Cat bonds hit record in 2006: Guy Carpenter

NEW YORK--A record total of $4.69 billion in new catastrophe bonds were issued in 2006, a 136% increase from 2005's record performance of $1.99 billion, according to the fifth annual study of the market by New York-based reinsurance intermediary Guy Carpenter & Co. L.L.C. and affiliate MMC Securities Corp.

The report, "The Catastrophe Bond Market at Year-End 2006, Ripples into Waves," said a total of 20 transactions were completed by 15 sponsors in 2006, double the 10 completed in 2005.

Since 1997, the first year in which multiple transactions occurred, 89 catastrophe bonds have been issued, with total risk limits of $15.35 billion.

At year end, there was $8.48 billion of bond principal outstanding, a 74% increase from 2005's year-end total of $4.9 billion.

According to the report, in 2006, for the first time, U.S. hurricane risk was the most securitized peril, accounting for $2.29 billion in risk capital, followed by U.S. earthquake at $2.23 billion.

In addition, Australian typhoon and earthquake, Mexican earthquake and U.S. tornado and hail were all securitized for the first time.

There was also an expansion of the risk profile of the catastrophe bond market, according to the report. While Standard & Poor's Corp.'s BB rating or equivalent remained the staple, there was also a notable increase in the number of B-rated and unrated issuances, and the first AA-rated catastrophe bond was issued as well.

The report also discussed the increase of securitization in nonbond form, including sidecars and industry loss warranties. According to the report, there were 11 sidecar transactions in 2006, which raised a total of $2.91 billion in debt and equity capital.

Copies of the report are available for download at www.guycarp.com. For printed copies, contact Guy Carpenter at marketing@guycarp.com.