All of the Group´s companies prepare statutory financial statements based on local laws and regulations. Most jurisdictions require reinsurers to maintain a minimum amount of capital in excess of statutory definition of net assets or maintain certain minimum capital and surplus levels. In addition, some jurisdictions place certain restrictions on amounts that may be loaned or transferred to the parent company. The Group´s ability to pay dividends may be restricted by these requirements.

Dividends are declared in Swiss francs. During the years ended 31 December 2011 and 2012, the Group’s dividends declared (in the form of withholding tax exempt repayment out of legal reserves from capital contributions) per share were CHF 2.75 and CHF 3.00, respectively.

Earnings per share for the years ended 31 December were as follows:

In 2000, Swiss Re and the shareholders of New California Holdings, Inc. entered into a put/call agreement for the acquisition of New California Holdings, Inc. by Swiss Re. The put/call agreement was considered a redeemable non-controlling interest; however, a value was not assigned to this instrument as the exercise was contingent on several items occurring to complete the transaction. During the second quarter of 2012, the majority of the contingencies had been resolved and the exercise of the put/call option at the predetermined price became probable. In accordance with US GAAP requirements, the difference between the carrying value of the minority interest and the redemption price, USD 132 million, was recorded against shareholders’ equity and as a reduction in the net income attributable to common shareholders for the purposes of calculating earnings per share. In August 2012, the put/call option was exercised and New California Holdings, Inc. was acquired. Please refer to Note 6 “Acquisitions and disposals” for further information.