8,462	$	7,736

4. Investment in AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd.

On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd. (“AlphaCat Re 2011”), a special purpose “sidecar” reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance.  At the time of formation, Validus Re had an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and as Validus Re held a majority of AlphaCat Re 2011’s outstanding voting rights, the financial statements of AlphaCat Re 2011 were included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On December 23, 2011, the Company completed a secondary offering of common shares of AlphaCat Re 2011 to third party investors, along with a partial sale of Validus Re’s common shares to one of the third party investors.

13

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

As a result of these transactions, Validus Re maintained an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011; however its share of AlphaCat Re 2011’s outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%.  As a result of the Company’s voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 is treated as an equity method investment as at March 31, 2012. The portion of AlphaCat Re 2011’s earnings attributable to third party investors for the year ended December 31, 2011 was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending investment in non-consolidated affiliate balances for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Investment in non- consolidated affiliate
As at December 31, 2011	$	53,031
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	3,367
As at March 31, 2012	$	56,398

The following table presents the Company’s equity investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 at March 31, 2012:

	Investment in non-consolidated affiliate
	Investment at cost		Voting ownership %		Equity ownership %		Carrying value
AlphaCat Re 2011	$	41,389	43.7	%	22.3	%	$	56,398

5.  Derivative instruments used in hedging activities

The Company enters into derivative instruments for risk management purposes, specifically to hedge unmatched foreign currency exposures. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company entered into a foreign currency forward contract to mitigate the risk of foreign currency exposure of unpaid losses denominated in Chilean Pesos (CLP). The CLP foreign currency forward contract was renewed during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company entered into three foreign currency forward exchange contracts to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in the Euro and Australian dollar to U.S. dollar rates. One of the contracts was renewed during the three months ended March 31, 2012. During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company entered into a foreign currency forward exchange contract to mitigate the risk of foreign currency exposure of unpaid losses denominated in Japanese Yen. The Yen foreign currency forward contract was renewed during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  During the three months ended December 31, 2011, the Company entered into an additional foreign currency forward contract to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in the Euro to U.S. dollar rates. This contract was renewed during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company entered into an additional foreign currency forward contract to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in the Euro to U.S. dollar rates.  The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the derivative fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2012:

14

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

			Asset derivatives			Liability derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	Notional amount		Balance Sheet location	Fair value		Balance Sheet location	Fair value
Foreign exchange contracts	$	104,300	Other assets	$	—	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	676

The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the derivative fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011:

			Asset derivatives			Liability derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	Notional amount		Balance Sheet location	Fair value		Balance Sheet location	Fair value
Foreign exchange contract	$	75,323	Other assets	$	476	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	—

(a) Classification within the fair value hierarchy

As described in Note 3 “Investments” under U.S. GAAP, a company must determine the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy for each fair value measurement.  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, these derivatives were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(b) Derivative instruments designated as a fair value hedge

The Company designates its derivative instruments as fair value hedges and formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items and links the hedging derivatives to specific assets and liabilities.  The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedges, both at inception and on an on-going basis and determines whether the hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the linked hedged items.

The following table provides the total impact on earnings relating to the derivative instruments formally designated as fair value hedges along with the impact of the related hedged items for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:	Location of gain (loss) recognized in income	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative			Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange	Foreign exchange (losses) gains	$	(3,319	)	$	3,319	$	—

15

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:	Location of gain (loss) recognized in income	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative			Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange	Foreign exchange (losses) gains	$	(3,822	)	$	3,822	$	—

6.    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 and adjusted 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 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,			March 31,
	2012			2011
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period	$	2,631,143		$	2,035,973
Losses and loss expenses recoverable	(372,485		)	(283,134		)
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period	2,258,658			1,752,839
Increase (decrease) in net losses and loss expenses incurred in respect of losses occurring in:
Current year	262,413			502,714
Prior years	(30,424		)	(26,516		)
Total incurred losses and loss expenses	231,989			476,198
Total net paid losses	(204,223		)	(163,257		)
Foreign exchange	11,894			14,934
Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period	2,298,318			2,080,714
Losses and loss expenses recoverable	351,292			453,701
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period	$	2,649,610		$	2,534,415

16

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

7.  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.

(a)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 March 31, 2012, 99.7% of reinsurance recoverables (which includes loss reserves recoverable and recoverables on paid losses) were from reinsurers rated A- or better and included $97,048 of IBNR recoverable (December 31, 2011: $125,298). Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer are as follows:

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total		Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total
Top 10 reinsurers	$	313,589	78.6	%	$	323,315	69.8	%
Other reinsurers’ balances > $1 million	78,870		19.8	%	132,417		28.6	%
Other reinsurers’ balances < $1 million	6,490		1.6	%	7,248		1.6	%
Total	$	398,949	100.0	%	$	462,980	100.0	%

	March 31, 2012
Top 10 Reinsurers	Rating	Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total
Lloyd’s Syndicates	A+	$	82,289	26.4	%
Allianz	AA-	45,000		14.3	%
Everest Re	A+	44,304		14.1	%
Hannover Re	AA-	40,219		12.8	%
Transatlantic Re	A+	21,297		6.8	%
Amlin AG	A	18,307		5.8	%
Odyssey Reinsurance Company	A-	16,269		5.2	%
Swiss Re	AA-	15,809		5.0	%
Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd.	A	15,801		5.0	%
Fully Collateralized	NR	14,294		4.6	%
Total		$	313,589	100.0	%

17

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	December 31, 2011
Top 10 Reinsurers	Rating	Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total
Lloyd’s Syndicates	A+	$	77,419	24.0	%
Allianz	AA-	59,764		18.5	%
Hannover Re	AA-	39,762		12.3	%
Everest Re	A+	38,618		11.9	%
Transatlantic Re	A+	21,344		6.6	%
Tokio Millenium Re Ltd	AA-	20,432		6.3	%
Fully Collateralized	NR	18,140		5.6	%
Odyssey Reinsurance Company	A-	16,737		5.2	%
Platinum Underwriters	A	15,833		4.9	%
Munich Re	AA-	15,266		4.7	%
Total		$	323,315	100.0	%

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the provision for uncollectible reinsurance relating to losses recoverable was $6,286 and $6,821, 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 $398,949 reinsurance recoverable at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $462,980), $14,294 was fully collateralized (December 31, 2011: $18,140).

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.

8.  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 common voting shares are entitled to receive dividends and 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. The Company has repurchased 35,404,545 common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $958,478 from the inception of its share repurchase program to May 1, 2012. The Company has $370,695 remaining under its authorized share repurchase program.

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.

The following table is a summary of the common shares issued and outstanding:

18

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	Common Shares
Common shares issued, December 31, 2011	134,503,065
Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld	229,688
Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld	5,101
Employee seller shares vested	—
Options exercised	7,149
Warrants exercised	—
Direct issuance of common stock	—
Common shares issued, March 31, 2012	134,745,003
Shares repurchased	(35,404,545	)
Common shares outstanding, March 31, 2012	99,340,458

	Common Shares
Common shares issued, December 31, 2010	132,838,111
Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld	274,966
Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld	5,376
Employee seller shares vested	—
Options exercised	201,709
Warrants exercised	—
Common shares issued, March 31, 2011	133,320,162
Shares repurchased	(35,031,985	)
Common shares outstanding, March 31, 2011	98,288,177

(b)Warrants

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, no warrants were exercised.

(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 deferred 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 March 31, 2012 were 4,888 (December 31, 2011: 4,850).

(d)Dividends

On February 9, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 (2011: $0.25) per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable. This dividend was paid on March 30, 2012 to holders of record on March 15, 2012.

9.  Stock plans

(a)Long Term Incentive Plan and Short Term Incentive Plan

The Company’s Amended and Restated 2005 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

19

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

(“STIP”). The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP and STIP are 13,126,896 shares of which 4,104,307 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. Fair value of the option awards at the date of grant is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used for all grants to date:

Year	Weighted average risk free interest rate		Weighted average dividend yield		Expected life (years)	Expected volatility
2009	3.9	%	3.7	%	2	34.6	%
2010 (a)	n/a		n/a		n/a	n/a
2011 (a)	n/a		n/a		n/a	n/a

(a) The Company has not granted any stock option awards since September 4, 2009.

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 $135 were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (2011: $1,247). 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 was as follows:

			Weighted Average		Weighted Average
			Grant Date		Grant Date
	Options		Fair Value		Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2011	2,263,012		$	6.69	$	20.12
Options granted	—		—		—
Options exercised	(7,149	)	6.90		24.69
Options forfeited	—		—		—
Options outstanding, March 31, 2012	2,255,863		$	6.69	$	20.10
Options exercisable at March 31, 2012	2,227,043		$	6.64	$	20.08

Activity with respect to options for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:

			Weighted Average		Weighted Average
			Grant Date		Grant Date
	Options		Fair Value		Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2010	2,723,684		$	6.74	$	20.19
Options granted	—		—		—
Options exercised	(201,709	)	4.48		21.94
Options forfeited	—		—		—
Options outstanding, March 31, 2011	2,521,975		$	6.92	$	20.05
Options exercisable at March 31, 2011	2,399,880		$	6.81	$	19.94

20

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

At March 31, 2012, there were $7 (December 31, 2011: $141) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of options that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.1 year (December 31, 2011: 0.2 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 during the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expenses of $5,940 were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (2011: $9,156). 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 awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was as follows:

	Restricted		Weighted Average
	Share		Grant Date
	Awards		Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	3,003,547		$	25.77
Restricted share awards granted	4,500		30.49
Restricted share awards vested	(259,017	)	25.52
Restricted share awards forfeited	(20,371	)	27.96
Restricted share awards outstanding, March 31, 2012	2,728,659		$	25.78

Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:

	Restricted		Weighted Average
	Share		Grant Date
	Awards		Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010	3,114,039		$	24.33
Restricted share awards granted	3,333		30.92
Restricted share awards vested	(314,881	)	25.37
Restricted share awards forfeited	—		—
Restricted share awards outstanding, March 31, 2011	2,802,491		$	24.23

At March 31, 2012, there were $34,817 (December 31, 2011: $40,809) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of restricted share awards that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years (December 31, 2011: 2.4 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 during the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expenses of $120 were recorded for the three

21

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

months ended March 31, 2012 (2011: $114). 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 was as follows:

			Weighted Average
	Restricted		Grant Date
	Share Units		Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2011	53,312		$	27.60
Restricted share units granted	—		—
Restricted share units vested	(7,314	)	24.27
Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends	408		27.90
Restricted share units forfeited	—		—
Restricted share units outstanding, March 31, 2012	46,406		$	28.13

Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:

			Weighted Average
	Restricted		Grant Date
	Share Units		Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2010	47,049		$	25.04
Restricted share units granted	—		—
Restricted share units vested	(7,129	)	24.24
Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends	296		25.45
Restricted share units forfeited	—		—
Restricted share units outstanding, March 31, 2011	40,216		$	25.18

At March 31, 2012, there were $870 (December 31, 2011: $985) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of restricted share units that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years (December 31, 2011: 2.7 years).

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 during the period, the grant date Diluted Book Value per Share (“DBVPS”) is based on the DBVPS at the end of the most recent financial reporting year. The Dividend Adjusted Performance Period End DBVPS will be the DBVPS three years after the grant date DBVPS. 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 comprehensive income in the period in which they are determined.

Share compensation expenses of ($757) were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (2011: $344). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.

22

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was as follows:

			Weighted Average
	Performance		Grant Date
	Share Awards		Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	279,019		$	30.77
Performance share awards granted	—		—
Performance share awards vested	—		—
Performance share awards cancelled	(99,302	)	28.70
Performance share awards outstanding, March 31, 2012	179,717		$	31.91

Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:

		Weighted Average
	Performance	Grant Date
	Share Awards	Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010	132,401	$	28.70
Performance share awards granted	—	—
Performance share awards vested	—	—
Performance share awards forfeited	—	—
Performance share awards outstanding, March 31, 2011	132,401	$	28.70

At March 31, 2012, there were $3,698 (December 31, 2011: $5,677) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of PSAs that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years (December 31, 2011: 2.1 years).

(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 were subject to a restricted period during which they were subject to forfeiture (as implemented by repurchase by the Company for a nominal amount). Forfeiture of employee seller shares would generally have occurred in the event that any such Talbot employee’s employment terminated, with certain exceptions, prior to the end of the restricted period. The restricted period ended 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 on July 2, 2011 the potential for forfeiture was completely extinguished.

As of July 2, 2011, the employee seller shares were fully expensed. Share compensation expenses of $1,188 were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

23

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

(c) Total share compensation expenses

The breakdown of share compensation expenses by award type was as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Options	$	135		$	1,247
Restricted share awards	5,940			9,156
Restricted share units	120			114
Performance share awards	(757		)	344
Employee seller shares	—			1,188
Total	$	5,438		$	12,049

10. Debt and financing arrangements

(a) Financing structure and finance expenses

The financing structure at March 31, 2012 was:

	Commitment		Outstanding (a)		Drawn
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000	$	150,000	$	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	200,000		139,800		139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040	250,000		250,000		247,009
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	400,000		—		—
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility	525,000		327,829		—
$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility	500,000		116		—
Talbot FAL Facility (b)	25,000		25,000		—
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility	80,000		51,583		—
Total	$	2,130,000	$	944,328	$	536,809

The financing structure at December 31, 2011 was:

	Commitment		Outstanding (a)		Drawn
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000	$	150,000	$	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	200,000		139,800		139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040	250,000		250,000		246,982
$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		333,179		—
Talbot FAL Facility (b)	25,000		25,000		—
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility	80,000		57,146		—
Total	$	1,605,000	$	955,125	$	536,782

24

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

(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.

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:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		March 31,
	2012		2011
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	1,549	$	3,588
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	3,029		3,029
2010 Senior Notes due 2040	5,597		5,597
Credit facilities	6,073		1,724
Talbot FAL Facility	31		63
Total	$	16,279	$	14,001

(b)$250,000 2010 Senior Notes due 2040

On January 21, 2010, the Company offered and sold $250,000 of Senior Notes due 2040 (the “2010 Senior Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 2010 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 2010 Senior Notes bear interest at the rate of 8.875% per annum from January 26, 2010 to maturity or early redemption. Interest on the 2010 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 2010 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 2010 Senior Notes.

The 2010 Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The 2010 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 2010 Senior Notes will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries.

25

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Future expected payments of principal on the 2010 Senior Notes are as follows:

2012	$	—
2013	—
2014	—
2015	—
2016 and thereafter	250,000
Total minimum future payments	$	250,000

(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 “2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures”). The 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 “2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures”). The 2007 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 2007 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 2007 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.

During 2008 and 2009 the Company repurchased from an unaffiliated financial institution $60,200 principal amount of its 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures due 2037.

Future expected payments of principal on the 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures are as follows:

2012	$	—
2013	—
2014	—
2015	—
2016 and thereafter	289,800
Total minimum future payments	$	289,800

26

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

(d)Credit facilities

(i)      $400,000  syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility and $525,000 secured letter of credit facility

On March 9, 2012, the Company, Validus Re Americas, Ltd. (“Validus Re Americas”), PaCRe, Ltd. and Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Validus Re”) entered into a $400,000 four-year unsecured credit facility with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, Lloyds Securities Inc. and Suntrust Bank, as co-documentation agents and the lenders party thereto, which provides for letter of credit availability for the Company and certain designated subsidiaries of the Company and revolving credit availability for the Company (the “Four Year Unsecured Facility”) (the full $400,000 of which is available for letters of credit and/or revolving loans). The Four Year Unsecured Facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lloyds Securities Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. Letters of credit under the Four Year Unsecured Facility are available to support obligations in connection with the insurance business of the Company and its subsidiaries. Loans under the Four Year Unsecured Facility are available for the general corporate and working capital purposes of the Company. The Company may request that existing lenders under the Four Year Unsecured Facility or prospective additional lenders agree to make available additional commitments from time to time so long as the aggregate commitments under the Four Year Unsecured Facility do not exceed $500,000. Letter of credit fees are payable on account of each letter of credit issued under the Four Year Unsecured Facility at a rate per annum equal to an applicable rate. Borrowings under the Four Year Unsecured Facility bear interest, at the option of the Company, at the base rate (the higher of the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, and the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%) or the adjusted LIBOR rate applicable to such loans, plus an applicable rate.

Also on March 9, 2012, the Company, Validus Re Americas and Validus Re entered into a $525,000 four-year secured credit facility with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, Lloyds Securities Inc. and Suntrust Bank, as co-documentation agents and the lenders party thereto, which provides for letter of credit availability for the Company and certain designated subsidiaries of the Company (the “Four Year Secured Facility” and together with the Four Year Unsecured Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). The Four Year Secured Facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lloyds Securities Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. Letters of credit under the Four Year Secured Facility will be available to support obligations in connection with the insurance business of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company may request that existing lenders under the Four Year Secured Facility or prospective additional lenders agree to make available additional commitments from time to time so long as the aggregate commitments under the Four Year Secured Facility do not exceed $700,000. The obligations of the Company and its designated subsidiaries under the Four Year Secured Facility are secured by cash and securities deposited into cash collateral accounts from time to time with The Bank of New York Mellon. Letter of credit fees are payable on account of each letter of credit issued under the Four Year Secured Facility at a rate per annum equal to an applicable rate. Borrowings under the Four Year Secured Facility bear interest at the base rate (the higher of the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, and the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%).

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 $2,600,000 and, commencing with the end of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2012, to be increased quarterly by an amount equal to 50% of the Company’s consolidated net income (if positive) for such quarter plus 50% of the aggregate increases in the consolidated shareholders’ equity of the Company during such fiscal quarter by reason of the issuance and sale of common equity interests of the Company, including upon any conversion of debt securities of the Company into such equity interests, (ii) the requirement that the Company maintain at all times a consolidated total debt to consolidated total capital ratio not greater than 0.35:1.00, and (iii) the requirement that Validus Re and any other material insurance subsidiaries maintain a financial strength rating by A.M. Best of not less than “B++” (Fair).  In addition, the Credit Facilities contain customary negative covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries, including limitations on the ability to pay dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests at any time that the Company is otherwise in default with respect to certain provisions under the respective Credit Facilities, limitations on the ability to incur liens, sell assets, merge or consolidate with others, enter into transactions with affiliates, and limitations on the ability of its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness. The Credit Facilities also contain customary

27

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default for credit facilities of its type.

As of March 31, 2012, there was $327,829 in outstanding letters of credit under the Four Year Secured Facility (December 31, 2011: $nil) and $nil outstanding under the Four Year Unsecured Facility (December 31, 2011: $nil).

As of March 31, 2012, and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Credit Facilities.

On March 9, 2012, upon entering into the Credit Facilities, the Company terminated its (a) three-year bi-lateral $60,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, dated March 12, 2010 with Lloyds TSB Bank plc, (b) $340,000 three-year unsecured credit facility, dated March 12, 2010 with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and (c) $500,000 five-year secured credit facility, dated March 12, 2007 with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent. No early termination penalties were incurred.

(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. On November 18, 2011, the Company entered into an Amendment and Restatement of the Talbot FAL Facility to extend the support to the 2012 and 2013 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 ($2,589,615), and commencing with the end of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2011 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 March 31, 2012, the Company had $25,000 (December 31, 2011: $25,000) in outstanding letters of credit under this facility.

As of March 31, 2012, 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 March 31, 2012, $51,583 of outstanding letters of credit were issued under the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility (December 31, 2011: $57,146).

28

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

As of March 31, 2012, and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility.

(iv) $500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility

On August 10, 2009, Validus Re entered into an uncommitted $500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc (the “Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility”).  Letters of credit were first issued under the Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility during the first quarter of 2012.  As of March 31, 2012, $116 of letters of credit were outstanding under the Secured Bi-Lateral Facility. The Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility has no fixed termination date and as of March 31, 2012 Validus Re is in compliance with all terms and covenants thereof.

11. 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 March 31, 2012, 1.2% 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 1.1% of its investment portfolio, other than with respect to government and agency securities.

(b)Funds at Lloyd’s

The amounts provided under the Talbot FAL Facility would become a liability of the Company in the event of Syndicate 1183 declaring a loss at a level which would call on this arrangement.

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 March 31, 2012 amounted to $473,800 (December 31, 2011: $473,800) of which $25,000 is provided under the Talbot FAL Facility (December 31, 2011: $25,000).

(c)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 2012 estimated premium income at Lloyd’s of £600,000, the March 31, 2012 exchange rate of £1 equals 1.6013 and assuming the maximum 3% assessment, the Company would be assessed approximately $28,823.

(d)    Aquiline Commitment

On December 20, 2011, Validus Re, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability

29

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

company (the “Assignor”) and Aquiline Capital Partners II GP (Offshore) Ltd., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the “General Partner”) pursuant to which Validus Re has assumed 100% of the Assignor’s interest in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. (the “Partnership”) representing a total capital commitment of $50,000 (the “Commitment”), as a limited partner in the Partnership (the “Transferred Interest”). The Transferred Interest is governed by the terms of an Amended and Restated Exempted Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of July 2, 2010 (the “Limited Partnership Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, the Commitment will expire on July 2, 2015. Validus Re’s remaining commitment at March 31, 2012 was $45,217.

12.  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)    Aquiline Capital Partners, LLC and its related companies (“Aquiline”), which own 6,255,943 shares in the Company, hold warrants to purchase 2,756,088 shares, and have two employees on the Company’s 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 of $297 (2011: $511) of which $201 was included in premiums receivable at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $330). The Company also recognized reinsurance premiums ceded during the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $nil (2011: $163), of which $1 was included in reinsurance balances payable at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $21). Earned premium adjustments of $362 (2011: $334) were incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

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 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $290 (2011: $453), of which $177 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $86).

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, one of the Company’s directors, serves as a director of a subsidiary company of Conning Holdings Corp. Investment management fees incurred under this agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $203 (2011: $146), of which $402 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $203).

On December 20, 2011, Validus Re entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Assignor”) and Aquiline Capital Partners II GP (Offshore) Ltd., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the “General Partner”) pursuant to which Validus Re has assumed 100% of the Assignor’s interest in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. (the “Partnership”) representing a total capital commitment of $50,000 (the “Commitment”), as a limited partner in the Partnership (the “Transferred Interest”). Messrs. Greenberg and Watson, directors of the Company, serve as managing principal and senior principal, respectively, of Aquiline Capital Partners LLC. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company incurred $1,436 (2011: $nil) in partnership fees and made $1,529 of capital contributions (2011: $nil), of which $nil was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $ nil).

13.  Earnings per share

    The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

30

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,			March 31,
	2012			2011
Basic earnings per share
Income (loss)	$	124,234		$	(172,364	)
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	(1,729		)	(1,984		)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders	$	122,505		$	(174,348	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	99,425,140			97,944,340
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	1.23		$	(1.78	)
Diluted earnings per share
Income (loss)	$	124,234		$	(172,364	)
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	—			(1,984		)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders	$	124,234		$	(174,348	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	99,425,140			97,944,340
Share equivalents:
Warrants	3,022,971			—
Stock options	813,863			—
Unvested restricted shares	1,834,116			—
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding	105,096,090			97,944,340
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	1.18		$	(1.78	)

Share equivalents that would result in the issuance of common shares of 16,660 (2011: 15,995) were outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2012, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be antidilutive.

14.  Subsequent events

Capitalization of PaCRe, Ltd.

On April 4, 2012, the Company announced the capitalization of PaCRe, Ltd. (“PaCRe”), a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance.  PaCRe was funded with $500,000 of contributed capital. Validus invested $50,000 in PaCRe’s common equity. Validus Underwriting Services, Ltd. will underwrite business for PaCRe, for which it will be paid a profit commission based on the company’s underwriting results. PacRe’s investment portfolio will be managed under a long term investment management agreement by Paulson & Co. Inc.

31

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

Quarterly Dividend

On May 2, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per each common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on June 29, 2012 to holders of record on June 15, 2012.

Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer

On May 2, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has approved a modified Dutch auction tender offer pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $200,000 in common shares. The tender offer is part of the Company’s existing authorization to return up to $400,000 to shareholders through share repurchases or other means.  As of May 2, 2012, the Company has $370,695 remaining under this authorization.  The tender offer will utilize part of this remaining authorization and not be an additional amount.  The tender offer will proceed by way of a “modified Dutch auction”, pursuant to which Validus shareholders may tender all or a portion of their common shares (1) at a price of not less than $30.50 and not more than $33.50, in increments of $0.25 per share or (2) without specifying a purchase price, in which case their common shares will be purchased at the purchase price determined in accordance with the tender offer.  When the tender offer expires, the Company will select the lowest price within the range of prices specified above (the “purchase price”) enabling the Company to purchase up to $200,000 of its common shares.  Shareholders will receive the purchase price in cash, without interest, for common shares tendered at prices equal to or less than the purchase price, subject to the conditions of the tender offer, including the provisions relating to proration, “odd lot” priority and conditional tender in the event that the aggregate cost to purchase all of the common shares tendered at or less than the purchase price exceeds $200,000.  These provisions will be described in the Offer to Purchase relating to the tender offer that will be distributed to shareholders.  All common shares purchased by the Company will be purchased at the same price.  All common shares tendered at prices higher than the purchase price will be returned promptly to shareholders.

15.  Segment information

The Company conducts its operations worldwide through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. and Talbot Holdings Ltd. from which three operating segments have been determined under U.S. GAAP segment reporting. During the first quarter of 2012, to better align the Company’s operating and reporting structure with its current strategy, there was a change in the segment structure. This change included the AlphaCat group of companies as a separate operating segment. “AlphaCat segment” was included as an additional segment and includes the Company’s investment in AlphaCat Re 2011. Prior period comparatives have been restated to reflect the change in segmentation. 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.

Validus Re Segment

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 includes agriculture, aerospace and aviation, financial lines of business, nuclear, terrorism, life, accident & health, workers’ compensation, crisis management, contingency and motor.

AlphaCat Segment

The AlphaCat segment manages strategic relationships that leverage the Company’s underwriting and investment expertise and earns management, performance and underwriting fees as well as returns on equity investment primarily from AlphaCat Re 2011.

Validus Re Consolidated

The Validus Re consolidated group of companies represents the Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. consolidated U.S. GAAP results.

Talbot Segment

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.

32

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The following tables summarize the results of our operating segments and corporate segment:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012	Validus Re Segment			AlphaCat Segment			Legal Entity Adjustments			Validus Re Consolidated			Talbot Segment			Corporate & Eliminations			Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	566,866		$	3,518		$	—		$	570,384		$	293,253		$	(26,348	)	$	837,289
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(30,001		)	—			—			(30,001		)	(103,399		)	26,348			(107,052		)
Net premiums written	536,865			3,518			—			540,383			189,854			—			730,237
Change in unearned premiums	(283,856		)	(855		)	—			(284,711		)	5,673			—			(279,038		)
Net premiums earned	253,009			2,663			—			255,672			195,527			—			451,199
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	124,206			—			—			124,206			107,783			—			231,989
Policy acquisition costs	38,790			256			—			39,046			38,738			348			78,132
General and administrative expenses	17,252			1,032			449			18,733			33,348			14,294			66,375
Share compensation expenses	1,872			52			152			2,076			1,348			2,014			5,438
Total underwriting deductions	182,120			1,340			601			184,061			181,217			16,656			381,934
Underwriting income (loss)	$	70,889		$	1,323		$	(601	)	$	71,611		$	14,310		$	(16,656	)	$	69,265
Net investment income	23,577			659			—			24,236			5,790			(2,266		)	27,760
Other income	2,219			7,974			890			11,083			1,026			(3,218		)	8,891
Finance expenses	(3,694		)	(2		)	—			(3,696		)	(31		)	(12,552		)	(16,279		)
Operating income (loss) before taxes	92,991			9,954			289			103,234			21,095			(34,692		)	89,637
Tax (expense)	(7		)	—			—			(7		)	(132		)	—			(139		)
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	—			3,367			—			3,367			—			—			3,367
Net operating income (loss)	$	92,984		$	13,321		$	289		$	106,594		$	20,963		$	(34,692	)	$	92,865
Net realized gains on investments	6,242			—			—			6,242			1,290			—			7,532
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	19,865			(597		)	—			19,268			1,403			—			20,671
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(262		)	(9		)	—			(271		)	3,623			(186		)	3,166
Net income (loss)	$	118,829		$	12,715		$	289		$	131,833		$	27,279		$	(34,878	)	$	124,234
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written	94.7		%	100.0		%							64.7		%				87.2		%
Losses and loss expenses	49.1		%	0.0		%							55.1		%				51.4		%
Policy acquisition costs	15.3		%	9.6		%							19.8		%				17.3		%
General and administrative expenses (a)	7.6		%	40.7		%							17.7		%				15.9		%
Expense ratio	22.9		%	50.3		%							37.5		%				33.2		%
Combined ratio	72.0		%	50.3		%							92.6		%				84.6		%
Total assets	$	4,940,727		$	237,528								$	2,929,817		$	13,797		$	8,121,869

(a)Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

33

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

The following tables summarize the results of our operating segments and corporate segment:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011	Validus Re Segment			AlphaCat Segment			Legal Entity Adjustments			Validus Re Consolidated			Talbot Segment			Corporate & Eliminations			Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	604,088		$	7,150		$	—		$	611,238		$	263,057		$	(24,399	)	$	849,896
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(46,805		)	—			—			(46,805		)	(87,414		)	24,399			(109,820		)
Net premiums written	557,283			7,150			—			564,433			175,643			—			740,076
Change in unearned premiums	(308,340		)	(3,784		)	—			(312,124		)	1,581			—			(310,543		)
Net premiums earned	248,943			3,366			—			252,309			177,224			—			429,533
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	310,544			—			—			310,544			165,654			—			476,198
Policy acquisition costs	39,750			316			—			40,066			37,216			14			77,296
General and administrative expenses	10,657			894			1,347			12,898			28,722			6,857			48,477
Share compensation expenses	3,105			27			328			3,460			2,719			5,870			12,049
Total underwriting deductions	364,056			1,237			1,675			366,968			234,311			12,741			614,020
Underwriting (loss) income	$	(115,113	)	$	2,129		$	(1,675	)	$	(114,659	)	$	(57,087	)	$	(12,741	)	$	(184,487	)
Net investment income	24,432			1,219			—			25,651			6,590			(2,266		)	29,975
Other income	1,418			641			230			2,289			3,017			(3,700		)	1,606
Finance expenses	(1,713		)	—			—			(1,713		)	(63		)	(12,225		)	(14,001		)
Operating (loss) income before taxes	(90,976		)	3,989			(1,445		)	(88,432		)	(47,543		)	(30,932		)	(166,907		)
Tax (expense) benefit	(2		)	—			—			(2		)	1,793			(332		)	1,459
Net operating (loss) income	$	(90,978	)	$	3,989		$	(1,445	)	$	(88,434	)	$	(45,750	)	$	(31,264	)	$	(165,448	)
Net realized gains on investments	3,901			18			—			3,919			2,460			—			6,379
Net unrealized (losses) on investments	(7,676		)	(839		)	—			(8,515		)	(4,313		)	—			(12,828		)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(4,270		)	(90		)	—			(4,360		)	3,901			(8		)	(467		)
Net (loss) income	$	(99,023	)	$	3,078		$	(1,445	)	$	(97,390	)	$	(43,702	)	$	(31,272	)	$	(172,364	)
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written	92.3		%	100.0		%							66.8		%				87.1		%
Losses and loss expenses	124.7		%	0.0		%							93.5		%				110.9		%
Policy acquisition costs	16.0		%	9.4		%							21.0		%				18.0		%
General and administrative expenses (a)	5.5		%	27.4		%							17.7		%				14.1		%
Expense ratio	21.5		%	36.8		%							38.7		%				32.1		%
Combined ratio	146.2		%	36.8		%							132.2		%				143.0		%
Total assets	$	4,889,995		$	175,550								$	2,748,079		$	12,066		$	7,825,690

(a) Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

34

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)

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:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Gross premiums written
	Validus Re			AlphaCat		Talbot		Eliminations			Total		%
United States	$	154,430		$	2,408	$	28,755	$	(2,302	)	$	183,291	21.9	%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)	22,195			—		76,260		(6,678		)	91,777		11.0	%
Europe	57,791			831		15,247		(1,166		)	72,703		8.7	%
Latin America and Caribbean	20,587			—		29,314		(2,295		)	47,606		5.7	%
Japan	(135		)	—		660		(118		)	407		0.0	%
Canada	208			—		3,522		(207		)	3,523		0.4	%
Rest of the world (b)	41,941			279		—		—			42,220		5.0	%
Sub-total, non United States	142,587			1,110		125,003		(10,464		)	258,236		30.8	%
Worldwide including United States (a)	58,019			—		14,797		(1,086		)	71,730		8.6	%
Marine and Aerospace (c)	211,830			—		124,698		(12,496		)	324,032		38.7	%
Total	$	566,866		$	3,518	$	293,253	$	(26,348	)	$	837,289	100.0	%

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Gross premiums written
	Validus Re		AlphaCat		Talbot		Eliminations			Total		%
United States	$	190,158	$	2,207	$	27,831	$	(1,897	)	$	218,299	25.7	%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)	26,978		—		67,967		(2,712		)	92,233		10.9	%
Europe	57,756		1,210		16,009		(502		)	74,473		8.8	%
Latin America and Caribbean	24,486		633		18,268		(13,629		)	29,758		3.5	%
Japan	10,198		—		540		(100		)	10,638		1.2	%
Canada	100		—		3,808		(100		)	3,808		0.4	%
Rest of the world (b)	36,057		—		—		—			36,057		4.2	%
Sub-total, non United States	155,575		1,843		106,592		(17,043		)	246,967		29.0	%
Worldwide including United States (a)	65,096		3,100		10,530		(502		)	78,224		9.2	%
Marine and Aerospace (c)	193,259		—		118,104		(4,957		)	306,406		36.1	%
Total	$	604,088	$	7,150	$	263,057	$	(24,399	)	$	849,896	100.0	%

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

(b) Represents risks in one geographic zone.

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

35

ITEM 2.  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 March 31, 2012 and 2011 and the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity and capital resources at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the discussions of critical accounting policies and the qualitative and quantitative disclosure about market risk contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

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 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 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 three distinct global operating segments, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Validus Re”), Talbot Holdings Ltd. (“Talbot”) and the AlphaCat group of Companies (“AlphaCat”). Validus Re, the Company’s principal reinsurance operating segment, operates as a Bermuda-based provider of short-tail reinsurance products on a global basis. Talbot, the Company’s principal insurance operating segment, manages Syndicate 1183 at Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) and which writes short-tail insurance products on a worldwide basis. In the first quarter of 2012, AlphaCat is presented as a separate operating segment. The AlphaCat segment manages strategic relationships that leverage the Company’s underwriting and investment expertise and earns management, performance and underwriting fees primarily from our equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011.

The Company’s strategy has been to concentrate primarily on short-tail risks, which has been 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”) in exchange for 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 IPC Acquisition was undertaken to increase the Company’s capital base and gain a strategic advantage in the then current reinsurance market. This acquisition created a leading Bermuda carrier in the short-tail reinsurance market that facilitates stronger relationships with major reinsurance intermediaries.

On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2011, a new special purpose “sidecar” reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance. At the time of formation, Validus Re had an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and as Validus Re held a majority of AlphaCat Re 2011’s outstanding voting rights, the financial statements of AlphaCat Re 2011 were included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On December 23, 2011, the Company completed a secondary offering of common shares of AlphaCat Re 2011 to third party investors, along with a partial sale of Validus Re’s common shares to one of the third party investors. As a result of these transactions, Validus Re maintained an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011; however its share of AlphaCat Re 2011’s outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%. As a result of the Company’s voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 have been derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 was treated as an equity method investment as at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012.

36

The portion of AlphaCat Re 2011’s earnings attributable to third party investors for the year ended December 31, 2011 was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest.

On April 4, 2012, the Company announced the capitalization of PaCRe, Ltd. (“PaCRe”), a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance.  PaCRe was funded with $500.0 million of contributed capital. Validus invested $50.0 million in PaCRe’s common equity. Validus Underwriting Services, Ltd. will underwrite business for PaCRe, for which it will be paid a profit commission based on the company’s underwriting results.

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. In 2010, the Company continued to see increased competition and decreased premium rates in most classes of business with the exception of offshore energy, Latin America, financial institutions and political risk lines. During 2010 there was an increased level of catastrophe activity, principally the Chilean earthquake and the Deepwater Horizon events. In 2011, the Company continued to see increased catastrophe activity, principally the Tohuku and Christchurch earthquakes. During 2011, while the Company continued to see strong competition for business there were also positive rate movements, particularly on loss affected lines.

During the January 2012 renewal season, the Validus Re segment showed rate improvement relative to 2011. This improvement was largely due to the large catastrophe loss activity during 2011. During the first quarter of 2012, Talbot experienced rate increases in loss affected lines without seeing a systemic rise in rates across all lines.

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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. Percentages for the quarter and interim periods are annualized. The Company’s objective is to generate superior returns on capital that appropriately reward shareholders for the risks assumed and to grow premiums written only when returns meet or exceed internal requirements. Details of annualized return on average equity are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Year Ended
	March 31,				December 31,
	2012		2011		2011
Annualized return on average equity	14.2	%	(20.2	)%	0.6	%

The increase in annualized return on average equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was driven primarily by an increase in net income. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased by $296.6 million, or 172.1 % compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase in net income was primarily due to an increase in underwriting income due to a reduction in the cost of notable loss events as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 coupled with a favorable movement in realized and unrealized gains on investments.

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 $0.97, or 3.0%, from $32.28 at December 31, 2011 to $33.25 at March 31, 2012. The increase was due to income generated in the three months ended March 31, 2012. 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 “Other Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Cash dividends per common share are an integral part of the value created for shareholders. On May 2, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per each common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on June 29, 2012 to holders of record on June 15, 2012.

Underwriting income (loss) 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 and foreign exchange gains (losses). 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 (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $69.3 million and $(184.5) million, respectively. Underwriting income (loss) is a Non-GAAP financial measure as described in detail and reconciled in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income.”

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There are certain accounting policies that the Company considers to be critical due to the judgment and uncertainty inherent in the application of those policies. In calculating financial statement estimates, the use of different assumptions could produce materially different estimates. The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect significant estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

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·        Premiums;

·        Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoverable;

·        Investment valuation; and

·        Reserve for losses and loss expenses.

Critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed further in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Segment Reporting

Management has determined that the Company operates in three operating segments. The three significant operating segments are Validus Re, AlphaCat and Talbot.

Results of Operations

Validus Re commenced operations on December 16, 2005. The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31. Financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information.

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The following table presents results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	837,289		$	849,896
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(107,052		)	(109,820		)
Net premiums written	730,237			740,076
Change in unearned premiums	(279,038		)	(310,543		)
Net premiums earned	451,199			429,533
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	231,989			476,198
Policy acquisition costs	78,132			77,296
General and administrative expenses	66,375			48,477
Share compensation expenses	5,438			12,049
Total underwriting deductions	381,934			614,020
Underwriting income (loss) (a)	69,265			(184,487		)
Net investment income	27,760			29,975
Other income	8,891			1,606
Finance expenses	(16,279		)	(14,001		)
Operating income (loss) before taxes	89,637			(166,907		)
Tax (expense) benefit	(139		)	1,459
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	3,367			—
Net operating income (loss) (a)	92,865			(165,448		)
Net realized gains on investments	7,532			6,379
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	20,671			(12,828		)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	3,166			(467		)
Net income (loss)	$	124,234		$	(172,364	)
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written	87.2		%	87.1		%
Losses and loss expenses	51.4		%	110.9		%
Policy acquisition costs	17.3		%	18.0		%
General and administrative expenses (b)	15.9		%	14.1		%
Expense ratio	33.2		%	32.1		%
Combined ratio	84.6		%	143.0		%

a)Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In presenting the Company’s results, management has included and discussed underwriting income and net 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. A reconciliation of underwriting income to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is presented in the section below entitled “Underwriting Income (loss).”

b)The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

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	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Validus Re
Gross premiums written	$	566,866		$	604,088
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(30,001		)	(46,805		)
Net premiums written	536,865			557,283
Change in unearned premiums	(283,856		)	(308,340		)
Net premiums earned	253,009			248,943
Losses and loss expenses	124,206			310,544
Policy acquisition costs	38,790			39,750
General and administrative expenses	17,252			10,657
Share compensation expenses	1,872			3,105
Total underwriting deductions	182,120			364,056
Underwriting income (loss) (a)	70,889			(115,113		)
AlphaCat
Gross premiums written	$	3,518		$	7,150
Reinsurance premiums ceded	—			—
Net premiums written	3,518			7,150
Change in unearned premiums	(855		)	(3,784		)
Net premiums earned	2,663			3,366
Policy acquisition costs	256			316
General and administrative expenses	1,032			894
Share compensation expenses	52			27
Total underwriting deductions	1,340			1,237
Underwriting income (a)	1,323			2,129
Legal entity adjustments
General and administrative expenses	449			1,347
Share compensation expenses	152			328
Total underwriting deductions	601			1,675
Underwriting (loss) (a)	(601		)	(1,675		)
Talbot
Gross premiums written	$	293,253		$	263,057
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(103,399		)	(87,414		)
Net premiums written	189,854			175,643
Change in unearned premiums	5,673			1,581
Net premiums earned	195,527			177,224
Losses and loss expenses	107,783			165,654
Policy acquisition costs	38,738			37,216
General and administrative expenses	33,348			28,722
Share compensation expenses	1,348			2,719
Total underwriting deductions	181,217			234,311
Underwriting income (loss) (a)	14,310			(57,087		)
Corporate & Eliminations
Gross premiums written	$	(26,348	)	$	(24,399	)
Reinsurance premiums ceded	26,348			24,399
Net premiums written	—			—
Policy acquisition costs	348			14
General and administrative expenses	14,294			6,857
Share compensation expenses	2,014			5,870
Total underwriting deductions	16,656			12,741
Underwriting (loss) (a)	(16,656		)	(12,741		)
Total underwriting income (loss) (a)	$	69,265		$	(184,487	)

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a)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 (loss).”

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $124.2 million compared to a net loss of $(172.4) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $296.6 million or 172.1%. The primary factors driving the increase in net income were:

·Increase in underwriting income of $253.8 million primarily due to:

·A $194.9 million decrease in notable loss events, an increase of $3.9 million in favorable loss reserve development relating to prior accident years, partially offset by $8.4 million decrease in reinstatement premiums; and

·A $21.7 million increase in net premiums earned, partially offset by a $17.9 million increase in general and administrative expenses;

·A favorable movement of $33.5 million in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments; and

·A favorable movement of $7.3 million in other income.

The change in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $296.6 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 is described in the following table:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Increase (Decrease) Over the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Validus Re			AlphaCat			Talbot			Corporate and Eliminations (a)			Total
Notable losses - decrease in net loss and loss expenses (b)	$	127,977		$	—		$	66,877		$	—		$	194,854
Less: Notable losses - (decrease) increase in net reinstatement premiums (b)	(10,848		)	—			2,492			—			(8,356		)
Other underwriting (loss) income	68,873			(806		)	2,028			(2,841		)	67,254
Underwriting income (loss) (c)	186,002			(806		)	71,397			(2,841		)	253,752
Net investment income	(855		)	(560		)	(800		)	—			(2,215		)
Other income	801			7,333			(1,991		)	1,142			7,285
Finance expenses	(1,981		)	(2		)	32			(327		)	(2,278		)
Operating income before taxes	183,967			5,965			68,638			(2,026		)	256,544
Taxes	(5		)	—			(1,925		)	332			(1,598		)
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	—			3,367			—			—			3,367
Net operating income	183,962			9,332			66,713			(1,694		)	258,313
Net realized (losses) on investments	2,341			(18		)	(1,170		)	—			1,153
Net unrealized (losses) on investments	27,541			242			5,716			—			33,499
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains	4,008			81			(278		)	(178		)	3,633
Net income	217,852			9,637			70,981			(1,872		)	296,598

(a)The Corporate and Eliminations column includes legal entity adjustments.

(b)Notable losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 included: Costa Concordia and Cat 67. Notable losses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 included: Tohoku earthquake, Gryphon Alpha, Christchurch earthquake, Brisbane floods and CNRL Horizon. Excludes the reserve for potential development on 2011 notable loss events.

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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 (Loss).”

Gross Premiums Written

Gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $837.3 million compared to $849.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $12.6 million or 1.5%. Details of gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Gross Premiums Written		Gross Premiums Written (%)		Gross Premiums Written		Gross Premiums Written (%)		% Change
Property	$	381,381	45.5	%	$	419,123	49.3	%	(9.0	)%
Marine	306,235		36.6	%	287,748		33.9	%	6.4	%
Specialty	149,673		17.9	%	143,025		16.8	%	4.6	%
Total	$	837,289	100.0	%	$	849,896	100.0	%	(1.5	)%

Validus Re. Validus Re gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $566.9 million compared to $604.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $37.2 million or 6.2%. Details of Validus Re gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Gross Premiums Written		Gross Premiums Written (%)		Gross Premiums Written		Gross Premiums  Written (%)		% Change
Property	$	318,485	56.2	%	$	358,118	59.2	%	(11.1	)%
Marine	198,427		35.0	%	185,033		30.7	%	7.2	%
Specialty	49,954		8.8	%	60,937		10.1	%	(18.0	)%
Total	$	566,866	100.0	%	$	604,088	100.0	%	(6.2	)%

The decrease in gross premiums written in the property lines of $39.6 million was due primarily to a $20.3 million reduction in catastrophe excess of loss premiums written and an $18.2 million reduction in reinstatement premiums. The reduction in catastrophe excess of loss premiums was due primarily to contracts not meeting the Company’s underwriting requirements. The increase in gross premiums written of $13.4 million in the marine lines was due primarily to an $11.0 million increase in reinstatements premiums as a result of the Costa Concordia loss event. The decrease in gross premiums written in the specialty lines of $11.0 million was due primarily to an $8.5 million decrease in catastrophe excess of loss premiums written as a result of contracts withdrawn from the market or contracts not meeting the Company’s underwriting requirements.

Gross premiums written under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts between Validus Re and Talbot for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased by $1.9 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. These reinsurance agreements with Talbot are eliminated upon consolidation.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $3.5 million compared to $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $3.6 million or 50.8%. Details of AlphaCat gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.

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	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Gross Premiums Written		Gross Premiums Written (%)		Gross Premiums Written		Gross Premiums Written (%)		% Change
Property	$	3,518	100.0	%	$	7,150	100.0	%	(50.8	)%
Total	$	3,518	100.0	%	$	7,150	100.0	%	(50.8	)%

The decrease in gross premiums written in the property lines of $3.6 million was due primarily to $3.5 million of renewing business being written through AlphaCat Re 2011 in 2012. As AlphaCat Re 2011 is accounted for under the equity method, these renewals are not reflected in gross premiums written in 2012. In addition, the Company managed $73.9 million of premium on behalf of AlphaCat Re 2011 which is a non-consolidated affiliate effective as at December 31, 2011.

Talbot. Talbot gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $293.3 million compared to $263.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $30.2 million or 11.5%. The $293.3 million of gross premiums written translated at 2011 rates of exchange would have been $292.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012, giving an effective increase of $29.4 million or 11.2%. Details of Talbot gross premiums written by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Gross Premiums Written		Gross Premiums Written (%)		Gross Premiums Written		Gross Premiums Written (%)		% Change
Property	$	81,534	27.8	%	$	70,729	26.9	%	15.3	%
Marine	109,998		37.5	%	104,935		39.9	%	4.8	%
Specialty	101,721		34.7	%	87,393		33.2	%	16.4	%
Total	$	293,253	100.0	%	$	263,057	100.0	%	11.5	%

The increase in gross premiums written in the property lines of $10.8 million was due primarily to an increase in premium adjustments in the property treaty lines. The increase in gross premiums written in the marine lines of $5.1 million was due primarily to a $3.9 million increase in premium adjustments in the offshore energy lines. The increase in gross premiums written in the specialty lines of $14.3 million was due primarily to an $11.8 million increase in premiums written in the political risk and war lines.

Reinsurance Premiums Ceded

Reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $107.1 million compared to $109.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $2.8 million or 2.5%. Details of reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Reinsurance Premiums Ceded		Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)		Reinsurance Premiums Ceded		Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)		% Change
Property	$	56,605	52.9	%	$	68,168	62.0	%	(17.0	)%
Marine	20,109		18.8	%	15,566		14.2	%	29.2	%
Specialty	30,338		28.3	%	26,086		23.8	%	16.3	%
Total	$	107,052	100.0	%	$	109,820	100.0	%	(2.5	)%

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Validus Re.Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $30.0 million compared to $46.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $16.8 million or 35.9%. Details of Validus Re reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Reinsurance Premiums Ceded		Reinsurance Premiums Ceded(%)		Reinsurance Premiums Ceded			Reinsurance Premiums Ceded(%)		% Change
Property	$	29,344	97.8	%	$	46,680		99.7	%	(37.1	)%
Marine	125		0.4	%	(376		)	(0.8	)%	133.2	%
Specialty	532		1.8	%	501			1.1	%	6.2	%
Total	$	30,001	100.0	%	$	46,805		100.0	%	(35.9	)%

Reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines decreased by $17.3 million, due primarily to an $11.9 million decrease in non-proportional retrocessional coverage and a $2.9 million decrease in proportional retrocessional coverage. The reduction in both non-proportional and proportional retrocessional coverage is a result of comparatively high purchases of this coverage in the three months ended March 31, 2011 prior to, and following, the notable loss events of that quarter.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat did not cede reinsurance premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Talbot.Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $103.4 million compared to $87.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $16.0 million or 18.3%. Details of Talbot reinsurance premiums ceded by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Reinsurance Premiums Ceded		Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)		Reinsurance Premiums Ceded		Reinsurance Premiums Ceded (%)		% Change
Property	$	49,417	47.8	%	$	38,362	43.9	%	28.8	%
Marine	22,174		21.4	%	18,162		20.8	%	22.1	%
Specialty	31,808		30.8	%	30,890		35.3	%	3.0	%
Total	$	103,399	100.0	%	$	87,414	100.0	%	18.3	%

The increase in reinsurance premiums ceded in the property lines of $11.1 million was due primarily to a $12.8 million increase in ceded premium in the property treaty lines partially offset by a $3.8 million decrease in the onshore energy lines. The increase in reinsurance premiums ceded in the marine lines of $4.0 million was due primarily to a $3.6 million increase in premiums ceded in the marine energy and cargo lines of which $1.0 million relates to reinstatement premiums.

Reinsurance premiums ceded under the quota share, surplus treaty and excess of loss contracts with Validus Re for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $26.3 million compared to $24.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $1.9 million. These reinsurance agreements with Validus Re are eliminated upon consolidation.

Net Premiums Written

Net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $730.2 million compared to $740.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $9.8 million or 1.3%. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 87.2% and 87.1%, respectively. Details of net premiums written by line of business are provided below.

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	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Premiums Written		Net Premiums Written (%)		Net Premiums Written		Net Premiums Written (%)		% Change
Property	$	324,776	44.5	%	$	350,955	47.4	%	(7.5	)%
Marine	286,126		39.2	%	272,182		36.8	%	5.1	%
Specialty	119,335		16.3	%	116,939		15.8	%	2.0	%
Total	$	730,237	100.0	%	$	740,076	100.0	%	(1.3	)%

Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $536.9 million compared to $557.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $20.4 million or 3.7%.  Details of Validus Re net premiums written by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Premiums Written		Net Premiums Written (%)		Net Premiums Written		Net Premiums Written (%)		% Change
Property	$	289,141	53.9	%	$	311,438	55.9	%	(7.2	)%
Marine	198,302		36.9	%	185,409		33.3	%	7.0	%
Specialty	49,422		9.2	%	60,436		10.8	%	(18.2	)%
Total	$	536,865	100.0	%	$	557,283	100.0	%	(3.7	)%

The decrease 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 94.7% and 92.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $3.5 million compared to $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $3.6 million or 50.8%. Details of AlphaCat net premiums written by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Premiums Written		Net Premiums Written (%)		Net Premiums Written		Net Premiums Written (%)		% Change
Property	$	3,518	100.0	%	$	7,150	100.0	%	(50.8	)%
Total	$	3,518	100.0	%	$	7,150	100.0	%	(50.8	)%

The decrease in AlphaCat net premiums written was driven by the factors highlighted above in respect of gross premiums written. The ratios of net premiums written to gross premiums written were 100.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Talbot.Talbot net premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $189.9 million compared to $175.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $14.2 million or 8.1%. Details of Talbot net premiums written by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Premiums Written		Net Premiums Written (%)		Net Premiums Written		Net Premiums Written (%)		% Change
Property	$	32,117	16.9	%	$	32,367	18.4	%	(0.8	)%
Marine	87,824		46.3	%	86,773		49.4	%	1.2	%
Specialty	69,913		36.8	%	56,503		32.2	%	23.7	%
Total	$	189,854	100.0	%	$	175,643	100.0	%	8.1	%

47

The increase in 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 64.7% and 66.8%, respectively.

Net Change in Unearned Premiums

Net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was ($279.0) million compared to ($310.5) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $31.5 million or 10.1%.

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Change in Unearned Premiums			Change in Unearned Premiums			% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums	$	(313,064	)	$	(354,648	)	(11.7	)%
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums	34,026			44,105			(22.9	)%
Net change in unearned premiums	$	(279,038	)	$	(310,543	)	(10.1	)%

Validus Re.Validus Re’s net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was ($283.9) million compared to ($308.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $24.5 million or 7.9%.

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Change in Unearned Premiums			Change in Unearned Premiums			% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums	$	(279,582	)	$	(316,392	)	(11.6	)%
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums	(4,274		)	8,052			(153.1	)%
Net change in unearned premiums	$	(283,856	)	$	(308,340	)	(7.9	)%

Validus Re net change in unearned premiums has increased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 due primarily to the impact of the decrease in gross premiums written for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.

AlphaCat.AlphaCat net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was ($0.9) million compared to ($3.8) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $2.9 million or 77.4%.

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Change in Unearned Premiums			Change in Unearned Premiums			% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums	$	(855	)	$	(3,784	)	(77.4	)%
Net change in unearned premiums	$	(855	)	$	(3,784	)	(77.4	)%

AlphaCat net change in unearned premiums has increased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 due primarily to reduced gross premiums written during the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to three months ended March 31, 2011.

48

Talbot. Talbot net change in unearned premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $5.7 million compared to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $4.1 million or 258.8%.

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Change in Unearned Premiums			Change in Unearned Premiums			% Change
Change in gross unearned premiums	$	(32,627	)	$	(34,472	)	(5.4	)%
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums	38,300			36,053			6.2	%
Net change in unearned premiums	$	5,673		$	1,581		258.8	%

Talbot net change in unearned premium has increased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 due to the earnings pattern of gross premiums written and reinsurance premiums ceded during three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $451.2 million compared to $429.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $21.7 million or 5.0%. Details of net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Premiums Earned		Net Premiums Earned (%)		Net Premiums Earned		Net Premiums Earned (%)		% Change
Property	$	207,333	46.0	%	$	215,713	50.3	%	(3.9	)%
Marine	145,741		32.3	%	118,297		27.5	%	23.2	%
Specialty	98,125		21.7	%	95,523		22.2	%	2.7	%
Total	$	451,199	100.0	%	$	429,533	100.0	%	5.0	%

Validus Re. Validus Re net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $253.0 million compared to $248.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $4.1 million or 1.6%. Details of Validus Re net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Premiums Earned		Net Premiums Earned (%)		Net Premiums Earned		Net Premiums Earned (%)		% Change
Property	$	160,048	63.3	%	$	173,404	69.7	%	(7.7	)%
Marine	71,877		28.4	%	53,858		21.6	%	33.5	%
Specialty	21,084		8.3	%	21,681		8.7	%	(2.8	)%
Total	$	253,009	100.0	%	$	248,943	100.0	%	1.6	%

The increase in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant pattern of net premiums written influencing the earned premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $2.7 million compared to $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $0.7 million or 20.9%. Details of AlphaCat net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.

49

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Premiums Earned		Net Premiums Earned (%)		Net Premiums Earned		Net Premiums Earned (%)		% Change
Property	$	2,663	100.0	%	$	3,366	100.0	%	(20.9	)%
Total	$	2,663	100.0	%	$	3,366	100.0	%	(20.9	)%

Talbot. Talbot net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $195.5 million compared to $177.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $18.3 million or 10.3%. Details of Talbot net premiums earned by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Premiums Earned		Net Premiums Earned (%)		Net Premiums Earned		Net Premiums Earned (%)		% Change
Property	$	44,622	22.8	%	$	38,943	22.0	%	14.6	%
Marine	73,864		37.8	%	64,439		36.4	%	14.6	%
Specialty	77,041		39.4	%	73,842		41.6	%	4.3	%
Total	$	195,527	100.0	%	$	177,224	100.0	%	10.3	%

The increase in net premiums earned is consistent with the relevant patterns of net premiums written influencing the earned premium for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Losses and Loss Expenses

Losses and loss expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $232.0 million compared to $476.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $244.2 million or 51.3%. The loss ratios, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 51.4% and 110.9%, respectively. Details of loss ratios by line of business are provided below.

	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended		Percentage
	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011		Point Change
Property	27.5	%	136.0	%	(108.5	)
Marine	89.0	%	114.5	%	(25.5	)
Specialty	46.1	%	49.7	%	(3.6	)
All lines	51.4	%	110.9	%	(59.5	)

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company incurred $98.9 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 21.9 percentage points of the loss ratio. Net of $14.4 million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $84.5 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company incurred $293.8 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 68.4 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of $22.7 million of reinstatement premiums, the effect of these events on net income was a decrease of $271.1 million. The Company’s loss ratio, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year development for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was 36.2% and 37.1%, respectively.

50

		Three months ended March 31, 2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
First Quarter 2012 Notable Loss Events (a)		Validus Re				Talbot				Total
Description		Net Losses and Loss Expenses (b)		% of NPE		Net Losses and Loss Expenses (b)		% of NPE		Net Losses and Loss Expenses (b)		% of NPE
Costa Concordia	Grounding	$	62,798	24.8	%	$	13,399	6.9	%	$	76,197	16.9	%
Cat 67	Tornadoes	22,699		9.0	%	14		0.0	%	22,713		5.0	%
Total		$	85,497	33.8	%	$	13,413	6.9	%	$	98,910	21.9	%

		Three months ended March 31, 2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
First Quarter 2011 Notable Loss Events (a)		Validus Re				Talbot				Total
Description		Net Losses and Loss Expenses (b)		% of NPE (c)		Net Losses and Loss Expenses (b)		% of NPE		Net Losses and Loss Expenses (b)		% of NPE
Tohoku earthquake	Earthquake	$	101,156	40.7	%	$	47,770	26.9	%	$	148,926	34.7	%
Gryphon Alpha	Mooring failure	42,914		17.2	%	9,520		5.4	%	52,434		12.2	%
Christchurch earthquake	Earthquake	32,381		13.0	%	9,500		5.4	%	41,881		9.8	%
Brisbane floods	Floods	25,023		10.1	%	6,000		3.4	%	31,023		7.2	%
CNRL Horizon	Explosion	12,000		4.8	%	7,500		4.2	%	19,500		4.5	%
Total		$	213,474	85.8	%	$	80,290	45.3	%	$	293,764	68.4	%

(a) These notable loss event amounts exclude the reserve for potential development on 2011 notable loss events and 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, meaningful 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. Total reinstatement premiums were $14.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $22.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

(c) The 2011 loss ratios for the Validus Re segment have been represented to exclude the impact of the AlphaCat segment.

Details of loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.

51

	Three Months Ended March 31,
					Percentage
	2012		2011		Point Change
Property - current period - excluding items below	21.5	%	24.4	%	(2.9	)
Property - current period - notable losses	11.0	%	93.8	%	(82.8	)
Property - current period - reserve for potential development on notable loss events	0.0	%	23.2	%	(23.2	)
Property - change in prior accident years	(5.0	)%	(5.4	)%	0.4
Property - loss ratio	27.5	%	136.0	%	(108.5	)
Marine - current period - excluding items below	44.2	%	48.5	%	(4.3	)
Marine - current period - notable losses	52.3	%	70.2	%	(17.9	)
Marine - current period - reserve for potential development on notable loss events	0.0	%	0.0	%	—
Marine - change in prior accident years	(7.5	)%	(4.2	)%	(3.3	)
Marine - loss ratio	89.0	%	114.5	%	(25.5	)
Specialty - current period - excluding items below	55.6	%	51.4	%	4.2
Specialty - current period - notable losses	0.0	%	8.7	%	(8.7	)
Specialty - current period - reserve for potential development on notable loss events	0.0	%	0.0	%	—
Specialty - change in prior accident years	(9.5	)%	(10.4	)%	0.9
Specialty — loss ratio	46.1	%	49.7	%	(3.6	)
All lines - current period - excluding items below	36.2	%	37.1	%	(0.9	)
All lines - current period - notable losses	21.9	%	68.4	%	(46.5	)
All lines - current period - reserve for potential development on notable loss events	0.0	%	11.6	%	(11.6	)
All lines - change in prior accident years	(6.7	)%	(6.2	)%	(0.5	)
All lines - loss ratio	51.4	%	110.9	%	(59.5	)

Validus Re. Validus Re losses and loss expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $124.2 million compared to $310.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $186.3 million or 60.0%. The loss ratio, defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 49.1% and 124.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re incurred losses of $142.5 million related to current year losses and $18.3 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Validus Re loss ratio by 7.2 percentage points. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Validus Re incurred losses of $321.8 million related to current year losses and $11.3 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior years benefited the Validus Re loss ratio by 4.5 percentage points.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re incurred $85.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 33.8 percentage points of the loss ratio. Net of reinstatement premiums of $17.8 million, the effect of these events on Validus Re segment income was a decrease of $67.7 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Validus Re incurred $213.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 85.8 percentage points of the loss ratio, excluding the reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Net of reinstatement premiums of $28.6 million, the effect of these events on Validus Re segment income was a decrease of $184.9 million. Validus Re segment loss ratios excluding, notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year reserve development for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 22.5% and 23.3%, respectively. Details of Validus Re loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.

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	Three Months Ended March 31,
					Percentage
	2012		2011		Point Change
Property - current period excluding items below	12.9	%	17.4	%	(4.5	)
Property - current period - notable losses	14.2	%	84.2	%	(70.0	)
Property - current period - reserve for potential development on notable loss events	0.0	%	28.8	%	(28.8	)
Property - change in prior accident years	(7.2	)%	(3.4	)%	(3.8	)
Property - loss ratio	19.9	%	127.0	%	(107.1	)
Marine - current period excluding items below	39.7	%	40.2	%	(0.5	)
Marine - current period - notable losses	87.4	%	116.8	%	(29.4	)
Marine - current period - reserve for potential development on notable loss events	0.0	%	0.0	%	—
Marine - change in prior accident years	(7.6	)%	0.2	%	(7.8	)
Marine - loss ratio	119.5	%	157.2	%	(37.7	)
Specialty - current period excluding items below	37.8	%	30.9	%	6.9
Specialty - current period - notable losses	0.0	%	20.8	%	(20.8	)
Specialty - current period - reserve for potential development on notable loss events	0.0	%	0.0	%	—
Specialty - change in prior accident years	(6.8	)%	(25.0	)%	18.2
Specialty — loss ratio	31.0	%	26.7	%	4.3
All lines - current period excluding items below	22.5	%	23.3	%	(0.8	)
All lines - current period - notable losses	33.8	%	85.8	%	(52.0	)
All lines - current period - reserve for potential development on notable loss events	0.0	%	20.1	%	(20.1	)
All lines - change in prior accident years	(7.2	)%	(4.5	)%	(2.7	)
All lines - loss ratio	49.1	%	124.7	%	(75.6	)

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re property lines losses and loss expenses included $43.3 million related to current year losses and $11.5 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable reserve development was due primarily to a reduction in loss estimates on attritional losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Validus Re property lines losses and loss expenses included $226.1 million related to current year losses and $6.0 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable reserve development was attributable to lower than expected claims development.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re property lines incurred $22.7 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 14.2 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Validus Re’s property lines incurred $146.1 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 84.2 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Validus Re property lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year reserve development, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 12.9% and 17.4 %, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re marine lines losses and loss expenses included $91.3 million related to current year losses and $5.4 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable reserve development is due primarily to a reduction in loss estimates on attritional losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Validus Re marine lines losses and loss expenses included $84.5 million related to current year losses and $0.1 million of adverse reserve development relating to prior accident years.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re marine lines incurred $62.8 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 87.4 percentage points on the marine lines loss ratio. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Validus Re marine lines incurred $62.9 million off losses from notable loss events, which represented 116.8 percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Validus Re marine lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and prior year reserve development, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 39.7% and 40.2%, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $8.0 million related to current year losses and $1.4 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. The favorable reserve development was due primarily to a reduction in loss estimates on attritional losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Validus Re specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $11.2 million related to current year losses and $5.4 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years.

53

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re specialty lines did not incur any notable losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Validus Re’s specialty lines incurred $4.5 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 20.8 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio, excluding reserve for potential development on notable loss events. Validus Re specialty lines loss ratios, excluding notable loss events, reserve for potential development on notable loss events and  prior year reserve development, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 37.8% and 30.9%, respectively.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat did not incur loss and loss expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Talbot. Talbot losses and loss expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $107.8 million compared to $165.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $57.9 million or 34.9%. The loss ratio defined as losses and loss expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 55.1% and 93.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Talbot incurred losses of $119.9 million related to current year losses and $12.1 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Talbot loss ratio by 6.2 percentage points. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Talbot incurred losses of $180.9 million related to current year losses and $15.2 million in favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years benefited the Talbot loss ratio by 8.6 percentage points.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Talbot incurred $13.4 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 6.9 percentage points of the loss ratio. Including reinstatement premiums of ($3.4) million, the effect of these events on Talbot segment income was a decrease of $16.8 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Talbot incurred $80.3 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 45.3 percentage points of the Talbot loss ratio. Talbot loss ratios, excluding notable loss events and prior year loss reserve development, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 54.4% and 56.8%, respectively. Details of Talbot loss ratios by line of business and period of occurrence are provided below.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
					Percentage
	2012		2011		Point Change
Property - current period excluding items below	53.9	%	57.7	%	(3.8	)
Property - current period - notable losses	0.0	%	144.5	%	(144.5	)
Property - change in prior accident years	2.7	%	(14.3	)%	17.0
Property - loss ratio	56.6	%	187.9	%	(131.3	)
Marine - current period excluding items below	48.5	%	55.3	%	(6.8	)
Marine - current period - notable losses	18.1	%	31.3	%	(13.2	)
Marine - change in prior accident years	(7.3	)%	(7.9	)%	0.6
Marine - loss ratio	59.3	%	78.7	%	(19.4	)
Specialty - current period excluding items below	60.5	%	57.5	%	3.0
Specialty - current period - notable losses	0.0	%	5.2	%	(5.2	)
Specialty - change in prior accident years	(10.2	)%	(6.2	)%	(4.0	)
Specialty – loss ratio	50.3	%	56.5	%	(6.2	)
All lines - current period excluding items below	54.4	%	56.8	%	(2.4	)
All lines - current period - notable losses	6.9	%	45.3	%	(38.4	)
All lines - change in prior accident years	(6.2	)%	(8.6	)%	2.4
All lines - loss ratio	55.1	%	93.5	%	(38.4	)

54

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Talbot property lines losses and loss expenses include $24.1 million related to current year losses and $1.2 million of adverse reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year adverse reserve development was due to higher than expected claims development on large losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Talbot property lines losses and loss expenses included $78.8 million related to current year losses and $5.6 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable reserve development was attributable to lower than expected claims development across most lines of business.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Talbot property lines did not incur losses from notable loss events. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Talbot’s property lines incurred $56.3 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 144.5 percentage points of the property lines loss ratio. Talbot property line loss ratio, excluding prior year reserve development and notable loss events for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 53.9% and 57.7%, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Talbot marine lines losses and loss expenses included $49.2 million related to current year losses and $5.4 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable reserve development was due primarily to favorable development on attritional losses. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Talbot marine lines losses and loss expenses included $55.9 million related to current year losses and $5.1 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable reserve development was primarily due to lower than expected loss development across a number of lines.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Talbot marine lines incurred $13.4 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 18.1 percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Talbot’s marine lines incurred $20.2 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 31.3 percentage points of the marine lines loss ratio. Talbot marine lines loss ratios, excluding prior year reserve development and notable loss events identified above, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 48.5% and 55.3%, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Talbot specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $46.6 million relating to current year losses and $7.9 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable reserve development was attributable to lower than expected claims development. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Talbot specialty lines losses and loss expenses included $46.3 million relating to current year losses and $4.5 million of favorable reserve development relating to prior accident years. The prior year favorable reserve development was primarily due to lower than expected loss development across some lines together with a reclassification of one loss from the specialty lines to the marine lines.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Talbot specialty lines did not incur losses from notable loss events. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Talbot’s specialty lines incurred $3.8 million of losses from notable loss events, which represented 5.2 percentage points of the specialty lines loss ratio. Talbot specialty lines loss ratios, excluding prior year reserve development and notable loss events for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 60.5% and 57.5%, respectively.

At March 31, 2012 and 2011, 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 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company did not make any significant changes in the assumptions or methodology used in its reserving process for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

	As at March 31, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)	Gross Case Reserves		Gross IBNR		Total Gross Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
Property	$	759,382	$	458,878	$	1,218,260
Marine	474,654		411,832		886,486
Specialty	238,160		306,704		544,864
Total	$	1,472,196	$	1,177,414	$	2,649,610

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	As at March 31, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)	Net Case Reserves		Net IBNR		Total Net Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses
Property	$	621,371	$	435,971	$	1,057,342
Marine	409,759		386,547		796,306
Specialty	186,822		257,848		444,670
Total	$	1,217,952	$	1,080,366	$	2,298,318

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of gross and net reserves for losses and loss expenses by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
(Dollars in thousands)	Validus Re Segment			AlphaCat Segment		Talbot Segment			Eliminations			Total
Gross reserves at period beginning	$	1,350,849		$	10,000	$	1,377,561		$	(107,267	)	$	2,631,143
Losses recoverable	(95,509		)	—		(384,243		)	107,267			(372,485		)
Net reserves at period beginning	1,255,340			10,000		993,318						2,258,658
Incurred losses- current year	142,544			—		119,869			—			262,413
Change in prior accident years	(18,338		)	—		(12,086		)	—			(30,424		)
Incurred losses	124,206			—		107,783			—			231,989
Foreign exchange	4,998			—		6,896			—			11,894
Paid losses	(124,672		)	—		(79,551		)	—			(204,223		)
Net reserves at period end	1,259,872			10,000		1,028,446			—			2,298,318
Losses recoverable	68,069			—		387,293			(104,070		)	351,292
Gross reserves at period end	$	1,327,941		$	10,000	$	1,415,739		(104,070		)	$	2,649,610

The amount of recorded reserves represents management’s best estimate of expected losses and loss expenses on premiums earned. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years was $30.4 million of which, $18.3 million of the favorable loss reserve development related to the Validus Re segment and $12.1 million related to the Talbot segment. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company’s loss ratio by 6.7 percentage points for the three months ended March 31, 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years was $26.5 million, of which, $11.3 million related to the Validus Re segment and $15.2 million related to the Talbot segment. Favorable loss reserve development benefited the Company’s loss ratio by 6.2 percentage points for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

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 for recent notable loss events. The Company’s actual ultimate net loss may vary materially from these 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. As of December 31, 2011 the reserve for potential

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development on 2010 and 2011 notable loss events was $96.6 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company allocated $13.0 million of the 2011 reserve for potential development on notable loss events to the Tohoku and Christchurch earthquakes. As at March 31, 2012, the reserve for potential development on notable loss events was $83.6 million.

Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $78.1 million compared to $77.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $0.8 million or 1.1%. Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 17.3% and 18.0%, respectively. The changes in policy acquisition costs are due to the factors provided below.

	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012						March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Policy Acquisition Costs		Policy Acquisition Costs (%)		Acquisition Cost Ratio		Policy Acquisition Costs		Policy Acquisition Costs (%)		Acquisition Cost Ratio		% Change
Property	$	27,897	35.7	%	13.5	%	$	29,184	37.8	%	13.5	%	(4.4	)%
Marine	29,789		38.1	%	20.4	%	27,083		35.0	%	22.9	%	10.0	%
Specialty	20,446		26.2	%	20.8	%	21,029		27.2	%	22.0	%	(2.8	)%
Total	$	78,132	100.0	%	17.3	%	$	77,296	100.0	%	18.0	%	1.1	%

Validus Re. Validus Re policy acquisition costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $38.8 million compared to $39.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $1.0 million or 2.4%.

	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012						March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Policy Acquisition Costs		Policy Acquisition Costs (%)		Acquisition Cost Ratio		Policy Acquisition Costs		Policy Acquisition Costs (%)		Acquisition Cost Ratio		% Change
Property	$	23,914	61.7	%	14.9	%	$	25,559	64.3	%	14.7	%	(6.4	)%
Marine	11,521		29.7	%	16.0	%	10,510		26.4	%	19.5	%	9.6	%
Specialty	3,355		8.6	%	15.9	%	3,681		9.3	%	17.0	%	(8.9	)%
Total	$	38,790	100.0	%	15.3	%	$	39,750	100.0	%	16.0	%	(2.4	)%

Policy acquisition costs include brokerage, commission and excise tax, are generally driven by contract terms and 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 the policy acquisition ratio. Validus Re policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned (the policy acquisition cost ratio) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 15.3% and 16.0%, respectively. The policy acquisition cost ratio in the marine line has decreased by 3.5 percentage points due to an increase in reinstatement premiums that attract little or no policy acquisition costs.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat policy acquisition costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $0.3 million compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $0.1 million or 19.0%.

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	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012						March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Policy Acquisition Costs		Policy Acquisition Costs (%)		Acquisition Cost Ratio		Policy Acquisition Costs		Policy Acquisition Costs (%)		Acquisition Cost Ratio		% Change
Property	$	256	100.0	%	9.6	%	$	316	100.0	%	9.4	%	(19.0	)%
Total	$	256	100.0	%	9.6	%	$	316	100.0	%	9.4	%	(19.0	)%

Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 9.6% and 9.4%, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot policy acquisition costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $38.7 million compared to $37.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $1.5 million or 4.1%.

	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012						March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Policy Acquisition Costs		Policy Acquisition Costs (%)		Acquisition Cost Ratio		Policy Acquisition Costs		Policy Acquisition Costs (%)		Acquisition Cost Ratio		% Change
Property	$	3,372	8.7	%	7.6	%	$	3,366	9.0	%	8.6	%	0.2	%
Marine	18,285		47.2	%	24.8	%	16,593		44.6	%	25.7	%	10.2	%
Specialty	17,081		44.1	%	22.2	%	17,257		46.4	%	23.4	%	(1.0	)%
Total	$	38,738	100.0	%	19.8	%	$	37,216	100.0	%	21.0	%	4.1	%

Policy acquisition costs as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 19.8% and 21.0%, respectively.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $66.4 million compared to $48.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $17.9 million or 36.9%.

	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	General and Administrative Expenses		General and Administrative Expenses (%)		General and Administrative Expenses		General and Administrative Expenses (%)		% Change
Validus Re	$	17,252	26.0	%	$	10,657	22.0	%	61.9	%
AlphaCat	1,032		1.6	%	894		1.8	%	15.4	%
Talbot	33,348		50.2	%	28,722		59.3	%	16.1	%
Corporate & Eliminations (a)	14,743		22.2	%	8,204		16.9	%	79.7	%
Total	$	66,375	100.0	%	$	48,477	100.0	%	36.9	%

(a) Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.

General and administrative expenses of $66.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012 represents 14.7 percentage points of the expense ratio. Share compensation expense is discussed in the following section.

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Validus Re. Validus Re general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $17.3 million compared to $10.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $6.6 million or 61.9%. General and administrative expenses have increased due primarily to an increase in performance bonus accrual for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. Other contributing factors to the increase in general and administrative expense include a tax adjustment and an increase in rent and office expenses due to the Bermuda office refurbishment. 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 March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 6.8% and 4.3%, respectively.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $1.0 million as compared to $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $0.1 million or 15.4%. General and administrative expenses include salaries and benefits and professional fees. AlphaCat’s general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 38.8% and 26.6%, respectively.

Talbot. Talbot general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $33.3 million compared to $28.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $4.6 million or 16.1%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in the performance bonus accrual for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Talbot’s general and administrative expenses as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 17.0% and 16.2%, respectively.

Corporate & Eliminations.Corporate general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $14.7 million compared to $8.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $6.5 million or 79.7%. General and administrative expenses have increased primarily due to an increase in professional fees related to Solvency II.  Other contributing factors to the increase in general and administrative expenses include an increase in the performance bonus accrual for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. Corporate general and administrative expenses are comprised of executive and board expenses, internal and external audit expenses and other costs relating to the Company as a whole.

Share Compensation Expenses

Share compensation expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $5.4 million compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $6.6 million or 54.9%. 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
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Share Compensation Expenses		Share Compensation Expenses (%)		Share Compensation Expenses		Share Compensation Expenses (%)		% Change
Validus Re	$	1,872	34.4	%	$	3,105	25.8	%	(39.7	)%
AlphaCat	52		1.0	%	27		0.2	%	92.6	%
Talbot	1,348		24.8	%	2,719		22.6	%	(50.4	)%
Corporate & Eliminations (a)	2,166		39.8	%	6,198		51.4	%	(65.1	)%
Total	$	5,438	100.0	%	$	12,049	100.0	%	(54.9	)%

(a) Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.

Share compensation expenses of $5.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012 represents 1.2 percentage points of the general and administrative expense ratio. The decrease in share compensation expenses of $6.6 million is due to a reversal of $1.4 million of expenses related to performance shares based on a review of current and projected performance criteria. In addition, the share compensation expenses of $12.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 included an expense of $4.0 million as a result of a change in forfeiture rates.

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Validus Re. Validus Re share compensation expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $1.9 million compared to $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $1.2 million or 39.7%. Share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 0.7% and 1.2%, respectively.

AlphaCat. AlphaCat share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 2.0% and 0.8%, respectively

Talbot. Talbot share compensation expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $1.3 million compared to $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $1.4 million or 50.4%. Share compensation expense as a percent of net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 0.7% and 1.5%, respectively.

Corporate & Eliminations.Corporate share compensation expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $2.2 million compared to $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $4.0 million or 65.1%.

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 policy 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 March 31, 2012 and 2011.

	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended		Percentage
Consolidated	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011		Point Change
Losses and loss expense ratio	51.4	%	110.9	%	(59.5	)
Policy acquisition cost ratio	17.3	%	18.0	%	(0.7	)
General and administrative expense ratio (a)	15.9	%	14.1	%	1.8
Expense ratio	33.2	%	32.1	%	1.1
Combined ratio	84.6	%	143.0	%	(58.4	)

	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended		Percentage
Validus Re	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011		Point Change
Losses and loss expense ratio	49.1	%	124.7	%	(75.6	)
Policy acquisition cost ratio	15.3	%	16.0	%	(0.7	)
General and administrative expense ratio (a)	7.6	%	5.5	%	2.1
Expense ratio	22.9	%	21.5	%	1.4
Combined ratio	72.0	%	146.2	%	(74.2	)

	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended		Percentage
AlphaCat	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011		Point Change
Losses and loss expense ratio	0.0	%	0.0	%	—
Policy acquisition cost ratio	9.6	%	9.4	%	0.2
General and administrative expense ratio (a)	40.7	%	27.4	%	13.3
Expense ratio	50.3	%	36.8	%	13.5
Combined ratio	50.3	%	36.8	%	13.5

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	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended		Percentage
Talbot	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011		Point Change
Losses and loss expense ratio	55.1	%	93.5	%	(38.4	)
Policy acquisition cost ratio	19.8	%	21.0	%	(1.2	)
General and administrative expense ratio (a)	17.7	%	17.7	%	—
Expense ratio	37.5	%	38.7	%	(1.2	)
Combined ratio	92.6	%	132.2	%	(39.6	)

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

General and administrative expense ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 15.9% and 14.1%, 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
	March 31, 2012				March 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	Expenses		Expenses as % of Net Earned Premiums		Expenses		Expenses as % of Net Earned Premiums
General and administrative expenses	$	66,375	14.7	%	$	48,477	11.3	%
Share compensation expenses	5,438		1.2	%	12,049		2.8	%
Total	$	71,813	15.9	%	$	60,526	14.1	%

Underwriting Income (Loss)

Underwriting income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $69.3 million compared to an underwriting loss of ($184.5) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $253.8 million, or 137.5%.

(Dollars in thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012			% of sub-total		Three Months Ended March 31, 2011			% of sub-total		% Change
Validus Re	$	70,889		82.0	%	$	(115,113	)	67.7	%	161.6	%
AlphaCat	1,323			1.5	%	2,129			(1.3	)%	(37.9	)%
Talbot	14,310			16.5	%	(57,087		)	33.6	%	125.1	%
Sub-total	86,522			100.0	%	(170,071		)	100.0	%	(150.9	)%
Corporate & Eliminations (a)	(17,257		)			(14,416		)			(19.7	)%
Total	$	69,265				$	(184,487	)			137.5	%

(a) Corporate and Eliminations includes legal entity adjustments.

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 Comprehensive Income (Loss) line items, as illustrated below.

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Underwriting income (loss)	$	69,265		$	(184,487	)
Net investment income	27,760			29,975
Other income	8,891			1,606
Finance expenses	(16,279		)	(14,001		)
Net realized gains on investments	7,532			6,379
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	20,671			(12,828		)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	3,166			(467		)
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	3,367			—
Tax (expense) benefit	(139		)	1,459
Net income (loss)	$	124,234		$	(172,364	)

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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 Company excludes the U.S. GAAP income statement line items noted above, from its calculation of underwriting income. Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are excluded 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 the other line items excluded 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 the bonus component of 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 March 31, 2012 was $27.8 million compared to $30.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $2.2 million or 7.4%. Net investment income decreased due to falling yields on fixed maturity investments. Net investment is comprised of 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 March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as provided below.

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011			% Change
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	27,276		$	28,935		(5.7	)%
Cash and cash equivalents	2,317			2,581			(10.2	)%
Securities lending income	5			16			(68.8	)%
Total gross investment income	29,598			31,532			(6.1	)%
Investment expenses	(1,838		)	(1,557		)	18.0	%
Net investment income	$	27,760		$	29,975		(7.4	)%

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Annualized effective investment yield is calculated by dividing net investment income by the average balance of the assets managed by our portfolio managers (excluding other investments). Average assets is the average of the beginning, ending and intervening quarter end asset balances. The Company’s annualized effective investment yield was 1.81% and 2.06% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the average duration of the portfolio at March 31, 2012 was 1.71 years (December 31, 2011 — 1.63 years).

Other Income

Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $8.9 million compared to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $7.3 million or 453.6%. The AlphaCat segment earned $7.5 million of fees in respect of the business written by and performance of AlphaCat Re 2011.

Finance Expenses

Finance expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $16.3 million compared to $14.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $2.3 million or 16.3%. Finance expenses also include the amortization of debt offering costs and discounts, and fees related to our credit facilities.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		% Change
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	1,549	$	3,588	(56.8	)%
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	3,029		3,029		0.0	%
2010 Senior Notes due 2040	5,597		5,597		0.0	%
Credit facilities	6,073		1,724		252.3	%
Talbot FAL Facility	31		63		NM
Finance expenses	$	16,279	$	14,001	16.3	%

NM: Not Meaningful

The increase in finance expenses of $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was due primarily to a $4.3 million increase in credit facility fees. The increase in credit facility fees was due to closing fees on the renewal of the credit facilities and the acceleration of fees expensed on the credit facilities that expired during the year.  There was a $2.0 million decrease in interest paid on the 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures due to the basis of repayment changing from a fixed interest rate of 9.069% per annum through June 15, 2011 to a floating rate of three month LIBOR plus 355 basis points reset quarterly.

Tax (Expense) Benefit

Tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was ($0.1) million compared to a benefit of $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase in expense of $1.6 million or 109.5%. The increase is primarily due to higher taxable income in the Talbot segment for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Equity Earnings in Non-Consolidated Affiliate

Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate was $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $nil for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $3.4 million or 100%. AlphaCat Re 2011 commenced writing business in the second quarter of 2011, therefore there was no comparative income for the three months ended March 31, 2011. As at March 31, 2012, the Company owned 22.3% of AlphaCat Re 2011,

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therefore equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate reflects the Company’s share of $15.1 million of AlphaCat Re 2011’s net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Net Realized Gains on Investments

Net realized gains on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $7.5 million compared to $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $1.2 million or 18.1%.

Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

Net unrealized gains on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $20.7 million compared to losses of ($12.8) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $33.5 million or 261.1%. The net unrealized gains for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were a result of credit spreads tightening on both investment grade and bank loan sectors during the quarter.

Net unrealized gains (losses) 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.

Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses)

Foreign exchange gains for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $3.2 million compared to losses of ($0.5) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a favorable movement of $3.6 million or 777.9%. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re recognized foreign exchange losses of ($0.3) million, Talbot recognized foreign exchange gains of $3.6 million.

The Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rates were 1.33 and 1.30 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The British pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rates were 1.60 and 1.55 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. During the quarter, the Euro appreciated by 2.3%, and the British pound appreciated by 3.2%.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Validus Re segment foreign exchange losses were ($0.3) million compared to ($4.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a favorable movement of $4.0 million or 93.9%. The favorable movement in Validus Re foreign exchange losses was due primarily to the prior year loss of $3.8 million on a foreign exchange contract that was not incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2012.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, AlphaCat segment foreign exchange losses were $0.0 million compared to $(0.1) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a favorable movement of $0.1 million or 90.0%.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, Talbot segment foreign exchange gains were $3.6 million compared to gains of $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an unfavorable movement of ($0.3) million or 7.1%.

At March 31, 2012, Talbot’s balance sheet includes net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs denominated in foreign currencies of approximately $105.9 million and $22.9 million, respectively. These balances consisted of British pound sterling and Canadian dollars of $73.7 million and $9.3 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. Additional foreign exchange gains (losses) may be incurred on the translation of net unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs arising from insurance and reinsurance premiums written in future periods.

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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 (Loss).” 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 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-U.S. dollar 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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

	As at March 31, 2012
	(unaudited)
	Equity Amount		Shares	Exercise Price		Book Value Per Share
Book value per common share
Total shareholders’ equity	$	3,539,511	99,340,458			$	35.63
Diluted book value per common share
Total shareholders’ equity	3,539,511		99,340,458
Assumed exercise of outstanding warrants	121,445		6,916,677	$	17.56
Assumed exercise of outstanding stock options	45,353		2,255,863	$	20.10
Unvested restricted shares	—		2,959,670
Diluted book value per common share	$	3,706,309	111,472,668			$	33.25

	As at December 31, 2011
	Equity Amount		Shares	Exercise Price		Book Value Per Share
Book value per common share
Total shareholders’ equity	$	3,448,425	99,471,080			$	34.67
Diluted book value per common share
Total shareholders’ equity	3,448,425		99,471,080
Assumed exercise of outstanding warrants	121,445		6,916,677	$	17.56
Assumed exercise of outstanding stock options	45,530		2,263,012	$	20.12
Unvested restricted shares	—		3,340,729
Diluted book value per common share	$	3,615,400	111,991,498			$	32.28

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

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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” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 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 total 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 (used in) provided by investing activities, net cash provided by (used in) financing activities and the effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is provided in the following table.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			% Change
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	164,905		$	168,557		(2.2	)%
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(49,972		)	(62,779		)	20.4	%
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(46,926		)	(19,267		)	(143.6	)%
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents	16,545			10,193			62.3	%
Net increase in cash	$	84,552		$	96,704		(12.6	)%

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, net cash provided by operating activities of $164.9 million was driven primarily by net income of $124.2 million, a $313.1 million increase in unearned premiums, partially offset by a $246.0 million decrease in premiums receivable. Net cash used in investing activities of $50.0 million was driven primarily by a net purchase of investments of $57.3 million, partially offset by $7.4 million decrease in securities lending. Net cash used in financing activities of $46.9 million was driven primarily by the payment of $27.0 million in quarterly dividends.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, net cash provided by operating activities of $168.6 million was driven primarily by a significant portion of the 2011 incurred losses which have yet to be paid. Net cash used in investing activities of $62.8 million was driven primarily by a net purchase of investments of $52.0 million and an increase in securities lending collateral of $10.8 million. Net cash used in financing activities of $19.3 million was driven primarily by the payment of $27.2 million in quarterly dividends, partially offset by a $10.8 million increase in securities lending payables.

As at March 31, 2012, the Company’s portfolio was composed of fixed income investments including short-term investments, agency securities and sovereign securities amounting to $5,336.2 million or 85.3% of total cash and investments. Details of the Company’s debt and financing arrangements at March 31, 2012 are provided below.

	Maturity Date /	In Use/
(Dollars in thousands)	Term	Outstanding
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2036	$	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2037	139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040	January 26, 2040	250,000
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	March 9, 2016	—
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility	March 9, 2016	327,829
$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility	March 12, 2012	116
Talbot FAL facility	December 31, 2015	25,000
IPC Bi-Lateral facility	December 31, 2012	51,583
Total		$	944,328

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Capital Resources

Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2012 was $3,539.5 million.

On May 2, 2012, 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 June 29, 2012 to holders of record on June 15, 2012. 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.

On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2011, a special purpose “sidecar” reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance.  At the time of formation, Validus Re had an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and as Validus Re held a majority of AlphaCat Re 2011’s outstanding voting rights, the financial statements of AlphaCat Re 2011 were included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On December 23, 2011, the Company completed a secondary offering of common shares of AlphaCat Re 2011 to third party investors, along with a partial sale of Validus Re’s common shares to one of the third party investors.  As a result of these transactions, Validus Re maintained an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011; however its share of AlphaCat Re 2011’s outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%.  As a result of the Company’s voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 have been derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 is therefore treated as an equity method investment as at December 31, 2011. The portion of AlphaCat Re 2011’s earnings attributable to third party investors for the year ended December 31, 2011 was recorded in the Consolidated Statements Comprehensive Income as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest.

On August 5, 2011, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-176116) 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 may from time to time repurchase its securities, including common shares, Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures and Senior Notes. The Company repurchased 35.4 million shares at a cost of $958.5 million under the share repurchase programs for the period November 4, 2009 through May 1, 2012. The Company has $370.7 million remaining under its authorized share repurchase program.

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.

The following table details the capital resources of the Company’s more significant subsidiaries on an unconsolidated basis.

	Capital at
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2012
Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (consolidated), excluding Validus Re Americas, Ltd.	$	3,305,868
Validus Re Americas, Ltd. (formerly IPCRe, Ltd.)	130,855
AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd.	490
Total Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. (consolidated)	3,437,213
Talbot Holdings, Ltd.	718,593
Other subsidiaries	5,059
Other, net	(84,545		)
Total consolidated capitalization	4,076,320
Senior notes payable	(247,009		)
Debentures payable	(289,800		)
Total shareholders’ equity	$	3,539,511

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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 May 2, 2012:

	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	Baa2	BBB
Subordinated debt	bbb-	BBB-	Baa3	BB+
Preferred stock	bb+	BB+	Ba1	—
Outlook on ratings	Stable	Stable	Stable	Positive
Validus Reinsurance, Ltd.
Financial strength rating	A	A-	A3	A-
Issuer credit rating	a	—	—	—
Outlook on ratings	Stable	Stable	Stable	Positive
Validus Re Americas, Ltd. (formerly 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	—	—	—
Talbot
Financial strength rating applicable to all Lloyds syndicates	A	A+	—	A+

(a)The A.M. Best ratings were most recently upgraded on February 6, 2012

(b)The S&P ratings were upgraded to the levels noted above on August 24, 2010

(c)All Moody’s ratings were most recently affirmed on December 29, 2011

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(d)All Fitch ratings were most recently affirmed on November 7, 2011

Recent accounting pronouncements

Please refer to Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part I, Item I) 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 March 31, 2012.

(Dollars in thousands)	Commitments (a)		Outstanding
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000	$	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	200,000		139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040	250,000		250,000
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	400,000		—
$525,000 secured letter of credit facility	525,000		327,829
$500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of facility	500,000		116
Talbot FAL Facility (b)	25,000		25,000
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility	80,000		51,583
Total	$	2,130,000	$	944,328

(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 a letter of credit facility of up to $25 million.

Please refer to Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part I, Item I) for further discussion of the Company’s debt and financing arrangements.

Investments

A significant portion of contracts written 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 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 March 31, 2012 were publicly traded. At March 31, 2012 the average duration of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was 1.71 years (December 31, 2011: 1.63 years) and the average rating of the portfolio was AA- (December 31, 2011: AA-). At March 31, 2012, the total fixed maturity portfolio was $5,015.2 million (December 31, 2011: $4,894.1 million), of which $853.0 million (December 31, 2011: $882.9 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 March 31, 2012, the Company held a fund of hedge fund side pocket of $5.0 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

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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 as at March 31, 2012, has $25.6 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 March 31, 2012 were $3.7 million of Non-U.S. Government and Government agency bonds, $29.4 million of catastrophe bonds, $471.7 million of bank loans and $2.6 million of corporate bonds.

Cash and cash equivalents and investments in Talbot of $1,730.9 million at March 31, 2012 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, 2011: $1,686.6 million). Total cash and cash equivalents and investments in Talbot were $1,802.1 million at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $1,743.0 million).

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $0.9 million of asset-backed securities with sub-prime collateral (December 31, 2011: $1.0 million) and $4.0 million of Alt-A RMBS (December 31, 2011: $4.4 million).

Cash Flows

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $164.9 million and $168.6 million, respectively. Cash flows from operations generally represent premiums collected, less losses and loss expenses paid and underwriting and other expenses paid. Cash flows from operations may differ substantially from net income.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $917.4 million and $832.8 million, respectively.

The Company has written certain 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 March 31, 2012, 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

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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 the possible downgrade of U.S. securities by credit rating agencies and the resulting effect on the value of securities in the Company’s investment portfolio, as well as 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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, 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 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We believe we are principally exposed to five types of market risk:

·interest rate risk;

·foreign currency risk;

·credit risk;

·liquidity risk; and

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·effects of inflation.

Interest Rate Risk: The Company’s primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. 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 March 31, 2012, 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 1.7%, or approximately $91.1 million. As at March 31, 2012, 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 1.0% or approximately $55.0 million.

As at March 31, 2011, 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 1.9%, or approximately $96.0 million. As at March 31, 2011, 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 1.6% or approximately $83.5 million.

As at March 31, 2012, the Company held $860.2 million (December 31, 2011: $829.5 million), or 17.2% (December 31, 2011: 16.9%), 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 attempt to 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 March 31, 2012, $851.0 million, or 10.5% of our total assets and $879.5 million, or 19.1% of our total liabilities were held in foreign currencies. As of March 31, 2012, $108.4 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, 2011, $797.0 million, or 10.5% of our total assets and $890.5 million, or 21.4% of our total liabilities were held in foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2011, $88.8 million, or 2.1% of our total liabilities held in foreign currencies was non-monetary items which do not require revaluation at each reporting date.

Credit Risk: We are exposed to credit risk primarily from the possibility that counterparties may default on their obligations to us. We attempt to 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 minimum credit rating of any security purchased is BBB-/Baa3 and where investments are downgraded below BBB-/Baa3, we permit our investment managers to hold up to 2.0% in aggregate market value, or up to 10.0% with written authorization of the Company. At March 31, 2012, 1.2% 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 1.1% of total investments, other than with respect to government and agency 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

73

from reinsurers. 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 March 31, 2012, 99.7% of reinsurance recoverables (which includes loss reserves recoverable and recoverables on paid losses) were from reinsurers rated A- or above, or from reinsurers posting full collateral (December 31, 2011: 99.4%, rated A-).

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 and bank loans which represent 8.4% (December 31, 2011: 8.3%) 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 March 31, 2012, the Company had $1,572.1 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 March 31, 2012 are provided below.

	Maturity Date /	In Use/
(Dollars in thousands)	Term	Outstanding
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2036	$	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2037	139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040	January 26, 2040	250,000
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	March 9, 2016	—
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility	March 9, 2016	327,829
$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility	March 12, 2012	116
Talbot FAL facility	December 31, 2015	25,000
IPC Bi-Lateral facility	December 31, 2012	51,583
Total		$	944,328

Effects of Inflation: 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 4. 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 recorded, processed, summarized and reported when required and the information is accumulated and communicated, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

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

74

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.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company anticipates that, similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, it will be subject to litigation and arbitration in the ordinary course of business.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

Please refer to the discussion of Risk Factors in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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

The Company has $370.7 million remaining under its authorized share repurchase program. 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.

The Company has repurchased approximately 35.4 million common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $958.5 million from the inception of the share repurchase program to May 1, 2012.

Share repurchases include repurchases by the Company of shares, from time to time, from employees in order to facilitate the payment of withholding taxes on restricted shares granted and the exercise of stock appreciation rights. 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.

	Share Repurchase Activity
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share information)
Effect of share repurchases:	As at December 31, 2011 (cumulative)		January		February		March		Quarter ended March 31, 2012
Aggregate purchase price (a)	$	947,170	$	—	$	6,052	$	5,256	$	11,308
Shares repurchased	35,031,985		—		197,560		175,000		372,560
Average price (a)	$	27.04	$	—	$	30.63	$	30.03	$	30.35
Estimated net accretive (dilutive) impact on:
Diluted BV per common share (b)									$	1.49
Diluted EPS - Quarter (c)									$	0.29

75

	Share Repurchase Activity
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share information)
Effect of share repurchases:	As at March 31, 2012 (cumulative)		April		May		As at May 1, 2012		Cumulative to Date Effect
Aggregate purchase price (a)	$	958,478	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	958,478
Shares repurchased	35,404,545		—		—		—		35,404,545
Average price (a)	$	27.07	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	27.07

(a) Share transactions are on a trade date basis through May 1, 2012 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, 2010 and 2011 was lower than the book value per common share, the repurchase of shares increased the Company’s period 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.

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

The Company is in the insurance and reinsurance business and as such, mine safety disclosures do not apply.

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None.

76

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

Exhibit	Description
10.1	Four-Year Unsecured Revolving Credit and Letter of Credit Facility, dated as of March 09, 2012, among Validus Holdings, Ltd., Validus Re Americas, Ltd., PaCRe, Ltd. and Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 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 13, 2012)
10.2	Four-Year Secured Letter of Credit Facility, dated as of March 09, 2012, among Validus Holdings, Ltd., Validus Re Americas, Ltd. and Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 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 13, 2012)
Exhibit 31.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32*	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 101.1 INS*	XBRL Instance Document
Exhibit 101.SCH*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Exhibit 101.CAL*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LAB*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.PRE*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEF*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*Filed herewith

77

SIGNATURES

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

	VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
	(Registrant)
Date: May 2, 2012	/s/ Edward J. Noonan
	Edward J. Noonan
	Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 2, 2012	/s/ Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
	Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
	President and Chief Financial Officer

78

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(Chapter 98, Title 15 U.S.C. SS. 7241)

I, Edward J. Noonan, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Validus Holdings, Ltd.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: May 2, 2012
	/s/ Edward J. Noonan
	Edward J. Noonan
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(Chapter 98, Title 15 U.S.C. SS. 7241)

I, Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Validus Holdings, Ltd.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: May 2, 2012
	/s/ Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
	Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
	President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION ACCOMPANYING FORM 10-Q REPORT
OF
VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(Chapter 63, Title 18 U.S.C. SS.SS. 1350(a) and (b))

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chapter 63, Title 18 U.S.C. ss.ss. 1350(a) and (b)), each of the undersigned hereby certifies that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2012 of Validus Holdings, Ltd. (the “Company”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: May 2, 2012
	/s/ Edward J. Noonan
	Edward J. Noonan
	Chief Executive Officer
	Validus Holdings, Ltd.
Dated: May 2, 2012
	/s/ Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
	Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
	President and Chief Financial Officer
	Validus Holdings, Ltd.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Validus Holdings, Ltd. and will be retained by Validus Holdings, Ltd. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Investments (Maturity profile of fixed maturity investments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Maturity profile
Amortized cost	$ 4,951,881	$ 4,859,705
Estimated fair value	5,015,210	4,894,145
Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]
Maturity profile
Amortized cost	4,104,874	4,039,921
Estimated fair value	4,155,019	4,064,683
Due in one year or less [Member] | Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]
Maturity profile
Amortized cost	498,365	520,631
Estimated fair value	503,282	523,107
Due after one year through five years [Member] | Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]
Maturity profile
Amortized cost	3,208,987	3,160,647
Estimated fair value	3,251,358	3,186,711
Due after five years through ten years [Member] | Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]
Maturity profile
Amortized cost	383,404	350,459
Estimated fair value	386,216	346,654
Due after ten years [Member] | Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]
Maturity profile
Amortized cost	14,118	8,184
Estimated fair value	14,163	8,211
Asset backed and mortgaged backed securities [Member] | No single maturity date [Member]
Maturity profile
Amortized cost	847,007	819,784
Estimated fair value	$ 860,191	$ 829,462

XML

Stock plans (Components of share compensation expenses) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Total share compensation expenses
Share compensation expenses	$ 5,438	$ 12,049
Options [Member]
Total share compensation expenses
Share compensation expenses	135	1,247
Restricted share awards [Member]
Total share compensation expenses
Share compensation expenses	5,940	9,156
Restricted share units [Member]
Total share compensation expenses
Share compensation expenses	120	114
Performance share awards [Member]
Total share compensation expenses
Share compensation expenses	(757)	344
Employee seller shares [Member]
Total share compensation expenses
Share compensation expenses	$ 0	$ 1,188

XML

Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Reserve for paid losses and unpaid loss expenses
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period	$ 2,631,143	$ 2,035,973
Losses and loss expenses recoverable	(372,485)	(283,134)
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period	2,258,658	1,752,839
Increase (decrease) in net losses and loss expenses incurred in respect of losses occurring in:
Current year	262,413	502,714
Prior years	(30,424)	(26,516)
Total incurred losses and loss expenses	231,989	476,198
Total net paid losses	(204,223)	(163,257)
Foreign exchange	11,894	14,934
Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period	2,298,318	2,080,714
Losses and loss expenses recoverable, end of period	351,292	453,701
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period	$ 2,649,610	$ 2,534,415

XML

Stock plans (Text) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 year	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011 year
Stock plans (other details)
Number of shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP and STIP	13,126,896
Remaining number of shares reserved for issuance	4,104,307
Share compensation expenses	$ 5,438	$ 12,049
Options [Member]
Stock plans (other details)
Share compensation expenses	135	1,247
Unrecognized share compensation expenses	7		141
Weighted average period of recognizing share based compensation expenses	0.1		0.2
Maturity period of options	P10Y
Restricted share awards [Member]
Stock plans (other details)
Share compensation expenses	5,940	9,156
Unrecognized share compensation expenses	34,817		40,809
Weighted average period of recognizing share based compensation expenses	2.3		2.4
Restricted share units [Member]
Stock plans (other details)
Share compensation expenses	120	114
Unrecognized share compensation expenses	870		985
Weighted average period of recognizing share based compensation expenses	2.5		2.7
Performance share awards [Member]
Stock plans (other details)
Share compensation expenses	(757)	344
Unrecognized share compensation expenses	3,698		5,677
Weighted average period of recognizing share based compensation expenses	2.1		2.1
Employee seller shares [Member]
Stock plans (other details)
Share compensation expenses	$ 0	$ 1,188
Restricted stock issued under Share Sale Agreement	1,209,741
Percentage of employee seller shares vesting annually	25.00%

XML

Derivative instruments used in hedging activities (Amount and balance sheet location) (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Foreign exchange contract [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012 contracts	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Notional amount	$ 104,300	$ 75,323
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held [Abstract]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	3
Other assets [Member]
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Fair value, derivative assets	0	476
Other liabilities [Member]
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Fair value, derivative liabilities	$ 676	$ 0

XML

Investments (Fair value hierarchy) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	$ 5,015,210	$ 4,894,145
Short-term investments	304,149	280,191
Other investments	16,803	16,787
Total	5,336,162	5,191,123
Recurring [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agency [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	1,216,891	1,182,393
Recurring [Member] | Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	406,754	449,358
Recurring [Member] | States, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	25,784	26,291
Recurring [Member] | Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	470,868	468,054
Recurring [Member] | Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	33,449	32,706
Recurring [Member] | U.S. corporate [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	1,354,566	1,329,758
Recurring [Member] | Non-U.S. corporate [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	631,522	579,675
Recurring [Member] | Bank loans [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	490,147	467,256
Recurring [Member] | Catastrophe bonds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	29,355	29,952
Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	355,874	328,299
Recurring [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	403
Recurring [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Other investments	8,325	8,880
Recurring [Member] | Mutual funds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Other investments	8,478	7,907
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Short-term investments	297,303	257,854
Total	297,303	257,854
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agency [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | States, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. corporate [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Non-U.S. corporate [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Bank loans [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Catastrophe bonds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Other investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Mutual funds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Other investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	5,015,210	4,894,145
Short-term investments	6,846	22,337
Total	5,030,534	4,924,389
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agency [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	1,216,891	1,182,393
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	406,754	449,358
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | States, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	25,784	26,291
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	470,868	468,054
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	33,449	32,706
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. corporate [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	1,354,566	1,329,758
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Non-U.S. corporate [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	631,522	579,675
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Bank loans [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	490,147	467,256
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Catastrophe bonds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	29,355	29,952
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	355,874	328,299
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	403
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Other investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Mutual funds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Other investments	8,478	7,907
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Total	8,325	8,880
Other Details
Percentage of total investments measured at fair value on recurring basis	0.20%	0.20%
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agency [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | States, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. corporate [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Non-U.S. corporate [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Bank loans [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Catastrophe bonds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Asset-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Allocation of investments
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Hedge funds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Other investments	8,325	8,880
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Mutual funds [Member]
Allocation of investments
Other investments	$ 0	$ 0

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Debt and financing Arrangements (Components of finance expenses) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Components of financial expenses
Finance expenses	$ 16,279		$ 14,001
Credit Facilities [Member]
Components of financial expenses
Finance expenses	6,073		1,724
AlphaCat Re 2011 fees [Member]
Components of financial expenses
Finance expenses	0	[1]	0	[1]
Talbot Fal Facility [Member]
Components of financial expenses
Finance expenses	31		63
Talbot other interest [Member]
Components of financial expenses
Finance expenses	0		0
Talbot third party FAL facility [Member]
Components of financial expenses
Finance expenses	0		0
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Components of financial expenses
Finance expenses	1,549		3,588
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Components of financial expenses
Finance expenses	3,029		3,029
2010 Senior Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Components of financial expenses
Finance expenses	$ 5,597		$ 5,597

[1] Includes finance expenses and preferred share dividends attributable to AlphaCat Re 2011.

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Derivative instruments used in hedging activities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivative instruments used in hedging activities [Abstract]

Location and fair value amount of derivative instruments reported on the balance sheet

			Asset derivatives			Liability derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	Notional amount		Balance Sheet location	Fair value		Balance Sheet location	Fair value
Foreign exchange contracts	$	104,300	Other assets	$	-	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	676
The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the derivative fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011:
			Asset derivatives			Liability derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	Notional amount		Balance Sheet location	Fair value		Balance Sheet location	Fair value
Foreign exchange contract	$	75,323	Other assets	$	476	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	-

Location and amount of gains and losses related to derivative instruments reported on in the income statement

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:	Location of gain (loss) recognized in income	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative		Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange	Foreign exchange (losses) gains	$	(3,319)	$	3,319	$	-
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:	Location of gain (loss) recognized in income	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative		Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange	Foreign exchange (losses) gains	$	(3,822)	$	3,822	$	-

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Share capital (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding
Common shares issued, beginning balance	134,503,065	132,838,111
Options exercised	7,149	201,709
Warrants exercised	0	0
Direct issuance of common stock	0
Common shares issued, ending balance	134,745,003	133,320,162
Shares repurchased, ending balance	(35,404,545)	(35,031,985)
Common shares outstanding, ending balance	99,340,458	98,288,177	99,471,080
Share repurchases
Remaining share repurchase authorization amount	$ 370,695
Shares repurchased, cumulative	$ 958,478
Share Capital (Textuals) [Abstract]
Common shares, shares authorized	571,428,571		571,428,571
Common shares, par value	$ 0.175		$ 0.175
Restriction on percentage of voting power	9.09%
Deferred share units, adjustment factor	100.00%
Total outstanding deferred share units	4,888		4,850
Date of dividend declaration	Feb. 09, 2012
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.25	$ 0.25
Common Share Equivalents [Member]
Share Capital (Textuals) [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.25
Common Stock [Member]
Share Capital (Textuals) [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.25	$ 0.25
Restricted share awards [Member]
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding
Vested, net of shares withheld	229,688	274,966
Restricted share units [Member]
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding
Vested, net of shares withheld	5,101	5,376
Employee seller shares [Member]
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding
Vested, net of shares withheld	0	0

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Investments (Maturity profile of securities lending collateral) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$ 1,108	$ 8,462
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	419	7,736
Due in one year or less [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Amortized cost	108	7,462
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	127	7,481
Due after one year through five years [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,000	1,000
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	$ 292	$ 255

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Investments (Gross unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	$ 5,271,969	$ 5,155,006
Gross unrealized gains	79,768	75,230
Gross unrealized losses	(15,575)	(39,113)
Estimated fair value	5,336,162	5,191,123
Fixed maturities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	4,951,881	4,859,705
Gross unrealized gains	77,464	73,444
Gross unrealized losses	(14,135)	(39,004)
Estimated fair value	5,015,210	4,894,145
U.S. Government and Government Agency [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	1,211,508	1,170,810
Gross unrealized gains	6,900	11,630
Gross unrealized losses	(1,517)	(47)
Estimated fair value	1,216,891	1,182,393
Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	398,550	446,258
Gross unrealized gains	9,100	9,173
Gross unrealized losses	(896)	(6,073)
Estimated fair value	406,754	449,358
States, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	25,101	25,715
Gross unrealized gains	683	586
Gross unrealized losses	0	(10)
Estimated fair value	25,784	26,291
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	454,249	451,751
Gross unrealized gains	16,837	16,622
Gross unrealized losses	(218)	(319)
Estimated fair value	470,868	468,054
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	37,711	39,134
Gross unrealized gains	259	143
Gross unrealized losses	(4,521)	(6,571)
Estimated fair value	33,449	32,706
U.S. corporate [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	1,327,830	1,314,375
Gross unrealized gains	28,697	24,932
Gross unrealized losses	(1,961)	(9,549)
Estimated fair value	1,354,566	1,329,758
Non-U.S. corporate [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	623,577	577,743
Gross unrealized gains	8,905	6,320
Gross unrealized losses	(960)	(4,388)
Estimated fair value	631,522	579,675
Bank loans [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	489,058	475,770
Gross unrealized gains	4,331	2,435
Gross unrealized losses	(3,242)	(10,949)
Estimated fair value	490,147	467,256
Catastrophe bonds [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	29,250	29,250
Gross unrealized gains	166	702
Gross unrealized losses	(61)	0
Estimated fair value	29,355	29,952
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	355,047	328,497
Gross unrealized gains	1,586	900
Gross unrealized losses	(759)	(1,098)
Estimated fair value	355,874	328,299
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	0	402
Gross unrealized gains	0	1
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Estimated fair value	0	403
Short-term investments [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	304,150	280,299
Gross unrealized gains	3	1
Gross unrealized losses	(4)	(109)
Estimated fair value	304,149	280,191
Other investments [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments
Amortized cost	15,938	15,002
Gross unrealized gains	2,301	1,785
Gross unrealized losses	(1,436)	0
Estimated fair value	$ 16,803	$ 16,787

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Stock plans (Options activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Options Activities
Options outstanding, beginning balance	2,263,012	2,723,684
Options granted	0	0
Options exercised	(7,149)	(201,709)
Options forfeited	0	0
Options outstanding, ending balance	2,255,863	2,521,975
Options exercisable	2,227,043	2,399,880
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance	$ 6.69	$ 6.74
Weighted average grant date fair value, options granted	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, options exercised	$ 6.90	$ 4.48
Weighted average grant date fair value, options forfeited	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance	$ 6.69	$ 6.92
Weighted average grant date fair value, options exercisable	$ 6.64	$ 6.81
Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price
Weighted average grant date exercise price, beginning balance	$ 20.12	$ 20.19
Weighted average grant date exercise price, options granted	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date exercise price, options exercised	$ 24.69	$ 21.94
Weighted average grant date exercise price, options forfeited	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date exercise price, ending balance	$ 20.10	$ 20.05
Weighted average grant date exercise price, options exercisable	$ 20.08	$ 19.94

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Commitments and contingencies (Aquiline commitment) (Details) (Aquiline Capital Partners II GP Offshore Ltd [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Aquiline Capital Partners II GP Offshore Ltd [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of interest assumed	100.00%
Related Party Transaction Capital Commitment	$ 50,000
Related Party Transaction Remaining Commitment	$ 45,217

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Derivative instruments used in hedging activities (Amount included in statement of operations) (Details) (Fair value hedge [Member], Foreign exchange contract [Member], Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Fair value hedge [Member] | Foreign exchange contract [Member] | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative	$ (3,319)	$ (3,822)
Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged	3,319	3,822
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)	$ 0	$ 0

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Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

3. 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 and 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 fund of hedge funds and a private equity investment are the only financial instruments in this category as at March 31, 2012.

Other investments consist of an investment in a fund of hedge funds, a private equity investment and a deferred compensation trust held in mutual funds. The fund of hedge funds is a side pocket valued at $4,978 at March 31, 2012. While a redemption request has been submitted, the timing of receipt of proceeds on the side pocket is unknown. The fund's administrator provides monthly reported net asset values ("NAV") with a one-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the funds administrator's February 29, 2012 NAV was used as a partial basis for fair value measurement in the Company's March 31, 2012 balance sheet. The fund manager provides an estimate of the performance of the fund for the following month based on the estimated performance provided 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 administrator's NAV. Immaterial variances are recorded in the following reporting period. The private equity investment is also valued using both observable and significant unobservable inputs.

	At March 31, 2012, 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		$	-	$	1,216,891	$	-	$	1,216,891
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency			-		406,754		-		406,754
States, municipalities, political subdivision			-		25,784		-		25,784
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-		470,868		-		470,868
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-		33,449		-		33,449
U.S. corporate			-		1,354,566		-		1,354,566
Non-U.S. corporate			-		631,522		-		631,522
Bank loans			-		490,147		-		490,147
Catastrophe bonds			-		29,355		-		29,355
Asset-backed securities			-		355,874		-		355,874
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			-		-		-		-
Total fixed maturities			-		5,015,210		-		5,015,210
Short-term investments			297,303		6,846		-		304,149
Fund of hedge funds / Private equity investment			-		-		8,325		8,325
Mutual funds			-		8,478		-		8,478
Total		$	297,303	$	5,030,534	$	8,325	$	5,336,162
	At December 31, 2011, 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		$	-	$	1,182,393	$	-	$	1,182,393
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency			-		449,358		-		449,358
States, municipalities, political subdivision			-		26,291		-		26,291
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-		468,054		-		468,054
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-		32,706		-		32,706
U.S. corporate			-		1,329,758		-		1,329,758
Non-U.S. corporate			-		579,675		-		579,675
Bank loans			-		467,256		-		467,256
Catastrophe bonds			-		29,952		-		29,952
Asset-backed securities			-		328,299		-		328,299
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			-		403		-		403
Total fixed maturities			-		4,894,145		-		4,894,145
Short-term investments			257,854		22,337		-		280,191
Fund of hedge funds / Private equity investment			-		-		8,880		8,880
Mutual funds			-		7,907		-		7,907
Total		$	257,854	$	4,924,389	$	8,880	$	5,191,123

AtMarch 31, 2012, Level 3 investments totaled $8,325,representing 0.2% of total investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2011, Level 3 investments totaled $8,880 representing 0.2% of total investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the three months ending March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Fixed Maturity Investments		Other Investments		Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period	$	-	$	8,880	$	8,880
Purchases		-		1,529		1,529
Sales		-		(620)		(620)
Issuances		-		-		-
Settlements		-		-		-
Realized gains		-		28		28
Unrealized (losses)		-		(1,492)		(1,492)
Amortization		-		-		-
Transfers		-		-		-
Level 3 investments - End of period	$	-	$	8,325	$	8,325
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Fixed Maturity Investments		Other Investments		Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period	$	-	$	12,892	$	12,892
Purchases		-		-		-
Sales		-		(2,562)		(2,562)
Issuances		-		-		-
Settlements		-		-		-
Realized gains		-		260		260
Unrealized (losses)		-		123		123
Amortization		-		-		-
Transfers		-		-		-
Level 3 investments - End of period	$	-	$	10,713	$	10,713

(b) Net investment income
Net investment income was derived from the following sources:
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		March 31,
	2012		2011
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	27,276	$	28,935
Cash and cash equivalents		2,317		2,581
Securities lending income		5		16
Total gross investment income		29,598		31,532
Investment expenses		(1,838)		(1,557)
Net investment income	$	27,760	$	29,975

(c) Fixed maturity and short-term investments
	The following represents an analysis of net realized gains and the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on
investments:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2012		2011
Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents
Gross realized gains		$	10,008	$	15,765
Gross realized (losses)			(2,476)		(9,386)
Net realized gains on investments			7,532		6,379
Net unrealized gains on securities lending			37		30
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments			20,634		(12,858)
Total net realized gains and change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		$	28,203	$	(6,449)

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at March 31, 2012 were as follows:
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	1,211,508	$	6,900	$	(1,517)	$	1,216,891
Non-U.S. Government and Government
Agency		398,550		9,100		(896)		406,754
States, municipalities, political subdivision		25,101		683		-		25,784
Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities		454,249		16,837		(218)		470,868
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities		37,711		259		(4,521)		33,449
U.S. corporate		1,327,830		28,697		(1,961)		1,354,566
Non-U.S. corporate		623,577		8,905		(960)		631,522
Bank loans		489,058		4,331		(3,242)		490,147
Catastrophe bonds		29,250		166		(61)		29,355
Asset-backed securities		355,047		1,586		(759)		355,874
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		-		-		-		-
Total fixed maturities		4,951,881		77,464		(14,135)		5,015,210
Total short-term investments		304,150		3		(4)		304,149
Total other investments		15,938		2,301		(1,436)		16,803
Total	$	5,271,969	$	79,768	$	(15,575)	$	5,336,162
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2011 were as follows:
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	1,170,810	$	11,630	$	(47)	$	1,182,393
Non-U.S. Government and Government
Agency		446,258		9,173		(6,073)		449,358
States, municipalities, political subdivision		25,715		586		(10)		26,291
Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities		451,751		16,622		(319)		468,054
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities		39,134		143		(6,571)		32,706
U.S. corporate		1,314,375		24,932		(9,549)		1,329,758
Non-U.S. corporate		577,743		6,320		(4,388)		579,675
Bank loans		475,770		2,435		(10,949)		467,256
Catastrophe bonds		29,250		702		-		29,952
Asset-backed securities		328,497		900		(1,098)		328,299
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		402		1		-		403
Total fixed maturities		4,859,705		73,444		(39,004)		4,894,145
Total short-term investments		280,299		1		(109)		280,191
Total other investments		15,002		1,785		-		16,787
Total	$	5,155,006	$	75,230	$	(39,113)	$	5,191,123

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company's fixed maturities portfolio as at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. 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.

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Estimated Fair Value		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
AAA	$	852,954		17.0%	$	882,912		18.0%
AA		2,114,001		42.2%		2,077,981		42.5%
A		1,192,091		23.8%		1,078,793		22.0%
BBB		323,226		6.4%		345,091		7.1%
Investment grade		4,482,272		89.4%		4,384,777		89.6%
BB		285,476		5.7%		254,409		5.2%
B		223,175		4.4%		231,420		4.7%
CCC		12,760		0.3%		12,578		0.3%
CC		4,944		0.1%		4,605		0.1%
D/NR		6,583		0.1%		6,356		0.1%
Non-Investment grade		532,938		10.6%		509,368		10.4%
Total Fixed Maturities	$	5,015,210		100.0%	$	4,894,145		100.0%

The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for fixed maturity securities held at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 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.

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	498,365	$	503,282	$	520,631	$	523,107
Due after one year through five years		3,208,987		3,251,358		3,160,647		3,186,711
Due after five years through ten years		383,404		386,216		350,459		346,654
Due after ten years		14,118		14,163		8,184		8,211
		4,104,874		4,155,019		4,039,921		4,064,683
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed
securities		847,007		860,191		819,784		829,462
Total	$	4,951,881	$	5,015,210	$	4,859,705	$	4,894,145

The Company has a four year, $525,000 secured letter of credit facility provided by a syndicate of commercial banks (the “Four YearSecured Facility”). At March 31, 2012, approximately $327,829 (December 31, 2011: $nil) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under this facility for which$458,980of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2011: $nil). 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 March 31, 2012,$25,000 (December 31, 2011:$25,000) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under the Talbot FAL Facility for which $44,384of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2011:$44,623). In addition, $2,064,780of investments were held in trust at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011:$2,129,570). Of those, $1,730,946were 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, 2011:$1,686,586). In 2009, the Company entered into a $500,000 secured letter of credit facility provided by Citibank Europe plc (the “Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of CreditFacility”). At March 31, 2012 approximately $116 (December 31, 2011: $nil) of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under this facility for which $1,010 of investments were pledged as collateral (December 31, 2011:$nil).

The Company assumed two letters of credit facilities as part of the acquisition of IPC Holdings, Ltd. (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 March 31, 2012, the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility had $51,583 (December 31, 2011: $57,146) letters of credit issued and outstanding for which $107,674 (December 31, 2011: $105,428) of investments were held in an associated collateral account.

• 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 March 31, 2012, the Company had $1,083(December 31, 2011: $8,286) in securities on loan. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a $37 unrealized gain on this collateral on its Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)(March 31, 2011: unrealized gain $30).

Securities lending collateral reinvested includes corporate floating rate securities and overnight repos with an average reset period of 1.0 days(December 31, 2011:3.9 days). As at March 31, 2012, 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		$	-	$	292	$	-	$	292
Short-term investments			127		-		-		127
Total		$	127	$	292	$	-	$	419
	As at December 31, 2011, 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		$	-	$	255	$	-	$	255
Cash and cash equivalents			7,481		-		-		7,481
Total		$	7,481	$	255	$	-	$	7,736

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company's securities lending collateral reinvested as at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. 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.

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Estimated Fair Value		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
NR		292		69.7%		255		3.3%
		292		69.7%		255		3.3%
NR- Short-term investments (a)		127		30.3%		7,481		96.7%
Total	$	419		100.0%	$	7,736		100.0%
(a) This amount relates to certain short-term investments with short original maturities which are generally not rated.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for securities lending collateral reinvested by the Company at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 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.

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	108	$	127	$	7,462	$	7,481
Due after one year through five years		1,000		292		1,000		255
Total	$	1,108	$	419	$	8,462	$	7,736

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Related party transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Aquiline Capital Partners LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Shares owned by related party	6,255,943
Warrants to purchase shares	2,756,088
Tiger Risk Partners LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 177		$ 86
Brokerage expenses	290	453
Group Ark Insurance Holdings Ltd [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	297	511
Earned premium adjustments	362	334
Reinsurance premiums ceded	0	163
Premiums receivable	201		330
Reinsurance balances payable	1		21
Conning Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment management fees	203	146
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	402		203
Aquiline Capital Partners Ii Gp Offshore Ltd [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	0	0
Partnership fees incurred	1,436	0
Capital contributions	$ 1,529	$ 0

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Investments (Text) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Securities lending [Abstract]
Securities lending - Percent of market value required in collateral	102.00%
Securities on loan	$ 1,083			$ 8,286
Securities lending - average reset period on collateral reinvested	1			3.9
Securities lending - unrealized gain (loss) on collateral securities	37		30
Talbot Fal Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letter of credit facility, original commitment amount	100,000
Secured letter of credit facility, value	25,000	[1]		25,000	[1]
Investments held in trust for the benefit of Talbot FAL Facility	1,730,946			1,686,586
Investments held in trust	2,064,780			2,129,570
Investments pledged as collateral	44,384			44,623
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	25,000	[1],[2]		25,000	[1],[2]
IPC Bi Lateral Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Secured letter of credit facility, value	80,000			80,000
Investments pledged as collateral	107,674			105,428
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	51,583	[2]		57,146	[2]
Secured letter of credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Secured letter of credit facility, value				500,000
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding				333,179	[2]
Four-year unsecured credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	0	[2]
Four-year syndicated secured credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Secured letter of credit facility, term	4 years
Secured letter of credit facility, value	525,000
Investments pledged as collateral	458,980			0
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	327,829	[2]		0
Bi-lateral secured facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Secured letter of credit facility, value	500,000
Investments pledged as collateral	1,010			0
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	$ 116	[2]		$ 0

[1] 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.

[2] Indicates utilization of commitment amount, not drawn borrowings.

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Stock plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock plans [Abstract]

Options, weighted average assumptions

Year	Weighted average risk free interest rate	Weighted average dividend yield	Expected life (years)	Expected volatility
2009	3.9%	3.7%	2	34.6%
2010 (a)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
2011 (a)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Options, activity during the period

			Weighted Average		Weighted Average
			Grant Date		Grant Date
	Options		Fair Value		Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2011		2,263,012	$	6.69	$	20.12
Options granted		-		-		-
Options exercised		(7,149)		6.90		24.69
Options forfeited		-		-		-
Options outstanding, March 31, 2012		2,255,863	$	6.69	$	20.10
Options exercisable at March 31, 2012		2,227,043	$	6.64	$	20.08
Activity with respect to options for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
			Weighted Average		Weighted Average
			Grant Date		Grant Date
	Options		Fair Value		Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2010		2,723,684	$	6.74	$	20.19
Options granted		-		-		-
Options exercised		(201,709)		4.48		21.94
Options forfeited		-		-		-
Options outstanding, March 31, 2011		2,521,975	$	6.92	$	20.05
Options exercisable at March 31, 2011		2,399,880	$	6.81	$	19.94

Other awards, activity during the period

	Restricted		Weighted Average
	Share		Grant Date
	Awards		Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011		3,003,547	$	25.77
Restricted share awards granted		4,500		30.49
Restricted share awards vested		(259,017)		25.52
Restricted share awards forfeited		(20,371)		27.96
Restricted share awards outstanding, March 31, 2012		2,728,659	$	25.78
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
	Restricted		Weighted Average
	Share		Grant Date
	Awards		Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010		3,114,039	$	24.33
Restricted share awards granted		3,333		30.92
Restricted share awards vested		(314,881)		25.37
Restricted share awards forfeited		-		-
Restricted share awards outstanding, March 31, 2011		2,802,491	$	24.23

			Weighted Average
	Restricted		Grant Date
	Share Units		Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2011		53,312	$	27.60
Restricted share units granted		-		-
Restricted share units vested		(7,314)		24.27
Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends		408		27.90
Restricted share units forfeited		-		-
Restricted share units outstanding, March 31, 2012		46,406	$	28.13
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
			Weighted Average
	Restricted		Grant Date
	Share Units		Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2010		47,049	$	25.04
Restricted share units granted		-		-
Restricted share units vested		(7,129)		24.24
Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends		296		25.45
Restricted share units forfeited		-		-
Restricted share units outstanding, March 31, 2011		40,216	$	25.18

			Weighted Average
	Performance		Grant Date
	Share Awards		Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011		279,019	$	30.77
Performance share awards granted		-		-
Performance share awards vested		-		-
Performance share awards cancelled		(99,302)		28.70
Performance share awards outstanding, March 31, 2012		179,717	$	31.91
Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
			Weighted Average
	Performance		Grant Date
	Share Awards		Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010		132,401	$	28.70
Performance share awards granted		-		-
Performance share awards vested		-		-
Performance share awards forfeited		-		-
Performance share awards outstanding, March 31, 2011		132,401	$	28.70

Total share compensation expenses

(c) Total share compensation expenses
	The breakdown of share compensation expenses by award type was as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Options		$	135	$	1,247
Restricted share awards			5,940		9,156
Restricted share units			120		114
Performance share awards			(757)		344
Employee seller shares			-		1,188
Total		$	5,438	$	12,049

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Share capital (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Share capital [Abstract]

Summary of common shares issued and outstanding

	Common Shares
Common shares issued, December 31, 2011		134,503,065
Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld		229,688
Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld		5,101
Employee seller shares vested		-
Options exercised		7,149
Warrants exercised		-
Direct issuance of common stock		-
Common shares issued, March 31, 2012		134,745,003
Shares repurchased		(35,404,545)
Common shares outstanding, March 31, 2012		99,340,458
	Common Shares
Common shares issued, December 31, 2010		132,838,111
Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld		274,966
Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld		5,376
Employee seller shares vested		-
Options exercised		201,709
Warrants exercised		-
Common shares issued, March 31, 2011		133,320,162
Shares repurchased		(35,031,985)
Common shares outstanding, March 31, 2011		98,288,177

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Debt and financing arrangements (Schedule of finance structure) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Debt instrument, drawn	$ 536,809		$ 536,782
Debt instrument and line of credit facility amount committed, total	2,130,000		1,605,000
Debt instrument and line of credit facility outstanding, total	944,328	[1]	955,125	[1]
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Debt instrument, commitment	150,000		150,000
Debt instrument, outstanding	150,000	[1]	150,000	[1]
Debt instrument, drawn	150,000		150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Debt instrument, commitment	200,000		200,000
Debt instrument, outstanding	139,800	[1]	139,800	[1]
Debt instrument, drawn	139,800		139,800
2010 Senior Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Debt instrument, commitment	250,000		250,000
Debt instrument, outstanding	250,000	[1]	250,000	[1]
Debt instrument, drawn	247,009		246,982
Four-year unsecured credit facility [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Credit facility, outstanding	0	[1]
Four-year syndicated secured credit facility [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Credit facility, commitment	525,000
Credit facility, outstanding	327,829	[1]	0
Syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Credit facility, commitment	400,000		340,000
Credit facility, outstanding			0	[1]
Bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Credit facility, commitment			60,000
Credit facility, outstanding			0	[1]
Secured letter of credit facility [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Credit facility, commitment			500,000
Credit facility, outstanding			333,179	[1]
Talbot Fal Facility [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Credit facility, commitment	25,000	[2]	25,000	[2]
Credit facility, outstanding	25,000	[1],[2]	25,000	[1],[2]
IPC Bi Lateral Facility [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Credit facility, commitment	80,000		80,000
Credit facility, outstanding	51,583	[1]	57,146	[1]
Bi-lateral secured facility [Member]
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses
Credit facility, commitment	500,000
Credit facility, outstanding	$ 116	[1]	$ 0

[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.

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Investment in AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd. (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Activity in non-consolidated affiliate balances for the period:
Balance, beginning of period	$ 53,031
Equity in earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	3,367
Balance, end of period	$ 56,398

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Debt and financing arrangements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Debt and financing arrangements [Abstract]

Schedule of financing structure

(a) Financing structure and finance expenses
	The financing structure at March 31, 2012 was:
		Commitment		Outstanding (a)		Drawn
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		$	150,000	$	150,000	$	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures			200,000		139,800		139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040			250,000		250,000		247,009
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility			400,000		-		-
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility			525,000		327,829		-
$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility			500,000		116		-
Talbot FAL Facility (b)			25,000		25,000		-
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility			80,000		51,583		-
Total		$	2,130,000	$	944,328	$	536,809
	The financing structure at December 31, 2011 was:
		Commitment		Outstanding (a)		Drawn
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		$	150,000	$	150,000	$	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures			200,000		139,800		139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040			250,000		250,000		246,982
$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		333,179		-
Talbot FAL Facility (b)			25,000		25,000		-
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility			80,000		57,146		-
Total		$	1,605,000	$	955,125	$	536,782

Components of finance expenses

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		March 31,
	2012		2011
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	1,549	$	3,588
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		3,029		3,029
2010 Senior Notes due 2040		5,597		5,597
Credit facilities		6,073		1,724
Talbot FAL Facility		31		63
Total	$	16,279	$	14,001

Future expected payments of principal

2012	$	-
2013		-
2014		-
2015		-
2016 and thereafter		250,000
Total minimum future payments	$	250,000

2012	$	-
2013		-
2014		-
2015		-
2016 and thereafter		289,800
Total minimum future payments	$	289,800

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Earnings per share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings per share [Abstract]

Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2012		2011
Basic earnings per share
Income (loss)		$	124,234	$	(172,364)
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants			(1,729)		(1,984)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders		$	122,505	$	(174,348)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			99,425,140		97,944,340
Basic earnings (loss) per share		$	1.23	$	(1.78)
Diluted earnings per share
Income (loss)		$	124,234	$	(172,364)
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants			-		(1,984)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders		$	124,234	$	(174,348)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			99,425,140		97,944,340
Share equivalents:
	Warrants		3,022,971		-
	Stock options		813,863		-
	Unvested restricted shares		1,834,116		-
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding			105,096,090		97,944,340
Diluted earnings (loss) per share		$	1.18	$	(1.78)

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Recent accounting pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Recent accounting pronouncements [Abstract]

Recent accounting pronouncements

2. Recent accounting pronouncements

(a) Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2011-05"). The objective of ASU 2011-05 is to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, "Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05". ASU 2011-12 indefinitely defers certain reclassification adjustment provisions of ASU 2011-05. ASU 2011-12 is also effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company retrospectively adopted this guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, "Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs" ("ASU 2011-04"). The objective of ASU 2011-04 is to provide common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. For many of the requirements, the amendments do not result in a change in the application of the requirements in ASC Topic 820 "Fair Value Measurements". ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted this amended guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the current disclosures included in Note 3 – Investments.

(b) Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, "Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities" ("ASU 2011-11"). The objective of ASU 2011-11 is to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments in relation to netting arrangements. ASU 2011-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance; however, since this update affects disclosures only, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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Segment information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Segment information [Abstract]

Results of operating segments and corporate segment

The following tables summarize the results of our operating segments and corporate segment:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012	Validus Re Segment		AlphaCat Segment		Legal Entity Adjustments		Validus Re Consolidated		Talbot Segment		Corporate & Eliminations		Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	566,866	$	3,518	$	-	$	570,384	$	293,253	$	(26,348)	$	837,289
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(30,001)		-		-		(30,001)		(103,399)		26,348		(107,052)
Net premiums written		536,865		3,518		-		540,383		189,854		-		730,237
Change in unearned premiums		(283,856)		(855)		-		(284,711)		5,673		-		(279,038)
Net premiums earned		253,009		2,663		-		255,672		195,527		-		451,199
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		124,206		-		-		124,206		107,783		-		231,989
Policy acquisition costs		38,790		256		-		39,046		38,738		348		78,132
General and administrative expenses		17,252		1,032		449		18,733		33,348		14,294		66,375
Share compensation expenses		1,872		52		152		2,076		1,348		2,014		5,438
Total underwriting deductions		182,120		1,340		601		184,061		181,217		16,656		381,934
Underwriting income (loss)	$	70,889	$	1,323	$	(601)	$	71,611	$	14,310	$	(16,656)	$	69,265
Net investment income		23,577		659		-		24,236		5,790		(2,266)		27,760
Other income		2,219		7,974		890		11,083		1,026		(3,218)		8,891
Finance expenses		(3,694)		(2)		-		(3,696)		(31)		(12,552)		(16,279)
Operating income (loss) before taxes		92,991		9,954		289		103,234		21,095		(34,692)		89,637
Tax (expense)		(7)		-		-		(7)		(132)		-		(139)
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate		-		3,367		-		3,367		-		-		3,367
Net operating income (loss)	$	92,984	$	13,321	$	289	$	106,594	$	20,963	$	(34,692)	$	92,865
Net realized gains on investments		6,242		-		-		6,242		1,290		-		7,532
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		19,865		(597)		-		19,268		1,403		-		20,671
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		(262)		(9)		-		(271)		3,623		(186)		3,166
Net income (loss)	$	118,829	$	12,715	$	289	$	131,833	$	27,279	$	(34,878)	$	124,234
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		94.7%		100.0%						64.7%				87.2%
Losses and loss expenses		49.1%		0.0%						55.1%				51.4%
Policy acquisition costs		15.3%		9.6%						19.8%				17.3%
General and administrative expenses (a)		7.6%		40.7%						17.7%				15.9%
Expense ratio		22.9%		50.3%						37.5%				33.2%
Combined ratio		72.0%		50.3%						92.6%				84.6%
Total assets	$	4,940,727	$	237,528					$	2,929,817	$	13,797	$	8,121,869
(a) Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

The following tables summarize the results of our operating segments and corporate segment:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011	Validus Re Segment		AlphaCat Segment		Legal Entity Adjustments		Validus Re Consolidated		Talbot Segment		Corporate & Eliminations		Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	604,088		7,150		-		611,238		263,057		(24,399)		849,896
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(46,805)		-		-		(46,805)		(87,414)		24,399		(109,820)
Net premiums written		557,283		7,150		-		564,433		175,643		-		740,076
Change in unearned premiums		(308,340)		(3,784)		-		(312,124)		1,581		-		(310,543)
Net premiums earned		248,943		3,366		-		252,309		177,224		-		429,533
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		310,544		-		-		310,544		165,654		-		476,198
Policy acquisition costs		39,750		316		-		40,066		37,216		14		77,296
General and administrative expenses		10,657		894		1,347		12,898		28,722		6,857		48,477
Share compensation expenses		3,105		27		328		3,460		2,719		5,870		12,049
Total underwriting deductions		364,056		1,237		1,675		366,968		234,311		12,741		614,020
Underwriting (loss) income	$	(115,113)		2,129		(1,675)		(114,659)		(57,087)		(12,741)		(184,487)
Net investment income		24,432		1,219		-		25,651		6,590		(2,266)		29,975
Other income		1,418		641		230		2,289		3,017		(3,700)		1,606
Finance expenses		(1,713)		-		-		(1,713)		(63)		(12,225)		(14,001)
Operating (loss) income before taxes		(90,976)		3,989		(1,445)		(88,432)		(47,543)		(30,932)		(166,907)
Tax (expense) benefit		(2)		-		-		(2)		1,793		(332)		1,459
Net operating (loss) income	$	(90,978)		3,989		(1,445)		(88,434)		(45,750)		(31,264)		(165,448)
Net realized gains on investments		3,901		18		-		3,919		2,460		-		6,379
Net unrealized (losses) on investments		(7,676)		(839)		-		(8,515)		(4,313)		-		(12,828)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		(4,270)		(90)		-		(4,360)		3,901		(8)		(467)
Net (loss) income	$	(99,023)		3,078		(1,445)		(97,390)		(43,702)		(31,272)		(172,364)
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		92.3%		100.0%						66.8%				87.1%
Losses and loss expenses		124.7%		0.0%						93.5%				110.9%
Policy acquisition costs		16.0%		9.4%						21.0%				18.0%
General and administrative expenses (a)		5.5%		27.4%						17.7%				14.1%
Expense ratio		21.5%		36.8%						38.7%				32.1%
Combined ratio		146.2%		36.8%						132.2%				143.0%
Total assets	$	4,889,995	$	175,550					$	2,748,079	$	12,066	$	7,825,690
(a) Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

	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:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		Gross premiums written
		Validus Re		AlphaCat		Talbot		Eliminations		Total		%
United States		$	154,430	$	2,408	$	28,755	$	(2,302)	$	183,291	21.9%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)			22,195		-		76,260		(6,678)		91,777	11.0%
Europe			57,791		831		15,247		(1,166)		72,703	8.7%
Latin America and Caribbean			20,587		-		29,314		(2,295)		47,606	5.7%
Japan			(135)		-		660		(118)		407	0.0%
Canada			208		-		3,522		(207)		3,523	0.4%
Rest of the world (b)			41,941		279		-		-		42,220	5.0%
Sub-total, non United States			142,587		1,110		125,003		(10,464)		258,236	30.8%
Worldwide including United States (a)			58,019		-		14,797		(1,086)		71,730	8.6%
Marine and Aerospace (c)			211,830		-		124,698		(12,496)		324,032	38.7%
Total		$	566,866	$	3,518	$	293,253	$	(26,348)	$	837,289	100.0%
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
		Gross premiums written
		Validus Re		AlphaCat		Talbot		Eliminations		Total		%
United States		$	190,158	$	2,207	$	27,831	$	(1,897)	$	218,299	25.7%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)			26,978		-		67,967		(2,712)		92,233	10.9%
Europe			57,756		1,210		16,009		(502)		74,473	8.8%
Latin America and Caribbean			24,486		633		18,268		(13,629)		29,758	3.5%
Japan			10,198		-		540		(100)		10,638	1.2%
Canada			100		-		3,808		(100)		3,808	0.4%
Rest of the world (b)			36,057		-		-		-		36,057	4.2%
Sub-total, non United States			155,575		1,843		106,592		(17,043)		246,967	29.0%
Worldwide including United States (a)			65,096		3,100		10,530		(502)		78,224	9.2%
Marine and Aerospace (c)			193,259		-		118,104		(4,957)		306,406	36.1%
Total		$	604,088	$	7,150	$	263,057	$	(24,399)	$	849,896	100.0%
	(a) Represents risks in two or more geographic zones.
	(b) Represents risks in one geographic zone.
	(c) Not classified as geographic area as marine and aerospace risks can span multiple geographic areas and are not fixed locations in some instances.

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Investments (Fair value hierarchy of securities lending) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	$ 419	$ 7,736
Level 1 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	127	7,481
Level 2 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	292	255
Level 3 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	0	0
Corporate [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	292	255
Corporate [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	0	0
Corporate [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	292	255
Corporate [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	0	0
Short-term investments [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	127
Short-term investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	127
Short-term investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	0
Short-term investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value	0
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value		7,481
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value		7,481
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value		0
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral reinvested, estimated fair value		$ 0

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Stock plans (Other awards activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Activities
Cancelled	(99,302)
Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, cancelled	$ (28.70)
Restricted share awards [Member]
Activities
Beginning balance	3,003,547	3,114,039
Granted	4,500	3,333
Vested	(259,017)	(314,881)
Forfeited	(20,371)	0
Ending balance	2,728,659	2,802,491
Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance	$ 25.77	$ 24.33
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$ 30.49	$ 30.92
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$ 25.52	$ 25.37
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited	$ 27.96	$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance	$ 25.78	$ 24.23
Restricted share units [Member]
Activities
Beginning balance	53,312	47,049
Granted	0	0
Vested	(7,314)	(7,129)
Issued in lieu of cash dividends	408	296
Forfeited	0	0
Ending balance	46,406	40,216
Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance	$ 27.60	$ 25.04
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$ 24.27	$ 24.24
Weighted average grant date fair value, issued in lieu of cash dividends	$ 27.90	$ 25.45
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance	$ 28.13	$ 25.18
Performance share awards [Member]
Activities
Beginning balance	279,019	132,401
Granted	0	0
Vested	0	0
Forfeited		0
Ending balance	179,717	132,401
Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance	$ 30.77	$ 28.70
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited		$ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance	$ 31.91	$ 28.70

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 - $4,951,881; 2011 - $4,859,705)	$ 5,015,210	$ 4,894,145
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 - $304,150; 2011 - $280,299)	304,149	280,191
Other investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 - $15,938; 2011 - $15,002)	16,803	16,787
Cash and cash equivalents	917,396	832,844
Total investments and cash	6,253,558	6,023,967
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate	56,398	53,031
Premiums receivable	894,698	646,354
Deferred acquisition costs	170,722	121,505
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	125,407	91,381
Securities lending collateral	419	7,736
Loss reserves recoverable	351,292	372,485
Paid losses recoverable	47,657	90,495
Income taxes recoverable	967	0
Intangible assets	113,691	114,731
Goodwill	20,393	20,393
Accrued investment income	24,387	25,906
Other assets	62,280	50,487
Total assets	8,121,869	7,618,471
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	2,649,610	2,631,143
Unearned premiums	1,085,446	772,382
Reinsurance balances payable	152,724	119,899
Securities lending payable	1,108	8,462
Deferred income taxes	17,556	16,720
Net payable for investments purchased	63,427	1,256
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	75,678	83,402
Senior notes payable	247,009	246,982
Debentures payable	289,800	289,800
Total liabilities	4,582,358	4,170,046
Commitments and contingent liabilities	0	0
Shareholders' equity
Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2012 - 134,745,003; 2011 - 134,503,065; Outstanding: 2012 - 99,340,458; 2011 - 99,471,080)	23,580	23,538
Treasury shares (2012 - 35,404,545; 2011 - 35,031,985)	(6,196)	(6,131)
Additional paid-in-capital	1,886,776	1,893,890
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	(5,208)	(6,601)
Retained earnings	1,640,559	1,543,729
Total shareholders' equity	3,539,511	3,448,425
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 8,121,869	$ 7,618,471

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Investment in AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd. (Summarized information of equity method investment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment:
Investment	$ 41,389
Voting ownership %	43.70%
Equity ownership %	22.30%
Carrying value	$ 56,398	$ 53,031
Equity Method Investment Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Ownership percentage required for consolidation	50.00%

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 124,234	$ (172,364)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Share compensation expenses	5,438	12,049
Amortization of discount on senior notes	27	27
Net realized (gains) on investments	(7,532)	(6,379)
Net unrealized losses (gains) on investments	(20,671)	12,828
Amortization of intangible assets	1,040	1,040
Equity earnings in investment in non-consolidated affiliate	(3,367)	0
Foreign exchange (gains) included in net income	(13,070)	(4,694)
Amortization of premium on fixed maturities	7,517	8,542
Change in:
Premiums receivable	(246,039)	(345,025)
Deferred acquisition costs	(49,217)	(50,464)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(34,026)	(44,105)
Loss reserves recoverable	22,916	(168,836)
Paid losses recoverable	42,903	1,546
Income taxes recoverable	(1,004)	306
Accrued investment income	1,565	444
Other assets	(10,880)	5,409
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	8,702	489,356
Unearned premiums	313,064	354,648
Reinsurance balances payable	31,701	92,655
Deferred income taxes	1,029	(3,891)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(9,425)	(14,535)
Net cash provided by operating activities	164,905	168,557
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
Proceeds on sales of investments	939,646	1,581,206
Proceeds on maturities of investments	108,360	108,629
Purchases of fixed maturities	(1,080,442)	(1,449,698)
(Purchases) sales of short-term investments, net	(23,943)	(292,131)
Purchases of other investments	(947)	0
Decrease (increase) in securities lending collateral	7,354	(10,785)
Net cash (used in) investing activities	(49,972)	(62,779)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
(Redemption) issuance of common shares, net	(1,267)	3,139
Purchases of common shares under share repurchase program	(11,308)	(5,995)
Dividends paid	(26,997)	(27,196)
(Decrease) increase in securities lending payable	(7,354)	10,785
Net cash (used in) financing activities	(46,926)	(19,267)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	16,545	10,193
Net increase in cash	84,552	96,704
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	832,844	620,740
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	917,396	717,444
Taxes paid during the period	3,194	26
Interest paid during the period	$ 15,611	$ 17,458

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Debt and financing Arrangements (Text) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding			$ 0	[1]
Credit facility, commitment			60,000
Bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility [Member] | Terminated Credit Facilities [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility period	3 years
Credit facility, commitment	60,000
IPC Bi Lateral Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	51,583	[1]	57,146	[1]
Credit facility, commitment	80,000		80,000
Talbot Fal Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	25,000	[1],[2]	25,000	[1],[2]
Letter of credit facility, original commitment amount	100,000
Line of credit facility initiation date	2007-11-28
Credit facility, commitment	25,000	[2]	25,000	[2]
Percent of consolidated net income quarterly increase under covenant	50.00%
Percent of any net proceeds from issuance of common shares	50.00%
Ratio consolidated total debt to net worth under covenant	0.35:1.00
Minimum level of consolidated net worth	2,589,615
Syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding			0	[1]
Credit facility, commitment	400,000		340,000
Unsecured letter of credit facility [Member] | Terminated Credit Facilities [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility period	3 years
Credit facility, commitment	340,000
Secured letter of credit facility [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding			333,179	[1]
Credit facility, commitment			500,000
Secured letter of credit facility [Member] | Terminated Credit Facilities [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility period	5 years
Credit facility, commitment	500,000
Credit Facilities
Credit Facilities
Percent of consolidated net income quarterly increase under covenant	50.00%
Percent of any net proceeds from issuance of common shares	50.00%
Ratio consolidated total debt to net worth under covenant	0.35:1.00
Minimum level of consolidated net worth	2,600,000
Four-year unsecured credit facility [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility period	4 years
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	0	[1]
Line of credit facility initiation date	2012-03-09
Aggregate commitments, maximum	500,000
Description of interest rate basis	The borrowings bear interest, at the option of the Company, at the base rate (the higher of the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, and the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%) or the adjusted LIBOR rate applicable to such loans, plus an applicable rate.
Four-year unsecured credit facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Credit Facilities
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Four-year unsecured credit facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Credit Facilities
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Four-year syndicated secured credit facility [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility period	4 years
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	327,829	[1]	0
Line of credit facility initiation date	2012-03-09
Credit facility, commitment	525,000
Aggregate commitments, maximum	700,000
Description of interest rate basis	The borrowings bear interest at the base rate (the higher of the prime rate announced by PJMorgan Chase Bank, NA, the federal funds effective rate plus 0,50%, and the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%).
Four-year syndicated secured credit facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Credit Facilities
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Four-year syndicated secured credit facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Credit Facilities
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Bi-lateral secured facility [Member]
Credit Facilities
Letter of credit facility amount issued and outstanding	116	[1]	0
Line of credit facility initiation date	2009-08-10
Credit facility, commitment	500,000
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Length of optional redemption period	5 years
Debt issuance cost	3,750
Debt instrument issuance date	2006-06-15
Debt instrument maturity date	Jun. 15, 2036
Debt instrument, commitment	150,000		150,000
Frequency of required payments	quarterly
Start of optional redemption period	Jun. 15, 2011
Gross proceeds on issuance of junior subordinated deferrable debentures	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Length of optional redemption period	5 years
Debt issuance cost	2,000
Cumulative amount repurchased from an unaffiliated financial institution	60,200
Debt instrument issuance date	2007-06-21
Debt instrument maturity date	Jun. 15, 2037
Debt instrument, commitment	200,000		200,000
Frequency of required payments	quarterly
Start of optional redemption period	Jun. 15, 2012
Gross proceeds on issuance of junior subordinated deferrable debentures	200,000
2010 Senior Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Net proceeds on issuance of senior notes	243,967
Interest rate	8.875%
Debt issuance cost	2,808
Debt instrument issuance date	2010-01-21
Debt instrument maturity date	Jan. 26, 2040
Date of first required payment	2010-07-26
Debt instrument, commitment	$ 250,000		$ 250,000
Frequency of required payments	semi-annually
Jun 15 2006 - Jun 15 2011 [Member] | 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Interest rate	9.069%
Jun 21 2007 - Jun 15 2012 [Member] | 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Interest rate	8.48%
Jun 15 2011 - Jun 15 2036 [Member] | 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Description of variable rate basis	3 month LIBOR
Basis spread on variable rate	3.55%
Credit Facilities
Basis spread on variable rate	3.55%
Jun 15 2012 - Jun 15 2037 [Member] | 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]
Senior Notes and Junior Debentures
Description of variable rate basis	3 month LIBOR
Basis spread on variable rate	2.95%
Credit Facilities
Basis spread on variable rate	2.95%

[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.

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Investments (Components of net investment income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net investment income
Total gross investment income	$ 29,598	$ 31,532
Investment expenses	(1,838)	(1,557)
Net investment income	27,760	29,975
Fixed maturities and short term investments [Member]
Net investment income
Total gross investment income	27,276	28,935
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Net investment income
Total gross investment income	2,317	2,581
Securities lending income [Member]
Net investment income
Total gross investment income	$ 5	$ 16

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Segment information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$ 837,289		$ 849,896
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(107,052)		(109,820)
Net premiums written	730,237		740,076
Change in unearned premiums	(279,038)		(310,543)
Net premiums earned	451,199		429,533
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	231,989		476,198
Policy acquisition costs	78,132		77,296
General and administrative expenses	66,375		48,477
Share compensation expenses	5,438		12,049
Total underwriting deductions	381,934		614,020
Underwriting income (loss)	69,265		(184,487)
Net investment income	27,760		29,975
Other income	8,891		1,606
Finance expenses	(16,279)		(14,001)
Operating income (loss) before taxes	89,637		(166,907)
Tax (expense) benefit	(139)		1,459
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	3,367		0
Net operating income (loss)	92,865		(165,448)
Net realized gains on investments	7,532		6,379
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	20,671		(12,828)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	3,166		(467)
Net income (loss)	124,234		(172,364)
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written	87.20%		87.10%
Losses and loss expenses	51.40%		110.90%
Policy acquisition costs	17.30%		18.00%
General and administrative expenses	15.90%	[1]	14.10%	[1]
Expense ratio	33.20%		32.10%
Combined ratio	84.60%		143.00%
Total assets	8,121,869		7,825,690		7,618,471
Validus Re Segment [Member]
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	566,866		604,088
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(30,001)		(46,805)
Net premiums written	536,865		557,283
Change in unearned premiums	(283,856)		(308,340)
Net premiums earned	253,009		248,943
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	124,206		310,544
Policy acquisition costs	38,790		39,750
General and administrative expenses	17,252		10,657
Share compensation expenses	1,872		3,105
Total underwriting deductions	182,120		364,056
Underwriting income (loss)	70,889		(115,113)
Net investment income	23,577		24,432
Other income	2,219		1,418
Finance expenses	(3,694)		(1,713)
Operating income (loss) before taxes	92,991		(90,976)
Tax (expense) benefit	(7)		(2)
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	0
Net operating income (loss)	92,984		(90,978)
Net realized gains on investments	6,242		3,901
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	19,865		(7,676)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(262)		(4,270)
Net income (loss)	118,829		(99,023)
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written	94.70%		92.30%
Losses and loss expenses	49.10%		124.70%
Policy acquisition costs	15.30%		16.00%
General and administrative expenses	7.60%	[1]	5.50%
Expense ratio	22.90%		21.50%
Combined ratio	72.00%		146.20%
Total assets	4,940,727		4,889,995
AlphaCat Segment [Member]
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	3,518		7,150
Reinsurance premiums ceded	0		0
Net premiums written	3,518		7,150
Change in unearned premiums	(855)		(3,784)
Net premiums earned	2,663		3,366
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	0		0
Policy acquisition costs	256		316
General and administrative expenses	1,032		894
Share compensation expenses	52		27
Total underwriting deductions	1,340		1,237
Underwriting income (loss)	1,323		2,129
Net investment income	659		1,219
Other income	7,974		641
Finance expenses	(2)		0
Operating income (loss) before taxes	9,954		3,989
Tax (expense) benefit	0		0
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	3,367
Net operating income (loss)	13,321		3,989
Net realized gains on investments	0		18
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(597)		(839)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(9)		(90)
Net income (loss)	12,715		3,078
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written	100.00%		100.00%
Losses and loss expenses	0.00%		0.00%
Policy acquisition costs	9.60%		9.40%
General and administrative expenses	40.70%	[1]	27.40%
Expense ratio	50.30%		36.80%
Combined ratio	50.30%		36.80%
Total assets	237,528		175,550
Legal Entity Adjustments
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	0		0
Reinsurance premiums ceded	0		0
Net premiums written	0		0
Change in unearned premiums	0		0
Net premiums earned	0		0
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	0		0
Policy acquisition costs	0		0
General and administrative expenses	449		1,347
Share compensation expenses	152		328
Total underwriting deductions	601		1,675
Underwriting income (loss)	(601)		(1,675)
Net investment income	0		0
Other income	890		230
Finance expenses	0		0
Operating income (loss) before taxes	289		(1,445)
Tax (expense) benefit	0		0
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	0
Net operating income (loss)	289		(1,445)
Net realized gains on investments	0		0
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	0		0
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	0		0
Net income (loss)	289		(1,445)
Validus Re Legal Entity [Member]
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	570,384		611,238
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(30,001)		(46,805)
Net premiums written	540,383		564,433
Change in unearned premiums	(284,711)		(312,124)
Net premiums earned	255,672		252,309
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	124,206		310,544
Policy acquisition costs	39,046		40,066
General and administrative expenses	18,733		12,898
Share compensation expenses	2,076		3,460
Total underwriting deductions	184,061		366,968
Underwriting income (loss)	71,611		(114,659)
Net investment income	24,236		25,651
Other income	11,083		2,289
Finance expenses	(3,696)		(1,713)
Operating income (loss) before taxes	103,234		(88,432)
Tax (expense) benefit	(7)		(2)
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	3,367
Net operating income (loss)	106,594		(88,434)
Net realized gains on investments	6,242		3,919
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	19,268		(8,515)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(271)		(4,360)
Net income (loss)	131,833		(97,390)
Talbot [Member]
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	293,253		263,057
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(103,399)		(87,414)
Net premiums written	189,854		175,643
Change in unearned premiums	5,673		1,581
Net premiums earned	195,527		177,224
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	107,783		165,654
Policy acquisition costs	38,738		37,216
General and administrative expenses	33,348		28,722
Share compensation expenses	1,348		2,719
Total underwriting deductions	181,217		234,311
Underwriting income (loss)	14,310		(57,087)
Net investment income	5,790		6,590
Other income	1,026		3,017
Finance expenses	(31)		(63)
Operating income (loss) before taxes	21,095		(47,543)
Tax (expense) benefit	(132)		1,793
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	0
Net operating income (loss)	20,963		(45,750)
Net realized gains on investments	1,290		2,460
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	1,403		(4,313)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	3,623		3,901
Net income (loss)	27,279		(43,702)
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written	64.70%		66.80%
Losses and loss expenses	55.10%		93.50%
Policy acquisition costs	19.80%		21.00%
General and administrative expenses	17.70%	[1]	17.70%	[1]
Expense ratio	37.50%		38.70%
Combined ratio	92.60%		132.20%
Total assets	2,929,817		2,748,079
Corporate & Eliminations [Member]
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	(26,348)		(24,399)
Reinsurance premiums ceded	26,348		24,399
Net premiums written	0		0
Change in unearned premiums	0		0
Net premiums earned	0		0
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	0		0
Policy acquisition costs	348		14
General and administrative expenses	14,294		6,857
Share compensation expenses	2,014		5,870
Total underwriting deductions	16,656		12,741
Underwriting income (loss)	(16,656)		(12,741)
Net investment income	(2,266)		(2,266)
Other income	(3,218)		(3,700)
Finance expenses	(12,552)		(12,225)
Operating income (loss) before taxes	(34,692)		(30,932)
Tax (expense) benefit	0		(332)
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	0
Net operating income (loss)	(34,692)		(31,264)
Net realized gains on investments	0		0
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	0		0
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(186)		(8)
Net income (loss)	(34,878)		(31,272)
Selected ratios:
Total assets	$ 13,797		$ 12,066

[1] Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

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Significant accounting policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of preparation

These unaudited consolidated financial statements include Validus Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 in Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In addition, the year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. This Quarterly Report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2011, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

Use of estimates

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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.

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.

Reserves 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 and adjusted 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.

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.

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.

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.

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Investments (Realized and unrealized gains) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents
Gross realized gains	$ 10,008	$ 15,765
Gross realized (losses)	(2,476)	(9,386)
Net realized gains on investments	7,532	6,379
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	20,671	(12,828)
Net unrealized gains on securities lending	37	30
Total net realized gains and change in net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	28,203	(6,449)
Investments excluding securities lending [Member]
Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$ 20,634	$ (12,858)

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Investment in AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd. (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Equity method investment [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the beginning and ending non-consolidated affiliate balance

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		Investment in non-consolidated affiliate
As at December 31, 2011		$	53,031
	Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate		3,367
As at March 31, 2012		$	56,398

Summarized financial information of non-consolidated affiliate

The following table presents the Company's equity investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 at March 31, 2012:
	Investment in non-consolidated affiliate
		Investment at cost	Voting ownership %	Equity ownership %		Carrying value
AlphaCat Re 2011	$	41,389	43.7%	22.3%	$	56,398

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Basis of preparation and consolidation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Basis of preparation and consolidation [Abstract]

Basis of preparation and consolidation

1. Basis of preparation and consolidation

These unaudited consolidated financial statements include Validus Holdings, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 in Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In addition, the year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. This Quarterly Report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2011, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. The term “ASC” used in these notes refers to Accounting Standard Codifications issued by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	$ 4,951,881	$ 4,859,705
Short-term investments, at amortized cost	304,150	280,299
Other investments, at amortized cost	$ 15,938	$ 15,002
Shareholders' equity
Common shares, par value	$ 0.175	$ 0.175
Common shares, shares authorized	571,428,571	571,428,571
Common shares, shares issued	134,745,003	134,503,065
Common shares, shares outstanding	99,340,458	99,471,080
Treasury stock, common shares	35,404,545	35,031,985

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Commitments and contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments and contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and contingencies

11. Commitments and contingencies

• 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 March 31, 2012, 1.2% 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 1.1% of its investment portfolio, other than with respect to government and agency securities.

• Funds at Lloyd's

  The amounts provided under the Talbot FAL Facility would become a liability of the Company in the event of Syndicate 1183 declaring a loss at a level which would call on this arrangement.

  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 March 31, 2012 amounted to $473,800 (December 31, 2011: $473,800) of which $25,000is provided under the Talbot FAL Facility (December 31, 2011: $25,000).

• 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 2012estimated premium income at Lloyd's of £600,000, the March 31, 2012 exchange rate of £1 equals 1.6013 and assuming the maximum 3% assessment, the Company would be assessed approximately $28,823.

(d) Aquiline Commitment

On December 20, 2011, Validus Re, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "Agreement") with Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Assignor") and Aquiline Capital Partners II GP (Offshore) Ltd., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the "General Partner") pursuant to which Validus Re has assumed 100% of the Assignor's interest in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. (the "Partnership") representing a total capital commitment of $50,000 (the "Commitment"), as a limited partner in the Partnership (the "Transferred Interest"). The Transferred Interest is governed by the terms of an Amended and Restated Exempted Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of July 2, 2010 (the "Limited Partnership Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, the Commitment will expire on July 2, 2015. Validus Re's remaining commitment at March 31, 2012 was $45,217.

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	May 01, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VALIDUS HOLDINGS LTD
Entity Central Index Key	0001348259
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		99,343,415

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Related party transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related party transactions

12. 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)       Aquiline Capital Partners, LLC and its related companies (“Aquiline”), which own 6,255,943 shares in the Company, hold warrants to purchase 2,756,088 shares, and have two employees on the Company's 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 of $297 (2011: $511) of which $201 was included in premiums receivable at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $330). The Company also recognized reinsurance premiums ceded during the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $nil (2011: $163), of which $1 was included in reinsurance balances payable at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $21). Earned premium adjustments of $362 (2011: $334) were incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

       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 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $290 (2011: $453), of which $177 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $86).

       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, one of the Company's directors, serves as a director of a subsidiary company of Conning Holdings Corp. Investment management fees incurred under this agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $203 (2011: $146), of which $402 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $203).

On December 20, 2011, Validus Reentered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "Agreement") with Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Assignor") and Aquiline Capital Partners II GP (Offshore) Ltd., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the "General Partner") pursuant to which Validus Re has assumed 100% of the Assignor's interest in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. (the "Partnership") representing a total capital commitment of $50,000 (the "Commitment"), as a limited partner in the Partnership (the "Transferred Interest"). Messrs. Greenberg and Watson, directors of the Company, serve as managing principal and senior principal, respectively, of Aquiline Capital Partners LLC. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company incurred $1,436 (2011: $nil) in partnership fees and made $1,529 of capital contributions (2011: $nil), of which $nil was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $ nil).

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$ 837,289	$ 849,896
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(107,052)	(109,820)
Net premiums written	730,237	740,076
Change in unearned premiums	(279,038)	(310,543)
Net premiums earned	451,199	429,533
Net investment income	27,760	29,975
Net realized gains on investments	7,532	6,379
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	20,671	(12,828)
Other income	8,891	1,606
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	3,166	(467)
Total revenues	519,219	454,198
Expenses
Losses and loss expenses	231,989	476,198
Policy acquisition costs	78,132	77,296
General and administrative expenses	66,375	48,477
Share compensation expenses	5,438	12,049
Finance expenses	16,279	14,001
Total expenses	398,213	628,021
Net income (loss) before taxes	121,006	(173,823)
Tax (expense) benefit	(139)	1,459
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate	3,367	0
Net income (loss)	124,234	(172,364)
Comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,393	957
Other comprehensive income	1,393	957
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 125,627	$ (171,407)
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic	99,425,140	97,944,340
Diluted	105,096,090	97,944,340
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 1.23	$ (1.78)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 1.18	$ (1.78)
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.25	$ 0.25

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Reserve for losses and loss expenses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Reserve for losses and loss expenses [Abstract]

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

6. 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 and adjusted 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 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended
		March 31,	March 31,
		2012	2011
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period	$	2,631,143	$	2,035,973
Losses and loss expenses recoverable		(372,485)		(283,134)
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period		2,258,658		1,752,839
Increase (decrease) in net losses and loss expenses incurred
in respect of losses occurring in:
Current year		262,413		502,714
Prior years		(30,424)		(26,516)
Total incurred losses and loss expenses		231,989		476,198
Total net paid losses		(204,223)		(163,257)
Foreign exchange		11,894		14,934
Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period		2,298,318		2,080,714
Losses and loss expenses recoverable		351,292		453,701
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period	$	2,649,610	$	2,534,415

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Derivative instruments used in hedging activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivative instruments used in hedging activities [Abstract]

Derivative instruments used in hedging activities

5. Derivative instruments used in hedging activities

			Asset derivatives			Liability derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	Notional amount		Balance Sheet location	Fair value		Balance Sheet location	Fair value
Foreign exchange contracts	$	104,300	Other assets	$	-	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	676
The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the derivative fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011:
			Asset derivatives			Liability derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	Notional amount		Balance Sheet location	Fair value		Balance Sheet location	Fair value
Foreign exchange contract	$	75,323	Other assets	$	476	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	-

(a) Classification within the fair value hierarchy

As described in Note 3 “Investments” under U.S. GAAP, a company must determine the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy for each fair value measurement. 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, these derivatives were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(b) Derivative instruments designated as a fair value hedge

The Company designates its derivative instruments as fair value hedges and formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items and links the hedging derivatives to specific assets and liabilities.  The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedges, both at inception and on an on-going basis and determines whether the hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the linked hedged items.

The following table provides the total impact on earnings relating to the derivative instruments formally designated as fair value hedges along with the impact of the related hedged items for the three months ended March 31, 2012and 2011:

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:	Location of gain (loss) recognized in income	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative		Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange	Foreign exchange (losses) gains	$	(3,319)	$	3,319	$	-
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item:	Location of gain (loss) recognized in income	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative		Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)
Foreign exchange	Foreign exchange (losses) gains	$	(3,822)	$	3,822	$	-

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Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Fair value hierarchy - allocation of investments

	At March 31, 2012, 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		$	-	$	1,216,891	$	-	$	1,216,891
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency			-		406,754		-		406,754
States, municipalities, political subdivision			-		25,784		-		25,784
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-		470,868		-		470,868
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-		33,449		-		33,449
U.S. corporate			-		1,354,566		-		1,354,566
Non-U.S. corporate			-		631,522		-		631,522
Bank loans			-		490,147		-		490,147
Catastrophe bonds			-		29,355		-		29,355
Asset-backed securities			-		355,874		-		355,874
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			-		-		-		-
Total fixed maturities			-		5,015,210		-		5,015,210
Short-term investments			297,303		6,846		-		304,149
Fund of hedge funds / Private equity investment			-		-		8,325		8,325
Mutual funds			-		8,478		-		8,478
Total		$	297,303	$	5,030,534	$	8,325	$	5,336,162
	At December 31, 2011, 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		$	-	$	1,182,393	$	-	$	1,182,393
Non-U.S. Government and Government Agency			-		449,358		-		449,358
States, municipalities, political subdivision			-		26,291		-		26,291
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-		468,054		-		468,054
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities			-		32,706		-		32,706
U.S. corporate			-		1,329,758		-		1,329,758
Non-U.S. corporate			-		579,675		-		579,675
Bank loans			-		467,256		-		467,256
Catastrophe bonds			-		29,952		-		29,952
Asset-backed securities			-		328,299		-		328,299
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			-		403		-		403
Total fixed maturities			-		4,894,145		-		4,894,145
Short-term investments			257,854		22,337		-		280,191
Fund of hedge funds / Private equity investment			-		-		8,880		8,880
Mutual funds			-		7,907		-		7,907
Total		$	257,854	$	4,924,389	$	8,880	$	5,191,123

Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for all Level 3 investments measured at fair value on recurring basis

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Fixed Maturity Investments		Other Investments		Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period	$	-	$	8,880	$	8,880
Purchases		-		1,529		1,529
Sales		-		(620)		(620)
Issuances		-		-		-
Settlements		-		-		-
Realized gains		-		28		28
Unrealized (losses)		-		(1,492)		(1,492)
Amortization		-		-		-
Transfers		-		-		-
Level 3 investments - End of period	$	-	$	8,325	$	8,325
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Fixed Maturity Investments		Other Investments		Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments - Beginning of period	$	-	$	12,892	$	12,892
Purchases		-		-		-
Sales		-		(2,562)		(2,562)
Issuances		-		-		-
Settlements		-		-		-
Realized gains		-		260		260
Unrealized (losses)		-		123		123
Amortization		-		-		-
Transfers		-		-		-
Level 3 investments - End of period	$	-	$	10,713	$	10,713

Net investment income

(b) Net investment income
Net investment income was derived from the following sources:
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		March 31,
	2012		2011
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	27,276	$	28,935
Cash and cash equivalents		2,317		2,581
Securities lending income		5		16
Total gross investment income		29,598		31,532
Investment expenses		(1,838)		(1,557)
Net investment income	$	27,760	$	29,975

Analysis of net realized gains and change in unrealized (losses) gains on investments

(c) Fixed maturity and short-term investments
	The following represents an analysis of net realized gains and the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on
investments:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2012		2011
Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents
Gross realized gains		$	10,008	$	15,765
Gross realized (losses)			(2,476)		(9,386)
Net realized gains on investments			7,532		6,379
Net unrealized gains on securities lending			37		30
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments			20,634		(12,858)
Total net realized gains and change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		$	28,203	$	(6,449)

Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at March 31, 2012 were as follows:
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	1,211,508	$	6,900	$	(1,517)	$	1,216,891
Non-U.S. Government and Government
Agency		398,550		9,100		(896)		406,754
States, municipalities, political subdivision		25,101		683		-		25,784
Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities		454,249		16,837		(218)		470,868
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities		37,711		259		(4,521)		33,449
U.S. corporate		1,327,830		28,697		(1,961)		1,354,566
Non-U.S. corporate		623,577		8,905		(960)		631,522
Bank loans		489,058		4,331		(3,242)		490,147
Catastrophe bonds		29,250		166		(61)		29,355
Asset-backed securities		355,047		1,586		(759)		355,874
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		-		-		-		-
Total fixed maturities		4,951,881		77,464		(14,135)		5,015,210
Total short-term investments		304,150		3		(4)		304,149
Total other investments		15,938		2,301		(1,436)		16,803
Total	$	5,271,969	$	79,768	$	(15,575)	$	5,336,162
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2011 were as follows:
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
U.S. Government and Government Agency	$	1,170,810	$	11,630	$	(47)	$	1,182,393
Non-U.S. Government and Government
Agency		446,258		9,173		(6,073)		449,358
States, municipalities, political subdivision		25,715		586		(10)		26,291
Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities		451,751		16,622		(319)		468,054
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities		39,134		143		(6,571)		32,706
U.S. corporate		1,314,375		24,932		(9,549)		1,329,758
Non-U.S. corporate		577,743		6,320		(4,388)		579,675
Bank loans		475,770		2,435		(10,949)		467,256
Catastrophe bonds		29,250		702		-		29,952
Asset-backed securities		328,497		900		(1,098)		328,299
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		402		1		-		403
Total fixed maturities		4,859,705		73,444		(39,004)		4,894,145
Total short-term investments		280,299		1		(109)		280,191
Total other investments		15,002		1,785		-		16,787
Total	$	5,155,006	$	75,230	$	(39,113)	$	5,191,123

Investment ratings on fixed maturities

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Estimated Fair Value		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
AAA	$	852,954		17.0%	$	882,912		18.0%
AA		2,114,001		42.2%		2,077,981		42.5%
A		1,192,091		23.8%		1,078,793		22.0%
BBB		323,226		6.4%		345,091		7.1%
Investment grade		4,482,272		89.4%		4,384,777		89.6%
BB		285,476		5.7%		254,409		5.2%
B		223,175		4.4%		231,420		4.7%
CCC		12,760		0.3%		12,578		0.3%
CC		4,944		0.1%		4,605		0.1%
D/NR		6,583		0.1%		6,356		0.1%
Non-Investment grade		532,938		10.6%		509,368		10.4%
Total Fixed Maturities	$	5,015,210		100.0%	$	4,894,145		100.0%

Fixed maturities investments by contractual maturity

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	498,365	$	503,282	$	520,631	$	523,107
Due after one year through five years		3,208,987		3,251,358		3,160,647		3,186,711
Due after five years through ten years		383,404		386,216		350,459		346,654
Due after ten years		14,118		14,163		8,184		8,211
		4,104,874		4,155,019		4,039,921		4,064,683
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed
securities		847,007		860,191		819,784		829,462
Total	$	4,951,881	$	5,015,210	$	4,859,705	$	4,894,145

Fair value hierarchy - allocation of securities lending collateral reinvested

		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Corporate		$	-	$	292	$	-	$	292
Short-term investments			127		-		-		127
Total		$	127	$	292	$	-	$	419
	As at December 31, 2011, 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		$	-	$	255	$	-	$	255
Cash and cash equivalents			7,481		-		-		7,481
Total		$	7,481	$	255	$	-	$	7,736

Investment ratings on securities lending collateral reinvested

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Estimated Fair Value		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
NR		292		69.7%		255		3.3%
		292		69.7%		255		3.3%
NR- Short-term investments (a)		127		30.3%		7,481		96.7%
Total	$	419		100.0%	$	7,736		100.0%
(a) This amount relates to certain short-term investments with short original maturities which are generally not rated.

Securities lending collateral reinvested, by contractual maturity

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	108	$	127	$	7,462	$	7,481
Due after one year through five years		1,000		292		1,000		255
Total	$	1,108	$	419	$	8,462	$	7,736

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Earnings per share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings per share [Abstract]

Earnings per share

13.Earnings per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2012		2011
Basic earnings per share
Income (loss)		$	124,234	$	(172,364)
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants			(1,729)		(1,984)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders		$	122,505	$	(174,348)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			99,425,140		97,944,340
Basic earnings (loss) per share		$	1.23	$	(1.78)
Diluted earnings per share
Income (loss)		$	124,234	$	(172,364)
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants			-		(1,984)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders		$	124,234	$	(174,348)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding			99,425,140		97,944,340
Share equivalents:
	Warrants		3,022,971		-
	Stock options		813,863		-
	Unvested restricted shares		1,834,116		-
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding			105,096,090		97,944,340
Diluted earnings (loss) per share		$	1.18	$	(1.78)

Share equivalents that would result in the issuance of common shares of16,660 (2011: 15,995)were outstanding for thethree months ended March 31, 2012,but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be antidilutive.

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Stock plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock plans [Abstract]

Stock plans

9. Stock plans

• Long Term Incentive Plan and Short Term Incentive Plan

The Company's Amended and Restated2005 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 are13,126,896 shares of which 4,104,307shares are remaining. The LTIP and STIP are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. No SARshave been granted to date. Grant prices are established at thefair 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. Fair value of the option awards at the date of grant is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used for all grants to date:

Year	Weighted average risk free interest rate	Weighted average dividend yield	Expected life (years)	Expected volatility
2009	3.9%	3.7%	2	34.6%
2010 (a)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
2011 (a)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

(a) The Company has not granted any stock option awards since September 4, 2009.

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 expensesof $135were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (2011: $1,247). 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 was as follows:

			Weighted Average		Weighted Average
			Grant Date		Grant Date
	Options		Fair Value		Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2011		2,263,012	$	6.69	$	20.12
Options granted		-		-		-
Options exercised		(7,149)		6.90		24.69
Options forfeited		-		-		-
Options outstanding, March 31, 2012		2,255,863	$	6.69	$	20.10
Options exercisable at March 31, 2012		2,227,043	$	6.64	$	20.08
Activity with respect to options for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
			Weighted Average		Weighted Average
			Grant Date		Grant Date
	Options		Fair Value		Exercise Price
Options outstanding, December 31, 2010		2,723,684	$	6.74	$	20.19
Options granted		-		-		-
Options exercised		(201,709)		4.48		21.94
Options forfeited		-		-		-
Options outstanding, March 31, 2011		2,521,975	$	6.92	$	20.05
Options exercisable at March 31, 2011		2,399,880	$	6.81	$	19.94

At March 31, 2012, there were $7(December 31, 2011: $141) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of options that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.1 year(December 31, 2011:0.2 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 during the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expensesof $5,940were recorded for thethree months ended March 31, 2012 (2011: $9,156).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 awards for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was as follows:

	Restricted		Weighted Average
	Share		Grant Date
	Awards		Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011		3,003,547	$	25.77
Restricted share awards granted		4,500		30.49
Restricted share awards vested		(259,017)		25.52
Restricted share awards forfeited		(20,371)		27.96
Restricted share awards outstanding, March 31, 2012		2,728,659	$	25.78
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
	Restricted		Weighted Average
	Share		Grant Date
	Awards		Fair Value
Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010		3,114,039	$	24.33
Restricted share awards granted		3,333		30.92
Restricted share awards vested		(314,881)		25.37
Restricted share awards forfeited		-		-
Restricted share awards outstanding, March 31, 2011		2,802,491	$	24.23

At March 31, 2012, there were $34,817 (December 31, 2011: $40,809) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of restricted share awards that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years (December 31, 2011: 2.4 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 during the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expenses of $120were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (2011: $114).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 three months ended March 31, 2012

			Weighted Average
	Restricted		Grant Date
	Share Units		Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2011		53,312	$	27.60
Restricted share units granted		-		-
Restricted share units vested		(7,314)		24.27
Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends		408		27.90
Restricted share units forfeited		-		-
Restricted share units outstanding, March 31, 2012		46,406	$	28.13
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
			Weighted Average
	Restricted		Grant Date
	Share Units		Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2010		47,049	$	25.04
Restricted share units granted		-		-
Restricted share units vested		(7,129)		24.24
Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends		296		25.45
Restricted share units forfeited		-		-
Restricted share units outstanding, March 31, 2011		40,216	$	25.18

At March 31, 2012, there were $870(December 31, 2011: $985) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of restricted share units that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years(December 31, 2011:2.7 years).

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 during the period, the grant date Diluted Book Value per Share (“DBVPS”) is based on the DBVPS at the end of the most recent financial reporting year. The Dividend Adjusted Performance Period End DBVPS will be the DBVPS three years after the grant date DBVPS. 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 comprehensive income in the period in which they are determined.

Share compensation expensesof ($757)were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (2011: $344). 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 was as follows:

			Weighted Average
	Performance		Grant Date
	Share Awards		Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011		279,019	$	30.77
Performance share awards granted		-		-
Performance share awards vested		-		-
Performance share awards cancelled		(99,302)		28.70
Performance share awards outstanding, March 31, 2012		179,717	$	31.91
Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
			Weighted Average
	Performance		Grant Date
	Share Awards		Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010		132,401	$	28.70
Performance share awards granted		-		-
Performance share awards vested		-		-
Performance share awards forfeited		-		-
Performance share awards outstanding, March 31, 2011		132,401	$	28.70

At March 31, 2012, there were $3,698(December 31, 2011: $5,677) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of PSAs that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years(December 31, 2011: 2.1 years).

• 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 were subject to a restricted period during which they were subject to forfeiture (as implemented by repurchase by the Company for a nominal amount). Forfeiture of employee seller shares would generally have occurred in the event that any such Talbot employee's employment terminated, with certain exceptions, prior to the end of the restricted period. The restricted period ended 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 on July 2, 2011 the potential for forfeiture was completely extinguished.

As of July 2, 2011, the employee seller shares were fully expensed. Share compensation expensesof $1,188were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

(c) Total share compensation expenses
	The breakdown of share compensation expenses by award type was as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Options		$	135	$	1,247
Restricted share awards			5,940		9,156
Restricted share units			120		114
Performance share awards			(757)		344
Employee seller shares			-		1,188
Total		$	5,438	$	12,049

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Commitments and contingencies (Investment portfolio and Lloyd's syndicate) (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Investment portfolio excluding government and agency securities [Member] Concentrations of credit risk [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Investment portfolio excluding bank loans [Member] Concentrations of credit risk [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Lloyd's Syndicate 1183 [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Lloyd's Syndicate 1183 [Member] GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2011 Lloyd's Syndicate 1183 [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 Talbot Fal Facility [Member] USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2011 Talbot Fal Facility [Member] USD ($)
Funds at Lloyd's and Lloyd's Central Fund
Maximum premium levies assessable, percent			3.00%	3.00%
Maximum premium levies assessable, amount			$ 28,823
Estimated underwriting capacity				600,000
Exchange rate			£1 equals 1.60125	£1 equals 1.60125
Components Of Required Capital [Abstract]
Credit facility, commitment						25,000	[1]	25,000	[1]
Cash, investments and letters of credit amount			$ 473,800		$ 473,800
Concentrations of credit risk
Aggregate exposure to single issuer, actual	1.10%
Maximum aggregate exposure to single issuer, allowed	3.00%
Minimum credit rating of any security purchased		Baa3/BBB-
Percent of investment portfolio with a credit rating below the minimum required credit rating of Baa3/BBB-		1.20%
Holding in aggregate market value permitted with written pre-authorization		10.00%
Allowable percentage holding in downgraded investments		2.00%

[1] 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.

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Reinsurance

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Reinsurance [Abstract]

Reinsurance

7. 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.

• 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 March 31, 2012,99.7% of reinsurance recoverables (which includes loss reserves recoverable and recoverables on paid losses) were from reinsurers rated A- or better and included $97,048of IBNR recoverable (December 31, 2011:$125,298). Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer are as follows:

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total		Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total
Top 10 reinsurers	$	313,589		78.6%	$	323,315		69.8%
Other reinsurers' balances > $1 million		78,870		19.8%		132,417		28.6%
Other reinsurers' balances < $1 million		6,490		1.6%		7,248		1.6%
Total	$	398,949		100.0%	$	462,980		100.0%

	March 31, 2012
Top 10 Reinsurers	Rating	Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total
Lloyd's Syndicates	A+	$	82,289	26.4%
Allianz	AA-		45,000	14.3%
Everest Re	A+		44,304	14.1%
Hannover Re	AA-		40,219	12.8%
Transatlantic Re	A+		21,297	6.8%
Amlin AG	A		18,307	5.8%
Odyssey Reinsurance Company	A-		16,269	5.2%
Swiss Re	AA-		15,809	5.0%
Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd.	A		15,801	5.0%
Fully Collateralized	NR		14,294	4.6%
Total		$	313,589	100.0%

	December 31, 2011
Top 10 Reinsurers	Rating	Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total
Lloyd's Syndicates	A+	$	77,419	24.0%
Allianz	AA-		59,764	18.5%
Hannover Re	AA-		39,762	12.3%
Everest Re	A+		38,618	11.9%
Transatlantic Re	A+		21,344	6.6%
Tokio Millenium Re Ltd	AA-		20,432	6.3%
Fully Collateralized	NR		18,140	5.6%
Odyssey Reinsurance Company	A-		16,737	5.2%
Platinum Underwriters	A		15,833	4.9%
Munich Re	AA-		15,266	4.7%
Total		$	323,315	100.0%

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the provision for uncollectible reinsurance relating to losses recoverable was $6,286and $6,821, 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 $398,949 reinsurance recoverable at March 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $462,980), $14,294was fully collateralized (December 31, 2011: $18,140).

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.

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Share capital

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Share capital [Abstract]

Share capital

8. Share capital

• 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 common voting shares are entitled to receive dividends and 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. The Company has repurchased 35,404,545 common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $958,478 from the inception of its share repurchase program to May 1, 2012. The Company has $370,695 remaining under its authorized share repurchase program.

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.

The following table is a summary of the common shares issued and outstanding:

	Common Shares
Common shares issued, December 31, 2011		134,503,065
Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld		229,688
Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld		5,101
Employee seller shares vested		-
Options exercised		7,149
Warrants exercised		-
Direct issuance of common stock		-
Common shares issued, March 31, 2012		134,745,003
Shares repurchased		(35,404,545)
Common shares outstanding, March 31, 2012		99,340,458
	Common Shares
Common shares issued, December 31, 2010		132,838,111
Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld		274,966
Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld		5,376
Employee seller shares vested		-
Options exercised		201,709
Warrants exercised		-
Common shares issued, March 31, 2011		133,320,162
Shares repurchased		(35,031,985)
Common shares outstanding, March 31, 2011		98,288,177

• Warrants

  During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011,nowarrants were exercised.

• 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 deferred 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 March 31, 2012were 4,888 (December 31, 2011:4,850).

• Dividends

On February 9, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 (2011: $0.25) per common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable. This dividend was paid on March 30, 2012 to holders of record on March 15, 2012.

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Debt and financing arrangements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Debt and financing arrangements [Abstract]

Debt and financing arrangements

10. Debt and financing arrangements

(a) Financing structure and finance expenses
	The financing structure at March 31, 2012 was:
		Commitment		Outstanding (a)		Drawn
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		$	150,000	$	150,000	$	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures			200,000		139,800		139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040			250,000		250,000		247,009
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility			400,000		-		-
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility			525,000		327,829		-
$500,000 bi-lateral secured letter of credit facility			500,000		116		-
Talbot FAL Facility (b)			25,000		25,000		-
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility			80,000		51,583		-
Total		$	2,130,000	$	944,328	$	536,809
	The financing structure at December 31, 2011 was:
		Commitment		Outstanding (a)		Drawn
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		$	150,000	$	150,000	$	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures			200,000		139,800		139,800
2010 Senior Notes due 2040			250,000		250,000		246,982
$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		333,179		-
Talbot FAL Facility (b)			25,000		25,000		-
IPC Bi-Lateral Facility			80,000		57,146		-
Total		$	1,605,000	$	955,125	$	536,782

(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.

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 facilitiesand the costs of FAL as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		March 31,
	2012		2011
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	1,549	$	3,588
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures		3,029		3,029
2010 Senior Notes due 2040		5,597		5,597
Credit facilities		6,073		1,724
Talbot FAL Facility		31		63
Total	$	16,279	$	14,001

• $250,000 2010 Senior Notes due 2040

On January 21, 2010, the Company offered and sold $250,000 of Senior Notes due 2040 (the “2010 Senior Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 2010 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 2010Senior Notes bear interest at the rate of 8.875% per annum from January 26, 2010 to maturity or early redemption. Interest on the 2010Senior 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 2010 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 2010Senior Notes.

The 2010 Senior Notesare unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company's existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The 2010 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 2010 Senior Notes will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of the Company's subsidiaries.

Future expected payments of principal on the 2010 Senior Notes are as follows:

2012	$	-
2013		-
2014		-
2015		-
2016 and thereafter		250,000
Total minimum future payments	$	250,000

• 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 “2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures”). The 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 “2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures”). The 2007 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 2007 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 2007 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.

During 2008 and 2009 the Company repurchased from an unaffiliated financial institution $60,200 principal amount of its 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures due 2037.

Future expected payments of principal on the 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures are as follows:

2012	$	-
2013		-
2014		-
2015		-
2016 and thereafter		289,800
Total minimum future payments	$	289,800

• Credit facilities

(i)        $400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility and $525,000 secured letter of credit facility

On March 9, 2012, the Company, Validus Re Americas, Ltd. ("Validus Re Americas"),PaCRe, Ltd.and Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. ("Validus Re") entered into a $400,000 four-year unsecured credit facility with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, Lloyds Securities Inc. and Suntrust Bank, as co-documentation agents and the lenders party thereto, which provides for letter of credit availability for the Company and certain designated subsidiaries of the Company and revolving credit availability for the Company (the "Four Year Unsecured Facility") (the full $400,000 of which is available for letters of credit and/or revolving loans). The Four Year Unsecured Facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lloyds Securities Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. Letters of credit under the Four Year Unsecured Facility are available to support obligations in connection with the insurance business of the Company and its subsidiaries. Loans under the Four Year Unsecured Facility are available for the general corporate and working capital purposes of the Company. The Company may request that existing lenders under the Four Year Unsecured Facility or prospective additional lenders agree to make available additional commitments from time to time so long as the aggregate commitments under the Four Year Unsecured Facility do not exceed $500,000. Letter of credit fees are payable on account of each letter of credit issued under the Four Year Unsecured Facility at a rate per annum equal to an applicable rate. Borrowings under the Four Year Unsecured Facility bear interest, at the option of the Company, at the base rate (the higher of the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, and the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%) or the adjusted LIBOR rate applicable to such loans, plus an applicable rate.

Also on March 9, 2012, the Company, Validus Re Americas and Validus Re entered into a $525,000 four-year secured credit facility with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, Lloyds Securities Inc. and Suntrust Bank, as co-documentation agents and the lenders party thereto, which provides for letter of credit availability for the Company and certain designated subsidiaries of the Company (the "Four Year Secured Facility" and together with the Four Year Unsecured Facility, the "Credit Facilities"). The Four Year Secured Facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Lloyds Securities Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. Letters of credit under the Four Year Secured Facility will be available to support obligations in connection with the insurance business of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company may request that existing lenders under the Four Year Secured Facility or prospective additional lenders agree to make available additional commitments from time to time so long as the aggregate commitments under the Four Year Secured Facility do not exceed $700,000. The obligations of the Company and its designated subsidiaries under the Four Year Secured Facility are secured by cash and securities deposited into cash collateral accounts from time to time with The Bank of New York Mellon. Letter of credit fees are payable on account of each letter of credit issued under the Four Year Secured Facility at a rate per annum equal to an applicable rate. Borrowings under the Four Year Secured Facility bear interest at the base rate (the higher of the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, and the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%).

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 $2,600,000 and, commencing with the end of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2012, to be increased quarterly by an amount equal to 50% of the Company's consolidated net income (if positive) for such quarter plus 50% of the aggregate increases in the consolidated shareholders' equity of the Company during such fiscal quarter by reason of the issuance and sale of common equity interests of the Company, including upon any conversion of debt securities of the Company into such equity interests, (ii) the requirement that the Company maintain at all times a consolidated total debt to consolidated total capital ratio not greater than 0.35:1.00, and (iii) the requirement that Validus Re and any other material insurance subsidiaries maintain a financial strength rating by A.M. Best of not less than "B++" (Fair). In addition, the Credit Facilities contain customary negative covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries, including limitations on the ability to pay dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests at any time that the Company is otherwise in default with respect to certain provisions under the respective Credit Facilities, limitations on the ability to incur liens, sell assets, merge or consolidate with others, enter into transactions with affiliates, and limitations on the ability of its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness. The CreditFacilities also contain customary affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default for credit facilities of its type.

As of March 31, 2012, there was $327,829 in outstanding letters of credit under the Four Year Secured Facility (December 31, 2011: $nil) and $nil outstanding under the Four Year Unsecured Facility (December 31, 2011: $nil).

As of March 31, 2012, and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Credit Facilities.

On March 9, 2012, upon entering into the Credit Facilities, the Company terminated its (a) three-year bi-lateral $60,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, dated March 12, 2010 with Lloyds TSB Bank plc, (b) $340,000 three-year unsecured credit facility, dated March 12, 2010 with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and (c) $500,000 five-year secured credit facility, dated March 12, 2007 with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent. No early termination penalties were incurred.

(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.On November 18, 2011, the Company entered into an Amendment and Restatement of the Talbot FAL Facility to extend the support to the 2012 and 2013 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 ($2,589,615), and commencing with the end of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2011 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 March 31, 2012, the Company had $25,000(December 31, 2011: $25,000) in outstanding letters of credit under this facility.

As of March 31, 2012, 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 March 31, 2012, $51,583 of outstanding letters of credit were issued under the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility (December 31, 2011: $57,146).

As of March 31, 2012, and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the IPC Bi-Lateral Facility.

(iv) $500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility

On August 10, 2009, Validus Re entered into an uncommitted $500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc (the “Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility”). Letters of credit were first issued under the Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility during the first quarter of 2012. As of March 31, 2012, $116 of letters of credit were outstanding under the Secured Bi-Lateral Facility. The Secured Bi-Lateral Letter of Credit Facility has no fixed termination date and as of March 31, 2012 Validus Re is in compliance with all terms and covenants thereof.

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Subsequent events (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	May 02, 2012 Dividend declared [Member] Common Shares [Member]	May 02, 2012 Dividend declared [Member] Common Share Equivalents [Member]	Apr. 04, 2012 Capitalization of PaCRe [Member}	May 02, 2012 Share repurchase authorization [Member]	May 02, 2012 Share repurchase authorization [Member] Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer [Member]	May 02, 2012 Share repurchase authorization [Member] Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer [Member] Minimum [Member]	May 02, 2012 Share repurchase authorization [Member] Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer [Member] Maximum [Member]
Subsequent events (Textuals) [Abstract]
Subsequent event date	Apr. 03, 2012		May 02, 2012	May 02, 2012			May 02, 2012
Subsequent event, dividends declared			$ 0.25	$ 0.25
Shares repurchase authorization, value						$ 400,000			$ 200,000
Remaining share repurchase authorization amount		370,695				370,700
Share repurchase program, price per share								$ 30.5	$ 33.5
Share repurchase program, price increment							$ 0.25
Subsequent event, amount					50,000
Total contributed capital of PaCRe					$ 500,000

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Segment information (Segment geographic) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	$ 837,289		$ 849,896
Percent of gross premiums written	100.00%		100.00%
United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	183,291		218,299
Percent of gross premiums written	21.90%		25.70%
Worldwide excluding United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	91,777	[1]	92,233	[1]
Percent of gross premiums written	11.00%	[1]	10.90%	[1]
Europe [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	72,703		74,473
Percent of gross premiums written	8.70%		8.80%
Latin America and Caribbean [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	47,606		29,758
Percent of gross premiums written	5.70%		3.50%
Japan [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	407		10,638
Percent of gross premiums written	0.00%		1.20%
Canada [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	3,523		3,808
Percent of gross premiums written	0.40%		0.40%
Rest of world [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	42,220	[2]	36,057	[2]
Percent of gross premiums written	5.00%	[2]	4.20%	[2]
Subtotal Non United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	258,236		246,967
Percent of gross premiums written	30.80%		29.00%
Worldwide including United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	71,730	[1]	78,224	[1]
Percent of gross premiums written	8.60%	[1]	9.20%	[1]
Marine and Aerospace [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	324,032	[3]	306,406	[3]
Percent of gross premiums written	38.70%	[3]	36.10%	[3]
Validus Re Legal Entity [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	570,384		611,238
Validus Re Segment [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	566,866		604,088
Validus Re Segment [Member] | United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	154,430		190,158
Validus Re Segment [Member] | Worldwide excluding United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	22,195		26,978
Validus Re Segment [Member] | Europe [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	57,791		57,756
Validus Re Segment [Member] | Latin America and Caribbean [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	20,587		24,486
Validus Re Segment [Member] | Japan [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(135)		10,198
Validus Re Segment [Member] | Canada [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	208		100
Validus Re Segment [Member] | Rest of world [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	41,941		36,057
Validus Re Segment [Member] | Subtotal Non United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	142,587		155,575
Validus Re Segment [Member] | Worldwide including United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	58,019		65,096
Validus Re Segment [Member] | Marine and Aerospace [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	211,830		193,259
AlphaCat Segment [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	3,518		7,150
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	2,408		2,207
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Worldwide excluding United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	0	[1]	0	[1]
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Europe [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	831		1,210
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Latin America and Caribbean [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	0		633
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Japan [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	0		0
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Canada [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	0		0
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Rest of world [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	279	[2]	0	[2]
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Subtotal Non United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	1,110		1,843
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Worldwide including United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	0	[1]	3,100	[1]
AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Marine and Aerospace [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	0	[3]	0	[3]
Talbot [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	293,253		263,057
Talbot [Member] | United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	28,755		27,831
Talbot [Member] | Worldwide excluding United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	76,260	[1]	67,967	[1]
Talbot [Member] | Europe [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	15,247		16,009
Talbot [Member] | Latin America and Caribbean [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	29,314		18,268
Talbot [Member] | Japan [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	660		540
Talbot [Member] | Canada [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	3,522		3,808
Talbot [Member] | Rest of world [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	0	[2]	0	[2]
Talbot [Member] | Subtotal Non United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	125,003		106,592
Talbot [Member] | Worldwide including United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	14,797	[1]	10,530	[1]
Talbot [Member] | Marine and Aerospace [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	124,698	[3]	118,104	[3]
Eliminations [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(26,348)		(24,399)
Eliminations [Member] | United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(2,302)		(1,897)
Eliminations [Member] | Worldwide excluding United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(6,678)	[1]	(2,712)	[1]
Eliminations [Member] | Europe [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(1,166)		(502)
Eliminations [Member] | Latin America and Caribbean [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(2,295)		(13,629)
Eliminations [Member] | Japan [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(118)		(100)
Eliminations [Member] | Canada [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(207)		(100)
Eliminations [Member] | Rest of world [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	0	[2]	0	[2]
Eliminations [Member] | Subtotal Non United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(10,464)		(17,043)
Eliminations [Member] | Worldwide including United States [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	(1,086)	[1]	(502)	[1]
Eliminations [Member] | Marine and Aerospace [Member]
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure
Gross premiums written	$ (12,496)	[3]	$ (4,957)	[3]

[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.

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Earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Basic earnings per share
Net income (loss)	$ 124,234	$ (172,364)
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	(1,729)	(1,984)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders	122,505	(174,348)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	99,425,140	97,944,340
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 1.23	$ (1.78)
Diluted earnings per share
Net income (loss)	124,234	(172,364)
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	0	(1,984)
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders	$ 124,234	$ (174,348)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	99,425,140	97,944,340
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	105,096,090	97,944,340
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 1.18	$ (1.78)
Earnings per share (Textuals) [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	16,660	15,995
Options [Member]
Diluted earnings per share
Weighted average number diluted shares outstanding adjustment	813,863	0
Warrants [Member]
Diluted earnings per share
Weighted average number diluted shares outstanding adjustment	3,022,971	0
Unvested restricted shares [Member]
Diluted earnings per share
Weighted average number diluted shares outstanding adjustment	1,834,116	0

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Investments (Level 3 rollforward) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on recurring basis
Level 3 investments-Beginning of period	$ 8,880	$ 12,892
Purchases	1,529	0
Sales	(620)	(2,562)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Realized gains	28	260
Unrealized (losses)	(1,492)	123
Amortization	0	0
Transfers	0	0
Level 3 investments-End of period	8,325	10,713
Fixed maturities [Member]
Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on recurring basis
Level 3 investments-Beginning of period	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Realized gains	0	0
Unrealized (losses)	0	0
Amortization	0	0
Transfers	0	0
Level 3 investments-End of period	0	0
Other investments level three [Member]
Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on recurring basis
Level 3 investments-Beginning of period	8,880	12,892
Purchases	1,529	0
Sales	(620)	(2,562)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Realized gains	28	260
Unrealized (losses)	(1,492)	123
Amortization	0	0
Transfers	0	0
Level 3 investments-End of period	$ 8,325	$ 10,713

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Stock plans (Options valuation assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Options, weighted average assumptions
Weighted average risk free interest rate	0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	3.90%
Weighted average dividend yield	0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	3.70%
Expected life (years)	0.000	[1]	0.000	[1]	2.000
Expected volatility	0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	34.60%

[1] The Company has not granted any stock option awards since September 4, 2009.

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Segment information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Segment information [Abstract]

Segment information

15. Segment information

The Company conducts its operations worldwide through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. and TalbotHoldings Ltd. from which three operating segments have been determined under U.S. GAAP segment reporting.During the first quarter of 2012, to better align the Company's operating and reporting structure with its current strategy, there was a change in the segment structure. This change included the AlphaCat group of companies as a separate operating segment. “AlphaCat segment” was included as an additional segment and includes the Company's investment in AlphaCat Re 2011. Prior period comparatives have been restated to reflect the change in segmentation. The Company's operating segments are strategic business units that offer different products andservices. They are managed and have capital allocated separately because each business requires different strategies.

Validus Re Segment

The Validus Re segment is focused on short-tail lines of reinsurance. The primary lines in which the segment conducts business areproperty, marine and specialty which includes agriculture, aerospace and aviation, financial lines of business, nuclear, terrorism, life,accident & health, workers'compensation, crisis management, contingency and motor.

AlphaCat Segment

The AlphaCat segment manages strategic relationships that leverage the Company's underwriting and investment expertise and earns management, performance and underwriting fees as well as returns on equity investment primarily from AlphaCat Re 2011.

Validus Re Consolidated

The Validus Re consolidated group of companies represents the Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. consolidated U.S. GAAP results.

Talbot Segment

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 thegroup. “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 FinancialOfficer.For internal reporting purposes, “Corporate” is reflected separately, however “Corporate” is notconsidered an operating segment under these circumstances. Other reconciling items include, but are not limited to, theelimination of intersegment revenues and expenses and unusual items that are not allocated to segments.

The following tables summarize the results of our operating segments and corporate segment:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012	Validus Re Segment		AlphaCat Segment		Legal Entity Adjustments		Validus Re Consolidated		Talbot Segment		Corporate & Eliminations		Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	566,866	$	3,518	$	-	$	570,384	$	293,253	$	(26,348)	$	837,289
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(30,001)		-		-		(30,001)		(103,399)		26,348		(107,052)
Net premiums written		536,865		3,518		-		540,383		189,854		-		730,237
Change in unearned premiums		(283,856)		(855)		-		(284,711)		5,673		-		(279,038)
Net premiums earned		253,009		2,663		-		255,672		195,527		-		451,199
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		124,206		-		-		124,206		107,783		-		231,989
Policy acquisition costs		38,790		256		-		39,046		38,738		348		78,132
General and administrative expenses		17,252		1,032		449		18,733		33,348		14,294		66,375
Share compensation expenses		1,872		52		152		2,076		1,348		2,014		5,438
Total underwriting deductions		182,120		1,340		601		184,061		181,217		16,656		381,934
Underwriting income (loss)	$	70,889	$	1,323	$	(601)	$	71,611	$	14,310	$	(16,656)	$	69,265
Net investment income		23,577		659		-		24,236		5,790		(2,266)		27,760
Other income		2,219		7,974		890		11,083		1,026		(3,218)		8,891
Finance expenses		(3,694)		(2)		-		(3,696)		(31)		(12,552)		(16,279)
Operating income (loss) before taxes		92,991		9,954		289		103,234		21,095		(34,692)		89,637
Tax (expense)		(7)		-		-		(7)		(132)		-		(139)
Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate		-		3,367		-		3,367		-		-		3,367
Net operating income (loss)	$	92,984	$	13,321	$	289	$	106,594	$	20,963	$	(34,692)	$	92,865
Net realized gains on investments		6,242		-		-		6,242		1,290		-		7,532
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		19,865		(597)		-		19,268		1,403		-		20,671
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		(262)		(9)		-		(271)		3,623		(186)		3,166
Net income (loss)	$	118,829	$	12,715	$	289	$	131,833	$	27,279	$	(34,878)	$	124,234
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		94.7%		100.0%						64.7%				87.2%
Losses and loss expenses		49.1%		0.0%						55.1%				51.4%
Policy acquisition costs		15.3%		9.6%						19.8%				17.3%
General and administrative expenses (a)		7.6%		40.7%						17.7%				15.9%
Expense ratio		22.9%		50.3%						37.5%				33.2%
Combined ratio		72.0%		50.3%						92.6%				84.6%
Total assets	$	4,940,727	$	237,528					$	2,929,817	$	13,797	$	8,121,869
(a) Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

The following tables summarize the results of our operating segments and corporate segment:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011	Validus Re Segment		AlphaCat Segment		Legal Entity Adjustments		Validus Re Consolidated		Talbot Segment		Corporate & Eliminations		Total
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	604,088		7,150		-		611,238		263,057		(24,399)		849,896
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(46,805)		-		-		(46,805)		(87,414)		24,399		(109,820)
Net premiums written		557,283		7,150		-		564,433		175,643		-		740,076
Change in unearned premiums		(308,340)		(3,784)		-		(312,124)		1,581		-		(310,543)
Net premiums earned		248,943		3,366		-		252,309		177,224		-		429,533
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		310,544		-		-		310,544		165,654		-		476,198
Policy acquisition costs		39,750		316		-		40,066		37,216		14		77,296
General and administrative expenses		10,657		894		1,347		12,898		28,722		6,857		48,477
Share compensation expenses		3,105		27		328		3,460		2,719		5,870		12,049
Total underwriting deductions		364,056		1,237		1,675		366,968		234,311		12,741		614,020
Underwriting (loss) income	$	(115,113)		2,129		(1,675)		(114,659)		(57,087)		(12,741)		(184,487)
Net investment income		24,432		1,219		-		25,651		6,590		(2,266)		29,975
Other income		1,418		641		230		2,289		3,017		(3,700)		1,606
Finance expenses		(1,713)		-		-		(1,713)		(63)		(12,225)		(14,001)
Operating (loss) income before taxes		(90,976)		3,989		(1,445)		(88,432)		(47,543)		(30,932)		(166,907)
Tax (expense) benefit		(2)		-		-		(2)		1,793		(332)		1,459
Net operating (loss) income	$	(90,978)		3,989		(1,445)		(88,434)		(45,750)		(31,264)		(165,448)
Net realized gains on investments		3,901		18		-		3,919		2,460		-		6,379
Net unrealized (losses) on investments		(7,676)		(839)		-		(8,515)		(4,313)		-		(12,828)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		(4,270)		(90)		-		(4,360)		3,901		(8)		(467)
Net (loss) income	$	(99,023)		3,078		(1,445)		(97,390)		(43,702)		(31,272)		(172,364)
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		92.3%		100.0%						66.8%				87.1%
Losses and loss expenses		124.7%		0.0%						93.5%				110.9%
Policy acquisition costs		16.0%		9.4%						21.0%				18.0%
General and administrative expenses (a)		5.5%		27.4%						17.7%				14.1%
Expense ratio		21.5%		36.8%						38.7%				32.1%
Combined ratio		146.2%		36.8%						132.2%				143.0%
Total assets	$	4,889,995	$	175,550					$	2,748,079	$	12,066	$	7,825,690
(a) 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:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		Gross premiums written
		Validus Re		AlphaCat		Talbot		Eliminations		Total		%
United States		$	154,430	$	2,408	$	28,755	$	(2,302)	$	183,291	21.9%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)			22,195		-		76,260		(6,678)		91,777	11.0%
Europe			57,791		831		15,247		(1,166)		72,703	8.7%
Latin America and Caribbean			20,587		-		29,314		(2,295)		47,606	5.7%
Japan			(135)		-		660		(118)		407	0.0%
Canada			208		-		3,522		(207)		3,523	0.4%
Rest of the world (b)			41,941		279		-		-		42,220	5.0%
Sub-total, non United States			142,587		1,110		125,003		(10,464)		258,236	30.8%
Worldwide including United States (a)			58,019		-		14,797		(1,086)		71,730	8.6%
Marine and Aerospace (c)			211,830		-		124,698		(12,496)		324,032	38.7%
Total		$	566,866	$	3,518	$	293,253	$	(26,348)	$	837,289	100.0%
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
		Gross premiums written
		Validus Re		AlphaCat		Talbot		Eliminations		Total		%
United States		$	190,158	$	2,207	$	27,831	$	(1,897)	$	218,299	25.7%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)			26,978		-		67,967		(2,712)		92,233	10.9%
Europe			57,756		1,210		16,009		(502)		74,473	8.8%
Latin America and Caribbean			24,486		633		18,268		(13,629)		29,758	3.5%
Japan			10,198		-		540		(100)		10,638	1.2%
Canada			100		-		3,808		(100)		3,808	0.4%
Rest of the world (b)			36,057		-		-		-		36,057	4.2%
Sub-total, non United States			155,575		1,843		106,592		(17,043)		246,967	29.0%
Worldwide including United States (a)			65,096		3,100		10,530		(502)		78,224	9.2%
Marine and Aerospace (c)			193,259		-		118,104		(4,957)		306,406	36.1%
Total		$	604,088	$	7,150	$	263,057	$	(24,399)	$	849,896	100.0%
	(a) Represents risks in two or more geographic zones.
	(b) Represents risks in one geographic zone.
	(c) Not classified as geographic area as marine and aerospace risks can span multiple geographic areas and are not fixed locations in some instances.

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Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Reserve for losses and loss expenses [Abstract]

Reserve for losses and loss expenses

	Three Months Ended
		March 31,	March 31,
		2012	2011
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period	$	2,631,143	$	2,035,973
Losses and loss expenses recoverable		(372,485)		(283,134)
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, beginning of period		2,258,658		1,752,839
Increase (decrease) in net losses and loss expenses incurred
in respect of losses occurring in:
Current year		262,413		502,714
Prior years		(30,424)		(26,516)
Total incurred losses and loss expenses		231,989		476,198
Total net paid losses		(204,223)		(163,257)
Foreign exchange		11,894		14,934
Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period		2,298,318		2,080,714
Losses and loss expenses recoverable		351,292		453,701
Reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of period	$	2,649,610	$	2,534,415

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Reinsurance (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	$ 398,949	$ 462,980
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%
Reinsurance (Textuals) [Abstract]
Incurred but not reported recoverable	97,048	125,298
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance relating to losses recoverable	6,286	6,821
A- or better rating [Member]
Reinsurance (Textuals) [Abstract]
Percentage of total	99.70%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	313,589	323,315
Percentage of total	78.60%	69.80%
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	100.00%	100.00%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Lloyd's Syndicates [Member] | A+ [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	82,289	77,419
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	26.40%	24.00%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Allianz [Member] | AA- [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	45,000	59,764
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	14.30%	18.50%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Everest Re [Member] | A+ [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	44,304	38,618
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	14.10%	11.90%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Hannover Re [Member] | AA- [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	40,219	39,762
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	12.80%	12.30%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Transatlantic Re [Member] | A+ [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	21,297	21,344
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	6.80%	6.60%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Amlin AG [Member] | A [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	18,307
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	5.80%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Odyssey Reinsurance Company [Member] | A- [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	16,269	16,737
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	5.20%	5.20%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Swiss Re [Member] | AA- [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	15,809
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	5.00%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd. [Member] | A [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	15,801
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	5.00%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Tokio Millennium Re Ltd [Member] | AA- [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable		20,432
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable		6.30%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Platinum Underwriters [Member] | A [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable		15,833
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable		4.90%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Munich Re [Member] | AA- [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable		15,266
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable		4.70%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Fully Collateralized Reinsurers [Member] | NR [Member]
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	14,294	18,140
Percentage of top 10 reinsurers reinsurance recoverable	4.60%	5.60%
Other reinsurers' balances > $1 million
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	78,870	132,417
Percentage of total	19.80%	28.60%
Other reinsurers' balances less than $1 million
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
Reinsurance recoverable	$ 6,490	$ 7,248
Percentage of total	1.60%	1.60%

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Investments (Securities lending collateral by investment rating) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral	$ 419		$ 7,736
Percentage of total	100.00%		100.00%
Short-term investments [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral	127
Rated Securities [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral	292		255
Percentage of total	69.70%		3.30%
AAA [Member] | Rated Securities [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of total	0.00%		0.00%
AA+ [Member] | Rated Securities [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of total	0.00%		0.00%
AA [Member] | Rated Securities [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of total	0.00%		0.00%
AA- [Member] | Rated Securities [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of total	0.00%		0.00%
A+ [Member] | Rated Securities [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of total	0.00%		0.00%
A [Member] | Rated Securities [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of total	0.00%		0.00%
NR [Member] | Short-term investments [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral	127	[1]	7,481	[1]
Percentage of total	30.30%	[1]	96.70%	[1]
NR [Member] | Rated Securities [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities lending collateral	$ 292		$ 255
Percentage of total	69.70%		3.30%

[1] This amount relates to certain short-term investments with short original maturities which are generally not rated.

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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common shares	Treasury shares	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	Retained earnings
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010		$ 23,247	$ (6,096)	$ 1,860,960	$ (5,455)	$ 1,632,175
Common shares issued, net		84		3,055
Repurchase of common shares			(35)	(5,960)
Share compensation expenses				12,049
Foreign currency translation adjustments	957				957
Dividends						(27,296)
Net income (loss)	(172,364)					(172,364)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2011	3,315,321	23,331	(6,131)	1,870,104	(4,498)	1,432,515
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,448,425	23,538	(6,131)	1,893,890	(6,601)	1,543,729
Common shares issued, net		42		(1,309)
Repurchase of common shares			(65)	(11,243)
Share compensation expenses				5,438
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,393				1,393
Dividends						(27,404)
Net income (loss)	124,234					124,234
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 3,539,511	$ 23,580	$ (6,196)	$ 1,886,776	$ (5,208)	$ 1,640,559

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Investment in AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd.

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Equity method investment [Abstract]

Investment in AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd.

4. Investment in AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd.

On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd. (“AlphaCat Re 2011”), a special purpose “sidecar” reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance.  At the time of formation, Validus Re had an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and as Validus Re held a majority of AlphaCat Re 2011's outstanding voting rights, the financial statements of AlphaCat Re 2011 were included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On December 23, 2011, the Company completed a secondary offering of common shares of AlphaCat Re 2011to third party investors, along with a partial sale of Validus Re's common shares to one of the third party investors.As a result of these transactions, Validus Re maintained an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011; however its share of AlphaCat Re 2011's outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%.  As a result of the Company's voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 is treated as an equity method investment as at March 31, 2012. The portion of AlphaCat Re 2011's earnings attributable to third party investors for the year ended December 31, 2011 was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest.

The following table presents a reconciliation of thebeginning and ending investment in non-consolidated affiliate balances for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		Investment in non-consolidated affiliate
As at December 31, 2011		$	53,031
	Equity earnings in non-consolidated affiliate		3,367
As at March 31, 2012		$	56,398

The following table presents the Company's equity investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 at March 31, 2012:
	Investment in non-consolidated affiliate
		Investment at cost	Voting ownership %	Equity ownership %		Carrying value
AlphaCat Re 2011	$	41,389	43.7%	22.3%	$	56,398

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Debt and financing Arrangements (Future payments of principal) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
2010 Senior Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Future expected payments of principal
2012	$ 0
2013	0
2014	0
2015	0
2016 and thereafter	250,000
Total minimum future payments	250,000
Junior subordinated deferrable debentures [Member]
Future expected payments of principal
2012	0
2013	0
2014	0
2015	0
2016 and thereafter	289,800
Total minimum future payments	$ 289,800

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Reinsurance (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Reinsurance [Abstract]

Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total		Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total
Top 10 reinsurers	$	313,589		78.6%	$	323,315		69.8%
Other reinsurers' balances > $1 million		78,870		19.8%		132,417		28.6%
Other reinsurers' balances < $1 million		6,490		1.6%		7,248		1.6%
Total	$	398,949		100.0%	$	462,980		100.0%

	March 31, 2012
Top 10 Reinsurers	Rating	Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total
Lloyd's Syndicates	A+	$	82,289	26.4%
Allianz	AA-		45,000	14.3%
Everest Re	A+		44,304	14.1%
Hannover Re	AA-		40,219	12.8%
Transatlantic Re	A+		21,297	6.8%
Amlin AG	A		18,307	5.8%
Odyssey Reinsurance Company	A-		16,269	5.2%
Swiss Re	AA-		15,809	5.0%
Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd.	A		15,801	5.0%
Fully Collateralized	NR		14,294	4.6%
Total		$	313,589	100.0%

	December 31, 2011
Top 10 Reinsurers	Rating	Reinsurance Recoverable		% of Total
Lloyd's Syndicates	A+	$	77,419	24.0%
Allianz	AA-		59,764	18.5%
Hannover Re	AA-		39,762	12.3%
Everest Re	A+		38,618	11.9%
Transatlantic Re	A+		21,344	6.6%
Tokio Millenium Re Ltd	AA-		20,432	6.3%
Fully Collateralized	NR		18,140	5.6%
Odyssey Reinsurance Company	A-		16,737	5.2%
Platinum Underwriters	A		15,833	4.9%
Munich Re	AA-		15,266	4.7%
Total		$	323,315	100.0%

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Investments (Fixed maturities by investment rating) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	$ 5,015,210	$ 4,894,145
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%
AAA [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	852,954	882,912
Percentage of total	17.00%	18.00%
AA [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	2,114,001	2,077,981
Percentage of total	42.20%	42.50%
A [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	1,192,091	1,078,793
Percentage of total	23.80%	22.00%
BBB [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	323,226	345,091
Percentage of total	6.40%	7.10%
Investment Grade [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	4,482,272	4,384,777
Percentage of total	89.40%	89.60%
BB [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	285,476	254,409
Percentage of total	5.70%	5.20%
B [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	223,175	231,420
Percentage of total	4.40%	4.70%
CCC [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	12,760	12,578
Percentage of total	0.30%	0.30%
CC [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	4,944	4,605
Percentage of total	0.10%	0.10%
D/NR [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	6,583	6,356
Percentage of total	0.10%	0.10%
Non Investment Grade [Member]
Fixed Maturities
Estimated fair value	$ 532,938	$ 509,368
Percentage of total	10.60%	10.40%

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Subsequent events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Subsequent events [Abstract]

Subsequent events

14. Subsequent events

Capitalization of PaCRe, Ltd.

On April 4, 2012, the Company announced the capitalization of PaCRe, Ltd. (“PaCRe”), a new Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance.  PaCRe was funded with $500,000 of contributed capital. Validus invested $50,000 in PaCRe's common equity. Validus Underwriting Services, Ltd. will underwrite business for PaCRe, for which it will be paid a profit commission based on the company's underwriting results. PacRe's investment portfolio will be managed under a long term investment management agreement by Paulson & Co. Inc.

Quarterly Dividend

On May 2, 2012, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per each common share and $0.25 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on June 29, 2012 to holders of record on June 15, 2012.

Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer

On May 2, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has approved a modified Dutch auction tender offer pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $200,000 in common shares. The tender offer is part of the Company's existing authorization to return up to $400,000 to shareholders through share repurchases or other means. As of May 2, 2012, the Company has $370,695 remaining under this authorization. The tender offer will utilize part of this remaining authorization and not be an additional amount. The tender offer will proceed by way of a “modified Dutch auction”, pursuant to which Validus shareholders may tender all or a portion of their common shares (1) at a price of not less than $30.50 and not more than $33.50, in increments of $0.25 per share or (2) without specifying a purchase price, in which case their common shares will be purchased at the purchase price determined in accordance with the tender offer. When the tender offer expires, the Company will select the lowest price within the range of prices specified above (the “purchase price”) enabling the Company to purchase up to $200,000 of its common shares. Shareholders will receive the purchase price in cash, without interest, for common shares tendered at prices equal to or less than the purchase price, subject to the conditions of the tender offer, including the provisions relating to proration, “odd lot” priority and conditional tender in the event that the aggregate cost to purchase all of the common shares tendered at or less than the purchase price exceeds $200,000. These provisions will be described in the Offer to Purchase relating to the tender offer that will be distributed to shareholders. All common shares purchased by the Company will be purchased at the same price. All common shares tendered at prices higher than the purchase price will be returned promptly to shareholders.